《I am grinding experience in another world》 Chapter 1: 1 Adventure Da Liang Country, year 638, April. Qingfeng Observatory''s kitchen, in the backyard. In front of the long wooden table, Chen Mu bit into a coarse grain vegetable cake, the rough texture making him grimace. He was not from this world. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary, reclusive man with social anxiety; after falling asleep, he woke up in a different body and place, having transmigrated here through possession. The original Chen Mu was a poor scholar who made a living by writing and drawing portraits. This place was not his home; his home was at the bottom of the mountain, inside Qingshan County. He came to Qingfeng Observatory to copy scriptures and earn money. The original had already been here for two days, and for some unknown reason, upon waking up, his consciousness was gone, allowing Chen Mu to take over his body. "Cheng Ming, has your master not returned yet?" A Daoist priest in his fifties chatted idly while washing dishes. The other had the surname He and was a fireworking Daoist of Qingfeng Observatory. Upon hearing the question, an eight or nine-year-old little Daoist acolyte beside Chen Mu mumbled with puffed cheeks, "Not yet." "Heh, it seems that the spirit that possessed the body is quite fierce," Daoist He squinted at Chen Mu and said. Chen Mu: "..." "Do you know, it''s said that the poor scholar who was possessed by the evil spirit woke up as if he had become a different person. He could no longer write well, speak properly, nor recognize any of his neighbors, which is how the villagers discovered the lapse," Daoist He whispered to Chen Mu with a meaningful face. Chen Mu: "..." Why the hell are you telling me this? I don''t want to listen! Chen Mu forced a smile, giving the other a polite and not-so-awkward grin. "The master is the most powerful," Cheng Ming swallowed the last of the vegetable cake in his mouth and said with pride. "Right, no matter how powerful the evil spirit, it''s just a matter of a little fire. Don''t you think?" Daoist He raised an eyebrow at Chen Mu and said in a relaxed tone. Chen Mu: "..." Was he discovered just after transmigrating?! Chen Mu glanced at the eight or nine-year-old little Daoist acolyte... Hm, this one could be easily taken down. He then looked at the short, fat, and burly fireworking Daoist... Hm, this one would definitely not be easy to defeat! Just as Chen Mu was unsure whether he should grab a bucket and make a run for it, Daoist He resumed washing dishes. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. However, what was this evil spirit? What in the world? A series of unfamiliar memories tumbled from the depths of his mind. This world had legends of gods and ghosts since ancient times, which the original Chen Mu grew up hearing about. Always surrounding him were odd incidents known as possession by evil spirits. Some people died mysteriously, some disappeared strangely, others changed their personalities completely and did not recognize their own kin. These unexplainable and incomprehensible events were all categorized as incidents of evil spirits. In Da Liang Country, this was not uncommon, and even the Prefectural Government Office had officials specifically in charge of such incidents. Written: 7136/10000/First Rank. Golden finger? How wonderful! ... Chen Mu quickly came to accept the existence of the gray wall. Having transmigrated, it wasn''t that strange to encounter a golden finger. As for whether there was a hidden manipulator behind this, Chen Mu didn''t care at all. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary homebody. Now he had transmigrated and got a golden finger. If it could offer him the chance to boldly, without any reservations, charge forth into a brand new world, even if it were a plot or a trick, Chen Mu would relish it. This would be a heartfelt grand adventure! The golden finger was easy to understand, similar to the proficiency system in third-rate online games. Whenever he wanted, the gray wall would appear before his eyes. And since the wall was semi-transparent, it was like wearing tinted glasses, not obstructing his view of other things in the slightest. Chen Mu thought for a moment, picked up a brush, and casually wrote three characters. The numbers on the gray wall did not change. Chen Mu pensively picked up the brush again and began to write. This time he concentrated fully, every stroke deliberate, and as he wrote, he contemplated the structure of the characters. He continuously compared and improved based on the previous occupant''s memory of the script. And then, something miraculous occurred. Threads of insight began to emerge from the depths of his heart, allowing him to clearly sense the differences from the previous occupant''s handwriting, understanding how to improve his own to approach, even surpass the previous standard. "Through diligent practice, proficiency can increase, and with proficiency comes true insight, enabling genuine skill improvement," he realized. Chen Mu couldn''t help but burst into laughter. With proficiency, what did he have to fear? Getting caught for a drastic change in handwriting? That''s not even an issue. Isn''t it just about grinding? Chen Mu spread out the Daoist Scripture, then found the scripture passages already transcribed by the previous occupant as a decoy. He put away the paper and brush for transcribing scripture, and took up a new brush to begin practicing calligraphy with water. He was not sure how long it would take to reach the level of the previous occupant. Using actual ink and paper would waste a lot of paper and also leave behind practice writings. Practicing with water was perfect, as everything disappeared with a wipe. Chapter 2: 2 The Evil Spirits In the quiet Scripture Depository, the only sound was the faint scratching of the brush against the paper. The cloth used to wipe away the water stains became increasingly damp and soaked through. Chen Mu was immersed in practicing his calligraphy, tireless and joyful. He had never been so focused on a single task before. In his previous life, he was not without the thought of practicing calligraphy. But after buying the copybook and writing a couple of lines, he couldn''t resist turning his attention to his phone. He kept at it for two days, then finally gave up. It was the same in his daily life. Sometimes he would wake up feeling that he was living a mediocre life and wanting to change, but by the next day, he would have sunk back into it again. That feeling of being lucid one moment and drowsy the next was like "sleep paralysis," a nightmare from which one can''t wake up. But in this life, faced with the even more monotonous and difficult art of brush calligraphy, in a style that was completely foreign to him just a day ago, Chen Mu burst forth with an unprecedented passion. That feeling of knowing how to improve the next character after writing one compelled him to continue without pause, in a state of exhilarating fulfillment! Around two in the afternoon, Chen Mu''s stomach began to growl. The sense of hunger pulled him out of his deep focus. The characters written with water on the tabletop were slowly drying up. The grey walls emerged once more before his eyes. Calligraphy: 8056/10000/First Rank; Chen Mu savored the feeling of wanting more. No matter who brought him here, he was immensely grateful. ... Lunch was brought to him by the young Daoist acolyte, Cheng Ming. Three coarse grain vegetable cakes, a plate of boiled green vegetables, and a bowl of thin porridge. Chen Mu devoured his food hungrily, leaving nothing behind under Cheng Ming''s astonished gaze. After Cheng Ming left, Chen Mu continued to practice his calligraphy. The water in the brush-washing container was changed over and over again. The cloth was wrung out and soaked anew. It wasn''t until the light dimmed and Chen Mu''s vision blurred that he stopped practicing and started pounding his sore back with his hands. Calligraphy: 8673/10000/First Rank; He certainly didn''t want to face the evil spirit. ... The next morning, Scripture Depository. Chen Mu, with dark circles under his eyes, spread out a sheet of white paper about the size of two palms. This was a specially cut paper for copying scriptures. "The gate of origin, wondrous upon wondrous..." He finished a page of scripture in one go. Placing the brush on Pen Rack Mountain, Chen Mu compared the scripture he had just copied with the previous ones. "Phew... finally, it''s done." With a thought, a grey wall appeared before him. Writing: 103/10000/Second Rank; All that grinding all night wasn''t in vain. Fearing discovery by others in the observatory, Chen Mu dared not light an oil lamp. Fortunately, the full moon hung high last night, providing enough light for him to practice calligraphy under the moon. "Young Master Chen, you''re up early today," a voice suddenly sounded at the doorway. Chen Mu jumped, looking up to meet a face with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile. He knew this man, Qingfeng Observatory''s chief disciple Cheng Yi, who had recruited his predecessor to copy scriptures. Reviewing the memories of his predecessor last night, he found that there were seven sets of scriptures to copy in total, and the payment was generous a hundred copper coins. With frugal living, that was enough to last him over a month. "Good morning, Daoist Cheng Yi." "I shouldn''t disturb Young Master Chen while copying scripture, but I really need a favor, and I must be so bold as to come and ask," said Cheng Yi with a leisurely posture and a warm smile, while his heart tightenedanxiety bubbling up, careful not to rush, not to alarm, not to startle. "Please speak?" Chen Mu looked at Cheng Yi curiously. "A benefactor is coming to visit today, promising to request a copy of the Precious Scripture of a thousand characters to worship at home. This morning I discovered that the pre-copied Precious Scripture is down to the last copy, and it has an extra ink spot," Cheng Yi said with a troubled expression. "That benefactor is a good friend of the master, and I really can''t afford to neglect him. So I thought of Young Master Chen. Your calligraphy is elegant and beautiful, could you help to copy a set urgently?" Cheng Yi looked at Chen Mu earnestly and reached into his wide sleeve to pull out a small grey cloth bag, "A small token of appreciation, unworthy though it may be." "No problem, where''s the scripture?" Chen Mu took the cloth bag and agreed readily. "This scripture is a bit special; it''s engraved inside the Ancestral Master Hall of the observatory. You''ll have to trouble Young Master Chen to bring your writing materials to the hall," Cheng Yi apologized. "No problem, time is of the essence. Let''s head there now," Chen Mu said without hesitation, turning to gather his writing materials. Cheng Yi clenched his fist fiercely under his wide sleeve! Success! Chapter 3: 3: The Heartless Bell The two walked side by side out of the Scripture Depository, as Cheng Yi struggled to suppress his uneasy emotions. Soon, very soon, once inside the Ancestral Master Hall, they could suppress this evil spirit. "Daoist Cheng Yi, are you hungry? How about we grab a vegetable pancake before we go? It won''t take much time," Chen Mu suddenly said. Cheng Yi''s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly regained his composure, "Okay, let''s eat first." With a turn, they headed for the kitchen. In the kitchen, Daoist He was absentmindedly washing dishes. Cheng Yi had ordered that the Daoists of the observatory rise unusually early that day. After breakfast, they were all arranged by Cheng Yi to practice on the square in front of the Ancestral Master Hall. On one hand, to stimulate their Qi and blood for self-protection and on the other, to block the exits to prevent the evil spirit from escaping. "I wonder if that evil spirit has been suppressed," Daoist He thought, lifting his head to see a figure with a pale face and dark eye sockets. Daoist He''s heart nearly stopped from fear. "We''ve come to eat!" Cheng Yi quickly spoke up in advance. Startled, Daoist He hurriedly prepared their meals. Chen Mu wolfed down his two vegetable pancakes in just a few bites, nearly pouring his bowl of porridge directly into his mouth. After finishing, he stared unblinkingly at Cheng Yi''s vegetable pancake. "I''m not very hungry, you eat," Cheng Yi''s eyelid twitched. "Alright!" Chen Mu, overjoyed, took Cheng Yi''s pancake and chewed it with big bites. Cheng Yi quickly finished his own porridge and sat down next to him, feigning ease, but his peripheral vision remained fixed on Chen Mu. Seeing Chen Mu finish his pancake as well, he let out a sigh of relief. Now it should be possible. As long as he lured this fellow into the Ancestral... "Could I have another bowl of porridge? I''ve got something stuck," Chen Mu said, looking distressed. "Sure!" Cheng Yi suppressed the urge to grind his teeth and waved to Daoist He. Daoist He filled another bowl of porridge with a pained expression. If they let this evil spirit eat its fill, how would they fight it?! But if they refused, what if it went berserk? Sadly serving Chen Mu porridge and watching him down it in one gulp, even letting out a satisfied belch, Daoist He felt itchy with nervousness. "Young Master Chen, shall we go now?" Cheng Yi tried to keep his breath steady as he spoke. "Let''s go, let''s go, the sooner we start, the sooner we''re done," Chen Mu, satisfied, followed Cheng Yi to a towering great hall. At the moment, seven or eight Daoists in their workout clothes were passionately practicing martial arts on the small square in front of the hall. Chen Mu stood beside the square, watching the Daoists practice with interest. Cheng Yi was anxious inside but didn''t dare to rush too much, fearing the evil spirit would notice something amiss. After a full quarter of an hour, Chen Mu reluctantly entered the Ancestral Master Hall. Cheng Yi watched Chen Mu enter the Ancestral Master Hall and couldn''t help but breathe a long sigh of relief. Clang! The distant bell sound rose again. Chen Mu''s figure stopped moving once more. Cheng Yi clenched his left fist tightly! It''s done! "Taoist priest, keep ringing it, that bell sound is quite pleasant to listen to," Chen Mu, frozen in place, suddenly turned around and said. Cheng Yi: "..." "You don''t feel anything unusual?" Cheng Yi cautiously asked. Chen Mu frowned in thought: "I just feel a bit bloated in the stomach." Cheng Yi: "..." "Keep shaking it, the bell sound matches the scripture really well," Chen Mu said with a laugh, scratching his head. "Heh..." Keep ringing it? You probably want me dead! Holding the bronze bell, Cheng Yi approached Chen Mu and peered at the texts that were just copied. The structure was coordinated, and the handwriting was elegant, basically consistent with the first time he saw Chen Mu''s writing, even prettier and with a slightly more ethereal charm. Could I have been wrong? Was the evil spirit frightened away by the Heartless Bell last night? The Heartless Bell is an heirloom of Qingfeng Observatory, said to originate from the ancient Pure Yang Dao, specifically overcoming various ghosts and evil spirits. The fact that the man in front of him showed no reaction to the Heartless Bell indicated that his spirit and body were in harmony, and he was definitely not possessed by an evil spirit. With this thought, Cheng Yi felt a wave of dizziness and blurred vision overcome him. This Heartless Bell is so powerful at draining evil spirits and souls, but its consumption is also severe, requiring a large amount of human blood to activate. Even as a robust man whose daily practice kept his blood circulation vigorous, he had turned pale after only activating the bell twice. The key was that it still had no effect, like he was expending energy against air, with no result! The more he thought, the more he felt lightheaded and weak in the knees. This is no good, no good at all, I need to quickly take some medicine. After placing the Heartless Bell aside, Cheng Yi clumsily left the Ancestral Master Hall. He was afraid he would faint right there. Watching the hastily departing Cheng Yi, Chen Mu couldn''t help but purse his lips. I just asked you to shake the bell a bit, why run? That bell sound was indeed very comfortable. Looking up at the semi-transparent gray wall in front of him. Writing: 135/10000/Second Rank; How come it popped up all on its own like a popup window. Hmm, I gained some more experience. Never mind, let''s hurry up and copy the scriptures. Chapter 4: 4 Difficult to Reside Four days later, the Scripture Depository. Cheng Yi meticulously examined the transcribed Daoist Scriptures. In front of him, seven copies of the Daoist Scripture were spread out. These were Chen Mu''s labor from the past few days. Two of them had been copied by his predecessor, while he had transcribed the other five. Cheng Yi put down the last Daoist Scripture and picked up the first one again, "Let me flip through it once more, just once more." "Flip through it again, and you''re going to wear out the book," Chen Mu warned expressionlessly. Just a moment ago he said he would only take a quick look, but then he examined it word by word from beginning to end. This guy isn''t trying to weasel out of paying, is he?! Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and silently moved to a corner of the desk, his right hand stealthily touching the inkstone. After a thought, his left hand slowly gripped the brush washer... It was quite a while before Cheng Yi closed the book''s pages reluctantly. When he noticed Chen Mu''s subtle movements, his eyelids twitched fiercely. Was this scholar really so fierce?! Although the handwriting had indeed changed, it had been changed to be even more elegant and beautiful. It was on par with the inscriptions on the walls of the Ancestral Master Hall. Moreover, upon closer observation, it was clear that this handwriting continued the vein of the original strokes. He could only admire the other''s exceptional talent; their calligraphy had greatly improved. He had never heard of evil spirits inheriting the original writer''s talents, let alone improving upon them. He really guessed wrong, huh. Just when Chen Mu could hardly restrain himself any longer. Cheng Yi took a small, grey cloth pouch from his sleeve. "A modest token for the brushing of the ink, it''s not much to look at," he said. Chen Mu immediately showed a smile, "It''s not insignificant at all, why don''t you take another look?" "No need, the handwriting is beautiful and generous, and beholding it, one senses the ethereal presence of immortals. It is a rare and excellent script. Young Master Chen''s calligraphy talent is exceptional; you will undoubtedly become a master of this generation," Cheng Yi complimented, though somewhat grudgingly. "You flatter me, Daoist Cheng Yi," Chen Mu replied modestly. The two exchanged pleasantries for a moment longer before Chen Mu took his leave. With the transcription of the scriptures complete, it was time for him to return home. ... At the gate of the observatory, Chen Mu was bidding farewell to Cheng Yi. "Eh?" Cheng Yi suddenly looked up into the distance. Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn to look as well. Qingfeng Observatory was located halfway up the small mountain in the east, and there was a stone stairway that led directly to the foot of the mountain. At that moment, a figure was sprinting up from the base of the mountain. With each step, the figure leaped five or six meters, covering half the mountain trail in just a few bounds. Chen Mu watched, dumbfounded. "How can that person run so fast?!" "Although it''s small, it has everything necessary. Not a bad place," he said. Inside the main hall, directly across from the entrance, was a square table with two long chairs beside it. Chen Mu walked over to the window on the west side. There was a long wooden table with pots, pans, ladles, and basins on it. He poured the white wheat into the black rice jar beside the table and then sat down at the square table to rest. Traveling through time, warding off evil spirits, practicing calligraphy, copying scriptures since coming to this world, he hadn''t had a moment of rest. Now that everything had settled down, he felt somewhat lost. Continue to make a living by writing and drawing just like his former self? He could almost see the end of that kind of life in one glance. Scrimp and save, laboriously accumulate money; when he got older, make do with marrying a wife. Then have a child whose filial piety was uncertain. Afterward, spend the rest of his days amid the bustle and quarrels over daily necessities. You could say that simplicity is the essence of life, but you could also say that this is mediocrity. This was almost a replica of Chen Mu''s past life. But since he had been given the chance to cross over into this life, he no longer wanted to live that monotonous existence! He wanted to make a splash! He wanted to embark on adventures... Bang bang bang! Suddenly, there was a knocking at the door. "Open up!" Who could this be? Chen Mu opened the door, puzzled. A gaunt old man in his fifties stood at the entrance. The visitor said indifferently with a cold face, "Rent." A flicker of memory quickly surged to his mind. Li Enwu, the Wang family''s second steward, the rent collector. Although he had lived in this house from a young age, it did not belong to him. "Steward Li, please come in," Chen Mu said politely. "No need," Steward Li waved dismissively and said coldly, "Pay up." "Just a moment, I''ll go get it," Chen Mu said as he turned back into the house and took out a black clay jar from under the bed. The clay jar had a grey cloth seal and was about the size of two fists. He untied the seal and upended it, and a small pile of copper coins clattered out. This was all the savings of his former life. He quickly counted out three hundred and ten copper coins into a small bag and returned to the door. "Steward Li, here''s the rent for three months. Please take it," Chen Mu said as he handed over the grey cloth bag. Steward Li took it, weighed it with a lift of his hand, and nodded slightly. He then casually tossed it to two strong men behind him and walked away. Chen Mu closed the door, went back inside, sighed, and counted his copper coins. "Including the money from copying scripture, I have a total of two hundred and thirty-two coins left." "Fatty meat costs twenty-four copper coins per jin (catty), with this little money, I can''t even buy ten jins of meat." He wanted to brave the world, but first, he needed to earn money to eat. Chapter 5: 5: Retreat Qingshan County East Market, Ink Studio. The Ink Studio mainly sold brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and also printed books. Chen Mu was sitting at the entrance of Ink Studio, on the east side. A table was placed before him, fully equipped with brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone. There was also a piece of white paper hanging in front of the table, on which two figures were drawn: one was himself, writing with a brush, and the other was a passerby seen from the back. Next to the drawing, there were eight elegant and flowing characters, "Letters written on behalf, portraits painted." This was the place where his predecessor had written letters and drawn portraits. The table, chairs, and stools all came from the Ink Studio behind him, including the very spot he occupied, for which he paid two copper coins in rent per day. Chen Mu sat behind the desk, idly waiting for business to come his way. In this era, productivity was low, and the standard of living, as well as education, was poor. Poor families would at most have someone relay a verbal message; very few would have letters written. After sitting idly for a day, he had written only three letters. Writing letters, unlike calligraphy and selling words, could not be charged by the character. Within a single piece of letter paper, the charge was uniformly three copper coins. "Three letters amount to nine copper coins." "Two for Ink Studio, four set aside for rent savings, leaving only three. Barely enough for a day''s meals, and that''s the kind where you don''t get full." "Sigh..." ... Four days later, in the evening, Chen Mu arrived near Anle Square to the north of East Market. This area was Hook Lane Street, teeming with a great number of brothels and courtesan houses. As night fell, this place became increasingly lively. Chen Mu stood in the shadows at the corner of the street, watching an elder by the roadside. The elder was dressed in a long robe, with a desk set up before him where he was currently engrossed in boldly executing his brushwork with ink. He had been observing for two days; this old man was a painter, earning a living by painting portraits here. The subjects of the portraits were mostly the Singers from the brothels along the street. The exact amount he earned was unclear, but seeing that he was dressed neatly and dined out every day, it couldn''t be too bad. Stepping out of the corner, Chen Mu slowly approached the old man''s desk, surveyed his paintings for a moment, and pretended to nod in approval. The elder looked up, sized up Chen Mu for a moment, and let out a chuckle, "What, you want to sell paintings too?" Chen Mu was taken aback; the old man had seen through his intentions. As if knowing Chen Mu''s confusion, the elder straightened his back and said with an indifferent smile, "You''ve been watching me for two days now, haven''t you made up your mind yet?" Chen Mu was startled, feeling exposed though he thought he had hidden his intentions well, he had been discovered long ago. "Selling paintings is a dead end! Young man, take my advice, go back and study hard," the elder said with an enigmatic air. "The waters in this profession are deep; you won''t be able to handle them," the elder scoffed lightly. He had seen the paintings by an old man on Hook Lane Street, which were incredibly lifelike. Even with proficiency to aid him, Chen Mu was not confident that he could surpass him in a short time. He planned to carve a different path. In his previous life, he lived in an era of information overload and had seen numerous paintings. Rather than freehand painting, Chen Mu planned to create meticulous, lifelike paintings, aiming for a level of realism comparable to a camera! Picking up a sharpened stick, Chen Mu went to the side of his courtyard''s vegetable patch. There was a flat area about a meter in diameter, evenly covered with fine soil. It was good enough for practicing writing with water, but not suitable for painting, so he decided to use the fine soil for practice, which could be reused. Facing the reflection in the basin of water, Chen Mu used the sharpened stick to carefully outline his image, stroke by stroke. It took a full half hour just to complete a self-portrait. Chen Mu couldn''t wait to call up the grey wall. Writing: 1035/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 3073/10000/First Rank; "One portrait, twelve points of proficiency gained. Not bad..." Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief. Painting took much more time than practicing calligraphy. Fortunately, the experience gained was also greater. Flattening the ground and sifting soil to cover it, Chen Mu continued to paint. This time, however, he only gained nine points of proficiency. While tidying the fine soil, Chen Mu thought about what he learned from the two painting sessions and began to paint again, intentionally trying to improve. The proficiency indeed increased significantly, yielding thirteen points. "It seems I need to be even more engaged!" After each painting session, Chen Mu would take a brief rest, reflect on what he had learned, and even take notes with pen and paper. Time passed slowly as he practiced, improved, and practiced again. Chen Mu''s painting skills were gradually improving as well. ... One and a half months later, in the study. Chen Mu, with disheveled hair and untamed beard, held a brush lightly in his hand, sketching on the white paper. A beautiful, ethereal figure dressed in white took shape under his brush. The beauty had jet-black long hair, a three-dimensional figure, eyes full of life, and even seemed to be alive. Chen Mu put down his brush to take a look, then added a seven-character poem next to the portrait. "Ten miles of flat lake frosted by the sky, inch by inch of black hair mourns the passing years." "Single shadow facing the moon longs for the other, envying the mandarin ducks, not the immortals." Writing: 1035/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 72/10000/Second Rank; "Done!" Chapter 6: 6 Portraits ``` The skills depicted on the grey wall would undergo a qualitative change as soon as they reached the Second Rank. Take calligraphy for example, just by looking at the structure of the characters, there is no obvious difference between the early Second Rank and the peak of the First Rank. But if you look at an entire piece of writing, the characters of the Second Rank will have a special charm to them. When I first copied scriptures for the Qingfeng Observatory, the later volumes clearly had an ethereal quality. Just by looking at the characters, one would feel that the Daoist Scripture was profound. Similarly, once the painting ability entered the Second Rank, my mind would be filled with a lot more knowledge. When painting faces, the general shapes of different faces would come to mind. When painting eyes, the appearances of phoenix eyes, peach blossom eyes, triangular eyes, watery eyes, and all sorts of eyes would emerge in my thoughts. As I sketched out the bridge of the nose, information on facial proportions and the distribution of features would flood in. If someone described themselves well enough, I could paint a likeness of them that was seventy to eighty percent accurate without even seeing them in person. Not only that, but I also had a thorough understanding of how to mix various pigments. Insect-proofing, preserving, and even magical pigments with hidden color-changing properties had all become somewhat familiar to me. After combing my hair, cleaning up my beard, and changing into clean clothes, I took my brushes, inks, paper, inkstones, and the painting that I had named Little Qian under my arm and headed straight for Anle Square. My rice jar was nearly empty, and if I didn''t start earning, I would have nothing to eat! ... Anle Square, Ruyi Residence. I found the manager and handed over my last three copper coins. I rented a table, chairs, a bench, and the courtyard space for a day. Ruyi Residence was one of the top four restaurants in Anle Square. It was known for its elegant vegetarian dishes, especially those for nourishing wellness and detoxifying. Aside from the wealthy patrons, many courtesan singers also often ordered meals there. The Singer''s wouldn''t show up in public casually, but they always had their own servants running errands. Since I had no reputation, I wanted to quickly gain exposure. It was essential to let potential customers see my work as soon as possible. I was targeting these Singer''s servants. As I was arranging the tables and chairs, a familiar figure of an elderly man leisurely walked into Ruyi Residence. He only just entered when he backed out again, looking me over with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Young man, have you thought it through? Are you really going to sell your paintings here?" This was the old painter I had encountered last time. Afterward, I inquired about him. His surname was Yan, and he was quite famous. He had been mingling about in Anle Square his entire life, and many renowned Singers of their time had their portraits done by him. "Just trying to make a living," I replied calmly. "Do you know who I am?" asked Master Yan. "Master Yan, the virtuoso of painting, a guest of honor among the Singers," I responded. "It seems you still don''t know who I am," Master Yan chuckled darkly. "No matter, you will find out soon enough." With that, he entered Ruyi Residence for his meal in a leisurely manner. I was completely baffled. Isn''t he just Master Yan? What other special identity could he have? Seeing the flow of people at Ruyi Residence increasing, I pushed my confusion aside. Having arranged the table, chairs, and bench neatly, I spread out Little Qian on the table, it was held in place at the corners by the weight of an inkstone, and I sat down behind the table, waiting confidently. Normally, I would have framed the painting and hung it up to make it more eye-catching. Master Yan nodded with satisfaction, thinking of the lifelike portrait and snorted coldly. The painting was good, but it was too good! So good that he could not replicate it at all. Such a person joining the guild would be a threat to him. Having spent half his life mingling with the guild, enjoying power and prestige, he had no desire to be overthrown in his old age. "Then I can only cripple you." ... Chen Mu followed Butler Li briskly. As they walked, to his surprise, they left Anle Square. "Not in Anle Square? Could it be the Wang family''s eldest son hiding his love, keeping a mistress outside?" The two boarded a carriage and headed towards the city center along the East Market main street. Sitting in the carriage, Butler Li was taciturn and rested with closed eyes, Chen Mu did not dare to initiate conversation and could only look out the window at the scenery. As the carriage moved, the buildings on both sides of the street became orderly. The attire of the passersby also visibly improved. The ground was paved with blue stone, and the houses transitioned from small homes to large estates with deep courtyards. About a quarter-hour later, they arrived in front of a red-lacquered gate. Chen Mu recognized the place; it was the Wang family estate, the owners of the house he rented. Was a Wang family daughter in need of a portrait? Perhaps she was at marriageable age, and the family prepared a portrait for matchmaking purposes. Butler Li was most likely looking for Master Yan. "Hey, am I stealing that old man''s business?" Chen Mu thought gleefully. He followed Butler Li through a side door. Along the way, the rockery and water features, pavilions and towers made Chen Mu sigh with admiration; truly befitting a wealthy family. Then, Butler Li led him into the inner courtyard, where seven or eight maids and servants were waiting in the patio. Some carried washbasins, others had towels, and some held food containers. As they entered the room, a strong medicinal scent assaulted their nostrils. The young lady of the house was ill? "Young Master, the painter has arrived," Butler Li respectfully said to a middle-aged man in his forties. "Him?" The middle-aged man looked at Chen Mu with puzzlement. Butler Li took the painting from Chen Mu''s hand, unfolded it halfway, and showed it to the middle-aged man for inspection. "Not bad. Let''s go with him," the middle-aged man''s eyes brightened, nodding in approval. "Come with me," Butler Li beckoned Chen Mu and walked into the inner room. "This is our Master; Young Master Li requests a portrait of him," Butler Li motioned to the bed and whispered to Chen Mu, "The Master is gravely ill; in case of any mishap, it would be good to leave his likeness for posterity to admire." Chen Mu stared blankly ahead, where an old man with a pale face and barely perceptible breathing lay unconscious on the bed. "All the finest brushes and ink have been prepared; you may begin," said Butler Li. Chen Mu: "..." This... this is asking me to paint a death portrait! What happened to the beautiful young lady? Chapter 7: 7 Blocked Off Since the commission is for a painting, I''ll paint it then, earning money isn''t shameful. "Please bring the clothes and accessories that Lord Wang usually wears." "The maid who dresses and grooms Lord Wang should also be called over." "Additionally, fetch a more beautiful chair." Steward Li looked at Chen Mu in surprise and, after going out to seek Young Master Wang''s instructions, arranged everything according to Chen Mu''s requests. Normally, one should have the subject dress up properly before painting them. Unfortunately, given the condition of the person lying in the bed, it''s not just about dressing up for a pose, it''s doubtful whether he can even see tomorrow''s sun. If it weren''t for his Second Rank drawing skills, Chen Mu wouldn''t have dared to accept the task. But now, he was brimming with confidence. As soon as he saw Lord Wang''s clothes, an image of the man dressed neatly appeared in Chen Mu''s mind. After carefully inquiring about the daily grooming routine from the maid, the healthy appearance and hairstyle of Lord Wang were already set in Chen Mu''s heart. With the addition of a chair that was simple and solid. The entire portrait''s effect was vividly clear before his eyes. Chen Mu glanced at Lord Wang again. Then he immediately lowered his head and began to draw. An hour later, Chen Mu put down his brush and stood up. "Young Master Chen is truly skillful!" Even Steward Li, who had been maintaining a stern face, couldn''t help but be moved. The man in the painting had a full face, spirited eyes, and hair combed meticulously; he bore little resemblance to the man on the sickbed. But Steward Li knew, this was what Lord Wang looked like when he was healthy! He hadn''t expected that this poor scholar, who had always gone unnoticed, would possess such a talent. ... On the carriage, Chen Mu clutched a small cloth bag with a delighted expression on his face. Inside was the tip that Steward Li had given him, ten taels of silver. And his rent was waived for a year. In Qingshan County, one tael of silver could be exchanged for approximately twelve hundred copper coins. Three hundred copper coins were enough to cover the monthly expenses of a family of three, and that included being well-fed. Ten taels of silver, if used sparingly, could support a household for three years! For Chen Mu, this was a substantial amount of money! Yet Steward Li had given it just like that. Apart from his own outstanding portrait skills, it was more so because the Wang family was wealthy and did not care about such a small sum. "Now I can finally have some meat!" He had secluded himself for half a month, exerting a lot of energy on practicing painting. Although he ate his fill every meal, it was only vegetables and wheat. Not only had he not gained weight, but he had also lost some. He decided to avert disaster by forfeiting money. He knew these people were like dogskin plasters: once stuck, they could not easily be shaken off. But if he didn''t offer, the other party would surely rob him, and might even beat him up in the process. "That''s not enough. You have to add something else," the short man drawled as he approached, his voice filled with frivolous amusement. Chen Mu furrowed his brows. Apart from this bag of silver, he had nothing else of value. "Add your hands!" the tall, burly man said coldly. Chill shot through Chen Mu''s heart. "Can you tell me who sent you?" This was no simple robbery! The short man looked at Chen Mu with surprise. "Aren''t you afraid?" "Afraid," Chen Mu replied calmly. But fear would not make these men stop. The short man furrowed his brows. Why was this guy so indifferent? Shouldn''t he be panicking, begging for mercy on his knees? "Break off his arms!" the short man ordered coldly. Once I break your hands, let''s see if you can stay so calm. Chen Mu''s scalp tightened, suppressing the instinct to flee, his eyes earnestly studying the two men. He had to memorize their faces, and he could memorize them. "Look at your own damn mother!" The short man, annoyed by Chen Mu''s gaze, kicked him to the ground. "What, you thinking of retaliating against us?" "Once I break your legs, gouge your eyes, let''s see how you retaliate then!" the short man said venomously. They were street thugs, their brutal methods as familiar as daily meals. The tall, burly man took two steps towards Chen Mu, raised his foot, and viciously stomped towards Chen Mu''s hands. Chen Mu couldn''t help but tense up all over. Bang! A shadow flickered before his eyes, and the anticipated pain did not come. Unexpectedly, the tall, burly man was sent flying through the air, crashing down some three or four meters away, twitching like a worm, unable to get up. Bang! Almost simultaneously, another noise followed. The short man, as if part of a painting, uncontrollably plastered against the wall. He soon tumbled to the ground, his face contorted as he gasped for air. Chen Mu turned his head to look, and at some point, a figure in a Black Tight Suit wearing a long blade at his waist had appeared not far behind him. "Captain Lu?!" Chapter 8: 8 Suspicion "Young Master Chen?" Head Constable Lu looked calmly at Chen Mu. "It''s me." Chen Mu got up from the ground and thanked him with a bow, "Thank you, Head Constable Lu, for the rescue." "It was nothing." Head Constable Lu glanced indifferently at the two men on the ground. The two men groveling on the ground noticed Head Constable Lu''s glance and shivered, their voices becoming much quieter. They seemed to be extremely afraid of Head Constable Lu with the surname of Lu. "May I ask Young Master Chen to move to the County Government Office, there''s something I''d like assistance with," Head Constable Lu politely said. "No problem," Chen Mu agreed without hesitation. "Please!" Head Constable Lu, with his right hand on his saber, stepped aside to clear the way. Chen Mu dusted off the dirt from his body and walked towards the alley entrance. As he passed the shorter man, he ruthlessly stomped on the man''s left hand with his right foot. Ah... The man was caught off guard and immediately let out a pig-like scream. Head Constable Lu''s expression turned odd in an instant. Noticing Head Constable Lu''s gaze, Chen Mu gave a sheepish smile. Then he pressed down harder, grinding his foot in twice. Head Constable Lu''s mouth twitched instantly. Emerging from the alley, the two walked shoulder to shoulder. Chen Mu suddenly asked, "Does Head Constable Lu know the identity of these two men?" "I don''t know them," Head Constable Lu replied subconsciously. Then, he looked at Chen Mu in surprise, as if to say, you want to retaliate? "Being ambushed for no reason, it''s always good to know which deity I have offended, isn''t it?" Chen Mu sighed, "Mainly for future safety considerations, if I can''t afford to offend, at least I can hide." "I truly do not know those two men," Head Constable Lu hesitated for a moment before saying, "But judging by their clothes, they look like they are from the Marvelous Art Shop in East Market." East Market? Marvelous Art Shop? That Master Yan?! I''m just selling a painting, and he actually sent someone to break my hand. He really wanted to retaliate then and there. But he was just a poor scholar, relying on selling paintings to survive. The other party, however, had a long-standing presence in Anle Square, could mobilize rogues and gangsters; retaliating by myself would be like throwing an egg against a rock. Chen Mu said with an unwilling face, "I can''t go to East Market anymore, it seems." Head Constable Lu looked at Chen Mu, wanting to say something but hesitated. The two were neither relatives nor close friends; he didn''t know the specifics and it wasn''t appropriate to offer direct help. He could only remain silent, escorting Chen Mu straight to the County Government Office. County Magistrate Du, who had just relaxed, tensed up again. "Perhaps someone is purposely being mysterious," Lu, the head constable, suggested with narrowed eyes. "Impossible! The massacre of the Wang family was definitely the work of an evil spirit!" Du Huai glared at Lu, the head constable, and declared. A family massacre happening under his jurisdiction was one thing if it was caused by evil spirits, but quite another if it was the work of mortals. If the latter, and he, the county magistrate, couldn''t capture the criminal, his year-end evaluation would suffer! The massacre of the Wang family was definitely the work of an evil spirit! "Whether it''s a person or not, this Chen Mu is still a significant suspect," Cheng Yi stated flatly. "It seems we cannot let this Chen Mu go," County Magistrate Du pondered with a thoughtful expression. "If there''s nothing else, I will take my leave first," Cheng Yi said, glancing at Lu, the head constable, before speaking calmly. "Alright, Lu, the head constable, please escort Daoist Priest Cheng Yi for me," County Magistrate Du said with a smile. ... At the main hall, Chen Mu, who was bored waiting, scrutinized the bronze mirror. The mirror was circular, with flame-shaped patterns carved around its edge, covered in a patina of green rust, and set upon a delicate wooden stand. He wondered from which dynasty this ancient item came. As he pondered, two figures emerged from the back hall. "Daoist Priest Cheng Yi?" Chen Mu looked at the middle-aged Daoist priest in surprise. "No matter how well you hide, you will eventually show your true colors!" Cheng Yi glanced at Chen Mu and said coldly. After saying this, he didn''t pay any mind to Chen Mu, who wore a baffled expression, and quickly left the main hall. When did I offend this Daoist priest? Chen Mu wondered, utterly confused. What was with his furious and hostile tone? After a while, Lu, the head constable, returned to the main hall, holding a painting in his hand. He approached Chen Mu and unrolled the scroll, asking, "Young Master Chen, is this your painting?" Chen Mu looked closely and immediately felt a chill on his scalp. It was a fine brushwork technique with a lifelike portrait. This was indeed the memorial portrait he had painted for Master Wang of the Wang family. But eerily, the head of the person in the portrait had vanished, as if someone had erased it out of thin air. "I did paint it, but I painted a full figure with a head," said Chen Mu, sensing the trouble he was in. "Last night, the Wang family was massacred, with all direct relatives dead. Just like this portraitno heads to be found!" Chen Mu felt his scalp tighten. Bad news! They were suspecting him! "If you cannot prove your innocence regarding the Wang family massacre, I will have to keep you in the jail for a few days," Lu, the head constable, said coolly. This... Chapter 9: 9 Locusts Chen Mu never expected that he''d get entangled in a family annihilation case just by painting a portrait. What terrified him even more was that the Wang family had been exterminated. That was a major family that had been entrenched in Qingshan County for decades. Staring at the headless portrait, thousands of thoughts whirled in Chen Mu''s mind. "Come with me," said Lu, the head of law enforcement, as he turned to take Chen Mu to the back hall. The county magistrate had ordered that Chen Mu should not be let go, so Lu could only lock him up for the time being. Pity arose in Lu''s heart. Getting thrown into jail was easy, but getting out was difficult. The Wang family''s extermination was a vicious case, and the pressure on the county magistrate and magistrate was immense. It wouldn''t be surprising if they ended up looking for a scapegoat to bear the blame. This scholar, who had become entangled with the Wang family... Lu dared not think further. "Wait!" Chen Mu called out to stop Lu. He had no family or friends in his previous life and was all alone. If he were locked up, with no one to come for him, he really would be at the mercy of fate. "The portrait I painted was of a complete person. The disappearance of the head must mean that someone deliberately mystified it, using a special method to erase the head," Chen Mu said gravely. His Second Rank painting skill had bestowed him with an extensive knowledge base. Gazing at the headless portrait, a paint formula began to emerge in his mind. He moved closer to the portrait and discreetly sniffed at it. Amidst the thick fragrance of ink, a faintly pleasant scent drifted from the paper, reinforcing Chen Mu''s conviction. "You can''t prove it," said Lu. "There is a way!" Chen Mu insisted, staring intently at Lu. "This portrait is a memorial for the Wang family patriarch. The paper and pigments are exquisite, and combined with my skill of painting with force through the paper, it should preserve its color for decades," Chen Mu confidently bluffed. In reality, the solution that could erase ink and paint was not completely effective, as there was residue left. Of course, he couldn''t directly tell the other party about the solution. That would also increase his suspicion. "Just let the mounting master open up the painting from the middle, and you will definitely find residual pigments. It''s enough to prove that I painted a complete portrait!" "Wait here," said Lu, taking the portrait out of the main hall. In the County Government Office, all six departments'' clerks were scholars, and many veteran clerks knew the craft of mounting. ... Half an hour later, in the back hall of the County Government Office. "This makes it impossible to blame it on evil spirits," Magistrate Du said worriedly as he stared at the lifelike portrait. Evil spirits killing people wouldn''t erase the head from a portrait. Clearly, it was the work of thieves, trying to create an illusion. "It seems that the scholar really was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Lu. "Hmm, he''s also quite talented," Magistrate Du now had the leisure to observe the portrait. Although he had been released now, there was no guarantee he wouldn''t be caught again. In a major family annihilation case, if it couldn''t be solved, the County Government Office would surely find a scapegoat for the sake of their achievements. He, a poor scholar with ties to the case, was the perfect candidate! "I have no control over it!" Chen Mu sighed. Today''s experience brought him to a clear realization. This was no longer the stable and prosperous country of his previous life; it was a chaotic ancient world. He had to learn to protect himself! "Practicing martial arts in a short period isn''t feasible, but I need to find something for self-defense." Chen Mu immediately thought of Lime Powder. This substance was cheap and plentiful; a surprise attack could achieve miraculous results. He resolved to prepare some for himself later. "I also need to master some power." He had no understanding of the martial arts in this world, and he dared not practice them recklessly, so he could only recall from his prior life''s memories. In his previous life, information was abundant; he knew a bit about various fighting skills, yet they were all unorganized. After thinking for a long while, a vague memory surfaced in his mind. He seemed to have read about a training method for the Natural Sect''s Flying Locust Stone. The Flying Locust Stone was nothing but the small rocks that were readily available everywhere. They were easy to obtain and simple to practice with, and steadily improving accuracy and striking power would naturally enhance their potency. Chen Mu immediately went to the yard to collect small stones. Then he propped up a wooden basin used for washing his face against the wall. Standing five paces away, he threw the stones into the wooden basin. After all twenty-odd stones in his hand landed in the basin, Chen Mu picked up the stones and retreated to a distance of six paces from the basin and continued throwing. Once he started throwing from a distance of eight meters, finally some stones fell outside the basin. Chen Mu didn''t continue to increase the distance, but persisted in practicing from that position. He kept throwing until his arm became sore and his throwing strength weakened, then a sudden insight appeared in his mind. The throwing technique subconsciously adjusted, and his movements became somewhat more effortless and light. Chen Mu''s mind stirred. The gray wall materialized before his eyes. Writing: 1043/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 157/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 26/10000/First Rank; Chen Mu took a deep breath. What came next was the phase he was familiar with. Practice. Chapter 10: 10 Formulas By the well, Chen Mu sat on a bamboo stool. He soaked a towel in the icy well water and applied it as a cold compress to his arms. Having trained too vigorously for the first time, his arms ached with a sour pain. He didn''t dare to continue training. In this ancient world, the level of medical care was not high; if he really injured himself, recovery would not be easy. The cool well water stimulated his skin, and Chen Mu shivered, involuntarily thinking of the Wang family. When he had visited yesterday, he was still marvelling at the Wang family''s wealth and vast estate. He hadn''t expected that in just one night, their direct lineage would vanish like smoke. Whoever managed to silently eliminate the entire Wang family must have been a ferocious bandit. "It must have been someone who can move as skillfully as Head Constable Lu," he thought. Someone with small arms and legs like himself would probably not even know how he died if confronted by such a person. "I''ve got to find a way to learn martial arts," Chen Mu silently resolved. "First, I need to earn money. With money paving the road, everything else will follow." "Too bad it''s not easy to make money," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. After secluding himself for a month and a half, he had finally developed a Second Rank drawing skill. He thought he could turn his fortunes around, but on the first day he was targeted by Artist Yan. All I want is to earn some money honestly, but why is it so difficult? That Artist Yan is despicable, even wanting someone to cripple my hands. Although the massacre of the Wang family did cause some trouble for Miaohua Studio, it''s hard to say what the effect will be. "It can only go so far," Chen Mu sighed. He was just a poor scholar without family or connections, how could he dare to oppose someone like Artist Yan, a local snake. "I can''t go to Anle Square anymore," Chen Mu thought frustratingly. I need to think of another way to make money. ... In Qingshan County Government Office. Artist Yan walked out of the government office''s main gate, his face ashen. He was upset about the one hundred silver pieces he had just lost. He didn''t understand what got into the county captain, thinking that an old man like him, without the strength to truss a chicken, could possibly eliminate the entire Wang family. "Such insatiably greedy people, let''s see how long they can keep up their arrogance!" Artist Yan huffed indignantly. "Keep it down, Old Yan!" a middle-aged man near him immediately whispered in caution: "This is right in front of the yamen." "If he dares to do it, why should I be afraid to speak about it!" The middle-aged man gave a bitter smile: "I''m just worried they''ll grab onto something and use it to extort us again." Artist Yan''s face turned red with frustration. Those greedy government officials could really pull it off. Artist Yan humphed coldly and strode off with heavy steps. The middle-aged man could only shake his head with a wry smile and follow. At such times, Chen Mu didn''t dare to wander outside and chose to stay behind closed doors. He ate meat and practiced with the Flying Locust Stone every day. Thanks to the silver pieces sent by the painter as a return gift, he could sustain his meat consumption even if he ate it every day. As his proficiency with the Flying Locust Stone improved, Chen Mu noticed that it wasn''t just the accuracy that was increasing, but his power was gradually growing stronger too. The most obvious change was on his arms, where he could now see distinct muscle contours! He used to be skinny as a rail, and now he was growing muscles! "Improvement in proficiency doesn''t just enhance skills!" Chen Mu excitedly pinched his firm forearm muscles. With a thought, a grey wall materialized. Writing: 1043/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 157/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3229/10000/First Rank; "This is only at First Rank, if it reaches the transformative Second Rank..." Chen Mu''s heart surged with excitement. He had underestimated the grey wall! The visible growth in strength made him addicted to training every day, unable to quit. Until someone knocked on his door. "Captain Lu?!" Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. Why have they come after me again? They can''t really be grabbing me as a scapegoat, can they? "The County Government Office has found a clue about the criminal and wants you to draw a wanted portrait," explained Captain Lu with a smile. Chen Mu immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to lock the door and then followed Captain Lu towards the County Government Office. "Captain Lu, how did the County Government Office find the criminal?" Chen Mu asked curiously. With a peculiar look, Captain Lu glanced at Chen Mu: "We have to thank Young Master Chen for the reminder." "The Wonderful Painting Workshop provided the recipe for the solution that removes paint. This led us to focus on the city''s medicine shops and eventually find the criminal''s trail." He had initially thought that Chen Mu was using the government to get back at the Wonderful Painting Workshop. He hadn''t expected that the workshop would actually provide a key clue. Feeling somewhat guilty in his heart, Captain Lu thought he had wronged a good person. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. The workshop actually had the recipe?! I was just trying to give them a hard time! How did it turn into a key clue?! Immediately after, he thought of another critical issue. If the workshop''s recipe was useful, that meant it was authentic. Was their recipe the same version as his? Could the grey proficiency wall be stealing someone else''s recipe?! Chapter 11: 11 Wanted Chen Mu suddenly had a bit of an understanding. The insights gained from brushing up proficiency weren''t unfounded; all of them were knowledge already existing in the world. The gray wall was like a huge database, from which Chen Mu continuously acquired information as his proficiency increased. Perhaps it even contained knowledge from the world of his previous life. Otherwise, he couldn''t have mastered the technique of three-dimensional realistic painting. Thinking about it was quite magical. ... At the entrance of the County Government Office, Chen Mu followed Head Constable Lu inside. An old man with a bruised and swollen face walked towards them. "Master Painter Yan," Head Constable Lu greeted with cupped hands. The old man''s eyes were swollen to slits, and he held his chin up high with arrogance, grunting in acknowledgment as he walked out of the office with a swagger. "Master Painter Yan? He got beaten up?" Chen Mu asked in shock, immediately followed by indignation, "The world is truly degenerating, to strike such a heavy blow on an old man! That''s far too cruel!" Head Constable Lu looked at Chen Mu strangely. He always felt there was something off about the scholar''s expression. The County Government Office had six clerks, with their work spaces located in the rooms on either side of the main hall. Head Constable Lu led Chen Mu into one of these rooms. Ink, brushes, paper, and inkstone were all prepared. There were also five or six completed portraits hanging on the wall. The County Government had hired other painters, as well. In the room, there was also a Pharmacist''s apprentice who described the thief''s physical features to him; he was the only one who had seen the thief face to face. As the apprentice described, the image of the thief quickly took shape in Chen Mu''s mind. Just as he was about to start painting, he suddenly looked up at the portraits hanging on the wall. One of them was so lifelike and resembled the image in his mind by about sixty or seventy percent. Chen Mu recognized the brushwork and confirmed it was painted by Master Painter Yan. Indeed, as an experienced painter, relying on many years of experience in painting portraits, he was able to capture a sixty to seventy percent likeness with just a few words from the Pharmacist''s apprentice. If it weren''t for his own "cheat" at hand, he really couldn''t beat him. But if I were to paint the thief exactly as he looked, wouldn''t I outshine Master Painter Yan? After all, he was a well-respected, veteran painter. It would be quite embarrassing for him to be surpassed by a junior like me. No, no, that wouldn''t do. The man was already so tragically beaten, to then strike at his professional statussuch an act would be most improper! Chen Mu brandished his brush with flair, and a half-body portrait that looked almost like a photograph appeared on the paper. Three-dimensional and lifelike, as if it were a real person; aside from the lack of resemblance, there were no flaws. After comparing it with Master Painter Yan''s portrait, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction and leisurely left the County Government Office. ... Three days later, Chen Mu went to Zheng Tu to buy meat. He passed by a tavern. He saw a wanted poster attached to the door. But taking off his clothes, one could see the clear muscle definition on his body. He felt he could knock down his former self with one punch. "Need to think of a way to make money, otherwise I''ll just be idly watching my resources dwindle away," Chen Mu frowned in thought. He had once thought of saving money to learn martial arts, but he didn''t expect that just practicing the Flying Locust Stone would empty his coffers. It''s a pity that Master Yan hired two strong followers for himself. Otherwise, he would have given him another big gift, whatever it took. ... Two days later, Chen Mu sat in front of a square table, carefully counting the copper coins in the pottery jar. He was considering whether to try his luck in the West Market. The backing of Miao Huafang was powerful, but it only monopolized the painting and calligraphy business in the East Market. The West Market was still outside the range of their influence. He shouldn''t waste the Second Rank drawing ability he had worked so hard to achieve. As for the possibility of being suppressed again, Chen Mu had considered it. But being so poor he was almost unable to eat, he had to give it a try. It was said that the entertainment venues in the West Market were even more upscale, and the Singers there were all of exceptional talent and indescribably beautiful. Chen Mu went back to his room and took out the painting "Xiao Qian" again. When he had some money before, Chen Mu had even had it framed. "With this painting as the sign, I''m not afraid those Singers won''t recognize its value." Full of confidence, Chen Mu carried "Xiao Qian" and headed straight for the West Market. He followed the old routine, found an elegant tavern, and rented a table and chairs outside the entrance to set up his stall. He opened up the painting "Xiao Qian" and started to wait for customers. The three-dimensional and realistic painting technique was so unusual that in no time, the table was surrounded by people. "Young master, my mistress would like to invite you to draw a portrait. I wonder when..." "I have time right now," Chen Mu said happily, looking at the beautiful maid before him. If the beautiful maid''s mistress is also a beautiful young lady... His own Second Rank drawing ability finally had a chance to shine! Chen Mu immediately packed up and followed the beautiful maid. After many twists and turns, the two arrived in front of a large courtyard house. Why did it feel so familiar? Suppressing his doubts, Chen Mu followed the beautiful maid into the mansion. Through the corridors and pavilions, they entered the quiet and secluded backyard garden. The sense of de?ja? vu grew. Chen Mu suddenly felt an uneasy sensation in his heart. As they rounded a rockery, he saw an old man with a white beard and a spirited demeanor smiling at him. "Young Master Chen, my portrait is meant to be admired by my descendants, remember to make me look handsome," the old man grinned, revealing his only three remaining big teeth. Chen Mu: "..." Am I at odds with the ancients now?! ``` Chapter 12: 12 Shape Cultivation Technique Qingshan County had been at peace for many years. The annihilation of the Wang family was a major incident, casting a malign shadow. For months, the topic had been the talk of every street corner and alley. It was under these circumstances that Chen Mu became known to all. They knew he possessed exquisite painting skills, able to create portraits indistinguishable from the real person. His talent was exploited by thieves who attempted to create illusions and wreak havoc with disguises. Then his business mysteriously began to thrive. It was as if it had all been arranged. Every few days, someone would come to his door asking him to paint a portrait. Well, to paint a memorial portrait... Chen Mu suffered yet reveled in this. Initially, he had set out to paint for pretty young ladies. But now, instead, it was either old men or old women! And they demanded that he make them look more attractive. He could only go against his conscience and paint them younger, akin to ancient "Photoshopping". His business flourished more and more, yet the beautiful young ladies seemed farther and farther away. Counting the more than one hundred taels of silver in his pottery jar, Chen Mu felt both satisfaction and regret. They might not be easy on the eyes, but these old men and women were indeed wealthy! Generous with their money, not a single one spent less than ten taels of silver. No wonder Old Mr. Yan wanted to suppress him. High-end portrait painting was truly profitable! "It''s time to find a place to learn Martial Arts," Chen Mu thought to himself. He had never forgotten the image of Head Constable Lu covering five or six meters in a single step. He had also not neglected the Wang family massacre. Whether it was out of personal interest or for self-protection, learning Martial Arts was imperative. ... He first spent three days wandering the martial arts schools in the eastern and western markets. The conclusion he reached was mixed with both joy and concern. The schools indeed taught Martial Arts. After two or three years of training, he could keep three to five people at bay. But such skills would definitely not be enough to contend with Head Constable Lu. To put it specifically, what those schools offered was like going to a modern gym to build muscles and learn boxing. What Head Constable Lu practiced was like the Inner Strength from martial arts novels, capable of astonishing feats. "Seems like I''ll have to ask Head Constable Lu," Chen Mu pondered. The highest-ranking person for whom he had painted was indeed the father of the Prefect of Qingshan County. He had also promised to paint a portrait for the relatives of the Commandant''s family in a couple of days. This connection, albeit slight, had a good chance of compelling Head Constable Lu to tell him the truth. He didn''t intend to learn the Lu family''s signature Martial Arts. He just wanted some guidance. "I will teach you all of it within seven days. Whether or not you learn it, depends on your own fate." Chen Mu could only obediently nod his head. In the afternoon, when he left Sheng Hong''s house, his mind was full of various steps and moves, along with a complex Breathing Method that was making his head spin. All these things were just the Soaring Leap Method of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation. There were still the Sprint and Dive Methods to come. To master it in seven days? Chen Mu felt frustrated just thinking about it. Could he have been swindled?! For six consecutive days, Chen Mu left early and returned late, fully immersing himself in the pit of Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, diligently learning and practicing with Sheng Hong. Today was the seventh day, also the last day. "I''ve told you everything about the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. On this last day, ask if there''s anything you don''t understand. If you can''t remember or practice incorrectly, don''t blame me." Sheng Hong sat in the shade of the trees, leisurely drinking tea. Anything I don''t understand? I don''t understand any of it, okay?! To have a martial arts newcomer like him learn an entire system of magical martial arts in six days was a dream, right?! But there was no other way, the money had been paid, what else could he do? He could only start from the beginning, consulting bit by bit, asking Sheng Hong to demonstrate personally. He didn''t hold out hope of learning it all; he just wanted to remember a bit more, to go back and practice the moves he could recall until he mastered them. At dusk, Chen Mu left Sheng Hong''s house with a face full of annoyance. This hundred taels of silver was a huge loss! After studying hard for seven days, he watched the show, but didn''t gain the entry to even one technique! ... At Sheng Hong''s house, Sheng Hong casually threw a small cloth bag to Captain Lu. "Here''s your fifty taels, take it." Captain Lu naturally stuffed it into the inner pocket of his sleeve, "Are you sure he will come again?" "I told him every part of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique without any omission. Which martial arts school in Qingshan County could teach like this?" "If he truly wishes to learn, he will definitely come again." Sheng Hong was full of confidence. "This scholar is adept at painting and is capable of earning money. You need to manage the pace well, don''t let this money tree slip away," Captain Lu instructed. "Shape Cultivation is not so easy to master. He can''t escape from the palm of my hand." Sheng Hong said lightly. He was not a first-time teacher and knew very well how to guide his students. As long as he gave them a glimpse of the key points each time, letting them see a bit of progress, they would become unable to stop and more addicted to the practice. In the end, they would pour their entire wealth into his pocket. This was not his first time doing this. He glanced at Captain Lu and said, "Don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten your share." Captain Lu was immediately satisfied and nodded. Seeing Chen Mu earning a hefty amount of silver without any effort had long made him envious. He had originally intended to find a way to lure the other party into a gambling addiction. But unexpectedly, the other party wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique. This fitted perfectly into their trap. And it could hardly be called a trap. Paying money to learn martial arts, it was a deal where both parties were willing, and no one could find fault with it. Just honestly handing over the money! Chapter 13: 13 Making Friends Ping''an Square, Chen Residence. Chen Mu stood in the middle of the courtyard. The next moment, his figure began to sway, darting towards the door, now to the left, now to the right. Suddenly, he stumbled, and with a thud, he fell to the ground. Chen Mu picked himself up, rubbing his knees, grimacing in pain. He was attempting to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. This Leap move was best at quick changes and dodging, incorporating not just movement technique changes but also a matching set of fist techniques. He didn''t dare to hope to master the fist techniques yet; he simply wanted to get the movement technique down first. Staggering back to the center of the courtyard, he took a moment to adjust his breathing and posture before practicing again. He had only run out two or three steps when he suddenly gasped for air, his whole body spasmed, and he fell to the ground stiff as a board, taking a long time to get back up. "What a waste of a hundred silver pieces, without having learned a single move!" Chen Mu''s face was the picture of dejection. A hundred silver pieces could buy only seven days of learning. How many sets of seven days, how many sets of a hundred silver pieces would it take to learn it? It was a money pit! And then there was the Body Training Secret Medicine. Sheng Hong indeed provided the prescription, but he didn''t explain how to process the herbs for the best effect; for all Chen Mu knew, he might have to buy them from Sheng Hong too. Chen Mu had realized that this was all a setup: if he wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, he would have to fall for it! That Government Official Liu wasn''t any better either. Did he not know how difficult it was to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, or how Sheng Hong''s rules were designed to trap people? Yet he had still recommended that Chen Mu learn martial arts. Chen Mu began to suspect that those two were in cahoots. No, they were definitely in cahoots! If he wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, he would have to go to them. The little money he had managed to save up was being siphoned off by the two of them! Even the money he would make in the future would have to be handed over to them. The more Chen Mu thought about it, the angrier and more frustrated he got, huffing back to his room. As he reached a wall, he glared fiercely at a painting on the wall, examining it closely. On a life-sized piece of paper, there were rows of little figures drawn. The figures, wearing shorts, were depicted so vividly they almost looked like photographs, with every muscle clearly visible. There was also densely packed text beside them. It was indeed the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique! "How embarrassing, Sheng Hong Master''s teachings were just too detailed, and the demonstration of the movements too standard. I simply couldn''t help but feel compelled to draw it out," Chen Mu thought silently, "I''m sure Master Sheng Hong would understand." "I''ll just charge more when I sell the manual." Chen Mu mused, "I wonder if I can get a hundred silver pieces for it." "Or should I sell a few more copies? That should definitely bring in more than a hundred silver pieces." Thinking this, the frustration in Chen Mu''s heart finally eased a bit. Master Sheng himself earned money by selling martial arts; by learning from him and selling manuals, I would be honoring my teacher. Even if he found out, he would surely be filled with pride and satisfaction. Right, first gain experience, master it, then sell it! Chen Mu, satisfied, focused his attention on the drawings. ... A frail scholar had almost crippled his handan intolerable humiliation! "This time, let''s see who can save him." "Don''t worry, big brother, I''ll break his limbs for you." Li Fan laughed heartily, as if he could see the shiny silver calling out to him. Woo... A low, howling sound suddenly rose. Thwack! Blood spattered. The brawny Li Fan turned pale and fell to the ground with a thud. His left calf had been struck by something, blood gushing profusely. He tried to reach out to cover the wound. Woo... The howling resumed. The spot that had been hit was struck again with force. Crack! Bits of white bone, along with mottled blood, splattered into the air. AAH... Li Fan screamed miserably. His left calf bone was inexplicably broken, the bloody white bone protruding through his skin. Zhang Qing''s face changed dramatically: "Hero spare... Aaah!" Woo... Crack! Zhang Qing''s right calf bone abruptly fractured, exposing jagged white bone. Bang, bang! Two clumps of soil almost simultaneously hit the necks of the two men. Amidst their screams, like ducks being strangled, they fell unconscious. Chen Mu emerged from a shadowy corner of the street, his face a complex mix of emotions as he looked at the two ruffians. "People''s hearts have turned evil." Out of respect for Master Yan, Chen Mu made a point to make a round near Master Yan''s house every day. No ulterior motive; he just wanted to find an opportunity to talk to him alone and bring a significant gift or something of the sort. After a pleasant private conversation last time, Chen Mu wanted to talk to him again. He didn''t expect to encounter these two. In the spirit of ''no fight, no friendship,'' Chen Mu initially wanted to have a chat with the brothers. After all, he still had to mix in Qingshan County. If they got along, perhaps they could turn enemies into friends and explore more business opportunities. Of course, it wasn''t good to come empty-handed for a first meeting. Fortunately, there were a few well-shaped rocks on the ground, which would be great to collect, so he picked them up and silently followed... "It''s a shame that people are so sinister." Chen Mu sighed, feeling regretful. "I intended to make friends with you, yet you plotted against me in secret. It''s truly said, ''I turned to the bright moon, but alas...''" Sighing, Chen Mu silently reached into the other''s sleeve pocket. Chapter 14: 14 Introduction Ping''an Square, Chen Mu''s home. "A couple of paupers," Chen Mu said disappointedly, fiddling with a few silver pieces. The gifts in return from those two were far worse than Master Yan''s! Fortunately, his portrait painting business was thriving recently, and he was not short of this bit of money. The two riff-raffs had broken legs and would not think of troubling him for at least half a year. Packing away the silver pieces, Chen Mu headed to the west side of the courtyard. Under the thatched canopy, there was a small pile of broken stones. He had collected them specifically for practicing the Flying Locust Stone. Whoosh... Bang! Whoosh... Bang! A series of low whistles and explosions rose in the courtyard. An hour later, Chen Mu, rubbing his sore arms, stopped practicing. "I can''t practice at home anymore," Chen Mu frowned and stared at the pitted mud wall. He was afraid of smashing the wall to pieces. With a thought, he summoned the grey wall. Writing: 1132/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 569/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 1331/10000/Second Rank; He had trained the Flying Locust Stone to Second Rank, and its power was gradually emerging. Within ten meters, it had a hundred percent accuracy rate, and the impact force was also incredibly strong, even comparable to small-caliber firearms from his previous life. It was precisely by the power of the Flying Locust Stone that he had managed to break the legs of the two hooligans in a few blows. "And this is only Second Rank..." Chen Mu remarked with anticipation. After resting for a while, Chen Mu continued to ponder the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. According to Sheng Hong''s introduction, the Shape Cultivation Technique was a secret technique that could rejuvenate one''s body. As one practiced deeper, they could gradually break the limits of the human body, obtaining strength, speed, reaction, and other abilities beyond the reach of ordinary people. It was also the reason why Head Constable Lu could travel five or six meters in one step. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique focused on increasing speed. The difficulty lay in the Breathing Method. It had a whole set of requirements for breathing. Sixty breaths were considered one cycle, each breath with specific requirements for depth and pace. Moreover, the beginning and end of each breath should connect, forming a cycle. Chen Mu needed to change his breathing habits, keeping himself always within this cycle. Then he had to correctly coordinate the various postures of the Shape Cultivation Technique; only then would he truly have entered the door. These days, he had been working hard to change his breathing habits. Now he had largely ensured his breathing did not become disordered. Today was the perfect time to test the coordination with the Soaring Leap Technique. Chen Mu was completely focused, running and maneuvering around the yard strictly according to the steps taught by Sheng Hong. At one moment, his breathing and overall motion suddenly produced a certain connection. His entire being was like releasing the clutch of a vehicle, power and movement had hooked up. The force throughout his body instantly became fluid. The area around the stone platform was crowded with government officials and catchpoles. To the north of the intersection stood a gray cloth tent, underneath which three officials dressed in official attire sat nonchalantly. The man in the middle was a forty-something-year-old with a square face and slightly dark skin; he wore an impassive expressionit was the Magistrate of Qingshan County. Officer Du, entrusted with the safety and peace of the region, was seated on his left-hand side. On the other side was an elderly man in his fifties or sixties, with graying whiskers Chen Mu guessed he was likely the County Magistrate''s Assistant. Zheng Tu whispered, "That gangster was also formidable; capturing him left Captain Lu heavily injured." To have injured Captain Lu? It seemed he, too, must have been a strong man who practiced the Shape Cultivation Technique! Suddenly, there was a commotion among the crowd, and Chen Mu turned his head to look, just in time to see the hood being removed from the thief''s head. Staring at that face, Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. The man looked exactly like the drawing on the wanted poster. But he was clear that the wanted poster was drawn by Master Yan, and it was still four or five points removed from the thief''s real appearance. "This fellow isn''t the real perpetrator of the household slaughter!" "Was it a case of mistaken identity? Or did the County Government Office find a scapegoat?" No time to think anymore, must hurry on! "Cut ten pounds of meat for me, half loin, half streaky pork. I''ll go buy some white wheat first and will come back later to pick it up," Chen Mu told Zheng Tu, leaving before he could reply. He had barely walked a few steps when a clamor rose behind him. Chen Mu paused for a moment, then strode away quickly. ... In the Anle Square within the East Market, the Ruyi Residence''s private room was filled with seven or eight people drinking and chatting. A round-faced, small-eyed, plump middle-aged man sat at the head of the table. "Recently, a highly-skilled young painter appeared in our city. They say his portraits are as lifelike as the real people. Master Yan, have you heard about him?" the middle-aged man asked with a cheerful smile to the painter beside him. Master Yan''s heart jumped, but he maintained composure, "I''ve heard about it. Is the boss interested in his painting skills?" The plump middle-aged man nodded, "Indeed. Bringing him into our prestigious drawing workshop could enhance our workshop''s influence." Master Yan appeared hesitant. "But I heard he''s got ties with the County Office; he won''t be easy to deal with," he said. "You''re thinking about this the wrong way, Master Yan. We can''t be heavy-handed with such talent," the plump middle-aged man shook his head. "Our workshop has connections; he has the skills. Working together, he gets more clients, and we enhance our influence. It''s a win-win." "Then I''ll give it a try," Master Yan agreed with a nod. "Much appreciated, Master Yan," the plump middle-aged man said, satisfied. Which led to another round of toasting and cheers. After the meal, Master Yan, all smiles, parted ways with everyone. He left Ruyi Residence with two muscular followers in tow. Not far outside, his smile gradually turned ice-cold. "I didn''t expect that kid to make a name for himself!" Master Yan cursed inwardly. "Zhang Qing and Li Fan, two useless louts! If they had dealt with him earlier, none of this would have happened!" Master Yan felt threatened. "Once that kid enters the prestigious drawing workshop, my position will be in jeopardy," Master Yan frowned, lost in thought. "No, I must get rid of that kid!" Master Yan glanced back at his two sturdy followers. "They have connections with the prestigious drawing workshop, so they can''t be used," Master Yan thought to himself. "It seems I have no choice but to take a trip to the Ghost Market. Another expense. Damn that kid!" Master Yan''s face turned iron blue as he hastened away. Chapter 15: 15: Ghost Market Ping''an Square Chen Mu sat next to the stove under a thatched shed. On the ground beside the stove was a small furnace, on which sat a sand pot bubbling with hot steam. The rich scent of the medicine spread out. He was simmering the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Secret Medicine. This secret medicine was quite valuable, costing one tael of silver per dose, which indeed made Chen Mu''s heart ache. Had it not been for the fact that his portrait business was relatively stable now, he wouldn''t have dared to practice. Once the secret medicine was ready, he poured it out to cool and Chen Mu drank it in one gulp. After massaging his stomach a few times, he began to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique in the courtyard. Chen Mu''s figure darted back and forth, sprinting around the courtyard at a speed that ripped through the air, making his sleeves rustle loudly, comparable to a hundred-meter dash. After running for a quarter of an hour, Chen Mu stopped and took a deep breath. His heaving chest quickly calmed down. As his proficiency in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique increased, its effects began to show. Chen Mu''s overall physical qualities improved. His strength, speed, and endurance all increased to varying degrees. After sprinting hard for a quarter of an hour, he recovered from his breathlessness rapidly and even had energy to spare. "This speed, if it were in the Olympics in my previous life, wouldn''t have won a single sprinting or long-distance championship!" Writing: 1245/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 663/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 2465/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 1050/10000/First Rank; "Gained another 15 points of experience." "It really is better with the secret medicine," Chen Mu sighed. Over twenty some days of practice, each session with the full effort combined with secret medicine could yield between 8 to 15 points of experience. The most experience was gained just after taking the medicine, and then it would decrease. Since each practice session required his full effort, he could only practice six or seven times a day at most. Any more would lead to unbearable soreness throughout his body. Probably reaching the limits of what his body could handle. In this way, he could raise his proficiency by about fifty points a day. "A breakthrough to Second Rank causes a qualitative change, which will likely lead to Muscle Transformation," he thought. Sheng Hong told him that the Shape Cultivation Technique undergoes three transformations: Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, and Marrow Transformation. Each transformation would significantly enhance physical fitness, breaking through the limits of ordinary people. "Based on fifty points of experience a day, it will take about 179 days to achieve Muscle Transformation, which is about half a year," Chen Mu calculated silently. "Half a year''s practice to surpass most ordinary people isn''t so bad. Hehe." As for how long it would take to achieve the other two levels, he could not guarantee. It was said to get increasingly difficult. Luckily, he had the proficiency from the Grey Wall, so with diligence, success was always within reach. Thinking this, Chen Mu felt suddenly at ease. So, he continued to practice. ... The morning passed quickly. Chen Mu lit the fire to cook. He boiled some barley, stir-fried a green vegetable, sliced two jin of braised meat, and ate heartily. Just a few more days, and the scholar would die in an accident, securing his safety completely. "I''ve told you before, this line of work is treacherous, you really can''t handle it," Master Yan sneered. "Good advice is beyond the reach of the damned," he muttered. "If the scholar is dead, so be it. I need to think of a way to bluff my way through with the boss from the east side of the district," Master Yan considered. As he pondered how to deal with the suspicions of the Miao Hua Workshop''s boss, Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through. Master Yan involuntarily opened his eyes and realized that for some unknown reason the carriage had stopped. Just as he was about to ask what was happening, he discovered someone sitting opposite him. Master Yan was suddenly startled. With the chill breeze fluttering the carriage curtains, the moonlight penetrated the interior, illuminating half of the face of the person opposite him. Master Yan immediately felt as if his heart skipped a beat. "You... you are!" Pff! A flash of silver. Master Yan suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, his body stiffened for a moment, then he began to shudder. Before long, he was completely lifeless. The curtain flapped, the moonlight shone, and an indifferent face was revealed. Looking closely, this face resembled seven or eight parts that of the prime suspect in the annihilation of the Wang family, whose head had been chopped off! The figure just coldly watched Master Yan''s face, frozen in fear and pallor. The next moment, as a cool breeze blew, the figure vanished without a trace. ... At the entrance to the County Government Office of Qingshan County, Chen Mu had just stepped out of the office when he ran into Head Constable Lu. "Young Master Chen, it''s been a while," Head Constable Lu greeted with a smile. "Head Constable Lu seems to be in better health," Chen Mu responded with a smile as well. Last time, when they arrested the prime suspect in the Wang family''s annihilation, Head Constable Lu had been injured and had taken some time to recover. "All better now," Head Constable Lu said nonchalantly, waving his hand: "How is your Shape Cultivation Technique coming along, Young Master Chen?" "Forget it, I''m just not cut out for it," Chen Mu said with a look of frustration. Head Constable Lu''s smile faltered; he had been counting on making some money from Chen Mu, and now he was giving up? "If there''s anything you don''t understand, you can come to me," Head Constable Lu offered with sincere looking passion. "Really!" Chen Mu''s face lit up with surprised joy. "Of course!" Head Constable Lu beamed with smiles. As long as he gets a taste of progress, he could always lure people to Sheng Hong. Having spent quite a bit of money on recovering from his injuries recently, he was in need of some income. "Ah, let''s just forget it. Martial arts practice is just... too tiring..." After saying this, Chen Mu walked away with a look of embarrassment. Head Constable Lu, who was about to continue persuading, was suddenly left standing in place, stunned. Too tiring? How am I supposed to convince you then? Which martial arts practice isn''t tiring! He watched Chen Mu''s retreating figure as if he was watching a big lump of long-legged silver slip away. It''s gone... Chapter 16: 16 Chaos Turning around the street corner and dodging the gazes fixed on him, Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Still trying to cheat me out of my money, no chance!" he became even more convinced that Constable Lu and Sheng Hong were in cahoots. "I used to think this guy was a good person." Chen Mu lamented. Smiling to your face, but stabbing you in the back behind it. The world is a treacherous place! "Not many simple folks like me left in this world..." Chen Mu sighed. ... East Market "Zheng Tu, why has the price of meat gone up again?" Chen Mu asked with a frown. Last time he had come to buy, it had been twenty-six copper coins per jin, but now it had risen to thirty-two. "There''s nothing I can do; the animal traders were attacked by bandits, now I''m selling the ones I raised myself." Despite the higher prices, Zheng Tu didn''t seem too happy. "Robbed again? Are you sure the animal traders aren''t just raising prices to scam people?" Chen Mu was suspicious. "I''ve asked around; things are indeed not very peaceful outside lately," said Zheng Tu with a worried tone. Chen Mu''s curiosity was piqued, and he didn''t rush Zheng Tu, instead chatting and taking the opportunity to find out more about the outside world. He had been in this world for three or four months, cooped up in Qingshan County, and his knowledge of the outside world was limited to his predecessor''s vague memories. "We''re still okay here, being in a remote location, relatively peaceful. I heard that some places are already in revolt, with bandits rampant." "Recently, quite a few refugees from war-torn areas have come to our Qingshan County." "I hope our place doesn''t start to get chaotic." Zheng Tu worried as he cut the meat, he could only do business well in peaceful times. "By that reckoning, is Qingshan County actually one of the safe places?" Even in this so-called place of safety, people dared to massacre entire families; how chaotic must the outside world be? Unimaginable! Before, he had thought of wandering around different places. But with the outside world being so dangerous, Chen Mu started to hesitate. "Better to just eat meat and train in peace." Without formidable skills, he shouldn''t think about running around everywhere. With his proficiency cheats, Chen Mu had no doubt about his training speed. "It won''t be too late to make my mark once I''ve mastered the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique." ... At first, Chen Mu thought his life would be full of ups and downs, magnificent and spectacular. After some time, he realized that it wasn''t that different from his previous life. Every day, he would wake up, wash up, eat, train, and every three or four days, he would go out to paint portraits to earn money. Just like going to work and punching the clock every day in his past life. ... Two days later, Chen Mu left Chen Family Village with dozens of qianxu grass stems. In Qingshan County Town, one plant cost half a tael of silver, close to six hundred copper coins. The herbalists bought from villagers, giving only sixty copper coins per plant. Even selling directly to the town''s medicine shops, the most he could get was seventy copper coins. Nearly tenfold profit! "That''s so dark!" Chen Mu shook his head and complained. After leaving Chen Family Village, he didn''t head straight back to town; instead, he took a detour, venturing once more into the forest. He hadn''t forgotten that he came here not only to collect herbs but also to test the Shape Cultivation Technique. Burrowing into the mountains, Chen Mu tightened the bundle on his back and moved forward cautiously. In the mountain, there were not only fierce beasts but also poisonous insects; sometimes a seemingly insignificant bug could take a person''s life. While being mindful of his surroundings, Chen Mu gradually picked up the pace. At first, he merely walked briskly, but soon he was running. A jutting rock, a broken, withered tree trunkanything could serve as a leverage point for him. Chen Mu was like a cheetah, darting rapidly through the woods, his clothes flapping loudly in the wind. He charged up to the top of a small hill in one breath, feeling exhilarated, and couldn''t help but let out a loud roar. "Haha... exhilarating!" His speed, strength, and reaction time had all surpassed that of an ordinary person. This would have been unimaginable in his previous life, and he couldn''t help but feel excited. He was just thinking about roaring again. "Ao..." A fierce beast''s howl suddenly filled the air. Chen Mu involuntarily ducked his head. "Stay low-key, low-key, can''t get carried away!" The deep forests were home to tigers and other fierce beasts! If he were to encounter one with his physique, he might meet his end right there and then. He quickly left the hillock and raced towards a wooden cabin nestled in the forest, where hunters had built a temporary camp. After placing his belongings inside, Chen Mu didn''t wander far but stayed nearby in the woods to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. The complex environment increased the difficulty but also added to his gains. After six continuous rounds of practice, he had increased his proficiency by more than seventy points. "If combined with the Secret Medicine, my proficiency would increase even more!" Chen Mu was almost tempted to live in the woods permanently. "Can''t rush this, need to plan for the long term," he thought to himself. He still needed to earn money from painting, and if he wanted to practice in the mountains, he needed careful planning. Chapter 17: 17 Jie Jia West Market, Qingshan County. As the sun rose, the streets gradually filled with people. The quiet West Market started its noisy day. Tianyi Studio antique shop. The white-haired and bearded owner, Jie Jia, opened the doors punctually. He first carefully swept the already clean and tidy ground. Then he meticulously wiped the shiny and new-looking curio shelves. His back hunched, his movements were slow but steady. He exuded a sense of tranquility that contrasted sharply with the noisy crowd outside the door. Chirp chirp! A flash of black light zipped by. A fist-sized, pitch-black bird had unexpectedly landed on Jie Jia''s shoulder at some point. Jie Jia seemed accustomed to this. He ignored the bird on his shoulder until he had wiped every last corner of the curio shelf. Only then did he reach out to grab the black bird, removing the small bamboo tube from its ankle and pulling out the slip of paper inside. It was a string of numbers with an inscrutable meaning. "Chen Mu, Chen Family Village, one hundred taels. Big business," Jie Jia remarked expressionlessly. Pinching the slip of paper between his thumb and forefinger, he rubbed it lightly. Accompanied by a whiff of black ashes swirling in the air, the paper vanished without a trace. A young man in a gray robe entered the shop, nodded respectfully to Jie Jia, and then walked honestly behind the counter. He took out a brand-new piece of gray cloth from his bosom, carefully laid it on the chair, and cautiously sat down. Jie Jia glanced at him and walked out of Tianyi Studio without a change in his expression. The young man in gray breathed a sigh of relief. "Who knows which unlucky soul is so fortunate to deserve the respected Jie Lao''s personal handiwork," the young man in gray clicked his tongue in amazement. His arm subconsciously reached out to rest on the counter, but froze just before touching the surface. "I heard that Jie Lao has a cleanliness obsession. I... I better just sit still," the young man in gray quickly put his hand back on his knees, still shaken. He sat as if he was standing in punishment, meticulously behind the counter, doing his best not to touch anything there. Jie Lao was one of their top assassins at Zhu Yi Building. If he was killed just for dirtying the counter, that would be truly unjust! ... Behind Chen Family Village on the mountain. A red-scaled snake dangled its body from a tree branch, stretching towards a nest on the limb. Whoo whoo... puff! The snake''s head burst open unexpectedly. The next moment, a figure shot out from beneath the tree. Chen Mu ran through the mountains like a leopard. He threw pebbles from his hands from time to time. A palm-sized leaf thirty meters away suddenly had a hole pierced through it. "I am a doctor, here in the mountains to gather herbs," the old man explained with a chuckle. A doctor? Gathering herbs? Then why isn''t he carrying a basket for herbs? Forget it, it''s just a cup of water. "Just a moment." Chen Mu agreed and washed the blood off his hands. He went inside the wooden cabin to dry his hands and returned to Jie Jia''s side with a water flask in hand. "Here you are, sir," Chen Mu said, offering the bulging flask to the old man with both hands. Jie Jia watched Chen Mu approach with a smile, the silver flash in his right hand behind his back disappearing in a moment. He reached out his right hand towards the water flask. Suddenly, a dark shadow descended from the sky. Squeak squeak! A fist-sized black bird landed abruptly on Jie Jia''s shoulder. Jie Jia''s eyes narrowed involuntarily. The dark bird was a messenger bird from Zhu Yilou. Its sudden arrival meant that there must have been a change in the mission. The smile that was feigned on his face immediately disappeared. Reaching out, he took off the bamboo tube and pulled out a paper note. "The employer is dead, the mission is cancelled?" Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu expressionlessly, "You''re very lucky." Chen Mu looked at him, utterly baffled, "What do you mean, elder?" "Don''t play dumb," Jie Jia said expressionlessly, staring at Chen Mu, "You''re hiding Lime Powder in your sleeve, aren''t you?" "You''ve got it all wrong, elder. It''s just a sachet," Chen Mu earnestly said, pulling out a cloth bag from his sleeve. "I was using Lime Powder to kill people before you were even born," Jie Jia snorted coldly. "You''ve really got the wrong idea, elder. If you don''t believe me, I can open it and show you," Chen Mu insisted seriously. "If you dare to open that cloth bag and sprinkle it on me now, I''ll kill you immediately!" Jie Jia said coldly, his gaze fixed on Chen Mu. "Sigh, you have such a deep misunderstanding of me, elder. I''m truly not that kind of vile person," Chen Mu said, his face full of helplessness as he put the cloth bag back into his sleeve. "You''re very lucky, the one who wanted you dead is no more. I don''t do business at a loss. You can rest easy," Jie Jia stated indifferently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia, shocked, "Kill me? Elder, you really have quite the sense of humor. I''m just a straightforward scholar; who would want to kill me?" "Straightforward? What kind of straightforward scholar carries Lime Powder around to harm people?" Jie Jia said, with a disdainful snort. Saying this, he reached out to take Chen Mu''s water flask. He had rushed all the way here, dealing with locating the target and preparing assassination methods, and he was indeed a bit thirsty. "Forget it, a person''s prejudice is like a mountain that can''t be moved. No matter how I explain, you won''t believe me," Chen Mu said dejectedly as he carried the water flask back to the wooden cabin. Jie Jia''s hand came up empty, "Hey... this stubborn scholar." "Could I really have been wrong in my suspicion?" "That smell was Lime Powder, wasn''t it?" "No, not right!" Jie Jia''s face darkened, "This little bastard couldn''t have poisoned the water, could he?" So prejudice is like a mountain? He sure acts the part damn well! Chapter 18: 18 Chief Inside the hunter''s cabin. Chen Mu stared fixedly through the crack in the window at the white-haired old man outside. Only when he saw the man disappear quickly, as if strolling leisurely, did Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Wiping his forehead, he realized he had broken out in a cold sweat. "An assassin?" "Who wants to kill me?" "What does it mean that the client is dead?" "Could it be a trick to lower my guard, then take the opportunity to kill me?" Chen Mu''s mind was in turmoil. He practiced his calligraphy and painting diligently, earning his money the hard way; and yet someone wanted him dead?! The world is fraught with difficulties, the human heart full of malice! "I must master power as quickly as possible!" The figure of the white-haired man had completely disappeared. Chen Mu strapped a water bladder mixed with several kinds of snake venom around his waist. He adjusted the lime powder hidden in his sleeves. In his right hand, he clenched a handful of dozens of sharp-edged stones. A cleaver for splitting firewood was secured at his lower back. Carrying the prepared rabbit, Chen Mu exerted his full strength in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique and headed straight toward the side of the forest, opposite to where the old man had left. Although it was a longer route, he felt safer. He had no desire to encounter the white-haired man again. ... He proceeded with extreme caution. Chen Mu was like a frightened bird; any rustle of the wind or shake of the grass made his heart jump with fear. It wasn''t until dusk that he sneakily made his way back home to Qingshan County. "If they could find Chen Family Village, they could likely find this place too." "I have to move out as soon as possible!" Today''s ordeal had left Chen Mu severely lacking a sense of security. After putting away his things and hurriedly eating dinner, Chen Mu didn''t rest at home. With his bedding in tow, he climbed over the wall into the adjacent courtyard. Having lived here for so long, Chen Mu had already scoped it out. The courtyard to the west had been vacant for a long time. He decided to make do there for the night. "I need to figure out a way to rent this courtyard too." "No, it''s still too close." Chen Mu looked to the west side. "That residence also seems quite good." ... The next day, Chen Mu went to the East Market broker to rent the two adjoining residences. The annual rent was only a silver tael, which Chen Mu could now easily afford. After locking the door, he began climbing over walls, moving basic living supplies to his new home. He slept in the westernmost courtyard. Practiced martial arts in the middle residence. He didn''t give up the old house either, ready to use it as a decoy to fool others. Afterwards, he made a big purchase of a large amount of medicinal ingredients and buried himself in training. The secret medicine that accompanied the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had the effect of improving physique and healing injuries. Previously, he had only taken it once a day. Now, eager for power, Chen Mu took the secret medicine twice a day, coupled with moderate rest in between, increasing the frequency of his training. In the past, training in the Shape Cultivation Technique six or seven times a day would leave his body sore and weak, unable to continue. Now, with the secret medicine for recovery, he could train eight or nine times a day. His proficiency rapidly increased. Feeling his muscles become firmer, his speed and reflexes faster, Chen Mu became even more devoted. He even purposefully reduced the number of times he went out to paint portraits. ... Lastly, he grabbed a handful of pebbles and put them in his money pouch. ... Anle Square, Ruyi Residence. Chen Mu looked up at the three-story wooden building. It was now high noon and the building was bustling with business, teeming with people coming and going. "Young master, please. The lord is waiting in the third-floor private room," the gaunt middle-aged man led Chen Mu upstairs. Ruyi Residence occupied a vast area, with a constant flow of customers. The lively atmosphere filled the first-floor hall, while the third-floor private rooms were quiet. Chen Mu followed the gaunt middle-aged man to the third floor. A portly middle-aged man was already sitting inside the private room, flanked by two tall and strong bodyguards. Is this the Lord Zhen? Where is Master Yan? "Is this Young Master Chen in person?" Lord Zhen said with a smile. "It is I," Chen Mu replied calmly. "Come, come, please take a seat," said Lord Zhen, his face full of warmth. "I have long heard about Young Master Chen''s remarkable painting skills and always wanted to meet you. Today, I finally see you in person," Lord Zhen complimented. "Lord Zhen overpraises me," Chen Mu responded calmly. As expected of a businessman, Lord Zhen was adept at conversation and quite skilled in socializing. One moment he talked about interesting stories from Anle Square; the next, he praised Chen Mu''s superior painting skills. Chen Mu responded perfunctorily, a sigh of relief in his heart. It seemed that it wasn''t a trap. "I''ll get straight to the point. I would like to invite Young Master Chen to become the chief painter of our Miaohua Workshop," Lord Zhen got down to business. "Miaohua Workshop will be responsible for connecting Young Master Chen with clients, and we will not take a penny from the brush fee. In addition to that, there will also be a monthly salary of ten silver taels," Lord Zhen said earnestly. Become the chief painter? Chen Mu was surprised. What about Master Yan? Helping to attract business and an additional ten silver taels as a monthly salary, it seemed quite good. Such favorable terms couldn''t be a scam, could they? "As the chief painter, Young Master Chen only needs to paint a few portraits for Miaohua Workshop when necessary," Lord Zhen said laughing. Chen Mu understood. His painting skills, combined with modern techniques, were indeed hard for anyone else to imitate at the moment. Miaohua Workshop wanted to use him as a signboard. He could earn money securely, while the other party would boost their influence. "Agreed! I accept," Chen Mu no longer hesitated. As for Master Yan. If he really dares to cause trouble, he would receive another grand gift! After that, there was a feast with eating and drinking, and Chen Mu did not leave Anle Square until evening. ... Inside the private room of Ruyi Residence. Lord Zhen, leaning against the window, enjoyed the view of Anle Square illuminated with the first evening lights, leisurely cracking sunflower seeds: "Is he sent back?" "My lord, he has returned," the gaunt middle-aged man walked in with a cup of ginseng tea in hand to reply. "With Young Master Chen, our Miaohua Workshop is secure. The owner has good strategies," the gaunt middle-aged man said smiling. Lord Zhen spit out the shell of the seeds: "I wonder where old Yan has gone off to. Without our signboard, a lot of business has been snatched by the Western City''s Red Pavilion." "Could it be that the Red Pavilion secretly took out old Yan?" the gaunt middle-aged man said gravely. "That damn woman is indeed capable of such a deed!" Lord Zhen said coldly, flicking away a seed shell. "This is what we''ll do. Tomorrow, find two skilled men to guard Chen Mu well. We can''t afford another lapse." "Yes." ... Outside the window of the wooden building, a dark figure gripped the eaves and hung silently in the air. "So they really wanted to hire me as the chief painter," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He flicked a pebble toward the ginseng tea in the hands of the gaunt middle-aged man. "Since it''s the real owner, I can''t let him be poisoned to death." "What a shame about that bottle of concentrated snake venom." Without heeding the chaos inside the room, he skillfully flipped onto the roof. With a few leaps, he disappeared into an alleyway. Chapter 19: 19 Employment Ping''an Square Chen Mu vaulted over the wall and jumped into the westernmost courtyard. He changed out of his black clothes and mask. Sitting at the square table, he slowly sipped a bowl of cool boiled water, calming his thumping heart. "Luckily, luckily..." he almost killed someone tonight! "It''s all because of this malicious world," Chen Mu thought bitterly. He, who had been a socially anxious shut-in in his previous life, now dared to poison and attempt murder?! "I just want to live an honest life and practice Martial Arts in peace and stability," Chen Mu felt somewhat wronged. "I still need to act low-key. Keeping a steady hand in everything is always right." Just a Second Rank painting skill attracted so much malice in succession. If he exposed his ability to learn Shape Cultivation Technique so quickly, it might bring even more trouble. "I mustn''t let anyone detect my Martial Arts Practice," Chen Mu became even more cautious. ... Half a month later Chen Family at Ping''an Square. A serving of cold mixed vegetables, a serving of crystal pork knuckles, and a serving of brown rice. This was Chen Mu''s lunch. Picking up a piece of crystal pork knuckle and chewing it slowly, Chen Mu showed a satisfied smile. "An unexpected delight." Just recently, Chen Mu discovered a new skill on the gray wallcooking. He felt a tangible change not long after it was listed. Previously, when eating meat, he would just boil it in plain water. It was edible, but in terms of flavor, he could only say it tasted salty. Now, he truly understood what deliciousness meant. With this skill in hand, Chen Mu, of course, would not shortchange himself. Taking out recipes he had heard of or seen in his past life, he began experimentally cooking. The crystal pork knuckle was one of his trials. "Looks like I''ll be enjoying good food from now on." ... After the meal, having cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks, Chen Mu sat at the square table, drinking sour plum soup to help with digestion. He had been a painter at the Wonderful Painting Workshop for half a month. The most obvious change was that his brush money had increased. It doubled, with each portrait earning at least twenty Silver Coins. But the number of portraits had decreased accordingly. Previously, in half a month, he would have to paint three or four portraits. But now, he had only completed two in total. Yet, the pursuit of his artwork by clients had risen instead. "Ancient version of hunger marketing?" The Wonderful Painting Workshop certainly had the capacity, no wonder it occupied half of Qingshan County''s painting and calligraphy industry. "Apart from mandatory labor for the County Government Office, I can earn from eighty to a hundred Silver Coins a month." This was enough to support his current expenses. Well-fed and content, Chen Mu changed into a gray and white long robe. Chen Mu walked over to open it. "Young Master Chen, where should I put the stuff?" A man in his forties with dark features stood at the door, inquiring. He wore patched clothing and had calloused hands, indicating he was a laborer accustomed to hard work. At the moment, he turned slightly, revealing a large bamboo basket on his back filled with more than ten pounds of fresh meat. "Old Li, please help me carry it into the room," Chen Mu said with a smile. This man was a porter from the Xue Family''s East Market cargo depot. After placing the fresh meat properly, Chen Mu handed Old Li ten copper coins. "Thank you, Young Master," Old Li said with a smile as he accepted them. "I heard last time that your cargo depot''s runners are also ranked?" Chen Mu asked. "Right, I''m just a straw sandal. Above me are bronze shoes and iron shoes, and even gold boots and silver boots. Young Master Chen is..." Old Li looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "I want to hire a silver boot, go back and tell your boss. Have him arrange for someone to come and negotiate with me tonight," Chen Mu whispered. He had already found out that the Xue Family''s cargo station specialized in armed escort and courier services. The highest rank was the gold boots, with the best secrecy. They even participated in escorting the County Government Office''s tax silver. But the gold boots operated as a team, deploying more than ten people at a time. The silver boots were next, also offering a high level of security and confidentiality. And they could be hired individually or in groups. He planned to have the Xue Family''s cargo station help him purchase the Shape Cultivation secret medicine. "Alright! Rest assured!" Old Li was immediately overjoyed. Just by passing on this message to his boss, if a contract were signed, he would also receive a lucrative commission. "Have someone come at night; I don''t want too many people to know about this matter," Chen Mu instructed. "Sure thing, you can count on me," Old Li hastily assured in a low voice. After sending off Old Li, Chen Mu closed the door and processed the fresh meat. "Having the cargo station buy the medicinal ingredients isn''t completely confidential, but at least it''s not me personally, it should shield me from the obvious attention," Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at the front door. He didn''t want the Miao Hua Workshop to know that he could practice martial arts. "And there''s that Captain Lu." The man had influence in the area, and if Chen Mu tried to buy the medicine himself, he might be discovered. If Captain Lu found out, then so would Teacher Sheng Hong. The latter was accustomed to earning silver coins by baiting people with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. Having practiced the Shape Cultivation Technique after only one visit, the other party might not be content. Being discontented, he might create obstacles for him. Chen Mu was willing to spend money to avoid potential trouble. "No one knows I practice martial arts; it''s perfect as a trump card," Chen Mu thought gleefully. "I can also shift my practice time to the evening." At night, the two bodyguards at the door would leave, and he could practice to his heart''s content. "Then no one will know that I practice Shape Cultivation!" Chen Mu thought with glee. He washed the fresh pork belly, cut it into cubes, then rubbed and marinated it with salt and spices. Afterward, he cooked the meat until it was seventy percent done using a spice blend he had just mastered, then deep-fried it in vegetable oil. This series of actions greatly extended the fresh meat''s preservation time and enhanced its flavor. After all the work was done, the sky was already darkening. He took two cubes of the cooked meat to the two guards at the door and, amidst their grateful thanks, sent them away ahead of time. Chen Mu then made a cold vegetable salad and boiled a basin of white wheat porridge, sat down at the square table, and began eating the freshly cooked pork cubes, waiting for the Xue Family''s cargo depot to send someone. Chapter 20: 20 Muscle Transformation The sun set in the west, with clouds burning bright red like fire. A cool breeze began to rise in the courtyard. Chen Mu sat at the square table inside the house, looking through the open door at the distant horizon that was gradually darkening, and slipped a piece of crispy pork belly into his mouth. The outer crunch and inner tenderness of the meat, balanced with salty and savory flavors, made Chen Mu nod uncontrollably in approval. This was merely the skill of a First Rank chef. In his previous life, it was said that fine food should never be wasted, but most people only ate to fill their stomachs. Busy work consumed too much energy. The quick pace of life left no time for people to contemplate anything else. "I should really improve my cooking proficiency in the future." Having traveled through time, what''s wrong with taking a moment to appreciate good food? With the help of Miaohua Studio in handling portrait business, income wasn''t an issue. In a little while, I''ll find a Silver Boots errand boy to buy a batch of medicinal herbs, and there will be no more obstacles to practicing martial arts. Thinking about the hard days the original body endured, and then looking at the present situation. Chen Mu leisurely picked up a slice of cold mixed green vegetable, enjoying the chew. Upon looking up, he saw a dark shadow silently flip over the wall. Silver Boots? Because I said I didn''t want others to know, did he sneak in by climbing the wall? Quite professional! Just as Chen Mu was about to get up to welcome him, he caught the eye of the visitor. Silver-white hair and beard, eyes squinted to slits, an expressionless face... Isn''t this the assassin from Chen Family Village?! Like someone had pressed the pause button, Chen Mu froze halfway to standing, stunned in place. Jie Jia: "..." Serendipity! "Ahem, how about we share a bite?" Chen Mu slowly sat down, feigning ease. "I''m afraid of being poisoned to death," Jie Jia replied indifferently without even lifting his eyelids. "Old sir, it seems you have quite a misunderstanding about me," Chen Mu said, shaking his head helplessly. Jie Jia''s eyes slowly rolled, fixating on the sleeve of Chen Mu''s clothing. Misunderstanding? How thick does one''s skin have to be to spread poison while talking about misunderstandings? "What do you need Silver Boots for?" Jie Jia asked, his face expressionless. Silver Boots? This old assassin is a Silver Boots from the Xue Family warehouse? An assassin taking on errand work? Chen Mu''s expression turned peculiar. Is the assassin business that tough to get by? "I want to buy a batch of medicinal herbs." As long as he''s not here to kill me, it''s all good. "The list," Jie Jia said, cutting to the chase. "It''s right here." Chen Mu quickly took out the detailed list of herbs he had prepared in advance. Besides the essential herbs for Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, he added quite a few other items, mainly to throw off any potential prying eyes. "How much is the commission?" asked Chen Mu. "Ten... twenty silver taels," Jie Jia said calmly, without expression. Fine beads of sweat emerged from his forehead, and a sense of pleasure and relaxation spread through his limbs. Exercise stimulated the brain to produce endorphins, creating a sense of joy. In his former life, he had always heard about this, but as an overweight individual, he never experienced it. Now he had, and he was enjoying it immensely. As he was slowly stretching, a sudden epiphany washed over him. Soon after, a surging heat coursed through his body from every direction. His muscles twitched involuntarily, as if there were mice scurrying and crawling just under his skin. A pleasant tingling sensation enveloped him, and a special tissue formed beneath his skin. It took a while for Chen Mu to come back to his senses. Still feeling the afterglow in his mind, Chen Mu couldn''t help but stretch his mouth into a smile, "A breakthrough?!" Writing: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3316/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 8/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 2642/10000/First Rank; He rolled up his left sleeve and pinched his skin. A sensation resembling the toughness of leather came through. "It''s like wearing a layer of thin armor." Swinging his fist through the air, the sound of the wind whistled. "My strength has increased too." With a push from his toes, his power burst forth, and his figure vanished on the spot. The earthy yellow wall of the courtyard loomed rapidly. The next moment, his body came to an abrupt halt, almost against the wall. With another thrust, he blinked back to his original position. "My speed and reactions are faster! I could leave my earlier self two streets behind!" "Defense, strength, speed, reaction timemy physical abilities have improved across the board!" "This is Shape Cultivation!" In that moment, he thought of the head constable Liang, who could leap five or six meters at a time, and suddenly felt that such a feat was no longer out of reach. "It''s all about grinding the proficiency, right?" Thinking it over, Chen Mu bent down and picked up a pebble. Whoosh! Thwack! A finger-sized hole appeared in the adobe wall. Looking through the round hole, one could even see the street outside. "And I''ve also increased the power of the Flying Locust Stone?" "Great!" At that moment, the scent of cooking wafted into his nostrilsthe wheat rice was ready. "With a second-rank breakthrough in Shape Cultivation and having achieved Muscle Transformation, I must treat myself." "Fried squared pork, cold mixed vegetables, and a bit of flavored cured meat. Deliciousness to the extreme!" ``` Chapter 21: 21: Reunion Having broken through the Muscle Transformation phase, Chen Mu was in high spirits all day. In addition to the customary practice of Flying Locust Stone and Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu made a special trip to Anle Square''s Ruyi Residence. This was the famous vegetarian restaurant in the whole Qingshan County. In the past, he couldn''t afford to spend money here. He didn''t go for a private room, simply finding a seat in a corner of the main hall and ordering a full table of dishes. While leisurely savoring the food, he listened to the storyteller in the hall spouting tales. "The trend of the world is that after a long union comes a division. The nation of Da Liang has reigned for over six hundred years, and now it is on the verge of decline." "Our place here, lying on the southwestern border, isn''t very prominent. In the Central Plains, various bands of righteous rebels march onto the stage; with camps established everywhere, it''s quickly becoming a complete mess." "Times of chaos reveal heroes. We won''t discuss the nation''s major affairs; today, let me tell you about a hero of these troubled times. This person''s Fist Technique is unparalleled, known as the Iron Fist Saint..." The storyteller''s narrative was engaging, and the people in the hall were listening with boiling enthusiasm. Chen Mu also found it fascinating. He had been burying himself in Martial Arts Practice, cut off from news. Hearing about the chaotic Jianghu for the first time, he was immediately captivated. "Iron Fist Saint? What kind of realm is that? The Marrow Transformation Level of Shape Cultivation Technique when it''s fully mastered?" Chen Mu thought enviously. "No rush, step by step, I''ll achieve Marrow Transformation sooner or later." Proficiency was his greatest asset. "Fortunately, Qingshan County is located in a remote area." At least it won''t be affected by these chaotic times. As long as he can calmly spend a couple of years, he can also master Shape Cultivation Technique. By then, even if it''s a time of chaos, he''ll dare to make a foray into it. ... In the evening. Chen Mu left Ruyi Residence still feeling content. The food was indeed delicious and the storyteller''s tale was captivating enough that, had it not been getting dark, he would have stayed even longer. Unfortunately, the world is not at peace. It is said that at night, mischievous spirits are most active. Since arriving in this world, he never went out at night without a special reason. The nighttime lanterns began to light up in Anle Square, with the faint sounds of joy and merriment drifting over. Chen Mu glanced at the pretty young lady not far away showing off her assets, looked up at the sun about to set, and smirked sheepishly, "Next time, definitely next time." ... At the Chen family residence in Ping''an Square. Upon returning home and securely locking the main door, Chen Mu noticed a person sitting in the dark room. Silver-white hair, eyes squinted into slits, an expressionless and stern face. Chen Mu walked calmly into the room; the old man''s sudden appearances and disappearances had become the norm for him. "The payment," Jie Jia stated succinctly, as always. "Just a moment," Chen Mu said calmly. He then lit the oil lamp, opened up each cloth bag, and carefully checked the medicinal herbs within. Before long, Chen Mu placed a small cloth bag in the middle of the table, staring at Jie Jia with a speechless expression, "This is fake medicine." "Did you notice?" Jie Jia said with an emotionless face, his eyes briefly scanning the herbs before a flash of disappointment crossed his face. Chen Mu: "..." What is there for you to be disappointed about?! "Every time you pass off fake medicine to trick me out of money. Do you find it amusing?" Chen Mu said helplessly. You say you''re a high and mighty assassin, so why skulk around and cheat when running errands? "It seems you have a deep misunderstanding of me," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu: "..." Why does this sound so familiar? Forget it, forget it, I''ll be the bigger person and not hold a grudge against this old man. After discounting the fake medicine, Chen Mu honestly handed the money to Jie Jia. Watching the other party disappear in a whoosh, so fast that Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "Still can''t beat him. Otherwise, I would definitely have given him a thrashing." The joy of breaking through the Muscle Transformation was instantly halved. "Just keep practicing." He was still a novice in Martial Arts Practice; the world was vast, and arrogance was unacceptable. "I need to find some books that record medicinal herbs." He had a deep impression of Chen Mu. Over the years, he had used the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique as bait to cheat countless simpletons. Learning Shape Cultivation Technique was not that easy. Anyone who came to him would have to spend at least three hundred taels of silver to realize the reality. But that scholar came once and never returned. He had missed out on two hundred taels of silver; how could he forget him? "Judging by that man''s movements and posture, it seems he has a hint of Shape Cultivation. Did he really master it?" Sheng Hong wondered. But then he shook his head and chuckled to himself, "How could there be so many geniuses in this world?" "Forget it, I shouldn''t think about him. Focus on fooling the young master in front of me. He''s the real easy mark," Sheng Hong thought, smiling at the clumsy movements of the young master of the Zuo Family, "With a big family and big business, maybe one score could set me up for the second half of my life!" ... Ping''an Square, within the Chen Family residence. "I never expected to run into Sheng Hong." Ever since he mastered the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Chen Mu had subconsciously avoided the areas where Sheng Hong frequented. Sheng Hong cheated people with the Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu had learned it in one go. Would Sheng Hong be content if he knew? Not only did Chen Mu avoid him, but he also avoided Officer Lu. The two were thick as thieves, and Chen Mu feared they would bring unnecessary trouble, which is why he had no choice but to hire someone with Jie Jia to buy medicine on his behalf, even though it was more expensive. "Judging by Sheng Hong''s expression, it seems he didn''t recognize me right away," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "Now that he has become the coach for the young master of the Zuo Family, he''s probably not going to dwell on me." Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan said that the Zuo Family was one of the six major families of Qingshan County. They owned vast lands outside the city and rows of shops within, their wealth astounding. "I heard the young master of the Zuo Family is a rakehell who frequents places of pleasure. He can''t bear hardship or fatigue, and practicing martial arts for half an hour a day is considered diligent." "Teaching such a student is a walk in the park." "Given the difficulty of beginner Shape Cultivation Technique, Sheng Hong could easily spend a year or more with the Zuo Family." "One hundred taels for seven days, half a year... Wow..." I would swap places with him if I could! "Forget it, forget it, the more I think, the more it stings. I''d better just focus on my own practice and eat my own food." Cold mixed vegetables, fragrant pan-fried fish, crystal pork hock, all complemented by a pot of steaming white wheat rice. Chen Mu set up a square table in the courtyard, enjoying the beautiful sunset as he savored the increasingly delicious food. With a considerable income, achievements in martial arts practice, and delicious food to enjoy, this was the life he had dreamt of in his previous life. "Scholar, enjoying yourself, are you?" a voice suddenly rang out from behind. Chen Mu shuddered and spun around abruptly. Unbeknownst to him, a figure had already appeared behind him. Sheng Hong?! The man had sneaked into his house without making a sound, and he hadn''t noticed a thing! "Master Sheng, would you care to join me for a bite?" Chen Mu gestured generously, pointing to the food on the table. "Won''t I be disturbing?" Sheng Hong asked with a teasing smile. "Not at all, it would be my honor to have Master Sheng join me for a meal," Chen Mu replied, as he prepared a fresh set of bowl and chopsticks. "Didn''t expect you to have this skill too," Sheng Hong mused, chewing on a piece of the crystal pork hock and marveling, "I hardly want to lay a hand on it now." Chen Mu''s scalp tightened at once. "Of course, I''m not the kind of person who is unreasonable," Sheng Hong said, leisurely eating the fish. "Six hundred taels, six hundred taels for your life, fair isn''t it?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but tremble all over. "Don''t say you don''t have it, I''ve checked very clearly, your income from painting for people every month is at least over a hundred taels. You''ve been at it for over half a year, how could you not have six hundred taels?" Chen Mu felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over him. He never expected that Sheng Hong had always been keeping an eye on him. "Haven''t you already become the coach for the Zuo Family?" Chen Mu asked incredulously, already making plenty of money, why still bother with me? "Who would complain about having too much silver?" Sheng Hong chuckled. "You''re not afraid of offending the Miao Hua Workshop!" Chen Mu roared in anger. Sheng Hong glanced at Chen Mu, "I advise you to just hand over the money willingly. Those two blockheads outside have already been knocked out by me. No matter how loud you shout, they can''t hear you." Had Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan already been taken care of? Even though Chen Mu had completed Muscle Transformation, Sheng Hong had practiced Shape Cultivation Technique for half his life and was at the very least in the Bone Transformation Realm. "Did you really knock those two out?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but ask. ``` Chapter 22: 22 Awareness "Why did you have to force me?" "Hey, that''s just the way the world works." Sheng Hong shook his head with an air of resignation, "Everyone does it, running into me was just your bad luck." "Are those two really knocked out by you?" Chen Mu asked, lowering his head. "Getting scared now?" Sheng Hong sneered teasingly, "If you''re scared, then be obedient and..." "Scared? No, I have to thank you." "What..." "Thank you for knocking them out!" Whistle! Slice! Blood splattered as Sheng Hong''s eyes bulged and half of his ear flew off. "You!" Sheng Hong looked at Chen Mu in astonishment. If he hadn''t dodged fast enough just now, his eyes could have been blinded! Whistling sounds ... A series of Flying Locust Stones came hurtling toward him. Sheng Hong''s figure blurred instantly, leaving a series of afterimages in his place. "Scholar, you''ve hidden your skills well!" Sheng Hong growled angrily, "Too bad, I''ve trained in dodging hidden weapons!" He pushed the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique to its limit, the Flying Locust Stones were ferocious, but they couldn''t touch him at all! Sheng Hong laughed viciously, "Wait until you''re in my hands, then we''ll see how I deal with you!" As soon as the words fell, pfft! A Flying Locust Stone grazed his right forearm, taking away a piece of flesh. "How is that possible?!" Sheng Hong''s heart suddenly tightened. "I clearly dodged it?" Thud! A Flying Locust Stone drilled through the left side under his arm, exploding a handful of blood flowers. Sheng Hong suddenly understood. He saw the Flying Locust Stones and made a move to dodge, but his body was gradually unable to keep up with the commands from his mind. He suddenly looked toward the square table. That meal ... Whistling sounds ... pfft, pfft, pfft ... A string of blood flowers burst open behind Sheng Hong. The Flying Locust Stones, still carrying momentum, thudded against the earthy yellow courtyard wall, leaving behind specks of dark red bloodstains. Sheng Hong glared at Chen Mu and fell to the ground with a thud. It took Chen Mu quite a while to come back to his senses, and he staggered to sit at the square table. When he turned to look at Sheng Hong, his head covered in fresh blood and his eyes wide open, his scalp abruptly went numb. He had committed murder... Having practiced martial arts for so long, he had had a premonition. Sooner or later, he would have to strike a deadly blow. He had rehearsed the act more than once. But now that it was really happening, Chen Mu felt his mind go completely blank. The next morning. Chen Mu waited for Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan to arrive. During their conversation, he made sure they hadn''t noticed anything unusual. He sent them away on the pretense of going home to visit relatives, then immediately packed up his things and left home, even loading the five hens from his house into a bamboo basket to carry. After leaving Qingshan County Town''s gates, he headed straight for the Chen Family Village. ... Da Liang, year 639, January 27th. Chen Mu opened his eyes to the chirping of birds. Stepping outside, the refreshing air with a hint of coolness invigorated Chen Mu. The sky was clear, and the distant hills were lush with green. The sounds of dogs barking and chickens crowing rose from everywhere, a peaceful village scene. His previously heavy mood was suddenly lifted. He had been in Chen Family Village for seven days. Today, he had the most restful sleep since he arrived. At first, every time he closed his eyes, he would see the image of Sheng Hong''s face covered in blood. Lying in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and even if he did fall asleep, he would often be woken by nightmares. During the day, he was distracted while practicing martial arts and working, almost hitting the wall a few times because he couldn''t stop his feet in time. It wasn''t until today that he began to calm down. He had thought through everything from beginning to end. Sheng Hong came to his door threatening him, saying that Chen Mu should pay for his life, but in reality, he was after his money and his life. If Chen Mu had obediently given him money, the other party would undoubtedly have silenced him by killing him. A martial artist who had practiced Shape Cultivation Technique and an ordinary person were practically two different species. Stronger and faster, killing an ordinary person would not be harder than swatting a fly. That''s why it was easier for them to take lives, or there wouldn''t have been the case of the Wang family''s destruction. "Sheng Hong dared to kill without restraint for money." "For protecting myself, why can''t I kill in self-defense?!" "Should I beg others to generously spare my life?" Recalling Sheng Hong''s proficient movements and expression, Chen Mu knew that it was not the first time he had plotted for money and murder. Chen Mu had an epiphany. "Sheng Hong was the pest of this world, deserving death! By killing him, I protected myself and many other innocent people." "It''s not me who''s in the wrong, but this world that tolerates the strong bullying the weak! It''s those villains with evil intentions!" "Facing the malice of this world, facing the overwhelming evil intentions of others, what should I do, what can I do? "Compromise and beg for mercy?" "No, no, no, I must respond with thunder!" Chen Mu took a deep breath. Next time... Next time, he would act even more decisively! To eradicate evil completely, one must be thorough! Chapter 23: 23 Open Source After adjusting his mindset, Chen Mu washed up and prepared a meal. Wheat rice, roasted wild rabbit, and a platter of wild fruits from the forest. This was the first time he had prepared a meal with care since returning to Chen Family Village. For the past few days, he had been in a daze, spending his days throwing stones in the forest to practice the Flying Locust Stone. This skill gave him a sense of security. The grasses, trees, insects, and snakes in the forest had brought him no small trouble. He brought up the grey wall. Writing: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 4623/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 216/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 2642/10000/First Rank; He had been slightly negligent in his Shape Cultivation Technique, gaining only about thirty experience a day. Instead, his throwing skill had advanced by more than half. His throwing technique had become more exquisite, and his mind was filled with numerous methods for making unique hidden weapons. Chen Mu couldn''t help but reflect. When he killed Sheng Hong, there was a stone that went straight for the other''s forehead. Sheng Hong''s forehead was cut open, his face covered in blood, but the bones were not broken. "Once Shape Cultivation reaches the Bone Transformation Realm, the bones become hard, and ordinary stones might not be able to damage them even if they shatter." "In a couple of days when I return to town, I''ll have a batch of special hidden weapons made." ... Three days later, Chen Mu had no choice but to return to Qingshan County Town. He needed to go to the Qingshan County Government Office to draw wanted posters. On his way back to town, Chen Mu appeared calm on the surface but was quite nervous inside. He was afraid that a group of Government Officials would jump out of a corner and tie him up tightly. But in reality, nothing happened. Sheng Hong''s disappearance was silent and unnoticed; no one cared. Even when Chen Mu left the County Government Office, no one troubled him. He even went out of his way to probe indirectly, inquiring about major events in the county. Besides the Zuo Family experiencing some evil spirits, resulting in the young master of the Zuo Family displaying great valor by cutting them down, there was nothing fresh to report. "Calm seas and gentle winds are good," Chen Mu reassured himself and headed home. On the way, he also stopped by the blacksmith shop and ordered a bag of Iron Lotus Seeds. He planned to upgrade his Flying Locust Stone. ... After cautiously investigating for a few more days and confirming that indeed no one had discovered Sheng Hong''s death, Chen Mu finally felt completely at ease. As days passed by day after day, the weather grew colder. People on the street wrapped themselves up as if they were zongzi (rice dumplings). Chen Mu also discovered another benefit of Shape Cultivationresistance to cold. After completing the Muscle Transformation, it seemed as though a special kind of tissue had formed under his skin, not only improving his defense but also enhancing his tolerance to temperature. He could feel the cold, but he wasn''t afraid of it. Chen Mu had prepared a full table of food at home. It wasn''t long before Jie Jia appeared, as if by magic, just like always. Even with Chen Mu''s current status at the Muscle Transformation Realm, he could only barely make out the other''s figure. This old man might even be at the Marrow Transformation Realm, a true master of the highest order. "Old Jie, care to join me for a meal?" Chen Mu invited warmly. Jie Jia scrutinized the dishes carefully, his eyes moving around, then fixed on Chen Mu, "Speak." "Speak what?" Chen Mu played dumb. "The payment for the goods," Jie Jia said flatly, throwing down the bag of medicines. If he wouldn''t say it, that was that. Chen Mu gave a sheepish grin; the old man was as blunt and straightforward as ever. "I''m looking to sell a Shape Cultivation Technique. Do you have a channel?" Chen Mu didn''t bother hiding it. Indeed, Chen Mu had his sights set on Jie Jia. The man was a secretive assassin with unique channels. "Twenty percent," Jie Jia stated blandly. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu was confused. Then it dawned on him, was he asking for a twenty percent cut as payment?! The greedy old man! "Fine!" Chen Mu said almost through clenched teeth. The Shape Cultivation Technique was powerful; ordinary people couldn''t afford it, and without a channel, it was indeed hard to sell! "Tomorrow evening, Ghost Market," Jie Jia said with a satisfied nod. This old man actually knew about the Ghost Market; he really did have connections! Having lived in Qingshan County for half a year, Chen Mu had heard plenty of rumors and bits of gossip. The Ghost Market was one of them. It was said that one could buy anything there, and they dared to sell anything! "Hurry up and give me the payment; I''ll go smooth things out for you at the Ghost Market," Jie Jia urged. "Alright," Chen Mu said, his face lighting up with joy. Selling the Shape Cultivation Technique would replenish a tremendous amount of his resources, allowing him to cultivate peacefully for a long time. Just as he was about to hand over the silver, he suddenly felt something was off. Asking for the payment in such a hurry? Chen Mu looked at the bags of medicinal herbs and then at Jie Jia, who seemed completely at ease. Approaching, he opened the bags and started checking them one by one. After a long while, Chen Mu pulled out a handful of herbs from the bottom of a bag and compared them carefully with those on top. They looked almost identical but... Chen Mu sighed, looking helplessly at Jie Jia. Lucky for me, I had been bored recently and read a few medical books, picking up some alchemy skills. Otherwise, you really would have pulled the wool over my eyes! Your counterfeiting technique has even improved, hasn''t it?! "Damn fake drug peddler," Jie Jia said coolly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia. If anyone else said that, they''d be criticizing the drug peddler for selling fakes. But when Jie Jia said it, damn, he was lamenting that the drug peddler''s fakes weren''t fake enough! Chapter 24: 24 Wholesale Ghost Markets have long existed around Qingshan County. They open on the third of every month. The location changes every time. Before each market opens, a group of carts and horses are specifically hired to transport guests into the Ghost Market. To find out the location of these carts and horses, one would need special channels. Jie Jia just happened to have a way of obtaining an entry ticket. As twilight fell, within a desolate village, Chen Mu, cloaked in a hooded cape with a black cloth covering his face, was wrapped up tightly. By his side was Jie Jia, dressed the same. Without speaking a word, the two walked along the village streets. On both sides of the road, many people set up stalls; some squatted down, whispering to each other from time to time. Whether stall owners or customers, everyone was wrapped up tightly, and they instinctively spoke in hushed tones when talking. Their voices blended together, sounding like numerous ghosts and spirits secretly whispering to each other. "This is the place," Jie Jia led Chen Mu to the front of a dilapidated house. Chen Mu nodded at Jie Jia, holding the scroll as he nervously walked into the room. A person wearing a malicious ghost mask sat silently behind a grayish-white square table. "What does the guest want to sell?" the masked person asked softly. By this point, Chen Mu was no longer hesitant; he clenched his teeth and said, "I want to sell a Shape Cultivation Technique." "Please, take a seat," the voice of the masked person couldn''t help but rise in excitement. Shape Cultivation Technique was indeed valuable stuff! "May I take a look?" the masked person asked eagerly. A wave of joy washed over Chen Mu''s heart. The Shape Cultivation Technique was really worth money. Thinking this, Chen Mu placed the scroll on the table and unrolled a third of it. The masked person couldn''t help but stand up, "Excellent drawing skill!" The more detailed and accurate the manual, the higher its value. Chen Mu smirked. This was drawn with Second Rank drawing skills; how could it not be excellent? Compared to those roughly sketched manuals, this manual of his could be considered a collector''s edition! Selling such a precious manual for a thousand or eight hundred silver wasn''t too much, right? With this silver, I could stock up on food and medicine and hole up at home to practice diligently. Once I have mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique, I wouldn''t be afraid even if ten Sheng Hongs came at me! As Chen Mu daydreamed, he suddenly heard the masked person tsk, "It''s a pity..." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "The item is great, it''s just that..." the masked person shook his head and sighed. "What''s wrong?" Chen Mu became increasingly anxious. Chen Mu: "..." Goodness gracious! Now that you''ve mentioned it, damn, I''m not tired anymore! "Let''s get to work!" ... In a corner of the Ghost Market, inside a ruined house without a roof. A young man in his twenties stood quietly in the room. A white paper oil lamp hung on the wall. The dim candlelight flickered, casting an intermittent glow on his fair complexion. Soon, a person in a ghost mask quietly entered the room, full of joy, "Young Master Zuo, sorry to have kept you waiting. This is what you asked for." While speaking, he unrolled a painting scroll. The young man looked at the scroll, his expression changing, "Such skilled brushwork!" "This is the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation manual," the masked man enthusiastically introduced. "My manual isn''t like what the others have, they are all poorly made and shoddy." "Just look at this brushwork, look at these detailed records. With such a manual, how could one fail to master Shape Cultivation?" Young Master Zuo listened to his introduction while examining the scroll, his expression growing more and more odd. "Just give me one thousand silver, and this generation-spanning Shape Cultivation manual can be yours." "Think about it, with this Shape Cultivation manual, couldn''t your Zuo Family establish a legacy through martial arts? The world is becoming more chaotic; those with the bigger fists get to talk, right?" "You''re right," Young Master Zuo said, his face filled with emotion as he withdrew his gaze. "Then the payment for the goods..." the man in the ghost mask was overjoyed. Shape Cultivation is not just any martial Skill; a mistake could cripple someone. A manual that meticulously indicates even the changes in muscle striations is worth a fortune! Lucky for him the fool who sold the manual had no clue about its true value, and fortunately, the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation had been so peddled that he had managed to send the guy away with just a few words. Bought for eighty silver, sold for a thousand, what a profitable business! Young Master Zuo clicked his tongue, "It''s just a pity..." The masked man''s heart skipped a beat. "The item is good, it''s just..." Young Master Zuo shook his head. "What''s the problem..." The man in the ghost mask felt a sense of de?ja? vu and anxiety. Young Master Zuo sighed and took a painting scroll out of a fabric pocket on the wall. That feeling of familiarity became stronger, and a bad feeling washed over the man in the ghost mask. Young Master Zuo silently unrolled the scroll. A row of lifelike figures appeared before their eyes, alongside a column of elegant charactersTrueRed Falcon Shape Cultivation. The man in the ghost mask: "..." Fuck! Is this the respect that Shape Cultivation deserves? Are they all bloody wholesaling it or what?! Chapter 25: 25 Third Rank The silvery moonlight spilled across the earth. A dark carriage moved slowly through the night. Chen Mu sat leaning against the carriage, holding a small cloth bag. He occasionally took out the silver inside to check if it was real, his face beaming, looking as if he had never seen the world. Opposite him, Jie Jia still sat with his eyes half-closed, expressionless. But his eyeballs under his eyelids kept moving, always subtly sweeping towards the cloth bag in Chen Mu''s hands. "Stop peeking already," Chen Mu glared disdainfully at the old man, "You''re a mighty killer that has seen it all, why are you so petty? Keep your cool!" Unmoved, Jie Jia simply stated, "Twenty percent." Chen Mu immediately felt breathless. They had sold seven copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique altogether. They had earned a total of seven hundred and thirty taels of silver. Twenty percent was one hundred and forty-six taels. Just doing this simple calculation made Chen Mu''s heart ache sharply. "Here, here, here..." Chen Mu counted out the silver grudgingly and threw it to Jie Jia. He had no choice but to give it; without the old man, he wouldn''t have been able to sell so many copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique. After putting away the money bag, he casually took out a book. This was a medical book he had just scavenged from the black market, preparing to use it to enhance the proficiency of his Pharmaceutical Technique. He valued this skill that he had developed unintentionally. The old man Jie Jia''s skills in adulterating medicines were getting better and better. If he didn''t hurry to enhance his proficiency in Pharmaceutical Technique, he feared he might be taken advantage of by the old man and die. ... Five days later, at the Chen Family residence on the west side of Ping''an Square. For safety reasons, including his own original yard, he had rented three residences in a row. At the moment, he was digging a hole in a room in the second residence. The place where the bed used to be was now cleared up. There was a hole in the ground about one meter in diameter. The hole, about four meters deep, connected to an underground space five meters in length and width. The ground was strewn with some sulfur lime for pest control and moisture prevention. Due to rising prices in Qingshan County, he was preparing to stockpile some medicinal materials and grain. These past days, he had been busy digging a cellar to store these supplies. In the following days, he went out several times, changing merchants on each occasion. Accumulating life essentials like wood, rice, oil, and salt in small amounts but frequently, he slowly stockpiled a large quantity. He even had Zheng Tu specifically gather a batch of dried cured meat for him, which was easy to preserve. Once Jie Jia delivered the medicinal herbs he had ordered, his accumulation of supplies was considered complete. Afterward, he stayed at home all the time. He spent his days practicing the Flying Locust Stone and the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. In between, he studied the newly acquired medical books, boosting the proficiency of his Pharmaceutical Technique. Life was monotonous but not without its flavors. "Interesting fellow." ... Inside the Chen Family''s courtyard in Ping''an Square. Chen Mu examined an Iron Lotus Seed he was holding. It was the size of a peanut, oval-shaped, covered in pits and craters as small as grains of sand, and extremely rough in texturethis was even after he had polished it; otherwise, it would have been even rougher. Besides these, there were nine spiral lines on it, each painstakingly carved by himself. These were special patterns he had comprehended through his proficiency. Carved onto the Iron Lotus Seed, they were similar to rifling in a gun barrel, allowing the seed to spin upon release, increasing its power. He flicked his wrist. Whooo... Bang! A chopping board a palm''s thickness on the wall ten meters away was instantly pierced through. "Now, this can actually compare to the bullets of a handgun." Chen Mu carried a bag of Iron Lotus Seeds and kept throwing them relentlessly. In no time, the locust wood chopping board on the wall was riddled with holes like a hornet''s nest. In the past, in order to hide his martial arts abilities, he dared not practice openly. Now, with Boss Zhen away and Miaohua Studio half-shut, Chen Mu''s portrait business had come to a complete halt, and Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan hadn''t turned up since a certain day. Chen Mu found himself delightfully free. He let loose and practiced martial arts at home to his heart''s content. Whoosh! Bang! He threw the last Iron Lotus Seed. The chopping board instantly exploded into a mass of splinters. At that moment, a surge of heat suddenly flowed from all over his body. His arms, chest, back, abdomen, thighsmuscles all over his body undulated rhythmically, swelling up noticeably. Chen Mu quickly pulled out his gray wall. Calligraphy: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 2769/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 3016/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 1143/10000/First Rank; Breaking through to Third Rank in throwing can enhance physical fitness too? This feeling is almost the same as when I did the Muscle Transformation during the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation! Previously, practicing with the Flying Locust Stone, his body had been subtly and continuously strengthening. Now, breaking through to Third Rank, quantitative change had led to a qualitative transformation, and his strength and speed had soared once again. Lifting his shirt, he couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight of his sharply defined six-pack abs. This was the physique he had dreamed of in his past lifenow it had come so easily! Chapter 26: 26 Chaos Chaos came unexpectedly. One night in April, Chen Mu was sleeping deeply. Screams pierced the air. Chen Mu woke up instantly. Listening carefully, the faint sound of wailing made him realize, something had happened! Hurriedly putting on a garment, he leaped onto the roof. There he saw fires blazing across various parts of the town, with the sounds of fighting and screaming overlapping each other. An army attacking the city?! He dared not wander outside carelessly. In such chaos, one could easily lose their life without caution. He could only sit on the roof, vigilantly observing every movement in the surroundings. Fortunately, the bandits did not raid the common people first. They primarily targeted the big households within the city. The fires were mostly concentrated in the central area of the town. He stared tensely at the surroundings until the sky brightened, and the sounds of battle gradually subsided. Accompanied by the faint sounds of galloping horses, Qingshan County Town fell into a brief calm. As the sun rose, cries and wails rose again. In the chaos of the night, countless people had perished. Chen Mu bolted the main door shut, determined to stay at home and not go out. The bandits had just left, but the chaos had not yet ended. "Thank goodness I had hoarded a batch of food earlier." As grain prices continued to rise and news of the marauding armies spread, he had a bad premonition and decisively hoarded food and medicine. Now with grain in hand, he was not in panic. He barricaded all the doors of his three residences with wooden sticks, sealing them shut. Chen Mu huddled at home, quietly increasing his proficiency. "Just wait, when it''s completely calm, then I''ll go out and explore." ... Two days later, in the evening. Chen Mu ended a day of training, had his meal, and rested. His ears were carefully tuned to the sounds around him. The chaos was still not entirely over. In the middle of the night, sparse screams could still be heard. "What are the soldiers from the County Government Office doing?" Two days had passed, and the officials had yet to come out to sweep away the chaos and restore order. "Could they have been thoroughly slaughtered by the bandits?" The recently rising idea to go out and have a look was immediately dismissed. With his martial arts, he could outrun stronger foes if he couldn''t beat them. But if he were to reveal his martial arts skills, it might arouse curiosity, investigation, and ultimately lead to trouble. "I must skulk to live longer." The waters of this world were quite deep. ... Chen Mu had vanished from his original spot. The next moment, he appeared abruptly on the wall. His right hand clamped around Zhou Liang''s neck like an iron vice. A tremendous force allowed no resistance from the other party, grasping Zhou Liang''s neck and, like lifting a little chick, leapt down from the wall, bang, slamming against the opposite wall. Kneeling at the base of the wall, Zheng Huan only felt a blur before him, as Zhou Liang above him disappeared. Instinctively turning his head, He saw a muscular man, bare-chested, lifting Zhou Liang into the air with one hand. Watching Zhou Liang''s face turn red, his feet kicking wildly in the air, Zheng Huan turned and fled. Thwack! A splash of blood burst open at the back of his knee. Before a scream could escape his throat, his neck was seized by a large hand. Whoosh! The short cry flashed and was extinguished. The alley was empty, returning to silence once again. ... Under the cover of night, Chen Mu, carrying two people wrapped in straw mats, leapt and rushed across the rooftops. Two transformations had given his body powerful momentum. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique''s Soaring Leap was utilized to its utmost limit. Carrying two people, he moved so quietly that not a sound was made. Back at that deserted house, Chen Mu dug pits, buried bodies, filled holes, as familiar as the back of his hand. Then he rapidly cleared all traces from the scene and vanished after a few jumps. ... Ping''an Square, within the easternmost number one residence of the Chen Family. A four-sided table was lit by a single oil lamp. Under the dim yellow glow, A pile of assorted items lay scattered on the table. Copper coins, silver pieces, daggers, lime powder, knockout drug, Golden Sun pills... These were items scavenged from the bodies of Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan. Chen Mu, touching his chest, felt his heart still pounding, annoyed, said, "I had no choice but to be ruthless again." "Curse this damned world!" "Wouldn''t it be better to just be a good person like me?" Chen Mu sighed and began to check the copper coins and silver taels on the table one by one. Copper coins with copper coins, silver taels with silver taels, the poor quality knockout drug and lime powder were thrown away. Golden Sun pills? What the hell? Get rid of them! Finally, he picked up the two daggers on the table. Brown wooden handles and scabbards, oval brass guards, just long enough from elbow to fingertips. He drew the blade from the sheath; the bright silver blade still bore traces of blood. "These two really deserved to die." In two days of chaos, these blades had claimed who knows how many innocent souls. He found a cloth to clean the daggers, "In the future, I can only use you to eliminate evil more often, hoping to redeem you." Chen Mu pondered that once the chaos subsided, he would make another trip to the Ghost Market to look for a swordsmanship manual to practice. He couldn''t let the two daggers go to waste. Chapter 27: 27 Calming Down ``` After the incidents with Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan, Chen Mu was even less inclined to go out. He holed up at home to grind his Proficiency. Three days later, while Chen Mu was having lunch, he faintly heard the sound of gongs from outside. Followed by sporadic shouting. Chen Mu focused and listened attentively. The authorities had finally stepped in to restore order. Even so, he stayed home for another two days before venturing out. ... On the streets of East Market. The usual bustling scene was no more. There were few pedestrians, and the shops on both sides of the road had windows and doors in disrepair, suffering great damage. Walking on the street, one could occasionally hear wailing from the alleys. He hadn''t gone far before he encountered two funeral processions. These were the ones who had the means to hold funerals. Who knows how many bodies wrapped in tattered mats were buried in the mass graves outside the city. He had intended to visit Zheng Tu to buy some fresh meat. But from afar, seeing the closed shop, he knew it was a lost cause. So he turned to go to the Eight Directions Building in Anle Square. Many of the windows, doors, and chairs were new, probably also vandalized amidst the chaos. There were quite a few people inside the hall, drinking tea and chatting. Chen Mu wasn''t the only one here to gather information. As usual, he bought a pot of tea and a plate of sunflower seeds, sat in a corner, and listened to the storyteller recount the causes and consequences of the bandit uprising days ago. The defeated Gray Scarves breached the city... The bandits of Ai Mountain took advantage of the chaos... The traitors within opened the gates... Noble families were wiped out... Each explosive piece of news gave Chen Mu a headache. The County Magistrate has vanished? Has he fled or died? Young Master Zuo Sheng of the Zuo Family showed valiant prowess, beheading the second in command of the Ai Mountain bandits. Was this the same frail dandy he remembered? More likely another ''sheep in wolf''s clothing'' pretender. "Will the defeated army and bandits attack the city again?" This was Chen Mu''s main concern. Unfortunately, there were conflicting opinions in the teahouse and, after listening for a long time, he still couldn''t reach a definitive conclusion. "Forget it, better to just stay at home." Chen Mu stood up and left, no longer wishing to listen. As he reached the doorway, he faced a young man in white. "Young Master Zuo Sheng of the Zuo Family?" Chen Mu almost doubted his own eyes. The face was the same, and he looked as tall and thin as before. But now that his body had undergone two transformations, his senses were far beyond those of ordinary people. Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "You can name another price. Jie Jia''s gaze returned, and a flash of disappointment passed, "Two taels." Chen Mu: "..." Is he really that much of a swindler?! Tenfold! "Do I look that much like a sucker to you?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but ask. Jie Jia didn''t speak, only glanced at Chen Mu dismissively. Chen Mu suddenly felt as if he was choking on his breath. ... The year 639 of Da Liang, April 23rd. Chen Mu wrapped himself up tightly and took a carriage alone to the Ghost Market. It was different from what he had imagined. He had thought the Ghost Market would be as desolate as the East Market and West Market within the city. Instead, the flow of customers had surged dramatically, more than doubling since his last visit to the Ghost Market. Even though everyone unconsciously lowered their voices, the whole Ghost Market was still bustling. If it weren''t for the fact that everyone was wrapped up so tightly, Chen Mu would have thought he had arrived at an open-air bazaar. Chen Mu walked silently on the deserted village streets, surreptitiously observing the vendors on both sides of the road. Compared to before, there were many more people selling jade and antiques. Qingshan County had been breached by rebels, ransacked by bandits from Ai Mountain, leading to many deaths and the enrichment of many people. If it weren''t for his certain abilities, Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan might well have appeared here too. Chen Mu no longer wandered and headed straight for a dilapidated house. ... "Are you here to buy or to sell?" a person wearing a smiling fat monk mask asked calmly from behind a square table. "To buy a Manual," Chen Mu replied, sitting down opposite of him. "Do you have any special requests?" the person in the smiling mask asked. A thought crossed Chen Mu''s mind, "Do you have a Shape Cultivation Technique?" "You''re looking for a Shape Cultivation Technique?" The person in the smiling mask couldn''t help but raise his voice. "You actually have one?" Chen Mu looked in surprise at the wooden cabinet behind the other person. Though all Shape Cultivation Techniques could trigger a transformation, they had different focuses. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique mainly emphasized speed, not strength. If he could master another Shape Cultivation Technique to complement it, he would be able to transform and develop in a well-rounded way! "You''re in luck, guest!" The person with the smiling mask turned around and pulled out a scroll from behind him. "We''ve just acquired a precious Shape Cultivation Chart. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the annotations are detailed, making it extremely easy for beginners," the masked person said eagerly, unfurling the scroll by one-third: "Please have a look," In the center, a row of lifelike little figures. On the right, a dense mass of tiny characters. To the left, a column of flowing large characters "TrueRed Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique" Chen Mu: "..." "Not for a thousand taels, not for five hundred taels, just for one hundred and eighty-eight taels. If you buy it, it''s not a loss, not a cheat; it''s truly, truly worth more than its price!" Chen Mu: "..." Hehe... Chapter 28: 28 Sleeve Sword Technique The man in the smiling mask went on and on without pause. Chen Mu could only maintain an awkward but polite smile, even though the other party couldn''t see his face. "Does the customer have any difficulty?" Sensing Chen Mu''s discomfort, the man in the smiling mask asked eagerly. "The item is good," Chen Mu first nodded affirmatively. After all, it was my own drawing. "It''s just a bit expensive," Chen Mu pretended to be regretful, "How about you knock off some of the price?" The man in the smiling mask was overjoyed. Finally encountered a big sucker! He couldn''t help but excitedly ask, "Can you accept one hundred eighty taels?" Chen Mu shook his head, "How about eight taels?" The man in the smiling mask: "..." Is this the freaking way to knock off zeros?! From the front end?! Chen Mu forced a laugh. I just couldn''t think of a good reason to refuse. "Eighty-eight taels then," the man in the smiling mask replied. Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be stunned. Is this a Shape Cultivation Technique? Is it so cheap? I''ve only sold seven copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique, can the market be that bad? ... An hour later, Chen Mu walked out of the dilapidated house feeling gloomy. He had replicated a total of seven Shape Cultivation Technique scrolls. But someone had replicated seventy! "Old Man Jie, you''re really ruthless!" Aside from that greedy old man, he couldn''t think of anyone else who would do this. It was only him who had the opportunity, the means, the ideas, and freaking action. But what made Chen Mu most gloomy was that he didn''t pay royalties! Go to Jie Jia to ask for it? Thinking of the coffins in Tianyi Studio, Chen Mu immediately shook his head. Forget it, isn''t it good to be alive? That old man was a high-profile top-notch killer. Shaking his head to disperse his gloomy mood, and touching the books in his bosom, Chen Mu finally felt satisfied. With his goals achieved on this trip to the Ghost Market, he had successfully purchased a suitable Sword Manual. After finishing his business, Chen Mu didn''t rush to leave but started strolling through the Ghost Market. With more people around, the Ghost Market became lively and lost its usual mysterious and frightening atmosphere. Chen Mu then dared to wander around. Upon closer inspection, the items sold in the Ghost Market were still very diverse. There were even people selling grain here. Chen Mu curiously went up to ask, and a bag of white wheat actually cost one tael of silver. Over a hundred pounds in one bag, it didn''t cost three hundred copper coins in the early days. After consecutive price increases, it only cost five hundred copper coins. Now it had jumped up to one tael of silver?! "Should I take some of the white wheat out of the cellar to sell?" Chen Mu was very tempted. It would be best combined with various unique hidden weapons. Chen Mu didn''t have the conditions for that. Since the Flying Locust Stone still increased proficiency, he didn''t plan to create any unusual hidden weapons. Chen Mu was very invested in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique because it could transform his body. Now that his proficiency had surpassed the halfway mark, it would take another two to three months to break through to Third Rank and complete his Bone Transformation. The progress in Pharmaceutical Technique was surprisingly fast. He had only read a few more medical books, and his proficiency quietly passed 6000. First Rank was basic, while Second Rank would bring a qualitative change. He was quite looking forward to Second Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, wondering what special changes would occur. The Sleeve Sword Technique was something he had picked up from the Ghost Market last time. It wasn''t complex, in fact, it was simple. The overall concept was: a sword hidden in the sleeve, suddenly drawn for a lethal strike. The manual detailed how to conceal the sword, how to concentrate power for the strike, and from which angles to secretly draw the sword. Chen Mu had practiced for several days just to get started. After that, with the help of increased proficiency, he practiced every day and made rapid progress. As proficiency improved and the environment of Qingshan County remained relatively calm, Chen Mu was quite satisfied with his life. There was just one thing that gave him a bit of a headache. He was running out of stored meat. Zheng Tu''s shop had been closed for a long time. Chen Mu had specifically gone to ask. Zheng Tu said that even he couldn''t get meat and had lost weight in his cheeks. He even wanted to buy some cured ham back from Chen Mu. Of course, Chen Mu shook his head and refused. With his high-intensity daily training, he needed a substantial intake of protein. If it weren''t for the five hens providing eggs. The little meat he had stored would have been gone long ago. Moreover, meats weren''t easy to store, and he hadn''t bought much in the first place. Now, his stockpile had reached a critical red line. ... May 21, Anle Square Bafang Building. "Doesn''t this make Li County Magistrate almost the same as the County Lord now?" one patron whispered, spitting out a melon seed shell. "The County Lord is gone. All the Government Officials obey Li County Magistrate''s orders. And the Commander-in-chief of the defense troops is from his Li Family. Now, he''s just missing the County Lord''s title." Another person explained. "Did the other two major families agree?" the first person asked, puzzled. "What''s there not to agree about? Just look up the hierarchy. Not to mention the three families, including the Wang, Zhou, and Zheng families that have been exterminated. All six families could claim relations." Another person scoffed. "You''re right." "The times are truly unstable, centuries-old families disappeared just like that. Alas..." another companion chimed in. "Exactly. If it weren''t for the Zuo family''s eldest unleashing his power, who knows, the Zuo family might have vanished too." In a corner, Chen Mu quietly listened to the news spreading all around. "It seems Qingshan County is temporarily stable." "But outside Qingshan County, it''s still not peaceful." Before coming here, he had made his way to Zheng Tu''s, only to find there was still no meat. He could only try his luck later at the East Market street vendors. Sometimes hunters from the villages below would come to sell game. Chapter 29: 29 Medicinal Baits Evening. Chen Mu frowned as he carried two fish home. He happened to come across a fisherman in the East Market and barely managed to snatch up the two fish for one hundred and forty copper coins. Then a steward from a wealthy household appeared and bought everything, fish and basket included. He couldn''t buy any more even if he wanted to. "Two fish aren''t enough." Chen Mu was distressed. The cured meat he had in his cellar was completely gone. He could only rely on eggs to supplement his protein every day. Shape Cultivation Technique consumed a lot, and eggs alone couldn''t sustain it. "I need to find a way to get some meat to eat." ... The mountains behind Chen Family Village. The dense forest exuded a faint smell of dampness mixed with decaying foliage. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a mottled pattern of light and shadow on the ground. A crystal clear droplet of water fell from a green leaf and landed in a puddle the size of a palm. Plop! A large foot stepped into the puddle, immediately splashing muddy water everywhere. Chen Mu looked around for a path, chopping off branches blocking his way with a machete, and continued to walk deeper into the woods. He had been wandering through the mountains behind Chen Family Village the entire morning, trying to hunt game to supplement his meat intake. The lack of nutrition was starting to limit the number of times he could practice his skills each day. "It''s a pity I don''t know how to track game." Experienced hunters could identify animal trails and knew the approximate areas where various game would roam. Chen Mu knew nothing and was blundering around in the mountains. He''d thought by just going into the mountains, he would quickly encounter game. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the luck of a protagonist. He could only roam the mountain in search of prey. "How great it would be if I could encounter a wild boar." With his current Third Rank Throwing Ability, combined with Screw Iron Lotus Seed, catching a wild boar would be easy. In the evening, Chen Mu returned to the hunter''s cabin, carrying an unidentified bird about the size of two fists. He begrudgingly plucked its feathers and cleaned it. After a bit of hustle, it was eaten up in just a few bites. If he hadn''t brought any dry food, he might have gone hungry! "I refuse to believe this. I''ll continue tomorrow!" ... Two days later. Chen Mu left Chen Family Village with a basket of Qiansu Grass on his back and two wild rabbits in hand. He had come to terms with his situation. After wandering for two days, the game he caught was still not enough to eat. The two wild rabbits he held were actually purchased from a hunter in the village! "Nothing is ever that simple." Chen Mu thought dejectedly. At this moment, there were still plenty of fish on the water''s surface, flipping and thrashing as if they were drunk. "If I had known, I would have brought an extra basket," Chen Mu thought with a look of regret. Fortunately, these fish would not die. After a while, they would regain their strength and start jumping again. Chen Mu packed up, sealed the basket tightly, and happily headed back to the city with it on his back. ... At Ping''an Square, at the Chen Family''s place. Only now did Chen Mu realize he had forgotten something. What was he going to do with so many fish? Even if he wanted to keep them, he didn''t have an aquarium. And the journey back from the riverside was not short; half a basket of fish had already died. If he didn''t deal with them quickly, they would soon start to stink and rot! "Misjudgment, lack of thorough consideration," he thought. Without further ado, Chen Mu immediately emptied the rice bin. He put the still-living fish into water to keep them. The dead ones he quickly gutted, descaled, cleaned, salted, and lit a fire to smoke them. He had to make these fish into smoked fish to extend their preservation time. After a busy round of work, he finally got everything processed. "I wonder if this will work." It was his first time making smoked fish, and he was very unsure about it. ... The next day, Chen Mu, smelling the strong salty fishy odor, looked dejected. "It failed." He had tried his best. Unfortunately, his culinary skills were still at First Rank, which wasn''t enough to assist in smoking the fish. "At least there''s still some live fish." Next to the rice bin, there was now an additional water bin. Both filled bins had plenty of fish swimming around in them. "Seems I need to buy a few more water bins." The smoked fish currently didn''t seem reliable. The best storage method, for now, was to keep them alive. "What to do with these fish now? Throw them away?" Chen Mu looked at the half-finished smoked fish hanging on the wooden rack. "I wonder if anyone at East Market would want them?" Despite some fishy smell, they had been roughly preserved with spices and coarse salt and had not completely spoiled. Even he could say that if they were placed in a spot with enough wind, they would dry quickly and turn into real salted fish. Unfortunately, Chen Mu''s home environment obviously didn''t belong in that category. ... Along the street of stalls in East Market. Chen Mu wore a wide-brimmed hat and was dressed in worn brown clothes. His face was also covered with a cloth. He had stained his hands, neck, and skin with medicinal liquid to appear reddish-brown. The entire disguise made him look like a fisherman weathered by wind and sun. He found a cool corner, opened his fish basket, and shouted at the top of his lungs. "Smoked salt fish, thirty copper coins each, first come first served!" Chapter 30: 30 Bone Transformation As soon as Chen Mu''s call rang out, a crowd immediately surrounded him. "Can you make it cheaper?" "Right, right, right, your fish are starting to smell..." "Twenty copper coins at most!" "Take it or leave it, if not, scram!" Chen Mu deliberately bellowed in a rough voice. "I''ll take one!" "Three! Here''s the money!" "Line up, line up, one by one! Otherwise, all of you can scram!" Chen Mu waved his hands and shouted loudly. Thirty copper coins could only buy you three jin of white wheat. This was meat that had been preserved with salt, each one weighing nearly two jin. Thirty copper coins were a real bargain. Despite his shouting, the crowd still bustled around him. "Dare to steal!" Chen Mu reached out and grabbed a hand. With a snap, he dislocated the wrist. Ow! A cry of pain startled the people nearby, sending a shiver through them! "Get in line! Cause any more trouble, and don''t blame me for being impolite!" Chen Mu roared fiercely. The man with the dislocated wrist was a skinny middle-aged man with a greasy face. Now, clutching his wrist and howling in pain, his eyes fixed on Chen Mu, he surprisingly didn''t run away?! "What, trying to swindle me?" Chen Mu wouldn''t indulge him. Grabbing his arm, snap, crack, Chen Mu also dislocated his shoulder. The skinny middle-aged man immediately turned pale with pain. Meeting Chen Mu''s fierce gaze, he quickly ducked and bowed, turning to run away. This calmed the surrounding crowd right down. They lined up obediently to buy fish. The half-basket of smoked, salted fish sold out quickly. "Will you sell more tomorrow?" someone couldn''t help but ask. "Depends on my mood," Chen Mu replied nonchalantly. Ignoring everyone''s inquiries, he hoisted the bamboo basket onto his back and strode away. Slipping into an alley, he immediately started running. After zigzagging to ensure no one was following, he quickly headed home. "Half a basket, over thirty fish, more than nine hundred copper coins." "Hey, that''s almost one liang of silver," Chen Mu counted the copper coins with a chuckle. This was also thanks to the soaring prices in Qingshan County. Normally, fish wouldn''t sell for this price. "In the future, when catching fish, only keep the live ones; the dead ones can be sold in East Market," Chen Mu pondered. With the fish-drugging bait, he wouldn''t be short of fish to eat for a long time to come. "Need to buy two more water tanks. Store more live ones." ... With grain and meat available, his heart was at ease. Ignoring the chaos of the outside world. Chen Mu once again shut his door to grind proficiency. Calling up the grey wall, Chen Mu reviewed his skills. Writing: 1532/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1402/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 4353/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 8539/10000/Second Rank; By his own estimate, he weighed at least over two hundred thirty pounds. But on the outside, he still appeared to be a slim youth of 177 centimeters. "Is this the Bone Transformation Realm?" With a sudden shake, Chen Mu disappeared from his spot. He didn''t feel like he exerted much effort. He was like a flywheel carrying immense inertia. With a whoosh, he was flung more than ten meters away. Hastily reacting, he nearly crashed headlong into a wall. "I''m at least twice as fast as before!" "At this speed, ordinary people can''t even see me." He recalled his first meeting with Officer Lu. The man moved five to six meters in one step. Now, he could easily do the same and even run faster and longer. "Hey! With my speed and build, I can go to more distant river bends and catch even more fish!" "Half for myself, half to exchange for silver, life''s good!" Fried fish pieces, spicy fried fish maw, chopped chili fish head, plus a special secret fish ball soup. Chen Mu prepared for himself a grand feast of fishes. He savored his lunch slowly until about two in the afternoon. After cleaning up the pots and dishes and resting for a moment, he intended to continue improving his Proficiency. The Sleeve Sword Technique was also on the verge of a breakthrough. Thinking it over, he decided to restrain himself. It wasn''t good to be too obsessed. He changed into clean, gray-white clothes and strolled leisurely towards Anle Square''s Ba?fa?ng Building. It had been seven or eight days since he last left the house. ... Passing East Market, he unexpectedly found many funeral joss papers scattered on the ground. Two months earlier, people killed by the marauding soldiers had to be taken out of town through the eastern gate for burial, so encountering funeral joss papers was normal. However, with the defeated soldiers turning into bandits scattered throughout the area, Qingshan County Town had settled down. Seeing joss papers on the streets of East Market again, Chen Mu had an ominous premonition. Ba?fa?ng Building. As usual, he bought a pot of tea and a plate of sunflower seeds, sat in a corner, and listened for news. "Another disaster last night?" "Yes, their bodies were shriveled and thin, just like dried salted fish!" "Isn''t that too strange?!" "I heard some even strangled themselves!" "It must be the work of evil spirits." "Keep your voice down, what if you bring that thing here?" Chen Mu listlessly cracked sunflower seeds, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, "Evil spirits?!" This matter was truly incomprehensible. From his previous memories dating back to his childhood, he''d heard more or less about such bizarre tales. But he had never encountered them before and thus didn''t pay much attention. "Wrong, maybe I''ve encountered it before." Chen Mu''s expression suddenly turned grave. When he was reborn, his predecessor had already died a mysterious death! That could very well have been the work of evil spirits. Chapter 31: 31 Ghosts ``` "I''ll have to ask someone about this." Chen Mu''s social network was extremely limited. When it came to inquiring about secretive information, he could only think of Jie Jia. This old man was a great assassin, backed by a mysterious organization with the most well-informed intelligence. ... At West Market, Chen Mu made his way to Tianyi Studio like it was his own backyard. As soon as he entered, he couldn''t help but be taken aback. He stepped back and looked at the signboard again, Tianyi Studio, no mistake. Currently, there were neither coffins nor antiques in the store. Three ropes stretched across the ceiling of the room, and hanging from them were peace charms folded into triangles. On the left were four or five curio stands, with rusty bronze mirrors, wooden swords with black lightning-like cracks, and delicate pagodas with little bells... Each and every one was for warding off evil and protecting homes. The city has just been troubled by evil spirits, and you''ve already started selling evil-warding artifacts? Chen Mu cast a calm glance at Jie Jia, who was squinting behind the counter on the right. "Why am I not surprised at all." "What''s the matter?" Jie Jia asked indifferently. Chen Mu unconsciously looked around. He leaned close to the counter and whispered, "What''s this about the city being troubled by evil spirits?" Jie Jia''s eyes slowly rolled, glancing at Chen Mu, and a flash of surprise passed by. Then his expression returned to being as calm as a still well, and he flicked his right index finger out, pointing into the air. Following the direction of his finger, Chen Mu saw the peace charms slowly drifting in the air. Chen Mu was utterly perplexed. Jie Jia said nothing, his eyes rolling once again, glancing at the sleeve of Chen Mu''s left arm. Chen Mu''s face suddenly darkened. "Why can you always find out where I hide my money bag?" Chen Mu understood. "You want me to buy something? Fine!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth and plucked off a peace charm. "Can you talk now?" "Five silver pieces." Jie Jia flipped his right hand and extended it in front of Chen Mu, speaking faintly. Chen Mu: "..." Extortionist! He had no choice but to pay up. After all, who else had a monopoly on information? Jie Jia flipped his right hand over, and the five silver pieces disappeared. "Qingshan County Government Office has an Evil-Repelling Mirror, there''s no problem," Jie Jia said calmly. Chen Mu''s heart relaxed. An Evil-Repelling Mirror? The County Government Office has such a treasure? Immediately, he became suspicious again: "That''s not right, a lot of people have died recently due to the evil spirits in the city." "There are always some that slip through the net," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was momentarily at a loss. "What if I come across one?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Accept your fate." Chen Mu immediately felt a tightness in his chest. "What exactly are these evil spirits?" Chen Mu asked irritably, "Is there a way to counter them?" The existence of evil spirits is not something new. Da Liang had coexisted with evil spirits for countless centuries. There had to be methods of dealing with them. But if it doesn''t work... Could they even come back to return it?! Chen Mu could only return home with a dejected expression. "I''m just an ordinary citizen; as much as I hate it, there''s nothing I can do." "Qingshan County is so big, it''s not possible I''d just happen to encounter an evil spirit, right?" Chen Mu comforted himself. "Forget it, better to stay indoors as much as possible." "Stay away from places crowded with people, avoid places with few people, and steer clear of places known for sinister events." "Sigh, leave it to fate..." ... West Market, Tianyi Studio. Early in the morning, Jie Jia opened the door. As usual, he cleaned and wiped down the shop inside and out until it was spotless. Then he sat up straight behind the counter. These past few days, the city was abuzz with talk of evil spirits. The Evil-warding Treasures he sold here were doing fairly well. As for whether they worked? That would only be known if one actually encountered an evil spirit. A number of customers came in one after the other all morning. There was even a wealthy family who commissioned an Exquisite Pagoda from him. He raked in a full sixty-six silver pieces! The delighted Jie Jia could not help but raise his eyelids a notch higher. Around noon, just as he was preparing to go out for lunch. An enticing aroma wafted into his nostrils. He couldn''t help but salivate at the scent. This kind of delicacy, he had only smelled such soul-stirring deliciousness once before at Da Liang''s capital''s Number One Restaurant. There were no restaurants or eateries in the area. Which household was cooking? They truly had remarkable culinary skills. Shaking his head as he was about to leave. Suddenly, a familiar feeling struck himdidn''t he recognize this aroma? Instinctively, he followed the scent out of Tianyi Studio. He wound around the corner and walked toward the residential area behind Tianyi Studio. The more he walked and smelled, the more familiar the aroma became. Somehow, an image of a familiar figure flashed through his mind. Looking at the house before him, how was it that it adjoined the back wall of Tianyi Studio?! Jie Jia leaped over the wall and into the yard. He looked up to see a familiar figure wearing an apron and carrying a dish. Chen Mu: "..." "What a coincidence, why not share a bite?" Jie Jia: "..." The aroma was indeed becoming more familiar. "Don''t get me wrong, I really didn''t add anything extra to the dish this time," Chen Mu said earnestly. "Why are you here?" Jie Jia asked, his face darkening. Chen Mu explained seriously: "I had someone check it out, this place is a Feng Shui treasure land, living here can avert calamities and prolong life." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu speechlessly. Can''t you come up with a more reliable reason? "You aren''t planning to use me as a deterrent for ghosts, are you?" Jie Jia, recalling the other party''s recent actions, suddenly widened his eyes. Thinking I''m not afraid of ghosts, so he moved in right next to me? What am I, a paperweight?! "Jie Lao, honestly, you really have too many misunderstandings about me!" Chen Mu sighed with an expression of helplessness. Jie Jia''s face instantly turned black. Chapter 32: 32 Stability ``` Behind Tianyi Studio, only a wall apart. Jie Jia carefully chewed on a piece of crystal pork elbow, the fresh and salty taste continuously assaulting his taste buds, saliva secreted like crazy, making his eyelids involuntarily lift a fraction. He glanced at Chen Mu unexpectedly. The scholar has this skill too? "If you like it, have more!" Chen Mu offered enthusiastically. "I won''t be staying at Tianyi Studio tonight," Jie Jia said indifferently. You think I''ll help you deter the ghosts, you''ve probably miscalculated! "No worries, I won''t be staying here tonight either," Chen Mu replied indifferently. As long as you''re here during the day, that''s fine. Old man Jie Jia talked about ghosts without changing his expression. Chen Mu had long guessed that this old fellow had ways to deal with ghosts. He immediately rented the residence next to Tianyi Studio for a high price. Contrary to popular belief, ghosts aren''t afraid of sunlight, they just dislike it. Thus, there''s still a risk during the day. Jie Jia unexpectedly glanced at Chen Mu. So assured and fearless? Forget it, don''t think about it, just eat. You can''t let this deliciousness go to waste. After gulping down the last sip of fish ball soup, Jie Jia burped with satisfaction. It wouldn''t be a bad idea to let this scholar live here. As long as he doesn''t add anything, at least the meals are enjoyable. Since that''s the case, I might as well charge a little less silver, "Ten taels per month." Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with a face full of surprise, "Is this residence yours?" "No, it isn''t," Jie Jia responded, baffled. "Then how can you charge me rent?" Chen Mu asked seriously. Jie Jia: "..." Am I charging you rent? It''s a fee for warding off evil! "Old Jie might not know, but the rent is paid three months in advance, and I''ve already paid it; there''s no need for you to collect it for me," Chen Mu said with a smile. I won''t give it, let''s see if you''ve got the guts to move out. Jie Jia: "..." ... As evening came, the skies darkened. Chen Mu had his dinner early. Locking his home door, he walked unhurriedly toward the north of the town. He tried to stick to the main roads where people could be seen. Soon, he arrived in front of a residence. Pulling out a key, he unlocked the brand-new copper lock and pushed the door open to enter. This was a three-section large residence. All the courtyards he rented previously put together weren''t as big as this one. The rent was also not cheap, costing five taels of silver a month. In comparison, his previous residence cost only one tael of silver for an entire year. It had truly transcended him beyond ordinary humans. Carrying two baskets of fish, Chen Mu, using the Sprinting Style of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, headed straight for Qingshan County. ... East Market "Fresh river fish, thirty copper coins each, first come first served, hurry while stocks last!" A rough voice suddenly exploded in the streets of East Market. "Fishmonger, it''s been a while since you''ve come to sell fish!" "I''m in a good mood today!" Chen Mu, still wearing his bamboo hat and grey clothes, masqueraded with a Yin-Yang face as Yang Zhi. "Well, what''s the good news?" "Are you buying or not? I don''t have time to waste on chit-chat, pay up!" "Hey! This brute..." A basket of fish was quickly sold out. Before noontime, Chen Mu was heading back to his new house in West Market with an empty basket. Ever since he rented this courtyard, he spent his days there practicing and grinding Proficiency. He hadn''t given up his original room. After moving some food and medicine supplies there, he sealed it off to use as a secret storage. With the Ghost crisis temporarily averted, Chen Mu settled down. Though he was curious about the Ghosts, he refrained from inquiring further. With his current strength, actively pursuing them would be courting death. And with the Proficiency cheat he possessed, he would eventually master the Shape Cultivation to the highest level. When he no longer feared the Ghosts, he could investigate without fear and even catch a couple to guard his home. Afterward, he practiced during the day behind Tianyi Studio and slept in the courtyard next to the Zuo Family house at night. Every three or four days, he went to catch fish. Initialy to eat meat and earn money. Lately, he had grown fonder of the feeling of running at extreme speeds in the wilderness. The thrill of speeding was indeed blood-pumping. And the feeling of achieving sixty kilometers an hour on foot was euphoria-inducing! He thus became even more passionate about grinding Proficiency, working day and night without rest. One night, half a month later, Chen Mu successfully progressed the Sleeve Sword Technique to Second Rank. Writing: 1576/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1443/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 5753/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 409/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 6226/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 2152/10000/Second Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 16/10000/Second Rank; Glancing at the data on the grey wall, he flicked his wrist, and a Dagger appeared in his hand. With another flick, the dagger vanished. With a thought, A hole suddenly appeared in the wooden pillar beside him. Secret, swift, a concentrated strike. The Second Rank Sleeve Sword Technique allowed him to instantaneously complete a series of actions: unsheathing the dagger, piercing the wooden pillar, and hiding the weapon again. Chapter 33: 33 Bailang Chen Mu had been a socially anxious homebody in his previous life. The only bit of passion he had was for anime. Even after arriving in a new world, he felt the desire to look around everywhere, but in reality, he still preferred to stay at home. So, it''s very difficult for people to change. Even after switching worlds, it''s just a change of environment, continuing life as before. But it wasn''t as if there were no changes. In the past, he would never practice a skill so fervently that he would forget to sleep or eat. So actually, it''s not difficult for people to want to change. As long as that change can easily give a sense of achievement. Shape Cultivation Technique, Flying Locust Stone, Sleeve Sword Techniquethese supernatural powers that only existed in novels and anime in his former lifeChen Mu now possessed them all and could clearly feel himself getting stronger little by little. How could he not be addicted to that? ... Besides holing up at home to practice, he had picked up a new hobbyrunning in the wilderness. The feeling of the wind blowing past his ears told Chen Mu that he was no longer the same as an ordinary person. East Gate of Qingshan County. Chen Mu had deliberately taken a detour to arrive at the East Gate from the direction of the South Gate, just so he could have a longer run in the deserted outdoors. It''s incredible to think about. The fatty who in his past life wouldn''t move all day now actually enjoyed running? East Market. Chen Mu, wearing a conical bamboo hat, dressed in grey, his skin dyed suntan brown, and his face painted with birthmarks as a disguise. "Fresh live fish, thirty Copper Coins each, first come first served!" Chen Mu shouted in a rough voice. The servants of various families, who had already been scouting around, immediately gathered. Goods were still scarce in Qingshan County. Fresh live fish was a rare type of meat. The appearance of Chen Mu, the fisherman, had long been noted by the observant. As soon as he showed up, a frenzy of buying would begin. Two baskets of live fish were quickly sold out. Carrying the empty baskets and with a string of Copper Coins in his arms, Chen Mu strode away. But as he was walking, two brawny men in grey tunics blocked his path. On their exposed arms, they bore blue wave-like tattoos. Their dark faces were covered in horizontal creases. At the moment, they were looking at Chen Mu with smiling faces. "Fisherman, you''ve got a good opportunity," one said. "Our Bailang Gang has a big deal to discuss with you!" Chen Mu looked at the two men without any surprise. The third time he sold a large quantity of fish, he had noticed someone discreetly watching. Now they finally couldn''t help but come out. "Alright," Chen Mu said calmly. The two members of the Bailang Gang were surprised. This fisherman was just too composed, wasn''t he? "You know what''s good for you!" the two of them snorted coldly, "Come with us." Noticing Chen Mu''s entrance, Jie Jia''s eyes shifted for a glance, then he began to pick up the silver beans from the stone table, one by one, cradling them in his palm. With a flip of his wrist, they swooshed up his sleeve, disappearing without a trace. Chen Mu was used to Jie Jia''s peculiar hobby. He glanced and then proceeded inside to "unload his disguise." ... An hour later Fragrant pan-fried fish cutlets, boiled fish slices, mixed cold vegetables, fishball soup, and plain bread C a full-flavored spread adorned the stone table. "I''d like to inquire about something," Chen Mu said, picking up a slice of boiled fish. "Speak," Jie Jia said, chewing a fishball with squinted eyes. "Do you know of the Bailang Gang?" Chen Mu asked. Jie Jia thought for a moment with narrowed eyes, "Two Silver Pieces." "Agreed," Chen Mu nodded. "I''ll tell you after the meal," Jie Jia said, taking a bite of the refreshingly sour vegetables, nodding in satisfaction. "Run into trouble?" Jie Jia asked tantalizingly, "I could help you take care of them." "No, thanks," Chen Mu waved his hand, "I can''t afford that price." "I could give you a discount," Jie Jia coaxed earnestly. "A ten percent discount?" Chen Mu asked with feigned excitement. Jie Jia: "..." Go cool off wherever it is cool! ... At night, in the residence next to the Zuo Family''s. Chen Mu lit the oil lamp and closely examined the note in his hand. Zhang Ye, the leader of the Bailang Gang, had three hall chiefs under him and was the largest gang in the East Market. Including Anle Square, a majority of the bustling East Market area was under the control of the Bailang Gang. They were rumored to have dubious ties with a major clan inside the city. Xinyou Alley was the gang''s main stronghold. Everyday task assignments, major consultations, and financial distributions were all carried out there. "East Market, Xinyou Alley..." Chen Mu pondered for a long while and heaved a sigh of helplessness. "This world is too unfriendly to ordinary people." All he did was sell fish, yet it had attracted covetous gazes. People approached him with the intention of forcing out his fishing recipe. "Even if I gave it to them, I wouldn''t be left in peace." To ensure the recipe''s confidentiality, his own fate would probably not be a pleasant one. Being coerced into joining the Bailang Gang as an underling might be the best outcome. And if he were to run into someone ruthless, they might well silence him harshly. "Why can''t one simply be a good person?" Chapter 34: 34 Enigmatic Deity At dawn, Xinyou Alley The Bailang Gang''s minor leader, Miao Bai, entered the alley with a face full of bad luck. Two burly men with sullen faces followed him. "Still haven''t found that fisherman?" Miao Bai asked, his tone unfriendly. "That guy is as slippery as a fish. In the blink of an eye, he''s gone. These past two days, we''ve scoured Qingshan County at least five times, yet haven''t caught a glimpse of him." "Useless!" Miao Bai''s face darkened. He had told the gang leader before that he had found a way to make a fortune. Yet, there were still no results. Lately, the gang leader''s glances at him had turned sour. "Boss Bai, it''s not like we''ve come back empty-handed." "Shun Liu, who mingles at the city gates, said the fisherman lives inside the city. He saw him leaving the city with an empty basket." Miao Bai''s expression softened. If the man was a city dweller, it would be easy to handle. The Bailang Gang had its ways; as long as he continued selling fish, they would surely catch him. "Later, when we see the gang leader, explain everything in detail. We''ll ask the leader to send some more people. I refuse to believe we can''t find one single fisherman!" Miao Bai''s heart bled. If the matter was escalated, even if they eventually succeeded, his credit would be shared. It was supposed to be his achievement. But now... Miao Bai glared fiercely at the two men behind him. The trio headed down Xinyou Alley, a route they knew well. "Boss Bai, why is it so quiet?" A brawny man behind him asked in surprise. Miao Bai''s heart skipped a beat. On any normal day, Xinyou Alley would be bustling with activity. In the morning, various leaders and gang heads would gather here to receive their assignments; it was always bustling with noise. Why was it so quiet now? They arrived at the entrance of the Bailang Gang''s base. The gate stood wide open, but there was no gatekeeper to be seen. The expressions on all three men''s faces changed in an instant. "Could our base have been wiped out by another gang?" Cautiously, they entered the gate. "Boss Bai, should we run for it?" the other brawny man suggested quietly. "What''s the panic? Let''s go in and see clearly!" Miao Bai mustered his courage and turned the corner to face the entrance wall. He saw that the large courtyard was strayed with bodies lying askew everywhere! Miao Bai''s heart gave a violent thud: "It''s over!" Just as he thought about fleeing, something didn''t seem right. The fellow lying not far away was a minor leader with whom he had conflicts. That person was lying on the ground, with his mouth askew and eyes crossed, but his eyeballs were still moving. Not dead? Just as he moved forward to check, he suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. All three of them thudded to the ground simultaneously. Before Miao Bai hit the ground, he couldn''t help but glance towards the inner courtyard''s main hall. He barely made out the sight of the gang leader and the three hall masters, all slumped in the main hall on their seats. Their faces were flushed red, their eyes unfocused, looking like drunken cats who had imbibed too much. The Bailang Gang had been caught in a trap, all at once! ... Turning his head, his vision blurred, and the knife handle appeared to have doubled. He instinctively reached out again and once more grabbed at nothing. His head heated up, his eyes bloodshot, tears unconsciously flowed out, as if he were drunk. A bad feeling swept over him. He looked up hazily. The three hall masters, who had moments before been so sure of themselves, were now slumped in their chairs, their mouths askew and their eyes crooked, on the verge of sliding under the table. Hall master Jia Da''s right hand fumbled towards his chest, but his trembling hand couldn''t even grasp the vial of antidote. As he watched the small porcelain bottle roll to the center of the hall, he was utterly helpless to stop it. Zhang Ye: "..." Fuck! We''ve been fucking tricked again! ... Outside the great hall, beneath the window, Chen Mu stood silently in the shadows, putting away his yellow gourd. "This bunch is really hard to please. To invite you all for a drink of the gourd, I had to personally come over." "Ah, what can we do? Isn''t asking for a favor always about humbling oneself?" "Even though I''m just a humble fisherman?" Chen Mu tucked the gourd into his waistband and stealthily followed behind a patrol pair. Everywhere he passed, gang members collapsed like drunkards, thudding to the ground, motionless. In no time at all, the entire Xin You Alley fell silent once more. ... Behind Tianyi Studio in the west of the city. Chen Mu hummed a tune as he stir-fried noisily in the kitchen. Today he made a good sale of two baskets of fish, netting him an extra two taels of silver. On his way, he stopped by Zheng Tu''s place, surprisingly finding it open. Chen Mu couldn''t help but buy two elbow joints to take home, one of which had been stewing in the clay pot for half an hour. Before long, a fragrant braised pork elbow was served at the table. Next to the stone table under the grapevine. Jie Jia was rolling silver balls. Next to him lay a pile of at least two hundred Silver Pieces. "Is the assassination business really that lucrative?" Chen Mu asked enviously. "It depends on the market," Jie Jia said, focused on rolling the balls. "Looks like the market''s been good lately," Chen Mu commented sourly. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said, "I picked these up." Chen Mu''s eyes widened in disbelief. Where can you just pick up so much silver? Why didn''t I ever come across such good fortune? Seeming to know Chen Mu''s question, Jie Jia put away the silver ball he had rolled and packed the Silver Pieces into a cloth bag, tucking it into his waist. Then with an indifferent expression, he said, "I picked it up in Xin You Alley." Why does that place sound so familiar? "In that alley, there was a large house with money bags lying all over the floor, unclaimed, so I simply picked them up," Jie Jia said as he used his chopstick to pinch a bit of tender pigskin and slowly chewed with an air of pleasure. Chen Mu: "..." That should have all been mine! "I''m also curious, you put them all down, why didn''t you go through their pockets?" Jie Jia asked sincerely. "I fucking forgot!" Chapter 35: 35 Theft ``` At that moment, Chen Mu felt that even the braised pork knuckle wasn''t...well, the knuckle was still very fragrant. But his heartache was genuine. All he had thought about was treating someone to a drink. And they had thoroughly enjoyed it. He, on the other hand, had completely forgotten about the return gift. It had been so long since he gave gifts, he was getting rusty at it. Chen Mu looked enviously at the Jie Jia money pouch. "Take a few more glances, because soon, you won''t be able to see it," Jie Jia said nonchalantly, sipping his fish soup. Chen Mu felt a sudden tightness in his chest. ... Four days later, in a large courtyard house in the East Market''s Blue Armor Lane. Some thirty or forty gang members were sprawled on the ground, sound asleep. In a room of the inner courtyard. Zhang Ye was kneeling on the floor, leaning on the handle of his knife. He shook his head vigorously, trying his best to open his heavy eyelids. But he shook too hard, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, his nose bleeding profusely. After struggling briefly, he quickly fell into a deep slumber. Chen Mu emerged from a small alley behind the house and approached the front gate. "Even if you move, I can still find you!" With a bamboo hat on his head, dressed in gray, and half his face painted blue, he resembled a mighty Liang Mountain outlaw. Standing at the entrance of the room, he glanced in, then carefully shut the door: "Better not go in, they might just be faking it." Moving swiftly to the courtyard, he grinned at the sight of the Bailang Gang members lying all over the ground. If he was to play the role of a Liang Mountain outlaw, he might as well do something they would do. So he began to search each of them. Two quarters of an hour later, Chen Mu weighed the cloth bag in his hand with disappointment. "I came too early." After thoroughly searching, he could only find a little more than twenty taels of silver. It must be because Jie Jia was too ruthless, making these guys too scared to carry money on them lately. He eyed the firmly shut doors, considering the people inside must be quite wealthy. Then he shook his head again. "Forget it, better play it safe," he thought. "After all, these are the gang leaders we''re talking about. Who knows what kind of ace they might have up their sleeve." "I''d better get going and sell my fish." With that in mind, Chen Mu carefully made his way to the back wall and quickly scaled it to leave Blue Armor Lane. ... With his Second Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, the power of the Mesmerizing Divine Incense was formidable. No matter how much the Bailang Gang struggled, a single gourd of it was guaranteed to knock them out. Over the next few encounters, the gang leader Zhang Ye came up with various strategies. He tried many antidotes. "How about joining Zhu Yi Pavilion?" Jie Jia beside the stone table couldn''t help but lift his eyelids, "I can help you with a referral." This Sleeve Sword Technique is perfect for assassination. "Half of the referral bonus for me?" Chen Mu said coolly. With a twist of his wrist, the dagger disappeared into his sleeve. "Just eat the melon." Jie Jia picked up a slice of chilled watermelon and began to eat it, utterly avoiding the subject of joining the Zhu Yi Pavilion. This melon was recently bought by Chen Mu. To enjoy a bite of something cold in this scorching heat, he especially labored for a few days on his Pharmaceutical Technique, which led him to find a natural mineral similar to saltpeter from his previous life. He used it to make ice by absorbing heat upon contact with water. "Can you tell me who paid to have me killed?" Chen Mu sat down and slurped a cool bite of watermelon. "I can," said Jie Jia indifferently. "Aren''t assassins supposed to keep their employer''s identity a secret?" Chen Mu asked in surprise. Jie Jia''s eyes moved, casting a glance at Chen Mu. Chen Mu immediately nodded in understanding, "As long as the price is right, right?" "Want to know?" Jie Jia put down the watermelon and stared at Chen Mu. "Not interested," Chen Mu replied immediately, enjoying another mouthful of the chilled watermelon. Jie Jia: "..." If you didn''t want to know, then why mention it? Chen Mu cheerfully continued to eat his melon. After all, they were already dead, and knowing or not made no difference. After finishing the watermelon and tidying up the table, Chen Mu took a short rest before continuing to practice the Sleeve Sword Technique under the shade of a shelter. The Shape Cultivation Technique had made him resistant to extremes of cold and heat, so he could endure this fiery weather as well. But moving swiftly under the sun not only raised his external temperature, his body also generated immense internal heat. Becoming heated inside and out was truly torturous. Practicing the Sleeve Sword Technique under the shade was much more comfortable. He could wait until dusk, when the sun was setting, to resume his hardcore Shape Cultivation. "Lately, there seem to be more incidents of ghosts causing trouble in the city," said Chen Mu, as the dagger in his hand appeared and disappeared, "Do you know the reason?" "There shouldn''t be," Jie Jia paused while playing with his silver beads, a puzzled expression on his face, "With the Evil-Repelling Mirror, there shouldn''t be so many that slip through." But in reality, over these past few months, although the supernatural disturbances had not been continuous, they kept occurring. Chen Mu involuntarily stopped his sword practice. "Could it be that there''s something wrong with the Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu expressed his concern. "Likely," Jie Jia contemplated and nodded, "More than ten years ago, I encountered a similar situation in Jiuyang County of Yanshan Prefecture. The city''s Evil-Repelling Mirror was stolen, and suddenly the number of ghost disturbances increased sharply." "How was it resolved?" Chen Mu eagerly asked. "Simple, the higher authorities sent down another Evil-Repelling Mirror," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu''s brows furrowed deeply. Nowadays, Da Liang was in constant chaos from natural and man-made disasters, and everything was in complete disarray. The fact that Qingshan County''s magistrate had been missing for over half a year hadn''t bothered anyone. To say that Qingshan County belonged to Da Liang was an understatement it was practically owned by the Li Family who held the position of county chief! There was no real higher authority to speak of. Glancing at the unperturbed Jie Jia, Chen Mu became more certain that the old man must have ways to deal with ghosts. Looking at the silver beads in the other man''s hand, Chen Mu shook his head in resignation. He couldn''t afford such a high-level bodyguard. Chapter 36: 36 Departure Intentions Evil disturbances were frequent, and Chen Mu had no good solutions. During the day, he kept close to Jie Jia, and at night, he took refuge next to the Zuo Family. Both of them were beings capable of dealing with ghosts. At the same time, he also hastened to increase his proficiency in the Shape Cultivation Technique. Jie Jia once said that once the Shape Cultivation Technique was greatly achieved, it would have a slight ability to resist ghosts. ... At night, a sudden scream woke Chen Mu from his deep sleep. The voice was filled with terror as if encountering something extremely horrifying. Chen Mu immediately got up and ran to the window to listen quietly. Yet, outside, it was all quiet, not even the sound of insects on a summer night. Ghosts?! Was it that close?! That scream from just now was not far from his location. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have heard it so clearly. Chen Mu dared not go back to sleep. He dressed and sat by the door, ready to flee at any moment. He stayed nervously vigilant all night long. Only when dawn broke did he cautiously step out of his room. On his way to the house in the west of the city, Chen Mu encountered a group of yamen bailiffs. They had surrounded a small alley, blocking the curious onlookers around. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look over. All he saw was pitch blackness in the alley, as if a large fire had swept through. A tightness gripped Chen Mu''s heart. Yesterday afternoon, when he passed by here, the alley was still in good condition. The entire alley was charred black; the fire must have been intense. But he hadn''t seen any flames from midnight till morning, nor had he heard any noise. The thought made him tense up at once. Could it be the work of ghosts? He didn''t dare to look any longer and hastened away. Before leaving, he also noticed the figure of Zuo Family''s eldest son amid the crowd. The other party had a grave expression, staring intently at the pitch-black alley. Chen Mu grew even more anxious. Even the Zuo Family''s eldest son took it so seriously, this incident must have something to do with the disturbances! Weren''t ghosts only supposed to scare and possess people? How could they also set fires without a sound? ... "Ghosts vary in strength," Jie Jia said indifferently behind Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu smacked his lips, feeling uneasy. He didn''t even know how to deal with ordinary ghosts, and now there was a powerful one. "Wouldn''t the magistrate of Li think of something? After all, this Qingshan County is under the control of the Li Family, right?!" Chen Mu said annoyedly. "The direct descendants of the Li Family have been sent to Nanyang Prefecture," Jie Jia said blandly. "Would he really give up such a big family business?" Chen Mu asked in disbelief. Was he planning to sneak away?! "He hasn''t left himself," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said calmly. Chen Mu shut all the doors and windows tightly. He didn''t dare to light any lamps, and every action was made silently, for fear that any noise might attract ghosts. Groping in the dark, he took out a clay pot from under the bed. Chen Mu sat at the square table in the room, pouring out a pile of silver pieces and copper coins from the clay pot to count. He spoke lightly during the day, but it was mainly to tease Jie Jia. He had no friendship with Cheng Yi. It was good enough that they weren''t enemies. From their few interactions, that snooty priest had never shown any good attitude towards him. In a real crisis, he might indeed need to spend money to have Jie Jia escort him away. One hundred and fifty-six taels of silver, nine hundred and sixty-seven copper coins. "It''s not quite enough," he murmured. Given old man Jie Jia''s greedy nature. He wasn''t sure if this was enough to hire him. "The Bailang Gang is no good either," Chen Mu said with dissatisfaction. Lately, those fellows were getting shrewder. They didn''t carry a single copper coin on them. Last time, that Master Jia of theirs got drunk and was found with only a tael of silver pieces after being searched. Master Jia, the leader of the three gang bosses of the Bailang Gang, only had a tael of silver on himthat was just shamefully low! "Just in time, I''ll be going to sell fish tomorrow. I might as well have a chat with that leader Zhang," Chen Mu thought aloud. As the boss of the gang, he should be wealthier than the gang leaders, right? ... The next day, in a civilian house on the western side of Cheng Jia Alley. A few members of the Bailang Gang were patrolling. "Don''t leave after we disband this afternoon. Big bro here will take you to Anle Square for some fun," declared the youthful leader with a grand gesture. "Did your wife come into some good fortune yesterday? She didn''t take away your monthly salary?" taunted a gang member from behind. "Go away! Why should I give her my salary silver!" the leader retorted, stroking his bald head and sticking his neck out stubbornly. "Big bro''s got backbone!" "Big brother is mighty!" "Haha..." The young leader wasn''t upset being teased by his subordinates, and he just chuckled, "I told her I was going to buy her some rouge from Apricot Blossom House today." "And you still dare to invite us to drink and be merry? Without money for rouge, ain''t you afraid your wife will scratch you?" "Haha..." "A clever man has his own ways," the young leader said, looking self-satisfied. "I''ll just say that I ran into that toxic customer again today, and all my money got snatched awaygone!" The gang members suddenly gaped. "Why didn''t I think of that!" one short, plump gang member immediately started banging his head in frustration. "Hehe!" The young leader smirked with pride, his bald head seeming even shinier for a moment. The next moment, however, he suddenly felt dizzy, and when he looked up at the sky, there seemed to be two suns. A bad premonition suddenly crept into his heart. Turning his head, he saw that his subordinates had already skillfully collapsed under the shade of a large tree. He had just taken two steps when he fell to the ground with a thud. This familiar sensation... Fuck! Chapter 37: 37 Cost ``` Chen Mu jumped over the courtyard wall and saw a group of people lying on the ground beneath the tree. There was one particularly bald man lying in the sun, his scalp shining brightly. Chen Mu crouched down and searched for a while, actually finding several silver pieces! What a great start! He couldn''t help but look forward to checking the rest of the gang sprawled under the tree. Unfortunately, before long, Chen Mu walked toward the inner courtyard with a face full of gloom. After a few steps, he felt dissatisfied. He turned back and dragged everyone lying under the tree out into the sun. Then he placed the bald guy back in the shade and arranged him in a comfortable position. After all, the man had paid. After that, he strode into the inner courtyard. There were even more gang members lying all over the place. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu, carrying a Ghost Head Greatknife and looking profoundly distressed, left Dengjia Alley. A gang leader without even a copper coin on him?! His lackeys had more than he did! He had sought Jie Jia for information, intentionally heading to the Bailang Gang leader''s headquarters. He had hoped to make a fortune, but after all that busyness, he only ended up with four silver pieces and a few dozen copper coins. "And they dare call themselves people of society?" "I might as well stick to selling fish!" "What a disgrace!" Chen Mu was quite indignant. It seemed that the Bailang Gang spot was finished. A whole gourd of Mesmerizing Divine Incense wasted. "Let''s hope this knife is worth something." Being the personal weapon of a gang leader, it should... perhaps be quite valuable. But a gang leader without a penny doesn''t inspire much confidence. ... Inside the Zuo Family mansion. The patriarch of the Zuo family, Zuo Quan, was sitting in the main hall with a brooding expression. "Fifty thousand silver pieces per household, that Qian Shan is really exploiting our misfortune," Zuo Sheng said with an equally unpleasant expression. "It''s extortion, but if the County Government Office doesn''t have an evil-warding artifact to suppress the unrest, no one will sleep peacefully," Zuo Quan sighed. "Especially since our Zuo family has already been plagued by evil spirits. Didn''t that Qian Shan also say that families like ours are most likely to attract evil spirits again?" "Hmph! I think he has ulterior motives!" Zuo Sheng said coldly. "Will he harm us?" Zuo Quan immediately grew worried. "Father, we need to plan ahead," Zuo Sheng said, narrowing his eyes. "What do you suggest, Sheng Er?" "Let''s move, to Nanyang Prefecture," Zuo Sheng said decisively. "Moving... I''ll think about it, think about it some more," Zuo Quan was a bit hesitant, "Don''t we still have Qingfeng Observatory?" "Qingfeng Observatory..." Zuo Sheng frowned deeply. Qingfeng Observatory had a loud reputation, but it was unclear whether they truly had the capability. He didn''t want to entrust his life to others. "I still recommend moving," Zuo Sheng said after some thought, resolute. "Alright," Zuo Quan frowned and pondered for a moment, finally nodding, "You focus on your martial arts practice, I will arrange everything." "Those who are selected will immediately receive a payment of one silver or one hundred and twenty jin of white wheat as a home establishment fee." "They will be provided with three meals a day and ten copper coins. Those who are willing to work, hurry to the east gate to register." No sooner had the official fallen silent than a large crowd ran toward the east gate. The cost of living was soaring, making life difficult. The home establishment fee of one hundred and twenty jin of white wheat, plus three meals a day, was a very good job for the common folk. Chen Mu stood on the outskirts of the crowd and listened attentively. "A prayer and sacrifice altar?" "Is this Qingfeng Observatory''s method of fighting against ghosts?" "Did the County Government Office finally ask for Qingfeng Observatory''s help?" Chen Mu was quite pleased. Does that mean he doesn''t need to leave? He very much wanted to see the outside world, yet he didn''t wish to leave his familiar environment. This was probably why small characters always remain small characters. Chen Mu shook his head to cast aside these messy thoughts. If he had just arrived in this world, he certainly would have signed up enthusiastically like those commoners. Now... the salary and benefits were a bit too poor for his liking. Dodging the surging crowd on the street, Chen Mu hurried home. He needed to find out more information from Jie Jia. He had to confirm Qingfeng Observatory''s capability. ... "I don''t know," said Jie Jia indifferently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia in surprise. "Using a Magic Artifact comes with a price," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu. "Feng Ren''s strength is passable. But to protect the entire city, no matter the Magic Artifact, he can''t afford the price," said Jie Jia calmly. It wasn''t Chen Mu''s first time hearing about Magic Artifacts but he had not expected that using them came with a cost. "Do all Magic Artifacts require a price?" "Can you go without eating?" Jie Jia counter-asked. Chen Mu immediately understood. Just as fuel cars need petrol, computers need electricity and people need to eat, Magic Artifacts have special abilities, but they require energy to work. "What''s the cost of using the Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu was curious. Such an item belonged to the official distribution of Evil-warding Artifacts in Da Liang, and almost every city at the county level or above had one. "I don''t know. It seems to be related to some kind of sacrifice," Jie Jia said, uncertain. "Different Magic Artifacts have all sorts of bizarre costs. Some need water, some need meat, some require lightning strikes, and others require burning..." Chen Mu listened with great interest. He was extremely curious about these items. Originally, he thought he was in a mere world of martial arts. But with the appearance of ghosts and Magic Artifacts, Chen Mu felt that this world held many more mysteries. "Are they that picky?" Chen Mu said with a chuckle, "What else is there?" Jie Jia clammed up, his eyeballs shifting towards Chen Mu''s money pouch from beneath his eyelids. Chen Mu turned his head and went to practice the Sleeve Sword Technique. After toiling for over two months, his Sleeve Sword Technique was about to reach the Third Rank. As for information about Magic Artifacts, he could find out more when he had the chance. For now, he wouldn''t let the old man take advantage of him. Chapter 38: 38 Paper Human Sheng Ye Square, inside a large mansion. Bailang Gang leader Zhang Ye had just paid one month''s rent. He didn''t pay more, uncertain if he might have to move next month. The main hall of the inner courtyard. Zhang Ye sat at the head seat. A dark-faced burly man sat on his lower left. Behind him stood two similarly broad-shouldered and stout men. Their temperament and demeanor were quite fierce. "Leader Zhang, let''s stick to the old rules. The grain and goods will leave the city tomorrow morning. My people will take over at the South Gate, here is the deposit." The dark-faced burly man pulled out a grey cloth money bag and handed it to Zhang Ye. You could see hesitation in Zhang Ye''s bearded face as he looked at it without taking it. "What? Leader Zhang wouldn''t be thinking of raising the price again, would you?!" The color on the burly man''s face darkened instantly. Their purchase price for grain was already thirty percent higher than the market rate. Over the past few months, prices had gone up twice in succession. This Zhang Ye still wanted to increase the price, insatiable! Zhang Ye was hesitant in his heart, not knowing whether to speak up or not. Seeing Zhang Ye hemming and hawing, the dark-faced man immediately became furious. The crooks from Ai Mountain were just a band of desperados. Being continuously manipulated and forced, a sense of murderous intent was stirring in their hearts. After all, it was merely a gang of local rogues within the city. Sneaky schemes they could handle, but in a real fight, they could be wiped out with the flip of a hand! "No price hike," Zhang Ye spoke up to quell the other''s anger, "it''s just a change in the payment method." The dark-faced man frowned, "Money upfront, goods exchanged, that was the deal we had. It''s not possible to pay for the goods first." "No need to pay first. Just deposit the deposit and payment for the goods in the Datong Money House," said Zhang Ye. "Doing business on Bailang Gang''s territory, we don''t accept cash," Zhang Ye said in a low voice. The dark-faced man looked at Zhang Ye with puzzlement. Some strange new rule. Suddenly, he thought of a piece of information forwarded by an undercover element in the city. His face immediately took on a mocking tone, "I heard that the Bailang Gang got played and suffered heavy losses. It can''t be true, can it?" Zhang Ye''s complexion darkened, and he said nothing. "Heh..." The dark-faced burly man immediately sneered with disdain. To think they were called the top gang in the city. Nothing but a mob! Zhang Ye''s face looked unpleasant, but he didn''t retort. "Would you like for me to leave some brothers to lend you a hand?" the dark-faced burly man snickered suggestively, pretending to be helpful. Zhang Ye''s face flushed with anger as he reached for the Ghost Head Greatknife. Touching the blade, which he had recovered from the Ghost Market, the fury in Zhang Ye''s heart gradually subsided. If one''s own skills were not as good, they couldn''t blame others for their mockery. In the past few months, this kind of teasing and ridicule wasn''t the first he''d heard. "We don''t accept cash silver," Zhang Ye repeated in a muffled voice. The dark-faced man chuckled derisively and tucked the money bag back into his chest. Indeed, the man was spineless. He didn''t even dare to resist. The hand Zhang Ye had on the knife unconsciously tightened. But instead of feeling the cold, hard sensation of the knife''s handle, his palm felt swollen, akin to the swelling due to increased blood flow when one is drunk. This familiar sensation, it''s happening again?! And for some reason, he felt a sense of kinship with it. Struggling against drowsiness, Zhang Ye smiled meaningfully at the dark-faced man, "Third Head, you didn''t bring any valuables with you, did you?" The dark-faced man frowned at Zhang Ye, instinctively touching his chest where this purchase''s money was stowed. Zhang Ye smiled at that moment, a smile that reveled in others'' misfortune. As evening approached. The gang members of the Bailang Gang''s secret base gradually awoke. Zhang Ye glanced at the table beside him, and as expected, the Ghost Head Greatknife was gone again. "Looks like I need to make another trip to the Ghost Market." The dark-faced man glared at Zhang Ye with an ugly expression on his face. Zhang Ye suppressed his smile, stood up, stretched lazily, and said indifferently, "We don''t accept cash silver. Don''t forget to deposit that advance payment into the Datong Money House later." The dark-faced man reached into his chest and his face darkened even more. ... On the side of the Zuo Family''s large mansion. In a bedroom leaning against the wall of the Zuo Family''s courtyard. Seven or eight grey cloth money bags were placed on the table. Those disciples who had dared to defy him had all disappeared, alive without a trace, dead without a body. Biting his teeth, the white-faced youth pulled out a dagger, unwound the white cloth from his right hand, and savagely slashed across the still-healing wound. Thick blood slowly oozed out. The paper effigy floating in mid-air seemed like a cat smelling blood. It leisurely drifted towards the palm of the white-faced youth. A gulping sound like drinking water could be heard. The white-faced youth grew even paler. After a while, the paper effigy rose from his palm, its pale body now a vivid red. The Thousand Mountains Daoist took out a black elixir pill with a spicy scent from his chest. "You''ve done well, eat it," he said. "Thank you, Master, thank you!" the white-faced youth swallowed the elixir pill in one gulp. His complexion immediately reddened at a speed visible to the naked eye. His eyes shone with renewed energy, and his whole being seemed invigorated. "Master''s Ascension Pill is becoming more and more profound!" the white-faced youth said with a look of enjoyment and flattery. The Thousand Mountains Daoist watched his apprentice with a satisfied smile on his face, but his eyes were coldly devoid of any real emotion. At that moment, the paper figure that had absorbed the blood seemed to come to life, becoming animated. "Gugu gugu..." The little figure floated in mid-air, its small hand pointing behind the two men, making a series of frenzied, clawing noises. The master and apprentice turned around abruptly. Under the dark night, they saw a figure half-crouching, tiptoeing along the wall, moving toward the corner under the eaves. "Who''s there!" the pale-faced young man shouted. Chen Mu''s body stiffened, and with an awkward turn, he looked at the two men: "I was just going to the toilet, continue your business, carry on." "Didn''t you say this is a deserted house? How can there be someone here!" Thousand Mountains Daoist glared fiercely at his disciple. In a panic, the pale-faced young man pressed Chen Mu for answers: "Who are you?!" "Forget it," Thousand Mountains Daoist retracted his anger and indifferently gave Chen Mu a glance: "Go take care of him; don''t delay the important matter." "Yes!" the pale-faced young man sneered, looking towards Chen Mu. "I just happened to come across this, let''s part ways here, each to his own, how about that?" Chen Mu quickly regained his composure. The temperament of the two men was cold and sinister, not seeming like good people. Chen Mu didn''t want to tangle with them any further. "It''s just your bad luck," the pale-faced young man turned a deaf ear, staring coldly at Chen Mu. His right hand swept past his waist, and suddenly he held a soft, fine sword in his hand. As Chen Mu''s mind raced, he tried to reason logically: "It''s quiet at night, and the slightest noise can carry far." "True action might ruin everyone''s plans." "As if you could!" sneered the pale-faced young man, approaching Chen Mu with disdain. He had traveled far and wide with Thousand Mountains Daoist. His mastery of the Mysterious Female Sword Technique was as soft as water and as rigid as a whip; countless so-called heroes had died by his sword. If it weren''t for their secretive ways, they would have already made a great name for themselves. Chen Mu''s heart tightened. Strictly speaking, this was only the second time he had faced someone skilled in martial arts. There was no sensation in teaching the hoodlums a lesson before. When he killed Sheng Hong, there hadn''t been any preparation either; it was all just throwing stones in confusion. Now, as he watched the pale-faced young man with a grim expression approaching, Chen Mu felt apprehensive: "There are two of them, a bit too many." He sneaked a glance at Thousand Mountains Daoist who wasn''t even considering him a threat. Chen Mu felt a bit relieved. As long as he wasn''t being watched. He glanced at the blood-red little figure floating in mid-air, and Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. Watching the pale-faced young man draw nearer, he clenched his teeth and thought: "Throw a dart at him; if it doesn''t work, retreat!" His right hand reached into his sleeve, and an Iron Lotus Seed was clutched in his palm. "Come on," the pale-faced young man beckoned with his sword in his right hand, spreading his arms in front of his chest in a welcoming gesture. "Aren''t we going to fight." "Come at me..." Whoosh! In an instant, a dark shadow flashed by at lightning speed. The Iron Lotus Seed from Chen Mu''s hand shot out like a bullet, instantly piercing through the air between them and passing through the pale-faced young man''s left chest. Thump! A burst of blood exploded from behind the pale-faced young man: "You... you!" Thump thump! Before he could finish his sentence, two more holes appeared in the pale-faced young man''s forehead and mouth corner. Blood dripped down from his chin. Suddenly, the entire courtyard fell silent. Chapter 39: 39: Heaven and Earth Chen Mu stood there, stunned on the spot. The pale-faced young man was confident and fearless, originally thinking he was up against a fierce adversary. Little did he expect him to be so easily defeated. The three Iron Lotus Seeds were taken out, and Chen Mu didn''t even have time to react. The Qian Shan Daoist clenched his jaw in anger. His disciple''s Mysterious Female Sword Technique, which he had personally taught, was unparalleled in power. He never would have thought that his disciple would fall to a mere hidden weapon and couldn''t help but feel a surge of rage. "Waste! You even forgot to give it your all when a lion hunts a rabbit," he sneered. Then he cast a cold glance at Chen Mu. "Finally using an Ascension Pill to cultivate a medicinal man, and a mere two days away from maturity. Such a pity, such a shame!" Qian Shan Daoist''s face turned dark as water. "Dead is dead, can''t waste it," he muttered. Immediately, a small red paper figure leisurely flew onto the corpse of the pale-faced young man. The thin paper figure, with bowed head and bent waist, seemed to exhale a great breath, then raised its head and leaned back, mimicking the action of a deep breath. As the paper figure inhaled and exhaled, The temperature in the entire estate seemingly dropped by several degrees. The pale-faced young man''s blood rushed from his wounds towards the paper figure in midair, and in the blink of an eye, it was completely absorbed into the paper figure. The pale-faced young man was now truly devoid of any color. Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. Having been in this different world for over a year, he had more than once heard of bizarre and sinister events. But the scene before him, something you''d only see in movies, made his hair stand on end. As if a fierce tiger had fixed its gaze directly on him. Wuu! Almost instinctively, he shot out an Iron Lotus Seed, aiming straight for Qian Shan Daoist''s heart. The black Iron Lotus Seed tore through the air with its rotation, suddenly covering the distance between them. Clang! Sparks flew everywhere. A blood-red figure stood in the way of the Iron Lotus Seed. Under the impact of the tremendous force, the hard Iron Lotus Seed crumbled like a brittle cookie, easily deforming and shattering! The slow-drifting paper figure had, from stillness to motion, bizarrely intercepted it in front of Qian Shan Daoist. Chen Mu''s pupils constricted suddenly. "Maybe, it''s time to run!" he thought. Qian Shan Daoist''s eyelids lifted slightly. "Insignificant skills, dares to show off..." he started to say. Clang clang clang... As if more than ten blacksmiths were working the iron at once. Qian Shan Daoist''s words were drowned out by the continuous clanging of metal. More than ten Iron Lotus Seeds arrived nearly simultaneously in front of him. The paper figure flew wildly in all directions. Sparks scattered throughout the air, creating an effect like lighting fireworks. The sound of clinking filled the air as the battered Iron Lotus Seeds ricocheted to the ground. "Ignorant of life and death!" A flash of anger passed across Qian Shan Daoist''s face. Looking up, he realized Chen Mu had reached the wall, his body crouching slightly, ready to leap over it... "Go!" A soft command was issued. Whoosh! The blood-red paper figure darted out like lightning, instantly arriving at the wall. Chen Mu, just preparing to jump, felt his hairs stand on end. Almost instinctively, his body powered up, moving as if defying the rules of acceleration, going from stillness to extreme speed, and he shifted half a meter to the right in an instant. A streak of red light brushed past his left arm. Without a sound, his sleeve split open, and his left arm immediately turned ice-cold and numb, losing all sensation. The red light didn''t slow down, powerfully stabbing into the wall. The Qian Shan Daoist''s expression changed drastically the moment the straw man was pierced. The dense Iron Lotus Seeds almost instantly reached him. Clang, clang, clang... A series of sparks flew in all directions. With a flurry of hand movements, the Qian Shan Daoist managed to block the bullet-like Iron Lotus Seeds with just his flesh palm! Chen Mu was immediately startled. The Iron Lotus Seeds could pierce through metal and crack stone with ease. Who would have thought they could be blocked by a palm! "You little brat ruined my magic artifact! You''ll pay for this!" the Qian Shan Daoist said fiercely. Upon seeing Chen Mu''s astonishment, he immediately sneered. "Did you really think I was just a prettyface?!" Chen Mu''s scalp went numb all of a sudden. He threw out the Iron Lotus Seeds in rapid succession with both hands. The very next moment, Chen Mu''s left hand violently swung. The Qian Shan Daoist''s right hand almost preemptively moved to block in front of the path of the Iron Lotus Seeds. Thud! A pool of silvery white metal softened in the palm of his hand. Silver Pieces? Not Iron Lotus Seeds? "Let''s see how many more hidden weapons you have to throw!" the Qian Shan Daoist laughed heartily. He strode forward, braving the rain of hidden weapons, stepping towards Chen Mu. At this point, Chen Mu could no longer care for anything else. Copper coins, Silver Pieces, he threw everything at the Qian Shan Daoist all at once. Thud! The Qian Shan Daoist held his right hand in front of his face, clutching a large gourd in his palm. "Now, you''re out of hidden weapons, aren''t you?" the Qian Shan Daoist grimaced with a fierce smile, showing a row of sinister white teeth. Crack! He crushed the gourd to powder in his grip. Suddenly, a burst of blue smoke exploded and swiftly enveloped him. "Poison?!" The Qian Shan Daoist immediately shut his breath tight. But a strong sleepiness irresistibly rushed to his head. He retreated again and again, instinctively trying to increase the distance between them. However, Chen Mu would not miss this opportunity. His whole body turned into a swift falcon, lightning-fast, appearing in front of the Qian Shan Daoist. His right hand suddenly unveiled a dagger as he crouched low. Qiankun Strike! Thud! From below, the dagger skimmed through the Qian Shan Daoist''s chest. Piercing through the jaw and straight into the skull! The Qian Shan Daoist, almost unconsciously, pushed outwards. Even as Chen Mu quickly loosened his grip on the sword to retreat, he was still struck in the chest. He couldn''t help but grunt. Blood flowed from his nose like a stream. Chen Mu flipped back, picking up some broken stones and scattering them as he leaped away. Flying Locust Stone! Whistling... Pff pff pff... The Qian Shan, with blood-red eyes and raving mad, was instantly turned into a sieve. ``` Chapter 40: 40: Nourishing the Soul Chen Mu wiped the blood from under his nose, and spit out a mouthful of bloody phlegm with force. If it weren''t for the severe pain in his chest and innards, he would have burst into laughter. "Impervious to swords and spears, yet I still managed to kill you!" At that moment, a white figure caught his eye. Chen Mu abruptly turned his head, a surge of murderous intent in his gaze. Somehow, a person clad in a white coat was standing on the wall opposite him. The person''s hair was disheveled, and their clothes were in disorder, obviously thrown on in a hurry. In their right hand, they held a heavy-backed machete, their eyes bright and penetrating. The eldest son of the Zuo FamilyZuo Sheng! Facing Chen Mu''s lethal gaze, Zuo Sheng''s eyelids twitched, and he immediately raised his machete in a fist-and-palm salute, his voice grave, "Brother Chen!" Chen Mu was startled, then remembered that this person was also one of Sheng Hong''s disciples. Thinking of that cheap teacher of his own, whom he had turned into a sieve, he felt inwardly shaken. Yet his face showed no sign of fear, as he stared expressionlessly at the other. The atmosphere became tense. Zuo Sheng felt a tingling on his scalp under Chen Mu''s stare and glanced at the Qian Shan who had been turned into a sieve, his heart skipping a beat. He immediately softened his tone and, waving his hand, said, "Please feel free, Brother." Chen Mu nodded expressionlessly. Then, under Zuo Sheng''s curious eyes, he went to the eaves, where he suddenly thrust his bloodied dagger into the wall. Thump! He pried a slightly deformed copper coin from within the wall. Zuo Sheng: "..." After that, Chen Mu, under Zuo Sheng''s increasingly strange gaze, began searching all over the courtyard. He picked up every copper coin and silver piece that he had thrown out and that had been scattered by Qian Shan. Watching Chen Mu''s thorough search. Zuo Sheng couldn''t bear to watch any longer. He gave a bowed salute and excused himself, "Brother, take your time with your affairs. I must leave first, as I''m not properly dressed." Chen Mu nodded expressionlessly, not even glancing at the other. After Zuo Sheng had jumped off the wall, Chen Mu acted as if his rear was on fire. He didn''t even bother with the silver pieces at his feet and hastily grabbed the corpses of Qian Shan and the pale-faced young man, leaping to the wall in two strides. He pulled out the dagger stuck in the wall and flipped over the top. Combining the Muscle Transformation and Sprint techniques, he leapt a few times and clumsily disappeared into the night. Almost the instant Chen Mu vanished, Zuo Sheng jumped back onto the wall. He glanced at the smattering of scattered copper coins and silver pieces, then at the disappearing figure in the distance, and couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle, "He even managed to deceive me." "Such a pity for Qian Shan''s treasure..." "Chasing might not guarantee catching up, and it''s uncertain whether he still has any trump cards..." "Forget it." Zuo Sheng shook his head. Looking at the blood on the ground, his expression darkened. Why his cheap Brother Chen was here, he couldn''t fathom. But Qian Shan visiting near their house late at night surely meant no good. "We must move, we absolutely must!" ... Like usual, Jie Jia walked into the backyard of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu was taken aback. Last night was dark, and he hadn''t noticed. Now that he recalled, the palms of the round-faced Taoist did indeed appear black and dark. No wonder a single sweep from him cost me half my life. If it weren''t for the Mesmerizing Divine Incense, the consequences... Was this the power of the Wandering Soul? "Don''t even think about it," Jie Jia said, glancing at Chen Mu in a discouraging manner. "The chances of mastering the Shape Cultivation Technique are one in a thousand." "To cultivate Soul Strength, it''s one in ten thousand." "If your Shape Cultivation Technique''s rank is high enough, it might be possible, but with Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique..." "Tsk, tsk..." Jie Jia shook his head with a look of pity. Chen Mu said unwillingly, "Isn''t there any other way?" Jie Jia''s eyes moved, fixed on the left cuff of Chen Mu''s sleeve. "I have a very advanced Shape Cultivation Technique." "If you switch to it, there''s a good chance you''ll develop Soul Strength," Jie Jia said, subtly tempting. "Really?!" Chen Mu was brimming with excitement. "Guaranteed genuine!" Jie Jia swore confidently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with hope: "Can I put it on credit?" Jie Jia: "..." Go hang out wherever it''s cool! He had figured it out; this little bastard was mocking him again! Chen Mu happily sipped on his chilled tea. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is lousy? But he had the proficiency cheat! Whether it''s lousy or not, we''ll see when I max it out. ... Having sent away the morose Jie Jia, Chen Mu struggled to return to the shelter of the pavilion. Last night, he was too agitated to feel much. Today, his injuries had fully flared up, and moving even a little bit was painful. "I can''t travel long distances like this," Chen Mu frowned in thought. After killing the round-faced Taoist, he wanted to get away from Qingshan County even more. But with his injuries, he couldn''t possibly make a long journey. "I''ll just have to recover first." With a thought, he called up the proficiency panel for his gray wall technique. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7553/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation: 4009/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 8926/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4852/10000/Second Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; "Thank goodness I leveled up the Sleeve Sword Technique to Third Rank ahead of time." "Without the Qiankun Strike, that paper doll would have cost me my old life!" Chapter 41: 41: Recuperating "It''s a pity about that Ghost Head Greatknife." "And all those scattered Silver Pieces on the ground." Zuo Family''s young master isn''t easy to deal with, having seen through his ruse, Chen Mu could only make a hasty escape. "I can''t go back to that house anymore." Chen Mu sighed, "Not only have I lost a bodyguard, but I''ve also wasted three months of rent." He had lived there for less than three months, but the rent was paid for half a year. "Let''s not think about it anymore, the more I think about it, the more it hurts." "Let''s take a look at the spoils of war instead." The bodies of the two men had already been buried by him in the deserted house north of the city, keeping Sheng Hong company. He also sprinkled some corrosive powder to accelerate decomposition, soon they would return to dust. "Three and a half Silver Taels, fifty-two copper coins, and two twenty-Silver Tael notes from the Datong Money House." Chen Mu grabbed the shiny Soft Sword and played around with it for a bit. He almost cut the back of his hand and quickly put the sword back on the table. The strange Soft Sword probably required special skills. Not just anyone could handle it. "The material is good; it might sell for a good price." The apprentice had quite the haul on him, and Chen Mu was a bit excited about what the round-faced Taoist had in store. All that was on the other person was a plump, palm-sized, bright red leather pouch. The pouch was made of leather, yet it was as soft and light as fabric. The front side was embroidered with five little figures using gold thread. The figures formed a circle with a small, delicate black mountain in the middle. There was a black cord at the opening of the pouch, passing through several holes, it was pulled tight to narrow the opening and tied into a bow. "It''s quite pretty." Chen Mu examined it for a moment, tugged open the bow, pinched the opening of the pouch and tried to pull it apart... but it wouldn''t budge! After several attempts. The opening seemed to be sealed shut, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn''t pull it open! What the hell? Even though he was seriously injured, he was still a master of the Bone Transformation technique. A normal leather pouch would have been torn apart by him long ago. Yet now, he couldn''t even open a small pouch. Chen Mu fiddled with it for half an hour, but the pouch remained unmoved. He stared at the pouch, examining it closely. Suddenly, he realized that one of the figures looked very familiar. On closer inspection, it actually bore a five-point resemblance to the red paper man. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he almost threw it away. That Bloodsucking Paper Man was too weird. He had discovered the previous night when retrieving his Dagger that the Paper Man he had pinned to the wall had disappeared into thin air. He had thought the eerie object had fled. Now it seemed quite likely that it had returned to the pouch. Looking at the leather pouch on the stone table, Chen Mu''s face was uncertain. "This is a treasure." "A dangerous treasure." He studied it for a long while, but discovered nothing. "I''ll put it away for now." Throwing it away was out of the question. He''ll study it more carefully later. ... "Better to keep a good distance from the Qingfeng Observatory, then." He planned to stick with his current strategy, living close by and piggybacking off the Evil-Repelling Halo. ... Five days later, the swelling in Chen Mu''s body had subsided. Though he still had internal injuries, they no longer affected his movement. He quickly packed his belongings and rushed off to explore the small eastern mountain. The situation was simpler than Chen Mu had imagined. The Qingfeng Observatory was recruiting laborers to construct an altar. Thousands of workers needed food and shelter. Erecting tents, setting up camps, and building wooden houses, thousands of people spontaneously formed a sprawling shantytown at the foot of the mountain. Astute merchants even organized a small market there. Chen Mu dressed in coarse gray clothes, donned a bamboo hat, and applied birthmark makeup. Fisherman Yang Zhi blended in effortlessly. He planned to find someone to build a wooden house at the edge of the settlement, close to the Qingfeng Observatory mountain path. From just a glance, he could see the Qingfeng Observatory up the mountain. Jumping on the rooftop also allowed him to overlook the entire shantytown. The construction of the wooden house was fast. All sorts of skilled craftsmen had gathered here. Three people started work in the morning and happily left with a hundred copper coins each by evening. That night, Chen Mu moved into the house, which still smelled of the moist wood. The timber was fresh and prone to rotting and attracting bugs. But Chen Mu didn''t plan to live there for long. The house met his requirements perfectly. ... In the following days, Chen Mu was busy accumulating life necessities. Pots, pans, and ladles were indispensable, as were oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. He carried over four straw bags of white wheat from the second house''s cellar, each weighing over a hundred pounds, the last of the cellar''s provisions. "So it''s really time to leave Qingshan County." The price of food in Qingshan County was getting more and more outrageous; now a straw bag of white wheat even required one and a half Silver Taels. He also bought two large water jars and caught a basket of fish to keep in them, slowly eating them over time. Chen Mu then closed his doors to visitors, staying inside the wooden house to slowly recover from his injuries. ... "Here''s the medical book you wanted." Jie Jia had one hand behind his back and with the other, he dropped the sack in front of Chen Mu with a thud. Under the shade of the trees, Chen Mu lay on a bamboo chair, leisurely rocking back and forth as he read. "Thanks," said Chen Mu, sitting upright and casually flipping through the bag. The yellowed pages emitted a faint ink smell. These were various medical books Chen Mu had Jie Jia help him buy. Unable to practice his abilities while recovering, it was a good time to brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique. Finding that he hadn''t seen most of the medical books before, he tossed a small cloth bag to Jie Jia, nodding his head in satisfaction. "You''re thinking of replicating Three Yang Six Lords Pills?" Jie Jia weighed the bag and slipped it into his sleeve. "Don''t believe me?" Chen Mu didn''t hide his intention. Jie Jia earnestly replied, "I believe." This time, it was Chen Mu who was baffled. I don''t even have confidence in myself, how come you believe in me? "Need any medicinal ingredients? I''ve got connections," Jie Jia stated seriously. Chen Mu: "..." You really have a knack for spotting business opportunities! Chapter 42: 42 Brush Chen Mu always admired Jie Jia''s mindset for making money. But you can''t just shear me, the only sheep you caught, right? What if you shear me bald?! "Want it?" Jie Jia''s eyes were still half-closed, his face expressionless, utterly calm. "I want it!" Chen Mu said through gritted teeth. He needed to increase his proficiency in the Pharmaceutical Technique and that meant he could not do without buying medicinal herbs. In Qingshan County, resources were scarce, and anything slightly rare was difficult to purchase. "In a few days, I''ll organize a list and then buy," Chen Mu decided to finish reading the medical books he had on hand first and start buying when there was nothing left to read. ... Night had fallen, dinner eaten, and washing up finished. Dressed in a loose robe, Chen Mu sat at a wooden table beneath the window of the wooden hut. He lit an oil lamp and neatly arranged the medical books that Jie Jia had brought on the corner of the table. There were quite a few books, a stack as high as a forearm, and there were three such stacks. If there hadn''t been duplicate books, the little hemp sack would have contained even more. With a thought, he called up the grey wall to check the Pharmaceutical Technique column. Pharmaceutical Technique: 4852/10000/Second Rank; Chen Mu had a plan in mind for how to increase his proficiency in the Pharmaceutical Technique. The three stacks of books before him were the best tools. Pulling out a book called "Herbal Medicine Preparation," Chen Mu turned up the oil lamp and concentrated. As he read, wisps of understanding flowed into his mind like a stream of water. Technical terms that were difficult for ordinary people to understand held no secrets for Chen Mu. His proficiency improved rapidly as he read. Half an hour passed, and a third of the thick medical book had already been read. He checked his proficiency. The Pharmaceutical Technique had gone from 4852 to 4873, an increase of twenty-one points. "Not bad, keep going!" ... An hour later, Chen Mu had finished the last page of the book. His proficiency had reached 4913. It wasn''t just the numbers that had improved; upon closing his eyes and recalling what he had just read, the content of the medical book appeared in his mind like photographs. There was even additional information about the growing environments of the herbs in his head. "Worthy of being a cheat!" If he had this cheat in his previous life, all those top students would have had to stand aside! Chen Mu got up to stretch and prepare for bed. It was a quiet night outside the window. Only his oil lamp was still lit. This otherworldly night lacked entertainment activities. Most of those who lived here were laborers. They were hewing rocks and mining during the day, and as soon as it got dark, they were so tired that they would fall into a deep sleep. Chen Mu blew out the oil lamp and prepared to rest. Just as he turned around, he couldn''t help but look outside through the window. ... Carrying the wild rabbit to a creek not far from the cabin, where the water flowed. The grass and trees along the way were lush; what used to be regarded as weeds, Chen Mu could now identify as many being medicinal plants. After cleaning it, he dug a hole, arranged some stones around it, and set up two wooden poles to create a simple spit. He lit the charcoal prepared for decocting medicine. Chen Mu was ready to roast the plump rabbit. "A pity I don''t have any roast meat sauce." The mere thought triggered a flood of information about various herbs in his mind. "That works?" Chen Mu was astonished. With a little contemplation, a recipe for roast meat seasoning appeared in his head. Many of the needed ingredients grew in the nearby woods, which could be described as making the best of the local resources. "This won''t work, too bitter." "That''s no good either, tasty but causes diarrhea if you eat too much of it." "This combination is good, removes gaminess, stimulates appetite and enhances gastrointestinal motility, and improves absorption." "With a little more adjustment, yes, adds a good amount of trace elements..." As someone who practiced martial arts and needed to heal from injuries, he always kept various medicines on hand. After another round in the nearby forest collecting natural plants, he quickly came up with a seasoning for the meat. ... "Let''s get started!" After sprinkling the seasoning, the sizzling of the fat spread a rich fragrance. Before the meat was fully cooked, a figure appeared in front of the cabin. Chen Mu glanced at Jie Jia, fixated on the roasting rabbit, unfazed. He showed up for dinner the day after Chen Mu moved in. If it weren''t for the distance, he''d be around for all three meals a day. What a cheapskate old man! "It smells great!" Chen Mu slowly savored a leg of rabbit. Jie Jia usually ate slowly and elegantly, but today he sped up the process by threefold. Chen Mu was also surprised. His pharmaceutical technique and cooking skills seemed to have undergone a chemical reaction. "Perhaps I could make some medicinal dishes." Chen Mu subconsciously looked toward the grey wall. To his surprise, his proficiency in alchemical technique had increased by more than ten points? "This is the real unexpected treat!" Just from working out a roast meat seasoning recipe, his proficiency improved! He had been wondering what prescription to practice with. And now he had it. Meat tenderizing and flavor enhancing recipe, medicinal food formulas, preservatives for dried fruits or meatsthe opportunities to practice were plenty! And they required no especially precious medicinal ingredients. Chen Mu looked over at Jie Jia with a smiling face. This time, he most likely wouldn''t need the old geezer''s help to buy medicine. Thinking of swindling me for another sum? Just you wait and see, haha... Chapter 43: 43: Treasure "It''s still not right," Chen Mu examined a walnut-sized brown pill. It contained fish, white barley rice, nuts, fats, salt, honey, supplements for the body, and preservative medicines. Chen Mu wanted to make a kind of high-calorie, nutritious, and storable dry food to prepare for the upcoming journey. The inspiration came from the compressed biscuits of his previous life. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts, he still faced failure. It was edible, but the taste was slightly off, the preservability was not very good, and the medicinal effects were minimal. "At least it''s good for improving proficiency." Coming up with a new formula could boost his proficiency by fifty to sixty points, comparable to reading medical texts. After being busy for over half a month, his Pharmaceutical Technique neared nine thousand, and he was on the verge of breaking through to the Third Rank. "I''ll take a day off tomorrow," Chen Mu said as he turned his head to look at a basket full of failures. "I need to dispose of these things." ... At the market area below the eastern hill. Chen Mu, wearing a bamboo hat and a face mask, donned Yang Zhi''s vest again. He arrived at a familiar spot, set up his stall, and displayed the failed rice balls. Then he just sat down on the ground and quietly waited for customers. "Young Brother Yang, selling rice balls again? Two copper coins each, right? Pack ten for me," a lean old man with a goatee approached him as soon as he sat down. The man''s surname was Liu; everyone called him Old Liu, a traveling rural doctor. He sold trauma medicines and Power Pills at the market and often went into the mountains to collect medicinal herbs, also buying from laborers. Chen Mu set up his stall here mainly for his herbs. "Hmm," Chen Mu nodded with a muffled voice, maintaining a reticent demeanor. The birthmark on his face added a touch of coolness to his persona. Old Liu was well accustomed to this and didn''t mind as he handed Chen Mu a package wrapped in oil paper: "Take a look, is it the herb you were talking about?" Chen Mu opened it and glanced briefly, his eyebrows raised slightly. He put down the oil paper package, quickly wrapped ten rice balls, and paused his hands before adding two more. He took out thirty copper coins and handed them over along with the rice balls. Old Liu immediately nodded with satisfaction. While he was looking, a ruckus suddenly erupted at one end of the street. A few Government Officials were carrying a stretcher swiftly away. The crowd gathered at the street corner, chattering and discussing. "What happened?" Chen Mu gestured toward the departing stretcher and asked. "Wild animal injuries," Old Liu replied as if it was routine: "It was pretty gruesome though, I heard it gutted everything, like the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, all plucked out by the beast." "When people clear land in deep mountain areas, encountering ferocious animals is normal. Luckily we have Qingfeng Observatory. Otherwise, encountering evil spirits would be the real misfortune." Chen Mu could only nod in agreement. Qingfeng Observatory indeed had methods. In the wilderness, with thousands of laborers gathered, several months had passed without a single incident of evil spirits. The two chatted sporadically. Chen Mu''s gaze scanned the street''s activities from the corner of his eye. With thousands opening the mountain, game animals, medicinal herbs, minerals, various natural resources were being continuously discovered. While there were no rare finds here, there were plenty of common items, convenient for him to find ingredients for his recipes. Chen Mu punched the boar on its forehead. The previously howling wild pig rolled over and fell to the ground with a thud. Then, reaching out, he grabbed one of the wild pig''s front legs and lifted the 300-pound animal out of the pigpen like it was a little chick. He casually threw it into a large bamboo basket behind him. Tossing ten taels of silver to Zhang Lao Liu, he departed without a word. The eyes of Zhang Lao Liu and the other two bulged out from their sockets. Fuck! Such strength?! ... On the west side of Little Dong Mountain. Chen Mu deliberately kept his distance from the eastern site of the ceremonial building and chose a pit not too close yet not too far from the Qingfeng Observatory. He took out the large wild pig and then dug out a broken wooden basin from the bottom of the basket. The Sleeve Sword Technique flashed, and he made a bloody hole in the pig''s neck. The wild pig, hurt by the cut, woke up and tried to struggle. Hiss! Chen Mu waved his hand calmly. The Sleeve Sword glided along the back of the pig''s neck and into the spine, piercing the hard bone as if it were tofu, severing the spinal cord in an instant. Just like that, he held onto the pig''s hind legs, lifted it with one hand, and let it bleed. Once the wooden basin was filled, Chen Mu put down the pig and retreated ten meters with the bamboo basket. With leather gloves on his hands, he carefully took out a wooden box from under the basket and extracted a bright red leather pouch from inside. This was a strange object he had gotten from a round-faced Taoist. Chen Mu suspected it was a magic artifact. The paper effigy was eerie, and he dared not try it lightly. As for blood binding to claim ownership, forget it; he didn''t consider himself to have the luck of a protagonist. After pondering for a month and testing with different methods, he confirmed that the pouch could absorb blood. This time, Chen Mu planned to feed it well in one go to see what would happen. From a distance of ten meters, he threw the pouch into the basin of pig blood. Gurgle gurgle... The pouch sank to the bottom, bubbling up. The level of blood dropped at a visible rate, and in a short while, it was completely gone. Even the crevices in the wooden basin were left without a trace of blood. Chen Mu approached to examine it, picked up a stick, and poked at the leather pouch. The pouch had no reaction, and the foreboding paper effigy didn''t leap out. However, the mouth of the pouch was pried open by his poking. Yet, he dared not reach in with his hand. Finding another stick, he clamped the pouch like chopsticks and turned it upside down to pour it out. Whoosh... A huge pile of items fell out of the tiny pouch, quickly filling half of the half-meter diameter wooden basin. Chen Mu: "..." Treasures! Before he could react, the black cord on the pouch contracted, and the mouth closed tightly again. Chen Mu, holding the pouch with the stick, put it back into the wooden box he had used earlier. He tossed the wooden basin and the wild pig back into the bamboo basket and quickly left with the basket on his back. Chapter 44: 44 Five Ghosts ``` Clothes, silver taels, books, medicinal herbs, and bottles and jars. A pile of items messily spread out on the table. Even the small pile of silver and silver notes beside it couldn''t snap him out of his daze. Chen Mu''s eyes were fixed on the red leather pouch inside the wooden box, lost in thought. "I should have thought of this earlier." There were ghosts, magic artifacts; naturally, there was also the pursuit of immortal cultivation. It''s just that the bag was a bit odd, not quite fitting his fantasy of a storage bag or Sumeru Ring. "Sooner or later, I''m going to see what an immortal looks like!" Chen Mu quickly settled his complicated emotions and averted his gaze. He closed the wooden box and carefully stored it. This was a treasure, not to be lost. But it wasn''t a good time to try using it. After all, it could suck blood, which was a bit dangerous. "Let''s check out the spoils of war first!" Chen Mu put on sheepskin gloves. He carefully placed the bottles and jars aside, wary of any poison inside. He grouped the silver taels and silver notes together. After counting, there were more than four hundred and thirty-three taels. "Windfall!" Chen Mu chortled. He threw the clothes into a wooden tub, intending to burn them later. Chen Mu placed several books in front of him. He was interested in these items. Killing for manuals, isn''t this just like a standard feature in novels? "If I could get a Shape Cultivation Technique, that would be great." With that thought, Chen Mu picked up the book on top. Pity Flower Manual. "A manual, huh..." Chen Mu couldn''t wait to flip through the pages. He closed the book with a blank expression after only a page. Then he checked the other few books. Flower Appreciation Biography, Demon Fox Biography... "Using a treasure that hides a Sumeru within a mustard seed to store erotic books... Genius!" He tossed the books into a bamboo basket and casually picked up the last yellow scroll to unravel. If this turns out to be a banner of a beautiful woman... I won''t bother if the art is poor! As soon as he opened it, dense text came into view. Chen Mu quickly looked at the title at the beginningThousand Mountains ScriptureFive Ghosts Moving Mountains. This is... a jackpot! ... "So it''s called the Five Ghosts Bag," Chen Mu muttered as he carefully examined the scroll. The content was all about that red bag. The beginning was a passage of two to three hundred words of scripture. The content was abstruse, incoherent. He recognized every word, but together they formed a jumble of code. The rest mostly described how to make the Five Ghosts Bag. The materials looked quite exotic. "You want something?" Jie Jia said indifferently. He was familiar with this routine. The scholar was only ever so eager when he needed help with something. "Take a look at this," Chen Mu said nonchalantly, tossing a porcelain bottle to Jie Jia. A stir went through Jie Jia''s heart. Opening the porcelain bottle, a familiar scent wafted out. "Did you really replicate it?!" Jie Jia was slightly moved. This product was a monopoly of the Zhu Yi Pavilion, and although many had attempted to imitate and decode it, no one had succeeded. "It was a bit troublesome, but fortunately, I succeeded," Chen Mu said cheerily. The Zhu Yi Pavilion added confusing agents to the medicine, forming an encryption lock. Ordinary Pharmacists couldn''t solve it. Thank goodness for the Third Rank Pharmaceutical Technique. Upon breaking through, his sense of smell and taste were enhanced, which allowed him to detect the flaw. Zhu Yi Pavilion used two useless medicines mixed together to produce a smell incredibly similar to that of another precious medicinal material. The reactions in various tests were almost indistinguishable. Who knew how many imitators had been misled. "Ten pills a bottle, I''ll give you one for eight silver taels. You help me sell them, deal or no deal?" Chen Mu tempted. Jie Jia had the capability and the channels, and he was not afraid of others coveting or probing. Chen Mu would only be in charge of production, letting Jie Jia bear all the risks and ensure a fat profit. "Two taels," Jie Jia proposed, unperturbed. Members of the Zhu Yi Pavilion bought it for eight silver taels a bottle. In the Ghost Market, a bottle would cost at least twelve silver taels! Jie Jia, keen on earning money, drove a hard bargain. "Too little, a minimum of seven and a half taels!" Chen Mu protested, though he was secretly delighted. The Three Yang Six Lords Pills seemed complex, but the complexity was in the process, not the materials, which were cheap. For a bottle, it would cost at most a little more than one silver tael. With mass production, the cost could even be reduced to half a tael. After some back-and-forth, they finally agreed on six taels per bottle. The moment the deal was struck, smiles broke out on both of their faces simultaneously. An old man and a young one, they resembled two foxes who had just stolen some chickens. ... The market in the gathering area. Chen Mu, wearing a conical bamboo hat and draped in Yang Zhi''s vest, carrying a bamboo basket, found Old Liu. "I''ve prepared all the medicinal materials for you, it was quite a bit of effort," Old Liu handed a hemp bag to Chen Mu. Chen Mu said nothing, opened the hemp bag, and took out the small cloth bags inside. He routinely inspected each one. Interactions with Jie Jia had made him cautious. After a while, Chen Mu stood up and threw a cloth bag to Old Liu, "Thanks." With this batch of medicine, not only could he make money, but his recovery from injuries would also speed up. Old Liu pinched the cloth bag and immediately his face lit up with a smile. Chen Mu nodded, tossed the hemp bag into his bamboo basket, and walked away with it on his back. He had barely taken two steps. A few Government Officials carrying a stretcher passed by his side. By their side was a familiar faceCaptain Lu. Ever since Qingshan County changed hands, Chen Mu hadn''t gone to the government office to draw wanted posters. It had been a long time since he had seen Captain Lu. Noticing the grey cloth stained with blood that covered a body, Chen Mu''s brows furrowed slightly. Another wild beast attack? Chapter 45: 45: Ritual Refining "Could there be anything strange here?" Chen Mu walked to the side of the street and squatted in front of a bamboo weaver''s stall. He casually picked up a bamboo-woven basket, casting a glance out of the corner of his eye at the approaching government official Lu. "Boss, what kind of beast is this, to go specifically after the viscera?" A government official, lagging half a step behind Lu the head captor, asked quietly. "Wild wolf," Lu the head captor replied indifferently. "But the wounds don''t all seem to be from a wolf," the government official wondered. Lu the head captor glanced at him and said, "We''ll talk when we get back." At those words, the government official shrank his neck and dared not ask any further. Once the group had left, Chen Mu stood up. He paid for a bamboo basket and continued on his way as if nothing had happened. "The smell of blood, the smell of medicine, has Lu the head captor been injured?" Chen Mu wondered. Upon closer reflection, he shook his head, "That''s not right. The ingredients in the medicine seem to be those that stimulate the potential of organs, fierce and aggressive medicinal drugs." His Third Rank Pharmaceutical Technique enhanced his sense of smell, and just a faint whiff of medicine let him detect something fishy. "Forget it. Better stay out of it." This Lu the head captor didn''t seem like a good person. ... Early in the morning, Chen Mu rose from bed feeling clear-headed and refreshed. "It''s been a long time since I''ve felt this good," Chen Mu stretched lazily. Ever since he was injured, he always felt groggy upon waking up each day. Today seemed to offer a glimpse of recovery. His imitation of the Three Yang Six Lords Pills was aimed more at healing than making money. He didn''t have to worry about cost and could increase the dosage. Lately, he had been pondering medicinal diets to assist in the recovery of his injuries. He used charcoal to cook medicinal porridge in a sand pot. Chen Mu sat in a reclining chair, watching the fire while contemplating the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. After a while, Chen Mu sighed, "Still no use." He rearranged the text, but the more he changed it, the more chaotic it became. After reading each word again, he still didn''t understand. About to put it away, a sudden inspiration flashed through his mind. Chen Mu subconsciously pulled up his gray wall. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7597/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 4009/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 806/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 626/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/First Rank; "I''m on the board!" He immediately recited the scripture in silence. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 2/10000/First Rank; A faint realization dawned on him. He felt that the first sentence should be read quicker, and the fifth word should be pronounced with more emphasis. With that thought, he did as he considered. Suddenly, the scripture, which had been difficult to articulate, became slightly smoother to read. His proficiency increased by one point, as expected. Chen Mu was hopelessly addicted to increasing his proficiency. Whenever he had time, he would recite in a low voice. As his proficiency rose, his understanding of the scripture grew. The content of the scripture was meaningless; what mattered was the pronunciation of the words. When the nonsensical scripture was read aloud at a special pace and tone, it formed a different pronunciation. It was like marking English words with Chinese pinyin for pronunciation. Watching his proficiency climb quickly, Chen Mu was obsessed. He''d recite during the day, in the evening, and even ponder over it in his dreams. ... Half a month later. On the west side of the small eastern mountain, within a familiar forested hollow. A large black pig lay unconscious on the ground. Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Second Rank. Chen Mu took out the Five Ghosts Bag and placed it on the ground. He took a deep breath. A deep and rapid incantation came from his mouth. Though he was the only one speaking, it sounded like a thousand whispers at once. A plume of black air rose from the Five Ghosts Bag, gathering mid-air and compressing. A pale paper figure appeared. The little paper figure was full of patterns, with the character "Winter" on its back. "It worked!" Chen Mu looked at the paper figure with curiosity. An odd sensation arose. It was as if he had an extra hand out of nowhere. "So that''s how the round-faced Taoist controlled the paper figure that time!" He thought about making the paper figure move. And the paper figure floated slowly in mid-air, just as he imagined. Thinking of the introduction to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Chen Mu made the paper figure dive under the black pig. "Rise!" ... The black pig didn''t budge an inch! "It''s too heavy," Chen Mu realized. He directed the paper figure to come out and picked a stone about the size of a human head. The little paper figure floated under the rock, bracing it with its hands and head. Chen Mu shouted, "Fly!" ... The rock didn''t move an inch! Chen Mu: "..." He suddenly had an ominous premonition. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu watched the little paper figure softly hovering amidst the drifting tree leaves, speechless. Is this supposed to be the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain? More like the Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain! Chapter 46: 46: Moving Mountains "Fortunately, it wasn''t a total loss." Chen Mu held the Five Ghosts Bag in his hand, the previously tightly sealed opening now easily opened. The little paper man turned into black smoke and vanished into thin air. When it reappeared, it had entered the Five Ghosts Bag. Suddenly, an image formed in Chen Mu''s mind. It was a pitch-dark space, somewhat oppressive and stuffy. He felt as if he had entered the cellar beneath the number two mansion. The space was void of light, about five meters high, and four meters in length and width, somewhat egg-shaped overall. "A storage space bag!" Chen Mu controlled the black smoke to fly around inside the bag, greedily thinking, "If only it were a bit bigger, that would be even better!" Having understood the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, Chen Mu also grasped the operation method described in the Thousand Mountains Sutra. The black smoke exited the bag, covering the stone the size of a human head which he had seen earlier. Pop! The black smoke and the stone disappeared simultaneously. At the bottom of the pitch-dark space, there was suddenly a stone the size of a human head. "So this is how you move mountains!" The little paper man couldn''t physically move the stone, but by covering it with black smoke, it could be put into the Five Ghosts Bag. He had been misled by the round-faced Taoist previously. Thinking that moving mountains relied solely on paper men. But the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Secret Art never relied on ghost paper men; it was the rainbow pot''s stomach all along. The paper man was merely a connection, the stomach was the key. Shaking the bag in his hand, he found it was not heavy at all! Chen Mu''s interest was immediately piqued. In no time, the entire stone pit was shrouded in black smoke. And beside it stood a figure with an excited Yin-Yang face. A perfect scene of mischief and disorder. ... In the evening, at a square table outside the wooden hut. Jie Jia arrived on time like an alarm clock. "What''s all this for?" Jie Jia glanced at the stone pile about a man''s height not far away. Didn''t he say he was leaving Qingshan County? Piling up so many stones, does he plan to build a house? The escort business isn''t going to fall through, is it?! Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Could it be said that he got carried away and filled a bag with stones to bring back? "For practice," Chen Mu said earnestly. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu skeptically. He had known Chen Mu for almost a year and was aware of what martial arts Chen Mu knew. Which martial art required stones and wood? And practice? "Are you healed?" Jie Jia asked quietly. "Healed. We can leave in another seven or eight days." Seeing that Jie Jia did not pursue the source of the stones any further, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, he felt a flutter of excitement in his heart. His time in Qingshan County had not been all that peaceful. It was as if a sense of crisis was always lurking behind him. "Didn''t you say three months? Leaving one month early is a bit difficult to handle," Jie Jia said with a slight frown. "Is it because we haven''t cleared the route?" Chen Mu asked with concern. "Route? No route." Jie Jia said indifferently, "I am not available until next month." Chen Mu: "..." What does that mean? Within a four-meter radius with him at the center, anything could be taken at will, but beyond that distance, it wasn''t possible. "It seems to be comparable to the inner space of the Five Ghosts Bag," Chen Mu speculated. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag. A pile of fish almost as tall as a person was accumulating at the bottom of the bag. It was as if they had landed on quicksand or sunk into silt. Slowly sinking, they vanished into thin air. "Then how am I supposed to store food?" Chen Mu frowned. He had meat in his Bigu Pills, and he also made a lot of jerked meat. If he put it into the Five Ghosts Bag, wouldn''t that be like throwing a meat bun to a dog, all to be sneakily eaten by the bag? Chen Mu observed with a frown, then suddenly had an idea. A fish from the very bottom was taken out. He inspected it carefully. The part close to the inner wall vanished, with a cut as smooth as a mirror, as if it had been sliced off by an incredibly sharp blade. Chen Mu thoughtfully. Right away, he moved all the fish out of the Five Ghosts Bag. Then he placed the half-fish on a millstone-sized rock by the river and collected both into the bag. The result was that both the rock and the fish remained unharmed. "Only the meat that touches the inner wall gets eaten?" Chen Mu chuckled to himself. He quickly packed up the fish and left. Chen Mu first went to the marketplace to buy a tent. He then bought tree resin from a carpenter. He placed the tent and tree resin into the Five Ghosts Bag, and lined the inside of the Five Ghosts Bag with wallpaper! "Now, there''s no way you can steal my meat, right?" Chen Mu held the Five Ghosts Bag with a smug smile. Five Ghosts Bag: "..." ... Five days later, in front of a wooden cabin. "Are you satisfied?" a man in his forties smiled and said, "If not, we can make further changes." A dull youth in his twenties stood beside him. Behind them stood a giant egg that was five meters high. "Not bad," Chen Mu paid cheerfully, dismissing the two men. Chen Mu examined the egg-shaped rack in front of him, nodding in satisfaction. The giant egg was divided layer by layer by wooden planks from top to bottom. Each layer of wood was further divided into individual storage compartments by vertical boards. The whole thing looked like a honeycomb. ... Deep in the night, when all was quiet, Chen Mu didn''t light a lamp, but pushed open the door and stepped out into the dark. He climbed onto the roof to look around, ensuring there was no one nearby. He quickly recited the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse right away. The giant egg instantly vanished. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag. Wooden racks filled the Five Ghosts Bag to the brim. "With the canvas cover, the meat won''t be stolen." "With wooden racks for support, items won''t pile up on the ground." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction at once. It hadn''t been easy to get a storage bag. He had to maximize its use of space to the fullest. ``` Chapter 47: 47: Peace of Mind Qingfeng Observatory''s back mountain. A nest of black-skinned wild boars rolled in the mud. Chen Mu emerged from the forest, startling the family of two adults and three younglings. One of the larger black boars, with fanged teeth protruding and nostrils flaring, stared curiously at Chen Mu. Puff! A fist-sized clod of earth suddenly exploded on the big black boar''s forehead. The big black boar was dazed. Puff! Another clod of earth exploded. Puff puff puff... Now, the family of five was thoroughly covered with dirt, all with dusty faces. This two-legged sheep is too arrogant! Does the Second Brother have no temper? No way this could be tolerated! The family of five charged with snorting and puffing. Wild boars weighing three or four hundred pounds, tough-skinned and meaty, with sharp fanged teeth. When they charged, even lions and tigers had to give way. Five wild boars, like little tanks, rushed towards Chen Mu. Just as the wild boars approached four meters in front of him. Puff! A handful of brilliant red smoke bizarrely appeared, precisely aimed in front of the black pig''s nostrils. Plop! The five black boars'' front legs weakened, and their heads plunged headfirst into the mud. Due to inertia, they flipped over in mid-air, ears and tongues flying messily. After landing, they struggled to stop, rolling right up to Chen Mu''s feet. They lay in a heap, unconscious and snoring heavily. Chen Mu couldn''t help clenching his fist. "Success!" Inside the Five Ghosts Bag, at the very bottom of the egg-shaped shelf, all storage compartments were sealed with waterproof oilcloth and tree resin, ensuring not even a hint of air could escape. At this moment, it was filled with thick red smokeupgraded Mesmerizing Divine Smoke! The original Mesmerizing Divine Smoke was colorless and odorless, highlighting its stealth. But the upgraded Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, not only festive in color, but also rich in scent. However, its power was stronger, its onset swifter, and those affected dropped instantly! Right in front of him, the Second Brother was proof. Chen Mu grinned as he surveyed the family of five. "Should it be braised, or grilled..." ... "Head, we''ve found that scholar!" a government official whispered to Lu Jin. "Finally found him!" Lu Jin said excitedly. His eyes were bloodshot, his face flushed with excitement. It took a while before he regained his composure, tossed a few silver pieces to the official, and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. As the official left with profuse thanks, Lu Jin briskly exited the yamen. ... Towards evening, Lu Jin quietly approached a house. The light inside was dim, and a figure sat in the shadows. Lu Jin''s joy could no longer be contained. This was his hope for cultivating Soul Strength! Shape Cultivation for ten years, soul nourishment for a hundred. Shape Cultivation was difficult enough, but nurturing the soul was even more challenging! But now, a shortcut lay before him! Once he cultivated Soul Strength, he could extend his lifespan, and be impervious to swords, truly able to dominate the world! Caught by surprise earlier, he had already been injured from taking a direct hit. If the fight continued, even attrition could kill me! "I can''t stay in the town, I must find a way to look for Cheng Yi!" Lu Jin steeled his heart. He took out a Five Qi Pill, stuffing it into his mouth with a pained expression. His blood and qi surged instantly, his face flushing with engorged blood. Lifting his waist knife high, he yelled out loud and turned to run! ... Entering December, the weather in Qingshan County cooled down, but it was not as cold as the interior of Da Liang, where evergreens still thrived. On the long stone bridge that spanned the river, Chen Mu stood leisurely. Appreciating the greenery-laden hillsides along the banks of the Bailang River, his wilted spirit was somewhat soothed. He would always stand on the bridge to rest for a moment before returning home each day, easing the tension in his mind. "With such picturesque scenery, if not for the troubles caused by ghosts and human disasters, living in Qingshan County would actually be quite nice." He aspired to be the Sword Deity of the Ten Mile Slope, but alas... Chen Mu turned his head to look toward the eastern side of the bridge. The broad road that extended out led directly to Little East Mountain. Little East Mountain was lush and green, but on the eastern slope, there was a conspicuous yellow patch. That was where the altar stood, with the vegetation around it cleared away. Chen Mu shook his head looking at the yellow spot, "It''s a pity that Qingshan County always hides dangers." "I should start preparing the supplies tomorrow," Chen Mu thought, patting the bridge railing. At that moment, a muscular man approached from afar. The man was carrying another man on his back, whose hair was disheveled and sleeves stained with blood. Apparently not expecting someone on the bridge, the muscular man paused, then resumed his walk as if nothing was amiss. Chen Mu''s face showed a look of curiosity, but he did not speak up. In these unsafe times, kindness did not always lead to good outcomes. Considering their direction, they were probably seeking medical help in the city. Were they laborers who worked on the altar? In an ancient era with undeveloped productivity, constructing a large-scale altar was bound to result in heavy casualties and injuries. Noticing the man''s gaze, Chen Mu, filled with pity, nodded in greeting. The muscular man paused, then responded with a nod and a bitter smile. "Fell off the mountain and nearly lost his life. I''m carrying him back to see his kid for the last time," the muscular man explained with a wry smile. Chen Mu''s heart clenched at the fragility of life, "Condolences." The muscular man sighed and walked past Chen Mu with his burden. Chen Mu watched their retreating figures, shaking his head helplessly. He wanted to help, but was powerless to do so. If he couldn''t ensure his own safety, how could he help others? Chen Mu turned to leave. Sights like these were exactly what he dreaded witnessing in the human world. But after a few steps, he could not help but stop. Compared to those at the bottom, he had an "advantage", didn''t lack for food or drink, had martial arts to practice, and had even acquired a mysterious magic artifact recently. He was far too fortunate! "If I hadn''t seen it, that would be one thing, but having encountered it... It might not be much, but I can still offer some help." "I''m not just helping others; I''m also easing my own heart." With this thought, Chen Mu reached into his sleeve, turned back, and threw something. Woosh! An Iron Lotus Seed broke through the air, carrying a spiral flow, and arrived instantly at the head of the bridge. Clang! Two small arm-length sabers crossed and slashed in midair. The Iron Lotus Seed was shattered by a strike, sending sparks flying. Ha! Chen Mu retracted his hand and burst into loud laughter! Heh! The muscular man slowly lowered his sabers, revealing a fierce grin. ``` Chapter 48: 48: Perilous "Misjudged you, a real master," the man in black chuckled grimly. "When two tigers fight, one is bound to get hurt. We share no grudge, so why not cease fighting and leave?" Chen Mu said calmly, his smile fading away. The brawny man''s brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at Dongshan Hill not far away. Just now, Lu Jin had desperately fired a signal arrow. He suspected that this was a secret code for communication with Qingfeng Observatory. "I can''t afford to linger here for too long!" With this in mind, the brawny man took two steps forward, "What if you report me to the authorities afterwards and turn against me? Wouldn''t that be an endless trouble?" Chen Mu, sensing the other''s hesitation, immediately intensified his persuasion, "We don''t know each other. Why make enemies for no reason?" "Even if someone comes to me for information about you later, all I can provide is the direction you''ve left in." Chen Mu stepped closer and whispered, "Once over the bridge, you''ll have countless paths to choose from. The information I give could even lead them astray." The brawny man was visibly moved and slid his knife back into the sheath at his waist with his left hand, gripping the handle of his other knife with his right hand, he stepped aside and pointed at Chen Mu, "A word from a gentleman!" Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief; the brawny man was extremely strong, having disabled Constable Lu and captured him. It was better not to fight if possible. He immediately stepped forward, raising his right hand and swearing to the sky, "As fast as a horse with a single whip!" "Haha, good!" The brawny man exclaimed happily. Chen Mu''s face broke into a smile as he clasped his hands in salute, "May we never meet again!" "So, shall we part ways here?" the brawny man chuckled. "Part ways," Chen Mu echoed with a laugh. "Then let''s go," the brawny man gestured as he turned to leave. "After you," Chen Mu said humbly. "Alright then, I''ll go first," the brawny man smiled broadly. Sacrificial Strike! He suddenly stepped forward, his left hand, kept behind his back, swung forward abruptly. His arm was like a whip, and the dagger was the tip. A great force acted upon the hilt, accelerated by the sheath. Woosh! The dagger seemed to teleport, spanning four meters in an instant, suddenly appearing to Chen Mu''s right side. Clang! A short sword appeared, blocking the path of the dagger. The tip of the sword touched the blade just right. Sleeve Sword Technique! "Haha, I knew it! My heart harbors no harm to others, but others mean to harm me!" the brawny man glared at Chen Mu. "You must be with Lu Jin," the brawny man said, as if he had figured it all out. "You misunderstand..." "Exactly! The world is treacherous, not one good person!" the brawny man bellowed, his face filled with sorrow. "If the world shows me malice, then I shall return it with my sharp dagger!" the brawny man screamed frantically, "Killing to protect life! Slaying karma, not people! Aaaah..." Demon-Sealing Slash! Rolling blades shrouded Chen Mu like a net. "You evil doer! Shatter! Break into pieces! Hahaha..." Chen Mu: "..." Splat! Lu Jin''s heart relaxed. "He has taken Five Qi Pills in succession before, and his life potential is almost exhausted. Eating two more could directly squeeze him dry. He might heal from his injuries but won''t live many days." Cheng Yi frowned slightly. Lu Jin''s entire body stiffened. Exhausting life potential, squeezing dry, not living many days... Weren''t Five Qi Pills supposed to supplement life potential with precious medicine?! Lu Jin stared at Feng Ren and his disciple in horror and desperation. "Useless trash can still be exploited," Feng Ren glanced at Lu Jin, "Extract all of his life potential, take out his five organs, and use them to refine the Heartless Bell." "Yes," Cheng Yi suddenly understood. Lu Jin felt as if he had fallen into an icy abyss. ... "Master, could we be exposed?" Cheng Yi asked, looking at the corpse of the brawny man with concern. "It''s not impossible," Feng Ren pondered. "Then..." Cheng Yi grew somewhat restless. "It''s not a big problem," Feng Ren thought for a moment and said, "Lu Jin doesn''t know much anyway." "Right! Even if someone investigates, their focus would be on the murder and alchemy," Cheng Yi immediately calmed down. "But we can''t be careless," Feng Ren said solemnly, "Inform Li Qing tomorrow to urge the workers to speed up the construction of the ritual site." "Okay," Cheng Yi nodded. Feng Ren flicked his foot, and the body of the brawny man was kicked into the Bailang River like a rag doll. He glanced at Lu Jin lying on the ground, his body constantly twisting and writhing, attempting to escape. Feng Ren said indifferently, "Take him, let''s head back to the observatory." "Yes," Cheng Yi stepped forward, grabbed Lu Jin''s belt, and lifted him up. "The fifth person... the fifth..." Lu Jin spoke in a barely audible breath, using all his strength. Cheng Yi stopped in his tracks and looked towards Feng Ren, "Master, we''ve found four of the required human cauldrons, just missing the last one." "Don''t bother with him; I have an alternative candidate," Feng Ren said without looking back. Lu Jin plunged into despair. ... As the sunset descended in the west, Chen Mu sat on a bamboo chair. In front of him sat a black pottery sand pot on a red clay stove. The flames licked the bottom of the pot, while billows of white steam drifted up from the edges of the lid. Chen Mu stared at the fiery red stove, occasionally adjusting the fire. "My heart has grown cold as well," he said. Just over a year ago, he was a timid office worker with a kind heart. He might not have achieved much, but he would not have been much of a threat either. Now, he could end a life with ease, without the slightest ripple in his heart. Thinking of that brawny man, Chen Mu sighed. "Why can''t we live in peace? Why can''t we be good people?" "It''s always forcing my hand to kill." "It is these evildoers that harden my heart more and more, chill it more and more, make me detest this world more and more." Chen Mu lifted the lid off the pot and placed the sliced, deboned fish into it. A tantalizing aroma filled his nostrils. "Mmm... delicious!" Chapter 49: 49 Third Rank At the foot of Xiao Dong Mountain, the gathering area. Chen Mu''s residence. In front of the wooden house is a wooden platform that is half a meter off the ground and two meters wide. The eaves of the house extend out above it, like the brim of a hat, serving as the roof of the front porch. At the moment, there is a square table on the porch. Two lanterns hang above, and not far away, the flames in the fire pit flicker. The area in front of the square table is bright. "Leave on the twenty-first, start preparing early," Jie Jia said slowly as he put down his chopsticks calmly. Is it still half a month away? There is enough time to prepare the supplies. Chen Mu nodded. "Do you need me to hire a carriage?" "No need," Jie Jia shook his head. "I''ll prepare it." Chen Mu immediately gave him a sideways glance, full of suspicion, "You''re not going to charge me extra for the carriage and horses, are you?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and nodded calmly. Chen Mu stared at Jie Jia, speechless. He actually admitted it?! Are all schemes so blatant? Jie Jia calmly took out a white silk cloth to wipe his mouth and then casually threw it into the fire pit nearby. Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. To save money, Jie Jia economized on everything, but he was never stingy when it came to personal hygiene. Chen Mu could guarantee that the white silk cloth was definitely used no more than twiceif not just once! "The journey is long, make sure to bring enough dry food," Jie Jia reminded emphatically on the words "make sure." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, "That includes yours too, I suppose." Jie Jia wore an expression that said it was only natural. Chen Mu realized that having a proficiency cheat wasn''t entirely good. His culinary skills indeed had improved rapidly, but he couldn''t shake off this freeloader. "Don''t worry, I won''t lack anything else, there''s plenty of Fasting Pills!" Chen Mu declared generously with a wave of his hand. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with an expressionless face. "Rice balls, rice balls with shredded pork should be fine, right?" Chen Mu said with annoyance. Is it just about giving a name? Is there a need for such endless mockery? As long as it''s tasty and fills the stomach, it''s good. ... Early the next morning, after breakfast. Chen Mu carefully put on Yang Zhi''s vest. Carrying a small bamboo basket up to his knees on his back, he followed the familiar path toward the Bailang River. Along the way, the market in the gathering area was still bustling. Old Liu was already hawking his Power Pills early in the morning. Someone actually bought those flour dumplings. Chen Mu nodded as a greeting and strode through the market street, following the laborers prepared to head up the mountain, leaving the gathering area. "Who''s the unlucky fellow that got his guts ripped out by a wolf today?" a laborer asked quietly. "Haven''t heard about it," replied his companion, shaking his head in confusion, "Did those government officials really go to clear out the wild wolves?" "Unless the sun rises from the west!" another companion snorted coldly. "Keep it down, don''t look for trouble," someone warned. "Don''t count on them, just try not to go out at night and be careful," they concluded. Whoosh! Black smoke billowed, and two palm-sized, lifelike paper figures appeared out of thin air. They were covered in blood-red lines, and each had a large black character on its backone "Winter" and the other "Spring." Chen Mu took a deep breath and curiously examined the paper figure with the "Spring" character. It was slimmer than the first paper figure and had more delicate features. Chen Mu commanded the two paper figures to float down to a rock the size of a human head. All four hands and two heads together pushed against the rock. "Rise!" The little paper figures'' legs trembled like sieves, their faces contorted in grimaces, but the rock did not move an inch. Chen Mu: "..." I thought too much, thought too much. Even with two shadow soul paper figures, they couldn''t change their appearance as mere scraps of paper. Chen Mu had been misled by a practitioner from the Thousand Mountains Path. The other could control paper figures to withstand Iron Lotus Seeds and counter the Sleeve Sword Technique. Just when the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse had made some progress, he wanted to try it out. Still, it turned out to be a waste of effort, not even as good as a piece of toilet paper! "Without using a Medicine Cultivator to refine them, paper figures are just paper figures." Maintaining Medicine Cultivators and Sacrificial Shadow Souls. These were secret refining techniques recorded at the end of the Thousand Mountains Sutra. They explained how to enhance the power of a Magic Artifact using human lives. Chen Mu glanced at it and decisively gave up. With his proficiency cheat, he wasn''t worried about increasing his strength. Such a rush for quick results with endless troublesan evil method like that was not worth practicing! Casting the evil method aside, Chen Mu continued to research the Third Rank Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. With a thought, the paper figures turned into black smoke and vanished. Crackling sounds. A fish appeared out of nowhere, five meters away, flipping and flopping on the ground. "Good!" Chen Mu''s heart surged with exhilaration, "The range for deploying the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke has increased by another meter." Being able to poison from five meters away greatly increased the safety factor! With another thought. A fish appeared five meters in front of him, and a Fasting Pill also appeared five meters behind him. "With two paper figures, I can summon two different objects in two directions at the same time," Chen Mu contemplated. Using the shadow soul paper figures felt like having an extra invisible hand. Another paper figure meant another hand. "Deploying the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke has become much more flexible." Put simply, he could poison enemies in two different directions at the same time. "The incantation can now be recited within a single breath." "The teleportation distance has increased to five meters." "I can teleport objects in two directions simultaneously." Adding all three, the Third Rank Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse combined with the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke was no longer just a stealth attack. Even in direct combat, it held considerable power. "A full harvest, time to head home!" With a broad sweep of his hand, all the fish on the river surface disappeared. Chen Mu shouldered his bamboo basket and quickly vanished from the riverbank. Chapter 50: 50 Daoist Bone Facing the setting sun, Cheng Ming walked into the gathering area, his figure pausing involuntarily. The market street, which had been relatively tidy in the morning, was now in complete chaos. Broken pottery jars, baskets with their bottoms showing, sections of grass mats torn into several pieces. "Is this the aftermath of last night''s events?" Cheng Ming walked noiselessly to the rear of a large tree. His lips moved slightly, and the Five Ghosts Bag opened. He stood in the shade of the tree, stealthily observing the hurried stream of people. The laborers hadn''t come down from the mountain yet. The common small-time street vendors were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a few Government Officials lurked not far away, shouting and driving away anyone they saw. An old man was dragged out from inside a tent by a Government Official. They barged into the tent, smashing and looting everything in sight. In the end, they gave the old man a few kicks and left, cursing and swearing. ... Old Liu felt like his luck had hit rock bottom. His business was just starting to look up, and he''d finally managed to sell three Power Pills. Then at night, the Government Officials came and took all his money, and he beat him up too. Holding a piece of grey cloth to his bruised forehead, Old Liu sighed heavily. "What''s going on?" a detached voice suddenly arose from behind him. Old Liu shuddered with fright, turning his head abruptly, but when he recognized the person, he breathed a sigh of relief. "It''s you, Brother Yang. I thought those black dogs had come back," Old Liu said, still shaken. Cheng Ming nodded without expression, feigning a reticent and dull appearance. "County Magistrate Li Qing is unhappy with the progress of the construction; he sent those black dogs to supervise the work." "Here in the gathering area, all the able-bodied laborers must go and build the altar." "You''re lucky you weren''t here, or else you''d surely have been conscripted," said Old Liu. Cheng Ming''s heart relaxed, but his brow inadvertently furrowed. "It''s not because of the death of the strong men and Lu Jin''s serious injury, but because of the altar." "Conscripting laborers? That''s a bit troublesome." "The gathering area is becoming a place of trouble." Old Liu sighed as he picked up medicinal herbs scattered on the ground. "What are your plans now?" Cheng Ming suddenly asked. "What else can I do, pack up and leave." "I''ve been cleaned out three times in one day, this old frame of mine can''t take much more," Old Liu said despondently, shaking his head. Being of an advanced age, he had hoped to make some money and then find a quiet village to settle down and spend his final days. But suddenly, the Government Officials barged in, and he was looted three times in one day, leaving him with nothing for his funeral. Thinking about his life ahead, he felt lost. Should he continue the life of a traveling quack doctor, possibly meeting his end in a strange place one day? The future was uncertain... Cheng Ming looked thoughtfully at the medicinal herbs on the ground: "I need a batch of medicinal herbs." "You''re not planning to leave?" Old Liu was startled. The gathering area was clearly unfit for living. Unless one wanted to go up the mountain to labor. "I need a large quantity; can you get them for me?" Cheng Ming asked calmly. With his current strength, if he chose to hide, it would be difficult for the Government Officials to find him. "Are you serious?!" Old Liu was overjoyed. "The medicinal herbs you collect, deliver them to my cabin, cash on delivery," Cheng Ming said. "Brother Yang, rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I will make sure the goods are delivered," Old Liu promised excitedly, rubbing his hands. The items Cheng Ming wanted included both herbs and unassuming plants from the mountain. Bought cheaply from the laborers, he could sell them at a high price to Cheng Ming. Old Liu had made quite a profit from their last transaction! Cheng Ming didn''t mind this small markup. The anti-corrosion materials for Power Pills, many were local vegetation from the mountain. He needed to collect a large amount quickly, to prepare and stock up on food for the journey. ... Outside the wooden cabin at the foot of Lesser East Mountain, Cheng Ming''s expression was grim. Pots, pans, and ladles were thrown all over the ground, and books on the table were torn up. It looked as though someone, disgruntled, had searched through them page by page. The two air-dried hares that had been hanging under the eaves had also vanished. "Don''t tell anyone at the observatory about me being here," Chen Mu sternly warned. "So can I have some fish slices tomorrow?" Cheng Ming asked, not scared at all, but with sparkling eyes as he looked at Chen Mu. "Yes," Chen Mu said, rolling his eyes. To think such a young kid had learned to drive a hard bargain, that''s quite something. "Deal!" Cheng Ming happily continued to devour his meal. After eating a large bowl of fish, his stomach was still as flat as ever. "Uncle He says I''m a ''bottomless pit,''" the little Daoist acolyte said with pride. Look at you, showing off! "Here, have a couple of good things," Chen Mu said, grinning as he handed over two Fasting Pills. "What are these?" Cheng Ming asked as he took them and popped them into his mouth. So naive, taking anything you''re given and eating it right away. "Fasting Pills," Chen Mu said seriously. Cheng Ming stared at Chen Mu with a tense face, silent. "Rice ball, rice ball, pork floss rice ball!" "If you''re not going to eat them, give them back to me!" "I''ll eat them!" The little Daoist acolyte immediately stuffed another pill into his mouth. After eating three in a row and still wanting more, Chen Mu dared not give anymore, fearing it would be too much for him. Yet Cheng Ming still looked at the Fasting Pills in Chen Mu''s hands with desire, his stomach remaining flat. "You really are a ''bottomless pit.'' With an appetite like that, you''re almost on par with me." ... "It''s normal," Jie Jia said, deftly picking up a piece of fragrant pan-fried fish, "If someone has an Innate Taoist Bone, it''s not unusual for them to eat a lot." Daoist Bone? Chen Mu heard a new term. "Don''t even think about it. Those people are not from the same world as us," Jie Jia said indifferently. "What do you mean?" "Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of Soul Cultivation. Even those with exceptional talent must train tirelessly. To achieve Wandering Soul by thirty and be deemed a genius." "Then, accumulating Vital Energy to strengthen the Wandering Soul, awaiting its transformation into a Shell Soul, often takes a lifetime." "But those born with an Innate Taoist Bone can complete Shape Cultivation in a hundred days and form a Shell Soul in three years." "Can such people be compared with us?" It was the first time Chen Mu saw Jie Jia talk so much. "Is Soul Strength really that hard to cultivate?" He had Proficiency and didn''t find the Shape Cultivation Technique difficult, nor did he regard Soul Strength as a big deal. Seeing Jie Jia so lamenting made Chen Mu somewhat uneasy. He immediately thought of Cheng Ming. Could this kid be one of those born with an Innate Taoist Bone? "Stop thinking about it. Such people would be whisked away the moment they are discovered, you wouldn''t have the chance to meet them," Jie Jia said. "There are plenty with big appetites. Innate Divine Power, possessing Exotic Beast blood, using shapeshifting drugs C these can all cause one to eat a lot," Jie Jia finished speaking in one breath, then slowly took out a white silk handkerchief and wiped his mouth. His emotions quickly packed away, he returned to his usual undisturbed state. ... After the meal, watching Jie Jia disappear into the dense mountain fog, Chen Mu wore a grim expression as he contemplated the concept of a Daoist Bone. The world really was unfair. He''d been getting up early and toiling away diligently at his cultivation for a year and a half, yet he still couldn''t complete his Shape Cultivation. Some people, however, achieved it with ease. A sense of helplessness rose in Chen Mu, and his face grew even darker. And then there was Soul Strength. Jie Jia, with his white hair, only managed to cultivate Soul Strength after much difficulty. People with a Daoist Bone, however, needed only three years. Chen Mu clenched his fist so hard that his nails dug into his flesh, gritting his teeth, "If it''s so difficult for Jie Jia, what about me?" His previous life was just that of an ordinary scholar with an inherently weak constitution. And the cultivation technique he practiced was the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, a dime a dozen. "Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, Marrow Transformation" "Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of Soul Cultivation." "I''ve been tirelessly cultivating for a year and a half, and I haven''t even completed Marrow Transformation!" "For someone like me, with no resources, no mentorship, no backing, a completely ordinary martial artist from the bottom rung, when will my day of success come!" Chen Mu stared fiercely at the grey proficiency wall in front of him, full of grief and anger. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5209/10000/Third Rank; "Hm? I can complete Shape Cultivation in at most three months?!" Chen Mu blinked. "Hmph!" He fiercely put away the grey wall. "These worldly possessions!" "Disturb my Daoist heart!" "Better not to look at them!" ``` Chapter 51: 51 Leaving Qingshan County, inside a large residence in Anle Square, East of the City. In the living room, the former county magistrate Li Qing leisurely sipped tea. "Uncle, the City Guard Warriors report that the number of evil spirit incidents within the city is gradually decreasing, and they only occur in the West City District," a burly man with dark skin said, sitting across the small tea table from him. "The effect of the sacrificial altar is spreading from Qingfeng Observatory to the west. It won''t be long before it completely covers Qingshan County." "It''s a pity. Despite my efforts in having people search extensively, we still haven''t uncovered what means Feng Ren used," the dark-faced man said with regret. "That old Daoist Feng Ren does have some skills," Li Qing put down his teacup and said. "It''s just a pity that Cheng Yi is so stubborn. He won''t take money that''s being handed to him. If there''s anything slightly wrong with the workers'' food, he comes to trouble us. Despicable!" Li Wenlin said angrily. "Who can get a full meal these days? What''s wrong with hairy wheat? Just cook it, and isn''t it fine then? Mixing in some grass seeds and tree bark is an issue, is it? It''s not like it can''t be eaten!" "Wenlin, you are our Li Family''s auspicious unicorn, the Commander-in-chief of the City Guard Soldiers, and it''s not like your share of silver is small at home. Why bother grudging for food from those peasants?" "Possessions outside the body are nothing. Keeping Qingshan County safe is paramount," Li Qing said deliberately. As long as Qingshan County is kept safe, there will be plenty of ways to make money. "Uncle, but we must have contingency plans, we can''t let Qingfeng Observatory hold us by the throat," Li Wenlin said, his eyes circling with thought. Li Qing nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, we can''t afford to walk with a limp." Seeing Li Qing interested, Li Wenlin excitedly introduced, "Uncle, I''ve found someone, he might..." "It''s not another swindler like that Qian Shan Daoist, is it?" Li Qing, casting a skeptical glance at his nephew. The key is that swindle wasn''t even complete; they fled in the middle of it! His share was already earmarked for use, turning all the effort into a wasted endeavor since Qian Shan vanished. "Uncle, this time it''s not some worthless expert. It''s a magic artifact," Li Wenlin whispered excitedly as he leaned closer. "What fool would sell a magic artifact?" Li Qing immediately disbelieved. Lin Wenlin chuckled and said, "Magic artifacts are treasures, but the price... not everyone can afford it!" "I''ve heard that artifact requires a live human sacrifice." "Others dare not use it." "But we have no shortage of death row inmates in our prisons." Li Qing narrowed his eyes and shook his head: "It''s better not to touch such sinister magic artifacts." "Uncle..." "Enough! We cannot speak of this matter again!" ... The small Dongshan Mountain seemed to be draped in a sheer white veil. Tall trees, engulfed by the mist, only revealed their tops, like sprinkles of green on white gauze, adding an ethereal beauty to the mountain. The light fog spread through the forest, and Chen Mu pushed through the mist, moving silently. Even the blazing sun became gentle in the thin mist, like a daylight lamp emitting a soft glow. In the wooden house on the edge of the settlement. Only seven or eight days away, it looked as if it had been abandoned for several months. The doors and windows hung crookedly on their frames. A faint musty odor spread throughout the room. "Brother Yang, you finally came!" Old man Liu carefully ran out from beneath the window inside. He constantly looked around, afraid of being noticed. "Black-Doggie has been getting fiercer lately," Liu complained. "Brother Yang, you''ve got to give me a good price," Liu urged, pointing to several burlap sacks piled up inside the room. "These goods almost cost me my life." Having not seen him for several days, Chen Mu found that the other''s complexion indeed looked worse. He appeared thinner, and his complexion was somewhat pale and weak. Chen Mu, without a word, squat down and began to quietly inspect all the medicinal materials. He wouldn''t forego any part of the inspection simply because of their multiple transactions and familiarity. The biggest unrest in Qingshan County came from ghosts. Didn''t Feng Ren have a way to deal with the ghosts? Even he wasn''t confident about it? Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the problem of cost that Jie Jia had mentioned previously. "No, this place really isn''t suitable to stay in any longer!" ... Three days later, the gathering area. It was long past the bustle it had half a month ago. The entire daytime was silent, and not even a ghost could be seen. It was said that anyone who could walk had been forcibly taken to repair the altar. Within the increasingly dilapidated wooden house, Chen Mu carefully checked the last bit of medicinal materials. He made sure they were of good quality before happily paying the final payment. Liu old man, pale-faced and with dark circles under his eyes, counted the silver pieces with glee, growing more excited with each piece counted. Facing Liu old man''s bloodshot eyes, Chen Mu couldn''t help but speak, "Are you alright?" "Oh, it''s nothing. Just been outwitting that black dog all the time, not sleeping well," Liu old man waved his hand and said. "Is Brother Yang preparing to leave?" Liu old man sighed, "The gathering area is a place of trouble after all." Then he cautiously inquired, "Is Brother Yang planning to settle down in Qingshan County or live in the countryside?" In case they could continue to collaborate in the future, he was a big client. "Nanyang Prefecture," Chen Mu didn''t hide the fact. "That''s a big city," Liu old man said regretfully. "Old man had wanted to go there when I was young, but unfortunately, I didn''t have the capability. Now that I''m old, I can''t be bothered anymore. Buying a small courtyard in Qingshan County to enjoy my twilight years wouldn''t be bad," Liu old man said contentedly, pocketing the money bag. Chen Mu''s bulk purchase had made him a good profit. Plus, with the money he had saved in Da Tong bank for most of his life, he had enough to retire comfortably in Qingshan County. He could marry a concubine, adopt a child to look after him in his old age, and that would be his life. Liu old man indulged in these pleasant thoughts. Not paying any more attention to Liu old man''s future dreams, Chen Mu turned around and slipped silently into the foggy forest. ... Da Liang year 639, December 21. South of Qingshan County Town. As agreed, Chen Mu arrived early at the riverside of Bailang River to the south of the city. But when he got there, there was no one in sight all around. A thick fog shrouded everything. People couldn''t be seen beyond five meters. If he weren''t used to circling Bailang River every day, he could have easily lost direction in the mist. He waited and waited, but no one arrived. Surrounding him, the fog rolled, and all was silence. A chill rose inexplicably in Chen Mu''s heart. Then, a rumbling sound drifted from within the fog, faintly audible. The ground even trembled slightly. It was as if a terrifying giant beast was slowly approaching from afar. Chen Mu''s heart suddenly tightened. Chapter 52: 52: Life and Death The prison on the west side of the Qingshan County Government Office. Each cell was crammed with prisoners. Some were petty thieves from the streets, others were gang members, and some were ragged beggars. Almost all of the idle vagrants in Qingshan County had been captured by Li Wenlin and thrown into this place. At this moment, Li Wenlin was walking toward the depths of the cells with a tall and thin old man. "Is this the Longevity Gourd?" Li Wenlin greedily gazed at the yellow-skinned gourd in the hands of the tall and thin old man. The palm-sized yellow-skinned gourd was smooth with silver patterns running across its surface. "Can it really ward off evil and protect the virtuous, and even brew Longevity Wine?" "Longevity is, of course, impossible," chuckled the tall and thin old man. "But to extend one''s life is no problem." Li Wenlin felt somewhat reassured and nodded, "Show me." "As you command," the tall and thin elder slightly bowed, his expression a mix of a smile and not. A string of cumbersome curses spilled out from his mouth. The silver threads on the yellow gourd sparkled, and a puff of white vapor sprayed out from the mouth of the gourd. The vapor circled in mid-air before diving into the pitch-black cell. A short and abrupt scream followed, and the white fog flew back. The tall and thin old man shook the gourd, and the sound of a light liquid swishing could be heard. He took out two jade wine cups from his sleeve and turned the gourd upside down. Drops of pale red liquid flowed out, resembling fine grape wine. He shook vigorously, pouring out every last drop, barely enough to just cover the bottom of the two cups. The tall and thin old man put away the gourd, drank one cup without a word, and with an expression of enjoyment, handed the other cup to Li Wenlin. Li Wenlin took over the cup, half in doubt, and drank it down. Before this, he had already had several servants test the Longevity Wine. Having observed them for several days without noticing any adverse reactions, he now boldly drank it down. A cool sensation spread from his stomach throughout his body. A feeling of refreshment instantly assaulted his brain. His thoughts were now unprecedentedly agile and clear. Details that he had previously overlooked were now obvious, as clear as patterns on his palm. What was more crucial was that he felt his Shape Cultivation Technique, which had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, was finally showing signs of loosening! "With enough Longevity Wine, absolute success in Marrow Transformation isn''t a dream!" "Excellent!" Li Wenlin couldn''t help but laugh heartily. Li Wenlin scrutinized the cell filled with prisoners, "I''ll leave this place to you." The tall and thin elder smiled and nodded, "Rest assured." "Don''t you play any tricks on me," Li Wenlin stared fiercely at the old man. "Your grandson is still in my hands." "Please take care of him, Commander-in-chief." The tall and thin elder bowed his head in a bow. "My grandson likes to eat beef." "Heh! If you do a good job, I''ll let him eat beef for a lifetime!" Li Wenlin laughed heartily and turned to leave. The tall and thin elder stood straight, smiling broadly as he watched the other''s retreating figure, and called out loudly, "Many thanks, Commander-in-chief!" Once Li Wenlin had completely disappeared, the tall and thin old man gleefully spit out the fresh red liquid that he had hidden in his stomach. "Longevity Wine? Heh..." He spun around on the spot, looking at the cells crowded with prisoners showing faces of terror, his smile growing even more radiant, "What do you say, how should I repay him?" "How about sending him to death, hehe... hahaha!" The yellow-skinned gourd was like a balloon with its surface punctured, white smoke erupted violently, rapidly spreading throughout the entire prison. Shortly followed by a series of short and muted screams, then all that remained was a deathly silence. ... By the Bailang River. Chen Mu gripped an Iron Lotus Seed tightly, staring nervously at the dense fog ahead. The sound was getting closer, and the ground shook more and more violently. Chen Mu''s back was drenched in sweat, and just as he could not bear to throw the Iron Lotus Seed. A black horse burst through the fog. A tall, sturdy, bald middle-aged man wearing black clothes with a stern face rode upon the horse, locking his gaze onto Chen Mu. The atmosphere gradually grew tense. "Are you Chen Mu?" the bald strong man asked coldly. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and with a sincere face, he said, "I am not." The bald strong man: "..." Had it not been for the portrait given by Jie Jia which he had seen earlier, he might have almost believed him! "You aren''t Jie''s nephew, Chen Mu?" the bald strong man asked incredulously. You''re a notorious assassin from the underworld, you don''t have any bloody acquaintances! "Not mine, yours," Jie Jia gestured vaguely towards the carriage behind with a nod of his head. "My acquaintances?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes and unbelievingly turned around to lift the carriage''s curtain. A pair of bright, sparkling eyes appeared. "Brother Chen?!" "Hey! Did you bring any rice balls?" Cheng Ming?! Chen Mu looked further inside. An awkward, chubby middle-aged man cupped his hands in greeting, "Young Master Chen, what a coincidence." Du Huai from Qingshan County? He''d been used as free labor by the County Government Office to draw up wanted posters; it was this man''s handiwork. The second-in-command of the County Government Office running away?! Chen Mu looked utterly absurd as he turned to the last burly man. He had a beard around his jaw, eyes as big as copper bells, wore black, tight-fitting clothes, and was tall and sturdy. With a Ghost Head Greatknife strapped to his back, he faced Chen Mu with a forthright expression, "Brother, we''re sharing the road so it must be fate." "My name is Zhang Ye. What''s yours?" The dimwitted gang leader of the Bailang Gang? Chen Mu: "..." So, they really are acquaintances... Pulling down the curtain abruptly, Chen Mu leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes. At this moment, he didn''t want to say a word. ... At the Qingfeng Observatory''s Ancestral Master Hall on Little East Mountain. "Master, the human cauldron has been placed on the altar," Cheng Yi entered the Ancestral Master Hall and said to Feng Ren, who was sitting in front of the carved scriptures. "Blood sacrifice the Heartless Bell, absorb the vital energy of the whole city. Yi''er, do you think I was wrong?" Feng Ren murmured, his voice ethereal and hinting at confusion. Cheng Yi respectfully bowed his head, "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao." "The Dao? Heh..." Feng Ren''s voice carried a note of melancholy, "Is this why you poisoned me?" "You forced me to," Cheng Yi''s eyes showed a trace of resentment, "Otherwise, how could I get the Elixir of Longevity?" "Without the Elixir of Longevity, I can''t cultivate my Shell Soul, can''t open the gate to heaven, and can''t obtain eternal life," Cheng Yi''s emotions grew more agitated. "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao! Master, that''s what you taught, right?" "With Cheng Ming around, you don''t need... you really don''t need it..." Feng Ren let out a long sigh, and blood began to drip from the corners of his mouth. "Cheng Ming again, always Cheng Ming! This Elixir of Longevity was prepared for Cheng Ming, right?" Hate flickered in Cheng Yi''s eyes. "Heh... Elixir of Longevity? It''s Longevity Poison..." As Feng Ren opened his mouth, blood calmly flowed from it, dripping down his chin and saturating the ground beneath him. The blackish-red bloodstain spread from where Feng Ren was sitting, growing larger and larger until it covered half of the Ancestral Master Hall. "Don''t blame me, Master. I just want to see that wonderful world," Cheng Yi''s eyes became bloodshot, and a tear fell from his eye. "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao..." Only this resolute murmur remained in the Ancestral Master Hall. ... "Brother Chen, just give me some rice balls, I''m really hungry," Cheng Ming peeked out from behind the curtain, pestering Chen Mu by tugging at his shoulder repeatedly. "Here, take it, take it! Stop touching me, I''m irritated!" Chen Mu pretended to rummage in his cloth bag and tossed a fist-sized pouch to Cheng Ming. It contained five Fasting Pills. "Thank you, Brother Chen!" "When my master and senior brother come to fetch me, I''ll ask them to treat you to a feast at the biggest restaurant in Nanyang Prefecture!" Cheng Ming grinned from ear to ear. "Go away, their cooking probably isn''t even as good as mine." "If you want to thank me, ask your master to give me money directly!" "No problem!" Cheng Ming said heartily, "You can scam as much as you want; my senior brother is loaded. Heh heh!" Cough cough! Jie Jia coughed twice and suddenly turned to look at Cheng Ming. "Old man, what''s up?" "Those rice balls, I have some too," Jie Jia said with a grin, "Do you want to buy them?" "I can keep a tab." Looking at Jie Jia with a sense of resignation, Chen Mu thought back to when he had believed Jie Jia had a low benchmark for earning money. But in truth, it seemed he simply didn''t have one at all. You don''t have any damn rice balls! Selling the food you scrounged from me for money?! "No problem! My senior brother treats me really well! He gives me all the money I ask for," Cheng Ming said cheerfully. "Put it on my tab! Put it on my tab!" Chapter 53: 53 Mist """ In Ping''an Square east of Qingshan County Town, within a modest small courtyard. The courtyard was compact but complete, equipped with a well, cooking stove, vegetable patch, and a pigsty. Early in the morning, old Liu lay in his rocking chair, lazily staring at the sun shrouded in fog that looked just like a fluorescent light. "Old age, it''s ultimately about getting old. But bustling about for half a month, it''s as tiring as if it could cost me my life. I''m getting less and less energetic," he couldn''t help but squint his eyes. "Finally settled down." "Once the fog clears, I''ll go find the matchmaker, Zhang." The dreadful foggy day still couldn''t dampen his good mood. "To find a concubine to warm my bed. That would be enough satisfaction for this lifetime." "Also, I need to go ask around to see if any family has children they can''t afford to keep. They can''t be too old, otherwise, after I raise them, they''ll still belong to someone else." A look of longing and a smile appeared on old Liu''s face. "I''ll go once the fog lifts, I''ll go once the fog lifts..." He murmured softly, filled with hope, slowly drifting into sleep, and slowly passed away. ... In the back courtyard of the County Government Office of Qingshan County. Ever since the county magistrate disappeared, and Li Qing, the chief official, took actual control of Qingshan County, he shamelessly moved into the magistrate''s residence. With great upheaval everywhere, no one would care about a small Qingshan County Town. As dawn slowly broke, Li Qing struggled out of bed. His head throbbed, his eyes swollen, his limbs ached as if he hadn''t slept all night. "Someone," he called weakly with a hoarse voice. But after shouting for a while, no one came to help him out of bed. Li Qing, bearing his whole body''s discomfort, angrily struggled out of the bedroom. "I need to find a doctor." He clearly felt there was something wrong with his body. He burst into the small compartment next to the bedroom, the temporary dwelling of his personal maid. The maid, who should have woken up much earlier, was still curled up in her bed. A maid waking up later than her master?! Damn it! His anger boiling, he ran to the bedside and raised his hand, intent on hitting the maid ruthlessly. But he was met with an extremely pale face. If not for the faint rising and falling of her chest, he would have thought she was a corpse! "Something''s wrong!" Li Qing staggered backward. Could someone have poisoned him? In his panic, he rushed out of the room. Only to see the servants and guards stationed outside his room, all staggering like drunkards. Pale-faced, with weakened qi and blood! "Something''s very wrong!" "Someone!" "Someone help!" ... On the southern official road of Qingshan County Town. A long convoy suddenly stopped, and a commotion could be heard coming from the front. "Something happened?" Chen Mu strained to see ahead. But the thick fog obscured everything, making it impossible to see clearly. "Zhen Fan, go take a look up front!" Zhang Ye called out from behind the window of the carriage to the man on the horse behind him. "Sure thing!" A skinny man jumped off the carriage from the back and quickly disappeared into the mist. Half a quarter of an hour later, the skinny man returned. "Boss, there''s a dead person ahead." "It''s said to be a son born out of wedlock from the Zuo Family." "Silent and without struggle, he just suddenly died." "That son''s mother is causing a scene up front." Chen Mu frowned slightly, wondering how a man could just die all of a sudden. "To have a death right after we set off is not a good omen," Zhang Ye lamented before complaining, "The young master couldn''t have chosen a worse time to die, it''s holding up our journey!" "There''s something not quite right," Chen Mu''s frown deepened. "Brother, don''t be afraid, it''s just a death, I''ve got your back..." Zhang Ye patted Chen Mu''s shoulder and laughed loudly. "Inform the convoy, we''re leaving immediately!" he ordered. "Master Zuo, the young master has met with an accident, we can''t be so hasty. We must first eliminate any threats..." "I said, we''re leaving immediately!" Master Zuo stared intently at the bald strongman. That look clearly said, disobey me, and I''ll replace you! The bald strongman swallowed his response, frustration written all over his face as he said, "Yes!" Master Zuo glanced again at the receding black lacquered carriage. He then coldly glared at the bald strongman, "Pick up the pace and catch up with them!" ... On top of the black lacquered carriage. Cheng Ming held a Fasting Pill in one hand, biting a piece off on one side, then nibbling on the other, eating with relish. The chubby county constable Du Huai shrunk inside the carriage, silent, yet his eyes whirled around, lost in thought. Zhang Ye leaned against the inner wall of the carriage. His back was damp with sweat, uncomfortable and sticky, but he dared not scratch it. His eyes occasionally flicked toward Chen Mu outside the carriage. Was this truly a frail scholar? He had been watching Chen Mu and hadn''t seen how he had drawn and sheathed his sword! As a martial artist, he instinctively imagined himself in the bald strongman''s position. Impossible to guard against! Absolutely impossible to guard against! A master! A master who could take his life! Remembering how he had carelessly patted the man on the shoulder earlier, joking about his fear of death, Zhang Ye felt a chill on his forehead. Hopefully the scholar didn''t hold a grudge... ... The carriage rolled leisurely along. But Chen Mu felt his hackles rising, sensing something was terribly wrong. He grabbed the whip and drove the carriage forward as if it were flying. Ignoring the complaints of the jostling passengers, he raced twenty miles, leaving the thick fog behind, before finally stopping to rest the horses. He stepped off the carriage and looked back the way they came. The white mist was like a clump of cotton, tightly enveloping Qingshan County for ten miles around, unmovable by the wind. From the outside, it was just a white expanse. Before long, there was a rumbling sound from behind. The Zuo family''s convoy also came out of the dense fog in a disheveled state. Seeing Chen Mu and the others resting by the roadside, they slowed down. After the convoy completely escaped the fog, they stopped to rest as well. After that hard run, the large convoy had taken quite a beating. Tallying up the people and their condition was necessary; the cargo was jostled apart and needed to be re-secured. It wasn''t long before the convoy again turned noisy. "Boss, I heard that four more people died. The young and the old, all weak and sickly," Zhen Fan reported as he approached the black lacquered carriage. As soon as the Zuo family''s convoy stopped, he had snuck over to gather information. "Damn! This is cursed! Lucky we ran fast!" Zhang Ye''s back instantly drenched with sweat again. Mysterious deaths made him think of malevolent spirits. Qingshan County had been unsettled recently. Who knows what unclean things might be within that fog? Zhang Ye looked at Chen Mu with surprise. This Scholar Chen was formidable to have sensed something was off in advance. Seeing Chen Mu staring expressionlessly at the mist, Zhang Ye found him even more enigmatic. ... "Are ghosts to blame?" Chen Mu asked Jie Jia. "No," Jie Jia replied, standing with his hands behind his back next to Chen Mu. His eyes were narrowed to slits, his amber pupils intently studying the mist as if deep in thought. "That fog is definitely problematic." "Fog?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the London smog events he''d once heard about in his previous life. In 1952, due to atmospheric conditions, smoke from factories and heating coal failed to disperse, enveloping London in smog for five days. During this time, the city saw a sharp rise in illness and death rates. Subsequent figures estimated that the smog had resulted in as many as 4,000 deaths. But Qingshan County was just an otherworldly ancient city. How could there be that much pollution? The vast Qingshan County Town, tightly enshrouded in white mist. Silent as the grave, without a sound, it appeared as a ghost town. Looking from afar, Chen Mu couldn''t suppress a shiver of dread. "A place of misfortune..." Chapter 54: 54: Trim/Pruning The next morning dawned. Within an abandoned village. The sky was overcast, and a fine, continuous drizzle drifted down. A chilly wind blew, cold to the bone. The people scattered in the simple dwellings throughout the village gradually woke from their sleep. After a day of ragged running, they were caught up in this damp and cold weather. Those who were weak felt even weaker, some fell ill. The caravan had no choice but to delay their departure by a day, taking time to recover in this place. ... Inside a still-intact earthen house. A red clay stove was placed at the doorway, where crimson charcoal burned within, constantly radiating heat to the surroundings. Atop the stove, a black pottery crockpot bubbled with noise, white steam spewing from the edges of the lid, occasionally lifting it. Cheng Ming, the young Taoist acolyte, sat beside the stove, his eyes drowsy from sleep, yet his nose continuously sniffed towards the crockpot. No matter how much the squat and plump Heh Taoist coaxed him, he didn''t move an inch. "Young Master Chen, I am so sorry," said Heh Taoist with an embarrassed face as he looked at Chen Mu. Based on their initial encounter, he was still somewhat fearful of Chen Mu. Cheng Yi had once firmly claimed that this young master was possessed by an evil spirit. Although it was later proven to be a misunderstanding, Heh Taoist still harbored a wariness. "It''s no trouble, let him eat with us," said Chen Mu. Whether it''s herding one sheep or two, Chen Mu glanced at Jie Jia, who sat next to Cheng Ming, nonchalant. He had grown accustomed to the two gluttons, the old and the young. ... After the meal, from the cloth bag he was carrying, Chen Mu took out two fist-sized gray cloth bags. They contained finger-sized fruit and meat jerkies. He threw one bag to both Jie Jia and Cheng Ming. Chen Mu then ducked into a dilapidated house on the west side of the courtyard. With nothing to do during a day''s rest, Chen Mu couldn''t help wanting to improve his proficiency. "I should start with the Shape Cultivation Technique first." In the previous three months, he had only focused on recuperation and researching the Pharmaceutical Technique in the first two months. Stay informed at m-vl-em,pyr Other abilities had barely been touched, and his proficiency in them all was not high. Only the Shape Cultivation Technique''s proficiency was more than halfway there. "First, I need to improve my physical fitness," he thought. The room wasn''t large, which was just right for practicing the dodging technique. As long as it was combined with the Breathing Method cycle, proficiency could be increased. "After resting for so long, I''ll practice a few more repetitions today to make up for what I''ve missed." ... By evening, the fine rain had stopped, the dark clouds had dispersed, and the setting sun glowed red like blood. The quiet village all day long became lively. After a day''s rest, the disheartened people recovered. Fires blazed in the deserted houses, with smoke curling up and the fragrance of cooking spreading. In the small courtyard where Chen Mu was. Right away, he flipped the dagger, slid his right hand to the side, and then viciously pulled back. The sharp blade fiercely aimed at the soft flesh of the waist. Clang! The sound of metal clashing sent Cheng Yi into a complete panic. It seemed he realized something. He gave up any thought of defense or escape and began stabbing the dagger towards various parts of Wu Yin''s body without stop. Clang, clang, clang... Thump! Finally, the dagger pierced into the right side of Wu Yin''s neck. Sparks flew, and just then, the tip of the dagger broke off! Unbeknownst when, Wu Yin''s neck was covered with a layer of pitch-black film, akin to armor tightly adhered to the skin. The sharp dagger couldn''t inflict the slightest injury on him. Wu Yin just stood there in place, his face always wearing a mocking and enigmatic smile. "Shell Soul?! Is this the Shell Soul?!" Staggering backward, Cheng Yi murmured in complete despair, "But I''ve already drunk the Elixir of Longevity. If it were just two days later, just two more days and I could have..." "The Elixir of Longevity? You drank the Elixir of Longevity?" Wu Yin looked at Cheng Yi in astonishment: "Don''t tell me you poisoned Feng Ren just to seize the Elixir of Longevity?" "I live for the Dao, and I die for the Dao, I am not wrong!" Cheng Yi bellowed with bloodshot eyes. "Ah ha... ah ha... hahaha..." "After drinking the Elixir of Longevity, Essence, Qi, and Spirit become tainted by external matter, and you won''t be able to see immortality ever again," Wu Yin laughed so hard he bent forward and back. "And you still want to seek the Dao? That''s too funny!" Cheng Yi was struck as if by lightning, standing completely frozen. "That''s right, such Evil Path practices, he certainly wouldn''t teach his disciples." "Senior brother actually got poisoned by his own disciple over this? Hahaha... I can laugh at this joke for ten years!" Wu Yin left, laughing uproariously, hand in hand with the little chubby boy. His old-fashioned senior brother was killed because of his own stubborn ways, which was extremely amusing! "Impossible, impossible, absolutely impossible!" In the entire Ancestral Master Hall, only Cheng Yi''s angry and desperate roars remained. ... "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Zhang Ye adamantly shook his head: "What treasure could there be in this poor and remote Qingshan County?" "But those adventurers running towards Qingshan County seem so sure," Zhen Fan hesitated, "They claim that the great fire was sparked by the emergence of the treasure." "And that earthquake." "It is said that the treasure was originally buried beneath the East Minor Hill. It was only disturbed because of Qingfeng Observatory''s founding and the building of the altar." Hearing this, Zhang Ye also began to lose confidence. He could not help but look towards the few people sitting at the table. "Want to check it out?" Chen Mu grinned. Zhang Ye nodded like a pecking chicken. "Go then," Jie Jia said indifferently. Zhang Ye was elated at once. "We won''t wait for you, though," Cheng Ming said with a cheeky grin. Zhang Ye: "..." He had put in so much effort to perform all day long just to coax a group to take a look. At the very least, they could wait for him a bit. Not only did Jie Jia and Chen Mu see through his intentions, but even that little brat dared to tease him. "Get lost, get lost, get lost! Just stay put!" Zhang Ye smacked Zhen Fan''s shoulder without any good temper. He had spent a lot of money in Zhu Yi Pavilion for the sake of safety on the journey to Nanyang Prefecture. He definitely couldn''t waste this expensive ticket just for a bit of curiosity. Chapter 55: 55 Common Squeak, squeak, creak, creak. The carriage traveled on a road that wasn''t flat, but still reasonably wide. Chen Mu leaned against the compartment, daydreaming. This was their third day since leaving Qingshan County. The novelty of starting the journey had been numbed by the monotony of the long travel. Sitting in the carriage every day, though the scenery kept changing, the physical and mental exhaustion still swept over them after a while. Zhang Ye lifted the curtain of the compartment, resting one hand on it. Five or six spirited horses galloped head-on, with several Jianghu people spurring their horses fiercely, quickly zipping past them. Zhang Ye couldn''t help but say sourly, "Another group off treasure hunting." No one in the carriage paid him any attention, this was no telling how many times he''d expressed his regret. "Uncle Zhang, if you want to go, just go." Cheng Ming said with a giggle. "Go, go, go, what would a kid like you understand!" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. Chen Mu turned his head to look at the Jianghu people disappearing into the dust. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the Qingshan County refugees following behind the caravan. Some people were desperately fleeing, while others were eagerly trying to push their way in. "Who knows how many will die." Turning his head back, Chen Mu closed his eyes and no longer paid attention. The distance from Qingshan County to Nanyang Prefecture was vast. According to Jie Jia, even if everything went smoothly, it would still take at least one and a half months to travel. "Such a long time can''t be wasted." Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7553/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5311/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 806/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 626/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 397/10000/Third Rank; Writing and drawing are not worth mentioning. He hadn''t updated those two skills in a long time. Small stones were everywhere, so he could practice throwing using the Flying Locust Stone, but it was too noisy, so he had to give it up. If people saw the Flying Locust Stone, it couldn''t be kept as a trump card. Cooking didn''t need dedicated practice; he could accumulate experience by cooking every day. Pharmaceutical Technique was tricky. He had finished reading the medical books. He could also gain experience by preparing medicines. But, while traveling... He could practice the Sleeve Sword Technique by practicing drawing and sheathing the sword. But like before, if too many people knew about it, it couldn''t be counted as a trump card. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse? Same as above. "The breathing method in the Shape Cultivation Technique can be contemplated though." Chen Mu leaned against the carriage, his body swaying with the motion of the carriage, gradually adjusting his breathing rhythm to align with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. ... The movements of Shape Cultivation stimulated different muscles. The breathing method was effective when matched with it. "If sitting down could engage the corresponding muscles, would it be possible to achieve the combination and get the exercise effect?" In the following days, following this train of thought, Chen Mu contemplated whenever he had the chance. Thanks to the proficiency gray wall. Every time throwing and the Sleeve Sword Technique leveled up, he experienced a qualitative change in his body. Besides improving physical fitness, it also enhanced control over his entire body. Also thanks to the proficiency gray wall. Every attempt brought him a wealth of insights. It gradually took him further down this path. ... "Old fellow, what''s up with Brother Chen?" Zhang Ye curiously looked at Chen Mu, who had a blank expression in his eyes. This state had lasted three or four days. He often daydreamed, occasionally making strange movements. He was skittish, at times elated and at times frustrated. Slow to react, sometimes taking ages just to reply to a question. Jie Jia glanced at him and said indifferently, "Practicing." Every time Wu Yin cut a piece, the boy grabbed it and stuffed it into his mouth, his face gleaming with grease. "I heard you had another junior disciple." Wu Yin casually chatted as he cut meat for his grandson with a relaxed tone. Clang! Read today on m,v,l,e,mpyr Cheng Yi''s fist smashed furiously onto the iron figure, his eyes brimming with hatred. If only the master hadn''t favored his junior disciple. He wouldn''t have killed his own master. Nor would he have drunk the Elixir of Longevity, severing his path to eternal life. Damned Cheng Ming! Wu Yin chuckled with interest, "Actually, there is a way." Cheng Yi suddenly turned around, his face full of excitement. Immediately his expression changed. Wu Yin was his martial uncle, but he was like a sworn enemy to his master, yet they were still brothers in the Dao. He himself had poisoned his master to death. Thinking of his dream, Cheng Yi forced a smile, "Please enlighten me, martial uncle." "Tell me about your junior disciple. He eats quite a lot too?" Wu Yin chuckled, clearly intrigued. Cheng Yi''s face twisted. Yet, he had no choice but to suppress the hatred in his heart, grinding his teeth as he recounted Cheng Ming''s past. "Senior brother, truly worthy of coming from the same sect, we think alike," Wu Yin said with a chuckle after a moment''s silence. Then he looked at Cheng Yi, "As long as you can take your junior disciple to Shouyang Mountain, you can obtain a Thousand Mechanism Token." "With the Thousand Mechanism Token, you can leave this barren land and pursue the path to eternal life." "The adverse effects of the Elixir of Longevity might even be resolved in that unknown land." Cheng Yi was ecstatic. Who could have imagined that the junior disciple would be of such use! "Your master sent away his disciples, leaving only you behind. Obviously planning to take you to Shouyang Mountain." "What a pity that you got smart on your own, murdering your master for the mere Elixir of Longevity. "How wrongful is my senior brother''s death, you tell me?" Wu Yin asked with mockery. Cheng Yi''s face was as calm as an ancient well. With a new hope in mind, he quickly regained his usual composure. "I have been preoccupied with the master''s funeral in recent days and failed to attend properly. Please forgive me, martial uncle," Cheng Yi said apologetically. "My junior disciple is young and alone in the world. I truly cannot rest easy without looking after him," Cheng Yi said sincerely. "I am deeply sorry that I cannot serve in front of you, martial uncle." Wu Yin pointed at Cheng Yi and laughed loudly, "This pretense of yours, tsk tsk..." ... Two days later. On the carriage, Chen Mu''s dilated pupils contracted, and he slowly came to his senses. Whew! He opened his mouth and exhaled a long breath. Then he suddenly began to change his breathing rhythm. Though he was sitting still, his muscles moved rhythmically with his breathing. A wave of heat emanated from his body. In this Southern Country''s cold winter breeze, Chen Mu was like a human furnace. Cheng Ming, the young Taoist boy, couldn''t resist moving to the carriage entrance, closer to Chen Mu. It was simply too warm. A mist rose from the top of Chen Mu''s head, his perspiration steaming. Chen Mu took a deep breath, completing a cycle of the Breathing Method. He checked his inner wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5352/10000/Third Rank; Proficiency increased by one point. "It turns out I''m just an ordinary person after all." "Ordinary people practice shape cultivation for ten years, nurture their soul for a hundred years. At this rate, when will I ever cultivate Soul Strength?" "Others have an Innate Taoist Bone, practicing shape cultivation for a hundred days and soul cultivation for three years. But when I practice the Breathing Method once, I only gain one point of experience?!" "At most, I can practice twenty times in one hour." "There''s also a limit to the strength of my body." "If I''m lucky enough to gain a hundred fifty-six proficiency points a day, it''s already a stroke of fortune!" "Even if everything goes smoothly, it will still take over a month to achieve great progress in Marrow Transformation?!" "I really am just a disappointing normal person..." "Brother Chen, what are you so happy about?" Cheng Ming curiously asked as he looked at Chen Mu. "Was I happy?" "You must have seen wrong, right?" Jie Jia''s amber eyes slowly rotated, glancing at Chen Mu briefly and speaking indifferently, "Your mouth is almost split to your ears." "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" "This is anguish!" "This is sadness!" "I''m just an ordinary person with average talent, what reason do I have to be happy?" "This is sorrow!" Chapter 56: 56 On the Way A dilapidated station. A large group of people led their caravan to check in. The desolate and silent station quickly bustled with activity. Jie Jia Cheng Ming and others found a secluded corner to settle their luggage. Ever since the conflict with the bald strongman, Jie Jia had been excluded by the other guards of the Xue family''s warehouses. Cheng Ming and these "relatives" of Jie Jia were also not welcomed. Every day, they rested and stayed separate from the main group. Cheng Ming found the quiet enjoyable. He dug a pit on the spot, surrounded it with stones, tossed in some firewood to ignite it, and a simple fire pit was created. Two wooden stakes as thick as arms were erected on either side, with two wild rabbits suspended above the flames for roasting. Cheng Ming constantly turned the meat, occasionally sprinkling some special seasoning, the fragrance wafting everywhere. By the bonfire, Zhang Ye and Du Huai, who were gnawing on dry food, stared at the sizzling rabbits, their saliva secreted furiously. "Brother Cheng, look, can you share a rabbit leg with me?" Zhang Ye said with a naive smile, moving closer to Cheng Ming. "I''ll pay for it!" Zhang Ye quickly added. Next to him, Du Huai couldn''t help but look toward Cheng Ming. In the wilderness, to eat a delicious barbecue and spend a little money was nothing. "Not for sale," Cheng Ming said indifferently. Zhang Ye wanted to press further. Cheng Ming''s eyes shifted, and he glanced over expressionlessly. Zhang Ye immediately shrank his neck and obediently sat back by the bonfire. Cheng Ming came to his senses and continued roasting the meat. He himself was worried about where to get more food; how could he sell the rabbit meat to others? The new Breathing Method was great, allowing him to practice whether he was walking, sitting, or lying down. But it also consumed a lot, and his stored dry food wasn''t enough. "Why are you so afraid of him?" the plump Du Huai asked curiously. "You don''t know?" Zhang Ye was also puzzled. Scared by the Sleeve Sword Technique? That''s hardly likely. In any case, he didn''t know why, but from the first sight of Cheng Ming, he had instinctively felt intimidated. He had never seen this person before. Strange... Zhang Ye rubbed his head, unable to figure it out. "If you want to eat, that''s fine," Cheng Ming said, looking at Zhang Ye. "No need for money, but you''ll have to hunt all the game." "No problem!" Zhang Ye was overjoyed. "You just wait and see!" After all, he was a Bone Transformation expert; catching some pheasants and wild rabbits was a piece of cake for him. Cheng Ming nodded calmly. Good, he had gained a useful ally. That way, he would have more time to increase his Proficiency. ... The next day, a cart in the caravan broke and delayed their journey, forcing them to camp in the wilderness. Cheng Ming prepared the fire pit and got the pots and pans ready, sitting by the bonfire quietly practicing his skills. Ever since he improved his Breathing Method, Cheng Ming took every opportunity to practice. Today, his Proficiency in the Shape Cultivation Technique had already surpassed six thousand, making remarkable progress, and he became increasingly absorbed in it. After telling Jie Jia, Chen Mu left the caravan. He sprinted up along the river, distancing himself from the caravan. Once far enough away, he found a secluded, calm spot on the river. He took out some bait from his Five Ghosts Bag and scattered it, then he sat patiently by the river and waited. He was mainly fishing to feed his bag. Ever since that White Lady joined the ranks of freeloading off his meals, Chen Mu hadn''t lacked for meat. The hefty maid had a name that was completely opposite to her statureCui Cui. With Cui Cui around, wolves, leopards, wild boars, and mountain bears all became easy meals. Zhang Ye was also busy hunting all day, but after all, he was a newbie. The biggest game he ever caught was just a two-pound wild rabbit. Zhang Ye, the gang leader of the Bailang Gang from Qingshan County, didn''t dare to show off in front of Cui Cui and respectfully called her Sister Cui with his head bowed. Looking at her physique and then at her prey, Zhang Ye couldn''t muster any pride. With Cui Cui''s help, Chen Mu''s food crisis was instantly resolved. Every day he gained at least an extra two hours for training. Like now, while waiting for the fish to bite, he continued to work on his Breathing Method. Half an hour later, the river surface was strewn with fish belly up. Chen Mu filled his Five Ghosts Bag and started walking back. But not long after leaving the cove, Chen Mu suddenly came to a halt. By this time the sunset left only thin threads of afterglow. The riverbanks on both sides were dark and gloomy. The sound of the flowing water was loud, but the chirping of insects and birds was completely absent. In the shallow waters of the riverbank, a figure was bathing in the water. With flowing long hair, the figure''s slender and white back above the water, dotted with water droplets on the shoulders, was enticing to the imagination. Chen Mu silently watched for a while, then turned and entered the woods. But after only a short distance, Chen Mu couldn''t help but stop again. A beautiful, naked silhouette lay across the small path in the woods. Round and slender legs side by side, they were irresistible to behold. But a chilly feeling slowly permeated the forest. Chen Mu stared for a long while again, then changed directions and continued walking. Before he went far, Chen Mu stopped for the third time. Staring at a familiar figure standing not far away, with her back toward him, Chen Mu frowned deeply. In the wild outskirts, bathing in the river with no clothes on the shore. Then quickly moving and blocking the path. And this eerie chill that pervaded the forest. Chen Mu suppressed his turbulent emotions and said with a solemn expression, "This is what you get for carelessly wandering in the wild!" Immediately with concern, he said, "Miss, are you cold?" "Did your clothes fall into the river?" "I have spare clothing. How about I sell you one?" "Just for ten silver, you can''t lose out, you won''t be cheated!" "..." Chapter 57: 57 Divine Will Whooosh! An openwork iron lotus seed soared into the air with a low whistling sound. "Miss, please wait a moment, my partner will bring your clothes over shortly," Chen Mu explained with a smile on his face. The long-haired woman remained silent. Chen Mu sighed and said, "I''m already prepared to fetch your items for you, please at least tell me whether you are going to buy them or not." A thick fog rapidly spread among the trees. "Or you could just clear the way, that would be fine too," Chen Mu said anxiously, hungry and eager to get back to cooking. The long-haired woman didn''t move an inch. The coldness around became increasingly intense. "The road to heaven is wide, we can each take half. How about this, I''ll go from that side, and you can''t block my way again, alright?" Chen Mu negotiated earnestly. Then, without waiting for the long-haired woman''s reaction, he turned ninety degrees and went on his way. But he had not gone ten meters when Chen Mu stopped in his tracks. Another graceful figure appeared ahead. Except, the snow-white skin was covered in blood, with gaping, festering wounds emerging on the back and thighs, rapidly worsening and expanding. It was enough to make one''s scalp tingle. Chen Mu''s face showed helplessness: "Miss, if you''re going to be so aggressive, then don''t blame me for not being a gentleman in combat!" Chen Mu''s face went stern as he crouched slightly and took in a deep breath. "Jie Jia! If you don''t show up now, I''m going to dock your pay!" Hum! A cluster of pale white light suddenly exploded in mid-air. Dragging a long tail of light, the white orb violently slammed into the long-haired woman. The figure seemed like a wax statue encountering flame, melting, dripping, and deforming rapidly within the white light. Finally, with a piercing, mournful scream, it disappeared in a puff of ash and smoke. The luminescence shattered in place into sparks of light. Jie Jia walked over slowly with his hands clasped behind his back, emerging from the sparkling remnants. He appeared expressionless, his eyes narrowed into slits and fixed on Chen Mu. "Per our agreement, I protected you on the way to Nanyang Prefecture, so you owe me four hundred taels of silver. Not a cent less," Jie Jia said indifferently. "Four hundred taels? Are you out of your mind?!" "Weren''t we agreed on two hundred taels? Raising the price mid-way, you''re even worse than a dishonest tour guide!" Chen Mu was furious. "Such a pity," Jie Jia said disappointingly and turned to leave. Chen Mu, with a dumbfounded look, moved closer to Jie Jia: "What do you mean by that?" "I was testing to see if you were possessed by a ghost," Jie Jia said leisurely. Chen Mu had a moment of clarity. If he had been possessed, he certainly wouldn''t have remembered the agreement with Jie Jia. But soon, Chen Mu sensed something amiss: "Then why did you say ''such a pity''?" Jie Jia''s bright yellow eyes shifted, glancing at Chen Mu: "If you had really been possessed, you might have agreed right away, and I could have earned an extra two hundred taels." For some reason, Chen Mu wasn''t surprised in the slightest. That was so very Jie Jia. "So that was a ghostly entity just now? It didn''t seem as terrifying as the stories say," Chen Mu mused, puzzled by the events that had transpired. Besides feeling tense all over and a little fear and discomfort, he hadn''t suffered any actual harm. Jie Jia appraised him from head to toe: "I''m also puzzled. How could you still be alive after encountering a ghostly entity?" Chen Mu: "..." "Why are you all staring at me?" Chen Mu looked at the group with puzzled eyes. Jie Jia: "..." In his lifetime, he had witnessed many Marrow Transformation processes, which at the very least took one Hour. The longer the time, the more extensive the transformation, and the greater the harvest. But for Chen Mu, it only took a quarter of an Hour, at most. "Are you really undergoing Marrow Transformation?" Jie Jia even hesitated. "Um, probably?" Jie Jia: "..." ... He sent the other few onlookers who had come for the spectacle away. Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 1/10000/Fourth Rank; Although the transformation process seemed too rushed, his Proficiency clearly indicated that he had indeed entered a new stage. Chen Mu recalled the transformation process. He felt varying degrees of numb itchiness in his bones and organs. This sensation had always been present during his practice, but this time it was particularly intense. Chen Mu suddenly had a realization. The transformation for others involved a violent change. Chen Mu''s Marrow Transformation, however, was divided into each training session by his Proficiency. Every point of Proficiency contained a bit of transformation, which is why his change wasn''t so obvious. "No pain, quite comfortable," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. The thought of such drastic change made him aware it wouldn''t be pleasant. "Proficiency is reliable after all." "But what should I do next to train?" Chen Mu frowned. Having spent a hundred Silver to learn martial arts, Sheng Hong''s teaching ended here. Chen Mu was unsure if Sheng Hong was holding back or genuinely had nothing more to offer. According to the Proficiency, it seemed he could continue to practice, but he no longer knew how to proceed. ... "Visualize the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia said indifferently. "What is the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked since he didn''t understand. The knowledge blockade in this world was very stringent. It was still manageable at the lower levels, but the higher you went, the harder it was to acquire information. He had been practicing martial arts for over a year and had visited the Ghost Market many times, purposefully collecting information about Shape Cultivation Techniques. Yet, he had no idea what the Divine Intent Diagram was. "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core of the Shape Cultivation Technique. Soul Cultivation relies on the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia explained. "The more exquisite the Shape Cultivation Technique, the more complex its Divine Intent Diagram. The likelier and better the results are in cultivating a Wandering Soul." "Some minor inheritances are pitiful, whether they have a Divine Intent Diagram or not is uncertain," Jie Jia said, casting a meaningful glance at Chen Mu. "What do you mean by looking at me that way?" Chen Mu had a bad feeling. "Do you know what''s called a minor inheritance?" Chen Mu was clueless. "An inheritance has deficiencies, and their numbers are dwindling. A generation only passes it to four or five people, so few practice it, and even fewer know about it," Jie Jia said, looking meaningfully at Chen Mu. Dwindling numbers? Few practitioners? Are you saying that my Red Falcon Shape Cultivation is a minor inheritance? Chen Mu looked askance at Jie Jia."You know how many practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation, don''t you?" Chen Mu had only sold seven or eight copies of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique in the Ghost Market, but Jie Jia had sold a full hundred! Jie Jia: "..." Chapter 58: 58: Arrival "Do you have a Shape Cultivation Technique for sale?" Chen Mu suddenly asked. "One thousand taels," Jie Jia said indifferently. "Does it include the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu exclaimed with joy. Although it was expensive, he would have to buy it even if it meant scrimping and saving or selling his cooking pots. "No," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu. With the Divine Intent Diagram, it couldn''t possibly be just a thousand taels. Chen Mu was suddenly greatly disappointed. "You can''t afford a legacy that comes with the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia stated calmly. Chen Mu was half-doubtful. Were there times when silver couldn''t get things done? "Is there a Ghost Market in Nanyang Prefecture City?" Chen Mu still wanted to go and see for himself. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and didn''t try to dissuade him, "There is." When you''re disappointed, you''ll naturally come back to buy. "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique really doesn''t come with the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked reluctantly. "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core and the source of the Shape Cultivation Technique," Jie Jia explained. "The original creator might have had it in their mind, but without full comprehension, it couldn''t be recorded, and if it couldn''t be recorded, then it doesn''t exist." "Most small legacies are in this state." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is only passed down within the territory of Nanyang Prefecture. As far as I know, there isn''t one," Jie Jia said calmly. Without the Divine Intent Diagram, Soul Strength can''t be trained. Knowing the limitations of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Chen Mu was very disappointed. But it was not to the point of despair. Ordinary people take ten years to practice Shape Cultivation, a hundred years to cultivate Soul Strength. He had only been practicing martial arts for a year and a half. If the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique wasn''t good enough, he could simply switch to another one. "Where can I learn a Shape Cultivation Technique that includes the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked. "The army, big clans, major gang forces, and some independent practitioners," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu nodded and took note of it in his heart. He might have to think of ways in these areas in the future. Having transmigrated with the added cheat of proficiency, he naturally wanted to attempt climbing to the peak. However, there was no hurry. Ordinary people take ten years; he needed only a little over a year to complete Shape Cultivation. There was plenty of time, so he should be more stable. The urgent task at hand was to settle down in Nanyang first and then inquire around after stabilizing. ... The caravan continued on its way. In a few days, heavy rain descended, and the caravan was forced to stop for repairs. During this time, Chen Mu found a relatively secluded spot to test the changes from the Marrow Transformation. In a grove of trees, Chen Mu''s figure vanished abruptly. In the environment where grass and trees grew in disarray, he was like an agile falcon. Changing direction freely, moving silently, he could stop on a dime and, once moving, was as swift as lightning. Even though the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique was a small legacy without the Divine Intent Diagram, it was still a Shape Cultivation Technique that could transform one''s physique. When he moved at full speed, ordinary people could only see a blur. If not looked at carefully, one might think him a swift bird passing by. "My energy has also become more vigorous," Chen Mu reflected on the changes of the past few days. He only needed to sleep for three hours a day to feel refreshed and energetic. If the situation was urgent, he could even go for two days without sleep and still not feel tired. "And this is only a small legacy Shape Cultivation Technique." "Big Senior Brother! I''m here!" Cheng Ming, who had been peering out the window at the people, suddenly shouted. A middle-aged man in a Daoist robe, steering a horse carriage, quickly approached. "How did you get ahead of us?" Cheng Ming jumped onto the other''s carriage, excitedly hugging Cheng Yi''s neck as he asked. "Because my martial arts practice is good and I run fast," Cheng Yi said with a beaming smile. "Cheng Yi, did the master also come?" the Daoist He, who was at the back, stepped forward to ask. "Uncle He, go back first. I''ll talk after settling in," Cheng Yi said. He immediately hopped down from the carriage and, bowing to Jie Jia, expressed, "Thank you, old sir, for escorting us all the way." Jie Jia nodded calmly. "Goodbye, Brother Chen!" Cheng Ming shouted toward Chen Mu. Chen Mu waved with a smile, at the same time fishing out the last two packs of jerky from his parcel and tossing them over. "Thanks, Brother Chen!" Cheng Ming couldn''t wait to take out a piece of jerky and began to chew with gusto. "Oh right, Brother Chen, once I enter the city, where do I find you? I still want to treat you to a big meal!" Cheng Ming said, his large eyes twinkling cunningly. "Cheng Ming, don''t be rude!" Cheng Yi gently chided. Then turning his head to Daoist He, he asked, "Uncle He?" Daoist He immediately stepped forward and briefly described the journey. "Uncle He, get on the carriage first; I''ll make the arrangements," Cheng Yi said with a nod, indicating he understood, and instructed Cheng Ming and Daoist He to get into the carriage. Cheng Yi walked towards Chen Mu with steady steps, his demeanor calm, "Young Master Chen, here we meet again." Chen Mu returned the gesture with polite cupped hands. He always felt this Daoist didn''t seem to like him much. "My little junior brother is young and ignorant; I appreciate Young Master Chen''s hospitality." With those words, he pulled out a silver note from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mu. "We do not plan to stay in Nanyang for long, hence can''t repay your kindness. Please accept this small token of gratitude." "It''s only a bit of food, there''s no need for this," said Chen Mu as his eyebrows furrowed slightly. "It is better for Young Master Chen to accept it," Cheng Yi said flatly, "I hope Young Master Chen will never appear before my junior brother again." Chen Mu stared at Cheng Yi. Feeling the faint threat and strong rejection emanating from him, Chen Mu truly didn''t understand what he had done to offend the man. Glancing at the silver note in the other''s hand, Chen Mu chuckled softly, reclined back into the carriage, and calmly watched ahead. With a light kick of his toes, the carriage slowly passed in front of Cheng Yi. Cheng Yi''s expression remained unchanged as he withdrew the silver note. "Evil spirits and outsiders..." "Hmph!" Cheng Yi watched the receding carriage with indifference, "I hope you are sensible, otherwise..." "Big Senior Brother, why did Brother Chen leave? He hasn''t told me how to find him yet," Cheng Ming, poking his head out from the carriage, curiously asked. Cheng Yi''s face brightened with a friendly smile as he looked at Cheng Ming, "Little Junior Brother, Young Master Chen is just passing through Nanyang, he will be leaving soon." "We shouldn''t delay others on their way." "Leaving? But Brother Chen said he was going to settle down here, didn''t he?" Cheng Ming asked, puzzled. Cheng Yi mounted the carriage, driving the horses as he said with an unchanged expression, "Can you take seriously something an adult says just to amuse you?" "Brother Chen wouldn''t tease me." "Alright, alright, he''s not teasing you; I''m teasing you," Cheng Yi conceded. "Big Senior Brother, don''t treat me like a child," Cheng Ming protested. "Okay, so I''ll treat you like a little adult then..." "Big Senior Brother..." Chapter 59: 59 Settling Down Nanyang Prefecture, east of the city, Tao Hua Workshop. Inside a small courtyard with a single entrance. Chen Mu sat next to a stone table under a grapevine trellis. He took out all his money to count it. "Travel expenses 200 silver, rent 12 silver, various purchases about 5 silver." "There''s still 402 silver left, plus 767 copper coins." "Money is never enough," Chen Mu sighed. Nanyang Prefecture City is bustling, and so are the expenses. A silver coin could rent a house for a year in Qingshan County. But a courtyard of the same size could only be rented for a month in Nanyang Prefecture. Food was also expensive. A pound of white wheat cost thirty-five copper coins, and the cheapest fish meat was more than sixty copper coins per pound. "Shape Cultivation Technique must be even more expensive," Chen Mu pondered silently. "What are your plans?" Chen Mu raised his head and asked Jie Jia. The other party was squinting his eyes, staring at the silver in his hand. Chen Mu expressionlessly put the silver into his money pouch and tucked it away. "I have affiliated with Zhu Yi Pavilion in Nanyang Prefecture," Jie Jia said indifferently. Qingshan County was shattered; those who died were dead, those who left had gone. It had almost become a deserted city; certainly, there was no going back. Chen Mu envied him. This was the advantage of skilled craftsmen; they wouldn''t go hungry anywhere they went. If it weren''t for the fact that being an assassin was too dangerous, Chen Mu would have been tempted to register at Zhu Yi Pavilion himself. "I have scouted a storefront in South Market and am preparing to open a medicinal business," Jie Jia said, looking over suddenly. "Three Yang Six Lords Pills?" Chen Mu realized; that was a big business. "The medicine shop will only serve as a channel for purchasing raw materials. We''ll have to sell at the Ghost Market," Jie Jia said. "And we''ll need to change the name." After all, it was a replication of Zhu Yi Pavilion''s Secret Medicine; they couldn''t be so blatant about it. "You provide the materials, and I''ll make them. We''ll split the profit fifty-fifty!" Chen Mu proposed immediately. "Seventy-thirty," Jie Jia stated blandly. "I take seventy?!" Chen Mu pretended to be surprised. Jie Jia just looked at Chen Mu calmly without saying a word. Chen Mu lost interest and waved his hand dismissively, "Alright then." It definitely hurt to part with the money. Silver was tempting to anyone. But thinking about only being responsible for production without showing his face, he was quite satisfied. What if someone harboring ill intentions planned a double-cross? With Jie Jia in front to intercept, it felt good to earn his hard-earned share without worry. "Have you found out about the Ghost Market? I want to take a look," Chen Mu asked. Now that everything was settled, it was time to seek information on entirely new Shape Cultivation Techniques. "I''ll come to pick you up in two days," Jie Jia said indifferently. ... Two days later, in the evening, a carriage stopped at Chen Mu''s doorstep. Dressed in black with a conical hat, Chen Mu sprang into the carriage from the shadows. "So..." the shopkeeper grew even more enthusiastic. "Let me take a look at the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu requested. "Certainly," the shopkeeper replied, though disappointed. "The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique originates from Ganzi Prefecture, with a history that spans several hundred years and countless practitioners." "It''s easy to master and achieve success with, truly another extraordinary skill," the shopkeeper explained in detail. "Do you have the Divine Intent Diagram?" asked Chen Mu. "What is that?" the shopkeeper asked in return. Chen Mu was taken aback. The man selling Shape Cultivation techniques didn''t know about the Divine Intent Diagram? Experience the epic saga on m_vl-em|p-yr Chen Mu suddenly understood. The upper echelons in Da Liang had an even tighter monopoly on knowledge than he had imagined. If it weren''t for Jie Jia informing him, he would have never heard of the Divine Intent Diagram. Just like the shopkeeper before him, not knowing that without the Divine Intent Diagram one cannot develop Soul Strength, one would be confined to merely practising the rudimentary stages of Shape Cultivation. "Nothing?" Chen Mu waved his hand dismissively, not daring to probe further, "What''s the price?" "Only six hundred silver." Chen Mu''s lips twitched. Six hundred silver? And that''s just ''only''? Even if he spent all his family''s savings, he''d still be short two hundred silver. "Well, you see, I left something cooking at home, please carry on," Chen Mu left the Red Knotweed Study feeling defeated. The Red Knotweed Study was the largest bookseller aboard the Ghost Market ship. If they didn''t have the Divine Intent Diagram, it was even less likely the other shops would. "Noble families, gangs, armies, should I consider these paths?" The idea of him, a homebody, getting involved in such places was indeed rather distressing. ... At Tao Hua Square, in the Chen Family Estate, under the grapevines. Chen Mu had bought a rocking chair and was now half-reclining in it, reading. The book was titled "Essentials of Decoctions," a pharmacopeia he had picked up from the Ghost Market. Having decided to pursue the path of crafting Healing Precious Medicine with Jie Jia, it wouldn''t do to be without solid skills. Chen Mu had already asked Jie Jia to help collect medical books again, preparing to brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique. While reading, he regulated his breathing. His muscles twitched within a small range. This was a new breathing method for the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. After completing the Marrow Transformation phase, the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had no practices left to follow. But Chen Mu had discovered that as long as he continued to train, his Proficiency could still be enhanced, although the effect had drastically decreased, nearly cut in half. What intrigued him was that, as his Proficiency increased, a red ethereal shadow seemed to flicker in his mind. With the improvement of Proficiency, the shadow was becoming more and more solid. "Could this be the so-called Divine Will Diagram?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow in thought. "No rush in searching for a new Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu decided, "Let''s push the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation to another level first!" "Let''s see what changes occur," Chen Mu suddenly felt a sense of anticipation. Chapter 60: 60 Soul Strength The sun was setting in the west, painting the clouds a fiery red. Sizzling sounds arose from the small courtyard as hot oil popped and hissed in the frying pan. Chen Mu held a spatula, rhythmically stirring the bright green vegetables to ensure each piece was evenly heated. Under the grape trellis, beside the stone table, sat the old man in Jie Jia armor, looking utterly at ease. In front of him lay a pile of Silver Pieces, which he was rolling into little silver beads. Chen Mu brought the dishes to the table, "Does every top assassin have some weird hobby?" He really couldn''t comprehend the reason behind rolling Silver Pieces into round beads. Jie Jia paid no attention to Chen Mu, speeding up his hands, and concealed all the silver beads into his sleeves. Standing up to wash his hands, he took out a clean handkerchief to dry them and then casually threw it into the fire pit. Chen Mu rolled his eyes and began to divide the food with serving chopsticks. After getting familiar with him, the old man''s demands kept increasing. The utensils had to be clean, ingredients fresh, and communal chopsticks were required to share the meal. What a hassle! He hadn''t been this particular when they traveled from Qingshan County, braving the elements. Moreso, for someone just freeloading a meal, he had an awful lot of demands. Could he tolerate this? "Yours," said a grey cloth bag as it landed on the table in front of Chen Mu. Hmm, Chen Mu felt he could tolerate it. He grabbed the grey cloth bag and weighed it C it must have been at least a hundred taels of silver. "This is your dish!" Chen Mu cheerfully proceeded to divide the meal. The Three Yang Six Lords Pills had been renamed to Divine Intent Pills, and this was the first month''s bonus. In total, he had only produced a little over twenty Divine Intent Pills. The profit was truly high! ... After the meal, Chen Mu handed Jie Jia a gourd the size of a palm. "Yellow Dragon Powder, have someone test it. The effect might be slightly lacking, but our cost is even lower." "Good," Jie Jia''s eyelids twitched involuntarily. Divine Intent Pills, being Healing Precious Medicine, were unnecessary for light injuries and unaffordable for the impoverished. Although profitable, the sales volume was low. Only around twenty-plus pills were sold in a month. But Yellow Dragon Powder was different. What person from Jianghu didn''t carry some antiseptic medicine with them? This high-end antiseptic, while not absurdly priced, was more effective than ordinary medicines and had a much wider market. Before leaving, Jie Jia asked Chen Mu, "Do you still want the Shape Cultivation Technique? You can buy it on credit." Chen Mu gave him a sidelong glance, "Are you really Jie Jia?" Jie Jia just looked at him expressionlessly. "Take it from my share." Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He thought someone had replaced Jie Jia on him. "Not in a hurry," Chen Mu waved his hand. Anyway, without the Divine Intent Diagram, it didn''t matter whether he switched techniques or not. "Although the sophisticated Shape Cultivation Techniques don''t have the Divine Intent Diagram, it''s not impossible to develop Soul Strength," Jie Jia offered some advice. "Shape Cultivation itself contains Divine Will. Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of nurturing the soul." "When Shape Cultivation Technique is fully accomplished, and if you continue to refine it, there''s a chance you will grasp the core essence and develop Soul Strength." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is too rudimentary." Chen Mu pondered, glancing at his Proficiency panel. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 3601/10000/Fourth Rank; "You think you can develop Soul Strength with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique?" Jie Jia asked calmly. Enjoy stories on m_v lem|p-yr Chen Mu just smiled without saying a word. "Good luck," Jie Jia said dismissively as he turned to leave. ... Jie Jia''s advice was rather disheartening. "But who said I can''t enjoy trying?" Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, continuing to adjust his breathing. "In such an important city, how could chaos strike so easily." "Relax, live a simple life, and focus on improving proficiency." ... Three days later, Chen Mu wiped the sweat from his forehead. A circular space about three meters high and five meters in diameter had appeared beneath the floor of Chen Mu''s bedroom. Covering it with lime and secret medicines, he made it moisture-proof and insect-proof. Chen Mu recited the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Bag after bag of wheat continuously appeared in the space below. Only when it was completely full did he stop. "It''s always good to be prepared. If we can''t eat it all, I''ll turn it into Fasting Pills." Chen Mu looked at the full cave of food, feeling very secure. ... While hoarding supplies to alleviate the tedium of training, Chen Mu once again immersed himself in increasing his proficiency. In the meantime, he slightly adjusted the Yellow Dragon Powder formula based on the Jie Jia test results. It was now successfully on the market. The monthly profit was considerable, conservatively speaking, at least two hundred Silver Pieces. His savings steadily grew stronger. Two months later, Chen Mu took a deep breath. He had ceaselessly improved the complicated Breathing Method, now rhythmically circulating. In his mind, the red shadow became clearer and clearer. What used to be a tangle was now a series of lines whose intricacies could gradually be discerned. Finally, after Chen Mu exhaled his last breath, his mind suddenly became clear. A distinct image appeared in his consciousness. It was entirely woven from black and red lines, with a structure similar to the flowing edges of a skirt hem. It was roughly symmetrical on both sides and looked like an abstract bird at first glance. The bird was changing constantly. The black and red lines, like living creatures, moved and wove continuously, forming a relatively stable three-dimensional structure. "Divine Intent Diagram?" Just as he had this insight, a stinging pain like needles suddenly struck the soles of his feet. Then a cold sensation spread as if he were standing on ice that had been smeared with oil. He stumbled and nearly fell. Instinctively taking a step, he seemed to vanish from under the grape arbor in a daze, and suddenly found himself face-to-face with the wall. "With such speed... it''s like my feet are really oiled!" Chen Mu took a deep breath and summoned the gray wall. Written: 1756/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1623/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 9833/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Cooking: 3506/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5126/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 3966/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 4447/10000/Third Rank; "Limit?" "Is the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique maxed out?" Remembering the constantly changing wing structure in his mind. His body, changed just now, was quickly brought under control. Aside from the initial stumble against the wall, he had completely adapted to the change. Chen Mu took off his shoes and socks; a black spot the size of a soybean appeared in the center of his forefoot. Touching it felt slightly cold, flexible, and hard. His heart moved, the black spot disappeared. Recalling the image of the Divine Intent Diagram, the black spot slowly emerged. "Soul Strength..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but be moved to tears. Stumbling and fumbling, bleeding and sweating, it had taken him a year and a half to cultivate Soul Strength. "I really am just an ordinary person," Chen Mu covered his mouth and sighed. Hmm, he covered it because he was afraid to laugh out loud. Chapter 61: 61: The Blue-Eyed Golden Monkey "Are you sure that''s not a mole?" Jie Jia stood three meters away, covering his nose with one hand, his face full of disgust. Chen Mu: "..." I washed my feet! This old geezer is definitely jealous of me. He took out several iron needles and jabbed them into the black spot on the sole of his foot. Clang clang clang... "See that!" Chen Mu lifted his head proudly, "Impervious to swords and spears! Soul strength!" Jie Jia glanced at the embroidery needle in Chen Mu''s hand. "Impervious to swords and spears, huh?" Chen Mu: "..." ... South Market''s Fan Tower, the most top-notch tavern in Nanyang Prefecture City. It covered three acres, with seven or eight five-story buildings of wood and stone erected, connected by bridges and galleries in the middle. There were places for dining, lodging, listening to music, gambling, a complete package of entertainment. Fan Tower, Four Directions Pavilion. On the third floor, in a private room by the window, Chen Mu and Jie Jia sat in front of a square table drinking tea and chatting. Through the window, one could clearly see the stream of people in the South Market. The continuous sounds of vendors hawking and customers bargaining formed a tapestry of noise. "I''m feeling good today, I came to try the delicacies of Four Directions Pavilion, wonder if they are really as delicious as the rumors suggest," Chen Mu said with a light laugh, leaning against the window. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with confusion: "You don''t happen to have a Daoist Bone, do you?" "I''m just an ordinary person, what Daoist Bone would I have?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Though I do have one cheat up my sleeve. "Are your parents perhaps members of some fallen aristocratic side branch?" Jie Jia continued to speculate. An ordinary person? Using that trash Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique and managing to develop Soul Strength in just a year and a half, and you still dare say you''re just an ordinary person? "Members of aristocratic families can develop Soul Strength quickly?" Chen Mu''s mind stirred. "Ah, slightly worse than you." Jie Jia replied listlessly, his eyelids drooping. Chen Mu thoughtfully: "Is it because they''ve mastered some special methods?" "Just some special bloodlines," Jie Jia said calmly. "Similar to a Daoist Bone? Naturally suited for cultivation?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. "Something like that," Jie Jia said indifferently, not wanting to discuss it further. Chen Mu didn''t probe any further. However, the pride from just having developed his Soul Strength quickly subsided. I have my cheat, but alas, others have their ancestors. They were born more outstanding than others because their ancestors were wealthy. I should just honestly work on increasing my proficiency. "I''ll take that Shape Cultivation Technique of yours," Chen Mu shrugged. "Figured it out?" A hint of amusement flickered in Jie Jia''s eyes. Chen Mu nodded: "There are two Shape Cultivation Techniques on the Ghost Market ship. But since they are listed alongside the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, it''s no loss without them." "The highly effective golden sore medicine from Ghost Market? Weren''t there heavy losses and production halted? Still investigating?" Zuo Sheng reacted with surprise, "What, it''s related to my fellow disciple?" "Most likely." The small-eyed man grinned, "Zhang might not be skilled in martial arts, but he is smart." "A month ago, he scattered a large number of people to closely monitor the medicinal herb transportation routes at the docks." "Now it looks like he''s been tracking down the source by following the trail." If it weren''t for Zuo Sheng''s close proximity and noticing something amiss, thus investigating in reverse, Zhang would have actually managed to settle the matter quietly and successfully. "Hall Master, the White Tiger Hall has always been troubling us. Why don''t we cut them off?" the small-eyed man suggested. "That won''t do," Zuo Sheng squinted, "After all, he''s a brother in the gang. Engaging in internal strife like this goes against gang rules and shall not be mentioned again!" The small-eyed man had an awkward smile on his face. "But after all, he is my beloved friend and fellow disciple," Zuo Sheng sighed, "Arrange for a few people to keep an eye on Zhang Helmsman. The moment they act, have them immediately inform me." "We can''t let my disciple suffer any grievances." "Hehe! Yes!" The small-eyed man suddenly wore a crafty smile. Zuo Sheng, seeing the man''s sincere and proper attitude, nodded in satisfaction. The recent martial arts practice had been quite costly, and the arrival of Qingfeng Powder was timely. Top-grade golden sore medicine, coupled with the formidable influence of the Startling Swan Gang on the Jinshui River, was like a treasure trove. However, adding flowers to brocade was far less valuable than sending charcoal in snowy weather. Only by helping at a critical moment can one truly win people''s hearts! ... At night, at the Chen family residence. The door was firmly shut, with Chen Mu sitting in front of a desk. A lit oil lamp on the desk illuminated the room brightly. The lamp oil, extracted from the fat of some ferocious aquatic beast, burned without producing black smoke and was astonishingly bright. Chen Mu meticulously flipped through the yellowed pages of the book in his hands. "No wonder Jie Jia always says the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is simplistic," Chen Mu sighed as he closed the book. Compared to the "Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique" he held, it indeed was. Take, for example, the breathing method. The most complicated part of the Red Falcon breathing method involved only one hundred and twenty variations per cycle, whereas the Muscle Transformation Stage of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape technique featured one hundred and eighty variations. It offered more delicate and precise stimulation and modification of the body, more comprehensive, and naturally, stronger. "And there''s the complete Divine Intent Diagram." Chen Mu reopened the book and flipped to the last pagea piece of leather paper made from the hide of some animal. On the light brown leather, hundreds of small and large black dots were scattered like stars, with threads as thin as hair intertwining, connecting all the dots. While it may look confusing to others, Chen Mu understood. The black dots were the nodes of the Divine Intent Diagram. If one constantly pondered and observed, in conjunction with a fully developed Shape Cultivation Technique, they could master the Divine Intent Diagram. "So, this ''Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique'' is also just junk," Chen Mu picked up another black-covered book beside him with a look of disdain. To buy this Shape Cultivation Technique, he had even run up a tab with Jie Jia. If it weren''t for the recent hot sales of Qingfeng Powder, Jie Jia wouldn''t have given him the time of day. "Well, bought it I have, might as well try practicing," Chen Mu sighed in disappointment. "Once I''ve saved enough money, I''ll also buy that ''White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique''. It would then pair up with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique to form the ''Mediocre Trio''." Chapter 62: 62 Gifts ``` It is no wonder that Chen Mu was greedy for more. The process of cultivating Soul Strength was just too protracted. There were Secret Medicines that could accelerate the process, but they were all controlled by the royal families and noble houses of Da Liang. Ordinary people could only rely on consumption to speed up the process. But considering the size of a human stomach, even if one were to eat continuously, how many cows could be consumed in a day? Chen Mu set his sights on the second factor for accumulating Soul Strength, the initial Wandering Soul. The Wandering Soul is the foundation of the Shell Soul; it is the source. Chen Mu decided to dig a few more wells into himself. Since he couldn''t use Secret Medicine to increase the source of Soul Strength, he would improve the conversion rate of qi and blood. He looked up at the sky outside, where the moon shone faintly and stars were sparse, the vast Nanyang Prefecture City had fallen into slumber. Chen Mu yawned and glanced at the books on the table. "Hmm, one more read before sleep..." ... "Hallmaster, Zhang''s people have made their move!" said an eager man with small eyes, approaching Zuo Sheng excitedly: "Hallmaster Lin from White Tiger Hall is leading the team personally!" "Ah, isn''t it good to earn money peacefully?" Zuo Sheng said helplessly, "On one side are my own brothers, and on the other is my beloved senior brother. This is too difficult for me." The man with small eyes blinked. Was their hallmaster going to back out? "What do you think I should do?" Zuo Sheng asked the man with small eyes, looking troubled. "Perhaps... let the gang leader decide?" suggested the man with small eyes, also unsure of the seriousness. "Foolish!" Zuo Sheng glared at him, "How can we bother master with such trifles!" "It seems I must go and mediate," Zuo Sheng sighed, "Hallmaster Lin will complain about me again." "The hallmaster is thinking for the greater good," the man with small eyes flattered. "Ah, who can understand my painstaking efforts." Zuo Sheng said despondently. "Hallmaster, should I go prepare now?" the man with small eyes asked tentatively. "Yes, take more people with you." The man with small eyes responded with a crisp "Yes!" ... In the night, dozens of fast boats entered the Luo River directly from Jinshui River. Using the river mist for cover, they quickly moved towards the city. At a hidden pier, dozens of men in black leapt off the boats and split into seven or eight groups. Moving along hidden alleys, they silently surged into the city. A quarter of an hour later, the groups reconvened in a small alley. "Brother-in-law, that''s the courtyard," said Helmsman Zhang excitedly. "Our Pharmacist analyzed the Qingfeng Powder and identified a medicinal ingredient called ''Yellow Jade Fungus.'' It''s not produced locally; most of it is purchased from Taizhou Prefecture in the north." "I had people watch all Taizhou cargo ships on Jinshui River." "One-third of the local Yellow Jade Fungus was delivered to that courtyard through a small pharmacy." "They also brought several other types of medicine for stopping bleeding and relieving pain." "That courtyard is nine out of ten chances the production site of Qingfeng Powder!" "Well done!" Lin Que said with a smile. The usually uneven and rough man couldn''t help but flush with pride: "It''s time for our White Tiger Hall to make a fortune." "Old Zhang, Old Zhao, follow me. As soon as we spot that white-haired expert, the three of us will take him down together and kill him first!" "I''ve been thinking, that guy is old, has poor physical strength, but is quick. I specially requested a golden silkworm fishnet from the Startling Swan treasure ship. Once we engage, we''ll trap him first, then beat him mercilessly!" "Alright!" Ah! Thud, thud, thud... A series of short, sharp screams suddenly rang out in the night. Boom! A courtyard wall collapsed violently. Lin Que, his face and head covered in a cloud of dust, didn''t look back as he ran toward Luo River Pier. Dozens of his men scrambled out through the breach in the wall and scattered in all directions. As he turned around a street corner, Lin Que glanced to the side while still running, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the street behind him. Seven or eight figures dressed in black with red patterns, suited for night-time activity, leaped soundlessly from the courtyard and faded into the shadows. His men, who were running headlong, had no idea that swords sprung out from the shadows at their feet. Caught off guard, they were swiftly cut down, and in just a few blinks, half of them lay dead on the spot. Lin Que''s pupils contracted sharply. Where did all these Zhu Yi Pavilion assassins come from?! Wasn''t this a pharmaceutical den? How did it turn into an assassin''s lair?! At that moment, the hairs on his neck bristled. Lin Que quickly regained his senses. A glint of cold light stealthily approached him, causing his heart to skip a beat in terror! Damn it, I was careless! ... "Startling Swan Gang, White Tiger Hall, Gentle Breeze Powder..." Chen Mu''s face was grave. It had been over three months since he arrived in Nanyang City. Eating and drinking without worries, he spent his days practicing martial arts joyfully, nearly forgetting this detestable world. "I''m just making medicines properly, earning my hard-earned money." "I haven''t provoked or offended anyone; why must they always cross me?" Chen Mu''s face grew even more unsightly, but after pondering for a while, he couldn''t help but sigh. "Startling Swan Gang, ah..." That was Nanyang''s biggest gang. In their eyes, he was less than an ant. A mere flick of their finger could crush him. "I''ll have to find a way to run." Chen Mu shook his head with a wry smile. It had been tough to cross into another world just to hide and flee all the time: "So embarrassing." Luckily, he had been careful and cautious this time. Upholding the principle of ''a crafty rabbit has three burrows,'' he had secretly rented all seven small courtyards around him. Only then, in one of those courtyard''s walls, had he discovered those two tailing people. Thinking about the potential consequences made Chen Mu shudder with fear. "No, I can''t stay at home anymore." Chen Mu immediately began packing his belongings. "But where can I go in the middle of the night?" Chen Mu frowned. "Those two said, White Tiger Hall has a pier stronghold on Luo River." Chen Mu''s thoughts stirred: "From there, I could take a boat to the main vessel of White Tiger Hall." "The most dangerous place is the safest." Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod. "I''ll have to hide on the White Tiger Hall''s main ship." Chen Mu thought helplessly. Disturbing others late at night was truly inappropriate. Then he''d bring some gifts. "Sleeve Sword Technique, Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, hmm... and Iron Lotus Seeds!" With billowing black smoke, Chen Mu stuffed a large burlap sack from the corner into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu, looking at the brimming Five Ghosts Bag, nodded to himself: "Nobody would object to extra gifts; they shouldn''t mind now." His feet revealed the power of Soul Strength, and in a flash, Chen Mu disappeared soundlessly into the thick night. Chapter 63: 63 Infiltration Using the cover of darkness, Chen Mu quickly moved along the shadows of the streets. Soul Strength enhanced his steps, gliding swiftly and silently as if on ice. Following the route provided by the man with the black nose, he soon found a warehouse located in Xiuren Square by the Luo River. A hidden dock was concealed in the willow forest behind the warehouse. At this deep hour of the night, the small warehouse was quiet, yet an oil lamp flickered inside. Four bare-chested men were huddled around a square table, eating, drinking, and chatting leisurely. At first glance, they seemed relaxed, but they were actually highly vigilant. Two men stood guard in the shadows by the door, and while they had eaten most of the meat on the table, none of them had touched their cups of wine. Approaching the warehouse, Chen Mu scanned the area expressionlessly and then strode towards the main entrance. "What are you doing!" After just two steps, a man stormed out from the shadows by the door, barking loudly. "Delivering a gift," replied Chen Mu without stopping. "Come back in the daytime! The accounts have gone home for the night; there''s no one to record your offerings," the man said, clearly irritated. Chen Mu: "..." Recording in the accounts? Has gift-giving become part of their business operations now?! "Are you deaf? Get lost!" the man shouted impatiently. Chen Mu glanced at the man and continued with large strides towards the warehouse doors. "Hey?! You''re quite stubborn!" The man moved to confront Chen Mu, raising his fist to smash into Chen Mu''s face. Chen Mu''s figure suddenly vanished, and as he brushed past, the Sleeve Sword Technique struck swiftly and retracted just as quickly. Thud! A spurt of fresh blood sprayed from the man''s throat. He fell to the ground with a couple of twitches and quickly fell silent. "Sigh... another killing." "I just want to live in peace. Why do you evil people have to provoke me!" Chen Mu said coldly, his back to the body as he looked inside the warehouse. The four men at the table, already alerted by the noise at the door, stood up upon seeing one of their own cut down in an instant. The leader was a bald man with slanted eyes, dressed in a brown sweatshirt and short trousers, with leather bracers on his wrists. Seeing the guard die, not only did he show no fear, but a smile even appeared on his face: "I thought guarding the dock was a miserable job, but I didn''t expect such an unexpected windfall. Truly a blessing from the heavens!" He casually moved his wrists, his calloused fingers flexing and clenching. The friction of skin on skin was like sandpaper rubbing together, sending shivers down the spine. "Those idiots followed the Helmsman on a raid, exhausting themselves. Here we sit, eating meat and drinking, and the credit comes to us. Haha..." The other three laughed heartily, pulling out short blades from behind their waists and twirling them. In the moonlight, the blades glinted ominously. "You''re from the Left Helmsman''s camp, right?" "Trying to sabotage our fast ship, cut off our escape route? Heh. We''ve seen through your little schemes long ago!" the bald man sneered. "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you." "I''ll break your limbs and let the Left Helmsman come to claim you personally. That will be extremely satisfying." "Attack!" The four men charged at Chen Mu with fierce grins. The bald man took the lead, his feet stomping the ground hard as he lunged forward like a cheetah. His palms curved into claws and with a low growl, he struck, aiming for Chen Mu''s throat with deadly intent. The other three circled around rapidly, their blades flashing as they targetted Chen Mu''s legs. Thud! The blades flew off, and the heads of the four men suddenly jerked back, tumbling through the air and landing with heavy thuds on the ground, instantly silenced. Bullet-sized holes appeared in each of their foreheads, from which blood flowed freely. Chen Mu turned his head expressionlessly and fixed his gaze on the last remaining guard in the corner. Bang! In a flash of insight, Chen Mu figured it all out. Standing up confidently, he waved and called out, "Big Brother, I''m over here!" Lin Que vaguely remembered there was a man in grey clothing on the dock. He thought to himself that this kid was pretty sharp to know to wait on the boat, ready to adapt to the situation. He leaped up at once and sprang onto the other''s fast boat, "Well done! There will be a hefty reward for you when we get back!" Chen Mu: "..." Why did you come aboard, too?! So close, how am I supposed to bluff my way through? Chen Mu took a deep breath: "Don''t panic, don''t panic. Stay calm." "There are more than ten people behind. Wait for the others to board, then stealthily fade into the background." "What''s the big deal about sharing a boat with the Helmsman, no big deal." Chen Mu looked towards the other members with full anticipation. Then, to his dismay, he watched them leap up and fall onto the boat next to his, like dumplings dropping into hot water. They immediately untied the moorings and rowed the oars, shooting their fast boat up the Luo River like an arrow. Chen Mu: "..." ... Lin Que stood at the bow of the boat, dumbfounded as he watched his men speed away, while his own fast boat remained motionless beneath his feet. "What the hell are you waiting for? Set sail!" Lin Que nearly bulged his eyes out in frustration! Chen Mu stammered for a long time, finally managing to say honestly, "Big Brother, I don''t know how." Lin Que: "..." You don''t know how, yet you still called me onto the boat?! Chen Mu forced a sheepish smile. He was in a tough spot, initially planning to pose as a gang member and blend into the larger boat. Who would have thought Lin Que would jump aboard so straightforwardly, and without any followers. He didn''t know the first thing about rowing a boat! This was a complete disaster. His secret infiltration had gone wrong from the start, how could he continue now? Forget it, just act directly. Killing this orange-peel face will have to do! ... Lin Que glanced at the vanished shadows of his men, then turned back to look at the dark figures darting towards them. "Get lost!" He charged to the stern, took up an oar, and paddled fiercely. Chen Mu blinked. Does this mean... I can keep on hiding? If it weren''t for the assassins pursuing him, Lin Que would have wanted to kick this useless piece of trash to death by now. "Who are you with!" Lin Que bellowed, chest full of rage. "With Helmsman Zhang Yun, your brother-in-law," Chen Mu quickly put on a smile, attempting to cozy up. He did not forget to raise his eyebrows suggestively, signaling with a look that they were on the same side. Lin Que''s anger was trapped in his chest, his orange-peel face flushed red with veteran fury. It''s that damn fool again! Both unreliable himself and the subordinates he recruits are good for nothing! Just moments ago, he had doubted this man''s identity. Now there was no need to doubt anymore. With this sort of lackluster spirit, Zhang Yun was the only one along the entire Jinshui River who would dare to take him in! "Hmph! I''m rowing the boat while you sit, you really think you''re something special in our White Tiger Hall!" Chen Mu forced a sheepish laugh: "Ah heh... ah heh... ah heh heh heh..." This infiltration is truly testing my nerves. If only I had known, I would have just greeted him with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke! Chapter 64 Discovery The waning moon hung in the sky. The Luo River was shrouded in mist. Seven or eight speedboats broke through the fog, swiftly rowing upstream on the Luo River. Chen Mu sat awkwardly at the bow of the boat, forcing himself not to look back. At the stern, Lin Que''s orange-peel face was flushed red. Yet he still panted and toiled at the oars. His eyes fixed on the junior in gray ahead, his teeth itched with hatred. He, a hall master of the Startling Swan Gang, rowing for a junior? Growing more and more frustrated, he asked coldly, "Who do you run with?" Haven''t we been through this already? Chen Mu, puzzled, replied, "Helmsman Zhang Yun." "Zhang Yun has control of three boats. I''m asking which one you''re usually on?" Which worthless scamp would take a fancy to you, someone who can''t steer a boat to save his life? Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief: "Oh, I guard the warehouse." Lin Que''s eyebrows knitted together: "The warehouse has always been Zhao''s responsibility. How would you be guarding it if you''re following Zhang Yun?!" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beatdamn, his cover was about to be blown! "You damned fool! Zhang Yun can''t even manage his own people, yet he dares to meddle in others'' affairs! You think you can go undercover in my territory? When I get back, I''ll divorce his sister!" Lin Que spat bitterly. Chen Mu: "..." Fine, whatever helps you sleep at night. "That doesn''t make sense. You''re such a waste, how could old Zhao not have noticed?" Lin Que furrowed his brow even more deeply. "I... don''t know," Chen Mu was at a loss for excuses. Lin Que stared at Chen Mu, his expression growing increasingly serious. Just as Chen Mu couldn''t bear it any longer and was about to send an Iron Lotus Seed his way. A call traveled over the water. "Brother-in-law, why are you rowing alone? Come over to my boat!" Not far off, Zhang Yun was shouting and beckoning to Lin Que from his speedboat. Lin Que''s face darkened. Why am I rowing alone? Isn''t it all because of you? With that, he rowed vigorously a couple of times, drawing closer to the speedboat ahead. So this is Zhang Yun? Chen Mu squinted toward the thin, tall figure shouting and waving. Quietly, he clutched an Iron Lotus Seed in his hand. As Lin Que put down his oar, preparing to jump across. Woo! It was like a gust of river wind blowing by. Splash! The opposing boat''s helmsman fell face-first into the river. "Quick, quick, quick! Big brother, the pursuers are upon us!" "Damn Zhu Yi Pavilion!" Lin Que cursed and immediately grabbed the wooden paddle, his arms spinning like wheels, frantically rowing. Chen Mu instantly let out a sigh of relief. This was no time to meet Zhang Yun face-to-face. If the two groups confronted each other, wouldn''t his cover be blown? Once he was on the White Tiger Hall''s main ship, all he had to do was hide quietly in the cabin amidst the chaos of the crowded deck, and all would be well. ... Stimulated by the sudden attack, Lin Que rowed like a madman. Having mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique to perfection, his explosive strength was immense. For a moment, the speedboat seemed to give the impression of a motorboat. The bow of the speedboat lifted slightly, trailing a series of white waves, as it surged rapidly towards the upstream of Luo River. His nephew, Zhang Yun, was also collapsed on the ground, blood uncontrollably spilling from his mouth and nose. All three hall masters were injured, with blood streaming from their shoulders and arms. "Heh!" Lin Que grinned, his teeth glowing a ghastly white under the moonlight, "It seems we have an expert here." He looked dispassionately at his subordinates sprawled all over the ground. "Useless." He was extremely disappointed with these underlings. It seemed he had been too lenient with them on a daily basis. They had grown complacent and lazy, forgetting even how to fight! ... Chen Mu watched Lin Que with an expressionless face. He hadn''t wanted to get involved. He just wanted to have a private word with Lin Que, to clear up the misunderstandings between them. It was just about giving some gifts. For a peaceful life. Save where you should, spend where you must! But they all attacked him together?! And wanted to feed him to the fish?! How cold that water must be! To capture someone and feed them to the fish in the dead of night?! That''s too brutal! Chen Mu had no choice but to take action reluctantly. Fortunately, he had never let his skill with throwing weapons lapse in proficiency. Even though he didn''t practice much every day, he had gradually leveled it up to Fourth Rank. The Iron Lotus Seeds had gained a group attack feature. A handful thrown out could take a life with each seed. Just now, surrounded by so many people. Chen Mu was terrified! He was just an ordinary person who kept to himself; where had he ever seen such a scene? Without thinking, he threw out a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds. Looking at the gang members lying all around, Chen Mu felt a deep sense of relief. "Proficiency never lies!" ... Lin Que slowly lifted his head, a smile on his face but his eyes filled with murderous intent. "It seems you''re not one of Zuo Sheng''s men." "Zhu Yi Pavilion?" "Zhu Yi Pavilion has vast resources, losing a person or two surely doesn''t hurt them," Lin Que pulled out two short knives from behind his waist. "No, how could you be from Zhu Yi Pavilion. You must be one of Zuo Sheng''s men," Lin Que said with a chilling laugh, "It''s quite normal for the Startling Swan Gang''s halls to spar and accidentally injure or kill one or two, right? Haha..." So what if it''s Zhu Yi Pavilion! The strong dragon does not suppress the local snake. He didn''t believe Zhu Yi Pavilion would start a war with the Startling Swan Gang over a mere pawn! Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Contribution Realizing the outcome of the murder, Lin Que broke into a wide grin, his legs taking staggered positions as his back arched. His muscles tensed in an instant, transforming his body into a fully drawn bow. He had diligently cultivated the family''s Mystic Panther Shape Cultivation Technique for twenty years, practicing every day without fail. At thirty, he attained mastery of Marrow Transformation, leaping into the ranks of the Startling Swan Gang''s top fighters. His twin blades were sharp and ruthless, striking terror along the Jinshui River. This was why he took charge of a hall in his thirties. "Secret Technique: Fang!" Bang! He shot forward like an arrow off its string, disappearing from the sight of ordinary people. Chen Mu felt a dark shadow flicker before his eyes as two glimmers of bright blade light suddenly appeared in front of him. The crossing blade lights, like a pair of silver shears carrying a chilling breath, aimed straight for his throat. This strike was so fast it far surpassed the ordinary Marrow Transformation, giving Chen Mu no chance to release the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. In the blink of an eye, the fruits of countless grueling Shape Cultivation practice sessions became apparent. The blade lights seemed to slow infinitely as Chen Mu''s figure danced like a piece of paper. His body drifted softly diagonally backward before his left leg powered up, propelling him sharply to the right. Pfft! The wooden cabin door suddenly split in two. Chen Mu''s voice came from the edge of the deck, looking at the ruined door with lingering fear. If he hadn''t dodged just now, his head would have been severed. "Oh? You could dodge that? What a pleasant surprise." "It''s only interesting when there''s resistance..." Lin Que''s hands skillfully twirled a knife flower. "I love sashimi the most, and I''m good at preparing it because my knife is fast enough." "Do you know? I can not only slice transparent pieces of fish but also remove all the tender meat without killing the fish." "My knife is really very fast." Lin Que''s eyes filled with malice as he looked at Chen Mu: "After I''m done, you won''t be dead either." "Secret Technique: Fang!" Lin Que''s figure disappeared abruptly, materializing at Chen Mu''s side. The twin blades, as precise as embroidery needles, targeted the gap between the ribs on the left side of the chest. Once struck, the blades would cut open the flesh, pierce through the ribs, and slice straight to the heart! Chen Mu instinctively executed the Red Falcon Evasion Technique. His body, agile as a swift falcon, drifted back with the slicing wind of the blades. Lin Que laughed heartily as his blades struck like lightning, each aimed to kill. Yet Chen Mu was like a speck of dust in the sunlight, elusively dodging the clutching grasp at every turn. And in these perilous moments, Chen Mu''s mind fell into an eerie calm, as still as a rippleless lake. With Lin Que''s uninhibited laughter bearing down, Chen Mu felt as if someone had seized his heart. This unadorned malice, this utterly vile gaze, sent shivers down his spine. For the first time, he witnessed a true villain in the fullest sense of the word. Those he had faced before were at most ruffians. The man before him was a thoroughly rotten villain through and through! To treat a person like fish, and then slice them alive?! Could such people really exist in the world?! Too horrifying! He must be killed! Like a runner hearing the starter''s gun, Chen Mu''s resolve solidified in a flash. At that moment, all his skills were summoned forth. Soul Strength rose from beneath his feet, adding speed to an already swift figure. With a flash of cold light in his hands, two daggers appeared abruptly. "Qiankun Strike!" "Qiankun Strike!" Imagine the prestige he would command cruising along the Jinshui River! Back in Qingshan County, even though he was a gang leader, life was tough. He was drugged frequently. Someone even managed to steal his Ghost Head Greatknife. It had been quite an embarrassment. Now, things were different, even though adapting to life on a ship was a bit challenging. At least he wouldn''t have to deal with that lunatic who kept drugging him. Just as he was reveling in his choice, a familiar sense of drunkenness swept over him. Zhang Ye: "..." You''ve gotta be kidding me! In his dying moments, Zhang Ye felt aggrieved, "I''ve made it all the way to Nanyang Prefecture... you lunatic!" "What lunatic?" Chen Mu regarded the tightly shut cabin doors with suspicion, "That voice sounds a bit familiar." "Never mind, it was nothing." "How can someone resist the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke?" Chen Mu walked up to the storeroom, heh heh, it was time for the enjoyable harvest. ... Pottery Workshop Within a courtyard of two halls. Zuo Sheng sat in the dark room, squinting at the small-eyed man in the moonlight. "Are you sure the White Tiger Hall made their move?" He had been waiting for half the night and there hadn''t been a peepcould that be right? "Umm... The White Tiger Hall''s large ship did indeed enter the Luo River..." the small-eyed man said with difficulty, "and their skilled fighters all disembarked in secret from a coded spot." Could it be that White Tiger Hall wasn''t after the Qingfeng Powder? That was a thought he dared not voice. Zuo Sheng''s brows tightenedhe also sensed that something was amiss. On reflection. His nominal senior brother did have some strength. But he had never had any dealings with a Pharmacist. Instead, he was renowned for his astonishing painting skills. Qingfeng Powder, an advanced antiseptic medicine, was unlikely to have come from him. He had been so focused on dealing with Lin Que that he hadn''t fully considered the cause and effect. Impulsive! "Let''s go back," Zuo Sheng sighed. He had hoped to benefit from the dispute, but the whole premise had been wrong from the start. White Tiger Hall had brought a large number of men into the city; they were probably up to no good. Too bad his own people misjudged the situation. Otherwise, even without Qingfeng Powder, they could have taken advantage of the situation to catch White Tiger Hall in the act and make them suffer for a while. Zuo Sheng stood, leading the way out of the estate. As he stepped out of the gate, he looked up to see a figure in gray approaching from around the corner. It was deep into the night, with a clear moon and few stars. The stranger''s gait was relaxed, his footsteps silent, his entire presence exuding a chilling, eerie aura. The moonlight illuminated his profile, and in his indifferent expression, a thread of killing intent was revealed. Zuo Sheng''s heart skipped a beat, and he froze in place, promptly clasping his hands in a gesture of respect, "Senior Brother Chen!" Chen Mu: "..." After wiping out a bunch of people, running into an acquaintance was the last thing Chen Mu wanted. He felt a flicker of dread inside, but his face remained expressionless as he stared at Zuo Sheng. The atmosphere grew tense. Noticing the bloodstains on Chen Mu''s shoes, Zuo Sheng''s eyelids twitched. Which unlucky soul had fallen into this master''s hands now? Zuo Sheng coughed softly, "I ate too much for dinner and came out for a walk. If Senior Brother has business, please don''t mind me, carry on." Chen Mu glanced at the bright moon. Out for a walk in the middle of the night with dozens of underlings? Tsk tsk... Without changing his expression, Chen Mu nodded and walked past Zuo Sheng. As Zuo Sheng watched Chen Mu disappear at the end of the street, he let out a breath. He couldn''t help scratching his head, "Why does this scene feel so familiar..." Chapter 66: Chapter 66 Aftertaste Da Liang, Year 640, April 23. On the north bank of the Luo River, amidst a stretch of trees, a gentle breeze wafted through, carrying willow leaves in its drift. Hidden behind the willow grove was a two-story wooden building that could barely be seen. Chen Mu sat by the window on the second floor, silently observing the vast, boundless river shrouded in white mist. In his hands, he cradled a wooden cup filled with a thick brown beverage, emanating a faint milk fragrance laced with a medicinal scent. This was his specialty milk tea, brewed with qi-boosting medicinal herbs. It was rich in flavor and nutrition. Chen Mu sat behind the long desk under the window, sipping tea at ease while enjoying the scenery. It had been five days since he had launched a night attack on the White Tiger Hall''s large ship. That very night, he had abandoned his residence at the pottery workshop. He didn''t even bother getting the rent back as he packed up and moved out overnight. This wooden building was rented on his behalf by Jie Jia. Chen Mu didn''t dare show his face, fearing that it would lead to another unwelcome visit if they traced him through their associates. "Zuo Sheng is from the Startling Swan Gang, right?" Chen Mu mused quietly, "Did he show up at the pottery workshop that night specifically for me?" First, it was Lin Que from the White Tiger Hall, and then came Zuo Sheng. "I can''t sell Qingfeng Powder anymore," Chen Mu sighed. Just when he had found a way to make money, it attracted covetous eyes. If it weren''t for a twist of fate and Zhu Yi Pavilion taking the fall for him, he would have been the one killed by Lin Que and his troop that night! Thinking of what befell Zhu Yi Pavilion, Chen Mu''s expression became odd. Not only had his own Yellow Dragon Powder been counterfeited, but Zhu Yi Pavilion had also been implicated and took the disaster meant for Chen Mu. "Jie Jia, your sins are profound," Chen Mu lamented insincerely. ... "Things should have settled down for now, I guess," Chen Mu thought uncertainly. Over the past days, Chen Mu had stayed put in his new home in Shanglin Neighborhood, worried that the Startling Swan Gang might cause trouble. As the largest gang in Nanyang Prefecture, the Startling Swan Gang lost all its elite members aboard the White Tiger Hall''s ship overnight. The gang''s leader Lin Que, four helmsmen, and dozens of core gang members had all died, leaving only a bunch of low-level henchmen. There was no way the Startling Swan Gang wasn''t furious. Whispers and fright haunted the Jinshui River, and passing ships were subjected to strict inspections and harassment. The prefect of Nanyang Prefecture City had to intervene to appease them, which finally quelled the Startling Swan Gang''s anger. "There must still be some repercussions happening in secret," Chen Mu thought with a touch of worry. "I might as well stay home and work on improving my proficiency." It just meant continuing to stay indoors. "Let''s check out the loot from this time." A string of convoluted curses was recited. Puffs of black smoke enveloped the room, and a black lacquered wooden chest, about half a meter in length and as tall as a forearm, appeared on the table. It was something he had brought from the White Tiger Hall''s large ship five days ago. The chest came from a luxuriously furnished cabin, most likely part of Lin Que''s private collection. He had been busy renting a house and moving these past few days and hadn''t had time to examine it closely. Upon opening the chest, a stack of silver notes immediately caught his eye. "Thirteen thousand and two hundred taels!" Chen Mu gasped at the sight. He had never seen so many silver notes before. Selling Ling Sha Pills and Qingfeng Powder could bring him roughly three hundred taels of silver each month. He would have to save for four years without spending a single coin! It was precisely because of this expert''s presence that the Startling Swan Gang remained in firm control of the Jinshui River. Next to him on a tea table, there was a tray with a dagger on it. Jin Wuduan rubbed his finger over the break, "Good sword technique." "Zhu Yi Pavilion doesn''t admit to having killed Lin Que," said a man over fifty on the left respectfully. "Hmm. Zhu Yi Pavilion doesn''t have such good sword masters," Jin Wuduan nodded. "Zhu Yi Pavilion also claims that Lin Que attacked their stronghold unprovoked and demands an explanation from us," continued the slender old man. "Don''t bother with them," Jin Wuduan said indifferently with a wave of his hand: "I will go and have a good talk with Zhang Qinghe myself." The expressions of the many hall leaders immediately became solemn. Zhang Qinghe was the pavilion master of Zhu Yi Pavilion in Nanyang Prefecture, one of the three great masters in the prefecture. A confrontation between the two could turn into a fierce battle! This conflict could have immeasurable repercussions on both the Startling Swan Gang and Nanyang Prefecture. "Lin Que acted out of personal greed and launched an attack on Zhu Yi Pavilion; he only got what he deserved by dying," Jin Wuduan said with an amused smile. "However, he was after all a hall leader of my Startling Swan Gang." "I''ll clean up the mess for Zhu Yi Pavilion." "In addition, issue a reward: ten thousand taels for information leading to Lin Que''s death, twenty thousand for finding the murderer, and fifty thousand for the murderer''s head," he said. Jin Wuduan''s face turned serious as he looked at the many hall leaders: "Go back and put your house in order, discipline your subordinates, and don''t allow any reckless actions." "An important figure will be arriving soon, Nanyang Prefecture cannot be in chaos!" "Yes!" The hall leaders bowed and complied. Zuo Sheng sat at the end, also raising his fist in agreement. Thinking of the substantial reward just announced, he felt an involuntary stirring of interest. Recalling the tragic scene aboard the White Tiger Hall''s big ship, Zuo Sheng furrowed his brows deeply. Iron Lotus Seeds shot in salvo, dagger thrust to kill. He was all too familiar with this scene. The person from Thousand Mountains Path in Qingshan County had died this very way. He couldn''t help but remember the chance encounter that night. "Older brother, you''ve really stirred up trouble, putting me in a difficult position," he murmured to himself. He desired the generous reward, yet deep down there was a hint of fear. No sooner had Lin Que sent people to tail him than he faced an explosive counterattack. White Tiger Hall was wiped out as if it were nothinga manner of acting without any reservations, which made Zuo Sheng feel apprehensive. "Forget it, better not to provoke this scourge," Zuo Sheng decided, shaking his head: "Rather than that, it''s better to think of how to benefit from White Tiger Hall''s situation." He turned to look at the dark-faced strong man sitting at the other end. Zhang Ye, the former leader of the Bailang Gang from Qingshan County, now the hall leader of White Tiger Hall, was a lucky guy that everyone envied and resented. With the elite of White Tiger Hall dead, by pulling rank, Zhang Ye had somehow become a hall leader. Even Zuo Sheng couldn''t help but feel envious. "He''s from the same Qingshan County as the other party and lacks strength, urgently needing external aid. If I could ally with him at this time..." Zuo Sheng smiled as he narrowed his eyes. Chapter 67: Chapter 67 Difficulty Nanyang Prefecture, Shanglin Neighborhood. A spacious estate to the west housed an octagonal pavilion, surrounded by a man-made pond. The pond was connected to the not-too-distant Luo River by an underground channel, flowing gently. The water quality was excellent, crystal clear to the bottom where one could occasionally see fish darting around. Chen Mu wore a grey long robe and had his hair bound up with a grey cloth. He leaned against a pillar, sitting on a bench at the edge of the pavilion, his right leg draped over his left knee. He then held his right foot and went through a series of gestures. After picking at his right foot, then his left, Chen Mu sighed "Soul Strength is not easy to cultivate." Since he had developed Soul Strength, his daily intake of food was balanced, with continuous nourishment from medicinal meals and he occasionally drank specially prepared dairy products. Moreover, the Divine Intent Diagram combined with the Breathing Method had been unceasing. Yet a month had passed, and the bean-sized Soul Strength had not increased at all. By the stone table under the pavilion, Jie Jia looked disgusted "Soul Strength can travel throughout the body, why do you insist on sticking to watching your feet?!" Chen Mu was startled and said with an embarrassed face, "I forgot!" Jie Jia: "..." Casually, Chen Mu put on his shoes and socks, transferred the Soul Strength to his palm, and continued his observation. "Can one really cultivate Soul Strength to completion in a hundred years?" Chen Mu doubted deeply "By that time, you''d be close to death, right?" "You can." Jie Jia said indifferently, looking down, "Whether you die or not, you''ll know once you succeed." "Could Shell Soul actually extend one''s lifespan?" Chen Mu became interested. But Jie Jia did not respond. Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders and didn''t mind. Such thoughts were still too far off. Right now, he was more concerned with how to cultivate his Soul Strength. "Is it only during the early stages of Wandering Soul that the accumulation is so slow? Does it require a lot of accumulation before a breakthrough?" "It''s always this slow." Jie Jia said lazily while rolling a silver bead "Yours is slow on top of slow." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique really isn''t great, is it?" Chen Mu sighed in disappointment. Wandering Soul is the source of Shell Soul. If the Shape Cultivation Technique is poor, so is the Wandering Soul. With low efficacy, the accumulation speed is slow. Without Secret Medicine to shorten the accumulation period, it''s impossible to develop Shell Soul within a century. "There''s another point." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu "The meaning of cultivating Soul Strength in a hundred years is that you must achieve Shell Soul before you turn a hundred years old. It''s not about merely cultivating for a hundred years to achieve Shell Soul." "It''s not a description, it''s a requirement, a condition." Chen Mu suddenly became stunned. He had always thought that this phrase was a summary of cultivation. It takes ten years to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation, and a hundred years for Soul Cultivation. But according to Jie Jia''s words, that meant Martial Artists had to complete Shape Cultivation and achieve Shell Soul before turning a hundred! Even given Jie Jia''s attitude, that only seemed to be the passing mark! Looking at the Soul Strength that showed no progress, Chen Mu had a face of absurdity. That''s too preposterous! "Do you know how long it takes for ordinary Martial Artists to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation?" Jie Jia asked calmly. "In thirty years, two hundred and forty-six people who had achieved great success in Shape Cultivation died by my hand." "Twenty-six years, that''s the average time for achieving great success in Shape Cultivation." "The shortest was five years, a direct descendant of a noble family." "The longest was forty-seven years, a lone wanderer in the Jianghu." "Unless you have a Daoist Bone." Chen Mu was frozen on the spot. Twenty-six years? That long?! And that''s just to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation. After that, there''s a hundred years for Soul Cultivation! No, that should be called cultivation by the age of a hundred. The actual time for Soul Cultivation is at most seventy to eighty years! And even if they knew of the risks, who could resist the temptation of nurturing the soul? Over time, bad money drives out good. All harmless Secret Medicines are concentrated in the hands of the clans. The path for independent fighters in Jianghu to rise is gradually cut off. Chen Mu lamented, "Truly ruthless." Thankfully he had asked Jie Jia. Otherwise, if he blindly bought pills to speed up his cultivation, wouldn''t that mean stepping into the huge trap set by the clans! But without the Secret Medicine to accelerate, when would he be able to cultivate his Shell Soul? Chen Mu was not in a good mood. ... After a while, Chen Mu adjusted his mindset. Watching Jie Jia, who was still kneading a silver pearl, he couldn''t help but exclaim, "Worthy of being a Shell Soul expert, so knowledgeable and experienced." Recalling another unidentified stone, he immediately stood up, went back to his room, and brought it out, "Do you recognize this stone?" Only on m v|le|mp|yr "Ebony Wood?" Jie Jia did not even bother to lift his eyelids too much, picked it up, and carefully examined it, "Unfortunately, it''s not the heartwood, no wonder..." "Something good?" Chen Mu''s heart leapt with joy, but he quickly realized and asked in amazement, "This thing is wood?" Regardless of its rough appearance or its weight and texture, it looked exactly like a piece of dusty gray stone. It was astonishing to find out it was actually wood. Incredible! "A type of tree that only sprouts and grows in the crater of a volcano." "Legend has it that mature Ebony Woods penetrate heaven and earth, drinking magma below and basking in thunder above. A single tree is home to hundreds of species." "You believe it?" Chen Mu looked skeptical. Jie Jia stared at the Ebony Wood and shrugged, "Legend, huh..." Chen Mu curled his lips with disbelief; legends are always exaggerated, "What can it be used for?" "Weapon forging," Jie Jia put down the Ebony Wood and said. "It''s not afraid of fire?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "It grew up eating magma," Jie Jia remarked indifferently. "Isn''t that a legend?" Chen Mu was surprised. Jie Jia didn''t bother explaining further. Chen Mu looked suspicious; the old man was not clear in his words. Trees that drink magma and bathe in thunder, do they exist in the world? "Do you want to forge weapons?" Chen Mu snapped back to reality, "Of course!" He had been wanting to forge two new daggers for a long time. The power of the Sleeve Sword Technique was getting stronger, and the previous pair of daggers could no longer withstand a full-force burst. The Sleeve Sword was already damaged after forcibly breaking Lin Que''s dagger last time. Now that he had Ebony Wood, a forging material that even Jie Jia took seriously, of course, he wanted to forge two new blades. "I have a few knives and swords with decent quality at hand, which could be melted down for materials." The items were all taken from the White Tiger Hall''s warehouse, originally intended to be sold for money. "This alone is enough," Jie Jia pointed to the Ebony Wood. Then he glanced at Chen Mu again, "It''s best not to bring out items marked by White Tiger Hall." "What White Tiger Hall?" Chen Mu looked completely clueless. Still not admitting it? Jie Jia pursed his lips and shook his head, "Startling Swan Gang has put out a reward, offering ten thousand taels for information regarding Lin Que''s death, twenty thousand for finding the murderer, and fifty thousand for the culprits'' head." "I''m not a bounty hunter, why are you telling me this?" Chen Mu frowned, looking puzzled. "Wasn''t it you who did it?" Jie Jia eyes rolled as he glanced at Chen Mu. "Old Jie, we''ve known each other for such a long time, do I seem that untrustworthy to you?" Chen Mu''s eyes carried a hint of disappointment, and he then emphasized with a sincere expression, "I''m just an honest scholar keeping to himself; how could I possibly be involved with such a heinous crime?!" "You really misunderstand me deeply," Chen Mu said, his whole body exuding dejection. Jie Jia''s skin twitched at the shamelessness, which was consistently reliable. Chapter 68 : 68 First Rank Jie Jia was about to leave when Chen Mu hehehe chuckled and called to him, handing over a fist-sized white porcelain bottle. "Inside is something good, it''s useful for you, so I''m gifting it to you." Not knowing why, Jie Jia took the bottle and opened it to look, and he, with his extensive knowledge, turned pale at sight of its contents. Then, seeing Chen Mu squinting his eyes with a smile, he felt even more irritated. Without any expression, Jie Jia tucked the item away, giving Chen Mu a glance with his bright yellow eyes. "Are you really giving it to me?" Chen Mu immediately nodded, "Gifted!" Jie Jia asked calmly, "Do you know what it is?" Chen Mu chuckled and shook his head, indicating he knew nothing. "It''s called Jinyang Pill." Jie Jia''s eyes held a hint of mirth, "A secret medicine from the Red Ship, it''s sold at the brothels for twenty silver taels per pill." "And it''s priceless." Having said that, he looked at Chen Mu with a smile full of satisfaction. Twenty taels per pill, that was one hundred and twenty taels for a bottle of six! And with it being priceless, he could possibly sell it for one hundred and fifty taels with a flip of the hand! To casually give away something worth one hundred fifty taels? Chen Mu watched Jie Jia, feeling pangs of heartache. "You said it''s a gift to me," Jie Jia said with a smile, his hands behind his back as he sauntered away. Chen Mu: "..." ... At the Chen Residence in Shanglin Neighborhood. Chen Mu sat at a stone table within the pavilion. On the table lay a book, the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique, which he had bought at a high price from Jie Jia. Ever since he got it, he''s been hit with one snag after another, including gifting it to someone and moving houses, and he hadn''t found the time to settle down and practice. Now the Startling Swan Gang has placed a bounty on him, Chen Mu doesn''t dare to go outside much, providing him with ample time to dwell on the new Shape Cultivation Technique. Stepping out of the pavilion, Chen Mu bent over, raising his left hand to grab while his right hand reached down to twist, as if scooping the moon. He stood with one foot in front of the other, heels slightly lifted off the ground and toes gripping the soil, exerting force with the palms of his hands. Maintaining his posture, Chen Mu adjusted his breathing. The rhythm of one hundred and eighty breaths was already memorized by heart. He immediately regulated his breathing while sensing the changes in his body''s center of gravity. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique required continuous running and moving. The Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique, however, consisted largely of static movements. The Muscle Transformation Stage comprised eighteen postures, with a rhythm of one hundred and eighty breaths. Chen Mu needed to complete the transitions between these eighteen postures and maintain stability within the one hundred eighty breath rhythms. Each posture had its corresponding breathing rhythm. Only when the sequence was linked together in a cycle would the practice be considered effective. Any carelessness would throw the rhythm into chaos. After trying for half an hour, his mind suddenly gained clarity. It was as if he found a certain rhythm, the previously stumbling coordination now flowing smoothly. Chen Mu looked toward the grey wall in front of him. Indeed, a new entry appeared at the bottom. Reading: 1785/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1652/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 413/10000/Fourth Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Cooking: 4376/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 6576/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 4981/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 5752/10000/Third Rank; Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 5/10000/First Rank; "Keep going, maintain the rhythm." But the final breath he took was slightly short, preventing the cycle from completing. His proficiency only increased by a point. "Another big project," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Wondering when he would achieve Shell Soul perfection. "No wonder so many people in the Jianghu are so eager for pills like the Dragon Transformation Pill." One side is the endless cultivation of Shell Soul, and the other side offers immediately visible improvements. Chen Mu guessed that even if the Jianghu learned of the malicious intentions of the elite clans and the hidden dangers of the pills, they would still be unable to resist taking them. After all, once Shape Cultivation is perfected, one can dominate a region, with endless wealth and beauties at one''s disposal. And if by chance they managed to reach the Wandering Soul stage, they would become a powerful figure, with endless authority and wealthwho wouldn''t be envious? "Far-sighted vision seems to be something only a few possess; most people tend to eagerly chase quick success." "Luckily, I have the proficiency grey wall." If it weren''t for this cheat supporting him, How had the conversation moved from martial arts to the realm of immortals? With tales of mountains collapsing and earth dragons overturning... The other patrons of the tea house listened intently, but Chen Mu felt more and more out of place. A quiet conversation caught Chen Mu''s attention. "Heard that the Red Ship met with trouble," a chubby merchant whispered to his companion while cracking melon seeds. "I heard, too, all the people on board are gone," his equally well-fed companion spoke in a low voice, "Young Master Lu from the Lu Family was known for his love of pleasure; he frequented almost every Red Ship on the Jinshui River. This time he boarded some ship and vanished." "Hiss... Do you think someone plotted for his wealth and took his life?" "No, some saw them at the Changrui Dock outside the city. That ship, according to them, looked ominous. Must be a ghost ship!" "The Red Ship picks up clients on the Luo River every day; how did they end up outside the city?" "They brought it upon themselves. No way to live." "Indeed, a ghost ship can''t enter Nanyang Prefecture." Chen Mu frowned as he listened from the side. Having been in Nanyang Prefecture for nearly five months, he had never heard of any demonic disturbances. He had almost forgotten about ghosts and ghouls. Now, hearing about the mysterious Red Ship, he suddenly remembered that eerie long-haired woman: "No matter where I go, I can''t escape these ghostly creatures." Fortunately, Nanyang Prefecture had the protection of magic artifacts. Chen Mu lost the interest to continue listening and, carrying the packed sesame soft cake, left the Xinyuan Tea House. ... In the west-side pavilion of Chen Residence, Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Mu set up a gray wall in front of him and concentrated on his cultivation. Every repetition raised his proficiency by one to five points. Insights about the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique flowed into his mind like wisps and threads. Chen Mu''s eyes looked lifeless as he practiced over and over tirelessly. Only when a slight pain started in his lungs did Chen Mu stop. For the following half a month, he would leave home every five days to buy vegetables, have tea, and listen to news. The rest of his time was devoted to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. ... As evening approached, in the second-floor study, Chen Mu opened the window and sat at the desk. He picked up the warm milk tea and paired it with the imitation sesame soft cake, sitting comfortably in the lounging chair and enjoying the view of ships slowly moving down the Luo River, relaxing his spirit. He habitually pulled up the gray wall to calculate his proficiency. Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 4140/10000/First Rank; He had dropped all other skills to focus entirely on the Blue-eyed Golden Ape, completing nearly half in just half a month. "Just as I thought!" Chen Mu clenched his fist uncontrollably. The difficulty of Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was high, which paradoxically made proficiency come quicker! "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique has already greatly transformed my body. The Sleeve Sword Technique and Iron Lotus Seeds strengthen the body as well." "A stronger body has greater endurance, allowing for more cultivation sessions each day." "With a stronger physical foundation, it''s easy to reach new heights. Areas that received less training previously only need a bit of focused energy to refine." "Lower difficulty in practice and increased practice sessions naturally lead to rapid proficiency gains!" The future gradually became clearer, yet Chen Mu couldn''t quite feel happy about it. "Compared to the children of noble families, I still fall far short," Chen Mu shook his head in some despondency. "Their innate bloodlines enable them to advance leaps and bounds in cultivation each day." "Their family''s rich heritage has ensured a continuous supply of Secret Medicine to accelerate their progress since childhood." "And they have access to a full lineage of inherited Shape Cultivation Techniques." The more Chen Mu thought about it, the more frustrated he felt. "These children of noble families are truly the favored ones of the heavens." "They have bloodlines, Secret Medicines, and lineages." "What do I have?" "I have only this modest proficiency." Chen Mu let out a long sigh. "Fairness has always been relative," Chen Mu couldn''t help but console himself. "But sweat never lies!" he continued to motivate himself in various ways. "Children of noble families may have a privileged birth, but I will never give up." Chen Mu swiftly tucked the gray wall out of sight and gave himself a silent reminder. "These external things can only disturb my spirit." He then solemnly established his life creed. "One can only rely on oneself!" "I am determined to rely on a resolute will, unyielding effort, and every single drop of sweat, step by step, to reach the very top!" Chapter 69 : 69 White Ape ``` In the year 640 of Da Liang, on the fifth day of June. The weather was clear, Chen Mu''s knees slightly bent, his hands raised to the sky, his eyes squinted to a slit, as he slowly and lengthily exhaled. The next moment, a wave of heat fiercely radiated from within his body. His muscles twitched in a small range and expanded at a visible speed. In just three breaths, Chen Mu had transformed from a tall and thin figure to a burly one with an inverted triangle-shaped torso and legs like pillars. The next moment, his fierce and formidable figure quickly shrank back. It seemed as if an invisible force was compressing everything inward. Before long, Chen Mu had reverted to his tall and thin appearance, albeit slightly more muscular than before. After a good while, Chen Mu took a deep breath and stood up. "It''s done!" After practicing the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique and achieving Muscle Transformation for over a month, he had just now thoroughly remolded his physique. From that enormous size back to slim, Chen Mu felt even stronger. This was the marvel of the Shape Cultivation Technique, genuinely transforming the microstructure of the muscles. The muscle fibers didn''t bulk up much, but the strength had multiplied, and agility had increased instead of decreased. "With the foundation of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, the path of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique is smooth." "Once I practice it to the peak, with Proficiency aiding me, the Wandering Soul is within reach." "The path of stacking Shape Cultivation Techniques seems the correct one." Chen Mu clenched his fists and stretched his legs, slowly savoring the changes in his body. Don''t miss chapters on m v l e m p y r "As long as the Wandering Soul isn''t just a tiny spot, that will be fine," Chen Mu prayed reluctantly. In the Jianghu, it was rumored that the Shape Cultivation Techniques were too simple, resulting in Wandering Souls with limited coverage. The smaller the coverage of the Wandering Soul, the poorer the quality and the slower the accumulation. "If they''re all that little, how many Shape Cultivation Techniques would I need to practice to truly cover the entire body?" Chen Mu felt a tingling in his scalp just contemplating it. But on closer thought, it seemed not so bad. He had Proficiency and the foundation of a great achievement in Shape Cultivation, which meant he could quickly reach great achievement in learning new skills. His innate time consumption was shorter than others. "After all, it''s about nurturing the Soul for a hundred years." He was only twenty years old now. Eighty years were left before the centenary. If he were to practice a new Shape Cultivation Technique every year, barring time lost, he could conservatively estimate that he would achieve at least seventy by the deadline. With that thought, Chen Mu''s mood immediately relaxed. "There''s no need to rush forward in a panic. Slower and more meticulous progress is more stable." As for the issue of lifespan limitation, Chen Mu had some inkling. With the emergence of his Wandering Soul, his vitality was increasingly robust, a sign of a powerful life force. "What if the entire Shell Soul becomes powerful? Would my life force be even stronger?" Whether it was his own feeling or the ambiguous description of the Jie Jia, Chen Mu was full of anticipation for the Shell Soul. "Tonight, I must go to the Ghost Market and make sure to buy the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique!" Now he was not short on money; it was better to secure the technique sooner rather than later. Secret techniques? Chen Mu became interested. That Lin Que, the head of the sect previously, seemed to have a secret technique that could burst forth with attack speed in an instant. If it hadn''t been for the Soul Strength he cultivated, giving him the speed to slip away quickly, he really might not have been able to evade. "Let''s have a look," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up and he sat back down at the table. "Please wait a moment, kind sir," the ghost-faced shopkeeper, full of joy, walked into the back room. He soon returned, carrying a wooden box about three inches thick. "Please appraise it," the shopkeeper said confidently as he opened the wooden box. Chen Mu looked on curiously. There were three booklets in total inside the wooden box, which Chen Mu picked up one by one. The Phoenix and Luan Technique, the Extreme Bliss Scripture, the Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method. "Hiss!" These are not the secret techniques I was looking for. The shopkeeper''s voice carried a hint of mischief, "How about them?" "Are these books serious?" Chen Mu questioned, admitting his ignorance but feeling utterly shocked. "They''re indeed not very serious," the shopkeeper chuckled with a hehe. Chen Mu gave a knowing look, his right hand itching uncontrollably. I''m just going to look, just a look, strictly for educational purposes! Having successfully persuaded himself, Chen Mu eagerly flipped open the Phoenix and Luan Technique. "Every morning upon rising, take Clear Sound Powder (see the appendix for recipe) with warm water, then immediately begin chanting the following Command Mantra, at least twenty-three times..." "The bird''s song must be clear and crisp, controlling the speed of exhalation, not too fast nor too slow..." "Human voices are complex, one should select an old, middle-aged, young, and a child to converse with daily, constantly imitating them..." Chen Mu looked up, completely bewildered, at the shopkeeper. "This Oral Skill Secret Technique is a Jianghu secret passage, and at the end, there''s even the Ventriloquism Secret Technique, a rare and valuable method!" Chen Mu: "..." This isn''t the kind of ''not serious'' I was thinking of! Cheater! A complete swindler! Deceiving the consumers'' feelings! With a sliver of hope, Chen Mu opened the other two books. Well I''ll be, the Extreme Bliss Scripture is actually a manual for sleeping. All sorts of detailed methods are just to help one fall asleep quickly and comfortably. The book repeatedly claims that by following its methods, one can achieve extreme bliss in dreams. I''ll buy that for a dollar! The last book is even more outrageous; it''s about beauty routines! Adjusting muscle shape, tightening the skin, and even formulas for skin whitening and blackhead removal? Chen Mu looked at the opposite ghost-faced mask wordlessly. These secret techniques are indeed frivolous. Chapter 70: Chapter 70 Red Ship Chen Mu, not giving up, flipped through the three books from beginning to end once again. The result was still completely unrelated to the Secret Technique he desired. In the end, Chen Mu spent thirty taels and left with the "Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method." It wasn''t that he was vain and loved to dress up, but he valued the technique for adjusting muscles and lifting skin. In the Secret Method, they were used to improve sagging skin. Chen Mu felt that these subtle physical adjustments were very suitable for the Face-changing Technique. Every time he went out, he had to smear and change his skin color. If he could figure out the Face-changing Technique, disguising himself when going out would be much simpler. Carrying two Manuals, Chen Mu didn''t plan to continue strolling and left straight away. Having been pursued by the White Tiger Hall for the matter of the Gentle Breeze Powder, Chen Mu knew that the Ghost Market was not safe either. It was from the big ship at the Ghost Market that Startling Swan Gang found Jie Jia, leading to a series of events afterward. "It''s still safest to stay honestly at home." ... After leaving the cabin, the outside of the big ship was still deadly quiet and pitch-black. A few black-clad and masked guides led Chen Mu towards the stern, where more than a dozen black-canopied boats for picking up and sending off were moored. Just as they reached the middle of the big ship, a chorus of larks and swallows reached them on a river breeze. Chen Mu and the guide turned their heads instinctively to look. A fifty-meter-long red ship emerged from the mist. The ship, adorned with flying eaves and lanterns, was a sight to behold with its beautifully carved beams and painted rafters. The grand red ship was as bright as day, lighting up the entire river surface. Lutes, zithers, and flutes, the sounds of instruments mixed with melodious singing reached them. "So beautiful." The enthralled masked guide was staring at the enchanting figures behind the sheer curtains ten meters away. "It is quite beautiful," Chen Mu remarked, also watching with interest. "She''s mine!" The guide uttered fervently. "She''s yours if you pay," Chen Mu retorted with a chuckle. Then, he watched wide-eyed as the guide plunged into the water with a splash, like a fish leaping out of water, heading straight towards the red ship with a trail of splashes. That''s quite bold, isn''t it? Chen Mu was stunned. Splash, splash... The next moment, all of the masked guides on the big ship of the Ghost Market, like dumplings being dropped into a pot, one by one jumped into the water, hastily climbing onto the red ship. The two ships brushed past each other in only a minute or two. Yet in that short span, the entire dark ship was left with only Chen Mu! Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly constricted. He abruptly turned to look at the gradually distancing red ship. There, beside the windows of several cabins at the stern, stood slim young women dressed in sheer garments. They all stared blankly, without speaking, fixing their gaze on Chen Mu. A sudden impulse to jump into the water surged through him. Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Two paper effigies of ghosts whizzed out from his sleeves. Pressed against his forehead, one on each side. Their cold touch instantly sobered him. Looking intently, the red ship had already sailed into the mist over the river, leaving only faint lights flickering in and out of sight. "That was close!" He looked around thief-like every time, ensuring no boats were on the river and no one was nearby before secretly throwing the soil into the river. He skillfully sprinkled the dugout with anti-humidity and insect repellent Qingfeng Powder, then climbed out to have lunch. In the afternoon, the various supplies he had ordered were also delivered one by one. After paying and sending the delivery workers away, he busied himself with moving supplies underground. Thankfully with the Five Ghosts Bag, he was finally done before dinner. ... At dusk, Jie Jia came over on time to freeload a meal. He sniffed a couple of times and couldn''t help but glance at Chen Mu, "Are you a mole or what?" Chen Mu: "..." What''s that supposed to mean? "You love digging holes that much?" He smelled the earthy scent? I even went out of my way to cover it up with Qingfeng Powder, damn dog nose! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Like I enjoy it. It''s only because it''s too dangerous outside. Ignoring Jie Jia''s teasing, Chen Mu quickly asked, "The evil-warding artifacts of Nanyang Prefecture aren''t in trouble, are they?" Jie Jia''s brow furrowed slightly, "You encountered ghosts?" Chen Mu told Jie Jia exactly what had happened the night before. Jie Jia''s bright yellow eyes rolled around, sizing up Chen Mu from left to right, top to bottom, "How are you not dead?" Chen Mu was almost amused into laughter, "Do you believe I''ll cook without washing my hands from now on!" Jie Jia looked at the table full of tempting dishes, his eyebrows twitching. "I washed them this time." Chen Mu''s lips curled into a smirk. "As expected." Jie Jia''s expression remained neutral as he casually sat down by the stone table. "The ghost ship has penetrated Nanyang Prefecture, and you call that normal?" Chen Mu stared incredulously. "Don''t you know the state Da Liang is in right now?" After sitting down, Jie Jia took out a pristine white handkerchief and meticulously started wiping his utensils and chopsticks. "The land is in turmoil, the dynasty''s twilight years," Chen Mu''s complexion looked a bit grim. Although Nanyang Prefecture was peaceful, that was because it was located in the southwest, far from the heartlands of Da Liang. According to information gathered by the Xin Yuan Tea House, rebellions were constant in the heartlands of Da Liang, with people declaring themselves kings every day. Crops destroyed, food shortage, corpses everywhere, there were even tragedies of cannibalism. "The turmoil is real, but the demise of the dynasty is not necessarily so." Jie Jia casually threw his used handkerchief into the trash bin by his feet. "The more people die, the more ghosts appear. It''s normal for a powerful ghost to break through an evil-warding artifact." "In some places, entire cities are occupied by ghosts, turning into realms of specters. That''s what''s truly terrifying." Jie Jia said with a calm demeanor. Chen Mu listened, feeling the chills run down his spine. This world is too damn dangerous. ... After dinner, seeing off Jie Jia, Chen Mu took out the bright red Five Ghosts Bag and stared at it as he placed it on the desk. He used to think about maxing out the three Shape Cultivation Techniques in one go. Now it seemed that had to be put on hold. "Since the Five Ghosts Bag can restrain ghosts, I should first master the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse!" "Two ghost paper figures can keep me awake, but with five, is there a chance I might be able to fight back a little?" "Forget it, forget it, don''t set my expectations too high, as long as it can save my life, everything will be fine." "Five Ghosts Bag, you''ve got to give it your all." Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Preparation To practice the "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse," one must consider the feeding concerns of the "Five Ghosts Bag." If the bag is rarely opened, a single meal can suffice for a long period. But if opened frequently, it requires a steady supply of fresh meat. Back in Qingshan County, to nourish the bag, there was a time when he spent his entire days by the Bailang River pretending to be a fisherman. Now that he''s left for Luo River, he dared not capture any. First came the long-haired woman by the river, followed by the red ghost ship at midnight. Chen Mu now had an allergy to rivers, dare not stay long for fear of encountering ghosts again. Thinking of this, he looked through the window towards the small pond around the gazebo. The reason he chose this residence in the first place was partly because of the pond that connected to the Luo River. The pond was linked to the Luo River through five or six large bamboo poles buried underground. It ensured the circulation of fresh water and allowed some small fish to enter. The fish would suffice for his own meals every now and then, but were hardly enough to feed the "Five Ghosts Bag." ... The next day, Chen Mu disguised himself and went to the North Market. He found a shop selling pottery and ordered a hundred large water jars in one go. The jars were one meter in diameter and about one meter three in height. By evening, as the shop had gathered supplies from various places and delivered them, a hundred water jars were stacked in the courtyard, occupying more than half of it even when piled up on top of each other. After hastily finishing dinner and sending the puzzled Jie Jia away, Chen Mu returned to his room to rest. When the night was quiet and everyone else was asleep, Chen Mu quietly went out to the courtyard. He climbed up to the roof to ensure that no one was around, then went down to the pond beneath the gazebo. "Let''s get to work!" He was to excavate a larger passage for the pond to facilitate the trapping of live fish. He first blocked the bamboo pipes that connected to the Luo River and used the "Five Ghosts Bag" to move the water out of the pond. Then he began to dig slanted from the bottom of the pond towards the Luo River. Billowing black smoke settled at the bottom of the pond as layers of soil vanished into thin air. For every meter dug, he inserted a jar with its bottom cut off to serve as a conduit. After a busy night, he finally completed the channel just before sunrise. The tunnel was four meters underground and stretched over ninety meters in total. As he broke through the last bit of dirt, the Luo River''s water gushed through the tunnel into the pond, quickly filling the dried bed. Staring at the figures of fish faintly visible under the murky water, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, "It''s done." ... South Market''s Fan Tower, Four Seas Building. Within a private room on the third floor, a group of people were toasting and drinking merrily. "Hall Master Zhang truly is a hero of Qingshan County, having taken the seat of hall master not long after arriving in Nanyang Prefecture. Quite impressive!" Zuo Sheng raised his cup with a smile as he offered his flattery. At that moment, Zuo Sheng just happened to turn his head with a smile. Sun Fu''s scalp went numb. Could it be that the hall leader knew about him secretly investigating that scholar?! Doomed! He couldn''t be blamed, that high reward was simply too tempting! "What should I do?" Sun Fu pretended nothing was amiss as he clinked cups with Zhen Fan. ... Chen Residence, Shanglin Neighborhood. Jie Jia walked into the courtyard, frowning at the five or six large jars by the wall, filled with fish. In the shady area beside the wall, several bamboo racks were placed, with layers of flat bamboo baskets on top, drying fish meat and rice balls in the shade. Walking into the gazebo, he saw a table full of dishes, all fish except for a specialty smoked meat, including fried, steamed, and stewed varieties! He felt as though he had returned to Qingshan County. "How did you catch so many fish?" Jie Jia was very curious. Chen Mu waved his hand lethargically, "Trade secret, no disclosure." He had toiled over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse the entire day and was nursing a headache. Here''s your stuff," Jie Jia handed Chen Mu a long wooden box. "Sleeve Sword Technique?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. Opening the wooden box, a pair of short daggers, each the length of a forearm and completely grey, were revealed. "No scabbard is provided, as the Sleeve Sword Technique isn''t suited for scabbards," said Jie Jia. Chen Mu nodded repeatedly, caressing the daggers fondly. The blade, hilt, and the small, oval-shaped sword guard were seamlessly integrated, without the slightest joint or crevice. "Ebony wood is unique, requiring only a special technique to melt. Once cast into shape and refined with careful polishing, it becomes a top-tier weapon." "After removing impurities and the associated loss, your piece of ebony wood was just enough to forge these two daggers." Chen Mu thrust out his hand casually. Poof! A soft sound ensued, and a hole appeared in the stone table in front of him. These were much sharper than the previous two daggers he owned! He tossed a fabric bag filled with silver taels to Jie Jia and contentedly pocketed the daggers. Now equipped with these sharp weapons, Chen Mu felt a slight increase in his sense of security... by a fraction. It couldn''t be more. After all, these things couldn''t kill ghosts. Chapter 72: Chapter 72 Fourth Rank Nanyang Prefecture City is located to the southwest of Da Liang, where the weather is scorching hot. Shanglin Neighborhood, close to Luo River, also gets more humid. But if there is wind over the river, the banks of the riverbank become cool and comfortable instead. Chen Mu sat under the pavilion in the breeze, slowly flipping through the book in his hand, occasionally sipping on some brown medicinal tea. After a while, Chen Mu set down the book and looked up. "This ''Golden Wind Jade Dew Technique'' is something else, huh." He tried to adjust the muscles on his face, making the thin parts swell to add bulk, and contracting muscles in the plump areas to make them appear smaller. After a few attempts, he already bore a three-point resemblance to Jie Jia. "Ponder it for a few more days, and maybe it''ll become a skill." "The technique is good, it''s just that its applications are rather unorthodox." Only after careful study did Chen Mu realize that this book might truly be somewhat unorthodox. It was interspersed with the author''s personal experiences. The author claimed he often cross-dressed, mingling in various women''s societies using makeup skills to befriend beautiful women, and offering them his exclusive beauty Secret Medicine. Then, using a type of strange insect to lock onto their souls from thousands of miles away, he would track the Secret Medicine and slip into their boudoirs under the cover of night. At first, Chen Mu thought the author might just be a cross-dressing master. Later on, he found out the guy was actually a philandering thief! Ventriloquism was to make his voice sound more feminine. The sleep manual was for restoring Vital Energy. The makeup techniques were for infiltrating from within and conveniently using the Secret Medicine to locate his target. "What a talent..." Chen Mu felt utterly shaken. ... Packing away the book, Chen Mu moved to the edge of the pavilion. "Might as well continue practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse." For nearly twenty days, he devoted all his energy to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Frequently activating the Five Ghosts Bag put immense strain on his body. Too long a duration would leave him dizzy and unfocused. Even though he hadn''t done any physical labor, he would feel utterly exhausted. Chen Mu had to practice intermittently. He would train the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse for half an hour, rest for half an hour, while continuously drinking tea that replenished his Vital Energy and boosted his spirit. A deep Curse echoed out, as billowing black mist appeared and vanished around Chen Mu. A distinct feeling suddenly emerged. He felt that several sections of the long-winded Curse could be omitted. He also felt as if he had an extra hand. With a thought, he summoned the gray wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Fourth Rank; Three balls of black smoke appeared out of thin air in front of him, and immediately they condensed and shrank into three paper figures. The little paper figures were eerily lifelike, each with a character on their back Spring, Summer, Winter. "With an extra Summer, I''m just missing an Autumn," Chen Mu remarked contentedly as he looked over the three Ghost paper figures. Thinking of their knack for suppressing Ghosts, Chen Mu found the paper figures increasingly adorable the more he looked at them. The bizarre paper figures floated. "What a pity..." Sikou Yu shook his head, "If it were me, I wouldn''t rest until Zhu Yi Pavilion was eradicated." "Yu''er, don''t speak nonsense! Zhu Yi Pavilion belongs to the Zhang Family; it''s not something you can just talk about destroying," Sikou Qing reprimanded with a frown. Sikou Yu pouted but said no more. The crowd surrounded the two and entered the grand hall. Within the crowd, Sun Fu''s small eyes stared at Sikou Yu, his thoughts racing. "This young master''s relationship with Lin Que seems quite unusual..." Then he looked up at Zuo Sheng. For some reason, he always felt that Zuo Sheng''s gaze towards him was strange. "He wouldn''t be planning to silence me, would he?" ... In Nanyang Prefecture City, North Market, the Heart Origin Tea House. Chen Mu sat in a corner of the hall, with a pot of tea and two plates of osmanthus cakes on the table. He had been practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse at home for a month, making his head swell with dizziness. Although he wanted to continue, he was truly exhausted in spirit. It was like staying up all night reading novels in his previous life, wanting to continue but feeling overwhelmingly sleepy. Chen Mu had to take a break for a day and go out for tea and music to relax. He wasn''t particularly impressed with the tea at Heart Origin Tea House, but he was quite interested in the assorted pastries. Each visit, he would order a different kind. With each order, he would try to replicate one. So far, he had mastered five types. "There are still thirteen types left, how nice," Chen Mu mused with pleasure as he looked at the menu and price list on the wall. "I wonder if the tea house owner would kick me out if he knew," Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Big Brother Chen!" A clear childlike voice suddenly sounded from behind him. Chen Mu frowned and turned back, "Which child is this, so impolite to startle someone from behind!" "Big Brother Chen, it''s me, how come your face has changed?" Cheng Ming, the little Daoist boy, was dressed in brand new embroidered clothes, wearing a longevity lock around his neck, and a safety bracelet on his hand. Anybody unaware would think he was the young master of some landowner. Chen Mu was somewhat helpless. He had used a new Face-changing Technique to adjust his facial structure whenever he went out. Even with Jie Jia right in front of him, he might not be recognized. How did this little guy recognize him? "Where are your parents? There are people kidnapping children in the city; you can''t run around carelessly," Chen Mu said, glaring to scare him. "Big Brother Chen, stop pretending," Cheng Ming giggled. "Don''t call out like that, I am not your Big Brother Chen." "You are." "I''m not." "You are!" "I really am not." "I can even smell the Fasting Pill!" Cheng Ming climbed onto the bench across from Chen Mu, propped his arms on the table, and stared at him. Chen Mu: "..." Rice ball, rice ball, that was a rice ball! Can we not bring up the Fasting Pill incident? Chen Mu pushed the osmanthus cakes towards the little Daoist boy, "Dog nose!" "Hehe..." The little Daoist boy, Cheng Ming, grabbed three pieces of osmanthus cakes and crammed them all into his mouth at once. ``` Chapter 73: Chapter 73 Investigation "Where are your senior brothers?" Chen Mu looked around but didn''t see Cheng Ming or the Daoist He. "I sneaked out on my own," Cheng Ming chuckled. "Aren''t you afraid of being kidnapped?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "No one can kidnap me," Cheng Ming said with a smug face. "What if I offer you free food and accommodation, would you come with me then?" Chen Mu smiled mischievously. "Really?" Cheng Ming''s eyes suddenly sparkled. "See, it''s actually pretty easy to kidnap you," Chen Mu laughed. "Even if kidnapping doesn''t work, there''s still the sack, mesmerizing smoke, and little toys. One of them is bound to suit you." Cheng Ming pursed his lips and remained silent. "What are you doing sneaking out anyway?" Chen Mu asked, curious. The little guy was dressed in gold and jade, living a life of luxury. Why would he think about running away from home? "My senior brother is so annoying!" As if opening the floodgate, Cheng Ming started to complain while stuffing osmanthus cakes into his mouth. "He controls what I eat, when I sleep, and forces me to practice every day. Master never controlled me so much when he was alive," he said, his eyes reddening. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. From these words and this scene, it seemed that First Rank Feng Ren might be in a bit of trouble. "Just eat the cakes, eat the cakes." Cheng Ming sniffled, shoved another osmanthus cake into his mouth, and calmed his emotions, a look of grievance on his face: "He even stands at the door when I go to the toilet!" It was hard to tell that Daoist Cheng Ming actually had such a strong desire for control. Imagining the hardships the kid in front of him had to endure, Chen Mu struggled to suppress the smile that was about to break out. "I''m not going to run away. Why doesn''t he just tie a rope around my neck?!" "Heh!" "Cough cough..." "You just ran out," Chen Mu pointed out. "That''s because he forced me!" Cheng Ming said indignantly. "Like ropes? I''ll tie you up when we get back." A voice laced with a faint smile suddenly came from behind Cheng Ming. The face of the formerly indignant Cheng Ming immediately turned into a smile: "Big senior brother! I missed you so much!" Chen Mu: "..." Your face changes faster than a flipped script. ... "How should I address you..." Cheng Yi looked at Chen Mu with a gentle smile. "My surname is Mu," Chen Mu said, rising to his feet with a polite bow. "Thank you, Mr. Mu, for watching over him," Cheng Yi said sincerely. "No thanks needed. We have a similar wild kid at home, always causing a ruckus," Chen Mu smiled, then teasingly glanced at Cheng Ming: "Don''t scold him when you get back." "Just give him a spanking." "He''s got plenty of padding; it won''t hurt his bones or muscles." Cheng Ming: "..." "Hard choices." ... In a side hall of Shangyang Island. "Do you know the clue to Lin Que''s death?" Sikou Yu asked coolly from the head seat. Sun Fu bowed deeply: "I happened to learn a bit of information by chance." "Did that new hall master claim Lin Que''s relics?" Sikou Yu waved his hand and asked another question instead. Sun Wu bent even lower. The master in front of him didn''t seem to care about Lin Que''s death. "That''s not the case, as the gang''s rules do not allow it," Sun Fu hurriedly replied. "Zhang, the hall master, didn''t have time to loot either. By the time the main hall arrived, everyone on the ship was in deep sleep, the boss said they were hit by powerful Mesmerizing Smoke." "Then where did my things go?" Sikou Yu frowned and murmured. "The majority of Lin hall master''s belongings are now in the hands of his widow," Sun Fu cautiously suggested. Yet sweat began to bead on his forehead. This idea would undoubtedly spell disaster for Lin Que''s widow, but he could no longer care about that. By entering this side hall, he was already opposing Zuo Sheng. "I''ve searched; they were not there," Sikou Yu said with some agitation. Sun Fu''s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure: "It''s also possible that they were taken by the person who killed Lin hall master." "According to the scene at the time, the thief seemed to have looted the White Tiger Hall''s large ship to some extent." "Several of the finest blades in the storeroom have disappeared." Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up: "Tell me what you know." "Speak well, and I don''t mind meeting your request. Of course, it can''t be excessive." "Save me, young master!" Sun Fu suddenly knelt on the ground. Sikou Yu looked on with interest: "There''s something going on here." ... After a long while, Sun Fu laid out everything the causes and effects, his own suspicions, and the predicament he faced. "Zuo Sheng?" Sikou Yu tapped his chair armrest with his index finger, deep in thought. "He is Uncle Jin''s closed-door disciple, with a complicated background. I wouldn''t antagonize him for no reason," Sikou Yu stated coolly. "But before I leave, I will ensure your safety." "If you find what I want, I will make sure you get a certain share of the Jade Dew potions." "With the Jade Dew potions to boost your strength, even if I leave, you will be unharmed." Sikou Yu glanced at the ecstatic Sun Fu: "But all of this is predicated on the information you provided being true, and you finding what I want." "All at your command, young master!" Sun Fu''s face beamed. He was an eyewitness to the White Tiger Hall incident and was eighty percent certain there was something wrong with that scholar! "Do you know what the item looks like, young master?" Sun Fu asked. "A grey stone. It''s said to be about the size of two fists." "A stone?" Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Assistance Nanyang Prefecture, Tao Hua Fang, inside the old Chen Residence. Sikou Yu stood beside the wooden bed in the bedroom, holding a hollow bamboo tube as long as a middle finger. Inside the bamboo tube was a tiny golden insect, the size of a soybean. The insect resembled a cricket, with two antennae on its head that were longer than its body. At the moment, the insect''s antennae were poking out of the straight tube, swaying left and right over the bed. "Are you sure this is Chen Mu''s residence?" Sikou Yu looked at the listless insect, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, "The scent is too faint." "It''s probably because no one has lived here for a long time," Sun Fu said nervously, bending down. Chirp chirp chirp... The insect, which had been quietly resting inside the bamboo tube, suddenly started to chirp. Although it was not large, its voice was sharp and piercing, extremely loud. Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up as she spread her palm to support the bamboo tube. Discover what''s next at m,vl-em,py-r The insect spread its wings and flew about, constantly hitting the walls of the bamboo tube. It seemed tiny, but its strength was not insignificant. The bamboo tube spun continuously in Sikou Yu''s palm. Finally, it pointed in one direction and stopped moving, and the insect also lay down without fussing anymore. Sikou Yu''s eyes brightened, "Let''s go!" A group of people followed Sikou Yu out of the residence in high spirits. They were quickly led to the outside of another residence by the guidance of the insect. Chirp chirp chirp! The insect suddenly issued a sharp series of chirps. "Could it be that this guy didn''t run away and is living nearby?" Sun Fu was overjoyed in his heart. The group barged into the residence, pushing open the door, and a moldy smell rushed out. "He has stayed here," Sikou Yu observed the nearby residence. "Clever like a crafty rabbit with three burrows," she remarked. "Keep searching." The group returned to the streets again. Chirp chirp chirp! Before long, the insect started chirping again. The group once again burst into a residence. It was still an abandoned yard. "He really is like a crafty rabbit with three burrows," Sikou Yu was not annoyed. Beneath the cunning, there must be something wrong with this person! Perhaps the Ebony Wood is truly on him! "Continue the search!" Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp chirp chirp... "How many houses has he rented exactly?" Sikou Yu stood at the street corner, looking back at the path they had taken, completely baffled. "This is the seventh one," Sun Fu was also stunned. So it turned out that you''ve rented almost all the houses on this street! Not only rented, but moved into each one. What a lunatic! ... "My Lord, you go enjoy yourself. Once we find a clue about that person, I''ll immediately notify you!" Sun Fu smiled ingratiatingly. If only he hadn''t been greedy for that silver. ... After Sikou Yu left on his sedan chair, Sun Fu and two other men remained. The trio slowly made their way to Shanglin Neighborhood. The golden beetle suddenly began to chirp loudly, its bamboo tube pointing straight at a particular residence. Sun Fu didn''t even lift his gaze, his expression numb as he walked toward the courtyard next to the willow forest. This wasn''t their first encounter with such circumstances. "Do you think Chen Mu belongs to the rabbit zodiac? Why else would he dig himself so many hideouts?" The strongman to Sun Fu''s left complained with a disgruntled face. "Feels more like a mouse, timid as one!" The man on the right chuckled, making fun. "This residence is probably another empty one," the man on the left said resignedly. After turning circles all day, their patience waned. Right now, Sikou Yu''s gang would undoubtedly be enjoying themselves on the Red Ship. They too yearned to join them for a good time. "Enough. Once we find the man and get our reward, even owning the Red Ship would be possible!" Sun Fu scolded with a vexed expression. "Hmph, ''find him''as if it''s that easy," the strongman on the left scoffed, disdainfully glancing at Sun Fu. This man originally served under Zuo Sheng. Quietly, he had moved to Sikou Yu''s side. A crawling sycophant, not fit for companionship! Grinding his teeth, Sun Fu didn''t speak further. To stay alive, he could no longer consider the opinions of others. Chirp chirp chirp! Just then, the cry of the Soul-Locking Insect suddenly grew more intense. Sun Fu''s heart leapt violently. "Could it be that we''ve really found him?!" He hurriedly took two steps forward, preparing to climb up the willow tree outside the courtyard to take a look. But just as he reached the base of the tree, the Soul-Locking Insect suddenly fell silent. Not only that, but it also started to hit against the bamboo pole, indicating a completely opposite direction. "Let''s go; he''s certainly not here," the man on the left said with a touch of schadenfreude. Sun Fu clenched his teeth, his hands gripping the tree, ready to leap uphaving come all this way, he refused to leave without at least checking. The two strong men shrugged. "Do you smell anything?" the one on the left asked as he sniffed the air. "Stir-fried green onions," the one on the right inhaled deeply, his stomach grumbling, "It''s mealtime, right? Shall we get some food first?" "Let''s go, let''s go," the one on the left agreed with a laugh, hooking arms and heading off into the distance, not bothering to wait for Sun Fu. Sun Fu lifted his hand to stop them but eventually his strength left him and he let his hand fall; he was hungry too: "Damn that smell of green onions!" Looking up at the tree he had halfway climbed: "Forget it, why bother?" He then jumped down from the willow tree, his face filled with dejection, and followed the other two into the distance. ... Inside the cool pavilion, smoke billowed. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. "It seems someone was calling my name?" "Probably just a misconception." "This Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse is really taxing to perform." "Even with Shape Cultivation Technique to restore energy, it''s still so draining, now I''m even hearing things," Chen Mu shook his head with a sigh. He closed his eyes and continued chanting the spell. Chapter 75: Chapter 75 Discovery Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Jie Jia walked into the cooling pavilion and looked at the spirited Chen Mu. He frowned upon seeing the steamed fish on the table and said, "You can bathe three times a day." What does that mean? Chen Mu was puzzled. "Even if you handle fresh fish every day, bathing three times would be enough to get rid of the fishy smell." "Why are you rubbing so much green onion juice on yourself? Do you want to be steamed like the fish?" Jie Jia said, pointing at the fish with its mouth gaping towards the sky. You really dare to think; green onion juice? "I''ve taken Solid Fragrance Pills, which are comparable to the latest incense and high-class goods!" Scallion-scented incense? Or is it fried scallions? Jie Jia said drily, "Your preferences are... quite unique." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, as if it were by choice. It''s all just to change his body odor. According to the "Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method," soul-locking bugs hate scallions and garlic the most. Otherwise, he''d be crazy to use the scent of fried scallions as perfume. "These Solid Fragrance Pills can make a person emit a floral fragrance?" After hearing Chen Mu''s explanation, Jie Jia raised an eyebrow and stared at Chen Mu. "Thinking of making money? Forget it. I''m starting to doubt your abilities," Chen Mu firmly rejected. "Getting involved in selling Qingfeng Powder already implicated me. Selling Solid Fragrance Pillswhat if it brings disaster again?" Anyway, now that he had money on hand, he wasn''t worried about food or drink. He just wanted to peacefully increase his proficiency and eliminate any potential hazards. Jie Jia fell silent for a while. "So, you''re saying that Lin Que was killed by you." Chen Mu immediately became annoyed: "Nonsense!" "With my feeble strength, who could I possibly kill?" "Don''t you know? I''ve always been kind to others." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and scoffed. ... Three days later, inside the cooling pavilion. Chen Mu stuffed rice balls into his mouth while summoning the grey wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1192/10000/Fourth Rank; "If I had discovered the effects of the Divine Intent Diagram earlier, that would''ve been great," Chen Mu ruefully thought. With the Divine Intent Diagram replenishing his spirit, his daily progress on the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse sped up by at least fifty percent. If he had found out sooner, perhaps he''d already be halfway through the Fourth Rank proficiency! But it made him hungry quickly, consuming more food. After being with Sikou Yu for several days, Zuo Sheng had already considered him a traitor. If an opportunity arose, he would definitely kill him quickly! Chen Mu! Chen Mu! Damn scholar, where on earth are you?! Sun Fu''s mind raced. That''s it! The residence in that willow forest by the river! Throughout all these days of investigation, it was the only place he hadn''t checked! He remembered how the Soul Locking Bug had abruptly changed direction that day. But for five days, there had been no similar behavior from the Soul Locking Bug. There''s something wrong with that residence! He was just about to speak up when Sikou Yu suddenly asked, "Tell me, who were the people who came to Nanyang with the Zuo Family originally?" Sun Fu was caught off guard but quickly responded, "Chen Mu, Zhang Ye, Du Huai, a young Taoist boy, and two other women." "I remember you saying that Du Huai and those two women are locals from Nanyang Prefecture City. Only Zhang Ye, Chen Mu, and that Taoist boy are from Qingshan County?" "Young master has a good memory!" Sun Fu complimented with a smile, and was about to share his recent suspicions, when "Did you ever investigate the background of that Taoist boy?" Sikou Yu interrupted suddenly. Suppressing his eagerness, Sun Fu patiently answered, "That Taoist boy belongs to the Qingfeng Observatory outside Qingshan County. Upon reaching Nanyang Prefecture City, he left with his senior brother and never had contact with Head Zuo." "Young master, five days ago we discovered..." "Did you ever look into what Qingfeng Observatory is all about?" Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up. Sun Fu, interrupted again, struggled to recall, "I''ve sent people to inquire among the refugees from Qingshan County." Stay connected with m v l e mpyr "I heard Qingfeng Observatory is the top Taoist temple in Qingshan County. The temple master, Feng Ren, is known for expelling evil spirits, his fame spreading far and wide." "That Taoist boy is Feng Ren''s closed-door disciple." "Before the earthquake in Qingshan County, Qingfeng Observatory had also organized labor to build an altar to banish evil spirits and protect locals, earning widespread praise." Sikou Yu suddenly sat up. "Building an altar? Banishing evil spirits? Ha!" He was all too familiar with this ritual. Wasn''t it just part of the essential rites for consecrating certain special Magic Artifacts? If they had Magic Artifacts and knew the rites to consecrate them, then Qingfeng Observatory was no ordinary heritage. That Taoist boy''s senior brother must possess formidable martial prowess! Lin Que had achieved great success in Shape Cultivation. To kill Lin Que, one must at least be at the same level of achievement in Shape Cultivation. And doesn''t that match up perfectly! "Young master, at the Shanglin Neighborhood, we found..." "Why didn''t you tell me such important information before?" Sikou Yu''s expression darkened abruptly as he scolded fiercely. Sun Fu''s body stiffened, and he stood there dumbfounded. This... is important? Chapter 76: Chapter 76 The Eyes "The Daoist boy is not the key here, his senior brother is the main focus," Sikou Yu''s eyes gleamed. "On the night Lin Que was murdered, Zuo Sheng took a group of you to meet that scholar, claiming it was to help him out of a tight spot." "But in my view, Zuo Sheng purposely redirected attention to that scholar!" "Chen Mu had a conflict with Lin Que, and then Lin Que ended up dead. The first reaction of anyone in the know would be to consider Chen Mu a suspect." "But what if the real murderer is someone else?" "Wouldn''t Chen Mu then become an obvious target, the perfect scapegoat?" "If Chen Mu suddenly disappears without explanation, it immediately solidifies the other person''s identity as the culprit." Sikou Yu said this, his entire being unable to contain his excitement. "It''s very possible that Chen Mu has already been silenced by Zuo Sheng." "All to protect his true ally. That senior brother from Qingfeng Observatory!" Sikou Yu laughed heartily, his face filled with satisfaction. The frustration of the past few days from searching without success was swept away in an instant. Right, everything fits now, it must be that senior brother! Qingfeng Observatory has magical artifacts, they must have a legacy, their martial ability is certainly not weak. Only such a person would recognize the value of ebony wood and take it away. And that Chen Mu? A poor scholar from a small place, how could he possibly have the strength to kill Lin Que?! "No wonder we can''t find anyone. They''ve all been silenced, where could we possibly look?!" He clenched his fist and swung it fiercely through the air, his face resolute. "Spread the word immediately, I want that Daoist boy''s senior brother found!" Sun Fu: "..." The house in Shanglin Neighborhood... "Hmm?!" Sikou Yu stared intently at Sun Fu. Sun Fu immediately shut his mouth, his body sweating like rain: "Yes!" ... At this moment, the "silenced" Chen Mu was squatting in front of a small food stall. In his hand, he held a palm-sized charcoal-roasted stuffed bun, taking a bite that engulfed half of it in one go. The steaming hot, slightly reddish meat filling with layers of fat and lean emitted an aroma that immediately filled his nostrils. "Great skills, boss! I''ll take three more!" Chen Mu''s face, adorned with "flank meat," praised loudly as he gulped down the stuffed bun in two bites. "This is a skill that has been passed down through five generations in my family." The owner, a short, plump middle-aged man in his forties, beamed with a smile upon hearing the praise. "I''m not bragging to you. My buns, with their crispy crust and rich filling, have had so many people trying to steal the recipe, yet no one has ever been able to learn it." "In this world, I''m the only one who knows how to make the authentic old Qi family''s stuffed buns. If you want to eat them, you still have to come to me, Qi Laoda!" He pointed a thumb at himself, tossing his head back in pride. Chen Mu responded with a beaming smile, giving a thumbs-up to Qi Laoda. Now, there were two people who knew how to make them... ... Ultimately, Chen Mu couldn''t resist. He stepped out of his home and headed to the North Market''s fresh meat street. Purchasing too much fresh meat might attract prying eyes. But the unsolvable Ghost issue troubled Chen Mu even more. "I wonder what kind of magic artifact that old man wields?" ... Three days later. In Nanyang Prefecture, near the South Market at Yongtai Workshop. Sun Fu entered the Mysterious Painting Workshop with a gloomy expression: "Master Zhen, where is the painting I ordered?" Two days of searching yielded no results. This morning, an irate Sikou Yu had angrily kicked him, leaving his abdomen bruised and in considerable pain. Fortunately, his efforts were not entirely fruitless. This Mysterious Painting Workshop once had a branch in Qingshan County. The workshop owner, Master Zhen, had met the leader of Qingfeng Observatory. "These are the portraits of Daoist Cheng Yi and the young acolyte Cheng Ming," said Master Zhen pointing at the unrolled scroll with a smile. "My skills are a bit rusty, but without boasting, these portraits resemble them by at least seventy percent." "Thanks, Master Zhen," said Sun Fu, breathing a sigh of relief. Resembling the large and the small figures by seven tenths would greatly reduce the difficulty of the search. After paying the fee for the painting, Sun Fu hurriedly found Sikou Yu, who was lounging in Chunfeng Tower. "Master, these are the portraits of those two individuals," Sun Fu said, bowing and fawning. Sikou Yu glanced at them briefly, nodded indifferently, and casually tossed the painting to a strong man beside him: "Go find them." "Yes!" The brawny man saluted respectfully and left. As he passed Sun Fu, the corners of his mouth curled slightly. With his back to Sikou Yu, he gave Sun Fu a clear, scornful smile. Sun Fu''s face turned pale. He had lost Sikou Yu''s trust! He had gone through great pains to locate the individuals, paying out of his own pocket for the portraits. All he needed was to follow the clues in the paintings to earn great merit, yet now someone else would reap the rewards. Dazed, Sun Fu didn''t even realize how he had exited Chunfeng Tower. It wasn''t until the breeze started cooling his sweaty body that he came back to his senses. Noticing a local thug on the street corner, Sun Fu''s expression immediately soured. He had seen that man before; he was one of Zuo Sheng''s subordinates. Having lost Sikou Yu''s confidence, he no longer had protection. If Zuo Sheng came after him, his death was certain! "No, I can''t just sit around and wait to die." "I must regain Sikou Yu''s favor." "What to do, what to do..." "Right, that mansion!" Though seven or eight days had passed, the event was still vivid in his memory. "The Locking Ghost Bug behaved abnormally; there must be something wrong with that mansion!" A ruthless look flashed in Sun Fu''s eyes, resembling a gambler desperate to turn his luck. "I can''t be careless. I need to find a thief to scout it out under cover of night!" "As long as I find clues related to the Ebony Wood, my life will be saved!" Chapter 77: Chapter 77 Investigating The urchin of a cat came from a beggar''s background, taught by an old beggar in the arts of theft since he was young. He helped the old beggar slip through doors, pick locks, and steal people''s belongings. As he grew older, his skills became more refined. After the death of the old beggar, he mixed alone in Jianghu, spending his days either stealing or gambling. Today his luck was down, and he gambled away all his possessions. Just as he was thinking of targeting a prosperous family, Sun Fu found him. He specifically wanted him to steal from a scholar''s home, claiming the man had picked up something of his. He didn''t want to make a fuss and preferred to retrieve it himself. Bullshit about something being picked up. He surely had his eyes on the scholar''s treasure and wanted him to steal it for him. The cat didn''t even think before agreeing. He was getting paid, after all! Once there, he''d search carefully. Who knows, he might even make double! ... In the deep, quiet of the night. The cat climbed the willow by the Upper Court''s wall, just about to jump onto the wall when a streak of moonlight glinted silver. The cat paused in his movements, looking closely. The wall was covered in countless fine needles. "How treacherous!" Pulling out a thick piece of cowhide, he covered the top of the wall and cautiously climbed up. Just as he was about to jump down, he stopped himself. Could there be traps on the ground? Tying a rope around the willow, he descended slowly to the ground, only to find the base of the wall covered in Iron Tribulus. The cat broke out in a cold sweat then and there. "This scholar is no easy mark!" Had it not been for Sun Fu''s repeated assurances that the owner was just a poor scholar, the cat would have turned tail and run. "Whatever, I''m getting paid for this." ... In the Shanglin Neighborhood, west of Yulin Lane. Sun Fu paced back and forth at the entrance of the alley, uneasy. "Nothing could have gone wrong, could it?" If something went wrong, that''d be great! It would mean that estate was no ordinary place! "Must not rush, I''ll wait another quarter of an hour," Sun Fu curbed the impulse to go find Sikou Yu immediately. "This is my last chance; nothing can go wrong." Sun Fu felt as if time was dragging on. Just as he was about to give in to the urge to leave, a petite figure scampered along the base of the wall, crouching down. "You... how did you come out?" Sun Fu deflated like a balloon, a great despair filling his heart. The cat was taken aback and said irritably, "Am I supposed to stay in his house or what?" "I didn''t find the stone you talked about. That scholar is so poor, he has nothing." "I only found these black shiny spheres in a bamboo basket in the kitchen, tasted one, and they were quite good," said the cat, tossing two of the spheres to Sun Fu. "Why hasn''t anyone come yet?!" Sun Fu couldn''t help but glance at the door. Thump! A dull thud sounded. Sun Fu''s scalp exploded, his hair standing on end it was the sound of the muscular man at the door falling down. "Who''s there?! Who''s outside?!" "Hee hee..." A child''s playful laughter echoed, appearing fleetingly by his ear. Sun Fu suddenly froze, a massive wave of fear instantly sweeping over him. He didn''t dare turn his head to look, only cautiously rolling his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, over his shoulder, he saw a vivid paper figure leisurely sitting there. The paper figure was cut and fashioned, covered with red lines, featuring an extremely detailed face, and even its two short legs were kicking and flailing mid-air. Seeming to notice Sun Fu''s gaze, the paper figure suddenly turned its head and gave Sun Fu a big smiling face. Sun Fu felt as if he had plunged into an ice cave! He opened his mouth to shout, but the paper figure instantly turned into a puff of black smoke. A thick red fog spread, covering his entire head and face. Thump! Sun Fu collapsed to the ground without putting up a fight. The black smoke spread quickly, swiftly enveloping his entire body. In the blink of an eye, both the black smoke and Sun Fu had disappeared without a trace. The room was empty, as if no one had ever been there. ... Meanwhile, five or six muscular men, while yawning and slipping into their clothes, hurried upstairs. "That Sun Fu really has some tricks up his sleeve. He found someone so quickly?" "Well, he was once a helmsman under Leader Zuo, of course, he has some skills." "Didn''t that just make things easier for us, brothers?" "Right, right, right. First, we''ll extract the Taoist''s clues through torture. Once he''s poisoned and mute, we''ll hand him over to Leader Zuo." "The young master did say, the worse we beat him up, the better; it will make Leader Zuo feel avenged." "To think he brought such merit to us brothers even at the brink of death, we should treat him well later. Haha..." The leading muscular man laughed heartily. At this moment, a burly man with a face full of flesh, staggering as though drunk, wobbled down the stairs. Hearing the conversation, the burly man imperceptibly paused. Then, as if nothing happened, he brushed past the group. A small paper figure slipped from the side of the leading muscular man, drifted with the wind out of sight, and instantly turned into black smoke, vanishing into thin air. At the entrance of Chunfeng Tower, the fleshy-faced burly man looked back and up. From upstairs came faint words like "escaped," "bastard," "knocked out," "block his home." "I really wish I could take these pests away with me." The man then indifferently turned around and quietly disappeared into the night. Chapter 78: Chapter 78 Secret Technique Sun Fu awoke in a daze, the world before him pitch black. He knew he had been blindfolded. Chen Mu?! What was that bizarre paper figure? How could Chen Mu have such methods. A cold voice suddenly rang out, "Why investigate Chen Mu?" Sun Fu''s heart skipped a beat. As expected, it was because of that scholar. He was just about to deny it when his eyes shifted, "It was Master Zuo who asked me to investigate." Chen Mu and Zuo Sheng were in cahoots, but perhaps he could try to sow discord between them. There might still be a glimmer of hope for survival. Crack! Chen Mu indifferently retracted his hand from breaking the other''s neck. "Nonsense." "The people in Chunfeng Tower weren''t Zuo Sheng." This man spoke no truths; asking more would only lead to being misled. "Think carefully before you speak again," Chen Mu turned to look at the thief beside him, whose mouth was gagged, face pale, and trembling with fear. ... Three days later, early morning. Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat in the pavilion, carefully reviewing the actions of the past few days. Sun Fu and the spotted cat had been buried under the large willow tree outside the courtyard. Chen Mu looked up at the willow tree swaying in the wind, as if it were greeting him. "Grow a bit faster and provide more shade for the pavilion." Ever since realizing the marvelous utility of the Wandering Soul Paper Figure, Chen Mu started to use the paper figures as secret scouts. The thief that night was discovered by a Wandering Soul Paper Figure as soon as he climbed the willow tree. He had intended to make it a killing, but he held back. What if it was a master? What if it was a lure to draw him out? What if there were puppet masters behind it? After all, there were no valuables in the house. He even slept in the bedroom of the neighboring house. Let him rummage as he pleased. When the intruder left, he casually tossed out a little paper figure, letting it fly up to take a look. That was when he spotted Sun Fu. "Lucky I played it safe!" "Ebony wood..." A sleeve sword suddenly appeared in Chen Mu''s hand. "It''s also a treasure." He hadn''t been idle these past few days either. Disguising his face, he used the little paper figures to secretly surveil the burly men at Chunfeng Tower. "The Startling Swan Gang is indeed looking for someone. From their conversations, the target seems to be a Taoist." Chen Mu relaxed slightly, "The leader isn''t Zuo Sheng, but a young master whose name I don''t know." "Sun Fu also seems to have been marked as having fled on his own accord." Chen Mu instantly lost interest in delving deeper. Sun Fu was dead and hadn''t caused him any trouble. Continuing to investigate might bring disaster. "Better to keep grinding my Proficiency." Four paper figures of varying sizes stood in a row before Chen Mu. "Spring, summer, autumn, winter, we could even play a game of mahjong now, hehe..." Practice by day, grind at night, a month of burning the midnight oil finally advanced the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to the fifth rank, manifesting the fourth ghost paper figure. "Now there''s another scout," Chen Mu examined the new paper figure with glee. The Autumn paper figure was slightly short and chubby, with a naive and innocent expression on its face, patterned with red lines as usual, and carrying a pitch-black "Autumn" character on its back. With a wave of his hand, The four paper figures turned into black smoke and vanished. The next moment, they appeared out of thin air by the wall. "Eight meters, the distance has increased by another meter." That meant, with Chen Mu at the center, everything within an eight-meter radius fell within the transportation range of the Five Ghosts Bag. He could collect materials from eight meters away, deploy Mesmerizing Divine Smoke at the same distance, and similarly dispatch the little paper figures to scout. "Following this logic, if I cultivate the fifth ghost, will the distance increase to nine meters?" Chen Mu pondered. Within that range, when combined with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, it would be a powerful tool for clearing the field! Within nine meters, it was even swifter and more secretive than Iron Lotus Seeds! "If only it could reach ninety meters," Chen Mu greedily wished. Besides that, he had another unexpected gain. Continuous use of the Red Falcon Divine Intent Diagram. Proficiency had not improved, but insights kept flowing in. Soul Strength, the size of an ordinary soybean, grew...into that of a comparatively plumper soybean. "Could the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique continue to be practiced?" Chen Mu wondered. ... "Want to know?" Jie Jia swallowed the last bite of Old Qi''s fire-roasted cake. Taking out a white handkerchief and wiping the corners of his mouth, he looked towards Chen Mu''s left sleeve with an indifferent face. Then his amber eyes widened slightly, and he quickly turned to glance at the right corner of Chen Mu''s clothes. His eyelids lifted a fraction as he directed his gaze to the cloth bag around Chen Mu''s waist. After a while, he lifted his head, looking puzzled at Chen Mu, who was grinning with self-satisfaction. "Now you don''t know where I''ve hidden the silver, do you?" Chen Mu chuckled. Then, with an air of smugness, he pulled out two Silver Tael from his left sleeve and handed them to Jie Jia. Jie Jia''s brows furrowed even more tightly. There had clearly been no Silver Tael in the left sleeve just now. Chen Mu''s smirk grew even wider. I have the Five Ghosts Bag! I can hide the silver wherever I want! As the activation curse grew increasingly shorter, the Five Ghosts Bag became ever more convenient to use. "A complete Shape Cultivation Technique will have accompanying secret techniques that can greatly enhance the power of moves," Jie Jia, still puzzled, began as he put away the Silver Tael. "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is too rudimentary and lacks a secret technique," Jie Jia returned to his indifferent tone. "As for the epiphany you mentioned, well, it''s probably because you''ve been sleeping too deeply..." Jie Jia''s eyes shifted and he briefly glanced at Chen Mu. So you''re saying I''m overthinking it, dreaming? Chen Mu rolled his eyes and didn''t pursue it further. Chen Mu wasn''t too eager for secret techniques. It would be great to have them, but no big deal otherwise. With proficiency in hand, he would know whether they existed as he continued to practice. Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Notice Nanyang Prefecture North Market''s Fan Building. The first-floor hall of Chunfeng Tower was endlessly noisy. Beautiful singers took the stage every so often to present their dances. The hall was divided into dozens of semi-enclosed booths with screens. The screens were low and semi-transparent, strategically placed so one could clearly see the stage performances while vaguely concealing what was inside the booths. Inside the booths were low couches, with long tables in the middle filled with fruit wines, drinks, and delicious dishes. Under the dim lights, songs and dances filled the hazy atmosphere. Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelFire Inside a booth on the left edge, four or five sturdy men sat together. "What the hell is going on with Qingshan County? Are all the people that come out from there damn cowards?" "Do you know how many residences we searched today?" "Five!" "They say even the craftiest rabbit has three burrows. This guy is practically forefather of rabbits! Just like that scholar!" The leader in black clothing gulped down the clear white liquor in his cup, his face filled with anger. "What are we going to do if we can''t find him?" a man beside him frowned worriedly. "How the hell would I know," the leader grumbled, taking another gulp of his drink. They had seen the outcome of Sun Fu''s downfall with their own eyes, and if they didn''t find something soon, they wouldn''t have any good outcomes either. "A scolding is inevitable," sighed the lead strongman. "Should be no threat to our lives." Sun Fu was drowned in the river because he offended the Left Hall Master, but they hadn''t offended anyone. "But, it''s likely we''ll get a good beating," the robust man''s eyebrows furrowed tightly. That was fine with them. They were appointed to Sikou Yu by the general hall, and it was a good opportunity to fake an illness and return to the general hall. Sikou Yu wasn''t easy to serve. "Forget about it, let''s just enjoy the food and drinks. We''ve got more work to do tomorrow!" The men continued to clink their cups and drink merrily. No one noticed that there was a little paper figure sticking out from behind the soft couch. After listening to the others boast and chat for a while, the little paper figure fell to the ground and turned into a wisp of black smoke that vanished. ... Seven or eight meters away, in a dimly lit private room near the doorway. Chen Mu transformed into a man with a dark, square face showing no expression and sat alone in the private room, silently eating the food spread across the table. "It''s clearly from the chef of Sihai Tower next door, so why is it more than twice as expensive!" Chen Mu''s face was expressionless, but inside, he couldn''t help but complain. He glanced up at the gorgeous singer on stage, dressed revealingly and striking seductive poses. "Forget it, forget it, so it''s a little expensive, focus on the food!" Every three days, he would come to Chunfeng Tower, pick a corner, and order a table full of dishes to eat voraciously, then release a little paper man to gather news about the Startling Swan Gang. Luckily, the anonymous young master was infatuated with Chunfeng Tower due to his love for beauty, or else Chen Mu wouldn''t know where to gather information. In Nanyang Prefecture, South Market, a street dedicated to fresh produce. Chen Mu once again took on the appearance of the square-faced man, occasionally scanning the surrounding shops. Unfortunately, none had the hereditary delicacy of the Qi Family''s food stand. With his current cooking skills, ordinary snacks were not worth his time to imitate. He randomly chose a meat shop and agreed to have the goods delivered in the afternoon. Chen Mu continued to wander leisurely around the South Market. Staying at home all day without seeing anyone, the bustling crowd always brought him joy. As he walked, he watched the passing crowd, discreetly studying their facial structures, imagining how to adjust his muscle lines to imitate their appearances, seizing the opportunity to enhance his understanding of the shapeshifting technique. At the north gate of the South Market. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction as he withdrew his gaze. The more he observed and pondered, the more he tried, the more rapidly he could increase his proficiency. At that moment, a crowd suddenly gathered around the notice board under the arch at the North Gate. Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by this. It could be a large-scale job recruitment, or someone massively buying up a certain material, or even the Prefectural Government Office issuing a notice. "Startling Swan Gang is recruiting again." "We''re just here for the excitement; they have requirements, only taking skilled Jianghu warriors who can perform great feats." "I''m strong; maybe I have a chance too!" "You wish!" Chen Mu paused momentarily. The Startling Swan Gang is recruiting again? Didn''t they just hire a bunch two months ago? "Look, the Tangshan Army is also recruiting instructors. Generous compensation, they''re asking for martial arts masters from major academies, as well as independent practitioners from Jianghu who have a specialty." "Too bad I don''t know martial arts." Chen Mu''s brow furrowed slightly, and he turned and left. The Startling Swan Gang recruiting, the Tangshan Army looking for instructors outside the city. He had a feeling a storm was coming. "Please, let the chaos within Liang not spread here," prayed Chen Mu. Only now did he suddenly realize the widespread turmoil across Liang. The current peace in Nanyang Prefecture was hard to come by. "I need to find out more about the situation in the hinterlands of Liang when I have time." "If it really reaches Nanyang Prefecture, planning then would be too late." "But this is already the southernmost part of Liang; where else could I hide? Set sail?" Chen Mu shook his head, not dwelling on it any longer. Thinking wouldn''t help, better to go home and grind for experience. After just a couple of steps, Chen Mu stopped again, turned around, and walked back to South Market. "Might as well stock up on some more food supplies." Chapter 80: Chapter 80 Moving Mountains Read the latest on m_v-l''e-NovelFire Accompanying the recruitment notices of the Tangshan Army and Startling Swan Gang, Nanyang Prefecture City buzzed with activity. Wandering martial artists, seldom seen on normal days, flocked to Nanyang in droves. The numerous prominent martial arts guilds in the city saw a surge of apprenticeship applications. After all, weren''t the Tangshan Army and Startling Swan Gang recruiting anyone skilled in martial arts? Chen Mu had thought that once they recruited a certain number of people, both factions would quiet down. But on the contrary, Gossip about a recruitment deadline circulated daily, but whenever someone with talent showed up, both factions took them in without hesitation. It was as if they would take as many as there were available. "Could it really be leading to a war?" Chen Mu muttered to himself. Then he dug a hole in the next-door residence and stored a large amount of living supplies. ... Due to the gathering of a large number of jianghu drifters, brawls and fights became frequent occurrences. Chen Mu once would stroll outside every few days, but now he stayed indoors unless it was necessary to purchase supplies. Even when going out, he would return quickly. "With such chaos outside, hiding at home to grind experience points is more comfortable." Chen Mu enjoyed himself in his seclusion. Nevertheless, Nanyang Prefecture City''s recruitment frenzy didn''t show any sign of slowing down. Wealth, power, beauties, cultivation techniques, and secret medicines for training were among the many enticing offers thrown about by both factions. Every time he went shopping, he could hear about some jianghu high roller striking it rich or some martial arts guild master who had made great progress after consuming a Dragon Transformation Pill. Chen Mu observed everything with detached interest. Watching the revelry of jianghu high rollers in the pleasure towers, he would sigh to himself, "Another batch of ripe leeks." Dragon Transformation Pill? There are still twenty of them lying in my Five Ghosts Bag. He wouldn''t touch these pills that could potentially ruin one''s future. ... One month later. In the Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Three peculiar syllables escaped Chen Mu''s lips. Five paper figures appeared out of thin air. "Success!" Writing: 1840/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1707/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 2133/10000/Fourth Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Maximum; Cooking: 6026/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 6576/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 6356/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 14/10000/Sixth Rank; Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 4140/10000/Second Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 2840/10000/First Rank; ... Gurgle gurgle! Gurgle gurgle! The stone table was completely devoured. Chen Mu, like a child with a new toy, tried it again and again. A large water jar, wooden shelves, flat baskets, and even the dirt on the groundhe didn''t spare any of them, and in a short time, they were all chewed up into a pitted landscape. It wasn''t until he was pale, weak all over, and his stomach growled with hunger that he reluctantly stopped his exciting activity. Despite a splitting headache, Chen Mu still smiled, "This is the joy of grinding to increase proficiency." All five ghosts were out, and there was an extra ability! "Let''s continue with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse!" Chen Mu was eager to continue. Yet, with great willpower, he suppressed this tempting thought. Magic artifacts are indeed amazing. But using them isn''t without cost. At the moment, he felt as drained as if he had been hollowed out. It wasn''t until after consuming five Bigu Rice Balls that his stomach felt a bit better. With his eyes closed, focused on the Red Falcon Divine Intent Diagram, he opened them a quarter of an hour later, feeling somewhat rejuvenated. "Like activating the Five Ghosts Bag, it consumes some sort of mental or soul strength." "And consuming the stone table clearly takes more than the wooden shelves." Currently, the only way to recover or even enhance this kind of strength was through the Shape Cultivation Technique''s Divine Intent Diagram. "Shape Cultivation Technique really is the foundation," Chen Mu mused. "This must be what the true Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is about," Chen Mu had some realization. The Five Ghosts connected, creating a certain cutting and devouring force. The more spent, the stronger the devouring power. It''s just that the sensation of activating it felt a bit strange. "What is this? Five Ghosts... eating mountain, nibbling mountain?" "Thankfully, the bag only gives me the idea of eating, not the actual feedback after eating." Thinking back to his excited actions earliereating stones, wood, and mud. If he had received real feedback, ugh... disgusting! ... Over the next few days, Chen Mu conducted gradual tests with the Five Ghosts Bag. All the ghost paper effigies materialized into five figures. The black smoke could transport up to nine meters. Only three syllables left in the incantation. There was also the addition of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Secret Art, with an extremely powerful devouring ability. Chen Mu had tested it. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke could easily gnaw through a high-quality broadsword. If it were to cut into a person... "I''ve got an extra card up my sleeve to save my life!" Chen Mu thought gleefully. "If only the cutting range were a bit larger," Chen Mu''s greed wasn''t satisfied. "Continue upgrading, and maybe the range could increase." Every time he thought of this, Chen Mu felt the urge to continue with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "I better diligently work on my Shape Cultivation Technique instead." The Blue-eyed Golden Ape has already been delayed for too long. ``` Chapter 81: Chapter 81 Neighbors Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu raised his hands towards the sky, slightly crouched, eyes squinting, breathing inconsistently fast and slow. Under his clothes, his muscles slowly writhed with his breath, as if they had minds of their own, continuously contracting and relaxing. After a good while, Chen Mu, drenched in sweat, stopped his cultivation. "No wonder it''s a high-end Shape Cultivation Technique." The Bone Transformation Stage of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was more complex. Two hundred and seventy breathing rhythms, thirty-six variations of motion and stillness. A single error meant the practice was in vain. An ordinary person, fully focused every time they practiced, could still not guarantee a one hundred percent success rate. "No wonder it takes ten years of Shape Cultivation." Given such a difficult success rate, one could imagine the efficiency of cultivation. Those who could cultivate for ten years, weren''t they all born with exceptional insight and gained through diligent study and practice? As for someone of average aptitude like me, I can only keep trying over and over with sheer effort. Between murmuring complaints, Chen Mu completed another round of practice. Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 9390/10000/Second Rank; Proficiency rose again by ten points. "It''s still going to take several days to reach Perfection... so difficult," Chen Mu faked a shake of his head and a sigh. ... Chen Mu thought of a problem. If ordinary Shape Cultivation Techniques are this hard, then the heirloom Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families must be astronomically harder, right? And yet those scions manage to achieve major success in Shape Cultivation within five or six years?! "Ancestral fortunes are really a blessing," Chen Mu sighed helplessly. There''s no comparison! ... "Who told you that the families'' Shape Cultivation Techniques are difficult to practice?" Jie Jia asked coolly. "The bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families are simple and easy to learn," Jie Jia stated indifferently. "Some can be mastered just through breathing." Breathing can cultivate skills? Chen Mu instantly drooled with envy. "Where can one find such techniques?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "You can''t practice them." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, understanding there must be stringent prerequisite conditions. "The bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families focus on tapping into the potential of one''s bloodline." Fine, for a commoner like him, it was probably just something to hear about. "Apart from the bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques, the higher-end the Shape Cultivation Technique, the more complex it tends to be." "Complexity is necessary for all-around transformation," Jie Jia added. "Where else can one find such high-end Shape Cultivation Technique?" Chen Mu asked eagerly, looking at Jie Jia. "I don''t have it," Jie Jia replied indifferently. "I''ve already cultivated the Shell Soul, what use do I have for Shape Cultivation Techniques?" Chen Mu: "..." He was let down by the old man again. "Startling Swan Gang, Zhu Yi Pavilion, Nanyang Prefecture City yamen have it," Jie Jia finished and gave Chen Mu a look. "Do you want it?" Chen Mu immediately shook his head. "You''re not from Nanyang Prefecture?" Chen Mu asked casually. "No," Kui Tuo replied, swallowing a piece of braised meat. "The Startling Swan Gang is recruiting, right? I went to sign up. I easily became a Helmsman." Kui Tuo boasted proudly about his experience joining the Startling Swan Gang. "I didn''t expect you to be a Helmsman of the Startling Swan Gang. My apologies for any disrespect," Chen Mu said indifferently. Kui Tuo laughed loudly: "Those guys are weak as chickens, I easily took the title." "Is the Startling Swan Gang recruiting virtuous talents to expand its power?" Chen Mu probed without revealing any emotion. "I don''t know. They have us gather every day to practice some sort of formation," Kui Tuo said, puzzled. "But that formation doesn''t seem like a battle formation, we train in a daze." Chen Mu was also perplexed. Recruiting people but not training in combined attack formations, what exactly are they planning to do? Forget it, I shouldn''t worry about this. Let''s get rid of this robust man first. ... "When is the neighbor next to you coming back? I went to visit earlier, but the door was locked, and nobody was there," Kui Tuo asked. No, you have already met. Chen Mu calmly replied, "I''m not sure." "And that house at the corner of the street, right next to mine, is also locked. I don''t know who lives there," Kui Tuo continued. No need to wonder, it''s me. Chen Mu shrugged: "I don''t usually go out much, so I''ve never seen them." Kui Tuo sighed: "I just arrived today, and I wanted to visit the neighbors, but it turns out nobody''s home in the surrounding houses. I guess I''ll have to try again tomorrow." Chen Mu smiled and nodded in encouragement. As long as I''m at home, you won''t meet anyone tomorrow either. "They say a rabbit has three burrows, and being human, it makes sense to prepare seven or eight safe nests," Chen Mu thought to himself. ... Night. Kui Tuo lay sprawled on his bed, mumbling in his dreams. Now talking about drinking, now about fighting, now about good food, now about beauties. At the head of the bed, a small paper man sat straight and proper. Its eyes unwavering as it stared at Kui Tuo. One hour. Two hours. Three hours... Until the break of dawn, when the little paper man turned into black smoke and disappeared. In the adjacent Chen Residence, Chen Mu, sitting up on his bed in Pan Xi, opened his eyes. "Looks like he really is just a rash man who happened to move in," Chen Mu murmured to himself. "Poor judgment." "The tenant of that residence moved away quietly. It would have been great to know earlier, I could have had another safe house." "Now with a stranger around, there''s indeed some risk." Chen Mu silently thought: "I''ll have to keep watch again tonight." Anyway, with the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Bone Transformation, his energy was getting better and better. Losing a little sleep wasn''t a problem. Chapter 82 : 82 Malice Over the next five days, Chen Mu put out a paperman at Kui Tuo''s house each day. The other party was from the Startling Swan Gang, and since he was already in conflict with them, he couldn''t help thinking more about it. Fortunately, everything was as usual. Kui Tuo was just a Jianghu wanderer who had been recruited by the Startling Swan Gang. It was pure coincidence that he lived nearby. Chen Mu even went out of his way to find the original occupants of Kui Tuo''s house, changed his appearance, and indirectly inquired about why they moved. The result was that they bought a bigger courtyard and simply rented out the old one. Among the courtyards Chen Mu was renting, two belonged to them. Chen Mu: "..." Local homeowners? Nothing to mess with at all. Who would have thought that even after crossing over, he still had to face the sting of a rentier, truly... enviable! Chen Mu thought back on his cautious behavior over the past few days and couldn''t help but laugh. He really had been frightened. Nearly turned into a scared bird. The world was not kind, but not everyone was a bad person, either. To say the least, Kui Tuo was a neighbor who had met by chance. "Can''t think too badly of people." "Don''t get paranoid." "There aren''t so many people out to get me." Chen Mu shook his head and comforted himself. ... With all calm, he then began to practice the Shape Cultivation Technique at home again. Kui Tuo came by every so often, each time bringing gold cakes as a gift. Chen Mu hinted several times that he didn''t want to be disturbed. Then Kui Tuo''s gifts doubled to two gold cakes. Chen Mu: "..." That''s not what I meant. "Fan Tower is quite famous, but the chef''s skills are just so-so, while Brother Chen, you are amazing." Kui Tuo wasn''t stingy with money. Having become a Helmsman, money came easily to him, so he didn''t mind spending it extravagantly. By day he went to the Startling Swan Gang to practice unknown formations, and by night he went to Chunfeng Tower to enjoy himself. Every three days, on his day off, he''d run to Chen Mu''s place to eat, casually giving away gold cakes. "Next time I eat, who knows when that will be," Kui Tuo said, holding his bulging belly, hesitantly eyeing the last stuffed bun in the bamboo basket. "Big movements in the Startling Swan Gang?" Chen Mu was curious. "They say we''re going north with a big shot to take care of some business. Half of the Helmsmen from each hall have been dispatched. I have to go too." Chen Mu''s heart tightened. North? Wasn''t that region in chaos? "Make sure to seal the news tight," Sikou Yu warned sternly. "What about... the seventh lady?" the man in black hesitated. "When my sister heads north and comes back, I''ll tell her myself," Sikou Yu thought for a moment and said. He might have snatched the Taoist Bone away, but whether he could keep it would depend on his sister. They had managed to fend off that Daoist this time purely with the protection of the Family Law Instrument''s Spiritual Light. If that man came back to snatch the child, he might not be able to hold him off. "That man has a Magic Artifact, the Taoist Bone boy, and is on the verge of achieving Shell Soul. It seems unnecessary to kill Lin Que? Could he have been after the Ebony Wood? But how would he know Lin Que had Ebony Wood?" The man in black carefully reminded Sikou Yu that someone else had killed Lin Que. "Haha. Of course, I know he wasn''t the killer," Sikou Yu waved a hand dismissively: "I accused him just because I coveted his family''s Magic Artifact." "I didn''t expect him to be a treasure-delivering boy. Not only does he have a Magic Artifact, but he also has a child with an Innate Taoist Bone." "You''re brilliant, young master," the man in black smiled: "Your servants will look for that scholar, Chen Mu, tomorrow." "Luckily you came," Sikou Yu said with a smile: "The Startling Swan Gang is only good for running errands; they''re otherwise useless." The man in black smiled: "The Soul Locking Bug is miraculous, but it''s not a secret. Perhaps the other party already knows its weaknesses." "Good thing I brought the Treasure Seeking Cicada," the man in black chuckled: "It doesn''t matter whether it''s a person or not. We''re just after the Ebony Wood." Sikou Yu pointed at the man in black and laughed heartily: "You really get me!" "I couldn''t care less about Chen Mu''s life or death, I just want the Ebony Wood. Whoever has taken it from me, I''ll make sure they''re dead!" Sikou Yu said viciously. He had always suspected that the Ebony Wood was taken by Zuo Sheng. Otherwise, why would he be so eager to silence Sun Fu? "Whoever stands in the way of you finding the Ebony Wood, show no mercy! If anything happens, I''ll take the blame!" "Yes!" ... In a corner booth on the first floor. Chen Mu silently choked on a slice of pork ear he was holding with his chopsticks. Ghosts made of paper materialized beside him. "I was finally letting go of my guard, ready to face the world with a positive outlook," Chen Mu said, feeling deflated. But reality dealt him a harsh blow. "Listening to the conversation between those two, their accord in murder and treasure snatching suggests it''s not their first time," Chen Mu was shocked. Who knows how many innocent people they''ve killed for their treasures. Swish! A gray Sleeve Sword appeared in his hand. "To kill indiscriminately just for a piece of wood?" Chen Mu felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and anger. Chen Mu suddenly stood up. "This is unreasonable!" Continue reading at m|v-l''e m,p| y- r "I need to have a talk with them!" Chapter 83 : 83 Infiltration Chunfeng Tower''s third floor. Enjoy exclusive chapters from m-v l''e|m,p| y- r The middle-aged man in black smiled and pulled out a palm-sized wooden box from his sleeve. Upon opening it, a thumb-sized, wholly silver-white cicada was lying inside. "Fortunately, the family treasury had a piece of ebony wood leaf. The Treasure Seeking Cicada was raised in constant company with the ebony wood leaf." "With it, within a thirty-mile radius, as long as there is the scent of ebony wood, it can be detected." Sikou Yu''s smile grew broader and broader. "It''s a pity that the Treasure Seeking Cicada has such a short lifespan. This one only has seven days left. I''m just worried it might delay the young master''s important matters," the middle-aged man in black expressed his concern. "No matter," Sikou Yu squinted his eyes, "the ebony wood is most likely on that scholar. The Startling Swan Gang didn''t find him, but they managed to establish the scope of his movements." "You investigate at night." After musing, Sikou Yu added carefully, "If you find something, do not cause a commotion. Tomorrow morning I''ll bring more people along to capture him." "People from Qingshan County are all a bit tricky," Sikou Yu clicked his tongue. Soul Strength is so difficult to cultivate. Zuo Sheng has cultivated it. The Daoist Cheng Yi has even nearly reached the Shell Soul stage. And that scholar, slippery as a fox. The Startling Swan Gang spread their net for over ten days and couldn''t catch him! "Yes!" the middle-aged man in black nodded respectfully. "If I use the Treasure Seeking Cicada, the family might already have news of it. When the time comes..." the man in black said with concern. Upon hearing this, Sikou Yu laughed confidently, "No need to worry. With my sister covering for me, ordinary people wouldn''t dare to trouble me." After thinking it over, he added, "Chen Mu must be captured alive, tortured severely, and then poisoned with the Secret Medicine to addle his wits." "When the pressure from the family gets too great, I will hand him over, letting my brothers and sisters question him themselves." "To send over an idiot, isn''t that a bit..." the man in black hesitated. "That is precisely my intention!" Sikou Yu snickered, "I''m handing over the key person, who would dare to make trouble for me? The clan elders would not agree." "The young master is indeed wise!" the middle-aged man in black flattered. ... Inside a private room on the first floor. Hearing the two men discussing capturing him, torturing him, and even intending to addle his wits with poison, Chen Mu didn''t feel anger. "Never expect villains to have any kind of bottom line." He felt heartbroken, utterly disappointed with this thoroughly rotten world. He immediately changed his facial features and instantly switched his clothes with the Five Ghosts Bag. A pure, colorless mask attached to his face, and Chen Mu walked out of the private room confidently. Chirp chirp chirp... A piercing chirp suddenly erupted. The middle-aged man in black instantly froze on the spot. Sikou Yu asked with interest, "What does this mean?" "Ebony wood? Right at... right at the door?!" "Haha!" Sikou Yu laughed loudly, "So the Startling Swan Gang, those incompetents, have actually managed such a feat? Bringing the item directly to me!" As he spoke, he opened the door. Then he saw a person wearing a pure white mask, carefully adjusting the head of a door guard, meticulously placing it in order. Chen Mu: "..." Alas... I was planning to infiltrate stealthily and strike by surprise, yet it seems I''ll need to confront them head-on after all. He slowly stood up, and the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke inside the Five Ghosts Bag churned incessantly. "Which hall are you from?" Sikou Yu asked in confusion, looking up at his fallen subordinates, his face showing sudden comprehension, "Coming to find me quietly, are you afraid that your hall master will blame you?" "Don''t worry, the entire Startling Swan Gang belongs to our Sikou Family," Sikou Yu waved his hand, "If someone really bullies you, just come with me to the family territory. The bustling scenery there is incomparable to this remote Nanyang." The man in black stared intently at Chen Mu, urgently warning in a fast tone, "Young master, this person''s identity is unknown! Danger..." Sikou Yu waved dismissively, "Heroes do not ask about origins!" "Finding ebony wood for me, you are indeed a great talent!" Sikou Yu said with satisfaction on his face. The man in black: "..." That''s not what I meant! "To take down so many people silently, and to find the ebony wood by yourself, I''m really impressed!" Sikou Yu laughed heartily. "Just for bringing the ebony wood to me, I''ll reward you with three drops of Zhaodianhong!" "How about that? Generous enough, right!" Sikou Yu winked and gestured. Chen Mu: "..." Does this young master have some serious illness? Am I here to give you a present? I''m bloody here to take you down! "What, is it not enough?" Sikou Yu''s brows knitted slightly, then his face cleared with realization, "You probably don''t know the effects of Zhaodianhong, do you?" "That is the essence of the Three TreasuresEssence, Qi, and Spirit, and it''s the most effective at enhancing the body''s original state. One drop of Zhaodianhong is equivalent to a year''s worth of hard training in Shape Cultivation Technique!" Sikou Yu raised his eyebrows proudly, "Tempted now, aren''t you?" The man in black was frantically pale beside him. "Quick, quick, bring out the ebony wood, let me have a look!" Sikou Yu rubbed his hands together eagerly, a look of impatience on his face. Chen Mu: "..." Where did this so-called genius come from? Planning your own demise! Chapter 84: Chapter 84 Spiritual Light Chen Mu''s right hand conjured the Sleeve Sword Technique, and his body''s muscles instantly contracted and entwined. His right hand that hung by his side vanished into thin air, and the Sleeve Sword suddenly appeared in front of Sikou Yu''s neck. "Qiankun Strike!" Bang! Sikou Yu''s body flew back like a smacked ping pong ball. He crashed into the room with a roar and the massive wooden bed was instantly smashed to pieces. The man in black''s face changed drastically, and he hurriedly rushed towards Sikou Yu. Bang! Wood splinters flew, and a figure leaped up from the broken bed. Sikou Yu appeared unharmed. A layer of eggshell-like black translucent aura enveloped his body. "Do you really think I''m an idiot? Can''t you see your malicious intent?" Sikou Yu smiled faintly, "I advise you to surrender willingly. In front of this aura, any resistance is as futile as an egg striking a stone." The man in black was overjoyed. It had been so urgent that he had almost forgotten that their young master had long been granted a Body Protection Aura by the Family Law Instrument. "You must be Chen Mu, right?" Sikou Yu fixed a sinister gaze on Chen Mu, "The people from Qingshan County are truly bizarre." Had it not been for his immediate activation of the Body Protection Aura, that sudden strike would have pierced through his neck! Noticing the dagger in Chen Mu''s hand, Sikou Yu''s eyes became even more overcast, "You actually used my Ebony Wood?!" "A mere dagger? Ha!" Sikou Yu''s forehead veins bulged, "What a waste of a precious resource!" Just as he was about to swear, Chen Mu''s figure suddenly disappeared from the spot. The dagger led the way, followed closely by his body. He shot towards Sikou Yu like an arrow released from a bowstring. Find your next read on m_v l|e-novelhall.net Clang clang clang clang... Chen Mu turned into a black shadow, continuously launching Qiankun Strikes around Sikou Yu. "It''s useless," Sikou Yu sneered dismissively, "Your minor Shape Cultivation can never break through my Body Protection Aura!" He then composed himself, with eyes half-closed, indifferently watching Chen Mu, "You will never understand what a noble family is, nor will you ever comprehend the gap between us." "How dare you spoil my Ebony Wood!" "Once I catch you, I will crush your bones inch by inch!" "Secret Technique: Soundless Hand!" His right hand suddenly turned pitch black, as if it were cast from solid iron. A white ring of energy burst out at his wrist. Hum! The air trembled. The black hand thrust out suddenly towards the lower left. Clang! It was like the clash of metal against metal! The pitch-black hand actually caught the tip of the Sleeve Sword precisely?! Chen Mu''s heart tightened abruptly! "Nibble! Damn it, just nibble at him to death!" Buzz! It was as though countless bees suddenly flapped their wings. The five clumps of mist spun and pounced forward violently, an invisible devouring force unleashed. The indestructible black spiritual light trembled violently. Chen Mu''s face turned pale. In that instant, he felt as if half of his vitality had been drained away. Sikou Yu raised an eyebrow. "You have a magic artifact as well?" "It seems I really must take a look at Qingshan County," Sikou Yu murmured. Then he lowered his eyelids indifferently, looking down at Chen Mu. "It''s useless, not all magic artifacts are the same." Cheng Yi also had a Bell Instrument, yet he was defeated and repelled by him. "I thought it might give me a little surprise," Sikou Yu said with disappointment shaking his head. "After all, just a lower-class person. How much ability could he have." "Damn it!" Chen Mu bit down hard. "Your mother''s lower-class!" He suddenly increased the intensity of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. His legs went soft, his mind went blank for an instant. The Five Ghosts Bag almost knocked him unconscious! Buzz, buzz, buzz! The vibrations of the spiritual light surged drastically. Finally, Sikou Yu''s face changed as he poured Soul Strength into his legs, lifting his foot with the intent to rush at Chen Mu. But the five ghosts'' black mist clung stubbornly to the Body Protection Aura, preventing him from moving an inch. His battle with Cheng Yi the previous day had already seriously depleted his Body Protection Aura. Now, being devoured by the Five Ghosts Bag, was it on the verge of collapse?! "Quick! Go kill him!" Sikou Yu shouted to the man in black. However, he found that at some point, the man in black was already unconscious. Chen Mu opened his mouth wide, revealing a row of chillingly white teeth, and burst into laughter. The entire third floor was enveloped by the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. The man in black only focused on the two men fighting and had been poisoned without realizing it. "Nibble! Nibble him to death!" Bang! The black spiritual light suddenly exploded into a sky full of sparkling lights. The five clumps of black smoke charged past Sikou Yu. Like red-hot iron rods piercing through solidified fat. A clear, arcing gap appeared in Sikou Yu''s left chest and abdomen, front to back. A neatly cut half-heart hung inside the chest cavity, quivering continuously. Sikou Yu stared at Chen Mu in disbelief. He was a noble family descendant, of noble bloodline, with secret techniques and medicine, protected by Spiritual Light, his future boundless. Was he about to die here? In the hands of a lower-class person? He bit down hard on his lips, refusing to let out a cry of agony, glaring at Chen Mu with the most venomous look he could muster. But the five clumps of black smoke reappeared above Sikou Yu''s head and pounced down suddenly. Drops of blood splattered. Sikou Yu completely vanished from the spot! Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Taste Clang! The Sleeve Sword fell from mid-air, slanting as it stabbed into the wooden floor. Chen Mu staggered backward, leaning against a column, gasping for air. Fortunately, he had managed to break through the opponent''s Spiritual Light in time. Otherwise, Chen Mu himself would have been drained dry by the Five Ghosts Bag. Looking at Sikou Yu on the ground, with only droplets of blood left, an unexplained chill crept up Chen Mu''s back. Gulp! Chen Mu couldn''t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva, his expression complex. He didn''t want to... But when Five Ghosts Moving Mountain was activated, an intense urge to devour kept assailing him. It was completely different from the feeling of gnawing at stones and earth before. The moment he touched Sikou Yu''s flesh and blood, the Five Ghosts Bag''s urge to devour increased exponentially. If it weren''t for the overwhelming greed from the Five Ghosts Bag, how could Chen Mu have directly devoured Sikou Yu?! Thinking of this, he couldn''t help but feel his stomach churn. At that moment, noise came from the first floor outside. Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. "I can''t stay here any longer." Ignoring his feelings of disgust, he quickly stuffed two Fasting Pills into his mouth. He stumbled to the middle of the room and picked up the Sleeve Sword that had fallen from Sikou Yu''s body to the ground. Noticing a silver-white cicada lying on the ground next to him, Chen Mu crushed it with his foot. This creature could track down Ebony Wood, so he couldn''t allow it to live any longer. Whoosh! An Iron Lotus Seed broke through the air. The person in black lying on the ground shuddered, and suddenly a hole the size of a peanut appeared on their forehead. They soon stopped breathing. Chen Mu hurried to their side and was about to bend down to search the body. Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure. A man in his forties rushed to the door from the third-floor staircase, his face grim. Cheng Yi?! What was he doing here?! And with a look of murderous intent in his eyes. This was definitely not a friendly visit! At that moment, Chen Mu felt utterly weak and unable to confront anyone. He felt extremely vulnerable inside, but maintained a calm exterior, struggling against the impulse to turn his head. Chen Mu took out a pair of sheepskin gloves from his chest pocket, their surfaces stained with specks of dry, blackish blood. Gently patting and dusting them off, he then slowly slipped them on, carefully flexing his fingers to ensure his movements were smooth. After that, he leisurely crouched down and efficiently rifled through the belongings on the body of the man in black. His actions flowed as though no one else was present, paying no heed to Cheng Yi standing nearby behind him. Cheng Yi, who had been raging just a moment ago, felt a sudden skip in his heartbeat. The emotionless white mask, the calm and indifferent cold eyes, the skilled and elegant manner of searching the corpse, and those old gloves marked with mottled bloodstains. This man... Broken planks, deformed Iron Lotus Seeds, splattered blood... all the scattered mess in the room was swiftly cleaned up. The room that had just been a mess was now as clean and tidy as if it had been swept and scrubbed dozens of times. Chen Mu, as if his butt was on fire, swiftly crossed over to the window and leapt down. He landed and rolled silently, then his Wandering Soul emerged beneath his feet, turning into a swift sparrow-hawk, disappearing quickly into the dark night. ... In the Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat at his desk, sipping warm milk in small sips, slowly calming his turbulent emotions. Thinking back to the situation earlier, Chen Mu still felt a lingering fear. Sikou Yu''s unexpected Body Protection Aura. Cheng Yi''s surprise visit. If there had been any slight mistake, he wouldn''t have made it back tonight! "When did I become so brave?!" "Not knowing the enemy''s condition, without a detailed plan, not considering an escape route, I actually dared to rush in and kill?" And he still hesitated, not decisive at all. At that time, Sikou Yu was faking stupidity, clearly stalling time to activate his Body Protection Aura. If he had been ruthless at that moment, all those subsequent events would not have occurred. "I got cocky, really cocky!" Chen Mu inwardly regretted. As his Skill Proficiency kept improving, and life was peaceful, it made him impatient. Luckily, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain was powerful. Otherwise, he''d be waiting for Sikou Yu''s torment. Thinking about Sikou Yu''s plan for dealing with him. Crushing his bones inch by inch? Terrifying! The people in this world are too brutal! "I still need to keep accumulating my trump cards," Chen Mu sincerely remarked. "It''s better to use Five Ghosts Moving Mountain sparingly." That greedy impulse was too strong. The first attack was initiated by him. But the second absorption felt a bit passive. It was the Five Ghosts Bag affecting him. When Chen Mu cleaned up the Five Ghosts Bag just now, he found that only the black-clothed man''s corpse was inside. Sikou Yu didn''t enter the bag at all, he was directly consumed by the Five Ghosts Bag! "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is different from Teleportation," Chen Mu had a realization. Teleportation is just an extension of the spatial ability of the Five Ghosts Bag. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is the devouring power of the bag; each activation carries a strong desire for flesh and blood. It was so intense that it could influence Chen Mu''s emotions, making him feel like the bag was alive. "It really is a bit sinister," Chen Mu sighed. Thinking about the Five Ghosts Bag''s method of creation and use, Chen Mu shook his head. Isn''t it just like something alive? Regularly feeding it meat, isn''t that the same as keeping a pet? Only... drooling over people?! This pet''s taste, it''s a bit heavy. Chapter 86 Bounty On the banks of the Jinshui River, at the Changrui Dock. The Startling Swan Gang''s majestic flagship, like a floating island amidst the river, was moored steadily at the riverside. Despite the deep waters and large waves, it remained utterly motionless. In the deep of the night, the lights on the boat were still blazing brightly. The gang members, clad in black tight suits and well-trained, patrolled at regular intervals. Suddenly, a window in a pavilion at the stern of the ship exploded open. A slender figure in black, shrouded in a layer of dark film, burst out through the window. "Who goes there!" A roomy figure leapt from the highest level of the ship following the shout. Jin Wuduan, like a stone flung by a catapult, enveloped in a robust wind, smashed down towards the figure in black. His hand, as big as a fan and pitch-black, swung open and slapped heavily towards the other''s back. The person seemed to have anticipated this. Twisting in mid-air against all common sense, he turned around and with his right fist, like a battering ram, hammered down towards Jin Wuduan''s large hand. Clang! Like a hammer striking an iron plate, the grating sound of metal on metal exploded. The man in black, leveraging the massive reactive force, became like an arrow released from a bow, his speed increased twofold. With a mere tap on the ship''s rail with his toes, he whooshed away from the pavilion ship. Jin Wuduan''s expression changed. He noticed that the man in black was holding a little boy under his left arm. The child was delivered by Sikou Yu three days prior. He had been pampered with food and drink and under tight protection. Jin Wuduan had been curious about the boy''s identity. Unfortunately, Sikou Yu was fiercely protective, viewing everyone as if they were thieves. Jin Wuduan immediately put aside his curiosity. Born to a clan''s Lower Courtyard, nurtured since childhood, he always remembered not to inquire about things he shouldn''t. He hadn''t expected the man in black to actually take the child away. That was unacceptable. If the boy was lost, Sikou Yu would surely cause him trouble. No sooner had he landed than his leg muscles bulged violently, Shell Soul enveloping his entire body, ready to spring forth. Clang! As if a temple bell had been struck, a loud sound blasted by his ear. Jin Wuduan felt a severe headache, as if a steel needle had been thrust into his brain. Even with his completed Shell Soul and powerful body, it took him five or six breaths to regain his senses. Looking up again, all he saw was a piece of the black-clad figure''s cloak flipping in mid-air, before it completely vanished into the night. Jin Wuduan''s face became extremely grim. "Magic Artifact!" "And a Shell Soul master at that!" "What did you say?" Jin Wuduan''s teacup in hand was suddenly crushed, the black Soul Strength on his face flashing and vanishing. The half-crouching messenger trembled from head to toe. "Speak up, what exactly happened?" Jin Wuduan suddenly stepped in front of the messenger, lifting him by the collar. "Young Master Yu disappeared at Chunfeng Tower, there were signs of a fight at the scene, and all his followers were found unconscious," the messenger said swiftly, his voice shaking. Jin Wuduan turned pale, "Was it that middle-aged man with Shell Soul?!" "It''s over!" ... In Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu was wearing a pair of sheepskin water-resistant gloves marked with mottled bloodstains, adeptly gutting a big fish. While busy at work, he asked Jie Jia, who was playing with silver beads in the pavilion, "Old man Jie, do you know what a Body Protection Aura is?" "The missing young master from the Startling Swan Gang, he wouldn''t happen to be related to you, would he?" Jie Jia''s eyelids lifted fractionally. "The Startling Swan Gang also has a young master from a noble family?" Chen Mu was startled, then he rolled his eyes, "What a joke! How could a lowly commoner like me be related to a noble family''s young master?" Jie Jia''s eyelids drooped, "Indeed, you don''t look like someone who could cultivate Shell Soul." Chen Mu paused his hands. What did that mean? "Last night a young master from a noble family disappeared, and this morning the Startling Swan Gang initiated a city-wide search." "They''re looking for a man in his forties with Shell Soul strength, carrying a Bell Instrument, capable of swaying souls and capturing spirits." Find your next read on m_v l|e-novelhall.net "The Startling Swan Gang has made a promise: they''ll pay any price, they just want the person, not the magic artifact." Forty years old, Shell Soul, Bell Instrument... Cheng Yi?! It was I who killed the man. The Startling Swan Gang is pinning Sikou Yu''s death on Cheng Yi?! Chen Mu: "..." There''s actually such a stroke of luck?! "Old man Jie, I''m in a good mood today, order whatever you want to eat!" Chen Mu declared with a grand wave of his hand. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Even so, if you want to know about the Body Protection Aura, you still have to pay." With that, a flicker of bright white light in the depths of his eyes vanished. He fixed his gaze on Chen Mu''s chest. Chen Mu: "..." I already put the silver in the Five Ghosts Bag, and you still found it?! You''re really something! Chapter 87 The Willow Tree Nanyang Prefecture, Ninglang County, outside Big Willow Tree Village. As evening approached, Kui Tuo, along with more than ten brawny men, walked carelessly to the entrance of the village. "Helmsman, what are we doing in this village?" A dark-faced man with a scar on his right cheek asked. "Nothing much, just staying for the night before leaving," Kui Tuo said as he stroked his full beard, looking puzzled. He had received an order from the hall master, Zhang Ye, as soon as he woke up in the morning. He was to bring more than ten people to stay in Big Willow Tree Village for a night. He wasn''t told to chop anyone or collect protection money, and he was told to be careful and pay attention to safety. He had been reminded for half an hour before being allowed to leave. It left him utterly confused to this day. "There won''t be anything wrong with this village, will there?" Another man with a long face said worriedly from behind. "I heard that a few days ago, a lot of people at Tianqi Hall died mysteriously." "It''s said that they all went to some very strange places." Upon hearing this, a tension gripped everyone, and they stood at the village entrance, scrutinizing the village interior. Under the big willow tree at the village entrance, five or six elderly people were leisurely gathering to play chess and chat. Seven or eight snotty-nosed kids were playing around them. Your next chapter awaits on m v|l--novelhall.net One of the children, wearing a patched shirt and bare-bottomed, walked over to a little pile of soft mud, lifted the hem of his shirt, and began to urinate. Before he could finish, a chubby child rushed over, grabbed the wet mud from the ground, and ran off. While still urinating, the bare-bottomed kid shouted at the chubby one, "Dog Egg, come back! It isn''t soaked through, it won''t mold properly!" Kui Tuo and his brawny men: "..." What could possibly be strange about this broken village! "It really won''t mold properly," the man with the scar said, as though he had experience with the matter. This comment instantly drew sidelong glances, and the men looked at the scar-faced man with a weird expression. "Was it indeed not sufficiently soaked?" The man with the scar said defensively. Kui Tuo: "..." What kind of player is this?! Why are you studying peeing and molding mud for no reason?! It seemed the commotion at the village entrance had caught the attention of the urinating child, who looked over at the men, bewildered. Kui Tuo grinned at the child, his full beard making him look quite fierce and scary, immediately making the little boy cry. "Haha! Let''s enter the village!" ... "Good sirs, have you come to our village for some matter?" an emaciated old man at the village entrance asked as he clasped his hands together. "Just passing through," Kui Tuo said casually: "Where can we stay the night?" Kui Tuo brought the meat up to his nose again and couldn''t help but praise, "It''s almost as good as Brother Chen''s cooking." As he said this, he was about to put the meat in his mouth. But he suddenly stopped. He took a closer sniff of the roasted goat leg, "Why does it smell so much like Brother Chen''s cooking?" He had tasted Chen Mu''s roasted goat leg. It was streets ahead of anything from Sihai Tower. That''s why he had shamelessly kept going back for more meals. After all, he was paying for meals, so of course it was more worth it to eat the delicious food at Brother Chen''s place. But how could Brother Chen have possibly come here to this run-down village suburb to roast meat for him? At that thought, his mind suddenly cleared, as if a black cloth covering his eyes had been abruptly removed. Only then did he feel something on his chest heating up in waves. He suddenly remembered that he and his men had camped and roasted meat more than once, but scar-faced had never lifted a finger before! How could he suddenly have such high cooking skills? He looked up in puzzlement, only to find that over ten of his men were now silently staring at him with the same smile. "Helmsman... eat," said the scar-faced man with the small curved knife, looking friendly and affable. Kui Tuo''s whole body stiffened, and his scalp exploded. The object on his chest suddenly became burning hot, as if it were a red-hot branding iron! "I''ve been holding in a piss and it''s killing me, you guys eat first, I''m gonna go relieve myself!" he said as he quickly rushed out of the Land God Temple. After running seven or eight meters away, he couldn''t help but look back. He saw over ten men lined up at the entrance of the Land God Temple, staring at him expressionlessly. Kui Tuo immediately got goosebumps all over his body. Too damn creepy! Through the gaps between the legs of several men, Kui Tuo caught another glimpse of the pile of dry bones by the fire. But he realized that what he had thought was a slick sheep''s head was actually the bloody head of scar-faced man!? But when he looked intently again, the bones on the ground had disappeared without a trace! "F*ck!" Kui Tuo turned and ran for his life! ... In Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Jie Jia leisurely picked up a slice of tender boiled fish with his chopsticks, "Body Protection Aura comes from the activation of the bloodline." "Impervious to swords and guns, nothing can break it. Although hard to control, it''s even tougher than Shell Soul." Chen Mu immediately envied, drooling. Soul Strength was already impervious to weapons, and the Body Protection Aura was even stronger than Shell Soul? Children of noble families really are blessed by their ancestors with good fortune. Chapter 88: Chapter 88 Spiritual Light ``` "Nobles'' offspring, do they not run amok throughout the world?" Chen Mu sighed helplessly. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain could break through Spiritual Light, but the consumption was too great. Just two exertions last night had left him drained. If Sikou Yu had held on a bit longer, his death would have been certain. Even with a Magic Artifact, it''s like this. What chance would other Jianghu people have against a noble''s son? "It''s nothing special," Jie Jia said indifferently. "It''s not like I haven''t killed one before." Chen Mu: "..." Look at how capable you think you are! So, you''ve killed nobles'' sons, right? Your lord here just killed one last night! .net Thus, Chen Mu also said with an air of nonchalance, "Indeed, it''s not much." Jie Jia gave Chen Mu a sidelong glance. Chen Mu remained unmoved, feeling incredibly satisfied inside. No explanation necessary! I am not one to boast vainly. Not like this old man, constantly bragging with outdated stories. ... After the meal, Chen Mu hung lanterns in the pavilion, lit the Insect Repellent, and poured two cups of digestion-aiding herbal tea to cut the grease. He handed one cup to Jie Jia and continued to ask for advice, "What should I do if I encounter a Body Protection Aura?" Since I''ve paid the money, I might as well ask everything clearly. Jie Jia took a sip of the tea and glanced at Chen Mu: "Didn''t you say it was nothing special?" Chen Mu said indifferently, "Right. I just want to know how useless they actually are." Jie Jia: "..." After a moment, he simply said, "If you can''t run, then just wait for death." "Isn''t there any way at all?" Chen Mu asked without annoyance. "Not even the Shell Soul?" Jie Jia shook his head. "Spiritual Light is a transformation of Soul Strength, and it''s stronger than Soul Strength." "Can you use a bowl of water to smash a bowl of ice?" "If you encounter it, just run fast. A slight touch and you are done for." "So only a Magic Artifact can break through Spiritual Light?" Chen Mu pondered. Jie Jia''s eyes rolled, and glancing at Chen Mu, he asked, "Can your Ebony Wood Sleeve Sword be the same as the Forged Iron one?" Chen Mu was startled, then realized, Magic Artifacts also have levels of quality. Whether it can break through depends on trying it out. "No wonder," Chen Mu murmured. That Sikou Yu always acted superior, looking at him as if he were an ant, constantly chiding those of lower status. Upon reflection, the offspring of nobles really are like a different species from commoners. Just the protection of a young noble''s Body Protection Aura can wear down an expert with the Shell Soul. "Decades of hard practice can''t compare to being born in the right family," Chen Mu lamented. "It''s a world that truly breeds despair..." Every time he went out, he would change his appearance, and he would make slight adjustments even at home. Even the face Jie Jia saw on a daily basis had changed from the original Chen Mu''s. "I still need to refine the Shape-shifting Technique further," Chen Mu glanced at the Proficiency level. Shape-shifting Technique: 4940/10000/First Rank; He never practiced it deliberately, just pondering in his spare time and covertly changing his appearance when meeting people. Unknowingly, the Shape-shifting Technique had already progressed halfway. Considering the extensive search in Nanyang Prefecture City, Chen Mu decided to stay indoors. Jie Jia could disregard the scions of influential families as if they were nothing. Others clearly could not. As for Chen Mu, the virtual nobody, he definitely could not. Otherwise, Sikou Yu wouldn''t have been so arrogant and prideful. Apart from a few individuals like Jie Jia, scions of influential families really could dominate the world. If it weren''t for the internal turmoil in Da Liang, Nanyang Prefecture would be one of the few stable places. Right now, Chen Mu would be fleeing in the middle of the night. "Better to hide at home for a while." "I just won''t be able to see Miss Yu Tao." "Forget it, safety comes first." "Unless the Shape-shifting Technique breaks through to First Rank, I shouldn''t go out." ... Dawn, Da Liu Village. Kui Tuo, his eyes bloodshot and in a wretched state, rushed out of the village entrance. His hair in disarray, his clothes covered with streaks of white salt stainsa result of sweat-soaked garments. He had run around the village for the entire night! No matter how fast he ran, he couldn''t find a way out. Each time, he would end up back at the Land God Temple''s gate. His more than ten subordinates just stood at the entrance, warmly inviting him in for barbecue. If it weren''t for the burning heat on his chest that kept him alert, he would have been dead by now. He reached into his chest and pulled out a brown leather scroll as wide as a palm and as thick as a thumb. He untied the thin hemp rope that bound the scroll and unrolled it. On the brown leather scroll, there were numerous red dots like stars, with silk threads connecting them. At first glance, it seemed like a dynamic pattern. It was something that the gang leader Zhang Ye had given him yesterday morning. At that time, the drawing on the scroll was red as blood, but now it had faded to just a faint watermark. Looking up at Da Liu Village. Without knowing when, five or six old men appeared under the willow tree, fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans and playing chess. Seven or eight bare-bottomed kids were playing nearby. The scene was exactly the same as yesterdayKui Tuo felt a chill up his spine at the sight. Evil spirits! Kui Tuo suddenly noticed a figure. The child he had frightened into tears yesterday was now facing away from him, peeing and playing in the mud. As if sensing his gaze, the child''s head abruptly rotated 180 degrees, continuing to pee while cracking a wide smile at him. Kui Tuo: "..." Fuck! Chapter 89 The Wind Rises ``` Ten miles away from the big willow tree village, on a small hillside. Nearly a thousand people were stationed around the hillside. White simple tents densely covered the slope. Inside one of the tents, a fierce argument suddenly erupted. Kui Tuo''s face was flushed with anger, his thick beard unable to hide it: "Are you sending me to my death?!" He glared at Zhang Ye furiously, wishing he could beat the crap out of this bastard if he had been able to. "Take it easy, take it easy." Zhang Ye quickly sidled up to Kui Tuo to carefully placate him. This was one of the few capable generals under his command; he couldn''t afford to fall out with him. "If I really wanted to harm you, would I give you something as precious as a Zuming Talisman?" Zhang Ye looked at the dull-colored scroll in his hand with a pained expression. "It was the higher-ups who ordered me to send someone, I had no choice." Zhang Ye showed a bitter face. He felt so useless as a hall master. Constantly pressured by those above and disrespected by those below, he was aggrieved every day. Kui Tuo''s expression softened slightly, still shaken by the thought of last night: "Were those things evil spirits?" "Yes." Zhang Ye didn''t conceal it: "Our mission this time is to eradicate the evil spirits to ensure the peace..." Kui Tuo''s eyes, big as copper bells, stared at Zhang Ye. "We''re a bunch of Jianghu scoundrels from the grey areas, and you''re talking to me about peace and safety for the people?" "That''s what they say from above." Zhang Ye shrugged helplessly. "So we are just cannon fodder?" Kui Tuo was simple-minded but not stupid. He thought of how the Startling Swan Gang had been recruiting generously with incredible offers of reward, and all this time, they were being led to their doom! "Not entirely. This mission is actually about training guts and troops." "The other halls suffered losses, but not as big." "We just got unlucky and ran into a strong one." Zhang Ye''s face turned sour. It wasn''t bad luck. They had been set up with a formidable target. Fortunately, he was cautious and had given Kui Tuo a Zuming Talisman in advance to drive away evil and avoid calamity. Otherwise, he might have lost his general right there. "For the sake of everyone''s lives, we''ll have to diligently practice the Sand Gathering Formation when we return." Zhang Ye emphatically reminded him: "That''s our only hope of survival." Kui Tuo''s face turned unsightly, showing a desire to retreat. "Don''t even think about running; you can''t escape." Zhang Ye''s face was as grim as if at a funeral. He had thought about fleeing as soon as he learned the truth. But he held back. Waiting to see if others would attempt to run first. Indeed, some Jianghu solo practitioners had been scared witless and ran away overnight. The next morning, he saw more than a dozen mummified corpses. Sikou Qing, with not a blink, nonchalantly spoke of giving them a grand burial and compensation, and then it was all forgotten. Zhang Ye would bet that this was definitely related to the seventh young lady of the family. After that, several more cases of mummified corpses occurred, and those daring to flee instantly became less. "Just train obediently. Take advantage of the fact that we haven''t encountered the big one yet." Zhang Ye''s bitterness was evident. "No way, even if it breaks the bank, I have to buy a few more Zuming Talismans!" He did not want to be the next one granted a grand burial and compensation. ... In Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Zhuo Yinghai felt bitter inside. Without allowing self-protection measures and sending people directly to their deathswho would agree to do that? "Envoy, after all, we are here to train the troops. If the losses are too heavy, it will be difficult to recruit later," Zhuo Yinghai tentatively advised. "It doesn''t matter if a few die. I''m just worried it might delay the Envoy''s important matters." "Hmm," Sikou Qing nodded noncommittally, then asked, "How many Monster Level evil spirits have we found to date?" "Counting Daliushu Village, there are about seven," Zhuo Yinghai breathed a sigh of relief, having managed to talk his way out of it. Every encounter with a Monster Level meant almost certain death for those who entered. These seven Monster Level evil spirits had swallowed nearly a hundred lives! If it weren''t for Sikou Qing''s strange Secret Technique that tagged everyone, making deserters die one by one, the camp down the mountain would have emptied long ago! He himself wanted to run! "Pause the probing. Starting tomorrow, use these seven evil spirits to practice the Sand Gathering Formation," Sikou Qing ordered. "Yes!" Zhuo Yinghai exhaled with relief. They would finally not be sent to their deaths in vain. The Sand Gathering Formation could gather and amplify Qi and Blood, temporarily restraining evil spirits. As long as it was operated correctly and reactions were swift, there would at least not be senseless deaths like now. At this moment, an energetic maid suddenly burst in. Zhuo Yinghai quickly took a step back to make space. This person was from the Shangshi Family and was Sikou Qing''s trusted maid and guard Qi Tingman. At a young age, she had achieved great success in Shape Cultivation, not to be underestimated. She was currently holding a gray feathered hawk in her hand and quickly walked up to Sikou Qing. Your next read is at m v|l-e''-novelhall.net "Miss, Gang Leader Jin has sent a hawk message; it must be something important!" Qi Tingman untied the small bamboo tube from the hawk''s ankle and respectfully handed it to Sikou Qing. Sikou Qing nodded, took it, and opened it. After reading, the killing intent in her eyes surged violently. A flash of dark energy whisked across her face for an instant. Zhuo Yinghai immediately felt an overwhelming pressure and couldn''t help stepping back two steps, his back instantly drenched in sweat. "The audacity!" Sikou Qing couldn''t help but shout in anger, her eyebrows inverted, "Is Jin Wuduan tired of living?!" "Miss?" Qi Tingman hesitated; she had never seen her mistress lose composure like this. "Yu''er might have been killed," Sikou Qing said with a grim face. Not only that, but a child who might possess Daoist Bone was also missing! That was a Thousand Mechanism Token which had just slipped through her fingers. Sikou Qing was so annoyed she almost crushed her silver teeth! "Tingman, take your people and leave with me at once!" After speaking, she immediately strode out of the tent. "Zhuo Yinghai, lead the rest and follow; you can start the journey back to Nanyang." "Yes!" Everyone responded respectfully. Watching Sikou Qing''s fading silhouette, Zhuo Yinghai took a deep breath. "Finally, no need to mess with the evil spirits and send ourselves to death." He was scared too. What if one day he was thrown into the den of evil spirits? "Sikou Yu, that wastrel of a young master, is dead?" A trace of schadenfreude crossed Zhuo Yinghai''s heart. Always so high and mighty; now he''d taken a tumble, hadn''t he? The waters of Nanyang Prefecture ran deep! Chapter 90: Chapter 90 Search Time flew by, and more than twenty days passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu stayed at home all day, grinding his proficiency. With the foundation of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique advanced by leaps and bounds. Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 6025/10000/Third Rank; "In just over half a month, I should be able to complete the Marrow Transformation." He casually threw a handful of medicated bait into the small pond, watching with satisfaction as the fish scrambled for it. Previously, for practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, he almost fished the waters dry. The density of live fish in the nearby river sections had drastically decreased due to his baiting. Now, finally, they were recovering. "It''s a pity they''re of no use now." "Maybe I should prepare some more Fasting Pills," Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully. He had stockpiled two cellars'' worth of wheat, unafraid of such a small loss. Fasting Pills are preservative and long-lasting. It''s good to prepare more, and if the day comes when I need to leave Nanyang, I can just up and leave. ... In the pavilion, Jie Jia''s hands, busy rolling silver beads, couldn''t help but stop. He glanced at Chen Mu, who was shaping rice balls, "You''re not thinking of running away again, are you?" "Yeah, yeah," Chen Mu said with a troubled face, "Just look outside, they''re searching all day long, I don''t even dare to step out the door." "Did you kill the person?" Jie Jia asked skeptically. "If I had that ability, would I be hiding at home all day?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes naturally. Jie Jia squinted his eyes, sizing up Chen Mu, and after a long while, he finally looked away, "What are you afraid of then?" "That was a member of a noble family! As you said, they''re always overbearing. What if one day they come to trouble me?" Chen Mu looked worried. "Look at the commotion in the city. The County Government Office, hoodlums, thugs, from top to bottom, everyone''s getting involved. I''m just an ordinary commoner; if such a huge beast comes after me, is there any way to survive?" An ordinary commoner? Jie Jia''s eyes moved, and glancing at Chen Mu, he said indifferently, "They won''t trouble you." "Why?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "You''re not worth it." Chen Mu: "..." Jie Jia glanced sideways: "After all, an ordinary commoner, right..." Chen Mu: "..." Are you still here making sarcastic remarks? Don''t you know how serious the situation is?! Now the whole city is plastered with wanted posters! They''re all about Cheng Yi... hmm, alright, this blame is indeed a bit too big to bear. What else could Chen Mu do? He could only say... well done! "Even if you wanted to run, there''s nowhere to run," Jie Jia said calmly. "Da Liang is in chaos with Ghosts rampaging, Nanyang City is one of the few places of peace." "Do you really think about setting sail to the sea?" Chen Mu''s eyes brightened, it didn''t seem too bad to find a deserted island to live on. Maybe he could even play the part of a notorious villain like Huang Laoxie. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and shook his head, "The sea is even more dangerous. If you''re not afraid of death, you can go." Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, alright then, better stay honest and keep to the house. Snap! The man''s neck broke like a cucumber under the burly man''s grip. The skinny man looked at the burly man in disbelief. I clearly wrote it out for you... ... "Really, all sorts of demons and monsters are coming out of the woodwork," a middle-aged man with a complexion white as jade suddenly appeared atop the wall, shaking his head and sighing as he looked at the burly man. "I didn''t expect that while searching house to house for fugitives, I would end up finding you, the demon ape Tu Shan." "It''s you!" Tu Shan glared at the middle-aged man. "Recognized me?" the middle-aged man said with a light smile. "That year, when we were closing in on you, you managed to land a punch on me by chance." "I''ve trained hard for ten years, and I''ve long wanted to return that punch." "I say, let''s do it today," the middle-aged man declared proudly. Tu Shan''s expression turned dark as he stared at the other, "You''re the one who sent that skinny monkey to my place. So... who are you exactly?" The middle-aged man: "..." I''ve been talking to you for so long, and you still don''t know who I am?! "You damn..." Bang! Like a bouncing ball, the middle-aged man was immediately hurled away. Tu Shan shaded his forehead, watching the flying figure and earnestly said, "Cursing is wrong." Then he walked out the gate with ease, looking at the heavily armed hundreds of soldiers with shields, swords, and crossbows, ready for battle in the streets and alleyways. He broke into a wide smile, his white teeth gleaming menacingly. ... Half a quarter hour later. Sikou Qing, swift as an arrow, reached Ningren District. Hundreds of soldiers lay on the ground wailing, limbs and body parts strewn about. The entire street looked as if splashed with a coat of red paint. Broken shields, cracked swords, and snapped bows were everywhere. "It''s the demon ape Tu Shan!" Qi Tingman approached and whispered, "Should we inform the family to capture him?" "With the deadline approaching, these monsters are all coming out," Sikou Qing frowned slightly and shook her head, "No need to bother. That''s a problem for the Zhou family, it doesn''t concern our Sikou Family." "Could it have been him?" Qi Tingman asked hesitantly. "No," Sikou Qing shook her head and pointed at the bloody street, "When Tu Shan strikes, he never bothers to hide it." Qi Tingman''s face twitched. Who would have thought that within Nanyang Prefecture, such a killing god would be hidden? Years ago, he killed several direct descendants of the Zhou family and was hunted by all the great families. It was hard to believe that after so many years, he was still alive and well. "Miss, the waters of Nanyang Prefecture are too deep..." Qi Tingman felt uneasy, thinking that if another fierce person were to emerge, it would be troubling. "Continue the search," Sikou Qing commanded decisively. Cheng Yi must be killed, and that boy must be captured. The search must not only continue, but the efforts must be increased! With so much time having passed, the matter of the Daoist Bone boy might have already reached those with ulterior motives! She must gain the upper hand! Chapter 91: Chapter 91 Guard City Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Early in the morning, Chen Mu was startled awake by the banging on the door. Ghosts in paper form quickly appeared in the large willow tree outside the door. More than a dozen impatient officers stood at the entrance. "Has there been an issue with Sikou Yu?" Chen Mu''s mind tightened. But looking at those few officers, they were just ordinary people who practiced some boxing, not like a team that came to arrest someone. Chen Mu quickly went to open the door. "Gentleman Officials, having to start work so early in the morning must be tough," said Chen Mu with a beaming smile as he slipped the leading officer some silver pieces and warmly welcomed them into his home. In his sleeve, his right hand gripped a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds, subtly glancing over the expressions of the officers. If there was even a hint of trouble, he was ready to take them down immediately. "Stranger from outside? What''s your name? Where are you from? Why did you come here?" the leading government official asked, pinching the silver pieces, his expression now easeful. "I am Chen Jia from Liangpu County. With the chaos of war outside making it unsafe, didn''t I just sell my property and flee to Nanyang?" Chen Mu smoothly recited the new identity Jie Jia had prepared for him. "You''re not hiding anyone in your house, are you?" A few officials stared at Chen Mu. "Hiding people? No, not at all," Chen Mu replied, shaking his head in feigned confusion. "Let''s take a look inside!" commanded the head officer with a nod of his head. Two young officials quickly rushed into the room. They meticulously checked every corner before coming out. The silver had done its job. The officials rummaged through boxes and drawers in their search but did not recklessly destroy or toss the contents around. "Boss, there''s only evidence of one person living here." The head officer nodded, "Come, take a look at these two individuals." As he spoke, he pulled out a double portrait from his chest. The picture depicted two people, a middle-aged daoist and a seven- or eight-year-old daoist boy. "If you see these two, report immediately to the prefecture city''s government office. There will be a substantial reward, understand?" Chen Mu acted as if he was committing the faces to memory, nodding repeatedly. The officers then hurriedly left to check the next household. The ghostly paper figure hid inside the big willow tree, watching the officials knock on every door. Even if a door was locked, someone would jump in to inspect. Chen Mu frowned tightly, "Is the search always this rigorous?" ... Five days later, after waving off another group of unfamiliar officers, a glint of worry flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. More than a month had passed, and the search efforts in Nanyang Prefecture not only hadn''t slowed but seemed to be intensifying. It appeared that even Zhu Yi Pavilion was involved behind the scenes. "Is Sikou Yu that important?" Chen Mu felt there was something amiss. "Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, Marrow Transformation, this is true transformation," he said. Chen Mu suspected that his body''s structure was no longer the same as that of an ordinary person. "This is probably the true essence of the Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu had a moment of enlightenment. Humans have their limits. ... In the evening, Chen Mu prepared a large table full of dishes. Jie Jia, holding a white handkerchief, meticulously wiped the utensils, glanced at the table filled with delicacies, and asked confidently, "Something on your mind?" "Just trying to find out which places around here are safer," Chen Mu said with a smile. Since coming to this world, Chen Mu either stayed at home or was on his way to stay at home. He was familiar only with the area where he lived, and everything else was a mystery to him. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with complicated eyes: "I have never seen anyone as, how should I put it... composed as you." "Not composed enough, still not enough," Chen Mu said modestly. You''re already competing with a tortoise, and you think you''re not composed enough? Jie Jia ignored Chen Mu''s comment. "Da Liang is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation. Nowhere is safe. Even if you run out of the country, out to sea, it''s still not safe." "Right now, Nanyang Prefecture is considered the safest place." "Nanyang Prefecture is the safest?" Chen Mu sneered, "If it''s so safe, why does Qingshan County keep suffering from disasters and calamities?" The fog on the day they left was peculiarly eerie, with those ignorant of it dying. On the way, they even encountered a long-haired woman. If this is what''s considered safe, how do people in the heartland of Da Liang survive? "Head south," Jie Jia finally advised. "About sixty li to the south, there''s a Guard City belonging to Nanyang Prefecture, and it''s reachable in one day by following the river." "If you''re afraid of being swept up in searches and being implicated, you can go there to hide for a while." Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. The Guard City was good. Not far from Nanyang Prefecture City, and if there really was a problem with the Evil-warding Artifact, he could seek help from Nanyang at any time. Plus, there were no search events triggered by Sikou Yu. It was perfect for finding some peace and quiet. ... Having made a decision, Chen Mu began preparations. He hadn''t given up the residences surrounding Shanglin Neighborhood; he still planned to return once the commotion subsided. With the evil spirits causing trouble outside, the evil-warding power of a large city like Nanyang Prefecture City was more reassuring. Food, Silver Coin, and medicinal materials for practice were all in the Five Ghosts Bag, so there was no need to prepare for that. He mainly prepared for the Shape-shifting Technique. Shape-shifting Technique: 6060/10000/First Rank; "When traveling, it''s safer to change my face," he reasoned. Chapter 92 Checkpoint In the year 640 of Da Liang, it was October 9th. Chen Mu slung a small cloth pack on his back, locked his door, and left Shanglin Neighborhood, heading for Jian''an Gate, east of the city. He went through two more searchesthe government officials who came to his door were increasingly irritable, smashing many things, and silver was of no use. Chen Mu worried and nearly thought of giving gifts to those few officials. After much thought, he still restrained himself. In the end, he decided to head to Lijiang Guard City as soon as possible to get away from this nest of trouble. ... The gates of Nanyang Prefecture City were shut tight, with only the An''ding Gate to the south and the Jian''an Gate to the north open. There were also checkpoints set up along Luo River, intercepting and inspecting passing boats. Near Jian''an Gate, Chen Mu encountered many people with their belongings on their backs, leading their families out of the city. The extensive search uncovered many evil spirits and demons, causing chaos and affecting the civilians. The officials also used the search as an excuse to oppress and extort the people. Many chose to temporarily flee to the surrounding countryside to avoid disaster. Chen Mu blended with the crowd, appearing nothing more than a weak and ordinary scholar. He moved forward while surveying the throng. There were those leaving the city, bewildered and anxious with their belongings on their backs. There were those entering the city, carrying burdens of vegetables and grains to sell. And there were several burly Jianghu folks, likely recruited by the ongoing efforts of the Startling Swan Gang and the Tangshan Army. "Who knows how many will survive," Chen Mu murmured silently. Wicked and dangerous; death and injury were bound to be severe. "But the bait is too enticing," he reflected. Wealth, power, beauties, cultivation techniques, secret medicines; there''s always something suited for you. Even Chen Mu couldn''t suppress his own excitement. ... The line was long, and the inspection slow; it took half an hour before it was Chen Mu''s turn. The gate soldiers questioned his origin, name, and the purpose of his departure from the city in detail. Learning he was from Liangpu County, an old soldier even specifically inquired about the positions of market districts within the county and the names of various grain and oil shops. It took a good while before they let him pass. "Thankfully, Jie Jia provided sufficient identity information," he thought. Even the splendid carriages of some major families were stopped. If there were women among the occupants, several middle-aged women would be specially assigned to board the vehicle and check. "Leaving Nanyang Prefecture was the right decision," Chen Mu felt a lingering fear. If the search continued, sooner or later he would have problems. ... Stepping out of the city gate tunnel, Chen Mu realized the line did not disperse and, looking up, saw that there were still two more checkpoints outside the city gate. One belonged to the city guards, mainly inspecting people entering the city. The other was set three hundred meters from the city gate. The other person deliberately lowered their voice, whispering to a companion. Others might not hear, but Chen Mu, with his sharp ears and eyes, heard the voice as if it were right next to him. "I''ve racked my brains to change my appearance, all for nothing," lamented the owner of the lively voice. Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn back, glancing over at two people about five or six meters away. Two young male scholars who clearly looked like girls. Racking your brains? Cross-dressing? Heh... One with a melon seed-shaped face, phoenix eyes, a small turned-up nose, fair skin. Clearly a bright young girl at first glance. The other one was even more absurd, with such a thin body yet such developed pectoral musclesno burly brother could achieve such a physique! The owner of the lively voice was precisely this "burly brother." Next to him, the phoenix-eyed companion patted him, consoling with a magnetic, husky, clearly male voice, "Relax, he might not see through it." Explore more adventures at m,v l''-novelhall.net Chen Mu: "..." Phoenix eyes and it''s a guy?! What a twist in the human world! "Xing Lao Liu''s family has been coroners for generations, expert at examining people''s bones. Even the best face-changing technique can''t evade his discerning eyes." "Last year, there was a flower-picking thief who disguised himself as a woman, infiltrated various women''s organizations unnoticed, marking his targets and causing much harm." "It was said that the thief could adjust the flesh on his face, thin or plump, and was known as the ''Man of a Thousand Faces.'' "It was Xing Lao Liu who noticed the discrepancy in the man''s facial bones and muscles and caught him for interrogation, leading to his arrest." "How could my little trick get past him?" said the burly brother, full of dejection. Initially, he had been planning to sneak to the Tangshan Camp to find his brother. But as soon as he left the city gates, his plan started to fall apart. Examining bones? The flower-picking thief? Could that thief be the master of the ''Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method''? Chen Mu''s heart clenched, and he quickly looked up. At the front of the queue, there stood an emaciated old man with a goat beard, accompanied by two burly men, scrutinizing each passerby. The man''s eyes were sharp and ice-cold, like the blade of a knife. "Oh crap!" If his adjusted muscles were found inconsistent with his bones, once discovered... "It looks like I''ll have to revert to my true face," Chen Mu thought with annoyance. He immediately lifted his sleeve to cover his face, slowly tweaking his muscles. Halfway through, he saw a young man step out of the checkpoint''s wooden shed looking solemnly into the crowd. Two meters tall, agile, dressed in white, with a face as flawless as white jade. Zuo Sheng?! Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Recognizing Being stared at by Zuo Sheng, he dared not reveal his true face. He had encountered Zuo Sheng the night he killed Lin Que. It was hard to ensure that Zuo Sheng didn''t have suspicions. The search in Nanyang City was getting stricter, and everyone was on edge. Could Chen Mu appear without Zuo Sheng turning a blind eye? Zuo Sheng seemed to notice Chen Mu''s gaze and immediately turned to look over. Chen Mu raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead, naturally avoiding the other''s gaze. "I can''t expose my true face." The serious, goat-bearded old man ahead was inspecting each person without a smile. As the distance to Chen Mu kept closing in. Return to the city immediately? No, that would be even more conspicuous. Run? Chen Mu glanced at Zuo Sheng out of the corner of his eye and shook his head secretly. Escaping from Zuo Sheng''s pursuit would expose his whereabouts, leading to a chase from multiple parties, which would be even worse. Chen Mu felt anxious, and his gaze towards the goat-bearded old man started to look unfriendly. The old man had a keen eye, able to spot anyone using Face-changing Technique at a glance. In this short time, had he actually identified a habitual thief disguising himself? Watching the man approach within seven or eight meters, Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. "I must not let this old man find me out!" Three low syllables softly spilled from his mouth, and the Five Ghosts Bag was opened. A pellet-sized black smoke silently emerged inside the old man''s sleeve. Within the Five Ghosts Bag, odorless and colorless Mesmerizing Divine Smoke churned ceaselessly. Just as he was about to release it, Chen Mu suddenly stopped. "No good!" "Blatantly knocking this person out, I and the few people nearby will all become suspects, and I might be caught right away!" At this moment, from not too far behind, the voice of Wrench Brother came again. "The Tangshan Camp is filled with rough men, what''s there to have fun with." "Hunting. Let my brother take us hunting!" Bluster Brother said enthusiastically. "As a commander of the army, he''s busy training and commanding troops all day, where does he have time to go hunting with you," Wrench Brother argued. Then he longingly added, "We might as well go to the Peony Pavilion. I heard they got a new type of fragrance. It''s not a powder or granules but a liquid like water. A single drop can make a person smell good all day." "You dare put on makeup? Aren''t you afraid of being beaten to death by your big sister at home?!" Bluster Brother retorted without words. Wrench Brother was full of regret: "She''s a proper lady at home, yet all day she''s dancing with knives and guns, making our family lose all its face!" Bluster Brother laughed, "You, the young master of Bai Family, dress in drag and wear makeup all day, isn''t that a disgrace?" Wrench Brother said with amazement, "But I am a woman, what disgrace is there in that?" "The future husband and wife turned out to be sisters? What sin did I commit in my past life," Bluster Brother lamented, "We had an agreement, on the wedding day I must be the one with the red veil. You can''t expect me to marry you, right?" Wrench Brother was silent for a long while, then shyly said, "That''s not exactly impossible." Chen Mu: "..." My ears! If not for Zuo Sheng''s vigilant gaze and the goat-bearded old man''s threatening presence, Chen Mu would have loved nothing more than to run away. These two clowns behind him are just too damned irritating! "Since you are merciless, then don''t blame me for being unjust!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth and stamped his foot. Chen Mu: "..." "What are you dithering for? Come here!" the mountain goat-bearded old man shouted at Chen Mu, blowing his beard and staring. Alas... Lin Que murdered for wealth, Sikou Yu regarded human life as grass. If it weren''t for these two pressing me relentlessly, how would I, a harmless homebody, ever provoke them? With their arrogant and domineering dispositions, who knows how many died by their hands for no reason. I did nothing wrong by killing them; these two deserved to die! Chen Mu exhaled deeply. Under the wide sleeves, a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds appeared in the palm of his left hand. Enjoy new tales from m-v l''-novelhall.net On his right forearm, a Sleeve Sword appeared alongside the black smoke. These people were so eager to search for the criminal, what is this? This is abetting a tyrant! Those two people were the chief culprits harming others; you folks are downright accomplices! Chen Mu took big strides towards the mountain goat-bearded man. "A confrontation is inevitable after all!" "What are you pushing for? What if you let the criminal escape?" "Such a vicious person, if he escapes justice, who knows how many will suffer." "By then you would be an accomplice!" "And you call yourself a scholar!" The mountain goat-bearded old man blew his beard and glared at Chen Mu with rage. "Hurry up and scram! Don''t be an eyesore in front of me!" Chen Mu: "..." "Ahahaha... You''re absolutely right, sir!" Chen Mu nodded and bowed, then turned and walked away. Isn''t it supposed to be a penetrating gaze? Isn''t it supposed to recognize the Face-changing Technique? Is this it? ... With Zuo Sheng maintaining order, the chaos that had come quickly also dispersed quickly. The two young masters and mistresses who had secretly left home were also carried into the wooden shack to be checked. Zuo Sheng frowned as he watched the scholar walk away, always feeling that the figure''s back was somewhat familiar. Especially the way he walked, there was always this sense of de?ja? vu. "Is there something wrong with that scholar?" Zuo Sheng walked over and asked Xing Lao Liu. "No problem." Xing Lao Liu was quite confident, "Unless he reshaped his bones and flesh to completely change his face. If it''s just a simple rearrangement of skin, it absolutely won''t fool my eyes." He then let out a low chuckle, "Just now during the commotion, I singled out someone who looked like an easy target to scare some sense into this crowd, and they settled down." Zuo Sheng nodded noncommittally. As he turned to leave, he couldn''t help but take another glance at the figure shrinking into the distance. Suddenly, he shuddered. "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique?!" No wonder he looked familiar! This figure, this silhouette, and that familiar agile walk... Chen Mu! Chapter 94: Chapter 94 Pursuit Zuo Sheng''s heart skipped a beat as he stared wide-eyed ahead, only to find that the figure had already disappeared. "Never mind, it''s not important anymore." "The urgent matter at hand is to catch Cheng Yi quickly." This was the reason he came to the checkpoint. He knew Cheng Yi. Zhang Ye was also dragged into the mix by him, with Xing Laoliu''s apprentice stationed at the South City''s Anding Gate. "Better not to complicate things unnecessarily." His own cheap senior brother was a tough nut to crack. As he turned around, he suddenly froze, his expression turning sour as he looked at Xing Laoliu, "You said that as long as it isn''t bone shaving and facial modification, you guys can spot any other face-changing technique?" "Yeah," Goat Beard replied, puzzled. Heh... ... "What''s the matter, Hall Master Zuo, did you run into an acquaintance?" Zhuo Rufeng sidled up quietly, a playfully mocking look on his face. Zuo Sheng glared at the bemused Xing Laoliu and then cast a sideways glance at Zhuo Rufeng, "Whether it''s someone I know, don''t you already know that?" To deal with him, the Zhuo father and son had spared no effort in investigating his social connections. "That''s hard to say, what if it''s an old acquaintance from Qingshan County?" Zhuo Rufeng said meaningfully, "Just like that little Taoist boy, Cheng Ming." Zuo Sheng''s complexion changed. Cheng Ming had accompanied Zuo Family''s caravan to Nanyang. Had it not been for his master''s mediation, he would have surely been implicated. "Should I remind the envoy to check on Cheng Ming''s fellow travelers more thoroughly?" Zhuo Rufeng''s eyes gleamed maliciously. Zuo Sheng''s face immediately turned unsightly. He turned and stomped off with a flick of his sleeves. "Heh heh..." Zhuo Rufeng couldn''t help but laugh outright. "Was that person just now really no trouble?" Zhuo Rufeng glanced at Xing Laoliu. "No...probably not," Xing Laoliu was made to doubt himself by their exchange. "Is there a problem or not!" Zhuo Rufeng snapped impatiently. "So, there is...no problem?" Xing Laoliu ventured tentatively. "Are you asking me or am I asking you?!" "Then there''s no problem!" "Hmph!" Zhuo Rufeng glared at Xing Laoliu. "Maybe we really should check on Cheng Ming''s companions," Zhuo Rufeng mused thoughtfully. Severe torture can turn no problem into a problem. Just the slightest connection to Zuo Sheng would be enough for this master and apprentice to suffer. Zhuo Rufeng''s eyes suddenly brightened. "Du Huaibai and Bai Miaojin come from a prominent Nanyang family; they can''t be touched." "Zhang Ye? The guy with the dumb luck." "Seems there''s also a horse carriage driver, a silver-booted guard, heh..." "It''s him!" Zhuo Rufeng decided, once again looking mockingly towards Zuo Sheng. When you''re my prisoner, let''s see how I''ll deal with you. "I''m from Liangpu County, not Qingshan..." Chen Mu tried to speak up once again, but was cut off yet again. "And another thing," Zhuo Rufeng placed a hand on his waist and pointed to the sky as he paced back and forth. "Zuo Sheng and Zhang Ye''s sudden defense of the checkpoint wasn''t to capture people, but to secretly let people go!" "You, Chen Mu, who was let out of the city, are the proof!" "I''m really not Chen..." Chen Mu said with a face full of grievance, trying to convince the other party. "I''m downright a genius!" "Jin Wuduan shields the mole, Zuo Sheng secretly releases the criminal, you''re doomed! Both master and apprentice are doomed! Ha ha..." As he spoke, Zhuo Rufeng suddenly stopped, turned his head to look menacingly at Chen Mu, and slowly drew up the corners of his mouth, revealing an excited, sinister smile: "You''ll cooperate with me, won''t you?" Chen Mu opened his mouth. "It''s a pity, you''ve made the wrong decision," Zhuo Rufeng said with a disappointed look on his face. Chen Mu: "..." "I am truly sorry, but I really am Chen Jia," Chen Mu said earnestly, suppressing his impulses. Zhuo Rufeng chuckled lightly: "Who cares?" "Don''t blame me, I only want to catch the culprit." "Is it really good for you to twist right and wrong like this?" Chen Mu sighed. "Not content? Save it for when you meet the King of Hell," Zhuo Rufeng said indifferently. "Someone once told me about the treacherousness of the world, but I didn''t believe them," Chen Mu said, his head drooping in disappointment. "But it turns out, I harbored no ill will towards others, yet others harbored ill intent towards me," he murmured with his head down. "The world is treacherous; not a single good person!" He looked up at Zhuo Rufeng. "If the world only offers me malice, then I can only repay it with a sharp knife," he lifted his foot and walked towards Zhuo Rufeng. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Zhuo Rufeng frowned. "Killing the wicked is the way to protect the good," Chen Mu suddenly had a realization: "To kill to protect life, to cut down karma, not people... I see." Zhuo Rufeng sneered: "I didn''t expect him to be crazy." "Alright, just come along quietly with me. It might spare you some pain..." Pfft! Find your next read on m_v l|e-novelhall.net A mist of red fog suddenly exploded from Zhuo Rufeng''s mouth and nose. Zhuo Rufeng''s scalp tingled immediately, and he backpedaled while holding his breath. Yet, he still felt dizzy and disoriented. But he had only taken one step back. Shick! The tip of a grey sword pierced through his chest from the front. Zhuo Rufeng looked down at the sword tip emerging from his chest in disbelief. Struggling, he turned his head only to see that, without knowing when, Chen Mu had already calmly arrived next to him. "You..." "You were right, I am Chen Mu." Zhuo Rufeng: "..." Chapter 95: Chapter 95 Stability Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District east of the city. In a small courtyard with a single entrance, Chen Mu grabbed a wooden stake about four to five meters long and as thick as a bowl with one hand. He gently thrust the sharpened end into the ground, and the stake sank more than a meter into the earth as easily as a plastic fork piercing a cake. Following the same method, he buried four posts. Then he constructed a supporting crossbar on top, laid out straw mats, and securely tied them. A simple wooden and straw cool pavilion was completed. Chen Mu moved the rocking chair and low table he had just bought into the pavilion, comfortably lying on it. "Comfortable." This was after he had been in Lijiang Guard City for half a month. Renting a house, buying furniture, digging an underground chamber, stockpiling suppliesafter a series of busy tasks, today was the first day he had some leisure time. "Good thing I left early." He had met that person on the way, and in order to deal with Zuo Sheng, had resorted to desperate measures. If he had continued to stay in the city, anyone related to Cheng Ming and Zuo Sheng would have been drawn into the maelstrom. "Small cities are better, after all." He had also been familiarizing himself with Lijiang Guard City in the past few days. Lijiang City might seem small, but in reality, it wasn''t much different from Qingshan County. But it wasn''t large either; among the four guard cities in Nanyang Prefecture, Lijiang Guard City was the smallest. Moreover, because it was located at the southernmost tip of Da Liang, far away from the heartland of the Central Plains, it wasn''t very prosperous. "I''ve made it all the way to the southernmost part; this should grant me some peace and quiet, right?" Chen Mu slowly sipped his cool tea. Although it was already October, it was still hot here: "I wonder if there''s a magic artifact to cool the air." ... Nanyang Prefecture City was prosperous, but living there didn''t provide peace of mind. With major powers spread throughout, any small action could lead to trouble. It was far more comfortable to stay in a smaller city. "The Blue-eyed Golden Ape has completed the Marrow Transformation. It''s time to consider the Breathing Method." The completion of Marrow Transformation meant the Shape Cultivation Technique had been perfected. The next step was to comprehend the Divine Intent Diagram, engrave it in one''s mind, and then continuously supplement nutrition, hoping for the day when Soul Strength would emerge. Ordinary people, at this stage, couldn''t see any clear path. They might cultivate their soul for decades without any success. That''s why they were desperately seeking the Dragon Transformation Pill, falling right into the traps set by the noble families, making these monstrous powers grow even larger. "Luckily, I have proficiency." He began pondering a brand-new Breathing Method. This was an insight gained from the experience with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. The Soul Nourishing Stage emphasized the Divine Intent Diagram. But the Divine Intent Diagram was abstruse and difficult to understand. Senior practitioners would have comprehensions recorded in manuals, suggesting repeatedly practicing the Shape Cultivation Technique, gradually experiencing breakthroughs like water dripping on stone, and then one would be able to master the Divine Intent Diagram. However, Shape Cultivation Technique was too physically demanding, limiting the number of practice sessions each day. A brand-new Breathing Method was different. All you needed was a place to sit and practice. Once familiar, it could even be integrated into every movement. And as long as it was slightly matched with whole-body muscle control, the effects were as good as the complete cultivation technique. "Such a commotion, he definitely made a move. Who knows what the outcome was." Chen Mu perked up his ears and listened carefully. "What you''re saying isn''t right; how could a person have such abilities? They say it was evil spirits causing trouble!" "One of the demons was three meters tall, its body like cast iron, with claws bigger than cattail fans, and a breath that could kill a person." "There was another that could emit a strange cry like the striking of a bronze bell, rendering anyone who heard it unconscious immediately." "In the end, a pure and fair fairy descended from the heavens and killed the harmful demons." "Don''t be so skeptical; many people saw that fairy, riding down from the sky on a mighty eagle." "With a wave of her hand, she cast down celestial fire and burnt the demon to death." Chen Mu: "..." Well, street rumors are just that unreliable. Demons? Fairies? Celestial fire? Heh... even more fantastic than the tales told by the storytellers. "If only Jie Jia were here," he thought. This killer who mixed in the underworld always had his ear to the ground. Unfortunately, he always wanted money. ... Back home, Chen Mu analyzed the news he had just heard. "The big search has definitely stopped." Almost three months had passed, and the case of Sikou Yu''s death had finally come to an end. At least, it had apparently ended on the surface. "Cheng Yi''s status is unknown; he might have been killed, or he might have escaped, but with the search stopped, the outcome is probably not good," Chen Mu speculated to himself. The grand families were lofty and untouchable, and to avenge Sikou Yu, they would never let the matter rest so easily. "Nanyang Prefecture City has settled down," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "It''s just rough for Taoist Cheng Yi," Chen Mu said with a look of sympathy. Should he return to Nanyang Prefecture? After pondering for a long while, Chen Mu still shook his head. "Living in Nanyang Prefecture is truly uncomfortable." Too bustling, always filled with a mix of dragons and snakes, you never know when a formidable character might leap out. "Although the Evil-warding Artifact is powerful, warding off natural disasters, the calamities brought by people are more robust and impossible to guard against." Chen Mu decided to stay in Lijiang City for a while longer. "After all, I have the Five Ghosts Bag, and I''m not afraid of the usual evil spirits." Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-novelhall.net Previously without a Magic Artifact to protect him, it was like walking naked in the icy, snow-covered wilderness, shivering every moment. He always wanted to hide in a safe place, which is why he went to Nanyang Prefecture City. Now that the Five Ghosts were ready, although he did not know their power, self-protection should be decent. "Might as well honestly brush up my Shape Cultivation Technique first." Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Thousand Mechanism Token Nanyang Prefecture, by the Jinshui River, Changrui Pier. Under the cover of night, the flagship of the Startling Swan Gang loomed like a giant island in the water, floating serenely on the surface of the river. Boom! A loud noise erupted as the side of a ship by the pier suddenly burst open, and river water gushed into the hull. The deck shattered violently, and two figures clad in black sprang out, clashing incessantly on the ship. With each impact, it sounded as though metal struck metal, creating a continuous buzzing noise. Jin Wuduan hunched his knees slightly, his right fist thrusting forward, left palm pressing downward slightly. "Secret Technique Returning Yuan Hand" A bulge the size of a fist abruptly protruded from his lower abdomen. It swiftly traveled upwards, through his chest and shoulder, and burrowed into his right arm. Whirr! His entire arm appeared as though it was a red-hot iron, black and red, radiating astonishing heat, and then suddenly expanded. Without hesitation, Jin Wuduan smashed his fist down, like a bronze hammer, the air itself bursting with a boom. Bang! Cheng Yi was like a badminton shuttlecock blasted away, smashing straight into the midst of the flagship. Jin Wuduan''s face was filled with murderous intent, as he bolted towards the cabin right after. Clang! A sound like a bell being struck emanated from the cabin. Jin Wuduan''s running figure momentarily stalled. Shaking his head vigorously to regain clarity, he looked up, only to find Cheng Yi''s figure had vanished. Yet Jin Wuduan did not dare to relax his vigilance, maintaining his Shell Soul covering his entire body, constantly surveying the pitch blackness of the night. "Master, are you alright?" Zuo Sheng quickly arrived at his side. "He should have left." Jin Wuduan breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew the possessed Shell Soul. Hiss! Like boiling water, his right arm suddenly emitted a large amount of steam. Jin Wuduan''s face turned pale. "The envoy hasn''t returned yet?" Zuo Sheng furrowed his brow and complained, "If he doesn''t come back soon, the Startling Swan Gang will be dispersed by Cheng Yi!" Jin Wuduan gave a wry smile and shook his head. Even if the Startling Swan Gang was annihilated, it wouldn''t compare to the loss of that little Daoist boy. That day they found Cheng Yi, Sikou Qing went all out to snatch Cheng Ming away. Cheng Yi was severely injured and fled. Sikou Qing didn''t have time to pursue Cheng Yi. He hurriedly took Cheng Ming and left. Jin Wuduan guessed that Sikou Qing was hiding the Daoist boy, waiting for the right moment. "Soon." Jin Wuduan said reassuringly. He couldn''t tell anyone about the information concerning that Daoist boy. If the news leaked, it would spell utter disaster. And to cover up that news, Sikou Qing would definitely come back to deal with Cheng Yi. They just needed to withstand Cheng Yi''s revenge for the time being. ... In the north of Nanyang Prefecture City, within an abandoned estate. Upon hearing this, Cheng Yi was taken aback, and his expression of resentment vanished immediately. He stood up, bowed respectfully, and said with a face full of embarrassment, "My home is indeed simple and lacks fine offerings for you, Uncle. I am extremely sorry." Watching Cheng Yi''s drastic change in attitude, Wu Yin couldn''t help but let out a light laugh. "Nephew, you should focus on healing. With our relationship, there''s no need for such formality," Wu Yin said cheerfully. "Uncle is magnanimous," Cheng Yi said with a solemn salute. Wu Yin laughed even more joyfully, "No need to be so formal. Every time there''s a centennial upheaval, when the world is in chaos and evil spirits emerge frequently, that''s when the Thousand Mechanism Token appears." "Where evil spirits are numerous, there lies the Thousand Mechanism Token." "That''s why the young mistress of that aristocratic family is taking control of the Startling Swan Gang, constantly recruiting manpower," Wu Yin explained. "She needs people to explore and seek out the Thousand Mechanism Token." "You could also look for it." Thinking of the changes in Nanyang Prefecture City over the past six months, Cheng Yi suddenly realized. It wasn''t just the Startling Swan Gangthe Tangshan Army and Zhu Yi Pavilion were also recruiting. They were all after the Thousand Mechanism Token! "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle!" Cheng Yi''s attitude became ever more sincere and respectful, "I will definitely repay your kindness in the future, Uncle!" Pointing at Cheng Yi, Wu Yin laughed heartily, "I just love this insincerity of yours... Hahaha!" Saying so, he turned, waved his hand dismissively, and left the room with a big laugh. This nephew is far too amusing! ... Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, engrossed in a book titled "Essentials of Orthopedics" that he held in his hands. He had spotted this ancient medical book a few days earlier while out for a walk, in a second-hand bookstore. The book talked about bone and physique correction and the methods and medications for treating bone injuries. Chen Mu found that reading this book not only improved his proficiency in Pharmaceutical Technique, but his Shapeshifting Technique seemed to improve as well. "No wonder it''s called the Shapeshifting Technique, it''s not just about working on the face." As his proficiency increased, he could now adjust his height slightly and also change his build within a certain range. "Starting with facial features, and now body shape, they really want me to become a man of a thousand faces," Chen Mu mused. Unfortunately, the reputation of such a ''man of a thousand faces'' was never good, either a flower-picking bandit or a deceitful villain. "I''m just doing it for self-defense, not anything else, heh heh..." He was just thinking about how he would play with changing his appearance in the future. His breathing paused slightly and a sudden enlightenment surged into his mind. His muscles twitched as if dancing, moving rhythmically with his breath; a light sound like the tinkling of spring water came from within his body. After a while, Chen Mu opened his eyes. He lifted his shirt to reveal his well-defined abdomen. A palm-wide, pitch-black band encircled his waist just below the navel. Chen Mu picked up a cup of herbal tea from beside him and sipped comfortably, "I''ve done it..." With his eyes closed slightly, the image of a vague shadow suddenly appeared in his mind. Bright silver spots floated around, with filaments connecting them, forming the Divine Intent Diagram of the Silver-Eyed Ape. Chapter 97: Chapter 97 Treasured Land Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District. The sound of sizzling stir-frying echoed in the courtyard, and the tantalizing aroma spread throughout. Chen Mu hummed a tune as he served up a plate of flavorful cured meat from the pot. After five months, he had finally mastered the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique to its peak. "No wonder those in Jianghu are so eager for the Dragon Transformation Pill, a poison that quenches thirst with poison," Chen Mu exclaimed with a sense of emotion, "Shape Cultivation is too difficult!" Bending down, he lifted his shirt. With a look of complex satisfaction from overcoming hardships, he gazed at the Soul Strength that encircled his abdomen like a belt. After affectionately taking another couple of glances, he picked up a shovel and began to stir the fine sand in another iron pot. Within the sand lay peanuts, the scorching fine sand slowly and evenly transferring heat to their interiors. Peanuts prepared this way were roasted so evenly, they were exceptionally fragrant and crisp. Chen Mu stared at the iron spatula in his hand, lost in thought. "Soul Strength... impervious to blades and spears, huh." Tossing aside the spatula, Chen Mu formed his fingers into a blade. He plunged them into the scalding fine sand with a plop. His hands, covered in Jet Black Soul Strength, felt the sand''s searing heat distinctly. Flip, flip, flip... Flip, flip, flip... I flipped vigorously! When he pulled his hands out to look, they were white and tender! "Ha!" After stir-frying the peanuts, Chen Mu sat down at a low table beneath the wooden shed. "In the future, I''ll stir-fry without a spatula and barbecue without a grill." "Old Jie probably won''t be able to stomach it." "OCD is so expensive to maintain!" "It''s a pity he''s not here. Haven''t seen him in a long time, kind of miss the old guy." Chen Mu joyfully stuffed a spicy and delicious piece of cured meat into his mouth. He picked up the special milk tea nearby and gulped it down in one go. "Refreshing!" ... The Startling Swan Gang''s flagship. "What conspiracy is Cheng Yi plotting?" Zuo Sheng wondered. Previously, Cheng Yi would come to cause trouble every day, sometimes even twice a day. He would go on a killing spree, incidentally destroy the Startling Swan''s large ship, and then quickly vanish. But for five consecutive days now, there had been not a whisper of activity. The more it was like this, the more Zuo Sheng felt jittery, afraid Cheng Yi would suddenly make a big move. "Has he given up?" Jin Wuduan frowned. "Could he really give up, given he could hide in a secluded Daoist temple in Qingshan County and secretly master Shell Soul without showing off at all? Such a patient nature," Zuo Sheng hesitated. Cheng Yi''s strength with Shell Soul, wielding a Magic Artifact, was almost equal to his master''s, which truly startled Zuo Sheng. Jin Wuduan was also puzzled, but he felt a sense of relief, "Actually, this is more advantageous for us." "When Seventh Miss returns, even if he reappears, we won''t be afraid." "I''ll practice both the Black Tiger and White Ape Shape Cultivation Techniques and see if I can speed up the accumulation of Soul Strength." He wished to develop his Shell Soul early. Jie Jia said that the Shell Soul could restrain Ghosts. Living in this world where evil spirits run rampant, Chen Mu always felt slightly insecure. Having his Shell Soul early would set his mind at ease. Taking out the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique from the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu browsed through it again. He had pondered over it several times before, and the variations in breathing and postures were already clear to him. Reviewing it was just to confirm one more time. "Indeed, it''s garbage." Chen Mu was somewhat disdainful. The Muscle Transformation Stage Breathing Method has only eighteen variations. There are many movements, thirty-six in total. Each one is expansive and requires a lot of effort. "This is the gap." Many of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape''s exercises are static, a slight tremor of the muscles is all you need. "The transformation principle relies more on physical strength training." Chen Mu felt the difference between high-end and low-end Shape Cultivation techniques. Putting away the book, Chen Mu started practicing the stances. With both Shape Cultivation techniques mastered, he was clear about adjusting his breathing and controlling his muscles. It took three attempts to enter the right state. Myriad insights flooded into his mind. Alternating between long and short breaths, the technique for exerting force in a reaching hand, the posture of leaping forward in a stride, the secrets of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique were laid bare. After a good while, Chen Mu halted his movements and brought out the grey wall. At the bottom, indeed, a new entry appeared. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -novelhall.net White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 136/10000/Second Rank; Chen Mu: "..." "Indeed, it''s garbage." Just getting started and it''s straight to Muscle Transformation! Feeling his body''s condition, only his arms'' muscles were slightly warm, showing traces of transformation. The increase in strength was minuscule, with just a slight enhancement in the explosive power of his arms. This indicated that the muscles involved in the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had already been covered by the previous two techniques. "Tsk..." "So much for the idea of stacking layers of armor." He had previously thought about stacking Shape Cultivation techniques, turning himself into a muscle-bound monster. "Indeed, there are limits to what a person can achieve." Chen Mu shook his head: "But though I can''t stack armor, I can still stack Soul Strength." Just relying on one Shape Cultivation Technique, who knows how long it would take. It''s just that the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique is too weak, Chen Mu was a bit worried about the size of the Soul Strength. "If the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique is like this, then what about the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique..." Chen Mu thought of that chickpea-sized Soul Strength under his foot. "I hope it''s not really the three lousy brothers." Chapter 98: Chapter 98 Aftermath Atop the Startling Swan Gang''s flagship, Jin Wuduan sat at the head. Zhuo Yinghai''s face grim, sat to the lower left, staring intently at the opposite Zuo Sheng, "Does your conscience really clear regarding Feng Er''s matter?" Zuo Sheng felt he could jump into Jinshui River and still not be able to clear his name. That bastard Zhang Ye had even sneaked to see him, saying he handled the affair too carelessly. "The day Brother Feng disappeared corresponded with an issue at the checkpoint. I was busy mediating and overwhelmed, so..." Zuo Sheng argued earnestly. On the contrary, the cheap senior brother just happened to leave Nanyang. And Zhuo Rufeng even paid special attention to Chen Mu because of his attitude. Heh... "Senior brother, you really are my benefactor! Leaving such a big mess for me to deal with as you departed." Zuo Sheng thought bitterly. "That day, I was first stationed at the checkpoint." "Later, due to knocking out the Shangguan family''s guard, I had no choice but to personally visit and return the young Miss of the Shangguan family and the Young Master of the Bai family to their homes." "After finishing, it was already evening, so I took my men back to the pier without any stops." "Many people were aware of my whereabouts during that period," Zuo Sheng explained with a helpless face. "The Shangguan family? The Nanyang Prefecture''s Shangguan Ji?" Zhuo Yinghai''s pupils shrank. Jin Wuduan showed a surprised expression as well. The matter unexpectedly involved Shangguan Ji, the number one expert of Nanyang Prefecture! "It was him," Zuo Sheng couldn''t help but become solemn. This person had been a dominant figure in Nanyang for twenty years. "Then who exactly poisoned my son?" Zhuo Yinghai''s thoughts were in turmoil. "It should be related to a scholar," Zuo Sheng''s eyes flickered, ultimately not revealing Chen Mu''s identity. Having dropped such a bomb with Cheng Yi was already troublesome enough. Saying more would serve no purpose. "A scholar?!" Zhuo Yinghai stared hard at Zuo Sheng. Zuo Sheng gestured with his hand, and a subordinate behind him quickly left, soon returning with an old man sporting a goat beard. "This man is called Xing Lao Liu, a coroner by family trade, skilled in scrutinizing people and bones, capable of revealing the Face-changing Technique." "That day I enlisted him to guard the checkpoint because a scholar seemed off." "Speak!" Zhuo Yinghai glared fiercely at Xing Lao Liu. The little old man with the goat beard trembled, not daring to hide anything. "Indeed, there was something wrong with the scholar''s face. From my understanding, he definitely underwent bone-cutting and flesh-filling modifications." "Why didn''t you say anything at the time?!" Zhuo Yinghai raged. Xing Lao Liu involuntarily shrank his neck: "To alter one''s appearance through bone-cutting and flesh-filling, the process is cruel and painful, taking at least two years." "And those who dare to use, those who can use such means are all individuals of extreme notoriety and bravery." "The person we were after wouldn''t have the time to undergo such modifications, and he''s much older than that scholar," he cautiously glanced at Zhuo Yinghai and cautiously said. Who would have thought that your curious son would follow him on his own initiative? Encountering such a ruthless figure, it would be strange if he didn''t meet with disaster! The environment was complex, but Chen Mu moved through it with ease, leaving behind afterimages due to his speed. His body contorted into unnatural positions, yet he always maintained his balance, without slowing down as he raced around the circle. After a while, Chen Mu leaped down from within the circle. Looking down at his black clothes, which bore no trace of the white dye, he said, "After a few more runs, I''ll need to add more obstacles." The Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was majorly accomplished, enhancing strength, speed, balance control, among other things, to varying degrees, especially the sense of body balance. With this aid, he could perform many movements that defied common sense, making his movement technique even more unpredictable and elusive. In a battle between masters, a hair''s breadth could mean the difference between life and death. "Only with an unpredictable movement technique can you escape more easily," Chen Mu said with satisfaction on his face. Chen Mu reflected on the hardships he had encountered along the way and was full of emotion, "I practice martial arts not to kill, but to save my own life." "Unfortunately, the world is treacherous, and villains and masters emerge one after another." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique increases speed while the Blue-eyed Golden Ape enhances balance, improving the ability to traverse rough mountain terrains and dense alleyways, which indirectly increases speed." "The faster you run, the longer you live." "Nanyang has many waters; I wonder if there''s a Shape Cultivation Method to improve underwater movement speed," Chen Mu noted to himself. Maybe in the future, I could try to find such a technique. These days, the progress of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was rapid, and Chen Mu estimated that in a little over twenty days, he could complete the Bone Transformation. "I hope that the Soul Strength that comes forth is a bit stronger," Chen Mu sighed. He no longer held out hope for the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique to transform the strength of his body. ... By the banks of the Jinshui River, at Lanhe Ferry. A middle-aged man in his forties was thrown to the ground, his nose bruised and his face swollen. "Have you seen this man?" Zhuo Yinghai said indifferently, pointing at a portrait. The portrait was corrected based on descriptions by Xing Lao Liu and painted by a well-known artist in the city. He even specially confirmed it with Zuo Sheng. "I have!" the ship''s captain nodded without hesitation. "Do you know the consequences of trying to fool me?" Zhuo Yinghai glanced at the man coldly. The middle-aged man cautiously glanced at the beast pattern on the other''s sleeve, "Tang Leader Zhuo, I''m a peripheral member of the Startling Swan Gang." Zhuo Yinghai looked surprised for a moment, then understood. Most people making a living on the Jinshui River were related to the Startling Swan Gang. "It''s easier if you''re one of us." Zhuo Yinghai nodded indifferently, "Go on." "This person went to Lijiang Guard City," the middle-aged man hesitated not a bit. "Lijiang Guard City..." Zhuo Yinghai''s expression was inscrutable. Chapter 99 Smuggled Goods Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District. Chen Mu had just finished practicing the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique and rested in the rocking chair under the pavilion. In his left hand, he held a wooden cup brimming with mixed milk tea, while his right index finger tapped the armrest of the rocking chair. A black spot the size of a fat soybean appeared on the back of his right hand. "Soul Strength is accumulating too slowly," Chen Mu shook his head. To enhance the speed of Soul cultivation, he ate a balanced diet of meat and vegetables daily, consuming a large amount of high-nutrition food specially prepared for easy absorption. During this period, he also took various soups and medicines that supplemented Vital Energy in precise amounts. Yet, after half a year had passed, the Soul Strength in the soles of his feet had increased by less than ten percent. Without close inspection, one could barely even notice a change! "Something''s not right," Chen Mu frowned. "Why does Soul Strength suddenly surge in a large amount at the moment of successful Shape Cultivation Technique?" "But the subsequent expansion requires nurturing it bit by bit." "The speed of their emergence is not the same!" Chen Mu''s eyes brightened. If he could understand the principle behind it, perhaps he could find a method to quickly cultivate his Shell Soul! He thought about it and then shook his head: "Better to keep practicing peacefully for now." The Shape Cultivation Technique has a history of an unknown number of years. If there truly were secret methods regarding this, one would have heard of them even if they were kept very hidden. "It''s a pity that old man Jie isn''t here," Chen Mu thought of the old man again. Although he was always after money, he certainly knew a lot. ... Lijiang Tower. Zhuo Yinghai stood by the window on the third floor, looking out over the vast Lijiang River. "Master Zhuo, long time no see!" A short, fat, dark-skinned, burly man in his forties walked into the private room laughing heartily. "Master Li," Zhuo Yinghai responded with a forced smile. This man was Li Jun, the chieftain of the Startling Swan Gang''s Overturning Sea Hall and one of the external chieftains stationed by the gang. "I heard that Feng''er had an accident?" Li Jun asked with concern. "That''s why I''m here," Zhuo Yinghai said gravely. Li Jun frowned deeply, "The culprit is in Lijiang Guard City? Do you have any information on their identity?" Zhuo Yinghai nodded, and an underling immediately took out a scroll and unfurled it. After a brief glance, Li Jun took it and passed it to his follower: "Investigate this person." "Thank you very much!" Zhuo Yinghai thanked him with a fist and palm salute. Li Jun waved his hand dismissively, "No need for such formalities. With our relationship, it''s the least I can do." "Rest assured. With the face I have in Lijiang City, both publicly and in the shadows, if this person comes to Lijiang Guard City, I will surely find them for you!" "Come to my place to settle down first, and once we have news of this person, I''ll accompany you to meet them," said Li Jun with a stern voice. Zhuo Yinghai thanked him again with a fist and palm salute. Yet, the results were disappointing. Just then, a subordinate dashed in with urgency, kneeling on one knee and saluting, "Hall Master, we''ve found him!" "Speak quickly!" Zhuo Yinghai jumped to his feet. He had thought it was searching for a needle in a haystack but had not expected an actual discovery. "The clerk from the County Government Office said that more than a month ago, a scholar named Chen Jia rented a house in Yongtong District." "His details were registered with the help of a clerk from the Xue Family trading office." "That person also hails from Liangpu County." Zhuo Yinghai''s face lit up with excitement. It matched the name, the place of origin, the timing; all matched! He was about to head to Yongtong District right away. But Li Jun hurriedly stopped him. "Even if we go, we can''t go now. Your condition is really not suitable," Li Jun said, looking at the bloodshot eyes of the other. "If that person is still there after more than a month, then he''ll continue to stay." "What you need to do is get a good night''s sleep and build up your strength. It also conveniently gives me time to gather experts for a decisive ambush." Zhuo Yinghai took a deep breath and stopped in his tracks, "You''re right. We can''t alert the prey. We need to build up our strength and strike decisively!" ... Yongtong District, Chen Residence. Chen Mu stared intently at the Divine Intent Diagram laid out on the long table. "Even the freehand drawing technique is not right," Chen Mu puzzled. He had thought that the Divine Intent Diagram, this kind of mysterious doodle, should emphasize spirit over form. So he changed his drawing technique. He himself felt he had done a good job, clearly expressing the vague, hazy, dynamic sensation. But the Proficiency didn''t increase at all. "This is getting more interesting," said Chen Mu, his interest piqued. The drawing ability originated from his earliest self-portraits. Proficiency improvement involves multiple aspects: drawing technique, paper, pigments. But the most important aspect is resemblance. This is related to Chen Mu''s initial intention behind drawing portraits. He wanted to create paintings that were as lifelike as three-dimensional photographs, the more realistic, the better. Hence, the drawing skill is linked to resemblance. The more the drawing resembled, the more Proficiency increased. "Could it be that my Divine Intent Diagram is a fake?!" Chen Mu felt his brain getting numb. "What''s the deal with the Divine Intent Diagram in the manual?" He immediately took out the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique and started to copy the chaotic pattern at the end of the manual. "It only increased by one point?" "Oh boy." "This is definitely a fake!" Chapter 100: Chapter 100 Return ``` The dead of night in Yongtong District was still and quiet. Dozens of dark figures split into five teams, swiftly surging into the alleyways. The people walked with moss ash in their shoe soles, landing silently. They moved without speaking a word, communicating solely through hand gestures. They resembled black ink injected into five twisting, slender glass tubes, with groups of people clad in black rapidly heading toward their target. Soon, they had a residence completely surrounded. Afar, on the rooftops lay five or six archers with strong bows at the ready. Bang! Zhuo Yinghai charged forward, leading the way and thundering towards the courtyard gate. The gray wooden gate instantly shattered. Zhuo Yinghai, not minding the wood chips and dust on his face and head, rushed into the house without hesitation. In no time, he stormed out of the room with a face full of anger. "No one?" Li Jun was surprised. He had made a special inquiry earlier, confirming that there were people coming and going from this residence. "Perhaps we are too late." "Or maybe, as the saying goes, ''the cunning rabbit has three burrows,'' and this place is just a decoy," Zhuo Yinghai suppressed his rage to calmly analyze. "This is troublesome," Li Jun frowned deeply. "Let it be, let''s go back," Zhuo Yinghai sighed heavily, his face filled with dejection. He thought back to the massive search a few months ago. All the forces big and small of Nanyang Prefecture had taken action together, and it was only because someone had tipped them off that they found Cheng Yi. He was just a hall master of the Startling Swan Gang and couldn''t mobilize the entire Lijiang Guard City. "It''s been troubling you recently, Hall Master Li. Let''s go back and have a couple of drinks," Zhuo Yinghai said bitterly. He felt that avenging his son was becoming an unattainable goal. The dozens of people who arrived quickly left just as rapidly, disappearing into the night. In the silence of the deep night, only the broken wooden gate and the messy courtyard remained. Two blocks away, on the roof of another residence, a wisp of black smoke slowly appeared against the night sky, with a little paper figure, looking solemnly at the chaotic residence in the distance. Two more streets away was the Chen Residence. Under the moonlight resembling watery light, Chen Mu picked up a piece of fragrant fried fish and stuffed it into his mouth. "There is indeed more trouble to come." He had gotten up in the middle of the night for a snack and, out of habit, sent out ghost paper figures to scout, never expecting to witness this scene. "Forget it, I''m used to it." After killing the small, the big ones come. Isn''t this just the standard routine of Jianghu? "To eradicate the roots?" Chen Mu sighed, "Jianghu really is a big dye vat." "The thought of ''eradicating the roots'' flows so smoothly through my mind, alas..." "The honest and kind me, am I really gone forever?" Chen Mu felt somewhat heavy-hearted. "It''s all this damned world''s fault!" ... In the deep of the night, as the crescent moon hung low in the west, the entire Lijiang Guard City had fallen into a deep slumber. Even the pleasure quarters had gradually lost their noise. Inside a residence with five courtyards, all was pitch black, the maids and servants had all retired to rest, with only one room in the inner house where candlelight flickered Zhuo Yinghai poured drink after drink into his mouth. Li Jun at his side kept comforting and persuading him. Mobilizing so much effort yet finding no one. Plus, he had his own home burglarized by a little thief, what an embarrassment! He had to accomplish something no matter what! "Forget it," Zhuo Yinghai sighed, "The little concubine at home gave birth, twins, two sons." Zhuo Yinghai suppressed the corners of his mouth from turning up. "One gone and here come two. Ah... let it be." "Rufeng was not well instructed by me, causing trouble with people he shouldn''t have messed with." "I have to properly educate these two young sons, cannot let them follow in Rufeng''s footsteps." "Old Li, does Lijiang Guard City have any local specialties? I''ll bring some back for my sons tomorrow." "Um... and also send something to Rufeng," Zhuo Yinghai earnestly looked at Li Jun. Li Jun: "..." Am I really supposed to congratulate you, or am I really supposed to urge you to mourn? You''re making me very confused! ... Hongde Wharf. Chen Mu, with a small bag on his back, boarded the passenger ship returning to Nanyang Prefecture City with light steps. It was the third day after the raid, and he decided to quietly leave Lijiang Guard City. "I am still that honest and kind-hearted good person," Chen Mu was very relieved that his heart hadn''t darkened. He actually went out that night, but his conscience overcome the negative influence of the wicked world. On the road, he encountered a desperate gambler. Seeing the poor man beaten up by debt collectors, he kindly gave him a map of a wealthy family''s residence. Hoping it would relieve the gambler''s urgent need and save his life. As for traps, encirclements, and ambuscades, Chen Mu said he had no clue whatsoever. "Good people really do receive good rewards," Chen Mu was very grateful to the gambler. ... After half a day of travel, the ship finally left Lijiang City well behind. Chen Mu stepped out of his cabin. His room was on the top level of the boat, at the bow, where there was a public observation deck. Chen Mu leisurely made his way to the observation deck, leaning on the railing to enjoy the serene river view. The light and cool breeze of the river made Chen Mu close his eyes in comfort. "The most dangerous place is actually the safest," he thought. "Everyone knows that Chen Jia came to Lijiang Guard City." "They would never expect Chen Jia to return to Nanyang Prefecture City." Chen Mu thought with pleasure. Suddenly, a sigh came from not far away. A sturdy, half-grey-haired old man in his fifties was leaning against the railing, looking out. Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn his head to look. "Young brother, are you also going to Nanyang Prefecture City?" the old man asked amiably. "It seems we''re travelling the same way," Chen Mu responded kindly. "Why do I find young brother somewhat familiar?" the old man wondered. Chen Mu also furrowed his brows slightly: "I have the same feeling." "Maybe you saw me somewhere," the old man thought and then felt relieved. "Maybe it''s because I have a common face," Chen Mu laughed in response. "I''m Zhuo Yinghai. What''s your honorable surname, young brother?" Zhuo Yinghai asked with a smile. "Oh, no need for formalities, my name is Mu Chen," Chen Mu replied with a smile. ``` Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Dark Heart Chen Mu hadn''t expected that, in his preparation to sneak back to Nanyang Prefecture City, he would end up on the same boat as Zhuo Yinghai. "Has he given up on catching me since he can''t find me?" Although Chen Mu wanted to turn around and leave, that would be too conspicuous. Instead, he pretended to be concerned and comforted the older man, "Elder sir, one should always look ahead. The river scenery is so beautiful, we shouldn''t let troubles disturb our good mood." "Thank you for your kind intentions, young brother," Zhuo Yinghai replied, bowing slightly in thanks, but his face remained filled with sorrow. He couldn''t help shaking his head and sighing, "The concubines at home have borne me more sons, and now there''s not enough inheritance to go around." Chen Mu: "..." "You really are a sword that hasn''t dulled with age," Chen Mu said with a forced smile. "Not as energetic as you young people," Zhuo Yinghai said, laughing and waving his hand dismissively. "You''re too modest, old sir. Judging by your attire, you must be extremely wealthy and noble. Even if they inherit a bit less, it''s more than enough for your descendants to live in wealth and honor for their lifetimes." Zhuo Yinghai immediately made a gesture of distress, "You don''t understand." "I have eleven sons and seven daughters, and beneath them, grandsons and granddaughters." "Although my granddaughters do not bear the Zhuo surname, they are still of my bloodline. I have to provide them a dowry as well. But I''ve just calculated and found that I can only give each of them ten shops, a thousand acres of paddy fields, and five small cargo ships that are thirty meters long each." Experience tales at m v|l--novelhall.net "If I grit my teeth, at the very most I can add two chests of jewelry." "It''s too shabby!" Zhuo Yinghai slammed the railing hard. Chen Mu: "..." My five thousand taels of silver wouldn''t even be enough to fill the gaps in your teeth, would they?! Is it too late for me to turn around and leave now? "It''s my fault for being useless, earning too little for the family," Zhuo Yinghai lamented. "When I become the gang leader, I must raise the dockage and protection fees. We can''t even afford to eat... " "I must take my leave!" Chen Mu immediately said, making a gesture of salute. This place is no longer bearable. "Ah, young brother, please don''t take offense. When people get old, they tend to ramble on," Zhuo Yinghai said with a face full of apologies, stopping Chen Mu. "Do you think I''m showing off my wealth?" Zhuo Yinghai asked with a smile. Chen Mu just smiled and said nothing. Zhuo Yinghai seemed to understand Chen Mu''s silence, "What I mentioned just now might appear to be considerable wealth to the common folk." "But you don''t know. For someone of my stature, earning more also means spending more." "Travel requires luxurious ships and carriages, clothes and jewelry must be exquisite, and even eating and drinking necessitate high standards." "I''m pained spending money on these things too. Wouldn''t it be better to save it and let it multiply? But to earn more money, I need to maintain appearances," Zhuo Yinghai said, his face expressing his feelings. Chen Mu nodded, "Why not rent these luxurious carriages and ships then?" "What do you mean?" Zhuo Yinghai looked puzzled. "Rent someone else''s, no need to buy," Chen Mu hinted meaningfully. "Even if you did buy them, you could still rent them out to others." "Smart thinking, young brother!" Zhuo Yinghai laughed, "I must have a drink with you." "Someone! Bring up the wine and dishes." Below deck on the pleasure boat, a man in a black tight suit acknowledged the command, walking solemnly up to the second floor with a serious face. He was carrying a red food box and strode towards the two men. The air roiled, and Chen Mu''s figure abruptly vanished. Hmm?! Zhuo Yinghai''s face changed as he swiftly lifted his right hand toward the sky. Clang! A sharp pain shot through the palm of his hand. Zhuo Yinghai looked up fiercely, only to find that Chen Mu had somehow ended up slanting on the ceiling, his Sleeve Sword striking out like a venomous snake. If he hadn''t reacted quickly, that strike would have pierced straight through his forehead. "Nice movement technique!" Zhuo Yinghai laughed boisterously. His right leg kicked out suddenly, the muscle-bound limb resembling a python''s tail, violently lashing out at Chen Mu suspended in mid-air. Thump! The wooden ceiling was instantly shattered by that airborne kick. Then his legs spun like wheels, unleashing a flurry of kicks in the air. It took only a few kicks for him to smash a large portion of the second floor of the building. Chen Mu had no choice but to dodge left and right in the narrow corridor, relying on his bizarre movement technique to narrowly avoid his opponent''s attacks. From time to time, he would thrust out the Sleeve Sword, aiming for the enemy''s vital points. The sounds of metal clashing were unending. "Just as I expected, not good enough." Chen Mu''s figure quickly retreated, widening the gap between them. Looking at the tip of the Sleeve Sword, dotted with blood, his face was full of solemnity. "A precious sword?!" Zhuo Yinghai''s eyes brightened as he noticed the dense specks of blood on his body. It was a precious sword capable of piercing through Soul Strength. "Give it to me!" Zhuo Yinghai''s hair and beard stood on end as he ferociously charged at Chen Mu. Chen Mu lowered his head, seemingly petrified, motionless. "I didn''t want to..." Three eerie syllables slipped out. Five tufts of black smoke silently emerged behind Zhuo Yinghai. "Why must you force me?" A surge of intense emotion, like a tidal wave, overwhelmed his mind. Chen Mu suddenly raised his head, thin threads of blood creeping into his eyes, his mouth agape, dribbles of saliva trailing down from the corners: "I''m hungry!" Whoom! The five swirls of black air spiraled and instantly burrowed into Zhuo Yinghai''s back. Zhuo Yinghai''s face still held the frenzy of battle, yet his chest inexplicably lacked a large chunk. With a plop, he fell in two pieces at Chen Mu''s feet. The black smoke, like a swarm of locusts, voraciously descended upon Zhuo Yinghai''s corpse. Chen Mu staggered back, his face pale as he leaned on the railing, murmuring to himself with a lost expression, "I didn''t want to kill." "Sigh...." "It seems he brought quite a few subordinates with him.... Hmm." "...." Chapter 102: Chapter 102 Spiritual Light Spell Nanyang Prefecture City, Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu walked calmly past the doorway, glancing at the weeping willow not far away which was becoming increasingly lush. After traversing five streets, he pushed open the gates of a two-courtyard residence. He had already been back in Nanyang Prefecture City for three days. New housing and furniture were all neatly arranged. "If only the Five Ghosts Bag were a bit bigger," Chen Mu complained. That way, he could carry his home with him wherever he went. Instead of having to buy a new set of pots and pans every time he moved. ... At dusk, as the sun set, Jie Jia arrived at the new courtyard on time. Chen Mu moved a weathered, paint-peeled square table from his room to the center of the courtyard to serve as the dining table. "You could move back to your previous residence," Jie Jia said, looking around. "What if someone comes looking there?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "You have a new identity," Jie Jia handed Chen Mu a thick envelope. Chen Mu pulled out the letter: "Ningliang County, Chen Yi? Isn''t this name a bit too casual?" Jie Jia, not even sparing Chen Mu a glance, proceeded to wipe the utensils with his customary white handkerchief. "Different name, different face, different height; you can move back there to live," Jie Jia insisted. This residence was spacious, too. But it clearly wasn''t as quaint and comfortable as the wooden loft courtyard. "The big search has stopped," Jie Jia thought for a moment before adding, "Both overtly and covertly, it has stopped." Chen Mu remained silent. Even if it had stopped, he dared not return. After what had happened with Zhuo Yinghai, his feud with the Startling Swan Gang was growing ever deeper. "What have you done now?" Jie Jia''s eyelids involuntarily rose a fraction. "Yeah, what have I done?" Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia, bewildered. Jie Jia''s amber eyes shifted, glancing at Chen Mu: "I see." Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be confused. You know what, you know! ... After dinner, Chen Mu diligently brewed tea for Jie Jia, bringing out five types of soft and sticky pastries copied from Xin Yuan Tea House. "Ask," Jie Jia said indifferently, sipping tea and nibbling pastries. "Heh heh!" Chen Mu rubbed his hands together: "I just want to know whether the Divine Intent Diagram of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique has been tampered with by the noble families." "No," Jie Jia replied impassively. "Then why do I feel like it''s incomplete?" Chen Mu did not believe him. "Illusion," Jie Jia remained unfazed. "It''s impossible for me to be mistaken," Chen Mu insisted, staring at Jie Jia. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said calmly, "Failing to cultivate is not the reason you should doubt the Divine Intent Diagram..." Buzz! Chen Mu grinned and waved his pitch-black right hand in front of Jie Jia. "The clans have it," Jie Jia said indifferently. "It''s the damn clans again!" Chen Mu cursed inwardly. These damn bastards have too many good things! He must find a way to get it! Chen Mu was itching with ambition. The Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Spell, ah, the ancestor of all Shape Cultivation Techniques. It must be incredibly precious. "Forget about it, you can''t cultivate it," Jie Jia glanced and knew what Chen Mu was thinking. "How do you know I can''t cultivate it?" Chen Mu was unconvinced. "You said it yourself, you''re just an ordinary person," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu: "..." "Only those who possess Daoist Bone can cultivate it; you should stop dreaming," Jie Jia said calmly, taking a sip of his tea. Damn it, Daoist Bone again? What in the world is this thing? Is it really that powerful? "No use talking more about it, just honestly cultivate your Soul Strength," Jie Jia said as he put down his chopsticks and stood up to leave. ... Chen Mu could only open his mouth in resignation. "I thought I had found a shortcut, but it ended up being a dead end," Chen Mu sighed. "I might as well keep grinding my Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu shrugged. Thinking about it, he had been in this world for two and a half years now. Officially practicing martial arts for almost two years. In two years, he had mastered two Shape Cultivation Techniques, and he was already more than halfway through the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. With nearly eighty years left until he turned one hundred, he could surely master eighty Shape Cultivation Techniques. With these eighty Wandering Souls as his foundation, he simply didn''t believe he couldn''t cultivate a Shell Soul. "I should start thinking about collecting Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. Eighty kinds, that''s not easy to find. The clans might have them, but they won''t just give them away for free. Sell one''s life for a Manual? Forget it... we''ll talk about it later, much later. ... Chen Mu re-entered the familiar and simple life of grinding at the Chen Residence. The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique smoothly completed the Bone Transformation and entered the Third Rank. This time, he didn''t grow taller, but his joints became more flexible, and his ligaments tougher. It was only his arm bones that seemed to become a bit thicker and harder, informing Chen Mu that he was indeed cultivating the Shape Cultivation Technique. "I really shouldn''t expect too much from these ordinary Shape Cultivation Techniques." The speed of Marrow Transformation was also astonishingly fast. Chen Mu estimated that in just over twenty more days, he would achieve great success in Marrow Transformation and officially begin cultivating the Soul. Altogether, it would be less than two months to reach major achievements in Shape Cultivation. "Such a small fry..." "It''s a pity I can''t cultivate the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Spell," Chen Mu lamented. That was when he realized, compared to the favored children of heaven, he was truly just an ordinary person. Chapter 103: Chapter 103 Turmoil By the Jinshui River, Changrui Dock. The Startling Swan Gang''s large ship was moored steadily at the dock, like a peninsula extending from the riverbank. Within Startling Swan Hall, atop the pavilion. Jin Wuduan listened to his subordinate''s report with an unpleasant expression. "Hall Master Zhuo, along with his entourage of over ten people, has vanished." "The ship they were on is more than half destroyed, docked midway along the riverbank." "The crew scattered, whereabouts unknown." Jin Wuduan slammed the table fiercely, "How audacious, to lay hands on a hall master of my Startling Swan Gang!" "Send the order down, search along the river, I must find Hall Master Zhuo. I want to see him alive, or his corpse if he is dead." "Also, notify Li Jun. This happened in his jurisdiction, if he doesn''t give me an explanation, he can forget about being the hall master of Lijiang!" "Yes!" The subordinate shivered as he lefthe had never seen the gang leader so furious. After everyone had left, Zuo Sheng hurriedly consoled, "Master, please calm down." "Whoever dared to lay hands on us, they must come from no ordinary background." "For instance, Zhu Yi Pavilion, or perhaps Cheng Yi..." Zuo Sheng said worriedly, "We must prepare for a full-scale assault from them." Their grudge with Zhu Yi Pavilion was not small. The conflict with Cheng Yi was equally significant. Jin Wuduan looked at Zuo Sheng with a complex expression. "Sheng Er, I truly want to retire and live out my days in peace; you don''t have to go to such lengths for me." Zuo Sheng was completely perplexed. "What have I done?" A look of relief appeared on Jin Wuduan''s face, "Exactly, you haven''t done a thing." "If anyone asks, insist even unto death that it was Zhu Yi Pavilion picking a fight, that it was Cheng Yi''s retaliation." "This matter has nothing to do with you." "Do you understand?" Jin Wuduan emphasized earnestly. Zuo Sheng: "..." It''s another misunderstanding! "I''ve been in seclusion practicing these past few days, I had no time to trouble Hall Master Zhuo." Zuo Sheng explained sincerely. Jin Wuduan''s expression changed, "Keep your voice down! Walls have ears!" He pricked up his ears and listened intently for a moment, confirming there was no one within ten meters, then he relaxed and a smile crossed his face, "Right, that''s the spirit. You haven''t done anything, got it?" Zuo Sheng felt like jumping into the river out of frustration. This really has nothing to do with me! "Right, right, that aggrieved expression is perfect! Keep it up!" Zuo Sheng: "..." ... It was because the old man was ruthless and merciless, better to kill wrongly than let go. It was almost inevitable that he would be retaliated against after death. "This is already the third batch, eh? Tsk tsk..." "The Zhuo family sure hit rock bottom. They lost both people and wealth. If the Startling Swan Gang hadn''t made an effort to catch the murderers, it would have been truly tragic." Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. No matter how great the family wealth or fame, once dead, everything vanishes. The descendants have to suffer along with it. "Staying alive is what''s important," Chen Mu was greatly enlightened. Chen Mu turned his head and walked towards Chunfeng Tower. It had been a long time since he''d seen Miss Yu Tao''s dancing, and he missed her. ... At seven or eight o''clock at night, with the lanterns just lit, the nightlife of Nanyang Prefecture was at its peak. But Chen Mu had already eaten his fill, and, going against the lively stream of people in South Market, ambled home at leisure. Passing by the north gate square, he faintly saw dark bloodstains on the execution platform and shook his head. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly paused, remembering the daytime gossip he''d overheard in the crowd. "Where did so many crazed bandits come from? Disregarding the Nanyang officials, and unafraid of the Startling Swan Gang, they targeted the Zhuo family so brazenly." Enjoy more content from m-v l''e|-novelhall.net "Hmm... Might there be something more to this affair?" The cool breeze blew, causing Chen Mu to shiver. "Perhaps someone had their eye on Zhuo Yinghai''s vast estate..." "What a dangerous world!" Chen Mu dared not think further and hurried home. ... The death of Zhuo Yinghai truly caused a stir. The Zhuo family suffered consecutive robberies. In the end, it was said that the Startling Swan Gang intervened, sending people for protection, which finally made those brutal bandits hold back, not daring to act rashly. Whether there were any secrets involved, Chen Mu felt it was too big a ''melon'' for him to ''eat,'' so he didn''t dare to inquire further. The incident arose quickly and subsided just as fast. It seemed that both the Startling Swan Gang and the Nanyang officials didn''t want to blow it out of proportion. They announced loud and clear their desire to avenge Zhuo Yinghai, to capture the murderers. But it was only the Startling Swan Gang that quietly gathered information. There wasn''t a massive search like the last time, and quickly everything quieted down. "It''s still the noble offspring who are the most valuable," Chen Mu said with a jolly expression. "The lighter the search, the safer for me." The small courtyard was clearly registered under Chen Jia''s name, yet from beginning to end, no one came to check it. However, it had been visited by burglars twice. One of them didn''t even manage to enter the yard before being paralyzed by fine needles on the wall. The other did manage to climb in, but the yard had already been swept clean by a Five Ghosts Bag, and in the end, he only managed to fish out a palm-sized grass carp from the pond and left with it. Chapter 104 Wonderful Once a person immerses themselves in something, they easily lose track of time. By the time he snapped back to reality, a new year had arrived. As the year''s end approached, Nanyang Prefecture became noticeably livelier. The number of people in the north and south markets surged, and the streets were decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with the festive atmosphere of the holidays. Chen Mu joined in on the fun for two days, trying a plethora of snacks, and then went back home to continue his habitual hermit-like existence. Every morning, upon waking up, Chen Mu would immediately check his proficiency. Just like in his previous life when he would reach for his phone as soon as he opened his eyes. Unlike the phone, which would immediately grab his attention, causing him to waste a lot of time watching videos and reading novels, the proficiency would urge him to get up quickly and start grinding experience. If it weren''t for the outside world being too dangerous, Chen Mu felt he could live a shut-in life with food and drink until the end of time. ... Under the eaves on the west side of the house, Chen Mu settled into a rocking chair. Beside him, on a low table, there were milk tea, clear water, and mung bean paste. Chen Mu occasionally helped himself to a piece of mung bean cake, contentedly enjoying the leisurely afternoon. In his left hand, black smoke coiled, and a goose-egg-sized porcelain bottle materialized. "What''s so special about the Dragon Transformation Pill?" Chen Mu pondered as he poured out a scarlet elixir, examining it closely in front of him. "Why can it quickly enhance Soul Strength?" After more than two years of martial arts practice, he clearly understood how difficult it was to cultivate Soul Strength. He had consumed a large amount of meat and medicinal supplements, but saw no significant increase in Soul Strength. Yet, the Dragon Transformation Pill could rapidly accumulate it. "Need to keep pondering this," Chen Mu habitually brought the pill up to his nose to smell it. He dared not taste it; he could only rely on his sense of smell to slowly identify the ingredients. He had been working on this task consistently, but progress was painfully slow. As the spicy scent hit his nostrils, several herbs came to mind. "Hmm... detected another one," Chen Mu said, satisfied as he put away the Dragon Transformation Pill. So far, he had identified thirteen of the ingredients. "Almost there," Chen Mu thought with a hint of anticipation. However, he didn''t plan to consume it himself. With unavoidable risks and the main ingredient, red palm, controlled by noble families, he couldn''t replicate it without raw materials. Chen Mu just wanted to understand the principle behind how this thing catalyzed Soul Strength. ... He put away the Dragon Transformation Pill and took a sip of water to rinse his mouth. After wiping his hands with a damp cloth from the low table, Chen Mu stood up and went to the east side of the house. There was a long table with a white paper as long as the table on top of it. After closing his eyes and pondering for a moment, he dipped his brush in ink, and a pattern made of dots and lines took shape. "Still just two proficiency points," Chen Mu grimaced. "If only drawing skills could conjure Spiritual Light Spells," he thought greedily. Regrettably, painting only increased painting proficiency. Overjoyed, Chen Mu stewed a pig''s elbow for himself early in the morning. "Who would have thought, who would have thought." "You little spicy chicken, you''ve actually evolved into a big turkey!" The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had taken so much effort, only to reward him with two soybeans. The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique went smoothly despite being constantly criticized, and it ended up rewarding him with two quail eggs?! "As for the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but look forward to it. He did not even bother to feel the changes in his Soul Strength; he completed the Black Tiger Tendon Transformation that very afternoon. ... In the South Market, on Chunfeng Tower, Fan Tower. The lights in the main hall were dim. On the central stage, the music was lively, and a beautiful Singer danced enchantingly. Below the stage, in a private booth, seven or eight robust Jianghu men were drinking and playing drinking games non-stop. An old man in his fifties with half-white hair and a lean figure sat in the middle, flanked by companions on both sides, thoroughly enjoying himself. They had all recently joined the Startling Swan Gang as individuals. The lean old man was the most powerful and the oldest among them, also serving as their immediate superior. "Old Ge, why did you choose to practice Shape Cultivation?" a short, stocky, muscular man asked, scratching his head in confusion. "With your years of Shape Cultivation, perhaps a few Dragon Transformation Pills down, and you''d achieve Marrow Transformation," he added. "Try a bit harder, get a few more Dragon Transformation Pills, and maybe you''ll be able to cultivate Soul Strength," the man continued. Old Ge happily sipped his sweet, fragrant fruit wine, "I''m getting old, and I don''t have the same ambitions as you youngsters." "Three Dragon Transformation Pills might allow me to achieve a major breakthrough in Marrow Transformation. But after all, we are outsiders. Even if we achieve Shape Cultivation mastery, at most we''d be made a Helmsman, and that''s as high as we could go. Moreover, it''d be the Helmsman who charges into battle and risks his life," Old Ge explained. "The Startling Swan Gang''s massive recruitment probably means they''re planning something dangerous. What would happen to my whole family if I were to die?" he pondered aloud. "Rather than that, it''s better to choose a higher-level Shape Cultivation Technique that can bless and benefit several generations," Old Ge said with contentment. The short stocky man immediately gave Old Ge a thumbs-up, praising him for his foresight. Yet, beneath his eyes flashed a hint of disdain. Why not use Dragon Transformation Pills to boost his strength and then make notable achievements? Then he could choose anything he wanted, couldn''t he? This old man had simply lost his drive to excel. Old Ge, experienced and shrewd, discerned the other''s thoughts but didn''t care. He had been young once too; who doesn''t have a competitive spirit? But the merits of the Startling Swan Gang weren''t so easy to earn, and one could lose their life if not careful. "This blockheaded youngster, I must find a way to throw him out." "Old Ge, could you give us an insight into the unique aspect of the Shape Cultivation Technique you''ve chosen?" the short stocky man asked with curiosity. This question immediately scratched Old Ge''s itch: "Heh heh, the Shape Cultivation Technique I''ve chosen is called White Jade Toad. This Breathing Method is complex and profound yet extremely easy to master," he boasted. "If the descendants follow this method for cultivation, at least they''ll find entry into it two parts easier," he said. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e''-novelhall.net "Everyone knows that the Breathing Method is the key to Shape Cultivation; the more detailed and varied it is, the stronger the effect," he explained. "Do you know how many variations the Marrow Transformation Breath Method of White Jade Toad has?" "One hundred and eight!" "Sss..." Everyone gasped in admiration: "Truly a superior technique." In a corner, Chen Mu, who had been eyeing Yu Tao''s perfect figure, couldn''t help but murmur, "Wonderful, indescribably wonderful..." Chapter 105: Chapter 105 White Jade Toad Nanyang Prefecture, near Jian''an Gate to the north of the city. In the dead of night, Old Ge hummed a tune, strolling leisurely towards home. Reaching a fork in the road, Old Ge squinted dazedly at the two paths before him. The main road was straight and wide but took him farther from home. The alleyway twisted and turned but promised a quicker arrival. On ordinary days, he spurned the alley for its narrowness and unevenness. Yet in the still of night, his tired eyelids battling, a thought circled his mind, and he turned into the alleyway. Under the bright moonlight, a trail of black smoke, like a ghostly fire, floated in his shadow, silently following him into the alley. ... Quarter of an hour later. Old Ge emerged from the alley and arrived at his front door, shivering involuntarily, his arms breaking out in goosebumps. "Getting old, even a bit of night chill is too much to handle," he muttered, rubbing his arms, then went inside. After a quick wash, he dove into bed and fell into a deep sleep. Just a street away, in a large tree, Chen Mu sighed in frustration, "The Shape Cultivation Technique is so crucial, and you don''t even glance at it before sleep?" "Be grateful, you''re lucky you encountered me," Chen Mu huffed. If it were any other transmigrator, you wouldn''t have made it out of that dark alley! "Never mind, there''s plenty of time ahead to find an opportunity," Chen Mu sighed and left his perch. ... An hour later, Old Ge, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly jolted awake. Without a sound, he got out of bed, crept out the door, and stealthily surveyed his surroundings from the rooftop. It took him a while to return to his room, exhaling deeply, "Perhaps I''m just seeing ghosts where there are none." On his way home, he couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. This intuition had kept him alive through many years in Jianghu, helping him amass his considerable fortune. "The older you get in Jianghu, the more cowardly you become... sigh," Old Ge shook his head, half in amusement. "Better safe than sorry." He went back inside, lit the oil lamp, and pried a green brick from the wall. Concealed within its hollow interior lay a cloth scroll no longer than a palm and as thick as an egg. Old Ge took the scroll to his long desk, unfolding it beneath the dim light to study intently. "Alas... If I had practiced the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, I would have mastered it a decade ago." "Such bad luck!" Old Ge grimaced silently. He himself was once considered extremely talented. Yet his life was squandered, stuck in the Marrow Transformation Stage due to limited Cultivation Technique resources. "Thankfully, my grandson has been given a higher starting point," Old Ge consoled himself. His son had mediocre talent and was a disappointment. But his grandson had inherited the familial aptitude for martial arts every other generation, coupled with the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique. As long as he patiently got through the accumulation phase, he would surely bring prosperity to the Ge family. Ge Elder: "..." "Fuck!" ... It took a while for Ge Elder to come to his senses. With a dejected expression, he prepared to pack up the Shape Cultivation Technique. Luckily, the person he ran into this time had some sense of morality. They didn''t kill him and didn''t directly take the Shape Cultivation Technique away. "Don''t think I''ll be grateful to you!" Ge Elder thought, grinding his teeth. This was the biggest loss he had ever suffered, his face red with anger. "I can''t stay here," Ge Elder decided, walking to the writing desk. If someone could steal from his house, continuing to live here was like courting death. "What''s this?" A chicken egg-sized porcelain bottle next to the scroll caught his attention. Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-novelhall.net Carefully pulling out the stopper, he used chopsticks to cautiously tip the contents out from a distance. Two scarlet pills the size of peanuts rolled out. "Why do these look so familiar? Can it be?! No way!" Ge Elder couldn''t care whether they were poisonous or not, and immediately picked them up to sniff. Dragon Transformation Pills?! No mistake! Were they left by the person who stole his Shape Cultivation Technique? "What''s this supposed to be? A handout? An insult? I will definitely not be grateful to you!" Ge Elder roared, his eyes bloodshot with fury. Without any obvious movement, he put the Dragon Transformation Pills back into the porcelain bottle and tucked it quietly into his chest. ... On the street ten meters away from Ge Elder''s home, there was a breakfast snack stall. Chen Mu leisurely savored some refreshing wontons, occasionally picking up a piece of crispy scallion pancake. "It''s unlikely that he''ll make a big deal out of it." Chen Mu noticed Ge Elder''s honest right hand. Chen Mu sighed in relief. After all, keeping the Dragon Transformation Pills served no purpose for him. Trading two of them for a well-crafted Shape Cultivation Technique was a very good deal. "I wonder if I could trade it with someone else," Chen Mu''s eyes brightened at the thought. Chen knew the Dragon Transformation Pills were harmful, but those people of Jianghu didn''t know they were a trap. He was suddenly tempted. But after some thought, he decided against it. "Jianghu is a dangerous place, fair trading isn''t easy," Chen Mu reluctantly shook his head. He indeed wished to trade the Dragon Transformation Pills for a Manual. But those ruthless Jianghu people might want more. For example... his life. "Now that I have another Shape Cultivation Technique, I might as well just focus on practicing," Chen Mu concluded. Chapter 106: Chapter 106 Essence Two days later, at night. .net In Nanyang Prefecture, Tongyun Square. Old Ge hurriedly had his dinner, bathed and changed clothes, then sat cross-legged on his bed. He took out a porcelain bottle, poured out a Dragon Transformation Pill, and looked at the crimson pill with a complex expression. "To eat, or to leave it for the family," Old Ge struggled with his thoughts. He was seventy-five years old, and had taken the risk to join the Startling Swan Gang for the welfare of his family. The Secret Medicine, the Dragon Transformation Pill, should be left to the family, left for the grandson. But... "What if I could cultivate Soul Strength?" Old Ge''s expression changed. "One pill!" Old Ge''s expression was resolute, "Just one pill!" Having made up his mind, Old Ge swallowed the crimson pill without hesitation. Before long, a stream of heat rose from his stomach and quickly spread throughout his body. As time passed, the heat did not subside, but instead grew stronger and stronger. His entire body began to emit white steam. Excruciating pain and an insane itch attacked his brain simultaneously. It was as if countless tiny hands were penetrating his body, constantly tearing apart his muscles and bones, and then healing them instantaneously. Thinking of the introduction to taking the Dragon Transformation Pill, Old Ge forced back a roar of pain, immediately jumped out of the bed and started to practice the Shape Cultivation Technique. Movements he could perform fluidly even when drunk now felt incredibly difficult. Every movement was like torture. An hour later, Old Ge collapsed on the ground, his eyes bloodshot, drool flowing unconsciously from the corner of his mouth, but his face was filled with a feverish smile, "Ha... ha ha... I''ve fully mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique!" ... Eight or nine meters away, inside a small courtyard. Chen Mu frowned and withdrew the paper ghost. "It seems to instantly complete the destruction and healing of the entire body''s tissues, and during the process, strengthen and transform the body." "Too bad, I still don''t understand why it has this effect." "Sigh... such loneliness watching." "I still have to ponder it." Chen Mu disappeared into the night. He had been observing the man for two days, finally sure that Old Ge had no intention of reporting to the Startling Swan Gang or of seeking revenge against him. "Seems like there''s no need to continue watching... huh... never mind, I''ll watch him for three more days." ... Time flies, and half a month passes in a blink. Chen Mu stayed at home as usual, grinding for proficiency. Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique: 9044/10000/Second Rank; "It won''t be long before I can cultivate the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu looked forward in anticipation. In order to increase proficiency faster, Chen Mu put off starting on the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique and focused solely on racking up the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique. "Taking Zhaodian Hong pollutes a person''s Essence, Qi, and Spirit, leading to muddled Soul Strength. It affects subsequent cultivation." "Living beings?" Chen Mu felt a sense of foreboding. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "It''s exactly what you''re thinking." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, "Humans?" "Close enough." Zhaodian Hong is refined from the living essence absorbed from a person? Chen Mu suddenly felt nauseated, thankful he hadn''t ingested any Zhaodian Hong. "The aristocratic families are that crazy?" Chen Mu''s heart was in turmoil. These damn bastards really do the unthinkable. The Dragon Transformation Pills were all supplied by them. Zhaodian Hong was refined by them. They truly didn''t value human life at all. Chen Mu couldn''t help but recall Sikou Yu''s superior attitude back then. They deserved to die! "It''s not just the aristocratic families involved in this," Jie Jia tucked into the sliced marinated beef, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. "Remember the great fog in Qingshan County?" "Don''t tell me..." Chen Mu suddenly felt chills run down his spine. Thank goodness for escaping in time. So the so-called earthquakes and fires that followed were someone''s doing. "Who was it?" "Qingfeng Observatory." Chen Mu: "..." Cheng Ming''s little daoist disciple and his sect had such ruthless people?! Did Cheng Yi know? "Too terrifying?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but shudder, "So the altar they were building back then was just a ruse?" Jie Jia nodded. "If Qingfeng Observatory has such a secret technique, it seems they''re no ordinary sect," Chen Mu mused. Jie Jia''s eyes danced as he glanced at Chen Mu, "If you wanted to, you could do it too." What does he mean? Chen Mu looked bewildered. "Many side-door magic artifacts have the function of extracting the essence of the Three Treasures Essence," Jie Jia said meaningfully, glancing at Chen Mu''s right arm. The Five Ghosts Bag?! Chen Mu was startled. He immediately thought of the devouring power of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. This was indeed possible! Wait, Jie Jia knew about the Five Ghosts Bag?! This old man wasn''t thinking of stealing it, was he? If it really came down to a fight, should I give it to him, or to him? "Quit making that face," Jie Jia snorted, "It''s just a Five Ghosts Bag." Chen Mu: "..." The old man really did know! Chapter 107: Chapter 107 Going North "You recognize the Five Ghosts Bag?" Chen Mu asked in surprise. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra is widely circulated," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was skeptical. "How come I''ve never heard of it?" Jie Jia gave Chen Mu a glance. "Just focus on nurturing your Soul Strength." Chen Mu had an embarrassed smile on his face; he was being dismissed for his lack of strength. However, his heart couldn''t help but stir. Could it be that behind this Jianghu, there existed some secret circles? Just as he was about to ask out of curiosity, he suddenly stopped himself. "What''s the use of knowing it? I haven''t cultivated my Shell Soul anyway," Chen Mu shook his head privately. Knowing too much made it easy for one to aim too high; it was better to practice diligently. ... After sending Jie Jia away, Chen Mu took out the Five Ghosts Bag and pondered. "The Five Ghosts Bag can refine the Three Treasures Essence?" Chen Mu wasn''t surprised in the slightest. The Five Ghosts Bag had always been somewhat sinister. Consuming flesh, swallowing people, billowing black smokeit was obviously not an item for the righteous. "Another malicious use doesn''t seem like a big deal," Chen Mu was very open-minded about it. If it''s useful and not harmful to oneself, what''s there to fear! "I''d better stick to practicing my Shape Cultivation Technique." After understanding the nature of the Dragon Transformation Pill and the Red Essence from the Hall of Reflection, Chen Mu lost interest in both. He didn''t plan on consuming them. "Better think about where to acquire more Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mu''s mind began to race. The appearance of Elder Ge had given Chen Mu some ideas. Those Jianghu hermits who, due to old age, began to consider the younger members of their clans, there must be more than one. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "I''ll have to investigate quietly." "So, I have to keep going to Chunfeng Tower." "Sigh... It''s all for the Shape Cultivation Technique. Necessary socializing and networking, can''t be helped." ... Half a month later, in the evening at Chunfeng Tower. Tangerine-yellow lanterns hung high and low, intermingled with red and green ribbons. Under the hazy luminescence, behind gauzy screens, laughter was endless. Chen Mu sauntered into the main hall on the first floor, as usual, took a seat in a corner booth, and adeptly ordered a table full of delicious food. Chen Mu took a big gulp of milk, wincingly waved away a beautiful lady who wanted to freeload a meal. Black smoke billowed at his feet, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man appeared, scattering through the shadows under the dim light. In the private rooms where the members of the Startling Swan Gang were dining, every one was under surveillance by the paper men. "Helmsman Kui, since you followed the envoy up north, could you tell us what we''re going to do there?" a skinny man with a little mole on his nose asked with a sycophantic smile. The men around him immediately chimed in. "I heard that there was quite a bit of death and injury last timedid we encounter a large band of strong bandits?" Kui Tuo raised his glass of wine and gulped it down. "Don''t even think about running," Kui Tuo said with a dark face hidden by his sideburns. "You can''t run away." "Can the Zuming Talisman really restrain evil spirits?" "It''s not the same sort of thing as the Evil-warding Talisman, is it?" "I need to ask Jie Jia about it." "If it''s real, no matter how expensive, I must buy it!" He already had the Five Ghosts Bag, but having one more trump card against Ghosts would give him more peace of mind. The news was useful to him. Unfortunately, it wasn''t what he was looking for. He still hadn''t found the right kind of client like Ge Lao. "No rush, keep looking." The Startling Swan Gang''s recruitment was still ongoing; the right candidate would come along eventually. ... Chen Mu had his fill of food and drink while the small teams of the Startling Swan Gang were still playing drinking games. The chat gradually shifted to the second and third floors of Chunfeng Tower. Finding the conversation uninteresting, Chen Mu stood up and left. The crescent moon hung in the sky, around 7 or 8 o''clock in his previous life. The night market near the Fanzu Tower in the North Market was bustling. The streetside restaurants and teahouses were brightly lit with storytelling, singing, chatting, and bantering. Experience more tales on m v|l e''-novelhall.net Street vendors set up their stalls in the light of the shops. Chen Mu also saw a scholar writing letters under the light of a lantern. More than two years ago, he had done this job for a few days. Seeing the simple attire and slightly troubled expression on his face, business seemed tough. Just like his predecessor when waiting for business, the memory seemed like yesterday, yet also so far in the past. His arrival had completely altered the life trajectory of this body. Though somewhat timid, it was still quite exciting. "My predecessor is probably satisfied," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. At least for now, he had no worries about food and drink and enjoyed life quite comfortably. He slipped into an alley, changed his appearance several times, and switched his clothes. Like a ghost, he walked comfortably yet solitary among the crowds, gradually disappearing into the night. ... Thinking of his future life plans, Chen Mu unwittingly arrived at Tongyun Fang. Looking up, he saw a narrow alley appear before him. On both sides were brick walls and gray-tiled houses; the ground was a dirt path full of pits, with green and yellow weeds growing at the foot of the walls. In the moonlight, at the end of the alley, a large banyan tree stood silently. "How did I end up at old Ge''s place again?" Chen Mu slapped his forehead in annoyance. "Must be habit," he thought. "Anyway, I''ve been keeping an intermittent watch on him for a month. Since I''m here, I might as well take another look." "Hmm... today should really be the last day. The old man is probably heading north as well." "I wonder if I''ll ever see him again," Chen Mu thought with regret. For ordinary people, facing Ghosts is truly not an easy life. Chapter 108 Warding Off Evil Tongyun Workshop, within Old Ge''s courtyard, a light glimmered like a bean. Old Ge sat at his desk with an unsightly expression on his face. A small porcelain bottle was placed in front of him. The bottle was empty... He couldn''t resist. The feeling of a sudden increase in strength was too tempting. "Forget it, the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique is still with me, and I''ve gotten two Dragon Transformation Pills for free, be content!" Old Ge comforted himself with a look of frustration on his face. Frowning and pondering for a long time, Old Ge finally gritted his teeth fiercely. "Damn it, I just can''t accept this!" Continue your adventure at m|v-l''e -novelhall.net He suddenly stood up, turned around, and pried out the hollow green brick from the wall. He took out two scrolls from inside. Placing one of the scrolls on the desk and unfurling it, Old Ge''s eyebrows knotted into a scowl, he held back and then finally addressed the air. "Ahem, this old man is seventy-five this year, my Shape Cultivation has reached great accomplishment. With my cultivation level, this Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique cannot be missing." "This method is simple and easy to master, with overwhelming explosive power, it''s an exceptional cultivation technique indeed." "I''m old now, and I have to consider my descendants. It would be great if someone could buy this Shape Cultivation Technique." Ge Qinghui praised himself for a long while and, unable to resist, he added after waiting for some time. "I don''t ask for much, just two Dragon Transformation Pills will do!" The room fell into silence, with only the occasional crackle of the candle flame. "Master, if you give me just one, no no, half a pill will do!" Old Ge bowed to the empty space with a flattering smile, looking like a modern-day salesman in a suit and leather shoes. Chen Mu squatting on the banyan tree: "..." What kind of strange turn of events is this?! "Is it a trick?!" Chen Mu''s heart suddenly grew anxious. Ghosts made of paper went on the attack, making the surroundings clear as day. "No traps?" Chen Mu was puzzled. "Should I take a look?" he was indeed lacking a Shape Cultivation Technique. "Forget it, wait a bit longer," Chen Mu shook his head and declined: "Don''t fall into some unknown trap." He just watched Old Ge perform until the other party went to sleep disappointedly before he left. "Does he really want to sell the Shape Cultivation Technique?" Chen Mu felt that the other party did not seem to be faking. "No, can''t rush this!" ... Southwest of Nanyang Prefectural City. The Prefectural Government Office and various major families were all clustered here. A separate wall was built around the perimeter, with soldiers patrolling upon it from time to time. The residents of Nanyang Prefecture called this place the Inner City, where those living inside were either rich or noble. In the Inner East City, the Bai Family residence. The exterior was built with grey bricks and yellow tiles, while the interior was filled with pavilions and towers, surrounded by artificial mountains and water, embellished with colorful flowers and plants. Bai Miaojun had a bright red robe on the left side of his body and a lush green robe on the right, with a life-sized large bronze mirror placed in front of him as he constantly turned left and right to check. "This red one looks imposing, the green one vibrant, ah ah ah... which one should I wear!" Having acquired the Shape Cultivation Technique scroll, Chen Mu turned and left. He changed his route multiple times, switched his clothes and appearance, and even copied the scroll in an abandoned house before throwing the original into the Luo River. After a night of fuss, he quietly returned to his residence. In the depths of the night, Chen Mu lit an oil lamp, eager to examine the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique. "Not as good as the White Jade Toad, but better than the Red Falcon White Tiger, definitely not a bad deal," Chen Mu grinned as he stowed away the Shape Cultivation Technique. He kept the Dragon Transformation Pill without using it, at most he''d have Jie Jia sell it for money. "I really underestimated the allure of the Dragon Transformation Pill to those in Jianghu," Chen Mu mused. Now, he had five different Shape Cultivation Techniques in his possession! "What a worry, I can''t practice them all, haha..." ... Inner City, North of the City. The Shangguan Family''s rear courtyard. Shangguan Ji wore black clothes stitched with golden threads, looking to be in his forties, with a scholarly appearance and gentle demeanor. No one would imagine that this seemingly pedagogical man was the number one expert in Nanyang Prefecture. At the moment, he was leisurely savoring tea in the pavilion. "Father, mother and sister have joined up with the Bai Family and they are all on the boat heading for Lijiang City," a young man in his twenties entered the pavilion Dressed in black with a deep brown leather chest piece, a delicate face bearing a slight resemblance to Shangguan Ji. This was the elder son of the Shangguan Family, the commander of Tangshan Camp, Shangguan Yu. "That place is close to Shouyang Mountain, evil spirits dare not stir trouble there, ensuring their safety without worry," Shangguan Ji said relaxedly. Shangguan Ji sat across from him, pouring a cup of tea for himself with a look of hesitation on his face. "Yu''er, is there something you want to say?" Shangguan Ji asked gently. "Are we really going to let little sister marry Bai Miaojun?" Shangguan Yu furrowed his brows. Shangguan Ji chuckled, "Or do you want to marry Bai Miaojin?" Shangguan Yu thought of that figure even more robust than himself and couldn''t help shivering. "Haha!" Shangguan Ji couldn''t help laughing. "Though Bai Miaojin may look a bit rough, she''s a girl with outstanding talent. If you don''t mind, I''d actually hope you could marry her," he said. "Little sister is wronged," Shangguan Yu said seriously. "Haha," Shangguan Ji chuckled without continuing to tease his son, "You should head north now." "Yes!" Shangguan Yu responded solemnly. "Take the Evil-Repelling Mirror with you," Shangguan Ji said softly. "Without the Evil-Repelling Mirror, evil spirits will surely assault Nanyang Prefecture," Shangguan Yu''s expression changed. "No worries," Shangguan Ji said gently, "In times of chaos, it''s just a few more people dying, that''s all." "I''m just afraid that people will take the opportunity to cause trouble and spread rumors to damage our family''s reputation," Shangguan Yu expressed his concerns. "Then let the evil spirits come on even stronger," Shangguan Ji smiled heartily, "With evil spirits causing chaos, wiping out three to five families is a piece of cake." Shangguan Yu smiled, "Father is wise. Should I leave a team to help?" "No need. You go and focus on finding the Thousand Mechanism Token," he instructed. "Understood." Chapter 109: Listing Remarks The book will go live at noon tomorrow. Firstly, I''m asking for initial subscriptions, and then let''s have a chat. Honestly, the success of this book has completely exceeded my expectations. I have to thank the editor Liuxing for all the help and various recommendations over time. I am even more grateful to all the reader friends for your support, as it is your fondness that has brought the book to its current achievements. Having fifty thousand collections before going live really was beyond my expectations. While I am happy, I also feel a sense of trepidation, really afraid of not writing well enough and failing to meet the expectations of all the reader friends. But since I''ve started, I have to keep going. The original intention of this book was to write a story with a clear beginning and end, something a bit more relaxed. ... Read new chapters at m_v-l''e|-novelhall.net I had planned to build up some backlog, but due to work, I couldn''t squeeze out the time and failed. Tonight, I definitely have to stay up late to write. Tired... ... Let''s talk about comments I don''t really read comments usually and barely interact with everyone. I know this isn''t good, but it can''t be helped. In the past, reading comments while writing sometimes affected my morale. Later, I simply stopped reading them as much. This is unfair to all the readers who leave comments. But to maintain a consistent output, I have no choice for now. Of course, sometimes I am genuinely curious and can''t help but take a quick look. The happy replies from all my friends always make me laugh out loud. Many readers also offer a lot of sensible advice. Not reading comments and not interacting is indeed a loss. But to maintain my mindset, I may have to continue like this for a while. I would like to apologize to all the reader friends here. Lastly, please subscribe and ask for initial subscriptions. Chapter 110: Chapter 109: Surprise On the banks of the Jinshui River, at the Changrui Dock. Next to the Startling Swan ship, dozens of fifty-meter ships were lined up in rows, docked at the harbor. Under the lead of a colossal tower ship, they orderly departed from the dock and slowly headed upstream along the river. The leading tower ship, spanning more than a hundred meters, had five or six-meter diameter paddle wheels on both sides. At this moment, the giant wheels were spinning steadily and rapidly, and the heavy dragon ship immediately cut through the waves. Chen Mu stood on the second floor of the Yue Lai Tavern, watching the giant ship with a reflective expression. "Quite an eye-opener." Your next read is at m v|l-e''-novelhall.net In his previous life, he had never seen such a large tower ship with his own eyes. And listening to the discussion in the tavern, those gigantic water-dividing wooden wheels were all powered by human strength! "The Shape Cultivation Technique is truly freaking magical," Chen Mu couldn''t help but curse. Such massive wheels, powered entirely by martial artists, and they still moved so fast! Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of Lin Que, the hall master who had died long ago, who had an excellent skill in steering boats and could make a small wooden boat travel at the speed of a motorboat. "If I tried... I probably could too." Chen Mu took another glance at the departing ship and turned away. "I wonder if I''ll ever see Old Ge again," Chen Mu sighed. Such a good seller. What a pity he had to follow the Startling Swan Gang up north to fight evil spirits. It''s a life-or-death situation. ... At the An Ding Gate, in the southern area of Nanyang Prefecture City. A troop of several hundred cavalry rode out of the city. Dressed in black leather armor, each with a long saber hung on their horse and a short knife at their waist, their faces were expressionless, the air around them murderous. At a glance, they were battle-hardened elite soldiers. Passers-by by the gate quickly scurried to the sides of the road, not daring to collide. "Which batch is this? The Tangshan Army stationed in the city keeps being drawn back to camp; we''re not heading into battle, are we?" "No, it''s said that they''re heading north to suppress bandits, preventing rogue armies from invading the south." "Thank goodness for the protection of the Tangshan Army. I heard the north is in chaos, with homes abandoned everywhere." Hiding among the crowd, Chen Mu watched the hundreds of riders kick up billowing dust as they disappeared into the distance. "Suppressing bandits? No, they''re probably going to train their troops against ghosts and spirits." "Why bother with those things when life is good? Is what they''re looking for that precious?" Chen Mu frowned, genuinely curious now. "Forget it, let them roam themselves; I''ll continue to stay home," he thought. After all, he had the proficiency cheat. Sooner or later, he would develop formidable strength. With his Shell Soul, he could roam wherever he wanted. ... The year 649 of the Da Liang reign, February 19th. In the Chen Residence at Shanglin Neighborhood. Chen Mu''s muscles swelled again, especially in his forearms. At the peak of his burst, they were almost as thick as a cantaloupe. Chen Mu stood calmly in the middle of the courtyard, maintaining his breathing method from the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique. A quarter of an hour later, his body returned to a lean and muscular state. He had undergone Marrow Transformation for the fourth time. "Seems it''s gotten a bit faster." Practicing the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique, it had taken him twenty full days to complete the transformation. During his practice of the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, he had monitored Old Ge and even went out to watch the departure of the Startling Swan Gang. Remarkably, it only took him nineteen days to complete the Marrow Transformation. "Can''t stack the armor anymore," Chen Mu lamented. The more Shape Cultivation Techniques he practiced, the more comprehensive the body enhancements, which made his subsequent cultivation faster. But it also dashed his dreams of becoming a muscle-bound freak. ... At dinner, Chen Mu, thinking of the recent commotion in Nanyang, couldn''t contain his curiosity and asked, "What exactly are the Startling Swan Gang and Tangshan Army looking for?" "It''s of no use to you," Jie Jia replied slowly, eating his meal without even looking at Chen Mu. "They''re attracting trouble with evil spirits without any fear; I''m worried about getting caught up in it," Chen Mu expressed his concern. "You sure are bold," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said. "I get it, I get it," Chen Mu chuckled and casually handed over ten taels of silver he had prepared in advance. A few hooligans burst into unrestrained laughter. Just then, a melodious and pleasant singing voice came from the river. The men couldn''t help but look over. A large red-painted boat silently sliced through the white fog, heading straight for the pier. The boat was brightly lit, and through the thin veils of its windows, dancers wearing little more than a few pieces of cloth danced gracefully to the music. The dancers'' figures varied; some were petite and exquisite, others mature and voluptuous, every shape and size was enticing. "Mine... all mine!" The rowdy hooligans suddenly stared at the Red Ship, murmuring mindlessly. Their eyes were vacant, their faces infatuated. "All mine!" Splash... One by one, like dumplings, they jumped into the water, desperately swimming towards the Red Ship. Shortly after, the large ship disappeared back into the white mist, leaving only faint yellow lights flickering uncertainly in the haze. ... "Is this the Zuming Talisman?" Chen Mu examined the palm-sized, brown leathery talisman paper. He had thought it would be a Yellow Paper Talisman just like the Evil-warding Talisman. The power is different, so the carriers are different, too," Jie Jia explained briefly. "Where can I learn the skill to draw such talismans?" Chen Mu eagerly looked at Jie Jia. He had Proficiency; if he could master the technique of drawing talismans, then he wouldn''t be afraid of any ghosts or monsters, with his pockets full of Zuming Talismans! Jie Jia didn''t even look at Chen Mu and turned to leave. Chen Mu was immediately frustrated. It was still a matter of insufficient strength. Even if he knew, he wouldn''t be able to learn, and even if he learned, he probably couldn''t use it. If there was the slightest possibility, Jie Jia wouldn''t pass up the opportunity to make money. Chen Mu clenched his teeth and secluded himself, not stepping foot outside as he feverishly practiced Shape Cultivation Techniques. For an entire month he didn''t leave the house. Although he hadn''t developed any Soul Strength from the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, he received an unexpected blessing. Under the eaves, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a rocking chair, took off his shoes and socks, and started to fiddle with his feet. On the soles of his feet where there used to be Soul Strength the size of a plump soybean, there were now two the size of plump soybeans. The Soul Strength from the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had grown larger! Chen Mu couldn''t help looking at the gray wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; The entry information was still at the limit, but the Soul Strength had genuinely doubled in size. And that''s not all. Chen Mu took off his shirt to reveal his arms. That''s where the Wandering Soul of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had been. Now, the Soul Strength, which was initially the size of a quail egg, had also grown bigger! "The enhancement of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique''s Wandering Soul can also increase other Soul Strengths?" Chen Mu''s eyes immediately lit up. With a thought, several Divine Intent Diagrams appeared in his mind. The previously blurry Divine Intent Diagram of the Red Falcon had become slightly clearer. It had been like looking through frosted glass before, now it was like looking through a layer of mist, finally being able to see a bit of brilliant light. "I was expecting to comprehend a secret technique; I didn''t expect it to increase Soul Strength multiplicatively!" He never gave up on the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. When he had time, he''d give it a few tries. And that had given him a huge surprise. "Not only does it strengthen oneself, it also improves other Wandering Souls!" Chen Mu then turned his gaze to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Soul Strength that encircled his waist. If this were to level up, with connections down the line, wouldn''t the area covered by Soul Strength drastically increase?! "Be patient, don''t rush!" Chen Mu suppressed the excitement in his heart. "We must maximize the benefits," Chen Mu said, looking at the two scrolls on the low table. If the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, and Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique could all develop Wandering Souls. And then amplified by the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Polarity... Chen Mu''s face turned red with excitement! Chapter 111: Focus on 110 "Jie Jia said the Shape Cultivation Technique is complete." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique has reached its limit." "Continuing to increase proficiency, there''s a high chance of understanding the extensions of the Divine Intent Diagram." Chen Mu calmly analyzed the reasons for the boost in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. "Proficiency allows the Divine Intent Diagram to draw closer to the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Spell." "Since all Shape Cultivation Techniques originate from the Spiritual Light Spell, comprehending one leads to understanding all. Improving one leads to the improvement of the others." Chen Mu had a rough guess. "If I can catch a breakthrough, I should also be able to cultivate the Shell Soul." After all, cultivating the Divine Intent Diagram isn''t difficult; just use the improved Breathing Method. Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-novelhall.net Even while walking, sitting, or lying down, it can be maintained. It also saves the trouble of searching everywhere for Shape Cultivation Techniques." "Those sons of bitches from the noble families aren''t worth shit! They hoard all the good stuff for themselves." Chen Mu couldn''t help but curse under his breath. "If only I had an advanced Shape Cultivation Technique that could cover half of my body with the Wandering Soul, just one breakthrough would suffice for the Shell Soul to form!" The area covered by the Wandering Soul in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is too small. Just a fat soybean? Hah... Even if I train with that fat soybean and follow the progression of two, four, eight soybeans and so on, with a breakthrough each month, it would still take nearly twelve years to cover the entire body. If there''s a breakthrough every three months, that''s thirty-six years. "Such a long time... actually... it''s still alright, huh." Chen Mu suddenly felt cheerful. Just follow a steady progression, no fighting or scrambling, and by fifty years old, I could cultivate the Shell Soul. That''s not bad at all. Old man Ge is seventy-five and has only just fully mastered his Shape Cultivation. Compared to him, I can be considered a genius! If I were to stack the effects with the Blue-eyed Golden Monkey, I would achieve it even faster! Maybe it could be done in just one or two years! "It''s a pity that it''s just wishful thinking." After being happy for a while, Chen Mu stopped. He wasn''t sure if the Divine Intent Diagram could keep breaking through. He also had no assurance about the effects of each breakthrough. What if each time it only added one soybean''s worth of progress? "I still need to keep accumulating Shape Cultivation Techniques." Chen Mu made a decision. ... The future is bright; it''s just a matter of walking the path step by step. Chen Mu hid at home, paying no heed to the tumult of the outside world. Five days later. The Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique smoothly reached its peak. In his mind, another cluster of star-like dots and connecting threads formed a Divine Intent Diagram. In the palms of his hands, Wandering Souls the size of quail eggs emerged. He pulled out a piece of firewood from the stove and, with a fierce grip, it crumbled and burst like a soft cake. "The grip strength of my fingers has noticeably increased." His right hand gently brushed over the green brick stove, and five distinct scrape marks appeared. "The bones, skin, and nails of my fingers also seem to have become tougher." The Startling Swan Gang only offered two pills. "You might not live to enjoy them," the elder said meaningfully, "with the chaos up north, it''s too common for ten or eight proficient Shape Cultivation experts to die in one conflict." If it wasn''t that dangerous, why would he have come to Nanyang? Several men who had at most achieved Bone Transformation felt a chill on their scalp. Forget it, staying in Nanyang was more comfortable. ... In a corner, Chen Mu listened to the conversation and couldn''t help but feel a chill. "Thank goodness I ended up in Qingshan County of Nanyang Prefecture." "If I had been even slightly northward, I might not have lived to see today!" He had been staying in Nanyang the whole time. Even when Qingshan County was once breached by bandits and chaotic soldiers, he wasn''t hurt. Compared to the turmoil in the heartland of Da Liang, that chaos was nothing. "Those northern clans are also recruiting to fight Ghosts?" "The allure of the Thousand Mechanism Token is indeed great," Chen Mu thought with schadenfreude, "Let them fight, it''s best if it knocks some sense into those clan descendants'' dog heads." ... On the way home, Chen Mu mulled over what he had just seen and heard. "No wonder there are so many people coming. They all ran here to escape the chaos of the north." "I wonder how long this turmoil will last." Chen Mu felt worried. "I''ll stock up on more supplies tomorrow." He had a feeling that more people would flood into Nanyang Prefecture and prices would soon rise. "I''ll try to reduce how often I go out." With a mix of people, disputes might arise. Where there are disputes, trouble could follow. ... At night, after Chen Mu washed up, he went to bed. Half-asleep and half-awake, he faintly heard a melodious voice. This song was so beautiful it was indescribable and yet seemed oddly familiar. Chen Mu suddenly woke up with a start. Three strange syllables quickly left his mouth. Five little paper figures whooshed onto his face all at once. The icy touch made him shiver, and his groggy state quickly faded. Chen Mu hurriedly got out of bed and climbed onto the roof. Hundreds of meters away on the Luo River, a red ship was faintly visible amid the white mist. Several hazy figures stood by the ship''s window, quietly looking this way as the Red Ship slowly receded into the distance. "Fuck!" "Are they actually targeting me now?!" Chapter 112: Chapter 111: Sudden Change "We can''t stay by this river anymore!" Chen Mu squatted on the roof all night without sleeping. The next day as soon as the sun rose, he rushed to the tooth trader''s. Near the Inner City, he rented a two-entry courtyard house. The Prefectural Government Office was in the Inner City, and so were the evil-warding treasures; living closer meant more safety. Then, he spent another day moving furniture and belongings from the old house into the new one. He didn''t ask for help but instead used the Five Ghosts Bag, moving everything himself trip by trip. His four Shape Cultivation Techniques were highly advanced, giving him frightening endurance, and with the help of the Five Ghosts Bag, such tasks hardly tired him at all. ... In the evening, Chen Mu cooked a large table of dishes. It wasn''t until dusk that Jie Jia walked into his new home with an expressionless face. "What have you encountered this time?" Jie Jia was exasperated. "You''re more vigilant than a rabbit. Any little disturbance and you move house." "Nothing much, just been living in one place for too long, so I wanted a change of environment," Chen Mu chuckled. "Besides, I haven''t given up the old residence; cunning rabbits have three burrows, right?" "Aren''t you afraid of being suspected by the neighbors with such secretive movements?" Jie Jia countered. Chen Mu calmly replied, "I don''t have any neighbors." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu speechlessly, "You... rented the surrounding properties, too?" Chen Mu just smiled and didn''t speak. Jie Jia: "..." ... After dinner, the two sat in the new home''s pavilion. The courtyard had been neglected for some time and was strewn with dry yellow leaves. Under the octagonal pavilion, green bricks showed cracks through which tender grass shoots even emerged. Next to the stone table, Chen Mu handed two porcelain vials to Jie Jia. "How much are these worth?" asked Chen Mu. "Dragon Transformation Pills?" Jie Jia opened a vial to take a glance, "There''s been a recent price drop, around one thousand taels each." "Exchange them all for Zuming Talismans for me," said Chen Mu decisively. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu in surprise, then paused, "You haven''t encountered ghosts again, have you?" Chen Mu nodded reluctantly. "Could it be some kind of special constitution?" Jie Jia eyed Chen Mu up and down. Chen Mu rolled his eyes, "I''m just an ordinary person, what special constitution could I have?" But Jie Jia shook his head, "It''s hard to say; ghosts don''t always go after the same person." "What do you mean?" Chen Mu couldn''t help frowning. Continue reading on mvl "Some special constitutions are suitable for possession, so..." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu with his pale yellow eyes. Chen Mu suddenly felt his scalp tingle. He thought of his own ''borrowing a corpse to resurrect''. "It shouldn''t be the case, otherwise you wouldn''t have survived until now," Jie Jia reassured after some thought. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted was to be constantly troubled by ghosts. ... The next day. Chen Mu woke up early; he actually hadn''t slept well the night before. It wasn''t a big deal, but Jie Jia''s words kept him tossing and turning, unable to stop imagining ghosts popping out from under the bed. He practiced the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique three times to warm up his body. Chen Mu glanced at the courtyard, littered with dead leaves. Three syllables were uttered, and five big clumps of black smoke appeared beside him, swirling around him continuously. The black smoke brushed over the ground, making the dry leaves, sprinkled pebbles, and dirt rapidly vanish. The temperature in Nanyang Prefecture, which hadn''t been cool for a few days, began to rise rapidly. The White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique also smoothly completed the Bone Transformation over the past month, and even the Marrow Transformation had progressed by more than half. "As expected, the more overlays there are, the faster the three transformations are completed." His leg bones had become more resilient, and the hip, knee, and ankle joints had become more flexible. "It''s probably designed to enhance the explosive power of the lower limbs," Chen Mu speculated. With more experience in the Shape Cultivation Technique, he gradually gained insights. Once a technique was mastered, he could roughly discern its orientation. "Soul Strength will probably manifest in the legs." ... Shape Cultivation was progressing smoothly, and the business of imitation pharmaceuticals was becoming well established. With an income of over three hundred silver a month, as long as he didn''t buy expensive items like Zuming Talismans in large quantities, even if he visited Chunfeng Tower three to five times a month to gather information, it was still more than enough to indulge himself. After all... he was only eating, and he wasn''t even scrounging for meals. And as time went by, more and more people came to Nanyang Prefecture seeking refuge. Chen Mu went out once and noticed the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, so he stopped going out. He also heard that the bizarre Red Ship seemed to have appeared on the Luo River again. Chen Mu tensed up but then breathed a sigh of relief. "It seems like it wasn''t targeting me." He just happened to live by the river and had stumbled upon it. "Emerging at intervals to snatch a batch of people, these ghosts are using humans as food," Chen Mu recalled the memories of the haunting. Possession, dried corpses, horrific deaths. Random selection without cause, sudden attacks. It all seemed like a hunt to him. "When you think about it, aren''t evil-warding artifacts just another kind of fence or wall?" "They block the attacks of wild beast-ghosts from beyond." ... Chen Mu thought he would live this peaceful life until he had gone through all the Shape Cultivation Techniques he had. But things did not go as he wished. In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the fifth day of April. Late at night, as Chen Mu lay in bed sound asleep, he suddenly felt a warmth on his chest. Half-asleep, he opened his eyes and noticed that his chest and back were getting hotter and hotter. He reached in and saw a Zuming Talisman emitting a faint red light. Chen Mu was startled awake at once. He looked up. The Zuming Talismans on the walls and beams were glowing continuously. Creak creak creak... Cringing scraping sounds came from the wooden door. Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly contracted. Whoosh! The Zuming Talismans on the walls almost simultaneously emitted white smoke, and the room was filled with the stench of something burning. Chen Mu dared not move and stiffly watched the figure in front of the bed. Long hair, a naked body, a rotten back. It was the first ghost he had encountered, the long-haired woman by the river. A great fear instantly filled his spirit, enveloping him as if he were slowly being encased by the crushing depths of the sea. His body became progressively rigid, and his thoughts grew increasingly sluggish. Borrowing the last bit of clarity from the warmth of the Zuming Talisman on his chest, Chen Mu struggled to utter three bizarre syllables. Five little paper figures, whirring, covered his face and head, and a sudden cold sensation struck him. As his thoughts, nearly frozen by fear, began to slowly churn, "I''m truly being targeted!" Chapter 113: Chapter 112 Ghosts "She was supposed to be killed by Jie Jia, wasn''t she?!" Chen Mu exclaimed in frustration. "They couldn''t be planning to double charge by intentionally holding something back, could they?!" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. In his previous life, when he''d get his scooter''s tires patched, he had encountered such swindlers. They would fix the inner tube but leave the steel wire that punctured the outer tire. A few days later, it would be punctured again, and he would have to go back to them! The possibility made Chen Mu''s forehead almost explode with rage! Suppressing the anger in his heart, he tried to remain calm and watched the long-haired woman closely, saying cautiously and quietly, "We have no past grievances nor recent enmities, you have no need to target me." "How about I go my way, and you cross your bridgewhat do you think..." A gush of foul and frigid air suddenly assaulted Chen Mu. The little paper man on his forehead fluttered loudly. Chen Mu''s face turned awful in an instant. "I''ve moved frequently and cautiously, glancing back three times with every step on night walks, all to avoid encountering things like you. I''ve clearly been avoiding you..." "My former self was an honest scholar, and I''m just a homebody." "We''re both good people!" Chen Mu glared at the ghost before him. "Aren''t all you ghosts and evil spirits supposed to seek revenge only against those who have wronged you?" "Scions of great families commit countless evils, yet you don''t go after them!" "But me, a mere average good person, you won''t let go of!" "I get it, you''re not really the kind of ghosts that follow the rules of retribution. You''re just a group of bullies, taking advantage of the weak and helping the cruel." A look of dejection appeared on Chen Mu''s face. "It''s you who have made me recognize once again the cruel loathsomeness of this dog-eat-dog world." Chen Mu looked up emotionlessly. "My life is here, if you have the guts, come and take it!" Wuu wuu wuu... Countless Iron Lotus Seeds were suddenly fired. The long-haired woman''s figure, however, vanished into thin air. The Iron Lotus Seeds pierced through the air, all hitting the opposite wall, leaving a dense patch of holes. The next moment, a cloud of black smoke suddenly appeared before Chen Mu like a cannonball emerging from its chamber, carrying a massive impact that slammed heavily into Chen Mu''s chest. Caught off guard, Chen Mu was immediately flung backward, crashing into the wall behind him. Bang! The green brick wall immediately cracked with a large web-like pattern. Ugh! Chen Mu let out a muffled grunt as droplets of blood involuntarily sprayed from his nostrils. The black smoke dissipated abruptly and streamed quickly from both sides under his ribs, disappearing into the wall behind him in a flash. Before Chen Mu could recover, an equally strong force suddenly hammered into his back. The crescent moon hung high, with moonlight like water spreading across the courtyard. There was silence all around, the hissing of insects was nowhere to be heard. The air, which should have been muggy, was unusually filled with a chilling coolness. After a long while, Chen Mu finally confirmed that the sudden ghost entity had indeed disappeared. Still, Chen Mu didn''t let his guard down, fearing there might be other ghosts lurking in the yard. He dared not enter the room. After swallowing two Iron Lotus Seeds Pills, he sat in the pavilion in the yard, enduring until the sun rose the next day before he finally breathed a sigh of relief. ... "Ghosts dislike sunlight and emerge at night. The sun''s out, so there should be no more trouble," Chen Mu said as he lifted his shirt to reveal a bruise on his chest. Just moving his arms caused his back to ache as if pricked by needles. His left arm was equally swollen and sore, also covered in bruises. It was his upper left arm that had been hit when he was knocked out of the room last night. "Lucky for the Shape Cultivation," Chen Mu felt a shiver run down his spine. Without the robust physical quality provided by the Shape Cultivation, the blow from the ghost could have killed him. "No wonder only Shell Soul experts can barely save their lives in the presence of evil spirits." Soul Strength can touch ghosts. Without the impervious Shell Soul covering the entire body, one simply can''t withstand the physical impact of a ghost entity. "Not to mention the most tricky issue of Possession." Chen Mu spread out his hand, and a wisp of black smoke tumbled as the little paper man emerged. Last night, the five paper men stuck to his head, and it was they who successfully prevented the ghost from possessing him. This was also the reason why Chen Mu initially dared not use the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. The moment the paper men left his body, he might have been possessed and died immediately. It wasn''t until he had firmly grasped the ghost with his Soul Strength that he dared to use the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to devour the ghosts. Chen Mu looked at the small paper men bound with red threads with mixed emotions, "No wonder they are called Five Ghosts Paper Men." The tumbled black smoke, alternating between tangible and intangible, converging and dispersing unpredictably. The performance of the Five Ghosts Paper Man mirrored that of the ghost entity. The Thousand Mountains Sutra also noted that Ghosts are needed to make a Five Ghosts Bag. "I should have thought of this earlier." He took out the blood-circulating, bruise-healing ointment from the Five Ghosts Bag and applied it all over his body. He then took another Iron Lotus Seeds Pill to treat the injuries to his internal organs. Chen Mu sat quietly in the pavilion, recuperating until noon when the sun was at its fiercest, before he stood up, went inside the house, and tidied up the disordered room. Looking at the walls covered in spiderweb-like cracks, Chen Mu felt lucky to be alive. If he had been slightly negligent last night, he wouldn''t have lived to see today. "Jie Jia, you have committed grave sins!" If it wasn''t for that old man holding back, would he be in this sorry state now? Chapter 114: Chapter 113 Secret Technique Dusk. Outside the Inner City of Nanyang Prefecture, Lin Heng Alley. Chen Mu stood at the door, seeing off the carpenter who had come to repair the windows and doors. He looked up to see Jie Jia walking leisurely towards him from the end of the street. Chen Mu didn''t bother to acknowledge him and turned back into his house without expression. Under the pavilion, Jie Jia narrowed his eyes as he observed the brand-new windows and then looked Chen Mu up and downthe latter seeming swollen all over. A glint of green light flashed and disappeared in his eyes, and he frowned, "Ghosts?" "Thanks to you!" Chen Mu said with a face full of scorn. Jie Jia narrowed his eyes at Chen Mu. "It was that long-haired woman from last time." Chen Mu''s face was dark as water. "Impossible," Jie Jia replied indifferently without even lifting his eyelids. "I nearly died here last night! And you tell me it''s impossible!" Chen Mu was furious. Jie Jia was slowly and methodically wiping his eating utensils. Upon hearing Chen Mu''s yell, he thought for a moment, put down his chopsticks, and pulled out a Zuming Talisman from his sleeve to hand to Chen Mu. What for? Compensation? My life was almost gone! What use is your compensation now! Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia with a face full of annoyance, "Two of them!" Jie Jia, expressionless, pulled out another Talisman and handed it over to Chen Mu. "Ah! Now that''s more like it." Chen Mu immediately grinned from ear to ear, cheerfully stowing the two Zuming Talismans snugly in his bosom. "Five thousand taels," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was startled and immediately became irate, "Isn''t that the compensation for my emotional distress? Why the charge!" Jie Jia''s yellow eyes moved, glancing at Chen Mu. "Ghosts have substance yet no form, adept in transforming into what terrifies." "In most cases, whatever the target fears, the ghosts transform into that." "If your fear remains unchanged, facing a hundred ghosts, transforming into the long-haired woman will still be their preferred choice." Jie Jia paused slightly, looking sideways at Chen Mu, "I''m quite curious, why are you so afraid of that long-haired woman?" Chen Mu''s lips twitched, "I''m afraid she''ll crawl out of the TV." Jie Jia: "..." "I''m also afraid she''ll lunge at me, rotten and decaying, to take a bite." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. Chen Mu had no intention of explaining; he just wore a wistful expression... it seemed his attempt at extortion was foiled. Yet, he felt unwilling to let it go. "I was at home having a beautiful dream, snoring away, when suddenly a ghost collided with me." "I was bruised all over, with internal bleeding." "Look at how swollen my body is; can''t you show a little sympathy?" Jie Jia was the picture of calm, "I already gave you a discount." A discount? From you? But given his special constitution, it wasn''t quite safe regardless of where he moved. It was better to stay in Lin Heng Alley, closer to the Inner City. Chances of encountering Ghosts might be higher elsewhere. ... Five days later, the swelling on Chen Mu''s body had subsided. The pain in his back and chest had also vanished. Practicing the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique in the yard three times, he felt no discomfort. "After all, I''m not the weakling I used to be," he mused. Last time he had only been brushed by a palm strike from Qian Shan Daoist and was forced to recuperate for two or three months before fully recovering. Now he faced even fiercer Ghosts, yet he had recovered in just five days. Only that he got hungrier quicker, eating five meals a day. Each meal was two to three times that of an average person. Now that his body had recovered, his appetite hadn''t, and he still ate a lot without ever putting on weight. "I wonder how those Shell Soul experts manage," Chen Mu said with a complicated expression as he stepped out of the restroom. Eating a lot meant, well... dealing with the consequences a lot too. "They must have high-energy food," Chen Mu concluded firmly. Like... Fasting Pills, for instance. Chen Mu now somewhat understood why Jie Jia despised that name so much. He had seen it! "Perhaps I could find a way to get some to study," Chen Mu''s eyes brightened with the thought. But before that, he needed to think about how to make money. ... Under the eaves, Chen Mu toyed with a Dragon Transformation Pill in his hand. This was the last one he had. He had initially obtained twenty. He had given four to old man Ge in exchange for the Shape Cultivation Technique and sold fifteen for Zuming Talismans. This one was the only pill he had kept. "I wonder if there''s anything that can replace the palace lantern red," Chen Mu thought to himself. Although the Dragon Transformation Pill was a risk, it was very valuable in Da Liang''s Jianghu. It could be exchanged for Shape Cultivation Techniques and buy Zuming Talismans, making it as good as cash! A scroll as long as a small forearm appeared in his hand amidst rolling black smoke. A Scripture Scroll he hadn''t looked at in a long timeThousand Mountains Sutra. Chen Mu untied the black binding rope and spread it out on a long table, immediately looking at the last part. The handwriting in this section was slightly different from the rest, as if added by later generations. "Medicine Cultivators, Sacrificial Shadow Souls. It turns out it''s not just about sacrificing Ghosts, but also about refining the Three Treasures Essence," Chen Mu noted with a complex expression. The so-called secret technique of extracting essences, he had owned it for a long time already. Chapter 115: Chapter 114 Soul Locking Curse "Alchemy with human lives..." Chen Mu''s expression shifted between clear and dark. "In the end, I''m still too soft-hearted!" Chen Mu let out a sigh. But thinking of the Ghosts that might appear at any moment, Chen Mu once again found himself in a dilemma. "Replicate a few more Secret Medicines from Zhu Yi Pavilion?" An idea sparked in Chen Mu''s mind. The income from Spirit Sand Pills and Gentle Breeze Powder could earn him more than three hundred Silver a month. To use this income to buy the exorbitantly priced Zuming Talismans was truly a drop in the bucket. "While expensive Secret Medicines have high profits, they''re rarely used." Chen Mu sighed. It was only Elixirs like the Dragon Transformation Pill, which could enhance one''s strength, that would sell out regardless of the price. "Can''t other creatures replace living humans?" Chen Mu stared at the last paragraph of the Thousand Mountains Sutra, unwilling to give up. At the very end, there was a section of text several hundred characters long. Although he recognized every character, when combined they became meaningless gibberish. He was familiar with such texts; hidden within them were the Curse Commands to activate Magic Artifacts. "Soul Locking Curse?" Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly: "Why not start practicing this Curse first?" ... Da Liang 641st year, April 16. Chen Residence, Lin Heng Lane. Beneath the octagonal pavilion, black smoke billowed, and a dark iron ingot the size of a watermelon appeared on the stone table. Chen Mu took a deep breath and a Dagger materialized in his right hand. Hisss! With an almost inaudible swoosh, nine holes silently appeared on the iron ingot. The edges of the holes were crimson, and the nearby air was slightly distorted by the high temperature. Chen Mu bent down to find that the nine holes went all the way through, perfectly pierced by the Sleeve Sword Technique. Chen Mu looked towards the grey wall. Sleeve Sword Technique: 178/10000/Fourth Rank; "I wonder if the current Sleeve Sword Technique could pierce through Shell Soul." Chen Mu looked at the Ebony Dagger with a bit of eagerness. The last time he encountered Zhuo Yinghai. He had to go all out to execute Qiankun Strike, and he could only slightly puncture the opponent''s Soul Strength. Now that he had broken through to the Third Rank and acquired a Secret Technique called Cloud Piercer. It enabled him to induce high-frequency vibrations at the sword tip upon striking, thereby delivering tremendous piercing force. Combined with the inherent hardness and sharpness of the Ebony Sword, Chen Mu''s excitement surged. His left hand was quickly covered by Jet Black Soul Strength. Right hand holding the sword, he aimed the tip at the palm of his left hand, and then... Chen Mu put the Sleeve Sword Technique away. "That hurts quite a bit... Better try it on a Wandering Soul expert next time." After staying at home for five or six days, his injuries had completely healed. The White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, which he had devoted a lot of energy to, had yet to break through to the Fourth Rank. Yet the long-neglected Sleeve Sword Technique quietly reached the Fourth Rank. The muscles and bones of his whole body transformed once again, to an extent similar to the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu emphasized with an expressionless face, "I want to make one thing clear, when I first figured it out, it was purely for practicing Pharmaceutical Technique." "Besides, what would I need this thing for? It''s completely useless to me!" Jie Jia''s mouth twitched into a sincere nod, "Right, you just did it for practice." Chen Mu: "..." "Let''s eat, let''s eat!" Chen Mu quickly got up and went to the kitchen to serve dishes. Today, he had specially stewed a pot of braised pork in an earthen jar. Slowly simmered on a low heat all afternoon, the meat was shiny and reddish-brown, tender and soft, easily breaking apart with the touch of chopsticks. Walking out of the kitchen, Chen Mu was once again composed. Ignoring the undisguised mockery in Jie Jia''s eyes It was just a slightly peculiar gaze. Making money, after all, is nothing to be ashamed of. ... After the meal, Chen Mu brought out sesame cakes and served warm herbal tea. More than halfway through April, the weather in Nanyang was getting steadily hotter. Drinking a cooling herbal tea was just right for the season. Holding a wooden cup, Chen Mu took an easy sip of the slightly bitter, sweet herbal tea and casually asked, "Does the Zuming Talisman definitely come from a living person?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu: "Living creatures." "Humans can be used, so can spirits and beasts, and even ordinary domestic animals will do." Spirits? Chen Mu held back his curiosity and continued to inquire, "Then why do the great families insist on using humans?" "Efficiency," Jie Jia said flatly. "A choice between ten thousand cows and a hundred people, which would you pick?" A chill suddenly ran through Chen Mu''s heart. "Moreover, some Magic Artifacts require a Human Soul during their consecration," Jie Jia added calmly. Chen Mu was silent. In this world of strict hierarchy, the children of great families stood high above, never caring for the lives of common folk. To them, commoners were merely slaves, cattle. In their eyes, a hundred people certainly couldn''t compare to ten thousand cows. Thinking about the Dragon Transformation Pills, Huang Ya Pills, and all the other elixirs circulating in the Jianghu, Chen Mu felt his whole body tense. Whether they knew it or not, those in the Jianghu who consumed the elixirs all seemed repugnant. And as for the members of the families at the Origin of Elixirs, labeling them as demons in human skin would be no exaggeration. It was always the ordinary people who were the passive victims. "The tragedy of the weak..." Chen Mu sighed. He couldn''t help but think of the fog in Qingshan County. "I certainly don''t want to die without understanding why." After seeing off Jie Jia, Chen Mu took out the Thousand Mountains Sutra and began to recite the Soul Locking Curse. Since domestic animals could be used as substitutes, there was no reason for him to give up on replicating the Dragon Transformation Pill. The sudden onslaught of Ghosts hung over his heart like dark clouds, always leaving Chen Mu feeling uneasy. He urgently needed a large number of Zuming Talismans. ``` Chapter 116: Chapter 115 Undercurrents Da Liang, year 641, April 19th. Late at night, Chongde District south of the city. The Li Residence, a large estate that covered five acres. The yard was scattered with artificial mountains and ponds, and the spacious houses were arrayed in hedged rows of green tiles and bricks. Protectors moved in groups of three, carrying lanterns, patrolling the vast estate in an orderly fashion. In every concealed nook near the walls, black-furred watchdogs lay prone. Under the moonlight, their eyes occasionally reflected a faint red glow. At this moment, a group of people in black abruptly scaled the wall and entered. They landed without a sound, as if they were already familiar with the patrol arrangements within the estate. Without delay, they shot darts as they landed, and the watchdogs that had just stood up silently fell to the ground. They promptly hid themselves and, when the patrolling Protectors passed by, they suddenly attacked. After delivering deadly blows, they swiftly moved to the next patrol point. From above the estate, seven or eight teams of people in black simultaneously burst in, systematically shrinking their circle of attack toward the inner residence. Wherever they passed, the guards patrolling the yard, the watchmen, and the sleeping maids and servants in the rooms were all silently killed. Bang! A door in the inner residence suddenly shattered. A man in his forties with a prosperous bearing crashed through the door, tumbling into the courtyard. A Ghost Head Greatknife was plunged into his belly, his face smeared with blood, glaring viciously at the figure emerging from the room behind him. "Shangguan Tong! How dare you?!" As the stench of blood grew stronger, thick veins bulged on the neck of the prosperous man. "Why shouldn''t I dare," Shangguan Tong, in his forties with a complexion as white as jade, said in a measured tone. "Li Shentong, since you dared to provoke the Shangguan Family, you should have been prepared to have your entire family eradicated." "Since when have I provoked the Shangguan Family!" Li Shentong couldn''t help but spew out a mouthful of blood, his eyes bulging with rage. Shangguan Tong looked somberly at him: "You''ve actually forgotten." "Eight years ago today, at Chunfeng Tower during the selection of the Oiran." "I was careless and didn''t bring enough money." "Unexpectedly, you outbid me, stealing the limelight." "How dare you?!" "Over the years, I''ve practiced my martial arts diligently, always wanting to avenge that humiliation!" "I think today is a good day for that." Li Shentong: "..." "Back then, I spent money to get the Oiran, wasn''t it to give to you?!" "You just remember me stealing your limelight?!" Shangguan Tong: "..." "Shentong brother, I... I might have remembered wrong." At that moment, a person in black appeared in front of Shangguan Tong with a swish, kneeling on one knee: "Second Master, they''re all cleaned up." Li Shentong: "..." Shangguan Tong with a resigned face: "Forget it, let''s make the whole family leave together." "By the way, remember not to forget to take their valuables, especially the land and house deeds." "Is this the effect of the Soul Locking Curse? To limit the Five Ghosts? Or rather, to control the Five Ghosts more forcefully." "We''ll see once I start to level up the skill." Chen Mu took a sip of throat-soothing medicinal tea and, using his rest time, spread out the Thousand Mountains Sutra. Among the Yin Soul Secret Techniques, apart from the Soul Locking Curse, there was also a prescription called Ascension Pill for cultivating medicine people. "This has nothing to do with the term ''cultivate''," Chen Mu remarked as he read, "It''s a ruthless medicine that forcibly stimulates vital energy, with no regard for life!" "It seems to be for strengthening the qi and blood of a medicine person..." "Perhaps, this could also be used on livestock," Chen Mu mused, squinting his eyes. ... Nanyang Prefecture, Luo River. A fifty-meter cargo ship slowly drifted on the wide river surface. At the bow, a man in his forties with a square face sat cross-legged on the deck. In front of him, there was a low square table. On the table was a black porcelain jar, from which a rich aroma of wine wafted out. There were also two side dishes on the table, a plate of sliced pig''s head meat and a plate of fried peanuts. The middle-aged man was enjoying the riverside breeze, leisurely pouring and sipping his own wine. "Big brother, there''s news from the third," a round-faced man came up behind the middle-aged man and said with a fist salute. "Last night, outside the city, seven families, big and small, were massacred." "The Prefectural Government Office is claiming that the chaos in the north caused evil spirits to run rampant." "Nonsense," the square-faced middle-aged man laughed. "Indeed, nonsense," the round-faced man said with sarcasm, "I''ve never heard of an evil spirit that would dig three feet into the ground to steal wealth." "The third brother has become quite capable, managing to deceive seven families into testing Shangguan Ji for us," the square-faced middle-aged man chuckled. The round-faced man muttered hesitantly, "Two families." The square-faced middle-aged man turned with a puzzled look. "Third brother only managed to persuade two families." "What about the other five?" The round-faced man shrugged, "The leader of the team that carried out the massacre was Shangguan Tong." "Wow! He''s after the money!" The square-faced middle-aged man laughed. "Isn''t Shangguan Ji worried that Shangguan Tong will ruin his plans?" the round-faced man wondered. "He''s doing it on purpose," the square-faced man said with a faint smile, "to intimidate the petty criminals." "With just a rumor, he immediately slaughters to warn the others." "I bet that Evil-Repelling Mirror must have been taken by Shangguan Yu!" "Keep probing." "And try to leave some evidence that connects to a few major families in the Inner City." "Let them start the fight!" "Alright," the round-faced man said respectfully with a salute. "Find some unoccupied houses in the city to slowly move our people in," the square-faced man continued with instructions, "Go." "Yes!" Chapter 117: Chapter 116 Safety The next whole day. Chen Mu, apart from eating and resting as usual, spent all his time reciting the Soul Locking Curse. By evening, his proficiency had increased to 792 points. "The subsequent Curse Commands can still be shortened. Overall, it should definitely be done within ten days," Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. "Second Rank should be usable," Chen Mu guessed. The Qian Shan Daoist from before could only control one ghost paper man. The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was probably Second Rank. The opponent''s Soul Locking Curse was estimated to be at Second Rank as well. It might even only be First Rank. The Qian Shan Daoist did not have the proficiency cheat. "Perhaps he just used it to refine ghosts and enhance the paper man''s power," Chen Mu considered a possibility. A Second Rank Soul Locking Curse was not necessarily able to successfully absorb the Three Treasures Essence. "Need to give it a try," Chen Mu thought deeply. ... After a short rest, Chen Mu went to the kitchen to prepare the meal. As his cooking skills improved, making meals became more and more effortless. In each round, black pottery dish, various ingredients washed and chopped cleanly were placed. Added scallions and garlic to stir-fry until fragrant. Chen Mu picked up a plate of leafy greens and poured it into the hot wok. Instantly, a piece of data flashed through his mind: "The main dish weighs about a pound and five taels." After stir-frying for a while and waiting for the leaves to soften, he reached into the brown pottery jar and pinched out snowy white salt grains: "Hmm, a qian of salt, just right." "Old Man Jie seems to prefer a stronger taste," Chen Mu looked toward the salt jar. "Forget it, he''s just freeloading, why should I accommodate him?!" Chen Mu huffed twice, stir-frying with a sizzling sound, evenly distributing the salt and other ingredients, and then swiftly dished it out of the wok. "At worst, I''ll add half a salted duck egg for him." Explore stories at mvl In the clean white porcelain dish, the verdant vegetables looked as though they were freshly picked. The rich aroma spread, Chen Mu sniffed carefully, discerning the proportions of various ingredients. He nodded with satisfaction: "Practicing the Shape Cultivation Technique often really has its benefits." Although not in armor, his fine control over his body was unrivaled. This allowed him to precisely control the proportions of main ingredients and seasonings when cooking. The meals he made were complete in color, fragrance, and taste. ... By the time he served up six dishes and one soup, three meat and three vegetarian on the dining table, Jie Jia had been waiting in the pavilion for a while. "This is unlike you," Chen Mu said, surprised at the sight of Jie Jia. The man used to time his arrival perfectly for mealtimes. Why come so early today? Jie Jia didn''t speak, just silently handed Chen Mu two hundred tael silver notes. Chen Mu looked at him in surprise. It was very rare to see return money from this miser. "Are Blue Medicine Pills that easy to sell?" Chen Mu realized. Just yesterday, he gave Jie Jia twenty-five Blue Medicine Pills. To think all of them were sold already?! "You can make more," Jie Jia said calmly. He had truly not anticipated the Blue Medicine Pills selling so well. Jie Jia, that money-grubber, even dared to give him credit. Safe at last... ... On the Luo River, a fifty-meter merchant ship smoothly passed through the inspection at the checkpoint and drifted into Nanyang Prefecture once again. The ship docked at the small wharf in Cihui Fang on the southern bank. A group of laborers in brown short vests climbed aboard to unload the cargo. In the midst of this, a few people in grey clothes disembarked and quietly disappeared among the crowd on the wharf. In the afternoon, the laborers loaded new goods onto the ship, and the grey-clothed individuals quietly boarded again. The merchant ship left the small wharf, slowly drifting towards the outskirts of the city. The square-faced middle-aged man still sat cross-legged on the bow deck. "Big brother, your prediction was spot-on, Shangguan Ji has started to trouble the Zhang Family," said the round-faced man with a hint of excitement. The square-faced middle-aged man playfully tossed a peanut into his mouth: "The grudge between the Shangguan Family and the Zhang Family dates back to the previous generation." "With just a little guidance from us, conflict is sure to arise." "Let''s go, we leave the city immediately to meet with the demonic Tu Shan." The round-faced man said with concern: "Tu Shan is odd and ruthless, I''m afraid that seeking him out might be dangerous..." The square-faced middle-aged man smiled faintly: "Everyone has their own desires. As long as we know what he wants, there is nothing we can''t discuss." "The Zhang Family is weak; we need to find them some assistance." "A battle where forces are evenly matched is worth watching." ... In Lin Heng Fang, at the Chen Residence. Chen Mu woke up naturally from his sleep. After breakfast, he spent half an hour refining Blue Medicine Pills. Each batch could yield about twenty-five to thirty pills, just enough for Jie Jia to sell in a day. Then, he started to practice the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique. With seventeen Zuming Talismans in his pocket, Chen Mu''s sense of security greatly increased. Since the need for the Soul Locking Curse wasn''t as urgent, he picked up the Shape Cultivation Technique again. "After all, perfume is just perfume." "Without insecticide, even a fly swatter will do." At the moment, he only knew that Soul Strength could touch Ghosts. He would set aside time in the afternoon to cast the Soul Locking Curse. "I wonder what the effect of a higher-level Soul Locking Curse would be." "If only it could give me full control over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse." The current Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was easy to release but hard to withdraw. If it encountered flesh and could not consume it completely, intense cravings to devour would continuously assault Chen Mu''s brain. And once started, it''s impossible to stop. ``` Chapter 118: Chapter 117 Patch Outside Nanyang Prefecture City, Qingluo Mountain. A small mountain completely covered by lush vegetation. At the waist of the mountain, there was a small mountain spring waterfall. Not far away, hidden among the dense banyan forest, was an abandoned small Taoist temple. Inside the main hall of the temple stood a damaged and headless statue of a deity. On the mottled and faded walls around, divine demon colored painting patterns could still be vaguely seen. A strong man over two meters tall, his muscles knotted, and his skin stretched into bizarre lines from the bulge, sat inside the main hall. In front of him burned a bonfire. Beside it was a smashed offering table. At this moment, the strong man used the wood from the offering table to light the fire, leisurely roasting a two-hundred-pound boar. He didn''t use a knife; with just his fingers, he easily sliced through skin and flesh, evenly sprinkling on the seasoning. As the surface cooked, paying no mind to the scorching heat, he casually grabbed chunks of the cooked meat from the outside and stuffed them into his mouth, chewing and swallowing in just a couple of bites. "Tu Shan, help me deal with Shangguan Ji." "After the deed is done, I''ll lead my troops north to search for the Thousand Mechanism Token. The first one will be given to you." The square-faced middle-aged man entered the main hall, speaking succinctly. "Chao Fang? Want some meat?" Tu Shan reached out and handed a clump of bloody, semi-cooked meat to the square-faced middle-aged man, Chao Fang. Chao Fang shook his head with a smile, "I''d rather not have my head crushed by you." "Pity..." Tu Shan eyed Chao Fang''s head and stuffed the meat with blood streaks into his mouth. "When do we make a move." A smile curved the corners of Chao Fang''s mouth, "Wait for my signal." ... In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the third day of May, the weather was becoming increasingly hot. Chen Mu wore a sleeveless undershirt, sitting under an octagonal pavilion. Around the corners were seven or eight wooden barrels filled with glistening ice blocks, bringing down the temperature of the entire pavilion a few degrees. On the stone table lay a wooden basin, in which a small arm-length live fish continuously thrashed about. Three odd syllables were uttered. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Five paper ghosts appeared in front of him, instantly turning into five curls of black smoke. Chen Mu''s mouth immediately started salivating as he watched the lively fish, his eyes beginning to gleam. Hum! The black smoke flashed past, and the fish''s head instantly disappeared. The cut was clean, as if sliced by a sharp blade. The black smoke churned above the wooden basin, continuously attempting to charge at the remaining half of the fish. But Chen Mu clenched his teeth and intently stared at the black smoke. Hum! Suddenly, the black smoke vanished. Chen Mu gasped heavily, "I really can control the Five Ghosts." Soul Locking Curse, soul locking, locks the Five Ghosts'' Yin Spirit. "It''s like putting a chain on the paper ghosts." ... On the Luo River, Chao Fang once again entered Nanyang Prefecture aboard a cargo ship. "Zong Tai, how many of our men have infiltrated?" Experience more content on mvl "Twelve of our brothers are all in position. Grouped in threes, they''ve found places to hide near the four corners of the Inner City," responded Zong Tai with a respectful bow. "Each has brought ten elites, all in the Marrow Transformation Realm," Zong Tai reported with a salute. "Have all twelve soul-seizing stakes been installed?" Chao Fang asked with solemnity. "Nine have been put down," Zong Tai replied. "The remaining locations have inhabitants. Our men have already made contact with these three families, preparing to buy their estates at a high price." "Good. Spend more money if necessary, but don''t arouse suspicion," Chao Fang nodded in satisfaction. "When do we act?" asked Zong Tai, eager. "Wait, wait until Shangguan Ji deals with the Zhang Family." "Wait until Tu Shan severely injures Shangguan Ji," said Chao Fang calmly. "Right, find me a place to stay." "The time is drawing near; I need to be close to keep watch." "Understood!" ... Eleven days later. In Nanyang Prefecture, at the Chen Residence of Lin Heng Avenue. Chen Mu successfully advanced the level of the Soul Locking Curse to the Third Rank. While grinding for proficiency, he specifically crafted a batch of Secret Medicine for Medicine Cultivators. The old tanks by the river were once again put to use. Seven large tanks brimmed with live fish. Besides normal feeding, the Medicine Cultivator Secret Medicine was also added in proportion. The live fish grew at a visibly quick pace, becoming more aggressive with tremendous strength and vigorous vital energy. Chen Mu did not immediately proceed with experiments; instead, he continued to accumulate experience for the Ghost Locking Curse. Twelve days later, the Ghost Locking Curse broke through to the Fourth Rank. His control over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse greatly improved. Suppressing the urge to test, Chen Mu continued to push his limits. In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the sixth day of the sixth month. The Ghost Locking Curse finally reached Perfection at the Fourth Rank. Chen Mu summoned the grey walls and searched top to bottom twice, yet he could not find the Ghost Locking Curse. A thought struck him, and the Divine Intent Diagram of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse emerged in his mind. "It seems to have grown a bit larger." "Have they merged into one?" Chen Mu was filled with surprise. What was this? An add-on or a patch? Chen Mu couldn''t help but greatly admire the creator of this Secret Technique. "Truly daring in thought and action." "It seems the Soul Locking Curse is not only for refining essence but also for controlling the Five Ghosts and perfecting the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse," Chen Mu reflected." "Impressive!" Chapter 119: Chapter 118 Rent Da Liang Year 641, the 7th day of the 6th month. Nanyang Prefecture, Shanglin Neighborhood. An old wooden house by the river. A mass of constantly swirling black smoke was churning in mid-air. The next moment, it plunged into a water jar by the wall, then immediately flew out and dove into another jar nearby. The fish, rendered fierce from the nourishing of Secret Medicine, seemed to sense danger and frantically jumped about. The slapping against the water jars made a banging sound. One even leapt two meters high with ease, escaping the water jar. The black smoke, like a greedy snake, deftly reached into the air, and the high-jumping fish vanished without a trace. In just five breaths, all the fish in the seven big jars had disappeared. Chen Mu fixated his gaze on the Ghostly black smoke. However, his attention concentrated on the Five Ghosts Bag. A mass of red mist, the size of a mung bean, emerged. "This time it''s much easier," Chen Mu sighed in relief and dispersed the black smoke. Feeding with Secret Medicine, the fish had abundant qi and blood, which refined more essence. With Ghost Locking Curse perfected, Chen Mu''s ability to snatch food with his ghostly mouth had grown stronger. "Finally, they''re no longer the size of sesame seeds." Though they were still mist, far from condensing into liquid, they had grown to the size of mung beans at least. "After several... a dozen more times, I should be able to refine a drop of ''Palace-illuminating Red,''" Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Time to catch more fish." Chen Mu brought out the bait of inebriation, followed the usual routine of casting bait, waiting, and catching fish. He filled the seven water jars and half the vertical shaft until the pool was nearly depleted of fish before he stopped. "Let''s nourish them for a bit." Chen Mu stared at the large water jar, contemplating, "Should I buy some live pigs?" "Forget it, let''s first clear the debt to Jie Jia," Chen Mu shrugged. With Soul Locking Curse perfected and Palace-illuminating Red close to achievement, feeling cheerful today, he headed to Chunfeng Tower... Hmm, to inquire about the latest news in the world. ... North Market, Chunfeng Tower. In a secluded compartment, Chen Mu disdainfully ate the full table of dishes. With his cooking skills improving and his sense of taste becoming more sensitive, the dishes at Fan Tower that used to taste alright now revealed all sorts of flaws. Continue your adventure at mvl Though not as delicious as the ones he made, Chen Mu nevertheless cleaned out the dishes one by one. Not wasting food was a habit cultivated by his parents in his previous life. No matter how much rice was in his bowl, he had to finish it unless he couldn''t stomach it. His parents always felt he hadn''t eaten enough, piling his plate high and even tamping it down, so... He naturally went from being a chubby kid to a fat adult. "It''s better now, no matter how much I eat, I don''t gain weight," Chen Mu chuckled as he watched the enchanting figure of Yu Tao on stage. Five paper ghosts scurried around the hall. In the dim light, amidst laughter and joyful chatter, the paper ghosts lurked in the shadows, creating a sense of a wild dance of demons. Chen Mu, however, reveled in this, effortlessly controlling the paper ghosts to eavesdrop on conversations he was interested in. "Nanyang Prefecture City isn''t peaceful either," Chen Mu sighed inwardly. "Why did I have to end up in such chaotic times." He changed his appearance along the way, switched his clothes, altered his route, and strolled leisurely towards his home in the Shanglin Neighborhood. ... Just as he entered his own alley, the swaying Chen Mu couldn''t help but be startled. What was once a pitch-black street now had a dim yellow glow. In the mansion across from his house, there were two large lanterns hanging on either side of the door. A carriage stopped in the middle of the road, filled to the brim with wooden boxes, big and small. Little lanterns hung on all four corners of the carriage, lighting up the dark alleyway. Four or five sturdy men dressed like servants were continuously moving wooden boxes down from the carriage. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately thought to turn around and run. But the man who seemed to be the master, standing at the doorway, had already turned his head and looked over. The sturdy men moving the boxes instantly stopped in their tracks and turned their heads, silently placing the wooden boxes down and reaching their hands into the gaps between the boxes on the carriage. Their forearms bulged with muscle, as if they were gripping something. A glint of black light flashed across their arms in the shadow of the lantern light. Then they all stared at Chen Mu expressionlessly. The alleyway fell into silence for a moment. Chen Mu''s face involuntarily twitched. Wandering Souls?! Is it still possible to run now? "May I ask, young brother, where are you coming from and where are you headed?" Chao Fang asked with narrowed eyes and a cheerful smile as he looked at Chen Mu. Don''t panic, and definitely don''t run! Feeling the Five Ghosts Bag tied to his chest, Chen Mu suppressed his shock. Bluff my way through first. Don''t be too enthusiastic, it can arouse suspicion. Nor too cold, as it can also raise suspicion. Right, act like an introverted, antisocial homebody? Having made up his mind, he pointed indifferently at the gate across from him and said with a touch of impatience, "From Chunfeng Tower, going home to sleep." Chao Fang''s eyebrows rose slightly, glanced at the round-faced man next to him, and immediately responded with a laugh, "Then we''ll be neighbors." Chen Mu''s brows furrowed slightly, seemingly not too welcoming, "I like it quiet, just to be clear. Don''t cause any disturbances normally." Chao Fang laughed, "What a coincidence, I like it quiet too." Chen Mu nodded noncommittally and continued to his door to take out his keys and unlock it. "Renting this house isn''t cheap, right?" Chen Mu glanced at the other party and casually asked. "Indeed, not at all. The landlord is greedy, charged me quite a lot," Chao Fang agreed. Chen Mu paused in the motion of opening the door, giving the other party a deep look... You haven''t given me a cent though. Chapter 120: 119 riots Bang! As Chen Mu closed his door, Chao Fang immediately gave a look to the round-faced man beside him. Explore new worlds at mvl The man instantly put down the lantern in his hand and darted into the courtyard next to Chen Mu''s. Under the cover of moonlight and shadow, he hid and kept a close watch on Chen Mu. ... In the courtyard, Chen Mu felt an annoying itch on his scalp but didn''t dare to scratch it. With a sidelong glance, he peeked at the shadow on the neighboring rooftop. "Careless! I actually forgot to use the paper figures to scout ahead." "Staying in a place for too long indeed makes one lose their vigilance." Like any ordinary person, Chen Mu fumbled in the dark to light a lamp, hummed a tune while fetching water to wash up, and even poured himself a cup of iced tea to cool off. "They''ve taken over my courtyard, and now they''re watching me..." Outrageous! Totally unacceptable! The more Chen Mu thought about it, the angrier he becamebut he took a deep breath... and blew out the light to sleep. Can''t provoke four or five Wandering Soul masters. ... "Big Brother, that guy''s asleep," said the man from across the courtyard, his voice filled with unease. "Zong Tai, be more careful the next time you do something," Chao Fang sighed. The round-faced man stiffened. Chao Fang waved his hand: "Let it be. Looking at that person, he probably has a solitary nature and rarely goes out." "I urged you too urgently, and it''s understandable that you didn''t notice him, given the circumstances." Zong Tai was still worried: "Big Brother, with a major event impending, shouldn''t we..." Chao Fang narrowed his eyes, thinking: "Don''t act just yet." "But he lives right across, and in the long run, if he finds our movements suspicious, I''m afraid..." Chao Fang glanced at Zong Tai: "Do you know his surname or name? Do you know who he is friends with? Do you know who he meets with most often on a daily basis?" Zong Tai faltered and did not dare to speak. "Killing someone is the most basic method," Chao Fang sighed. "We have to catch them all at once!" Chao Fang spoke earnestly. "To eradicate a problem completely, that is the superior approach." Lying on his bed with his eyes open, Chen Mu, who had been eavesdropping and spying with paper figures: "..." "Ruthless people indeed," Chen Mu sighed. Being all secretive and moving house in the middle of the night, then immediately being surveilled by a neighbornothing good comes of this. And that major event they mentioned sounds ominous. What to do? Should I... wait for them to fall asleep and then take them down? A plan of action quickly formed in his mind. After thinking it over, Chen Mu gently slapped his face. "I''m getting carried away," he said. "Dare to kill and silence people!" "Against four or five Wandering Soul experts and at least one unknown powerhouse likely to be the head of the household, where did I get such courage? From the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke or the Sleeve Sword Technique?" Chen Mu reflected with annoyance. "Better to run," he sighed. A pleasant surprise! The gloominess of being forced to leave home dissolved into nothing. "Just you wait, when I have cultivated Shell Soul, I''ll see if I don''t come after you for rent!" Chen Mu thought joyously. Upon careful inventory, he found that he had quite a few Wandering Souls on his body. Together, they covered almost one-twentieth of his entire body. "It may be a little small, but... the prospects for Shell Soul look promising," Chen Mu thought with satisfaction. ... On the square table, two large platters with diameters as long as a forearm were placed in the center. One platter contained marinated beef and pork head, the other blanched Chinese broccoli, with a small bowl of chili dipping sauce in between. At the side was a flat bamboo basket, piled up like a small mountain with charcoal-grilled fresh meat pastries. Jie Jia, following the covert signs left by Chen Mu, arrived and looked at the hearty dinner laid out on the table, a bit stunned. "I wanted to prepare something nice. Unfortunately, circumstances didn''t allow it, so we''ll have to make do," Chen Mu shrugged. "A bunch of tough guys moved in across the street, so I have no choice but to leave." Jie Jia nodded: "Indeed, you can''t beat them." Chen Mu rolled his eyes in response and remained silent. "Let''s eat!" The room immediately fell silent. Both men had physical constitutions akin to monsters. The amount of food was enough to satisfy five or six ordinary people, but the two of them consumed it as if slowly yet quickly, and it wasn''t long before it was all gone. "Give me a few more Zuming Talismans," Chen Mu hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "You really don''t need to run," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said reluctantly. Chen Mu shook his head and spoke cautiously: "Better to hide in Lijiang City." There was no need to seek out danger unnecessarily. He had Proficiency, and sooner or later, he would cultivate Shell Soul. Beyond that lay the unexplored vistas of opening the heavenly gate and achieving immortality. But before that, survival came first. "I''ll give you the recipes for Gentle Breeze Powder and Blue Medicine Pills. Tell me how many Daoist Talismans you can give me at once." Jie Jia''s eyebrows raised: "Do you not plan on coming back?" "The situation doesn''t seem right; I suspect that Nanyang Prefecture City might descend into chaos soon," Chen Mu expressed his concern. Jie Jia was about to speak when he suddenly turned his head toward the Inner City. Then, he got up and walked out the door. Chen Mu couldn''t help but follow him out to the courtyard and looked in the direction Jie Jia was staring. They could only see distant flickering flames along the walls of the Inner City. "What are you looking at?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled by the dim, distant walls. With an impassive face, Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu with his bright yellow eyes: "It''s already begun." Chen Mu was taken aback, his face a picture of astonishment: "You''re kidding?!" "They''ve started already?" He immediately jumped onto the roof beam, widened his eyes to look toward the Inner City: "I can''t see anything." Jie Jia stood beside him, looking up at the distant sky, then suddenly pulled a stack of Daoist Talismans from his sleeve and handed them to Chen Mu. The Daoist Talismans felt heavy in hand, certainly no fewer than twenty. "Keep the Zuming Talismans close and don''t go out tonight," he said. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu, clutching the Zuming Talismans, suddenly had a bad premonition. "Don''t think about running," Jie Jia said indifferently: "There are more outside the city." Chen Mu: "..." Chapter 121: Chapter 120 Conscription Chen Mu sat on the rooftop, clutching the forty-one Zuming Talismans, restlessly uneasy until dawn. He stared at the Inner City all night and did not see a single ghost. But that faint, chilling sensation couldn''t fool anyone. Not until the sun was high overhead, and the scorching heat of noon dispersed the coldness. Only then did Chen Mu jump down from the rooftop. As he walked to the door, his figure paused, and the hand reaching to open it drew back. "Wait a bit longer," he murmured. The entire Nanyang Prefecture City was unsettlingly quiet. For three consecutive days, Chen Mu hid at home and focused solely on increasing his proficiency. The Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique improved rapidly. His Shape-shifting Technique also broke through to Second Rank, allowing him to adjust his height and build. But none of this could keep Chen Mu happy for long. No matter how he changed his appearance or height, the ghosts didn''t recognize faces. They dared to gnaw on anyone alive. ... Experience new tales on mvl At noon on the fourth day. A sound of gongs reverberated from the streets. A sense of relief washed over Chen Mu. The paper effigy immediately floated up to the wall, and he saw two soldiers in black tight suits. The men carried long swords at their waists and held copper gongs, striking them and calling out. The gist was that Shangguan Ji had lost all humanity, summoning evil spirits to wreak havoc in Nanyang Prefecture City, leading to the fall of the Inner City. Chao Tianwang of Liangyue Prefecture happened to pass by, couldn''t stand the injustice, drew his sword to assist, drove away Shangguan Ji, and saved the city''s populace. Now Chao Tianwang was conscripting troops, offering Salary Silver and generous resettlement fees to anyone who joined, first come, first served. Chen Mu listened intently, the rest were praises for Chao Tianwang''s martial arts and character, and various derogations of Shangguan Ji. "Is that the Chao Tianwang who slaughtered Liangyue Prefecture City?" "Shangguan Ji? Heh... This Chao Tianwang is probably the real one who lured the ghosts into the city," Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "Doesn''t the Inner City have an Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu wondered. "Liangyue Prefecture couldn''t have fallen just like that, could it?" Chen Mu felt a surge of terror. Only one in ten remained in the Inner City, now food for the ghosts. Goosebumps couldn''t help springing up on him. "So ruthless!" ... As evening arrived at the Jian''an Gate in the south, Chen Mu stood in the shadows of the city wall. Looking up, the sunset stained the sky, blood-red like blood. Not a single patrolling soldier was on the city walls, the city gates wide open, yet no one dared to leave. The usually bustling gateway was now eerily silent. Chen Mu looked down through the crenels of the city wall. Within a few hundred meters outside the city lay hundreds of scattered corpses. These dead bodies were withered, their faces frozen in horror, terribly gruesome. At that moment, the Zuming Talisman in his chest warmed slightly, sending shivers down Chen Mu''s spine. "How dare he?!" South Market, Chunfeng Pavilion. Within the main hall of the first floor, the lighting was dim, the fragrance of wine overflowed, and the sounds of joy and laughter were endless. In Nanyang Prefecture''s Inner City, one out of ten remained alive, bodies piling up like mountains. Those who went to help deal with the corpses had frightened several to madness. Outside the city, Ghosts posed a threat. Bigger families and wealthy gentry were in a state of panic. But for ordinary people in the Outer City, it didn''t have much impact. Ghosts only wreaked havoc in the Inner City, with almost none in the Outer City. The city had not been closed for long, and with the merchants relying on stock, business in both the South and North Markets was booming. The entertainment industry, like Chunfeng Tower, was also thriving. Chen Mu sat in a corner, with a little paper figure busily working in the shadows. The dancer on the stage was a dancer named Qiu Ying, with a curvaceous figure, each good in their own right, just like Yu Tao from the North Market. Chen Mu appreciated the performance while trying to gather information. Those who came here to indulge themselves included not only wealthy heirs but also many whom they didn''t typically see in the past. These people had dark and rough skin, not born into high status. But each was tall and strong, prime candidates for military service. In the past, they could only drool at the entrance, deterred by the high spending. Now, after aligning themselves with Chao Tianwang and having received a substantial amount of Salary Silver, they immediately came to Chunfeng Tower to indulge. For three consecutive days, Chen Mu visited Chunfeng Tower every night to listen for news. During the day, he would walk through the streets and alleys, seeking out those who had enlisted to gather information. "Anyone with Bone Transformation gets to be an instructor upon entry." "Each person first receives a settling-in fee of two thousand silver." "Then there are five Dragon Transformation Pills. Alternatively, you can choose one Dragon Transformation Pill and one Shape Cultivation Technique." "If you''re of the Marrow Transformation Realm, aside from the limitation to choose one Shape Cultivation Technique, every other benefit is doubled!" "Those of the Wandering Soul Realm even get to directly negotiate with Chao Tianwang, with even higher terms." Chen Mu remarked to Jie Jia with a contemplative face, "He''s really splurging." Jie Jia nodded calmly. "Looking at this pattern, it''s not much different from the Startling Swan Gang''s Tangshan Camp." "Looks like they''re also recruiting people to head north to find the Thousand Mechanism Token." "His rewards are not easy to take," Chen Mu still couldn''t make up his mind. At that moment, there were soft footsteps outside the door. Chen Mu and Jie Jia exchanged a glance. "I''ll go stay for a few days," Chen Mu said, picking up his plate and running off. Jie Jia followed right behind, hands each holding two plates of food as he climbed over the wall to leave. As they leaped and dodged, not a drop of soup was spilled! Bang! The wooden door was kicked open with a single blow. "Search!" Chapter 122: Chapter 121 Choice The following morning, at the southeastern corner of the street by Tao Hua Alley, there used to be a tea house. At the moment, the tea house had been requisitioned. In front of the door, two long queues were arranged, with one burly man after another in brown clothes lining up to register. More than twenty soldiers in black tight suits, wearing brown leather armor on the upper body, were patrolling back and forth to maintain order. Despite their constant shouting for silence, the noise could not be stopped. Chen Mu, now standing at 1.8 meters, had a robust build and a face rugged with flesh. Dressed in a gray tight suit, his wrists fitted with black leather braces, his hair was casually tied into a ponytail at the back of his head as he strutted towards the tea house. The soldiers at the door, seeing Chen Mu''s appearance, knew that he most likely was a martial artist from Jianghu; they immediately stepped aside to let Chen Mu into the tea house. ... Inside the tea house, there was a row of long tables by the entrance of the main hall. Five or six scholars were seated behind the long tables handling the registration. Chen Mu was led by the accompanying soldiers to the center of the hall. There was a separate long table there, with a goateed elder lazily sipping tea behind it. A middle-aged man resembling a government clerk stood beside him. Upon seeing Chen Mu, he casually asked, "What''s your name? Where do you live?" "Chen Mu, I live in Tao Hua Alley, the third house on Ding You Street." Chen Mu quietly adjusted his throat muscles to make his voice rough and sonorous. "What skills do you have?" continued the goateed elder. "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Bone Transformation," stated Chen Mu simply. The goatee''s eyebrows raised, "Some skills you''ve got!" What followed was a string of questions, including ancestral home, when he arrived in Nanyang, and his usual social interactions, among others. The adjacent middle-aged clerk immediately pulled out a stack of files for cross-checking. Chen Mu even saw a copy of a deed with a red seal on it, the duplicate of the rental contract for his house. Fortunately, he had come prepared and fluently answered all the questions. The elder''s expression grew increasingly pleased, "Come on, follow me to the backyard for testing." Chen Mu nodded indifferently and followed the old man into the backyard. ... Under the eaves in the yard, a burly man around 1.8 meters tall sat in the shade, drinking tea. He was dressed in a black tight suit, with brown leather armor, a jade belt around his waist, and black boots on his feet, while a long sword rested beside a short table. Chen Mu had just stepped into the courtyard when he paused in his tracks. He had seen this man before; he was there moving wooden boxes on the night when Chen Mu''s new neighbors were moving in. "That neighbor must also be one of Chao Tianwang''s men." "Lucky I ran fast!" "Master Jia, a fine fellow has arrived," the goateed man said obsequiously. "Go test him." Master Jia didn''t stand up, merely gesturing with his chin towards six huge stone spheres in the yard, "Lift one up and walk a circle." Chen Mu, composed, made his way to the stone spheres. He easily lifted the first stone sphere and walked a circle around the yard, about ten meters in length and width. Then he picked up the second one, his expression still easy. By the third, his breathing had become slightly more rapid. Then he gritted his teeth and lifted the fourth one, his face turning beet red, but he still managed to complete a circle. When he tried the fifth, he could lift it off the ground but was unable to walk, so he immediately shook his head and gave up. "Bone Transformation is adequate," Master Jia said with satisfaction, "Old Ding, take him to the Inner City to receive his reward." ... Within Nanyang Prefecture''s Inner City. This was Chen Mu''s first visit to the Inner City. Sitting in a carriage, he couldn''t help but lift the curtain, peering out through the window. The roads were smooth, paved with blue stones, spacious and clean, with enough room for five or six carriages to pass side by side. The surrounding buildings were magnificent and exquisite; looking around, everything had white walls and green tiles, set in grand and deep courtyards. However, the typical luxury was gone now. On both sides of the streets, within the grand courtyards, soldiers were everywhere creating chaos. The Inner City had turned into Chao Tianwang''s military camp. The original residents had long been devoured by ghosts. ... Compared to the first floor, the second floor had significantly fewer bookshelves. Just three five-meter-long bookshelves stood there, isolated. The items placed on them were sparsely arranged, with one book occupying its own spot. A round-faced man was sitting by the second-floor window, drinking tea and enjoying the breeze. "The Shape Cultivation Arts are in the first row, third compartment. Choose one to copy by hand." "You''re free to look at other items as well but can''t take or copy them unless you give up the Shape Cultivation Art." Zong Tai glanced at Chen Mu and said indifferently. Chen Mu''s eyes squinted as he observed the man. Wasn''t this the same person who had monitored him that night and later tried to silence him? If it weren''t for this man, he wouldn''t have had to skulk around in hiding! It was these very people who ruthlessly summoned Ghosts to destroy the Inner City and committed countless murders! Utterly unforgivable! Chen Mu''s mind churned with thoughts, but he strove to keep his face calm, politely greeting Zong Tai with a fist and palm salute. He immediately walked to the shelves, looking at the dozen or so Shape Cultivation books inside the compartment. Chen Mu took a deep breath and slowly browsed through them. After quite a while, Chen Mu frowned and looked up. "Is it that the noble clans have too tight a grip on Shape Cultivation, or is Chao Tianwang deliberately hiding something?" Among the dozen or so Shape Cultivation books, only three seemed appealing. The rest were mostly in the vein of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. "Too bad I can only choose one." Chen Mu calmly picked up a Seven-horned Black Deer Shape Cultivation Art and headed to the desk. Half an hour later, he left the Scripture Pavilion. Chen Mu turned to look at Zong Tai by the second-floor window and politely nodded in greeting. Zong Tai also nodded back, yet his eyes flickered with a trace of confusion. Why does this man look somewhat familiar? "Xing Lao Liu!" Zong Tai called out to the entrance below. "Coming, Second Master!" Xing Lao Liu ran up the stairs excitedly. "Is there a problem with that man?" the Second Master asked casually. Xing Lao Liu''s heart thumped, yet his ingratiating smile didn''t waver. A problem? What problem could there be? The man was just a ruthless character who had undergone Bone Transformation. He assured emphatically, "Absolutely no problem!" "Hmm, keep up the good work. You won''t miss out on your reward," Zong Tai waved off carelessly. "Thank you, Second Master!" Xing Lao Liu chuckled as he went back downstairs. Once seated back at the entrance desk, he cautiously wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Best not to provoke such ruthless characters," he thought. "What if he suddenly starts killing people? Ding Lao? Hah..." ... Chen Mu stood before a large house at the entrance to the Inner East City. "That''s it, go on in. This is where the instructor of the Wu Character Camp resides." Ding Lao poked his head out from the carriage window, lazily pointing at a red lacquered gate. Chen Mu watched Ding Lao with an expressionless face. He touched the Seven-horned Black Deer Shape Cultivation Art in his bosom and thought of the other two books still lying in the Scripture Pavilion. Suddenly, with a grin, he spoke, "Mr. Ding, I have a cousin, his name is Chen Jia, with the same Bone Transformation skills. He also wishes to serve under Chao Tianwang. Could you possibly recommend him?" "Where is he?" Ding Lao perked up immediately. "Unfortunately, he lives in Shanglin Neighborhood, which isn''t in your jurisdiction." Ding Lao''s brow furrowed tightly; he had a beef with the person in charge of Shanglin Neighborhood. After thinking for a while, he gritted his teethbetter to fall out even more! Why let someone else eat the meat by his mouth?! "I will find him tomorrow! I''ll personally take him through the process!" Ding Lao said excitedly, another silver note soon to be in his account! Chen Mu was just as cheerful, another Shape Cultivation book soon within his grab! Watching Ding Lao drive away excitedly, Chen Mu''s smile faded, and he turned away, leaving the Wu Character Camp indifferently. "I hope on the day my identity is revealed, you can be just as happy." Chapter 123: Chapter 122 Agreed ``` In the old wooden building of Shanglin Neighborhood. Three peculiar syllables escaped Chen Mu''s mouth. Black smoke appeared in mid-air, twisting and rolling like a long serpent, then suddenly plunged downward. The live fish in the filled tank disappeared without a trace. This process was repeated six times, and all the fish in seven large tanks were devoured. Chen Mu introspected the space within the Five Ghosts Bag, and that cluster of Three Treasures Essence hovering in mid-air finally underwent some change. The original light red mist, the size of a mung bean, had now turned into... a less light red mist, still the size of a mung bean. "No wonder they set their sights on living humans." He had swallowed no fewer than thirty-five tanks of live fish, but up to now, he hadn''t managed to refine a single drop of Diandan red. "If I keep fishing like this, the Dragon King of Luo River is going to come looking for trouble with me." The black smoke in his hand rolled, and a bright red Elixir Pill appeared in his palm. Chen Mu looked up in the direction of the Inner City, "The people of this world live such miserable lives." He had every reason to suspect that this thing was refined from the countless lives of the people in the Inner City. "With such turmoil, it''s a miracle that Da Liang hasn''t fallen yet." Chen Mu indifferently put away the Dragon Transformation Pill in his hand. "Seems like there''s no need to rush the refining of Diandan red." Carrying forty-one Zuming Talismans... though burdened with debt, Continue reading on ?? His need for money was no longer so urgent. The income from the three replicated Elixir Pills was enough to support him in paying off the debt, even though it might take some time. There was also no need to think about exchanging the Dragon Transformation Pill for the Shape Cultivation Technique, as he had already found a way to obtain the Shape Cultivation Technique. "It''s just a little bit dangerous." ... Under the pavilion, Chen Mu placed a wooden basin on a stone table. The basin was filled with clear water, and Chen Mu looked down at the surface of the water. He watched as the muscles of his face slowly writhed, transforming into a handsome young scholar. "Young Master Duan Yu." Chen Mu then shook his head, "This poor little brother is too miserable, all the girls he likes... are his actual sisters." "Cousin sisters are still sisters." He quickly adjusted his facial muscles, turning into a refined middle-aged man in his thirties or forties, "I am Duan Zhengchun!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, then shook his head again, "This old chap''s luck with women, tsk tsk... what a shame he''s got a cuckold''s green hat." Suddenly his face changed again, "Still, Yan Zu is more pleasing to the eye." "Mmm, Guan Xi is passable too." Chen Mu chuckled, continuously altering his facial contours. Limited by his facial features, he couldn''t achieve a perfect match. But deceiving Old Master Ding would be a piece of cake! ... Early in the morning, Xing Lao Liu got up and had a bowl of wontons at the street corner, then leisurely headed towards the Prefectural Government Office in the Inner City. The office had changed its master, but it did not affect him much. As long as he kept his skills, he could make a living anywhere. It was secure! Even Second Rank shapeshifting technique he couldn''t see through, let alone Third Rank! Immediately, he confidently smiled at Xing Lao Liu. Xing Lao Liu stiffened all over, his facial skin shivering as if it had cramps. "He smiled? And smiled so cruelly?!" "Is he threatening me?" "He dares to threaten me?!" "Your... What might your honored surname be?" Xing Lao Liu forced a difficult smile and asked cautiously. "There''s no need for ''honored,'' I am Chen Jia, please proceed with the registration, Mr. Xing," Chen Mu replied leisurely. He kept smiling amiably the whole time. This old man is indeed useless! "Mr. Xing... It''s over! He remembered my name now!" Xing Lao Liu''s calves even began to tremble? He daringly didn''t look Chen Mu in the eye, quickly jotting down the information, then promptly stood up to invite Chen Mu inside the building. ... "Xing Lao Liu, your place is not up to scratch. At the Prefectural Government Office, how can you make your coffin funds?" Ding Lao Tou said with a look of disdain. Ding Lao Tou cautiously glanced at Chen Mu''s figure inside the Scripture Pavilion, noticed that Chen Mu had already gone up to the second floor, and immediately started to shake three fingers proudly, saying, "Today, I made this much again!" Xing Lao Liu glared at him, wishing he could strangle the old man. Making money! Making money! It''s all he knows! Do you know whose money you''re making?! People who dare to go through extreme modifications, you actually dare to provoke them?! "Scram!" Ding Lao Tou: "..." ... In the evening, a donkey pulling a black-lacquered carriage slowly stopped in front of a red-painted large gate. "This is Wu Character Camp. Your cousin is inside. I won''t go in." Two days in a row, six hundred taels of silver in hand. If he went to a nearby Guard City and spent it frugally, it would be enough to last him until he''s buried! Thinking this, his gaze towards Chen Mu became even kinder. What a naive target, why did only two come? At that moment, Chen Mu suddenly said, "Ding Lao, I have a friend named Yang Zhi, known in Jianghu as ''Green-faced Beast''." "He looks a bit scary, but he has extraordinary skills. It''s just that his background is a bit poor, so during the review..." Ding Lao Tou was so excited he almost passed out: "Let him come!" It''s another three hundred taels! No, wait, it seems... He restrained his smile and hesitantly said, "Regarding the... gratuity..." "You decide everything!" Chen Mu smiled gleefully. "I''ll take responsibility for any problems!" Ding Lao Tou declared, full of boldness. "So we are agreed then?" Chen Mu continued to smile. Ding Lao Tou firmly affirmed, "Agreed, no going back!" Chapter 124: Chapter 123 Friends The next afternoon, Xing Lao Liu looked at the overly cheerful Ding Lao Tou with a face of despair, too lazy to even speak. Raising his head to look at the tall figure with a blue birthmark covering half his face, he felt the hair on his scalp stand on end. Had Ding Lao Tou stirred up a hornet''s nest? Every single one of them was the kind of ruthless person who dared to mar their own face?! Life no longer held any appeal for him, yet he had no choice but to handle things cautiously. Xing Lao Liu slouched in the recliner, finding himself unable to focus on the book in his hands. "I can''t stay in this Scripture Pavilion anymore!" ... As evening approached, at the residence of the Wu Character Camp instructor in the Inner City East of the City, Chen Mu hopped down from the carriage, brushed his hand over the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest, which now contained an additional all-new Shape Cultivation Technique, and couldn''t help but reveal a satisfied smile on his face. In the Scripture Pavilion, there were only three high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques in total. The rest were at the level of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, some even worse. "I can''t take off the ''green-faced beast''s'' vest yet," Chen Mu sized up the vermilion-painted gate before him. He had to hang around with Chao Tianwang until the one-month deadline arrived. Otherwise, with people constantly coming to press-gang him, even eating would not be peaceful. Chen Mu turned his head to look at Ding Lao Tou inside the carriage. The old man had been a lot of help today. The identity of Yang Zhi was made up on a whim, easy to expose upon any scrutiny. Thanks to the old man''s wheeling and dealing, no one had suspected a thing. Noticing Chen Mu''s gaze, Ding Lao Tou immediately responded with an eager smile. This man might be unsightly, but he had made him a full five hundred taels of silver! Upon closer inspection, that face was actually quite... endearing, haha. Chen Mu gave him an equally terrifying smile, his eyes occasionally wandering over the old man''s arms and legs: "Since he''s gone to such lengths, let''s give him a little gift." "Two Iron Lotus Seeds? No more than that." As Chen Mu pondered whether to ambush the carriage on the road later or sneak in at night to deliver, Ding Lao Tou suddenly leaned forward with a broad grin: "Young Warrior Yang, don''t you also have a friend?" "Hmm? Can I even have friends?" "Why not!" "As long as the money is right, friends can be found everywhere!" Ding Lao Tou said excitedly! He leaned forward and whispered to Chen Mu, "You''re one of the tough guys from up north, aren''t you?" "Where did you used to hang out before this?" "You couldn''t mix in there anymore because of the chaos in the north, could you?" "Now you''re thinking of joining Chao Tianwang?" "Tell me about it, don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone." Chen Mu: "..." How did a decent person like me end up being seen as a gangster?! What the hell did you imagine, you bastard! And asking where I used to hang out?! Chen Mu glared at Ding Lao Tou: "I hung out on Liang Mountain!" "See! I guessed right!" Ding Lao Tou said proudly. "I''ve seen quite a few of your kind recently!" "Let me tell you, as long as the silver is forthcoming, there''s no problem with your identity!" "Come on, tell me, how many more of you want to join Chao Tianwang." Ding Lao Tou smiled warmly. "He shattered my Body Protection Aura with nothing but his Shell Soul." "That person might very well be an illegitimate child of a noble family." "With a rich bloodline, his Shell Soul is as hard as Spiritual Light. Endowed with enduring strength, far surpassing that of ordinary people." "If we encounter him on our way back to the city..." Shangguan Yu was clearly worried. Shangguan Ji waved his hand dismissively, "It''s alright, I was careless this time." "If we were to fight face to face, I might not kill him, but he would also not be able to kill me." Shangguan Yu let out a sigh of relief, "The Evil-Repelling Mirror is ready. When are we going back to the city?" "What does the Startling Swan Gang have to say?" asked Shangguan Ji. "Jin Wuduan said they suffered heavy losses due to a demonic attack and can''t afford to help," Shangguan Yu frowned deeply. "Cunning old fox," Shangguan Ji curled his lip. "Don''t rush, just wait," he said. Shangguan Yu puzzled, "Wait for what?" Shangguan Ji chuckled lightly, "Wait for Chao Fang to clean up Nanyang Prefecture City for us." Shangguan Yu''s eyes lit up, "Are we using Chao Fang to clear out all the disobedient forces and families?" "It''s easier to draw on a blank canvas," remarked Shangguan Ji meaningfully. "Father is truly wise!" ... The next day, Chen Mu arrived at the Scripture Pavilion of the Inner City, his face painted black in disguise as Xiaoyi Heilang. The usual register at the door, Lao Liu, was not present, replaced by a simple and honest-looking middle-aged man. After signing in his name, affiliated unit, and visit time just like the past three days, Chen Mu familiarly stepped into the Library. This time, he did not rush to the second floor to copy Shape Cultivation techniques. After all, the best three books were already in his Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu walked over to the row that contained medical and poison compendia. Due to his interest in Pharmaceutical Techniques, he found these kinds of books quite fascinating. Previously preoccupied with acquiring Shape Cultivation techniques, he had no mind to bother with them. Now was a good time to browse through. He had asked before; books from the first floor of the library could also be taken out, as long as enough silver was paid. "Decisive Treatments of Broths and Decoctions"? I''ve seen that. "Essential Categories of True Forms"? It''s in the Five Ghosts Bag. "Bone Reading for Physiognomy"? I''m not going around telling fortunes for people. "Author, Xing Ming. Xing?" Could that be the ancestor of that thin and dark old man? Chen Mu couldn''t help but take a closer look. "For every human bone, born innate, shaped through experience, its form logical, flesh and skin relative..." Chen Mu found himself engrossed in reading. "Lao Liu really can judge a person''s character by their bones," Chen Mu reflected. The book also introduced several drugs for facial disguise and transformation. With his Fourth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, he understood them at a glance. "Shaving bones, adding flesh? Cutting open the facial skin, insects gnawing at the bones; applying a medicinal paste, skin and flesh regenerating? That''s harsh!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but look closely. The more he read, the more familiar it seemed. "How come this effect is almost the same as my Second Rank Shape-shifting Technique?" As he thought more about it, he couldn''t help but laugh, "It really is similar!" But as he laughed, he suddenly stopped laughing, "Lao Liu can judge... bones?!" This is bad! How the hell am I supposed to impersonate one of the Hundred and Eight Generals! Chapter 125: Chapter 124: Exposure ``` "The plan has gone down the drain," Chen Mu sighed. "I''m really not cut out for undercover work." Black smoke tumbled in his palm as the "Bone Reading for Physiognomy" manual disappeared without a trace. He glanced back at the two men at the door, chatting away. Then he looked up toward the direction of the spiral staircase. Chen Mu silently placed his hand on the bookshelf, and a billowing black smoke quietly spread out. An hour later, Chen Mu, with a darkened face, hurriedly left. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag, there were now dozens more medical and poison compendiums, as well as swordsmanship secret manuals. At the entrance of Wu Character Camp. "Brother Song, call your brothers over, let''s go have a good time at Chunfeng Tower," Old Ding said with a beaming smile. "I wouldn''t want to disturb your fun, you go enjoy yourself." After all, if he didn''t enjoy himself now, he might not have the chance to ever again. Chen Mu sent the overly happy Old Ding on his way, then turned to look at the vermilion gate. "It seems we''re destined but not fated," he mused. With what had happened with Xing Lao Liu, he dared not stay in the Inner City military camp any longer. It was all quiet now, but what if someone were to spill the beans? "Third Rank Shape-shifting Technique is still not enough," he thought. ... As evening approached, at the Prefectural Government Office of the Inner City, inside a small compartment next to the storeroom where the clerk worked. The plump Chen Zhushi, who should have been off work and resting, stood in the room with a troubled look on his face. Candles as thick as a child''s arm were lit all around, and the room which had been somewhat dim was now brightly illuminated. Zong Tai sat at the head seat with a grim face. He stared at Old Ding, who was kneeling in the middle of the room: "What''s the background of that Song Jiang?" "He''s a tough guy from Liang Mountain in the north," said Old Ding with a swollen face, not daring to conceal anything, dressed only in a thin layer of clothes. He had been having a good time at Chunfeng Tower when someone had knocked him out with a punch just as he had climbed into bed. Dragged out of bed stark naked, he barely had time to grab some clothes to cover himself before he was brought here. "Where is Liang Mountain?" Zong Tai took a deep breath. The loss of dozens of medical and poison compendiums and swordsmanship secret manuals from the Scripture Pavilion was trivial. They could simply demand their return. And with enough money offered, they could even allow the other party to transcribe a copy to keep. But he had searched high and low and couldn''t find this Song Jiang! "You mean to tell me he''s a hero from Liang Mountain, and you didn''t know?" Old Ding looked amazed. Zong Tai was clueless: "Hero of Liang Mountain? Is that famous?" "Eating big chunks of meat, drinking from large bowls, and sharing out gold with big scales - the one hundred and eight heroes of Liang Mountain. You don''t know?" Old Ding couldn''t believe it. Zong Tai looked at Chen Zhushi, bewildered: "Do you know about this?" ... Nightfall On the edge of the Inner City, Lin Heng Neighborhood. "We can''t go back to TaoHua Neighborhood and Shanglin Neighborhood anymore." Chen Mu and Chen Jia''s identities were recorded. If someone were to investigate, following the records of these two identities, they could track it down. "Having more than one hideout is useful after all." The residence he was now living in was three streets away from the old house in Lin Heng Neighborhood. He had also used a paper effigy to check the house across from the old one, and it was already empty. Your adventure continues at ?? "Having stayed in the luxurious residence of the Prefectural Government, I wouldn''t want to live in these small houses either," Chen Mu mused as he sipped his tea. Muttering three syllables, he initiated the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Black smoke billowed, and instantly, a stack of dozens of books appeared on the desk. Chen Mu sorted through and picked out books one by one. "Twenty-seven medical and Poison Compendiums; I can continue grinding the Pharmaceutical Technique. Just set it for an hour before sleep." Chen Mu continued flipping through. "Three Swordsmanship Secret Manuals, two manuals on hidden weapons. They can only help to broaden my knowledge a bit." The items were not bad, but for a Fourth Rank Iron Lotus Seed and Sleeve Sword Technique, they were of little use. At most, they could help broaden his horizons. "The first floor is ultimately a bit lacking." He had taken these two books simply to make up numbers. After all, having so many Martial Arts manuals laid out, it felt like a loss not to take a couple. Chen Mu tucked them away, "I''ll look at them if I have time, and never mind if I don''t." "Seven volumes of records on the secrets of Jianghu. That''s good, something to pass the time with." If it weren''t for fear of leaving too many gaps on the bookshelf causing the caretaker to notice something amiss, he would''ve taken even more secrets. "I need to see what Da Liang''s Jianghu is like." In this world for over three years, he was either holed up at home or busy moving to a new hiding place. He truly lacked understanding of this strange world. "These four are the main event," Chen Mu said gleefully, pulling out four Shape Cultivation Technique books and couldn''t help but browse through them again. The last one was called Cloudy Mist Shape Cultivation Technique, with one hundred and eight variations in the Breathing Method, which was also quite good. Compared to the three high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques before it, it was a bit inferior. But if compared to the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation... Forget it, let''s not compare; a small fry will always be a small fry. "To think that I''ve actually amassed ten Shape Cultivation Technique books?!" Half of them were even high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques. Chen Mu was somewhat surprised himself. On such a happy day, why not... Chunfeng Tower? Chapter 126: Chapter 125 Retreat ``` In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the 28th of June, in the morning. In Lin Heng Lane, Chen Residence. Chen Mu savored some pastries and tea as he leisurely browsed through "Bone Reading for Physiognomy". After a good while, Chen Mu closed the book and turned his gaze to the gray wall. Shape-shifting Technique: 697/10000/Third Rank; "Gained thirty points?!" Xing Lao Liu could use it to inspect corpses and read fortunes. Chen Mu could use it to boost the Proficiency of his Shape-shifting Technique. "A fine book!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. More than ten days had passed since he abandoned the plan to impersonate a character from Outlaws of the Marsh. Chen Mu had diligently stayed within Lin Heng Lane, not setting foot outside. The twenty-day lockdown was starting to reveal its dire consequences. Shortages of supplies gradually led to chaos, and vicious brawls broke out from time to time. Chao Tianwang allowed things to take their own course, yet his recruitment drive was in full swing. Because only by joining Chao Tianwang could one earn money and have food to eat. He slaughtered rich families and plundered wealth, recruiting soldiers and buying horses, yet he paid no heed to the common people''s livelihood. "This Chao Tianwang, planning to slip away?" "Hurry and go!" "If you all leave, I''ll leave too." Nanyang Prefecture City was nearly ruined by disaster. "Once I get to Lijiang City, I''ll stay at home to practice my skills, and I won''t step outside no matter what," he vowed. The world was in far too much chaos. Massacring cities and annihilating clans was commonplace. ... Chen Mu put away the book and stepped into the center of the courtyard. He crossed his hands and gently pressed them against his lower abdomen. His breathing rhythm abruptly changed, becoming urgent. He began to practice the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique. Although he had been hiding lately, he had never neglected his Shape Cultivation. With his breathing changing, Chen Mu started to twist his waist and swing his hips, contorting his body into an inconceivable angle. That was the hallmark of the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique, which could greatly enhance bodily flexibility. Following the usual rhythm, Chen Mu practiced slowly and rhythmically. After one repetition, Chen Mu let out a long breath. He glanced at the gray wall. Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique: 9536/10000/Third Rank; "Almost there!" ... In the afternoon, as the sun was setting, the sky was awash with blood-red hues of dusk. The dazzling red and yellow light cast upon Chen Mu''s cheeks. Whoosh... A long breath was released. Chen Mu''s muscles started to rapidly undulate. Instead of bulging, they contracted inward. The large muscles became fine and dense, flexible yet firm, and like a spring, filled with explosive power. Zong Tai clenched his fists and bowed, feeling the weight of the looks behind him, and couldn''t help biting down hard on his back teeth! "Damn you, Song Jiang!" ... Linheng Lane, Chen Residence. Next to the brick stove at the base of the eastern wall. Two swirls of black smoke floated at the top of the chimney. The smoke from the burning wood was first swallowed by the black smoke below, then spewed from the upper smoke cluster. In and out, the unburnt carbon particulates were completely filtered out. A ball of clear water hovered in mid-air as the Five Ghosts Bag was fed into the vertical shaft. The smoke from the stove, washed over and over by the drifting water, quickly lost its color. "Think you can catch my strength with cooking smoke? If you find me, I''ll consider it a loss!" Chen Mu held a spatula, humming an unknown ditty, sizzling and stir-frying the flavorful cured meat. "Having mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique today, I must add an extra dish no matter what!" Had time permitted, he would have certainly prepared a jar of braised pork for himself. "Can''t delay the performance by Yu Tao." "Tomorrow, for sure, I''ll make up for it!" ... Zong Tai walked out of the inner courtyard of the Prefectural Government Office, passing by the six departments of the yamen''s office. Glancing up at the emaciated figure hanging from the flagpole, his fists clenched involuntarily. Thinking about his other brothers, thriving and increasing their wealth and soldiers, while he remained nothing more than a bare pole commander. His resentment towards Old Ding grew stronger. "Getting the Soul-Calming Stake is what''s important." "Let you, that old thing, live another night!" "Setting out early tomorrow morning... Hmph!" Zong Tai changed his clothes, put on a hat, and after leaving the Prefectural Government Office, he rode a horse-drawn carriage and dashed towards the South Gate of the Inner City. The roads of the Inner City were wide and sparsely populated by the evening, allowing him to leave the Inner City in just a quarter of an hour. After making several turns here and there, another quarter of an hour later, the carriage arrived at Linheng Lane. Zong Tai jumped down from the carriage and looked around attentively. His continued mistakes made him all the more cautious in his actions. A faint yet tantalizing spicy aroma wafted into his nostrils. "What''s this delightful smell? Is it dinnertime?" Zong Tai looked up at the gradually darkening sky. "I''ll finish this quickly and then head to the banquet with Big Brother." Zong Tai stepped forward to leave, but suddenly halted. "Hang on. Wasn''t this street always unoccupied? Where is that smell coming from?" To ensure the safety of the Soul-Calming Stake, he had once checked personally; the surrounding houses were all vacant. But somehow, a scholar appeared and disturbed his plans, and because of that, he ended up being ostracized and neglected. Later on, he speculated that the man might have been an escaping criminal, like them, deliberately seeking out deserted houses to hide in. Their encounter might have merely been a coincidence. Zong Tai carefully recalled the scholar, and suddenly, his brow furrowed. He remembered that the scholar''s pan-fried dumplings also had an alluring fragrance. Just like this spicy scent, irresistible, making one salivate. In the same Linheng Lane. On the same deserted street. Also able to cook incredibly delicious food. Could it be... Zong Tai abruptly turned his head, looking solemnly toward the nearby street corner. "Could another escaped criminal have shown up?!" Chapter 127: Chapter 126: Soul-Calming Stake Zong Tai stood at the entrance of the street, deep in thought with furrowed brows. Had the criminal come here by accident, or was it intentional? Could it be they knew that a Soul-Calming Stake was buried here?! Zong Tai lifted his foot intending to go over and take a look, but after just two steps, he suddenly stopped. "Forget it." "There can''t be any more mistakes," Zong Tai thought, shaking his head. Before the attack on Nanyang, he ran around busily, but when success was near, an error occurred. Chao Fang began to distance himself, and his brothers teased him; he had always been holding back a surge of frustration. The most urgent task was to extract the Soul-Calming Stake and send it back to the Inner City. "There can be no complications!" With this thought, he turned his head and walked into an alley. ... Standing in front of a residence with two yellow lanterns hanging at the gate. Zong Tai leaped up and vaulted into the courtyard. Reaching the main house''s entrance, he carefully examined the small mechanism on the copper lock, making sure no one had sneaked in, and breathed a sigh of relief. He unlocked the door and entered. In the dim main house, by the faint light, Zong Tai looked at the familiar room with complexity. Annoyance and unwillingness filled his heart again, and it took a long while before he sighed. "One must look forward." "If I don''t have soldiers under my command, then I''ll just lead without an army." "As long as I do what big brother has assigned me to do and continue to receive the cultivation of the hall''s red, there will come a day when I rise." He took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and pulled out the stopper to pour into his palm. The sticky, bright red of the hall''s red flowed out. Its shape resembled jelly, yet it had good fluidity. Poured into the palm, it automatically shrank into a quail egg-sized translucent sphere. "First, extract the Soul-Calming Stake." Holding the hall''s red in one hand, Zong Tai uttered a string of convoluted and obscure characters. The words seemed disjointed and incomprehensible, a jumble of three to four hundred characters with no apparent meaning. Zong Tai paid no attention and continued the incantation. Once. Ten times. A hundred times... This continued for a quarter of an hour until there was a change. The surface of the sphere of hall''s red in his hand started to bulge with small lumps before they disappeared and retracted. Zong Tai felt a sense of relief inside: "Finally..." As he continued to recite, his voice began to sound strange. At first, it was a single voice, but slowly it seemed like two voices overlapping, and after a while, as if countless people were chanting at the same time. Zong Tai endured the dryness in his mouth and throat, continuing the incantation non-stop. Reciting for nearly three-quarters of an hour, the sky had turned completely dark. The small sphere of hall''s red suddenly emitted a bright red glow and with a swoosh dispersed, quickly seeping through the gaps between his fingers and down to the ground. Falling to the floor, it spread out mottled red dots, moving like living creatures, wriggling and squirming through the crevices of the green brick floor and disappearing underground. The ground suddenly shook. The green brick floor was pushed up, and the soil beneath it bubbled and spilled out rapidly, piling into a half-meter-tall mound of dirt in just a few breaths. "Tsk... missing some entertainment here." "Sleep, sleep, I''ll just find what I need in my dreams." Feeling the forty-one Zuming Talismans in his pocket, Chen Mu fell asleep peacefully. ... Whoosh! A gentle breeze whispered. A stocky man dressed in black, carrying a long black staff, crept over the wall with his back bent, resembling a thief. After Zong Tai landed, just as he was about to move, he couldn''t help but smile bitterly. "I must be crazy." He was just a fugitive hiding and evading the law. How could he possibly be that man from the past? Shaking his head, he prepared to leave. With the Soul-Calming Stake on him, he couldn''t afford any mishaps. But... since he was already here. Zong Tai landed silently like a ghost, glided to the window on the west side of the main house in two steps. The window had a single openwork shutter, pasted with ochre oil paper and could be flipped open by rolling it up on the upper wooden axis. It was currently propped open slightly by a horizontal stick. Zong Tai took out a porcelain bottle from his chest, placed it below the half-open window, and slowly waved his hand. A wisp of green smoke entered the room through the open window. With the help of faint moonlight filtering through the window gaps, one could vaguely see the bed not far from the window. At that moment, a figure was lying on the bed, sound asleep. Zong Tai paused and waited. A quarter of an hour later, he suddenly flung the window open and darted into the room. The instant he landed, he lunged toward the bed. His Shell Soul shifted, and his right fist turned pitch black as ink. Like a massive sledgehammer, it brought a whistling wind and ferociously smashed down! Zong Tai''s expression was cold: "With the Soul-Calming Stake, there must be no accidents..." Bang! The solid walnut bed shattered in an instant. Something wasn''t right! The next moment, his scalp prickled with sudden pain. Without thinking, Zong Tai instinctively crouched, raising his left hand clutching the Soul-Calming Stake. The dark Soul-Calming Stake pierced the air, thrusting up towards the space above his head. Clang! It was like a hammer smashing down on an anvil. A thunderous roar erupted beside his ear. A powerful force transmitted from the tip of the Soul-Calming Stake. His left hand, covered with Soul Strength, felt like it was grasping a slick, massive serpent. Sss! It sounded like a knife scraping glass. The Soul-Calming Stake, gripped by a hand as tight as an iron hoop, suddenly slipped downwards. With a soft thud, it effortlessly penetrated the green brick floor. Zong Tai''s heart pounded ruthlessly, his pupils sharply contracting. ``` Chapter 128: Chapter 127: Rearing Dark Schemes ``` Bang! The window shattered. Zong Tai burst forth with splinters of broken wood, breaking through the window. Midair, he tapped the ground with his Soul-Calming Stake. In an instant, he twisted his waist, turning his body while still in the air. Pfft! His feet, like iron nails, plunged into the soil. Bang! The solid, hard ground, like a crushed biscuit, burst apart, dirt flying everywhere. Zong Tai solemnly stared at the figure following closely behind, holding a dagger, with long hair cascading over their shoulders. Damn! He had found the wrong person! "Friend, hold on, don''t make a movethere''s been a misunderstanding!" Zong Tai hastily called out. Chen Mu''s eyebrows furrowed deeply. A librarian? A misunderstanding? They haven''t discovered my affair yet?! Luckily! He needed to mislead this person first, but he couldn''t compromise too soon. Chen Mu pretended to be grim, "You don''t look like you''re acting on a misunderstanding!" Zong Tai took a deep breath, knowing that if the other party was still talking, there was room for negotiation. "It really is a misunderstanding!" "I still have two drops of Hall-illuminating Red on me as compensation, how about that?" "Friend, you might not know, but Hall-illuminating Red is the essence of the Dragon Transformation Pill, one drop is worth thirty pills!" Hall-illuminating Red? Chen Mu''s brow quirked, feigning desire and hesitation, then greedily spoke, "Not enough!" "I also have a silver note worth three thousand Silver Pieces. If you''re still unsatisfied, I will go back and get you more," Zong Tai hurriedly said. "Forget it, let''s just leave it at that!" Chen Mu pretended to be reluctantly agreeable. "Thank you for your understanding, my friend!" Zong Tai sighed in relief and slowly straightened up. He gestured with his hand for Chen Mu to be patient, then slowly took out a white porcelain bottle from his bosom and threw it to Chen Mu. "Friend, catch." Chen Mu couldn''t help but fix his gaze on the porcelain bottle. Was that where the Hall-illuminating Red was? He had never seen Hall-illuminating Red in its complete form before. Woo... Suddenly, a low whooshing sound rushed into his ears. The Soul-Calming Stake, wrapped in a fierce wind, smashed harshly toward Chen Mu''s head. Zong Tai was midair, unable to contain his laughter. Was there such a naive person in the Jianghu?! Negotiate peace? "Ha!" The Soul-Calming Stake, though late to start, almost instantly appeared above Chen Mu''s head. In the blink of an eye, as if time stood still, Chen Mu slowly looked up, indifferently watching Zong Tai. Then, he quietly stepped back. The Soul-Calming Stake brushed past the tip of Chen Mu''s nose. Hisss! The gust of wind tore a small cut across the tip of his nose. "What a disappointing world." "The most basic trust between people has completely vanished." With a forlorn expression, Chen Mu tightened his left hand, silently hiding away the Iron Lotus Seeds he had been about to throw a moment before. "I truly wanted to reconcile with this world. Really!" "But the world keeps repaying me with malice!" Chen Mu''s expression contorted with resentment. "I can only fight evil with evil!" Hum! A net-like Soul Strength quickly surfaced on his right arm. The mighty power bestowed by the six types of Shape Cultivation Technique surged forth. Underneath the skin, the muscles writhed as if a dragon was turning over, rapidly bulging and rising. "Something hasn''t happened to him, has it?" Jia Xiang couldn''t help but turn pale. Lately, Second Brother''s luck hadn''t been very good. "Big Brother, I''ll go have a look!" Jia Xiang suddenly stood up. Chao Fang gave a somber nod. The others set down their wine cups, daring not to say more, and the atmosphere sank into a lull. A quarter of an hour later, Jia Xiang stormed back into the room. "Big Brother, the item was taken, but... there''s no one!" Chao Fang''s expression turned grim in an instant. He immediately took out a bright yellow scroll, about the length of a forearm, from his chest. The scroll was neither paper nor silk, but soft and resilient. Chao Fang pulled it open fiercely, and a line of quail egg-sized, archaic characters jumped into viewThousand Mountains Scripture: Cultivating Dark Tactic. Behind the title was a blank space, large enough for two palms, with symmetrical borders drawn around it, comprising straight lines, cloud patterns, and flame designs. Chao Fang hurriedly took out a white porcelain bottle. He uncorked it and poured all of the bright red liquid inside onto the blank area, then quickly began muttering a Curse. In just fifteen breaths, the walnut-sized bright red liquid boiled and frothed, seeping into the bright yellow fabric. Thirteen spots quickly materialized in the blank space. One black spot the size of a peanut sat in the center, with eleven red spots the size of soybeans clustered around it. Another red spot stood isolated, slowly moving to the right. Chao Fang released a sigh of relief, then said grimly, "Follow me! I want to see what Second Brother is up to in the North Market right now..." Crack! The porcelain bottle in Chao Fang''s hand was suddenly crushed, and he glared at the bright yellow fabric, his complexion extremely ugly. The moving red spot that had just been there was gone! The Soul-Calming Stake... one was missing! ... North Market, a street full of medicinal shops. At the end of the street lay an inconspicuous little pharmacy named Hesheng Hall. The night was deep and quiet, the apprentices and clerks in the front hall had gone home. However, the room in the back courtyard was still brightly lit. Jie Jia was wiping down the tables and chairs meticulously with a white handkerchief. Having just brewed some tea, Jie Jia placed it at hand and solemnly took out a bulky fist-sized cloth bag from his bosom. Gingerly loosening the bag''s drawstring, he poured out a heap of Silver Pieces with a clatter. He then started to roll the silver into beads, one by one. While rolling, his hands suddenly paused, and then as if nothing happened, he continued rolling before speaking in an indifferent tone, "Are you coming down yourself, or should I knock you down?" The rooftiles gently clinked. Creak. The door opened, and Chen Mu walked into the room with a cheeky grin. "I reckon you didn''t get your fill this afternoon, how about we grab a midnight snack?" Jie Jia''s bright yellow pupils moved as he stared at Chen Mu without saying a word. Chen Mu: "..." "How about this? I''ll stay here for a while, what do you say?" "Who have you offended now?!" Jie Jia''s eyelids involuntarily lifted slightly. "I''m as honest and upright as they come, who could I have possibly offended?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Jie Jia watched Chen Mu, his eyelids rising even further: "Okay." Chen Mu immediately let out a long sigh of relief. "Twenty silver notes... a day." Jie Jia stretched out two fingers. "Why don''t you just rob me!" The old man was taking advantage! "Robbing isn''t as profitable as taking your money." Jie Jia replied languidly. "Aren''t you afraid I''ll just turn around and leave?" Chen Mu argued back. Suddenly, a messy sound of horses'' neighing emerged from outside. Calls and hollers could faintly be heard, seemingly in search of someone. Chen Mu''s face twitched. Jie Jia grinned: "Heh heh..." Chen Mu: "..." Chapter 129: Chapter 128: Evacuation ``` Nanyang Prefecture City, inside the Prefectural Government Office. In the dead of night, the government office, which should have sunk into deep sleep, was brightly lit. Old Ding, dazed atop a flagpole, opened his eyes. He looked down at his colleagues from days past, pacing back and forth in fear and trepidation. In the distance, squads of soldiers, led by Team Leaders, carried torches and rode fast horses, dashing out the gate. After hanging up there for so many days, he had never seen such a lively scene. Listening carefully, he could faintly hear that it seemed they were looking for someone. Zong Tai? That bastard went missing?! Ha... ... The main hall in the inner courtyard. Chao Fang sat in the highest seat, looking somber. The long meeting table had been removed earlier. "Big brother, I followed the tracks of the carriage and found an empty residence in the nearby alleys." "There were signs of a struggle, and several holes smashed by sticks and clubs, very likely from a Soul-Calming Stake." "There were droplets of blood on the ground, not sure if they''re from second brother or someone else." Chao Fang''s brows furrowed tightly, "Who exactly is opposing us?" "Could it be Shangguan Ji?" Jia Xiang hesitated, "After all, he was Nanyang''s number one for twenty years. If there were any contingencies within the city..." "It''s not him," Chao Fang shook his head, "Forget it, you go have a look at North Market too." "The Soul-Calming Stake last appeared there." "Do whatever it takes to find Zong Tai. I want to see him alive, or his body if he''s dead!" "As you command!" Jia Xiang bowed with a fist, then turned and left. Chao Fang watched Jia Xiang''s retreating figure. His fist clenched tight beneath his sleeve. "Such a mistake at a crucial moment." "Not contributing enough in success, but always in excess when it comes to failure!" Chao Fang''s expression was cold. "Need to figure out a way to refine another Soul-Calming Stake..." ... North Market was sealed off by Chao Tianwang''s forces, house by house they searched, creating chaos throughout the night. But Chen Mu wasn''t afraid at all. With the Five Ghosts Bag, he casually dug out an underground space five meters below. Four oil lamps illuminated the cellar brightly. The Five Ghosts Bag quickly cycled fresh air from outside. Lit the incense to mask the earthy smell. Used two or three buckets of ice to cool it down. The dark, stuffy cellar was instantly transformed into a bright and comfortable large bedroom. Then he quietly spread the excavated soil out into the surrounding muddy alleys. Done! Hesheng Hall was searched several times for an open door, but no one noticed Chen Mu. He then settled down, no longer caring about the turmoil outside, sleeping soundly until dawn. ... The next day, Jie Jia gave the apprentices and workers the day off early. After they left, Chen Mu jumped out of the cellar and went into the kitchen to cook. At the dining table, eating pan-fried dumplings, Chen Mu asked, "What were those people looking for last night?" "It does seem quite useful, haha!" ... "Chao Tianwang has withdrawn his troops. When do we leave?" Chen Mu asked. Just this morning, Chao Tianwang''s men had begun to leave the city in stages. Chen Mu even went to watch the procession of that Chao Tianwang... well, he watched from afar using a small paper figure. The core group, Chao Tianwang and the twelve... eleven Heavenly Generals, had left the city early. By tomorrow evening at the latest, the rear supply and porter teams would also depart. Moreover, someone discovered that three days ago, there were no traces of evil spirits outside the city. Many have sneaked out of Nanyang already. "No rush," Jie Jia said, completely composed. The evil spirits might be gone, but that didn''t guarantee they wouldn''t come back. Zuming Talismans were selling like hotcakes. Chen Mu nodded. With the evil spirits gone and Chao Tianwang having fled, he feared nothing. If he hadn''t felt Nanyang was unstable, he wouldn''t have even needed to leave. "It seems that the positioning of that stick isn''t very accurate," Chen Mu had also come to his senses. "Maybe the Five Ghosts Bag blocked the detection," Chen Mu realized somewhat. "Then let it lie in the bag for now." In the following days, Chen Mu stayed inside Hesheng Hall. He maintained the Heavenly Serpent Breathing Technique daily to advance his proficiency. He slowly flipped through the dozens of books he had swindled out of the Prefectural Government Office. Especially the book "Bone Reading for Physiognomy." The more he read, the more he felt that the old, thin man, Xing Lao Liu, had definitely seen something. "No wonder he slipped away so quickly. A clever man indeed." "When I searched the Jian''an Gate before, did he also sense something was off?" Chen Mu chuckled and shook his head. Quite a sly old fox. ... As Chao Tianwang left and there were no more evil spirits guarding the city, many people from Nanyang Prefecture began to flee to the outskirts. Many also took advantage of this gap to wreak havoc. But just five days later, order was restored to the marketplace. Because Shangguan Ji had returned. Along with him, eight thousand armored elites of Tangshan Camp also returned. The wolf-like and tiger-like army quickly took control of Nanyang, methodically suppressing chaos and restoring order. They opened the granaries to distribute grain, issued notices to soothe the civilians, exempted all industries from a year''s tax, and hired laborers at high wages to repair the Inner City. Nanyang Prefecture City was swiftly reviving. ... In the private room on the third floor of the Fanlou Four Seas Building in North Market, Tu Shan was chewing on a roasted lamb leg, his hands and face covered in grease. Chao Fang toyed with his wine cup, looking at the red dots on the bright yellow cloth before him, and couldn''t help but sigh, "It seems it''s indeed gone." "Let''s hurry up and leave." Tu Shan was indifferent. "With this effort, you could have re-crafted a new one by now." "Alright then," Chao Fang nodded in resignation. "We''ll just have to look for a suitable town along the way." "What about the Stake?" Tu Shan asked. "I found a Taoist priest in his forties, in the Wandering Soul Realm, just the right fit." "What a pity, I wanted to be the Stake myself, stage a coup, and successfully turn the tables on you," Tu Shan said with regret. "That''s how the stories in the novellas go. It''s quite interesting." "Heh..." Chao Fang''s lips curled up in an unconcerned chuckle. Chapter 130: Chapter 129 Luck At dusk, the alluring scent of food once again wafted from the backyard of Hesheng Hall. Chen Mu, clad in Jie Jia armor, ate his meal in silence and with great speed. Both men had hearty appetites, and the spread of dishes before them was swiftly devoured. Soon, black smoke billowed, and the bowls and utensils were left spotlessly clean. In the corner, black smoke enveloped the wooden trash bin. A pile of bones and vegetable juice fell into it. Jie Jia gazed at Chen Mu with a complex expression. "What''s wrong?" Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia, spreading his hands. "Isn''t this very convenient?" Jie Jia couldn''t help but nod in agreement. But still, using a Magic Artifact like this... the feeling was truly... indescribable! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "The ghosts outside the city are gone now, aren''t they?" "They''ve dispersed." Jie Jia nodded as he took the tea cup Chen Mu handed him. "The waterway from here to Lijiang Guard City is also safe now, right?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "The ghosts were only around Nanyang Prefecture City before. There weren''t any on the Lijiang River..." As Jie Jia spoke, his hand holding the tea cup suddenly froze. This guy doesn''t want to run now, does he? "Then I''ll leave tomorrow!" Chen Mu said excitedly. Although Nanyang Prefecture was temporarily safe, what if someone like Li Tianwang came after Chao Tianwang had left? The less he stayed, the better. Jie Jia put down his tea cup, his eyelids drooping. Without the evil spirits, he wasn''t needed to personally escort Chen Mu. There went a business deal... "Right, do you recognize this thing?" Chen Mu suddenly said, as though something had occurred to him. A black staff, accompanied by black smoke, appeared. Jie Jia glanced at the black staff on the table, a glint of recognition in his eyes. "This is..." He began, but suddenly stopped midsentence. His eyes narrowed, glancing toward Chen Mu''s left arm. "Here, here, here!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes and took out ten silvers to give to Jie Jia. Jie Jia slowly lowered his head to look at the silver, then gradually extended his right hand, opening it wide. "Fifty... fifty silvers?!" "Hey! You''re getting greedier, huh?! "You used to open your mouth for two silvers, now why the price hike?!" Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia. Jie Jia calmly looked at Chen Mu without uttering a word. "Speak up!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth and took out another forty silvers. Carrying a massive debt on his back, he wished he could stretch a single silver to serve as two, but Jie Jia had just conned him out of fifty silvers, wiping the smile off his face. Jie Jia leisurely rolled the silver beads. The fee for escorting him was gone, but here came the fee for information consultation! ... "Soul-Calming Stake." "Take the heartwood of a locust tree that is over a hundred years old, and refine it with Secret Techniques." "This one..." Jie Jia''s fingers gently brushed the black staff: "At least three hundred years old." "This thing is made of locust wood? You''re kidding me, right?" Chen Mu caressed the black staff, which felt more like jade or glass, in disbelief. Can the heartwood of a locust be black? And so hard? "Help me sell them." "To make it worth your while, I''ll give you a commission of one hundred silvers for each." Jie Jia: "..." I sell them to you for two thousand, five hundred each, and you want me to sell them for three thousand, five hundred each? Do I look like I need those extra one hundred silvers?! What I''m missing is a thousand silvers! Jie Jia''s eyelids abruptly lifted another notch. The silver beads he was rolling in his hands almost got crushed! ... The next day, after eating breakfast, Chen Mu was in high spirits as he counted his silver notes. After selling the thirty-one Zuming Talismans and deducting Jie Jia''s commission, he profited twenty-seven thousand, nine hundred silvers. Subtracting the debt remaining for the last ten, he was left with two thousand, nine hundred silvers. This month he also sold quite a few Blue Medicine Pills. All told, Chen Mu''s net worth had skyrocketed to thirteen thousand, two hundred silvers. His personal wealth had surged! "With this money, I could reside in leisure at the Lijiang Guard City until the end of time!" Chen Mu thought cheerfully. In the front courtyard of the Hesheng Hall. Chen Mu walked in carrying a small cloth bag, purely for symbolic reasons. Jie Jia sat behind the spotless counter as usual, rolling his silver beads. "I''m off." "Don''t forget to have someone come for the medicines." Lijiang Guard City wasn''t far, and Chen Mu could still carry on with his remote drug-peddling business. Jie Jia looked up, his bright yellow pupils calmly gazing at Chen Mu as he nodded slightly. Chen Mu chuckled lightly, then swiftly turned and strode away. ... East of the City at the Jian''an Gate. After a chaotic month, the area near Jian''an Gate was bustling as usual. Chen Mu, altering his facial features and clad in a grey outfit with a black cloth tied around his hair, walked briskly carrying a small pack. Following the crowd, he quickly passed the routine inspection and once again left Nanyang Prefecture City. Looking back, Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Who knew when he would return next? Just as he was about to depart, a long family convoy caught his attention. The line of vehicles was extensive, the carriages sumptuous, and the guards all looked strong and formidable. "Which large family''s convoy is that?" Chen Mu followed the outgoing civilians to the roadside to evade the procession. "Isn''t that the Zhou family from the Inner City?" "They actually survived that disaster." "The Bai family is safe too. Rumor has it they all went to the Lijiang Guard City for ancestral rituals, and thus fortuitously escaped." "What good luck..." Chen Mu observed the lengthy caravan, feeling an inexplicable chill inside. The Bai family, the Zhou family, the Shangguan family... Luck? Luck so great that the whole clan survived? Heh... Chapter 131: 130 Lijiang City, East of the City, Yongtong District, outside the gate of a small courtyard. Chen Mu unlocked the brass lock and pushed the door open. The thatched shed and practice racks quietly stood in the courtyard. Various weeds whose names he couldn''t call to mind haphazardly covered the ground. "I''ll clean up bit by bit," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, his attitude relaxed. Nanyang Prefecture City was vast and bustling, but Chen Mu always felt stifled. An endless stream of affairs left him breathless. "Small towns are definitely more comfortable," he remarked. Black smoke swiftly spread throughout the yard, and where it passed, swathes of weeds disappeared. He removed the weeds, replaced the leaky thatched roof of the shed with new thatching. He took down the practice racks that were weathered and spotted with grey and black mold. He cleaned the rooms covered with spider webs. He cleared the pots and pans that were filled with dust. Chen Mu spent the entire morning tidying up the small courtyard. By midday, a pile of moldy bedding and bamboo mats were thrown into the middle of the yard by him. "I need to buy new ones." Lijiang was located to the south of Da Liang, with a humid climate all year round. Despite his moisture-proof measures when he last left, the bedding still got moldy. ... Midday, at Lijiang Guard City, East Lijiang Tower. Chen Mu sat in a corner of the ground floor hall, leisurely enjoying his meal. "The cost of living is indeed lower in a small city," he mused. He just went to the East Market of Lijiang City to buy bedding, bamboo mats, and other daily necessities. The whole set cost only about a tael of silver, and he even got a wooden footbath basin for free. Chen Mu gave an extra three hundred copper coins and acquired a large bathing tub. "This would cost at least three taels of silver in Nanyang Prefecture City," he thought. Thinking of the more than thirteen thousand taels of silver he had on hand, Chen Mu was suddenly filled with high spirits. "I must visit Ruyi Square tonight no matter what." "Not for anything else, but to see how it compares to Chunfeng Tower!" ... The year 641 of Da Liang, the sixth day of the seventh month. Lijiang City, Tongyun District. Under the thatched shed of the Chen Residence. Chen Mu lay in a hollowed-out bamboo rocking chair, squinting his eyes as he admired the evening sky. This was his third day in Lijiang City, and tasks such as tidying up the cellar, stocking up on grains, and scouting the surroundings had all been properly seen to. Currently at leisure, he was preparing to ponder over his future plans. On the low table beside his left hand, there was a copper incense burner the size of a fist, from which wafts of insect-repellent incense carrying a medicinal scent drifted out. To the right, there stood a half-human-tall dark stickthe Soul-Calming Stake he had obtained from Nanyang Prefecture City. With Chao Tianwang heading north and he himself heading south, they were long beyond each other''s reach. Even with his Shade-Rearing Strategy, Chao Tianwang couldn''t sense him anymore. "It''s just that cultivation beyond the limit isn''t too friendly," Chen Mu frowned slightly. The breakthrough for the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique last time was quite abrupt. Before the breakthrough, he could feel the progress, but there was no indication of proficiency. This kind of practice without proficiency visibility made him feel a loss of control. "Limit..." Chen Mu pondered. "Perhaps that was the limit once reached by practitioners of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique." "Since they reached the peak with no reference point, it was impossible to further divide proficiency," Chen Mu felt a surge of inspiration. To measure a skill with proficiency, one must have upper and lower limits, in order to divide and quantify evenly. "So that''s how proficiency came about!" Chen Mu felt the surprise of clearing the fog. "Impressive!" Chen Mu exclaimed. Then he came back to his senses, "So the historical limits for these Shape Cultivation Techniques were just the Wandering Soul?" This also meant that historically, not a single cultivator of these Shape Cultivation Techniques ever managed to cultivate the Shell Soul! He had practiced five different Shape Cultivation Techniques, and at best, all only reached the Wandering Soul stage. Where had all the Shape Cultivation Techniques capable of cultivating the Shell Soul gone? "Clans..." Chen Mu held back the urge to curse. They were surely hoarded and kept secret by those scroundels. "I''ll just have to accumulate slowly," Chen Mu shook his head. Fortunately, he had an external proficiency cheat. "Isn''t it just practising blindly?" "It''s not as if there''s no progress." Although it couldn''t be reflected in proficiency, every practice session still brought enlightenment and a clear sense of progress. "At least I don''t need a hundred years to cultivate the soul," Chen Mu suddenly laughed: "Maybe fifty will be enough." Fifty is still... em, not old. By then, he would have to find Jie Jia to inquire about the matters of opening the heavens. "Just don''t know if old man Jie can still be alive in twenty or thirty years," Chen Mu thought amusedly. Thinking of the old man''s ways, Chen Mu laughed again. So old, yet thriving in the assassin business and selling Blue Medicine Pills like hotcakes. Forget twenty or thirty years, living another fifty or sixty wouldn''t be too hard. "Shell Soul is supposed to extend life." ... In the subsequent days, Chen Mu maintained daily practice of the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique. In his spare time, he would flip through the books borrowed from Chao Tianwang. He also kept brushing up the progress of his Pharmaceutical Technique. In one corner of the yard, he set up a two-meter-tall stake as thick as a thigh, occasionally throwing Iron Lotus Seeds at it. Each throw was precise, skimming past the very top, shaving off specks of wood. The stake now stood a palm''s height shorter, and wood shavings covered the ground, yet the top remained as smooth as if it had just been sawn. The proficiency of his throwing skill also gradually improved. Under the thatched pavilion, Chen Mu sat leisurely in a rocking chair: "Indeed, small cities are stable." Chapter 132: Chapter 131 Cloud Mirage Early in the morning, at the Chen Residence in Yongtong District. After breakfast, Chen Mu carried a pile of herbs into the thatched shed and began to sort and process them one by one. Some were ground into powder, some soaked for their juice, others boiled over a high flame. Then, in a specific order, he mixed the processed herbs and poured them into a large pottery jar. He heated it over a small charcoal fire, stirring all the while. He continued until the jar of viscous liquid turned into a rubbery clay texture, only then did he stop heating and let it cool naturally. Later, he poured the brown medicinal clay into smooth, polished hardwood molds, flattened and compacted it, pressing it into small cylindrical shapes the height of a mung bean and the size of a soybean. He immediately set them aside in a shady place to dry. After a busy morning, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the molds lined up on the drying rack. "These Blue Medicine Pills are enough for Jie Jia to sell for a month." The business of Blue Medicine Pills must continue. Although he was now carrying a substantial amount of money, it would run out eventually. He couldn''t wait until he urgently needed money to start thinking of a solution. He certainly did not want to shoulder a huge debt again. ... Five days later. Lijiang Tower, east of the city. Chen Mu arrived just in time for the lunch rush. As usual, he chose a corner in the first floor hall where he waited for Jie Jia''s people to pick up the goods while surveying the flow of people in the hall and eavesdropping for news of the world. Soon, his attention was caught by a small chubby figure. The child, about six or seven years old, was also sitting in a corner of the hall, near the passageway to the kitchen. Next to him sat a tall, thin, elderly man. The old man was currently using a small knife to slice roast duck for the little chub. For every slice the elder cut, the chubby kid would grab one and stuff it into his mouth, eating to the point of greasy lips, which made Chen Mu''s appetite grow. He immediately ordered one for himself. The waiter brought the sliced roast duck and set up various dipping sauces. Unable to wait, Chen Mu tasted a piece and his eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he gave a thumbs-up, "Delicious!" The waiter beamed with pride, "This is one of the top ten signature dishes of our Lijiang Tower." "It boasts a hundred years of tradition, with exquisite ingredients and unique techniques." Chen Mu, tucking into another piece of duck, nodded in approval, "Both the raw ingredients and the condiments are indeed elegant, and the technique is delicate." The waiter''s face was full of pride, "That''s right! Only our Lijiang Tower in all of Nanyang knows how to make this! Even Fan Tower in Guard City does not have it." "Now there are two places," a nonchalant voice suddenly sounded from behind them. Chen Mu turned in surprise, "Why have you come yourself?" He then turned his head, sending away the waiter who hesitated to speak. Jie Jia said nothing, looking silently at Chen Mu, "You''re so brazenly filching techniques?" "Just wait until I make it myself, then see if you can resist eating it," Chen Mu rolled his eyes; you''ve never missed a meal. He kept up with the Heavenly Serpent Breathing Method and constantly pushed forward with the progress of the Shape Cultivation Technique. The Shape Cultivation Technique''s breathing method doesn''t require large movements. Once familiar, it doesn''t even require full concentration. This left him ample time to read and brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique, and tinker with the Fasting Pill. Half a month later. Under the thatched shed, Chen Mu lifted the top half of the square wooden mold to reveal several ping-pong-sized white balls lying quietly inside the bottom half of the mold. He picked one up and popped it into his mouth. It still tasted of rice ballssalty with a hint of sweetness. It was a bit hard when chewed but quickly dissolved after being broken down. "The texture is somewhat like chocolate," Chen Mu nodded, satisfied. In fact, it was a high-calorie, high-protein concentrated protein ball. He had devised this nutritional supplement using his Third Rank culinary arts and Fourth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique. "Rice balls can finally be retired." "Next time, I must invite Jie Jia to taste itthis should definitely qualify as a Fasting Pill now." ... The year 641 in the Da Liang era, July 29th. At the Chen Residence in Yongtong District. The Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique achieved a breakthrough to the Fourth Rank without much ado. A palm-sized Soul Strength appeared at the position of the chest. The breaths became smoother and the body''s stamina increased to a certain extent. "Fairly standard," Chen Mu felt neither too disappointed nor overly excited. "Another Shape Cultivation Technique without a developed Shell Soul," Chen Mu sighed as he looked at the ''limit'' text appearing on the screen in front of him. He took out the four Shape Cultivation Technique books he had borrowed, with considerably less expectation. "At most, it might just be a Wandering Soul." "Well, let''s train," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. He chose the last and simplest book of the Shape Cultivation Technique "Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique." This was a Shape Cultivation Technique borrowed from Chao Tianwang by "Song Jiang." The variations in breathing numbered only one hundred and eight. Quite a bit less than the other three books. But this Shape Cultivation book required very few Active Cultivation postures, with only thirty-six variations in total. "This should be quick to master." With fewer Active Cultivation movements, there''s less physical transformation, shortening the time needed to master it. Having already layered six kinds of Shape Cultivation Techniques, his progress in Shape Cultivation was even faster. Cloud Mirage, a kind of formless cloud-like creature. That''s how the book introduced it. Chen Mu was curious; it was the first time he had heard of such a creature. After carefully reading through it, Chen Mu stood up to practice, smoothly entering the state he was familiar with. Chapter 133: Chapter 132 Troubles ``` Lijiang City, Yongtong District, Chen Residence. Chen Mu slept until he naturally awoke, flipped off the thin blanket from his body, glanced at the Soul-Calming Stake standing by the window, and felt extremely satisfied in his heart. Ever since he discovered the wondrous use of the Soul-Calming Stake, Chen Mu had his own refrigerator and air conditioner. Making iced herbal tea didn''t require the hassle of making ice anymore. At night, placing it beside the bed not only kept it cool all night, but it also came with the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes. "Chao Tianwang is such a good person," Chen Mu beamed with joy. For a moment, he suddenly felt that the Thousand Mountains Sutra wasn''t so sinister after all. Using the cultivation strategy of bearing Yin aligned with twelve Soul-Calming Stakes, wouldn''t it be great as a large central air conditioning unit? "It''s the way of thinking of these locals that''s flawed!" "Each one of them so deeply steeped in resentment." Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh, "Good people like me are truly too few!" Once again feeling sorrow for the people of this world, Chen Mu got up, washed up, and ate. After the meal, he didn''t rush to increase his proficiency, but instead started preliminary processing on the medicinal herbs he had bought on the way home yesterday. The Blue Medicine Pill required some herbs to have a long preparation time, which needed to be started in advance. "In a little over twenty days, they should be just about ready to use," said Chen Mu as he sealed the fermentation jar and placed it in a cool corner of the room. ... Having stored everything away, Chen Mu returned to the thatched shed. He didn''t like staying in the room much during the day. The house, designed to keep out rain and wind, had small windows. Moreover, they were latticed and covered with oiled paper, making poor lighting conditions. Even with all the windows open, the room still felt somewhat dim. The east side of the courtyard, under the thatched shed, had thus become the main area of activity. The original thatched shed had been dismantled and rebuilt by Chen Mu. The whole shed now hugged the east wall, stretching five to six meters in length from north to south. The shed was divided into two parts. On the side close to the room, the floor was paved with green bricks and furnished with a dining table, small tables, rocking chairs, and a wooden storage cabinet for teapots, bowls, and spoons. Near the gate, the ground was also paved with green bricks, but Chen Mu had added a layer of polished wood on top as his regular practice area. Under the thatched shed, black smoke and water flowed over the ground. The mess left from processing the medicinal herbs quickly disappeared. At the same time, garbage began to fall pitter-patter into a wooden barrel behind the courtyard gate. Once the cleaning was done, Chen Mu took a short break before walking to the wooden floor area on the south side of the shed. He took off his shoes, sat on the wooden planks, bent his left knee, draped his right leg over his left, and touched the ground with the tip of his big toe. His left hand pressed on the right side of his body, while his right hand wrapped around from behind to press on the left side of his body, rotating his head nearly one hundred and twenty degrees backward. "If it weren''t for mastering the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique, this pose for the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique would be pretty hard to achieve!" There were up to one hundred and eight variations of the breathing method for the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. However, there were only thirty-six poses. He then immediately used the excuse of a ruined reputation to quickly leave Nanyang Prefecture City and settle down in Lijiang Guard City for retirement. Thinking about this, old man Ding couldn''t help but smile smugly, "Old Ding is still one step ahead!" "Raid my house?" "Don''t you know the saying about the crafty rabbit having three burrows?" "The bit of property in Nanyang Prefecture was just a shell!" He had long since quietly transferred his assets, even purchasing a bookstore and a small two-entry courtyard in Lijiang Guard City. The silver he had amassed during Chao Tianwang''s recruitment was also stashed away throughout Nanyang Prefecture City. He had now taken all of it out and brought it to Lijiang City. "Now I can live out my old age in peace!" Thinking of the beautiful young concubine he had just taken into his house, old man Ding''s face glowed red. "I need to find that silver-booted errand boy and get some more Jinyang Pills." "The Xue Family goods station really does have divine reach, being able to buy the secret medicine famous in Nanyang Prefecture even in the small Lijiang City. Heh heh..." ... Three days later. Chen Mu stared in disbelief at the gray wall. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 892/10000/Third Rank; "This isn''t another weak sauce technique, is it?" Chen Mu wondered. Muscle Transformation in just three days?! "Or is it that the accumulation of numerous Shape Cultivation Techniques has pushed my body to its limits?" Chen Mu speculated. If that were true, then the time required to practice the other three Shape Cultivation Techniques would decrease. "There''s only one way to find out." Chen Mu immediately buried himself in training again. ... Five days later. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the wooden floor under the wooden shed. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 15/10000/Fourth Rank; "It''s indeed due to too much stacking," Chen Mu concluded. In just a total of nine days, he completed the Muscle Transformation with the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. "Perhaps I don''t even need fifty Shell Souls, maybe just forty will do," Chen Mu said, invigorated. "But where am I supposed to find so many Shape Cultivation Techniques?" The faster he trained, the quicker the stacking, which meant shorter time needed to cultivate Shell Souls. But too quick, and he''d find himself without any Shape Cultivation Techniques to practice. "It seems I can only feel my way through this, piling up the Limit Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mu said resignedly. It was a dilemma of happiness. "Forget it, I still have three other techniques to learn, no use worrying about these troubling matters." "On a day of great joy, to Ruyi Tower, here we come!" Chapter 134: 133 Slowly It was seven or eight in the evening. Chen Mu wandered out of the Ruyi Tower in East Market. "Just so-so," Chen Mu smacked his lips dismissively. The food was not as good as in Sihai Tower. In terms of environment and layout, except for being smaller, it was almost a carbon copy of Chunfeng Tower. However, the dancing girls were bolder in their attire and dance moves. It seemed somewhat vulgar, flamboyantly vulgar, but... but quite appealing to the eye. "Although they can''t compare with Yu Tao and Qiu Ying in grace, they each have their own charm. Hehe..." The only downside was probably the overly enthusiastic waitress girls trying to freeload a meal, coming wave after wave. Trying to score a free meal without paying?! Who do they think I am?! He had sent them all away in one fell swoop. Humming an unknown tune proudly, Chen Mu strolled towards Yongtong District. Bang! A loud noise suddenly erupted from not far away, coming from the surface of the Lijiang River. The little paper man in his sleeve whooshed up into the air. Instantly, a bird''s-eye view of the riverside appeared in his mind. Two dark figures kept flickering and colliding on a boat. Every collision resonated like a huge bell, creating a thunderous roar. The boat more than fifty meters beneath their feet seemed as fragile as a pile of sand. It would snap at a touch and crumble on impact; in just a few movements, a large boat was cut in half by the continuous clashing of the two figures. Bang! Another loud noise, one of the figures was blasted into the water by the other. The water''s surface exploded into a seven or eight-meter-high splash. This sight made Chen Mu''s scalp tingle! Even though the dock''s light was dim, Chen Mu still made out the black light shining off the two small figures'' skin. "Shell Soul?!" Where did these two Shell Soul masters come from? He knew of only a handful of Shell Soul masters, and the one he had met was Jie Jia. He had thought that Shell Soul masters were either local tyrants or hidden away in Jianghu, both rarely seen. But what was this all about?! Many people were attracted by the noise and rushed towards the dock. A martial artist with good skills ran fast and was the first to reach the dock. Unfortunately, that person was hit by the Shell Soul master emerging from the water. With a splat, the martial artist was split into pieces and scattered on the ground. Chen Mu shivered on the spot. He turned and ran home. "That''s damn dangerous!" One must be cautious when watching a fight! ... After returning home, Chen Mu''s heart was still pounding vigorously. It was the first time he had seen Shell Soul masters fight. The destructive power was simply terrifying. Such a large wooden boat was treated like a toy, easily dismantled. Running into a person was worse than getting hit by a truck in his previous life; they were smashed to pieces in an instant. "How come there are so many masters in Lijiang Guard City?" Not long ago there had been a master whose strength far exceeded estimates, making Jie Jia give up the mission. And today, he encountered two Shell Soul masters fighting. "Wasn''t it said that Lijiang Guard City, south of Da Liang and away from war, was very safe?" The string in Chen Mu''s head, urging him to flee, immediately began to buzz. "Don''t panic, the situation in Nanyang Prefecture is worse." "Let''s stay for a few more days and see." A small smile curled at the corner of Chen Mu''s mouth, Ah, fate! ... Old Ding left Ruyi Tower, staggering all the way home. He didn''t dare sleep in Ruyi Tower anymore; he had his reservations. What if he was knocked out and abducted again? Besides, the gentle embraces of his concubines at home were far more alluring than the girls here in Ruyi Tower. The more he thought about it, the warmer his desires grew; the alcohol effect receded, and he hurried home. Once at home, he rinsed off briefly and then slipped into his concubine''s bed. The next day, Old Ding didn''t wake up until the sun was high in the sky. After lunch, he walked into his study, massaging his sore back. He didn''t even plan on visiting his shop. "I don''t rely on that little shop to make a living, why bother!" He closed the door of the east side study and carefully removed a book from the middle compartment of the bookshelf. He took out a brown-red square wooden box from behind a green brick in the back wall of the shelf. Chapter Discover: Gently removing the dust from the precious box with his sleeve, Old Ding brought it to the desk. Rubbing his hands together, he opened the box with an excited expression. It was time to count his money, one of his few enjoyments. Old Ding''s eyes sparkled as he took out the thick stack of silver notes. "My nest egg." "A hundred taels." "Two hundred taels." "Five hundred taels!" "Haha..." Counting the silver notes with glee, his vision suddenly blurred. Thump! He slumped over the desk, falling into a deep sleep. The next moment, a wisp of black smoke slowly materialized on the desk... ... After an unknown stretch of time, Old Ding''s eyes fluttered open. "I''m getting old. I was only slightly busy last night, and now I''m falling asleep while counting money?" "I need to get some tonics..." "Hold on, where is my money... how come there''s so much missing?!" Old Ding felt like he was going crazy. His thick stack of money had shrunk by more than half! He hurriedly began to count again. "Seven thousand six hundred taels!" "A full seven thousand six hundred taels are gone!" "Which son of a thousand..." He hadn''t finished cursing when he spotted a small note on the desk. "I''ve taken the settlement money for the four brothers. Not a fen more, not a fen less. Chao Old Flea of Liang Mountain, Shi Qian." Old Ding: "..." "But I''ve only embezzled one thousand six hundred taels from you four." "Why don''t you go after Chen the Fatty?" Old Ding cursed, nearly popping his eyes out in rage! "My nest egg!" Chen Mu, hiding outside the courtyard wall: "..." Took too much?! Impossible, absolutely impossible! If it''s said to be seven thousand six hundred taels, then it must be seven thousand six hundred taels! Chen Mu nodded confidently, humming a tune as he made his way home. The frustration stirred up by the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique instantly vanished without a trace. Chapter 135: Chapter 134 Fifth Rank Back home, Chen Mu was in high spirits. It wasn''t in vain that he had staked out the place after breakfast. He had intended to observe the old man''s movements and deliver two Iron Lotus Seeds to him on the way. Who would have expected there would also be unexpected gains? Chen Mu counted the silver notes with glee. Having successfully obtained the funds to settle down, his overall wealth skyrocketed to more than twenty thousand taels. "I guess I''m a rich man now!" "No worries about food and drink, and some spare money to enjoy the opera and take things slow with my cultivation," reflected Chen Mu contentedly. With proficiency on his side, achieving Shell Soul was only a matter of time. So what''s there to rush! "People take a hundred years to nurture their souls and still train step by step." "So what if it takes me until forty to achieve Shell Soul, why the hurry!" ... With a settled heart, Chen Mu''s life returned to tranquillity. Lijiang Guard City was south of Da Liang, too remote. Not far from Nanyang Prefecture City but still far from bustling. That is precisely why the atmosphere in the city was relatively peaceful. There was no way to avoid the hardships of the human world, but compared to the deep turmoil of the northern war-torn areas, here was much more fortunate. Chen Mu lived a quiet life in the small city, brushing up his proficiency, his days passing by calmly and leisurely. He even made time to turn the eastern side of his yard into a vegetable garden, sowing four or five rows of seasonal vegetables. His lifestyle was regular, and before he knew it, a month had swiftly passed by. That evening, after a day of cultivation, he was sitting in a thatched pavilion drinking tea and stargazing. In his previous life, he didn''t know much about astronomy; besides the sun and the moon, the Big Dipper was all he recognized. "There seem to be more stars in this world, densely packed," he noted. "No industrial pollution, so they''re clearer?" Chen Mu wondered aimlessly, then shook his head. The Big Dipper was certainly gone. "This is ultimately not the original world." "I wonder if the earth beneath my feet is still a sphere," Chen Mu muttered. In his previous life, he had always heard a statement, stating that when watching ships coming from afar at the sea, the first thing one noticed was the top of their sails. As the ships drew closer, one would gradually see the bodies of the ships from top to bottom. That was because the earth is a sphere, with a curved surface. He had known about this in his previous life but never had a chance to see it for himself. "When I achieve Shell Soul someday and travel the world, I''ll make a trip to the sea first," Chen Mu set a little goal for himself. He was planning his exciting future life. Boom! A loud noise erupted from within the city. The little paper man on the roof immediately shot up into the sky. In the dim night, nothing could be seen. One could only faintly hear that the loud noise came from the direction of Lijiang, east of the city. "Another fight?" "Is it the same two from a month ago?" "Or have other experts arrived?" All four little paper men flew into the sky, monitoring the movements in all directions. Within Lijiang City, only the dishes at Lijiang Tower were to his taste. Looking up and observing the attire of everyone in the lobby, Chen Mu couldn''t help but be startled. "The weather has turned cold, huh," he realized suddenly. Having used the Soul-Calming Stake air-conditioning for a long time, he was never too hot or too cold, and wasn''t very sensitive to changes in the outside temperature. With his strong physical constitution, he didn''t feel even a slight chill. "Unknowingly, more than four months have passed," Chen Mu lamented. As he was lost in thought, a few voices nearby suddenly piqued his interest. "Those families south of the city are really unlucky, just sitting at home when their house collapsed." "An undeserved disaster, it''s unknown which powerful martial artist it was." "Has something valuable appeared in Lijiang City?" "Hard to say..." "It''s already affecting the inside of the city?" Chen Mu couldn''t help frowning. For months, there had always been powerful martial artists dueling in the surroundings of Lijiang City. The power unleashed was tremendous. Chen Mu had even sneakily gone to the outskirts to see for himself. A small hillock had been pockmarked and cratered, as if it had been subjected to a mortar shelling, and had been significantly lowered. "Shell Soul experts gathering in Lijiang City, it''s probably not a good sign." "Does Lijiang City really have some treasure?" Chen Mu began to think about leaving. After listening to the crowd''s discussions a while longer, Chen Mu paid the bill and shook his head as he left. Most of these people were just parroting others and didn''t know the real situation. "I need to meet with Jie Jia." That old man had vast divine skills; he definitely knew the reason. ... Back at home, Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, deep in thought. He brought up the gray wall and looked toward the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 9783/10000/Fourth Rank; "No rush, wait another three days." After more than four months, the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was finally close to perfection. Three days later, the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique broke through without any disturbance. His mind felt refreshingly cool and comfortable, and at the back of his head, near the occipital bone, there appeared a quail egg-sized Wandering Soul. "It really is an incomplete version," Chen Mu frowned. The breathing method was so complex, yet the Wandering Soul was so small, it was even inferior to the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. A cultivation technique that was originally high-end had been weakened to the point of mediocrity. "Incompetent bastards," Chen Mu composedly completed his daily curse at the nobility. He planned to set off for Nanyang Prefecture City the next day. He had to find out what was going on with the gathering of experts in Lijiang City. As he was speculating, his eyes inadvertently swept over the gray wall, and Chen Mu stood frozen in place. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 3/10000/Fifth Rank; Chapter Find: Chen Mu: "..." The Wandering Soul hadn''t reached its limit yet?! Was the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique actually a top-tier technique leading directly to Shell Soul?! "Did I... curse wrongly?" Chapter 136: Chapter 135: Ferry Ticket "No, I didn''t curse wrongly!" Chen Mu quickly recovered his senses. Not reaching the limit only means that the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique has a high upper bound. It doesn''t mean that the clan hasn''t tampered with it. "No wonder cultivation has been so difficult." Chen Mu realized suddenly. "Exactly, because of its great potential, the modifications are substantial!" Damn them for changing it beyond recognition! If he didn''t have the proficiency cheat, who knows how long he would have to practice. "To achieve Shell Soul within thirty...?!" "Ha!" "I''m not staying in Lijiang City anymore!" With Shell Soul within reach, he needed to hurry and ask Jie Jia about the Thousand Mechanism Token. Maybe he would have to seek out the Thousand Mechanism Token very soon! "Could these Shell Soul masters that have come to Lijiang City have something to do with the Thousand Mechanism Token?" ... Chen Mu often seemed hesitant. But when it came to fleeing, he was more decisive than anyone else. The next day in the afternoon, he was outside the Ji''an Gate of Nanyang Prefecture City. In the evening, in the backyard of Hesheng Hall in the North Market, Chen Mu personally cooked a large table of delicious dishes. He also took time and effort to roast a Lijiang Tower duck. Its strong aroma made the clerks in the front hall of Hesheng Hall swallow their saliva greedily. Chen Mu happily tossed a duck leg to one of them to send him away. He knew this clerk in his twenties. For the past three months, every delivery of the Blue Medicine Pill had been completed by this man heading to Lijiang City. "Ask." Jie Jia was very familiar with Chen Mu''s routine. "Several Shell Soul masters appeared in Lijiang City; it''s not quite normal," Chen Mu expressed his confusion. "Their target is Shouyang Mountain," Jie Jia said indifferently. "The Shouyang Mountain eighty li east of the city in Lijiang?" Chen Mu was surprised. Living in Lijiang City, he could see it from a distance. The mountain wasn''t particularly tall but was always shrouded in mist and surrounded by verdant greenery. From afar, it resembled a dwelling of immortals. "Hmm," Jie Jia nodded. "Does it have something to do with the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chen Mu stated his guess. "Yes." "What''s the connection?" Chen Mu asked eagerly. "You haven''t cultivated Shell Soul yet; what''s the point of asking so much?" Jie Jia said softly. Find exclusive content at M V L I''ll be able to cultivate Shell Soul very soon! But I can''t say that... Others take a hundred years to develop their Shell Soul. With my talents, my perception, if I suddenly cultivate Shell Soul, wouldn''t that just scream suspicion? "How can I get you to tell me?!" Chen Mu said, feeling frustrated. Jie Jia put down his chopsticks, lifted his eyelids a fraction, and his bright yellow eyes solemnly looked towards Chen Mu. Then... he slowly made a scissor gesture with his hand. Chen Mu: "..." Two hundred taels?! This price hike is just ridiculously excessive! Thinking of the Shell Soul experts battling in Lijiang City, Chen Mu immediately shook his head. He was no match for those old coins. Chen Mu''s eyes lit up: "How about I hire you to snatch one for me?" "Name your price!" Chen Mu said with a grand gesture. "You can''t afford me," Jie Jia said without even looking at Chen Mu. "Looking down on me?" Chen Mu was not convinced. Right now, he was a wealthy man with more than twenty thousand silver notes! "The Thousand Mechanism Token appears once every hundred years." "One hundred and seven tokens in total across the thirteen states of Da Liang." "Tell me, how little would it be appropriate for me to take from you?" Jie Jia stated flatly. Chen Mu: "..." Is it... that rare?! Can''t afford it... "Guess I''ll have to find it myself," Chen Mu suddenly felt overwhelmed. Thinking about those densely packed, dark and ghostly figures, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shiver. If he encountered them, it would be deadly! "Do the Startling Swan Gang and Tangshan Camp have ways to deal with the ghosts?" he remembered what his neighbor Kui Tuo had told him about his experiences traveling north. "Hiring so many people just to send them to their deaths? That doesn''t seem reasonable." "There are special devices that can gather a person''s Vital Energy." "Although ghosts can devour Vital Energy..." "If there is too much of it..." Jie Jia said evenly. "They''ll burst! They''ll drown!" Chen Mu was struck by a thought. He narrowed his eyes, "Looks like I need to hire a Liang Mountain hero to come out of retirement. Either go to the Tangshan Camp or blend in with the Startling Swan Gang for a while." ... In Nanyang Prefecture City, near the South Gate of Jingxing Alley in the North Market. Chen Mu rented a small, two-section courtyard to settle down. He had wanted to have more than one hideout, but unfortunately, all the surrounding places were already rented out. "Luckily, I hadn''t planned to stay long." He wasn''t in a hurry to apply for a job at the Tangshan Camp or the Startling Swan Gang. "First, I need to try out the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique." After breaking through to the Fifth Rank, the effect of the Shape Cultivation Breathing Method weakened. Fortunately, as his Proficiency slowly increased, insights came continuously. The original Breathing Method of one hundred and eight variations had now expanded to one hundred and sixty-nine, and it was still increasing. "I''ll stay here for a while, wait until I fully understand the new Breathing Method before making a move," Chen Mu planned silently. "No rush to apply for a job either; who knows what kind of tricks those two families might have." Listening to Kui Tuo, it seemed that those who joined the Startling Swan Gang were somehow controlled by a mysterious method and turned into mummies if they tried to escape. Without a clear understanding, Chen Mu dared not dive in headfirst. Chapter 137: Chapter 136 Fasting Pill A month later In the Chen Residence of Jingxing Alley, Nanyang Prefecture City. Chen Mu followed his usual practice by setting up a thatched shed on the east side of the courtyard, with green bricks laid on the ground. Under the shed, there was a rocking chair in a row, and beside it on a low table, incense, milk tea, and an assortment of snacks and candied fruits were all available. He squinted his eyes, nestled in the rocking chair. His breathing alternated between rapid and slow, changing quickly yet unexpectedly maintaining a rhythm akin to flowing clouds and water. In his mind, through a haze as if behind frosted glass, a three-dimensional pattern connected by dots and silk threads flickered and shifted along with Chen Mu''s breathing. After a long while, Chen Mu''s body shuddered, and he opened his eyes. "Three hundred and sixty changes in one breathing cycle, this is probably the limit," he mused. Sense of understanding brought about by proficiency slowly faded into the recesses of his mind. "The Breathing Method is the index, the doorway, the starting thread." "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core," Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully, "The Breathing Method tunes the body and soul, all to usher one into a certain special state!" In his previous life, some theories held that different breathing frequencies could place one in varying states. Some might bring calmness and focus, while others could make one''s thoughts lively and more creative. The Breathing Method was probably of a similar nature but more mystical. "If one day I could directly enter that state, then perhaps I could abandon the Breathing Method," Chen Mu had an epiphany. With a thought, the grey wall in front of him came into view. Chen Mu looked toward the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 1955/10000/Fifth Rank; "At the current pace, in a little over four months, I''ll likely master Shell Soul." "Over a month and not even one-fifth of the way there? Tch... the progress is really slow!" Chen Mu fought to suppress the curl of his lips and shook his head in lament. With a thought, a stream of jet black substance burst forward from the back of his head like dark water. It was as though a helmet that clung to the skin formed in an instant, covering Chen Mu''s head entirely, not sparing even a single hair. It continued to spread downward along his neck. Chen Mu opened his robes to check. The Wandering Soul only managed to cover up to his shoulders before its advance faltered. "If the other six strands of Wandering Souls were added..." Whoosh! The Jet Black Soul Strength surged downwards, stopping just below the ribs. "It seems I might achieve Shell Soul in less than four months..." "Ha!" Chen Mu quickly covered his mouth. He couldn''t laugh, he absolutely couldn''t let himself laugh! What am I bragging about? Those scions of noble families have bloodline enhancements, making their cultivation speed even faster! And they also have Body Protection Aura! I''m just an ordinary person, what do I have to be proud of! I must stay humble, contain my impatience, and learn to control my emotions and desires! "Hmm, let''s go to Chunfeng Tower tonight. I haven''t seen Yu Tao in a long time; I really miss her." ... Lost in his daydreams. Gurgle... "Then one thousand!" Jie Jia said bluntly. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with mixed feelings. Why was he not surprised at all?! "No, you have to create a fake identity for me." Without getting something extra, he always felt like he was losing out. "That''s possible," Jie Jia put away the silver note, a faint smile appearing on his face. Good marks are hard to find, after all. Chen Mu was so frustrated he didn''t want to talk. This old guy always took the chance to scam him! But who could replace what he had? "You can''t eat it all at once," Jie Jia reminded as he passed a white porcelain bottle to Chen Mu. "What? Is it poisonous?" Chen Mu still wanted to taste it. "It''ll bloat you to death," Jie Jia stated plainly. Chen Mu: "..." ... After dinner, having sent Jie Jia away, Chen Mu sat at the desk in his room and lit the oil lamp. He took out the porcelain bottle Jie Jia had given him and poured it out. "This thing is a Fasting Pill." Chen Mu pinched an Elixir Pill the size of a longan, white as jade, incredulity filling his eyes. "Old man Jie isn''t just palming off a jade bead to trick me, is he?" The old guy had a history of selling fake medicines! The Fasting Pill was round and smooth, white jade in color, heavy in his palm. Chen Mu squeezed with both hands, but it didn''t budge. His Seven Types of Shape Cultivation were complete, his strength unimaginable, and that squeeze could have crushed a stone bead. "Interesting!" Chen Mu set the little porcelain dish on the desk. Soul Strength covered his right hand, the jet black fingernail of his index finger scraping slightly. Screech screech screech... A series of enamel-eroding scraping sounds filled the air. Droplets of white jade powder fell, and a faint scent of grass and wood wafted through the air. "It''s not a stone then." He tasted a bit of the powder. It was like cotton candy, melting instantly in his mouth. A sweet, cool sensation rushed to his heart and then went down his throat to his belly. A sense of fullness instantly came over him. "Really filling!" "If I could replicate it, I wouldn''t have to worry about the cost of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. Explore stories on M V L "No rush, take it slowly in the future." With a puff of black smoke, the Fasting Pill was put into the Five Ghosts Bag. "Now there are more important things to do." Chen Mu straightened his clothes, changed his appearance, and looked left and right in the mirror. Completely unrecognizable, very good! Then he went out at ease, heading straight for Chunfeng Tower in the North Market. Chapter 138: Chapter 137: Infiltration North Market Chunfeng Tower. In a tiny partition at the corner of the first-floor hall. Sun Enqi, with his portly belly, sat carelessly in the middle of the soft couch. Reaching out to pick up a slice of braised beef, he chewed with a face full of enjoyment. "The food and drinks at Chunfeng Tower are always so flavorful," he said as he picked up the wine cup beside him and drained it in one gulp. He immediately raised his head and stared at the enchanting figure on the distant stage. "Uncle Seven, Dawang is honest and not good with words, but he''s strong and obedient," Sun Enwu said in a low voice with a smile as he poured wine into an empty cup. "You mentioned last time that the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp is short on people..." Sun Enqi glanced at the mute young man in the corner, who didn''t dare to raise his head, and shook his head. "There was a kitchen helper who got his leg broken by a bag of grain." "That can be arranged. But that old clerk is greedy and sly, it''s quite troublesome," he added. The wrinkled forehead of Sun Enwu furrowed even deeper. Setting down the wine pot, he gritted his teeth and took out a small cloth pouch from his chest, handing it to Sun Enqi. "Uncle Seven, I''m asking a favor of you." Sun Enwu squeezed it. Ten taels? A subtle smile surfaced on his face. "I''ll take Dawang with me tomorrow to see." "Let''s hope the old man isn''t too greedy." A smile immediately spilled across Sun Enwu''s face, "Dawang, quickly thank your Uncle Seven! This boy is just too shy!" The gaunt and wooden young man softly muttered a thank you to Uncle Seven. Sun Enqi, with his large belly, waved his hand dismissively, "We are brothers of the same family, no need for formalities." Sun Enwu kept thanking him while constantly pouring and urging wine. In the corner, Chen Mu squinted his eyes, admiring Yu Tao''s figure. "Sun Dawang? Tsk tsk..." "That''s a really prosperous name." ... Opposite the South Gate at the north end of Nanyang Prefecture City is Jingxing Alley. Because it''s close to the North Market, the alley is always bustling with people. Facing the North Market, a row of buildings in Jingxing Alley consists of various shops. Directly across from the South Gate of the North Market is Mingyi Tea House. At the moment, many strong men are queuing up at the entrance to register. This is the recruitment office for the Tangshan Army. A few long tables are set up on the first floor of the tea house, with personnel behind them responsible for scrutinizing and registering candidates. The Tangshan Camp pays well and offers good conditions, attracting a crowd of applicants. Secretly slipping silver to the registration clerks happens from time to time. Xing Lao Liu sat in a corner of the tea house, and couldn''t help shaking his head as he glanced at his colleague accepting silver. He had been assigned to work as a clerk in the Dingyou Camp of laborers. It was the kind of job that paid little for hard work. There were few applicants, and not a single one offering a bribe. "One must be alive to make money and even more so to spend it," Xing Lao Liu thought somberly. Chen Mu watched Sun Dawang and his son leave, then turned back into the city. "The Tangshan Army Laborer Camp is also inside the Tangshan Army," a hint of a smile flickered across Chen Mu''s face. He was seeking the Thousand Mechanism Token but didn''t want to be controlled by others. The Startling Swan Gang had means, and Tangshan Camp was no exception. It might as well assume the role of a cook and hitch a smooth ride. "No more flaws on Sun Family''s end." "Elder Xing Lao..." Chen Mu thought of a certain crafty old man. "Need to keep an eye on him for a while." ... The next day, at dusk. Jingxing Alley, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat under the pavilion, a small porcelain dish laid out on a low table before him. It was covered with a thin layer of jade-colored powder. Chen Mu dipped a bit with his chopsticks and tasted it cautiously, closing his eyes. "Unfamiliar?!" Facing the Fasting Pill, his Third Rank culinary skills failed to identify the nutritive substances within the Fasting Pill. "Is it a medicinal ingredient?" He held up the porcelain dish with his left hand and fanned lightly above it with his right, towards himself. "It''s not among any known medicinal herbs," Chen Mu shook his head. Is it a special ingredient from overseas? "I''ve told you, you can''t replicate it," Jie Jia walked into the courtyard leisurely with his hands behind his back. Chen Mu exhaled, he had underestimated this thing. "Give me a discount!" Chen Mu demanded fiercely. "No problem," Jie Jia smiled agreeably. ... Two days later, early in the morning, Jingxing Alley. With the sky just beginning to light up, Chen Mu rose early from bed. After a brief wash, he headed over to a row of three-legged wooden racks on the east side of the courtyard. The racks had five layers, and each layer held a flat bamboo basket. Inside each basket lay Fasting Pills the size of ping-pong balls, colored white. Chen Mu picked one up, squeezing it slightly, "It''s still a bit soft but now storable long-term." He was about to enter the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp, and would soon be heading north with the army, looking for an opportunity to probe for the Thousand Mechanism Token. "With this 3.0 version of the Fasting Pill for nourishment, I won''t have to fear the halt of my Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique''s progress." This was also why Chen Mu grudgingly spent a fortune on twelve Fasting Pills. The Fasting Pill 3.0 contained ingredients from the Fasting Pills. Each pill had about one-twentieth of its content. This would not only satisfy his hunger but also prevent him from overeating. It indeed took considerable effort. Black smoke billowed and spread. The Fasting Pills that had been sitting overnight suddenly vanished from sight. "It''s time to leave." Chapter 139: Chapter 138 Iron Ring Thirty li to the northeast of Nanyang Prefecture City, there was a small mountain called Tangshan. At the foot of the mountain ran a river known as the Fenxi River, which wound its way around the mountain. The Tangshan Army was stationed to the south of Tangshan and north of the Fenxi River. On the official road, more than ten ox carts, loaded with heavy goods, moved slowly towards the small Tangshan. Chen Mu sat on the right side of an ox cart, behind him the cart was filled with bamboo baskets holding all sorts of seasonal vegetables, oil, salt, and condiments. The journey went smoothly, and even though the ox carts were slow, by morning, the convoy had arrived at the Tangshan Army''s camp. "Dawang, don''t wander around once you''re in the camp, just keep your head down and work," "Even though we are part of the Laborer Camp, the rules are still strict." "If you break military law, I can''t protect you either," Sun Enqi said seriously. "I understand, Uncle Qi," Chen Mu replied, his head slightly lowered as if he didn''t dare to look directly at the other, answering in a dull tone. Pleased, Sun Enqi nodded, sizing up his nephew. He couldn''t help but shake his head in self-mockery: "I''m worrying over nothing." "This nephew of mine looks like an honest person; how could he possibly cause trouble?" His expression softened, and he patted Chen Mu on the shoulder, "Come on, I''ll take you to register and settle in. Otherwise, we can''t make your iron bracelet." "Iron bracelet?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "Hmmph, like this one." Sun Enqi raised his left hand. Chen Mu looked and saw a dark iron ring, an inch wide, wrapped around the other''s wrist. "This has our identity number engraved on it. Without this, you can''t get your pay." Chen Mu suddenly understood. "It must be the identity tag inside the camp." "Alive, it''s convenient to distribute pay by name; dead, it''s convenient to build a tombstone and bury the person." Chen Mu pretended not to fully understand, nodding honestly. He was now just an honest kid from the mountains, not understanding but also not daring to ask. The two entered the camp, and as far as the eye could see, there were dense, grey-white tents everywhere. "Uncle Qi, where is the Tangshan Army located?" Chen Mu asked curiously. Sun Enqi shook his head with a smile, "The Tangshan Army is not here; they are located halfway up the mountain." This place... all laborers? So many people? But... It''s good that there are many people! Makes it easier to hide. ... Two days later. At an open area by the Fenxi River, in the logistics area of the Dingyou Camp. Thud, thud, thud... A series of heavy sounds like a knife chopping on a wooden stump echoed. Chen Mu, holding a thick-backed kitchen knife, was chopping root vegetables on a stump, quickly cutting them into walnut-sized pieces. Thanks to Sun Enqi''s care, Chen Mu successfully blended into the logistics unit of the Dingyou Camp, becoming a vegetable chopping laborer. Glancing at the short, chubby guy next to him sweating profusely, Chen Mu quietly adjusted his muscles, also causing sweat to form on his forehead. "Can''t stand out from the crowd." Observing the other''s chopping speed, Chen Mu slightly adjusted his own. Noticing the gaze from the side, Chen Mu turned to look and saw Zheng Yuan''s stunned expression and his two full baskets of vegetables. "Finished! Ah..." This definitely blows my cover! "Ahem... Back in the village, I used to chop for the chefs at the banquet. You wouldn''t know, but for such a large banquet, there were only two of us chopping." Zheng Yuan''s face remained expressionless: "Oh, I used to chop at the Four Seas Tower, too. You wouldn''t know, but for such a large establishment, even with three master chefs, there were only two of us chopping." Chen Mu: "..." ... In the end, the problem was perfectly solved after Chen Mu helped chop another basket of vegetables. Short and stocky Zheng Yuan looked at Chen Mu with complete satisfaction. He even secretly advised Chen Mu not to chop so fast and to learn to take a proper "rest," supposedly a secret of the Four Seas Tower. Chen Mu accepted the advice gladly, imitated it, and then truly integrated into the Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army. ... Two days later, at the entrance of the Dingyou Camp. A group gathered, forming a long line of forty or fifty people that slowly inched forward. Chen Mu, with his head slightly lowered and looking meek and timid, blended into the middle of the queue. Today was the day they were scheduled to be fitted with the Iron Bracelets. Passing laborers paid no particular attention, giving the scene a glance before moving on. "Are they still inscribing it on the spot?" Chen Mu looked in surprise at the tent at the front of the line. There was a long table set up. Behind the table sat two people, one an old man with a goat beard checking ledgers, and the other, a man in a grey outfit, was responsible for fitting the Iron Bracelets. Next to the middle-aged man was a bronze box, from which he occasionally took out an Iron Ring. He would write something on the interior of the Iron Ring with a brush before fitting it onto someone. "Is it etched with special corrosive liquid?" Chen Mu realized. He had previously thought it was engraved manually. "At this point, the alias of laborer Sun Dawang was successfully adopted," Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. There were considerable risks involved with his disguise and infiltration. "Being here to wear the Iron Bracelet means the identity verification had passed." Now it was good, he would be able to go north with the army while looking for a chance to get a hold of the Thousand Mechanism Token and avoid the control of the Tangshan Army. "Turning people into mummies, tsk tsk... The methods of these natives are truly terrifying." "It must be some special Magic Artifact." Chen Mu remembered Kui Tuo''s description. "Being a laborer is better." "Those haughty big shots definitely won''t care about the identity of a laborer." As he was thinking, the middle-aged man finished preparing an Iron Ring and pulled up the laborer''s left hand to fit it on. Inadvertently, a faint black line flashed out from the inside of the bracelet. If not for Chen Mu''s seven Shape Cultivation transformations and his extraordinary vision, he might not have noticed it at all. Then he just watched as that black line darted into the laborer''s arm in a flash. Chen Mu: "..." "Fuck!" Chapter 140: Chapter 139: Parasitism He then observed another laborer wearing the Iron Bracelet, and indeed, a black thread seemed to drill into the other''s body. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "Being a laborer is no longer an option." "I''ll have to think of another way." Chen Mu surveyed the surrounding environment. Only now did he notice that around the middle-aged man, there were subtly distributed five or six burly men dressed in black leather armor. He had initially thought they were soldiers of the Tangshan Army maintaining order. Now, seeing how they were positioned, it was clear they were there to protect the middle-aged man. "Must be an important figure," Chen Mu shook his head. The Iron Bracelet might just be a method the Tangshan Army used to control people, and only high-ranking individuals would have access to such core secrets. "I can only run." He could see clearly that although this place was deep within the encampment, just four or five hundred meters to the south was the Fenxi River. If he could dash into the Fenxi River before others could react, he would be able to escape successfully. The laborer camp was mostly untrained laborers; they wouldn''t be able to catch up to him. With that in mind, he took a half step to the side with his right foot. Soul Strength surfaced under his foot and his thighsince he had decided to run, he would give it his all. Just as he was about to exert force, he suddenly felt the sharp focus of a gaze upon him. Chen Mu pretended to glance up casually, only to meet the middle-aged man''s expressionless face. For no apparent reason, Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart as if he were being stared down by a fierce tiger. He quickly lifted his head and stretched his hands as if stretching lazily to move his limbs. "Who is he?!" Chen Mu had a feeling that if he crossed paths with that man, he would die! Even though his Wandering Soul was almost covering half his body, he still felt a fatal sense of danger. "Shell Soul?!" Chen Mu felt his teeth ache. For a matter so central as controlling the entire army, it would make sense to send a Shell Soul! "This is troublesome!" ... Chen Mu wasn''t sure if it was a misconception, but he kept feeling that the middle-aged man was staring at him. He dared not make any rash moves even more so. "Do I really have to wear the Iron Bracelet and be controlled by others?" Chen Mu gritted his teeth unwillingly. "I should have let Jie Jia find out more before I came here to infiltrate," Chen Mu regretted. At this point, he was completely out of ideas. The middle-aged man posed too great a threat. Merely looking at him gave Chen Mu a sense of fatal danger. "With someone like that in charge, how am I supposed to find the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chen Mu felt utterly disheartened. If he ran, he would die; if he didn''t run, he would be controlled. "Forget it, I''ll continue to be a laborer, at least I won''t die for now," Chen Mu thought with a grim expression. "Everybody in the laborer camp wears an Iron Bracelet, and I haven''t heard of any unusual deaths. It seems that the Iron Bracelet is safe for now," Chen Mu comforted himself. "After getting through this, I''ll have to find Jie Jia and grill him to see if he can remove this control measure," Chen Mu sighed. What is this? Am I digging my own grave? The moment the black thread drilled into the sleeve, he transferred it into the space. "That was dangerous!" Chen Mu felt a lingering fear in his heart. "What a pity I can''t go to Chunfeng Tower," Chen Mu lamented. "I must reward myself properly." Chen Mu turned his head to look towards the nearby Fenxi River. "Let''s quietly make some poached fish." This is a military camp, and even more so, the neglected Laborer Camp. There''s only one requirement for cooking: make sure it''s cooked through. After eating three days of Dingyou Camp''s working meals, Chen Mu almost vomited. ... The year 642 of Liang, early February seventh. At the foot of Tangshan, the site of Dingyou Camp of the laborers. Chen Mu''s eyes were slightly narrowed, his hands moving automatically with the knife. Dodo dodo... The rhythmic sound of the knife chopping on the wooden stump resonated unceasingly. After a good while, Chen Mu snapped out of it, his bewildered eyes gradually focusing. Taking advantage of the short and round Zheng Yuan''s inattention, he stealthily popped a Bigu Pill into his mouth. The rumbling in his belly immediately quieted down. Since the day he put on the iron ring, he had been at Tangshan Army for half a month. Chopping vegetables and practicing the Breathing Method became his whole life. Moved by a thought, a gray wall appeared in his mind, and Chen Mu looked towards the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 3185/10000/Fifth Rank; "It''s a long journey bearing heavy responsibilities," Chen Mu sighed. He was now urgently hoping to increase his strength. To get the Thousand Mechanism Token, without Shell Soul strength, he couldn''t even participate. That middle-aged man had given Chen Mu a great sense of crisis. Silently sensing the coverage area of his Wandering Soul, he realized it now covered up to his belly button and finally let out a sigh of relief. Although the progress on the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was only one-third, the other six Shape Cultivation techniques had been correspondingly improved. "Finally nearing halfway." He focused his attention on the Five Ghosts Bag. The small paper figure was still squatting there, guarding the hair-like black thread. Chen Mu discovered that this thing seemed to be a living creature, adept at burrowing into flesh and blood. Because of this, he had wasted several fish. Once it enters a living body, it absorbs the nutrients from the host and lies dormant, growing. "Could this be some kind of parasitic worm?" Lucky it didn''t burrow into his body. He looked at Zheng Yuan beside him with pity. Inside the other laborers, there was one of these things. Chapter 141: Chapter 140: Chance Encounter At the foot of small Tangshan, Fenxi River winds around the mountain. Although its name contains "creek," Fenxi River is actually a wide river that spans over ten meters. The river flows slowly, is crystal clear, and is formed by the convergence of mountain springs. The fish in the river are particularly fresh with firm and delicious flesh. As evening approached, the sunset hung on the edge of the sky, making the clouds as red as fire. Near a bend in Fenxi River, faint wisps of blue smoke drifted upward. Chen Mu sat on a low bamboo stool, pondering over a medical book. In front of him was a large, irregular stone with a rectangular groove scooped out in the middle. A wire mesh covered the top of the groove. The breeze from the river made the charcoal inside flicker with scarlet light, and wispy blue smoke escaped from the mesh, drifting toward the sky. "It''s about time," Chen Mu turned his head to look at the river bend not far away. Innumerable fish with their white bellies up floated on the water surface, occasionally flipping twice, resembling drunken revelers. The next moment, billowing black smoke wafted, and the fish suddenly vanished from sight. The inside of the Five Ghosts Bag was immediately filled to half with fish tossed inside in the straight pit. Chen Mu picked and chose, selecting eight fish with black backs and white lines. This type of fish was a specialty of Fenxi River known as Silver Thread Fish. Commonly called Wu Libai by locals, they had few bones, tender flesh, and a remarkably delicious taste. The other fish were all fed into the Five Ghosts Bag. The following moment, two billows of black smoke appeared, one above the other, floating in front of him. Chen Mu reached out and grabbed, and a Silver Thread Fish fell into the palm of his left hand. A flash of dark light briefly appeared and was gone. Sleeve Sword Technique! Hisss! Bright fish scales showered down, disappearing into the black smoke below. The dark light flashed again. Snap! A cluster of bright red innards followed the scales into the black smoke. On the river surface not far away, black smoke churned as scales and innards plopped into the water and scattered. Immediately after, clear river water poured from the black smoke above, washing over the Silver Thread Fish, taking the bloody water with it into the black smoke below. In less than twenty breaths, a Silver Thread Fish was completely cleaned, and the ground beneath was not contaminated at all. Chen Mu proceeded in the same manner, and the eight Silver Thread Fish were quickly processed. "Using the Five Ghosts Bag this way really fills one with happiness," Chen Mu said with a proud smile. Following the Five Ghosts Bag brand cleaning machine, range hood, and dishwasher. Chen Mu had now developed a self-operating tap water system and kitchen waste bin. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain devours humans, Medicine Cultivator sacrifices Ghosts?" "Tsk tsk... look at these local natives." "Their malice is too heavy!" "Unlike me, a good person who''s keen on life, not easy to find!" ... Sizzling... With the meaty fragrance and white smoke rising, the honey glaze for roasted fish was sprinkled on, and the aroma suddenly spread. "Let''s eat!" The fresh and slightly salty flesh of the fish melted in the mouth, causing saliva to be secreted frantically. Unlike her former composed and polite demeanor, her eyes now twinkled playfully and mischievously. How could these two appear in the Tangshan Army camp? Without time to think further, Chen Mu immediately put on a panicked expression of being caught red-handed and was quivering, too scared to speak. "Young man, don''t be afraid, we''re not from the Tangshan Army," Bai Miaojin teased with a look of playful revelation, smiling brightly, "Can you sell us two fish?" Chen Mu tensed his muscles, letting his face turn red, then with a flicker in his eyes, he put on the shy look of a country boy who had just seen a beautiful girl: "No... No need for money." "Hehe..." Her crisp laughter echoed at the edge of the woods. ... An hour later, Chen Mu tidied up the leftovers, grabbed his bamboo stool and iron net, wooden chopsticks and plate, and turned to run. "Sun Dawang from the Logistics Army in Dingyou Camp, don''t forget to come for grilled fish tomorrow," the crisp voice called out from behind, making Chen Mu run even faster. "Hehe..." The bell-like laughter filled the woods again. Chen Mu''s face darkened, and he felt utterly dejected. All I wanted was to cook a special meal. I was already so cautious to hide here, how could I still be discovered? Being discovered is one thing, but how the heck did I get tangled up with them?! After leaving the woods, Chen Mu put away the little paper figure. "I was careless!" He had only been keeping an eye on the camp''s direction, but forgot about Tangshan. Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui had come down from the mountain. "These two seem to be no ordinary people either," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Having practiced Shape Cultivation seven times, his physical condition was extraordinary, and his senses extremely sharp. Yet, he had only detected them when they spoke, which spoke volumes about their strength. At least their movement technique was extremely formidable. Thinking of the robust body of the maid Cui Cui, Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. Such a strong body combined with great movement technique? Wouldn''t that be like a high-speed iron ball? A simple collision could kill a person! "Trouble!" Run? The thought jumped into Chen Mu''s head. But then he shook his head: "It''s impossible to run now." After narrowly escaping the Iron Ring calamity and successfully infiltrating the Tangshan Army, He hadn''t even moved north with the army yet, how could he run? "Forget it, it''s just a couple more mooching a meal." It wasn''t the first time he had had his meal sponged off. ... "Cui Cui, is there anything special about him?" the two-meter-tall muscular figure asked in an androgynous voice, devoid of emotion. "He''s not annoying," the petite and lovely girl grinned. The muscular figure frowned slightly, "He''s wearing an iron ring." The petite and lovely girl still smiled, "He''s not annoying." The muscular figure turned away indifferently to look toward the woods at the figure stumbling in flight, seeming just like a naive country boy who hadn''t seen the world. "Hmph, playing the pig to catch the tiger, acting pretty well!" "Fun, right? Hehe..." Chapter 142: Chapter 141: Heading North Late at night. At the foot of Tangshan, within the tent of the Logistics Army of Dingyou Camp, snoring thundered. Chen Mu lay on the ground mat at the entrance, eyes fixed and staring into space at the top of the tent. Having practiced Shape Cultivation seven times, his senses were sharp; to him, the snoring was no different from thunder. "How I desire a tent of my own." Unfortunately, that was a privilege reserved for Qu Zhang, the highest-ranking official in Dingyou Camp; everyone else had to squeeze inside the tents. All ten members of the Logistics Army were crammed into this tent, including his Seventh Uncle. Buzz buzz buzz... Annoying insects were buzzing near his ears again. Hiss! A streak of black light flashed and was gone. Sleeve Sword Technique! "Silence at last..." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly as he carefully felt the iron ring on his left hand. The inside of the iron ring had a pinhole, and the impression could be distinctly felt on the pad of his finger. He had probed it with Five Ghosts Black Smoke, finding a small space encircling the iron ring. He thought of the middle-aged man''s operation of etching the iron ring. It wasn''t just etching identity numbers; he was also opening a nest and releasing black filament. Chen Mu''s gaze fell on the Five Ghosts Bag. In a sealed compartment, a black silky thread as long as a foot and as thick as a strand of hair lay still on a wooden board. A tiny paper figure with the character "Xia" was squatting beside it, staring unmoving at the filament. Swish! A live fish appeared. Whoosh! The thread, like an arrow leaving the string, instantly pierced the body of the live fish. The fish struggled violently. The next moment, a black iron ring materialized beside the fish. The fish that had been convulsing ceased struggling and calmed down immediately. "The iron ring indeed can restrict the black filament," Chen Mu realized. In previous tests, the black filament penetrated live fish, drying them up like jerky in the blink of an eye. Initially as long as the index finger, the black filament had now grown to the length of a foot after sapping dry dozens of fish! "The iron ring is both a nest and a shackle," Chen Mu understood. "If the iron ring were lost, wouldn''t a living person be rapidly desiccated?" Just thinking about how this thing almost penetrated his own body made Chen Mu shiver involuntarily. "No, that can''t be right! It''s impossible for people to wear the iron ring without interruption, there must be times when it''s accidentally taken off. Why haven''t there been any bizarre deaths?" Chen Mu wondered, puzzled. "There''s likely another control mechanism," Chen Mu shook his head and stopped thinking further. If the Tangshan Army dared to use such a dangerous thing as a means of control, They must already have a comprehensive plan. "Enough thinking, time to sleep." Chen Mu opened his eyes. Smoke pervaded, a colorless and odorless version of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke spread within the tent. Then, in an instant, she appeared twenty meters away. The girl in the emerald green dress immediately stood up, waving her hand and said cheerfully, "Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army''s Sun Dawang, see you!" Damn, she remembered me... Chen Mu waved his hand, looking flattered. "See... see you." The girl in the emerald green dress had a beaming smile, took a step, and instantly appeared beside the robust figure. Chen Mu: "..." None of them are simple! Wait a minute, Cui Cui? So that strong and formidable brother... is actually Bai Miaojin? Heh... ... The year 642 of the Da Liang era, February 11th. The grand Tangshan Camp army begins its march. Chen Mu, blending in with the Logistics Army, followed the Dingyou Camp to the Fenxi Crossing. Massive fifty-meter-long ships were already docked at the bank. The Laborer Camp queued up in an orderly fashion to board the ships, based on their sequence numbers. At one end of a pier stretching into the river, a lean man in his fifties sat calmly behind a long table. He checked and verified the Iron Bracelets of each person boarding the ship. "I wonder what the situation with the Ghosts up north is like," Chen Mu thought anxiously. Thinking of the Zuming Talisman in his cuff, the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest, and the Soul-Calming Stake in the bag, Chen Mu felt somewhat reassured. Then thinking about the Soul Strength that had almost reached his thighs, Chen Mu finally eased his mind. "Even if I encounter Ghosts, I won''t be afraid. With all these trump cards ready, I''ll be able to kill... um, I can definitely run away," he thought. "Stay low-key and undercover, don''t act rashly," Chen Mu reminded himself. Clang! A clear clinking sound echoed. Bang! A dull thud followed, and a dark figure was thrown out like a rag doll. Four elite soldiers in black leather armor leapt into the air and swiftly subdued and bound the figure. "Take him away," the lean old man behind the long table ordered calmly, as he retracted his fisted right hand. What''s going on? Chen Mu hastily looked over. The guy has an Iron Bracelet, right? "Heh! Someone must have bought someone else''s Iron Bracelet and tried to sneak in," Zheng Yuan in front of him said schadenfreude. "Just you watch, both the buyer and seller are going to be in trouble." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat: "Isn''t it the bracelet that matters, not the person?" Zheng Yuan chuckled: "It''s both the bracelet and the person; the bracelet must be on the right individual." The bracelet must be on the right individual? If you don''t have an Iron Bracelet, the black line could drain you dry! That''s quite ''The bracelet must be on the right individual'', isn''t it? Wait a minute! The bracelet and the person are both recognized? How do they identify the person? Can that old man detect the black line?! Chen Mu: "..." Well, isn''t this just great! Chapter 143: Chapter 142 Crescent Lake Fenxi Crossing. On the vacant land beside the wooden trestle bridge, a gigantic oil-paper umbrella stood erect to provide shade. Underneath it, there was a long brown-lacquered table. A small frame the height of a forearm with four legs, shaped like a doorway, rested on the table surface. A round white jade ring with gold threads inlaid was hanging in the middle of the frame. Below it dangled five teardrop-shaped jade pendants, each the size of a peanut, suspended by silver threads. "Stretch out your hand," commanded a thin, sullen old man over fifty in a cold voice. Chen Mu extended his left hand shakily, very nervous. The old man took off the huge iron bracelet, examined the inner wall of the bracelet, and then squinted at the jade pendants. A breeze blew by, causing the pendants to sway, but they never once clinked together. "You may go," the old man said indifferently. "You''re too weak. Eat more." Chen Mu immediately nodded like he was pounding garlic, his face full of gratitude as he walked onto the wooden trestle bridge. "Phew! Finally passed the test!" Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Then his chest suddenly heaved beneath his clothes. Smack! It was as if someone had slapped him in the chest; a crisp sound came from under his robe. "What was that noise?" Zheng Yuan, walking ahead, turned back with suspicion. Chen Mu forcefully slapped his chest, rendering unconscious the river fish that was parasitized by a black thread and hidden under his clothes, and said cheerfully, "Just a little itch." "Why do I smell a fishy odor?" Zheng Yuan sniffed a couple of times, his face full of confusion. "Must be the smell of the river water..." Chen Mu bluffed. "No, it definitely smells fishy!" Zheng Yuan glared at Chen Mu with a meaningful look. "You''re not being honest." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and his eyes involuntarily narrowed. Could this fatso have noticed something? After all the trouble of hiding it, having escaped the Iron Ring trials twice, could this fatso really see through the ruse? "Are you suggesting we should reach an understanding?" Zheng Yuan approached with a sly grin. Extorting me? Heh... Chen Mu glanced emotionlessly at Zheng Yuan. So, I''ve been found out... "You''re digging your own grave..." Inside his sleeve, dark smoke immediately began to churn. Zheng Yuan, unpretentiously inching closer to Chen Mu, whispered firmly, "You dared to sneak a treat? I''ve smelled the roasted fish on you for a while now!" Then, with his pair of intelligent, beady eyes, he stared at Chen Mu, his face resolute: "Next time, if you don''t call me to join you, I''ll tell your Uncle Qi!" Chen Mu: "..." Is that... is that all? "Fine," Chen Mu complexly regarded the short, smug figure. He had already prepared the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke in his sleeve, just a little more! Just a little more, and this shorty would have been performing a public act of accidentally falling into the water. Zheng Yuan became even prouder, "You hid it well, I didn''t notice where you chose, but my nose sniffed it out. As soon as I thought about it, I knew you were cooking on the side." "I''m smart, right?" the little shorty chuckled. Smart! You really are a great genius! Chen Mu was speechless and then sighed with an ugly expression on his face. Chen Mu held a kitchen knife and chopped vegetables nervously. Since arriving by Crescent Lake, he had been dutifully playing the role of a common laborer in the Logistics Army. The Tangshan Army was stationed here, and there was a high likelihood of Ghosts in the vicinity. He dared not wander off. "Dawang, why aren''t you sneaking out to cook up something special anymore?" Short and stocky Zheng Yuan asked with a look of resentment. Sneak out to cook something special? You must be joking! What if he encounters a Ghost? Chen Mu looked at Zheng Yuan with a baffled expression: "Me? I haven''t been cooking anything special. Why should I do that?" Before achieving Shell Soul, he had no plans to stir up trouble. Zheng Yuan''s eyes bulged roundly: "Didn''t you say last time you''d take me to have barbecued fish together?! Are you planning to go back on your word?!" You guessed it! Chen Mu thought gleefully, then his face feigned surprise: "With such strict rules in the army, how dare I sneak off to cook something special?" "I''ve never slipped away nor would I ever make anything special!" Chen Mu stated righteously. Zheng Yuan: "..." I''ll be damned if I believe you! ... At night, snoring still filled the tent. Chen Mu lay with his eyes open, staring at the tent ceiling. A gray wall appeared before him, and Chen Mu carefully checked his skills. Writing: 3230/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5787/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 8141/10000/Fourth Rank; Cooking: 2090/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4965/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 3038/10000/Fourth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 9813/10000/Sixth Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 2057/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 5135/10000/Fifth Rank; While abroad and lying low in the army camp, many skills were inconvenient to practice, and their proficiency had almost come to a standstill. Only the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse were still progressing. Especially the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "This is what it means to wear away a stone with water droplets!" He had never been able to practice it, yet eventually brushed up to the verge of advancement. "Anyway, I can''t sleep, so I might as well finish leveling it up tonight!" Chapter 144: Chapter 143 Netherworld Thread By the banks of Crescent Lake, Laborer Camp Dingyou. Apart from the occasional footsteps of patrolling soldiers, silence pervaded everywhere else. Inside the tent of the Logistics Army. A wisp of black smoke silently appeared and vanished beside Chen Mu''s hand. His eyes were slightly closed as he continuously uttered strange syllables. In front of his eyes floated a semi-transparent grey wall, and Chen Mu watched as the proficiency slowly climbed. He didn''t know how long he had chanted when suddenly a flood of insights surfaced in his mind. It took a while for Chen Mu to snap back to his senses. He couldn''t help but look towards the grey wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Seventh Rank; "I''ve made a breakthrough..." He lifted his hand and placed it before his eyes. With a thought, black smoke materialized out of thin air. "Have I completely freed myself from the Curse Command?" In his mind, amid the hazy mist, a cluster of light connected by points of silver thread shone brightly, like a flame burning behind frosted glass. Unclear, yet conspicuous. As long as he focused his attention on the dazzling cluster of light, he could easily open and close the Five Ghosts Bag and instantly activate Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! But this was just a side effect. Chen Mu looked at the empty air with complexity: "Ghosts..." The laughing paper man marked with the character "Spring" appeared out of thin air. The next moment, black smoke spewed out from it. In an instant, a black smoke ball with a diameter of one meter tumbled into existence in mid-air. The sweltering tent suddenly felt chillingly cold. Chen Mu reached out towards the air, the cold and slippery touch sending shivers down his spine. "So this is the true form of the Ghosts Paper Man." The Ghosts transformed into a paper man and then vanished without a trace. "It''s a pity I''m not in Nanyang City, otherwise I''d celebrate at Chunfeng Tower no matter what." ... At dawn, the vast military camp slowly awoke from its slumber. The lively personnel of the Logistics Army Section Dingyou began to prepare lunch. Chen Mu stuffed a Bigu Pill into his mouth, took a deep breath, and slowly adjusted his breathing, starting the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. He diced vegetables while sizing up his comrades. This bunch had eaten their fill and slept well, each growing plumper! Even the short and stocky Zheng Yuan beside him was becoming increasingly round. At the moment, the other man was vigorously chopping radishes. Without speaking, he chopped the wooden chopping block with a clang as if he had a grudge against it. Chen Mu smiled wryly at this rancorous little fellow. Is it just because I didn''t bring him special rations? He''s been ignoring me for days now. With a thought, a radish from the basket beside him disappeared into thin air. The next moment, an extra radish silently appeared in the short fellow''s bamboo basket. The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse advanced, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man acquired a Ghosts form. The Ghosts could transform and become invisible; opening and closing the Five Ghosts Bag was no longer accompanied by rolling black smoke. Chen Mu watched the oblivious short fellow and chuckled softly, "No need to thank me." Then he sent another radish the plump man''s way. Half an hour later. Chen Mu had just let out a sigh of relief. Whoo! A sudden whooshing sound came piercing through the air. The short and stocky figure suddenly did a fish-flop, agilely leaping into the air. Bang! The Ghost paper man, caught off guard, was sent flying with a strike. Chen Mu''s eyes widened in astonishment: "Did I use too much Mesmerizing Divine Smoke?" The next moment, Zheng Yuan, who had been rebounded to the ground, popped back up with another fish-flop. Chen Mu then realized that out of ten people in the tent, nine had, like zombies, sprung to their feet. Something''s not right! He quickly got up and stood like the others. In the darkness, Chen Mu stared intently at the nine men. All of them had their eyes tightly shut, breathing steadily, still deep in slumber. Nine arms-length, hair-like black threads fell from the position of the Iron Bracelet as light as a feather. The moment they touched the ground, they abruptly sprang up, shooting out of the tent like arrows. Chen Mu quickly took out the live fish that had black threads attached to it. The Tangshan Army had finally triggered the black threads! As if answering a summons, the moment the live fish appeared, a section of black thread as long as a fingertip drilled out from within the fish. Upon touching the ground, it abruptly sprang up and shot out a meter and two before landing. Then it sprang up again and shot out another meter and two before landing again. Chen Mu: "..." Short and feeble?! With such distinctive behavior, it would be hard not to be noticed! Isn''t this just asking for trouble! Indeed, it wasn''t long after it had bounced out of the tent for a meter and two that a thin, elderly man barged in. "The same old man who checked the boat?" Chen Mu realized suddenly. This old man was the designated person responsible for the black thread matters of the Dingyou Camp. In his left hand, he carried a fist-sized three-legged bronze incense burner. Inside it, there was a pale green liquid emitting a faint glow. The green luminosity cast upon the old man''s cheek, making it look eerily sinister. He walked around the tent with the bronze incense burner and stopped in front of Chen Mu. Using the light from within the burner, the old man seemed startled by Chen Mu''s appearance: "Trash!" "Such poor potential, no matter how much he eats, he won''t grow big Netherworld Threads," the old man squinted his eyes. He raised his right hand, revealing a gold-threaded white jade bracelet around his wrist. With a slight shake, the jade pendants on the bracelet made a clear clinking sound. "After draining him, just consider it using trash. It''s just one more deserter," he said. The next moment, a shadow suddenly flew out from within Chen Mu''s sleeve, heading straight for the bronze incense burner. But halfway there, it vanished abruptly. The thin, old man''s pupils contracted sharply. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Pfft! Drops of blood splattered. The thin, old man disappeared into thin air. Chen Mu opened his eyes indifferently, looking at the bloodstains on the ground, he couldn''t help but sigh. "You weren''t satisfied even with a meter and two." "It wasn''t me who killed you, it was your greed!" Chapter 145: Chapter 114 Trouble ``` He caught the Three-legged Incense Burner with his left hand, and grabbed the gold-threaded White Jade Bracelet with his right. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "This is troublesome." The person had died but was still able to come into contact with core members of the Netherworld Thread. It would definitely stir up trouble. Chen Mu looked at the items in his hands, "Two troublesome things." The Jade Bracelet appeared ordinary, just like any common accessory. Inside the Incense Burner, a green fluorescent liquid was stored, and a cluster of black Netherworld Thread slowly drifted within. Chen Mu watched for a long time, but couldn''t find that exceptional meter-twenty. "It can actually merge into one?!" It can grow, it can split, and it can also merge. "The Netherworld Thread is the leeks, and the Laborer Camp is the leek field," Chen Mu realized but couldn''t help feeling sobered by the thought. "It won''t be able to see the light of day in a short time." With a flick of his hand, both the Incense Burner and the Jade Bracelet disappeared. The nine men standing upright inside the tent immediately collapsed to the ground with a thud. ... Chen Mu also lay back down on his cot. But five paper figures of Ghosts crawled out of the tent. Once they flew up into the air, they immediately transformed into the form of Ghosts, scattering and flying into the camp. "Luckily, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse has broken through to Seventh Rank." The Ghost-formed Five Ghosts, breaking free from the paper figure''s limitations and paired with the Soul Locking Curse, greatly extended the surveillance distance. By Crescent Lake''s shore, the bright moonlight sprinkled over the camp, and the vast Laborer Camp was quiet. The personnel who usually patrolled at fixed points, were nowhere to be seen. The invisible Five Ghosts hovered in midair. It didn''t take long for them to discover several emaciated elderly figures in black. Black hoods and cloaks sparkling with green fluorescent light from the Three-legged Incense Burner, along with the occasional tinkling sound of the gold-threaded White Jade Bracelet. "Does each person have a fixed district?" Chen Mu carefully discerned. He noticed that each black-clothed person was in charge of a not-so-small area. Moreover, they all acted alone, without companions. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief, "A large area means I won''t be pinpointed directly." "Acting alone means no one knows the old man''s movement trajectory." After some thought, Chen Mu recalled one of the Ghosts marked with the character ''Qiu''. He commanded it to hold the copper Incense Burner, the White Jade Bracelet, and a piece of the old man''s fallen cloak, and to roam around the camp. It also occasionally sneaked into certain tents. And whenever the Incense Burner approached a Laborer''s tent, Netherworld Thread would dart into it. Before long, it had made its way around the emaciated old man''s district. At the same time, it collected a string of Netherworld Thread dozens of meters long. "With this, even if someone tracks by smell, they will definitely not find my location," Chen Mu sighed with relief. The more one does, the more mistakes one makes, and Chen Mu didn''t dare to act further. He recalled the paper figures, leaving only one attached to the top of the tent, secretly monitoring the surroundings. ... Deep into the night, past midnight, a dozen or more shadows rushed into the Laborer Camp. "Father, the Netherworld Thread has been taken. There''s no sign of a fight either. If uncle five met with trouble, it must have been outside the camp," Shangguan Yu frowned and said. Chen Mu''s eyelid twitched. I don''t want this either. Who knew Netherworld Thread would be so overbearing. The dying Silver Thread Fish, once parasitized, immediately became lively. "Why is there a fishy smell?" Shortie''s glance at Chen Mu was full of suspicion. "Did you sneak out again?!" Zheng Yuan exclaimed in astonishment. With daily checks and constant patrols, the supervision of the Dingyou sector was almost unbreakable! And yet, this guy still managed to sneak out to catch fish? Dawang is really skilled! "No way, we are together all day, and I have never seen you go out," Shortie doubted. Of course, I didn''t go out; it was the ghost paper figure that went out. "I will treat you to dried fish tonight," Chen Mu said indifferently. "Alright!" Shortie immediately grinned from ear to ear, asking no further questions. ... For five consecutive days, the search continued, even showing signs of becoming routine. The Dingyou Camp was quiet at night. Inside the Logistics Army tent, it was silent. Chen Mu stared at the top of the tent, puzzled, "That doesn''t make sense." "Why are they so certain that the culprit is still in the Ding sector?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but look at the Five Ghosts Bag. "Isolation not thorough?" Chen Mu began to suspect. "Then these things can''t stay," Chen Mu regretted. He had intended to keep them to show Jie Jia, to ask what they were. Too bad... "Finding the Thousand Mechanism Token is more important." "What should be discarded must be discarded; we can''t leave hidden dangers." His gaze settled on the Five Ghosts Bag. The incense burner, jade bracelets, and iron ring all lay quietly in a little compartment. Next to them was a Silver Thread Fish, which was currently flipping and flopping about. Fished out last night, and still not dead now! "Gotta say, this Netherworld Thread really has something to it." With a thought, the incense burner, jade bracelets, and his own iron ring were all taken out. Without the suppression, the Netherworld Thread instantly flew out. Whoosh! The fish that had just been lively instantly turned into dried fish. "The texture is soft and hasn''t changed, the body fluids have had most of their water drawn out and evaporated. So it looks like it''s been drained," Chen Mu manipulated the Silver Thread Fish. "It didn''t die from dehydration, nor from any physical injuries." "It''s the loss of something that instantly removed the characteristics of life." Chen Mu thought of the lean old man''s method and shivered, "If it can suck out a fish''s life, could it also suck out a person''s life?" "Tens of thousands of laborers, their lives in someone else''s hands?!" "That''s truly ruthless..." Chapter 146: Chapter 145 Peers Outside the Ding section of the civilian workers, there was a rocky beach by the shore of Crescent Lake. Five or six people in black were either sitting or standing. A brazier was placed in the middle of them. The faint scent of insect repellent spread with the flames. Slap! Shangguan Yu slapped his own face, killing an insolent mosquito. The flickering firelight cast a gloomy shadow on his face. He had been feeding mosquitoes here for six days. "Damn rat!" "Young Master, that person might have already run away," suggested one of the people in black cautiously, "Shall we, perhaps, let it go?" Being on edge during the day and dealing with evil spirits, and then feeding mosquitoes at night, it wasn''t easy for them either. Shangguan Yu nodded slightly; he had wanted to withdraw long ago. But he couldn''t be the one to suggest actively pulling out. Otherwise, his father Shangguan Ji would certainly scold him for his lack of patience. Thinking this, he couldn''t help but look up at the robust figure opposite him. He saw the other''s face and hands darkened, completely covered with Soul Strength! A mosquito landed on the back of the other''s hand, raised its head to sting fiercely, and its mouth broke upon impact! Shangguan Yu: "..." So, it''s just you who has Soul Strength, huh? Always causing trouble! Shangguan Yu struggled to adjust his expression, saying warmly and amicably, "Bai... Miss, what do you think?" That was close! He almost called her Bai Brother! Cui Cui, sitting next to Bai Miaojin, giggled, "He wants you to carry the can for him." Despite her blatant words, Shangguan Yu acted as if he didn''t hear a thing. Bai Miaojin gave Shangguan Yu an expressionless glance, "Hmm, he''s gone." "Right?" Shangguan Yu''s face lit up with excitement. "So, shall we withdraw?" Shangguan Yu asked with a smile. "Fine," Bai Miaojin nodded indifferently. "Since Bai... Miss has spoken, then let''s pull out. It''s not worth it for a rat, making Miss Bai suffer mosquito bites," Shangguan Yu chuckled. "Mosquitoes can''t bite me," Bai Miaojin said flatly. Shangguan Yu: "..." No need to emphasize, I freaking saw it! Shangguan Yu pretended not to hear, continuing on his own, "I''ll try one last time, if the resonance is still faint, then we''ll withdraw!" The other few people in black echoed enthusiastically with beaming faces. Now they could leave. He raised his right hand as he spoke, revealing a golden silk White Jade Bracelet on his wrist. Like the past six days, he sent out the Curse Command without much thought. Buzz! Like a swarm of bees taking flight, the White Jade Bracelet suddenly buzzed loudly. Shangguan Yu looked astonished: "It... It really worked?!" Immediately afterward, his face beamed with joy: "Chase!" Shangguan Yu instantly dashed out following the direction of the bracelet''s vibrations, with the other people in black closely following him. ... Chen Mu was manipulating paper ghosts to fly into Crescent Lake when he suddenly noticed a group of people rapidly approaching from behind. "Aren''t these the people who check the Iron Ring every day?" Jet black Soul Strength gushed out recklessly. Hum! His muscles suddenly swelled throughout his body. In just a moment, he transformed from a thin young man of 1.75 meters to a muscular giant of nearly 1.9 meters. "Want to kill me? I''ll finish you off first!" Sleeve Sword Technique! Clang clang clang clang... The constant collisions between fist and dagger generated an intense clashing noise that shot upwards in an instant. In just three breaths, the two had collided at their limits ninety-three times. A fierce look flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. Risking a breakthrough in his defense, a sliver of his spirit diverted. "Five Ghosts..." "Stop!" A crisp voice rang out between the two. Bai Miaojin''s majestic figure suddenly retreated. You say stop and I should stop? "Five Ghosts Moving..." But in the next moment, the Ghosts, which he had summoned, were unexpectedly seized by Cui Cui from her invisibility?! Chen Mu was so shocked that he instinctively stopped the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain and instead stared at Cui Cui, dumbfounded, "You..." "Me? Aren''t we the same kind?" Cui Cui blinked and smiled cheerfully. "Good strength," Bai Miaojin said calmly, as if her frenzied state had never occurred. Catching ninety-three strikes of the ebony dagger with bare hands and having unharmed hands like a normal person?! "How strange." Cui Cui released her grip, prodding the floating cloud of black smoke in the air. Without Chen Mu''s control, the Ghost simply hovered foolishly mid-air, allowing Cui Cui to manipulate it. "This guy has only a survival instinct. How did you achieve symbiosis?" "When it possessed you, how did it not consume you?" Symbiosis? Possession? What the hell are you talking about! "Cui Cui, let''s go," Bai Miaojin glanced at Chen Mu. She turned around and left the tent. "I won''t tell if you don''t, and nobody will know what happened tonight," Cui Cui said with a cheerful smile as she walked backward. "It''s not easy to come across someone of our kind; don''t die on us." Chen Mu stood there, dazed. If not for his ragged sleeve as a reminder, he would have thought the whole encounter had been a dream! Weren''t these two here to capture me? Why did they leave so abruptly after an inexplicable fight? Same kind? Did they mistake something? And that Cui Cui, with her unreal figure and ability to grab Ghosts at will, she... she isn''t human, right?! Having encountered her several times, how had he not noticed at all?! Chen Mu looked around; nothing in the tent had changed. Their fierce combat had taken place within a very confined space. The nine comrades affected by the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke were still sleeping peacefully, unaware of anything. Chen Mu was completely baffled, "Should I run, or run, or just run..." Chapter 147: Chapter 146 Shell Soul ``` Early in the morning, the Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army got up bright and early. They went to the storeroom to collect the day''s supplies and then began washing vegetables and rinsing rice to prepare lunch, just like any other day. The ten of them had to cook for over two hundred people in the Dingyou Camp. They had to start working from dawn. Chen Mu chopped vegetables absentmindedly, not even bothering to maintain the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method. "Cui Cui is a Ghost?" Chen Mu still couldn''t believe it. After the last encounter with Ghosts, and considering the Five Ghosts Paper Man''s form, Chen Mu had thought that Ghosts were just a mass of black smoke monsters. They only knew to possess bodies and devour Vital Energy, incapable of communication, utterly devoid of intelligence. But... "Is my understanding of Ghosts too limited?" Possession, symbiosis... Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui seemed to have misunderstood something. They took the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit for a symbiotic Ghost. "However, could my previous life really have been possessed by a Ghost?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but shudder. His previous life might have ended that way. "Qingfeng Observatory..." "Cheng Yi might know something," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Forget it." After a long while, Chen Mu let out a long breath. No matter what his previous life had encountered, it doesn''t affect him now. In fact, Chen Mu even owed a debt of gratitude to his former life''s experiences, otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to return in another''s body. "Dwelling on the past is pointless. Living well in the present is my duty," Chen Mu resolved in his mind. "Symbiosis..." Chen Mu searched his memory. Jie Jia seemed to have mentioned this state of symbiosis with Ghosts. Back then, he didn''t believe it and thought it was more like parasitism. It was his lack of knowledge. "Two beings... one human, one Ghost, seemed to have regarded me as their kind, a being coexisting with a Ghost." "Although their intentions are unclear, they are probably not malicious," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. At least the other party hadn''t exposed him. The Tangshan Army''s search for personnel had been led astray by him using the gold-threaded white jade bracelet. "Then I''ll continue to hide in the Laborer Camp." Chen Mu thought to himself. "Even if Bai Miaojin harbors malice, I am not afraid!" Bai Miaojin may be strong and powerful, but he is no slouch either! Last night, the two of them exchanged blows ninety-three times in a very short period of time... ending in a draw! Not only that, but Chen Mu checked his Proficiency. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 5655/10000/Fifth Rank; The Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique indeed hadn''t resulted in a Shell Soul. But... he had layered six shells! He was only a pair of lower legs away from having Soul Strength form a Shell! Thinking of this, Chen Mu snapped out of his daze. He stealthily popped a Bigu Pill into his mouth and slowly spread open the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method. "Let''s train." ... Two days later. The strict scrutiny of the laborers in the Ding region was lifted. Otherwise, he would have knocked him out with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke long ago. Zheng Yuan was instantly overjoyed, reaching out to grab the plate and start shoveling it into his mouth. "Cough cough... Wang ah, I also kept watch for you for half the night; shouldn''t you show some appreciation?" Chen Mu looked up, completely baffled. There, lying in the innermost part of the sleeping area, was Sun Enqi, propping himself up on his bedroll and looking at Chen Mu with a grin. Chen Mu stiffened all over. Just now, you were the one snoring the loudest. So you were pretending to be asleep?! Before Chen Mu could say a word, the fellow soldiers who had just been sound asleep suddenly rolled over and looked up. One by one, they propped themselves up on their bedrolls, grinning cheekily at Chen Mu. "Wang ah, we were keeping an eye out for you too." Chen Mu: "..." He had not anticipated this; the Logistics Army had actually pretended to sleep. This shorty was unreliable! Chen Mu looked at Zheng Yuan expressionlessly, "You watched out for half the night, huh?" "No one discovered anything, huh?" Zheng Yuan looked incredulous at all his laughing and joking comrades. You''re actually playing me! ... Days passed by, one after another. At the Tangshan Camp, halfway up Yunzhan Mountain, the news of deaths would occasionally emerge. There were even deserters turned into mummies hung on flagpoles. Yet the Laborer Camp remained stable. Every day was bustling with activity: eating heartily, cutting timber, building military camps, repairing logistics tools, gleefully busy. Chen Mu hid inside the Logistics Army in Dingyou Camp. Morning and evening, he took a Bigu Pill, maintaining the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method all day without change. As his proficiency increased, Soul Strength began to flow from the back of his skull, continuous and unending. "No wonder they say the Wandering Soul is the source of Soul Strength." The previous six Shape Cultivation Techniques had all been castrated versions. Now that he had encountered the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique, he finally experienced the so-called source. Hum! Chen Mu, who was chopping vegetables, suddenly trembled. The Cloud Mirage Breathing Method, which had nearly blended into his daily routine, was abruptly interrupted. A cool sensation spread across his skin all at once. His mind instantly became several degrees clearer. He felt a sense of safety bubbling up from within, as if walking from the frigid arctic into a warm room. "Shell Soul..." Chen Mu''s lips curled up, unable not to smile. Nearly four years since arriving in this strange world. Finally... he had finally cultivated the Shell Soul. A tremendous sense of fulfillment instantly filled Chen Mu''s heart. It''s a pity that Jie Jia was not there. "Ten years for Shape Cultivation, a hundred years to nurture the soul?" "Ha!" Chapter 148: Chapter 147 Green Hills Deep into the night, by the banks of Crescent Lake. A gentle breeze blew, chasing away the dry heat. Chen Mu, as usual, cast his drunken bait into the lake, sitting on a large rock, patiently waiting. "At this rate, the Dragon King might really come looking for me," Chen Mu thought mirthfully. Ever since he concocted the drunken bait, countless fish had died by his hand, whether eaten, sold, or used to feed his Five Ghosts Bag. "I''ve cultivated Shell Soul, if the Dragon King really comes... then I''ll just have to grab my bucket and run." "Hmm, dealing with a couple of shrimp soldiers and crab generals shouldn''t be a problem." With a thought, seven Divine Intent Diagrams emerged in his mind. Chen Mu''s whole body was immediately enveloped in jet black Soul Strength. A sense of security and comfort instantly filled his entire body. In just a short while, it was as if he had enjoyed a good sleep. "No wonder they say Shell Soul can prolong life." "Probably because it blocks the leakage of Vital Energy, indirectly extending one''s life." Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years nurturing the soul. As long as one develops Shell Soul before the age of a hundred, it''s not too late. That means Shell Soul can allow a centenarian to live an extra two to three decades at least. "Doesn''t that mean I could jump around lively for another hundred years?!" Chen Mu''s face was filled with joy. That way, he would have much more time to increase his Proficiency and explore the unknown world! With a flick of his wrist, a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds appeared in the palm of his hand. Covered in Soul Strength, Chen Mu slowly clenched his fist. Squeak squeak squeak... The grating sound of metal friction made one''s teeth ache. Chen Mu opened his hand, the dozens of Iron Lotus Seeds had been squeezed into one mass. The twisted shape, glowing with a faint red light, made the humid air slightly twist with the heat. "Turning iron into clay!" He reached out and pinched his dark skin, which felt like pinching tough leather. But should he wish, this thin black membrane could immediately become indestructible. At the very least, common weapons would not be able to destroy it. In front of this layer of Soul Strength Armor, the attacks of ordinary martial artists were useless. He pulled out a Sleeve Sword, gently stabbed it towards the center of his palm, slowly increasing his force to the maximum. A slight pain emanated from his palm. "If it were a little thicker, it probably wouldn''t be pierced," Chen Mu thought of Bai Miaojin. She had caught ninety-three strikes from his Sleeve Sword with her bare hands, unscathed, due to her robust Soul Strength. Chen Mu looked at his Proficiency. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 6110/10000/Fifth Rank; "Once my Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique is perfected and I simultaneously overlay the seven types of Soul Strength, my Soul Strength should also be quite decent," Chen Mu mused happily. ... The Tangshan Army would occasionally venture into the mountains, but this had nothing to do with the Laborer Camp. Cui Cui is a powerful ghost. But I have the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. I also have the Soul-Calming Stake. If I suddenly make a move, catching them off guard... Forget it, forget it, how can I have such dangerous thoughts. Chen Mu admonished himself repeatedly. Such things with no absolute certainty should not be entertained. "Are you thinking of something bad?" Cui Cui suddenly leaned down, her dainty face drawing close, gazing at Chen Mu with suspicion. "I was thinking about what to add for tonight''s meal, whether to roast a mountain deer or a wild boar," Chen Mu said evenly without changing his expression. "Is that so..." Cui Cui frowned: "Then why do I feel a hint of malice?" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately collected his spirit. "It''s probably people from the Shangguan Family plotting something," Chen Mu stirred without betraying any emotion. "Impossible." Cui Cui was certain: "They still need to ask Little Bai to help find the Thousand Mechanism Token." "To honor a promise is because the cost of breaking it isn''t high enough." "What if they appear to collaborate on the surface but actually intend to monopolize the Thousand Mechanism Token..." Chen Mu implied, continuing to fan the flames. "Monopolize it? We were finding it for them in the first place, why would they need to monopolize it?" Cui Cui was puzzled. As if thinking of something, her pretty face turned cold: "Do they intend to go back on their word!" Go back on their word? Did I misunderstand something? Chen Mu was taken aback: "Miss Bai doesn''t want the Thousand Mechanism Token?" That was a precious ticket to travel overseas. All over the world, there were barely a hundred such tokens. Cui Cui was pondering all the possible ways the Shangguan Family might go back on their word, and she glanced at Chen Mu irritably: "Little Bai has an Innate Taoist Bone, what would she need that thing for?" Chen Mu: "..." So she''s another child of Providence? That towering general of a man? Chen Mu felt stifled, as if there was a breath he couldn''t release. He had altered his appearance, had been hiding cautiously, living in constant anxiety, and still had no clue about how to obtain the Thousand Mechanism Token. Yet that general was born with a Daoist Bone?! Wasn''t that like being born with a Thousand Mechanism Token in his mouth?! Chen Mu''s face twitched with jealousy, almost revealing his true form! "Do you also want the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Cui Cui suddenly came back to her senses, smiling slyly at Chen Mu. "What do I need that thing for?" Chen Mu said indifferently, "How much silver would it fetch?" "Ha! You really are not honest!" Cui Cui laughed heartily. "Silver? Little Bai''s family has so much of it that it rusts," Cui Cui smiled: "We want White Jade Money." "Shangguan Ji promised to give us ten pieces of White Jade Money." White Jade Money? What''s that? Chen Mu''s eyes revealed a trace of cluelessness. "How about it? As long as you give us eleven pieces, we will help you find a Thousand Mechanism Token first," Cui Cui said with a teasing look at Chen Mu. Chen Mu frowned and pondered: "How about it... let''s stick with roast deer for tonight, the meat is tender." "Haha..." Chapter 149: Chapter 148: Fate Da Liang, the year 642, April 12. Outside Qingshan County, at the base of the little eastern mountain, beside the Bailang River. Chen Mu could hardly recognize the appearance of the little eastern mountain anymore. Looking from afar, the western side of the mountain had collapsed, forming a cliff mid-way up the mountain. Chen Mu remembered, that was where the Qingfeng Observatory had built its sacrificial altar in the past. "Could the earthquake really be related to the Qingfeng Observatory?" "And what about the great fire?" Two years prior, a major disaster struck on the day Chen Mu left. According to the relocated refugees, an earthquake struck outside the city while a great fire raged within, leading to heavy casualties. The reigning county magistrate and the city''s defending soldiers all perished, and malicious spirit incidents broke out from time to time. At that time, everyone in the city was panic-stricken; no one dared to stay in Qingshan County any longer, and they fled in droves. "But how did it then become a ghost city?" "Could it have been man-made again?" First, there was the Qingfeng Observatory, then there was Chao Tianwang; it was no surprise that Chen Mu''s thoughts ran wild with reports of various disasters constantly coming from the north of Da Liang. "This detestable world forces one''s hand indeed." He sighed heavily and stopped thinking about it. He followed the others from the Logistics Army in preparing the meal. ... At night, Chen Mu left the secret river bend in the reed marsh, with Netherworld Thread that had regrown to the length of his arm. The Dingyou Camp site of the Logistics Army. Chen Mu walked into the tent with a large roasted pig leg, casually tossing it to the chubby Zheng Yuan. Then, the Logistics Army men, who had been sound asleep moments before, suddenly rolled over and scrambled to their feet. Some brought out wooden chopping blocks for cutting meat, some laid out felt mats on the ground, some arranged wood bowls and chopsticks, and one even pulled out a bag of dry roasted peanuts from his coat. The most astounding was his "Uncle Seven," who took out a small flask of liquor. As the Tangshan Army increased the frequency of Netherworld Thread collection, everyone else in camp was getting thinner, but this group from the Logistics Army wasn''t losing weight, and Zheng Yuan, rotund as ever, had even put on several pounds! Chen Mu rolled his eyes and lay back down on his bedroll. "Perhaps, should I take a look at Qingshan County?" Chen Mu quickly dismissed the thought. There might be the Thousand Mechanism Token there, but there were also ghosts. "No rush, let''s max out the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique first." As the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique improved, the seven types of Soul Strength increased simultaneously. "This could be considered a kind of stacking, right?" If he couldn''t become a muscle-bound brute, wearing a few more layers of body armor was still a good thing. He made up his mind. He wouldn''t enter Qingshan County until he had layered his Shell Soul properly. He threw out two little paper figures to act as scouts. Chen Mu''s mind moved, and he conjured a grey wall. Writing: 3400/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 9461/10000/Fourth Rank; Cooking: 3980/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5265/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 4359/10000/Fourth Rank; "It''s truancy! Sideways! Haha..." Cui Cui laughed teasingly. Chen Mu didn''t react, but casually probed, "Does Shangguan Ji plan to just push through bit by bit?" "What else can he do?" said Cui Cui with a shrug. "Isn''t there a secret technique that can quickly scout things out?" Chen Mu asked, continuing his subtle probing. "Not a chance," Cui Cui blurted carelessly. "We still have to fight our way through." "Ha! This can also be considered a different type of cleansing of evil spirits," Chen Mu couldn''t help shaking his head. "Just trick others into piling up their lives," Cui Cui said dismissively. "White Jade Spirit Money isn''t easy to earn," Cui Cui sighed. "At this rate, don''t expect any results for three to five months," Cui Cui said with impatience. "And if others come to trip us up, it''s even more troublesome." "Is that so," Chen Mu said with a look of sympathy... Well then, I''m relieved! ... It was late at night by the Bailang River. "Did you really used to hang out here?" Kui Tuo''s skepticism couldn''t be hidden even by his bushy beard. "Don''t doubt it, I used to be the leader of the biggest gang in Qingshan County, the Bailang Gang." Zhang Ye said proudly, "Don''t believe me? Ask Zhen Fan when you get back." "I''m more familiar with the nearby environment of Bailang River than anyone. Secret routes, I know them like the back of my hand." "For us, scouting the Tangshan Army''s encampment is as easy as reaching into a bag to take what we want!" At that moment, the two of them, dressed in black, were followed by five or six men in similar attire. The group barged through the reeds, seemingly lost, but kept heading towards Xiao Dong Mountain. "Last time at Da Liu Village''s mission, you also said it would be as easy as reaching into a bag. How did that turn out... You almost became a bare pole commander!" Kui Tuo retorted, rolling his eyes. "What are you saying! Am I still not your gang leader!" Zhang Ye''s bearded face turned dark with anger. "Don''t bite the hand that feeds you. Coming out with me this time is like collecting merit without effort." "Gathering intelligence comfortably without putting your life on the line. That''s much better than dealing with those unseen entities, isn''t it!" Kui Tuo pursed his lips, about to argue back. Zhang Ye suddenly covered his mouth excitedly. "Look ahead!" "Everyone around here is dead, and this guy''s out here fishing in the middle of the night, he must be with the Tangshan Army!" "As long as we capture and bring him back, won''t we have our merit!" Zhang Ye said, trembling with excitement. Times have been tough lately. Without enough strength, he couldn''t keep his subordinates in line. He was being targeted by superiors and assigned to dangerous tasks. The powerless ones under his command died, and the capable ones ran away. If he didn''t make some achievements to attract folllwers, he''d truly become a bare pole commander. "Fortune comes after hardship! Isn''t this my change in luck?!" Zhang Ye''s eyes gleamed as he, followed by an equally eager Kui Tuo, cauctiously approached the small river bay. Zhang Ye? Kui Tuo? They wanted to capture him for merit? As Chen Mu, who was washing scales to prepare for cooking fish, laughed at the situation, this... must be a special kind of fate! Chapter 150: Chapter 149: Dare Not Under the moonlight, the reeds in the marsh swayed with the breeze. Zhang Ye, Kui Tuo, and several sturdy men were hunched over, crawling on their bellies, sneaking around like thieves. Kui Tuo walked and walked but suddenly stopped, "Old Zhang, am I seeing things, or has one person split into two?" Zhang Ye felt the familiar soreness and weakness in his limbs, his face numb. What on earth did I do in my last life? How come I bump into that lunatic wherever I go?! Suddenly, he turned his head to look at Kui Tuo, who was clearly confused, and asked without changing his expression, "Kui, you didn''t bring any money with you, did you?" Kui Tuo: "What... what''s wrong?" Zhang Ye couldn''t help but take pleasure in another''s misfortune, "Ignored my advice, didn''t you?" "Hah! Every man for himself now..." Then he struggled to fight off his sleepiness, and in Kui Tuo''s shocked gaze, he twisted his body a few times to adjust his posture, and lay back comfortably on a thick layer of reeds nearby. Chen Mu: "..." Is he that skilled at this? Looking at the line of people in black, fallen all over the place, Chen Mu sighed. "From so far away, to come and bring me gifts, how awkward." Then Chen Mu skillfully began to loot the bodies. Chen Mu suddenly remembered. The skill of looting corpses, it seemed that it was the leader of these ruffians here who had personally helped him practice it. After a long while, Chen Mu gave up with a face full of gloom. Aside from a couple of Gold Cakes on Kui Tuo, the others at most had a few Silver Pieces. Zhang Ye didn''t even have a single copper coin on him! "A bunch of paupers!" Looking at Zhang Ye, who was comfortably lying on the thick reeds, Chen Mu''s agitation grew the more he looked. "Trying to sleep on a deluxe bed without any money? Dream on!" He casually dragged Zhang Ye onto the muddy riverbank sand and threw Kui Tuo on top of him. After all... there were two Gold Cakes. ... By the Bailang River, another peaceful curve in the river. Bubbling sounds of frying from the stone stove broke the silence. The tantalizing aroma began to spread. Chen Mu said anxiously, "The Startling Swan Gang people are here." "That''s normal," Cui Cui sat on a long flat rock, seemingly unconcerned. "In the whole Nanyang Prefecture, only Qingshan County is known for a convergence of Ghosts." "The Thousand Mechanism Token could only be here." With her hands propped by her sides, she swung her legs cheerfully, "Knowing this, wouldn''t all those with a bit of skill come here?" "Are there others?" Chen Mu felt extremely worried, "What if they start fighting?" The more forces that arrive, the more chaotic it will be. All he wanted was to stably harvest the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and then sneakily get his hands on a Thousand Mechanism Token. But if things really got chaotic, he wouldn''t be able to focus on his practices in the first place. Moreover, with more strong players, getting the Thousand Mechanism Token would be even more difficult. Seeing Chen Mu lost in thought, Cui Cui couldn''t help but roll her eyes and said mockingly, "You sure are brave!" Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. "If you had heard a saying, you would understand why I am so afraid." "What saying?" Cui Cui was curious. Even Bai Miaojin, who was usually indifferent, couldn''t help but look towards Chen Mu. Chen Mu said earnestly, "Good people don''t live long, disasters last for a thousand years!" Are we still going to eat this meal or not! ... "Boss, why do you think that lunatic won''t leave us alone?" Zhen Fan asked with confusion. "I freaking want to know too," Zhang Ye said, feeling hopeless. "Is that lunatic''s Mesmerizing Smoke really that powerful?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. He thought they just weren''t careful enough last time. "Using Mesmerizing Smoke, such a lowly trick, you can tell it''s from a nobody." "As long as we''re prepared with Detoxification Pills, we have nothing to fear." "And if we set up an ambush well, we can definitely capture them in one go!" Kui Tuo said confidently. "Why don''t we hit him back this time." Kui Tuo was excited. Then he looked up to see Zhang Ye smiling at him: "Feeling a bit dizzy, aren''t we?" Kui Tuo was bewildered: "A little." Zhang Ye quickly twisted his body to adjust his posture, then grabbed the Zuming Talisman from his forehead and stuffed it into his crotch, looking at Kui Tuo with an experienced face: "You''re still a little lacking in experience." Having said that, he tilted his neck and fell into a deep sleep. Kui Tuo, fighting against his sleepiness, looked towards Zhen Fan. He discovered that the other had already laid out flat on the ground earlier on. Kui Tuo: "..." "Damn!" I freaking don''t want this experience! ... A puff of black smoke mysteriously appeared inside the tent. Chen Mu, looking at the soundly sleeping Zhang Ye in awe, remarked. He was actually able to quickly detect the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. Had he been drugged so frequently that he developed a tolerance? Forget it, I''ll adjust the formula when I have time. Controlling a paper ghost, he dropped a cloth bag. Then he transformed into a paper figure, plucked the Zuming Talisman from Kui Tuo''s forehead, and whooshed out of the tent, vanishing from sight. ... The next day, Zhang Ye woke up feeling refreshed. The first thing he did was to feel for the Zuming Talisman. Good, it''s here! Then he noticed a gray cloth bag on his body. "Given by that lunatic?" He hesitated for a moment, but eventually opened it. A grand white paper was meticulously drawn to depict a landscape, Populated with numerous figures of varying expressions. "This valiant fellow has such developed pectoral muscles, his face is as handsome as a woman''s?" "I''m truly envious." "Big brother, this seems to be the defensive layout map of the Tangshan Army camp." Zhen Fan excitedly pronounced with bloodshot eyes. "Hurry up and report it!" Kui Tuo, having just woken up, was also excited. He didn''t even care about the missing Zuming Talisman on his forehead. "Would that lunatic be so kind-hearted?" Zhang Ye, who had been tricked before, was naturally suspicious. "Big brother, he''s given it to us, do you dare not to report it?" Zhen Fan cautiously reminded. Aren''t you afraid that lunatic might come back for another strike? Zhang Ye, with a squeezed face: "I don''t dare." Chapter 151: Chapter 150 Opportunity ``` In the Startling Swan Gang''s camp to the south of Qingshan County Town, near the city gate, inside a tent. "Old Zhang, I didn''t expect you to have such skills," Zuo Sheng looked at the detailed encampment defense map in surprise. It just feels vaguely familiar. "Last time I was careless, went out in the middle of the night, in the pitch darkness, and ended up getting lost in the reed marshes, messing up the job," Zhang Ye''s eyelids hung low in shame. "After that, I reflected deeply and carefully investigated many times." "I even used the secret paths that were once used for smuggling food to the bandits on Ai Mountain. That''s how I got this map," Zhang Ye''s face filled with sorrow. "These past few days, I''ve been working from dawn till dusk, it really hasn''t been easy." Zuo Sheng looked at Zhang Ye with mixed emotions. If it weren''t for our tents being close to each other, I damn well would have believed you! You''re in your tent every day munching on peanuts and drinking wine, you think I don''t know?! "To be honest," Zuo Sheng said indifferently. "The truth is, I also don''t know how this thing came into my possession," Zhang Ye said frankly. This was also the reason he came to Zuo Sheng. The encampment map came out of nowhere, and if he submitted it himself, he would inevitably be questioned. But with Zuo Sheng as a disciple of Jin Wuduan, that wouldn''t be a problem. Thinking this, he told Zuo Sheng everything from start to finish. "Last time you went to the reed marshes, were you also knocked out by someone?" Zuo Sheng asked in surprise, "Why didn''t the person who could take you down kill you then?" Zhang Ye hesitated for a long while, "Probably... out of habit." Zuo Sheng: "..." "That nutcase isn''t doing this for the first time," Zhang Ye spoke of his string of misfortunes starting from Qingshan County with a bitter face. "You mentioned you noticed similar mesmerizing smoke the night Lin Que of the White Tiger Hall died?" Zuo Sheng''s eyes narrowed. "Yeah," Zhang Ye nodded with a complex expression, "At first, I was quite grateful to him. He made me a hall master. But who would have thought, that was just the beginning of a series of misfortunes." "Looking back, ever since I encountered this madman, my life has been going downhill." "I couldn''t become the leader of the Bailang Gang, nor the master of the White Tiger Hall, now I''m almost left with nothing." As he spoke, the tall man with the bushy beard couldn''t help feeling depressed, "Do you know what they call me behind my back?" "The Gang Terminator!" "The Catastrophic Pathfinder!" "Brother Zuo, my heart is heavy!" Zuo Sheng: "..." Brother, look at the mess you''re making! "Or will they deploy some mysterious magic artifact?!" At this thought, Chen Mu couldn''t help but become solemn. It''s just that his own strength wasn''t enough. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be here anxiously waiting. "At this moment, the upper echelons of the Startling Swan Gang must have received the defense map." "They''re definitely gathering their leaders now, uniting their efforts to discuss offensive strategies," Although uneasy, the thought of merely making a few moves with his pen and thus involving the Startling Swan Gang''s experts brought him a slight thrill of satisfaction. "My so-called younger apprentice brother, might even have to exert a bit of effort on my behalf now," ... Chen Mu''s worthy apprentice brother, at this moment, was dressed in all black, standing in the dense forest near the northern gate of Qingshan County Town. "Cheng Yi, do you really just hand over the defense map of the Jinghong Association to me like this?" Zuo Sheng, full of scorn, asked, "Blatantly betraying your sect and selling out the interests of the Jinghong Association, is this all Jin Wuduan taught you these years?" "That''s not the case," Zuo Sheng shook his head, "My senior brother taught me this." Cheng Yi was stunned. He wasn''t aware that Zuo Sheng had such an unreliable senior brother. Soon he laughed at himself. It''s like the pot calling the kettle black; he wasn''t a good person either. He wasn''t concerned about whether the other party had betrayed their sect. "How can I trust you? What if the map is fake?" Cheng Yi said expressionlessly, "If I fall into a trap set by the Jinghong Association, won''t I be at a huge disadvantage?" "Suit yourself. We will take action in five days," "By that time, the campsites of the Jinghong Association will be empty. Whether or not you can persuade Chao Tianwang to lend his help and earn this great merit is none of my business," Zuo Sheng said with a shrug. "Using another''s hand to do your dirty work?" Cheng Yi frowned slightly, then a hint of a smile appeared on his face, "You want to deal with that lady from the aristocratic family. To weaken her power." "Don''t you want to?" Zuo Sheng glanced at Cheng Yi and said lightly. "Heh..." Cheng Yi''s lips curled with a chilling coldness. "It seems she wants to monopolize all the Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "The greed of noble families." Zuo Sheng glanced at Cheng Yi, "Doesn''t Chao Fang want to monopolize them too?" "I don''t believe he would share the Thousand Mechanism Token with you." "Letting Chao Fang attack Sikou Qing, both sides suffering losses, is to everyone''s advantage," "That''s the situation. How you deal with it is up to you," Zuo Sheng said as he turned to leave, "This is my opportunity, perhaps also your chance for revenge against Sikou Qing." Cheng Yi stood expressionlessly in place. "It indeed is a good opportunity!" Under the night sky, a leaf fluttered down, Cheng Yi''s figure vanished, leaving only the swaying shadows of the trees. Chapter 152: Chapter 151: Hold Steady Not far from the Laborer Camp, by the Bailang River. Chen Mu didn''t know when the Startling Swan Gang would attack. He had not dared to stray far these past few days when he went out to catch fish and nurture Netherworld Thread. Humming an unknown tune, he carried a Silver Thread Fish in his hand while the Sleeve Sword Technique flickered in and out of visibility. Scaling, gutting, cleaning, picklingthe Silver Thread Fish were swiftly processed one by one. Chen Mu skipped a stone across the water idly during his spare time. Swish! Plop plop plop plop plop... plop! The small pebble skimmed across the water''s surface and raced towards the opposite bank over ten meters away. With a plop, it chopped off a section of reed. "I''ve hit the other side! Ha!" Then he grabbed a handful of pebbles and scattered them with a throw. "A handful of stones in my hand, ten li of reeds all bow their heads!" He was getting into the rhythm of throwing when suddenly a wave of insight passed through his mind. It took a while for Chen Mu to come back to his senses. On the grey wall, the Proficiency values for the throwing disappeared. This technique, which originated from the ordinary Flying Locust Stone, had finally reached its historical limit. And with that came an additional effectLock-On. Chen Mu picked up a pebble and looked across the river. Under the moonlight, a reed stood tall, swaying in the wind. The moment he locked onto the target, all the information his eyes saw, his nose smelled, his ears heard, and his skin felt, flooded into the depths of his mind. The Lock-On ability worked in places beyond his perception. In the blink of an eye, it completed the integration and calculation of the information, and swiftly fed back an impulse to Chen Mu. He simply followed this faint impulse and instinctively threw the pebble. The next moment, the stone appeared next to the standout reed. The rapidly approaching stone only grazed the reed, causing it to tremble slightly before speeding away. "I really can hit wherever I point." Chen Mu exclaimed. Thought activated, stone thrownhis intention was perfectly realized. "Little Chen with the Flying Knife, never misses his mark?" Chen Mu sighed helplessly, "It''s a nice ability, but a pity it can''t penetrate armor." After all, it was merely an ordinary Throwing Ability, and initial velocity dictated the power, range, and direction of the throw. It couldn''t penetrate armor, nor could it turn corners. Chen Mu felt a bit of regret. And so-called Lock-On was nothing more than the best possible calculation and prediction. The farther the distance, the less accurate it became. But he soon cheered up. After all, another Skill had reached its limit. Grinding out Skills, gathering experience, it was only the instant of reaching the peak that brought him such a strong sense of satisfaction. Now Cheng Yi is inviting the Tangshan Army to raid Chao Tianwang... What a perfect circle... A perfect egg my foot! Chen Mu felt completely numb. How did my simple distribution of a defense map turn into this situation?! This world is truly goddamn magical! All three parties circling and picking fights, how chaotic will it be at that time? Isn''t this just courting disaster! ... The Startling Swan Gang''s base. Jin Wuduan admired the defense map. "I didn''t expect Sect Master Zhang to have such skill." Zhang Ye, his face alight with excitement, cupped his hands in salute: "It''s just a small trick, embarrassing, truly embarrassing." "This is no small trick," Jin Wuduan examined the map from different angles. "The strokes are delicate, the figures lifelike, and the key thing is that it''s realistic. " "With such drawing skill, not even the number one painter in Nanyang Prefecture has your ability." "Sect Master Zhang must not be stingy with your brushwork. You must paint a portrait for me when you have the time!" "Certainly, certainly," Zhang Ye''s face was full of sheepish laughter. You ask me to wield a large knife, and I can do that, but to paint portraits, isn''t that making it hard for me? Yet he couldn''t say it. If he did, he wouldn''t be able to explain the defense map. "Sect Master Zhang''s contribution, I will remember it. Do you have any requests?" Jin Wuduan asked with a chuckle. Zhang Ye immediately snapped back to his senses. He had already thought about this, and his face was filled with fervor, "It''s my duty to exert effort for the gang. I''m not picky." Jin Wuduan nodded with a smile in his eyes. "It''s just that I, as a Sect Master, have only just recovered my position. The brothers newly assigned to me have uneven martial skills and poor coordination. I''m afraid it might affect the operation tomorrow night." "I wonder if Gang Leader could be accommodating and allow me to take these brothers to the Laborer Camp to guard the prisoners and transport the supplies?" The smile on Jin Wuduan''s face deepened: "That''s a good idea, go with Sheng Er. He''s just about to head to the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp." Zhang Ye was instantly overjoyed. The Laborer Camp was just a bunch of laborers. Even though they were numerous, they were not strong in martial power. A mere intimidation would immediately prompt them to surrender. They were going there, wasn''t it just to help with guarding prisoners and transporting supplies? "Having regained the position of Sect Master with great difficulty, I cannot be wasteful again!" "This round, I''ve finally steadied the ship." Chapter 153: Chapter 152 Taking Things with Ease ``` The night at Dingyou Camp. Inside the Logistics Army''s tent, the snores were thunderous. Chen Mu stared at the tent ceiling, unable to sleep with worry. "How did things get to this point?" Chen Mu couldn''t figure it out. I only threw a pebble, so why did it trigger a landslide? "Don''t panic, it''s not that bad yet," Chen Mu tried to remain calm. "Even in a three-way melee, the first targets should be each side''s elite forces." "There''s no need for them to trouble us laborers, right?" Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Moreover, night raids are different from frontal assaults. To maintain secrecy, the number of troops can''t be large, and all must be elites. "Decapitation strikes are the best option," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "And the most detailed part of the map I gave them is of the Tangshan Army''s camp." "It''s like throwing a bone right next to a dog. They can''t not bite," he said. "That''s a relief, that''s a relief..." Chen Mu sighed with relief. "Even if someone does come, they''d probably just start a fire, create a little chaos," Chen Mu finally put his mind at ease. ... "Let me tell you. I chose to attack the Laborer Camp for good reason," Zhang Ye said with a self-satisfied face. He was the gang leader again! "The Tangshan Army''s elites are well-trained; we ragtag bunch can''t handle them." "But the Laborer Camp is just a group of suffering laborers." "What are we? Ruffians, hoodlums, gang leaders." "Bullying these laborers is our main business," Zhang Ye chattered away happily to Kui Tuo. "We don''t even have to fight. Just set a couple of fires, brandish our big knives and shout loudly, scatter the people, and they''ll collapse on their own." "Then we grab a few examples, beat them up badly, and we''ll easily control that group of laborers," Zhang Ye was very familiar with this kind of procedure. "Is it really that simple?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. He used to run errands. How could he understand the operations of a gang leader? "Believe me, I used to be the boss of a gang," Zhang Ye said confidently. "But your gang is gone," Kui Tuo said dimly. Zhang Ye: "..." "How are you talking to me! Am I not your leader anymore!" Zhang Ye fumed. "Fine then," Kui Tuo smacked his lips, not arguing further. "Let me tell you, this mission is a piece of cake. For us, it''s as easy as reaching into a bag and taking what we want," Zhang Ye laughed heartily. Kui Tuo: "..." Reaching into a bag for it again? This is asking for trouble! ... Boom! "Let''s go, let''s hide down there for a bit." Zheng Yuan stared at Chen Mu, dumbfounded. "When did you dig this? I sleep right next to you, how come I didn''t hear a thing?!" "I''ve just dug it." Chen Mu said indifferently. "You''re lying to a ghost!" Zheng Yuan''s face showed disbelief. Chen Mu gave him a glance: "So, are you coming down or not?" "Down, down, down..." The many Logistics Army soldiers immediately beamed with smiles. "Dawang is quite capable." Sun Enqi said, full of emotion. "Hurry up, otherwise, they''ll be blocking our door soon." Chen Mu rolled his eyes. With his current strength, he could escape easily. But wouldn''t that be too conspicuous? Better to hide in the hole. After tonight, he could continue being a member of the Logistics Army. ... "See, isn''t it just like I said, very simple." Zhang Ye held a torch in one hand and a large saber in the other, smugly triumphant. "Once we get these laborers under control, can''t we just make a fortune easily?!" The numerous subordinates around him could not help but break into joyful laughter. Zhang Ye bumped Kui Tuo with his shoulder: "You believe me now, right?" "A hundred percent!" A gang member next to him shouted excitedly. "I''m going in!" "Go ahead." Zhang Ye waved his hand nonchalantly, looking very pleased with himself. Dozens of men around him immediately rushed into the camp like a swarm of bees. Then they were thrown back out at even greater speed. A figure clad in a black cloak slowly emerged from a nearby tent. He held an Incense Burner in his left hand and wore a White Jade Bracelet on his right. Noticing the laborers around him who had been injured or killed by the great fire, the man in black said coldly, "Now that they''re dead, you''ll stay to replace them." Suddenly, he lifted his right hand and made a grabbing motion towards the crowd. Whoosh! A gang member, as if held by an invisible hand, was instantly crushed into a spray of blood. "What do we do now, boss?!" The gang members who were just excited became panic-stricken. Zhang Ye kept his composure and looked at the crowd: "As they say, wealth is up to fate, life and death are predestined, take a chance..." "Chance my ass! Run now!" Kui Tuo cut off Zhang Ye''s rambling and, together with Zhen Fan, picked up Zhang Ye and ran. While running, they couldn''t help but curse bitterly. "This is what you called picking up an easy win?" Zhang Ye, held head and foot by the two men, had his face full of contemplation: "Perhaps my pockets are too deep to reach." "Yeah, deep up to your neck!" Kui Tuo couldn''t help but curse loudly. "What kind of karma did you create?" "Ever since I met you, I haven''t had a single good day." Zhang Ye looked resigned: "I wish I knew..." Chapter 154: Chapter 153 Ordinary Deep within the underground cavern, Chen Mu leaned against the wall, feigning meditation. Yet his spirit was ever vigilant over the entire camp. "Fortunately, the Tangshan Army was not completely unprepared." The Laborer Camp was the foundation of the Tangshan Army''s combat prowess. Through the perspective of a small paper figure, Chen Mu had already seen several figures in black cloaks appear. They held incense burners, muttering under their breath, and with a shake of their right hand, adorned with a gold-threaded white jade bracelet, they could control an invisible giant hand to crush or fling their opponents through the air. "What a fine Magic Artifact," Chen Mu mused with some envy. "You''d better put in some effort," Chen Mu said, focusing on the black-cloaked figures wandering in the Ding Character Camp. As long as they could withstand the initial chaos, a turning point would soon emerge. The Startling Swan Gang had come to raid the camp, but Chao Tianwang was not idly standing by either. "Alas, there''s no helping it when one''s strength is insufficient. Just wait and see," Chen Mu thought reluctantly. ... "Are you their leader?" Inside the Ding Character Laborer Camp, the black-cloaked figure asked Zuo Sheng calmly, ignoring the minions who were howling and setting fires to kill around them. "The heritage of our Shangguan Family is beyond your imagination." "Now that you have killed and set fires, you will have something to report when you go back." "Moreover, now that I''m here, there''s no longer any point for you to stay," persuaded the cloaked figure methodically. "Alright, I''ll be leaving soon," Zuo Sheng nodded. The cloaked figure: "..." So you''re saying you won''t be leaving now? "Do you believe I can make you die a terrible death?" said the cloaked figure, indifferent. "I don''t believe it," Zuo Sheng responded earnestly. The cloaked figure: "..." "Courting death!" He suddenly shook his right hand, which was adorned with the gold-threaded white jade bracelet, reaching out to grab Zuo Sheng. A sense of grasping something solid came to him, and the cloaked figure''s lips curled into a cruel smile. "Do you feel it? This is the heritage of our Shangguan Family." "Stop!" An immense force, all-encompassing and without a single blind spot, suddenly descended upon Zuo Sheng. Whoosh! A soft sound and Zuo Sheng''s clothes suddenly collapsed inward as if vacuum-sealed. Yet the invisible force, which could easily crush the ordinary person, was effortlessly withstood by Zuo Sheng. Covered with Soul Strength, he felt the force coming from all directions, causing Zuo Sheng to frown: "Be serious." The pupils of the cloaked figure abruptly contracted, and he shook the white jade bracelet again. "Stop!" Whoosh! Zuo Sheng was pushed several inches into the ground where he stood. After landing, he shook the Wuding Ring again, following the same technique. In two leaps, he had covered seven or eight hundred meters. The cloaked person, hanging in the air, stared intently at Zuo Sheng in the distance. He raised his right hand, ready to activate the Wuding Ring the moment he landed. "The Shangguan Family will never let you go!" the cloaked person said menacingly. Zuo Sheng''s face darkened instantly; even in such a state, the other still dared to talk tough, "You won''t get away! I said so!" Then Zuo Sheng could only watch as the other party ''puff'' disappeared into a pitch-black patch on the ground, vanishing in an instant. Zuo Sheng was dumbfounded. Why didn''t you use that trick earlier if you had it? I''ve already made my threats, and you pull a vanishing act on me?! Below ground, Chen Mu helplessly put away the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Of all the places you could run to, why head towards Dingyou Camp of the Logistics Army? If he had truly landed just now, a mere flick of his wrist would have drained the nine soldiers of the Logistics Army underground into dried husks. He wouldn''t have died. But if he was the only one to survive in a ten-person unit of the Logistics Army, wouldn''t that be too conspicuous? How could he continue to stay undercover then? ... Zuo Sheng gazed at the blood droplets on the ground, frowning slightly. Dead? He pondered with a furrowed brow for a moment, then a smile spread across his face as he clasped his hands towards all directions and said, "Thank you, senior brother!" On that strategic map, only the area near the Ding Character Camp was blurry. He had guessed that Chen Mu was somewhere here, which was why he had come to meet this ''kindred'' senior brother. "Senior brother, I''ve acted as your sword; it''s not too much to ask for a meeting, right?" "This is Qingshan County, our rightful turf as brothers." "Working together to secure the Thousand Mechanism Token is the best course of action!" While speaking, Zuo Sheng slowly turned around, surveying the surroundings. "Senior brother, haven''t you realized it yet?" "This world is too unfriendly to ordinary people like us!" "The major families hoard resources, cutting off our paths to advancement." "If we don''t fight, how can we have a tomorrow!" Zuo Sheng lamented passionately. "Senior brother, I''ve already connected with Daoist Cheng Yi." "He''s currently with Chao Fang''s forces." "Plus you, senior brother, hiding here." "With the three of us exchanging information and cooperating sincerely, this is our best chance at an uprising for the common man!" Zuo Sheng said fervently, his face full of excitement. "Tsk, tsk..." Chen Mu curled his lips in disdain, "This Zuo Sheng is not being sincere!" Do you have some misunderstanding about ordinary people? Ordinary people? With all that Body Protection Aura on you, do you dare to say you''re an ordinary person? Someone like me is the real ordinary person, alright! Chapter 155: 154 Spiritual Armor Woo... Boom! A huge firework exploded in the southern sky. Zuo Sheng turned his head to look. That was the Startling Swan Gang''s call for help. It was like a chain reaction. To the north of the city, Chao Tianwang and the nearby Tangshan Army each set off their own distress flares. Zuo Sheng looked towards the north in surprise, then chuckled and shook his head. Cheng Yi the Taoist wasn''t playing it straight, either. Immediately feeling regretful, he turned back to look at the surroundings which remained quiet. "Older brother, stop hoping for luck, only by joining forces do we three stand a chance." "When older brother figures it out, come find me." "My door is always open for older brother." Having said that, he turned and quickly left. The underground space was silent. The voice of Zuo Sheng faintly carried over. A few soldiers from the Logistics Army listened closely, then looked at each other in confusion. "What''s this guy rambling about for so long, what''s the meaning?" Zheng Yuan was puzzled. Chen Mu shook his head dumbly, "Don''t know, probably a lunatic." "Definitely a lunatic!" the rest of the Logistics Army agreed. "We owe Dawang big time, otherwise who knows what kind of trouble this madman would''ve stirred up." "Right? I also think he''s quite mad..." Chen Mu nodded, still shaken. ... For three continuous days, the entire camp was tense. The Tangshan Army sent a large number of soldiers to either soothe or suppress, striving to maintain stability at the Laborer Camp. The Tangshan Army suffered a great loss of laborers. It is said that the initial target, the ''A'' Barracks, had more than half its people dead, injured or escaped. The Startling Swan Gang and Chao Tianwang also suffered heavy casualties. All three parties were clever, targeting the most inconspicuous yet most important common people first. As a result, all three succeeded, and all three failed. Chen Mu sighed deeply. "Who could have imagined that all this was due to a mere defense map?" "All because of Zuo Sheng and Cheng Yi, without their stirring of the pot, how could such a ruckus have arisen?" Thinking of the heavy casualties in the Laborer Camp, Chen Mu furrowed his brows, feeling a sense of guilt. He too was one of the hidden hands behind these casualties. Originally, according to his plan, even if the Tangshan Army was attacked by surprise, their strong power meant that while they would suffer losses, they wouldn''t be too great. Most importantly, it was supposed to create a rift between the Tangshan Army and the Startling Swan Gang. But Zuo Sheng and Cheng Yi''s manipulation resulted in a vulnerability within the Tangshan Army, allowing the Startling Swan Gang''s surprise attack to succeed, instantly doubling the injuries. "In times of chaos, it''s always the common people who get hurt," sighed Chen Mu. "Better to diligently practice my skill and find the Thousand Mechanism Token sooner." He wasn''t planning on causing more trouble. What if he stirred up more problems? ... Da Liang, year 642, May 23 Like usual, Chen Mu came to a secluded bend by the Bailang River. He threw down the lure, but didn''t rush to prepare extra food. Instead, he found a large rock to sit on. Black smoke churned in his hands as a white jade-colored Bigu Pill appeared. "The last one." He popped it into his mouth and swallowed it, then began to adjust his breathing. He maintained a rhythm that had almost become instinct for five months, just starting up. In his mind, the Divine Intent Diagram of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique began to emerge. By the time he reached the Divine Intent Diagram phase, the Breathing Method had become more like a switch. Its effect was to resonate with the Divine Intent Diagram in the mist, keeping it manifested. Wisps of coolness continuously emerged from the base of his skull. Black Soul Strength began to slowly spread downward. At a certain moment, Chen Mu suddenly felt a moment of clarity in his brain. The once-obscured Divine Intent Diagram suddenly shone brightly. It was like a flame behind frosted glassblurry, but dazzling and bright. A familiar, warm and moist sensation spread throughout his body, filling his heart with a sense of comfort and safety reminiscent of when he was in the womb. Chen Mu opened his eyes. After more than five months, he finally brought forth the Shell Soul of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. "If I can''t master it this time, I''ll run out of food." The Bigu Pill 3.0 was completely consumed. He had even prepared a little extra at the beginning, and it was just barely enough. "Fortunately, I succeeded!" Not only that, but the Soul Strength of the other six Shape Cultivation Techniques surged simultaneously. With a thought, Chen Mu made the seven Divine Intent Diagrams appear in his mind... Like water released from a sluice, black Soul Strength crazily surged from the soles of his feet, thighs, waist, chest, arms, and hands. He was quickly enveloped in black Soul Strength. From a distance, he even looked like he had put on weight! Chen Mu grabbed a thick layer of Soul Strength covering the back of his hand. "Indeed, it''s a special substance." Before it was too thin, clinging to the skin as if it was the skin itself. Now that the Soul Strength was substantial, forming at least a finger''s thickness, its true nature was evident. "Now I have the courage to explore Qingshan County," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. In this short period, the Tangshan Army and other factions had been advancing steadily and systematically. If they found the Thousand Mechanism Token before him, then he would really stand no chance at all. Chen Mu, in a good mood, pulled up the gray wall, but when he saw the lowest entry, he froze on the spot. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 3/10000/Sixth Rank; Spiritual Armor? This... can still be practiced?! He suddenly understood that he had vastly underestimated the potential of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique! Chapter 156: Chapter 155: Inquiring ``` Qingshan County, East Market, Anle Square. Suddenly, a large hole exploded on one side of a two-story wooden building. Splinters and stone fragments flew in all directions. An invisible force shot out from the hole in the wooden building. The ridge of the house opposite was struck, creating a gaping hole instantaneously. It was as if some monster had viciously bitten into it. At the broken hole of the wooden building, a figure in a black cloak violently shook a white jade bracelet in his right hand. Then, he forcefully grabbed towards the damaged ridge across from him in mid-air. "Stop!" Squeak, squeak, squeak... A piercing screech suddenly rang out. A massive cloud of black smoke, about four to five meters in diameter, suddenly appeared in mid-air. The cloaked figure clenched his teeth and exerted all his strength. The screeching of the black smoke became even more piercing, as it switched between invisibility and visibility without ceasing. At the same time, it resembled a blot of ink dropped into water, constantly rolling and spreading in all directions. Regrettably, an invisible force enveloped it from all sides, and no matter how much it struggled, it could not break free. The person in the cloak grew pale, knowing that a critical moment had arrived. His right hand trembled fiercely once more, and the teardrop-shaped jade pendant emitted a crisp sound. "Unfixed!" Squeak! A sharp cry soared into the sky. On the cloud of black smoke, faces showing pain, laughter, terror, and screams flashed rapidly. Bang! An explosive sound. The cloud of black smoke, like a balloon that had been popped, instantly burst into pieces. Wisps of black smoke drifted in mid-air, and as they drifted, they turned into specks of black light that dissipated into nothingness. The figure in the cloak thudded to the ground on one knee, his complexion pallid and drenched in sweat. Below the wooden building, around forty or fifty men in black leather armor lay sprawled on the ground, equally pale and exhausted. Some had even lost consciousness. ... At the top floor of Ruyi Residence in Anle Square. Chen Mu stood amidst swirling black smoke on the overhanging eaves of the building, his expression grave as he watched the distant melee, "Truly hard to kill." Recalling the encounter with the ghosts he had stumbled upon last time, Chen Mu broke out in a cold sweat. If it weren''t for Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, he would have undoubtedly perished that night. This was already his fifth day since reaching the Perfection of his Shell Soul. He had begun secretly following the Tangshan Army to observe their operation of cleansing the evil spirits. Cui Cui immediately rolled her eyes. "Aren''t they afraid of missing some with such piecemeal cleaning?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "Once these little darlings gather together, they will spontaneously converge towards the center," Cui Cui explained. "Cleaning up bit by bit will eventually get the job done," Cui Cui said, sitting on the edge of the roof, swinging her legs nonchalantly. "Don''t you feel anything?" Chen Mu asked Cui Cui, his expression complex. This was essentially the slaughter of her own kind. "What feeling?" Cui Cui looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "Species empathy?" Cui Cui shook her head indifferently, "We can''t understand the complex emotions of you humans." "How to describe it... it''s like hundreds of books on a shelf. Take away some and burn them, or insert new ones. The comings and goings have no effect on the other books on the shelf," Cui Cui said lightly, swinging her legs. This emotionless, machine-like cold description sent a chill down Chen Mu''s spine. Cui Cui''s cheerful demeanor always gave him the false impression that she was human. Chen Mu shook his head, letting go of the thought. The species were different; there was no need to measure her...or rather, the ghost, by his own standards. "The Tangshan Army plans to clear out all the Ghosts, like draining the pond to get all the fish?" "It''s time-consuming and laborious but simple," Cui Cui shrugged. "Sometimes they don''t even need to clear them all to luck out and find it." "When the time is ripe, the Thousand Mechanism Token will emerge by itself." Chen Mu nodded in understanding. "How can I make you ignore me?" Chen Mu suddenly asked. Shangguan Ji hiring Bai Miaojin certainly valued her martial prowess, but he valued even more Cui Cui''s ability to see through the Ghosts'' invisibility and transformations, which helped them to quickly locate the Ghosts without blundering around like headless flies. "You really are after the Thousand Mechanism Token," Cui Cui laughed as she turned back. "You''ve misunderstood," Chen Mu flatly denied. "Then there''s nothing I can do. I''ve taken the money," Cui Cui said, noticing the black smoke around Chen Mu and guessing that he intended to meddle using the Ghosts'' invisibility. "Unless you also have some White Jade Spirit Money." "That''s a pity," Chen Mu shook his head. If he had so-called White Jade Spirit Money, hiring Jie Jia directly would be much simpler. "The other two families, they don''t have one of your kind, do they?" Chen Mu inquired quietly. "What are you thinking? I''ve lived so many years and only encountered a weirdo like you," Cui Cui sneered. "But honestly, I''m curious, how do you and this guy, who only knows instinct, manage to coexist?" Cui Cui stared at the autumn-character paper figure and the black smoke on Chen Mu. "Do you have some kind of Innate Bloodline?" If I had an Innate Bloodline, would I still be worrying about the Thousand Mechanism Token here? Cui Cui looked Chen Mu up and down with keen interest: "Do you have anything special that is different from ordinary people?" Chen Mu glanced at her, "Actually, I do?" "I can eat a lot, does that count?" Cui Cui: "..." Chapter 157: Chapter 156: Seeing through South District of Qingshan County Town. Black smoke swirled around Chen Mu, who lightly touched the rooftop as if he were a black lightning, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Soon, he had climbed up to the southern watchtower. In the past, this place was manned all day, on the lookout for fires within the town, and the stealth fire soldiers would be quickly dispatched to extinguish thema version of an ancient fire brigade. Chen Mu stepped on the bucket arches and vaulted eaves, leaping to the top. He looked around and saw rows of houses that exuded an ancient and desolate air. The silence around was so deep it made one''s heart panic. The vast Qingshan County had become a ghost town, with countless invisible ghosts wandering within. If this was the state here, what would the heartland of Da Liang look like? Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu stopped dwelling on these thoughts and quickly located an area of disturbance. With Cui Cui and Bai Miaojin in the Tangshan Army, he couldn''t fish in troubled waters. "Hopefully, there''s a chance over here," Chen Mu looked towards the distance with some trepidation. Bang! A loud noise suddenly came from the area of disturbance. Looking over, a cluster of residential buildings had collapsed abruptly. Dozens of people wearing earthy yellow armor spread out in a circle, charging headfirst like bulls into the center again and again. A large mass of black smoke sometimes appeared and sometimes disappeared, sending the charging people flying. But the armor, seemingly sculpted from stone, was indestructible. The people who were sent flying would quickly jump back up, lively as before, and charge forward again. Dozens of soldiers coordinating together, a succession of collisions and resistance lasting one hour, finally culminated with a muffled explosion like thunder. The ghosts disappeared into specks of black luminescence. "Similar to the Tangshan Army''s Wuding Ring, a complete set of magic artifacts?" Chen Mu thoughtfully observed the earthy yellow armor. It probably also focused on concentrating vital energy to enhance the wearer''s special powers. Once the battle was over, the group continued to push deeper into the town. Occasionally attacking the surrounding buildings, they were like bulldozers, leaving only ruins and leveled grounds in their wake. "Slow advancement, scaring the snakes in the grass?" Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. "The opportunity has come!" "As soon as the Thousand Mechanism Token appears, use the ghost''s invisibility to get close." "Then, use Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to teleport within nine meters." "Finally, cautiously flee using the ghosts'' invisibility ability." "As long as my figure isn''t exposed, the deed is done!" Unseen and unheard, grab and run, safe and secretive! "It''s just getting too close for comfort," Chen Mu hesitated for a moment, then reassured himself, "What''s this risk compared to the Thousand Mechanism Token?" "Plus, I have the Paper Ghost''s invisibility." "Catching me? Let''s see if they can discern my trail first," Chen Mu chuckled as he watched the Startling Swan Gang wreaking havoc in the distance. "With these headless flies as opponents, they wouldn''t be able to spot me even if I was standing in front of them!" Chen Mu felt completely at ease. Not everyone has Cui Cui''s abilities. "Isn''t that just perfect? Just wait for them to find the Thousand Mechanism Token for me. Heh heh..." With these thoughts, Chen Mu looked at the distant crowd with dissatisfaction, "It took them an hour to kill just one ghosta lack of work enthusiasm indeed!" Then he noticed that the team, which had just been running around headlessly, suddenly assembled. If there was one noticeable change, it was that he could eat more! "Lucky I stocked up on plenty of Bigu Pills 2.0." The version 3.0 pills were all gone, so he could only make do with the old ones for now. "I have to compete with the Five Ghosts Bag for food. Really..." Chen Mu''s face showed his distress, "If I truly provoke the Dragon King, then what should I do?" ... Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army. Chen Mu stealthily entered the tent, taking out two wild rabbits he had casually caught. After stowing away the Autumn Ghost, he tied on an apron and stepped out of the tent. "Did you catch them?" Short and stout Zheng Yuan waved a large ladle, asking eagerly with his small eyes. "Hmm, two wild rabbits," Chen Mu replied, feigning simplicity. This was his excuse for sneaking out of the military camp during the day, to catch wild game. "Big Dawang really has the skill!" A group of fellow Logistics Army soldiers immediately beamed with joy. "I''ll go serve the food," Chen Mu said, taking up the ladle with keen understanding, ready to go to the nearby queue to dish out food. "Big Dawang," Sun Enqi called out to Chen Mu, "you go out every day, but what if something happens? You''d better not..." He hadn''t finished his sentence when he met the tranquil eyes on Chen Mu''s simple face. "Don''t be careless, you have to be safe!" Sun Enqi said with concern, feeling extremely anxious inside. "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Qi," Chen Mu said cheerfully, "I''ll go help serve food." "Sigh, alright then, just don''t wear yourself out..." Sun Enqi said earnestly. Only after Chen Mu had walked away did Sun Enqi mutter with a gloomy expression, "What if something happens?" "Are you scared? Why don''t you give me your portion of the meat to eat then, I''m not afraid," Zheng Yuan chuckled. "Get lost!" Sun Enqi instantly rolled his eyes. "Even if you wanted to stop him, you couldn''t, right?" Zheng Yuan chuckled, "Your nephew is not simple." Sun Enqi looked up at the laughing Logistics Army soldiers around him and couldn''t help but sigh, "Could you guys help me talk to him?" The Logistics Army soldiers who had been eager for the drama scattered in an instant. Zheng Yuan tried to run, but Sun Enqi caught him, "You two are the closest, why don''t you talk to him?" Zheng Yuan hesitated for a long time, "I don''t dare!" Zheng Yuan himself was puzzled, finding that whenever he looked directly into the other''s eyes, he felt as if he had been knocked down by him many times. It was an instinctual fear. "You''re afraid of him with that tiny frame?" Sun Enqi frowned. "If you are not afraid, then you go," Zheng Yuan retorted, standing his ground. Sun Enqi fell silent for a while, "I don''t dare either..." Oh, brother, the ''honest child'' you speak of is indeed too honest. So honest that he''s become a mini-tyrant! He hasn''t even done anything, yet nine out of ten people are already terrified. Not far away, Chen Mu paused while serving food, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly. "One can''t underestimate anyone." He thought he was well concealed, but he hadn''t realized that these Logistics Army soldiers had spotted the flaw. And rightly so, ten Logistics Army men living together day and night were well aware of each other''s every habit, even knowing who grinds their teeth or farts in their sleep. It''s only normal they spotted something off. "Living together in harmony, that''s also good..." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. Chapter 158: Chapter 157: The Wheel of Fortune Turns Every early morning, as the sky began to brighten, Chen Mu would rise to freshen up, then stealthily infiltrate the town to stake out Chao Tianwang. He had already confirmed that Tianwang Chao Fang had no means to detect Ghosts. Capturing Ghosts often employed methods of lure and trap. This gave Chen Mu room to operate. And so, every day he went to the city to keep an eye on Chao Fang. ... Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu, as usual, got up early, ready to sneak off, and just happened to bump into Sun Enqi who was getting up to use the toilet. On seeing Chen Mu, Sun Enqi instantly became clear-headed and carefully exhorted, "Be careful, kid, don''t get caught." Chen Mu smiled and nodded. Yet, as he turned around, he couldn''t help but squint his eyes. "This so-called Uncle Seven seems to have aged a bit. An illusion?" Chen Mu paused, "I''m afraid it''s not an illusion." The Netherworld Thread was mysterious, daily drawing Vital Energy, leading to the depletion of the laborer''s essential vigor. "Has it started to deplete life span already..." Chen Mu''s heart sank, but he could only shake his head and leave. In these troubled times, he couldn''t care about so much. Ensuring his own survival according to his wishes was already quite difficult. ... North of Qingshan County Town. The twelve Heavenly Generals were dispersed in various places, sitting cross-legged on rooftops with dark-colored Soul-Calming Stakes resting across their legs. Three large clusters of black smoke flickered in and out of existence mid-air, yet never managing to fly out of the circle formed by the twelve. The shadow seemed like a balloon, getting bigger as time passed. At a certain threshold, it burst with a pop into strands of black smoke. "Is your method really effective?" Tu Shan sat on a rooftop, frowning at Chao Fang by his side. "You need to have patience," Chao Fang said calmly. "I''ve heard that the Startling Swan Gang has found a Thousand Mechanism Token," Tu Shan looked towards the south of the town. Chao Fang glanced at Tu Shan, "Got any ideas?" Tu Shan seriously said to Chao Fang, "There must be a problem with the fengshui in the north of the city." "You talk to them, let''s change the location," Tu Shan sincerely suggested. Chao Fang: "..." "You just want to snatch their Thousand Mechanism Token," Chao Fang snickered, retracting his gaze. "Why would you think that?" Tu Shan frowned, his displeasure evident as he looked at Chao Fang: "When do we act?" "Ha... It''s not the right time yet," Chao Fang said, laughing while shaking his head. "You''re not scared, are you?" Tu Shan was skeptical. Chao Fang narrowed his eyes, "What''s the benefit of snatching one when you can snatch two?" "Let them find some more, then we''ll make our move." "Your heart is truly dark!" Tu Shan looked at Chao Fang with heartfelt distress: "Just don''t let the Tangshan Army slip through." "Ha!" Chao Fang laughed and shook his head. ... He also deliberately adjusted his breathing and heartbeat, striving to match them with the Heavenly General on the roof. With the invisibility of the Ghosts, nobody could discover him. It wasn''t easy. After such a long time planning, he finally got his hands on a Thousand Mechanism Token. Who would have thought that the Thousand Mechanism Token wasn''t a token, but an emerald jade gourd? "Magical." Chen Mu stood still, breathing as lightly as he could. He watched with glee as Tu Shan rampaged, tearing down demolitions. The other party seemed convinced that someone was hiding nearby and wanted to completely destroy all the houses. "Haha, keep demolishing; I''m not playing anymore!" said Chen Mu, as he lightly lifted his foot to leave. But after thinking about it, he still didn''t set his foot down. The Shape Cultivation Technique could greatly remodel and strengthen a person, including all senses. Even the slightest footstep could possibly be detected. After pondering, an idea struck Chen Mu. If he could use the Five Ghosts to wrap himself in invisibility, could he also use them to achieve flight? "Five Ghosts Moving People? Ha!" The swirling black smoke quickly became denser, wrapping Chen Mu up into an airtight cocoon. "Rise!" He let out a soft shout in his mind, and then he began to float. Chen Mu was instantly overjoyed. Flight, the dream etched deep into his bones, was now realized by him! "Fly! Show me your limit! Haha..." Chen Mu controlled the Ghosts to exert force fiercely, and suddenly he was lifted off the ground... by five centimeters?! Chen Mu: "..." This isn''t right! He really thought he could fly, but is this what I get to see? Worthless paper effigies, ruining my youth! "Forget it, running away is what''s important. I''ll deal with you later!" Chen Mu thought begrudgingly. Without meaning to, he looked up and saw the dejected demolition duo. With this comparison, his frustration immediately evaporated! "These two poor fools! Haha..." As he spoke, he controlled the Yin-filled Ghosts to slowly drift away into the distance. "Play by yourselves, my lords; I''m no longer at your service!" Chen Mu smirked silently, laughing without sound as he even turned back to wave at the two men. Then he suddenly hit an invisible wall with a ''bang''. Chen Mu looked ahead, his face full of confusion. What''s going on? A flash of inspiration struck his mind, and Chen Mu abruptly looked up at the twelve Heavenly Generals. They still held the Soul-Calming Stakes, standing like poles on the rooftops. Was the Yin Cultivating Strategic Formation still active? "Can''t you guys be any less professional?!" Chen Mu was instantly resigned. Chapter 159: Chapter 158 Pursuit Chen Mu looked dissatisfied at the twelve Heavenly Generals, "Everything''s gone, and you''re just standing there like a post, hurry up and go find it!" "With underlings of this level, Chao Tianwang, I truly feel sorry for you," Chen Mu lamented deeply. But no matter how much Chen Mu prayed, the twelve Heavenly Generals still hugged the Soul-Calming Stake and stood motionless in their original spot. It was precisely because these people stood in place that the formation remained active. If he wanted to conceal himself using Ghosts, he wouldn''t be able to escape the encircling trap of the Yin Spirit Strategy. "Just wait a moment," Chen Mu sighed. He controlled his Ghost to drift to a corner and quietly watched Tu Shan frantically tear through the place. "Perhaps it''s not a person," Chao Fang was the first to regain his composure. The fervent Tu Shan abruptly appeared before Chao Fang and asked calmly, "What do you mean?" "There might still be a Ghost within the formation," Chao Fang thought of the black smoke he had seen just now, clearly in the shape of a Ghost. "Continue to increase the transmission of Vital Energy," Chao Fang''s eyes lit up. The twelve Heavenly Generals began chanting in unison. "But why can''t I feel any loss of Vital Energy?" Chao Fang stared at the Yin Spirit Strategy, puzzled. "I''ll go demolish it!" Tu Shan said gruffly and jumped into the encirclement of the Yin Spirit Strategy with a boom. Covered in Soul Strength, he was like a mighty beast forged of iron, rampaging within the circle in an attempt to force the hiding Ghost to show itself. "That''s fierce," Chen Mu, hiding not far from Cheng Yi, clicked his tongue in amazement. But as long as there was no Perceptive observation of the Ghost''s techniques, Chen Mu, hiding beside the Heavenly General, could not possibly be discovered. "Let''s see who can outlast the other!" And so the ruckus continued on until the sun set and darkness fell. Only then did Tu Shan and Chao Fang leave Qingshan County with faces full of reluctance as they dismantled the formation. Chen Mu forcefully suppressed the urge to take off running. He still let the Ghost carry him, slowly drifting towards the East of the City. If Chao Fang and Tu Shan were to double back, he''d be done for. "Better safe than sorry!" ... It was only when he left the East City Gate and arrived at the banks of the Bailang River that Chen Mu finally took a deep breath. "It''s safe now..." Looking at the luminescent green gourd in the Five Ghosts Bag, a look of joy appeared on Chen Mu''s face. After nearly half a year of plotting, he had finally gotten the Thousand Mechanism Token. An immense feeling of satisfaction instantly filled his heart. It felt just as if he had leveled a Skill to its peak. "It''s a shame we''re not in Nanyang Prefecture City, or I''d definitely visit Chunfeng Tower no matter what," he thought. "I haven''t seen Yu Tao for a long time; I really miss her." Chen Mu merrily floated toward the Tangshan Army station. "Jie Jia, that money-grubber, isn''t here either; otherwise, I would''ve shown him the Thousand Mechanism Token no matter what." "It''s worth a good sum! He''d be drooling with envy!" "Hand it over." Chao Fang retracted his smile and said flatly. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed involuntarily. Chao Fang, who could control twelve Shell Souls to work for him, must be extremely powerful. But having waited so long just to obtain the Thousand Mechanism Token, how could he possibly hand it over so easily, Chen Mu pondered for a moment and said earnestly, "Didn''t you want to recruit me? I agree. How about using this item as my Salary Silver?" Chao Fang fell silent for a long while, "I''ve changed my mind." Chen Mu: "..." "Heh..." Chao Fang chuckled lightly, slowly waving his right hand. A chill air suddenly permeated the atmosphere. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. This aura, ghosts?! To command ghosts? Yin Spirit Strategy! Chao Fang sighed, "People are often blinded by greed." Hum! Suddenly, clusters of cold white mist appeared in the air. That was the river mist suddenly condensing upon encountering a cold object. Chen Mu looked at over ten invisible objects dragging white mist behind them and suddenly got goosebumps all over. Over ten ghosts?! Chao Fang slightly lowered his head, his lips curving into a low chuckle, "Actually, I should thank you." "If you hadn''t stolen it, how would I have had the chance to make it my own?" "You want to monopolize it? Aren''t you afraid that burly man will come after you?!" Chen Mu said gravely. "Tu Shan?" "Heh... In a desolate wilderness, where no one is around. If I kill you, who else could bother me, huh." Chao Fang surveyed his surroundings, nodding with a mocking smile, "You''ve chosen a good place. Being buried here might just let you Ascend to Immortality." "Huff..." Chen Mu let out a long breath, "If it pleases you." Chao Fang was taken aback, suddenly feeling that something was amiss. "It would have been so good if you had agreed to cooperate." Chen Mu sighed. Helping Chao Fang find a new Thousand Mechanism Token would also have been a win-win cooperation. It''s a pity that what Chao Fang had in mind was to secretly possess it without Tu Shan''s knowledge. "Then there''s no other way." Chen Mu raised his head and stared intently at Chao Fang. Ever since he came to this world, he had always felt oppressed. Dangers lurked everywhere, and a slight misstep could mean the loss of his life. He constantly pushed himself without a moment''s rest, working hard to improve his Proficiency. All to take control of his own fate. Jet Black Soul Strength slowly surfaced, muscles across his body rapidly bulging. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed from a frail youth of one meter seventy-five to a muscular giant of one meter ninety. Chen Mu glared fiercely at Chao Fang, as if staring down a world full of malicious intent. "Come, let me kill you!" Chapter 160: Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine: Differences "Stubborn and ignorant!" Chao Fang suddenly snapped back to his senses, his face turning gloomy at once. He spread out the bright yellow scroll, rapidly reciting the Curse Command. More than ten groups of ghosts fiercely charged at Chen Mu. The pale mist was blown away by the wind. The ghosts became completely invisible. Chen Mu''s entire body was covered in Soul Strength, his eyes constantly moving, trying to observe his surroundings as much as possible. Bang! A massive force suddenly struck his back. Before he could react, a powerful force also came from his left side. It was like flipping a switch. The immense power of a battering ram struck from all directions like raindrops. "Overestimating yourself!" Chao Fang coldly stared at Chen Mu, who was being knocked around haphazardly. The ghosts might seem formless, but their power was immense. Upon a physical collision, an ordinary person could be shattered instantly. Even a Shell Soul expert, taking the hit head-on, could have their internal organs shattered and die. A smug smile appeared on Chao Fang''s face as he watched leisurely. Since he had come and even utilized the Yin Spirit Strategy, the outcome was already predetermined. This wasn''t arrogance, but confidence gained from countless battles. "Even the Spiritual Light of Body Protection from prestigious families can''t stop them, let alone you? Hmph!" He lazily looked at Chen Mu, "Stop struggling. Surrender, and you''ll suffer less." As if attracted by his voice, Chen Mu looked at Chao Fang listlessly. Noticing the smugness on the other''s face and feeling the impacts from all around, Chen Mu glanced at the Soul Strength covering his body, his face incredulous, "That''s it?" Aren''t ghosts supposed to be terrifying? How could they be so weak? Could it be that this guy is performing for me?! Chen Mu tentatively punched the air in front of him. Squeak, squeak, squeak... A cloud of black smoke suddenly emerged in front of him, with ear-piercing screams that startled him into continuously stepping back. Upon closer inspection, he saw that one of the ghosts had been punched out of invisibility! "I got it! These are ghosts reared by the Yin Spirit Strategy; how could domesticated ones be as fierce as the wild ones? They must have been weakened!" "And I, am no longer the same ''I'' as before!" The overlay of seven Shape Cultivation Techniques had indeed caused a transformation. Strength, speed, robust Soul Strength, had all long surpassed ordinary people''s imagination. Chen Mu immediately grinned at Chao Tianwang. He focused hard on capturing the changes in the air around him, looking for the moment a ghost would materialize. He had never noticed before, but now settling down, he finally discovered. Ghosts could appear out of thin air, but before launching a physical attack, they would stir the air slightly. This was the flaw! "Found it!" His fists hammered down like mallets, smashing fiercely into the air. Squeak, squeak, squeak... The piercing shrieks shot up towards the sky. The ghosts around Chen Mu were immediately hit into shifting between visibility and invisibility. Whoosh! Accompanied by a low muffled roar, the Soul-Calming Stake, like an arrow released from a bowstring, pierced through the air and instantly appeared behind Chao Fang. Chao Fang only had time to fling the Yin Spirit Strategy behind him before the Soul-Calming Stake nailed him in the back. Crack! The sound of breaking bones echoed. Chao Fang''s heart clenched, and his complexion instantly turned pale. Yet he did not dare to stop; after a few bounds, he disappeared from view. Chen Mu punched and kicked, hammering away at the Ghosts around him. At one moment, his punch suddenly hit nothing. Chen Mu stopped his attacks and immediately sighed: "He still got away, huh." "Forget it, the Thousand Mechanism Token is now securely mine." He turned his head to look at the chaotic riverbank: "Can''t stay here any longer." A shadow emerged, enveloping and lifting him, cloaking and hiding him, and in the blink of an eye he disappeared without a trace. ... In Dingyou Camp, inside the Logistics Army''s tent. Nine people sat cross-legged on the ground, looking at each other. "Dawang, did he run away?" a Logistics Army soldier asked cautiously. "If he wanted to run, he would''ve done it long ago, no need to wait until today," another man shook his head. "I''m just scared he got caught," Sun Enqi said, his face filled with bitterness. I just told them to be careful this morning, and by afternoon he''s caught. Have I become a jinx? "No way," Zheng Yuan said, squinting his small eyes. "We spend every day together, and no one knows when he dug that tunnel." "Maybe he''s been using an underground passageway to move in and out of camp." "It''s so secretive, no one could catch him." The Logistics Army soldiers could not help but nod in agreement. Zheng Yuan suddenly laughed: "Maybe he caught a big fish and couldn''t make it back." "All you think about is eating!" Sun Enqi scolded. "I''m just trying to look on the bright side," Zheng Yuan defended with a chuckle. "The key issue is when Dawang comes back, how are we going to cover for him?" Sun Enqi said anxiously. "What''s there to worry about?" Zheng Yuan said nonchalantly. "We''re just a bunch of civilians, and even if Dawang is labeled a deserter, at worst, we would only get a few strokes of the military baton." "When that time comes, everyone can chip in some money to send over; a token gesture will smooth things over." "Dawang has treated us to so much game, and we haven''t even had the chance to pay him. Let''s pool our money; it''ll be like Dawang''s treating," Zheng Yuan said cheerfully. "That won''t do," one of the Logistics Army soldiers objected: "You ate the most, so you should double what you pay!" "Right, right, right... Zheng Fatty, you have to pay double!" "Ha ha..." Outside the tent, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile wryly. Carrying a roast pig leg, he lifted the tent flap and walked in. "I hear someone wants to give me money?" All the Logistics Army soldiers turned toward Chen Mu in unison: "You heard wrong!" "Hey..." Chapter 161: Chapter 160 Backlash Chao Fang endured the excruciating pain in his back, staggering toward the north gate of the city, not daring to pause for a single moment. "Miscalculated..." If it weren''t for the Soul Strength he had gathered at the back of his heart, and the Yin Spirit Strategy he used for defense, that blow would have surely gone straight through him, leaving him chillingly cold inside. Even so, his ribs were still broken, and his heart ached painfully from the impact. "With such formidable power, who couldn''t he ally with to obtain a Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chao Fang couldn''t help but complain. These hidden powers, these old coins, were too despicable. "This isn''t over!" Chao Fang thought bitterly. "As long as they don''t notice the mark made by my Ghosts, the advantage is still mine." Chao Fang was full of confidence. That person was indeed powerful, young yet practicing Soul Strength to a profound and robust extent. But no matter how strong that person was, Tu Shan was stronger. Even the Spiritual Light of noble families could not withstand Tu Shan''s fists, Chao Fang didn''t believe that person could either. "Once I''ve healed, I''ll gather the twelve Heavenly Generals, join forces with Tu Shan, and then I''ll see if you won''t die!" Chao Fang''s face was filled with dark clouds. As he fled, he plotted. Before he knew it, the silhouette of the camp was in sight, and Chao Fang finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Heavenly King, you''ve returned," a voice suddenly rang out from ahead. Chao Fang''s heart skipped a beat. Suppressing the pain in his chest, he looked up nonchalantly, and upon seeing the person, quickly donned a warm, friendly expression, "Ah, it''s Cheng Yi the Daoist." "Have you had your dinner?" Ignoring the question, Cheng Yi instead asked with a smile, "Heavenly King, venturing out at night requires caution." Chao Fang''s heart tensed, but his face remained composed, "Don''t worry, I have my Yin Spirit Strategy to protect me. Who could harm me?" "Is that so." Cheng Yi smiled, then suddenly said, "Your ribs are broken, aren''t they?" Chao Fang''s pupils dilated sharply, then his face grew stern, "You dare to track me?" "I was merely concerned for the Heavenly King''s safety, please forgive me," Cheng Yi bowed and said earnestly. Chao Fang exhaled, his face once again adopting a warm, friendly smile, "Thank you for your concern, Daoist Cheng Yi. It was indeed dangerous earlier, but that person underestimated the power of the Yin Spirit Strategy. Here I am, safely back, aren''t I?" "Heavenly King, were you planning to use your Ghosts to harm me?" Cheng Yi asked incredulously, staring at the increasingly cold aura enveloping Chao Fang. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Chao Fang frowned unhappily, "You are my cherished friend and sworn brother, why would I harm you?" Yet the cold aura in the air grew more intense. "I just wanted you to get familiar with the aura of the Ghosts, to facilitate future combat," Chao Fang said earnestly. "Heavenly King, I''ve been utterly loyal to you, always concerned for your safety, and yet you consider killing me!" Cheng Yi glared darkly at Chao Fang. "You found out and still deny it!" "Heavenly King, have you been true to my trust?" "You don''t deserve it!" Cheng Yi roared furiously. He quickly took out a Bronze Bell from his bosom. Clang! The sound, akin to a temple''s bronze bell, exploded abruptly. Eleven Ghosts were instantly shocked out of their invisible state. "It''s not too late to ask when I get back." Chen Mu regretfully put away the Thousand Mechanism Token and began to ponder his departure. He had not dared to travel alone before. But now, a single fight had proven that his strength was far beyond any ordinary Shell Soul. The Ghosts, which once terrified him, could now be captured and killed by him. It seemed he might... not need to be so afraid of Ghosts anymore. Of course, he would still need to sneak around when traveling; he couldn''t be reckless. "Wild ones are fiercer; one cannot judge by the domesticated ones," Chen Mu admonished himself. "But as long as I don''t run into a nest of Ghosts, I should be able to escape," Chen Mu thought to himself. With caution, it shouldn''t be difficult to make it back to Nanyang Prefecture City... well, assuming he didn''t get lost. Without navigation, and as a man who usually stayed at home, it was already a rare feat for him to tell directions when outside. How to accurately find the way and successfully reach Nanyang Prefecture City was indeed a problem. Chen Mu turned his head towards the Logistics Army men. Having spent a long time with them, they were quite to his liking. If he left abruptly, these people would be implicated. Sun Enqi, as his nominally "Uncle Seven," would likely be implicated and face severe punishment. "I need to think of a way to avoid implicating these people," Chen Mu pondered. "No rush, after all, the Thousand Mechanism Token has been found," Chen Mu smiled, contentedly stretching and preparing to sleep. "It''s just a pity about that Soul-Calming Stake." Since the Yin Spirit Strategy could still perceive it, it couldn''t be used any further. "My air conditioning and refrigerator, oh..." ... "Chao Fang is dead?" Tu Shan stared incredulously at Cheng Yi. "I killed him," Cheng Yi said flatly. "You''ve got some nerve!" Tu Shan''s hair and beard stood on end as he grabbed Cheng Yi by his chest, effortlessly lifting him. His entire body was tense like a fierce beast, his cold gaze pinned on Cheng Yi. "I have successfully taken control of the Yin Spirit Strategy," Cheng Yi said calmly, looking down at Tu Shan''s hand, large as a fan. Narrowing his eyes, Tu Shan slowly set Cheng Yi down, "Chao Fang died quite unjustly." "I want a Thousand Mechanism Token," Cheng Yi said, looking up calmly at the intimidating Tu Shan. Tu Shan''s eyes bulged, his right fist clenched as he raised his hand to smash the Taoist''s head. "I only want one," Cheng Yi stated, staring at Tu Shan calmly. Tu Shan raised an eyebrow, "Just one?" Cheng Yi nodded, "You must give it to me first." Tu Shan came back to his senses, his face breaking into a smile as he smoothed out the fabric on Cheng Yi''s chest, "Alright, I''ll give you one first. All the rest are mine thereafter." "Tomorrow, we''ll attack the Startling Swan Gang," Cheng Yi nodded, "to seize their Thousand Mechanism Token first." "Splendid!" Tu Shan said with a satisfied smile. "After succeeding, I will immediately prepare for the blood sacrifice," Cheng Yi continued, "and all the gains will be yours." Tu Shan paused, then burst into hearty laughter, "Chao Fang died at the right time!" Chapter 162: Chapter 161: Treasure Land ``` The next day. Logistics Army of Dingyou Camp. Chen Mu didn''t leap out anymore, he honestly stayed in the camp, chopping vegetables and doling out rice. "Why didn''t you go?" Hesitating for a long time, Zheng Yuan finally couldn''t resist coming over and asking quietly. Chen Mu glanced at the stocky short man whose face had rounded out a bit more: "There''s no lack of meat for you to eat!" Zheng Yuan nodded smilingly: "Right, right, you snagged a wild boar yesterday, definitely didn''t finish eating it!" Then he worried: "Did you hide it well? Don''t let those meat-eaters in the mountains dig it out." Chen Mu couldn''t be bothered with this gluttonous fatso, chop chop chopping the vegetables. In front of his eyes, the grey wall materialized, and Chen Mu thoughtfully looked at the item at the very bottom. "As expected, it increases by one point every hour." He had previously noticed that while inside the camp, the proficiency of Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique would increase by one point every hour. But upon entering Qingshan County, there would be fluctuations. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look towards the direction of the city: "Ghosts can also affect the cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique?" "Do I have to crawl into a nest of ghosts in the future?" The thought alone made him shudder. "There won''t be any hidden dangers with the Spirit Armor Technique, right?" Chen Mu subconsciously disrupted his breathing rhythm. But after thinking it over, since the proficiency was recognized and he hadn''t experienced any adverse changes, it should be fine. He stopped controlling his breath, and the Spirit Armor Technique operated smoothly. Not long after, a burst of comfort suddenly came from his back. It felt like the tingling sensation that spread through the body when waking up from sleep. Starting from the back, it rapidly spread and then slowly faded away. "Strange." Chen Mu didn''t understand why, as he had never felt this sensation before. After waiting a long time without it happening again, he could only let it go. "Before leaving, perhaps I can take a look in the city to probe what''s affecting the cultivation of the Spirit Armor Technique." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. ... Bang! Jin Wuduan''s hefty body was smashed away by a punch from Tu Shan, just like a broken doll. Splat! Mid-air, Jin Wuduan couldn''t help but spit out fresh blood. Zuo Sheng''s face drastically changed, as he leapt into the air, catching Jin Wuduan. But, as if dragged by a massive force, they both crashed into the ground. Dirt splattered, and a large pit with a diameter of three meters instantly formed on the ground. Glancing at the situation on the field, Zuo Sheng narrowed his eyes, bit the tip of his tongue, and spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood. Then his eyes rolled back, and he "fell unconscious". In the center of the camp. Cheng Yi, leading another eleven Heavenly Generals, surrounded Sikou Qing. Clouds of black smoke appeared and disappeared intermittently, continuously rushing toward Sikou Qing. Sikou Qing wore pitch-black armor that flickered with dark light, which could only ensure she wasn''t being attacked by ghosts for the time being. Her face was pale, with a trace of blood on her lips, and her eyes stared at Cheng Yi: "It''s you!" Her subordinates had just been dispatched into the city, unable to form a formation. Tu Shan took the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, damaging her magic artifact. That was how she fell into this passive state. "It''s me." Cheng Yi said calmly: "Hand over the Thousand Mechanism Token, and I''ll leave right away." "Just you!" Sikou Qing almost snapped her silver teeth. She was a highborn scion, unaccustomed to such a huge loss. "This is what you owe me." Cheng Yi said indifferently. "You should understand that killing you is not difficult for us." Cheng Yi shifted his gaze slightly and gestured towards Tu Shan with his chin. That''s how he had fooled Jie Jia at first. To think he had stumbled upon the truth by accident. "I always said he was a mysterious expert, what''s he doing hiding in Qingshan County for no reason?" "And there''s Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui." "Thinking further, there''s also Qingfeng Observatory to consider." Chen Mu''s expression grew complex: "No wonder Qingshan County has become a nest for ghosts." It was different from the start. But it''s that very difference that led to the current tragic state of Ghost City. "Feng shui treasure land? Ha..." Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. ... At night, the Logistics Army''s camp tent, everyone sat on the ground. The informal evening gatherings grew increasingly lively. There was alcohol, meat, peanuts, and green wild vegetables. Even the main officers of Dingyou Camp didn''t eat as well as these cooks. Chen Mu wore a wooden smile on his face, calmly watching everyone. Despite eating and drinking like this every day, the men strangely grew thinner. The oldest, Sun Enqi, even started showing a strand of white hair amongst the black. As the Tangshan Army advanced, they encountered more ghosts, the intensity of the battles rose, and the demand for Netherworld Thread climbed. The laborers almost all fell into a state of pale weakness. If this continued, deaths were likely imminent. "Uncle Seven, do you know anyone familiar with the road back to Nanyang Prefecture?" Chen Mu asked softly, watching the lively eating and drinking crowd. He didn''t plan to stay in Qingshan County anymore. "This..." Sun Enqi looked at Chen Mu in surprise. The rest of the Logistics Army members couldn''t help but pause their eating. "Dawang, you want to leave," Sun Enqi asked with difficulty. "I plan to follow the laborers up the mountain to chop wood, then fall off the cliff in full view of everyone. It won''t have any impact on you," Chen Mu said calmly. The Logistics Army members fell silent at once. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. Even in harmonious company, personal safety would still evoke different thoughts in people. He had to speak up to reassure them: "I''ll leave some money. Even if someone uses the opportunity to cause trouble, you can bluff your way through." "Whatever''s left, consider it my compensation to you all." The men looked at each other, still not speaking. Chen Mu''s eyebrows knitted slightly. Did he have to resort to force? At that moment, the squat Zheng Yuan came over and quietly asked, "Can you also make me fall off the cliff?" What does he mean? Chen Mu was momentarily puzzled. The Logistics Army members stared eagerly at Chen Mu: "Us too!" Chen Mu: "..." Was there a queue to die? "Ha!" These shrewd Logistics Army guys also realized something was amiss. I''m not the only one wanting to run away. Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle: "Truly, one should never underestimate anyone." Chapter 163 Chapter 162 Leaving To the north of Qingshan County Town stood the Beacon Tower. Cheng Yi gazed out the window at the pitch-black town. A long table was set before him, on which lay a bright yellow charm for suppressing spirits, spread out flat on the surface. Upon it were twelve red dots, each in its place, arranged in a circle. Cheng Yi pulled out a large bottle of Palace Red and poured it onto the table. The Palace Red automatically contracted and bunched together to form a huge, fist-sized red sphere resembling a glass bead. Cheng Yi took a deep breath and began to chant lengthy Curse Words. At first, it was a low humming by one person; gradually, it seemed as though two voices overlapped, and if continued, it sounded as though a thousand people were chanting at once. In the end, it became a bizarre and indescribable Curse Command. The crystal ball-like Palace Red instantly turned into a puddle, swiftly seeping into the bright yellow scroll. Hum! An invisible fluctuation radiated from Cheng Yi as the origin point and rapidly spread along the circle defined by the twelve Soul-Calming Stakes. "It''s done," Cheng Yi breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Tu Shan, "I have temporarily suppressed the ghosts in the town, making them unable to manifest. We can send someone into the town tonight." "I heard that the rebels to the north slaughtered the city, with tens of thousands dead," Tu Shan squinted. "We indeed don''t have enough people, but with the other two families, we will," said Cheng Yi indifferently. "Will they be that obedient?" Tu Shan was skeptical. "As long as we make a move, they will have to follow," Cheng Yi sneered, "Do you think they would be content to stand by and watch us reap the benefits?" "Not content," Tu Shan chuckled. "Once the blood sacrifice is initiated, the Thousand Mechanism Token will appear," said Cheng Yi calmly. "How much you can grab depends on your skills," Tu Shan hinted at taking him away. "Why don''t you go with them? Without you in charge, those eleven guys are no good," Tu Shan said with a look of difficulty. Cheng Yi calmly said, "I''m afraid you''ll kill the donkey after the grinding is done and steal my Thousand Mechanism Token." Tu Shan chuckled, "How could that be possible." Cheng Yi glanced at him but didn''t speak. If I weren''t still useful to you, you would have made your move by now, wouldn''t you? The incitement and discord sown by Sikou Qing were effective after all. ... The next morning, Chen Mu continued to wash and chop vegetables with the Logistics Army. The group appeared normal, but everyone''s eyes darted around furtively. The short and stout Zheng Yuan was especially keen on sidling up to Chen Mu, looking like he had something to say but hesitating. "Why don''t you just shout it out loud, saying you want to desert, that you want to run?" Chen Mu teased him when he saw Zheng Yuan''s hesitant look once again. "Keep your voice down!" The short and stout man''s face turned white with fear. "You sure have some nerve!" Usually, others teased him with that line; this was the first time he used it to tease someone else. "Who isn''t scared!" Zheng Yuan glared at Chen Mu, "Look at your uncle Seven, his calves are trembling!" "The unclean things have all been driven away by the Tangshan Army." "Our time to strike it rich has come!" "Later, we will follow the Tangshan Army to clean up Qingshan County Town. The loot we gather will be split in half, with the rest being ours!" A wave of excited chatter immediately rippled through the group. "Don''t be skeptical," the fat officer continued, "the two dozen people beside me quietly went into town to scout this afternoon. Look at their gains." Everyone''s attention shifted to the twenty or so beaming men in front of the platform. These men wore ill-fitting, odd clothes of extravagance, their hands full of copper coins, Silver Pieces, pearls, and gold hairpins. The already noisy crowd became even more boisterous. "Line up, march!" the fat officer waved his hand grandly and took the lead out of the military camp. "I never expected such a chance to strike it rich!" Zheng Yuan''s beady eyes instantly bulged out round with excitement. "Something''s not right," Chen Mu had a bad premonition, "Why can''t the fortune-making wait until tomorrow? You can''t see anything in the dark." "Didn''t Qu Zhang just say we''re going now to beat the clock?" one of the Logistics Army hastily retorted, "If we wait till tomorrow, wouldn''t the loot be snatched away by those other two groups?" Chen Mu glanced at the man and then discreetly surveyed a few others. "Wealth tempts the heart." Civil laborers are just like a field of leeks; if you don''t let the leeks grow properly and suddenly let them strike it rich, then this Qingshan County is off-limits! Without speaking further, he quietly retreated to the end of the line. Taking advantage of the others'' distraction, he quickly left the formation and arrived at the tent of the Firehead Camp. He lifted the ground cover, revealing a dark, large hole. "It''s chaotic outside with too many people; it''s safer to travel through the tunnel." With his skills, he could naturally become invisible with the Ghosts. But in this chaotic scene, Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui were definitely outside too. If the two caught him, they would easily guess that he wanted to leave. If they dug deeper, they might speculate that he had obtained the Thousand Mechanism Token. If they turned hostile, he would be caught between a rock and a hard place. Just as he was about to jump down, footsteps reached his ears. It wasn''t long before a short, sly-looking fat man burrowed into the tent first. Following him were Sun Enqi and a slim member of the Logistics Army. "Why aren''t you going to get rich?" Chen Mu asked the three in surprise. With an awkward stammer, Zheng Yuan responded, "If you, with all your courage, don''t dare to go, I am even less daring." The logic was clear and sound. Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh. This little fellow was quite clever. "You gotta be alive to spend money," Sun Enqi shook his head and wryly smiled, "With the dark night and strong winds stirring greed, what if someone gets stabbed?" "Uncle Seven is a sensible man," Chen Mu nodded in agreement. "I...I miss my wife," the last slim Firehead Army soldier spoke, "If we follow them into town, we won''t be able to leave for a short time. Besides, I''ve saved enough military pay." Heh! Chen Mu instantly laughed, "You are a good man indeed." Chapter 164 Chapter 163 Lost Bailang River bank, a hidden bend in the river. A patch of turf was suddenly flipped open. Chen Mu leapt up, followed closely by Zheng Yuan and Sun Enqi, who crawled out of the tunnel. "No wonder you can escape from the camp every day." Zheng Yuan looked back and could vaguely see the outline of the camp through the reeds. "Stop the crap, let''s move!" Chen Mu''s face was looking none too good. It was already dusk, with only a sliver of light remaining. Chen Mu quickly noticed a faint white mist beginning to spread in the air. He was all too familiar with this life-draining mist. "Cheng Yi!" ... Bang! A muffled sound, and the roof of the fire watchtower to the north of the city blew up instantly. Cheng Yi, like a rock launched from a trebuchet, crashed into the ground a short distance away, bringing tiles, splinters, mud, and bricks with him. Dirt splattered, and Cheng Yi, covered in black, lay sprawled with his arms open in a large crater about three meters in diameter. A trickle of fresh blood hung from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes were calmly gazing at the emotionless and demon-like Tu Shan. Find adventures at empire "Do you take me for a fool?" Tu Shan spoke indifferently, "This white mist, it''s your doing, isn''t it?" But Cheng Yi responded unhurriedly, tilting his head slightly with a smile on his face, "Without enough benefits, why should I help you kill for a blood sacrifice, just because your fists are hard enough?" "Since we''re going to kill, I might as well refine my Magic Artifact on the side, that''s not too much, is it? Ha... hahaha... hahahaha." Cheng Yi grinned, laughing crazily, and shook his right hand. A Bronze Bell suddenly fell from his sleeve into his hand. The bell was ancient and substantial, with threads of black and red stripes like lightning streaking across it. A single glance was enough to unsettle one''s spirit. Jet Black Soul Strength slowly covered Tu Shan''s entire body, his eyes coldly fixed on the bell, his aura filled with murderous intent. "You want to kill me?" Cheng Yi''s smile didn''t fade, "Then you''ll have to wait." "At least wait until midnight tonight, when I help you activate the Yin Spirit Blood Sacrifice formation." "I just don''t know whether by that time, you, Tu Shan, will choose to kill me first or go after the Thousand Mechanism Token first," said Cheng Yi with a smirking smile. Tu Shan was silent for a long moment, then looked calmly at Cheng Yi, "Chao Fang didn''t die in vain at your hands." "I live for the path, he died for the path, of course it''s not in vain!" Cheng Yi''s smile broadened even more. ... To the south of Qingshan County Town, a swarm of Startling Swan Gang members burst into the city. Each one carried a torch, smashing and looting everywhere. A hidden alleyway, where three men in black, carrying a dim lantern, tread carefully towards the west, one step deep, the next shallow. "Is that cellar reliable, is there really treasure inside?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. "You can doubt anything else, but you can certainly trust me on this," Zhang Ye, the former leader of White Tiger Hall, said with confidence. He had regained his former status, becoming the leader of White Tiger Hall once again, after his men were annihilated attacking the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp. Now, he was leading his right-hand men into the city to make a fortune. Two quarters of an hour later, Chen Mu stopped walking with a grim face. He was lost! The fog was still as silent as ever, with a white expanse in all directions. The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit emerged, but as soon as they assumed their spectral form, they dissolved into black smoke and turned back into paper effigies. "The Ghosts are suppressed? The Yin Cultivating Tactic!" "Cheng Yi! Chao Fang!" "With a gray wall, any skill can be honed sooner or later. I really shouldn''t have been greedy for Proficiency in the Spirit Armor Technique," Chen Mu regretted. "I should have left the night I got the Thousand Mechanism Token!" While he was feeling aggravated, the fog beside him suddenly churned. A man in a gray short tunic burst out of the mist. In his right hand, he held a waist blade, and in his left, he protected a bloody black bundle at his chest. Upon seeing Chen Mu, a look of terror immediately surfaced on his face. He took two steps back instinctively, then stopped abruptly. His eyes were densely bloodshot as he glared fiercely at Chen Mu, "I could kill you while you were alive, and I can still kill you after you''re dead!" With that, he raised his waist blade and rushed towards Chen Mu. Bang! He came quickly and left just as fast, bent over and flying backward like a shrimp, only to crash to the ground and fall into unconsciousness. The bundle he had protected at his chest scattered open, with copper coins, Silver Pieces, jade bracelets, and pearl necklaces strewn all over the ground. Chen Mu frowned at the burly man, "Ran out here after robbing treasures? Blinded by killing rage?" But as he looked on, he suddenly saw the burly man''s head loll, and he stopped breathing altogether. A chill ran down Chen Mu''s spine. He had held back in his attack, merely knocking the man out. It was the fog! "I must leave quickly!" "The direction this man came from must be Qingshan County Town. I can''t go there." Chen Mu turned and headed in the direction from which the man had come running. But after sprinting only a few hundred meters, another man covered in blood ran towards him. Upon seeing Chen Mu, the man screamed in terror as if he had seen some frightful ghost, turned tail, and ran. Chen Mu immediately froze. "If the direction that man came from was the county town, then where is this man running from?" Waves of terrified screams suddenly came from all directions. Chen Mu looked around blankly. He was completely lost in the dense fog. Chapter 165 164 A trip down memory lane Dense white fog enveloped the area, and Chen Mu slowly walked through it. Fear-filled screams and roars came from within the fog from time to time. Occasionally, a few sturdy men would burst out of the thick fog, appearing before Chen Mu with their bodies covered in fresh wounds and blood, frantically attacking in terror and confusion. Covered in Shell Soul, Chen Mu was unaffected by the life-draining dense fog, nor by the crazed men. Yet, he was somewhat at a loss for a moment. Running was futile. Walking lacked direction. "Where am I right now?" Chen Mu''s face turned ugly. He didn''t know how long he had walked when suddenly the fog ahead began to thin. His surroundings grew familiar, and Chen Mu abruptly looked up. Tianyi Studio?! "Since when?!" Chen Mu''s pupils constricted suddenly. He had clearly been outside at Bailang River, east of the city; he didn''t know when he entered the town or how he arrived at this place. Unnoticed, he had been misled by some unnamed force that confused his senses and muddled his direction! He turned to run. An invisible force suddenly enveloped his entire body. It felt as though he had been thrown into the depths of the sea. Tremendous pressure from all sides pinned him in place, unable to move even an inch. Immediately after, the force gradually intensified, lifting him into the air and spinning him around. "Sun Dawang, long time no see," a charming figure dressed in a green-crossed collar dress appeared in front of Chen Mu. "Cui Cui?!" Indeed, only Cui Cui, the powerful Ghost with intelligence, could affect his spirit so silently. She disoriented his direction, leading him here without notice. She made those who entered Qingshan County fall into terror and engage in frenzied combat. A sense of enlightenment arose in Chen Mu''s heart. Creating illusions of terror, assaulting the spiritwasn''t this the method of Ghosts?! And Cui Cui''s power enveloped the entire Qingshan County! ... Qingshan County Town, East Gate. Bang! Shangguan Ji was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing into the city wall with a loud bang. With disbelief written all over his face, he stared at the figure below him: "You?!" It seemed familiar; had he seen it somewhere before? Before he could figure it out, Cui Cui straightened him up, standing him on the ground. A square stone platform, at least four meters in length and width, came into view. The platform was waist-high, its surface a matted black, with clear-cut edges. Above it floated a two-meter diameter ball of thread, woven from black thread hovering in mid-air. Chen Mu looked closely and saw that the black thread had no jointsit was clearly made of an immeasurable length of Netherworld Thread! "How many lives were taken to nourish such a mass of Netherworld Thread?" Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. Around the ball of thread, there were four jade gourds rotating slowly like satellites, emitting a green luminescent glow. "What is this?" Chen Mu''s heart was greatly shocked. Why was there a Thousand Mechanism Token here? "Surprised?" Cui Cui smiled mischievously, "This is the place where the Thousand Mechanism Token is condensed." "Do you know what the raw materials to make it are?" Cui Cui smiled meaningfully. Chen Mu immediately felt goosebumps all over his head. He thought of those people overhead, trapped in terror and insane slaughter. Was he supposed to know such information?! "We bear no grudges from the past, nor worries from recent days, and I also made you so much barbecued meat," Chen Mu looked sincerely at Cui Cui, "Can you spare my life?" Cui Cui looked at Chen Mu with an expression of surprise, "What nonsense are you talking about?" "I had no plans to kill you; I just wanted that adorable little being you''re symbiotically linked with." Chen Mu suddenly realized. So this was the reason Cui Cui approached him? But... I don''t have any symbiotic Ghosts, do I? That''s just a Five Ghosts Paper Man! He hesitated for a long time, not rushing to mention the Five Ghosts Bag, but instead discreetly probed, "If you extract my symbiotic Ghost, what will happen to me?" Cui Cui sat on the edge of the stone platform, propping herself up with her hands on either side, legs swinging leisurely. Upon hearing Chen Mu''s question, she tilted her head to think for a moment, then smiled and said, "You won''t die." However, Chen Mu showed no trace of relief. Just not dying? "How about this? I''ll hand over the symbiotic Ghost voluntarily to you, and you let me go." Cui Cui shook her head smilingly, "You''re speaking nonsense again. We''re already symbiotic; how could I possibly just take it out myself?" "Only with a Soul Dispersing, Essence Seizing Magic Artifact can it be extracted." Soul Dispersing, Essence Seizing? A chill ran through Chen Mu''s heart. Who''s soul will be dispersed, and whose essence seized?! Even if I survive, surely I''d be left crippled, wouldn''t I! Chapter 166 Chapter 165 The Substitute In a dimly lit underground space. The ground suddenly loosened and then, with a roar, collapsed downward. Zhang Ye and his two companions were instantly covered in dust and dirt. Brushing the dirt off their heads, they groped their way out of the pit in darkness. "Ptooey! Zhen Fan, quick! Light a lamp!" Zhang Ye, unconcerned about the dust on his face, spat out the dirt from his mouth, and loudly clamored. A quarter of an hour later, Kui Tuo looked at Zhang Ye with a sidelong glance. "Just like taking something out of a bag, huh..." "Shut up!" Zhang Ye''s face turned beet red, his bushy beard unable to hide it. He glared at the chests full of swords, shields, and armor, fuming with anger. "The audacious Li Wenlin, hiding so many weapons, is he actually planning a rebellion?!" Zhang Ye was so angry that his liver hurt. The dream of wealth, just like that, shattered unexpectedly. "Brother, come take a look," Zhen Fan suddenly shouted. "Treasure?!" Zhang Ye, who had just been despondent, was instantly excited and rushed towards the corner. Kui Tuo followed closely behind. The three of them looked at the stone floor beneath their feet, adorned with patterns, and then at the scattered tools nearby, exchanging glances in confusion. Tools of various sorts lay about: grappling hooks, candles, shovels, crowbars, bronze mirrors, red string, and a small chest of black gunpowder. Zhang Ye''s face lit up with astonishment. "Not only is Li Wenlin thinking of rebellion, but he''s also tomb-raiding?" Suddenly, he couldn''t help but smile, "Isn''t this our chance to strike it rich?" "The great tomb found, tools all ready, even chests to hold the treasure are prepared." "Isn''t this buried fortune just like takingmmph... mmphmm!" Before he could finish, Kui Tuo covered his mouth. "Would you just shut up!" ... Inside the Underground Secret Chamber of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu fell silent. He narrowed his eyes, and Soul Strength gushed forth. His muscles quickly swelled, and in the blink of an eye, he transformed into a burly man of one meter ninety. Cui Cui looked on in amazement. "Your strength is incredible!" But Chen Mu ignored her and suddenly unleashed all his strength, trying desperately to lift his hands, only to be suppressed once more by the omnipresent force around him. Cui Cui breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Chen Mu with even more surprise. "There''s no use struggling unless you cultivate Spiritual Light." He thought to try again when he suddenly felt a wave of comfort beneath his skin, much like the itchiness upon waking from sleep. At the same time, his skin began to rapidly change, with a cool sensation spreading throughout. It was as though a net of silk threads was swiftly converging and weaving together. With these changes, the invisible pressure around him began to slowly lessen! Instead of feeling like he was trapped in ice, it now felt more like a soft, viscous gel. "Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique!" Chen Mu''s heart soared with joy. He quickly contained his expressions, feigning a gloomy demeanor. ... Inside the underground space. Chen Mu, expressionless, silently activated the Spirit Armor Technique, hoping to make the binding force around him a bit weaker. Seeing Cui Cui constantly sizing him up, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel a pang in his heart. He immediately looked back calmly, "Why do you want to coexist with ghosts?" Still swinging her legs, Cui Cui said with a smile, "Have you heard the folk tale about the water demons?" "To break free from the shackles, you need a substitute," she said. Cui Cui shrugged her shoulders and looked up at the group of black threads behind her, her usually cheerful and cute face showing a rare hint of gloom, "I''ve been here too long." Chen Mu turned his attention to the bundle of Netherworld Thread. Through tiny gaps, a faint black and red light could be seen shining through. Looking closely, he saw a basketball-sized sphere of black and red smoke expanding and contracting inside, pulsing tirelessly like a heart. Was that Cui Cui''s true form?! Was he trapped here by the Netherworld Thread and the four sacrificial altars?! "I wasn''t originally part of your plan, was I?" Chen Mu asked with narrowed eyes. With a giggly smile, Cui Cui said, "Running into you was an unexpected delight." "I need a counterpart of the same level." "Ordinary cuties don''t have that potential." "Even though I have specifically cultivated them, they''re still domesticated, not as potentially powerful as you, a wild one," Cui Cui said with a laugh. "What if you can''t extract the coexisting ghost from my body?" Chen Mu probed. He truly didn''t have one! "That''s impossible, the Heartless Bell is the best at cleansing the soul and capturing spirits, especially effective against ghosts. It won''t go wrong," Cui Cui said nonchalantly. The Heartless Bell?! Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. A long-lost memory suddenly surfaced in his mind. "Not recognizing the chaos in the profundity, how can one know the lotus grows best in fire. Lead the White Tiger home to raise, and produce a pearl as round as the moon..." Qingfeng Observatory, Ancestral Master Hall! So that''s how it is! "But originally, wasn''t Cheng Yi the one who secretly used the Heartless Bell on me? And yet..." "Ha!" At that moment, two figures suddenly jumped down from the hole above. "Is that him?" Cheng Yi asked with a troubled look on his face. Looking at Cheng Yi, dressed as a Taoist priest and holding a familiar bell in his hand, Chen Mu couldn''t help but curl the corners of his mouth. Hey! Isn''t this serendipity?! Chapter 167 Return West of Qingshan County Town, at the gate of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu, who had just uttered harsh words, was kneeling on one knee, his face pale as paper, gasping for breath. He quickly surveyed his surroundings; the dense fog that once enveloped the entire town had thinned somewhat. The exotic force that had muddled his sense of direction had vanished, and he could barely make out which way to go. "I must leave immediately!" Just as he thought about getting up, a wave of weakness swept over him from the inside out, making him long for sleep at that very moment. "The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain does indeed enhance my strength, but the consumption has also increased manifold," Chen Mu said with a wry smile. "Too bad I don''t have Bigu Pill 3.0." Chen Mu immediately took out the old version of Bigu Pill and stuffed three pills into his mouth, trying to quell the overwhelming hunger that filled his mind. "The side effects are stronger too!" Chen Mu shook his head, "Fortunately, I have the Soul Locking Curse." "I can''t stay here any longer." Find more to read at empire At this moment, the vast Qingshan County was still shrouded in fog. A faint, chilly breath permeated the sky. Screams and the sounds of combat were intermittent. "The suppression has lifted, Qingshan County is once again covered by ghosts." An Autumn paper effigy emerged, rapidly transforming into a ghostly presence. Chen Mu was enveloped in black mist, and with a punch, he lifted about a foot off the ground. Then he thrust out his right leg, covered in Soul Strength, and fiercely kicked off the ground. Like a black bolt of lightning, he dashed straight towards the east of the city. "I must quickly break free from Cui Cui''s controlled area." ... The next day, on Bailang River. As the sun rose, Zheng Yuan felt a blur of light and shadow before his eyes and opened them, slightly dazed. The glaring sunlight made him squint and raise his hand to block the light. It took a good while for his vision to recover. The sound of rushing water reached his ears from nearby. Zheng Yuan turned his head to look and realized he was sleeping on a black-awning boat. "Isn''t this boat moving a bit too fast?" he thought. The scenery on both banks was speeding backward! "Now that you''re awake, come over and row!" Chen Mu, standing at the stern of the boat, said with no good humor. "Oh, Oh, Oh..." Zheng Yuan responded instinctively, quickly got up, and started rowing. The speed of the boat immediately slowed to half. Only then did Chen Mu have the chance to crawl under the black awning to rest. "They shouldn''t be able to catch up now." Last night, after leaving Qingshan County and rushing to the Bailang River''s mooring spot, he rowed away as soon as he got on the boat. With the enhancement of seven Shape Cultivation Techniques, his explosive power and endurance were off the charts; he rowed the black-awning boat as fast as a speedboat! Even Lin Que, the former White Tiger Hall''s front hall master, couldn''t row as fast as he did. "Such a geomantic treasure spot..." He had no desire to come back. ... On the spacious streets, dead bodies with faces full of terror lay everywhere. Patches of black bloodstains covered the streets. "What in the world happened here?" Zhang Ye and the other two were at a loss as they surveyed the scene. Last night, they had fled the cellar in panic but were scared back by the terrifying screams outside. Huddling in the tunnels, trembling with fear throughout the night, they dared to crawl out from underground only when it was bright outside and all had gone silent. "Boss... they''re all dead!" Zhen Fan''s face was pale, and he shook uncontrollably. The burly Kui Tuo was also terrified. Zhang Ye looked around the eerily quiet Qingshan County, so familiar yet now strangely alien, leaving him bewildered. In just one night, a large group of living people had bizarrely perished. As the sun shone brightly overhead, Zhang Ye couldn''t help feeling a chill all over. "An empty city, a ghost city, once again..." "What on earth happened to Qingshan County?" For a moment, Zhang Ye felt an inexplicable sorrow amid his fear. ... Outside the Jian''an Gate to the east of Nanyang Prefecture City, Chen Mu looked at the familiar city walls and felt as if he were in a different world. "Now that we are here, it''s time for us to part ways," Chen Mu said, turning to the three who were travel-worn. "Your vital energies have been greatly depleted on this trip north." "After you return, eat more tonic medicines." The Netherworld Thread remained within the three of them, but it was as if in slumber, lacking the frenzied growth it had shown in Qingshan County. "This is probably the normal state," Over the past month or so of traveling together, Chen Mu had observed their condition many times. The dormant Netherworld Thread was slow-growing, and it did help enhance their constitution. "As long as it isn''t extracted, it''s a blessing in disguise." However, the lifespan lost due to the extraction of their vital energy probably could not be restored. "Dawang, what plans do you have for the future?" Sun Enqi asked hesitantly after hemming and hawing for a while. Chen Mu looked at his nominal uncle and smiled. After such a long time of traveling together, his uncle must have noticed something. On the journey south, his behavior became increasingly cautious. Chen Mu gave a suggestion after pondering, "Find a place where no one knows you and live incognito." "After all, so many of us traveled north, and yet we are the few returning. The Shangguan family probably won''t let it go easily." "Everyone who went to Qingshan County... Are they really all dead?" Zheng Yuan asked with lingering fear. "Not sure, but the likelihood of survivors is low," Chen Mu shrugged. "Take care, everyone." Chen Mu smiled, then turned and walked through the city gate. His face and height changed with each step, and he soon vanished into the crowd. "I''m not seeing things, am I?" the scrawny logistics soldier Zheng Liu, pining for his wife, rubbed his eyes in confusion. Zheng Yuan and Sun Enqi exchanged a smile, "You saw it wrong." Chapter 169 168 workers Nanyang Prefecture City, Jingxing Alley, Chen Residence. The sun had climbed high, and Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. A good night''s sleep had left him feeling refreshed and comfortable from head to toe! In the yard, under the newly repaired thatched canopy, Chen Mu laid out his brunch on the square table one by one. Rice noodle rolls, spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings, Old Qi''s meat pies, braised beef, pickled green beans, cold mixed vegetables, medicinal congee the table was packed full. Chen Mu bit off half of a meat pie in one go, the subtly salty and fresh filling spreading through his mouth, the rich flavors making him squint his eyes with pleasure. Then with another bite, he stuffed the entire pie into his mouth. "Delicious!" He had been back in Nanyang Prefecture City for eight days. During those days, he hadn''t done much. Every day, if he wasn''t pondering over gourmet food, he was indulging in tunes at the brothel. He even neglected his Jie Jia and rarely checked his proficiency. After months of travel northward, encountering numerous events, returning to Nanyang Prefecture gave him a sensation like he was returning from another world. "I''m still not quite accustomed to that kind of exciting life." Full from eating and drinking, and with smoke swirling around, the Five Ghosts Bag''s online gambling house started up. It wasn''t long before he finished cleaning up. Chen Mu lay back contentedly in a rocking chair under the pavilion. Next to him stood a Soul-Calming Stake. "Be cautious, Chao Tianwang probably won''t come looking again." Just as once you start using an air conditioner, whether it rains or the temperature drops outside, you can''t stop using it all summer long, Chen Mu was reluctant to throw away the stake. It''s too hot in the southern part of Da Liang. Although he was immune to cold and heat, immunity just meant he could withstand it when it was hot, it was still hot. "Even if he comes, I''m not afraid of him." Chen Mu was no longer the timid scholar from before. Seven forms of the Shape Cultivation Technique, Seventh Rank of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, this granted him enough courage to face Chao Fang. "I''ll use it first, and figure out a way to shield it later," Chen Mu made up his mind. ... "Thousand Mechanism Token." Chen Mu''s gaze rested on the contents of the Five Ghosts Bag. Since obtaining the jade gourd, he rarely took it out. "There likely exists a special method to sense it." Previously in Lijiang Guard City, he encountered several Armor Spirit warriors fighting over the Thousand Mechanism Token. Chen Mu looked at the lustrous jade gourd complicatedly; its origin hardly brought him joy. Da Liang had stood for over six hundred years, with uprisings every century or so. Every time there was an uprising, the Thousand Mechanism Token appeared. The connection between these events was terrifying upon careful thought! "Is it only Da Liang that''s chaotic, or is the whole world like this?" All of a sudden, he lost the desire to go overseas. With his current strength, though not at the very top, he could easily enjoy a carefree life in Da Liang. But... A comfortable and leisurely life, if lived for too long, inevitably leads to restlessness. Even if he liked a comfortable life, he would grow tired of it sooner or later. It might be another century or more before the Thousand Mechanism Token appeared again. "If it weren''t for the proficiency cheat, I might have let it be." "I''m afraid of death," said Jie Jia calmly. Bullshit! Chen Mu didn''t believe a word of it. "Can you tell me about the overseas?" A grey cloth bag puffed up replaced the jade gourd, now shrouded in black smoke. In the end, he decided to set sail and see the wider world for himself. ... "What do you want to know?" Jie Jia''s sleeve brushed over the cloth bag, making it disappear. "When is that boat coming?" Chen Mu asked. "It should be in November here, but the exact day is uncertain," Jie Jia pondered. Which means there are about three or four months left. "Is it safe on the boat?" This was the point of greatest concern to Chen Mu. The other party might be the builders of the Thousand Mechanism Token altar. Reaping lives and condensing Thousand Mechanism Tokenssuch forces are hardly benevolent. "Usually, there won''t be problems." "Those people mainly come here to collect Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "In the past, they would take Daoist Bones naturally born, especially children." "I don''t know from when, they began to also collect Armor Spirit Warriors." "But you''d have to work for them as your passage fee, with an indeterminate period." Chen Mu immediately frowned, "Haven''t I already paid for the ticket?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Without their asking, the powerful families will help them find the Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "That''s just a qualification to get on board." Chen Mu''s face looked troubled. Why did it feel like they were selling people off?! "Overseas, due to environmental and geographical constraints, ordinary people can''t do many things." "Armor Spirit Warriors, having undergone physical modifications with Soul Strength for protection, make for the best labor force." "But recruiting locals would mean having to pay them. You guys..." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu sideways. Chen Mu immediately understood. This was just an otherworldly version of foreign labor recruitment, wasn''t it? From underdeveloped areas, they recruit massive amounts of labor at low remunerations. Here it was probably even worse. Lots of work for little pay, or even no pay at all! "Those high and mighty Armor Spirit Warriors, are they really content to be manual labor?" Couldn''t anyone resist? "Of course not," Jie Jia stated blandly. "So, are you going?" Chen Mu shook his head and gave a bitter smile. He really had to go! Even with all the power and influence one might have in Da Liang, there''s still a ceiling to reach. Only by going out to sea could one witness a broader world. "Shell Soul is not easy to cultivate, and there''s also the chance of breakthroughs in Perceptive abilities. "So you''re quite valuable, those people won''t let you be in danger," Jie Jia offered reassurance. However, Chen Mu wasn''t in the mood to accept this consolation. Chapter 170 169 White Jade After dinner, Chen Mu poured a cup of sour plum juice for Jie Jia. Sitting back in the rocking chair, he picked up the wooden cup from the low table and took a sip, heaving a sigh. "To think I''ve transmigrated, and yet I still have to be a wage worker." Even though he might not get paid, even though it might be tiring, in the end, he still had to go. Just like all those predecessors of Shell Soul who went one after another over the years. Before boarding the ship, could they have refrained from inquiring about the situation, could they not know what treatment to expect? "In the end, they still wanted to see the view from a higher place." Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and he turned his head to tentatively ask Jie Jia, "Do you know how to practice in the Perceptive Stage?" "I know," Jie Jia nodded. Chen Mu immediately became interested, "Can you tell me about it?" "Meditate and recite scriptures." "That''s it?" Chen Mu exclaimed, his eyes wide. "That''s it," Jie Jia said indifferently. You''re freaking kidding me! No, wait, Chen Mu thought of the Curse Command text for the Five Ghosts Bag, "Is it something like Magical Instrument Curse Command?" Jie Jia nodded, "Stop thinking about it, you''re far from that step." "What do you mean?" Isn''t Perceptive the step after Shell Soul? "You don''t have a Daoist Bone," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said. Okay, it''s that same old spiel about the Heavenly Father''s favorite child. "Those who cultivate Soul Strength must first master the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method, and only then can they attempt to perceive." "Do you have it?" Chen Mu asked with a face full of hope. There were still three or four months before departure, and he didn''t know how long the sea voyage would take. If he could obtain the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method before leaving, maybe by the time he arrived there, he would have maxed out this skill! "I don''t," Jie Jia shook his head. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. That''s right, Jie Jia might be well-informed, but he was only fully accomplished in Shell Soul. If there were such a secret technique, wouldn''t he have trained in it himself? "Old Jie, that''s no good!" Chen Mu teased cheerfully, "You don''t have a wide enough variety of goods!" "Why didn''t you go collect a few?" "If they can''t sell, you could still train in them yourself!" "Oh, I was born with an Innate Daoist Bone. I don''t need it," Jie Jia said with an impassive face. Chen Mu: "..." Once again, this elder had the chance to show off! ... Da Liang year 642, the fifth day of the eighth month. The weather was clear, and Chen Mu got up early. "I can''t keep being this lazy." After breakfast and preparing some iced tea, Chen Mu sat in the pavilion and opened the grey wall interface. There were still three or four months until departure. Apart from preparing various items for the long journey, he couldn''t waste this time either. Writing: 3745/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 6395/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5515/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 5876/10000/Fourth Rank; This kind of White Jade Spirit Money definitely wasn''t meant for ordinary people. Gold and silver currency were still useful. All of a sudden, a thought struck Chen Mu, "What''s the price of a Fasting Pill?" Jie Jia held up a finger. "One pill for one White Jade Coin?" That''s just over a thousand taels of silver? "One bottle," Jie Jia said calmly. That''s over ten thousand taels of silver, now that''s valuable. He guessed it probably could only be exchanged one way. It was unlikely one could use silver to buy White Jade Spirit Money. "From which prestigious family did you exchange it?" Such objects were likely only to be held by such families. "Zhu Yi Pavilion of the Zhang Family." Chen Mu understood. Zhu Yi Pavilion was an assassin organization spread throughout the whole of Da Liang. Without the backing of a prestigious family, it couldn''t operate. "Are you really not going?" Chen Mu couldn''t help asking. "Not the time yet," Jie Jia said blandly. Alright then. Chen Mu shrugged. Jie Jia had always been so secretive. "What do you want to eat? You pick today''s dish," Chen Mu said with a smile. Chen Mu had already decided he would head to Lijiang Guard City tomorrow morning to live in seclusion and wait. This was probably their last meal together. ... At night, Chen Mu staggered out of Chunfeng Tower. He had just extravagantly tipped Miss Yu Tao a hundred taels of silver. After watching her for so long, it was the first time he had paid. "Wonder what the Chunfeng Tower is like overseas. If the girls there aren''t as graceful as Yu Tao, I won''t bother watching," Chen Mu mumbled, shaking his head. At that moment, a couple of large carriages stopped at the street corner not far away. Three men jumped down, arm in arm, heading towards Chunfeng Tower. Zhang Ye? And Kui Tuo and Zhen Fan. "These three lucky guys, they actually came back alive." "Not just back, they''ve probably struck it rich," Chen Mu observed, eyeing the three men''s attire. "Struck it rich with the deceased fortunes of Qingshan County?" "Should we send them a gift to celebrate?" Chen Mu was tempted. "Forget it, after all, we knew each other once." Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling, and walked away. "What are you looking at?" Kui Tuo noticed Zhang Ye''s strange gaze. "That guy looks familiar, like I''ve seen him somewhere before," Zhang Ye said, puzzled, standing still. "An enemy?" Kui Tuo''s eyebrows tightened. "Don''t know," Zhang Ye scratched his head: "It''s vague, but he seems familiar." "Never mind, don''t think about it, today''s our treat. Having fun is what matters!" He put his arms around Kui Tuo and Zhen Fan''s necks, turning toward the entrance of Chunfeng Tower. But after only a few steps, a sudden weakness spread through his limbs. With a baffled face, Zhang Ye turned to look at Kui Tuo, then at Zhen Fan: "I might know who that person was." Kui Tuo rolled his eyes: "I ****ing know too." Then the three of them expertly rolled on the spot, arranging themselves into a big ''spreadeagled'' shape. Just as they lay down, Kui Tuo suddenly laughed: "Old Zhang, did you bring any money..." Zhang Ye: "..." Chapter 171 Extorting Money Lijiang City, Yongtong District. Deep into the night, when all was silent. Twelve figures, dressed in black, glided into an alley like specters, without making a sound. Without speaking a word, ten of them dispersed, silently encircling a courtyard. The next moment, the remaining two swiftly scaled the wall and landed soundlessly within. Immediately, like cheetahs, they explosively pushed off the ground, charging towards the room. Bang! The doors and windows shattered in an instant. A cacophony of crashing and smashing echoed around. Not long after, Jin Wuduan and Sikou Yang emerged from the room with ugly expressions on their faces. "We''ve been fooled!" Sikou Yang lamented. "Seems like he ran away," mused Jin Wuduan thoughtfully. "The window is open, but the air in the room is slightly stale." "It shows he hasn''t been gone long." Sikou Yang immediately frowned. "Could it be that someone leaked the information?" Zuo Sheng''s scalp tingled, and without losing his composure, he said, "Cheng Yi is cunning and ruthless. Once sold out, it is unlikely he''d be betrayed by the same person a second time." "Perhaps he''s come up with some countermeasures." Sikou Yang nodded in sudden realization. "To harm Yu''er and Qing''er, he must indeed be treacherous and vicious. It''s only logical that he''d be on guard." "What a pity to lose a Thousand Mechanism Token." "Leave two people to watch this place, the rest of you go back. We can''t delay tomorrow''s investigation." Zuo Sheng sighed in relief and acknowledged with a bow. The group arrived quickly and left just as fast, disappearing into the night. ... On the rooftop, Chen Mu crouched in a puff of black smoke, holding a small piece of paper, watching the line of men depart. "What kind of undeserved disaster is this?!" "How did the search for Cheng Yi end up at my place?" And this little piece of paper. Just now, someone had thrown it into his room, warning him to escape. "Zuo Sheng?" He remembered that back in Qingshan County, Zuo Sheng had allied with Cheng Yi. "I can''t stay here any longer." ... Two hours later, a figure in black crushed the neck of a surveillant with a mere grasp, and vaulted into Chen Mu''s courtyard. "Ran away earlier? What a shame," Wu Yin shook his head dispassionately. After some thought, he shook his head and chuckled to himself: "Then let''s play this game slowly!" Wu Yin produced a thumb-sized, water droplet-shaped bronze object from his sleeve and held it in his palm, sensing it carefully. "The Heartless Bell is still here?" Wu Yin raised an eyebrow. "Is he coming to take revenge on me?" Wu Yin laughed bitterly. "Grandpa, a man came just a while ago and invited us to go eat at the Lijiang House, are we going?" the chubby boy asked, his mouth full of bun, speaking indistinctly. Wu Yin''s heart gave a sharp lurch. He felt an impulse to grab his grandson and run. But he forced himself to remain calm and said with a bitter smile, "Let''s go." He probably had already been targeted by Cheng Yi, and had no choice but to go. "Senior brother, you really taught a good disciple," Wu Yin thought resentfully. ... Around noon, at Lijiang House. At a square table next to the kitchen corridor, a full spread of dishes was laid out. A little chubby boy was holding a shiny red pork hock, gnawing at it and dripping oil all over his mouth. Chen Mu looked on at the little chubby boy with a smile. The boy''s way of eating reminded him involuntarily of Cheng Ming, the little Daoist acolyte he hadn''t seen for a long time. Ignoring the gaunt, dark-faced old man staring intently at him from across the table, Chen Mu kept picking out dishes for the little chubby boy. "Cheng Yi my nephew, your face-changing technique is really interesting," Wu Yin sneered coldly. "But using my grandson to threaten me, that''s not very funny, is it?" Chen Mu was taken aback. Was he being mistaken for Cheng Yi? His nephew? So this old man was Cheng Yi''s senior uncle? He didn''t argue, but said cheerily, "I think it''s funny." Wu Yin''s face darkened. "Out with it, what do you really want?" "I almost got caught last night. A consolation of five thousand taels of silver isn''t too much to ask, right?" "Fine!" Wu Yin replied calmly. Chen Mu''s heart jumped. That was too little! "I misspoke. It''s fifty thousand taels," Chen Mu said indifferently. Wu Yin''s face turned dark immediately. After a deep breath, he nodded grudgingly. "Give me that Bronze Water Droplet then, no problem, right?" Chen Mu continued. That thing could sense the Heartless Bell; he had to get a hold of it. Wu Yin''s expression changed, but after glancing at his grandson, he clenched his teeth and said, "Fine!" "And another thing..." Chen Mu looked thoughtfully at the little chubby boy. "Don''t be too excessive!" Wu Yin''s neck immediately flushed red. Oh ho! Chen Mu glanced at Wu Yin, then at the little chubby boy. "This... isn''t he also a Daoist Bone?" The Qingfeng Observatory really had something going. It was so hard to find a Daoist Bone, and this pair of brothers had found two! Chen Mu''s lips curled up slightly. "Senior uncle, I almost lost my life. A few pieces of White Jade Spirit Money shouldn''t be a problem, right?" Wu Yin immediately felt a lump in his chest. Do you think those are cabbages? Chapter 172 Shouyang Mountain Shouyang Mountain was located about a hundred li to the east of Lijiang City, being a part of the southeastern Yi Ridge Mountain Range of Da Liang. The Yi Ridge Mountain Range stretched long and narrow, starting from the southwest, skirting the East Sea, and extending toward the northeast. Shouyang Mountain was at the very southern end of this mountain range. The western slope of the mountain was gentle, with lush greenery everywhere. The eastern side was adjacent to the great sea and featured a sheer cliff face. Chen Mu stood on the edge of the precipice, surveying his surroundings. The cliff face was smooth as a mirror, as if cut by a knife and chiseled by an axe, with only a few tufts of green grass poking out from the crevices. "Could it have been carved out by man?" Chen Mu exclaimed. He looked down. The sea surface was a calm and deep shade of blue, its depth unknowable. "A natural harbor?" Chen Mu realized. The cliff paired with the deep sea was suitable for large ships to dock: "No wonder they chose Shouyang Mountain." After observing for a moment, Chen Mu turned and walked into the dense, verdant forest. There was a sloping rock wall about five meters in length and at an angle of approximately sixty degrees in the midst of the forest. A large grayish-white tent was set up beneath it. "This might as well be a case of having many skills does not burden one," Chen Mu was satisfied with the tent he had built. This was a skill he had learned while traveling north to Qingshan County, taught to him by comrades of the Logistics Army. Chen Mu had been here for five days. After resolving the Wu Yin incident, he left Lijiang City immediately. With his supplies and equipment in tow, he secluded himself on Shouyang Mountain. "You fight your fights, I''ll live my life peacefully," Chen Mu thought leisurely. The noble clans had occupied Da Liang for who knows how many years. Relying on their bloodlines and a monopoly on knowledge, they had been plundering the world''s resources, growing monstrous in their power. The Thousand Mechanism Token appearing once every hundred yearsChen Mu didn''t believe the noble clans would remain indifferent. "Conflict is inevitable," Chen Mu sighed. Fortunately, the conflicts were largely concentrated in Lijiang City and Nanyang Prefecture City. Out in the wilds, these places were blind spots for those people. "All I need to do is wait peacefully for the arrival of the large ship, and everything will fall into place," he thought. Not only could he avoid trouble, but he could also improve his proficiency in peace. "Isn''t this perfect!" Chen Mu felt a surge of excitement within. ... On the southern side of the sloping boulder, Chen Mu had cut down trees to clear an open area. Several wooden racks were placed under the sunlight. Rows of wooden molds with ball-shaped indentations were neatly arranged. Inside, there were Bigu Pills the size of ping pong balls, version 3.0, glistening in the light. "Two hundred and forty pills, if I consume them frugally and ensure basic nutrition, these should last me a year," Chen Mu calculated as he touched them. On his journey north, his skill at cooking meat had greatly improved. He had mastered the depth of the stove, the size of the grill''s mesh, and the control of the charcoal fire''s temperature. Coupled with his secret seasoning, the fragrance wafted for miles. Chen Mu sniffed appreciatively and nodded in satisfaction. "The meat''s roasted nicely," Tu Shan commented as he approached, drawn by the scent. "The tent''s been set up well too," Tu Shan surveyed the campsite, growing increasingly pleased with what he saw. "Do you know why I''ve come?" Tu Shan asked, his face breaking into a delighted smile. "I have a rough idea," Chen Mu replied, watching Tu Shan calmly. "The tent is mine now, and you''ll stay and cook for me. Any objections?" Tu Shan''s smile grew even wider. "Not afraid I''ll poison you to death," Chen Mu said indifferently. Tu Shan: "..." "You''ve enlightened me," Tu Shan said with a sudden realization, looking at Chen Mu with gratitude: "It''s better to eradicate the roots and leave no threats behind." Almost the next instant, Tu Shan, wrapped in a white stream of air, suddenly appeared right in front of Chen Mu. He clenched his right hand into a fist and twisted his body backward, his muscles intertwined and bulging, looking like a statue cast in bronze and iron. Whoosh! His fist smashed down ferociously, like a dark iron hammer aiming directly at Chen Mu''s head. Just as the fist was about to crush Chen Mu''s skull, an ebony dagger silently appeared in front of Tu Shan''s chest. Tu Shan''s face twisted into a hideous snarl, his right fist unstoppable, while his left hand''s fingers came together like an eagle''s claw, lashing out at the snake-like dagger. He was gifted by nature and had once been relentlessly hunted by the clans in his youth; his martial arts were seamless and impeccable. Splashing a basin of water at him, he could slap it all away with both hands! Truly impervious to water! "Divine weapons? I''ve grasped handfuls of divine weapons, not one hundred then at least eighty!" But in the next moment, what should have been a sure grab, unexpectedly missed. The trajectory of the dagger was beautifully natural, perfectly evading the eagle claw''s grip and easily piercing into Tu Shan''s chest along the underside of the wrist. Whoo! The gust of wind howled past, and Chen Mu''s long hair was blown up and then fell back down as Tu Shan''s fist suddenly stopped right in front of his forehead. Experience more content on empire Chen Mu tilted his head slightly, revealing his face beside the massive fist, and looked at Tu Shan with a smile: "Whose tent is it?" "Yours!" Tu Shan gritted his teeth. "Whose roasted meat is it?" "Yours!" Tu Shan''s forehead glistened with sweat. The ebony sword gently touched his heart: "No hidden dangers? Eradicate the root?" Tu Shan''s eyes widened like copper bells, and he burst into rage: "I surrender!" Chen Mu: "..." I actually thought you were going to fight to the death with me! Chapter 173 Prediction Inside the camp nestled against the mountain wall. Tu Shan, carrying a wild boar from the forest, came walking and threw it down in front of Chen Mu with a thud. "Why didn''t you run?" Chen Mu looked at the two-meter tall, burly man in surprise. "I''m afraid you poisoned me, and if I ran off and the poison took effect, what would happen if I died?" Tu Shan said earnestly. Chen Mu: "..." "You have enlightened me!" Chen Mu''s face lit up with realization, as he looked at Tu Shan with gratitude, "It''s always good to have some measures of restraint." Tu Shan: "..." Chen Mu chuckled lightly, taking his time to enjoy the meat. Despite the burly man''s quick surrender, as if truly under his control, he definitely had unknown cards up his sleeve. He simply didn''t want a fight to the death. If Chen Mu had actually dared to stab at his heart, the burly man would have really dared to blow his head off. Chen Mu similarly did not want a fight to the death. Thus, the two of them reached an impasse. "How about I hunt for you and you cook for me?" Tu Shan suggested, smiling. He just wanted a decent place to eat and sleep, and this campsite was just right. "Not so good," Chen Mu shook his head. Staying in was much more comfortable for him. "I can help you fend off unnecessary troubles, especially those from noble families," Tu Shan pointed towards the main peak of Shouyang Mountain in the distance. "If I could find this place, those people in the palace over there probably can too." "My reputation as a ''Magic Ape'' still carries weight with the noble families," Tu Shan said confidently. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, "That might not be too bad." With Tu Shan''s help to ward off external troubles, he could peacefully remain in seclusion for the next two or three months. "Then it''s settled!" Tu Shan laughed heartily. "We''ve forged a relationship through a fight," Tu Shan said unabashedly, as he pinched a large piece of meat from the grill and threw it into his mouth, "Great culinary skills!" As he chewed heartily, he scrutinized Chen Mu. He had felt a lethal threat in just one exchange, but the threat had not come from the dagger; there had to be a follow-up move! This was a master whose skill was no less than his, yet so much younger! Where did he spring from? With curiosity, Tu Shan asked, "My name is Tu Shan, and yours?" "I am called Cheng Yi," Chen Mu lied with a deadpan face. Tu Shan''s face darkened on the spot, almost believing him for a second. "I know Cheng Yi!" Chen Mu: "..." Now this was awkward. After a moment of thought, Chen Mu said unfazedly, "Sorry, I misspoke, my name is Cheng Ming." In just three breaths, the sea surface returned to its tranquil blue. Chen Mu stopped the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, took a deep breath, and glared at the black smoke irritably, "If it weren''t for preparing food for you, would I suffer this much?" Sailing on the sea without knowing the situation, he needed to prepare food for the Five Ghosts Bag in advance. The palace lantern red that concentrated the essence of the Three Treasures was energy-rich and took up little space. A single droplet was sufficient to sustain the Five Ghosts Bag for quite some time. ... Inside the camp on the mountain wall. "Do you know anything about overseas matters?" Chen Mu inquired casually during mealtime. Tu Shan had been domineering in Da Liang for decades, making even prestigious families dare not speak out against him; perhaps he knew some exclusive information. "It''s just another place, nothing different," Tu Shan said indifferently. "Just some additional methods for later-stage cultivation." "No matter where you are, it''s the fist that does the talking." Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod. This brute saw things quite clearly. "There is a bit of a difference though," Tu Shan thought for a moment before saying. "I''ve heard that some places are extremely chaotic. The strong act without restraint, and some, in order to refine magic artifacts, wouldn''t hesitate to kill tens of thousands." Chen Mu furrowed his brows. If he really went to such places where human life was regarded as grass, one never knew when disaster might strike. "Isn''t there a safer place?" "Of course there is," Tu Shan shrugged his shoulders. "Da Liang is so chaotic, yet Shen Jing remains stable." "But we don''t have Daoist Bone, so we can''t go to many good places," Tu Shan added with a smirk. "I''ve heard that those of us with Shell Soul have to work for others once we get there?" Chen Mu asked, his brow slightly furrowed. He was not averse to being a worker, but if he ended up in a land of chaos, that might not be an easy job. "Yes, and it''s a full twenty years of unpaid labor at that!" Tu Shan said with a sense of frustration. He had been unfettered in Da Liang, but going overseas, he''d end up as a long-term laborer. "It''s all set before you even board the ship. Once you go, there''s no escaping it." Tu Shan narrowed his eyes, his fists cracking as he clenched them: "And I don''t even know how hard my future employer''s bones will be." "You''d really dare to strike? I don''t believe they don''t have any countermeasures?" Chen Mu retorted. "Supposedly, you have to be stamped," Tu Shan scratched his head. Stamped? "I guess it must be some kind of magic artifact. Something that marks you, so that even if you run, you can be tracked," he speculated. Chen Mu came to a realization. Isn''t it just like using the Soul-Calming Stake to search for a Water Droplet Copper Piece or the Heartless Bell for tracking? They were planning to fit people with a magic artifact tracker? Tsk tsk... Life overseas doesn''t seem easy at all. Chapter 174 Heartless Bell The weather was still hot, but no longer as sweltering. The sea breeze, laden with the scent of brine, felt even cooler. The hidden crevice at the sea cliff was not small, stretching for a hundred or two hundred meters and eighteen or eighty meters wide. But it was shaped like the character for "eight," narrower at the top, making the sky look like a thin line when you looked up. The seabed within the fissure was uncommonly deep and was just like the waters outside the sea cliff, not at all resembling a natural coastline. Chen Mu sat cross-legged, floating on the sea surface with support from black smoke beneath him. It was another day of routine fishing. Looking at the cluster of brilliant red resembling peanuts in the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Fishing in the sea is indeed gratifying!" With the lure of drunken bait, it was very easy to attract a large school of fish. Plentiful in number and large in size, the accumulation of the brilliant red was rapidly increasing. "With this cluster of brilliance, it''s enough to sustain the Five Ghosts Bag for a year," Chen Mu silently estimated. The Five Ghosts Bag was easy to sustain; if it was just for maintenance, its appetite was comparable to that of three large dogs. Of course, the more you fed it, the more spirited it became, and Five Ghosts Moving became even more second nature. "I need to reduce the frequency of fishing," Chen Mu thought to himself as the month of November approached and the large overseas ships were imminent. Hordes of people were increasingly flocking to Shouyang Mountain. Carelessly using the Five Ghosts Bag could easily lead to being seen. ... In his right hand, the black smoke whirled as a Bronze Bell materialized. Chen Mu looked at it for a long while before shaking his head with a sigh, "Without the corresponding Curse Command, it''s just decor, what a pity." Ask Cheng Yi for it? As long as he doesn''t fight me to the death, that would be fine. The Wu Yin? Forget it, I just duped the old man; what if he were to turn around and con me. Thinking of Wu Yin, Chen Mu took out the Bronze Water Droplets. "Could it be the clapper of the Heartless Bell? But there''s no structure for hanging a clapper either," he mused. The inside of the Heartless Bell was smooth, with no hooks. The Bronze Water Droplets were round and seamless, without hanging rings. He had previously speculated but decided not to experiment because of this. With that thought, Chen Mu turned the bell upside down and placed the Bronze Water Droplets inside the bell. Hum! A soft sound resonated, and the Bronze Water Droplets unexpectedly floated in mid-air inside the bell! "Like magnetic levitation?" Chen Mu was instantly pleasantly surprised. He shook it subconsciously. Hum! The deep and heavy sound, reminiscent of a bell toll, suddenly echoed within the crevice. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, "That actually sounds quite nice!" He struck it another two times, then pursed his lips in disappointment, "Pity it''s not really useful." He knew the Heartless Bell was capable of capturing souls, but it definitely required a Curse Command to activate. Simply striking it was not very effective. "A chicken rib," he muttered. Just as he was about to put away the bell, Chen Mu abruptly noticed that, unbeknownst to him, the waters below were now filled with fish, their white bellies turned skyward. "This isn''t the right timing, is it?" Chen Mu frowned. He had just put down the drunken bait; the fish couldn''t be intoxicated that quickly. Chen Mu glanced at the bell in his hand. Hum! The resonance of the copper bell suddenly sounded again. What the heck is this noise! Tu Shan''s face was full of spring fever, his rough and dark complexion flushed red. "Awesome!" "Do it again!" Chen Mu: "..." This isn''t right, is it?! Wasn''t it supposed to captivate souls? Why does it sound so indecent? It took Chen Mu a while to understand its effect. "The bell''s sound can slightly vibrate qi and blood, relieving fatigue. Listening to it for a long time can even strengthen the body?" Chen Mu looked at the Heartless Bell oddly. It was probably akin to the tingling sensation after one''s legs wake up from being numb. Taoists meditating for extended periods inevitably stiffen up, suffering from sore limbs. A ring of this bell could revitalize them. The effect was actually quite respectable. Then he heard Tu Shan, with an excited face, shouting, "Oho...!" Chen Mu: "..." What the heck did I loot?! It''s so darn indecent! The most annoying part is... it''s useless on me! ... Da Liang, year 642, October 25th. Chen Mu floated as usual in the crevice of the cliff. Holding a bronze bell, he gently swayed it. Hum! The calm sea surface immediately rippled. Gurgle... a string of white bubbles appeared from the depths of the sea. Soon, fish started flopping weakly on the surface of the water, in slow motion. Chen Mu watched with envy. Even a group of fish were enjoying more than him! Chen Mu, supported by the dark clouds, slowly moved from inside to outside along the crevice, ringing the bell every time he changed positions. From the innermost part to the outside, it only took five or six rings to stun and catch all the fish in the crevice. Combined with a weaker version of the drunken bait set in advance for attraction. In less than a quarter of an hour, he could harvest a large pile of fish. Chen Mu, carrying the Heartless Bell, floated to the mouth of the crevice and gave one last shake of the bronze bell. Hum! The ripples spread out from the mouth of the crevice. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look towards the sea. Then, he saw a myriad of bubbles starting to emerge from beneath the dark blue sea outside the cliff. One, three, five... Soon countless bubbles came up from the sea bottom, frothing like boiling water. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. Just how many fish had he stunned with that last ring? Casting a glance at the distant Shouyang Palace atop the mountain, Chen Mu felt frustrated, "The more fish there are, the more attention they attract, and the less I dare to catch them." Then, he just watched as the bubbles became more and more numerous, even bubbling like boiling water. "This isn''t right, is it?" Before he could figure it out, a huge shadow appeared on the dark blue sea and rapidly expanded underneath it. Boom! With a loud noise, a series of more than ten meter high sprays burst forth from the sea. A massive creature covered in ferocious spikes suddenly surged out of the water. Chapter 175 Bai Guisuo Chen Mu, floating at the mouth of the narrow crevice, stared in shock. The entire view outside the crevice was obscured by a pale white shell. He climbed up along the cliff wall, stood at the edge of the precipice, and his face immediately changed. A gigantic pale white turtle shell, over five hundred meters long and three hundred meters wide, suddenly came into view. Rock-like shells adorned with coral and seaweed, ravines patterned like twisted chessboards, irregularly arranged spikes. "Heartless Bell... is it that powerful?!" He quickly realized the truth. This was not a giant turtle summoned by the Heartless Bell; it was a ship bound for overseas. "I thought it was a big ship, but it turned out to be a submarine!" ... Nighttime. Within the camp on the cliff wall. Chen Mu sat by the campfire, gazing through the gaps in the trees at the colossal object below the distant cliff, lost in thought. Under the moonlight, tiny luminescent spots on the white turtle shell could vaguely be seen twinkling. "Truly marvelous." Shape Cultivation Technique, Soul Strength, Ghosts, Magic ArtifactChen Mu had always known this world was no simple place. But seeing this gigantic turtle shell still shocked him. "How on earth was this thing made?" The world overseas must be incredibly magical. Thinking this, those harsh requirements didn''t seem so unacceptable anymore. A dark shadow suddenly appeared beside the campfire. Tu Shan, with an excited face, said, "I''ve got it figured out, we leave on the fifth of November." "Boarding the ship tomorrow?" Chen Mu fought the urge to nod immediately, "Let''s wait and see." "A problem?" Tu Shan''s eyes narrowed in suspicion instantly. Chen Mu shook his head, "Noble families aren''t that enthusiastic for nothing, it''s not likely a trap." "True." Tu Shan sneered, "One beauty after another sent to Shouyang Palace, all for a bit of blood lineage, tsk tsk..." "The more bloodlines, the stronger the noble families. To consolidate their position, it''s not strange." Chen Mu said calmly. "Let others test the waters first before we go." Chen Mu stated composedly. "Then let''s wait a couple of days." Tu Shan nodded. ... The year 642 of Da Liang, the first of November. Chen Mu packed up the camp on the cliff wall, gathered various supplies, and arrived at the summit at Shouyang Palace. The entire mountaintop had been artificially flattened, and a large complex of buildings was situated upon it. Red walls and yellow tiles, artificial mountains and waters, galleries and pavilions, flowers and trees, a different view at every step. Inside a brightly lit hall, a gaunt elder, over fifty years old, sat behind a long desk leisurely sipping tea. The desk was fully equipped with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone; in front of the elder was a booklet about an inch thick. There was also a square wooden box to the right. After being stamped, would he be controlled until death? "Having second thoughts?" The old man looked at Chen Mu calmly. He had seen this kind of thing many times before. "Let''s do it." Yet, Chen Mu resolutely rolled up his sleeve. The old man looked at Chen Mu in surprise. "Not afraid of being controlled by others?" Chen Mu said calmly, "I''m more afraid of dying a mediocre death." Getting the stamp might mean being controlled, but it allowed him to see more of the world. Without it, he might indeed live a carefree life, but he could never leave the pond that is Da Liang. According to his usually cautious nature, he wouldn''t trust his life to someone else. But to die of old age in Da Liang was even less acceptable to him. Besides, compared to the mysterious gray wall, what was this little mark? "Okay." The gaunt old man smiled, stamped the circular seal onto the forearm of Chen Mu''s left hand. A sensation of coolness spread, and a circular pattern connected by black star-point filaments appeared on his arm. Chen Mu subconsciously tried to rub it off, but it didn''t fade in the slightest. It was as though it had grown on the skin. "Don''t be scared, it''s just a precaution. When the time limit is up, or if you break through to Perceptive, it will naturally disappear." The old man shrugged casually. Chen Mu nodded. In his previous life, didn''t finding a job and joining a company also require signing a contract? Since it was already stamped, there was no need to dwell on it. The old man then took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mu. "Take good care of this, it''s your proof." "You can board the submarine known as the ''white gudgeon shuttle'' now, or you can go back to say your goodbyes." "But remember, we leave early morning in four days, don''t be late." A submarine called the ''white gudgeon shuttle''? It doesn''t look like a shuttle at all. "I''ll go to the ''white gudgeon shuttle''." He had wanted to take a look at it for a while. ... Two days later. Inside the ''white gudgeon shuttle'', it was as bright as day. Two rows of sixteen-story cabin buildings extended to the ends along the inner walls. There was an open area in the middle, with snow-white pillars rising from the middle, connecting the ceiling and the floor. On the lowest level, a bustling street had people coming and going, and the cabins on both sides had been converted into all sorts of shops for clothing, food, accommodation, and travel necessities. People set up stalls on both sides of the street, selling all kinds of bizarre items. There was even an establishment for listening to music, as well as two tea houses for drinking tea and storytelling. If it weren''t for the fact that none of these people had made any efforts to disguise themselves, Chen Mu would have thought he had come to a Ghost Market. "It doesn''t seem as bad as I imagined." He had thought it would be pitch-black cabins with dozens of people crammed together in all sorts of unfavorable conditions. But in reality, the ''white gudgeon shuttle'' was as luxurious as a yacht from his previous life. "This shows that we are quite valuable." Chen Mu gave a wry smile. Twenty years of unpaid labor just for the travel costs, indeed valuable. Just then, a muscular figure abruptly caught Chen Mu''s eye, and his scalp tightened. "Bai Miaojin?!" Chapter 176 Setting Sail Looking at Bai Miaojin, Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "He''s finally escaped." Seemingly feeling Chen Mu''s gaze, Bai Miaojin turned to look back. Chen Mu controlled his expression, meeting the other''s eyes like any ordinary passerby. Then he showed a slight surprise at the other''s figure before indifferently shifting his gaze away. After that, he followed the crowd, browsing the streets within the white glyptodon shuttle with feigned nonchalance. "If he''s escaped, he''s escaped. It''s none of my business anymore." Although he wanted to avenge his previous capture, he was helpless to do so. Bai Miaojin was one thing, but Cui Cui, who had recovered her original form, was not someone he could easily handle. "After all, it was Sun Dawang who made those harsh statements, not me." Chen Mu thought leisurely to himself. He wasn''t worried about any trouble either. Shape-shifting Technique: 27/10000/Fourth Rank; Chen Mu looked at the grey wall with a chuckle: "Find me first, then we''ll talk." "Fourth Rank Shape-shifting Technique, if you can still find me, I''ll consider it a loss!" ... The year 642 in Da Liang, the fifth day of the eleventh month. The departure date for the white glyptodon shuttle had arrived. Over a hundred people were scattered around the very front of the white glyptodon shuttle. There, a giant transparent screen wall allowed a clear view of the sea outside the white glyptodon shuttle. The white glyptodon is a rare kind of spirit turtle with a snow-white shell and a head as red as fire, innately able to manipulate water and fire. The white glyptodon shuttle was forged from its shell. The very front used to be the area of the white glyptodon''s forelimbs and head. The flesh and blood were removed and sealed with a special transparent material, forming a large transparent viewing window resembling a glass curtain wall. "How come you''re missing an arm!" Tu Shan stood in front of Cheng Yi, wearing a face full of heartache: "What a pity I wasn''t there; otherwise..." Cheng Yi''s face was cold: "Otherwise, you could have taken the opportunity to kill me and steal my Thousand Mechanism Token, right?" Tu Shan looked at Cheng Yi with an incredulous face: "You''re way too suspicious of me!" Cheng Yi glanced at Tu Shan: "Your skin has gotten thicker!" Tu Shan bared a grin: "Learned it from your junior brother." Cheng Yi was taken aback: "You''ve met Cheng Ming?" "Indeed, his abilities far surpass yours," Tu Shan clicked his tongue in wonder: "Can you believe he actually fought me to a draw?" Cheng Yi''s brows furrowed tightly, a teenager more than ten years old? "That person is not my junior brother!" Cheng Yi affirmed with certainty. "That''s impossible," Tu Shan shook his head in disbelief: "He has a bell identical to yours, how could he not be your junior brother!" Find your next read at empire Cheng Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted, and his complexion instantly became as dark as water: "Where did you see him." Tu Shan looked at Cheng Yi from top to bottom with a tilt of his head: "Tsk tsk... Something''s off about you..." "That bell, could it be that he stole it from you?" Cheng Yi''s eyes narrowed, and he remained silent. "Oho! That arm of yours, it wasn''t chopped off by him, was it?" Tu Shan''s eyes widened in shock. Cheng Yi''s face turned pitch black. Tu Shan immediately broke into schadenfreude laughter. this enclosed space had no escape if someone was determined to cause trouble. "The key is to safely reach Jilong Mountain." Glancing once more at the increasingly dark waters, Chen Mu turned and went back to his room. "I should think about how to pass these next three to five months." ... Three days later, inside the Bai Geng Shuttle, at the Envious Immortal Tea House. The tea house was spacious, with its ground floor hall as big as two basketball courts, and it even had three storytelling stages. The tea house was open all day, each time I came in, the occupancy rate was never less than half. Chen Mu found a secluded corner to sit down, casually ordering a pot of tea and a plate of pastries. These items cost him twelve taels of silver. "Really expensive!" Chen Mu clicked his tongue. Since boarding the ship, other than the impressiveness of the Bai Geng Shuttle''s massive luxury, his most direct experience was the expensiveness; everything was expensive. To have a meal without spending twenty or thirty taels of silver was to go hungry. To eat well was even more exorbitantly priced. "Luckily, I prepared the Bigu Pill well in advance," Chen Mu felt relieved. "I should also thank Wu Yin," Chen Mu thought happily. Without the tens of thousands of taels of silver he contributed, I wouldn''t have the confidence to be strolling around here. ... Pouring a cup of tea to savor slowly, Chen Mu pricked up his ears, attentively listening to the conversations around him. At a table nearby, two men dressed in brown tight-fitted clothes caught his attention. One of them had a scar from the corner of his eye to his jaw on the left side of his face, making him look particularly fierce. He frowned at his companion, "How much longer do we have to drift at sea?" His companion, a man with small eyes and a large nose, rested one foot on the ground and the other on the chair, casually listening to the storytellers while leisurely cracking melon seeds. "No rush, I heard there are still a couple of places left to visit before we reach Yunzhou in another three to five months." "Not in a hurry? We''ve been drifting for a year, and our silver is almost spent, how can I not be anxious?" "If we don''t land soon, I''ll have to earn money by fighting in the arena," the scar-faced man said with annoyance. "Then you should go," the small-eyed man looked sideways at his companion. Scar-face grew despondent, "I don''t dare!" "This ship is filled with what kinds of monsters... Each one heartlessly cruel, with formidable strength." The small-eyed man rattled the melon seeds, "Every island only takes about a hundred people. If they weren''t monsters, could they have boarded the ship?" Scar-face became even more morose. "I wish I had a Daoist Bone too," Scar-face said with full-blown envy, "Free food, drinks, and fun, all in one package. Alas..." "Go to bed early when you get back, you can have everything in your dreams." "Get lost!" Chen Mu''s eyebrows raised, "Is consumption this high on the Bai Geng Shuttle?" "It seems I''ve underestimated the cost of living here." Anyone who could board must be wealthy. With over forty thousand taels of silver in hand, Chen Mu thought he was quite rich, "Looks like I need to plan my spending." "Moreover, Da Liang is an... island?!" Chen Mu was surprised to hear. In the four years he spent in Da Liang, he hadn''t even ventured out of Nanyang Prefecture. To think such a vast place was referred to as an island. "How much bigger must Yunzhou be?" Chen Mu thought with anticipation. Chapter 177 True Sun Scripture In the Envy Immortals Teahouse. After sipping a pot of tea, he listened to strange tales for half an hour. The man with scarred face let out a sigh for no reason. "What''s wrong now?" the small-eyed man glanced at his companion. "I''m thinking about the True Sun Scripture," the scarred face said with a troubled look. "Without White Jade Spirit Money, what''s the point of thinking about it?" the small-eyed man rolled his eyes. "Don''t you want to advance further?" the scarred face retorted, unwilling to give up. To board the Bai Shuo Shuttle, there were always some treasured items hidden away. But the small-eyed man just laughed, "This ship''s dealings are shady; stop dreaming. Let''s see when we get to Yunzhou." From a distance, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "True Sun Scripture?" "Advance further?" "Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method?!" Chen Mu became excited all at once. He hadn''t been on the Bai Shuo Shuttle for long, yet he already knew of a secret technique to advance further! "White Jade Spirit Money?" "I have it!" ... The Bai Shuo Shuttle was gliding smoothly through the deep sea. Apart from the occasional flashes of light emitted by the sea creatures, the two transparent screens at the front and rear had turned pitch black. Without external light, the interior of the Bai Shuo Shuttle was still bright as day. The pale column that connected heaven and earth began to emit a soft white glow. The shops on both sides of the street hung elliptical crystals the size of rugby balls. With a slight shake, the crystals emitted a gentle light. Chen Mu had seen them before, but he still found them fascinating. He leaned closer to one of the elliptical crystals and noticed its hollow interior filled with a liquid substance. Small, ant-sized, semi-transparent elliptical creatures were moving and drifting inside it. It was they who glowed from the inside out. "These are called bioluminescent algae. As long as you feed them a little every day and let them eat their fill, they can shine all day," said a fat old man in his fifties with a goatee. "First time on the Bai Shuo Shuttle?" the fat old man asked with a smile. "Good eye, boss," Chen Mu greeted with a clasped fist. "Those who have stayed long enough get used to the bioluminescent algae and won''t be as curious as you," the fat old man said with a smile. "I heard you have the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method here?" Chen Mu asked directly. The fat old man''s eyes suddenly lit up, "Are you looking for the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method?" His gaze towards Chen Mu became fervent. "I do have a copy of the True Sun Scripture here." "This scripture is said to come from the Pure Yang Dao Sect." In the year 642 of Da Liang, on the nineteenth of November, The White Worm Shuttle had left Da Liang more than ten days ago. They were below the sea, where luminescent algae glowed day and night, obliterating the distinction between day and night. Inside cabin number left, six yi mao. Chen Mu sat at a small desk, slowly flipping through the "Yunzhou Geographic Records." The booklet was only as thick as an index finger, with concise text that summarily described the famous mountains and great rivers of Yunzhou. Yet Chen Mu found it utterly fascinating. "A single Yunzhou has eleven countries." "If they''re all as large as Da Liang, then Yunzhou is indeed not small." Chen Mu reminisced the descriptions in the book and couldn''t help but aspire to see it for himself. The legendary Sky-Scraping Cliff that pierces the clouds. The rumored Tongtian River with its waters that defy gravity. Of course, there is also the perilous Jilong Mountain. "Jilong Mountain has a Jilong Road; am I going there to plant Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu mused. After all, it was just a geographic record, which mentioned the Jilong Road only in passing. Places like the Sky-Scraping Cliff and Clear River Lake all have similar Dao Sect organizations. "So, have we actually been sold by the master of the White Worm Shuttle?" Chen Mu said with a complicated expression. If the treatment they received along the way weren''t fairly decent, Chen Mu would truly think they had been sold off as slaves. "Most of the one to two thousand staff members on the White Worm Shuttle merely possess Shell Soul capabilities." "If they dared to scam people so blatantly, the four to five thousand people from various islands on board would have revolted long ago." But it wasn''t much better, either. Their wages had been prepaid by the owner of the White Worm Shuttle. Going there would mean working for nothing. "Black-hearted intermediaries!" Chen Mu shook his head and decided not to dwell on these bothersome matters anymore. "How can I get my hands on the True Sun Scripture?" That was the major concern he cared about. "Even after reaching Yunzhou, I expect it won''t be cheap," Chen Mu sighed. It definitely wouldn''t be something that could be solved with just a dozen or so White Jade Coins. "I need to find a quick way to make money," Chen Mu frowned in contemplation. Unfortunately, despite thinking for a long time, he couldn''t come up with any good ideas. After all, he was unfamiliar with the environment in Yunzhou and didn''t know which industries might earn him White Jade Coins. "Looks like I might have to imitate making Fasting Pills," Chen Mu glanced at his Proficiency. Pharmaceutical Technique: 5915/10000/Fourth Rank; "Keep grinding." "First, max out the fourth rank to see if I can analyze the components of the Fasting Pill." "If that''s not enough, just keep grinding higher." Grinding proficiency, that''s something he''s familiar with. Chapter 178 Calming Pill Da Liang, the year 642, November 29. The mysterious vessel surfaced once again. Chen Mu stood in front of the transparent screen, staring at the vertical mountain wall that greatly resembled Shouyang Mountain, and had a sudden realization in his heart. "Another region akin to Da Liang." It was unknown how many years the mysterious vessel had been taking and sending people. "It''s a pity I can''t go up there to have a look." The vessel''s rules stated that unless it was a staff member, no one was allowed to leave. It was said to be to prevent conflicts with the inhabitants of unfamiliar regions. To protect the people inside the vessel, as well as those from the unfamiliar regions. "They are probably worried about losing this batch of free labor," Chen Mu hummed lightly. Leaving the transparent screen, he didn''t hurry back. For seven or eight days in a row, he had hidden in his cabin and pored over medicinal studies until his head swam. It was a good opportunity to go out and clear his mind. Walking along, he came across the silver moon pavilion at the tail end of the mysterious vessel. The largest entertainment venue on the vessel, it offered food, drink, and all forms of amusement. Chen Mu looked at the entrance for a moment and then indifferently turned away. It was not because of the two hundred silver admission fee. It was purely because I am a clean-living good young man. It was for the best not to go to such a foul and murky place! Then Chen Mu strolled over to the Envying Immortals Tea House and spent two hundred and twelve silver to order ten dishes completely different from those in Da Liang and carefully tasted each one. In the process, he selected two that suited his palate to figure out in detail. By the time he finished eating, his menu had grown by two new dishes. Outside the tea house, Chen Mu looked back uncomfortably. "If only they allowed open-air food stalls here, I''d definitely run you out of business." The price gouging was too ruthless. ... Half a month later, Chen Mu raised his head. He stared blankly at the oval crystal ball lights on the wall for a long while before snapping back to reality. For over ten days, aside from going out to eat, he would hide in his cabin practicing pharmaceutical technique every day. With a thought, he brought up the grey wall. Pharmaceutical Technique: 7812/10000/Fourth Rank; The Fifth Rank was not far away. If progress continued at the normal pace, he could advance in another month or so. "It''s a pity there are no experience monsters," Chen Mu smiled wryly. Before leaving Da Liang, he had made a point of gathering medicine books, but it still wasn''t enough. ... Half a day later, Chen Mu walked out of the Mo Xiang Book Forest with a gloomy face. He was carrying a small cloth bundle with seven or eight medicinal books he had not read before inside. For these few books, that greedy fat shopkeeper had charged him one thousand three hundred silver. Having been on the ship for a month, even with the use of fasting pills to save expenses, he had still spent over four thousand silver. His assets had shrunk by nearly one-tenth. "I need to find a way to increase income!" Chen Mu frowned in thought. ... Chen Mu took out a fist-sized porcelain bottle from his Five Ghosts Bag and poured a peanut-sized brown pill from it, giving it a light sniff at the tip of his nose. "Seven kinds!" In just an instant, he was certain of seven ingredients in the pill. "The Fasting Pill is indeed different." He had been looking in the wrong direction before! "Time to read the medicine book and ponder over the Calming Pill formulation, time for hard work!" ... The year 642 in Da Liang, December 27th. Inside the Enviable Immortal Tea House. Chen Mu held a Calming Pill in his hand. A series of dosages, processing techniques, and blending methods for the medicine surfaced in his mind. He subconsciously picked up a piece of mung bean cake and put it in his mouth. In the flash of inspiration, a formula containing ingredient amounts and production methods rapidly formed in his mind. With a thought, a gray wall appeared. Writing: 4270/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Culinary Arts: 8145/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 37/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 4371/10000/Seventh Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 987/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 5069/10000/Sixth Rank; In the past two months, he spent every day waking up to flip through books, and when tired, he would ponder over the elixir formulas. He had finally advanced his Alchemical Technique to the Fifth Rank. His sense of smell became increasingly acute. The Calming Pill, which had some insurmountable issues before, didn''t take long for him to strip down to the formula. "It''s a pity..." Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. "The main ingredient is nowhere to be found!" "Hundred Herbs Pavilion must have done this on purpose!" Chen Mu thought with resentment. "Has someone audaciously produced counterfeits before?" Otherwise, why would the main ingredient, the Nightshade Herb, specifically be missing? "That''s right, those on the Bai Yang Shuttle are the cream of the crop from various countries." "Being ruthless and cunning is only the basics, having a special skill is the norm." "If there are one or two who are experts in pharmacology, they might indeed have replicated the Calming Pill." "The True Sun Scripture is getting further and further away from me," lamented Chen Mu. "I can only wait until I get to Yunzhou to figure out a solution," Chen Mu sighed. Half-heartedly listening to the storyteller narrate legendary tales of Yunzhou, he absent-mindedly browsed the gray wall. "This Proficiency for the Spirit Armor Technique, isn''t right!" Chen Mu suddenly startled. Ever since he had mastered the Spirit Armor Technique, his breathing had changed completely, and the proficiency automatically increased. Unless he was in a special treasure land, such as Qingshan County, otherwise, he would unfailingly gain twenty-four points every day. Since yesterday, hadn''t it increased by more than thirty points?! Chapter 179 Yunzhou In the left sixth Yi Mao cabin, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the ship, doing his best to keep his breathing natural. An hour later, Chen Mu opened his eyes. "Two points!" "It really increased!" "Is it because Bai Gongsuo entered a special region?" Chen Mu speculated. Two months had passed, according to the news heard in the tea house. Bai Gongsuo had completed its set route and was now heading back to Yunzhou at full speed. "Is this what makes overseas different?" Chen Mu''s eyes shone with excitement. "It must be a treasure site similar to the Tianyi Studio in Qingshan County, otherwise the proficiency of the Spirit Armor Technique wouldn''t have changed." "No wonder I''ve been feeling hungrier lately, eating more and more." Ever since he began practicing Spirit Armor Technique, his skin had become tougher, his appetite had increased, and he had gained more strength. On his skin, you could occasionally see silver lines, like the blue veins under the skin. But these changes were all subtle and silent, appearing without notice. ... Chen Mu carefully examined his whole body, and finally focused on the Divine Intent Diagram. The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique''s Divine Intent Diagram had become clearer! What used to look as if seen through frosted glass now only appeared to be separated by a thin veil. "Should I brush for a few days?" The Pharmaceutical Technique had advanced, he shouldn''t even think about the Fasting Pill for a short time, and he would have to go back to Yunzhou to copy and monetize the Calming Pill. "Then I shall brush for a few days!" The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique can be practiced passively or actively. Investing all one''s spirit can also speed up the accumulation of experience. There used to be regional restrictions, only in Qingshan County could he do so. Now, approaching Yunzhou, he could finally cultivate on his own. ... Three days later. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the cabin bed. In his mind, the barrier that stood before the Divine Intent Diagram had become almost imperceptible. The next moment, as proficiency increased once again, A bright star suddenly pierced the thin veil. It was like a firefly, or the myriad stars in the sky, Chen Mu saw the stars within the Divine Intent Diagram so clearly for the first time. The next moment, the stars rushed towards him, as if the fireflies were heading straight for his face. Chen Mu was startled and suddenly opened his eyes, only to find that everything seemed like an illusion. But when he calmed his spirit, he discovered a sudden cool sensation at the base of his skull, as if a piece of ice had been placed there. Chen Mu instinctively roused his Soul Strength. However, he unexpectedly found that the Jet Black Soul Strength at the base of his skull had vanished. When he reached out to touch, an invisible barrier clung tightly to the surface of his skin. "Similar to the Shape Cultivation Technique, continue to transform the body." Chen Mu touched the back of his head. Starting from there, the Soul Strength cultivated through the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was gradually disappearing and transforming. Merging with the Divine Intent Diagram, it infiltrated the skin and flesh, remodeled the body''s structure, leaving only faint silver threads. With a flip of his right hand, an Ebony Dagger appeared. He gently jabbed his shoulder, then gradually increased the force. The Ebony Sword that could pierce Soul Strength was blocked outside the skin. "Has the body tissue gained the unbreakable nature of Soul Strength?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. In the past, it was equivalent to wearing external armor. Now the entire body''s structure has become unbreakable. Even if the Ebony Sword could pierce the skin, it would be stopped by the muscles! "Now I truly am impervious to swords and spears." "It just feels like I''m becoming less and less human." ... Even though the White Clam Shuttle was spacious and bright, with plenty to eat, drink, and entertain oneself, it was still a closed space. If one stayed long enough, one would invariably feel bored and suffocated. Chen Mu, however, was completely indifferent to this. Being a hermit, he had his own ways to pass the time. Incremental improvements in proficiency always filled him with a sense of achievement. In the time that followed, Chen Mu would take two 3.0 version Bigu Pills every morning and evening, only going out for lunch at noon. The rest of the time, he would hide in his cabin to cultivate. He had originally wanted to make a batch of Calming Pill 2.0 and exchange it for some White Jade Spirit Money. But as soon as the thought occurred to him, he dismissed it. All stores within the White Clam Shuttle belonged to the owner of the White Clam Shuttle. Market disrupting with his own imitation elixir pills, what if someone found out and threw him into the sea? Now, with the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, his desire for the True Sun Scripture had dwindled. With safety as his top priority, he had even less motivation to hustle for money. Of course, he didn''t spend all his days in seclusion. Every five days, he would go out for a walk. He especially liked to go to the transparent curtain wall in front of the White Clam Shuttle to watch the underwater scenery. Once, he even saw an eye bigger than the entire curtain wall itself! Fortunately, the White Clam Shuttle was sufficiently hidden and safe. The terrifying leviathan merely glanced once before vanishing. But this left Chen Mu profoundly shocked, and amidst the fear, an unspeakable excitement surged within him. Such a sight would have been impossible to see even if he had stayed in Da Liang for a hundred years. "When I''m strong enough one day, I must travel the world and witness all its wonders," he thought. Then he became even more engrossed in his cultivation. ... Chen Mu, living a life that appeared to others as austere as that of an ascetic practitioner, was thoroughly enjoying himself. More than half a month later, according to the Da Liang Era, on the fifteenth day of February. The White Clam Shuttle finally docked. In front of the transparent curtain wall, land finally appeared again. A thronging crowd gathered in front of the curtain wall to watch. Several hundred people, under the gaze of thousands, slowly ascended the departure stairs and exited the White Clam Shuttle''s interior space. Chen Mu stood in a corner, finally letting out a sigh of relief in his heart. Yunzhou, I''ve arrived! Chapter 181 180 Envy Immortal Teahouse. Chen Mu stared inexplicably at the small bowl in his hands. The bowl contained a fist-sized clump of rice. This rice was extremely heavy, holding the small bowl felt like holding a stone! The grains were crystalline yellow, as thick as rice from his previous life, but as long as peanuts, slender and sharp. Chen Mu picked up a grain and slowly chewed. A sweet and sticky fragrance spread in his mouth. Swallowing it, a gentle warmth emanated from his stomach. "Delicious!" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise, "Yellow Bud Rice is truly extraordinary." Then he shook his head and wryly smiled, "But it''s also extraordinarily expensive." Just a fist-sized portion had cost him five hundred Silver Taels! "Yunzhou can''t possibly have these prices, right?" Chen Mu worried deeply about future living expenses. "How come after Spirit and Soul Unification I''ve ended up with such a huge appetite?" Chen Mu said helplessly. The Fasting Pills were all eaten. The Silver was nearly all spent. If he continued to stay, he''d have to use those seventeen White Jade Coins. "I should''ve extorted more from that old shaman!" Chen Mu thought, annoyed. As the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique improved, his body''s transformation accelerated and his appetite greatly increased. Ordinary food was no longer enough to satisfy him. "Is Yellow Bud Rice the main dish after Spirit and Soul Unification?" "This taste is somewhat familiar," Chen Mu puzzlingly frowned. "Fasting Pills?" He suddenly realized. Although still unable to discern the ingredients, the Fasting Pills must be related to Yellow Bud Rice. "I wonder if this stuff is easy to grow." Chen Mu sighed. For the next twenty years, he''d have to live with this stuff. ... Within the Zuo Liuyi Mao cabin. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the bed. The table still had the version 1.0 Calming Spirit Pills smoldering. In his mind, silvery strands pierced through a veil-like fog, rushing towards his eyes. Chen Mu was gradually getting used to these assaults. Stay updated through empire "The Divine Intent Diagram clears the fog, achieving Spirit and Soul Unification. Is this what they call ''opening the Heavenly Gate''?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked toward the gray wall. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 7757/10000/Sixth Rank; "Once all the Soul Strength undergoes a quality transformation, I can begin perceptive cultivation." "I can''t outdo Daoist Bone, but I am still one step ahead of the majority," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. ... "Director Song also came here riding on the White Scroll Shuttle." "Through diligent labor and dedicated cultivation, step by step, he Joined Jade Seed, gathered the Gathering Talisman, Condensed Spirit Orifice, and finally became the Elder Inspector." "If you work steadfastly without causing trouble or adding chaos, maybe you could become the second Director Song!" The chubby Daoist encouraged them sincerely. The crowd, which had just a moment ago wore hesitant expressions and eyes filled with disappointment, suddenly boiled with enthusiasm. It wasn''t that these people were easily deceived, but rather, they were the cream of the crop from their respective countries. They all had an air of confidence that they too could make it. Even Chen Mu, the lazy homebody, couldn''t help but feel excited. Fly! That was actual flying! Not the floating of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, but real, off-the-ground flying! And it was so fast! Even knowing the chubby Daoist was just luring them with possibilities, Chen Mu couldn''t help but be moved by the ups and downs of his emotions. "A true man should be like this!" Heat rushed to Chen Mu''s head in the moment. ... Three days later. The food store of the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. "Yellow Bud Rice is limited to ten jin, totaling two thousand Silver Taels." "Silver Bead Rice two hundred jin, totaling twenty-four Taels." "Sir, the total comes to two thousand and twenty-four Silver Taels. What do you think..." A shop assistant in his thirties clad in gray clothes looked at Chen Mu with a smiling face. The corner of Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. The enthusiasm from three days before evaporated instantly in the face of day-to-day necessities. Although the prices were significantly lower than on the White Scroll Shuttle, they were still outrageously high. He had a total of four thousand two hundred and fifty-six Silver Taels on him. This purchase would take away almost half, which really hurt. And this was only enough for one month''s worth of rice! Not to mention the cost of all kinds of meat and vegetables! Life is not easy... ... Carrying two sacks and holding a gray cloth bag, Chen Mu silently left the food store. He walked down the dockside street, heading eastward. Passing through the Market District, residential areas, and leaving behind the stone archway marked with Tongtian Square, he turned around the slope of Low Mountain. A vast basin plain that seemed limitless appeared before his eyes. Well-ordered fields lay on the ground. Scattered houses were barely visible among the fields. "Looks like I''ll be muddling through here for the next twenty years." Despite the visible hardships, he felt somewhat at ease. Jilong Road was no fringe sect or evil cult, at least there was no immediate danger to life. Chen Mu tightened the sacks on his shoulder, quickened his pace, and with clouds of dust swirling behind him, he bounded off energetically. Chapter 182 Difficulties "Plant one every two steps," "When watering, you must use a wooden spoon to water each plant individually, neither too much nor too little, just a level spoonful." "Pay attention to weeding, and when you spot small weeds, you must pull them out promptly." "The most important thing is to defend against exotic beasts," Old Hao solemnly admonished. "You must make a patrol at regular intervals during the night. It would be troublesome if beasts from the mountains come and cause destruction." Chen Mu was astonished, "Exotic beasts? The same kind used for the Exotic Beast Bone Powder?" "That''s right, exotic beasts are not the wild beasts you imagine," Old Hao carefully instructed, "Those that can live near the Earth Spirit Vital Energy usually have tough skin and flesh." Your next read is at empire "Ordinary swords and sabers can''t even break their defenses." Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Impervious to swords and guns? They''re almost on par with an Armor Spirit Warrior, aren''t they?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with a meaningful glance, "Disciples of the Lower Courtyard must meet the standard of the Armor Spirit, it''s not something to take lightly." "Earth Spirit Vital Energy can drown a person." "Exotic beasts can also bite a person to death." "Without the protection of Shell Soul, one won''t last long in the Lower Courtyard." Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "This seemingly peaceful Low Hill Courtyard of Jilong Mountain doesn''t seem very safe." ... "Yellow Bud Rice has harsh growth conditions, making it complicated and difficult to plant." "Add to that the stealing of the crop by exotic beasts, and it becomes no easy task to protect." "When it ripens, its fragrance can waft for dozens of miles, attracting herbivorous birds and exotic beasts that come to snatch the rice, making the harvest even more troublesome." "Be prepared mentally, you are definitely going to be in debt for the first couple of years," Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with sympathy. "Forget the nonsense that Prefect Ge Fatso used to fool you guys." "Buying the Unity Secret Technique costs money, and practicing it costs even more." "You need to see the reality and not aim too high!" "Start by settling down to farm, get the hang of Yellow Bud Rice," Old Hao earnestly advised. "Once you''ve met the grain delivery target, then slowly save up any extra Yellow Bud Rice." "By that time, having money on hand, you won''t panic, and it will only be logical to then practice the Unity Secret Technique." Chen Mu nodded in agreement, "Old Hao is right!" "Without money in hand, one has no confidence in anything they do," Old Hao lamented, "Saving up an emergency fund is very important, as it gives you more opportunities to make errors." The small-eyed fat man immediately beamed with joy, "He''ll be dissatisfied, he''ll be anxious, he''ll think about making a large sum of money, and want to start cultivating immediately!" "Old Hao is wise!" Old Hao''s face broke into a smile as he smoked, "In a while, I''ll casually mention that some of his companions have already obtained the Unity Secret Technique and started cultivating." "What do you think..." "He''ll definitely sell his personal treasures in exchange for White Jade Spirit Money!" the small-eyed fat man said excitedly. "Precisely!" Old Hao laughed as he exhaled a puff of smoke. "Tomorrow, I''ll go find out some news about those strangers. If we''re going to provoke him, we have to be convincing," said the small-eyed fat man shrewdly. "Don''t worry, Old Hao, by tomorrow afternoon, I''ll definitely deliver the information to you." "No rush," Old Hao said leisurely. "I''ll wait another ten days or half a month before going over." The small-eyed fat man looked puzzled at Old Hao. "Don''t you know how hard it is to grow Yellow Bud Rice?" Old Hao gave the fat man a sidelong glance. "Of course, I know," the small-eyed fat man replied with a bitter smile. "If it weren''t difficult, I wouldn''t be secretly making money off this buy-low sell-high business." "So we have to wait a few days. Let him try his hand at it and experience the trouble firsthand." "If after busying himself for half a month, he can''t manage to grow three acres of fields..." Old Hao raised his eyebrows, "by then, when I present him with the news you''ve gathered, we''ll talk." "He''ll definitely need to sell his treasures for money!" The small-eyed fat man had a sudden realization, "Old Hao has thought of everything!" Suddenly he worried, "But what if he learns how to do it?" Old Hao rolled his eyes, "I really haven''t held back this week, explaining the tricks clearly, but most of the time, it''s me doing the work." "I talk a lot, I do a lot." "He listens a lot, but practices little." "He thinks he knows, but once he truly gets to work, heh..." Old Hao''s laugh was full of meaning. The small-eyed fat man immediately gave a thumbs-up, "Impressive!" Old Hao looked complacent. "You think I''ve lived this age for nothing?" The small-eyed fat man smiled broadly, "Don''t worry, Old Hao. After this deal is done, I''ll definitely hand over a ten percent commission." Old Hao immediately nodded in satisfaction. After thinking it over, he couldn''t help but instruct, "The price you offer can''t be too outrageous. We have to think long-term; trade must be done with the future in mind." "Subsequent purchases of elixirs and magic artifacts could bring in a few more profits." The fat man nodded with a smile, "Don''t worry, Old Hao, I''ll remember that." "We can''t cut the leek by its roots." "Besides, we''re not planning to swindle him. At most, we''ll just press down the price a bit." "Compared to what Dong Cheng and his gang are doing, our actions aren''t pressure, they''re outright robbery!" Chapter 183 Seventh Rank Half a month later at noon, Old Hao, holding his smoking pipe, casually strolled over the Low Hill with each step covering more than ten meters. "After half a month of hard labor, you must have had your fill of suffering." "The acre I helped to plant should have already sprouted by now." "Those he planted himself, at least half must be dead!" "At noon, after toiling all morning. The heat, exhaustion, and agitation." "All I need is to provoke him with my words, and he''ll definitely feel resentful." Thinking this, Old Hao''s demeanor was leisurely, yet he swiftly arrived at the edge of the field like the wind. He immediately saw the acre he had helped plant, with young seedlings as long as an index finger, green like iron needles, breaking through the soil, pointing straight towards the sky. "Without comparison, there can be no hurt feelings. See, it''s all stable!" He had already seen the hard-working figure under the sun and immediately approached. "Brother Chen, the Yellow Bud Rice you planted isn''t... hmm?!" Before he finished speaking, Old Hao was shocked into silence by the sight before him in the field. The Yellow Bud Rice fields, which should have had a high death rate, were neatly lined with seedlings as tall as peanuts, like yellow needles of pine. "Old Hao, what were you saying just now?" Chen Mu arrived at the field with a smile. A twitch tugged at Old Hao''s mouth: "I was saying your Yellow Bud Rice is planted quite well!" Chen Mu, looking at the planting skill on the grey wall that had progressed more than First Rank, gratefully said, "It''s all thanks to your excellent guidance, Old Hao!" Old Hao: "..." He really wanted to strangle his half-month-ago self. Why the hell did you teach him so well! Ten percent commission, at least twenty White Jade Coins, all gone just like that! ... It took a good while before Old Hao adjusted his mood, looking at the vast swathes of Yellow Bud Rice seedlings emerging, he couldn''t help but click his tongue in wonder: "How many acres did you plant?" "Aside from the acre you helped me with, I planted another five." Chen Mu said cheerfully. Old Hao looked impressed: "Half a month, even for me, getting up early and going to bed late, would only get four acres planted. Your speed, tsk tsk..." Experience new tales on empire He had to admit, the people who came from the Eight Desolate Islands, each and every one of them were really tough. Former jianghu heroes, masters of their own domains, they put aside their pride when they said they would. And then they could get down to business and work hard in farming. "You must have planted through the night, right?" Old Hao asked. Chen Mu scratched his head, looking simple and honest: "You have good eyes, Old Man, I indeed stayed up a bit." ... At night, under the crescent moon. Below the Low Hill, in the Yellow Bud Rice fields, five clouds of black smoke appeared. With a thought from Chen Mu, the paper ghosts began to work. The Spring Ghost carried Yellow Bud Rice seeds, precisely placing them five fingers deep in the ground. The entire room was filled with a faint fragrance that brought tranquility to the mind and heart. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. In his mind, the Divine Intent Diagram for the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had completely vanished. On the back of his hand, a flash of silver light flickered and disappeared. He grasped his skin, feeling a toughness laced with a slight chill. It was like flexible iron skin, maintaining both hardness and softness. The Soul Strength developed by the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and the Divine Intent Diagram had fully integrated. "What about the rest of this?" Chen Mu scratched his head looking at the patchwork Soul Strength on his body. He pulled up the grey wall. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 7/10000/Seventh Rank; "Can I continue to practice?" Chen Mu felt a surge of unexpected joy. After Spirit and Soul Unification comes the Perceptive cultivation. After so many events, time spent, and traveling the vast seas from Da Liang, wasn''t it all for this day? "It''s a pity there''s no Chunfeng Tower here," Chen Mu felt somewhat regretful. "Forget it, I''ll make myself a feast tomorrow." "By the way, my cooking skill is about to advance too, double happiness." ... The next day, Chen Mu sat at a square table gorging himself, but his expression was ugly. He realized that after the Spirit and Soul Unification, not only did his appetite not decrease, but it had increased again. "Others don''t have this issue," Chen Mu finally noticed something was amiss. "I need to find time to inquire about the details of Spirit and Soul Unification." He couldn''t just keep on cultivating blindly. "I also need to convert the Calming Pills into cash quickly." After buying the materials for Calming Pills, Yellow Bud Rice, and Exotic Beast meat, he was left with only nine White Jade Coins. "Should I sell them to Hundred Herbs Pavilion?" Chen Mu hesitated. Hundred Herbs Pavilion was affiliated with Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard. They offered fair deals, and the disciples of the Lower Courtyard could even get credit for Exotic Beast Bone Powder, making it a conscientious shop. But being a newcomer who''d only been around for just over a month, suddenly producing such a large batch of Calming Pills could attract unwanted attention, couldn''t it? What Hundred Herbs Pavilion knew, Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard would also know. Once exposed, there might be advantages, but disadvantages were certain to come! After all, wealth moves the heart! "I wonder if there''s a place like the Ghost Market," Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. With thousands of disciples in the entire Lower Courtyard planting basin, there had to be a black market. "Old Hao should know." His family had been living here for three generations; they must be privy to many secrets. Chen Mu made up his mind. Chapter 184 Gathering Intelligence "We need to inquire, but not too directly," Chen Mu pondered. The Underground Market is quite covert, and the goods traded there often have a gray area. One must be cautious when probing, to avoid inviting trouble. "Let''s start with discussing the tricks of planting Yellow Bud Rice for a few days. Once I''ve blended in, then I can begin to indirectly inquire," Chen Mu had a plan in mind. The cost of achieving Spirit and Soul Unification indeed increased significantly, but in the end, he still had nine White Jade Coins. There was no need to exchange them for money right away. "Keep calm," Chen Mu reminded himself. In an unfamiliar place, stability is the most important. "I also need to gather details about the cultivation of Spirit and Soul Unification," Chen Mu said as he kneaded his skin that emitted a faint chill. He always felt that his practice was somehow off. ... "Let''s wait another three to five months," Old Hao put down his bowl, which he had wiped clean of Yellow Bud Rice, on the square table. He took out his pipe from behind his waist and lit it, squinting his eyes as he thought and said, "The Scripture Transmission Institute of the Lower Courtyard holds a big sermon every six months." "Each sermon lasts for half a month, and everyone can listen for free." "It starts from Spirit and Soul Unification and goes all the way to Perceptive Spirit Light." "Although it''s only a general explanation, it should solve most of your doubts." "If you''re lucky, you might even get a chance to ask questions individually," Old Hao said, exhaling a fragrant white smoke. Chen Mu couldn''t help but squint his eyes. Such a good opportunity; he definitely had to go and see it when the time came. Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu and hinted without showing much emotion, "Of course, if you have the money, you can go to the Scripture Transmission Institute at any time." "You can purchase Secret Techniques, pay for personal instruction on cultivation bottlenecks, all of that can be handled there." Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow C a different world''s version of knowledge payment? "What''s the price? Is it reliable?" "The Scripture Transmission Institute does these things all year round. What''s there not to trust?" Old Hao rolled his eyes. "As for the price, it varies. The Secret Technique Jade Scrolls have a clear price tag, but for personal instruction on cultivation issues, it depends on the main instructor, the content, and the teaching methods C all the prices are different," Old Hao told him. He further gave Chen Mu several examples. Chen Mu listened, puzzled. The educational philosophy is so... trendy? That''s quite similar to the training institutions of the previous world. He had thought it would be a master-disciple teaching model. "Even for master-disciple teaching, don''t you have to present a gift to the master?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu strangely: "Who would impart cultivation experience for nothing?" "Like how I teach you to plant Yellow Bud Rice, if I teach well, the Scripture Transmission Institute has to pay me." "This is equivalent to the Lower Courtyard spending money to hire a teacher for you." Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with a face that said, ''How do you not understand this?'' Chen Mu felt uncomfortable all over. He felt like a country bumpkin with no worldly experience. Then he thought of his own origins, an island suspended in the sea C although the island was overly large C it did indeed belong to the remote outskirts of the overseas lands. Wasn''t he precisely an unsophisticated country bumpkin? Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile bitterly. "The Scripture Transmission Institute of the Lower Courtyard is indeed very serious and responsible," Old Hao said with narrowed eyes: "Of course, all this presupposes that you have enough White Jade Coins." The reward from the Scripture Transmission Institute might be within reach, but the commission from selling treasures was probably gone. In the past two or three months, all of the outsiders who had arrived with Chen Mu had sold some of their personal treasures. In a region, the top-tier individuals invariably had rare items in their possession. Even on remote overseas islands, the treasures accumulated by the elite were still valuable. Those who traded them had made a pretty penny, making him and the fat monk drool with envy. Unfortunately... Old Hao looked helplessly at Chen Mu. This man was too earnest, spending all day just farming. Seeing others'' cultivation rise rapidly, wasn''t he anxious at all? No, that''s not right! How did such an honest man cultivate a Shell Soul, and how did he even traverse the vast ocean? Old Hao''s heart skipped a beat. There must be something off here! Old Hao''s brows furrowed tightly as he stared intently at Chen Mu from head to toe! Recalling their interactions over the past few months and observing Chen Mu''s behavior, Old Hao''s face suddenly darkened. "This man..." "This man is truly damn lucky!" "It must be so!" Old Hao affirmed. Otherwise, an honest, uncontentious person without top-notch luck could never have come this far! Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with mixed feelings. "Maybe, next time I go to the gambling ship, I''ll take him along for the ride? Maybe I can rub off some of his luck?" Old Hao''s eyes lit up. "Forget it, we don''t have many honest people like him anymore, can''t lead him astray," Old Hao sighed. The honest man, Chen Mu, felt uneasy under Old Hao''s intense gaze. What was the old man thinking? Never mind that, we''ve gotten familiar over this period; it''s time to inquire about the Underground Market District. Thinking this, Chen Mu casually mentioned, "I heard there''s a market district here besides Tongtian Square?" "There is one," Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu, "Tongtian Square sells genuine goods, but the prices..." Old Hao made a face at Chen Mu. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. The buying prices were low, and selling prices were high. "There''s also an Underground Market District. They have a gathering every half month. But the place is a mix of good and bad; it can easily lead to trouble." Chen Mu nodded. This was consistent with the norm for a Ghost Market. If there weren''t problems, who would go to such a place for trading? "Why are you asking about this?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu curiously. "I just have some items I can''t use; I''m wondering where I could exchange them for some money?" Chen Mu looked at the Calming Pills inside the Five Ghosts Bag. The Hundred Herbs Pavilion was selling them at thirty for one White Jade Coin. The purchase price would definitely not be that high. So, it was better to sell them in the Underground Market District. In the entire plains of the Lower Courtyard, there were several thousand Armor Spirit Warriors. Just by giving out three to five pills, he could quickly monetize them. Chen Mu pondered how to sell them securely while making money. However, Old Hao was staring at Chen Mu, his face filled with unspeakable delight. "After all the twists and turns, is the commission coming back to me?!" What an unexpected joy! Chapter 185 Honest Man "Do you really have things you don''t need that you intend to sell?" Old Hao asked, his face filled with surprise. Of course not. I just wanted to sell some extra Calming Pills. Chen Mu, not knowing what to say, ambiguously replied, "I do intend to sell some stuff." "Then you must be careful," Old Hao quickly composed himself, frowning in thought. "Tongtian Square is known for buying low and selling high. Unless it''s a really good item, it''s not worth selling there." "But the Underground Market is not safe, with all sorts mixing together, it''s easy to run into trouble," Old Hao said earnestly. "You''ve just arrived. It''s better to first get a handle on things for about half a year to a year, get to know the surroundings. Then go to the Underground Market, that way it''s safer." Chen Mu looked at Old Hao with gratitude. Such a sincere man, always thinking ahead for others. As a stranger here, if I rashly ventured into the Underground Market to sell Calming Pills, it would certainly invite malicious scrutiny. "I wonder, Old Hao, could you possibly take me there?" Chen Mu sincerely asked. Waiting a bit wasn''t a problem, but getting a look first wouldn''t hurt. Old Hao had been mixing about in the Lower Courtyard at the foot of Jilong Mountain his whole life, he knew the place inside out. Having him as a guide to get acquainted with the Underground Market would be beneficial. "Why are you so stubborn!" Old Hao pursed his lips tight, his brows knitted. You must not laugh, definitely must not laugh! It was so close, just a hair away from failing to control that urge to curl the corners of his mouth! "Alright then, I''ll go back and find you a connection, I''ll take you to an acquaintance to have a look first," said Old Hao, shaking his head as he got up and walked away with his hands behind his back. Explore more at empire Chen Mu saw him to the door and watched his swiftly disappearing figure, filled with emotion: "What a good man!" ... In a field of intermingling yellow and green, overrun with weeds, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields lay before a stone house situated at the edge of the land. Old Hao glanced at the declining fields and his eyelids twitched hard. Without even bothering to curse, he hurried forward and knocked on the door: "Shang Huan, Shang Huan! Open up, I bring good news!" "Uncle Hao, what''s this..." the small-eyed, chubby Shang Huan said in surprise, seeing Old Hao. "That Brother Chen has finally come to his senses!" Old Hao said with an expression of indescribable complexity. It wasn''t easy. He had been dropping hints for months, openly and covertly prodding, and finally persuaded this fellow. "He''s planning to sell treasures?" Shang Huan''s small eyes suddenly went round. "That''s right, Uncle Hao. I was about to give up already. Come in," Shang Huan couldn''t help but laugh heartily. It wasn''t that he couldn''t stay calm; it was just that these outsiders really had some treasures, one way or another. If he could get his hands on them and resell them on the Ghost Ship on the Tongtian River at a higher price, the profit, tsk tsk... It''s said that someone had earned three times the amount of White Jade Coins! "So what treasures does Brother Chen have?" Shang Huan couldn''t contain his excitement. "I haven''t seen the item yet, but he''s already thinking of selling," Old Hao said with a laugh. Shang Huan: "This is obviously... Ouch, darn, why are there three fingers now!" The two looked at each other, perplexed, and suddenly felt weak in their limbs. Their eyes rolled back, and they slumped to the ground with a thud. A cloud of black smoke appeared in the room and slowly spread around, filling the whole room in the blink of an eye. The bag of Yellow Bud Rice in the corner, the air-dried Exotic Beast Meat hanging from the beams, a string of White Jade Coins hidden in the crevices of the wall, as well as the precious items on Old Hao and Shang Huan''s bodies, all vanished in a blink of an eye. Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu had a pained expression on his face as he turned his back to the room''s door. "I have no intention to harm others, yet others intend to swindle me." "I didn''t want this." Chen Mu looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with profound disappointment. "I farm earnestly, yet behind my back, you plot to deceive me." "This is too much to bear!" "Since it''s come to this, I will give you a lesson!" "Let you see for yourself the treachery of this world!" ... The next morning, Old Hao appeared in front of Chen Mu''s place with a dark expression. Looking at Chen Mu slowly inspecting the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and occasionally bending over to pull out weeds, Old Hao tried hard to compose his facial expression. "I hope Brother Chen can bring out some good stuff." "To make up for last night''s losses quickly." "Otherwise, this year is going to be tight." He instinctively pulled out his smoking pipe but eventually refrained from lighting it. "Need to save it." Old Hao steadied his mood and leisurely walked into the fields. "Brother Chen, the task is done. Let''s meet tonight," he said. "If you want to sell anything, you can prepare it in advance." Chen Mu''s face beamed with a smile, "I thought about it carefully and feel what Old Hao said makes sense." What do you mean? When did I talk sense? Old Hao was a bit confused. "I''m new here, best to settle in for half a year or a year first." Don''t do that! Old Hao panicked, if you get settled, then I can''t settle down. Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, he coughed and said in a feigned gentle tone, "But if you don''t exchange for some White Jade Money, you''ll end up in debt this year." Chen Mu''s face was the picture of innocence, "No worries, Old Hao mentioned before, my talent for farming is pretty decent." Chen Mu smiled cheerily, "Old Hao, I trust you!" Old Hao: "..." Can you not trust me? After all this back and forth, there''s no cut left? Darn! Chapter 186 Exotic Beast In the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu watched Old Hao''s slightly disheveled retreating figure and couldn''t help but sigh. "I didn''t want to." Chen Mu shook his head, "There is no such thing as an unprovoked kindness." "This world that crushes one''s hopes..." Looking at the items snatched within the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu sighed again. The loss of these items could be a heavy blow to Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan. It might leave them without food, unable to pay their dues, unsuccessful in their practices. "But if I don''t teach them a lesson, what will they do when they encounter someone more ruthless in the future?" "What''s at stake then might not just be possessions, but their very lives!" Chen Mu let out a breath, "I''m doing this for their own good!" "I hope you can become kind and solid individuals!" Thinking that he may have shaped two good people in this world, Chen Mu''s mood instantly brightened. After Old Hao''s figure disappeared over Low Mountain, Chen Mu didn''t bother to pretend to weed any longer. He straightened up and thick black smoke spread across the fields. Chen Mu strolled leisurely through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and with a casual roundabout walk, all the weeds vanished without a trace. "Planting Yellow Bud Rice isn''t that difficult, is it?" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. According to his estimate, as long as he could hold on until the autumn harvest, he would definitely meet the target for paying his dues. "Time to go home and make a feast!" ... In the stone courtyard on the east side, the previously abandoned vegetable patch was cleaned and leveled by Chen Mu, who laid down a floor of green stone slabs. Using round logs as pillars and wooden planks for the roof, Chen Mu routinely built a wooden shed. Under the shed, rocking chairs and a low tea table were neatly arranged. After eating, Chen Mu comfortably nestled into a rocking chair. Black smoke swirled as items began to materialize out of thin air. "A half bag of Yellow Bud Rice, that''s enough for five or six days of eating," Chen Mu said with a twist of his lip. "Dried Exotic Beast Meat with sinewy muscles, I wonder what the full appearance of this beast is, it looks a bit strange." Chen Mu pressed the cured meat and nodded in satisfaction. "I''ll wash it and try making stir-fried flavored cured meat tonight." Next, he took out three small cloth bags and dumped them onto the low table. "A total of seventeen White Jade Coins, this is good!" Chen Mu heaved a sigh of relief, the money was enough for him to eat for four or five months and solved an urgent need. "This way, there''s no rush to sell the Calming Pills." His experience with Old Hao made him distrustful of the new environment. "I''ll wait until I''ve listened to teachings at the Scripture Transmission Institute," Chen Mu thought to himself. He needed to confirm that his Spirit and Soul Unification had no issues. Chen Mu took out a copper mirror and looked at his face. In the middle of his forehead, silver threads like waves were faintly visible. "Old Hao''s face and arms haven''t changed, and his appetite is still normal. What''s with my Spirit Armor Technique?" Chen Mu wondered with confusion. "Since I can''t make the original Fasting Pill, should I try making a 4.0 version of it?" Chen Mu pondered. He didn''t know how to turn Yellow Bud Rice into the Fasting Pill. But the idea of transforming Yellow Bud Rice into a 4.0 version of the Fasting Pill was still within his reach. "Mixing in Exotic Beast Meat, that just might work." As he was contemplating, a sudden realization flashed through his mind. Chen Mu''s action of chewing the Fasting Pills abruptly paused. He called up the grey wall. Culinary Skills: 5/10000/Fourth Rank; As he was musing over the Fasting Pill, his Culinary Skills naturally broke through to Fourth Rank. He finally understood the ingredients of the Fasting Pill. "Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle. "Alchemical Technique didn''t make it clear, but Culinary Skills did. Heh..." "A misunderstanding indeed." In the end, the Fasting Pill was simply a type of food. "It''s a pity I still can''t extract it," Chen Mu shook his head. Fourth Rank Culinary Skills only enabled him to identify the ingredients, but not the extraction methods. "Perhaps the Scripture Transmission Institute might have the answer," Chen Mu contemplated. "No point thinking about it now, first I need to take good care of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." As he was thinking this, Chen Mu suddenly paused, turning his head towards the direction of the courtyard gate. "An Exotic Beast?" The paper Ghosts floating over the field transmitted back a bizarre image. A group of uninvited guests had barged into the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. With bodies the size of calves, shiny black fur, branching antler-like horns, and muscles more inflated and exaggerated than those of a past-world bodybuilder. "Is this... a sheep?" ... "Black Sheep with Antlers, they eat a lot and grow fast," Old Hao remarked with amazement as he looked at the black sheep lying in a row in the field. "You''re lucky to have found out in time; otherwise, they would have ruined two mu of your Yellow Bud Rice in just one night." "Two adults and three young, they can sell for two White Jade Coins, you''re really fortunate," Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with envy. Chen Mu chuckled, "Can these be eaten?" "You''re not planning to exchange them for money?" Old Hao looked surprisedly at Chen Mu. "They can be eaten; some people specifically raise this kind of Exotic Beast to slaughter and sell for money." "But... but that''s two White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu smiled broadly, "No worries, I''d like to try something new." After all, he would have to spend money to buy Exotic Beast Meat, so why not just eat this one. To spend two White Jade Coins to try something new? I wish I could do that! Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with mixed feelings. "This guy''s luck is really damn good!" Discover hidden stories at empire Chapter 187 Mustard Seed Talisman "Keep the meat for food." "Hides, bones, horns can all be sold for money," Old Hao reminded. "Does Old Hao have a way?" Chen Mu''s heart stirred, his face showing difficulty: "I''m new here, and I don''t know how to deal with them." "For such small things, it''s not worth the trip to Tongtian Square." "What if another Exotic Beast comes and ruins the Yellow Bud Rice Fields? Then these past few months will have been a waste." Old Hao''s eyebrows rose, a flicker of pleasure passing through his eyes: "If you trust me, you can leave it to me." "Old Hao, I trust you!" Chen Mu smiled brightly. Old Hao hesitated and nodded, feeling something off about that statement. Forget it, making money is what''s important. Now that I''m strapped for cash, I can only resell some Exotic Beast Materials. ... Three days later, in the evening, Old Hao folded the preliminarily processed hides and packed them together with the cleaned Exotic Beast bones. He donned a black cloak and a piece of black cloth over his face, and carrying the bundle, he quickly vanished into the night. In the mountains to the north of the basin plain. Old Hao moved quickly through the dense jungle and soon stopped in front of a natural cave entrance. A person in a similarly hooded cloak appeared abruptly. "Who referred you here?" the cloaked person asked coldly. "Shang Huan," replied Old Hao cautiously. The cloaked person scrutinized Old Hao, paying close attention to the bundle behind him, and then slowly nodded: "Go on in." Old Hao breathed a sigh of relief and slipped into the cave entrance, disappearing from sight. ... Before long, another person with a gray cloth bag appeared. The cloaked figure that was hiding somewhere reappeared. "Who referred you here," the cloaked person asked coldly. "Shang Huan," Chen Mu replied calmly. The cloaked person immediately became suspicious, eyeing Chen Mu. Two referrals from Shang Huan in a rowcould there be a problem? Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, wasn''t that what Old Hao had just said? He casually asked as though it was nothing: "That chubby guy with the small eyes didn''t come today?" The cloaked person''s tension eased. Being able to accurately describe Shang Huan''s appearance and stature indicated he indeed knew Shang Huan. "Go on in," said the cloaked person indifferently. Chen Mu nodded calmly and slipped into the cave entrance. "The entrance check isn''t as strict as I imagined." Otherwise, how could someone get through just by asking casually? "Someone''s behind this? Not afraid of trouble?" Chen Mu understood. Upon entering the cave, there was immediately a downhill slope. After descending for seventy or eighty meters, he arrived at the bottom of the cave, which grew more spacious the further down he went. Standing at the entrance at the bottom of the cave, Chen Mu looked ahead. Inside the underground cavern was a large square lit by Glowing Algae Lamps scattered around, illuminating the interior as if it were daylight. "The Underground Market really is underground." "People coming and going, lights shining brightlyso brazen?" Chen Mu was surprised. It seemed that the people behind this were no small fries. "Could some big shots from the Lower Courtyard be involved too?" Chen Mu speculated. ... He soon began to wander the Underground Market. At one vendor''s stall. "What''s the price for Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu asked. "One hundred twenty for a pound," the short, thin shopkeeper said cheerfully. One White Jade Coin? Indeed, cheaper than inside Tongtian Square. "May I have a look?" Chen Mu said skeptically, hoping it wasn''t a sub-par imitation. Stay updated through empire "Be my guest," the short, thin shopkeeper opened up the burlap bag. Chen Mu grabbed a handful to inspect, full kernels of good-quality Yellow Bud Rice. He was about to buy, but something crossed his mind, and he reached to the bottom of the burlap bag. The almost complacent shopkeeper immediately tensed up. Chen Mu wordlessly withdrew his hand and turned to leave. Good stuff on top, inferior goods at the bottom. If it hadn''t looked different, Chen Mu would have thought Jie Jia was here. "This Underground Market really is full of all sorts." Chen Mu lost interest in buying anything and merely treated it as a chance to broaden his horizons. ... At another street stall, several familiar items caught Chen Mu''s attention. "Isn''t this the same type of leather wrist guard that Shang Huan had?" "How much is this?" Chen Mu leaned forward unobtrusively and asked. ``` "Thirty-six White Jade Coins," said the shop owner, an old man with a demon mask and grizzled hair and beard. ``` ``` Chen Mu shook his head slightly, saying indifferently, "Too expensive." ``` ``` The grizzled-haired old man looked up at Chen Mu and said calmly, "Scram." ``` ``` Chen Mu: "..." ``` ``` How is this cursing people? ``` ``` Just then, a burly man suddenly approached, giving Chen Mu a sidelong glance. He then deftly handed a cloth bag to the old man, "Give me a Mustard Seed Talisman." ``` ``` ``` ``` ... ``` ``` Below Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, beetles the size of a fingernail and vibrant green in color flew up unexpectedly. ``` ``` They landed on the leaves of the Yellow Bud Rice and began to gnaw voraciously. ``` ``` The tough, rubber-like Yellow Bud Rice leaves were quickly punctured with big holes. ``` ``` And once the beetle ate through a palm-sized leaf, ``` ``` it suddenly split in two, creating two beetles. ``` ``` One became two, two became four, and four became eight; a patch of beetles as big as a flat basket in no time became as large as a double bed. ``` ``` Chen Mu''s face turned grim as he observed the Yellow Bud Rice leaves riddled with holes. ``` ``` It seemed they could only morph three times, but their feeding never ceased. ``` ``` He reached out to grab a green beetle, which, infuriated, turned and fiercely bit at Chen Mu. ``` ``` Chen Mu''s neck and scalp tensed as he instinctively contracted his muscles, preparing to bear the pain. ``` ``` Crack! ``` ``` The mouthparts, shimmering with a cold light and resembling that of a weapon, shattered. ``` ``` Chen Mu looked at his fingers, now laced with silver threads, in amazement. ``` ``` He hadn''t felt the slightest thing from that bite, powerful enough to crush stone. ``` ``` "Spirit Armor Technique is indeed no trivial matter," he thought. His skin had been transformed long ago to be impenetrable to blades and spears. ``` ``` Even without Gather Strength, his skin was already tougher than Shell Soul''s defenses. ``` ``` "We can''t let these bugs continue to wreak havoc on the Yellow Bud Rice," he resolved. ``` ``` Clang! ``` ``` A sound like that of a giant bell being struck suddenly filled the air. ``` ``` Chen Mu suddenly rang the Heartless Bell. ``` ``` The sound wave swiftly spread through the area. ``` ``` The bold beetles, just moments ago, shuddered and fell like drunks to the ground. ``` ``` Black smoke billowed within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. ``` ``` And the green beetles vanished instantly. ``` ``` "Good thing I returned just in time," Chen Mu exhaled in relief. ``` ``` If left unchecked, these pests could have completely devastated his ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice overnight! ``` Chapter 188 Bai Yang Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu pinched an oval-shaped emerald insect and examined it. The insect was the size of a fingernail and entirely a lustrous green, looking as if it were carved from jade. When motionless, it appeared quite exquisite. But Chen Mu wouldn''t forget how irritable they were last night. "Thank goodness they have a limit to how many times they can split." Just thinking about that overwhelming scenario made Chen Mu shiver uncontrollably. "One must not underestimate exotic beasts," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. The previous encounter with the antlered black sheep, which he could knock down with a single punch each, had led him to believe that exotic beasts were of little concern. But the strange beetles had taught Chen Mu a lesson. "They might have some bizarre abilities." ... "I''ve never seen it before," Old Hao, holding the insect, shook his head in confusion. "Rice stem borers, thrips, leafhoppers, planthoppersthese are the usual pests in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "This green jade-like insect is the first I''ve ever seen," frowned Old Hao. The emergence of a new pest could be devastating to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields if insecticide measures were not identified swiftly. "Have you tried using insecticides? Do they kill?" Old Hao asked. Chen Mu shook his head, "Haven''t tried, don''t know." The insect was stunned by the Heartless Bell, and except for a few samples, the rest were fed to the Five Ghosts Bag. He had assumed they were common pests, but it turned out to be a different kind. "Keep an eye out these next few days," Old Hao sighed. Chen Mu nodded. He wasn''t really scared. Last night, he had discovered that the Heartless Bell was incredibly effective against small flying insects. With its wide range and ability to stun, there was no need to buy insecticide. ... "This is what you earned from the antlered black sheep''s hide and bones." Old Hao handed Chen Mu two White Jade Coins. "So much?" Chen Mu was surprised. "If you sell the entire thing, you''ll get even more than this," Old Hao rolled his eyes. After a thought, Chen Mu put away the White Jade Coins and went to his room to fetch a preserved and air-dried leg of the antlered black sheep that he was preparing as cured meat and handed it to Old Hao. "I made this myself; you should take it home and try it." "Brother Chen is generous," laughed Old Hao as he naturally accepted the forty-something pounds of exotic beast meat. All the hard work he did was for a bit of commission, wasn''t it? The exotic beast meat would save him a lot of Yellow Bud Rice money. Even if he didn''t eat it, he could sell it. While it couldn''t be exchanged for White Jade Coins, a few thousand Silver was easily obtainable. He went through them one by one, not giving up, but didn''t find the treasured books of secret techniques he had long anticipated. "I really don''t have the protagonist''s halo," Chen Mu shook his head. After critically going through them several times, Chen Mu found that it wasn''t just imperial erotica in there; he also found Shang Huan''s ledgers. They recorded the number of items he bought and sold in reverse, as well as the prices at different delivery locations. "There''s a Ghost Ship on the Tongtian River?" Chen Mu was somewhat surprised. "And it can go to other gathering places on Jilong Road?" "The basin plain is just one of the gathering places of the Lower Courtyard," Chen Mu realized. However... "Why does the True Sun Scripture cost only one White Jade Coin?!" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise as he looked at one item on the list. Something''s not right here. ... "You didn''t buy it, did you?" Old Hao burped, glancing at Chen Mu sideways. Having held back for three days, Chen Mu finally found an excuse to invite Old Hao for a meal and by the way ask about the price of the True Sun Scripture. "I''m not stupid," Chen Mu rolled his eyes. It was clearly problematic. "Other people aren''t stupid either, but they still pay money for it," Old Hao shrugged his shoulders. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow: "So this cheap True Sun Scripture could actually be genuine?" Otherwise, why would people spend money to buy it? "It''s genuine, but not complete," Old Hao took a drag of his cigarette. "Even though the Scripture Transmission Institute keeps preaching about how chanting Scriptures over and over reveals its wonders naturally. But...," Old Hao pursed his lips. "Without the Secret Technique Jade Scroll imparting the True Intent of the Jade Seed, trying to comprehend the mysteries from a piece of obscure scripture is as difficult as ascending to the heavens." "But there are always those who think themselves exceptional." He glanced at Chen Mu. "Especially you outsiders." "True Intent?" This touched on an area unknown to him. Old Hao leisurely exhaled a puff of white smoke and said indifferently, "That''s the core foundation of a Secret Technique." "Forget it, even if I tell you, you wouldn''t understand." "Wait until when you''ve saved enough money, go to the Scripture Transmission Institute, buy a copy of the True Sun Scripture, and study the Secret Technique Jade Scroll, then you''ll understand everything." The core foundation? Could it be something like the Divine Intent Diagram? Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and suddenly spoke up, "Old Hao, you mentioned that by chanting the Scripture a myriad of times, the wonders would reveal themselves?" "Why, you don''t believe it?" Old Hao looked askance at Chen Mu. "Old Hao, you know I believe you," Chen Mu said earnestly. Old Hao nodded in satisfaction, glad this wasn''t some stubborn youth who wouldn''t take advice. "So, how much for one book?" Chen Mu smiled. Old Hao: "..." ``` Chapter 189 Open Source Low Hill Courtyard, under the wooden shed. Chen Mu moved his rocking chair to the south, getting as close to the well as he could. Recently, as his proficiency with the Spirit Armor Technique increased, the silver strand at his forehead became clearer and clearer, and he often felt a cool touch. It was as if a fine misty rain occasionally landed on his forehead. These past few days, he discovered the closer he was to the well, the more frequent this cool sensation appeared. "Earth Spirit Vital Energy?" The Sixth Rank Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique involved the unification of soul and spirit. The Seventh Rank most likely corresponded to perception. Chen Mu guessed that this stage was about perceiving Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Remembering his cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, Chen Mu''s face was full of emotion. Without needing to cultivate, one could simply eat, drink, and breathe to earn experience, just as one grows normally. "It''s practically a fantasy-like Cultivation Technique." Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "The only fear is that there might be some problems." Tongtian Square''s Scripture Transmission Institute was two months away. Going there alone, without enough White Jade Coins, wouldn''t work. The appearance of the True Sun Scripture provided Chen Mu with a new plan. To master the True Sun Scripture and compare it directly with the Spirit Armor Technique to see if there were any issuesit would be immediately evident. "Reciting scriptures offers endless changes, and the essence will reveal itself?" "Heh..." "To others, this would be deceit." "But to me, it''s the true teaching." He immediately unrolled a grey scroll about the length of a palm and as thick as a wrist. The densely packed, seemingly disjointed text came into view. Chen Mu''s lips curled into a smile, his heart leaping with excitement. "Another new challenge." ... Below Low Hill, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Chen Mu strolled casually among the metre-tall Yellow Bud Rice stalks. Invisible black smoke spread across the ground, and the weeds that had just sprouted vanished in an instant. Chen Mu mumbled non-stop, reciting the thousands of characters that made up the curse words of the True Sun Scripture. At a certain moment, a sudden enlightenment sprang up in Chen Mu''s mind. The curse words he was reciting were interrupted halfway through. Find your next adventure on empire Chen Mu couldn''t help but look at the main stalk of a Yellow Bud Rice plant beside him. Curious, he walked over and snapped the main stalk. Inside was a fat white caterpillar, wriggling and eating away at the stalk. "I didn''t expect my planting abilities to advance to the Second Rank first," Chen Mu chuckled. With a flood of insights pouring into his mind, he looked over the verdant Yellow Bud Rice Fields and immediately noticed several areas needing improvement. ... Dong Fang looked at him with a smirk: "Buy his life." "Buy his own life." The bald strongman: "..." ... Advancing his Planting Skill to the Second Rank had made Chen Mu''s care for the Yellow Bud Rice Fields even more proficient. With the help of the Five Ghosts, he only needed one hour a day to complete the care of the Yellow Bud Rice. The rest of the time, he used it all to recite the True Sun Scripture. He didn''t know if it was because he had mastered the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique or because the fog outside the Divine Intent Diagram had been previously broken through. Every time he recited the Curse Words, it would bring Chen Mu four to six points of experience. In one hour, he could gain sixty to seventy experience points. As his proficiency increased, the Divine Intent Diagram of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape and his Soul Strength began to shake, adjust, and resonate in unison. Two days later, this resonance reached its peak. A strand of Jet Black Soul Strength suddenly appeared in front of him. Then, following a small breach in the fog, it swiftly drilled into the middle of the fog. Next, it headed straight for the Blue-eyed Golden Ape''s Divine Intent Diagram and disappeared into it in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu looked helplessly at the Divine Intent Diagram, which had immediately brightened slightly, his face full of chagrin. "One Divine Intent Diagram running away, one Soul Strength burrowing in," he lamented. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique really is making me do the splits." ... Five days later, inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Black smoke billowed as Chen Mu held a fist-sized white porcelain bottle in his hand. "Tongtian Square''s prices truly are expensive," Chen Mu sighed. One White Jade Coin only got him ten Fasting Pills. Previously, Jie Jia had said that one White Jade Coin could usually buy about twelve pills. Dumping out one pill, Chen Mu carefully divided it into ten parts. Picking up one piece, he placed it in his mouth. The Fasting Pill, with its faint fragrance, melted as soon as it hit his tongue, traveling down his throat into his stomach and quickly assimilating throughout his body. "Given my current physical condition, eating a Fasting Pill is unlikely to burst me," Chen Mu shrugged. "Still, I should eat only half," he decided, to be safe. With the entry-level mastery of the True Sun Scripture, his Spirit Soul began to merge. His appetite increased once again. Chen Mu could only buy a bottle of Fasting Pills as a supplement. "It''s just too expensive." Now his monthly living expenses had reached an astonishing five White Jade Coins. And as he continued his cultivation, this number would only go up. "I can''t just sit around and wait for the supplies to run out." "I need to find a way to sell some Calming Pills." Chapter 190 Middleman At night, in the abandoned Yellow Bud Rice fields, within the Shang Huan estate. Old Hao mixed homemade bone powder into a pile of True Bone Powder, while anxiously looking at Shang Huan, "Are we really doing this?" The small-eyed, chubby Shang Huan wielded an iron shovel, turning and stirring relentlessly. "Hundred Herbs Pavilion sells bone powder, five White Jade Coins can only buy five hundred catties." "We, for the same five White Jade Coins, provide five hundred and fifty catties." "If we don''t adulterate it, how can we make any profit!" Old Hao muttered for a while before sighing, "Aren''t you afraid of getting caught?!" Shang Huan chuckled slyly, "I''m only mixing in eighty catties into the five hundred and fifty; I haven''t added that much." "As long as the entire batch of fertilizer is used over ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice fields." "That''s merely two catties less True Bone Powder per acre, how could that change anything for the Yellow Bud Rice fields." "Rest assured, the buyers won''t have any reduced yield due to the fertilizer." "Even if there''s a slight decrease in yield, it wouldn''t fall below the fluctuation limit for Yellow Bud Rice harvest." "If someone complains, then it''s their farming techniques to blame!" Old Hao looked at Shang Huan with a complex expression. "You swindler..." Yet Shang Huan was full of pride, "So tell me, are you in or out?" Old Hao sighed and shook his head, "I''m in!" Chen Mu, hovering outside over the Yellow Bud Rice fields, "..." "Is this the fraudulent practice of those fertilizer workshops in my previous life, mixing inferior products with good ones?" "Different world, same greed," Chen Mu lamented. "Sure enough, one can''t expect much change from these guys." Just yesterday, Old Hao was still recommending a cheap bone powder to him. Now, it was clear it must have been this very product. Chen Mu almost couldn''t restrain himself from storming in and giving them a good thrashing! Some people just never learn! Inside the room, the two men worked with fervor. "Will we make any money?" Old Hao was still somewhat worried. "Relax, this bone powder was sourced from a Ghost Ship," Shang Huan confidently declared, "one hundred and twenty catties for just one White Jade Coin." "Add in the bone powder we mix, roughly five hundred and fifty catties cost around four White Jade Coins." "We earn one White Jade Coin per batch sold." "Sell a hundred batches, and we make a hundred White Jade Coins!" Shang Huan exclaimed excitedly. "Also, for every batch you sell, I''ll give you half of a White Jade Coin," Shang Huan eyed Old Hao eagerly. The old man had been farming Yellow Bud Rice all his life, and he knew a lot of farmers; if sales channels could be opened, it would mean a massive order! "Are you sure the Ghost Ship''s bone powder is fine?" Old Hao hesitated. "Of course!" Shang Huan confirmed vehemently. Immediately, Old Hao clenched his teeth, "It''s just a slight reduction in yield." "I''m in!" "Straight to the point, I like that," Chen Mu said with a smile. Bang! A sudden collision sounded. Startled, Shang Huan trembled and then realized that a grey wooden cabinet had appeared out of nowhere, crashing to the ground. "I have some stuff I no longer need, can you help me sell them?" "This is mine!" Recognizing the familiar cabinet, Shang Huan couldn''t help but shout out loud. In the next moment, a cold breath suddenly enveloped him. A sense of fatal danger took over his heart. I will die! If I move, I will die! Shang Huan instantly froze in place, daring not to move. Find adventures at empire But he felt indescribably aggrieved in his heart. Stealing my things and then asking me to sell them for money, you''re really bullying people too much! The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit surrounded Shang Huan, as Chen Mu tried his best to control the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. But his crazed desire to devour was blatantly evident in his eyes. Chen Mu slightly turned his head, revealing his left ear, and continued in a gentle voice, slowly saying, "Yours?" Shang Huan almost instinctively shouted out loud, "Yours, yours, yours..." "Very well," Chen Mu nodded leisurely. "Also, help me sell these Elixir Pills." Six vials of Calming Spirit Pill abruptly appeared above the wooden cabinet. Shang Huan immediately nodded vigorously as if pounding garlic. Chen Mu, satisfied, withdrew the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Turning around, he pushed the door and left, his figure slowly vanishing amidst faint whiffs of black smoke. Shang Huan, intently watching Chen Mu''s retreating figure, couldn''t help but bug out his eyes. ... At night, after sending the restless Old Hao away, Shang Huan closed the door and silently stared at the cabinet in the corner. "Find a protector?" Shang Huan narrowed his eyes: "I heard that Dong Cheng has a Prefect backing him." "But would such a character really stand up for me?" He looked up at the wooden cabinet, contemplating the six porcelain vials. "It seems, this is the key point!" Shang Huan''s eyes lit up. "The crazy Daoist himself knows how to make medicine and practice Alchemy?" "Or has he got someone under his control to do it for him?" "This is an opportunity!" Shang Huan''s eyes sparkled. Having no talent for farming, the small profits from the buying and selling weren''t much, but if he could connect with this crazy Daoist for a long time... "Fortune favors the bold, let''s do this!" Chapter 191 Planning Shang Huan immediately got up, wrapped the porcelain bottles in a cloth bundle, and disappeared into the night. Today was unfortunate, as the Underground Market was not open. However, with years of buying and selling under his belt, he had regular customers. "I need to find those steadfast farmers who can endure the solitude," Shang Huan contemplated. Elixir Pills have always been an essential aid for cultivation. Greed moves the heart. Once people find out he has a channel for Elixir Pills, it will definitely attract covetous glances and probing. These honest folk have a narrow social circle, which makes exposure less likely. "First, I''ll sell off the Calming Pills in hand." If he could keep this up long term, as long as that mad Taoist gave him a little profit, his earnings would far exceed those of the past. "In the future, I could also purchase Elixir Pills from the Ghost Ship to resell." He hadn''t done this before because the profit was too low. But now, it could serve as a perfect cover. And for now, it was only Calming Pills, but who knows what other Elixir Pills there might be later! High-end Elixir Pills would yield even more profit! "I must establish a connection with that mad Taoist!" Late at night, Shang Huan was buzzing with excitement. Clutching six porcelain bottles, he quickly made his way through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The Calming Pill was a sought-after commodity at the Spirit and Soul Unification stage. Before long, Shang Huan had sold all of the Calming Pills. With a satisfied smile on his face, he headed straight back to his home. He didn''t notice that a wisp of black smoke was following him from not far behind. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the black smoke, eyes fixed on Shang Huan. "He''s taken to it quickly." "And he doesn''t seem to have any other schemes in mind." "Perhaps this business can go on for a long time," Chen Mu sighed with relief. With someone to handle the sales for him, he could concentrate on his cultivation. "This is only the first cooperation, though." "Let''s observe for three... maybe five more times." "If this fatty doesn''t harbor other intentions, I''ll have him continue to sell my Elixir Pills." ... Seven days later, Chen Mu reappeared silently at Shang Huan''s residence. On a square table inside the room, there were two piles of White Jade Coins. One pile had nine White Jade Coins, plus a pile of silver. The other pile had seven White Jade Coins, with a small porcelain bottle beside it. "This is the money from selling the stuff in the cabinet, and there are some magic artifact shards that can''t easily be converted to cash right now," Shang Huan said with a twitch in his skin, a look of heartache on his face, as these were originally his life savings. Chen Mu neither confirmed nor denied and simply swept up the pile of White Jade Coins. "This is the money from selling the Calming Pills."No?v(el)B\\jnn "You gave me six bottles, each with forty Calming Pills." "To speed up the selling, I put thirty-two pills in each bottle." "In total, I got seven White Jade Coins and there are eighteen pills remaining," Shang Huan pointed to the other pile of White Jade Coins and said, steeling himself. After half an hour of recitation, Chen Mu stopped to rest. Continue your adventure at empire He checked his proficiency in the grey wall. True Sun Scripture: 553/10000/First Rank; "Still a long journey ahead," Chen Mu shrugged. "How wonderful it would be if the True Sun Scripture could cultivate automatically like the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique," "Gaining experience just by breathing." "Unfortunately..." He took a sip of cool tea, then went out for a stroll in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. While relieving his mind, he also took the opportunity to tidy up the Yellow Bud Rice using his Second Rank Planting Technique. Now that he had an income from the Calming Pills, Chen Mu still didn''t give up planting Yellow Bud Rice. Being an outsider, compared to the identity of Gongsun Sheng, the persona of Chen Mu, a capable farmer, was more secure and stable. "If the harvest goes well, I can rent even more fields." "Later on, when I go to the Scripture Transmission Institute to buy Secret Technique Jade Scrolls, I will also have a legitimate source of income." And with the help of the Five Ghosts Bag, cultivating the land was easy and effortless, and he could continuously gain planting experience. Chen Mu didn''t find it tiresome; on the contrary, he thoroughly enjoyed it. "This is a sense of accomplishment that no virtual farm can bring!" With everything going smoothly, Chen Mu planned to meditate and grind for experience as he usually did. ... "Big brother, that guy really has the temperament of a tortoise!" the bald and burly man said angrily. "A month has passed, and he hasn''t left Low Hill once!" Sitting at the head of the room, Dong Cheng looked at the bald man with a chuckle, "Don''t worry. He will leave one day." "To do great things, one must have patience." The bald burly man looked frustrated: "But he never goes out, that''s not a solution either." Dong Cheng glanced at the bald man and said indifferently, "You must not act rashly." "If you startle the snake by hitting the grass, you''ll have to answer to me!" The bald man immediately shrank his neck and dared not say more; he indeed had the impulse to forcibly take action. Now that the bald man had calmed down, Dong Cheng continued with earnest advice, "We used to have nothing and could afford to take risks." "But now that we have the opportunity to advance further, we can''t be so reckless." "That could ruin the future for both of us." "I hope you can join me officially in the Lower Courtyard instead of, as now, being confined to this basin." The burly man immediately became excited: "I''ll listen to big brother!" Dong Cheng nodded in satisfaction: "Don''t be in a rush." "Judging by that man''s behavior, he''s most likely an ascetic practitioner." "Such people have great patience and excel at dedicated practice. Staying at home to practice hard is normal for them." "But in a month and a half, the annual Scripture Preaching Ceremony will take place." "As an ascetic practitioner, that man is certain to go to the Scripture Transmission Institute!" The bald man''s eyes lit up immediately: "Big brother is truly wise!" Chapter 192 Take Action Clang! A deep tolling of a bronze bell echoed through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Hidden leaf insects, twisted and shaking, fell rustling from beneath the leaves. A thin layer of dark smoke clung to the ground and spread outwards. Freshly sprung weeds and stunned pests that came into contact with the smoke vanished immediately. Chen Mu strolled leisurely through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, finishing his daily care and improvement of the Yellow Bud Rice. ... He returned to the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu approached a well-ventilated spot under the wooden shed. A long wooden rack stood on the north side of the shed''s floor. Seven or eight flat bamboo baskets were arranged in order, all filled with Calming Pills. Stay updated via empire The Soul-Calming Stake leaned against the rack, cooling and ventilating, helping the Calming Pills to solidify and dry. "Over a thousand pills, that should be enough to sell for three months," Chen Mu speculated, carefully turning over the elixir pills. "Buying materials from Hundred Herbs Pavilion is ultimately not safe." "Next time, I could check out the Underground Market District." Even though he intentionally changed his appearance and clothing when making purchases, there was still the possibility of being spied upon by those with ulterior motives. A person capable of pharmaceutical craft and alchemy was like a money tree, and those with even slight power would not leave it be. Shang Huan''s increasingly eager attitude made Chen Mu fully realize just how valuable the Alchemical Technique was. "There were people who dared to cause trouble for Jie Jia over a mere Gentle Breeze Powder." "Now dealing with Calming Pills which can be used as sustenance for cultivation, the risk is even greater." "When I have the time, I''ll need to press Shang Huan again, to act more covertly for safety''s sake." ... After tending to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and sorting through the Calming Pills, Chen Mu took a seat in a rocking chair near the well, lit a Calming Pill, and quietly recited from the True Sun Scripture Scroll. For the past two months, whenever he had the time, he would recite the Curse Words.No?v(el)B\\jnn Belonging to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique Soul Strength, it continuously penetrated the fog and merged into the center of the Divine Intent Diagram. What was once a frosted glass-like Divine Intent Diagram became increasingly clear and bright, constantly emitting a luminescent white light. With just a faint thought, it would appear in his mind immediately. And the shape that was maintained in constant dynamic change was also coming closer to being a circle. "The embryo of the Jade Seed?" Chen Mu realized with a start. There was a description in the True Sun Scripture Scroll. The product of Spirit and Soul Unification was called the Jade Seed. It was the foundation for subsequent cultivation, a necessary measure for ordinary people to catch up to those with innate Daoist Bone. Without the Jade Seed, it was impossible to continue further cultivation! ... Looking at the neat rows of lush Yellow Bud Rice, the bald strong man snickers, "He''s quite the good farmer." "Release the line-back earth spirits!" he commands with a sweep of his hand. His subordinates immediately take off the bamboo baskets strapped to their backs. They open the lids and violently dump out the contents. A wave of fist-sized rats quickly swarm into the Yellow Bud Rice field. The black-furred rats have three white lines on their backs and are swift as the wind with sharp teeth; they can bite through half of the main stem of a wrist-thick Yellow Bud Rice in one bite. Watching the Yellow Bud Rice plants topple one after another, the bald strong man grins, feeling an immense relief over his pent-up frustration from the past three months. "Haha! Let''s go!" ... On the east side of Tongtian Square resides a three-section mansion. Dong Cheng sits in the inner courtyard''s living room, resting with closed eyes. Not long after, the bald strong man bursts in, flushed with excitement. "Elder brother, it''s done!" "I did as you said. The line-back earth spirits were starved for three days." "Then, starting from the south of Low Mountain, I released earth spirits along the way and scattered a lot of their droppings." "Even if someone investigates, they will only think the earth spirits came from the mountains north of Low Mountain." A smile appears on Dong Cheng''s round face, "Well done." "Did you release earth spirits in the nearby households as well?" The bald strong man nods, "Yes!" "I remembered your words, we can''t only have one household affected, else there would be flaws." Dong Cheng nods, "Man-made disasters might attract the Lower Courtyard''s scrutiny, but a natural disaster won''t interest anyone." "Elder brother, shall we wrap things up tomorrow?" the bald strong man asks eagerly, already imagining the anxious and disheartened expression on the other''s face. "No rush," Dong Cheng squints his eyes. "We need to let things ferment for a couple of days." "It''s also a good time to see if this Chen Mu really has a large amount of White Jade Coins." He looks towards the bald strong man, "Keep an eye on Shang Huan, don''t let this fellow get ahead of us." "He probably won''t." The strong man scratches his head. "He''s been busy dealing with Calming Pills from the Ghost Ship lately." Dong Cheng''s interest piques immediately, "He dares to take such a risk with the Lower Courtyard breathing down his neck for that tiny profit?" "Heard he got swindled and is tight on money, so he''s grasping at any profit he can." Dong Cheng''s eyes narrow, "With the risk being high and the profit low, that''s precisely why he shouldn''t be taking such deals!" "He has a problem?" the bald strong man''s eyes light up. "Keep a close watch on him," Dong Cheng says coldly. "Once we''re done with this Chen Mu, we''ll go find Shang Huan!" Chapter 193 Taking the Lead "Big brother, that Chen Mu might really have quite a few White Jade Coins," the bald strongman suddenly said. "So you want to make a move directly?" Dong Cheng glanced at the bald man, "Fed up with watching for three months? Want to vent your frustration personally?" The bald strongman scratched his head and chuckled. Dong Cheng shook his head, "We can''t be as reckless as we used to be." The bald strongman hurriedly defended, "What I said is true!" "Chen Mu visits Tongtian Square every month." "But he always comes back empty-handed, that''s not normal!" "He might have a Mustard Seed Talisman!" The bald strongman''s eyes gleamed. "Other outsiders hustle here and there, hoping to save up White Jade Coins as soon as possible to buy the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method." "But this guy is neither hurried nor slow, full of confidence." With a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Dong Cheng looked at the bald strongman, "So you think he definitely has White Jade Coins?" "Right!" the bald strongman exclaimed, punching his right fist into his left palm, face full of excitement. "Not bad," Dong Cheng grinned, "I didn''t expect you to figure it out too." The strongman''s eyes widened, "Big brother noticed too?" "Then..." "Why go through so much trouble to ruin his Yellow Bud Rice Fields?" Dong Cheng continued. The bald man looked puzzled. "The focus isn''t on the Yellow Bud Rice, but on the Earth Spirit Mice," Dong Cheng said, narrowing his eyes. "If a large number of Earth Spirit Mice can run out of the mountains, then it''s also not too hard for people to accept that one or two fierce Exotic Beasts might escape." Dong Cheng''s mouth curled up ever so slightly, "At that time, an outsider with only Shell Soul Cultivation Level encountering a strange and formidable Exotic Beast. Due to a lack of preparation and insufficient understanding, is it not inevitable that he would die horribly in the maw of the beast!" ... Below the Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. A fist-sized white-striped Earth Spirit Mouse quickly scurried up to a stalk of Yellow Bud Rice. Its nose sniffed lightly, confirming that the stalk in front of it was crisp, tender, and sweet. The mouse''s red-eyed, mung bean-sized pupils involuntarily bulged round with hunger! Read exclusive adventures at empire With its two pink front paws, it lunged to hug the Yellow Bud Rice, its mouth full of fine, sharp teeth like a saw, viciously biting into the stalk! Pop! An invisible vast maw seemed to abruptly materialize out of nowhere. The Earth Spirit Mouse, with its mouth agape, had its head suddenly gnawed off by half. The severed edge was even, as if it had been sliced by a sharp blade. Before even a drop of blood could spray out. Pop! Another soft noise. The entire Earth Spirit Mouse disappeared without a trace. ... "It must consume quite a bit, right?" "Since it''s someone I could possibly offend, then you definitely haven''t sensed the Earth Spirit Vital Energy." "So to activate the magic artifact, you can only draw from all the Vital Energy in your body." Dong Cheng said with a smile, "Want to fight to the death with me? But how many more times can you activate this artifact?" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng indifferently, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Clang clang clang clang... A series of intense collisions resounded throughout the room. The glowing white light shield couldn''t help but ripple continuously. Dong Cheng himself was also confined to the spot by the constant barrage of impacts. But he was calm, and his gaze upon Chen Mu held a mocking amusement, "It''s useless, I told you already." "Do you feel weak all over and sleepy from continuously activating the artifact?" Chen Mu''s gaze flickered, but he maintained the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain without pause. "Hit the nail on the head, didn''t I? Heh..." A grin split Dong Cheng''s face, revealing a ferocious smirk. He crouched slightly to gather strength, hands forming claw shapes, looming over Chen Mu''s entire body, "Thinking of backing out? Too late!" "You made me waste a Spiritual Light Talisman; don''t think you can leave here unscathed!" Clang clang clang clang... The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit continued to strike one after another relentlessly. Gradually, the smile on Dong Cheng''s face began to fade, and his expression slowly changed. He discovered that the spiritual light around him was actually dimming! Impossible! He stared intently at Chen Mu, "How can you still activate the artifact?!" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng impassively. "We really don''t need to fight to the death!" Dong Cheng quickly began to plead. If the Spiritual Light Shield were to shatter, there would be no doubt about his death! Thinking of the potential consequences, his forehead was immediately covered in fine cold sweat. "Whatever you want, I can give it to you!" "White Jade Coins, elixirs, secret techniques, I can give you all of them!" As the Spiritual Light Shield grew increasingly dim, Dong Cheng could no longer remain composed; his eyes began to redden and bulge with blood: "Stop it!" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng coldly, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Boom! The Spiritual Light shattered, and the Four Yin Spirit Paper Men simultaneously launched Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Dong Cheng''s Soul Strength barely blocked it twice before he was completely consumed and devoured. "Why did you have to force my hand," Chen Mu said wistfully. "Clearly, the purpose of staying at the Lower Courtyard is for cultivation. So why do you still provoke disputes without cause?" Chen Mu''s eyes were cold as he stared at the spot where Dong Cheng had stood before disappearing, "I was once an honest and kind-hearted homebody." "And yet you''ve driven me to kill repeatedly." "Such heavy sins!" Chen Mu looked around the room with hatred, surrounded by swirling black smoke, and suddenly vanished. Chapter 194 Listening to the Lecture North of Tongtian Square, Low Mountain. A cluster of archaic structures made of green brick and black tiles was beautifully scattered across the hillside. In a spacious courtyard to the west, the interior was filled with lush bamboo. The bamboo stood as tall as two men and had the thickness of a finger, with a jade-like vibrant green main stem and leaves. In the midst of the bamboo forest, stood a pavilion with a gray wooden pillar for support and a roof covered in dark green tiles. Around the open area, the ground was laid with black and white pebbles. At this moment, within the quiet bamboo court, hundreds of people, some standing, some sitting, were gathered. Explore stories on empire A middle-aged man in his thirties, tall and slim, with a complexion as white as jade, was sitting cross-legged on a meditation mat under the pavilion, his eyes closed in rest. In front of him was a long low table, on the left of which was an archaic incense burner sending up tendrils of blue smoke, on the right was a white jade chime engraved with cloud patterns. Ding! The jade chime sounded with a clear, crisp ring automatically. The crowd that had just been whispering suddenly felt a chill in their minds, and their thoughts instantly quieted. Everyone immediately closed their mouths and looked at the middle-aged man with curiosity, reverence, inquiry, and eagerness. "Soul Strength is the surface, Divine Will is the root." "Both are like mirrors, representing different forms of the essence, Qi, and spiritthe three treasures of the human body." "Those born with Daoist Bone have the three treasures concealed within. In the fog of the Sea of Consciousness, Divine Will naturally converges into a cluster." "Ordinary people who want to go further must practice Shape Cultivation to gather soul, achieving Spirit and Soul Unification to create the postnatal Jade Seed Daoist Bone." "Only then can they use this as a foundation to perceive the Earth Spirit Vital Energy and complete the cultivation of the Spiritual Light..." The middle-aged man''s face remained undisturbed, completely ignoring the hundreds of meaningful glances below. He started to explain various phenomena related to Spirit and Soul Unification and the achievement of the Jade Seed on his own. Chen Mu, hidden in a corner of the crowd, was listening with a focused expression, an epiphany dawning on his face. He had been silently grinding experience from "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique" all on his own since he started. No one had ever systematically explained cultivation to him. Now, hearing the middle-aged man teach about the scriptures and Divine Will, combined with the insights provided by his proficiency, he felt as though his eyes had been wiped clean, allowing him to see everything clearly. This made Chen Mu immerse himself in the teachings, losing track of time. ... Low Mountain. Carrying his head full of perceptions, Chen Mu approached the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Seeing the widespread fallen rice, covered with bite marks, he slowly came back to his senses. "Damn baldy!" Chen Mu exclaimed with distress. Although he had controlled the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to devour the white-lined Earth Spirit Mice. But to avoid startling the enemy, he could only act after the bald strongman left. By imprinting it into consciousness, through repeated visualizations, imitations, and corrections, the structure of the Divine Intent Diagram is gradually adjusted. The Curse Words in the annex of the Secret Technique also have the same effect, without which Chen Mu couldn''t have begun practicing the True Sun Scripture. But the former is like printing a copy, convenient and fast. Whereas the latter is like drawing with meticulous detail, slow and difficult. ... Under the cool pavilion, Zhuang Fu had an expressionless face and almost no interaction with the listening crowd. Regardless of whether people understood or not, he continued to explain in a fixed sequence and rhythm, moving swiftly on. "The process of Spirit and Soul Unification will cause both the Soul Strength and Divine Will to transform, becoming easier to manipulate." "For this reason, countless Jade Seed Secret Methods were created to achieve compression, extension, and transformation of the Soul Strength among various changes." "Learning one of them, strengthening the manipulation of Soul Strength, can accelerate the Spirit and Soul Unification." "If one is greedy for their power, practicing multiple techniques, it''s putting the cart before the horse, a waste of time." Chen Mu''s eyebrows twitched as he listened. "Back in Da Liang, I heard Jie Jia talking about so-called Soul Strength Secret Techniques." "At their strongest, they can even break through a noble family''s Body Protection Aura." "Are the Jade Seed Secret Methods here an advanced version of the Soul Strength Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu had a flash of enlightenment. "This is probably the normal offensive method during the Spirit and Soul Unification phase!" "Then... How about I find a Secret Technique to practice?" ... After the lecture, Chen Mu blended into the crowd and slowly left Tongtian Square. He noticed many familiar figures. They were all newcomers who had arrived this year on the white lozenge shuttle. The rest were also farmers from the basin plains, mostly from the Da Qian dynasty in Yunzhou. Through the scattered conversations within the crowd, Chen Mu guessed that Da Qian was the secular nation controlled by Jilong Road, and also the main source of persons for the Lower Courtyard. As he passed through the residential area, Chen Mu subconsciously looked towards a three-part mansion in the distance. A Daoist in his forties with thick eyebrows and a stern face was standing quietly at the entrance. Several other loiterers stood beside him in twos and threes. Chen Mu recognized the Daoist as a Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, in charge of dozens of patrolling members. Like any ordinary onlooker, Chen Mu peeked a couple of times, then quickly left with an expression that said he wanted to avoid trouble. "Any traces I left entering the mansion have been cleaned up." "All clothes and masks have been destroyed." "All those who knew have been taken care of by me." "And I even made sure to disguise and cover up the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "Well... After I return, I should still consume a couple more Solid Fragrance Pills." "After changing my scent five times in a row, it should be nearly impossible to detect anything from the smell." Chapter 195 Secret Technique Tongtian Square, a courtyard surrounded by bamboo. Zhuang Fu sat emotionless under the pavilion, calmly explaining the practice of each aspect during the Perceptive Stage. In a corner, Chen Mu was utterly baffled. By this point, he no longer had any real sense of what Zhuang Fu was expounding. He hadn''t even successfully cultivated the Jade Seed, so he lacked any experience with the Perceptive Stage''s cultivation practices. Looking around, he observed that everyone seemed just as perplexed, yet they all furrowed their brows in deep thought, evidently trying to memorize the information by rote. Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head. "Without practical experience, memorizing it is pointless," he thought to himself. After attempting to listen for a while longer, he found he truly couldn''t grasp the intricacies involved. Chen Mu stopped listening altogether: "Anyway, there''s always next year''s Scripture Transmission lectures." He narrowed his eyes slightly, beginning to recall and sort through the content of the past fifteen days'' lectures. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique... just as expected, it''s a complete mess," Chen Mu sighed. As Zhuang Fu had introduced, Soul Strength merged into the Divine Intent Diagram to form the Jade Seed. Then one would use the Jade Seed to stimulate the Earth Spirit Vital Energy and, in turn, cultivate the Spiritual Light. In the first step, the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had taken an entirely opposite direction! "But then again... no big deal," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. If the grey wall acknowledged the Spirit Armor Technique, it meant someone must have successfully cultivated it before, so there was nothing to fear. "It''s just some extra food," Chen Mu curled his lips dismissively. He had figured out that the main culprit behind his increased appetite was the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. "Fortunately, it''s not without its benefits." The Spirit Armor Technique was demanding on resources, but it also awarded him a robust physique beyond ordinary understanding. "Otherwise, I might not have managed to defeat Dong Cheng." Chen Mu felt relieved. With the physique transformed by the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, he was able to frequently trigger the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, grind down the Spiritual Light Talisman, and rapidly eliminate Dong Cheng. "Spiritual Light Talisman... is it similar to the aristocratic families'' Body Protection Aura?" "Using Talisman Paper to imitate the Spiritual Light of the Perceptive Realm, obtaining powerful defenses in advance?" Chen Mu pondered silently, unable to help but sigh, "I still know too little about this world." He even began to miss Jie Jia, If the old man were here, he might have been able to resolve his doubts. Ding! A clear sound interrupted Chen Mu''s thoughts. Zhuang Fu, who had been talking incessantly just moments ago, suddenly stopped speaking, calmly stood up, and strode away from the bamboo courtyard. The fifteen days of lectures at the Scripture Transmission Institute officially came to an end. ... On the North Hillside of Tongtian Square, on the east side of the lower courtyard''s cluster of buildings, there sat a double-entry mansion. Lin Su, a Taoist with bushy eyebrows, sat emotionless in the main hall, resting with his eyes closed. In his right hand, he toyed with a White Jade Coin, continuously flipping it through his fingers. "Unfortunately..." "Thankfully, I have a proficiency cheat." "Once I grind enough cultivation experience, maybe I could really mingle in the Upper Court for a couple of days!" Chen Mu thought cheerfully. "I need to get a Jade Seed Secret Technique to practice." To enhance the attraction of the Divine Intent Diagram, he had the Calming Pill. To enhance external pressure, he had the well containing Earth Spirit Vital Energy. What he lacked was a Jade Seed Secret Technique to quicken the fusion of the Spirit Soul. ... After lunch, Chen Mu took out all his White Jade Coins and started counting them one by one. "To have as many as fifty-four?!" Chen Mu was pleasantly surprised. Shang Huan had been wheeling and dealing for so long, and his entire fortune amounted to less than thirty coins. Yet, in half a year since Chen Mu arrived at Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard, his savings had already surpassed that of Shang Huan. "If I increase the output of Calming Pills, I could earn another five to ten coins every month." Chen Mu thought with a hint of excitement. "Forget it, what if it attracts unwanted attention!" Chen Mu quickly sobered. Safety first! Certainly, Shang Huan and the bald strong man had also contributed a fair amount of White Jade Coins. "I haven''t even counted Dong Cheng''s Mustard Seed Talisman." Chen Mu grinned as he fished out a brown wrist guard. Not to mention the treasures hidden within the Mustard Seed Talisman. Just this one talisman was worth fifty-three White Jade Coins. Thump! A wooden cabinet, half the height of a man, suddenly appeared. Just like the rack he had made for the Five Ghosts Bag. Did all the users of the Mustard Seed Talisman like to build such a categorized drawer cabinet? Shang Huan did the same previously, and now Dong Cheng was no different. It was probably a compulsion caused by the characteristics of the Mustard Seed Talisman. "Higher-grade Mustard Seed Talismans can probably solve the problem of categorized storage." Chen Mu guessed. He casually pulled open the first drawer. Clatter... A small pile of round White Jade appeared before his eyes. Chen Mu''s lips couldn''t help but curl up as he began to count them one by one. "Sixty-two coins? Good!" "I must visit Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow no matter what." Chen Mu was brimming with confidence, feeling tall and strong. "With these hundred-plus White Jade Coins, I''m not afraid of how expensive the Jade Seed Secret Methods are." "The True Sun Scripture was only sixty White Jade Coins. How much more could the Jade Seed Secret Techniques cost?" "Let''s go!" "I must visit the Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow!" Chapter 196 Scripture Transmission Institute Tongtian Square to the north, Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. With a total of one hundred and sixteen White Jade Coins in his pocket, Chen Mu strode confidently into the Scripture Transmission Institute. The courtyard was spacious, surrounded by a long corridor with green tiles, while three sides were adorned with black tiles and white walls, each with its own intricately carved small window. There was no wall to the west; instead, a towering cliff over ten meters high stood there, right beside the Tongtian River. A massive three-story octagonal wooden tower was erected in the middle of the courtyard. Standing beneath the wooden tower, Chen Mu turned his head to gaze upon the endless expanse of the Tongtian River, and he felt an involuntary sense of relief wash over him. Back in Da Liang, secret techniques could not be bought, regardless of wealth. But on Jilong Road, as long as one was willing to spend money, one could practice any Secret Technique. Looking up at the three-story wooden tower, feeling the heavy White Jade Coins in his possession, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel his blood boiling. At this moment, looking at the wooden tower of the Scripture Transmission Institute, he felt as if he were staring at a giant golden egg shimmering with light! "If I could learn all the Secrets of the Scripture Transmission Institute..." Chen Mu''s eyes sparkled as he took large strides into the wooden tower. ... "One White Jade Coin." At the entrance counter, a man in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair but a face as smooth and rosy as a baby''s, spoke softly. The newly entered Chen Mu was momentarily stunned. What does that mean? The older man glanced at Chen Mu, "New here?" "To browse the scriptures in the Scripture Transmission Institute, one hour, one White Jade Coin." "Oh, oh, oh..." Chen Mu hastily took out the coin. They charge by the hour in the Scripture Transmission Institute? That''s truly befitting of a place dedicated to the transmission of scripturesmeticulous! Chen Mu''s expectations for the Secret Techniques inside grew. "Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method is on the first floor." "Perceptive Spirit Light is on the second floor." "First pick out the Secret Technique scrolls, then come to me for the True Meaning Jade Slip." After taking the White Jade Coin, the old man spoke with a practiced calm. Chen Mu gave thanks with a cupped fist salute, then hurriedly walked into the first floor''s hall. ... The hall was octagonal, with a connected corridor circling around it. The middle was open and airy, with clear sightlines between the floors, allowing one to look up and see all the way to the top of the wooden tower. Embedded there was a transparent crystal orb, casting down a natural light that resembled heavenly glow at all times. Chen Mu approached a bookshelf where a brown wooden board was hanging beside it. "Unity Secret Technique?" Chen Mu, intrigued, walked over to take a closer look. He immediately spotted the scripture scroll of the True Sun Scripture. Next to the scroll hung a thin wooden tag, inscribed with two lines of vertical text True Sun Scripture, sixty White Jade Coins. Turning his head to look at the rows of scripture scrolls on the shelf, each adorned with a wooden tag, Chen Mu''s expression was a mixture of amusement and surprise. "Why does this feel like I''m browsing in a supermarket in my past life?" He quickly became excited, for these were secret techniques laid out before him, just waiting to be chosen. He couldn''t wait to empty the entire hall! To master all the Secret Techniques was simply harder than reaching heaven. He wasn''t afraid of hard practice, but he was afraid of not having money! He turned back to look at the three-story wooden building. It wasn''t some shining golden egg but a black hole that devoured White Jade Coins, never to be filled! "And this is only for buying Secret Technique manuals." "To ask for lessons afterwards..." "Just when I manage to save a little money, it all goes to the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road!" ... Low Hill Courtyard. After the daily chores in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu sat by the well to cultivate. With curse words quietly recited in his mouth, he practiced for half an hour. During his tea break, Chen Mu looked at the Calming Pills drying under the shed, calculating how much money he could make. But as he calculated, his face couldn''t help but turn ugly. This was the third day since coming back from the Scripture Transmission Institute. Thinking of each and every expensive Secret Technique scroll, frustration involuntarily welled up in Chen Mu''s heart. To buy manuals, he had to give money to the Lower Courtyard. To listen to lectures or ask for guidance, he also had to pay the Lower Courtyard. All the shops in Tongtian Square belonged to the Lower Courtyard, and every transaction meant the Lower Courtyard profited. Even if he could sell Calming Pills, no matter how much he earned... all of it would go to the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road! "Exploitation at every level, they are trying to bleed us dry!" Chen Mu was filled with sorrow and anger. Previously, when the Scripture Transmission Institute preached, he thought the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road wasn''t bad. They even provided free lectures and teachings to their disciples. Now he understood. It was just a demo class, coated in a tempting sugar shell. The process of cultivation was explained so clearly, would you not buy Secret Techniques, not seek guidance for cultivation experience? The Scripture Transmission Institute held the Secret Techniques and controlled the teachers. If Lower Courtyard disciples wanted to advance further, they had no choice but to obediently pay up. "You''re already making me work for free for twenty years, and yet you still want to bleed me dry?" Chen Mu felt an unspeakable frustration in his heart. For three days in a row, whatever he did was done listlessly. "I honestly cultivate. Spend money on Secret Techniques, ask for cultivation guidance." "But you guys lay down hurdle after hurdle. Not intending to pass on knowledge or teach, only thinking about raising the price, scamming my money!" "Fine! Very good! This is you forcing my hand!" Chen Mu''s face was full of sorrow and rage, his hands enveloped in swirling black smoke. Puff! Seven or eight secret scripture scrolls appeared. These were all supplementary volumes of the Jade Seed Secret Techniques. They were what he had Shang Huan collect, costing him a total of three White Jade Coins. He had a proficiency cheat, as long as he had the supplementary volumes, he could cultivate! Chen Mu glared fiercely in the direction of Tongtian Square. "Scripture Transmission Institute?" "Humph!" "Don''t think you can swindle a single coin from me!" Chapter 197 Secret Technique with Sand Five days later, on the north side of Low Mountain, there was a small hollow. Rocks in disarray and spiny shrubs dominated the hollow. On a gigantic stone platform, Chen Mu sat cross-legged. He opened his right hand, pushing it upward. Along with the deep and lengthy Curse Command, a black Soul Strength swirled upwards from his right palm, forming a sphere. Chen Mu felt as if a vacuum cleaner had been stuffed into his head. A tremendous suction force continued to pull something outwards. He stared at the pitch-black sphere hovering above his palm with an odd expression on his face, "Sand Containing Technique? This sphere doesn''t look at all like sand?" Whoo! The sphere, as if propelled by an exploding cannonball, suddenly broke free from his hand, trailing a deep whoosh as it tore through the air. Boom! A dull thud resonated, and dirt and stones flew into the air, creating a large pit about three to four meters in diameter in the hollow. Chen Mu looked it over, then continued to close his eyes and recite the Curse Words. Whoo, whoo, whoo... Boom, boom, boom... More pits appeared as small creatures of the hollow were startled into scurrying everywhere. It took quite some time before Chen Mu finally stopped, surveying the scarred hollow and silently summing up his calculations. "The attack range is about sixty steps." "Power..." Chen Mu nodded while looking at the unrecognizable hollow, "Not bad." "Maximum number of consecutive uses... twenty-one." With a thought, Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Sand Containing Technique: 339/10000/First Rank; "With future rank advancements, the power and number of uses will likely increase," Chen Mu thought to himself, "Perhaps it can replace Iron Lotus Seeds as the primary means of mid-range attack." "It''s just this activation time..." Chen Mu''s face didn''t look too good. From incantation to activation, nearly an hour of preparation time was needed. In that time, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain would have already swallowed the enemy whole! "And this is the secret technique with the shortest activation time," Chen Mu couldn''t help shaking his head. Just as Instructor Zhuang Fu had said: Secret Techniques are varied and strange, but not suitable for extensive practice. Long activation time, long cultivation time, practicing too much, spending money and timethis will definitely affect the Spirit and Soul Unification cultivation. "First, I will focus on practicing the Sand Containing Technique. Let''s see if I can shorten the time for Spirit and Soul Unification." "Other Secret Techniques will wait until after the jade seed synthesis for cultivation," Chen Mu decided. ... Three days later. In the Low Hill Courtyard, under a wooden shed, by the water well. Chen Mu finished a training session of the True Sun Scripture. The muscular man''s eyebrow raised but he didn''t resist, letting Chen Mu pull him under the wooden canopy. With a flip of his hand, the White Jade Coins disappeared. He took the cool tea handed over by Chen Mu and nodded slightly to the others, "Go on, search carefully." A solemn expression softened on the faces of his subordinates. After bursting into Chen Mu''s room, although they searched around, they were careful to handle everything gently. The two White Jade Coins had their effect. The courtyard was not large, and the main house only had three rooms which were quickly inspected. "Patrolling Inspector, there''s nothing suspicious," a square-faced man in black reported with clasped fists. Explore more adventures at empire The muscular man nodded, then turned to look at Chen Mu, "Do you know Dong Cheng?" Chen Mu shook his head blankly. "Then, have you met any peddlers engaging in buy-low, sell-high?" the well-dressed man continued to press Chen Mu. Chen Mu hesitated for a moment and said, "I know one." "Who?" "I don''t know his name, but he''s a small-eyed, chubby fellow who seems to go by the surname Shang," Chen Mu tried to recall. The square-faced man nodded to the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector. After scrutinizing Chen Mu from head to toe, the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector calmly warned, "No matter what status you held on the Border Wilderness Island, here, you are just a disciple of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. "Keep tending to the fields earnestly and stay out of trouble, or else the Lower Courtyard patrolling officers will not let you off." "Yes, yes, yes..." Chen Mu quickly agreed with clasped hands. The black-clothed Patrolling Inspector nodded, satisfied, and departed swiftly with his subordinates. Chen Mu stood at the doorway, smilingly seeing them off, watching the departing figures, deep in thought. "The disturbance with Dong Cheng seems to be far from over." ... Evening, under the wooden canopy at the square table. Chen Mu had finished preparing dinner, with two meat dishes, two vegetarian dishes, and a large bowl of Silver Pearl Rice mixed with Yellow Bud Rice. "You newcomers are really unlucky," Old Hao said with a chuckle while eating. "Dong Cheng was about to go to the Lower Courtyard to take on a master. Then he suddenly disappeared. If you ask me, the guy is probably gone for good," Old Hao gesticulated with his chopsticks into the air. "He always cheated the newcomers before, and there were even rumors that he caused someone''s death." "So the patrollers suspect that the person who killed him is among you newcomers," Old Hao gave Chen Mu a look that clearly enjoyed the drama. "You came from the Border Wilderness, and the hardest hit by Dong Cheng''s schemes were people like you." "Being questioned closely is only to be expected." Chen Mu''s face showed anger, "All I want is to tend to the fields peacefully." "How could I get involved in such an incident." "When the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer," he said, facing Old Hao''s teasing demeanor and sighing helplessly. "Alas..." "An unwarranted disaster!" Chapter 198 Jade Plate Tongtian Square, grain store. Chen Mu changed his appearance and bought two hundred catties of Yellow Bud Rice, which was his food for a month. After leaving the grain store, he walked toward the east gate of Tongtian Square while casually looking around. He quickly noticed that there were many more patrollers in gray clothing on the streets. "What''s so special about Dong Cheng?" "Worthy of the Inspection Courtyard to investigate like this?" On the surface, he appeared nonchalant, but his peripheral vision kept stealing glances at the gray-clothed patrollers. "Such a wide-ranging search by the Inspection Courtyard means they haven''t grasped any clear clues," Chen Mu thought, feeling somewhat relieved. He couldn''t help but blame Dong Cheng, "Why did you have to provoke me?" "Now look what''s happened, you''ve gone missing and made everyone anxious." "Can''t even rest in peace when you''re dead," Chen Mu sighed. "I better stay at home and focus on farming and cultivating these days." Just as he was contemplating a low-profile cultivation plan for the future, he saw two patrollers suddenly stop a burly man over two meters tall. "Song Wei?" "Me?" The burly man was baffled. "Do you know Dong Cheng?" The burly man''s face instantly turned to rage, "I''d recognize that bastard even if he turned to ash!" "Are you patrollers?" "Has he committed a crime?" "That''s great! I want to report him! He set me up!" "What are you saying?! You want to turn Dong Cheng into ash? How damn cruel!" one of the patrollers said, looking at the burly man with a surprised expression. "No, did you actually hear what I said?" the burly man said, completely baffled. "Don''t move!" The two patrollers restrained the burly man''s hands, one on each side. "Dong Cheng''s disappearance must be related to you!" Without waiting for the burly man to struggle, the two patrollers firmly controlled him and quickly dragged him into a side alley. Chen Mu: "..." Has the situation gotten this serious? The patrollers have started arresting people at random?! He immediately found a dim alley and stored the Yellow Bud Rice in the Five Ghosts Bag. After changing his appearance and clothes again, he returned to the grain store and bought four hundred catties of Yellow Bud Rice in one go. "For the next three months, I better not go out as much as possible." What if some patroller got lucky and caught him? Just then, he saw the burly man reappear, looking indignant and as gloomy as if his face could drip water. Did he clear his suspicion that quickly? Before he could understand the situation, the two patrollers also appeared at the entrance of the alley, each fiddling with a White Jade Coin. "Seizing the opportunity to extort?" Chen Mu realized at once. Hmph! Such rotten tricks are inescapable no matter where you go! ... Low Hill Courtyard The Jade Plate could extract the Vital Energy within the White Jade Coins, artificially creating an area with an extremely high concentration of Vital Energy. "Absolutely cannot let anyone find out about this thing!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. As long as he had the plate in hand and White Jade Coins on him, he could cultivate rapidly anytime, anywhere. "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard spent so much capital!" Chen Mu''s heart chilled as he once again recalled the process before and after he took action. Thinking about how he even used the Five Ghosts Bag like a vacuum cleaner to sweep through Dong Cheng''s entire household. Only then did he let go of his worries and looked eagerly at the Jade Plate. ... A month later. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard, under the wooden shelter. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair and slowly opened his eyes. With a thought, a gray wall appeared. Writing: 5560/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 3395/10000/Fourth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 2867/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 6951/10000/Seventh Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 3947/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 5673/10000/Seventh Rank; Planting: 5270/10000/Second Rank; True Sun Scripture: 1/10000/Second Rank; With the assistance of the Jade Plate and practicing the Sand Containing Technique. The True Sun Scripture had finally made a breakthrough in the first stage. Stay connected through empire In his mind, a spherical web connected by starry threads lay beyond the mists, radiating faint points of light. The once dense fog had become increasingly thin and translucent. The Soul Strength of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had completely merged into the center of the Divine Intent Diagram. "Zhuang Fu said, for the Jade Seed to achieve greatness, it must form into a Primordial Pearl, lustrous and as clear as jade." "Mine is at best a net-like sphere." "Clearly, I need to keep practicing," Chen Mu realized as he looked at the indicator for the second phase after the True Sun Scripture, his heart becoming clear. "So the unification of Spirit and Soul is not the endpoint; the three treasures, Essence, Qi, and Spirit, need continued investment." It was just a matter of grinding for more experience, Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders.. In another three to five days, the Sand Containing Technique could also reach the next stage. The proficiency of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was also more than halfway there. "The experience indeed rises quickly, it''s just a little pricey." Chen Mu looked at the White Jade Plate helplessly. Over the past month, the plate had consumed two White Jade Coins every single day. His assets had already been halved! This wasn''t cultivation; it was burning money! "I better not burn through all my wealth before I even master the Jade Seed." Chapter 199 Exceptional Talent ``` Evening. The residence of Shang Huan. Old Hao hugged a medicine pounding jar, huffing and puffing as he ground the medicine with great effort. "Are we really going to add fake Calming Pills?" he asked, somewhat hesitant. It was one thing to sell fake Bone Powder, which was used to feed the Yellow Bud Rice. But the Calming Pill was intended for human consumption. If something went wrong... "Don''t you want to make money?" Shang Huan rolled his eyes. "What if someone finds out?" Old Hao asked, his face full of conflict. Shang Huan chuckled, "Do you think I''m just mixing this medicine carelessly?" "I spent a fortune figuring out this recipe!" "As long as you make the pills according to my formula and roast them in the Incense Burner, the scent is hundred percent like that of a real Calming Pill!" Old Hao shook his head, "It may smell similar, but fake is fake after all, and it can''t help with cultivation one bit." Shang Huan became even more proud, "The Calming Pill isn''t as effective as the Soul Condensing Pills anyway." "It''s not the kind of Elixir Pill that shows immediate results." "Unless used in large quantities over a long period of time, only then can its effectiveness become apparent." "For regular cultivation, it''s impossible to notice any change, so how can they be sure whether these are real Calming Pills?" "Besides, at least three-quarters of the Elixir Pills I sell are real Calming Pills." "Using them over a long time, even though the effect is slightly worse, who can judge that precisely?" "Don''t worry, nobody will find out!" Old Hao listened, dumbfounded, looking at the wily-grinning Shang Huan, he couldn''t help but exclaim, "You''re really a talent!" "You flatter me!" Shang Huan''s eyes narrowed into slits, his face beaming with joy. Thinking about the honest business practices he had followed in the past, Shang Huan felt a deep regret that was hard to express; making money had truly been an arduous task. He had to thank that masked person, Shang Huan sighed. If it hadn''t been for that person robbing him blind, he would never have discovered his extraordinary talent for counterfeiting. Chen Mu outside the courtyard: "..." Some habits never die! ... Plop! Old Hao, who had been pounding medicine just moments ago, suddenly collapsed, still clutching the jar. Shang Huan''s face changed. Had his counterfeiting been discovered?! The room''s door opened on its own without a breeze, and around Chen Mu black smoke swirled, as he appeared slowly from nothingness. "Mr. Gongsun!" Shang Huan quickly stood up, bowed, and subtly used his body to block the Fake Pills on the table. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan indifferently. Only after seeing Shang Huan''s forehead break out in a sweat did he retract his gaze, casually placing eighteen porcelain bottles on the table. He then spoke gently, "I''ll need your help in the future to sell twenty-four bottles of Calming Pills for me every month." Being captured, tortured, interrogated, or even silencedjust the thought of potential outcomes made him shudder in fear. His life obviously meant nothing to Gongsun Sheng! A surge of rage rose in Shang Huan''s heart. He might be a small fry, but does that mean his life is worthless? "It seems you have a deep misunderstanding of me," Chen Mu said indifferently, glancing at Shang Huan. Shang Huan''s face changed color immediately. Damn, if this madman blows his top, my life is over tonight! As he hesitated over whether to make a run for the window, Chen Mu''s gentle voice rang out again, "If you''re not afraid of being killed by the customers buying the medicine, you can continue to mix fake elixir pills." Shang Huan was puzzled. I''m only mixing in a quarter. The customers won''t notice, how could they kill me? "Because the pills I gave you already had half of them as fake pills," Chen Mu said calmly. Shang Huan: "..." ... In the north of Tongtian Square, in the Lower Courtyard residence. Lin Su sat with his eyes closed at the head of the main hall, listening to a black-clad Patrolling Inspector report on the search results of the past two months. "All new personnel have been thoroughly investigated." "No findings related to Dong Cheng''s disappearance were discovered." "On the contrary, two covert operatives from Zhongshan Path were found." Lin Su opened his eyes, "Zhongshan Path?" "Yes!" "According to the interrogation results, they should be the collateral disciples of some minor family from Zhongshan Path''s Lower Courtyard." "They themselves do not know why they are here, just that they were to infiltrate our Lower Courtyard first," the black-clad Patrolling Inspector''s eyes shone. "I feel that Zhongshan Path definitely has some conspiracy or trickery afoot, and we should report to the Oversight Courtyard early." Lin Su nodded slightly, "You have done well. Make sure those three people are well guarded, with no accidents. I will inform the Oversight Courtyard." "Yes!" the black-clad Patrolling Inspector said with a glowing face. Thinking of Dong Cheng''s disappearance, he restrained his smile and cautiously glanced at Lin Su, "Prefect, it''s been too long since Dong Cheng disappeared. The perpetrator is also very cautious. Ordinary methods are now futile in the search." Lin Su glanced at the black-clad Patrolling Inspector, "What, you find it bothersome and don''t want to search anymore?" The black-clad Patrolling Inspector hurriedly bowed, "I wouldn''t dare!" He stepped forward and whispered, "Prefect, I''ve heard that in the Lower Courtyard, there''s a Magic Artifact that can track and record the past movements of Daoist Seals." "I wonder..." Lin Su narrowed his eyes, "This matter should not be brought up again." "The case of Dong Cheng''s disappearance will be closed for now. "Leave the rest to others." "I will follow the Prefect''s orders to the letter," the black-clad Patrolling Inspector exhaled in relief. These laborious and profitable tasks had been worrisome without any results. Now that he was freed from the responsibility, he didn''t have to worry about it anymore. Looking at Lin Su''s expression, the black-clad Patrolling Inspector had an epiphany. Peers in the Inspection Courtyard always mentioned that Daoist Seals of the Lower Courtyard''s disciples could be recorded and tracked. Now it seemed, these were not just rumors. ``` Chapter 200 Addiction Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu''s face showed deep pain as he rubbed the Calming Pills. It was said to be adulterated medicine, but in actuality, he had used the 1.0 version of the Calming Pills. The difference lay in his use of the main component of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke to replace the Guanqie Night Grass, which saved him a considerable amount of money. "In the end, I was still changed by this damned world." But to advance further, he needed more White Jade Coins. "Besides, I just used the slightly weaker 1.0 version." "Shang Huan, that fatso, is even worse. He wants to use incense that smells the same but has absolutely no effect as a substitute." "At least I still have a conscience." "Hmm... so I can''t be considered a black-hearted merchant, at most a gray-hearted one." With that thought, Chen Mu felt instantly better. "Using too much Guanqie Night Grass might even lead to drug resistance." "Using my 1.0 version to change things up might actually yield better overall results!" Chen Mu''s mind brightened. "Exactly, I''m doing this for the good of everyone!" Chen Mu convinced himself successfully and continued to roll the pills with joy. ... Behind Low Mountain, in a small mountain hollow. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a large rock. With his right hand held out in front of him, a low chant resonating like the recitation of a thousand people spilled forth. A ping-pong-ball-sized black pellet appeared in the palm of his right hand. Whiz! A low buzzing sound, like that of a baton cutting through the air, arose. The black pellet suddenly vanished. Pop! A soft noise. Sixty steps away, on a millstone-sized rock, a quail egg-sized round hole appeared suddenly. Chen Mu appeared beside the rock, looking down to examine it. The rock, nearly a meter thick, had been effortlessly pierced by the Sand Containing Technique. Behind the rock, on the ground, there was also a dark hole of unknown depth. "Faster speed, stronger penetrative power!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows. Compared to the initial blast that wrecked everything around, this focused penetrative power was actually much stronger. "I thought the power was decent before," Chen Mu curled his lips, "but it was really just good for scaring people." Though it could shatter rocks, here in the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, every individual was a Shell Soul expert. Rocks? Sorry, there isn''t a single person here softer than rock! "Sigh..." Chen Mu replaced the battery in the Jade Plate with the White Jade Spirit Money Plate to better automate his cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. Then, excitedly, he began to grind experience for the Sand Containing Technique. ... North of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. At the top of a cliff several dozen meters high. Lin Su, light as a swallow, touched the cliff face with the tip of his toe. He darted up the wooden walkways of the cliffside Taoist temple as lightly and rapidly as a feather. "Brother Liang, is Director Song around?" Lin Su asked, saluting a young man in his twenties at the entrance. "The master has gone to the Upper Court and has not yet returned," replied the young man with a simple and honest smile. "Does Prefect Lin have urgent business?" Brother Liang asked curiously. "If it concerns the safety of the Lower Courtyard, I can use the Sound Transmission Magical Instrument left by the master to urge him to return as soon as possible." Lin Su shook his head helplessly: "No need, it''s just a small personal matter of mine, I can''t disturb the Oversight Courtyard''s cultivation for that." The young man nodded in understanding. Suddenly, Lin Su approached and handed the young man a gray cloth bag: "Brother Liang, I have a favor to ask." Brother Liang took the cloth bag blankly, feeling the heavy White Jade Coins inside, and immediately fumbled to stuff it back. But Lin Su held him back. "Don''t panic, Brother Liang." "I just want to ask you to use the Round Light Mirror to help me track someone''s Daoist Seal." Brother Liang looked troubled. "You don''t know, Brother Liang. This person is my blood relative from the secular world." "He studied and trained diligently since childhood and finally made it to the Lower Courtyard." "He has just become a Jade Seed and was about to be apprenticed to me, then mysteriously disappeared." "My heart is heavy with sorrow!" Saying this, Lin Su could not help tearing up. Brother Liang''s face was full of compassion: "Although it goes against the rules of the Lower Courtyard, this is ultimately about your blood relative. I''ll help if I can." "But the Round Light Mirror has been taken by the master, it''s not in the Lower Courtyard." "I would like to help, but I''m afraid I can''t, Prefect Lin." Brother Liang said, scratching his head awkwardly. As he spoke, he pushed the gray cloth bag back towards Lin Su. "Just for your kind intentions, I''m deeply grateful," Lin Su said with a joyful expression, again pushing the cloth bag to Brother Liang. "Take it. Consider it a meeting gift from me!" Lin Su pushed it back forcefully and then inquired with concern, "Do you know when the Director might return?" Brother Liang thought for a moment and said, "In another two months, the Yellow Bud Rice should be harvested. At that time, the master will probably come back to take charge of the situation." "Thank you for letting me know, Brother Liang." Lin Su expressed his gratitude with a bow and then took his leave. By the edge of the cliff, Brother Liang watched with a simple and honest expression as Lin Su disappeared between the cliffs. Grasping the gray cloth bag in his right hand, he felt the White Jade Coins inside. "Prefect Lin is truly a good person," he remarked to himself with admiration. Then, he took out a large copper mirror, the size of a human face, and carefully wiped it, "I didn''t expect this old mirror to help me make money." "Direct bloodline, huh." "Prefect Lin certainly won''t mind spending a little more money. Haha..." Chapter 201 Heavenly River Water Mansion Sizzle... A burst of stir-frying sounds arose. Chen Mu''s left foot continuously stepped on the bellows, blowing the flame at the bottom of the pot until it glowed fiery red. The rich aroma was roasted out by the high temperature, rapidly filling the entire courtyard. Using the spatula, he flicked a slice of cured meat into his mouth and chewed carefully to savor it. "Salty and spicy in just the right amounts, the texture soft yet firm. I truly outdid myself," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Exotic Beast meat is tough; even cutting it requires an Ebony Sword. Before stir-frying, one must apply special tenderization techniques. "If this is just a common Exotic Beast, what about stronger ones? How would I manage that?" "Even if culinary skills can tenderize Exotic Beast meat, cooking it properly would inevitably require hotter flames. How would I achieve that?" Chen Mu scratched his head as he looked at the red-hot blaze. Find wood rich in oils and use the bellows to burn it fully. That was the limit to what he could improve for now. Should he make a pressure cooker himself, or learn a Secret Technique that produces high-temperature flames? There are Secret Techniques that enable one to fly. There surely must be ones involving flames as well. However... "Learn a fire-making Secret Technique just to cook?" "Haha! Now, that''s a promising idea!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh at himself. ... Soon, a three-course meal with two meat dishes, two vegetables, and a bowl of rice were set on the square table under the wooden shed. Just as he thought to start eating, knocking sounds came from the door, prompting Chen Mu to roll his eyes. Upon opening the door, he indeed saw that familiar old face: "Old Hao, please come in." Old Hao entered the courtyard with his hands clasped behind him, smiling cheerfully. "Don''t think of me as a nuisance." "With twenty-four White Jade Coins dangling before your eyes, you''re the one who''s more agitated than I am." "As long as you properly grow this season''s Yellow Bud Rice, I''ll vanish from your sight immediately." Chen Mu helplessly shook his head: "Haven''t you already said that I have a knack for farming? So, why the worry?" "I think you should be more concerned about whether someone dares to withhold the bonus and not give you the money." Old Hao glared at Chen Mu irritably. "This rule in the Lower Courtyard has been established for who knows how many years. Our Director Song came from the ranks of those who grew crops in the Lower Courtyard too." "Dare to withhold the bonus? That would be asking for trouble!" Also, don''t freaking talk to me about any farming talent. If it weren''t for your talent, I could have made some extra money! "Having talent doesn''t ensure a good harvest," Old Hao puffed out his beard and glared: "Natural disasters and man-made calamities, any mishandling can ruin your Yellow Bud Rice Fields." ... After the meal, Old Hao contentedly smoked his pipe. "Your cooking really is beyond reproach. I think even the chefs at the Heavenly River Water Mansion''s Eight Treasure Restaurant are not as skilled as you." Chen Mu rolled his eyes involuntarily. "So that''s why you time your visits precisely when it''s mealtime?" Old Hao stiffened for a moment, then nonchalantly continued to smoke as if nothing happened. "Aren''t you happy?!" Chen Mu: "..." Happy my grandmother''s leg! You''re even peddling fakes to me now?! "Just one White Jade Coin, and you can get thirty-two Calming Pills." "One White Jade Coin, you won''t get short-changed or deceived!" "Want to try a bottle?" Old Hao raised his eyebrows, his face full of eagerness. Chen Mu: "..." Scram! ... One month later, in the small depression behind Low Mountain. Woo! An almost inaudible sound quickly dashed through the air above the hollow. A pellet the size of a peanut, its surface covered with dark red patterns, ripped through the air, leaving only a dark line on the retina. Thud! A transparent round hole the size of a peanut suddenly appeared in a two-meter-thick boulder. Chen Mu looked at the round hole with mixed feelings. "I just couldn''t resist, could I?" Chen Mu sighed. He brought up the gray wall. Sand Containing Technique: 90/10000/Third Rank; Chen Mu felt he had been quite restrained. Find adventures at empire Returning from tilling the fields, physically and mentally exhausted, playing around with the Sand Containing Technique wasn''t too much, right? After practicing the True Sun Scripture, with a throbbing headache, playing with the Sand Containing Technique wasn''t only helpful for the Spirit and Soul Unification but also relaxed the mindso that wasn''t excessive either, right? At the start of sleep, struggling to fall asleep, toying a bit with the Sand Containing Technique was understandable. After waking up, feeling dispirited, wasn''t it just natural to use the Sand Containing Technique for an energy boost? "I didn''t play with it that much. I didn''t even pull an all-nighter! How did you advance so quickly?!" "This is making the True Sun Scripture quite awkward." True Sun Scripture: 4753/10000/Second Rank; "A month has passed, and I haven''t even reached halfway?!" "Sigh..." "At least the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique has been strong." Chen Mu looked at the experience over eight thousand for Spirit Armor Technique, feeling slightly less guilty. "This shows that I have been diligently practicing!" Chen Mu said with a face full of satisfaction. "It''s just a bit expensive," Chen Mu scratched his head. A month had passed. Sixty White Jade Coins had gone ablaze on the Jade Plate. He only had twenty-seven White Jade Coins left on him. "I''m broke!" Chapter 202 Attempt Should I have Shang Huan increase the merchandise volume? "The risk is too great," Chen Mu shook his head. If he wanted the jade plate to maintain consumption, Shang Huan would have to sell seventy-two bottles of Calming Spirit Pills each month to at least eighty customers. If even one person got any odd ideas, the consequences... "We can at most increase to thirty-six bottles," Chen Mu set a limit. Find another partner? Chen Mu was somewhat indecisive. ... The night. At the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road, within the mountains in the northern part of the basin plain. Under the moonlight, a shadow flashed past the woods, a few palm-sized leaves gently swaying in the breeze. The shadow rushed all the way, familiar with the paths, and arrived at the Underground Market District. It was none other than Chen Mu, who had disguised his appearance. He was now 1.82 meters tall, draped in a black cloak, with a robust and powerful figure, his face also covered with a bronze beast head mask, exuding a rugged and fierce aura. In the market district, not far from the exit, Chen Mu casually found an empty spot to lay down a felt cloth and displayed twelve bottles of Calming Pills. Then, he set up a brown wooden sign with two lines of elegant big characters written on it. "For one White Jade Coin, thirty-two Calming Pills." After pondering for two days, Chen Mu decided to test the waters in the underground market by selling a batch of Calming Pills. Though he appeared cool and composed, the Five Ghosts Paper Man was always lingering nearby, worried someone might suddenly cause him trouble. Before long, a skinny man with a black cloth covering his face approached the stall. "May I open it to take a look?" "Look all you want," Chen Mu said in a gruff voice. The man poured out one Calming Pill, examined it carefully against the light, then sniffed it lightly at the tip of his nose. "This elixir pill of yours..." he looked it over, then hesitated with a sigh and a shake of his head towards Chen Mu. Chen Mu rolled his eyes and snatched back the Calming Pill. "Buy it if you want, otherwise get lost!" Return my elixir pill? My elixir pill indeed has issues! But you definitely can''t tell! Do you think I am messing around with my Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique? "Why are you getting angry now?" Read the latest on empire "I didn''t say I wasn''t going to buy it." "Give me two bottles!" The skinny man smiled sheepishly and took out two White Jade Coins. Chen Mu casually accepted them and put them away. "Pick them yourself!" "And scram as soon as you''re done!" The man smiled apologetically, compared the bottles, picked two, and hurried off. It was as if a switch had been flipped. After the skinny man left, people started coming to buy the Calming Pills one after another. Chen Mu had prepared twelve bottles of Calming Pills to test the waters, and they were sold out in no time. Groups of cold well water, large and small, emerged out of thin air, poured onto the earth near the different stalks of Yellow Bud Rice. Looking at the palm-length, lush and yellow heads of the Yellow Bud Rice, Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. Perhaps because of the Jade Plate, the well water in Low Hill Courtyard contained more Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Combined with Chen Mu''s increasingly refined planting skills, the Yellow Bud Rice was growing splendidly. Every time Old Hao came over, he envied Chen Mu so much that his face twitched. The land that this mentor planted was not as good as what his disciple, Chen Mu, could produce. Pop! With a soft sound, a black and red elixir pill the size of a peanut zoomed through the air. A fist-sized, unknown brown beetle was pierced clean through. "These annoying insects are becoming more numerous." According to Old Hao, the closer to maturity the Yellow Bud Rice got, the more insects and beasts coveted it. These past few days, Chen Mu had had to assign two Five Ghosts Paper Men to patrol non-stop. He wasn''t too concerned about the yield, but the hard-grown crops were about to mature; he couldn''t just stand by and let them be destroyed by pests, right? Just as he was thinking, a flash of green caught his eye from the corner. Whizz! Green doubled, then quadrupled, and almost in the blink of an eye, a large swarm of green beetles had appeared in the Yellow Bud Rice sky. Clang! The Heartless Bell tolled, followed by billowing black smoke. In the blink of an eye, the green beetles were completely devoured by the Five Ghosts Bag. "These insects..." Chen Mu frowned. Jie Jia had mentioned before that this was a new type of pest. He had encountered it once before, and now that the Yellow Bud Rice was about to mature, these pests had returned. "Thank goodness for the Heartless Bell." Otherwise, there was really no way to quickly eliminate these rapidly multiplying pests. ... Three days later, deep into the night, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Clang! The sound of a bronze bell spread throughout the fields. A swath of green beetles fell rustling to the ground. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat under a wooden canopy, observing the Yellow Bud Rice Fields through the perspective of the Five Ghosts, frowning. "Still coming?" If he hadn''t had the Five Ghosts patrol and watch tonight, at least a couple acres of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields would have been ruined. "Is it just my field that''s having an outbreak, or is there a problem across the entire basin plain?" Chen Mu felt something was off. Could it be a pest calamity?! "I have the Five Ghosts patrolling and the Heartless Bell for pest control." "But what about Old Hao?" "What about the other farmers?" Chapter 203 Pest Infestation The pest infestation came without warning. Three nights later, at the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Those emerald green beetles that could rapidly multiply suddenly appeared. Nearly ten acres were almost completely ravaged. Standing at the edge of the field, Chen Mu could distinctly hear the spine-chilling, grating crunch crunch sounds. The swathes of Yellow Bud Rice, like collapsing sand castles, broke, tilted, plunged, and before they could hit the ground, they were devoured into nothingness. Chen Mu quickly rang the Heartless Bell, working in concert with the Ghosts and the Five Ghosts to swiftly eradicate the pest. Even so, nearly a tenth of the Yellow Bud Rice was lost. As he was busy, a sudden blaze rose in the distance, quickly turning half the sky a blazing red. Chen Mu''s heart chilled, and the paper spirit figures immediately flew into the sky. Unfortunately, the distance was too great, and he could only make out vaguely that it was one of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. "Setting fire to kill the insects?" "And what about the Yellow Bud Rice? Are they abandoning it?" He didn''t understand what was happening there, but it was impossible for him to go and check. "This pest infestation seems no small matter." "And who knows how the Lower Courtyard will handle it?" ... By the banks of the Tongtian River. "Junior Brother Liang!" Lin Su arrived at the cliffside wood tower temple with a face full of anxiety: "Has Director Song returned yet?" "Could it be because of last night''s pest infestation?" Junior Brother Liang did not dare dawdle: "I''ve already notified Master. He should be back soon." Lin Su immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Does Senior Brother Lin know the specifics of the pest infestation?" Junior Brother Liang asked curiously. He spent most of his time cultivating in the wooden tower and wasn''t very familiar with the basin''s situation. "A few experienced disciples said it was a completely new Exotic Insect that could split and multiply, hiding during the day and coming out at night, skilled at burrowing," Lin Su shook his head helplessly: "Ordinary methods are useless. We have no choice but to disturb Director Song." "Is it that serious?" Junior Brother Liang did not understand. "It''s severe!" Lin Su spoke gravely: "If we can''t kill the insects quickly, we might face a complete crop failure this year!" "I didn''t expect it to be this serious," Junior Brother Liang became solemn. "Now we can only wait for Director Song to return," Lin Su said helplessly. Junior Brother Liang couldn''t help but nod. Director Song Wujie came from the Lower Court of Jilong Road, and his best skill was raising and controlling various Exotic Insects. The two stood beside the wooden tower, looking out at the Tongtian River, silent for a moment. After a long while, Lin Su lightly coughed: "When Director Song returns, concerning the Round Light Mirror, I''ll need Junior Brother to take extra care." As he spoke, he took out a weighty cloth bag and handed it to Junior Brother Liang. Junior Brother Liang accepted it with a naive smile, slipping it into his sleeve: "Don''t worry, once Master returns, I will certainly help Senior Brother Lin obtain the Round Light Mirror." Lin Su exhaled in relief, his face full of gratitude: "Many thanks, Junior Brother." "Senior Brother has taken good care of me, this is but a small effort, no need for thanks," Junior Brother Liang waved his hand nonchalantly. "Fifteen mu of his crops were stripped clean!" Chen Mu suddenly felt alarmed. The damage done by these insects to the Yellow Bud Rice was truly severe! "Did the Lower Courtyard just stand by and watch?" Chen Mu frowned. "The old insecticides don''t work. Hundred Herbs Pavilion doesn''t know when they''ll be able to produce a new one," Old Hao shook his head. "The Inspection Courtyard is clueless too. They usually deal with large Exotic Beasts and those from the Evil Path. They have no experience with these kinds of insects," Old Hao said helplessly. "Actually, our Oversight Courtyard has the means. If only Director Song hadn''t gone to the Upper Court and not returned yet," Old Hao''s face once again took on the look of a wronged little wife filled with grievance. "No, I can''t just sit here and wait for death," Old Hao suddenly stood up: "I have to go back and fight those insects to the death!" "Even if I have to squash them one by one, I''ll kill them all!" With those words, he ran off. Chen Mu stood at the doorway, watching Old Hao as he quickly climbed over the hillside, deep in thought. "With the pestilence wreaking havoc and Hundred Herbs Pavilion''s medicines ineffective..." "If I could develop an insecticide..." "Forget it, forget it; I can''t stick my neck out for this!" "While it''s great to show saintliness before others, the next step could lead to the abyss." "I should just protect my nine mu of land and quietly farm experience at home." ... In Shang Huan''s residence. Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan covered their mouths and noses with wet cloth. They wielded shovels, constantly stirring a pile of reddish-brown, pungent powder before them. "Is this stuff really effective?" Shang Huan''s eyes were so irritated with tears streaming down. "How the heck would I know!" Old Hao snorted with eyes wide: "At any rate, I can''t stand it!" Shang Huan chuckled, "Doesn''t matter at this point. With the current crisis, if you hold up a lump of cow dung claiming it can kill pests, people will buy it." "Not to mention... Ah-choo! This kind of nose-tickling stuff!" Shang Huan continued while sneezing. "Uncle Hao, be sure you''ve thought this through." "There''s a high chance this won''t work. If it doesn''t effect after we sell it, we''re likely going to face a violent backlash," Shang Huan said seriously. He had seen the opportunity to make money from the pestilence but didn''t want to gamble with his life. "No worries. My neighbor Old Li has lost everything. We give him half the profit, and he''s bound to sell it even if it kills him!" Old Hao chuckled: "There''s definitely more than one Old Li out there." Shang Huan burst into loud laughter: "Uncle Hao, that''s brilliant!" Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu, carrying a bag of modified Mesmerizing Divine Smoke for beetles: "..." I often feel out of place with you because I''m not ruthless enough. What''s all that stuff, chili powder? Black pepper? Could you at least try a bit harder! Even mixing a little bit of insecticide in there would do! Chen Mu sighed deeply. Making a fortune out of disaster and even thinking ahead to find a scapegoat? What sort of characters have I gotten to know?! Chapter 204 Resolving Old Li was a gaunt old man over fifty years of age. His scalp was shiny and glowing with only a few sparse hairs clinging on. The tip of his nose was slightly red, and his eyes were perpetually blurry from years of straining. Anyone who saw Old Li would think he''d nearly been submerged head first in a barrel of liquor. While usually befuddled, at this moment Old Li was anything but; his eyes were bloodshot, and his face was flushed with excitement. "Old Niu, believe me, this stuff is the absolute nemesis of those damned green caterpillars!" "Have you gone mad with greed, thinking you can deceive me into spending money with just some chili powder?" Old Niu was a bald, potbellied man. His eyes were wide open, glaring at Old Li with displeasure. "Don''t think for a second I don''t know." "If this thing really worked, your fifteen acres wouldn''t have been ravaged empty!" Far from irritated, Old Li chuckled mysteriously: "They ate it all right!" Old Niu''s expression changed instantly. Had Old Li lost so much that he''d gone insane? "I''m not insane!" Old Li didn''t mind. "If it weren''t for those bugs eating all my Yellow Bud Rice," "I''d never have stumbled upon this secret!" With that, Old Li became visibly more animated. He leaned in and whispered, "I actually had just under half an acre left." "In that field, I found something incredible." "It''s a special kind of weed." "Any green caterpillar near it stumbled around as if drunk, completely unable to dodge being captured and killed!" "Really or not?" Old Niu was half-believing, half-doubting. "If you don''t believe me, come back with me and take a look." Old Li swore confidently, "If I''m lying, may I be struck by lightning!" "How much?" Old Niu couldn''t help being tempted. The green beetles were proliferating too fast; he had been busy all night and still lost three to four acres. "For such a high-end Insecticide Smoke, just four White Jade Coins," Old Li extended four fingers. "You want to sell me a heap of chili powder for four White Jade Coins? Are you crazy or am I?" Old Niu said gruffly. "To tell you the truth, the powder isn''t just chili. It contains black pepper as well, but it''s all to disguise the specific details of the weed," Old Li said, smugly. "Besides, it''s only two months of wages to safeguard twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice. Is that too expensive?" "Not at all expensive!" "Four White Jade Coins, you can''t get a loss, can''t be deceived." "How about it, want to try?" Old Li raised an eyebrow, his face eager. "I need to see that surviving patch of Yellow Bud Rice in your field first," Old Niu was still skeptical. The two of them were instantly overjoyed. "We got it!" ... Two nights later. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Dark smoke roiled as a mixture of gray-brown powder poured down from mid-air, flowing like water, and then disappearing into the black smoke below. Chen Mu controlled the Five Ghosts, intermittently adding ground-up medicinal herbs into the cycle, constantly mixing and stirring. "There must be about fifty pounds by now," he mused, estimating, "That should be worth..." "Ptui, ptui, ptui! What''s all this talk about selling? It''s not like I''m in this for the money!" Chen Mu was dead serious. "It''s just that the destructive power of the emerald beetles is too strong." "Making more of the Insecticide Smoke would save more Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "I simply want to do good within my capabilities." Chen Mu''s face was a picture of righteousness, "It''s certainly not for those piles of White Jade Coins!" Thinking of his actions, Chen Mu looked impressed with himself, "There aren''t many good people like me left." His thoughts drifted to the afflicted Yellow Bud Rice Fields, and he couldn''t help but pray sincerely, "I really hope the pest problem lasts... ah, no, I mean ends quickly!" ... Suddenly, a sound like bees buzzing could be heard high in the sky. Chen Mu''s heart went cold. A new type of bug? The Ghosts Paper Man swiftly took to the sky. Under the bright moonlight, a mass of red clouds rolled in from the direction of Tongtian Square, like a breached river surging forward. Accompanying the annoying buzz, clusters of fiery red spheres split from the red cloud, diving toward the Yellow Bud Rice Fields below. Before Chen Mu could fully understand what was happening, he faintly heard numerous disciples from the Lower Courtyard shouting and cheering. "The Oversight Courtyard? Director Song Wujie has returned?" The rolling red clouds, seemingly slow but actually quick, arrived in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu quickly retracted the Five Ghosts. He then saw the red cloud plummet down, rapidly invading his Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The pests in the field were swiftly exterminated; even the dozen or so green beetles he''d left as a decoy didn''t escape fate. Chen Mu scrutinized the red clouds. What looked like clouds were actually a massive swarm of red bugs obscuring the sky! "Manipulation of swarms? Is this Oversight Courtyard Song''s method?" Suddenly, something caught Chen Mu''s eye at the edge of his vision. He focused and immediately saw a short figure. The figure was enveloped in a clear white glow, flickering on and off above the swarm of insects. "I wonder when I''ll acquire such a skill?" Chen Mu said, full of admiration. Enjoy new stories from empire Chapter 205 Harvest For three consecutive days, red clouds sporadically appeared in the sky over the Lower Courtyard. The crazily proliferating emerald beetles were swiftly exterminated by Oversight Courtyard''s Song Wujie. Although the harvest of Yellow Bud Rice unavoidably suffered a reduction, this rapidly emerging pest outbreak was altogether and thoroughly eradicated in the end. Shang Huan''s residence. Accompanied by the thud of Old Hao falling to the ground. Chen Mu, dressed in a black Daoist robe with a white mask on his face, slowly emerged amidst a cloud of black smoke. Shang Huan glanced at Old Hao who had a face-plant, with a twitch at the corner of his mouth. He didn''t know where Old Hao had offended Mr. Gongsun. Every time they met, he would have to knock the old man down, always making him land on his face. If it weren''t for the Armor Spirit Warrior''s thick skin and flesh, he would have long been flattened into a pancake face. "Mr. Gongsun, here are all the White Jade Coins earned this time," Shang Huan respectfully presented a small wooden box. "In total, two hundred thirteen batches of Insecticide Smoke were sold, yielding eight hundred fifty-two White Jade Coins." "To expedite the sales, I promised the sales staff one White Jade Coin for each batch," Shang Huan said nervously. "What do you think..." Chen Mu gently touched the blackwood box, then suddenly leaned into Shang Huan''s ear. "Why don''t you run away?" "With so many White Jade Coins." Sweat instantly started to bead on Shang Huan''s forehead, and he forcefully swallowed saliva: "I want to earn even more White Jade Coins." Chen Mu stood up, his gaze indifferent as he looked at Shang Huan. "Hundred Herbs Pavilion was at wit''s end with the emerald beetles, yet you were able to produce Insecticide Smoke in no time." "I think that by following you, I could earn even more White Jade Coins in the future," Shang Huan explained, plucking up the courage. Chen Mu remained noncommittal on the surface but couldn''t help feeling surprised inwardly. This little-eyed fat man sure thinks far ahead. Black smoke swirled around his right hand as an old, yellow paper with writing appeared. The paper looked ancient, as though it would crumble upon touch. "If someone inquires about the Insecticide Smoke, give them this to look at." "Just say this recipe is a family heirloom of yours." He indeed disliked public exposure; he needed someone like Shang Huan to stand in front of him. After a few collaborations, this fat man''s talent for selling counterfeits left him speechless. But he had indeed helped mitigate some of the risks associated with selling elixir pills. The recipe for the Insecticide Smoke had been aged by Chen Mu on purpose, intended to ward off the covetous gazes of others. It was just a rudimentary version of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke for beetles, perfect for keeping Shang Huan safe. The black smoke then burrowed into the wooden box, and half of the White Jade Coins vanished into thin air. Without further words, he turned and left Shang Huan''s residence, accompanied by the black smoke. Shang Huan checked the recipe and then carefully opened the wooden box. Seeing that half of the White Jade Coins were left inside, he almost jumped with excitement. Quite a pleasant surprise! But he didn''t hold much anticipation. Find your next read at empire Since one could train just by breathing, the level of active participation was low. Moreover, the most noticeable change from the last advancement was the addition of two silver threads above his eyebrows. "Anyway, I don''t need to spend time on training. In a couple of days, I should know if there will be any changes." "I don''t even know if this already bifurcated path can continue to be cultivated." Chen Mu then turned his attention to the True Sun Scripture. At the same time, the state of the Divine Intent Diagram surfaced in his mind. As he cultivated the True Sun Scripture, the Soul Strength and Divine Intent Diagram of the remaining five Shape Cultivation Techniques had been captured and fused into the silk-ball shaped Jade Seed. "Once fully fused, I''ll probably be able to cultivate the Jade Seed," Chen Mu guessed. Back then, cultivating so many seemingly useless Shape Cultivation Techniques finally proved to be useful. Others would take a long time to cultivate a Jade Seed, filling it with the three treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit to fix the holes on the silk-ball shaped Jade Seed. Chen Mu had many Divine Intent Diagrams and not a small amount of Soul Strength, which were exactly the three treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, perfect for use as filler material. "Ever since leaving Da Liang, spending over a year and a bit more than two months, I''m finally touching the edges of the Perceptive Stage. It wasn''t easy," Chen Mu reflected. ... In the wooden Daoist temple on the cliff above Jilong Road to the north of Tongtian Square, Song Wujie sat cross-legged on a soft, low couch. With dark skin, a large face, a short neck, and thick fingers like small radishes, he didn''t even reach one meter sixty in height, making him appear short and stocky. A jewel-green beetle floated in front of him. Song Wujie''s thumb, index, and middle fingers flickered imperceptibly. Fine silver-white threads flitted in and out of visibility in mid-air. One end connected to his fingers, the other end pierced into the body of the beetle. The beetle''s wings and short legs were bound and tugged by an invisible force, its entire body trembling and contorting continuously, as though it were experiencing extreme pain. The beetle''s hissing cries were sharp and piercing, making one''s teeth ache just by listening. "What''s going on with Lin Su?" Song Wujie asked as he studied the beetle. Liang Yi, who was sitting on a cushion beside him, scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, "He wants to use the Round Light Mirror to find someone. Claims it''s his direct blood relative." "Do you believe him?" Song Wujie sneered. "Don''t believe him," Liang Yi continued with his sheepish grin, "It''s nothing but him taking a fancy to some treasure." "A new batch of students from the borderlands joined this year; there might be some ancient relic magic artifact among them," Liang Yi shrugged. "Knowing he''s up to no good, why are you still helping him?" Song Wujie spoke flatly. Liang Yi scratched his head, "After all, he''s the Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, not an outsider." "Then why did you take his money?" Song Wujie glanced at his own disciple. Liang Yi shrugged, "But he''s just the Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, not really one of our own." Song Wujie nodded, "Then scam him out of a bit more." With his trademark sheepish smile, Liang Yi said, "That''s what I was thinking too." Chapter 206 Perceptive Tongtian Square to the north, cliffside Daoist temple. The day after the insect disaster had passed, Lin Su arrived here early in the morning. "Liang Junior Brother, is the Oversight Courtyard available to see me?" Liang Yi wore a guilty expression, "Master got a Jade Green Beetle, a rare and unusual insect. He''s planning to decline visitors and shut himself in to study it, you see..." Lin Su''s expression darkened. I''ve waited for more than a month, only to be met with a ''decline of visitors''? He quickly took out a cloth bag and handed it to Liang Yi. "It concerns the bloodline of my family, please put in the effort, Liang Junior Brother!" Liang Yi''s face showed difficulty, "You know Master''s temperament. Once he immerses himself in the study of strange insects, he really hates to be disturbed by others. I... I really can''t..." Before he could finish his sentence, Lin Su stuffed another weighty cloth bag into his hands. "Don''t worry, Senior Brother, even if Master kicks me out, I must do this for you!" Liang Yi declared with a big wave of his hand, and with a turn of his palm, he tucked the cloth bag into his sleeve and walked into the temple. Watching the decisive Liang Yi, Lin Su had a bad premonition. Did this kid just play me? Damn! A heart black as coal! ... After a good while, Liang Yi finally reappeared beside the wooden building. He had a discouraged look that filled Lin Su with dread. This bastard, is he planning to swindle another sum of money from me?! "Senior Brother, as per your request, I''ve found the records of the day your direct kin disappeared," Liang Yi handed Lin Su a palm-sized white jade plate. Like an insect in amber, silvery filament patterns were inlaid within the jade plate. "On the day that member of your clan disappeared, besides the people who were already in the residence, there was another stranger." "He left after Dong Cheng disappeared." Liang Yi pointed to a mung-bean-sized ink spot on the white jade plate, "Within an hour, the jade plate can temporarily connect to the Round Light Mirror. "If you follow it, you''ll be able to locate the person from that day, at their current location." Lin Su was overjoyed, barely managing a bow before he turned and hurried off the wooden structure, quickly disappearing from sight. "Why run so fast?" A look of regret crossed Liang Yi''s face. He''d just wanted to put on a pitiful act, to stir up some sympathy. But Lin Su was only focused on the treasure and didn''t give a glance to his performance. "Such a waste of my emotional buildup," Liang Yi muttered to himself. Watching the other''s retreating figure, curiosity arose in Liang Yi, "What on earth is so valuable that Prefect Lin would spend so much?" "With all this effort, wouldn''t it be better to concentrate on refining the Divine Orifice?" Liang Yi shook his head disdainfully. He glanced at the proficiency. Sand Containing Technique: 3951/10000/Third Rank; "If it reaches Fourth Rank, maybe I could activate it instantly!" He was pondering whether to devote more effort to the Sand Containing Technique. Suddenly, a flash of enlightenment came to his mind. A cold sensation suddenly struck between his eyebrows. It took a good while for Chen Mu to come to his senses. He abruptly reached out, and a touch of icy black smoke emerged in his palm. But this black smoke was not the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall in front of him. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 1/10000/Eighth Rank; A Cloud Mirage is a kind of cloud-like creature. "But you didn''t tell me it was a bunch of dark clouds!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle and shake his head. Just now, his Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had naturally progressed to Eighth Rank. With a thought, his whole body was enveloped in black smoke. "This is great, next time Gongsun Sheng makes an appearance, there''s no need for the Five Ghosts Bag gimmick." "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique comes with its own special effects! Heh..." "I wonder what use this thing has." Just as he was enjoying himself, a sudden sharp pain came from his right arm. It was as if someone was pressing a hot iron against his arm. Chen Mu was so frightened that he quickly shook his hand and pulled up his sleeve to look. The mark of the Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard, which was previously black, had now changed to red. It looked like flowing magma, burning so intensely that veins on Chen Mu''s forehead bulged. The next moment, a wisp of black smoke emerged around the bright red mark. It was like charcoal sprayed with freeze spray; the red mark rapidly cooled and turned black. Chen Mu subconsciously wiped it with his hand, and the Daoist Seal, which had already shown cracks, immediately turned into a pile of black ash and disappeared. Chen Mu was left standing there in shock. The Daoist Seal mark... was gone?! The mark that bound the Lower Courtyard disciples, forcing him to do unpaid labor, it was gone! In his memory, to get rid of that thing, one had to serve Jilong Road for twenty years or achieve Perception. "I... I''ve achieved Perception?!" "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique achieved Perfection at Seventh Rank, which corresponds to Perception?!" A huge surge of elation instantly filled Chen Mu''s heart. Chapter 207 Jade Seed ``` "Perceptive?" "A newly promoted Lower Courtyard disciple?" "This quickly?" Liang Yi''s face was filled with shock. The Daoist Seal disappeared, either because it was wiped out with a Round Light Mirror or because the host had cultivated Perceptive Spirit Light. "This guy, he''s not simple," Liang Yi said with a playful look on his face. "Less than a year to cultivate Perceptive Spirit Light?" Liang Yi shook his head. Those who enter the Lower Courtyard are at most at the Jade Seed stage. Ordinary people can''t cultivate Perceptive Spirit Light in one year. "Is it an overlooked Innate Taoist Bone or a special bloodline?" "Lin Su''s going to be scratching his head over this one," Liang Yi chuckled with schadenfreude. But as he laughed, his smile faded. With the Daoist Seal gone, the Jade Plate he gave to Lin Su was useless. "That guy won''t suspect it was my doing, will he?" Liang Yi suddenly had a bad premonition. "Is this blame going to be pinned on me?" This was getting awkward indeed. ... Lin Su moved like lightning, turning into a wisp of black smoke. "As long as I find the Exquisite Jade Plate..." he clenched his fists involuntarily. The Exquisite Jade Plate could gather Earth Spirit Vitality, forming a small Daoist training ground. This would allow him to break free from environmental dependency during his Condensing Aperture cultivation. And shatter Jilong Road''s Upper Court monopoly on Earth Spirit Vitality. "Once my Condensing Aperture reaches perfection, what of Song Wujie, what of Jilong Road''s Upper Court, huh!" Lin Su trembled with excitement! "And that little thief who stole the Exquisite Jade Plate," Lin Su said hatefully. If not for that person, he would have obtained the Exquisite Jade Plate two months earlier! "I''ll see how I''ll deal with you!" Lin Su''s face twisted into a sinister smile. For the past two months, he had imagined more than once how to torture the thief who stole the treasure. "No rush, we''ll play it slow!" He looked at the White Jade in his hand with malice. Then he discovered, to his horror, that the ink spot which had just been clearly visible, had now disappeared. Lin Su: "..." My Exquisite Jade Plate, where is it? Liang Yi? This son of a bitch still wanted to cheat me out of my money?! Damn! ... Behind Low Mountain, in a small valley. Chen Mu held a millstone-sized rock in his right hand, tossing it as if it were an egg. He raised his hand and threw it into the sky. Chen Mu stood there, looking up at the rock as it climbed more than ten meters above his head. "The difficult part is being perceptive," sighed Old Hao. "I unified my spirit and soul twenty years ago, brought my Jade Seed to Perfection, and tried to be perceptive of Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate the Body Protection Aura." "Now..." Old Hao said with a dismissive twist of his mouth. Twenty years? Is Perceptive Spirit Light that hard to cultivate? What about this black smoke? "Is it because of the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy?" Chen Mu thought of the Exquisite Jade Plate and asked tentatively. Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu, "Pretty smart, huh." "It can''t be that everyone just wastes away, right?" Chen Mu frowned. "One hundred White Jade Coins, and you can cultivate in the Upper Court''s Daoist Halls for a month," Old Hao took a drag on his pipe and shrugged nonchalantly, "I''ve been there five times..." Chen Mu looked at him with sympathy. After more than twenty years of trying and having gone five times without success in cultivating the Aura, who knew how many more years it would take. Glancing at Old Hao''s face, Chen Mu couldn''t help asking, "At your age, why are you still enduring this?" "With the power of your Spirit and Soul Unification, wouldn''t you have a more carefree and joyful life as a wealthy man in the secular world?" Old Hao gave Chen Mu a sidelong glance, "I''m seventy-five." "That''s quite young, okay!" "Hold on for another fifty or sixty years, and maybe it will be perfected, right?" "Even if it really doesn''t work out, I''ll only be a hundred and twenty or thirty then." "It''s still not too late to go to the secular world and take twenty or thirty concubines to enjoy life." Chen Mu: "..." Seventy-five? Young? Over a hundred years old and taking twenty or thirty concubines? What kind of outrageous and wild talk is this! Chen Mu then came to a realization. Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard disciples were at least at the perfection of Shell Soul. After achieving Spirit and Soul Unification, as long as they were not killed, they could still be hopping around lively when they died at the age of one hundred fifty to sixty. After all, those who had undergone Shape Cultivation were already somewhat less than human. ... "With so many people in the Perceptive Stage, how come I''ve never seen a copy of the Perceptive Secret Technique?" After some idle chat, Chen Mu finally voiced his confusion. "Who has copies after perceiving?" Old Hao rolled his eyes, "Copies are only for those who haven''t completed the Jade Seed." No copies? So, he couldn''t fleece the Scripture Transmission Institute after all. "Why are you asking about this when you haven''t even completed the Jade Seed?" Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu. "Just curious, purely curious," Chen Mu smiled knowingly. He narrowed his eyes toward the dim wall ahead, focusing on one particular section. True Sun Scripture: Limit; In his mind, the six Divine Intent Diagrams of the Shape Cultivation Technique disappeared completely. A peanut-sized White Jade sphere broke through the fog, clearly emerging before his eyes. During the harvest of the Yellow Bud Rice, the True Sun Scripture was officially pushed to its limit by him. Chapter 208 Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique At the foot of Low Mountain, Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Even though the harvest had been completed, the yellow bud rice plants remained lush and green. At this moment, accompanied by a buzzing sound like a swarm of bees flapping their wings, a grey cloud of insects descended into the yellow bud rice fields. Wherever they passed, the tough stalks, which were almost as hard as sticks, instantly turned into a green, moist powder that fell to the ground. The scent of fresh grass spread all around the fields. In the middle of the insect swarm, a man in his fifties, draped in a black cloak, was slowly moving forward. He carried a black ceramic urn almost as tall as a man on his back; wherever he went, the grey cloud of insects followed. "Haven''t seen this before, have you?" Old Hao squatted at the end of the field, puffing on a cigarette. "Tsk tsk, quite the eye-opener." Chen Mu, also squatting at the field''s edge, observed the insect swarm at work with great interest. After the harvest of the yellow bud rice, the plants also needed to be dealt with. The man carrying the black ceramic urn was the professional responsible for handling the plants in the Lower Courtyard. All the tough plants were pulverized by the grey insect cloud and recycled back into the field. In the past world, large agricultural machinery accomplished this, while in this alternate world, they developed a method using insects. "We have Director Song to thank for this," Old Hao said with a smile. Chen Mu understood and thought back to the red insect cloud from that night. He thought to himself that the director was truly an expert in manipulating insects. "How were they dealt with in the past?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "You can''t burn them; that would damage the Earth Spirit Vital Energy. What else could you do but plane them?" said Old Hao, exhaling a puff of white smoke casually. "Plane?" "Yes, with knives and swords," said Old Hao with an inexplicable expression. Chen Mu squinted his eyes and couldn''t help but laugh. Most of the farmers here were from elsewhere, with Shell Souls. In the past, they were all significant figures in Jianghu, their blade and sword arts having cut down countless people. But here... using supreme swordsmanship to chop for the landowners? The feeling was quite peculiar. ... Two quarters of an hour later. Chen Mu handed the elder a cloth bag: "Elder Zhang, please keep this safe, it''s fifteen jin of yellow bud rice." The elder opened the bag, took a handful to check, and smiled, nodding at Chen Mu. After chatting briefly with Old Hao, he hurried away. "The work''s not easy this year," Old Hao said, smoking a cigarette as he walked with Chen Mu towards Low Mountain. "Quite a bit of the yellow bud rice was nibbled by green beetles, so to make this money, they had to travel further and to more places than in previous years." "How much does the Lower Courtyard give them?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "It seems to be one White Jade Coin for two hundred mu of land," Old Hao thought for a moment before answering, "This job is only available for a short period. Working tirelessly for five or six days, they can make roughly four or five White Jade Coins." "But you need to know how to raise insects." "If they die or get injured, you have to compensate." "A novice taking on this task will essentially end up working for nothing." "With such difficulty, how long would it take to save enough to buy a Secret Technique?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but wonder. Moreover, for later cultivation, the Jade Plate would consume White Jade Coins, and auxiliary elixirs would also require White Jade Coins. He hesitated for a long time, then looked at the elder with grizzled hair. "Old sir, do you think you could possibly..." He hadn''t finished speaking when the elder with graying hair interrupted him expressionlessly. "If you dare to haggle with me again, I''ll throw you out!" Chen Mu felt embarrassed in an instant. It was just about last time I haggled so hard, how did this old man remember it. Seeing the old man''s gaze growing colder, Chen Mu could only reluctantly part with his money. The elder was accustomed to Chen Mu''s pained expression. With a wave of his hand, the strands of White Jade Coins on the counter disappeared. In their place was a brown, wooden flat box as wide as a palm and as long as a forearm. Chen Mu''s face brightened, and he reached out to take it. However, the gray-haired elder held down the wooden box, staring at Chen Mu. "Remember, you can only view it when your Jade Seed has reached Perfection." "If you don''t heed the warning and your head explodes, don''t have any complaints in the Underworld." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "My... my head could explode?!" The elder with graying hair looked at Chen Mu askance: "Did you think cultivating Perceptive Spirit Light was easy?" "If success could be guaranteed with just a Secret Technique, why would so many people be desperate to come to Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard?" Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "On the path of cultivation, every step is a challenge, and any small mistake can potentially end your life and your pursuit of the Dao!" the elder with graying hair said with a sigh. "You should be grateful that you became a member of Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard." "Here we have the Scripture Transmission Institute." "A well-established system of lecture and teaching that can help you avoid many troubles in cultivation." "Unlike those Wild Cultivators out there, always secretive and never fully disclosing their methods." "Who knows how many naturally talented Daoist Bones have been killed or crippled by these deceptive Wild Cultivators!" the elder with graying hair exclaimed sadly. Chen Mu listened with a pounding heart. Indeed, he had an external advantage that could grind for experience. But before climbing the wall, he had none whatsoever. A minor mistake could completely block his path to the Dao! "Afraid?" the elder with graying hair asked, concerned. Chen Mu looked terrified: "Afraid!" "Don''t be scared. Since you''ve come to Jilong Road, that''s your fortune," the elder with graying hair said more kindly. "The Perceptive Spiritual Light cultivation class, taught by the veteran cultivators of the Scripture Transmission Institute, is thoughtful and meticulous, with one-on-one teaching that guarantees learningfor just fifty White Jade Coins." "Not afraid anymore, are you? Want to give it a try?" Chen Mu: "..." I was wondering why it all seemed so familiar just now. Isn''t this just like the anxiety-selling soft articles from peddling courses in my previous life?! Fuck! Chapter 209 Entry Level ``` Two days later. Low Hill Courtyard. By the western stove, Chen Mu moved a millstone-sized rock from a little hollow, hollowed out a round pit in the middle, covered it with a wire mesh, and thus, a fine grill was made. He spread a finger-thick slice of marinated meat across the wire mesh. A ball of black smoke appeared out of nowhere, slowly enveloping the slices of meat. Three breaths later, Chen Mu dispelled the black smoke of the Spirit Armor Technique. Without sound or scent, a charred layer formed on the surface of the meat. The delicious aroma was overwhelming, and it was thoroughly cooked. Chen Mu pinched a slice and tossed it into his mouth. The taste exploded in his mouth, the crispy exterior giving way to the tender inside, with a spicy saltiness assaulting his taste buds. "Delicious!" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique''s splitting method is fantastic!" Chen Mu thought happily. "The black smoke feels cool to the touch, but its actual effect is high-temperature scorching." "With this effect, I won''t have to worry about Exotic Beast Meat being difficult to cook." ... Not long after the meal was served, Old Hao arrived, hands clasped behind his back, sauntering over. Seeing the neatly arranged large plate of roast meat, Old Hao couldn''t help but frown: "Eating like this every day, you''re going to pass away!" "Wasteful!" Saying so, he pinched a piece of roast meat and threw it into his mouth. Chen Mu rolled his eyes: "Then don''t eat it." "That I cannot do, why wouldn''t I eat a meal that''s offered for free," Old Hao squinted his eyes and savored it slowly. "Spit it out, what do you want to know by coming to me?" Chen Mu cleared his throat: "You misunderstand, I mainly wanted to express my gratitude for your guidance." Old Hao wore a look of disbelief: "For someone as honest as you to invite me over for a meal, there must be something you need." Me? Honest? Chen Mu nodded with a face full of agreement: "You really know how to read people!" ... After the meal, the two of them lay in their rocking chairs, drinking tea to aid digestion. "I just heard that the Scripture Transmission Institute has some old cultivators teaching for years; I was wondering what these lessons are like." Those anxiety-inducing ads may be small, but they sure are mighty. In his past life, he''d been swayed into buying quite a few classes. Fooled by that old man with flower-like hair, he didn''t dare look at the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique for two days after buying it! What if it blew his head off? "They''re useful," Old Hao nodded: "They teach the principles of Secret Techniques, cultivating skills that can reasonably speed up one''s cultivation time." "You don''t need to listen to them now." "First practice for a year and a half, attempt Spirit and Soul Unification several times, then go seek advice from those old cultivators. The combination of the two will yield better results." Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod. It''s the combination of theory and practice, after all. I''ll definitely get scolded by the master later! Seeing that the guy was about to shout his throat hoarse, Liang Yi''s mind raced. I need to get this guy out of here quickly! "Brother Lin, why not go to the Scripture Transmission Institute and find the Talisman Oversight?" "He has all the records of those who purchased Perceptive Secret Techniques." "If you follow this clue, combined with the direction the Round Light Mirror previously pointed you, you might be able to find traces of that person!" Lin Su''s heart stirred, and he immediately dropped the sorrow from his face, thanking Liang Yi with a grateful fist and palm salute. "Thank you for the reminder, junior brother." With that, he leapt out of the wooden pagoda-like Daoist temple and disappeared between the cliffs in the blink of an eye. ... Five days later. Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu was nestled in a rocking chair. In his right hand, he held a white jade tablet as long as a forearm and as wide as four fingers. The edges of the jade tablet were adorned with gold silk clouds. In the middle, there was a complex pattern of starry silver threads inside. A faint voice seemed to emerge in his mind. Gradually, the complex pattern also began to appear and disappear around the Jade Seed. Chen Mu stared at the increasingly clear starry silver thread pattern, and a sudden sense of enlightenment surged in his heart. It took him a good while to come back to his senses. After recalling slightly, a strange, low chant that seemed like a thousand people reciting curse words spilled out. At the same time, around the Jade Seed, a half-transparent mesh ball made of starry silver threads the size of an egg, encapsulated the Jade Seed at its center. Chen Mu projected the gray wall. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 19/10000; "Only First Rank?" Chen Mu squinted his eyes. "The Scripture Transmission Institute breaks it down and separates cultivation practice into stages, charging for each level?" Chen Mu sighed. They really don''t miss any opportunity to squeeze you for money. This is still in Jilong Road. I don''t even want to know how harsh the living conditions for the wild cultivators outside are. Chen Mu looked at the pattern on the jade tablet, which was becoming more and more blurred: "Useless?" No wonder they were so generous in allowing him to take the secret technique out from the Scripture Transmission Institute. So there''s a limit on the number of times it can be used, no fear of people making secret trades. He suddenly realized a problem: "If the pattern disappears and I can''t even begin to cultivate the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, then what should I do?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the meaningful look on the face of the Talisman Supervision Institute official. "You can only buy another and continue to cultivate!" "And perhaps you''ll even be coaxed into buying a cultivation guidance lesson!" Chen Mu: "..." Truly a masterful method! Chapter 210 Colleagues Tongtian Square Lower Courtyard residence. Inspection Courtyard, Lin Su''s compound. The sturdy man in black, Wu Lie, strode into the main hall, presenting a scroll the thickness of a wrist in bright yellow fabric with both hands, "Prefect, this is the list of secret technique exchanges from the Scripture Transmission Institute over the last twenty years." "They say the Talismanic Inspector is unsociable. Unexpectedly, this time he was so forthcoming," Wu Lie remarked with surprise. "He just asked about the Zhongshan Path traitor incident, and he gave me the list outright."No?v(el)B\\jnn Lin Su gave Wu Lie a blank look. Forthcoming? That''s because I gave him money! "Does the Prefect suspect that Zhongshan Path has been plotting for a long time and has already infiltrated the Lower Courtyard?" Wu Lie inquired. "Hmm," Lin Su nodded slightly but didn''t say anything. Zhongshan Path was just a pretext; he was actually looking for the thief who stole the Exquisite Jade Plate! "That''s right, I was mistaken before," Lin Su suddenly realized. "It''s not the first time Dong Cheng has swindled and deceived." "And it''s the old disciples who have been fooled the most." "Such individuals have the power to turn the tables on Dong Cheng!" Thinking of the disappearing black dot on the Round Light Mirror, Lin Su''s certainty grew. "Check all the people in the past twenty years who have exchanged for the Perceptive Secret Technique." "Those famous prodigies require even more attention." A cold glint flashed in Lin Su''s eyes. "Prefect is wise!" Wu Lie expressed his admiration. "Such people, once they break through, are most likely to seek apprenticeship and blend into the Lower Courtyard!" "Zhongshan Path was actually planning to sabotage our Lower Courtyard!" "Rest assured, Prefect, I will definitely root out all these people!" Wu Lie promised earnestly. Lin Su''s eyelids twitched. Could it really be explained this way? Well, as long as you understand, that''s fine. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Sizzle, sizzle... A burst of stir-frying noise echoed within the small courtyard. A thin layer of black smoke enveloped the bottom of the pot as Chen Mu, holding the spatula, stirred quickly. In just over thirty breaths'' time, he swiftly dissipated the black smoke from the Spirit Armor Technique, lifting a slice of cured meat for tasting. "Finally succeeded," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. The scorching effect of the black smoke far surpassed that of the fierce stoves in his previous life. In his initial uses, he had even charred the dishes, which was rather shameful for a Fourth Rank chef. Chen Mu carried the dish to the wooden pavilion. The square table was covered with a large spread: fragrant pan-fried fish slices, boiled fish balls, braised pork chunks, spicy marinated cold meat, quickly saute?ed vegetables, a small pot of Yellow Bud Rice, and a flat bamboo basket filled with the Qi Family''s old pies. With the black smoke from the Spiritual Armor serving as a fierce stove, Exotic Beast meat was no longer difficult to handle. Paired with a tenderizing secret recipe, many of the previous dishes could be slowly realized. "According to the Da Liang Calendar, today is the first day of the New Year," Chen Mu declared after snatching up a pie and biting it in half. "Of course!" Angry? Want to curse? Feel like getting physical? Bring it on! Shang Huan glared at Zhang Tu''an, "Deal!" A fake incense formula and he''s willing to spend forty-six White Jade Coins?! Is he an idiot? Zhang Tu''an: "..." That''s not the response I was expecting. "Changed your mind?" Shang Huan glowered at Zhang Tu''an. Zhang Tu''an opened his mouth and found himself at a loss for words. "Tight on cash? I can make it cheaper." Zhang Tu''an: "..." ... Underground Market District. Chen Mu, dressed in black and wearing a beast head mask, set up his stall to sell medicine like usual. "Excluding the time for rest and tending to the fields, the White Jade Plate requires roughly seventy-two White Jade Coins a month." "I have a total of one hundred thirty-nine on me, which is just enough for two months." "I''ve got to keep selling Calming Pills," Chen Mu sighed, "Damn Scripture Transmission Institute always cost a fortune!" If they didn''t set such high prices, he wouldn''t be in a financial crisis so soon. "Selling ten more bottles of Calming Pills should be enough to break even," Chen Mu conceded helplessly. As the Elixir Pills sold more and more, he feared they might attract unwanted attention. "I''ll just have to change my appearance and be more careful," Chen Mu decided. He took out ten bottles of Calming Pills and laid them on the felt pad, placing the price sign in a conspicuous place. Calming Pills are the most cost-effective consumable Elixir Pills for the Spirit and Soul Unification phase. As long as they''re for sale, there will be buyers. "Lucky for me that I have this Calming Pill business. Otherwise, I''d have to save money like others by farming," Chen Mu felt fortunate. He was resting with his eyes closed when he suddenly felt a scrutinizing gaze. Chen Mu opened his eyes discreetly to see a middle-aged man setting up shop diagonally across from him, looking at Chen Mu with a mixture of confusion and vigilance. Chen Mu was curious and glanced at the man''s pricing sign. One White Jade Coin for thirty-two Calming Pills. I''ve encountered a fellow trader... Chen Mu sighed, as the Hundred Herbs Pavilion couldn''t completely monopolize the Elixir Pill trade after all. In the Underground Market District, aside from him, many people sold Elixir Pills. Unfortunately, this time he ran into a competitor who was also selling Calming Pills. Fortunately, Calming Pills were in high demand. One or two additional traders really didn''t matter. Chen Mu didn''t mind and was about to look away. Then he saw the middle-aged man glaring at him fiercely, taking out a brush and drawing a line on the sign. One White Jade Coin for thirty-three Calming Pills. Chen Mu: "..." Do we really have to compete like this? It''s not necessary! Chapter 211 Roll The moon was high in the sky. Chen Mu changed his appearance and figure, had the Five Ghosts Pathfinding for him, and took a circuitous route back to rest in the cellar in the hollow. He didn''t care about the newcomers in the Underground Market. Profit margins were already low from buying and selling on the Ghost Ship. And now, he had to increase the amounts being sent out... Ha! "Probably some greenhorn just starting out," Chen Mu shook his head. Looking at the other party''s crude disguise, it was clear they were inexperienced. It wouldn''t take long for the increasingly poor profits to teach them a lesson. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Next to him on a short table was a White Jade Plate, and above a fist-sized bronze incense burner, the air twisted with heat carrying a faint sweet fragrance rising up. Chen Mu''s lips moved, his voice low as if coming from deep within his abdomen. It was like a thousand overlapping voices chanting strange Curse Commands, continuously spilling from his mouth. In his mind, a spider-web-like sphere the size of an egg gently vibrated. At the center, a round Jade Seed also trembled at a certain rhythm. After a good while, a sudden cool sensation came from the Life Gate at his lower back. It was as if, in the midst of summer, someone was gently touching his back with two cold metal rods. Fine, hair-like wisps of white mist appeared in his mind and swiftly burrowed into the Jade Seed, disappearing within. Chen Mu observed carefully, but saw no change in the Jade Seed. After a long while, Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked at the semi-translucent grey wall in front of him. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 529/10000; "An hour for just five or six points of experience, this is far worse than the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique!" Chen Mu sighed. Others could gain experience just by breathing, even earning progress in their sleep. And then there''s the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, sigh... "No wonder it''s priced the lowest." Now, Chen Mu understood. The cultivation time for the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique was indeed long. He had the proficiency cheat, gaining enlightenment every time he practiced. With the White Jade Plate, the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy was comparable to that of the Upper Court''s cultivation arenas. Even with such advantageous circumstances, he calculated that he would still need over seven months of intense effort every day. Looking at Old Hao, who had bought a top-tier Spiritual Light Secret Technique, he only cultivated for twenty years and... well, let''s not mention Old Hao anymore. The greatest pain in life is to compare with others. The right attitude should be to compare with oneself. So... seven months, huh! Chen Mu curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a grin, squinting his eyes and shaking his leg. "Seven months for just one Perceptive Spirit Light!" "How many seven months does one have in life!" ... "What are you showing off for!" Old Hao, who walked in with his hands behind his back, looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "Exploitation is everywhere," Chen Mu sighed. Fortunately, he had the White Jade Plate. "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard was conducting a massive search back then," Chen Mu squinted his eyes slightly. "It''s not necessarily true that they''ve stopped now." "It''s more likely they''ve shifted from overt to covert investigations." "I''ll have to be even more cautious when using it in the future." ... Ten nights later, shortly after nightfall. On the west side of Low Mountain, within a broad expanse of Yellow Bud Rice Fields, three black clouds appeared in mid-air. Then, they suddenly plummeted as if they were torrents of dark water, rapidly rolling and spreading across the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Wherever they passed, the compacted soil instantly turned over and crumbled, becoming loose and friable. At the edge of the field, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. This was the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields he had just rented. Taking advantage of the night, he used the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to till the field and didn''t even go home. Putting on his Beast Head Mask and draping a black cloak over himself, his figure and appearance changed. With a few leaps, he sprang onto Low Mountain. Then, he crossed the ridge and hurried northward at top speed. The Underground Market was open tonight, and he was going to sell Calming Pills. ... The more times he went, although he was still cautious, he also felt more relaxed and composed. "After selling today''s batch, I''ll have enough for the month," Chen Mu calculated as he walked. With twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields and a steady outlet for Calming Pills, he would no longer worry about White Jade Coins for his cultivation at the Perceptive Spirit Light Stage. Entering the Underground Market, he leisurely made his way to a familiar spot. However, he discovered that his space was already occupied by someone else. "Is this newcomer still trying?" Chen Mu was surprised to see his fellow trader occupying his spot. "Could it be that he''s been adulterating the product?" Buying and selling on the Ghost Ship, one couldn''t make money without doing that. "Isn''t he afraid of getting killed?" Chen Mu''s own Calming Pills 1.0 were substandard at best, but others were truly adulterating their products! Chen Mu shook his head and decided not to concern himself with it any further. But just as he had gone a short distance further in, he noticed another stall selling Calming Pills. Chen Mu looked towards the wooden placard for the price. "One White Jade Coin, thirty-four White Jade Coins." Chen Mu: "..." He suddenly had a bad feeling. He hurried deeper into the Underground Market. The third shop, the fourth shop... Before he even entered the core of the Underground Market, he had already seen seven stalls selling Calming Pills, and each was more egregious than the last. The stall with the biggest discount was selling thirty-seven Calming Pills for one White Jade Coin! What the hell was going on?! Chapter 212 Origin In the dead of night, Chen Mu returned to his cellar in the mountain hollow with a face full of helplessness. In the underground market, many stalls were selling Calming Pills. Each one offered discounts, each one had counterfeit pills. His relatively authentic Calming Pills actually attracted no buyers?! "Bad money drives out good," Chen Mu shook his head. It was always him using inferior products to snatch business from the genuine goods of Hundred Herbs Hall. Now... it was retribution. "This way, I won''t be able to break even," Chen Mu frowned. Originally, he could have earned money and gathered experience calmly. But unexpectedly, so many sellers of fake medicine sprang up out of nowhere. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Under a wooden shed, on a square table, lay a feast of roasted skewers, boiled meat slices, fishball soup, Yellow Bud Rice balls, and lots of delicious pies from Old Qi''s family. "Your cooking skills are too good for just farming," Old Hao praised as he bit off half a pie with audible relish. "Whatever you want to know, just ask," Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu and cheerfully said. After being acquainted for some time, he was all too familiar with this routine. "When is the Ghost Ship coming next?" Chen Mu asked directly. "That''s the spirit!" Old Hao laughed, "You can''t just stay here farming all day, like an old man." "You''re young; you should be full of curiosity, ready to go out and see the world!" Curiosity? Going out to see the world? I wouldn''t dare! The world is so dangerous; a small mistake could be fatal! "Going by the schedule, the Ghost Ship should arrive in another seven or eight days," Old Hao contemplated and then said, "When the time comes, you can follow me, and I''ll show you around." "Thank you, Old Hao," Chen Mu smiled. Unable to sell Calming Pills at the underground market, he had no choice but to try his luck aboard the Ghost Ship. If that wasn''t secure enough, he would have to resort to Heavenly River Water Mansion, as mentioned by Old Hao. "Damn those counterfeit medicine sellers!" Chen Mu seethed internally. The stable life he enjoyed had been disrupted. ... The next day, Chen Mu got up early in the morning. After breakfast, he began processing the medicinal herbs. He took a handful of root-like herbs cut into small sections and placed them on his palm, then rotated and rubbed them slowly and firmly with both hands. Puff puff puff! Accompanied by a series of muffled sounds, the tough wooden herbs instantly became a small pile of fine powder. Following the same method, Chen Mu ground all the herbs into powder with his hands. After mixing them in proportion and sifting them through a fine mesh, he poured them into a dark ceramic basin. Then he added a binder, mixed it evenly, and finally squeezed it into pills using a wooden mold. This process was repeated continuously, and under the wooden shed, baskets of Calming Pills were slowly produced. In the Shang Huan residence. A simple and honest man sat opposite Shang Huan. "Can it be a little cheaper?" Shang Huan raised an eyebrow, incredulous, "Brother Zhang, think about it, are ten White Jade Coins really that expensive?" "This is a formula that can perfectly mimic the taste of Calming Pills, it could easily pass off as the real thing!" "With it, how many White Jade Coins can''t you earn?" "But... after all, this is a counterfeit medicine," the honest man hesitated. Shang Huan said earnestly, "Brother Zhang, did you know that using Calming Pills consecutively can lead to resistance?" "We mix in some incense to ease the mind and reduce the pill usage frequency. Isn''t this for their own good?!" "You must remember, we who add counterfeits are not doing it for money, but to help them cultivate better!" Shang Huan waved his right fist, full of conviction. "I''ll buy it!" said the honest Brother Zhang, resolutely. "That''s the spirit!" Shang Huan immediately beamed with joy. Old Hao, who had been listening on the side, was dumbfounded. After sending the honest man away, he was still trying to process it all, "Aren''t you afraid of trouble selling this way?" "I''m only selling an incense formula; if others want to sell it as Calming Pills, what does that have to do with me?" Shang Huan retorted confidently. "Such a profiteer!" Old Hao shook his head, sighing. "Then you shouldn''t take a cut of this profiteer''s earnings," teased Shang Huan cheerily. "Ahem... I know someone else, should I get in touch?" Old Hao pretended not to hear the teasing. "Of course!" Shang Huan''s eyes gleamed, "I''ve only made twenty-three sales so far. That''s hardly anything!" "Once I sell fifty, I''ll go buy the best Spiritual Light Method there is!" Shang Huan confidently declared. Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu, who had just arrived to deliver goods to Shang Huan, was speechless... A whole half-day''s turmoil, this counterfeit medicine scandal, was actually stirred up by this damn fatty?! Was this guy at odds with fraud or what? How long had it been since they last met? He was like a mad dog, rushing headlong down this no-return path. Staring at that slyly grinning fat face, Chen Mu felt an overwhelming urge to strangle the bastard! It was this son of a gun who had shattered his peaceful life! Thud! With a muffled sound, the two people in the room immediately hit the floor with their faces. Fatty, just you wait! ... Seven days later, at noon, on the docks of Tongtian Square. A bruised and swollen Old Hao led Chen Mu to the banks of the Tongtian River. Alongside them was Shang Huan, his face as swollen as a pig''s head. Chen Mu glanced at the other''s eyes, swollen to slits, and felt as sweet as if he''d drunk honey. There was plenty of time; they would settle this score slowly! Soon, a ghastly pale and hideous creature emerged from the bottom of the Tongtian River. "A Ghost Ship? It must be the work of Bai Lu," Chen Mu realized. In his understanding, a Ghost Ship meant the black market, all sneaky and undercover. He had been puzzled why Old Hao had brought him here at noon. But now everything became clear to him. Chapter 213 The Outsider The Ling Boat was more than two hundred meters long, half the size of the one Chen Mu had boarded before, yet it was still a colossal entity. Snow-white pillars, transparent curtain walls, glowing fluorescent algae. On both sides were multilayered cabins attached to the inner walls, most of which were various shops and storefronts. Dressed in gray, with a brown cloth bag on his back, Chen Mu wandered about the cabins on the Ling Boat. He was looking for a suitable buyer for the Calming Pills. "It can''t be too small." Shops that were too small and desperate for growth might resort to any means to control this source of wealth. "Nor can it be too big." Shops that were too big and powerful could easily investigate him if anyone became slightly interested. "Imperial Goods Pavilion is just right," Chen Mu said, standing in front of a shop. After wandering around the Ling Boat for two Hours and examining nine elixir shops, he finally chose Imperial Goods Pavilion. It was neither too big nor too small, not overly interested in the profits from the Calming Pills, nor willing to spend the resources to investigate them. After looking around to make sure there were no customers, Chen Mu adjusted his face and walked into Imperial Goods Pavilion on his third pass by the entrance. The owner, a gentle-looking man in his forties, greeted him, "Welcome, what do you need?" Chen Mu, expressionless, placed the package from behind him onto the counter and feigned expertise as he said, "Help me sell a batch of Calming Pills." "Sure," the pale-faced middle-aged man answered nonchalantly, "Forty pills per White Jade Coin." Chen Mu opened the package and pushed it towards the middle-aged man, "Okay." The man only sniffed the bottle cap and casually took out twenty White Jade Coins. His casual demeanor was not like someone who had just bought twenty bottles of Calming Pills, but rather like someone who had bought two jin of Yellow Bud Rice. Is that it? Not checking each bottle, not inquiring about the origins of the elixir pills, not even trying to haggle the price? "Anything else you need?" the middle-aged man asked, still maintaining his mild manner. "No, that''s all," Chen Mu nodded in acknowledgement and turned to leave. It wasn''t until he was far from Imperial Goods Pavilion that Chen Mu let out a wry smile and came back to his senses. "I was so cautious, but it turns out that they don''t even care for Calming Pills." "After all, they''re just mundane Elixir Pills," Chen Mu realized. "Compared to Fasting Pills and Soul Condensing Pills, which require special refining spells, they''re simply not on the same level." It''s better that they don''t care! Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Selling elixir pills on the Ling Boat, this had indeed worked out, and it was even safer and more convenient than the Underground Market. "Then...should I sell more?" After considering it, Chen Mu shook his head to reject the idea. The Ling Boat docked once mid-month and at month''s end; selling twenty bottles of Calming Pills each time was just the right amount. "A steady trickle lasts long; better to play it safe." ... "They don''t look very human, hmm... at least not pure." "I heard there are Elixir Pills that can grant special bloodlines." "This is quite enlightening." Chen Mu exclaimed. "Old Hao was right. Always holed up here farming, I''m out of touch with the world, it''s easy to fall behind." Chen Mu shook his head helplessly, "It seems I''ll have to visit Red Sleeve Square several more times." "Not to watch whatever show since I can''t even tell if it''s good or bad." "Simply to gather information and broaden my horizons." "I''ll have to spend these White Jade Coins." Thinking about seeing the new performances in just over ten days... no, the headlines of the Yunzhou Cultivation World, his heart couldn''t help but thrill. Then, one by one, soybean-sized black and red Elixir Pills began to materialize in his palm. Hisss hisss hisss... A series of sharp cries rang out. That innocent watermelon-sized rock ultimately turned into fragments with much reluctance. "Did I advance?" Chen Mu looked at the soybean-sized black and red Elixir Pills in his palm in surprise. Sand Containing Technique: 3/10000/Fourth Rank; "Faster speed, shorter activation time, finally looking decent." Chen Mu was pleased. He was about to continue testing his newly improved Sand Containing Technique. But his lifted hand suddenly came to an abrupt stop. "Who''s that?" Through the perspective of Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, two figures appeared beside his Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The pair stopped to look at the soft, fluffy soil and then headed straight toward his courtyard. "Are they looking for me?" Chen Mu frowned. He didn''t recognize either of them. "Forget it, better hide for now." Quickly cleaning up the messy ground in the small hollow. He placed one of the Five Ghosts in the tree forest on top of Low Mountain to keep watch. Then Chen Mu slipped into the underground space beneath the hollow. ... Three days later, through the vision of Five Ghosts, Chen Mu helplessly watched as two figures climbed up the hill toward his courtyard. This was their third time visiting the Low Hill Courtyard. If he continued to hide, he would start to raise their suspicions. How could someone who usually stayed at home be away every day? It was clear he was avoiding them. If it caused the two to spy on him secretly... Chen Mu found the thought troublesome. "I have to see what kind of trouble these two are up to." Chapter 214 Purple Bamboo "I hate to disturb Brother Chen''s peace," Zhang Tu''an said with a gentle smile on his face. "Not at all, not at all," Chen Mu scratched his head, wearing a nai?ve smile. "Brother, you might not know, but I am a disciple of the Lower Courtyard from the same group as you." "Really?" Chen Mu expressed his surprise, a trace of recognition shining in his eyes. Zhang Tu''an''s smile grew even warmer, then he began to recount, with a humorous twist, the funny mishaps he had when he first arrived here. In a silent and swift manner, he quickly narrowed the gap between them. After a conversation that went from superficial to deep, he naturally let out a melancholic sigh, "For us newcomers, life is truly difficult." "No wages, no elixirs, no secret techniques. And we''re bullied and cheated by the senior disciples," Zhang Tu''an said with a sorrowful expression, "Mastering Perceptive skills is bound to take a long, arduous time, making the difficult even more difficult." Chen Mu glanced at the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, which was about to one-fifth completed. Then he looked at a wooden cabinet filled with Calming Pills, and finally, he peered into the Five Ghosts Bag, where nearly two hundred White Jade Coins lay. Suddenly, with a face full of difficulty, he echoed the sentiment, "Indeed, it''s hard." ... "Moved by this, I have specially founded the Purple Bamboo Society," "We aim to let our fellow newcomers band together for mutual warmth and support through these tough times." "Recently, with collective wisdom and effort, we''ve finally achieved some progressive developments," Zhang Tu''an sighed with a sense of relieved accomplishment. "You know about the Calming Pills?" Zhang Tu''an asked with an indefinable smile on his face. "I''ve heard from Master Zhuang Fu that they can calm the mind and speed up Spirit and Soul Unification," Chen Mu replied honestly. I know about it alright. And I can make it. The real deal, the fakes, the half-true half-fakes, I can make all of them! "It''s not just for Spirit and Soul Unification. In the Upper Court''s dojo, Calming Pills are burned all year round," "This shows that they still have an exceptional performance in assisting the training of Perceptive abilities," Zhang Tu''an praised heartily. Suddenly he leaned in and said in a low, mysterious voice, "And our Purple Bamboo Society has spent a great deal of money to buy the recipe, which means we can produce Calming Pills ourselves!" Chen Mu: "..." Could it be the recipe that I''m thinking of? "Hundred Herbs Pavilion gives thirty pills for one White Jade," "But for Purple Bamboo Society members, one White Jade can fetch thirty-five pills!" Zhang Tu''an puffed out his chest proudly, "Come on, join us." "As long as we work together, we will surely grow stronger!" Zhang Tu''an spoke with fervent passion. Zhang Tu''an waved his hand, "Old Five, this is a new disciple who naturally stands on our side. We can''t use the same methods as we do with the old disciples." "We must learn to treat them sincerely, to think from their perspective," Zhang Tu''an sighed, "You know how miserably many new disciples are bullied. We need to unite every bit of strength." "This Brother Chen is from our batch, which makes him a potential member of the Purple Bamboo Society. As long as we are sincere, there will come a day when he becomes one of our own." "Even if he doesn''t join, we still need to consider the feelings of our current members." "If we mistreat Brother Chen, the existing members will inevitably have grievances." "Our attitude towards new disciples must be genuine and equal. That''s how we can increase the cohesion among members and attract more new ones." "Such a hassle," Ding Wu scratched his head indifferently, "I''ll just follow what the boss says." "You..." Zhang Tu''an chuckled. ... Chen Mu, ten meters away and invisible under the cover of Ghosts, slowly clenched his right hand, snuffing out the Sand Containing Technique pellet that hovered in his palm. "This Zhang Tu''an is quite impressive, with a clear train of thought," Chen Mu marveled. "Whether it''s to attract new members or to set an example for the current ones, I won''t have any trouble for a while." That was good. It allowed him to focus on farming and cultivation. "If the Purple Bamboo Society gains a foothold, perhaps we can even cooperate," Chen Mu pondered. "Having another sales channel for the Calming Pills wouldn''t be bad at all." "Hmm... that''s something to look into later." Chen Mu glanced again at the backs of the two men, then let the Five Ghosts carry him away slowly. He hadn''t finished his quota of experience for the day. ... At the Purple Bamboo Society in the Xinchou District. "Is that Brother Chen a good hand at farming?" Zhang Tu''an, just back, thought of the weedless fields. "He''s quite good," Ding Wu thought for a moment and said, "There was a pest outbreak this year, and he still managed to pay enough land rent. His skills are even better than those of previous generations of disciples." "A real talent," Zhang Tu''an exclaimed. "I heard there''s a group of former disciples in the Xinyou District who like to collect good farmers, forcing them to farm for them?" Zhang Tu''an turned his head and asked. "There is such a group," Ding Wu said, puzzled. "Then let''s sell them a piece of information; tell them there''s a talented farmer in the Gengyin District. They''ll surely like it," Zhang Tu''an squinted and said. "First, let this Brother Chen experience the hardships of the world," Zhang Tu''an glanced at Ding Wu and continued, "And then..." "Got it!" Ding Wu suddenly grinned widely. Chapter 215 Meeting Jilong Road Lower Courtyard, at the boundary of Gengyin District. Ding Wu, alone, arrived early at a roadside pavilion. The pavilion was supported by gray wooden pillars, topped with green tiles, and the ground was paved with stone slabs. Every year, the Lower Courtyard arranged for the storeroom disciples to come here to collect the land tax from Gengyin District. In the grassy area next to the pavilion, one or two sickly Yellow Bud Rice plants could faintly be seen, about half a person tall. Before long, a figure over two meters tall with dark skin and bulging muscles approached leisurely, yet swiftly. The oppressive aura that came with him made Ding Wu''s heart tighten. "Could it be Brother Zheng?" Ding Wu hurriedly bowed and saluted. The muscular Brother Zheng looked at Ding Wu coldly without a word. Ding Wu felt his scalp tingle under the scrutiny. Zheng Jin, the second of the seven brothers from Wu Mountain, was an uncompromising cultivation fanatic. And he had a volatile temper, ready to fight at the slightest provocation. If it weren''t for the rules of the Lower Courtyard holding him back, and the fear of being held accountable by the Inspection Courtyard, who knows how many would have died by his hand. Even so, there were still rumors that a good number of disciples'' disappearances were related to him. "I have a piece of news. It''s about a newly promoted disciple who is especially skilled at planting Yellow Bud Rice," Ding Wu eagerly stated his purpose for being there. "This year, the pest infestation was rampant, and his fields were damaged as well, yet he still managed to pay the full land tax, which clearly shows his outstanding technique." "I don''t ask for much, only ten White Jade Coins," Ding Wu said with a smile on his face. The seven brothers from Wu Mountain were often collecting various skilled farmers, exploiting their labor to earn White Jade Coins. Knowing about Chen Mu, especially that he was a newly promoted disciple without any power, they were sure to make a move! By that time... He was pondering what he would do then, but noticed that Zheng Jin was still saying nothing, just calmly looking at him. Ten White Jade Coins isn''t that expensive, is it? Ding Wu couldn''t help scratching his head. The seven brothers from Wu Mountain forced others to help them farm, becoming exceedingly wealthy. Every year, two or three of them were able to go cultivate at the dojo. Surely, they could afford ten White Jade Coins, right? Thinking of his task, Ding Wu hesitated for a moment then resolutely said, "Five White Jade Coins will do." This should be enough to pass on the message. But Zheng Jin still remained silent, looking at Ding Wu without uttering a word. Ding Wu was filled with helplessness. Indeed, the richer people are, the stingier they become. "Fine, I''ll tell Brother Zheng for free." After all, the money didn''t matter much; what was important was to deliver the message. At last, the ever-calm Zheng Jin made a move. He faced Ding Wu''s beaming smile, slightly parted his lips, and then suddenly exerted force from his abdomen. "Tui!" Ding Wu: "..." ... "The man''s name is Chen Mu, in Xinxu District. I hope this helps Brother Zheng," said Ding Wu, clenching his teeth after a prolonged confrontation, then turned and walked away. If he didn''t leave now, he feared he wouldn''t be able to resist starting a fight. Under the pavilion, watching Ding Wu closely, veins on his forehead exposed, angrily storming away until he disappeared at the end of the road. Zheng Jin''s formidable figure shrank like a deflated ball. And he was likely to be among them. A surge of sorrow and anger couldn''t help rising in his heart. Wouldn''t living in peace be good? Why always strive for self-benefit at the expense of others? He had honestly engaged in pharmaceuticals and farming, steadily cultivating at home. And yet trouble had still found him. He couldn''t help feeling resigned. This world... Hiss! A sharp cry suddenly arose. A fine thread of black and red light pierced through the air and abruptly arrived in front of Zheng Jin''s forehead. Puh! A drop of blood splattered. Zheng Jin withdrew his jet-black hands that had been crossed in front of his forehead. Even as he covered them with Soul Strength at extreme speed, the center of his palms still bore a bloody, mangled puncture wound. A depression deep enough to expose bone appeared on his forehead. Blood oozed from the depression, gathered, and slid down one side of the bridge of his nose. "That really hurts." Zheng Jin, looking at Chen Mu, involuntarily stretched a smile revealing a row of finely pointed teeth gleaming coldly. "It''s been a long time since someone dared to take a swing at me." "Hancha Secret Technique? You''re quite skilled at it." "Rakshasa!" Whirr! Zheng Jin''s figure suddenly vanished from the spot. Almost instantly, he reappeared in the air in front of Chen Mu. His right hand, transformed into a claw, was raised high, with Jet Black Soul Strength swirling, enveloping, and reshaping. In a blink, it turned into a monstrous claw the size of a human head, with wickedly curved fingers. Zheng Jin split open his mouth wide, excitement filling his eyes as he looked at Chen Mu. It was as if an eagle swooping down from the sky was staring intently at a startled rabbit. "Ha!" The next moment, black smoke suddenly materialized in mid-air, and like a python whipping its tail, it slammed down on Zheng Jin''s head. Bang! With a muffled sound, Zheng Jin, as if struck by a whip, was forcefully smashed into the pavilion''s floor. The stone slabs shattered, dirt flew, and Zheng Jin''s entire body was involuntarily buried in the ground. He stared at the swirling black smoke in front of Chen Mu, his eyes filled with disbelief. Hiss! A sharp sound suddenly rose again. Puh! A hole abruptly burst open in the depression on Zheng Jin''s forehead. Without uttering a sound, he immediately fell to the ground. Chen Mu gave the opponent a cold glance, carefully confirming that Zheng Jin was dead. "You don''t want me to live a peaceful life? Then you all can start the commotion first!" Then the black smoke rolled over, quickly gathering the spoils of war. Afterward, the figure flashed and swiftly vanished. Chapter 216 Chaos At night, in the Purple Bamboo Society of Xinchou District. "Are the seven brothers of Wu Mountain so arrogant?" Zhang Tu''an''s eyebrows furrowed tightly. "Extremely arrogant!" Ding Wu was still furious. "Send someone to collect their information." Zhang Tu''an thought for a moment and calmly said, "Especially the data of those Lower Courtyard disciples they control." "Boss, are we going after them?!" Ding Wu asked excitedly. "Can you take them on?" Zhang Tu''an asked indifferently. Recalling Zheng Jin''s formidable aura, Ding Wu''s face turned unsightly as he shook his head. "See if they have any enemies. Let''s keep them busy first." Zhang Tu''an said calmly. "We need time to build up strength," Zhang Tu''an glanced at Ding Wu. "With enough strength, we can uproot them completely." "Understood!" Ding Wu''s mouth curled up. It was good as long as these people were on the boss''s list. Sooner or later, all of them could be taken down! The two were discussing how to make the Purple Bamboo Society profitable. A short man in gray clothes rushed into the main hall. "Boss, Zheng Jin of the seven Wu Mountain brothers is dead. They say... they say it was Brother Ding Wu who killed him!" "Someone from their side came to deliver a message, asking to meet with the boss to discuss this matter." Ding Wu was taken aback, "Impossible!" But Zhang Tu''an''s face changed. Ding Wu had been framed! Was this against the Purple Bamboo Society or the Wu Mountain brothers? His mind racing, Zhang Tu''an quickly composed himself, "Don''t panic!" "Since they want to meet to discuss, it shows there''s still room for maneuver." Saying so, he also breathed a sigh of relief. Were they also suspecting a trap? "Let them set the time and place, and I will certainly attend," Zhang Tu''an waved to dismiss the messenger. "Boss!" Ding Wu looked anxious. "No rush," Zhang Tu''an said thoughtfully, "This might not necessarily be a bad thing." "They haven''t rushed to retaliate, and we really haven''t done this thing." "Meeting them might not only be safe but could possibly become an opportunity for us to collaborate." Zhang Tu''an pondered carefully, a spark of Spiritual Light suddenly flashing through his mind. "They are eyeing the members of the Purple Bamboo Society." "Just now we were thinking about how to make the Purple Bamboo Society profitable, and here comes the opportunity!" "Does the boss mean that we should do the same as the Wu Mountain brothers?" Ding Wu whispered. "No, we''ll rent people directly to the Wu Mountain brothers and make money while lying down," Zhang Tu''an''s mouth curved into a smirk. "Will those below agree?" Ding Wu didn''t understand. "Let the Wu Mountain brothers intimidate them, then we step in and symbolically negotiate a bit of benefit." "In fact, we''ll be collaborating with the Wu Mountain brothers to put on a show." "One plays the good cop, the other the bad cop, leading these people by the nose. They can''t go west if we tell them to go east!" A sensation of cutting and tightening came, but it was conspicuously devoid of pain. There was not even a hint of Soul Strength on the surface of his palm. Thump thump thump... It was as if tightly stretched ropes were snapping. Chen Mu grabbed the silk net with both hands, easily tearing it apart. Looking at his unscathed, pale palm, a thread of silver was faintly discernible under the skin. "Is this the true manifestation of the Spirit Armor Technique?!" Chen Mu suddenly realized. The Soul Strength of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique integrated into his body had not vanished but had subtly transformed his physique. Mere skin defense had already surpassed the limits of the Jade Seed Secret Techniques. Could someone actually tear the Five Yin Black Evil Net apart with bare hands? Escape! Zhang Tu''an''s pupils abruptly contracted, and he immediately ran towards a side window, but he had just lifted his foot. Bang bang bang... A series of Sand Containing Pellets rained down like droplets. The Body Protection Aura was struck, causing ripples to spread. Zhang Tu''an himself was shaken by the immense impact, retreating step by step. What shocked him the most was. With the impact of the pellets shattering, the once impregnable Light Shield faintly began to show traces of black hue. Like a drop of ink spilling into netted water. As the ink spread, the Light Shield that seemed indestructible became increasingly pliable, much like a plastic shell softened by high heat. The continuous black-and-red pellets tugged at the Light Shield, making it cave inward, forming long, thin spikes that were about to reach Zhang Tu''an. "Stop! I will give you whatever you want!" He could no longer maintain his composure, crying out in panic. Soul Strength surged throughout his body, forming a thick layer in front of him. The next moment. At the tips of the spikes pushed to their limits, a hint of black and red could be faintly seen. Pop! Like bursting bubbles, the series of Sand Containing Pellets broke through the Light Shield. Puff puff puff... In an instant, Zhang Tu''an was riddled with holes. The Soul Strength defense he had mustered with all his might was like paper, easily pierced. "I only wanted your life," Chen Mu said calmly, looking at Zhang Tu''an. It is only your fault for troubling me. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Zhang Tu''an and Ding Wu were instantly consumed into nothingness. Chen Mu''s figure flickered, disappearing without a trace. With Zheng Jin dead, Zhang Tu''an and Ding Wu missing, conflict between the Purple Bamboo Society and the Wu Mountain seven brothers was inevitable, and a small-scale chaos was almost unavoidable. But all this had nothing to do with Chen Mu. No one would believe that this matter was related to a humble farmer. Chapter 217 Inventory Half a month later. At the foot of Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, the soil was dry and fluffy. Two palm depths underground, a slender and translucent grain of Yellow Bud Rice abruptly appeared. Then, centered on the Yellow Bud Rice, a circular area with the diameter of a forearm emerged, where a handful of Bone Powder materialized out of thin air and evenly filled the gaps in the soil. In the void, a cluster of chilly spring water was gulped out, moistening the soil around the Yellow Bud Rice. The Five Ghosts Bag was used to feed the vertical well filled with spring water. Two storage compartments contained seeds and Bone Powder, respectively. As Chen Mu strolled through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, these scenes occurred in succession. Walking and planting along the way, it didn''t take much time before the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields were successfully planted. Chen Mu stood at the head of the field, silently calculating, "Including the newly rented ten acres next door, after paying the land rent, I could get around three thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice." "Hmm... that''s enough for me to eat for a year," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "It would be best to have a source of Exotic Beast Meat as well." Always buying it to eat was too uneconomical. "Try the Tongtian River?" Chen Mu was tempted. "Or better not. The waters of the Tongtian River are deep and the waves are strong. What if there''s a Dragon King?" Chen Mu sighed. Then, he subconsciously started to ponder the formula for a Drunken Bait, just in case it was needed. ... At noon, two meat and two vegetarian dishes were laid out on a square table. Old Hao sat opposite, and the two talked as they ate. "You really are quite diligent. You managed to get those twenty acres in order so quickly," Old Hao admired. "If there''s a good harvest this year, perhaps you could spend some money to learn how to grow medicinal herbs," Old Hao suggested after thinking: "It''s more challenging, but the yield is relatively higher as well." Medicinal herbs? Chen Mu''s interest was piqued; the return on Yellow Bud Rice was ultimately not that great. Growing medicinal herbs might be a good way out. "Here in the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, farming is ultimately not the way out," Old Hao suddenly lamented. "I''ve farmed all my life, saved up money to buy the Jade Seed Secret Method, the Perceptive Secret Technique, and even went to the cultivation retreats five times." "It sounds good, but when compared to others...," Old Hao shook his head and sighed. "Do you know about the Wu Mountain''s seven brothers?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and shook his head feigning ignorance. "A bunch of bullies," Old Hao said with contempt on his face. "They set up schemes to trick others, force people to help them farm, and enjoy the fruits of others'' labor." "Such evildoers can actually go to the cultivation retreats every year?!" Old Hao was both angry and envious. "Heh, those guys have met their match," Old Hao took malicious pleasure in their misfortune. "Old Second Zheng Jin, it''s said that he was directly killed by the leader of the Purple Bamboo Society." "Evil begets evil!" Old Hao exclaimed with delight. Chen Mu looked at the brand new Mustard Seed Talisman with thirty-five opening permissions with mixed feelings. People are indeed different from one another. "People like me who staunchly maintain their moral bottom line and are amiable are becoming rare," Chen Mu sighed helplessly. It''s good to be self-sufficient, but some just think about harming others for their own gain. "This must be your compensation for disturbing my peaceful life," Chen Mu said helplessly as he opened the Mustard Seed Talisman. He really was not that interested in such unexpected wealth. "Ah..." "Eh... this wooden cabinet''s material isn''t bad at all!" He cheerfully opened every drawer to check them one by one. The first thing that caught his attention was the various Jade Slip scrolls. "The Five Yin Black Evil Net, not a bad secret technique," Chen Mu browsed through the supplementary volume of the secret technique. The silken net could wrap around to control, cut to attack, and also be used for defense. Able to fight, defend, and control, it was a rare Secret Technique. "Too bad..." Chen Mu shook his head and put the booklet aside. He had seven or eight similar supplementary volumes of the Jade Seed Secret Method. Currently, his spare time was largely taken up by Spiritual Light Technique, he really had no energy to practice another secret technique. "The Three Elements Secret Seal? It would be a bit useful if I hadn''t mastered the Jade Seed yet." Chen Mu kept flipping through. "The Lesser Zhou Heavenly Spiritual Light Method?!" "Wow!" "You''re really damn rich!" Chen Mu held a piece of Jade Slip, gritting his teeth in envy. This thing was the most expensive Spiritual Light Secret Technique in the Scripture Transmission Institute, a full five hundred White Jade Coins! He flipped over the Jade Slip to check the front. The silver threads representing the True Intent of the secret technique had already dimmed and lost their shine. Only the backside, engraved with an outline and precautions, indicated how valuable this item had once been. "It would have been so good if you had bought it a few days later!" "Five hundred..." Despite such a huge expense, Chen Mu still found two hundred and thirty-seven White Jade Coins in the wooden cabinet. "Wealth sways hearts." Chen Mu realized suddenly. No wonder Zhang Tu''an was so busy recruiting people into the Purple Bamboo Society. "Could it be you''re making money by selling fake medicine to the members?" Chen Mu thought back to Zhang Tu''an''s sales pitch when he was selling Calming Pills. And that recipe that seemed to come from Shang Huan. Chen Mu glanced toward the middle and bottom drawers, which were filled with rows of neatly arranged white porcelain bottles. He casually opened a bottle and took a light sniff, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "Even if you mixed in just half of the real stuff, it would be better." "Thirty-five pills per bottle, and there are only five that are real Calming Pills!" "Compared to this, Shang Huan, that fat guy who thinks about faking and adulterating all day, actually seems to have a moral bottom line?!" "Heh..." Chapter 218 Price Increase About seventy or eighty porcelain bottles were picked over, ultimately yielding just over a dozen true Calming Pills. "Heartless." The rest of the items were mostly precious medicinal herbs and a small amount of unknown minerals. There was also a three-legged, two-eared lid cauldron with a dull black finish. The three-legged cauldron was overall flat and round, with a smooth and warm surface that looked like black pottery. Cloud patterns were carved around the brim of the lid while the midsection featured unknown exotic beasts, elegant in form and coherently sequenced, quite beautiful to look at. There was a spherical knob on the cover, which Chen Mu tried to lift by pinching it, yet he couldn''t open it. The black pottery cauldron was placed in the bottom drawer, next to it a thick arm primitive jade slip with dense golden characters etched into every strip of jade. "Mixed Element Five Qi Furnace?" "This is an alchemy furnace!" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "This is an education." He had never seen such a thing before. "Too bad my Pharmaceutical Technique level isn''t high enough," Chen Mu shook his head. Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique was still only for refining mundane medicines. He couldn''t even analyze the composition and refine the technique of the simplest Fasting Pills. "Just keep it, I''ll definitely be able to use it later," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. ... Five days later, at Tongtian Square pier. Chen Mu followed Old Hao with a swollen nose and a bruised face and Shang Huan, who was equally battered, towards the Ling Boat. "What happened to you two?" Chen Mu asked knowingly, struggling to suppress his laughter. "We fell!" The two said in unison. Heh... "Look at that crowd!" Unable to withstand Chen Mu''s strange gaze, Old Hao quickly pointed to a group of people who had just disembarked and changed the subject. "Why do they all look so downhearted? What happened?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "Pure heartache," Old Hao teased with a chuckle. "You also came back empty-handed the first time you went to the dojo. Your expression was even worse than theirs," Shang Huan likewise chuckled. "Don''t you laugh. When it''s your turn, watching a hundred White Jade Coins go down the drain, I''ll see if it pinches your heart," Old Hao said irritably. "Why should it? If I can earn the first hundred, I can earn the second," Shang Huan said nonchalantly. Old Hao suddenly fell silent. The chubby fellow wasn''t just boasting. Even a fake medicine formula had already made this fat man a fortune. Chen Mu gave Shang Huan a sidelong glance, this chubby guy, quite the show-off... "I heard a genius emerged this year, broke through to Perceptive in the dojo, cultivated Spiritual Light, and was directly admitted to the Upper Court," Shang Huan said enviously, "If only I could do the same." "That will never happen, not even in your dreams," Old Hao rolled his eyes, "Among the thousands of Lower Courtyard disciples, how many can be like Mo Wuzhou, Brother Mo?" "You know him?" Shang Huan asked, surprised. "You think I''ve been mingling around the Lower Courtyard for these decades for nothing?" Old Hao said proudly. "Mo Wuzhou?" Interest piqued, Chen Mu asked. The next day, after having dinner, Chen Mu, wearing a new face and a Beast Head Mask, arrived early at the Underground Market. However, after scouring the entire Underground Market, he didn''t find a single stall selling Nightshade Grass. "Has someone been bulk buying to hoard?" Chen Mu''s brows puckered slightly. He refrained from searching intentionally and bypassed the increasing number of stalls selling fake Calming Pills. Chen Mu started to purchase other materials for the Calming Pills. He noticed that although the increase wasn''t much, these materials were also rising in price. "Something doesn''t feel right." ... Three days later, Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu had prepared a large table with dishes early. Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan arrived as promised. "Brother Chen really has some impressive culinary skills!" Shang Huan exclaimed with surprise on his freshly de-swollen face: "The food in the Heavenly River Water Mansion''s Eight Delicacies Building couldn''t be better than this!" "Now you believe it, right." Old Hao said proudly. "I have a mere appetite for food, which is of no benefit to cultivation and not worth mentioning," Chen Mu said cheerfully. "That''s not necessarily true," Shang Huan shook his head. "It''s a pity you can''t leave the Lower Courtyard." "Otherwise, you could become a chef at the Eight Delicacies Building, which would pay better than growing Yellow Bud Rice." Chen Mu just smiled without saying a word. "Brother Chen, if you have any questions, just ask," Old Hao puffed and puffed on his pipe, with an expression that said he saw right through him. Chen Mu scratched his head: "It''s the rising price of Calming Pills." "So, you want to buy our Calming Pills?!" Shang Huan exclaimed with joy. Damn you! Your fake elixirs are the ones I gave you! "No, I bought some extra from the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, worried about potential issues, so I wanted to inquire about the reason," Chen Mu explained with a scratch of his head and a naive smile. Shang Huan''s face immediately fell with disappointment: "How much did you buy?" "Six bottles," Chen Mu replied with a grin. "Not bad at all," Old Hao chuckled: "But you''d best buy a few more." Chen Mu squinted, sensing that there was indeed something amiss. "Rumor has it that the Exotic Beasts are agitated, and some have breached the Lower Courtyard defenses." "The Bingchen District was mostly destroyed; all sorts of medicinal materials are in short supply." "Coupled with a pest infestation nearby, the price of imported medicinal herbs is sky-high." "So..." Old Hao shrugged, smiling. "I reckon the prices won''t go down for the whole year," Shang Huan said, looking at Old Hao with an excited face: "The higher the prices, the more we stand to make!" If I can''t produce Elixir Pills, you won''t make a damn penny! Chen Mu glanced at the fat man without saying a word. Exotic Beasts agitated? Attacking the Lower Courtyard''s Medicinal Fields? If the scarcity of medicinal materials continues for a year, the impact on him would be too great. Chapter 219 Attempt "Have you heard that the chefs at the Eight Treasures Tower can make vegetarian dishes taste like meat? Is there really such a skill?" Shang Huan asked. "It can be done," Chen Mu nodded. "Provided there are the right spices and sufficiently exquisite culinary skills." Chen Mu could do it himself. "These chefs are indeed amazing, being able to freely change the taste of ingredients," Shang Huan said with a look of surprise on his face. The three of them talked while they ate. Before long, they turned to the topic of exotic beasts invading the medicinal fields and the rise in the price of medicinal herbs. "If I had known, I would have stocked up on some," Shang Huan said ruefully. "The price of some key herbs has at least doubled!" What a great opportunity to make money. "The Lower Courtyard isn''t stupid; the Hundred Herbs Pavilion reacted much faster than you," Old Hao smoked and chatted. Chen Mu realized; no wonder the Underground Market had run out of Nightshade Grass. "Is it easy to grow medicinal herbs?" Chen Mu asked quietly. Herbs grown in the Lower Courtyard were different from ordinary worldly herbs. Just like Yellow Bud Rice, you couldn''t grow it outside. "Anyway, our land here isn''t suitable," Old Hao shook his head. "Does growing medicine also depend on Feng Shui?" Shang Huan, who knew nothing about farming, teased with a giggly smile. Old Hao snorted softly and gave the farming novice Shang Huan a sidelong glance: "It doesn''t concern wind, but it does concern water!" Water? It''s Earth Spirit Vital Energy! Does growing medicinal herbs require more Earth Spirit Vital Energy? "You thinking about growing medicine?" Old Hao saw through Chen Mu''s plan in a glance. "Just learning for now. Didn''t you also say that there''s no future in growing Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu said with a smile and a nod. "It''s a waste of effort; our water here just won''t sustain it," Old Hao shook his head. The water may not be good enough, but I have the White Jade Plate. Chen Mu smiled and said nothing. ... Tongtian Square, the Lower Courtyard residence. Chen Mu walked out of the Scripture Transmission Institute and glanced back at the octagonal wooden tower with the Bronze Wind Chime hanging: "So expensive." Reading for an hour cost one White Jade Coin. Thereupon Chen Mu just shrugged his shoulders, "It''s a bit expensive, but it''s better than not having anything to read." The Lower Courtyard was the resource production base of Jilong Road; in addition to the Secret Technique Jade Scrolls, the Scripture Transmission Institute also held a variety of miscellaneous books and scrolls. He had come here looking for information on cultivating medicine. After leaving the Scripture Transmission Institute, he went to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and spent one White Jade Coin to buy thirty Nightshade Grass seeds. He got home and used a wooden strip to make a cultivation trough, one meter long, half a meter wide, with a height roughly up to the knee. He prepared the planting soil, sowed the seeds, and watered and fertilized them. In the end, he placed the cultivation trough next to the White Jade Plate to ensure a sufficient concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Even if he did, he wouldn''t dare to come. What if someone took notice of him? He had a proficiency cheat, he would eventually farm enough experience. He would even cultivate to perfection faster and better than others. "No rush." "First, I should plant the Tubenight Herb." This matter was related to whether he could have a stable source of income in the future. ... As he was about to leave the Lower Courtyard residence, a crowd of people gathered in front of the Inspection Courtyard drew Chen Mu''s attention. He walked to a distant shade and, along with a few people under the tree, stopped to watch. "Not filled up yet?" Chen Mu asked with surprise, casually striking up a conversation with the people under the tree. Before his frequent visits to the Scripture Transmission Institute to read, the Inspection Courtyard had already been recruiting people. Six days had passed, and the recruiting spot was still packed. "They say the exotic beasts in the mountains are restless, and they''re short on hands," replied an old farmer-looking man in his fifties. "It''s a pity my secret technique isn''t perfected, otherwise I''d definitely sign up," said another burly man in his forties with a bristly beard in a deep, resonant voice. "Five White Jade Coins for the stipend each month." "And you can get a share of the money for killing exotic beasts." "You can easily earn ten White Jade Coins a month!" "You have to be alive to get that money," the old man glanced at the other, "Exotic beasts are not sheep or pigs on the chopping block." Chen Mu nodded silently. Because the Lower Courtyard was rich in Earth Spirit Vital Energy and resources, it was often attacked by exotic beasts. Hunting and killing these beasts was one of the duties of the Inspection Courtyard. The job paid well, but it was indeed dangerous. "Didn''t we come here to advance further?" "But you need White Jade for food, White Jade for secret techniques, White Jade for auxiliary elixir pills, White Jade for practicing at the Dao Field!" "Without White Jade Coins, how can you advance." "Planting Yellow Bud Rice gets you only two coins a month, just enough to buy a bag of Yellow Bud Rice and a bottle of Calming Pill." "Renting twenty acres of land, even with the best harvest, only gets you twenty to thirty White Jade Coins a year." "With this little money, what can you do!" the bearded man resentfully stared at the Inspection Courtyard, "Fortune comes with risks, but pity..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but echo, "It''s tough for us farmers!" The old man''s face also looked grim, "With the pest outbreak, everyone''s losses this year have been substantial." "In the coming years, we may have to work for nothing." "Indeed substantial," Chen Mu empathized. The green beetles had damaged several acres of land. He had yet to see a trace of the Tubenight Herb, but had already spent eight White Jade Coins. "It''ll probably take quite some time to recoup these losses," Chen Mu mused and couldn''t help but sigh. It would take at least three days! He had to wait until he delivered the newest batch of Calming Pills to Shang Huan. Chapter 220 Exotic Beast Twenty-one days later, at the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu squatted in front of a small ridge under the western wall, his face full of joy as he looked at the delicate seedlings the size of his index finger. In his hand, he held a fist-sized wooden spoon, evenly sprinkling the special well water from the bucket beside him around the seedlings. "Finally succeeded," Chen Mu said, his face brimming with smiles. The well water was mixed with Hundred Herbs Pavilion''s fertilizer and had been left to settle next to the White Jade Plate for five half hours. After numerous experiments, such treated well water was found to be most conducive for the growth of the Nightshade Tubocapsicum. "Thirty seeds, and in total twenty-six seedlings were successfully nurtured and transplanted." "Those old hands in the Bingchen District couldn''t do much better, huh. Hehe..." Just standing at the end of the field, admiring the Nightshade Tubocapsicum seedlings, pondering how much money they would fetch once mature. Two familiar figures entered the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit''s line of sight. "For no reason at all, why are they here?" "And they''re carrying Exotic Beast meat..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. ... "Brother Chen, I got a piece of Black Phosphorus Snapper meat at the dock, and I didn''t know how to deal with it, so I had to trouble you," Shang Huan said with a chubby face full of smiles. Just eating fish? "Leave it to me," Chen Mu said, determined to see what trick this fatty was up to. He carried the piece of Black Phosphorus Snapper meat, as big as a watermelon, to the stove for processing. "This shell is quite hard." Chen Mu tapped the dark scales, and the sound was so solid it could almost compare with swords and knives. The fish meat was also tight and tough, but it smelled particularly fishy. "Was it just slaughtered?" It looked really fresh, but the smell was indeed a bit overpowering. "Black Phosphorus Snapper is very nourishing but has a strong flavor, we couldn''t deal with it, so we came to you," Shang Huan said with a chuckle. Chen Mu nodded and got to work on cooking. ... An hour later, at the dining table. "The roasted fish slices not only lack any fishy odor, but they also have a pine nut fragrance, impressive!" Shang Huan''s eyes lit up, and without chewing much, he swallowed the fish slice, then eagerly reached for another. Old Hao couldn''t resist either and gobbled it greedily. Not until he finished a whole plate of roasted meat did Shang Huan contentedly pick up some vegetables to change the flavor. "Brother Chen truly excels at spice blending?!" Shang Huan''s face was full of admiration. "I''ve taken an interest in barbecuing recently and wanted to try different flavors." "I don''t suppose Brother Chen could supply me with some of your special spices." Shang Huan''s face was hopeful. "I''ll pay." "No problem." Chen Mu glanced at Shang Huan, thinking this fatty was indeed a foodie. That''s right, if he wasn''t greedy, he wouldn''t have gotten fat. "What flavor do you want?" Shell Soul, Jade Seed, Spiritual Light, Illusion Breakingthese were the Jilong Road Secret Techniques Chen Mu knew of. The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique also advanced step by step, gradually, and could even automatically farm experience, naturally growing stronger as if it were breathing. Now it seemed to be absorbing Earth Spirit Vital Energy into his body as well. "Indeed, it''s like a proper secret transmission, orderly in its progression." It was unclear what changes would occur upon the next breakthrough. ... As days and months passed by, the climate within the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road remained as warm as spring, and Chen Mu felt as if time was standing still. A month hurried by. That day, Chen Mu handed over a whole bag of pseudo-Tube Eggplant Night Herb to a bruised and swollen Shang Huan with a smile on his face. And feigned concern, "Be careful when you walk, don''t fall again!" I don''t want to! Shang Huan''s mouth twitched. He had no idea what had gotten into Gongsun Sheng to send him face-first into the ground every time. Despite being a Shell Soul expert, how had his skin become so thin? Shang Huan nodded ambiguously, shifting the topic to ease the awkwardness, "Lately, you should pay more attention to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields at night." "The incidents of Exotic Beasts breaking in are becoming more frequent." "Hasn''t the Inspection Courtyard already recruited people?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "They''re still recruiting," Shang Huan shrugged his shoulders. "I heard they encountered a powerful Exotic Beast in the mountains and suffered heavy losses." "Why can''t they let people farm in peace?" Chen Mu lamented. "It''s been restless for years." Shang Huan shook his head helplessly. "With constant natural disasters and beast calamities." "We here in the Lower Courtyard are still better off." "It''s said that resources are becoming scarce outside, and things are already a bit chaotic." "It''s unstable out there." Chen Mu sighed. ... With Shang Huan''s reminder, Chen Mu was more vigilant. He specially sought out Old Hao for news and learned that indeed Exotic Beasts had breached the Lower Courtyard. Especially the planting areas near the edge, like his, were more susceptible to Exotic Beast attacks. After being on alert for half a month, just as Chen Mu thought the Inspection Courtyard had stepped up and cleared the restless Exotic Beasts, one night, a group of fist-sized red-haired rabbits suddenly emerged from the fields. These rabbits, like fleas, had astonishing jumping power. One leap covered over ten meters, and a kick could even shatter a stone. And being invulnerable to blades and spears, they were quite troublesome. If it weren''t for the Heartless Bell that could knock out a large group with a single ring, who knows how much time it would have taken. Looking at the dozens of destroyed Yellow Bud Rice plants, Chen Mu''s face wasn''t very pretty. If there was one, there could be a second, and possibly more Exotic Beasts could break through the Inspection Courtyard''s defenses. Chapter 221 Enigmatic Divine Miasma In the Low Hill Courtyard, Chen Mu sought out Old Hao to gather information. "It''s never been this busy in previous years." Old Hao frowned as he took puffs of his pipe. "This year something''s not quite right. Even the carefully tended medicinal fields weren''t spared." Old Hao was also deeply concerned. "How did you deal with it in the past?" Chen Mu asked. "We had beast repellent medicine powder and intimidating magic artifacts, we could also domesticate exotic beasts to combat and hunt them." "Like Director Song?" "Right," Old Hao nodded, "It''s said that back in the day, Director Song would domesticate exotic insects to aid in planting and cultivating." "Even now, Director Song often collects exotic insects to domesticate." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. The red insect cloud that once obscured the sky truly broadened his horizons. "Our little patch of land isn''t worth using a magic artifact on." "Let''s just buy some beast repellent powder to use in combination, and patrol, drive away, and hunt them ourselves," Old Hao said helplessly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Luckily, all the ones that came in are ordinary herbivorous exotic beasts." "Otherwise, we''d only be able to run." It had only been a few days of peace. Chen Mu''s complexion didn''t look too good either. "Looks like we need to patrol a few more times at night." ... Three days later, deep into the night. On the west side of Low Hill, in the newly leased ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice fields. A copper bell tolled with a deep clang. Dozens of fist-sized red rabbits immediately became as if they were drunk, staggering and tumbling about. Puff puff puff... Bead-sized black and red pellets flew through the air. The rabbits, with their fur as hard as metal, were pierced straight through. "With just this little bit of meat, not even enough for one bite, and it''s such a hassle to deal with," said Chen Mu as he held up a rabbit by its ear to inspect it. Suddenly, black smoke billowed, and the red rabbits scattered throughout the field were devoured and cleaned up by the Five Ghosts in an instant. Just as he finished dealing with them, within the sight of the Five Ghosts another group of red rabbits appeared, forcing him to leap towards the other side of the Yellow Bud Rice fields on Low Hill. "Did I stir up a rabbit''s nest or something?" It wasn''t until after midnight, when all was silent, that Chen Mu left two Five Ghosts Yin Spirits to stand guard in each of the two fields. Only then did he yawn and head back to rest in the Low Hill Courtyard, "If this continues, it''ll be too exhausting." For the past five days, with exotic beasts appearing now and then at night, he didn''t get a wink of good sleep. Old Hao''s Yellow Bud Rice field next door was also suffering from attacks by the red rabbits, and to be able to discover and deal with them promptly, Old Hao had started living right in the fields. "Sleeping poorly every night, carrying on like this, even a Shell Soul master would end up with a sleep disorder," Chen Mu shook his head. ... The next day, after breakfast, Chen Mu watered, fertilized, and weeded the Yellow Bud Rice fields as usual. After asking Old Hao to help watch over the fields for a bit, he rushed straight to the Scripture Transmission Institute in Tongtian Square. He stayed there the whole day, only hurrying back to the Low Hill Courtyard as evening approached. "If you hadn''t come back, I would''ve stopped caring," Old Hao glared at Chen Mu. "Thank you, Old Hao!" Chen Mu smiled in thanks, "Come on, let''s go eat." Old Hao looked tempted, then sighed and shook his head, "Let''s wait until this storm passes." Sand Containing Technique: 9449/10000/Fourth Rank; Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 5578/10000; "Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique is really slow," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. No wonder the Scripture Transmission Institute sold it so cheaply. "Lucky for me, I''m diligent. If it were anyone else, who knows how many years it would take." The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was still reassuringly trouble-free. Unobtrusively, it was once again nearing a breakthrough. The old friend, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, did not disappoint him either. Sand Containing Technique also advanced rapidly. "Still, I should focus on the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique," Chen Mu thought to himself. After all, that''s the fundamental one. After estimating the advancement time for each skill, Chen Mu stood up to cook. ... Smoked black meat, chilled marinated meat, blanched seasonal vegetables, flavored cured meat, fish ball soup, and a basket piled into a small mountain of the Qi Family''s old-fashioned stuffed pies. The table was brimming with food. Before long, Old Hao and Shang Huan arrived together. "Brother Chen, here''s your thirty percent," Shang Huan said as he entered, handing Chen Mu a small gray cloth bag. Chen Mu shook it and felt there were about fifteen or sixteen White Jade Coins inside. "Not a bad deal, huh?" Shang Huan said with a grin, looking very pleased with himself. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with mixed feelings. He had provided Shang Huan with over a hundred pounds of "secret roast meat seasoning," and Shang Huan turned around and sold it for forty to fifty White Jade Coins. That''s one White Jade Coin for every two pounds. And that was real roast meat seasoning! "Aren''t you afraid of getting beaten to death?" "It''s the bold who get rich, and the timid who starve," Shang Huan laughed, unconcerned. Chen Mu silently shook his head. He didn''t know what strange attribute Shang Huan had awakened. Whenever it came to counterfeit or adulteration, this fatty always came up with all sorts of wild ideas, and he was incredibly bold. It might be better to control the quantity of goods a bit. With the way this fatty was playing, it was likely to draw investigation. "Let''s eat." ... After meals, the three of them chatted casually over chilled tea. "Been really tired lately? You look like you haven''t fully woken up," Shang Huan asked, noticing Old Hao''s weary complexion. "How could I not be tired!" Old Hao complained through a puff of smoke: "It''s all because of those crazy beasts." "In the first few days, I dozed off briefly, and an acre of land was gnawed on by a group of black rats." "After that, how could I dare close my eyes! I wandered the fields all night." "Farming is truly difficult," Old Hao sighed. "No offense to me, but look at Brother Chen. He''s as young and strong as I am; just ask him if he''s tired." Chen Mu sighed with a bitter expression: "How could I not be tired?!" Every night, I have to set up the Copper Basin Formation in the fields before I can come back to sleep. More than half a month has passed, and I''ve lost several hours of sleep! I''m exhausted! Chapter 222 Assault "It''s even harder for medicine farmers; not only is it laborious, but it''s dangerous too." Shang Huan sighed, "Those powerful Exotic Beasts all run off towards the medicinal fields." "Not only were the fields destroyed, several people died too!" Shang Huan shook his head in lament. "Luckily I sent them my secret grilled meat seasoning, which helped mitigate some of their losses. Otherwise, this year would have been even tougher!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at Shang Huan. From the sound of it, you''re still a good guy, huh? "To help them, we don''t know what risks we''ll have to take." "Xiao Shang, you''re just too soft-hearted!" Old Hao wore an expression of tough love. "I''m not stopping you from being kind, but we have to eat too. It wouldn''t be too much to raise the prices a bit," Old Hao earnestly advised. "Alright then," Shang Huan said with a troubled face; "After all, we''re not having it easy either." Chen Mu: "..." I often feel like I don''t fit in with you guys because I''m not shameless enough. Do you even want to keep your face?! "Brother Chen, just go ahead and build without worry." "The good days are still to come!" Shang Huan proclaimed, waving his hand grandly. I''m afraid I''ll make the money but not live to spend it! ... Chen Mu watched with vacant eyes as Shang Huan and his companion heatedly discussed raising prices. "Next time I deliver the Calming Pills, I should hammer on them a bit more." It took quite a while before the two of them took a sip of their cool tea and finally ceased their endless discussion. "In the past, we were all envious of the medicine farmers, but this year it''s the other way around," Old Hao chuckled. "It''s because they occupied land with good feng shui," Shang Huan also laughed. Is it because of the Earth Spirit Vitality? So that''s why the powerful Exotic Beasts all ran off to the medicinal fields? Chen Mu suddenly understood. "If Brother Chen is thinking of learning medicine farming, I think it''s better to wait for a couple of years," Old Hao suggested. "No one knows if next year there will still be Exotic Beasts causing trouble." "Besides, that skill isn''t easy to learn." "It''s costly, and without one or two years of study and trial, don''t even think about making money from the medicinal fields," Old Hao said earnestly. Chen Mu glanced at the increasingly thriving Nightshade and sighed, "The expenses are indeed not small." But making money really is possible. Those little more than twenty plants are enough for him to recover all his investments. Still, Old Hao wasn''t wrong. These next two years, it''s indeed inadvisable to go to the medicinal cultivation area. If he were to come across Exotic Beasts causing trouble again, it wouldn''t matter if the fields were ruined, but it would be terrible if his life were at risk. "It''s safer to plant Yellow Bud Rice." "Yeah. It''s exhausting, sure, but at least there''s no need to face the strong Exotic Beasts," Old Hao agreed, exhaling puffs of white smoke. ... Nighttime, at the base of Low Mountain, Yellow Bud Rice fields. Chen Mu walked leisurely among the Yellow Bud Rice. Seemingly noticing Chen Mu''s figure, the white-scaled giant snake abruptly twisted its head, its golden vertical pupils filled with cold scrutiny. Almost instantly, it enveloped itself in a green mist and suddenly appeared beside Chen Mu. In the blink of an eye, a black shadow as quick as lightning slashed through the air, accompanied by a low whistling sound, and violently struck Chen Mu. Boom! It was like two balls violently colliding. Black smoke flickered around Chen Mu, and he was instantly sent flying. The hard mountain seemed like a sandbox, and Chen Mu, like a massive lead ball, was smashed into the dirt. Bang! Soil scattered as Chen Mu suddenly sprang out from within the mountain. Midair, his body rapidly grew taller and expanded. His skin rippled with bulging muscles, where even thread-like muscle fibers could be seen. Then, turning into a black lightning bolt, he almost instantly arrived in front of the white-scaled giant snake. His right fist clenched, silver threads flickering intermittently over his skin, as the muscles in his arm swelled even further. Bang! The giant snake''s head reeled as if struck by a heavy truck, involuntarily snapping backward. White scales rippled and rolled like waves from the impact. "Haha, exhilarating!" The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had been transforming his body, giving him strength that could match that of the white-scaled giant snake! Bang Bang Bang... Chen Mu''s fists pummeled like bee wings, striking at the snake''s head repeatedly. Yet the giant snake''s scales rhythmically opened and closed, completely absorbing Chen Mu''s hard hits. Even the tail, sweeping unexpectedly, sent Chen Mu crashing back into the ground once again. When he sprang from the mountain again, he saw the white-scaled giant snake preparing to burrow into the ground and escape. Even Five Ghosts Moving Mountain struggled to hinder it. Chen Mu couldn''t let it escape! With a low shout, Soul Strength rapidly gathered in his right hand. The icy sensation absorbed by the Spirit Armor Technique at the position of his kidneys was also drawn into the palm of his right hand. A fist-sized, magma-like black and red orb materialized. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" The orb nearly appeared out of thin air in front of the white-scaled giant snake. The next moment, the orb exploded. Countless sesame-sized fragments instantly smeared a large part of the white-scaled giant snake. Hiss hiss hiss... A piercing chorus of agonized shrieks rang out abruptly. The entire snake convulsed and twisted in frenzy. The area hit by Sand Shooting Shadow immediately turned black and began to rot. The tough white scales were stained with black and red, becoming brittle and fragile. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Five strands of black smoke, like five smoky black snakes, rushed into the white-scaled giant snake''s body through the decaying wounds. In just two breaths, the white-scaled giant snake, which had seemed invincible just moments before, became like a rubber hose scorched by high heat. Limp and collapsed on the ground, it could no longer get up! Chapter 223 The Fright Afterward Behind Low Mountain, within a hollow. Watching the giant white-scaled serpent over twenty meters in length, as thick as a water tank, Chen Mu was left with a lingering fear. "That was close." "So close to letting this creature escape!" If it had actually taken the White Jade Plate, he would''ve regretted it so much he might have torn his own hair out! Chen Mu immediately commanded the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to enter the belly of the exotic beast, rapidly locating the Jade Plate. Then, enveloped in black smoke, the Five Ghosts "Dishwasher" came online. With repeated infiltration and teleportation, they cleaned off the serpent''s stomach acid that had adhered to the plate. "Thankfully..." Chen Mu gripped the Jade Plate and let out a sigh of relief. Without time to examine it closely, he quickly put away the White Jade Plate. The commotion just now wasn''t small; he needed to quickly handle the chaos at the hollow''s site. The ghosts once again entered the body of the exotic serpent beast. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain." The entire serpent rapidly deflated, as though it were a section of hose that had run out of water. Chen Mu rolled it up from head to tail in a few swift movements. He then went to the large hole where the white-scaled serpent had emerged and controlled the Five Ghosts to continue digging downward for over ten meters. They then veered away multiple times as if the serpent had fled underground. Finally, the Five Ghosts turned into a solid form and stirred the messy pile of stones in the small hollow even more to destroy as much evidence as possible of the battle. After quickly returning to the courtyard at Low Mountain, he proceeded to tidy up the area. Not long after he finished, Old Hao had already appeared over the ridge. ... "A big guy came here?!" Old Hao exclaimed in surprise at the chaotic courtyard. "It was a greedy snake, as thick as a water bucket," Chen Mu complained with a pained expression. "I just bought three antler black sheep legs, and it swallowed them all." "Not only was its hide thick and flesh tough, but it also knew how to burrow." "I put in a lot of effort, but in the end, it still escaped," Chen Mu said with an annoyed face. "Such a large snake, that could have been worth quite a bit of money," Old Hao lamented in sympathy. "If only I had come a bit earlier." If you had come earlier, maybe you would have been the one it swallowed! Chen Mu dissed inwardly. That the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain couldn''t penetrate its armor in such a short time indicated that the serpent''s defenses were on par with Perceptive Spiritual Light. Old Hao wouldn''t be enough to withstand even a single tail slap from the white-scaled serpent! If it weren''t for the breakthrough of the Sand Containing Technique and the newly acquired Sand Shooting Shadow ability, who knows how much effort it would have taken to breach the serpent''s scale armor. "Should we report this to the Inspection Courtyard?" Chen Mu pretended to be clueless as he asked nonchalantly. "If you think you have too much White Jade Money weighing you down, you can give it to me," Old Hao rolled his eyes. "If you really bring in the Inspection Courtyard, after they go through the trouble of investigating for you, aren''t you obliged to give them a tip?" "It''s just an exotic snake beast, and it only ate three of your sheep legs. Why bother with the Inspection Courtyard?" "Is this the so-called Purple Mansion Mud Pill?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but be astonished. He wondered who had created such a Secret Technique, allowing mere mortals of flesh and blood to absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy and gradually undergo transformation. "Earth Spirit Vital Energy is the key," Chen Mu realized. "No wonder Director Song from the Scripture Transmission Institute does not recommend extensively practicing Jade Seed Secret Techniques." Because the Jade Seed Secret Techniques are just a simplified version of the real Secret Techniques. Just like the advanced Sand Containing Technique. The Sand Shooting Shadow could instantly break through the tough scale armor of the white-scaled serpent with its immense power. But without the Earth Spirit Vital Energy absorbed into the body by the Spirit Armor Technique, he would not be able to execute it. "I must protect the White Jade Plate at all costs!" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. He now realized that his future cultivation would almost all revolve around Earth Spirit Vital Energy. The White Jade Plate was like a movable Daoist sanctuary, akin to a fuel station that follows the vehicle. A treasure! A great treasure! "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard took great efforts to investigate Dong Cheng''s death," Chen Mu tensed up. Now he was one hundred percent certain that there were definitely people in the Inspection Courtyard still searching for the White Jade Plate! "What if they detect it?" Chen Mu worried. The white-scaled serpent had found its way here by following the scent of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Then certainly other Exotic Beasts or Magic Artifacts might also be able to locate places rich in Earth Spirit Vital Energy. "The arrival of the white-scaled serpent was indeed timely!" Chen Mu couldn''t help breaking out in a cold sweat. His previous careless use of the White Jade Plate was akin to being a glaring beacon. "I can''t use this thing for the time being..." Chen Mu gave a wry smile. He had to find a way to block Earth Spirit Vital Energy. ... Two days later, Chen Mu left the Scripture Transmission Institute, disappointed for not finding the information he wanted. "I suppose it''s to be expected," Chen Mu shook his head. The eight-sided wooden tower of the Scripture Transmission Institute had three floors. The first floor corresponded to Jade Seed Integration, the second to Perceptive Spiritual Light, and the third to Perceptive Illusion Breaking. Some were dedicated to the main cultivation of Secret Techniques, while others were used to apply Secret Techniques, also storing a vast assortment of books related to planting, taming, and other resource production. However, there was a lack of materials related to concocting Elixirs and crafting Magic Artifacts. Blocking Earth Spirit Vital Energy was most likely related to crafting Magic Artifacts. "Such secret knowledge is probably only in the hands of Director Song Wujie," Chen Mu sighed. As a mere junior worker of the external courtyard, he had no way to get in touch with Director Song. "Guess I''ll have to make some inquiries on the Ling Boat." Chapter 224 Isolating Vital Energy At the entrance of the Inspection Courtyard. Although it was not as busy as before, there were still many people queuing to be tested. Only those who passed the secret technique cultivation could enter the Inspection Courtyard. Under the nearby shade of the trees, there was still a gathering of many people. As soon as Chen Mu approached, he heard a short and frail man sigh and say, "I don''t know if I can make it." "I heard that the Inspection Courtyard has suffered a lot of damage recently and is short of hands. The chances of getting through should be pretty good," a bald fat man said hopefully. "I practice the Void Cloak Technique, and I can just run fast, so it''s hard to say," the small man shook his head. "If you really can run fast enough, it would actually be easier for you to get through," said an old man in his fifties. "Scouting, messaging, and transporting materials, fast runners are indispensable." The frail man was immediately overjoyed. "Don''t get too happy too soon," the old man continued, "Messaging or transporting materials is okay. Scout work, on the other hand, is extremely dangerous." "Because you might encounter exotic beasts first." "One moment of carelessness could mean death or injury." However, the frail man didn''t care, "Danger is everywhere; even staying in the Lower Courtyard is not safe." "Not only have people been devoured by exotic beasts in the medicinal field area, but on the outskirts of the Lower Courtyard, some have also been attacked and killed." "Rather than waiting to die, I might as well join the Inspection Courtyard and take a chance!" The people under the shade of the trees all couldn''t help but nod in agreement. So brave? Chen Mu quietly backed away and left. These people were at most at Jade Seed Perfection, having cultivated one or two secret techniques. If they encountered a white-scaled strange snake, a single sweep of its tail would leave none of them alive! Cannon fodder... ... Three days later. On the Ling Boat, at the Imperial Goods Pavilion. Chen Mu, carrying a large wrapped bundle and wearing a disguised face, sold the Calming Pills as usual, but he didn''t hurry to leave. The fair-faced middle-aged man looked at Chen Mu with surprise. For three months, Chen Mu had always sold the Calming Pills and then immediately left. What''s different this time... The middle-aged man, curious, asked, "Is there anything else the customer requires?" "Boss Le, I have a piece of exotic beast skin that I would like to deal with," Chen Mu placed the large bundle on the counter and pushed it towards the other party. "Earth Stripper?" The fair-faced boss, Le Yang''an, raised his eyebrows, "Quite intact." "Is the tongue still there?" Le Yang''an asked. The tongue? Is that thing valuable? "Gone." The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit had eaten it. "What a pity," Le Yang''an said regretfully, "the Earth Stripper''s tongue can detect Earth Spirit Vital Energy." Under the wooden shed. Chen Mu set a half-meter-thick square stone slab into the entrance and arranged a rocking chair on top. He stretched lazily and lay comfortably in the chair, holding a cup of cold tea in his hand, letting his thoughts drift. "Yin Sha Forbidden Qi Talisman, I guess it''s also in Director Song''s hands," he muttered. "Forget it, my Spiritual Light Technique is not yet mastered. Even with the Talisman Jade Slip, it''s highly unlikely I could use it." The Spirit Armor Technique can also absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy. But it is different from the Spiritual Light Technique after all. It may not be possible to use it for casting talismans, or a unique method might be required. Suddenly catching a glimpse of the well out of the corner of his eye, a flash of inspiration struck him. "The well water itself contains Earth Spirit Vital Energy, so why did the Earth Stripper surface to attack the White Jade Plate first?" "Shouldn''t it have discovered the underground water veins and spirit springs first?" "This well... there''s something about it!" Chen Mu''s eyes suddenly shone brightly. "Can the well, or the entire underground water vein, block the Earth Spirit Vital Energy?!" "If I cultivate within the water vein, wouldn''t that be even safer!" "Or perhaps, discover the secret of how the well blocks Earth Spirit Vital Energy!" ... An hour later. Chen Mu sat under the wooden shed, holding a palm-sized brown Vine Net. The mesh was about as thick as a finger, the twine about the diameter of a pen refill, and it was quite sturdy and solid. Poked twice with a finger, the vine tendrils would slowly contract and twitch like an animal! Just now he had dug down through the well. He found that the exterior wall of the underground well and the surrounding rock of the water vein were all covered with this rootlike vine. "Jilong Road would never cover the water vein with this stuff for no reason," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "It must be used to block the Earth Spirit Vital Energy!" "If I can cultivate it successfully..." Chen Mu''s mouth curled up at the thought of his Third Rank Planting Skill on the grey wall. ... Half a month later. Chen Mu pulled out a stone the size of a human head from a rectangular cultivation tank under the wooden shed. At this moment, the stone was completely enveloped by brown, rootlike Vine Net. "Success!" He just needed to smear a special trait-guiding medicine on the outside of the underground secret chamber and transplant a piece of the Vine Net after activation. It would then follow the trail of the medicine, slowly enveloping the target. "With the Vine Net wrapping it and being deep underground, I can finally use the White Jade Plate with peace of mind," he said to himself. Glimpsing the well again, Chen Mu''s mind raced: "Perhaps I can even connect the entrance of the secret chamber to the well!" Since he had mastered the cultivation method for the Vine Net, he wasn''t afraid of disrupting the state of the well. It would make entry and exit even more discreet and safe. Chapter 225 Hidden Qi Powder Early in the morning, a sliver of light crested over the Low Hill, casting its glow on the slopes of Low Mountain. Chen Mu got out of bed, washed up, and made breakfast. After devouring ten grilled meat roll cakes and gulping down two cups of secretly brewed chilled tea, he leisurely walked down to the field, gnawing on a crisp goat horn cucumber. Within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, the enchanting mist that resembled cotton appeared with the sunlight and gradually faded away. As Chen Mu strolled through the Yellow Bud Rice fields, he was accompanied by the Five Ghosts. From time to time, clusters of well water or bone powder would appear out of thin air. The newly sprouted weeds on the ground vanished right away whenever Chen Mu laid his eyes on them. After making a few trips along the long, narrow fields, the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice had been taken care of. He then went to another side of Low Mountain to a newly rented ten acres and repeated the process. By the time he returned to the Low Hill Courtyard, all of this had taken no more than half an hour. In another fifteen minutes, he had taken care of the nightshade grass on the west side of the courtyard. The day''s work was largely done. Then Chen Mu comfortably lay in his rocking chair, humming a tune and sipping tea, "How satisfying..." ... On the smooth surface of the western stone wall, an Iron Lotus Seed stood unmoving, like a tightly bound prisoner waiting to be shot. The next moment, a flash of black and red light passed, and with a pop, the Iron Lotus Seed disintegrated, leaving only a few tiny, glowing red-hot fragments. And to its right, another row of identical Iron Lotus Seeds awaited their execution. With his left hand holding a teacup and a black and red pellet the size of a soybean appearing in his right palm, Chen Mu''s face bore a smile like a deranged executioner. Biu! Then another Iron Lotus Seed turned into iron dust and vanished. After a while, Chen Mu reluctantly stopped. He habitually glanced at the gray wall and remembered that the Sand Containing Technique had long been practiced to its limit when he noticed a column that had lost its experience progression. "Sand Shooting Shadow is like a cannon, blasting everything in its path." "In the shooting game, the sand containing pellets that are like small handguns are indeed more fun," Chen Mu thought with glee. "Hmm... the description of a small handgun isn''t quite accurate." "After all, the ultimate version of the sand containing pellets can occasionally take the role of a sniper rifle." A shuttle-shaped pellet as long as a thumb, with a black surface covered in red, lava-like indentations, appeared in the palm of his right hand. Whoosh! The last Iron Lotus Seed on the wall vanished instantly.No?v(el)B\\jnn A handful of crimson iron filings sparkled midair, then turned into a fine dust, falling softly. In the air lingered a faint scent of iron dissipating slowly. Chen Mu set down his teacup and, with a flash, jumped into the well. Through a hole chiseled into the wall of the well, he darted into the Underground Secret Chamber to begin a new day''s cultivation. ... In the evening, at the Low Hill Courtyard. The square table was filled with assorted meat and vegetarian dishes. "This is for you," Shang Huan said, handing Chen Mu a cloth bag. He had researched the vines in detail. Using the Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, he devised a powder. The working principle was unknown, but through experiments on a White Jade Plate and sensing with Spirit Armor Technique, it was confirmed that this powder could block Earth Spirit Vital Energy to some extent. Shang Huan suddenly slammed his chopsticks down on the table, "Great! This flavor is friggin'' awesome!" Business opportunity! A huge business opportunity! "No kidding around, if it doesn''t work, the buyers will definitely come knocking for a refund," Old Hao worriedly furrowed his brow. "There should be no refunds," Chen Mu said with a grin, quite proud of his Alchemical Technique. "Of course no refunds!" Shang Huan couldn''t hold back his laughter. Old Hao, utterly confused, "What do you mean?" "If they don''t encounter a powerful exotic beast, the buyer won''t return it." "If they do encounter a powerful exotic beast and lose their lives, who will come to me for a refund? Haha..." "Brother Chen is brilliant!" Old Hao stared at Chen Mu in disbelief. Is this still the same honest and straightforward Brother Chen? A corner of Chen Mu''s mouth twitched, and he quickly clarified, "This is an ancestral formula handed down in my family, not fake!" "Right, right, right! Ancestral formula! Tell anyone who asks it''s an ancestral formula!" Shang Huan said, holding his thumb up excitedly. Chen Mu''s face involuntarily twitched again. How on earth did this get so twisted! The damn fatso''s leading me astray! ... In the deep mountains northwest of the Lower Courtyard below Jilong Mountain, more than ten grey tents stood on a cleared area made by cutting trees. Wu Lie hurried into the main tent in the center, "Prefect, news from the Lower Courtyard, another dead." "Several parts of the herbal garden were destroyed too, not a small loss." Lin Su nodded calmly, "No movements from the Upper Court?" "It was not mentioned in the message," Wu Lie hesitated, "I guess it should be soon." Lin Su calmly waved his hand for Wu Lie to leave. "Looks like I need to release some more exotic beasts in there," Lin Su thought silently. "Only when enough of the medicinal fields are destroyed will the Upper Court send people to repair them." "Mo Wuzhou, you''d better hurry up and come," a sharp light flashed in Lin Su''s eyes. A genius who made a breakthrough in the dojo? Ha... Just a Lower Courtyard farmer, a genius? It must be because of the Exquisite Jade Plate! ``` Chapter 226 Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles ``` After sending off a delighted Shang Huan and Old Hao, Chen Mu sat on the rocking chair, moving the small table in front of him. With a rustling sound, a pile of White Jade Coins appeared, which he began to count one by one. "Four hundred and sixty-six," Chen Mu''s heart leaped with joy. Unintentionally, he had saved up so many White Jade Coins. "It''s a pity it''s still a little short." Thinking of the Scripture Transmission Institute''s price list, Chen Mu shook his head, "Even the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique costs six hundred White Jade Coins." The matter of Shang Huan purchasing the Spiritual Light Method had given Chen Mu a wake-up call. This year, he would be able to cultivate Spiritual Light, and he needed to plan for his subsequent cultivation. "I still have three Mustard Seed Talismans, which could also sell for over a hundred White Jade Coins," Chen Mu thought to himself. "I''ll have Shang Huan sell some Hidden Qi Powder as well, that should be nearly enough." He had no intention of emulating Shang Huan, insisting on choosing a top-grade secret technique for cultivation. Instead, he was fond of the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique. This secret technique had minimal requirements in terms of natural talent, was of a neutral and gentle nature, but it was extremely slow to cultivate, requiring diligent, day-and-night practice. "To have created such a secret technique," "This Mr. Hundred Intentions must have been just like me, a person of ordinary talent but a diligent and hardworking good man." He glanced at the progress of proficiency on the gray wall. Chen Mu couldn''t help but mull over, "Should I start cultivating a new secret technique now?" After all, one can''t always grind the same experience; it''s good to change things up occasionally. ... Two days later, under the wooden shed in the Low Mountain Courtyard, Chen Mu held two copies of secret techniques, undecided. One was the Mechanical Thread Technique, which could refine Soul Strength into threads that could be easily manipulated. It could be used for defense, attack, and also act like invisible hands to assist in many tasks. With a little thought, many scenarios came to mind where it could be used. The other was the Void Cloak Technique, an art that allowed one to walk away from the ground and move at extreme speeds. After much hesitation, Chen Mu ultimately chose the Void Cloak Technique. Running fast was key to survival. "I''ll cultivate the Mechanical Thread Technique next," Chen Mu put away the Mechanical Thread Technique reluctantly. He opened the Void Cloak Technique. First, there was a long passage of meaningless text hiding the curse words of the secret technique. The back side briefly introduced the capabilities of the Void Cloak Technique. It said that once the Void Cloak Technique was cultivated, some Soul Strength beneath the soles of the feet would transform and generate a strong repulsion force, greatly enhancing movement speed. After flipping through the pages briefly, Chen Mu began to recite the gibberish-like scripture. Before long, a sense of understanding struck him. The chaotic text gradually merged into a long curse word. A new entry appeared on the gray wall. Void Cloak Technique: 3/10000/First Rank; "Success." ... In the courtyard next to a Yellow Bud Rice field at the edge of Xinchou District, beneath Jilong Road, But if it advances to the Perceptive Stage, the Repulsion Force will increase, and the effect is unimaginable. He was playing with great enjoyment. Suddenly, his whole body shook, and a surge of cold air was abruptly drawn into the vital point at his back. Then, this cold air quickly converged with the one already roaming freely within his body, gathering at the center of his forehead. Chen Mu felt a tingling on his scalp, and his mind instantly became three times clearer than usual. "Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique?" He quickly called up the gray wall. Written: 6556/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 8370/10000/Fourth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4857/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 9721/10000/Seventh Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 5937/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: Limit; Planting: 1203/10000/Third Rank; Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 6598/10000; Void Cloak Technique: 1800/10000/First Rank; "Limit?!" Chen Mu couldn''t hide his disappointment. This skill was too easy to master. He could gain experience just by breathing. He didn''t even have to manage it himself. And now, it had finally reached its limit. "It seems that I''ve also awoken a special ability," Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. He raised his hand towards the low table beside him. Pop! A brown wooden teacup levitated out of thin air and flew swiftly into Chen Mu''s hand. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles?!" No way... Feeling the name of the ability that came to his mind, Chen Mu wore a complex and indescribable expression. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique? I think it''s more like a Ghosts Spirit Armor Technique! Black cloud-like creatures, aren''t they just Ghosts? He wasn''t that surprised by this truth. "Bloodline secret technique..." Jie Jia had suspected that Chen Mu had a special bloodline when he discovered Chen Mu cultivating Spirit Armor Technique. It''s imaginable that Spirit Armor Technique must require a bloodline to cultivate. Now it seems, his ability to cultivate Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique is likely related to his former body being possessed by Ghosts. "It''s good that I''ve trained it to its peak," Chen Mu felt relieved. He had been on Jilong Road for not a short time and had seen many strange Exotic Beasts with thick skins and enormous strength. He had also seen green beetles that could continuously split and rapidly form groups. He even killed an Exotic Beast comparable to the Perceptive Stage, the Earth Stripper. But Ghosts are not like ordinary Exotic Beasts; these creatures are still too bizarre. Chapter 227 Ten Meters Phew! The wooden lid of the iron pot on the stove was pulled by a whistling wind, swiftly crossing the courtyard, and suddenly appeared in front of Chen Mu. With a casual flick, the lid spun towards the top of the opposite wall, striking off an Iron Lotus Seed with a bang, then arced through the air, and flew back in front of Chen Mu once more. Chen Mu''s eyes couldn''t help but shine with excitement. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles? No, this is telekinesis, this is controlling objects through space! With a thought, the lid whirred back to the stove again. A jet-black Dagger materialized in his hands. Then, slowly floating in the air, it zipped away and vanished. The next moment, a series of shadows revolved and soared around Chen Mu. "Ha!" "This is freaking Sword Control Technique!" Chen Mu trembled with excitement. The thought of Flying Swords and Taking Lives from a Thousand Miles away swamped his mind. Unable to hold back any longer, he shouted, "Go!" Bang! A puff of white smoke exploded in the air as the Ebony Dagger swiftly flew ten meters away, and then... and then it stopped moving. Chen Mu: "..." At that speed, shouldn''t it have disappeared over the horizon? He had already braced himself for the possibility of not finding it if it flew too far. But... "Let''s try again!" Chen Mu was not ready to give up. His dream of a Flying Sword couldn''t end here! "Go!" Bang! The Ebony Dagger shot out. Then Chen Mu felt like he heard a series of urgent braking noises. Screech! It stopped again, just ten meters away. Chen Mu: "..." ... After a while, he reluctantly accepted the reality. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles? Ha! More like Qi Forbidden Ten Meters! Chen Mu was annoyed. The dream of the Flying Sword, gone... Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles seemed like an all-encompassing, invisible palm. Anything within a ten-meter radius could give him a clear tactile feedback. He could pick them up whenever he wanted to. But beyond ten meters, there was no way. It was like his hand could quickly thrust the Ebony Dagger forward. But once it reached the limit of his arm''s length, the Ebony Dagger had no choice but to stop. Ai Ji looked at the courtyard on the mountain in the distance: "Should we go take a look?" Xu Rao''s steps were steady, his thin lips slightly parted: "This is the Gengyin District." "So what?" Ai Ji frowned, staring at Xu Rao, not understanding. "So, you''re right." "So, that person is very likely a new disciple." "So, he might also live in the nearby courtyard." "Then what are we waiting for?" Ai Ji''s eyes lit up. Xu Rao''s eyes moved slightly, glancing at Ai Ji: "Can you beat Zheng Jin?" "Give me time to gather strength, and I could punch him into mush, the mushiest mush!" Ai Ji said proudly. "But Zheng Jin would have turned you into mush before you finished gathering strength, the mushiest mush!" "So what!" Ai Ji said, his face flushed with chagrin. "So, Zheng Jin is dead," Xu Rao said calmly, continuing to walk. Then, without paying any more attention to Ai Ji, he walked away. Ai Ji stood still for a moment, shrugged his shoulders, and followed: "Forget it, I want to live a few more years." ... Three days later, on the Ling Boat. Chen Mu, as usual, came to the Imperial Goods Pavilion and sold twenty bottles of Calming Pills. Because of the continuous shortage of tube night grass, the price of Calming Pills had risen again. He sold twenty bottles for twenty-four Calming Pills. Pleased, Chen Mu turned and entered the Red Sleeve Square. "I''m mainly here to gather information, absolutely not to watch the beautiful dancers," Chen Mu swore earnestly. ... The first floor of the Red Sleeve Square was a square hall with a circular stage over ten meters in diameter at the center. Around this stage, booths of various sizes were arranged. "Utterly unoriginal." Chen Mu sneered, unimpressed by the layout of the Red Sleeve Square. Apart from the venue being larger, the lighting more dazzling, and the layout somewhat novel, everything else was no different from an ordinary brothel. "It''s just these sisters... no, it''s this big ball that''s kind of interesting," Chen Mu looked up into the air. Above the stage, a huge transparent ball formed by a secret technique floated out of thin air. The surface of the ball occasionally rippled gently, and at a glance, it looked like a massive water bubble. At that moment, the ball was displaying an image. It showed a group of sultry dancers with pointy ears, fiery red hair, tall figures, scantily clad, constantly moving their bodies. They were dancing right below the ball, their figures magnified several times by it, ensuring that customers in all directions could clearly see every strand of their hair. "They''re beautiful... cough cough, I mean this ball is," said Chen Mu. "What secret technique is being used, I wonder?" "I should take a closer look!" Chapter 228 Losing Out Ling Boat, inside the Red Sleeve Square. Chen Mu sat alone in a compartment, eating his meal. A small paper figure drifted into the compartment on his left. A pudgy young man with pale and tender skin, in his twenties, entered the sightline of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Beside him was a lady with a petite frame, sporting a pair of fluffy cat ears, looking quite beautiful. "To choose this line of work, you must have been driven by desperate circumstances," the white fatso said, holding the lady''s hand, full of pity. "Isn''t that the truth," the cat-eared lady replied with a melancholy look, "Life is tough, every step is a struggle." "For these cat ears, I spent all my White Jade Coins to buy a single Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill."No?v(el)B\\jnn "But to advance further, I need to continue taking pills." "I''ve mined disgust iron, grown Yellow Bud Rice, and raised Golden Pearl Clams, yet the little money I earned is still not enough to buy a Heavenly Demon Pill." "With no other choice, I could only come here, sigh..." her meek and gentle voice let out a soft sigh that was enough to bring listeners to tears and wrench their hearts. "How pitiful!" the chubby man said, his face brimming with sympathy. "If Brother truly pities me, why not order a Through-the-Heavens set meal, so we can drink and chat merrily," the cat-eared lady suggested with her delicate voice. Hearing that he could have a candid chat with the lady, the chubby man gripped her hand tightly, his face full of excitement, "Why don''t we talk first, if we come to an agreement, then we''ll order." Chen Mu: "..." Is this a booze peddler encountering a freeloader? Tsk tsk... Chen Mu felt profoundly shocked. But, the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill? Is this the source of the exotic beings? Chen Mu, observing the dancers on stage sporting various non-human parts, suddenly understood. They use special pills to acquire Exotic Beast bloodlines, thus easily achieving a change in their physique. But to advance further, it seems one must continuously take the pills. Hmm... it is indeed quite expensive. The cat-eared lady''s life was so inspirational, yet she couldn''t even save enough money to buy the pills, which shows just how extraordinarily pricey those pills must be. ... Listening to the fierce exchange between the two, Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. Appearances can be deceiving indeed. That seemingly shy and honest fatso was actually a shameless scoundrel, how the world has declined... Chen Mu, once again engrossed in listening to their conversation for a while, shifted his attention to the compartment behind him. There, five robust men were each embracing a lady with small horns on her forehead, engaged in animated discussions. "Zhuo Brother is truly formidable. Following Prefect Wang to guard the borders and hunt Exotic Beasts, making a fortune in White Jade Money," one short and stocky man expressed his envy. "Not like us, just patrolling the Lower Courtyard, tracking down rampaging Exotic Beasts." "But the Exotic Beasts that run in here are all slippery." "But I can get my hands on items like Calming Pills and Yellow Bud Rice." "But what I''d really like to recommend to you two is the Hidden Qi Powder." "I''m sure you know, recently, Exotic Beasts have been wreaking havoc, and many people have been eaten." "But if you use my Hidden Qi Powder and sprinkle it around your house, the Exotic Beasts will treat you as invisible, guaranteeing your safety 100%." "How about it? Want some?" "Can it really fend off Exotic Beasts?" Ai Ji asked, his smile almost a smirk. Shang Huan, with all sincerity, replied, "If it''s fake, I''ll pay back tenfold, no lies." "Hehe..." Ai Ji chuckled, "Come with us; your scam''s been exposed." Shang Huan''s brows furrowed tightly, and he looked at Ai Ji displeased, "Are you two here to make fun of me?" Whoosh! Xu Rao''s right hand formed a knife, scraping by Shang Huan''s neck and easily penetrating the stone wall behind as if a hot knife through butter. Shang Huan turned his head for a glance and looked seriously at Ai Ji: "Can you tell me which incident it is I''m being busted for?" "Calming Pills? Yellow Bud Rice?" "Probably the Hidden Qi Powder, right?" "The inherited family recipe indeed isn''t reliable," Shang Huan said with a bitter face. "Had I known, I would have sold less." "Mixed in too much sawdust, didn''t I." Ai Ji: "..." So all these things you sold, not a single one was real, huh! "Who made these things?" Xu Rao, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. "What kind of nonsense are you talking? Of course, I made them myself. With something like counterfeiting, how dare I entrust others and risk being sold out?" Shang Huan glanced sideways at Xu Rao. "You made them? Heh..." Xu Rao''s lips curled slightly. "You don''t even know if things are real or fake; how could you make them?" "What do you mean?" Ai Ji asked, clearly confused, "Isn''t Lu Ku impressed with this guy''s skills in faking and selling fake goods?" "Were the things he sold actually real?" "Not real, but not fake either," Xu Rao said indifferently, looking at Shang Huan, "It can only be considered a slightly less effective knock-off." "What Lu Ku is after is not just this unscrupulous merchant, but also the Pharmacist behind him." The look Ai Ji gave Shang Huan suddenly became eerie. This fatty isn''t being honest at all. Shang Huan was also utterly baffled. It turns out the grilled meat seasoning and Hidden Qi Powder Brother Chen gave me were actually all real goods?! Shang Huan: "..." I''ve sold them at a loss! Chapter 229 Ambush "My name is Xu Rao. I am one of the seven brothers of Wu Mountain," Xu Rao said indifferently. "Each of us seven excels in different abilities." "And I''m best at interrogation." "You have only one chance." "So... who is the Pharmacist?" Xu Rao''s eyeballs remained motionless as he stared silently at Shang Huan. The cold gaze was so piercing that Shang Huan''s scalp tingled. How did I come across these devils!? All the disciples in the Lower Courtyard knew that the seven brothers of Wu Mountain were ruthless and forced lower court disciples to farm and make money. Many rebellious disciples disappeared without a trace! What''s key is, they not only did this but also got away with it for so many years! "Looks like we have a tough guy here," Ai Ji said impatiently. "You better start soon, I hate wasting time." "You''ve made the wrong choice," Xu Rao said, his expression neutral. He made his fingers into a knife shape. Swipe! "I''ll talk!" Shang Huan shouted at the top of his lungs. A bead of blood emerged from Shang Huan''s neck on the right side and trickled down. His scalp exploded with fear, and his eyes filled with blood vessels; he felt like he was about to say goodbye to this world in that fleeting moment. I''ve made so much money and bought the most expensive Secret Techniques. I haven''t even started training! I can''t die, I must not die! Shang Huan''s face turned pale, and he clenched his teeth tightly. "Who is the Pharmacist?" Xu Rao''s voice was still even-toned. Shang Huan opened his mouth, feeling his throat dry and difficult to speak, as he clenched his fist hard. How did I end up in this situation? "Speak!" shouted Ai Ji, losing his patience. Xu Rao''s right hand lifted slightly, and the Jet Black Soul Strength suddenly transformed into a sharp knife edge. Shang Huan''s face showed struggle as he faced the increasingly dangerous gazes of the two men. I''m sorry... I didn''t want to... "It''s Mo Wuzhou!" Shang Huan''s face contorted, "The Pharmacist is brother Mo Wuzhou." "I''m just a salesperson working for him." "He always has his confidants deliver the medicine to me, then they take away the money earned that month." "No wonder," Ai Ji raised an eyebrow, "I had heard long ago that this young brother Mo is proficient in various skills. Now that he''s apprenticed in the Upper Court, it''s said that he is also learning Alchemy." "That''s not right," Xu Rao stared blankly at Shang Huan. "Mo Wuzhou is at the central Medicinal Field of the Lower Courtyard; you''re just a small-time vendor from the outskirts." "With your status, how could you possibly get close to him?" Shang Huan showed a bitter smile, "Indeed, I''m not capable of being in contact with brother Mo." "But I have an elder who helped brother Mo when he first arrived at the Lower Courtyard," Shang Huan added. "When he started planting Yellow Bud Rice, it was my elder who taught him hands-on." "So..." "Seems that the old man was telling the truth," Ai Ji glanced at Xu Rao and smiled. "What a pity for my twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields..." ... Inside the Shang Huan estate. Time passed bit by bit, and the sky grew darker. The young man in the black bodysuit with White Jade tied in his hair, had a gentle complexion. He stood up and gently tapped the hanging oval crystal ball. Immediately, the bioluminescent algae inside emitted a gentle, pearly white light. "It seems you''ve been abandoned," the gentle young man Lu Ku said softly. "Wait a bit longer, please wait! Maybe something has delayed them!" Shang Huan''s pupils involuntarily contracted. "Maybe..." Lu Ku was noncommittal. Then he said with a gentle smile, "Can you tell me how much White Jade Money you make in a month?" "Don''t worry, I''m just purely curious." Shang Huan''s heart skipped a beat. He was about to speak, but then held back. Facing the other''s smiling gaze, Shang Huan couldn''t help but feel his scalp tighten. He understood that if he didn''t say the right thing, his life would surely be over! But what to say to satisfy the other party? "Last month I just bought the Small Celestial Milky Way Spiritual Light Method." "Give me two more months, and I can buy another!" "Not bad," Lu Ku nodded with a smile. "But what if you don''t have the Medicinal Powders and Pills provided by Gongsun Sheng?" Shang Huan''s forehead suddenly broke out in a sweat. Thinking carefully, he realized that the substantial money he had made over the past few months all depended on those medicinal powders and pills that seemed fake but were actually just substandard products. That was the reason he was able to sell them and not have anyone trouble him! "It seems you can''t." As soon as the words fell, the door panel-like brawny man suddenly appeared behind Shang Huan and Old Hao. Palms like fan leaves, he quietly reached for the necks of the two men. "How about we do a test?" Lu Ku sat down again, smiling and looking at the two. "Let''s see if that Mr. Gongsun cares at all about your wellbeing." Bang! The two men were suddenly grabbed by the neck by the door panel brawny man and lifted into the air. The Soul Strength that automatically emerged in defense from the two men was crushed by the brawny man. "I was hoping to invite that Pharmacist to become one of our seven brothers," Lu Ku sighed and shook his head: "The lead has gone cold, what a pity... Hm?" "Yu Lin? What''s happening to you..." Holding up Shang Huan and the others, the door panel-like brawny man Yu Lin suddenly became as still as a mosquito in amber, his entire body static, as if the pause button had been hit. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" a detached voice suddenly rang out. Crack! The door panel brawny man''s arms, thick as thighs, suddenly snapped. Forearm bones pierced through the thick muscles, and strands of blood clung to the white bone, looking particularly gruesome. ``` Chapter 230 The Seven United Heart Gu Hum! A layer of translucent white light suddenly enveloped Lu Ku. "Gongsun Sheng!" Lu Ku''s complexion changed. Since the other party had come here, that meant Xu Rao and Ai Ji among others... He immediately stood up and charged toward Shang Huan, who was lying on the ground. Hum hum hum! The Spiritual Light enveloping his body suddenly trembled. Lu Ku felt as if he had entered a quagmire, a huge and sticky pressure surrounding him. And it was growing stronger, allowing him only to take one step before he was fixed in place. Lu Ku''s brows furrowed tightly as he stood within the Light Shield, constantly looking around. If it weren''t for this layer of Spiritual Light, he would have been like the burly Yu Lin, turned into a mosquito in amber, unable to move at all. His complexion changed, and with a flip of his right hand, a palm-sized black gourd appeared. He drew his right index finger across the palm of his left hand, and blood immediately flowed out. He then pressed the gourd onto his left palm. The blood that should have dripped from the edge of his hand was suddenly sucked back in, and with a hiss, it vanished into the black gourd. The next moment, accompanied by a set of difficult Curse Words, the top of the gourd suddenly burst into a crimson light. Puff! A mass of deep blue flames shot out from the gourd, spreading out like a whirlpool centered around Lu Ku. The air twisted with the scorching heat, and wooden tables and chairs, upon even the slightest contact, immediately turned to ash. The flames, as if sentient, bypassed Yu Lin and split off a portion that headed straight for Shang Huan. The rest of the flames spread out violently, seemingly about to break through the room. Whoo whoo whoo! A deep, whistling sound suddenly arose. A cloud of black and red sand materialized out of nowhere in front of Lu Ku, and in the blink of an eye, it contaminated the Spiritual Light Shield. The translucent white circle was almost instantaneously softened, corroded, and pierced through. Lu Ku immediately felt a pain in his head as if it were being pierced by a needle, a severe pain striking instantaneously, turning his face pale. Just as he was about to grit his teeth and forcefully activate the black gourd regardless of the consequences, a wave of invisible force, like gates opening for concrete, surged in through the hole in the Spiritual Light, rapidly enveloping and solidifying him, sealing him in place. His hands were pulled apart with a snap into a straight line, and the black gourd thudded to the ground. Two sparks were spewed out, but it no longer had the strength to emit the blue flames. The fiery whirlpool in mid-air kept spinning, but without the black gourd''s supply, it didn''t rotate much before disappearing reluctantly with a faint cry. Creak... The wooden door slowly opened, the grating noise of the hinges making one''s teeth sour. A figure wearing a white mask and a cloak appeared at the door. Chen Mu was surrounded by black smoke, his eyes calm and indifferent. Behind him, four unconscious figures lay suspended in mid-air. Their clothes clung tightly to their bodies, their cheeks sunken, as if they were sealed in vacuum bags with the air sucked out. Shang Huan''s face suddenly filled with joy. He crawled and rolled over to Chen Mu''s side. "You''ve finally come!" The limbs of the six men twisted and broke instantly. Intense pain struck, but Lu Ku revealed a smile. Then a fragrant scent entered his nostrils, and his consciousness quickly blurred, yet he didn''t mind at all. Fortunately... ... "Mr. Gongsun, these people..." Shang Huan began cautiously. But Old Hao tugged at his clothes and stopped him from continuing. Chen Mu glanced at them. These people are untrustworthy? There''s a problem with these people? Of course, he thought of the possible hidden dangers. But if he killed them outright... Chen Mu thought of Lin Su, the Prefect Lu Ku had mentioned. In the Inspection Courtyard, people were already looking for the White Jade Plate. If the attention brought by the seven brothers led to its discovery, it would be problematic. Of course, what Lu Ku said could also be lies to save his own life. But... what if? "Let''s hope that so-called Secret Technique is useful," Chen Mu sighed. He extended his right hand, and the Mustard Seed Talisman that was on Lu Ku''s wrist flew into his hand. He adeptly read the Curse Command to activate it. Plop! A wooden cabinet appeared and crashed to the ground. Chen Mu pulled out the drawers to check each one. When he opened a flat drawer in the middle, a familiar Bright Yellow Scroll appeared before him. Chen Mu''s heart leaped. He unfurled the scroll, and a few ancient characters came into viewThousand Mountains Sutra: United Heart Gu. Indeed... ... Five days later. The six brothers of Wu Mountain filed out of Shang Huan''s residence, their twisted limbs now restored as before. Even the burly Yu Lin, whose head had been twisted onto his back, emerged completely whole. Chen Mu, still wearing his white mask, stood quietly in the courtyard, watching Shang Huan exchanging pleasantries with the men. Despite having seen it before, the almost non-human vitality these men displayed still made him marvel. "The past few days have been extraordinary, and the hospitality lacking. I ask for the forgiveness of my older brothers and sisters," "I have a friend whose culinary skills can compare to the chefs of the Heavenly River Water Mansion''s Eight Treasures Tower." "In a while, I will invite him over to treat my older brothers and sisters to a good meal," Shang Huan''s small eyes squinted into slits, his large round face blooming like a flower as he smiled. Watching Shang Huan''s smugness, pretending to ride on the tiger''s back. Even the calm Lu Ku could not help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. The expressions on the faces of the other five were even uglier. They were originally here to subdue this fat man, but unexpectedly, they fell into a trap, allowing him to become one of the seven brothers. If it weren''t for the restraint of the United Heart Gu, they would have wished to strangle him on the spot! Sensing the intense malice emanating from the six, Shang Huan''s smile grew even more brilliant. "Safe travels to my older brothers and sisters!" Ha ha... Chapter 231 Backlash ``` Shang Huan laughed heartily as he watched the six figures walking away, feeling a surge of satisfaction. The shadow of fear that had loomed over him due to the other party''s threats had dissipated in an instant. But his joy was short-lived, as he felt a chill run down his spine. When he turned around, he saw Mr. Gongsun, the man in the white mask, standing silently behind him. Instinctively, Shang Huan shrank his neck and said with a sycophantic smile, "Thank you, Mr. Gongsun, for saving my life!" "I heard you''ve been selling a lot of Hidden Qi Powder. Who made it for you?" Chen Mu asked in an even tone. Shang Huan scratched his head in an embarrassed manner, "I made it myself." "I''ve mixed Insect Repellent Powder with sawdust and called it Hidden Qi Powder, claiming it can ward off exotic beasts." "I didn''t expect it to sell so well." "As a result, it attracted these troublemakers." "Thanks to Mr. Gongsun''s rescue, otherwise..." Shang Huan shuddered. He immediately swore, "Mr. Gongsun, rest assured, from now on my life is yours. If you tell me to go east, I''ll never go west!" Ha... Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan out of the corner of his eye, "So, did you also make up that Thorn Night Herb?" "Isn''t it that profit stirs the heart?" Shang Huan said with a look of shame. "Plus, I happened to be buying the Spiritual Light Method and was short on money." "Hearing that there was a shortage of medicinal herbs, I had the wrong idea. I thought up a batch of spices with a similar scent and passed them off as the real thing." Made it yourself? Very good! "This fat fool didn''t sell me out. He kept the maker of Hidden Qi Powder and Thorn Night Herb a secret." "But that doesn''t mean I can just let him off the hook," Chen Mu''s lips curled slightly. He looked at Shang Huan with a gentle yet chilling gaze, "You''re quite tight-lipped." "Then why, when you betrayed me, did you do it so readily? The Wu Mountain Seven Brothers pressured you slightly and you spat out my name." "Were you thinking of using them to kill someone?" "Were you hoping to kill them or me?" "You weren''t thinking of us dying together, were you?" Shang Huan''s scalp tingled instantly, his face turning pale. Before he could open his mouth to explain, Chen Mu said with a light laugh, "Next time you open your mouth, remember to think about the United Heart Gu." "You wouldn''t want me to activate it, right? Heh..." Seeing Shang Huan sweating profusely, Chen Mu under his mask couldn''t help but smile. This fat man was too clever for his own good. The quantity of Hidden Qi Powder he sold was far greater than what he had supplied. Anyone could have guessed with their toes that this fat man had included another fake batch, increasing the volume of shipments. Fortunately, this fatty was tight-lipped, pushing all the blame onto Gongsun''s shoulders. Seeing Shang Huan frightened, Chen Mu casually threw him twenty bottles of Calming Pills, then disappeared into the drifting smoke in front of him. ... Low Hill Courtyard.No?v(el)B\\jnn Chen Mu then thought of Shang Huan. "I can''t sell the Hidden Qi Powder anymore." "The counterfeit Nightshade products must also be stopped." If it hadn''t been for the huge profits, this trouble wouldn''t have been brought about. "There are still several months until Spiritual Light Perfection, and the demand for the Illusion Breaking Secret Technique isn''t urgent." "At worst, I''ll just have to sell an extra batch of Calming Pills." "The Imperial Goods Pavilion channel remains relatively safe." "If I save up slowly, I should eventually gather enough money to buy the secret technique." Having made up his mind, he got up to deal with the Yellow Bud Rice fields. To control the Wu Mountain brothers, he had been running to Shang Huan''s place these past few days, and weeds had sprouted in the fields! The Nightshade was also somewhat wilted. His comfortable life had been disrupted for several days. All because of that damn fatso Shang Huan! ... In the Xinyou District, in front of a vast expanse of Yellow Bud Rice fields. Seven stone courtyards were built side by side. In the central residence, the six Wu Mountain siblings were gathered together. "Wu Ruo, would you mind making a trip to the Heavenly River Water Mansion? We need to collect enough Netherworld Dust," Lu Ku sat at the head, calmly saying to the gentle woman on the left. "Okay." Wu Ruo, dressed in a cyan crossover-collar ruqun with long hair to her waist, nodded gently. "Does big brother have a way to counter it?" Ai Ji asked excitedly. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra records a secret technique at the end." "It can make use of Netherworld Dust to accelerate the growth of the United Heart Gu." "The secret technique also mentions that if it grows too quickly and the United Heart Rope isn''t well controlled, there will be risks of backlash." "Gongsun Sheng just obtained the United Heart Rope, and his proficiency at using the United Heart Curse is not high." "And having control over our lives, having the power of life and death, he must be complacent." "This gives us a chance to break free." "I''ve already washed away the records of the secret technique with a potion, Gongsun Sheng will not know this." "And how to quickly cultivate the United Heart Gu has become key!" The people in the living room suddenly shone with keen light in their eyes. "Wu Ruo, don''t worry about the cost. Have Yu Lin accompany you to the Heavenly River Water Mansion and buy back all the Netherworld Dust you can find!" "Okay!" Wu Ruo squinted her eyes, her expression suddenly stern. "Everyone, put aside whatever you are doing." "The urgent matter at hand is the rapid growth of the United Heart Gu." "The day we break free from the shackles of the United Heart Rope is the day we kill Gongsun Sheng." "Mo Wuzhou''s confidant, ha..." "I''m sure Lin Su will be very pleased!" The six of them suddenly revealed smiling faces. Chapter 232 Volume Half a month later, Wu Ruo and Yu Lin, covered in dust, returned from Heavenly River Water Mansion. In the Xinyou District, inside Lu Ku''s residence. "Yin Sha Dust," Wu Ruo handed a fist-sized clay jar to Lu Ku. Yu Lin followed closely behind, his gray-white robe still stained with dots of black and red blood. Clearly, spending a great deal of money to buy Yin Sha Dust had attracted some trouble. "You two have worked hard," Lu Ku said solemnly. Both nodded slightly and took their seats. The other few also looked at the clay jar with delight in their eyes. "Gongsun Sheng can only use the United Heart Rope to connect to one person at a time. His control over it is still very shallow." "If we use only half of these Yin Sha Dust, the off-control target might just be achievable." "The pain of bone-eroding heart-drilling in this cultivation is inevitable. But all we need to do is endure this period." "The scales of victory have already tilted towards our side," Lu Ku said confidently. "That''s great!" Ai Ji slapped the armrest of his chair and couldn''t help but burst into laughter. "If Gongsun Sheng knew we slipped from his control and even brought Lin Su before him, his expression would be very interesting to see," Wu Ruo said. "Haha..." The others also eased their expressions. Hum! A sound similar to a buzzing of a bee''s wings suddenly resonated in the room. The few looked towards the door simultaneously, where a cold and expressionless girl sat. Ai Ji''s eyes bulged in surprise: "Shi Xian, you..." The indifferent girl with a bun suddenly spoke, "Ah, I seem to have seen a black rope." "Is it the United Heart Rope?" "Quite suitable for tying hair." The faces of the people in the room turned ugly at once. "Gongsun Sheng has become more proficient with the United Heart Curse!" Xu Rao''s face was gloomy. "He can now connect two people at the same time!" "We need to work faster," Lu Ku''s eyes flashed with a sharp glint. "From now on, put aside all other matters. "For eating, take the Fasting Pill, and for sleeping, you may only sleep for two hours max." "Go all out to cultivate the United Heart Gu!" ... Ten days later, six haggard-looking people once again gathered in Lu Ku''s residence. "My United Heart Gu has grown one chi three inches," Ai Ji reported loudly, barely able to contain himself. "One chi one inch," Shi Xian said without expression. "One chi six inches," Xu Rao said, his face still gloomy. "One chi five inches," Yu Lin murmured. "One chi nine inches," Wu Ruo said calmly. ... Another ten days passed. It was still the living room of Lu Ku''s residence. The six people sat expressionlessly in the hall, the atmosphere somewhat stiff. Hum! The vibrating sound would come earlier or later, slow but sure. "Forget it, resign to fate..." Ai Ji finally couldn''t keep his composure and collapsed. Lu Ku also had a moment of a blank look. He had used the United Heart Gu with great determination to accelerate his cultivation. Even though he knew he might be controlled, he wasn''t afraid because he believed in his Secret Technique that could counteract it. But now... "Gongsun is cold, ruthless, and unpredictable. Our days ahead might be tough," Wu Ruo said softly. "Better adjust our mindsets sooner rather than later," Yu Lin sighed. "Worst comes to worst, we''ll go down together!" Xu Rao had a look of cold irritation. Thinking of a life that would definitely be dominated by others, their faces immediately turned extremely unsightly. ... At this moment, Gongsun Sheng, who was cold, ruthless, and moved in unpredictable ways, was carefully scratching at the soil, his butt poked up in the air. After four and a half months, the Gua-Qie Ye Grass was ripe! He carefully applied the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to clean the soil around the roots bit by bit. The Gua-Qie Ye Grass was peculiar; it required the leaves and roots to be crushed and integrated together to fully exert its power. If even a little of the roots or leaves were missing, it would affect the quality. After busy work for a long while, he finally finished harvesting nineteen plants. "This is enough to make Calming Pills for half a year," Chen Mu said with a face full of joy. After placing each one on the wooden rack to dry in the air, he lay down comfortably in the rocking chair. With a thought, a gray wall appeared in front of him. United Heart Curse: 6/10000/Seventh Rank; "It''s not that hard..." Chen Mu chuckled. He had originally planned to cultivate just the First Rank. But for some reason, the Proficiency of the United Heart Curse was especially easy to increase. It would give him forty or fifty experience points per hour. Chen Mu''s desire to gain experience immediately stirred. He became like a gaming addict, cultivating without sleep, night and day. "Maybe I should just give it up." "After cultivating to the Sixth Rank, I still haven''t seen any special abilities." "I might as well work on my Void Cloak Technique, maybe then I''ll be able to fly sooner." "Hmm... just one more Rank, just one more Rank then," he thought. "Regardless of whether there are special abilities, I must stop here!" Chapter 233 Five Ghosts Possession ``` Ten days later. In Xinyou District, within the Lu Ku family courtyard. The six siblings of Wu Mountain sat silently in the living room, expressionless, the atmosphere frozen. To varying degrees, their eyes all showed a trace of impatience, like prisoners awaiting their sentence. It wasn''t until the sun set behind the mountains that they finally let out a long sigh of relief. "Ha... he''s finally stuck!" Ai Ji couldn''t help but laugh. "Even if he''s stuck, he has long been able to control six people at the same time," Shi Xian said somberly. Ai Ji, as if someone had squeezed his neck, suddenly stiffened on the spot with a gagging sound. "We have no room to resist anymore," Yu Lin said in a tone as if he was speaking from a jar. "Worst comes to worst, we''ll just die together!" Ai Ji shouted. Xu Rao didn''t speak, but his face was dark and gloomy. "With the United Heart Rope''s restrictions on us, it''s almost impossible to die together," Wu Ruo said, shaking her head lightly. "What if we use someone else to do the killing?" Xu Rao said coldly. "We don''t know his real identity," Yu Lin said. "Plus, he seems to be able to sense an ambush in advance." "This is the end of us!" Ai Ji said with a defeatist look: "We still don''t know what he''s going to make us do." "It''s nothing but murder and arson," Shi Xian said coolly. "But what if he sends us to our deaths?" "He also knows how to make pills and cultivate pills. What if he makes us test drugs?" "Our lives are completely in his hands; he could do any sick and twisted thing!" Thinking of all the terrible consequences that could be coming. The room instantly fell silent. ... In the hollow behind the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat cross-legged atop a black cloud formed by the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Muttering incantations, a strong repulsion force came from the earth. The next instant, Chen Mu''s figure shot out at a height half a meter off the ground. The wind whistled in his face, his gray short jacket flapped loudly, and his hair was blown into undulating waves. Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel exhilarated: "Wuhu!" He let the Five Ghosts carry him, flying in circles around the small hollow. Now stopping abruptly, now ascending quickly, now turning sharply, now tumbling and rushing forward. After flying for almost half an hour, he finally stopped, still not having had enough. "I guess this counts as flying," Chen Mu chuckled. Although he could only fly up to five meters high and the speed was just a bit faster than a galloping horse, still slower than he could run himself. But... he could fly! The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit helped him take to the air. The repulsion force from the Void Cloak Technique acted on the ground, replacing the force from his feet, pushing him forward. "I wonder what secret technique Director Song uses," Chen Mu couldn''t help but recall. He had seen Song Wujie twice, and both times the other man was standing in the sky. His muscles surged and swelled, even drawing lines like steel cables beneath his skin. His skin quickly turned indigo, with wisps of silver thread faintly visible beneath. An invisible force began to manifest, causing his hair to flutter involuntarily, as though drifting in water. Chen Mu tentatively waved at a long boulder a hundred meters away. Bang! The stone was instantly shattered by the invisible force. Feeling a superhuman strength coursing through him, Chen Mu felt he could easily tear apart the Perceptive Spirit Light. He had to resist the urge to roar skyward, to release this surge of power. At the same time, a mad desire for destruction and devouring rose wildly in his mind. "Ha!" With a low shout, Chen Mu dispersed the secret technique. The Five Ghosts reemerged as he deflated like a leaking balloon, shrinking back to the robust young man of one meter eighty. "Huff... that was really freaky, huh..." Chen Mu supported himself on his knees, panting heavily. His body suddenly felt extremely weak, as if with the departure of the Five Ghosts, they had taken away his vital energy as well. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 21/10000/Eighth Rank; With intentional focus on the cultivation time, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse quickly advanced. Five Ghosts Possession is the secret technique comprehended after the breakthrough to the Eighth Rank. It allows the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to merge into the body, exponentially amplifying physical strength. He had already felt that power, thinking one punch could kill his current self. And he could also execute an enhanced version of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. But the side effects... Chen Mu gave a wry smile. Just looking at his current weakened state made it obvious. "The key is that it easily drives one mad." He wouldn''t forget the crazy desire to destroy just a moment ago. Even stronger than the devouring desire when using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. "It''s another trump card anyway," Chen Mu shook his head. This was all because he had cultivated the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, and his physique had transformed towards that of the Ghosts. If a common person were to use the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, Chen Mu wasn''t sure if they would survive. Even when he used it, lasting for two minutes was the limit. Any longer, and even if his body held up, he felt he might go insane. "When I reach perfection at the Eighth Rank, I wonder if I can extend the duration," Chen Mu pondered silently. Allocate a bit more time to Five Ghosts Moving Mountain? Chen Mu immediately shook his head. It''s good enough to gain experience through daily usage. Just like this time, without purposely cultivating it, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain gradually filled up. It always gave him the unexpected delight of finding a hundred bucks in a jacket he never wore. "Tomorrow, it seems the Ling Boat will arrive." "This upgrade to Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is inseparable from my daily accumulated hard work and diligent practice." "Rewarding myself by listening to a tune wouldn''t be too excessive, right?" "Hmm! That''s settled then!" Chapter 234 Understood A month later. Xinyou District, Lu Ku''s estate. The six siblings of Wu Mountain were gathered together once again. This was already their fifth meeting in a month. Their mood fluctuated with each gathering, never the same. Somber, anxious, doubtful, perplexed, until this time''s blankness. "Is Shang Huan still selling medicine?" Lu Ku frowned slightly. "He''s only selling Calming Pills now. He''s stopped everything else," Yu Lin responded in his deep voice. "Are you sure Shang Huan knows our address?" Ai Ji couldn''t help but ask. "Even if he doesn''t, Mr. Gongsun can summon us through the United Heart Rope," Yu Lin replied. "What on earth does he mean!" "Three whole months without a peep, if he wants to kill or slash, at least give us a clear message!" Ai Ji was impatient. "Is it possible that he just doesn''t want to deal with us?" Shi Xian spoke in a cold tone. "That''s impossible!" Ai Ji couldn''t help but retort, "Leaving us six capable hands aside, is he really counting on that fat corpse?" No sooner had he spoken than he noticed that the other few were all looking at him. "He might indeed be counting on that fat corpse," Lu Ku said with a strange expression. Three months went by. Shang Huan''s selling of medicine remained the same as ever. Yet the six of them were like they had been completely forgotten. Or to say, really forgotten? The group suddenly exchanged glances. "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Ai Ji shook his head vehemently. Could they have been battling wits with thin air all this time? I don''t accept it! "That matter regarding Mo Wuzhou, should we inform him?" Yu Lin scratched his head. Lu Ku sighed, "We have no choice but to inform him." According to what Shang Huan said, Mr. Gongsun was Mo Wuzhou''s close confidant! They were employed by Lin Su and were going to make a move against Mo Wuzhou''s close friend; they couldn''t bypass Mr. Gongsun no matter what. ... Low Mountain courtyard. "Brother Chen, I''m here to see you again, look what I''ve brought you!" Shang Huan, with a bruised face, dragged the equally bruised Old Hao. He carried a slab of black dory fish, entering the courtyard with a sycophantic smile. Chen Mu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. "Even if you brought me a piece of dragon meat, I couldn''t make counterfeit medicine for you." "Dragon meat obviously won''t do, but what about real moray dragon meat?" "The Heavenly River Water Mansion just caught a two-hundred-year-old real moray dragon." "That thing is said to be able to turn into a dragon. Eating it, we''re consuming the flesh of a dragon''s precursor. Hmm... dragon egg meat!" Dragon egg meat my ass! Chen Mu was almost amused to anger by this fat man.No?v(el)B\\jnn Last time although this guy was tight-lipped, not revealing his existence, But what if they ran into someone cruel who could probe into one''s consciousness? When that time comes, it won''t matter if he wants to tell or not, they will see for themselves. "It''s not that I won''t make it for you, there really are no ingredients," Chen Mu said helplessly. "Tell me what the ingredients are, and I''ll find them for you," Shang Huan showed no intention of giving up. "Are you looking for me for something?" After hesitating for a moment, Chen Mu still entered Shang Huan''s residence. "Mr. Gongsun," Lu Ku stood up and bowed with his hands clasped. "Lin Su is planning to deal with Brother Mo Wuzhou soon." "He hired us to kidnap Brother Mo''s close friends, intending to use them as his trump card against Brother Mo." "I thought it was necessary to report this to you," Lu Ku said. Chen Mu: "..." He was a bit stunned. No, are you sure this is something I should be involved in? The Prefect from the Inspection Courtyard is going to target a disciple of the Upper Court? How could I, an honest farmer, get tangled in such malicious conspiracies? Seeing Chen Mu''s silence, Lu Ku had trouble making a decision. Is it because we didn''t inform him earlier? It seems we must do something to make up for this. Letting this slight dissatisfaction ferment could very well breed a bigger disaster! Lu Ku''s mind raced. "You are Brother Mo''s right-hand man, so naturally, we are on Brother Mo''s side," he reasoned. "But Lin Su doesn''t know about our relationship with you." "Maybe you can notify Brother Mo''s friends in advance, and we can all put on a show together." "When the ambush is set, we can turn on him and kill Lin Su together!" Lu Ku squinted his eyes, which gleamed with cunning. Though this plan may be cliche?, if executed well, it can have an unexpectedly powerful effect! Chen Mu: "..." What the hell are you talking about?! Since when did I become Mo Wuzhou''s right-hand man? Chen Mu looked toward Shang Huan. At that moment, the chubby guy was shrinking his neck like a quail, hiding to one side. Shit! It must be this damn fatty''s fault! Chen Mu managed to suppress his agitation, slowed his speech, and pretended indifference: "Don''t do anything." He didn''t even know Mo Wuzhou. Why would he possibly get involved in such a troublesome matter? Lu Ku was startled. Do nothing? Does it mean to pretend to agree with Lin Su''s plan and then do nothing? "Got it!" said Lu Ku, nodding as if he had suddenly understood. Chen Mu: "..." Understood? What did he understand? Could you explain it to me too? "If Mr. Gongsun has no other orders, we''ll be leaving now," Lu Ku said as he prepared to take his leave. This encounter confirmed something for him C that Mr. Gongsun really didn''t seem to care for them. Could Mr. Gongsun have bigger plans? It was perplexing. Before Chen Mu could figure out what to say, he watched in dismay as the six oddly shaped figures left one after another. Could you at least explain things clearly! Don''t mess around, hey! Chapter 235 Absent Shang Huan''s residence was deathly silent. Old Hao hid in the corner of the shadows, wishing he could squeeze himself into the wall. Shang Huan, with his head lowered, seemed captivated by the patterns on the surface of his shoes. Chen Mu stared intently at Shang Huan. "Mo Wuzhou haha..." "I can explain!" The chubby Shang Huan immediately began. "Last time, the six Wu Mountain brothers cornered me, insisting on knowing the source of the Calming Pills." "I thought I''d invent a powerful figure to intimidate them, so..." So I became Mo Wuzhou''s confidant?! "Actually, it''s pretty good like this. Those who buy Elixir Pills, when they hear the supply comes from Brother Mo''s channels, they give money much more willingly." "If the quantity can keep up, we might even be able to expand by taking advantage of the situation..." "Shut up!" Instantly, Shang Huan''s neck shrank and he looked down at his shoes, acting like a quail. Casually tossing twenty bottles of Calming Pill to Shang Huan, Chen Mu disappeared quickly. He had to keep an eye on the six Wu Mountain siblings and couldn''t let them cause any trouble. The Lower Courtyard prefect dealing with Upper Court disciples? How could such a big event, which had nothing to do with me, involve me?! That damn Shang Huan, causing serious harm! In the room, Shang Huan felt relieved after successfully dodging trouble and showed Old Hao in the corner a smile, as if he had survived a catastrophe, "This time I didn''t get slapped, it''s really..." Bang! Before he could finish his sentence, his face collided with an invisible wall, and in an instant, his nose, eyes, and cheeks were squashed flat. "Ow..." ... Following the Wu Mountain siblings, he found their home. Chen Mu left a Ghost concealed in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields to watch over the six people''s actions at all times. For five consecutive days, Chen Mu kept his attention on the Wu Mountain siblings while eating and drinking. Seeing that the group spent their days at home cultivating without any plans to go out, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "It appears they really took my advice." That was good. No matter whether Mo Wuzhou was dead or alive, he, the inadvertently involved confidant of Mo Wuzhou, didn''t want to care! ... In the Yichou District of Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard, within a ruined Medicinal Field at the foot of a small hillock. Mo Wuzhou was squatting on the ground, carefully inspecting it. He appeared to be in his twenties, with a stiff and wooden face, as if wearing a mask, but his eyes were alert, occasionally flashing with brilliance. "This doesn''t seem like the damage done by an Exotic Beast..." Mo Wuzhou''s heart tightened. Looking up at the silent surroundings, he suddenly had a bad feeling. When he last visited here, there were several Lower Courtyard patrols following him, but now there wasn''t a single one! "Just hand over the Exquisite Jade Plate to me, and I will let them go." Kidnapping friends and relatives as hostages, although cliche?, is effective. Mo Wuzhou''s darkened eyes said it all. "You''ve already become a disciple of the Upper Court after all." "Even if cultivation in the training ground costs money, it''s definitely much cheaper for us." "Having the Exquisite Jade Plate in your possession is like a redundant rib to you." "Give it to me in exchange for the safety of your loved ones. This is a profitable deal," Lin Su coaxed. "I really don''t know what the Exquisite Jade Plate is," Mo Wuzhou expressed his frustration and anger. Whoever actually has that thing is a dog! I definitely don''t have it! "Stubborn fool!" Lin Su''s face darkened instantly. "Where are the seven Wu Mountain brothers? Throw up a head!" he bellowed right then. He had already arranged through secret channels with the seven Wu Mountain brothers. They must be hiding nearby with their men by now. "Whose head do you think it will be? Old Hao, dear big senior brother, or perhaps the lovely junior sister..." Lin Su said with malice on his face. Mo Wuzhou''s face went pale, "Stop! Call off those damned brothers right now!" "You want the Exquisite Jade Plate, but you need to tell me what that is!" "I''ll give you the Mustard Seed Talisman; search with it yourself, just call off your men!" "Scared now? Too late!" Lin Su laughed heartily. "Keep the heads, just send over an arm!" "You!" Mo Wuzhou was immediately frantic, his body cloaked in Spiritual Light, ready to rush forward and fight to the death. "If you dare to make a move, I will have their heads chopped off!" Lin Su warned leisurely as he retreated three meters. Mo Wuzhou was immediately frozen in place. After ten breaths. A breeze blew between the two, picking up fragments of withered grass. After thirty breaths, the surroundings were still dead quiet. After one hundred and twenty breaths, a noisy black bird flew over their heads. Lin Su was dumbfounded. Where''s the arm? Mo Wuzhou was equally perplexed. Yeah, where''s the arm? "Where are the seven Wu Mountain brothers!" All was silent around them. Mo surveyed the surroundings. "The seven Wu Mountain brothers, not here?" "Ha!" Lin Su''s expression suddenly turned grim. Trouble! Chapter 236 Change Target A month later, one morning. At Low Mountain courtyard. Chen Mu had just finished inspecting the twenty mu of Yellow Bud Rice Fields and returned. Crouching beneath the west wall, he started to pack up the tube eggplants one by one. With the experience from last time, sixty seeds had been successfully raised and fifty-two plants transplanted. Currently they were as tall as a forearm and the palm-wide, verdant leaves were thick and full. Without any surprises, this cultivation would definitely be a grand harvest. After watering, he casually glanced over at the six siblings from Wu Mountain. He discovered they were still at home cultivating in peace and he couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief. "As long as they don''t meddle in others'' affairs, all is good." After observing them for over a month, he unexpectedly found that these six infamous brutes were actually a bunch of cultivation fanatics. In the past month, apart from occasionally sparring with each other and dealing with some disputes among their subordinates who were farming, they had actually been cooped up at home practicing their martial skills. "Their diligence is nearly catching up with mine!" Chen Mu pursed his lips. So hardworking, they must want to reach the skies! Seizing the opportunity to withdraw the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, Chen Mu continued packing up the tube eggplants. Each side mind their own business, cultivating peacefully, which was exactly what he wanted! ... That evening, at a small depression behind Low Mountain. Chen Mu was flying close to the ground, making random noises as he shouted. Compared to moping in an underground secret chamber reciting scriptures, using the Void Cloak Technique to glide through mid-air was his favorite way to earn experience throughout the day. In just one month, he had already completed half of the Second Rank Void Cloak Technique. After a fierce skim over the ground, Chen Mu, riding the wind that flattened the grass, suddenly soared to the mountaintop. Standing atop Low Mountain, Chen Mu looked down on his lush and orderly Yellow Bud Rice Fields with a satisfied expression. Void Cloak Technique: 5255/10000/Second Rank; "With the next rank, I should be able to discard the Curse Command." By then, activation will be faster, connections smoother, and flying more fluid. He took another glance at the gray wall and realized that his Spiritual Light Technique was also progressing fast. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 9403/10000; In his mind, the Jade Seed had swelled to the size of an egg. The surface was still lustrous as jade and appeared even more solid and stable. Inside, the tangle of silver threads was growing more complex, as if faint lights were circulating endlessly. "In at most half a month, it will reach perfection," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Why is this fatso here again?!" Chen Mu looked on, speechless, as Old Hao and Shang Huan, who had just climbed over the hill, approached. That probably wasn''t it; it was more likely the result of the Netherworld Thread strengthening his body. Chen Mu withdrew his gaze, musing silently. The United Heart Gu really could accelerate cultivation. Shang Huan''s physique had become more robust, with his three treasures fully formed and his Jade Seed progressing toward perfection. Cultivating the Perceptive Spiritual Light Secret Technique would probably be even more effortless. The Netherworld Thread might even be able to absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy. This was probably why Lu Ku was able to master the Spiritual Light Technique in his twenties. Thinking of Lu Ku, Chen Mu''s mind stirred, "Has the Lower Courtyard been as chaotic recently?" If Lin Su took action and something happened to Mo Wuzhou, there would definitely be news. "It''s even more chaotic than before!" Old Hao sighed. "Exotic Beast disturbances are frequent, and a major incident occurred." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. Here it comes! "Inspection Courtyard''s Prefect Lin Su, blinded by greed, wanted to kill and seize treasures, unjustly attacking Brother Mo Wuzhou." "He was seriously injured and fled." "Brother Mo was also not lightly wounded and has been recuperating inside the wooden building of the Lower Courtyard ever since." "Director Song was furious and ordered the Inspection Courtyard to conduct a thorough investigation, arresting many who were stirring up trouble and killing for treasure." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. Luckily, Wu Mountain''s six siblings hadn''t been involved. "That''s not bad, at least the Lower Courtyard is safer," Chen Mu put his mind at ease, picked up a piece of green leafy vegetable, and chewed leisurely. "What''s good about it!" "The Inspection Courtyard pulled back its people to the Lower Courtyard. As a result, more Exotic Beasts breached the nodes." "Many people suffered disasters." "An old neighbor of mine, too tired in the middle of the night, nodded off for a moment, and half of his ten mu of Yellow Bud Rice fields were ruined," Old Hao said with an ugly expression on his face. "Just as the growing season was halfway done and the flowering and grain shooting were about to start, the Exotic Beasts caused havoc." "It was already very tiring to stay up all night to guard the fields, but now to watch the harvest diminish before our eyes, tell me, isn''t that miserable?" Old Hao lamented. Chen Mu thought about the Bewildering Miasma in the fields. He glanced at the Five Ghosts Black Smoke Group diligently perched in the Yellow Bud Rice fields. He also recalled the wonderful dream he had last night, dancing with the ladies at Red Sleeve Square. He couldn''t help but sigh with a pained expression, "That is truly miserable!" "Miserable, right?" "So could you sell me a bit of that smokey stuff you have in your fields?" Old Hao asked, eyes gleaming and fixed on Chen Mu. "Me too, I want to buy some as well," Shang Huan also said with a smile, "Hmm... many ''a bit''s." Chen Mu: "..." So that''s why these two stopped pestering me to make Hidden Qi Powder. They''ve switched targets and are now eyeing my Bewildering Miasma! Chapter 237 Our Own People Want to sell the God-Confounding Miasma? This isn''t trying to trap me, is it?! "That won''t do," Chen Mu flatly shook his head; he definitely couldn''t sell it. What if he let Shang Huan sell it and caused a fire again? "I bought it from someone else," Chen Mu''s mind turned, and he had an idea. "Who sold it? How come I haven''t heard about it?" Shang Huan didn''t believe him. "Someone wearing a white mask, all secretive. I even thought it was a fake," Chen Mu smirked inwardly. "White mask? Was there also a black cloak?" Shang Huan''s mouth twitched, his scalp tingling. "You know them?" Chen Mu feigned confusion. "Gongsun Sheng, ah..." Shang Huan sighed dejectedly. "They don''t go by Gongsun Sheng," Chen Mu chuckled, continuing to tease Shang Huan. "Not Gongsun Sheng?" Shang Huan''s heart leapt with joy. Not that lunatic? Then I can copy it, right! Haha! "They said their name was ''Heavenly Lone Star'' Lu Zhishen, really odd," Chen Mu said. Shang Huan was suddenly stunned. Another ''Star''? They must be in cahoots. Then there''s no point copying it! Chen Mu watched gleefully as Shang Huan''s expression changed. Want to sell the God-Confounding Miasma? I think you are daydreaming! ... After sending Shang Huan away, Chen Mu was in no hurry to dive into the underground secret chamber to cultivate. Sitting in a rocking chair, he gleefully counted the White Jade Coins in his possession. Bang! A wooden cabinet appeared, and Chen Mu began to check the drawers one by one. The cabinet came from Lu Ku''s Mustard Seed Talisman. Lu Ku hadn''t asked for it back then; Chen Mu thought he meant to gift it, so he politely accepted it. He had been absorbed in the United Heart Curse lately and hadn''t had the chance to look through it. "Only one hundred and twenty-six White Jade Coins? That doesn''t quite match the prestige of being the eldest of the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers," Chen Mu mockingly said to himself. Then he poured out his own White Jade Coins to count them together. "Five hundred and ninety-two? Not bad!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. He was only a few White Jade Coins short of acquiring the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique. He still had four Mustard Seed Talismans, which he could sell for another hundred plus. Moreover, the Spiritual Light Technique was about to reach Perfection. Double happiness was knocking at his door! ... He carefully stowed everything away. Chen Mu continued to check the lower drawers. Ores, medicinal materials, books, scripture scrolls- generally these were the items, nothing new. It was a pity that his rank in the Pharmaceutical Technique wasn''t high enough; he only recognized a small portion of the precious medicinal materials he had acquired. "Need to keep grinding the Pharmaceutical Technique." This skill was too useful. It was his main moneymaking method for now. Bang! Lu Ku was interrupted before he could finish. A figure suddenly crashed into the yard, kicking up a cloud of dust that rolled and spread in all directions. Mo Wuzhou was clad in grey clothes, his face stiff and his eyes calm. He still felt shaken when he recalled the incident that had occurred a month ago. If his loved ones had actually been tortured and killed, Mo Wuzhou felt he would go insane! "Are you the seven brothers of Wu Mountain?" he asked. Although he didn''t understand why they had turned against him halfway, these people were clear about his relationships. This time they had turned against him, what about next time... Killing intent rose in Mo Wuzhou''s heart. "You were involved in Lin Su''s affair, weren''t you?" he asked. Lu Ku stood up and bowed: "Is that Brother Mo in person?" "We were indeed involved," came the reply. "Very well!" Mo Wuzhou said calmly. Beneath his clothes, his skin glowed faintly golden as a torrent of powerful energy surged within him. "I don''t deserve Brother Mo''s praise," Lu Ku said modestly. Mo Wuzhou: "..." Am I praising you? "It''s our duty to do tasks for Brother Mo," Lu Ku said with a composed smile. "What''s more, we didn''t do anything. We simply informed Mr. Gongsun of Lin Su''s plan ahead of time." "Had it not been for Mr. Gongsun''s timely notification and Brother Mo''s strategic planning, Lin Su''s conspiracy would not have been unveiled, leading to his downfall and disgrace." Mo Wuzhou: "..." Wait a minute, what are you talking about? Who is Mr. Gongsun? Strategic planning? Do I have such capabilities?! ... After a good while and several probing conversations, Mo Wuzhou finally had a rough idea of what had happened. He looked at the six siblings from Wu Mountain in bewilderment. After all this, they were "on his side"? And there was Gongsun Sheng. How did he suddenly become such a "right-hand man"? "This is really..." "Go find Gongsun Sheng, I want to see him," Mo Wuzhou said, coughing lightly. Lu Ku looked peculiarly at Mo Wuzhou. Your confidant, why don''t you just find him yourself? "Um... he''s recently moved, and I can''t find him!" Mo Wuzhou could hardly help admiring his own quick-wittedness. "We don''t know where he is either," Lu Ku said helplessly. Mo Wuzhou: "..." Your "confidant" is harder to find than yourself? "However, Mr. Gongsun visits a certain... friend every month to deliver Calming Pills," Lu Ku said cautiously. "Which day is that? I haven''t seen him in a long time either; it''d be good to visit," Mo Wuzhou chuckled. This Gongsun Sheng dared to use his name. What if he was plotting something? And these seven siblings from Wu Mountain were indeed part of the incident with Lin Su. Without meeting this person, he would not be at ease. ``` Chapter 238 Fire Cloud Gourd ``` Four days later in the afternoon Behind Low Mountain, in a small mountain hollow. Chen Mu stood on the mountaintop, looking down at the hollow, his right hand holding the Black Gourd, muttering words under his breath. As the Curse Command was uttered, Chen Mu suddenly felt his brow chakra open, a coolness rushing out. Boom! Like a flamethrower, a stream of blue flame erupted from the mouth of the Black Gourd. The flames surged, quickly forming a three-meter-diameter fireball in mid-air. The air itself twisted from the intensity of the heat. The next moment, the fireball thundered forth, crashing into the hollow. Pfft! A muffled sound. The ground in the hollow instantly blasted open, leaving a five to six-meter-wide crater. Chunks of black-red semi-melted rocks soared into the air, scattering in all directions. Hum! Amidst billowing black smoke, Chen Mu appeared at the edge of the crater. The Spiritual Armor around him automatically activated, resisting the still-unquenched scorching flames. "So powerful!" Chen Mu''s heart shrank. Thankfully, he had interrupted Lu Ku''s spellcasting in time. Otherwise, it would have been hard to say who would have emerged the victor! However, it seemed the flames he had unleashed were slightly stronger. After some thought, Chen Mu had a moment of clarity, "It must be related to the method of activation." Lu Ku could only use his own blood as the energy source. But he could use the Spiritual Armor Technique to absorb and refine the Earth Spirit Vital Energy for casting spells. Is this the correct way to use a Magic Artifact? Chen Mu suddenly realized. "I have another ace up my sleeve!" Chen Mu joyfully let the illusion of a gray wall appear before his eyes. Fire Cloud Curse: 563/10000/First Rank; Let''s get to work! With such power, it definitely needs to be leveled up! ... Two days later. Chen Mu, as usual, rode the Ghosts Yin Cloud to deliver medicine to Shang Huan and collect payment. Long before reaching the estate, he stopped as usual and released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to scout. But no sooner had the ghosts drifted into the estate, than they saw a man in his twenties with a wooden expression staring coldly in their direction. The man''s eyes flashed golden, and then he leaped onto the estate wall, instantly locking onto Chen Mu''s location. Chen Mu''s pupils constricted. Without pausing to consider the man''s identity, he turned and ran. More than that, he began muttering words, activating the Void Cloak Technique. With an extra boost of repulsion force on his feet, his speed instantly doubled. He was like an arrow shot from a bow, streaking across the Yellow Bud Rice Fields in a straight line and disappearing beside the estate in an instant. All he could hear was the rushing wind, but Chen Mu didn''t dare to slow down. That man could see the invisible Five Ghosts Yin Spirit?! Who is it? What does he want with me? It''s surely another mess stirred up by the seven brothers of Wu Mountain! In his hurried glance just now, he had seen several people in Shang Huan''s estate, all looking... Hmm? They seemed to be conversing amicably? With that dark smoky face and pale complexion, aren''t you the dangerous one? Mo Wuzhou didn''t speak; at this point, he was somewhat undecided. Previously, after a conversation with Old Hao, he found that this person seemed truly unrelated to Lin Su''s attack. "It seems to be a misunderstanding," Mo Wuzhou said calmly. However, this man''s aura was cold and his secret technique exuded a malevolent air; I wonder what his intentions were... Forget it, it has nothing to do with me. I''ll just inform Brother Liang. Moreover, this person''s strength was formidable, and it was uncertain what the outcome of a confrontation would be. Thinking this, his expression softened, and he dispelled the golden Light Secret Technique. "Mr. Gongsun, let us meet again in the future." As he spoke, his right hand gestured, and a swallow-shaped paper kite suddenly descended from the sky. Mo Wuzhou leaped up from the ground and jumped onto the paper kite. Before leaving, he pondered and then added, "Mr. Gongsun, the Secret Technique you cultivate is imbued with a forbidding chill. If you practice it for too long, you will inevitably damage your vital foundation." "For the sake of your Daoist path, it would be best to use and practice it less." Without waiting for Chen Mu''s response, the paper kite spiraled up and then quickly tore through the air, disappearing into the horizon. Not until the other party had vanished did Chen Mu finally sigh with relief. He quietly dispelled the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain he was about to cast. If he hadn''t been concerned about the man''s status, he would have swallowed him whole earlier. Suppressing the weakness in his body, Chen Mu quickly made his way to Shang Huan''s residence. He casually handed over twenty Calming Pills as if everything was normal. Then he gestured to the six siblings of Wu Mountain, "Go back to cultivate and stay out of trouble." Soon after, he vanished under a cloud of black smoke. ... Five days later, at the summit of Low Mountain, a distance of about two miles from Old Hao. A gnarled old tree with peeling bark stood silently at the peak. A mass of black smoke earnestly condensed into a ball, crouching obediently among the dense foliage. It wasn''t until a giant swallow-shaped paper kite with a wingspan of five meters spiraled upwards and disappeared into the sky that it quietly slipped out of the tree and returned to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard, Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair, unable to resist letting out a long sigh of relief: "He''s finally gone." Although Mo Wuzhou had left at the time, he had later sought out Old Hao for a detailed talk. He must have been confirming whether I truly had no connection to Lin Su''s incident. "There should be no more trouble now," "But, can that guy actually see Ghosts?" It might have been some secret technique, Chen Mu remembered the golden light in his eyes at the time. "I won''t be able to use the Five Ghosts so recklessly in the future." "And that Daoist cultivation." Chen Mu tapped the arm of the rocking chair lazily with his finger. To practice perception following the secret technique, it seems it required more than just the White Jade Coins. "Ah well, I''ll deal with it when the time comes," shrugged Chen Mu. He was still days away from attaining the Spiritual Light, And cultivating Illusion Breaking would have to wait until next year. There was no rush. Suddenly, he thought of Mo Wuzhou''s vehicle, the large black and white paper kite mixed with colors. "Upper Court disciples sure have it good," Chen Mu said with envy on his face. A Magic Artifact that can fly! Save money, save money, I must save money! Chapter 239 Spiritual Light Three days later, in the underground secret chamber of the Low Hill Courtyard. Around the ceiling circled a ring of transparent crystal conduits, with tiny branches connecting them to the center, where a watermelon-sized crystal lay. The glowing algae languidly flowed within, their warm and lustrous white light illuminating the entire underground secret chamber as if it were broad daylight. In the depths of the secret chamber, there was a plush couch, with a low square table in the middle, and a fist-sized bronze incense burner sitting at the center, wisps of nearly imperceptible smoke drifting upwards. Chen Mu sat cross-legged to the left of the low table, hands cradling a white jade disk, murmuring incantations. After a good while, Chen Mu suddenly stopped reciting the spell. Hum! A layer of glowing white light suddenly appeared at the surface of Chen Mu''s body. It was as though he had donned a set of light-emitting, gossamer-thin clothes. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked at the layer of light covering his palm. With a thought, the layer of light swiftly expanded, inflating like a balloon. In the blink of an eye, it became a light sphere two meters in diameter. "I did it!" With a shift of his mind, a grey wall appeared. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: Limit; ... Behind Low Hill, in a small valley. Chen Mu reached out to lift a stone as large as a millstone and flung it into the sky with a whoosh. Then he looked up, eyes trained on the stone as it rapidly ascended, shrinking as it climbed higher, until it reached its zenith. Then, it began to fall slowly, its speed increasing as it descended. Chen Mu sidestepped, positioning himself directly under the stone''s falling path. Bang! The pearly white spiritual light and black smoke appeared almost simultaneously. The stone three meters above his head was instantly shattered. Chen Mu couldn''t help but scratch his head. "Which actually shattered the stone, the spiritual light or the Spirit Armor''s black smoke?" After several more throws, Chen Mu discovered something interesting. If he actively paid attention to the stone, the spiritual light appeared first. But if he tossed the stone and then ignored it, allowing it to free fall while he crouched down and counted ants, the Spirit Armor''s black smoke would manifest first. "No matter what, I''ve gained a defensive skill that can be both actively invoked and passively triggered," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Most importantly, he had cultivated the Perceptive Spirit Light. "It wasn''t easy..." Chen Mu sighed. From encountering the Shape Cultivation Technique to now having cultivated the Perceptive Spirit Light, it had taken him five or six years! "And this is just the beginning." Compared to the unknown path of pursuing the Dao, he had only just set out. "I really envy those naturally gifted with Daoist Bone!" Chen Mu felt a pang of jealousy. Those individuals never went through the phases of Shape Cultivation, Shell Soul, or Jade Seed. They could directly cultivate Spiritual Light, winning at the starting line. He was of average talent, not particularly gifted. Five or six years of hard training had truly consumed a great deal of his energy and brought much hardship. "Luckily, I''ve caught up to the starting line," Chen Mu thought with relief. Among the thousands of disciples in the Lower Courtyard, very few succeeded in cultivating the Spiritual Light. Over the past two years, openly there had been only Mo Wuzhou who had done so. It was the first time he had heard information about the Spirit Armor Technique. Chen Mu had cultivated Spiritual Armor in a rather confused state and didn''t know if there was any problem with it. "I need to inquire about the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." Afterward, Chen Mu ate and watched the dance while eavesdropping on conversations around him. Unfortunately, most people came here for leisure. Getting one or two pieces of useful information would be good enough. Chen Mu wasn''t disappointed, he had his fill of food and enjoyable sights. Then he leisurely left the Ling Boat and returned to Low Mountain. ... "Zhongshan Path? What made you think of inquiring about that?" Shang Huan asked while gnawing on a fire-feather chicken wing. "Didn''t you hear that place has become chaotic? I hope it doesn''t spread to us," Chen Mu said casually as he tossed a crispy peanut into his mouth. "They say it''s the chaos caused by Exotic Beasts," Old Hao added. "You know about it?" Shang Huan looked at Old Hao in surprise. "Little Mo told me," Old Hao put down his chopsticks and lit his smoking pipe. "There was a problem with the soil over there. The Yellow Bud Rice won''t grow." "On top of that, with Exotic Beasts stirring in the deep mountains, they''re attacking many of Zhongshan Path''s Lower Courtyards." "Zhongshan Path had to retract its influence and abandon several productive planting and breeding Lower Courtyards." "Wild Cultivators depending on the Lower Courtyards dispersed, and of course, it became chaotic." Chen Mu''s brow immediately furrowed, "Aren''t we having an Exotic Beast disaster here too?" Is it going to be chaotic here as well? "It shouldn''t come to that. What we''re experiencing is just an aftermath." "Little Mo said that the defense enchantment nodes of the Lower Courtyard are still stable." "The Upper Court has dispatched experts to clear the mountains. It won''t be long until we''re safe again." Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. He had been living comfortably here and didn''t want this tranquility to be disturbed. ... "I heard that the secret technique practiced by Zhongshan Path is different from ours?" Chen Mu probed nonchalantly. That was what he was actually interested in. "That''s just a minor, deviant method, not worth mentioning," Shang Huan said dismissively as he snubbed the idea. How could it not be worth mentioning? Your face got beaten up by that ''not worth mentioning'' thing! Chen Mu glanced at Shang Huan and silently continued to eat. "Don''t listen to his nonsense," Old Hao exhaled a puff of smoke. "They cultivate the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique over there, which is different from ours." "It''s said that as long as you keep taking the pills, your strength can rise swiftly. Their cultivation speed is much faster than ours," Old Hao said with envy. "Then why don''t you go?" Shang Huan teased cheerfully. Old Hao rolled his eyes, "I don''t want to turn into something weird and grotesque." Weird and grotesque? "You know the exotic folks at Red Sleeve Square on the Ling Boat?" Shang Huan chuckled slyly, "Those are the good-looking transformations." "But if the people who practice Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique mess up, even turning into something with green faces and fanged teeth would be considered normal." "Many end up as a blob of rotting flesh, losing their human form and nature, no different from wild beasts." Chen Mu''s heart jumped. That dangerous?! Chapter 240 Illusion Breaking "Scared now, huh?" Shang Huan said with a grin, his right foot on the bench. "Indeed, it''s quite frightening," Chen Mu nodded. In the past, he smoothly cultivated the Spirit Armor Technique, hoping to find the subsequent methods. Who would have thought it was like walking a tightrope! "That''s why I said they are nothing but heretical paths," Shang Huan said with a shrug, appearing unconcerned, "Fast to train, fast to go mad, and fast to die." "Not like our orthodox Daoist practices, advancing methodically, safely, and reliably." Chen Mu silently nodded in agreement. Shape Cultivation, Shell Soul, Spirit and Soul Unification into Jade Seed, chanting to cultivate Spiritual Lighthe''d progressed step by step. Although it was tough, the path was clear and free of dangers. Demons reincarnating, non-human mutations, fast to go mad, fast to dieone could tell it wasn''t any righteous secret technique. Someone like me is better suited to be the heir of the orthodox Daoist ways. ... Two days later, the Scripture Transmission Institute. Chen Mu walked out of the octagonal wooden tower with a pained expression. Six hundred White Jade Coins, gone! "And that was just for the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique," Chen Mu lamented. "The seven brothers of Wu Mountain are truly wealthy!" Chen Mu exclaimed with envy. He also looked at the "Minor Floating Cloud Daoist''s Illusion Breaking Method" bought by Lu Ku766 White Jade Coins. Tsk, tsk... "I really want to pay them a visit..." ... Under the wooden shelter of Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, not looking at the newly purchased Illusion Breaking Technique, but instead carefully counting his White Jade Coins. "One hundred and nineteen..." Start a side business? With so little money in hand, he felt uneasy. Just like in his previous life, with no savings in his account, he didn''t dare to do anything. Otherwise, why would he resign himself to being a homebody? He''d have been out enjoying life long ago. Cultivate Eggplant Night Grass? No, selling fake medicine is not a long-term solution. Hidden Qi Powder? Also not good, this matter involves the secretive waterways of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. If discovered, it could lead to big trouble. Miasma that confuses the gods? This is troublesome, too. Too concentrated, it could knock down Exotic Beasts and insects, and also the people who farm the land. I can use it to fend off Exotic Beasts, and the merit of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit accounts for at least half of that. Too diluted, and the effect isn''t good enough. It won''t work on slightly larger Exotic Beasts. "Better sell a few more sets of Calming Pills." This plan was the safest and most secure. Add one set of six bottles each for Shang Huan and the Ling Boat. By the end of the month, there should be a surplus of at least ten White Jade Coins. "Can''t be living from paycheck to paycheck." ... Three days later, the Underground Secret Chamber. This wouldn''t remove the Daoist Seal but would only change the identity information, allowing free entry and exit from Jilong Road. "Whichever way you look at it, it seems like a money-making scheme devised by those at the lower levels." Chen Mu thought to himself. However, this strategy was actually quite suitable for him. His Daoist Seal had already dissipated; once he changed his information, he would be truly free. "Money..." Chen Mu sighed. Having come to Jilong Road, his only impression was one thingmoney! Everywhere demanded White Jade Coins. "Now there''s also this gold-eating beast of the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique." Chen Mu gave a wry smile as he looked in front of him. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 783/10000; With seven or eight hours of practice every day, he could earn a little over fifty points of experience. As expected of a secret technique passed down from the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, it''s slow! "And it''s expensive to boot!" Now to cultivate the Illusion Breaking Technique, he would spend about two and a half White Jade Coins a day. "One step at a time," Chen Mu repressed his frustration for a while, soon regaining his composure. "After mixing in for a few more years and getting the lay of the Lower Courtyard, it won''t be too late to slowly find a way to wealth." He had the Pharmaceutical Technique and wasn''t worried about making money. What concerned him was how to hold on to the White Jade Coins. ... Life in the Lower Courtyard was tranquil. Chen Mu worked and practiced his cultivation every day, and occasionally, when the mood struck, he''d prepare himself a lavish feast. He couldn''t yet pilfer the recipes from the eight delicacies of the Heavenly River Water Mansion. Yet, he had already learned several dishes from Red Sleeve Square. This evening, Chen Mu sat at the square table. A circular depression had been carved out of the middle of the square stone. Covered with an iron mesh, it had become a natural barbecue stove. Chen Mu held the Fire Cloud Gourd in his right hand, muttering incantations under his breath. Whoosh whoosh whoosh... A streak of blue flame the thickness of a thumb jetted out. With a Black Gourd in hand, Chen Mu was carefully roasting slices of meat. A tempting aroma instantly filled the courtyard. After putting away the Black Gourd, Chen Mu couldn''t wait to grab a slice. Boom! A muffled sound suddenly erupted in the sky. A slight tremor passed rapidly underfoot. An earthquake? No, that''s not it! Chen Mu''s expression changed. He leaped atop the wall and strained his eyes to the south, but he saw nothing. Boom boom boom... The consecutive muffled sounds came again, the pebbles on the ground quivering slightly. Crack... It was as though thunder was ripping through the skya massive cracking noise suddenly echoed. Chen Mu faintly saw a black rift appear in the southern sky, which then disappeared in an instant. "What''s going on?!" Chen Mu suddenly had an ominous premonition. Chapter 241 The Hunt Ah... A distant roar could be heard. Standing atop the wall, Chen Mu''s face changed. "Are there really Exotic Beasts rampaging and charging?" Hadn''t they said they sent people into the mountains to clear them out? In just a moment''s time, the Ghosts among the Five Ghosts in the sky had already spotted black dots appearing on the horizon. They were all flying Exotic Beasts! To the south, there seemed to be an opening from which black dots continuously emerged and quickly spread in all directions. Piercing shrieks resounded, and Chen Mu''s expression grew even uglier. His figure flashed, and he leaped into the residence, shrouded in Five Ghosts Black Smoke, quickly packing up various living supplies before diving into the well and burrowing into the Underground Secret Chamber. Fighting was out of the question. A swarm of Exotic Beasts was too dangerous. Hiding underground was safer. The Underground Secret Chamber had a total of three exits: one in the residence''s well, one in a depression beneath a small mountain, and another in a small mountain ten miles to the north. He placed a Ghost at each tunnel entrance to prevent the Exotic Beasts from sneaking in. Another Ghost was hidden in the crown of an old tree with peeling bark atop Low Hill, used to monitor the surroundings. He kept one with him, so that if the situation turned dire, he could continue to burrow deeper underground using the Five Ghosts Bag. "Safe for now," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Five meters beneath the courtyard there was already a cellar, stocked with Yellow Bud Rice and some homemade cured meat. Taking stock of the living supplies in the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu felt reassured. "With these things, staying for three to five months won''t be a problem." Switching to the perspective of the Five Ghost on the mountain top, he noticed that the black dots in the sky were flying increasingly apart, and Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "Just wait." After all, when the sky falls, there are tall ones to hold it up. Director Song, Song Wujie, is very impressive. "Let''s see how the Lower Courtyard deals with defending against and dispersing the Exotic Beasts." ... Exotic Beasts were fast, especially the flying ones. In just a quarter of an hour, a flying Exotic Beast streaked across Low Mountain. The beast had black feathers all over and a wingspan of seven to eight meters. Its tail dragged strands of black smoke behind it, and only after its figure had disappeared did the thundering sound of an air wave come from midair. Chen Mu, hiding in the Secret Chamber, watched with a pounding heart. That flying bird seemed more powerful than the Earth Stripper he had encountered before. At the very least, it was equivalent to the Perceptive Spiritual Light stage, if not the powerful Exotic Beast of the Perceptive Illusion Breaking Realm. There were thousands of disciples in the Lower Courtyard, but most were at the Shell Soul Cultivation Level, with only a few having achieved Spirit and Soul Unification to cultivate the Jade Seed. Up against such a formidable Exotic Beast, they were but lambs to the slaughter. It wasn''t long before Chen Mu heard the faint sounds of combat and agonized cries, coming from both Exotic Beasts and humans alike. Thick black smoke rose from several locations. This made Chen Mu even less daring to leave the Underground Secret Chamber. For two days in a row, he hid underground without showing his face. ... At night, all was silent. But on Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard, beast roars could still occasionally be heard. Chen Mu, cloaked in black, wore a pure white mask and sat cross-legged on the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, drifting over the endless Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Two of the Five Ghosts flew through the sky, vigilantly scanning the surroundings. He was searching for isolated Exotic Beasts. "As long as they don''t exceed the Perceptive Illusion Breaking, I should be able to handle them," Chen Mu mused silently. Unfortunately, after wandering around half the night, he didn''t encounter a single Exotic Beast and had to return empty-handed. "Just a little further south, or near the medicinal herb cultivation zone, there should be some." The next day, he adjusted his strategy. He roamed around the Low Hill area before carefully moving south. After half an hour, the faint sound of agonizing cries reached him, and Chen Mu''s heart leapt with excitement. He immediately sent the Five Ghosts to investigate. An Exotic Beast measuring five or six meters in length entered Chen Mu''s view. With glossy black fur, deep blue eyes, and snowy white fanged teeth, it resembled an oversized cat. Seeing the prey it was gnawing at, Chen Mu''s expression suddenly changed. Not far away, a courtyard lay in ruins, its walls collapsed and roof overturned. Its owner had been torn open and devoured by the large cat. Chen Mu took a deep breath, ignoring the mangled body, and moved closer to the large cat stealthily. But as he approached within sixty to seventy meters of it, the large cat suddenly paused mid-chew, then abruptly turned its head, focusing its deep blue eyes intently on Chen Mu, who was rendered invisible by Ghosts. Was he discovered?! Chen Mu''s scalp went numb in an instant. Before he could react, the large cat had already leaped into action, halving the distance between them with a pounce. "Five Ghosts Possession Technique!" Chen Mu nearly instinctively deployed his strongest Secret Technique. He suddenly grew to two and a half meters tall, his muscles swelled and stretched, his skin turned indigo, and silver light coursed across his forehead. Then, a cool breath flowed out as his brow opened up. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" The large cat that was lunging toward him suddenly stopped in its tracks. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" Thump! A fist-sized hole suddenly appeared on the forehead of the large cat. Its deep blue eyes still held the fierceness of a predator, but its muscles had involuntarily relaxed and lost their strength. Chen Mu released the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Thump! The black-furred large cat immediately collapsed to the ground. Just... like that? Chen Mu had been so terrified by the cat''s counterattack that his hair had almost stood on end. Who would have thought it would go down in two moves! "I seem to be, quite formidable, haha..." "Haha!" Chapter 242 Quelling the Situation "It''s a shame about this chunk of meat," Chen Mu rested for a moment before quickly moving to the big cat''s side. Having eaten a person, the thought alone was discomfiting, "Might as well feed it to the Five Ghosts Bag." The black smoke billowed, seeping into the holes created by the Sand Shooting Shadow. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" The enormous body, over five or six meters long, deflated like a punctured balloon, sagging onto the ground in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu picked it up and stroked it, the fur smooth and soft. Then he grabbed and tugged with both hands, the hide tough and pliable. "It should be quite valuable!" He thought back to the last time he used the Earth Stripper. How much did he sell it for, sixty White Jade Coins? Ha ha, carry on, carry on! ... Five days later, within a cluster of Low Mountains. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" Puff! An Exotic Beast, three meters long with crimson fur and a sharp mouth and four ears, fell to the ground, its head completely blown off. Phew! Chen Mu let out a long breath, shrinking from two and a half meters back to one meter eighty. His exaggerated muscles quickly receded, returning to his strong build. Feeling a slight weakness in his body, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, "I can still use it twice more." The Five Ghosts Possession Technique was his strongest state, but it severely drained his Vital Energy and could only be maintained for two minutes at most. However, through continuous hunting of Exotic Beasts, he had discovered a technique. If he used it for no more than ten breaths at a time and no more than three times a day, the side effects would be minimal, similar to the fatigue after pulling an all-nighter. And this method could be used up to five times. "Can others'' Five Ghosts Possession also be used in this way?" Chen Mu shook his head inwardly. "Most likely, it''s because of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique." "Luck played a part as well," he mused. Cloud Mirage refers to Ghosts; having developed the Spiritual Armor, his physique had already started transforming toward that of a Ghost. That was why he could withstand the Five Ghosts Possession. Snap back to reality, and the three-meter-long Exotic Beast was reduced to just a skin. Its flesh, bones, and brains had all been devoured by the Five Ghosts. "That was the last one," Chen Mu thought regretfully. He planned to cease his hunting operation. On the first day, he hunted three Exotic Beasts, the second day two, and on the third day, he roamed all night without encountering a single one. Yesterday and today, he had each killed one, both of which were smaller, faster Exotic Beasts. "There''s also the competition from the Inspection Courtyard," Chen Mu said helplessly. Earlier today, he had encountered an Exotic Beast more than five meters long. But he had only made it halfway there when a team from the Inspection Courtyard rushed past to begin their hunt. Chen Mu could only quietly retreat and leave. "These aren''t too few," Chen Mu glanced at the seven lumps of beast skin in the Five Ghosts Bag, nodding in satisfaction. ... The aggrieved Chen Mu didn''t even bother going to Red Sleeve Square. He disembarked the Ling Boat shortly after completing the sale. At the ferry dock, after returning his temporary pass, Chen Mu walked into the bustling Tongtian Square. Due to the exotic beast incursion, the Lower Courtyard production areas were unsafe. Many, valuing their lives, converged on Tongtian Square. There was the Lower Courtyard garrison to the north, on the wooden structures of the cliffside lookout, and Oversight Courtyard''s Song Wujie. Quite a few had even pitched tents on the wasteland south of Tongtian Square, waiting for the crisis to fully abate. Tongtian Square housed a tavern known as Heavenly River Tavern. Infamous for its terrible-tasting dishes and high prices. On average days, it scarcely hosted two or three guests. Chen Mu had never set foot in it before. Yet at this moment, it was packed with patrons, bustling with activity. "Should I also stay in Tongtian Square for a couple of days?" After pondering, he shook his head and decided against it. The southern protective enchantments had been repaired, and the Lower Courtyard''s exotic beasts were almost completely cleared out. Experience tales at empire And every day, he hid twenty meters underground, which was exceedingly safe. Setting up a tent here would require him to be on guard against other disaster-stricken disciples. With their fields destroyed and reserves running low, desperate and red-eyed, some might not hesitate to resort to murder for money. ... Under the wooden shelter in the Low Hill Courtyard. "Four hundred and five White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu''s heart soared with excitement. After purchasing the Illusion Breaking Technique, his wealth had considerably dwindled. This time, through hunting and selling exotic beasts, combined with the earnings from the Calming Pills, his total White Jade Coin count rose swiftly. "With money in the pocket, the heart won''t panic." With this money on hand, he dared to boldly use the White Jade Plate. "It truly is easier to make money with higher cultivation." Just like this time. Using Spirit Armor Technique, which was comparable to the Perceptive Illusion Breaking phase, to control the Five Ghosts Bag, along with the Sand Containing Technique, he easily hunted exotic beasts. In five days, he had earned two hundred and sixty White Jade Coins. "It''s just the soaring prices that cause alarm," sighed Chen Mu. Previously, one White Jade Coin could buy a hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice, but now it could only buy eighty. In a few days, it might even become more expensive. "Luckily, I started hoarding Yellow Bud Rice last year." "Plus the more than three hundred jin I''ve just purchased." "I won''t have to worry about food for half a year." "Hmm... it''s just that the recent exotic beast meat is a bit problematic." With the mass slaughter of exotic beasts in the Lower Courtyard recently, the price of their meat dropped significantly. Yet Chen Mu was hesitant to buy any. It was off-puttingwho knew if they had consumed humans before their deaths. "I''ll stick to cured meat for now; if that''s not enough, I''ll supplement it with some Heavenly River seafood." Chapter 244 243 Bottom Fishing Half a month later, in the afternoon. Having just emerged from the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat under a wooden canopy sipping tea. In his hand was a copy of the "Exotic Beast Anatomy Manual" which he read leisurely. Peace had gradually been restored to the Lower Courtyard. Aside from a few small and stealthy exotic beasts, most had been cleared out. A couple of days ago, when he went to the Scripture Transmission Institute to buy books, Tongtian Square had already become deserted. The disciples of the Lower Courtyard had returned to their respective areas to tidy up the aftermath. Due to the severe damage, the Lower Courtyard even notified tenants of an adjustment in the land rent, declaring that after reporting losses, they might be appropriately relieved of some of the burden. "Pity I don''t have a share in that," Chen Mu shrugged, unconcerned. After all, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields weren''t his main source of income. He continued reading the book at a leisurely pace. A sudden insight surged into his mind. Knowledge on how to handle different exotic beast meats, which parts were easier to cut, and the appropriate strength to use for effortless work flooded his thoughts. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall with an odd expression on his face. Culinary Skills: 20/10000/Fifth Rank; Increasing knowledge of exotic beasts by looking at a butcher''s manual, but ended up leveling up my culinary skill? "At least now I have some methods of handling exotic beast meat," Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling. Well... at least I can make braised meat now! Because exotic beast meat was too tough, boiling it took too much time and effort, yielding unsatisfactory results. Now with a brand new method to tenderize the meat, he could finally attempt a whole new range of dishes. "If only I had a pressure cooker," he mused. ... In the evening, at the Low Hill Courtyard. A large pot of braised meat sat on a square table. "Nice cooking skills!" Old Hao, sitting opposite, gave a thumbs up. "You really shouldn''t be farming here," remarked Shang Huan, resting his foot on a long bench with a face full of regret. "You would earn much more at the Eight Treasures Tower in the Heavenly River Water Mansion." Chen Mu just smiled, not responding. Become a chef at the Heavenly River Water Mansion? Too many people and disputes there. How could it compare to the safety and comfort of Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard? "I saw a paper kite that could carry people flying the other day, what kind of magic artifact is that?" Chen Mu asked Old Hao, feigning nonchalance. Ever since seeing Mo Wuzhou''s flying artifact, Chen Mu had been obsessed with it. "That''s called a Flying Kite," Shang Huan laughed. "Paper ones can''t really carry people." "It needs to be made from the skin of flying exotic beasts." "That''s enlightening," Chen Mu smiled and nodded, then with a look of longing, he asked, "Not cheap, right?" "The cheapest costs six hundred White Jade Coins. Forget about it," Old Hao shook his head. "Save your money to buy secret techniques." "Perceptive Spirit Light, Perceptive Illusion Breaking, both realms'' secret techniques will cost you a fortune." Chen Mu could not help but be taken aback. "So expensive!" Even counting all his possessions, he was still short by more than two hundred. "Besides, if you can''t cultivate Illusion Breaking, it''s not practical to buy one," Old Hao said. Evening, Low Hill Courtyard. After dinner, Chen Mu lay back in a rocking chair to rest. "A hundred acres, yielding 300 to 400 jin of grain per acre." "Minus one White Jade Coin for land rent, each acre could net two to three White Jade Coins." "One hundred acres..." "My flying kite''s destined place has come!" He lay there chuckling in the rocking chair, not even bothering to practice cultivation in the underground secret chamber. Not until the sky was completely dark did Chen Mu finally stand up and stretch languidly. "The night is dark and the wind is high, the perfect time for tending the fields," he said. He was planning to use the Five Ghosts to assist with farming, and nightfall served as the best camouflage. He immediately donned a black robe, put on a hood, and used the Ghost Invisibility to cloak his body while muttering the Void Cloak Technique curse words, quickly darting out of the courtyard. ... Over the following month, Chen Mu would patrol by day and work by night. He added special bone powder fertilizer, irrigated with well water mixed in the White Jade Plate, and uprooted all kinds of weeds from the fields. When it came time to harvest, the yield of the Yellow Bud Rice was nearly indistinguishable from a normal plantation. "You''re really lucky," said the chubby Steward Wu enviously. "And your skills are not bad either." "These twenty acres will earn you at least fifty White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu quietly handed the man two White Jade Coins: "I''ll be counting on Steward Wu''s help so I can get more good fields like this one." Steward Wu looked surprised. The young man seemed slow-witted, but he sure knew how to do things right! Not bad. ... Evening, in the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair with a small table in front of him; the tabletop was covered with White Jade Coins that he counted one by one. Three hundred and two? I''ve struck it rich! Including his previous savings, his wealth had suddenly reached seven hundred and five White Jade Coins! Chen Mu was overjoyed. He had made a rough estimate earlier, knowing he would make a profit, but he hadn''t expected to earn quite this much! If another wave of Exotic Beasts were to invade next year... Forget it, it''s better to be safe. His gaze then shifted to the gray wall. Void Cloak Technique: 105/10000/Third Rank; Over the past month, as he traveled back and forth among the various planting areas, using the Void Cloak Technique continuously, he had advanced unnoticeably, without deliberate effort. The Third Rank Void Cloak Technique was not only more resilient, stepping on it felt like jumping on a super trampoline. Moreover, the need for incantations was discarded, allowing for instant activation. "Fortune comes in pairs, I must take a trip to Red Sleeve Square!" ``` Chapter 245 Manipulation A month later, in a small mountain hollow. The setting sun cast the ground in a blaze of golden yellow. A shadow swiftly streaked across this golden canvas. In the sky, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a flying kite, his hands gripping the connecting rods that linked to the wings. Leaning slightly to the right, the flying kite immediately traced a graceful arc, as natural as a hawk or falcon changing direction. After circling above the small hollow for over ten minutes, feeling a sense of emptiness emerge from between his eyebrows, Chen Mu adjusted the angle of the flying kite, making it glide downward slowly until it hovered a meter above the ground. "Done," Chen Mu chuckled, looking at the brand-new entries on the gray wall. Manipulation: 1236/10000/First Rank; He had been practicing flying every afternoon for the past few days. The time he was supposed to be practicing the Void Cloak Technique, he had temporarily set aside. After all, this was real flying. "If only I had a bit more mana," Chen Mu lamented. After he mastered the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, a core formed between his eyebrows, where he could store mana. But it was ultimately limited. After half an hour of continuous manipulation of the kite, his mana would be exhausted. "Once I master the Illusion Breaking Technique, I should be able to increase the time a bit," Chen Mu looked forward to it. ... Deep within the unfathomable Tongtian River, a few rays of sunlight penetrated underwater. They shone on the pale and fierce shell of the Ling Boat, creating mottled patches of light. Whirlpools appeared and disappeared around the Ling Boat, smoothing out the undercurrents and pushing the boat steadily forward. In the cabin of Right Qi Bing Chen Number. Lin Su sat cross-legged on the left side of the soft couch, with a bright yellow silk scroll placed on the low table in front of him. The scroll was a map of the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, with place names labeled in black lettering, along with dozens of names distributed around the map, each marked especially with a cinnabar pen. "The Daoist Seal disappeared here," Lin Su pointed a red dot on the map. "With the Daoist Seal gone, the Round Light Mirror can''t indicate the exact location, but it can still point out the direction." He carefully remembered and drew an arrow, pointing in the direction indicated by the Daoist Seal before it vanished. "Mo Wuzhou isn''t exactly on this line; his actual position is a bit further south," Lin Su fixed his gaze on Mo Wuzhou''s name encircled in red. Their last encounter convinced him that Mo Wuzhou truly knew nothing about the Exquisite Jade Plate. "If it''s not him, then..." Lin Su''s eyes moved to the end of the line. "Chen Mu?" "A newly initiated disciple? A person from the Border Wilderness Island?" "Heh..." Lin Su let out a cold laugh. "Killing and seizing treasures without restraint in the Lower Courtyard really fits the behavior of someone from the Border Wilderness Island," Lin Su thought resentfully. "Being able to dispel the Daoist Seal doesn''t necessarily mean Perceptive Spirit Light." "It could also be a Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique," Lin Su realized. "Those who come from the Border Wilderness Island most likely have some inferior bloodline." "Practicing Spirit Armor Technique is not uncommon." His previous training of flying kites was at the expense of the cultivation time for the Void Cloak Technique. "The rest are still far from leveling up, just keep practicing," Chen Mu calmly closed the grey wall. He sipped his straw, draining the warm milk tea in one gulp, and Chen Mu got up to wash. Before going to sleep, Chen Mu recited the United Heart Curse. After a few rounds, a special understanding surged into his mind. His grasp on the United Heart Rope became clearer, and he even vaguely perceived where the United Heart Gu were located. "Seems like it has some new features." "Forget it, better not to get involved with those six siblings." "It''s good enough to tie my hair, who needs a bicycle." "Sleep. Time to sleep!" ... In the Xinyou District, at Lu Ku''s residence. While flipping through the ledger, Lu Ku''s body shook violently, and a deep hum suddenly emanated from within him. "Finally, it''s here." Lu Ku felt somewhat relieved, now he could give up completely. Then Lu Ku continued with his bookkeeping, without giving it another thought. Almost half a year had passed, and he had come to understand that Gongsun Sheng really didn''t care for them. Your journey continues at empire "This is good, too. No dealings with either side, more carefree," Lu Ku thought calmly. ... Half a month later. Chen Mu carefully moved a seedling of the night grass from the wooden cultivation tank. After a long while, Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair, contentedly watching the neatly planted night grass under the west wall. "About ninety plants should survive," Chen Mu said with a smile on his face, "Even if I increase the number of Calming Pills, it should be enough to last half a year." Thinking this, Chen Mu cast a glance at the White Jade Plate inside the Five Ghosts Bag. Three days before, Chen Mu had discovered that the White Jade Plate was quietly using up three White Jade Coins a day. "I should have thought of this earlier," Chen Mu sighed. Perceptive Illusion Breaking is training to develop mana. It''s only natural that the consumption of Earth Spirit Vital Energy increases. "One hundred and eight bottles of Calming Pills, subtracting the cost, should net about ninety-one White Jade Coins. That would just about break even with the expenses," Chen Mu calculated silently. "Sell fifty to Shang Huan, the rest I''ll hand over to Le Yang''an of the Imperial Goods Pavilion." Two years on, Chen Mu confirmed that these two channels were basically safe. "If it weren''t for Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, this job would really be difficult!" Chen Mu calculated briefly and couldn''t help but be astounded. Over a hundred bottles, that meant more than four thousand Calming Pills, and the raw materials mixed together would need a large vat. Each pill had to be pressed individually, a monotonous and time-consuming task. "When I have time, I need to pay attention to alchemy." "Work with a high technological content is more profitable." Chapter 246 Plotting The next day, as the sun rose, the biological clock promptly woke Chen Mu. After washing up, he felt refreshed. "How good it would have been to have this spirit in my previous life." Back then, he would surely wake up groggy in the morning, his brain not working before ten o''clock. Having finished breakfast, Chen Mu didn''t go to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Sitting inside a pavilion below a wooden shed, he sipped tea while flipping through a Medicine Book called "Pharmaceutical Strategy". The twenty-acre Yellow Bud Rice had already been harvested, with branches and leaves crushed and backfilled, and the ground also cleared of weeds and loosened. This gave Chen Mu an hour of free time. "The United Heart Curse seems to have gained some new abilities." He thought of the Dharma Curse that had been unexpectedly cultivated. "The Wu Mountain brothers seem to have been quite well-behaved lately," Chen Mu wondered. He always obtained various news from Old Hao and Shang Huan about the Lower Courtyard. In recent months, they had hardly stirred up any trouble, nor had he heard of them setting up a trap for anyone. "Scared by Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu guessed. "Lin Su must have completely cooled down by now," he suddenly recalled. The connections of the Wu Mountain brothers in the Inspection Courtyard seemed to be with Prefect Lin Su. Initially, he had let the six go for fear of investigation by the Inspection Courtyard. "Now..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. After a while, Chen Mu shook his head and sighed, "Well, I''ll keep this gift for now."No?v(el)B\\jnn With the six being so well-behaved, Chen Mu found no reason to pay them a visit. Thinking thus, Chen Mu silently activated the United Heart Curse. A strange perspective abruptly emerged in his mind. "Shared senses? Similar to Ghosts and the Five Ghosts?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Paired with the United Heart Gu''s ability to snatch lives at any moment... Cannon fodder for scouting, meat shields for disaster, and thanks to the United Heart Gu''s ability, quickly transferring to cultivate brand new Taoist soldiers. "Expendables?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but lament, "Such cold-hearted cruelty, tsk tsk..." "Worthy of the Thousand Mountains Sutra!" The Dharma always carried a hint of wickedness. "Discussing the difficulties of cultivation?" Chen Mu''s attention shifted to Lu Ku. Enjoy new stories from empire Apart from Lu Ku, the other five were cultivating Perceptive Spirit Light, preparing for the Jade Seed transformation. Having cultivated the Spiritual Light himself, Chen Mu found their issues simple upon reflection. After listening for a while, he lost interest and voluntarily cut off the connection. ... Lin Su stood in front of the transparent screen wall, looking at the Heavenly River Water Mansion before him. "No matter how many times you see it, it''s always awe-inspiring," Lin Su sighed. The gigantic Ling Boat appeared, before this massive structure, as tiny as a horse carriage in front of a mountain. The Ling Boat made a turn, flying through an entrance that emitted a soft, white glow. Once the Ling Boat came to a stable halt, Lin Su dodged the vendors hawking their wares and quickly left the ferry dock. Gazing out, the Water Mansion was dotted with grey-white buildings tens of meters high, flanked by wide, crisscrossed paths, resembling a well-planned, enormous city. Lin Su glanced once, then immediately identified the direction and hastened away. ... "So you are Lin Su," boomed a tall man over two and a half meters, with a big belly, grinning from ear to ear. Four sharp fangs gleamed coldly from between his lips. Seeing this physique and set of teeth, clearly not of an ordinary person, Lin Su''s scalp tightened, and he quickly bowed his hands in greeting, "I pay my respects to Elder Yang." Those who cultivated the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique were said to have bad tempers. Before obtaining the Condensing Aperture Technique, it was wise to be cautious and respectful. "This is the distribution of the Forbidden Node of the Lower Court; it also records the cyclical changes," Lin Su said, producing a Bright Yellow Scroll from his bosom and handing it to Elder Yang Huan. "Very good," Yang Huan nodded, pleased. "You have made the right choice." "This is beneficial for both you and me." "Being a Rebel isn''t so bad; you shouldn''t take it too much to heart." "How can you get the Condensing Aperture Technique if you don''t turn your coat?" "Without your inside help, we would have no assurance of taking down Jilong Road." "Having just joined Zhongshan Path, it''s natural that some might gossip. Don''t be afraid or take it to heart," Yang Huan spoke with deep meaning, "They are just jealous of you." "If those others were offering more, I would have become a Rebel long ago!" Lin Su''s mouth twitched. He knew Yang Huan was trying to persuade him. But hearing ''turncoat'' here and ''mole'' there, it was a bit too much to stomach. "What do you think is the best time to attack the Lower Courtyard?" Yang Huan abruptly changed the subject. "The timing will be perfect in two months," Lin Su replied seriously, composing himself. "The disciples of the Lower Court will be returning from the Dao Field, and the typically occupied Dao Fields will have vacancies. "The inspectors and the Scripture Transmission Institute will use the opportunity to proceed to the Upper Court Dao Fields." "At that time, the Lower Court will have the weakest defensive forces." After pondering, Lin Su hesitantly said, "While it''s possible that Song Wujie has run into trouble," "He''s still a Condensing Aperture expert. If he resists desperately..." Yang Huan''s eyes flashed a crimson red and he grinned, "Don''t worry, just leave him to me." Chapter 247 Growth Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu stood in front of a waist-high water vat. The vat was filled with grey-brown viscous mud. The secret technique Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, invisible exotic force surged into the mud, causing it to slowly rotate. Threads of black smoke from spiritual armor infiltrated the vat, slowly evaporating the moisture, turning the mud into a play-doh-like consistency. He then controlled it to fly up, drilling into wooden molds, compressed into pills. After busying himself for an hour, looking at nearly two thousand Calming Pills lined up on three wooden racks, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel grateful, "Thank goodness for Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, otherwise, this would have been really difficult to handle." "It''s a pity that the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique can easily drive one mad," Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. "Besides, even if I wanted to practice it, I couldn''t find a Heavenly Demon Pill tailored with Ghosts." He had asked the owner of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yang''an. Different Heavenly Demon Pills required different types of Heavenly Demon Refined Blood to concoct. Creatures of legend like dragons and phoenixes existed, but he had never heard of a Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill made with Ghosts. "Bai Miaojin?" Chen Mu had some speculations. "Probably only by coexisting with Ghosts is it possible to practice the Ghost-version of Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." The condition was truly harsh. "Five Ghosts Yin Spirit is probably difficult to achieve." Chen Mu thought of the Five Ghosts Possession Technique. Once it was deployed, he would turn into a fierce little blue figure, which wasn''t a normal manifestation of coexisting with Ghosts. Moreover, the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique had its limits. If the refined blood within the Heavenly Demon Pill was of poor quality, the cultivator would hit a bottleneck and could progress no further. "Can''t cut off my own path just for a momentary boost in speed," Chen Mu shook his head. "I''d better diligently practice my Illusion Breaking Technique," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Black smoke shrouded the area, the Five Ghosts Bag doubling as a dishwasher and vacuum cleaner came online. The residues inside the vat were swept clean in the blink of an eye. The scattered bits of medicinal powder on the ground were also swept clean. Then he put the remaining Tubegen Night Grass into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu dusted off his hands, preparing to make lunch. But just as he stepped out of the wooden shed, he suddenly froze. "The Five Ghosts Bag... has gotten bigger?!" He hastily focused his attention inside the bag. The egg-shaped wooden frame fit snugly within the Five Ghosts Bag, which should have been very stable. But when he put the Tubegen Night Grass in just now, the frame swayed slightly. Chen Mu examined it closely. On the edge of the wooden frame, a gap as wide as a palm appeared between the frame and the Five Ghosts Bag. "When did this happen?!" Chen Mu was both surprised and delighted. If he hadn''t noticed the anomaly with the wooden frame today, he would never have known the Five Ghosts Bag had grown. "Is it because of the Exotic Beast Meat?" It was indeed mentioned in the Thousand Mountains Sutra that feeding blood and vital energy to the Five Ghosts Bag would allow it to grow and expand. Everyone was pedaling vigorously, splashing water all around the stern. The seven to eight meters long fish bone boat seemed to ride like a motorboat. This is... really fun! Eager to join in, Chen Mu seated himself and stamped down forcefully, accompanied by the whoosh of the water. The fish bone boat carved an arc, and with a whoosh, it shot out onto the boundless surface of the Tongtian River. In the blink of an eye, it became a mere speck. ... After zipping across the water for half an hour and thoroughly enjoying himself, Chen Mu finally turned the boat around, heading toward the bank of the Tongtian River. Away from the Tongtian Square dock, he found a recessed bay along the southern section of the Tongtian River. Chen Mu anchored near the edge and stopped the fish bone boat. Black smoke billowed as the improved drunk bait was scattered into the bay. With the Heartless Bell in hand, the Five Ghosts Yin Spirits appeared. Chen Mu slowly rose and flew toward the bay. Knowing that the Five Ghosts Bag could grow, Chen Mu naturally took care of it. This excursion was specifically to catch exotic beast fish to feed the Five Ghosts Bag. "Just wait." Experience tales at empire ... Two quarters of an hour later. Dark shapes began to emerge under the calm water, and Chen Mu timely shook the Heartless Bell. Hum! It sounded like the deep tolling of a bronze bell. Light ripples emanated in circles from where Chen Mu was at the center of the now undisturbed water surface. Gurgle. With a soft noise, a fish half a meter long with silver scales surfaced. As if someone had pressed the start button, one after another, large river fish quickly filled the water''s surface. Chen Mu''s mouth turned up slightly, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Black smoke soared as five dragon-like figures violently burst into the water. ... "Seems like there''s no change." At noon, Chen Mu, having prepared roasted meat wraps in advance, closely inspected the Five Ghosts Bag. "Fed too little?" "Then let''s feed it more for a few days and see." After lunch, he captured another batch of fish, filling five large bamboo baskets in the cabin as a disguise. Chen Mu then started the boat for his return trip. There was plenty of time; he had no plans to spend the entire day on the Tongtian River. Chapter 248 Extortion Tongtian Square pier. "Five baskets of assorted fish, how does one White Jade Coin sound?" a skinny man fiddled with Chen Mu''s catch and said. That... that''s one White Jade Coin? Thinking of how many baskets of fish the Five Ghosts Bag had devoured, Chen Mu''s face twitched. What it ate wasn''t fish, it ate White Jade Coins! "Fine," Chen Mu said wearily. He returned the boat and went straight back to Low Mountain courtyard. "There''s no rush to get the deposit back, since I''ll have to rent a boat again tomorrow anyway." "Actually, this is a pretty good source of income," Chen Mu perked up. He had the magical bait, along with the Heartless Bell and the Five Ghosts Bag, making fishing ridiculously easy. "No need to go after those large and fearsome Exotic Beasts, too dangerous." "Just focus on small fry like the ones today." "It''s so easy to make money!" Chen Mu''s eyes inadvertently lit up. "I can totally do this!" ... For seven or eight consecutive days, Chen Mu practiced the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique in the mornings, and around three in the afternoon, he went fishing on the Tongtian River. Improved magical bait to stupefy, the Heartless Bell to finish off, the Five Ghosts Bag to capture. Just find a calm water bay, and in less than an hour, five or six baskets of fish could be caught. The rest were all fed to the Five Ghosts Bag. Although the Five Ghosts Bag still showed no signs of growth, Chen Mu didn''t mind. "One a day, thirty a month, an unexpected windfall!" That was enough to cover a third of his expenses. "If it weren''t for the worry of attracting attention from the people at the pier, I could earn even more!" Chen Mu lamented. Where there are people, there is the Jianghu. And there were a few small organizations at the pier that exploited the fishermen. "Lucky that I only catch small mixed fish about half a meter long," Chen Mu commented, quite proud of his own wisdom. Just catch the small fish, a maximum of six baskets each time, and safely and securely make money! He was thinking about how to balance his cultivation and fishing time. Suddenly, a fishbone boat rushed towards him. "Are you Chen Mu?" Ai Ji asked with impatience on his face. Chen Mu glanced at the reckless Ai Ji, then at Xu Rao gripping the steering wheel, face gloomy. Hmm, Gongsun Sheng''s cover probably hasn''t been blown yet. So Chen Mu earnestly looked at the two and said, "No, I''m not!" Ai Ji paused, then turned to look at Xu Rao. "Ding Si, the No. 9 boat, that''s him," Xu Rao said, his face growing colder. Ai Ji almost laughed in anger: "Trying to fool your uncle, huh!" They know my boat number? "We''re all so familiar, why sign a sales contract, I''ll take all your fish catches from now on!" Ai Ji waved his hand grandly and said with relief. "The folks on the dock will fleece you; you''ll earn more selling to me." "We''ll trade in cash, no monthly accounts." "Such generous terms, only the Wu Mountain seven brothers can offer." "Selling to me won''t leave you at a loss, and I''ll make money too, it''s the best of both worlds!" Ai Ji, afraid that Chen Mu would speak up, rambled on incoherently. Chen Mu: "..." Something was definitely off here. "The price is negotiable, you''ll be satisfied!" Ai Ji continued on solemnly. Chen Mu glanced at the babbling Ai Ji and then at the extremely nervous Xu Rao. The price... is negotiable? "Then... ten White Jade Coins?" Experience exclusive tales on empire Ai Ji: "..." Extorting me?! You actually dare to extort me?! "Fine!" Chen Mu: "..." Did he sense the perceptual connection of the United Heart Rope? It seems like they are really scared that I saw their wrongdoing... Watching Ai Ji, who clearly looked ready to devour him, yet reluctantly handed over ten White Jade Coins through gritted teeth. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and curled the corner of his mouth. Oh roar, seems like I''ve discovered a new source of wealth, haha... ... For three days in a row, Chen Mu had been using the United Heart Rope to keep tabs on the Wu Mountain seven brothers. He found that this bunch really was up to no good. Just like they used to trick people into farming for them. This time they were duping people into fishing for them. With the threat of force, contracts for proof, they even seemed to have bribed the dock managers. And they targeted those who were small fry, catching miscellaneous fish, not strong, with no backing. They were actually thriving for a while. And as soon as he connected with them through the United Heart Rope, these guys would immediately change their tune, turning from fearsome thugs to gentlemen in an instant. Their expressions sincere, their words earnest, their voices gentle. If he hadn''t encountered Ai Ji and Xu Rao in person and known what they were up to. Just by perceptual connection, he would have never spotted anything amiss! They can act this well? Has the threshold for being a bad guy gotten this high? "Talents indeed!" Chapter 249 Spoiling the Plan "You guys seriously never do anything proper!" Chen Mu was speechless. For five or six consecutive days, whenever he had time, he opened his clairvoyance to enjoy the rapid change of faces in their performances. In the meantime, he foiled their fishy contract schemes. Forced to stop their current actions, they had no choice but to stay home and sulkily practice their skills. "Always scheming, always conning people." "What if you mess with a protagonist with great fortune? Wouldn''t it be game over in an instant?" "I don''t care if you guys are finished, but what if I get dragged into it?" Seeing that they were honestly practicing at home, Chen Mu finally nodded in satisfaction. "Practicing honestly is so much better." "Hmm... I need to keep a watch for a few more days." "I can''t let these guys cause me any trouble." Chen Mu closed his clairvoyance, stepping onto the fishbone boat and slowly approaching a bay. After anchoring the fishbone boat, Chen Mu once again inspected the Five Ghosts Bag. "This factory overstates its capabilities..." Chen Mu shook his head. More than ten days had passed and judging by the fish prices at the docks, the fish consumed by the Five Ghosts Bag would be worth at least fifty or sixty White Jade Coins. Yet there was not even a hint of growth. "It''s a long road ahead." Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. It was simply a matter of slowly raising it. Currently, the Five Ghosts Bag was sufficient for his use; there was no need to rush its growth. With that in mind, Chen Mu controlled the Five Ghosts Bag to spread bait in the bay. "Whether the Five Ghosts Bag grows or not is not the immediate concern, the fishing must continue." Chen Mu pulled out a rocking chair, lit a Calming Pill, silently recited the Void Cloak Technique, and leisurely farmed experience. "Making money and cultivating simultaneously, how comfortable." ... In the Xinyou District, Lu Ku''s residence. Six people gathered in the living room, silent. After a long while, Lu Ku looked up at the sky. "Alright, at this time, Gongsun Sheng is most likely busy." All of them let out a sigh of relief at the same time. "Ah..." Ai Ji couldn''t help but sigh. "Being watched all the time, having to be careful with every move." "When will this kind of life end!" "There''s no need to be anxious." Lu Ku comforted them with a smile. "Gongsun Sheng''s clairvoyance has a pattern that can be followed." Lu Ku narrowed his eyes. "It was hard to tell at first, but in the past few days, the pattern has become more and more obvious." "It would be even better if I had a Curse Command." Five Ghosts Black Smoke spread over the water surface, quickly gathering up the aquatic products. Chen Mu stood up and stretched lazily, glancing at the experience points on the grey wall. Fire Cloud Curse: 6455/10000/First Rank; "Not bad. Without any accidents, in just over three months, I should be able to reach the next rank," Chen Mu silently calculated. ... On the dock, after selling the fish caught and returning the fishbone boat, Chen Mu strolled leisurely, casting envious glances at various massive and odd aquatic catches. A two-meter-tall, earthy yellow toad caught Chen Mu''s attention mainly because it was too ugly, except for the golden threads beside its eyes, which appeared somewhat eye-catching. Discover more stories at empire Two groups of people were talking beside the toad''s corpse. In not too long, a merchant-looking fellow handed a bulging cloth bag to the lead fisherman. "That''s gotta be at least fifty White Jade Coins!" "That''s almost what I make in two months of fishing," Chen Mu thought enviously, wondering if he should catch more miscellaneous fish. After a moment''s thought, he shook his head, "Forget it, earning a White Jade Coin a day is already not too shabby." Just as he was about to leave, he noticed a large seventy or eighty-meter ship entering the harbor from the north. "Old Hao?" "Has it been over a month?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. He wasn''t in a hurry to leave, waiting for the other party to disembark. ... "How come you''re free to pick me up?" Old Hao asked with a surprised face. "You sure have a big face," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Oh, are you capitalizing on the farming slack season to fish for some extra cash?" Old Hao realized after observing for a moment. "That''s not an easy job, is it?" Old Hao chuckled, "I''ve tried my hand at it before." "The Tongtian River is abundant with aquatic products, but those working solo can only catch miscellaneous fish at best." "Toiling away all day, one might not even be able to make a White Jade Coin." "After a month of being battered by the wind and baked by the sun, you''d only end up with four or five White Jade Coins." "When you really do the math, it''s not much more than what we make from farming." "Take my advice, stick to honest farming," Old Hao advised while puffing away on his cigarette. Earning less than a White Jade Coin a day? Only four or five White Jade Coins in a month? I can make thirty White Jade Coins in a month, thank you very much! "I''ll listen to Old Hao!" Chen Mu agreed cheerfully. Chapter 250 Not Good "Where''s Shang Huan?" "That fat guy wouldn''t listen to advice and renewed for another month''s worth of fees," Old Hao said, curling his lip in disapproval, "He hasn''t mastered the secret technique; staying at the dojo for a year is just a waste of money!" "Maybe he''ll succeed this time," Chen Mu chuckled. It was unclear whether the distance was too great or if the Upper Court had special restrictions that blocked transmission. The United Heart Rope could connect, but the information received was always blurred. "Forget about him, let''s go. We''ll go back to farming and save money, and try again next year," Old Hao said, waving his hand indifferently. "You have a really good attitude, sir. At your age, you''re not discouraged by failure and still have the courage to try again; admirable!" Chen Mu gave a thumbs up in admiration. "If you can''t speak properly, then don''t speak at all!" Old Hao rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I''m young with plenty of time. Why should I be discouraged?" Chen Mu: "..." Did I just judge someone by their appearance again? Fine... Although the old man had lived over sixty years, who could blame him if he could live another sixty? Indeed... his age was not considered much. ... Days passed and the moon phased, time kept flowing.No?v(el)B\\jnn One month later, in the Xinyou District, at Lu Ku''s residence. "Another one gone?" Lu Ku frowned deeply. "This is the third one," Yu Lin said with a resonance to his voice. "The individuals chosen were indeed capable." "Once given enough benefit, they were more active than anyone else." "And they were well-informed, always able to find good fishermen for catching assorted fish. Using a mix of both carrot and stick, they managed to bring in more than twenty people." "But for some reason, they always seem to disappear mysteriously." "Is someone picking a fight?!" Ai Ji asked fiercely. "That shouldn''t be the case. The groups at the dock are only eyeing the exotic beast materials and don''t care about the meager profits from miscellaneous fish," Wu Ruo said with narrowed eyes. "Did they run off?" Xu Rao''s face clouded over. "Impossible," Yu Lin shook his head. "Working for us, they earn five times more in a month than before. Why would they run away?" The group lapsed into deep thought. What exactly was going on? "Could it be..." Shi Xian suddenly spoke up, furrowing her brow tightly. The others turned to look. "What have you thought of?" Ai Ji asked eagerly. Shi Xian wore a serious expression, "Could they have fallen into the water and drowned!" Ai Ji: "..." "You might as well say the fish ate them!" Ai Ji rolled his eyes, "At least that''s somewhat plausible." "Makes sense!" Shi Xian looked at Ai Ji admiringly. The rest: "..." They should have known better than to rely on this scatterbrain! "Tell them to stop," Lu Ku massaged his temples. Lately, he felt that things were not going smoothly, as if they had offended some deity or spirit... ... At Tongtian River, in an unnamed river bend. "This time I''ve got to catch a big one," Chen Mu was determined. He wasn''t going for proficiency anymore. He scattered large amounts of intoxicating bait, repeatedly ringing the Heartless Bell. More than ten bamboo baskets were quickly filled. Chen Mu continued, tossing the catches directly into the Five Ghosts Bag. Since he might not come back for several months, he might as well feed the Five Ghosts Bag its fill all at once. At evening, the setting sun cast a golden red sheen on the surface of the river. Squinting against the glinting light, Chen Mu finally stopped, still feeling unsatisfied, "That''s enough." Looking at the murky water bay, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. He thought back to the days in Qingshan County, where he practiced the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse from dawn to dusk, never leaving until it was dark. "From now on, you can''t eat that much," Chen Mu patted the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest with a laugh. "There''s said to be a dragon here." "What if you actually attract the Dragon King? Haha..." Roar! A deafening roar suddenly erupted from the horizon. Chen Mu, like a duck whose neck was squeezed, had his mocking laughter abruptly stuck in his throat. The roar was long and deep, as if it resounded in the depths of his heart. The entire Tongtian River fell silent. Even the sound of the flowing water mysteriously disappeared! Continue reading on empire Chen Mu''s scalp tightened instantaneously. Could it be?! Boom! An explosive sound burst forth north of the river bend. Chen Mu quickly turned his head. He saw a huge figure hundreds of meters long burst from the water. With a serpent''s body, crocodile''s head, lizard''s legs, eagle''s claws, deer''s antlers, black scales, whiskers at the corners of its mouth, and clouds swirling around it. A dragon?! Chen Mu was frozen on the spot. All I did was catch some fish, and now I''ve really drawn a dragon?! Crack! The black dragon opened its mouth, and a scarlet lightning bolt suddenly flew towards the ground. Boom! The earth shattered! Even from a great distance, the rocks on the nearby bank were shattered to pieces by the shock. The sky stirred as clouds billowed, and the Tongtian River suddenly surged with waves. "Dong Li!" A voice roared like thunder. The dragon bent its body, like a spring compressed to the extreme, and with a sonic boom, it shot out into the air. As if teleporting, it vanished on the spot! It took Chen Mu a good while to come to his senses. Dong Li? The Sect Master of Jilong Road, Dong Li the Daoist? This dragon is targeting Jilong Road! This is bad! Chapter 251 The End ``` Chaos had come without warning. Chen Mu''s expression looked ugly as he watched the direction in which the black dragon had disappeared. Jilong Road must have been attacked. He stood on the fishbone boat, moving slightly closer to the dock. Then, he released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to scout the area. Looking down from the sky, the scene of destruction and chaos came into view. Half of Low Mountain on the north side of Tongtian Square had been leveled. The wooden Taoist temple that stood on the cliff had also completely vanished. The dock and Tongtian Square were in complete disarray. A group of over two-meter-tall burly men, each with distinctive exotic traits, were engaged in a fierce battle with people from the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. Among them was Director Song Song Wujie. His opponent was a huge hulking man two and a half meters tall, with external fanged teeth and arms covered in black hair, his muscular build more akin to an ape than a human. Shrouded in swirling black smoke, the man was enduring Song Wujie''s insect swarm attacks and pounding away at Song Wujie''s Body Protection Aura with his fists. "Are these people all cultivating the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique?" "Zhongshan Path, maybe?" At that moment, Song Wujie''s Body Protection Aura was shaking violently, and it seemed he was completely powerless to fight back. "Director Song is in danger!" Chen Mu''s expression grew even uglier. Is Jilong Road about to fall? Without delay, he urged the fishbone boat to move, distancing himself from the Lower Courtyard by more than ten miles, before finding a secluded river bend to drop anchor and stop. "Let''s wait and see," Chen Mu sighed. In such chaotic battles, one could lose their life if not careful, and he did not want to get involved. "It remains to be seen whether Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard will survive the disaster or if Zhongshan Path will break through." "It was finally peaceful for two years, sigh..." ... Stay updated through empire The attack occurred at dusk. Soon, the sky was completely darkened. From the sky, battles erupted throughout the Lower Courtyard. In the distant mountains, occasional flashes of fire and muffled thunder-like sounds could be heard. The defensive enchantment''s nodes in the Lower Courtyard were clearly also under attack. Not until the moon was high in the sky, did a loud boom explode over the Lower Courtyard. Even Chen Mu, floating on the Tongtian River, could feel the tremors of the land. At the same time, several thunderous cracks resounded in the sky. Chen Mu looked up and saw, under the moonlight, black rifts emerging in the sky. He had seen this sight before; a similar scene had happened in the southern sky when the exotic beast had invaded. "Enchantment?" Chen Mu''s face changed. Is Jilong Road finished?! "Cultivating oneself towards a Heavenly Demon''s direction?" "That dragon..." A terrifying thought suddenly dawned on Chen Mu. Could that dragon actually be the result of human cultivation?! To turn oneself into a dragon? Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique... Marvelous! If only I could... It took a while for the excited Chen Mu to come back to his senses. "Secret Techniques of that level are not within my reach," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed, looking at the man in the grey ragged outfit with complexity. A simple farmer, yet met with unexpected disaster. The dream of pursuing the Dao shattered in an instant. "Thankfully, I was hiding on the Tongtian River," Chen Mu was still frightened. This man in the grey ragged outfit certainly wasn''t the only one. It was unknown how many Lower Courtyard disciples perished in the attack. "You are pitiful too," Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel empathy for the underdog. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles kicked in, and a large pit was dug out of the ground. "Dust to dust, earth to earth," Chen Mu sighed. He glanced at the horned person once more. "Although an invader, to be brave and fight ruthlessly wasn''t your true intention, everything was just for the pursuit of the Dao," Chen Mu didn''t condone such barbaric acts, but he understood. "Forget it, no matter the grudges in life, they''re all erased after death," Chen Mu also dug a grave for the horned person and buried them. Looking at the two mounds of earth, he sighed, "You should be thankful that you met me, otherwise no one would have taken care of your bodies." After a moment of silence, Chen Mu turned away with a look of compassion towards the faintly burning lights of Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard in the distance. "The chaos came so unexpectedly." "Who knows how many innocents lost their lives." "Their paths to longevity abruptly ceased." "Whether simple farmers or invading Zhongshan Path disciples, they all just wanted to move forward." "Resources are scarce, Secret Techniques monopolized, hardship strikes, and the pursuit of dreams turns out to be so luxurious and difficult!" Thinking about the hardships he had faced all the way from Da Liang, Chen Mu was filled with sorrow. "This damned world always deals a sudden, crushing blow, smoothing out people''s edges, making them mediocre." A great courage surged within Chen Mu. "Dreams should not remain silent!" So he hooked his right hand, and the grey coin pouch he had just taken from the two bodies lifted into the air. Throwing it into the Five Ghosts Bag with a serious and determined face, he addressed the two graves, "I will carry on your dreams of pursuing the Dao, step by step, unwaveringly!" Then he reached the ruins of the buildings, smoke billowing and seeping into the crevices, and collected all the valuables. "Not just these two, but all of them!" Chen Mu turned, looking determinedly at the entire Lower Courtyard. "Rest assured, from today onwards, I will bear your dreams!" "No matter how heavy or secret those dreams may be, I will definitely unearth them, carry them on me at all times, continuously move forward, and never stop!" ``` Chapter 252 Fulfilling the Dream On the peak of Low Mountain, Lin Su stood grim-faced upon an old tree with peeling bark, intensely staring at the dark courtyard below. "What on earth is Yang Huan doing?!" "Such a good situation, how could he just give it up like that!" "The Condense Aperture Secret Method..." Thinking of the possible outcomes, Lin Su felt inward frustration but was powerless. It took a long while to regain his composure. "Could Chen Mu have been affected by the earlier chaos?" He was now worried that Chen Mu had been killed by the disciples of Zhongshan Path in the attack, allowing someone else to reap the benefits. "Most likely not," Lin Su thought of the other''s cultivation at the Spirit Armor Realm. As long as one didn''t get too close to the center of the fight, there shouldn''t be any problems. "He must be hiding," Lin Su felt somewhat relieved. "With the Condense Aperture Secret Method in trouble, the White Jade Plate absolutely cannot have any issues!" Lin Su''s right hand clenched into a fist suddenly. ... At the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, in the Yihai District. The six siblings of Wu Mountain stood in front of a gazebo. This was the gathering point of the Yihai District. Every year, the Lower Courtyard collected land rent, traded Yellow Bud Rice, and issued collective notices here at this gazebo, which was the central location for each district. Shi Xian held up her right hand, leveling it in front of her eyes. A pitch-black sphere the size of a fist emerged in the palm of her hand. "Truthful Listening!" The Soul Strength black sphere swelled rapidly like an air-filled balloon, sweeping past the group and expanding towards the distant horizon. As it spread, its color grew fainter until it became invisible in the far distance and suddenly dispersed. "There have been conflicts at five locations with bodies present." "The closest is five li to the southwest, two people," said Shi Xian with a cool tone. "That''s..." "Something''s wrong?" Lu Ku turned his head to ask. "There''s a bald bear still alive," said Shi Xian coolly. "Bald bear? What kind of nonsense is that!" Ai Ji frowned and grumbled. "It''s probably someone from Zhongshan Path," Wu Ruo realized and then asked softly, "Standing or lying down?" "Lying down," replied Shi Xian calmly. An injured disciple from Zhongshan Path? The group''s eyes lit up. One dead, one injured C their belongings were likely still on them, perhaps a large bounty was at hand! "Let''s go!" ... The six moved swiftly, covering the five or six li distance in no time. Two and a half of the three surrounding walls had collapsed and the roof of the building was blown off, with thick smoke billowing from within the courtyard and flames soaring into the sky. The group eagerly turned the corner of the wall. There, they saw a bald man, his arms covered in fine brown hair and built like a bear, barely alive on the ground. At that moment, a towering figure cloaked in a black robe with a white mask on his face was squatting in front of the man. "Save me," begged the bald man. After confirming there were no disciples of Zhongshan Path hiding, he then entered the courtyard of Low Mountain. Pouring a cup of cool tea, Chen Mu took a seat in the rocking chair under the wooden arbor, not resting but waiting for dawn to head to the gathering spot at the pavilion in Gengyin District. "Who knows how this calamity will end up," Chen Mu mused silently. Sadly, he could only passively accept, with no ability to influence the outcome. "If even one of Yunzhou''s seven paths, Jilong Road, cannot ensure safety and stability," "where else can I survive?" Chen Mu felt lost for a moment. It took a good while before he sighed and looked at the treasures inside the Five Ghosts Bag. "With these gifts from my fellow practitioners, even if a disaster strikes, I''ll have enough to hold on for a while," Chen Mu comforted himself. "If it gets too bad, I''ll just take refuge in the Heavenly River Water Mansion." "Just six hundred White Jade Coins for a free status!" "Buy!" He was gleefully planning for the future. Suddenly, a faint mist enveloped the courtyard. "The mist is this thick?" As he wondered, the Spiritual Armor black smoke suddenly appeared two meters behind him, followed immediately by a flash of Spiritual Light. Almost simultaneously as they appeared, a series of black arrows burst from the shadows of the corner wall. They pierced through the mist in an instant, striking the Spiritual Armor black smoke fiercely. Thud, thud, thud... The Spiritual Armor black smoke was nearly penetrated in an instant! Pop, pop, pop... Experience tales at empire Sounds of bursting like popping beans exploded. The Spiritual Light shook violently, quickly filled with cracks, becoming extremely fragile! "Five Ghosts Possession!" Chen Mu suddenly transformed into a two-and-a-half-meter-tall, indigo-colored, muscular man. His muscles swell as strands stretched out, and a silver light flowed between his brows. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" Buzz! As countless black arrows shattered the Spiritual Light, nearing him, they suddenly slowed down drastically, as if falling into a quagmire. Eventually, they stopped a palm''s distance from his back, unable to move forward any further! "Who''s there?!" Chen Mu darted forward suddenly, distancing himself from the black arrows. With Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, the scenery within a hundred meters instantly came to mind. Mist! Dense fog everywhere, so thick that not even five fingers could be seen! "Spiritual Armor, Spiritual Light, Chen Mu, you''ve hidden your abilities quite deeply, haven''t you!" a deep voice suddenly echoed from all directions. "The Exquisite Jade Plate is quite useful, right?" White Jade Plate? Chen Mu''s face suddenly changed. What was bound to come had still come! Chapter 253 Full Force "The Exquisite Jade Plate? What''s that?" Chen Mu''s body tensed, his face filled with nervousness, and his eyes brimmed with doubts, "Senior, could you have made a mistake?" From within the mist, the hidden Lin Su couldn''t help but chuckle lightly. "You''re acting quite convincingly." "If I had my doubts before, now I believe them without question." Lin Su squinted through the mist, staring at Chen Mu. "Cultivating the Spirit Armor Technique could be attributed to your exceptional lineage." "But to cultivate the Perceptive Spirit Light within just a year, heh..." Enjoy more content from empire "You have been shut away all year and couldn''t possibly have gone to the Upper Court''s dojo." "Where did you get so much Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate?!" "It must be the Exquisite Jade Plate!" Chen Mu listened intently, pondered seriously, and then, with a solemn face, said to the mist, "Is there a possibility that..." "Actually, I am extraordinarily talented, so my cultivation efficiency is extremely high. I don''t need that much Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate quickly." Lin Su: "..." Do you have no shame? "If you were truly so gifted, why would you be stuck in the Lower Courtyard!" Lin Su snorted coldly. "You haven''t forgotten Dong Cheng, have you?" "I''ve looked into it thoroughly; he once sold a batch of black ram horns to swindle others." "And it just so happens that during that period, you sold the materials of five black ram skins and horns. Tsk tsk... what a coincidence!" "You made enemies, had a conflict, and murdered to silence them, then took the opportunity to steal wealth. With such a cause and effect, do you still deny it?" Lin Su said calmly, "Dong Cheng did evil first, I don''t intend to pursue your crime of murder." "But you must hand over the Exquisite Jade Plate obediently, that''s mine, and you need to return it." Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. It seemed there was no escaping it. This person was most likely Dong Cheng''s superior, the prefect from the Inspection Courtyard. Chen Mu''s expression turned grave. Since that''s the case... To escape through the earth, or to take flight? Chen Mu glanced at the well beneath the eastern wall, then took a look at the flying kites in the Five Ghosts Bag. Fighting was out of the question. As a prefect of the Inspection Courtyard, he must possess the Illusion Breaking Cultivation, along with powerful Secret Techniques. He was not an opponent one could afford to confront; flight was the only option. "What''s the matter?" Lin Su suddenly arched an eyebrow and said menacingly, "Thinking of running away?" "Fog Spirit!" The thick mist that had been slowly drifting suddenly boiled like heated water, surging tumultuously. A massive force abruptly pressed upon him. Chen Mu felt as if he had been thrown into the deep sea, surrounded by crushing pressure! His face instantly changed color. "Yin Sha Secret Arrow!" Lin Su declared indifferently. From the shadows around him, a series of small, pitch-black short arrows shot out, aiming straight at Chen Mu. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" The short arrows that had blinked before his eyes suddenly slowed down, as if stuck in a quagmire, and were successfully blocked in front of him. Chen Mu''s heart eased slightly. But Lin Su snorted coldly, unconcerned, "Let''s see how many Yin Sha Arrows your secret technique can block!" Divine Orifice Mana burst forth. Please don''t unleash your full power just yet, build up my confidence, and then when hope rises within me, you effortlessly shatter my attack? Are you aiming to strike both my spirit and body simultaneously?! To kill a man and also crush his heart?! Evil person! Without a doubt, an evil person! ... Lin Su was indulging in the elation of his gains, his smile not yet fully formed when Chen Mu''s sudden loud shout interrupted him. He felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. It was like holding a giant python in his hands that suddenly exerted its strength, not only powerful but also slippery, and no matter how hard he tried, he could only watch helplessly as it broke free! Impossible! Absolutely impossible! "Fog Giant Spirit!" A loud shout. The mist rolled and soared as a massive foggy hand suddenly burst out from the thick fog. It grabbed Chen Mu and squeezed him fiercely. Chen Mu couldn''t help but tense his face. Here it comes, finally! Is it getting serious now? I knew it, he was damn well playing me! Damn it! He immediately tensed all the muscles in his body, ready to withstand the pressure of the foggy giant hand. But feeling the touch as light as cotton on his body, Chen Mu''s face turned extremely unsightly! We''re at this point and you''re still damn well acting?! "If you''re going to hit, then hit me. If not, then leave. Why torment me over and over again!" Chen Mu yelled furiously into the mist. Lin Su''s pupils suddenly contracted. Could he actually withstand the Fog Giant Spirit?! He immediately clenched his teeth and fiercely squeezed the Jade Seed within him, containing mostly dark Divine Orifice Mana: "Yin Sha Armor Break!" A pitch-black short arrow, only as long as a finger, appeared in front of him. Then its tail end suddenly dissipated, turning into a mist, and with a puff, it sprayed backwards. A tremendous counter-thrust erupted. Woosh! The short arrow pierced through the air with a deep whistling sound, and in nearly an instant, it arrived in front of Chen Mu. Lin Su looked on indifferently at Chen Mu. The Armor Break Secret Arrow was the strongest strike in his secret techniques, having once shattered the skull of a Divine Orifice-level demon with this very attack. But the secret technique came at a cost; using it once required half a month of recovery. Originally, he hadn''t planned on using it, but unfortunately... "I originally wanted to keep a living mouth to interrogate about the secret techniques." "Oh well..." He looked at Chen Mu with pity, as the scene of Chen Mu''s head exploding had already formed in his mind. Then he saw Chen Mu suddenly push outward with both hands. With a bang, he burst the foggy giant hand open. He followed with a fierce slap, sending the Armor Break Secret Arrow, humming oddly, flying off course with one hit. This deadly strike flew past his ear towards the distance, without having any effect whatsoever. Chen Mu, filled with sorrow and anger, yelled into the thick fog. "Have you had enough?!" "If you have the guts, use your full strength on me!" Lin Su: "..." What the hell are you talking about! I''m already using all my strength, damn it! Chapter 254 Abandonment ``` Chen Mu''s eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of red, "Very well, very well... Since you want to act, I will play along to the end!" "This dense fog is so annoying!" He immediately pulled out the Fire Cloud Gourd and quickly chanted a spell. Puff! Blue flames burst forth like a breached dam from the mouth of the Black Gourd. Centered around Chen Mu, they spiraled outwards in all directions. The mana within the thick fog was instantly ravaged by the scorching temperature, and the fog evaporated in the blink of an eye. The surroundings instantly became clear. The Low Hill Courtyard was riddled with countless holes, and the giant boulder wall to the east was also smashed to pieces. Under a broad-leafed tree two hundred meters outside the compound, Lin Su''s figure was involuntarily revealed. Chen Mu roared, his legs slightly bent, as he boosted his feet with the Void Cloak Technique. Bang! The ground suddenly exploded, creating a two-meter-wide pit. Chen Mu burst through the lingering broken fog and slammed fiercely toward Lin Su. Lin Su nearly instinctively activated the Yin Sha Secret Arrow. A series of black arrows shot out from the shadows, raining down on Chen Mu like droplets. Chen Mu didn''t bother to defend. He had realized, there was no point in holding back, might as well go for broke! He just wanted to land a heavy punch on this bastard before he was riddled with holes! So, he raised his left hand to shield his eyes, letting his own black smoke and Spiritual Light be shattered, while fiercely activating the Void Cloak Technique again, charging forward despite the black arrows. Clang, clang, clang... Like nails falling to the ground, the black arrows struck Chen Mu''s body with a metallic ring, managing only to break the skin, leaving a series of small marks. "I knew it! Even at this moment, you''re still bloody acting!" Chen Mu was beyond furious. He took two steps and was now in front of Lin Su. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" A ball of black and red suddenly appeared in the palm of Chen Mu''s right hand. Then, he pulled his right hand back to gather strength and pushed the black and red ball, slamming it forcefully against Lin Su''s front. Lin Su''s defensive Spiritual Light blocked it only for a moment before it was corroded by Sand Shooting Shadow and shattered by the overwhelming force. All of Chen Mu''s strength suddenly converged into his fists. The sinewy muscles were nearly bursting out of his indigo skin. "Wasn''t it just to trick me into attacking first and then suddenly strike to kill me and mock me?" "Well, make your move then!" "Ha!" Hum hum hum... His fists were like the buzzing wings of a bee, relentlessly pounding Lin Su without pause. Crack! Lin Su''s right arm, raised subconsciously to protect himself, snapped immediately. "What the hell are you even talking about?!" That question flashed through Lin Su''s mind, but then it was utterly silenced by the unending barrage of punches. Chen Mu deliberately took a detour, and by the time he arrived, four or fifty people had already assembled. "Why is your face so pale?" Shang Huan teased as he sidled up to Chen Mu. "Scared," Chen Mu said calmly. "I was scared stiff too, hid in a cellar all night without daring to show my face," Shang Huan said, empathizing. "You stayed on the Tongtian River the whole night?" Old Hao asked as he looked at the direction from which Chen Mu had come. "When I saw that soaring black dragon, I didn''t dare to move, only approached the dock to check at daybreak," Chen Mu "truthfully" said. "Lucky you didn''t come back," Old Hao sighed. "Your place got hit by someone''s actions, half-collapsed, and then they set it on fire." "By now, I reckon even the wooden shed has been reduced to ash." Chen Mu''s face changed dramatically as he pretended to be shocked and angry, "How could I be so unlucky!" "You should feel lucky. If you were in the yard last night..." Old Hao said meaningfully. Chen Mu immediately shivered appropriately, "I indeed should feel lucky." Then he shifted the topic, steering the conversation towards last night''s events. Sure enough, the two no longer discussed his burned-down residence. ... The group of forty or fifty people clustered together, buzzing with noise, all discussing the chaos of the previous night. Some were fearful, others excited. Chen Mu hid within the crowd, silently observing. Fear was normal, excitement was somewhat more curious. Find adventures at empire Last night, while receiving dream visions from his peers, he had discovered that not only Zhongshan Path was killing and robbing; disciples from Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard were also taking advantage of the chaos. Chen Mu silently noted the faces of several individuals. "It''s better to keep my distance from these people in the future." He didn''t want to return their ''gifts.'' Troublesome! ... As the day progressed to when the sun was three poles high, the crowd grew increasingly irritable waiting. Finally, a team from the Inspection Courtyard arrived, looking haggard and rushed. Among them, two posted a white paper with black lettering on the pavilion''s pillar. The leading Prefect in black spoke beside the pillar with a serious face. "The Oversight Courtyard decrees" "To prevent another attack from Zhongshan Path and avoid further losses, the Oversight Courtyard has decided to abandon the Lower Courtyard and collectively retreat into the mountains to seek refuge." "The decision to follow into the mountains is left to you." "Those who follow will receive certain benefits." "Those who leave will be regarded as having voluntarily renounced their status as disciples of Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard." "Details are in the notice." "Those willing to follow can gather in Bing Zi District tomorrow morning to depart." Almost the instant the Prefect in black finished speaking, the crowd exploded into an uproar. Chen Mu''s expression turned solemn. Abandon the Lower Courtyard? Had the situation become so dire? Chapter 255 Journey Gengyin District, outside the pavilion. As the black-robed Prefect announced the abandonment of the Lower Courtyard, about forty or fifty people immediately burst into a cacophony of discussion, causing an uproar. "Can we still plant Yellow Bud Rice in the mountains?" An elderly man with a straightforward face worried. "Didn''t they say we have to clear new land?" A companion interjected. "Doesn''t that mean we have to start all over again?" The elderly man''s face turned ugly. Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard had been slowly reformed and built up over hundreds of years. Starting anew in an unfamiliar place and trying to return to the current state was as difficult as reaching the heavens! "What''s happening in the Upper Court?" someone shouted out of nowhere. The noisy crowd instantly fell silent, and Chen Mu couldn''t help but perk up his ears. "Before I came here, we still hadn''t made contact with the Upper Court." "All we know is that an intense conflict is going on in the direction of the Upper Court. As for the outcome..." the black-robed Prefect shook his head. Thinking of that awe-inspiring black dragon, which merely flying overhead had made everyone tremble with fear, a shadow of worry fell over everyone''s hearts. The safety of the Upper Court was unknown, and if Jilong Road were to collapse, then Jilong Road''s Lower Courtyard would be nothing more than a sinking ship! Following the move into the mountains to seek refuge, the final outcome... The surroundings fell into silence for a moment. "Zhongshan Path has already left, right? Why do we still need to go into the mountains? What if we run into exotic beasts?" someone whispered in the crowd. Explore more stories at empire The black-robed Prefect regained his calm, "This is an order from the Oversight Courtyard, you may make your own decisions." "If we stay, does that mean we don''t have to pay land taxes anymore?" someone suddenly asked quietly with excitement. The crowd fell silent, then discussed even more fervently. The black-robed Prefect, with an expressionless face, glanced over the crowd and then led the grey-robed inspector towards the next division. "Are you going?" Shang Huan nudged Chen Mu with his shoulder. "Going. I haven''t bought the Perceptive secret technique yet," Chen Mu pretended to say. "Not paying land taxes and keeping whatever we grow actually seems quite good to stay here," Old Hao said, somewhat indecisive. Chen Mu remained silent. Without the protection of the Lower Courtyard, chaos was inevitable. Indeed, there were no land taxes to pay, but whether or not the harvest could be protected was uncertain. After all, farming for oneself was never as quick as seizing the harvest from others! ... One month later. In the continuous mountain range, a faint mist drifted, with the sound of birds and beasts echoing continuously. The lush vegetation appeared like a thick carpet firmly covering the land and rocks. Through the mist, a dirt-yellow fissure was slowly and steadily extending towards the south through the mountains. It was as if someone had taken a pair of scissors and cut through the green carpet to reveal the ground underneath. A procession of people lined up in a long queue, moving along the fissure. At the very front of the queue, some fifty or sixty people carrying choppers as tall as a man kept hacking away. "Do you know why Director Song gave up on the Lower Courtyard?" Shang Huan said with an air of secrecy. "You know?" Chen Mu glanced at him skeptically. "Don''t underestimate me," Shang Huan said, proud of himself. "I heard that the underground water vein of the Lower Courtyard was cut off." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. The water vein, flowing with Earth Spirit Vital Energy, was the foundation of the Lower Courtyard''s production and planting. If the water vein was cut off... "What about those who stayed back in the Lower Courtyard..." Shang Huan chuckled slyly but didn''t speak. Chen Mu fell silent. No wonder Zhongshan Path had abandoned the fat prize. Without the water vein, the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road was finished - who would bother to claim a worthless piece of land? He couldn''t help but think of the black ape man''s roar. Could it be that Director Song was responsible for destroying the water vein?! Thinking of the latter''s short and chubby, yet somewhat amiable figure, Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Decades of foundation, scrapped just like that? Cruel man indeed... Hmm, or perhaps a prodigal son who doesn''t care if the fields sold belonged to his ancestors? ... An hour later, the troop from Gengyin District was replaced. They hadn''t encountered an attack from any exotic beasts, nor had they come across any strange dangers. It was just that the trees and vines along the way were so tough and hard to chop that it took quite a bit of effort. Chen Mu followed the group, falling back from the front to their original position. He chatted with Old Hao for a moment and then hid within the crowd, silent once again. "Safety isn''t much of an issue, but it''s impossible to properly gain experience," Chen Mu thought with a sigh. Everyone around was a disciple from the Lower Courtyard; any ability that made a lot of noise was hard to use. The only technique that could be practiced quietly was the Void Cloak Technique. Repulsion Force slowly appeared under his feet, and Chen Mu carefully controlled the force, letting it replace his leg muscles to propel him forward, step by step. To control the strength properly, he had to move cautiously. Each step was solid and firm, as if driving in a nail, before moving on to the next one. Although it was a bit strange, fortunately no one paid much attention to the oddity of a mere Lower Courtyard disciple. "Once the Void Cloak Technique advances to the next level, it should get a lot better," Chen Mu practiced while checking his experience. Void Cloak Technique: 9705/10000/Third Rank; "It would be best to reduce the time spent on the Illusion Breaking Technique a little," Chen Mu thought to himself as he looked at his experience with the Illusion Breaking Technique. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 7383/10000; Without the Exquisite Jade Plate, and lacking Earth Spirit Element, the progress of the Illusion Breaking Technique was as slow as a crawl. In a month, he had only scraped together a little over three hundred experience points, investing a lot but yielding little return. ``` Chapter 256 Holding the Moon Two days later, Chen Mu suddenly felt a surge of clarity, and his mind brimmed with new insights. Enjoy new chapters from empire The repulsion force beneath his feet suddenly strengthened. In the fog of his mind, the Divine Will Talisman of the Void Cloak Technique shone even brighter. Chen Mu looked at the gray walls. Void Cloak Technique: 2/10000/Fourth Rank; "Can I briefly hover in the air?" Chen Mu tried a couple of times and nodded in satisfaction. After reaching the Fourth Rank, the Void Cloak Technique became easier and more delicate to control. Walking no longer required him to move as though hammering nails with a stop at every step. Glancing at Shang Huan, who was trudging along, one step deep and the next shallow, clothes soaked with sweat, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. Crossing mountains and ridges was too draining. Even with everyone possessing a Shell Soul and enduring vitality, a long journey through complex terrain was still exhausting. With the Fourth Rank Void Cloak Technique, Chen Mu moved with even more ease. ... The team traveled daily, and the only sights were forests and mountains. At first, it was somewhat novel, but after spending over a month drilling through the mountains, even the most beautiful scenery lost its appeal. In the evening, the entire team stopped to rest. Around a campfire, five or six people gathered in a circle. An elk-like animal was skinned and gutted, then placed over the flames to roast, accompanied by the sizzling and crackling sounds as drops of fat continuously fell. Chen Mu stood by, sprinkling seasonings and turning the meat while occasionally making a few cuts. Feeling the feedback of his knife slicing through skin and flesh, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes: "This elk, it''s not considered an Exotic Beast anymore, is it?" "Weaker ones are likely to follow." Old Hao smacked his lips as he puffed on his cigarette: "We''re too far from the Lower Courtyard here." "There''s less Earth Spirit Vital Energy, so Exotic Beasts won''t appear in a place like this." Chen Mu had a sudden realization. Just as their group pursued Earth Spirit Vital Energy for cultivation, Exotic Beasts did the same. "Still no idea where the destination is." By the campfire, an elder with the surname Li sighed, "If we don''t arrive soon, we''ll miss the best planting season for the Yellow Bud Rice." "Why worry so much, the Oversight Courtyard must have already chosen a good location," Shang Huan said with casual indifference. "Even if we miss the season, there''s no need to fret. Didn''t the Oversight Courtyard say so? All disciples who came with us will get double wages." "Every month, we each get four White Jade Coins." The others also showed smiles. Chen Mu''s lips curled slightly as well. Because he was now free. He not only saved six hundred White Jade worth of freedom money, but he would also receive an additional two White Jade Coins as monthly wages. "At last, I''m no longer a mere servant," Chen Mu said as he sliced off a piece of crispy skin and popped it into his mouth. "Dinner''s ready!" ... The team continued southward, trekking through the mountains for another month. It was said that when exotic beasts gained sentience, they could cultivate demonic energy, giving birth to divine skills and manipulation of winds and waves, with the more powerful ones even capable of escaping earth and achieving flight. He felt some fear in his heart, yet he also longed to witness it with his own eyes. "Once my strength improves, I must find a sentient demon to see for myself," Chen Mu thought to himself. ... They felled trees, opened mountains, constructed water channels, and built terraced fields. The people from Jilong Road labored for two months in the South Mountain area of Peng Yue Mountain before the initial construction was completed and they gradually settled down. At the foothill. A wooden hut stood at the head of a long strip of terraced fields. The hut was six meters long and four meters wide, divided inside into a bedroom and a living room. In front of the hut was a two-meter-wide wooden corridor. A rocking chair was placed on the east side of the corridor. At the moment, Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, sipping tea and looking at the lush Yellow Bud Rice Fields beside the hut. "Finally, we''ve settled down," Chen Mu sighed with relief. After nearly half a year, the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road had finally completed the relocation and reconstruction. He had once again become a mere farmer for the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. "I still don''t understand the distribution principle of the Earth Spirit Element," Chen Mu marveled, looking at a small two-meter in diameter pond in front of the wooden corridor. The pond was man-made, with water flowing from the mid-mountain Cold Moon Pond; it contained a trace amount of Earth Spirit Element, suitable for planting Yellow Bud Rice. It was said that the concentration of Earth Spirit Element was higher further up the mountain. Near the Cold Moon Pond, it was even comparable to the practice arenas of the Upper Court. "What a great place!" ... Nighttime, with the full moon hanging high. The sounds of insects and beasts came in waves. Inside the hut, Chen Mu lay in bed with his eyes closed, sleeping soundly. At midnight, he slowly opened his eyes. The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit flew out of the hut to patrol; Chen Mu quietly got up. He lifted the wooden floorboard beneath the bed to reveal a dark hole one meter in diameter. Surrounded by billowing black smoke, Chen Mu jumped into the hole without hesitation. Ten meters underground, a secret chamber about the size of the wooden hut was quietly nestled among the soil. Chen Mu jumped into the secret chamber and began to install fluorescent algae crystal balls on the walls. After illuminating the chamber, he started assembling a soft couch and only finished his busy work after a good while. The stone walls had crystal lights, the couch ends were made from sea-heart pine, and on a short table by his side, Calming Pills were being roasted. During the days spent opening up the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu had also been busy creating his own underground secret chamber. Here, he could rest, as well as use the Exquisite Jade Plate to cultivate. Lying back on the soft couch, Chen Mu sank into the soft bedding. "Comfortable..." Chapter 257 Divine Movement Peng Yue Mountain''s midsection boasted a platform. Spanning nearly three hundred meters east to west and over a hundred meters north to south, it was larger than two football fields. A straight cliff face, five or six meters high, bordered the platform''s north side. The southern boundary blended into the mountainside with a slight curve. Seven stone stairways extended from the boundary in various directions down the slope, passing through terraced fields and covering the entirety of South Mountain, all the way to the foot of Peng Yue Mountain. Chen Mu stepped upon the two-meter-wide stone stairs and approached the platform''s entrance. A two-meter-tall boulder sat beside the steps. The south-facing side had been neatly flattened, etched with three bold characters"Cold Moon Market." Due to the rush of construction, the Cold Moon Market was somewhat imperfect. The earthen ground was still uneven in places. The wooden houses within the market still emitted the fresh scent of chopped lumber and grass. On the exterior walls of some houses, one could still see branches and leaves that remained lush and green. Chen Mu followed a path straight to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and handed a list of medicinal ingredients to the attendant. The attendant, a man in his thirties dressed in simple grey, greeted him with a smile, but after perusing Chen Mu''s list, his face fell into a look of distress. "Sir, I''m very sorry. Other materials might be manageable, but we don''t have Purple Leaf Fragrance or Snakegrass Whiskers." "How long until you have stock?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "If we can''t trade with the outside world anytime soon, we''ll only have them after the Medicinal Field harvest." "For these two ingredients, you''ll have to wait at least six months." Chen Mu, not ready to give up, said, "Don''t you have any inventory? I''m willing to pay a little extra." "I''d love to earn your money, but..." The grey-clad attendant offered a bitter smile and spread his hands helplessly. Your journey continues with empire Chen Mu''s expression soured, without those two herbs, he couldn''t make the Calming Pills. "Sir, would you like the rest of the materials?" the attendant asked softly. "Wrap them up," Chen Mu sighed. The Lower Courtyard had moved hastily, and Peng Yue Mountain''s resources were scarce; what was available now might be gone in a few days. It wasn''t long before the grey-clad attendant handed Chen Mu a large parcel. "Sir, that will be four White Jade Coins in total."No?v(el)B\\jnn The price has gone up? Chen Mu opened his mouth as if to protest, but in the end, he paid without complaint. In times of scarcity, it was only natural for prices to rise. Before leaving, the attendant suggested, "You might want to have a look on the east side. There are many people setting up stalls there." "You might find the two ingredients." Chen Mu thanked him with a bow and left with his parcel. ... In the southeast corner at the foot of Peng Yue Mountain, in the Yiyou District. Chen Mu arranged his things and sat on a rocking chair on the east side of the corridor. "Looks like the trade for Calming Pills can''t be done." He''d also visited the east side stalls at the Cold Moon Market, but unfortunately, he didn''t find the needed ingredients. The list he gave to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion was only part of the recipe. In reality, there weren''t two missing ingredients, but five. In the evening, under the wooden corridor. The Fire Cloud Gourd spat out blue flames from time to time. Grilling unknown Exotic Beast Meat Slices to be crispy on the outside and tender inside, combined with a secret grilled meat seasoning, the aroma was enticing. It wasn''t long before three dishes and one soup were arranged on the square table. Aside from the secret grilled meat, there was also a plate of pork with garlic sauce, a bowl of cold mixed wild vegetables, a meatball soup, and a small wooden bucket of Yellow Bud Rice. Chen Mu sipped some sweet and sour hawthorn tea to cut the greasiness, then stuffed a slice of grilled meat into his mouth. "Delicious!" ... After dinner, a puff of black smoke appeared outside the wooden corridor. The food scraps dropped from the smoke and landed right into a barrel outside of the corridor. The square table that was earlier a mess was now spotlessly clean. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair and waved his hand, the tableware vanished, and then reappeared on its own in the wall cabinet. "It''s a pity I can''t go to the Ling Boat." I haven''t seen the pretty Exotic girls for a long time. I miss them... "Forget it, forget it, watching girls isn''t as good as leveling up." Chen Mu rubbed his hands together, pulled up the grey wall, and checked his experience. "Tsk tsk, another limit, haha..." Gazing at the Void Cloak Technique entry, Chen Mu couldn''t hold back his beaming smile. It had been over two months since he arrived at Peng Yue Mountain. Every day he was ordered to chop wood and clear mountainsides. With people all around, he could only practice the Void Cloak Technique. He stood up, glanced at the wooden houses not far away, and noticed that no one was paying any attention. Five Ghosts Black Smoke swirled around him, concealing his figure. Chen Mu''s thoughts moved, and mana poured out from his brow. "Divine Steps Thousand Miles!" A Repulsion Force quickly enveloped his whole body. Chen Mu shot forward like a projectile. In the blink of an eye, he darted into the dense forest at the foot of the mountain. The forest was full of towering ancient trees, over ten meters tall. Hovering one meter above the ground, Chen Mu was like a nimble swallow, sprinting, stopping suddenly, turning, making consecutive turns; he shuttled through the complex forest like lightning. The sound of the wind whistling by his ears was all he could hear, and he was going so fast that his skin was flapping. If he wasn''t afraid of being discovered, he would certainly have let out a loud howl! ... Two quarters of an hour later. Chen Mu was drifting through the air in an arc when suddenly he felt emptiness under his feet. The power covering his body disappeared, and he uncontrollably flew out straight. He crashed into a small tree, thick enough for one person to embrace, snapping it in half with a crack. "Ptooey!" Chen Mu spat out the bits of grass from his mouth and climbed up from the bush with a disgruntled expression. "Just this tiny bit of mana, it''s not nearly durable enough for play!" Chapter 258 Addiction After brushing the mud and grass off his body, Chen Mu settled back into the rocking chair. "Though it only hovers a meter off the ground, not truly flying, it really is fast!" Chen Mu thought about his recent experience. Comparing it to car speeds from his previous life, it was definitely around one hundred forty or fifty kilometers per hour. "Just that the endurance is a bit short," Chen Mu grimaced. Chen Mu glanced at the barely-changed Illusion Breaking Technique over the past two months. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 7893/10000; Maybe I should practice more at night? ... Half a month later, with the full moon high in the sky. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged, holding the Exquisite Jade Plate. A deep chant echoed continuously within the chamber. The black sphere in the middle of the Jade Seed had grown to the size of a soybean. On closer inspection, it didn''t seem like a solid sphere, but rather like an unfathomably deep hole. And it had some strange attraction, making one feel an urge to jump into it. After a good while, Chen Mu snapped back to reality and turned to look at the small copper water clock beside him. At some point, all the water in the quaint copper pot had trickled away. "At least half an hour!" Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. "I''m not practicing this wrong, am I?" As the Illusion Breaking Technique neared its end, he''d often find himself lost in it without realizing. Sometimes, he''d stare at the black sphere inside the Jade Seed, and an hour would pass just like that. "What if I get stuck in there and can''t get out..." Chen Mu shivered.No?v(el)B\\jnn Explore more stories with empire "No, I mustn''t rush this, I need to take it easy..." Although the insights brought by proficiency indicated everything was normal, he still didn''t dare to practice too quickly. It''s like how one instinctively closes their eyes when swimming or diving. Faced with the Illusion Breaking Technique inching towards perfection, Chen Mu felt an instinctual sense of panic. "Is this what Mo Wuzhou called piercing through the illusion? What if I can''t pierce through it..." "Will I never be able to master it? Or will I be trapped and lose consciousness?" "I wonder if there''s any way to help get through this." He thought hard but couldn''t figure it out. He lacked the basic knowledge in this area. When he advanced his Spirit Armor Technique, it didn''t seem to have so many issues. He achieved it quite naturally. "I''ll go to the Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow," Chen Mu scratched his head. As he pondered his schedule for the next day, he habitually glanced through the perspective of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Then he noticed that in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, a dozen or so white-striped black rats were crazily gnawing at the Yellow Bud Rice. A wooden bridge extended from beneath the building into the pond, connecting to an octagonal pavilion. Inside the pavilion, Song Wujie, with a pair of dark circles under his eyes and a pale face, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Small bumps, the size of peanuts, kept surfacing on his skin. As soon as they appeared, they would split into two, then four, and move in different directions, as if insects were boring underneath his skin. After a good while, his face regained calm, and Song Wujie opened his eyes, his pallor finally showing a hint of improvement. "Why sit so far away? Come here!" Song Wujie looked at Liang Yi in the distance. Liang Yi shook his head repeatedly, his honest face full of aversion: "Creeps me out!" "What''s with that look! Insects are so cute, how can they be creepy!" Song Wujie frowned and scolded. Liang Yi''s mouth twitched: "Your taste... is very unique!" "That''s because you don''t understand appreciation!" Song Wujie pouted: "What''s the situation in the mountains?" "Without the deterrent of the Cold Moon Toad, Exotic Beasts are continuously migrating towards Peng Yue Mountain," Liang Yi said with a grave expression. "How did the Upper Court respond?" Song Wujie asked, frowning. "The Sect Master and the sage from White Tower clashed, and both are currently missing. The Upper Court can only hold its ground, not daring to act rashly." "We cannot expect effective reinforcement," Liang Yi said with an ugly expression. After pondering for a long time, Song Wujie narrowed his eyes: "Send people into the mountain, scatter them before they form into groups." "The hunting teams are already doing that, but the effectiveness..." Liang Yi shook his head. Song Wujie glanced at Liang Yi: "Force all disciples from the Lower Courtyard to enter the mountain in batches, clear the Exotic Beasts in every direction without dead angles." Liang Yi''s expression changed: "The disciples from the Lower Courtyard lack strength, such an arrangement might result in significant casualties." "There will be even greater casualties once the Exotic Beasts form groups," Song Wujie said calmly. "If they are destined to die, then let them die with a bit more value." ... Two days later, under the wooden corridor. A square table was filled with dishes. Roasted, boiled, cold mixed C there were four large plates of just Exotic Beast Meat. Shang Huan cradled a bone from an unknown Exotic Beast, sucking the marrow. "Peng Yue Mountain lacks everything but Exotic Beast Meat." "Eating meat here is much cheaper than at Tongtian Square." Upon hearing this, Old Hao shook his head and sighed: "I would rather that they could be a bit more expensive." "There are always Exotic Beasts charging at the Yellow Bud Rice Fields in the middle of the night." "Look at these dark circles under my eyes." "I haven''t slept for two days straight!" Old Hao put down his chopsticks, his face filled with sorrow: "You don''t understand, Old Li was just taking a..." "He just dozed off, and then ten acres were completely ravaged by the Exotic Beasts," Chen Mu interjected calmly. "Ah, right..." Old Hao nodded vigorously. Shang Huan''s face also showed a hint of melancholy: "Farming in the wilderness is really tough." "So you''re eyeing my Bewildering Miasma again?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. I''ve barely used it for two days! Chapter 259 Kidnapping Selling Bewildering Divine Miasma was out of the question. Even if it were to be sold, it would have to be through Lu Zhishen. Chen Mu''s identity was that of an ordinary small-time farmer. Besides, Bewildering Divine Miasma wasn''t user-friendly. If the concentration was high, it could easily knock a farmer off their feet. If too low, not even the white-striped black rats would succumb. Having crisply dismissed Shang Huan, Chen Mu tidied up the messy cups and plates while lost in thought. "This is a good opportunity," he mused. The farmers of the Lower Courtyard needed something to help them fight against the Exotic Beasts. Figuring it out could lead to a big profit. "What a pity..." Chen Mu shook his head, discarding the thought. The pressing matter was to resolve the bottleneck in cultivating the Illusion Breaking Technique. "The Administrative Affairs Institute and the Inspection Courtyard also have a good number of disciples at the Perceptive Spirit Light stage," he squinted his eyes contemplatively. ... Ten miles below Peng Yue Mountain. A dense forest had been cleared to make an open space. A bonfire blazed at the center, crackling and popping. "The leader''s surname is Zheng, originally a Team Leader of a ten-man squad in the Inspection Courtyard," said Wu Ruo calmly, sitting beside the fire. "His cultivation level is Perceptive Spirit Light." "He has a total of fifteen people under him, only five of whom have achieved Spirit and Soul Unification and mastered the Jade Seed Secret Techniques." "They have hunted five Exotic Beasts so far, with total gains ranging from four to five hundred White Jade Coins." Xu Rao followed with a calm voice, "The baited prey has already been sent over." "It was a wild boar from nearby that ''accidentally'' fell into their trap, quite naturally. The drug is also hidden well enough to avoid detection." Lu Ku nodded with a smile, "Very good." "Let''s eat first. After the meal, we''ll make our move." The others nodded silently. Suddenly, Ai Ji sitting by the bonfire spoke up, "Gongsun Sheng hasn''t paid attention to us in what, half a year?" "Nearly half a year without contact, it''s possible that something unexpected has happened," Yu Lin said hesitantly. "Or he may have left Jilong Road," Wu Ruo said with a smile, clearly in a good mood. Experience more tales on empire "Or he''s staying in the Lower Courtyard by the Tongtian River, fishing in troubled waters," Xu Rao narrowed his eyes. "Do you think there''s a possibility that he''s dead!" Ai Ji chuckled maliciously. The other five were taken aback. "Half a year, you know. If he were still alive, it wouldn''t be hard for him to just glance our way, right?" "It feels like they''re scoping out victims to kidnap just like bandits," he muttered. "This is professionalism at its finest," Chen Mu couldn''t help shaking his head. This group of people was always up to no good, either causing trouble for others or on their way to do so. Chen Mu wouldn''t have contacted them if he hadn''t been in need of a reliable source of information. "Better reduce contact in the future," Chen Mu resolved secretly. It''s said that one takes on the color of one''s company; he was a good man and couldn''t let them lead him astray. Pulling out a piece of paper from a stack of white sheets, Chen Mu''s face showed satisfaction: "Liang Cheng, regular habits, diligent at work, simple-natured and timid, simple social relations, a truly honest person." "He''s the one!" ... Liang Cheng was not tall and had a thin body. Even after undergoing Shape Cultivation, he still did not possess a strong physique. Due to his introverted and simple nature, he was often bullied by his peers when he was young. Fortunately, he had an open mind. He would avoid confrontations if possible, keep out of trouble, and be kind to others, all the while studying hard in secret. The day he succeeded in practicing Spiritual Light, those who had bullied him in the past one by one became kindwell, they had no choice but to be kind. Because he was reserved and looked easy to bully, his current colleagues would still pick on him. Yet, he did not take it to heart; it was just a rerun of the previous years. He still avoided trouble, continued to be kind to others, and persevered in his training in secret. When the day came for him to master Illusion Breaking Technique, the expressions on his colleagues'' faces would surely be priceless. Of course, first, he had to get past today''s challenge. Liang Cheng was restrained by an invisible force in midair. A voice appeared abruptly behind him. "Liang Cheng?" Chen Mu altered his voice and spoke indifferently. He was dressed in black, with a white mask on his face, and swirling black mist surrounding his body. He had also adjusted his body shape and posture to appear like a cold, indifferent killer. In a moment, he would drop a couple of seemingly calm but actually crazy hard lines, fearing that this simple and timid fellow would not comply. "There''s a loose brick near the east wall; you can take it out. All my White Jade Coins are inside." "My primary job in the Administrative Affairs Institute is document registration. Basic information about disciples from the Lower Courtyard is mostly in my head." "You don''t have to tell me who you''re looking for, just tell me which sections, and I will write down all the information I know." "I''m somewhat ostracized in the Administrative Affairs Institute, so I don''t know much about Director Song." "However, the one who has been in charge of Cold Moon Pond recently has always been Liang Yi, the Minor Supervision Court. The fact that the Director''s injuries haven''t healed seems to be true." "And please, rest assured. Since a moment ago, I have kept my eyes closed and will definitely not see any information about you." Chen Mu: "..." Is he this cooperative? Is the life of a kidnapper this easy now? Chapter 260 Illusion Breaking ``` "Who is your master?" Chen Mu asked calmly. "I''m of mediocre talent, I don''t have a master," Liang Cheng said honestly. No master? "Who is instructing you in your cultivation?" "This time it''s Mr. Zhuang Fu," Liang Cheng replied. "This time?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "I had just broken through to Perceptive Spirit Light and went to the Scripture Transmission Institute for guidance," Liang Cheng explained. "The main speaker that time was Mr. Xin Yi." Private tutoring classes that charge a fee at the Scripture Transmission Institute? Chen Mu suddenly realized. In the private classes, it seems no one teaches how to cultivate the Perceptive Illusion Breaking, right? He had inquired about this during his previous visit to the Scripture Transmission Institute. "So, the cultivation materials for after achieving the Perceptive state are only open to true disciples of the Lower Courtyard?" Chen Mu suddenly had an epiphany. He couldn''t help but look up at Liang Cheng, who was half-suspended in mid-air. This guy seems to have just bought a class from Zhuang Fu... ... The next day. Beneath Cold Moon Pond, Scripture Transmission Institute. In a two-story wooden building built against the mountain. "The key to cultivating during the Illusion Breaking stage lies in condensing the Primordial Talisman and connecting the abstract with the concrete." "Only then can one draw upon the Earth Spirit Vitality to enter the Jade Seed, merging Essence, Qi, and Spirit into Three Elements Unification and cultivating mana." "While cultivating, one must have a heart of valiant progress, hesitation is a major taboo in cultivation..." Dressed in white, Zhuang Fu sat cross-legged behind a long, low table, speaking fluently. Seven people of various ages and attire sat on the straw mats in front of the table, listening intently with respect. Chen Mu, wearing Liang Cheng''s face, listened just as carefully and attentively. "Not as insightful as my understanding; the Scripture Transmission Institute is just so-so." "Liang Cheng''s hundred-plus White Jade is wasted." He mocked inwardly but appeared enchanted on the surface. And from time to time, he feigned sudden enlightenment along with the others. After a good while, Zhuang Fu finally finished the scheduled lesson and moved on to the Q&A session. Patiently waiting for the others to finish their questions, Chen Mu then carefully asked in Liang Cheng''s voice and tone. "Mr. Zhuang, when cultivating the Illusion Breaking Technique, I faintly feel a sense of addiction, is this normal?" "You''re making quick progress," Zhuang Fu raised his eyebrow. Chen Mu gave a shy smile, saying nothing. "What did I just say? The Illusion Breaking stage requires valiant progress, just listen to me, and keep cultivating with ease," Zhuang Fu said with a smile. You just taught less than what I know, and you want me to be at ease listening to you? "What should one do if they are so addicted that they cannot extricate themselves?" Chen Mu asked with a hesitant face. "Is it as if a moment''s distraction makes time pass very long?" Zhuang Fu asked, smiling back. "Twelfth place, it can''t be any lower than this." ... In Yiyou District, at Chen Mu''s wooden hut. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu was awakened by the growling of his stomach. "Can hunger really wake someone up?" Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He really couldn''t afford to be unconscious for such a long time. "The experience provided by the Grey Wall is indeed reliable." After some struggle, Chen Mu found that he actually didn''t need to do anything special, he just needed to cultivate step by step. "At least it wasn''t a wasted effort, now I know that hunger is one of the conditions to wake myself up," Chen Mu shrugged. And then there was that instinctual fear. "To penetrate illusion, must I also see through this fear?" Chen Mu had some clarity. Without overcoming this fear, it was indeed possible to make no further progress! He had tested it. As long as he overcame the fear and focused intently on the black sphere at the center of the Jade Seed, he could earn more experience. ... Half a month later, in the underground secret chamber. Chen Mu''s eyes were shut tight, his face showing a struggle. In his mind, he stared at the black sphere, striving to overcome the innate fear. At a certain moment, he felt a pull coming from inside the sphere. His consciousness was drawn in, continuously descending. The Jade Seed grew larger and larger before his eyes, he approached it, penetrated it, entered, and then whooshhe was actually sucked into the middle of the black sphere. The very next moment, Chen Mu abruptly opened his eyes. Streams of silver threads, like swirling mist, weaved around his body. "Spiritual Vitality?!" He looked up to survey his surroundings. "Passing through the black sphere, consciousness returns to the body. To connect the virtual with the real, is it to connect the space where the brain is located with the body in the real world?" He glanced at the panel subconsciously. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: Maximum; "I did it." He immediately closed his eyes again. His consciousness returned to the space of the brain, and his view shifted back to an aerial perspective. In the center of the Jade Seed, the black sphere seemed unchanged. But on closer inspection, it appeared as if it was nailed in the void, becoming one with the Jade Seed. Solid, eternal, forever... Around the black sphere within the Jade Seed, there were now several glistening spheres of white light. Looking closely, they were clusters of nodes entangled like balls of yarn. "Divine Will Talisman?!" Chen Mu looked at the grey fog that still lingered all around. The points of light that had shone through the fog were now nowhere to be seen. Chapter 261 Lying Flat The next day, in the morning. Chen Mu went about his usual routine of tending to the Yellow Bud Rice fields. Around ten o''clock, he returned to the wooden porch and settled into the rocking chair to drink tea. His hands held a wooden teacup, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused as he pondered the Illusion Breaking Technique. "The body and the Jade Seed exist in two separate worlds." "One is the tangible world that we can see and touch." "The other can only be observed through the perception of consciousnessa virtual world." "And the purpose of the Black Orb Talisman is to bridge these two worlds, both virtual and real!" The understanding brought by Proficiency gave him a deeper insight into the Perceptive Illusion Breaking phase. "So the Divine Will Talismans of the Secret Technique Dharma Curses are not in the mist but in the body on the other side of the mist." His previous observations of the Divine Will Talismans were as if looking through frosted glass, and this feeling was not incorrect. Chen Mu had an epiphany. The mana cultivated from the Spirit Armor Technique resided in the space between his eyebrows, within the body. He was able to initiate Dharma Curses like the Five Ghosts Possession because the Divine Will Talismans were originally within the body too. Now that the Divine Will Talisman had been absorbed into the Jade Seed... "The Dharma Curses won''t become unusable, right?!" "Five Ghosts Possession Technique!" Chen Mu quickly activated his most powerful secret technique. Accompanied by the turning of his thoughts. Inside the Jade Seed, the Divine Will Talisman belonging to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was instantly pulled into the Black Orb Talisman. The next moment. His body inflated as if filled with air, morphing into a two and a half meter tall burly man in the blink of an eye. His skin turned indigo, his muscles bulged and rippled, and silver light swirled at his brow. Feeling the constant onslaught on his consciousness, his voracious desire to consume and destroy remained nearly unchanged. Chen Mu quickly canceled the Five Ghosts Possession Technique and couldn''t help but heave a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, thank goodness..." Without this trump card, he wouldn''t be able to sleep at ease. Next, Chen Mu tested various Secret Technique Talismans such as the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, United Heart Curse, Fire Cloud Curse, Void Cloak Technique, and Sand Containing Technique by pulling them into the Primordial Talisman one by one, experimenting with the changes and having a great time doing so. ... For three consecutive days, he didn''t practice anything. Every day after tidying up the Yellow Bud Rice, he''d return to the wooden porch, collapse into the rocking chair to enjoy the breeze and tea, and when mealtime came, he''d busily experiment with new dishes. With Fifth Rank culinary skills, his sense of taste became increasingly sharp, and he discovered many more methods to prepare ingredients. The declining price of Exotic Beast Meat from Peng Yue Mountain allowed him to attempt various recipes without worry. If it tasted bad, it went to the Five Ghosts Bag; if it was delicious, he kept it for himself. After loafing around for a couple of days, Chen Mu picked up the Fire Cloud Curse again. And that Daoist Cultivation. Contribution to the Dao? Does it mean making contributions to Jilong Road? "That Secret Technique must be expensive, right?" "Tsk tsk... it''s not just expensive, it''s very expensive." Shang Huan said with eyes shining, "It''s said to cost over a hundred Red Jade Money!" Red Jade? The kind that''s worth a thousand White Jade Coins each? Hiss... so damn expensive! Can''t afford it, can''t afford it. I better just keep my head down for a few years before considering it. ... "This Insect Repellent Incense of yours works pretty well." Shang Huan, having lain down for a while, noticed the spiral incense hanging under the eaves and his eyes lit up. "I''ll give you the formula later," Chen Mu said nonchalantly, knowing that this fatso was trying to get something from him again. But for those who do Planting in the Lower Courtyard, who doesn''t have some insect repellent formula? Even if made, nobody buys. "That''s a deal then!" Shang Huan''s eyes sparkled. "Is this thing really profitable?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "Not on the mountain, of course." Shang Huan chuckled, "But out in the wild, powerful Insect Repellent Incense becomes very useful." "Those wealthy guys in the hunting teams, they don''t care about spending a piece or two of White Jade Money just to be more comfortable in the wilderness." That actually made sense. Chen Mu nodded involuntarily. Just like in his previous life. Those players who loved going outdoors wouldn''t blink an eye when spending money on equipment. "Alright then, I''ll modify the process and formula for you later to cater to the outdoor environment." Having an extra source of income was certainly good. ... Time passed. Perhaps because the Earth Spirit Element at Cold Moon Pond was abundant, Yellow Bud Rice grew very quickly. Although they missed the optimal Planting time, in just over a month, it had already shot up to a person''s height. The once barren and bald Peng Yue Mountain, due to logging and mountain-clearing, suddenly donned a layer of green foliage. Chen Mu sat under the wooden shed, retracting his gaze from inspecting the Yellow Bud Rice. He looked at a piece of Jade Slip in his hand, lost in thought. This item was his gain from the chaotic night at the Tongtian River Lower Courtyard. The original owner was a sharp-mouthed, monkey-cheeked disciple from Zhongshan Path. The Jade Slip recorded the method to create a Magic Artifact, the "Wood Spirit Boy," used for surveillance and alerting. "The cost isn''t high." "If it can be made to help guard the fields..." Chen Mu felt this was doable. After all, it''s over a hundred Red Jade. Although he needed to keep a low profile for a few years, it was time to start slowly saving up. Chapter 262 Founding the Mountain The Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road was generally stable. "But we can''t let our guard down," Chen Mu warned himself. He pondered, waiting another year, and then revealing his Spiritual Light Cultivation in the Administrative Affairs Institute around this time next year. "I still need to make a few trips to the Daoist training grounds as a cover." A disguise was still necessary. "It can be said that I achieved the Jade Seed before I joined the Lower Courtyard." "And indeed I didn''t purchase the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method from the Scripture Transmission Institute." "This way, the logic holds up." Four years to attain Spiritual Light, although still somewhat conspicuous, was not unheard of. "Hmm, I''ll send Lu Ku first when the time comes," Chen Mu''s lips curled up slightly. Two people breaking through to the Spiritual Light is better than one. "Then, after enduring for another two to three years, go and buy a few private lessons at the Scripture Transmission Institute, and advancing to the Illusion Breaking stage will follow naturally." Lying low for three to four years... actually seems quite alright. Back in Da Liang, he had planned to spend forty years cultivating his spirit. "Old Hao is in his sixties or seventies and still talks about his youth all the time." "I''m only twenty-five, no rush." First, join Jilong Road step by step. At the same time, slowly save money and accumulate Daoist cultivation. By planning carefully and taking it slow, I will eventually get my hands on the Condensing Aperture Technique. ... The sun rose and set, and time flowed on. The weather on Peng Yue Mountain became increasingly hot. For unknown reasons, the Lower Courtyard by the Tongtian River was like spring all year round. Peng Yue Mountain was different. Having just been developed, everything was in its infancy. The prohibitions or Magic Artifacts that affected the weather had not been set up yet. In the underground secret chamber. Chen Mu placed the Soul-Calming Stake against the wall. The originally stuffy space suddenly became cool. Chen Mu closed his eyes, his consciousness immersed in the Jade Seed. Enjoy more content from empire "Looking at the Secret Technique Talisman in the space of the Jade Seed, it really is more intuitive," Chen Mu said as he inspected the Talisman for the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, continuously zooming in and enhancing the view. He then saw thread-like specks arranged in a mysterious structure, stably clustered together. Streaks of light raced through them like lightning. "All thanks to the Primordial Talisman linking the ethereal and the real." Before, obscured by fog, one couldn''t see so comprehensively and in detail. As he contemplated the talisman, a strand of luminescent white thread floated by beside the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "It turns out that the actual basis of the Secret Technique Talisman is Mana." Chen Mu understood. Before, he could only rely on Curse Commands to passively gather talismans. But now things had improved. The Illusion Breaking Talisman acted as a medium, allowing the Earth Spirit Vital Energy to pass between the ethereal and the real realms, automatically entering the Jade Seed Mud Pill. In this process, the physical body, consciousness spirit, and Vital EnergyThree Elements Unificationnaturally cultivated Mana. Chen Mu watched the strands of fluorescent white threads within the Jade Seed. Hiss! It was like a branding iron pressed on pigskin. Chen Mu felt a heat in his right index finger. Thump! The pitch-black little wooden horse was suddenly sent flying by an invisible force. Chen Mu opened his eyes and, looking at the shattered little black horse outside the wooden corridor, shook his head and sighed. "As expected, it failed." The talisman belonging to the Wood Spirit Boy had vanished from his mind. "A one-time use?" Chen Mu sneered. To use it again, he would have to refine it once more. Although somewhat annoyed, he wasn''t too bothered. This failure in crafting had given him an overall understanding of how to craft magic artifacts. "Let''s try again!" ... Just as he was determined to finish the Wood Spirit Boy in one go, a familiar stranger suddenly appeared. "Is this Chen Mu, Brother Chen, in person?" Liang Cheng held a name list and spoke with a gentle face. Chen Mu: "..." Exposed? In his mind, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse immediately burrowed into the Black Orb Talisman. Liang Cheng shivered suddenly, feeling as if someone was staring at him fiercely. "The Oversight Courtyard issued a mountain opening order yesterday." "In three days, all disciples from the Lower Courtyard are to take part in the mountain opening." "During the mountain opening, wages will be doubled." "If injured, the Lower Courtyard will compensate tenfold." "But one cannot be absent or lazy. Violators will be directly expelled from the Lower Courtyard!" Not discovered? Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned again. Another mountain opening? The land South of the Mountain wasn''t even properly cultivated yet, and now they had to continue opening mountains? "Do you know if there''s a deadline for the mountain opening?" Chen Mu looked troubled and habitually passed a piece of White Jade to the other party: "The Yellow Bud Rice is in a critical growth phase and needs care." Liang Cheng smiled shyly, deftly pocketing the White Jade Coins into his sleeve. "I''m afraid it won''t be a short time," Liang Cheng sighed. He had been asked this question countless times before. As he squeezed the White Jade Money in his sleeve, Liang Cheng thought for a moment and then offered a suggestion. "This mountain opening is mainly to methodically clear the Exotic Beasts beneath Peng Yue Mountain." "If you have money, it''s best to buy two Spiritual Light Talismans to keep on you." A danger? Chen Mu''s brow furrowed at once. This was not good news. Chapter 263 Unexpected Wealth Thump! A large tree, thick enough to require five or six people to encircle it with their arms, fell straight to the ground. An elderly man with greying hair and a hunched back approached the fallen tree. His body trembled, as if a gust of wind could knock him over. The old man stooped to squat slightly. Pff! With one thrust, the old man''s right hand penetrated the trunk. The tree, which had grown for hundreds of years, was as soft as tofu. Then, with an understated motion, he lifted the tree single-handedly above his head and walked eastward. About five hundred meters to the east, a pile of wood had accumulated into a small hill. Reaching the pile of wood, the old man casually tossed it. The massive trunk, seven or eight meters in length, carrying its enormous crown, whooshed through the air and landed neatly onto the five-meter-high wood stack at the top with a swish. Ignoring the people who were trimming the treetop with a door-sized chopping knife, the old man, still hunched over and trembling, moved towards another fallen tree. Tch, tch... Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head.No?v(el)B\\jnn I''ve judged by appearances again. In his past life, if a driver happened to hit such a fragile old man, the driver would be devastated, because the person would be finished. But if the old man happened to be from the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, the driver would still be devastated, because the accident could be fatalfor the driver. The driver would be doomed! Chen Mu had joined the reclamation team nearly a month ago. He grabbed the door-sized chopping knife with his right hand and casually swung it at the base of a tree. Swish! The trunk, with a diameter of a meter, was easily chopped through. "Why don''t you join the hunting team?" Old Hao casually stuck the large knife into the ground and took out a pipe from his waist to light it. "I wish I could. Unfortunately, my strength isn''t up to par. I wasn''t selected," Chen Mu replied with a look of regret. "Then why don''t you give some gifts to the team leader?" Old Hao chided with a look of disappointment. Why would I give him gifts if he hasn''t offended me in any way? "All my money went to buying secret techniques, I''m broke," Chen Mu sighed, feigning distress. "It''s for the best that you didn''t go. With your level of strength, it would be quite dangerous," Old Hao consoled. "I also feel it''s dangerous," Chen Mu agreed with a nod. The leader is only at the Perceptive Spirit Light realm. If we provoke a powerful Exotic Beast that can''t be subdued, wouldn''t that be very dangerous? "Deep within the mountains, the Exotic Beasts are many and strong. Just a couple of days ago, an Exotic Beast broke through our encirclement, causing over a dozen deaths and injuries," Old Hao lamented, knocking the finished ash from his pipe with a reflective expression. "At least our work, while less rewarding, is safe and stable." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. Unfortunately, while it''s stable, I can''t properly grind for experience. With many people in the reclamation team, doing anything feels uncomfortable. ... "It''s your share of the Insect Repellent Incense profits." Shang Huan''s face glowed with joy. "This much?!" Chen Mu was shocked to see the jar full of White Jade Coins. There had to be at least four or five hundred! "You don''t understand, do you? It''s these everyday consumables that really make money!" Shang Huan said with pride. "There won''t be any trouble, will there?" Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. This much money could attract envy... "Who would dare to trouble Master Mo''s brother?" Shang Huan raised an eyebrow and chuckled. What does that mean? Chen Mu was baffled. "I''ve kept twenty percent of the profits for Master Mo. I''ll send it to him in a few days." Chen Mu suddenly realized. Waving a tiger''s skin, hoisting a big flag. With Mo Wuzhou''s Illusion Breaking Cultivation, the identity of an elder disciple of the Upper Court, and the close relationship with Liang Yi from the Minor Supervision Court. There truly weren''t many in the Lower Courtyard who would dare to provoke him. "What if Master Mo troubles you?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. Shang Huan''s act first and report later approach couldn''t guarantee that Mo Wuzhou had no other intentions. After all, wealth moves hearts! "Master Mo is a man who values relationships. He definitely won''t trouble me." Shang Huan said nonchalantly. A man who values relationships? "I trust Master Mo," Chen Mu said calmly as he handed the pottery jar to Shang Huan. "But what if Master Mo happens to be short of money?" Chen Mu hinted subtly. If Mo Wuzhou really wanted more profits, Shang Huan would have no way to refuse. "If Master Mo is really short of money, I''ll just give it to him. Don''t worry, I still have some assets." Shang Huan pushed the pottery jar back with a grin. "Giving away your own savings? That generous?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. It seemed the rotund man had considered the worst-case scenario. "After all, it''s your medicine recipe. Even if there''s a problem, we can''t let you earn nothing, right?" Shang Huan shrugged. Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at the rotund man, "If that happens, won''t you have been busy for nothing?" "Money can always be made," Shang Huan said unconcernedly. "Besides, things aren''t as pessimistic as you think." Suddenly, he chuckled slyly, looking like the cat that got the cream. "Do you know who helped me make the Insect Repellent Incense?" Did these people have some special significance? "On the surface, they''re just ordinary disciples of the Lower Courtyard." "But, they''re all old acquaintances of Master Mo!" "The better they know Master Mo, the more money I give them." "What do you think Master Mo will do when he learns of this arrangement? Would he really disdainfully take advantage through crafty means?" Shang Huan leaned in close to Chen Mu, whispering in a cunning tone. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with mixed emotions. Using someone else''s reputation to intimidate others into doing business. And getting all their friends and family on board, roped together with him on this shady venture. You''re not afraid Mo Wuzhou will kill you for this! Chapter 264 Wood Spirit Boy After seeing Shang Huan off, Chen Mu tidied up the pots and pans, finished his washing up, and then crawled into the tent. Inside the tent, the ground was covered with dry straw, on top of which lay a simple bed made from bedding and pillows. Chen Mu sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. The Illusion Breaking Talisman was activated, and strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy were drawn in, passing through the skin, through the Primordial Talisman, piercing the barrier between reality and illusion, entering the Jade Seed space, and naturally achieving the Three Elements Unification to transform into Mana. During the period of clearing the land and cutting trees, Chen Mu worked during the day, and every night he made sure to set aside time to accumulate Mana. At this moment, the Mana within the Jade Seed formed clusters like schools of fish in the ocean. "I wonder when it will be full," Chen Mu sighed as he looked at the Mana occupying one-tenth of the Jade Seed space. "Without the Exquisite Jade Plate to assist, the accumulation of Mana is indeed slow." He complained out of habit. Then immediately he focused his attention and continued to draw in the Earth Spirit Vital Energy from the air. After cultivating for an hour straight, Chen Mu stopped. He fell backward, half-reclining on the soft bedding, stretching his legs out and resting his spirit mindlessly. "I wonder when the reclamation will finally be over." Due to Cold Moon Pond, there was Earth Spirit Vital Energy around Peng Yue Mountain. But the concentration was about the same as at the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River. It was fine for growing Yellow Bud Rice, but far from sufficient for condensing Mana. And the further away from Peng Yue Mountain, the lower the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy became. "Could it be that Exotic Beasts are also chasing Mana, which is why they keep converging towards Peng Yue Mountain?" Chen Mu guessed, which was the reason for this reclamation and Exotic Beast hunting expedition. Unlike Jilong Road, which had measures to block Exotic Beasts. Here, one could only rely on manpower to kill them in advance. ... After mulling over the Mana cultivation for a while, Chen Mu put it aside for the moment. Black smoke filled his hands, and a little black wooden horse emerged. He summoned the gray wall. Artifact Refining (Wood Spirit Boy): 6539/10000; He had seen and used many Magic Artifacts. But this was the first time he had seen a method of refining them, and he was quite interested. It was all in one piece, with no moving joints, alternating its front and back legs to bounce off the ground clumsily but swiftly disappearing into the trees. In the camp, inside the tent. Chen Mu''s eyes were closed. The Wood Spirit Talisman within the Jade Seed shone brightly, and a low-angle view appeared in Chen Mu''s mind. Having long been accustomed to the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, he easily accepted this external viewpoint and effortlessly manipulated it. "A remote-controlled moveable surveillance device?" Chen Mu realized. "Just don''t know how far the control range is." Likely not beyond that of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. So far, he hadn''t tested the limit of the Five Ghosts Soul Summoning. But in this wilderness, it was more than enough for scouting and guarding. "During logging and hunting Exotic Beasts, without good scouting methods, accidents are likely to happen, causing injury or death." "With the Wood Spirit Boy''s assistance, scouting and guarding would become much safer and simpler," Chen Mu''s mouth curled into a smile. "Such a good item, selling it for a hundred White Jade wouldn''t be too much, right?" The cost? Centuries-old Wood Hearts were everywhere, what cost to worry about? The medicine for treating the Wood Heart? One vat of medical solution could process thirty to fifty little wooden horses, and the total value wasn''t more than five White Jade Coins. "If I could sell hundreds, even thousands... Sheesh!" The money to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method wasn''t that hard to gather after all, hehe! "Too bad..." After indulging in this fantasy for a while, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh. The profit was visible to the naked eye, but he dared not sell in large quantitiesit was too dangerous! If only Shang Huan could strike up an association with Mo Wuzhou... that was something to consider! A thought struck Chen Mu. Even if he gave up half the profits, he would still be making a fortune. "Mo Wuzhou seems to be saving up money, too." The other party also needed to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. This could actually work! "Go and find Shang Huan." With that thought, Chen Mu controlled the little black horse and headed straight for Shang Huan''s location. Chapter 265 Danger "Meet with Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu kept his voice calm and gentle, yet the tone carried a hint of bone-chilling amusement. Shang Huan felt a chill in his heart and obediently replied, "Yes!" "Because of the Insect Repellent Incense?" Chen Mu continued, his voice still gentle. Shang Huan''s scalp tightened, "Yes!" How did Gongsun Sheng become so... clear...? "Curious how I know so clearly?" Chen Mu suddenly spoke with a playful tone. Shang Huan''s body stiffened on the spot. Chen Mu silently controlled the United Heart Rope to activate mutual sensation. Hum! Enjoy new chapters from empire A weird, heavy feeling suddenly emerged in Shang Huan''s mind. It felt as if someone had suddenly climbed onto his back, and that person was now looking down at him with a pair of eyes. "Hehe..." Chen Mu chuckled lightly. Shang Huan''s sweat poured down like rain. United Heart Gu?! I knew there''s no such thing as a free lunch. No wonder the seven brothers of Wu Mountain were so well-behaved. Turns out this thing not only greatly increases the host''s strength but also completely surrenders oneself to another person. Someone who can control your life at will and monitor everything you see and hear through the United Heart Gu. This... Realizing that his every move might have been under Gongsun Sheng''s surveillance, Shang Huan''s sweat poured down like rain! The times I secretly cursed him as a pervert... won''t be discovered, will they?! Damn it! ... Seeing Shang Huan''s pale face and his tense body, Chen Mu was satisfied and withdrew the United Heart Curse. This should ensure that the fat man no longer doubted my identity. Not many people know the details of the incident with the Insect Repellent Incense. I can''t let this fat man make any connection to me. Glancing at the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector lying on the ground, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. Wealth can seduce hearts; such greedy people are everywhere. And this is just Insect Repellent Incense. If it was the more profitable Wood Spirit Boy... it won''t be easy. Black smoke swirled, and the body of the dead Wu Lie on the ground was suddenly swallowed up by the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Lost in his thoughts, Shang Huan''s heart clenched, and he suddenly snapped back to reality. Looking up, he saw a palm-sized scroll floating in front of him out of thin air. Clatter clatter... A series of strange noises followed, as a small black wooden horse hopped in front of him. The little black horse had a white spot on its brow, eerily calm like an eye, staring at him. "You''re going to see Mo Wuzhou? It just so happens I have a good deal to offer him." "Wood Spirit Boy, a Magic Artifact scout, one hundred White Jade Coins each." "Tell Mo Wuzhou, I''ll give him a twenty-percent profit, I want to borrow his reputation for a bit." Chen Mu watched Shang Huan calmly. "You can do it, can''t you?" Do what, my ass! What if it draws covetous eyes? What then? This action was, after all, somewhat risky. But thinking about the exorbitant price of the Condensing Aperture Technique, Chen Mu knew he had to plan early. "Hmm, maybe I can sell less." "If I only sell ten or eight, it won''t attract too much trouble." ... The second pioneer squad of Yiyou District. Chen Mu, in a gray short robe and with a yellow gourd hung at his waist, carried a door-sized Chopping Knife in his right hand. With a wave of his hand, whoosh, he chopped down a large tree. He didn''t rush to find Shang Huan and didn''t use the United Heart Rope to connect; honestly, he just stayed with the pioneer team cutting trees. Not far from him, Old Hao leaned against a fallen tree, skilfully slacking off. Next to him, two or three other elders also leaned against tree trunks, smoking and chatting at their leisure. Old Hao exhaled a puff of white smoke and waved to Chen Mu, "Xiao Mu, come take a break. Let the bugs nibble on the grass, then we''ll continue working." Chen Mu, easy-going as ever, shouldered his door-sized Chopping Knife and joined them. When it came to cutting trees and pioneering, Peng Yue Mountain did not set a clear target. As long as there was daily progress, it was fine. This group of old pros naturally did the bare minimum. After all, no matter how fast and how much you chopped, Peng Yue Mountain just paid that fixed monthly salary. If you wanted to earn more, you had to venture forth, but that money was not easily earned. Chen Mu approached the group, nodded a greeting, and leaned against the tree trunk to rest. He untied the yellow gourd from around his waist. Giving the others a glance, he sneakily teleported chilled tea from the Five Ghosts Bag, which had been chilled by the Soul-Calming Stake, into the gourd while no one was looking. After taking a pleasant sip of the refreshing tea, Chen Mu''s attention was caught by the conversation of the group. "I heard there''s another fatality," an old man with white-speckled hair said with a frown as he fanned himself with a door-sized knife. "Exotic Beasts aren''t so easy to kill. It''s quite normal for people to die," countered another tall, lean elder. "But haven''t you noticed? More people have been dying recently," the white-speckled old man said worriedly. "With dozens of miles cleared, I reckon most of the nearby Exotic Beasts should have been killed, right?" Old Hao puffed on his cigarette. "It''s said that without the deterrence of the Cold Moon Toad, Exotic Beasts from far away are swarming here." "We might be facing a beast tide," the muscular elder whispered. "Aren''t you thinking too much?" another retorted. "Hard to say..." "A beast tide?" Chen Mu''s expression abruptly changed. He couldn''t help but think of his time at the Lower Courtyard beneath Tongtian River. Back then, a beast tide had also surged against the Lower Courtyard. The danger was no small matter. Hummm... A low buzzing interrupted Chen Mu''s reflections. A swarm of gray insects, like a tidal wave, surged across the ground. Everything they passed was eaten to the ground. Low shrubs, tall weeds, and twining vines were all munched and chewed up. The dense forest, previously choked by thick undergrowth, now felt spacious, leaving only towering trees reaching into the sky. Chen Mu took another sip of the tea and secured the yellow gourd at his waist. "I need to make some preparations." Chapter 266 Return to the Mountain ``` Peng Yue Mountain, Cold Moon Pond. On both sides of the Cold Pond, Twin Peaks Mountain had been hollowed out into hive-like caves. One of the caves at the lowest level, closest to the Cold Pond. Mo Wuzhou sat cross-legged on a soft couch, with two wooden boxes placed on a low table in front of him. He reached into the left-hand box and pulled out a circular Jade Disk. With the disk cradled in his right hand, he slowly closed his eyes. Hiss hiss hiss... A series of sounds, like acid corroding material, began to echo. Within the white disk, silver-grey threads rapidly grew, spreading throughout the jade like lightning tearing through the sky, swift and decisive. Hum! A low vibration emanated from the jade. Mo Wuzhou opened his eyes and nodded in satisfaction, "The thirty-second one." "It''s a pity it still needs to be nurtured in an Earth Vein." Mo Wuzhou looked toward the right-hand wooden box. Inside were seventy or eighty White Jade Coins. Unlike regular White Jade Coins, the silver threads inside these circular white jades were a silvery-grey color, making them appear somewhat dull. Only after being placed in an Earth Vein to absorb enough Earth Spirit Vital Energy, lighting up all the silvery thread stars, would they become real White Jade Coins. "What a pity only one-fifth of them are mine." Mo Wuzhou sighed. I''m short of money! "Over twenty a day, just over seven thousand a year." "It wouldn''t be enough even in ten years!" The Condensing Aperture Technique is simply too expensive. "I wonder when I can return to the Upper Court." He had barely begun his apprenticeship, not having had the chance to learn his master''s alchemy skills, when he was sent down to the Lower Courtyard. Immediately afterwards, the Zhongshan Path invasion happened. The Upper Court was sealed, the Lower Courtyard scattered. Luckily he had learned the Golden Bead Talisman, enabling him to refine White Jade Coins, otherwise he could only risk adventuring in the mountains and forests. "Hopefully, Sect Master Dong Li returns soon." Just as he thought to continue refining White Jade Coins, he suddenly remembered an earlier notification about an old acquaintance visiting. Mo Wuzhou''s face was expressionless, but inside he felt a touch of irritation, "Since when do I have so many old acquaintances!" Ever since he became adept in Spiritual Light and returned to the Lower Courtyard, he seemed to have gotten many ''old friends'' out of nowhere. "Forget it, let''s see who it is." With a sigh, Mo Wuzhou got up and walked back. ... Beneath Cold Moon Pond, above Cold Moon Lodge. A two-story wooden residential area had been built alongside the mountain amidst the trees. In one of the wooden buildings, on the first floor of the living room. Mo Wuzhou sat at the head of the table, his face stiff and expressionless, but his eyes full of surprise, "These two hundred White Jade, you''re really just giving them to me?" "You didn''t use my name for anything bad, did you?" Suspicion flashed in his eyes. Two hundred White Jade. He had been nestled in Cold Moon Pond refining White Jade Coins, only earning five to six hundred a month. "It''s Gongsun Sheng, isn''t it?" Mo Wuzhou narrowed his eyes at Shang Huan. The insect repellent incense is one thing, a mere common pharmaceutical fabrication. But the Wood Spirit Boy is a Magic Artifact. How can someone without mana craft a Magic Artifact? Having dealt with Shang Huan and possessing mana, Gongsun Sheng was the first person he thought of. "Yes," Shang Huan didn''t intend to hide it. "Mr. Gongsun wants to use your name to sell the Wood Spirit Boy, offering you a twenty percent share of the profits." "Twenty percent of the profits?" Mo Wuzhou snorted coldly. "Do you know the cost of creating a Wood Spirit Boy?" Shang Huan looked blank. He really didn''t know. "You don''t know, I don''t knowonly Gongsun Sheng knows." "And yet, twenty percent of the profits." "If he says the profits are only ten White Jade Coins, is twenty percent a lot?" Mo Wuzhou retorted. "I''m okay with using my name, but I want to negotiate with him personally," Mo Wuzhou snorted coldly. Think you can deceive me? No chance! Without satisfying my price, don''t even think about using my name! ... At night, under the moonlit sky. In the dense forest, a whirlwind suddenly swept through. A mass of dark clouds soared into the air, penetrated the half-space, and vanished abruptly. Chen Mu clutched the glider''s control bar, his body shrouded in invisible swirling black smoke. Breaking through the faint mist above the forest and dragging a roaring current, he flew rapidly toward Peng Yue Mountain. In Yiyou District. Chen Mu descended from the sky, retracted his glider, and glanced at the overgrown, yellowing leaves of the Yellow Bud Rice fields, shaking his head. "What a waste..." This season''s Yellow Bud Rice won''t yield much of a harvest now. He was about to command the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to clean up when he suddenly stopped. "Can''t become a target." After more than a month away, the floor of his wooden hut was covered with a thin layer of dust. The musty, moldy smell filled his nostrils. The black smoke billowed, rapidly cleaning the room. Chen Mu then lifted a corner of the floorboard and dove into the secret chamber below. ... An hour later, in the secret chamber. Chen Mu opened his eyes. Switching to the perspective of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, he checked on the condition of the team clearing the wilds. Apart from two night watchers dozing by the campfire, everything was normal. Looking again at his mana, which had increased by nearly a tenth, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. This was much faster than cultivating in the wilderness. No wonder everyone flocked to the Upper Court training groundsthe high concentration of Earth Spirit Element truly accelerated cultivation. "Even considering the consumption, it will take at most half a month to fill the Jade Seed," Chen Mu calculated briefly and immediately felt elated. "Time to sleep, time to sleep!" "I still have to get up early for work tomorrow!" Chapter 267 Negotiation For three consecutive days. Chen Mu slackened off chopping trees by day, and at night, he flew back to Peng Yue Mountain to sleep and cultivate. After dinner in the evening, Chen Mu burrowed into his tent early. "I''ve transmigrated, yet I still have to keep to a work schedule? This is really..." Arriving at five in the morning, leaving at nine at night with no days off, this was even tougher than the life of a salaried worker in his previous life! "Forget it, it''ll be fine once the wasteland is developed," sighed Chen Mu. He did actually desire to be a wild cultivator unfettered by restrictions. But being a wild cultivator meant not only were you unlikely to find a secret technique inheritance, but it was also dangerous. Glancing at his mana that was filled up more than halfway with jade seeds, Chen Mu felt a little joy in his heart. Though flying back and forth every day was troublesome and depleted his mana, being able to use the Exquisite Jade Plate unrestrainedly, and quickly condense mana, made it well worth the trouble. It also allowed him to avoid the danger of exotic beast attacks at night. "So it''s just commuting, right? Didn''t I do the same in my previous life?" "Besides, now I''m commuting by ''plane''. Such treatment, tsk tsk..." "The key is, I can also increase my proficiency," Chen Mu chuckled to himself as he looked at the grey wall in front of him. Manipulation: 2036/10000/First Rank; Since joining the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, his skill in manipulation had barely improved. Now, flying back and forth to commute actually gave him time to grind experience. "It''s just a bit costly in white jade." Since accumulating mana with the Exquisite Jade Plate, the speed at which white jade coins were being consumed had increased! "I wonder how Shang Huan''s negotiations are going?" Chen Mu invoked the United Heart Rope to feel for Shang Huan''s presence and contacted him. Soon after, he came back to his senses. "Dissatisfied with the profits, and wants to negotiate with me personally?" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. The cost of producing Wood Spirit Boys was low. The tree core could be found almost anywhere, and the spiritual pulp wouldn''t cost more than a few white jade coins. It was really just the Wood Spirit Talisman and the refining technique that were worth a bit of money. So by these calculations, a twenty percent profit margin on a Wood Spirit Boy was nearly equivalent to nineteen white jade coins! Merely for lending his name, and yet still unsatisfied?! Greed! Too greedy! Old Hao had said Mo Wuzhou was a decent person, but how come when it comes to me, he''s like... The problem was, it was hard for Chen Mu to refuse. Discover hidden stories at empire Now that Mo Wuzhou was aware of the Wood Spirit Boys, even if Chen Mu chose not to sell, Mo Wuzhou might coerce him to do so. He might even take things into his own hands and attempt to seize the refining secret formula! Chen Mu couldn''t help but squint his eyes. "Condensing Aperture Secret Method..." If it wasn''t for the need to buy the Condensing Aperture Technique, he wouldn''t have even thought of saving money. But now he had drawn big trouble onto himself without even knowing exactly what the Condensing Aperture Technique was. "All I wanted was to save up some white jade." "It would have been fine to just live in peace." Is there really such good fortune?! Chen Mu suddenly looked up, staring at Mo Wuzhou. "What? You think it''s too much? Let me tell you, it''s not too much at all!" "Don''t think I don''t know how much your costs are! I understand artifact refining," Mo Wuzhou said confidently, raising his head. You know nothing about artifact refining! Twelve White Jade Coins aren''t even as good as a twenty percent profit! Chen Mu looked oddly at Mo Wuzhou. Could this guy be a fool to actually reduce his own asking price? "Don''t try to fool me with your talk of a twenty percent profit! I want twelve White Jade Coins!" Sure, sure, whatever you say. Chen Mu was inwardly overjoyed. But he couldn''t just readily agree, so he calmly watched the other party without speaking. Under the moonlight, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a sound that filled the air. The atmosphere became somewhat tense. Mo Wuzhou unconsciously clenched his hands behind his back. This gloomy fellow, he wouldn''t actually resort to violence, would he?! Is twelve White Jade Coins perhaps too high a demand? That Magic Artifact was indeed exquisite. The cost couldn''t be less than fifty White Jade Coins. I''m asking for twelve White Jade Coins straight off the bat, maybe... I should lower it a bit more? "Deal!" Chen Mu said with a feigned grimness. Mo Wuzhou instantly relaxed, thankful the deal was done. Lucky I held back from lowering the price, otherwise, I would have suffered a big loss! Looks like... I do have some talent for business, huh? Ha ha... Glancing at Chen Mu, who remained silent and exuded a somber aura, Mo Wuzhou felt a bit guilty. "Am I being too greedy?" "It''s all for the sake of the Condense Aperture Secret Method, sigh..." After mumbling to himself for a while, feeling bad, he hesitantly spoke up, "How about this, I''ll talk to Liang from the Minor Supervision Court." "See if I can get the court to fund and buy a batch for the pioneering teams?" "He''s told me before that eradicating Exotic Beasts is of utmost importance." "Wood Spirit Boys are beneficial for pioneering and hunting; perhaps he''ll be tempted." Mo Wuzhou said uncertainly. An internal purchasing channel? If the hundreds of pioneering teams are all equipped with Wood Spirit Boys... Must not laugh! Absolutely cannot laugh! Those twelve White Jade Coins are unbelievably well spent! He almost loses his grim expression! "You get in touch with Shang Huan. He''ll act as the intermediary," Chen Mu said, softening his gaze slightly, though his tone remained colder than before. After speaking, he turned and walked away. He feared that if he stayed any longer, he would not be able to withhold his laughter. Old Hao is right! This Brother Mo''s character is indeed top-notch! Ha ha... Chapter 270 268 100 Night. Underground Secret Chamber, along with a deep Curse Command, blue flames flickered ceaselessly. After a good while, Chen Mu stopped practicing. Fire Cloud Curse: 9930/10000/First Rank; "Pioneering hunts really hold things up." Ever since he left the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, he was either traveling or clearing land, greatly slowing down his experience grinding progress. Experience more on empire During the day when there were many people around, he could only mutter the United Heart Curse a few times for amusement. Only at night did he have a bit of free time, but he also had to condense his Mana. "There''s really no good solution," Chen Mu sighed after thinking for a long time. Even revealing his Illusion Breaking Cultivation was useless. Those who faced Exotic Beasts at the very front were those Lower Courtyard disciples with Illusion Breaking Cultivation. "Everyone''s in the same boat, endure it for a few years." He wouldn''t get the Condense Aperture Secret Method in the short term, so there was no need to rush into taking risks. "First, get the Secret Technique at hand to the top." "Then pick a few more suitable Secret Techniques to increase survival methods." "Take advantage of the years of turmoil to see if I can save up a bit more money." Peng Yue Mountain was newly established, lacking everything, and with the right eye for discovery, one could always make money. Just like this time with the Wood Spirit Boy. "Can''t get carried away, need to consider safety more," Chen Mu warned himself. On his journey, he had seen far too many incidents of murder for wealth. "It''s a good thing Mo Wuzhou doesn''t know my identity." Each time, he appeared as Gongsun Sheng. His height, weight, face shape, and attire would all be altered. "One is a mysteriously powerful Illusion Breaking expert." "The other is an utterly ordinary Lower Courtyard farmer." "Ordinary people would never associate the two." Even if the identity of Gongsun Sheng attracted trouble, the identity of Chen Mu would remain absolutely safe. ... Three days later, the second pioneering squad in Yiyou District. Chen Mu, Old Hao, and others were leaning in a row against the tree trunks. Some chatted, some smoked, all leisurely watched a few people carrying big clay jars, driving waves of gray worms to sweep the path ahead. Chen Mu reached out to pick up a yellow-skinned gourd, took a sip of cool tea, and the stuffy heat brought by the dense forest began to ease. In his mind, he habitually recited the United Heart Curse. Inside the Jade Seed, the talisman of the United Heart Curse flickered with a faint light, and the Mana drifting around as if receiving orders, quickly surged to its perimeter. Gathering, condensing, linking, twisting. The already complex talisman was suddenly adorned with a few more offshoots. Chen Mu was accustomed to this phenomenon. These offshoots were part of the United Heart Curse talisman, and with each practice session, they could be completed. But due to insufficient Proficiency, they would soon start to disperse on their own. However, they wouldn''t vanish completely, with each session leaving behind something, like the experience progression that he gained every time, making the talisman more and more perfect. A sudden insight emerged in his heart. Chen Mu''s heart stirred, and he glanced subconsciously at the grey wall. The materials were fairly common, so their value as strategic reserves wasn''t that high. Hmm... Directly selling the attracting Spiritual Pulp? After pondering, he shook his head again, "There are risks." Selling attracting Spiritual Pulp is like selling gasoline, involving a huge supply chain that can''t be operated efficiently with too few people. Yet, with too many people involved, things get complicated and troublesome. He simply wanted to make a tidy sum of quick, trouble-free profit. "Let''s go meet Shang Huan," Chen Mu decided without further deliberation. In three days'' time, there should be some news from Mo Wuzhou. ... "One hundred?" "The first batch?" In the dense forest outside the campsite of the Yiyou District''s fourth reclamation team. Chen Mu struggled to control his emotions, to keep his voice as calm and gentle as it always sounded. But... One hundred Wood Spirit Boysthat was ten thousand pieces of White Jade! Even after deducting the costs and the shares for Mo Wuzhou and Shang Huan, there were still over eight thousand pieces of White Jade! One deal, nearly one-tenth of the Condense Aperture Secret Method''s earnings?! And this was only the first batch. There were definitely more than a hundred reclamation teams! This... If only there were a Red Sleeve Square here! "Indeed," Chen Mu''s voice was as placid as water. With a wave of his right hand, five Wood Spirit Boys appeared on the ground. "Four for Mo Wuzhou to examine the goods." "One for you to keep for scouting." "Tell me, this business won''t encounter any glitches, right?" Chen Mu asked with a meaningful tone. To establish the persona of Gongsun Sheng, he had intentionally adjusted his inflection. To make his words sound gentle yet tinged with a creepiness that sent shivers down one''s spine. The effect was exceptional! At that moment, Shang Huan stiffened. His eyes darted around, and soon after, he trembled as he assured, "Please, Mr. Gongsun, rest assured, I will execute your plan to the letter!" "I won''t cause you any trouble!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. It seemed the chubby man had understood his intent. Finish the order quickly and cleanly, make a quick profit, and then get out. Making money without any trouble C how wonderful. He nodded slowly at Shang Huan and continued with that unsettlingly mild voice as he took his leave. He then drifted away amidst swirling black smoke. He still had materials to prepare. One hundred Wood Spirit Boys. The wood hearts he had prepared earlier were hardly enough. ``` Chapter 271 269 energy-consuming ``` Enjoy more content from empire Shang Huan stood in the dense forest, his small eyes fixated on the five Wood Spirit Boys on the ground. He immediately pulled out a palm-sized scroll from his sleeve. He skimmed over the awkward Curse Words and carefully read the detailed introduction that followed. "To be used continuously for three days, one must soak them in Spiritual Pulp?" "Even if used sparingly, five days is the limit." "If you want the horse to run, you must feed the horse, right?" "Spiritual Pulp!" Shang Huan trembled with excitement. "No wonder Mr. Gongsun agreed to Mo Wuzhou''s extortion." "So that was his plan!" Shang Huan''s eyes shone with excitement. Mo Wuzhou was greedy and shrewd, but in the end, Mr. Gongsun was still one step ahead! Having bought the Wood Spirit Boys, one would need to come and buy Spiritual Pulp to use them! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! No, I must quickly stockpile a batch of Spiritual Pulp. A hundred Wood Spirit Boys, how much Spiritual Pulp would that require?! I''m going to be rich! Haha... ... A kite tore through the night sky, heading straight for Peng Yue Mountain. In the Yiyou District, within the Underground Secret Chamber below Chen Mu''s residence. "First, cultivate Mana." He took out the Exquisite Jade Plate and placed White Jade Coins into it. Wisps of fog-like Earth Spirit Vital Energy began to appear in mid-air. "Amazing." He had assumed that the Earth Spirit Vital Energy would emanate from within the Exquisite Jade Plate. But in reality, Earth Spirit Vital Energy appeared abruptly from the surrounding space. "I need to gather information about the Exquisite Jade Plate in the future. This item, I suspect it has quite a history." An Hour later, Chen Mu opened his eyes. It lacked only about one-tenth before the Jade Seed would be completely filled. "It''s a pity, this goal, I estimate, will take quite a long time to reach." He was about to mass-produce Wood Spirit Boys, which would definitely consume Mana, making it difficult to fill the Jade Seed. With a thought, a small-armed-length heart of wood flew in from across the wall. There, neatly stacked against the wall, were more than a hundred similar pieces of wood. He called up the gray wall and looked at the Artifact Refining Technique entry. Artifact Refining Technique (Wood Spirit Boy): 7629/10000; His understanding of refining Wood Spirit Boys had far surpassed that of ordinary people. He was also becoming increasingly familiar with the control required to infuse Talismans into the wooden horse bodies. "But without reaching the limit, there will inevitably be mistakes, and who knows how much wood will be wasted." The heart of the wood varied, and differences in their processing could accumulate little by little, causing him to make errors during refining. Hiss Hiss Hiss... Bang! Bang! Wood shavings flew in all directions. Another jet-black wooden horse exploded into pieces. Chen Mu scratched his head in annoyance. The small wooden horse had a hard spot on its leg. He applied too much force during the Talisman''s insertion process, losing balance, and the whole wooden horse shattered. "So close," he said. Busy all night, after refining ten times in a row, he only managed to make one. "The Success Rate is cause for concern." At this rate, when will he ever complete the order? Seeing a large sum of money right before his eyes, yet unable to deliver the goods and get paid. He glanced at the experience marked on the grey wall. Artifact Refining Technique (Wood Spirit Boy): 7829/10000; "Keep grinding," he muttered to himself. A series of explosive shattering sounds immediately filled the Secret Chamber. ... For three consecutive days, Chen Mu played hooky and chopped trees by day. By night, he returned to Peng Yue Mountain''s Secret Chamber, where after exhausting his mana, he would tirelessly grind the Artifact Refining Technique experience. That day, a fine drizzle began to fall around Peng Yue Mountain. The pioneer team stayed put. The Second Pioneer Squad in the Yiyou District. The group chopped down thick tree trunks and inserted them side by side into the soft, muddy soil, then laid out some freshly split wooden planks to create a platform elevated a meter and a half above the ground. Tents were pitched on the temporary wooden platforms. As the sky darkened and the drizzle persisted, everyone lounged at the tent entrances, chatting leisurely. "Little Mu, you haven''t been bitten by any poisonous bugs, have you?" Old Hao asked with furrowed brows and worry. "What''s wrong?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "Go find a puddle and take a look at your face?" Chen Mu was perplexed. He reached out of his single-person tent and with one hand carved out a hole the size of a face on a wooden stake. The pit quickly filled with rainwater. Chen Mu peered into it. "So pale," he observed. He had already used the Five Ghosts'' viewpoint to check as soon as Old Hao finished speaking. "Artifact Refining takes a bit out of you," he admitted. His body was robust, his appetite hearty, but his spirits were sapped. "A minor mishap in practice, no big deal," Chen Mu said with a smile, trying to gloss over it. "You can''t afford to be impatient for success," Old Hao exhorted, puffing out a cloud of white smoke. "Alright," Chen Mu agreed with a smile. Indeed, he couldn''t rush things. If his foundation got damaged due to Artifact Refining and affected his path, that would be a serious loss. "These eight thousand White Jade Coins are not easy to earn," Chen Mu sighed. Chapter 272 270 Two days later, the Underground Secret Chamber. Bang! Yet another pitch-black wooden horse exploded into pieces in front of Chen Mu. "Headache!" Chen Mu furrowed his brows tightly and pressed his temples forcefully with both hands. He really had a headache. "Can''t train anymore today." He feared his brain would burst. Black smoke filled the air, clearing the cluttered Underground Secret Chamber. He didn''t stay in the Secret Chamber any longer. He sprang to the surface, arriving at the long porch in front of the wooden house, collapsing into a rocking chair, clutching a cup of Spirit Nourishing Medicine Tea, his eyes lifelessly staring at the stars, his whole being exuding laziness. It was already around two or three in the morning, and other than the occasional chirping of insects and birds, all around Peng Yue Mountain was tranquil. "I considered it too simply," Chen Mu sighed. For five consecutive days, he had only managed to make eleven Wood Spirit Boys. This had already caused him headaches to the point of unbearable pain. "I''m not a determined protagonist with great resentment. Why struggle so hard?" "If I could make this money, I would be happy." "If I can''t make it, there''s no need to get upset." Chen Mu comforted himself. "Whatever amount I can do, that''s what I''ll sell. Just this little ability, nothing I can do about it!" Chen Mu drank a big gulp of medicine tea in resignation, just two words, give up! In his previous life, he was a Buddhist office worker; how about being a flat fish in this life? This is called staying true to one''s original aspiration! "But... several thousand White Jade Coins, oh man..." ... The second pioneering team in Yiyou District. "Xiao Mu, isn''t your injury healed yet?" Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu curiously. "Illness comes on like a landslide, but goes away slowly like pulling silk. If it''s bad, it may take a month or two to recover," Chen Mu sighed. Even though he had reduced the intensity of Artifact Refining Technique practice, he still had to use a large amount of spirit each day. "No wonder there are so few people who practice Artifact Refining and Alchemy." It''s not just because the inheritance is secretive and precious. Ordinary people can''t manage it either. "How about I give you a secret recipe to try?" Old Hao passed Chen Mu a piece of paper. "Thank you so much," Chen Mu smiled and accepted with thanks. Hmm... this was the third secret recipe he had received. It wasn''t that he had good social skills, but purely because the Fifth Rank cooking was too wonderful. As for the effectiveness of the secret recipes... heh. He effortlessly chopped down a big tree and counted its annual rings to confirm that it only had an eighty-two-year life span, Chen Mu sneered and ignored it. He then took down the yellow gourd and, leaning on the Chopping Knife, stood beside the large tree to slack off. After swallowing the cool Spirit Nourishing Tea, his spirit slightly lifted, and Chen Mu habitually recited the United Heart Curse in his mind. Hum! Suddenly, a cool current rushed into his brain. The irritability in his brain caused by the high-intensity Artifact Refining, as if scorched by flames, was instantly quenched. Inside his head, it was as if the buzzing sound of the air conditioner''s fan had suddenly stopped. "I''m on my way," Lu Ku said with a smile, stepping forward to check the handgrip of the two men, making sure both were ready. "Start!" Crack! The large stump, over a meter in diameter, could not withstand the force of the two men and suddenly snapped in the middle. Whir! A layer of faint white light instantly enveloped the stump. The wood that was about to shatter suddenly became hard. Lu Ku withdrew his fingers, smilingly said, "My referee fee of one White Jade Coin wasn''t taken in vain, right?" "Ha-ha! Watch me!" Ai Ji laughed heartily as his right hand was suddenly covered with black Soul Strength rings. A quarter of an hour later. Bang! Ai Ji slammed Xu Rao''s right arm fiercely onto the stump. "Victory!" Ai Ji laughed once again. Ignoring Xu Rao''s gloomy face, he urged the others, "Quick, quick, come on..." Two quarters of an hour later. Ai Ji successfully eliminated Yu Lin and faced the rested Shi Xian. "Are you sure you want to compete against me?" Ai Ji said, full of pride: "Didn''t you see that even the big guy, Yu Lin, was put down by me?" Shi Xian was expressionless, his voice cold: "What if you fart?" It''s you who farts! Ai Ji dumbfoundedly stared at Shi Xian: "What nonsense are you talking about? What does arm-wrestling have to do with farting?!" Your adventure continues at empire "You''ve been building up your strength, what if you can''t hold it in and fart, your strength might leak, and maybe I''d win," Shi Xian seriously explained. "Even if I fart, my strength won''t leak!" Ai Ji glared at Shi Xian with annoyance. "Come on then, these eighty White Jade Coins are going to be mine!" Half a quarter of an hour later. Bang! Ai Ji looked dumbfounded at his right hand pressed on the stump. He looked up in shock at Shi Xian: "You..." "Did you really fart?" Shi Xian withdrew his hand with disdain. Ai Ji''s face suddenly flushed red. "You didn''t get diarrhea, did you?" Shi Xian''s eyes bulged round. Ai Ji, veins bulging with anger in his neck, was about to curse when suddenly he collapsed to the ground with a thump. The others couldn''t help but exchange glances. Such a temper! That''s not possible... "Something''s wrong!" Lu Ku suddenly came over to Ai Ji. In panic, Ai Ji weakly said, "I just felt so weak all over. I swear I didn''t have diarrhea!" The next moment, an unnoticeable sensation suddenly emerged in everyone''s minds. It was as if someone was gently brushing the bottom of their feet with a feather. Soft, slightly ticklish. "Gongsun Sheng!" Lu Ku''s expression suddenly darkened. Chapter 273 Completed five days later. in the same dense forest, in the same underground secret chamber, chen mu watched shang huan and mo wuzhou complete the trade with five ghosts moving mountain. he then commanded the five ghosts yin spirit to drill out of the wooden box and fly into the sky. "finally got it done," chen mu let out a long sigh of relief. once shang huan had isolated the risks, he could go get the huge payment. "making artifacts is really profitable," chen mu felt the joy of having a unique skill. "alchemy probably isn''t bad either," chen mu pondered. he still had an alchemy furnace in his hands. "i should find some alchemy methods when i get a chance." ... five or six miles away from the trading location. mo wuzhou wordlessly watched the black smokescreen fly away. "why is he still hiding in the box?" mo wuzhou glared at shang huan. "i''ve seen this trick last time already!" i want to know too. shang huan just smiled and said nothing. "i get it," mo wuzhou rolled his eyes. "if the trade didn''t go well, you planned to destroy this batch of wood spirit boys, right?" so that''s it! shang huan still smiled without speaking. "the final payment, take a look." bang! a wooden box the size of a computer tower case smashed onto the square cargo box. shang huan skillfully picked it up to weigh it, chanted a curse, and put it into his left wrist''s mustard seed talisman. then, under mo wuzhou''s puzzled gaze, he chanted the mustard seed talisman''s curse command again. bang! a half-human-tall wooden frame appeared between the two men. the wood frame was divided into five layers, stuffed full with bamboo tubes as long as a forearm and as thick as a fist. "one hundred portions of spiritual pulp as a gift," shang huan smiled beamingly. he also pointed to a pile of papers covered in small characters on the top of the wood frame. "instructions for use, please make sure to distribute them to every user of the wood spirit boy." mo wuzhou, out of curiosity, picked up a paper to inspect. the beginning explained the wood spirit boy curse command. followed by the method and precautions for using spiritual pulp. the end listed the names of several dozen people. "these people?" mo wuzhou looked puzzled at shang huan. "merchants. they''re merchants selling spiritual pulp," shang huan smiled beamingly. they were also the merchants selling insect repellent incense. any disciple from the lower courtyard, as soon as they see this list, would know where to find these people. "earning money through commerce really is a matter of knowledge," mo wuzhou sighed. just thinking about connecting with those dozens of people made his head ache. i better stick to refining my white jade coins. a look of strangeness crossed chen mu''s face. wood spirit boy?! good grief, so in the end, it''s my fault? "who knows which son of a turtle came up with this damn magic artifact," muttered an old man with a white beard and a red nose, unable to refrain himself. "for just that little bit of money, what''s the rush!" chen mu''s eyes narrowed to slits, his gaze subtly shifting toward the man. "if i find out who that son of a turtle... ay, ouch!" the red-nosed old man exclaimed, leaping three meters high with his hand on his backside! "old yang! you didn''t clear them out properly! the venomous bugs are crawling up my crotch!" but old yang just laughed heartily, "then you better strip and let us have a look, eh!" the others joined in with loud laughter. it wasn''t the first time something like this had happened. the forest was so vast, it was inevitable that one or two venomous ants would be missed. those creatures bit painfully. hidden in the crowd, chen mu felt that he couldn''t waste everyone''s enthusiasm. so he gathered qi forbidden hundred miles into a needle and pricked! ouch! ouch! oi ow ow ow... ... in one corner of the bingchen district''s third development team camp. "are you saying that wood spirit boy is a creation of mr. gongsun?" lu ku glanced at ai ji, understanding the situation. "yes," shang huan replied, feeling that the atmosphere was a bit odd. "you want us to help you sell the spiritual pulp; is this mr. gongsun''s idea?" lu ku asked with a smile. "this is my idea," shang huan said, with a big smile plastered on his face. "but this is mr. gongsun''s business." "i need trustworthy people to help me." "and naturally, i thought of you all, brothers, and sisters," shang huan said cheerfully. he was looking for a reliable group to scout the area when he made deliveries, to keep watch for him, to prevent falling into traps or being followed. the wu mountain seven brothers came to his mind first. like him, each of them had a united heart gu in their bodies. their lives and deaths were in mr. gongsun''s hands; what better helpers could there be?! ai ji, already frustrated with recent events, couldn''t help but start ranting when he heard this plump fellow daring to take liberties with their patron: "your idea? you..." "what you said, we agree!" lu ku interjected, cutting off ai ji. "we can help!" shang huan was overjoyed. explore hidden tales at empire "don''t worry, mr. gongsun is very generous and will not let everyone work for nothing." "just look at me. if the payment were too low, would i care so much, right?" he could sense their dissatisfaction. but with their lives in mr. gongsun''s hands, what difference did their discontent make? add to that a high reward. they might be dissatisfied now, but later on, they might even be more eager than he was. lu ku smiled genially, "please notify us in advance when you need us." "we also have our own work to handle." "so..." "lu brother is straightforward!" shang huan clasped his hands in salute, his face beaming with happiness: "advance notice is no problem!" "thank you, all my brothers and sisters!" Chapter 274 Perfection "do we really have to deal with gongsun sheng?" yu lin voiced his concerns. lu ku squinted his eyes towards the direction where shang huan had vanished. explore hidden tales at empire "not for now, but this is an opportunity." "it''s an opportunity for us to further our understanding of gongsun sheng." everyone fell silent. "once we decide to make a move, the more we know now, the greater our chances of winning will be," said lu ku in a soft voice. ... thirty li to the north of peng yue mountain, beside a pond as big as a basketball court. plop plop... a little black wooden horse, with springs beneath its hooves it seemed. its front and hind legs taking turns hitting the ground, it clumsily yet rapidly circled the pond. boom! the surface of the pond suddenly exploded. a blood-red shadow shot towards the wooden horse but was deftly dodged by the little horse. the red shadow unwillingly contracted back into the pond. the next moment, an even larger splash erupted. a red-skinned toad as tall as a basketball hoop abruptly leaped out of the pond. splat! the red shadow appeared again, this time as the toad''s blood-red tongue. a tree thick enough to be embraced by three or four people was pierced through by the toad''s tongue, almost hitting the hopping wooden horse behind it. suddenly, the sky went dark. a mass of black arrows rained down from the sky abruptly. pupupu... the toad, with red skin and brown nodules all over its body, was instantly turned into a sieve. croak! the toad let out a thunderous roar, and the trees within a five-meter radius were shattered by the shockwave. the little wooden horse was also blown away by the powerful wind. the next moment, the red-skinned toad could no longer resist its injuries and lay trembling on the ground. soon it ceased to breathe completely. plop plop... the little black horse hopped around the red-skinned toad several times before being picked up by a large hand. "with this thing, investigating exotic beasts is indeed much simpler," said zhang jin in a complex tone as he looked at wood spirit boy before him. with this, their plan to lure exotic beasts was bound to undergo an unexpected change. "a monthly rent of twenty white jade pieces, the administrative affairs institute really knows how to make a good deal!" zhang jin snorted coldly. he immediately furrowed his brow. the administrative affairs institute plans to start renting and will probably hoard a batch of wood spirit boys. individual buyers will likely find it difficult to purchase. "looking for that artifact refiner through wood spirit boy, not so easy now." zhang jin pulled out a folded square piece of paper from his sleeve. unfolding it, he ignored the indigo cloud patterns at the corners, disregarded the curse commands and introductions at the front, and looked at the list of more than thirty names at the bottom. "drawing spiritual pulp, this might also be a direction," zhang jing, staring silently at the corpse of the red-skinned toad, said to himself. "giant spirit divine? a charged blow with immense power? this is not bad either!" ... two days later. chen mu was in the underground secret chamber, conflicted about which secret technique to choose. a slight vibration suddenly came from the united heart rope above him. "shang huan?" why would this fatty contact me out of the blue? it couldn''t be that there''s an issue with my payment! he immediately initiated sympathetic resonance. ... inside the fourth pioneering team''s camp in the yiyou district, shang huan sat cross-legged in his tent. an illuminating algal crystal lamp, the size of a fist, hung from the top of the tent. "mr. gongsun!" shang huan called out cautiously. "speak!" a flat voice suddenly resounded in his mind. the voice reached straight to the core, abrupt and direct, startling shang huan so much that he couldn''t help but shiver. "elder brother mo sent me a message saying that the lower courtyard wants another batch of wood spirit boys." chen mu was mildly surprised; they wanted a second batch so soon? thinking of the accelerated pace of land development these past few days, chen mu was somewhat relieved. it seems the wood spirit boys really are effective against exotic beasts. "how many?" asked chen mu calmly. "two hundred!" shang huan said excitedly. that many?! two hundred wood spirit boys? that''s a profit of 16,000 white jade! chen mu trembled with excitement. don''t panic! stay composed! he struggled to suppress his fluctuating emotions, trying to sound as calm and breezy as possible, "understood." and then he quickly severed the sympathetic connection. shang huan opened his mouth but sighed helplessly. he had also wanted to report on the reserve situation of the spiritual pulp. "mr. gongsun really has great composure," shang huan thought admiringly. spending four to five thousand white jade without even a question! "should i stock up on more?" shang huan contemplated eagerly. after all, with the increasing number of wood spirit boys, the consumption of spiritual pulp would visibly grow. ... in the underground secret chamber, it took chen mu quite some time to regain his composure, his eyes slightly glazed. if this deal went through, his assets would soar to over 24,000 white jade! that''s almost one-fourth of what''s needed for the condensing aperture technique! but when he thought about the torment of consuming his spirit while refining artifacts, chen mu couldn''t help but look distressed. "two hundred, eh!" "dear power banks, you''d better give me some strength!" Chapter 275 Plunder the moon reached its zenith. twenty li to the south of peng yue mountain, within a strip of dense forest purposely left intact by a reclamation group. a skinny old man with a grey robe and a goatee rested against a large tree, eyes closed in meditation. stay updated through empire after a long while, a faint sound of footsteps arose. under the shadowy moonlit trees, a figure wearing a white mask and a black cloak, holding a wooden box in his left hand, approached briskly. the black cloak billowed, and the figure''s eyes were cold and aloof, bearing down like a terrifying giant bat. "did you bring the white jade?" shang huan, behind the mask, lowered his voice and spoke slowly, trying his best to sound calm, indifferent, and oppressive. "here, here!" the old man with the goatee hurriedly took out a bulging cloth bag from his sleeve and tossed it to shang huan. shang huan caught it with his right hand, which was gloved in brown fur, and weighed it. clap! the wooden box slipped from his left hand and landed on his shin. shang huan then turned around to leave, making a swift and decisive exit. ... a quarter of an hour later. twenty-three li southeast of peng yue mountain, in a similar dense forest. shang huan, with the white mask in hand, squinted his small eyes into slits, his face brimming with a fawning smile as he looked at the six siblings of wu mountain. "troubling all the older brothers and sisters!" "this is the last deal!" "after tonight, we can rest for five days." "no trouble," lu ku replied with a smile. he then looked admiringly and asked cautiously, "i didn''t expect mr. gongsun to also refine artifacts. i thought sir was more skilled in alchemy." "sir''s abilities are not for us to speculate," shang huan said with great admiration. i didn''t expect it either. "have you found him, the target is a middle-aged man in his forties with a crooked mouth?" wu ruo, standing by his side, asked as he opened his eyes. "that''s him." shang huan raised his hand to fit the mask onto his face, ready to go and deliver the spiritual pulp. "there seems to be someone behind him, two li away," shi xian said coldly. shang huan, who was just bending over to pick up the box, suddenly stiffened. "are you sure?" lu ku''s eyes narrowed involuntarily. "the wood spirit boy can''t see him," wu ruo said as his eyebrows furrowed. "let''s go!" lu ku''s face became stern. "have the wood spirit boy run in another direction, and we''ll leave here immediately," lu ku instructed wu ruo calmly. without a word, shang huan ran off with the six siblings of wu mountain. his heart couldn''t help but pound with fear. thank goodness... thank goodness i found these helpers, or i would have been in danger tonight! someone is definitely envious of this business! ... the group sprinted away, changing directions multiple times and running for half an hour, until shi xian used the truthful listening secret technique several times to confirm there was no one within ten li. only then did they stop. "thanks to the older brothers and sisters!" said shang huan, still shaken. with a small smile playing on his lips, lu ku waved his hands, "we''re here for this purpose." in front of him, chunks of tree core as long as a forearm and as thick as a bowl''s opening were neatly stacked, filling an entire wall. chen mu took a deep breath, "time to cultivate!" with a scoop and lift, a piece of the tree core flew into his hand. within the jade seed, a small cloud of mana began to churn as a sesame-sized primordial talisman rapidly condensed into form. the moment the talisman materialized, it was pulled into the primordial talisman. the piece of tree core in chen mu''s hands had already become a little wooden horse with a cylindrical body and a cylindrical face. his right index finger pressed on the wooden horse''s forehead. hisss! a flash of silver light disappeared as quickly as it appeared. removing his finger, a teardrop-shaped white spot instantly appeared on the wooden horse''s forehead. as black smoke filled the air, chen mu, unfazed, collected the little wooden horse into his five ghosts bag and then started on the next one. after making six of them, chen mu began to feel irritable. "power bank, it''s your turn now." "seven souls return to origin!" ... in the bingchen district, within the third pioneer team. ai ji lay on the grass, feeling utterly defeated, and stared at the sky listlessly. "ah... two hundred of them!" "when will this ever end!" "based on the last calculations, at most it''s just a month," lu ku said with a smile, trying to console. "it''s only a month, just bear with it and it will pass," xu rao said with a smile at the corner of his mouth. "don''t you feel smug!" ai ji snapped petulantly, "if he wants to speed up the progress, he might end up draining your spirit too!" the others, who were just recently cheerful, suddenly became tense. that could happen! the men exchanged meaningful glances. suddenly, a gentle sensation brushed through their minds. thump! xu rao''s face turned pale, and he couldn''t help but collapse to one side. ai ji was startled at first, but then he burst into laughter, "looks like it''s not just my own bad luck!" "congratulations!" xu rao''s expression immediately darkened like gloomy waters! he shrugged off yu lin holding his arm and struggled to get up, carefully feeling the changes in his body. but suddenly, his eyes bulged, and a chilling killing intent rose abruptly from him. "what''s wrong?" lu ku noticed something was amiss. "my triple yin slaying demon technique is gone!" what did he mean? the men looked at xu rao in confusion. "the secret technique i''ve painstakingly cultivated over many years, the divine will talisman of the triple yin slaying demon technique, just disappeared."" gongsun sheng?! the men suddenly felt a chill run down their spines! the united heart gu could even snatch away secret technique talismans?! had their hard work and cultivation been all for someone else to benefit? "we can''t wait any longer!" xu rao''s expression was as dark as water: "let''s take action!" Chapter 276 Replication "what is this thing?" chen mu curiously looked at the divine will talisman that had appeared in the jade seed. he glanced at the grey walls. a new entry appeared out of nowhere. triple yin slaying demon technique: 9976/10000/second rank; a vast epiphany instantly flooded into his mind. it took a while for chen mu to regain his clarity. "seven souls return to origin can actually snatch the secret technique talisman of a magical weapon?" chen mu was astonished. he glanced again at the triple yin slaying demon technique, which was about to advance, and his lips curled up involuntarily. "this is not just a power bank, it''s an experience pack!" he didn''t act as the wood spirit boy anymore, he scrambled to the surface, piloted the flying kite, and arrived at a dense forest at the foot of the mountain. "triple yin slaying demon!" hum! stay updated with empire eighteen semi-transparent, ghastly green blades of cold light suddenly materialized in front of him. crescent-shaped qi blades formed a blade net, covering a tall tree over ten meters high. schlick! a light sound followed as the blade net tumbled. a thick, sturdy tree instantly got chopped into fist-sized chunks. a human-head-sized rock at the base of the tree was scraped by the blade net and suddenly split in half. "such sharp blade light!" chen mu was startled, then immediately overjoyed. he had been thinking of finding a new secret technique to learn. now, however, he had gotten a nearly second rank perfection offensive killing secret technique for free. how could chen mu be anything but happy? looking at the secret technique about to advance, chen mu''s enthusiasm for grinding experience surged. he released the five ghosts to monitor the surrounding environment. he immediately began to release the triple yin slaying demon technique repeatedly. half an hour later. hum! thirty-six blades of light materialized out of thin air in front of him, forming a blade net two men tall in diameter. the blades roared and tumbled forward. approaching a large rock protruding from the ground and about one person tall, the blade net suddenly contracted. zing, zing, zing... a series of sounds like swords being drawn rang out. the whole rock was instantly sliced up! triple yin slaying demon technique: 6/10000/third rank; "good!" ... three days later. in a dense forest thirty miles southwest of peng yue mountain. "i still need to trouble the brothers and sisters to scout," said shang huan, wearing a black cloak and holding a white mask, his small eyes squinted with a flattering smile. "it''s part of our duty," lu ku said with a smile, looking at shi xian. a pitch-black sphere rapidly expanded from shi xian''s hands, spreading like a light breeze in all directions. after a good while, shi xian opened his eyes. "there''s an ambush." shang huan''s face turned bitter. "looks like we''ll need to change people again." as time passed, the effects of the wood spirit boy became apparent. the complementary spiritual pulp began to attract attention; this was the third ambush discovered tonight. "money moves hearts." lu ku laughed in agreement. "it''s that person from last time. they''ve brought the wood spirit boy with them again," wu ruo suddenly spoke. a dense mass of pitch-black arrows materialized from thin air, piercing the red-skinned toad through. zhang jin''s face was extremely grim. "good! very good!" whizz! another thick swarm of yin sha secret arrows appeared. the already-dead toad was instantly turned into mush! ... outside the camp of the third pioneering team in the bingchen district. "why suddenly stop us?" lu ku looked at xu rao, puzzled. xu rao''s face, usually gloomy, was filled with a strange expression. worry, excitement, gain, and loss. "see for yourself!" he didn''t explain and simply gestured towards a spot not far away. "three yin slaying demon!" whizz! thirty-six qi blades materialized and a rolling blade net surged forward, shattering grass, wood, and stone into bits wherever it passed. "the slaying demon technique has returned." "and i''ve broken through the bottleneck i''ve been stuck at for a year!" "not only did gongsun sheng not plunder your secret technique," yu lin said incredulously, his honest face filled with disbelief: "he actually helped you upgrade?" is there such good luck?! the other five exchanged glances. it seemed that following gongsun sheng was indeed very promising! "this isn''t fair!" ai ji''s eyes bulged round with indignation. "why is it always my spirit that is drained, yet xu rao is upgraded first!" the five others looked at ai ji with a strange expression. such an unlucky fellow... ... in the yiyou district, in front of the long corridor outside chen mu''s wooden house. a rocking chair was placed under the east side window. chen mu slumped in it, leisurely swaying as he gazed at the sky. "wood spirit boy really does make money." "but it''s also truly bothersome!" a power bank could replenish the spirit, but wood spirit boy''s artifact refining technique had reached its peak. although there were still faint insights, he couldn''t see the experience points, which annoyed him. "endure it." "making money, what isn''t difficult?" he switched to the gray wall. looking at the triple yin slaying demon technique still obediently sitting atop it, chen mu nodded in satisfaction. inside the jade seed, a brand-new talisman floated and drifted amidst the smoky mana fog. "still, my own talismans are more pleasing to the eye." the essence of a talisman is mana, and the essence of mana is the three elements unification of vital energy, divine energy, and earth spirit vital energy. plundered talismans, though usable, ultimately bear another''s imprint. if someone else used the seven souls return to origin, they could probably only plunder, like cutting and pasting a file. "but i have a cheat!" chen mu chuckled. the gray wall helped him record the structure of the secret technique talisman. even if the plundered talismans were returned, he could quickly reconstruct them using mana. "like copy and paste." this is the real experience pack! chen mu eagerly stared at the seven bright pearls in the mist outside the jade seed, as if looking at a collection of exquisite blind boxes. although he didn''t know what was inside, there was definitely something, and it was from high-quality blind boxes. "you better cultivate some good secret techniques!" Chapter 277 Discovery twelve days later. chen mu climbed out of the underground secret chamber, his face haggard, and collapsed into the rocking chair without wanting to move. after grueling away for more than twenty days, he had finally finished crafting all two hundred wood spirit boys. "once i deliver this batch of goods, i have to rest for a while no matter what." after a good while, as his spirit slightly recovered, chen mu''s mind finally started to function. "after such a long time, i can go and retrieve the payment from last time." shang huan even came by last night to deliver his share of the insect repellent incense dividends, indicating he hadn''t run into any trouble. the batch of white jade was also very likely to be problem-free. "over eight thousand pieces of white jade!" even the listless chen mu couldn''t help but perk up at the thought. "i wouldn''t be able to spend it all even if i lounged around red sleeve square for a year!" "haha..." ... three days later. a dense forest eighteen miles south of peng yue mountain. a white mask, black cloak, swirls of black smoke all around, two square wooden boxes floating behind. chen mu, disguised in gongsun sheng''s attire, appeared in front of shang huan. "there was no problem with that batch of white jade, right?" chen mu confirmed again. "no problem at all!" shang huan''s face blossomed into a flower-like smile. the materials for attracting spiritual pulp weren''t expensive, and with such a big pile of white jade as base, stockpiling as much as he wanted wasn''t an issue. could there be any problems?! "take me to see it." chen mu suppressed his excitement, calmly said. the most white jade he had ever held was nearly a thousand. now, he was about to take possession of eight thousand, exhilarating! therefore, an excited chen mu, following an equally excited shang huan, arrived at a cellar. the cellar, as large as five or six living rooms, was densely packed with wooden racks filling the underground space. each rack held bamboo tubes as thick as a forearm. the strong scent of medicinal herbs filled the nostrils. chen mu stared dumbfounded at the cellar full of spiritual pulp, shaking with anger. you''re showing me this? i wanted to see the white jade coins! my money, where is it?! what have you done with my money?! if it weren''t for maintaining his persona, chen mu would have thrown off his mask and strangled the fat man on the spot! "this spiritual pulp is just a part of it." "there are five more cellars like this." shang huan said, beaming with pride, expecting praise. chen mu''s eyes moved slightly as he watched shang huan''s fat neck. it took a while to suppress the impulse to kill the man, then in a soft voice, he asked, "how much white jade has been used?" what else could he do? the materials had already been bought and obviously couldn''t be returned. he dared not leave the remaining money with shang huan. what if the fat man mishandled it again? "i spent it all!" shang huan declared with pride: "for the short term, even if others get the spiritual pulp formula, they won''t be able to buy the raw materials!" chen mu: "..." i really might as well strangle you! my eight thousand white jade coins! ... outside the cellar, chen mu took a deep breath. he felt that if he stayed in the cellar one more minute, he was certain to kill shang huan. only when a sliver of moonlight pierced through the sky''s white mist and shone on his face did chen mu finally accept a painful reality. his money was gone! all of it had been changed into spiritual pulp by the fat shang huan, and even the raw materials had been purchased in bulk! all he needed to do was focus on refining artifacts. all troubles would be blocked by the other party. not to mention a half of the profits, giving them seventy percent would be okay! thinking this, chen mu couldn''t help but slightly nod. the smile on zhang jin''s face became even brighter. the atmosphere all at once became much more relaxed. "i heard just now that the task of attracting the spiritual pulp was all handled by this young brother," zhang jin asked curiously, looking at shang huan. shang huan stood carefully behind chen mu, not uttering a word. zhang jin didn''t mind and smiled, "the young brother is cautious enough, but there were still some oversights." "i found that the peddler selling the spiritual pulp was also selling insect repellent incense." "so, i followed the scent of the insect repellent incense and found the place of production, which also led me to notice this young brother," zhang jin chuckled, explaining the reason he appeared here. "in the future, i''ll take care of this matter. with the inspection courtyard backing us, you won''t have to be so nervous." after saying that, he once again looked at chen mu with a smile. "what do you think?" chen mu frowned slightly, thought for a while, and couldn''t help but sigh. it was helpless to be cornered. and indeed, the other party showed a lot of sincerity. "alright then," chen mu felt a bit stifled, but he helplessly nodded. though there would be more constraints, at least he could be safer. "excellent!" zhang jin was overjoyed. "why not let the young brother deliver the goods first?" "you come with me to peng yue mountain, to meet our boss behind the scenes," zhang jin said enthusiastically. "whatever," chen mu shrugged his shoulders, placing the two large wooden boxes beside shang huan. zhang jin''s face brimmed with a smile, "please!" chen mu also wore a smile, "after you!" "well, in that case, i won''t be polite!" zhang jin laughed heartily. "yin sha secret arrow!" whizz! a dense mass of black short arrows suddenly appeared in front of him. whooo... the black crystal-like short arrows pierced through the air, carrying an invisible wave, and abruptly shot towards chen mu. clash! an eerie green qi blade emerged out of nowhere. the sharp blade qi precisely targeted the black arrow tips. in an instant, it rolled over, chopping the pitch-black short arrows into sparkling fragments. "three yin slaying demon!" the blade net surged forward suddenly, pouncing on the rain-like black arrows. ding ding ding... the short arrows shattered, and the qi blades dispersed. boom! a huge wave of air burst forth from the point of collision. shang huan, who had just lifted the two boxes, was immediately toppled by this wave. "you actually want to kill me?" chen mu was astonished. "you''re not being honest either," zhang jin''s face turned grim. "bringing you back would only earn me a small amount of money." "but if i killed you, those two hundred wood spirit boys and countless spiritual pulp would all be my own treasures!" "your own treasures?" chen mu''s expression turned shocked, "you mean to say, others are unaware of my information?" chen mu, beneath the mask, couldn''t help but grin, revealing a row of eerily white teeth. that''s just perfect! read latest chapters at empire ha! ``` enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 278 Yin and Yang "sand shooting shadow!" a low shout. a large black and red spherical object suddenly appeared in front of him. bang! the black sphere burst open, turning into a mass of black sand that rushed toward zhang jin with a roar. zhang jin''s face was indifferent as he lightly uttered, "yang errand." a flash of white light, and a huge spherical object suddenly enveloped zhang jin. the sphere was full of openings, pale in color like withered bone, and when the black sand struck the white bone sphere, it hissed upon contact but failed to damage it, not even in the slightest! just like falling on a smooth glass sphere, the sand slid off the bone sphere and evaporated into thin air within the blink of an eye. chen mu''s face changed. sand shooting shadow was designed to break through spiritual light armor. how could it be completely ineffective against this person''s perforated bone sphere?! "seven souls return to origin!" chen mu shouted loudly, directly drawing two parts of his spirit into his mind. "five ghosts possession technique!" five plumes of black smoke appeared out of nowhere and rushed into chen mu''s body. a massive destructive desire hit his consciousness, but it was firmly suppressed by his strengthened spirit. the five ghosts possession technique seemed to lift some kind of restriction. hum! chen mu''s body suddenly inflated like a balloon and transformed into a three-meter-tall man! boom! a burst of vigorous qi suddenly exploded from his body. his clothes fluttered loudly, and half of the white mask was shattered. his skin was indigo, his muscles knotted and veined, and silver light flowed between his brows. "what a secret technique!" exclaimed zhang jin, astonished. but he quickly regained his indifference. "pity..." "yang cuo!" another light shout. a jet-black crescent blade with no light, half a man''s height, suddenly appeared at his side. woo woo woo... accompanied by the howling of a yin wind. the jet-black moon blade appeared out of thin air to chen mu''s left, silently slashing toward his neck. zing! like a blade slicing through tofu, the spiritual armor and spiritual light barrier were easily breached. the sharp crescent blade almost instantaneously arrived beside chen mu''s neck. even before it touched him, intense pain was already emanating from the skin on the left side of his neck! qi forbidden hundred miles! the black blade paused for a moment before thunderously breaking through the restraint and piercing through chen mu''s neck! "impressive speed," zhang jin remarked, raising an eyebrow. not far away, chen mu, who had been sliced by the black blade, slowly dissipated. five meters behind the original spot, chen mu''s figure reappeared, staring at the black blade with lingering fear. that was close! just a hair''s breadth away! he had almost been done for by the blade just now! he must not allow that black blade to touch him again! he took a deep breath. he didn''t even care as the jet-black moon blade broke through his defenses and stabbed into his back. crackling... experience more content on empire zhang jin''s mana was nearly depleted, and the yang cuo bone sphere finally couldn''t withstand the proximity and shattered into a myriad of glowing particles that vanished. "you can''t kill me!" "i am from the lower courtyard..." bang! before he could finish speaking, chen mu''s indigo fist had already smashed into zhang jin''s right cheek. immediately afterwards, his fists poured down like rain, buzzing like a bee flapping its wings, hammering at the opponent''s head and face. for a long while. the yin cuo blade stuck in chen mu''s back suddenly shrank to the size of a palm, fell to the ground, and clattered against the broken stones. only then did chen mu stop and come back to his senses, feeling an unbearable sharp pain all over his body, and even more so a burning sensation on his back. with a thought, blood on his torn clothes began to coagulate and wounds started to close up. chen mu looked down to find zhang jin was already dead beyond dead. his head had nearly deflated into a piece of skin, resembling a deflated basketball that had been stepped on. crack! a faint sound of a tree branch breaking echoed. chen mu turned his head abruptly. underneath the broken half-mask, his indigo face was filled with a ghastly chill. shang huan, who had just snapped the tree branch, stood frozen on the spot, his face tense with fear as he stared at chen mu. "mr... mr. gongsun..." chen mu finally snapped out of it. he struggled to suppress the destructive desires surging in his mind and released the five ghosts possession. black smoke billowed, and his body shrank. reaching into the black smoke, he pulled out a new mask to cover his face, ignoring the terrified shang huan beside him. with the five ghosts moving mountain, he devoured zhang jin entirely. soon after, black smoke swept all around, gathering up all the blood and torn clothing scattered during the fight. "abandon the underground cellar in this dense forest, and never come back here," chen mu said to shang huan, his voice hoarse. "you continue with the delivery. pretend you never saw anything here." after instructing shang huan, chen mu was engulfed in black smoke and quickly disappeared from sight. ... for five consecutive days, chen mu was honestly clearing land and cutting trees. day and night, he released the five ghosts yin spirits to hide and keep watch in the surroundings. "little mu, do you want to go to the administrative affairs institute to have someone take a look?" old hao approached chen mu, frowning as he looked at chen mu''s swollen face and suggested. "it''s nothing. just a few bug bites while sleeping at night, no big deal," chen mu explained, his swollen, slightly shiny face attempting a smile. he didn''t know what kind of magic artifact that black crescent blade was. the cut locations were healing very slowly. the huge wound on his back, even after using the best golden sore medicine in his possession, wasn''t regenerating flesh quickly. "luckily, it seems there''s no poison." despite the swelling, intense pain, and slow recovery, he was, after all, recovering. "practicing a few more shape cultivation techniques is somewhat useful," chen mu felt relieved. after contacting shang huan once more to ensure he was fine, chen mu finally let out a breath of relief. "it seems that man was truly acting alone." for the short term, it should still be relatively safe. enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 279 Inventory five days later. in the dense woods where the trade of the wood spirit boy occurred. "mr. gongsun is really bold. he even dares to monopolize all the materials for the spiritual pulp?!" mo wuzhou exclaimed with a look of admiration. "to give away such a profitable exclusive deal, is he really willing to let me take it?" mo wuzhou was doubtful. "how dare we compete with the lower courtyard for money," shang huan said with a big, ingratiating smile on his face. it''s not like they could do anything about it anyway. the surprise attack from the last time still made him shudder. thank goodness his boss was reliable. otherwise, he would have surely died that night! "you don''t dare, but do you think i do?" mo wuzhou rolled his eyes. it was only because he had a good master. otherwise, he reckoned he''d have been assigned to a hunting team and not be able to cultivate in peace on the mountain as he was now. "i can go and make contact with the administrative affairs institute for you." "thank you, elder brother mo," shang huan smiled and squinted, "once the deed is done, there will be a handsome reward for sure." "you weren''t planning on giving me the deal in the first place, were you?" mo wuzhou glared at shang huan. "you just wanted me to act as the middleman?" "you''re overthinking it, elder brother mo," shang huan chuckled. mo wuzhou rolled his eyes: "just you wait." ... three days later. in the dense forest outside the fourth campsite in the yiyou district. "mr. gongsun, i''ve completed all the handovers with the administrative affairs institute," shang huan respectfully handed chen mu a mustard seed talisman. behind the mask, chen mu''s still slightly swollen face could not help but reveal a smile. "you''ve kept your share, right?" chen mu took it and asked. "we did!" shang huan said, eyes filled with excitement. although the past two months had been tough and hair-raising, the money made was indeed substantial! just as chen mu was about to leave, he paused, then couldn''t help but offer some advice, "the person who died had backers, so there''s always a risk." "stay quiet for a while, and focus on your cultivation." "your strength is, quite frankly, not up to par." when using the seven souls return to origin, it was his jade seed that was the smallest. "yes!" shang huan bowed respectfully. he had similar plans. although the fight that night was short, it was so intense that it scared him terribly, and even the residual force of the battle was enough to knock him over. seeing shang huan''s earnest agreement, chen mu nodded slightly. he couldn''t let this fat man cause any more trouble. after thinking it over, chen mu didn''t continue to nag. at worst, he could activate seven souls return to origin and directly extract the spirit of this fat man. even if it meant he would be listless for several days, he couldn''t let him stir up any more trouble. ... at peng yue mountain, cold moon pond, at the scripture transmission institute''s residence. fu zi sat behind the counter at the entrance of the scripture cave, engrossed in a scroll of jade slips. the lower courtyard ordered the clearing of the mountains, and indeed they provided more money. but because of the shortage of supplies, except for exotic beast meat, everything in peng yue mountain was getting more expensive. "isn''t the little bit of wage they pay just going straight back into the lower courtyard''s pocket?" "the administrative affairs institute has some real talent," chen mu sighed. thinking of making a fortune by working for the lower courtyard, tough luck! "thankfully, i have a special skill." a cloud of black smoke swirled, and a brown square wooden box appeared before him. this was all the earnings from the past three months of trading with the wood spirit boy and selling spiritual pulp. even though he''d counted it several times already, chen mu still couldn''t resist counting it again. "27,125 coins! heh heh..." the feeling of counting money was so satisfying! although the process was dangerous, the profit was indeed substantial! the wood spirit boy earned 24,000, shang huan monopolized the spiritual pulp trade, turning 8,000 white jade into 12,000. chen mu left 2,000 for shang huan and the six siblings from wu mountain, keeping 2,000 for himself. plus the dividends from the insect repellent incense, chen mu''s fortune had truly skyrocketed. if he were still in the lower courtyard of tongtian river, he would definitely spend the whole day at red sleeve square. maybe he''d even follow a ling boat to visit the heavenly river water mansion and see the world. "what a pity." stuck in the poor mountain ravines of peng yue mountain, he could only spice up his meals with different preparations of exotic beast meat. ... a cool, refreshing breeze blew by, making chen mu take a deep breath involuntarily. the long-missed scent of autumn cleared his head. over a month passed, and seeing a box of savings still thrilled him. but that urge to splurge came to a gradual halt. "it''s also a good thing this place isn''t the lower courtyard of tongtian river. otherwise, i''d be regretting it right about now." after all, he needed to save money to buy the condense aperture secret method. thinking of that condense aperture secret method starting at a hundred thousand, chen mu felt immense pressure. black smoke billowed. a fist-sized, ghastly white bone sphere appeared in his right hand. a palm-sized, jet-black moon blade appeared in his left hand. "a stroke of serendipity?" "nice items here!" whether it was the sharpness of the jet-black moon blade, which easily sliced through spiritual armor and the spiritual light barrier, or the sturdy defense of the hollow bone sphere, which held up against his heavy strikes, he coveted them both. "these are no ordinary items; probably a lot of people know about them," chen mu narrowed his eyes. "but i still need to cultivate them. i''ll master them first before anything else." deadly in attack, formidable in defense. at critical moments, they could save his life. enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 280 Shock early morning. chen mu crawled out of the tent and stretched lazily. he had flown in at a little after five and then fell back asleep. he felt utterly relaxed. daylight shone brightly, and people from the pioneering team gradually emerged from their tents one by one. in the center of the campsite. old yang stood in front of a large black vat that was half his height. he picked up a basin of semi-coagulated exotic beast blood and poured it in. then he took a scorched clay pot from the bonfire nearby and poured boiling hot water over the rim of the vat. it was said that with the cooler weather, the insects became lazy and sleepy. hot water was needed to heat up the vat to wake the insects up. chen mu was curious and wanted to take a look, but he hesitated before stepping forward. having seen it once before, the sight of the vat full of wriggling insects was indeed quite unsettling. "better hurry up and wash up, then have breakfast," he mumbled to himself. ... in a corner of the campsite, there were three large stone tubs about half a person''s height, filled with clear mountain spring water. chen mu brought a wooden bucket to the side of a tub. a dark-faced man in his forties with a big belly was also at the tub. he scooped up a ladle of water with a gourd dipper and gulped it down noisily. finally, he poured a little water into his hand, wiped it across his face, and considered his wash-up complete. a corner of chen mu''s mouth twitched involuntarily. "even if it is clear, it''s still mountain spring water. aren''t you afraid of upsetting your stomach by drinking it directly like that?" he thought critically but kept silent. the people in the campsite were all robust, able to endure even if the water wasn''t clean. chen mu shook his head, filled his wooden bucket with water. on his way back to the tent, while no one was looking, he teleported the water into his five ghosts bag. inside it, he had a specially made filter. fine sand, charcoal, disinfectant powderafter five or six layers of filtration, the water even had a faint medicinal taste. he didn''t have the carefree attitude of these natives; he had no desire to catch a disease for no reason. after finding a spot to wash his face and rinse his mouth, chen mu returned to his tent. as usual, he took out the roast meat wrapped in flatbread he had prepared the night before, covered it with the spiritual armor black smoke brand microwave to heat it, and then started to devour his meal. ... just after finishing his meal, old hao''s urging voice came from outside the tent: "xiao mu, let''s go." "old yang said we''re pushing forward three miles today." "they''re increasing the tasks again? did the hunting group take some sort of drug to move that fast?" chen mu crawled out of the tent, full of surprise. even with the help of the wood spirit boy, that pace was a bit too fast. "the exotic beasts are becoming fewer," old hao said with a smile all over his face. "we might be returning to the mountain very soon." he led old hao and dashed towards peng yue mountain with utmost speed. a quarter of an hour later. the two of them arrived at a campsite where they had previously stayed. the five ghosts left behind were now hearing louder and more intense roars and screams. "why have you stopped running?" old hao asked, panting and pale after a sprint. explore more at empire the faint sound of screams was already audible, which made old hao''s face even paler. chen mu didn''t respond and quickly approached a dry, old tree. he crouched down and gently reached into the ground with his right hand, his whole arm disappearing into the earth. boom! he flipped a stone as large as a millstone out of the ground, revealing a bottomless hole. nodding at old hao, chen mu leaped into it. delighted, old hao hurriedly followed by jumping in after him. then the stone that had just been flipped up floated back into place and landed with a bang on the hole, once again sealing the cave. ... "didn''t we almost clear them all out? where did so many exotic beasts come from?" in the underground secret chamber, old hao was still walking back and forth, his soul seemingly not quite settled yet. at the end of the secret chamber, chen mu, who was sitting on a soft couch, had finished his communal sensing and opened his eyes. during the escape, he had informed wu mountain''s six siblings and shang huan via the united heart curse. at this moment, they were still running towards peng yue mountain. thanks to their quick reactions and earlier start than others, they were temporarily out of danger. he took off the yellow gourd from his waist and, retrieving a wooden cup from the cabinet next to the couch, poured a full cup of concentration cooling tea and handed it to old hao. "if you keep wandering around and attract an exotic beast, you don''t need it to eat you; i''ll throw you into the beast''s mouth myself." old hao stiffened. immediately, he sat obediently on the right side of the couch, clutching the wooden cup without moving. even his breathing became cautious. chen mu took a sip of the cooling tea, also puzzled. how could a large-scale exotic beast assault happen with the wood spirit boy''s assistance in scouting? it was normal for one or two to go unnoticed, but so many hunting parties had failed to detect them? were they blind? noticing old hao''s panic, chen mu softened his tone to reassure him, "we are deep underground, seven or eight meters down. it''s safe for now, so let''s just wait." old hao took a sip of the cooling tea and gradually regained his composure, "aren''t you scared?" "scared, yes," said chen mu calmly. old hao looked incredulous. with chen mu''s leisurely and composed demeanor, he didn''t seem the least bit frightened. chen mu did not bother to explain. if he weren''t scared, why would he have this cellar? from peng yue mountain, he had blazed a trail and dug not just one cellar along the way. he was just not panicking, that was all. enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 281 Spirit Nourishing Curse "it''s okay, it should be okay." "director song won''t just sit by and do nothing," old hao said as he took a sip of cool tea, calming himself slightly. he couldn''t help but mutter quietly. "then what are you afraid of?" chen mu inserted a straw into the yellow gourd and slurped on the spirit nourishing tea. "when did you prepare this cellar?" old hao finally settled his spirit and looked at chen mu with suspicion, "did you already know there was danger?" "i didn''t know," "but i know it''s always good to be prepared," chen mu shrugged. from da liang to peng yue mountain. he didn''t know how many cellars like this he had dug. he had even developed a proficiency in doing so. "it would be interesting if it turned into an entry on the gray wall," chen mu couldn''t help shaking his head and chuckling. "who knows how long it will take to calm things down," old hao sighed, finally at ease. "the sky won''t fall as long as the tall ones are there to hold it up, what are you afraid of?" chen mu didn''t care much. song wujie was after all a high cultivator with a condensing aperture, and a horde of exotic beasts would only cause him a bit of trouble. but the hunting teams would be in for some bad luck. "just wait and see." ... half a day later. a swath of verdant clouds rose from the direction of peng yue mountain. they first drove away the swarms of poisonous insects and birds from the skies. then, as if duplicating and pasting, one swarm became two, diving towards the ground to ravage the exotic beasts. chen mu didn''t rush to leave. he honestly hid underground. in the meantime, some exotic beasts with keen noses tried to dig open the entrance. they were restrained by chen mu using the qi forbidden hundred miles and devoured by the five ghosts yin spirit, becoming nourishment for the five ghosts bag. explore more stories at empire he waited underground for three days until peng yue mountain began organizing manpower to clean up the aftermath of the exotic beasts'' rampage, then chen mu and old hao emerged from the ground. ... half a month later. in yiyou district, on the wooden porch in front of chen mu''s house. "bad luck has hit us. why does jilong road have to face so many disasters?" shang huan stepped onto the long bench, gnawing on some unknown bird wings while lamenting. "this attack again caused several hundred injuries and deaths." "dozens of team leaders from the inspection courtyard and administrative affairs institute who had achieved spiritual light have died!" "i heard even five or six prefects in the illusion breaking realm had perished." chen mu''s action of chewing vegetables paused involuntarily. prefects with illusion breaking cultivation level died? was it that dangerous?! turns out he was so calm and relaxed in that cellar. it was like taking a stroll in front of the ghost gate! "even such high cultivators can meet with accidents?" chen mu couldn''t believe it. "that''s what you don''t know," shang huan chuckled with a sly smile. black smoke clung to the right wall, rapidly corroding and shifting inward, quickly forming a two-person-wide arch-shaped passage. ... once the spare space inside the five ghosts bag was filled with soil, chen mu left the underground and jumped up to the first secret chamber. he sat cross-legged on the soft couch and took out the black orb talisman and white bone sphere. originally, he should have focused on maxing out the fire cloud curse and the triple yin slaying demon technique first. but then... "this magic artifact is just too cool!" with its sharp attacks and strong defenses, one black as ink and the other ghastly white, having menacing appearances that match the five ghosts bag, it perfectly suited his aesthetic taste. "i''ll practice this first!" "i have a cheat; i''m not afraid of distractions!" mana coursed into the primordial talisman and then surged into the white bone sphere and jet-black moon blade through his palm. then, a force feedbacked from the black orb talisman to him and transmitted into his mind. within the jade seed, mana mist gently drifted, slowly condensing. a loose and unfamiliar talisman slowly emerged. chen mu maintained the output of mana, and the talisman became increasingly vivid and discernible. the black orb talisman was different from all the other magic artifacts he had before; it had its own jade slip function. the incantations needed to activate the magic artifact were within the artifact itself, manifesting when mana was infused. after a good while, chen mu stopped. the talisman became loose again, the edges crumbling slowly with silver sparkles, until only a core thread with two sparkles remained. watching the thread waver on the brink of dissolution, yet ultimately remaining intact, chen mu heaved a sigh of relief. a new entry also appeared on the gray wall. spirit nourishing curse: 12/10000/first rank; "i did it!" "but what does ''spirit nourishing'' mean?" chen mu pondered briefly but didn''t dwell on it. as long as he increased his proficiency, he would know everything he needed to know. "since it''s done, hehe..." he immediately directed the spark-thread into the black orb talisman with his thoughts. hum! a flash of white light, and a phantom white bone sphere suddenly appeared in front of him. he raised his right hand. whoosh! the jet-black moon blade instantly began to circulate around him. a peculiar pulling force wrapped around his palm, as though he was holding a whip. with a slight flick of his wrist, the moon blade swept through the air like a whip''s lash, effortlessly boring into the stone wall opposite and vanishing from sight. a flick of the wrist brought the moon blade back to his side. after directing the moon blade to fly around the secret chamber for a while, chen mu withdrew his mana and held the bone sphere and moon blade before his eyes. "what treasures!" enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 282 Layered Armor time passed, and the weather turned colder. after ten days, the yellow bud rice was harvested, chen mu sighed as he looked at the five sacks of yellow bud rice in front of the wooden hut. "if this were in the lower courtyard of tongtian river, these five acres could yield at least seventeen hundred pounds of yellow bud rice." "look at it now, we should be grateful if it''s even six hundred pounds!" old man yang, whom chen mu hadn''t seen in a while, put down the half-person-tall black pottery jar: "you should be content." saying so, he glanced around, then pointed with his chin toward the hillside behind chen mu. "your neighbor over there, with more than eight acres, harvested less than five hundred pounds!" chen mu couldn''t help but click his tongue: "doesn''t that mean he has to give nearly twenty white jade coins to the lower courtyard just to cover the land rent?" "that''s right. half the money earned from half a year of reclaiming wasteland, just gone like that, tsk tsk..." old man yang shook his head as he lifted the cotton cloth from the black pottery jar. the rustling sound of insects crawling could be heard. chen mu immediately stepped back two steps in disgust. "you''ve seen these before, what''s there to fear?" old man yang said irritably: "these little darlings are so adorable!" chen mu shivered: "not everyone has your strange fondness." humming... the grey swarm of insects, like shallow wave foam, rolled tumultuously towards the yellow bud rice fields. the withered yellow leaves and branches were quickly crushed and returned to fill the soil. "the harvest isn''t good this year. if you have some spare money, better stock up on some more yellow bud rice," old man yang advised. after some thought, he added softly: "you could also reroute a bit more of what you''ve grown yourself." chen mu nodded to himself, finding the advice sensible. after returning from reclaiming the wasteland, he had specifically irrigated the fields with enriched spring water to rescue the crop, yielding just over a hundred pounds per acre. those completely left untended would fare even worse, no doubt. a shortfall in yellow bud rice was inevitable. shortfalls lead to price increases. ... evening. chen mu sat under the window on the east side of the wooden hut, with five grey cloth bags, each as tall as a knee and containing a hundred pounds of yellow bud rice, in front of him. "saved too little." after sending old man yang away, chen mu immediately went to the lengyue fang grain store. the price of yellow bud rice was still a white jade coin for a hundred pounds, but each person could only buy two hundred pounds. together with the three hundred pounds he had diverted, he only had five hundred pounds on hand. it was enough to last him at most three months. "i don''t feel secure about this." ... the next day, chen mu returned to the lengyue fang grain store. "one hundred pounds for two white jade coins?" chen mu''s eyebrows raised; prices had gone up so quickly?! "give me two hundred pounds!" he didn''t dare hesitate, who knew if the price would continue to rise tomorrow. "you can''t buy anymore, you''ve already reached your purchase limit for the month," the grey-clothed shop assistant said casually as he handed the identification plaque back to chen mu and waved him away. chen mu lay in a rocking chair, covered with a soft beast hide blanket on his knees. in his left hand was a cup of hot tea that kept steaming, and in his right hand, he played with a hollow white bone sphere, his eyes fixed on a gray wall in the void. "it''s nice not having to clear the land." holed up at home for a month, chen mu, apart from eating and resting, would stare at the gray wall to grind for experience whenever he had free time. there was no activity in the other items, but the spirit nourishing curse, on which he had placed great hopes, had successfully advanced. spirit nourishing curse: 103/10000/second rank; with a thought, he activated qi forbidden hundred miles. ten meters away, a fist-sized stone floated out of nowhere. the next moment, like a bullet leaving its chamber, it tore through the air with a sharp whistling, charging straight toward chen mu''s forehead. in almost the blink of an eye, it arrived three meters in front of him. a wisp of black smoke appeared out of the void, but chen mu actively suppressed it. the glowing white spiritual light had just emerged but was also dispersed by chen mu. the bone sphere in the palm of his hand suddenly disappeared. inside the jade seed, the spirit nourishing talisman, now a small tangle of threads, actively burrowed into the primordial talisman. bang! a semi-transparent hemispherical white bone shield suddenly blocked in front of him. the stone coming at great speed was instantly repelled. "spirit nourishing curse enhances the spirit of magic artifacts, so it allows the yang cuo to autonomously protect the body?" chen mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. other secret techniques originally required the chanting of curse words to form a temporary talisman, which is then used to activate the secret technique or magic artifact. yang cuo itself has the effect of a jade slip, and once infused with mana, it can replace the function of curse words, forming a temporary talisman. it''s essentially replacing the chanting of curse words with the simple act of transferring mana. after entering the second rank, yang cuo gained sentience. it could now actively detect attacks and automatically draw mana into the bone sphere. the steps involved in casting spells were further reduced. the process was completely automated. it even saved chen mu the trouble. "isn''t this just like a magic artifact version of the spiritual light armor?" chen mu chuckled. upon careful examination, chen mu realized that, unbeknownst to him, he had equipped himself with several layers of defense. first, there was the black smoke that came with the spiritual armor, followed by the jade seed spiritual light, then came the yang cuo white bone shield, and finally a layer of hardened muscles and bones cultivated through the spirit armor technique. occasionally, he could also use qi forbidden hundred miles as a defensive force field. "this layered defense... haha!" in the past, when he cultivated various shape cultivation techniques, he wanted to layer armor upon armor, turning himself into a muscular hulk that could take hits and keep on fighting, but it never panned out. now, however, he had inadvertently created a different kind of layered armor. whether it could attack was another matter, but it certainly could take a beating. "i guess this is a dream come true." enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 283 Underground half a month later. underground, beneath the wooden cabin. chen mu stood at the end of the tunnel, facing a dark crevice about half the height of a man. blasts of cool air hit his face, and he could faintly hear the sound of flowing water. chen mu was surprised, "could this gap be connected to an underground yin river?" chen mu''s heart leapt with joy, "if i can find a route along the yin river, i wouldn''t need to go to the trouble of digging a tunnel." despite this idea, he did not hurry to crawl down. the earth spirit vital energy nourished all sorts of exotic beasts and monsters, and there could be some strange fierce beast lurking below. chen mu promptly dug a large rock from the nearby stone and blocked the entrance to the crevice. "since i''ve dug this far, there''s no rush. i''ll use the five ghosts yin spirit to explore slowly ahead." experience exclusive tales on empire ... five days later, chen mu slowly widened the crevice, digging bit by bit downwards, until he finally came to a pitch-dark space. the sound of water grew louder and louder. chen mu activated the qi forbidden hundred miles, and a glowing algae lamp, large as a human head, gently floated up. the pale white light illuminated the underground cavern that had existed for untold years. the cavern was elongated, oriented mainly north to south. it had an area about the size of two basketball courts, and the ceiling was about two to three stories high. strange stalactites were scattered around, and below was a stream over two meters wide that resembled more a creek than a river. the water flowed from a crack in the rocks at the northern end and disappeared into a man-height crevice at the southern end. "if i follow the water and widen the rock fissure, i can quickly dig out a tunnel." chen mu made up his mind that if the cold moon toad really came for revenge and started a great battle, he would just burrow underground. the sense of crisis brought by the cold moon toad suddenly dissipated by half. ... as the days and months passed, the weather grew increasingly cold. according to the liang calendar, it was now january. overnight, peng yue mountain was suddenly covered in heavy snow. while cold winds howled outside, inside chen mu''s wooden cabin, it was as warm as spring. a stone stove was placed beneath the window on the east side, with slivers of flame flickering in the gaps of the stove cover. next to the stove, shang huan looked around curiously. the exceptionally thick cylindrical stone chimney, two transparent tubes leading to the floor below, and the occasional burble of boiling water in the chimney all made shang huan endlessly curious. he also stepped on the warm floor and couldn''t help but exclaim, "you can do this too?" "the mechanical worm is an ancient exotic beast, not so easy to master." "i suspect that song wujie''s cultivation ran into trouble as early as at the qi forbidden hundred miles at tongtian river lower courtyard. otherwise, he wouldn''t have been defeated so quickly by yang huan of zhongshan path." fu zi narrowed his eyes, "we need to help director song, help him find that cold moon toad." "does the dean want them to both suffer damage, or even perish together?!" the round-faced man''s eyes lit up. "but that cold moon toad is hard to find," the middle-aged man frowned. but fu zi couldn''t help but curl his lips upward, "being the dean of scripture transmission institute for decades has its uses." "once i refine a batch of monster attracting incense and combine it with the earth spirit element of cold moon pond, there''s no worry that the cold moon toad won''t come." "congratulations, dean!" the round-faced middle-aged man complimented with a smile, "the position of director of peng yue mountain lower courtyard is undoubtedly yours." fu zi smiled and waved his hand dismissively, sending the round-faced man away and sitting alone behind the counter to watch the snow. "director? a useless thing." "what i want is the cold moon pond!" fu zi couldn''t help clenching his fist. "as long as i absorb the yin-yang primordial earth spirit element above the cold moon pond, i will definitely reach the perfection of the condensing aperture, smoothly entering the yin-yang refinement phase!" "it''s a pity that cold moon pond is too small, only enough for one person to cultivate," fu zi''s expression returned to impassiveness, "which means i''ll have to ask brother wujie to die." ... clang! like the deep tolling of a bronze bell, the sound abruptly echoed within a massive underground cavern. chen mu sat cross-legged on the five ghosts dark cloud, floating in mid-air, staring at the calm water beneath. before long, accompanied by a series of snapping and splashing sounds, all sorts of odd and bizarre aquatic creatures began to surface from the endless underwater lake. "there really are fish?!" half a month had passed since the discovery of the first underground cavern. following the current, drilling through rock crevices, chen mu finally found this massive underground lake. this place was fifty to sixty li from peng yue mountain, well beyond the distance covered in the previous land reclamation. "as long as i find a rock fissure similar to the one we came through and drill upstream against the current, an exit would be swiftly opened." "with that, this underground escape tunnel will truly be complete!" chen mu sighed with relief. "time to catch fish!" he watched with glee as more and more upside-down bellies of underwater creatures appeared. the fifth rank culinary skills learned from the exotic beast anatomy manual allowed him easily to identify edible aquatic exotic beasts. the inedible, unrecognized ones were all fed to the five ghosts bag. "no worries about high prices." "this entire underground lake''s bounty is waiting for me. ha ha..." enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 284 Daoist Training Ground ``` one could not say whether it was due to the climate of peng yue mountain or the cold aura of cold moon pond, but once the heavy snow began, it never stopped. intermittently falling every day, the snow was not heavy, yet it persistently blanketed peng yue mountain in white. there was also the howling bone-piercing cold wind, so chilly that even splashed water would freeze instantly. chen mu was wrapped in a gray animal skin cloak, with his head and face covered by a scarf. he had a strong physique, capable of withstanding the biting cold. but enduring did not mean comfort, otherwise, he wouldn''t have bothered with a water-heating stove. it was for this reason that trails of smoke rose from the burning of firewood for warmth on peng yue mountain. with the concealed augmentation of divine steps thousand miles beneath his feet, chen mu stepped on the thick snow, deliberately leaving footprints two fingers deep as he climbed the stone steps towards the peak at a seemingly slow but actually swift pace. in the guise of a common practitioner seeking spirit and soul unification, he arrived at the administrative affairs institute on the west side below cold moon pond. acting on the information he had gathered from old hao and shang huan, he went straight toward a two-story wooden building. ... the first floor of the wooden building had a counter that was half a person high, spanning to the walls on either side of the room. a portly middle-aged man, apparently in his forties, sat leisurely behind the counter, holding a fist-sized bronze hand warmer. seeing chen mu lift the curtain and enter, the middle-aged man slowly stood up, smiling before speaking. "brother, are you here for the cultivation chambers?" the portly middle-aged man asked with a grin, "do you have a familiar cave? let me help you arrange it." as he spoke, he even gave chen mu a suggestive eyebrow raise, as if to imply he was privy to some insider knowledge. chen mu: "..." why do i feel like something is off here? it was as if he had walked into red sleeve square. "it''s my first time. just find me a decent one," chen mu said casually. "you can''t be so casual about it!" the portly man''s smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "do you know the key to cultivating the spiritual light spell?" chen mu was somewhat bewildered: "is there some particular technique to it?" from his own experience with cultivating the skill, wasn''t it something that just happened as you practiced? "of course, there''s a technique!" the portly middle-aged man frowned at chen mu, his face conveying a mix of surprise and chagrin that chen mu was oblivious to this fact. "the essence of the spiritual light spell is to borrow from the earth spirit vital energy to transform the jade seed." "this process can be very lengthy. even for those innately gifted with daoist bone, it takes at least half a year!" "brother mo, a genius of the lower courtyard, also took ten months even with intermittent practice." "and your first encounter with high concentrations of earth spirit vital energy becomes extremely crucial!" "if that experience is too harsh, it will affect your cultivation for your entire life!" the portly man said with a grave face. "so, should i seek a place with denser earth spirit vital energy?" chen mu asked, half-believing and half-doubtful. is this guy trying to sell me an expensive cultivation chamber? "no, no, no, no, no!" the portly man shook his head solemnly. "if it''s too rich, although your progress might be quick, it can make you addicted, even lead to degeneration." ... to the west side of cold moon pond was twin peaks mountain. numerous caves dotted the sheer cliffs like a honeycomb. below, cold moon pond was tranquil, with a faint mist hovering above. walking along a narrow circular mountain path, wide enough for only two people, chen mu arrived at the entrance of a cave. "wu character, number eleven, one month time," said the portly middle-aged man, expressionless. "you can''t wander around other training grounds, there will be spot checks. if caught, you''ll be expelled immediately, and there will be a fine." "this is your token of proof. show it to them when you''re inspected." after explaining everything in an official manner, the portly middle-aged man casually tossed chen mu a palm-sized copper token and walked away, not giving him the time of day. chen mu shrugged indifferently. he was here to lay the groundwork for revealing his cultivation level. so he spent only sixty-five white jade coins to buy an entry ticket to the worst training ground. and because he didn''t care about the concentration of vital energy, he didn''t tip the fatty at all. for that man to give chen mu a good face would be a day in hell. "the worst training ground is great," chen mu was pleased rather than annoyed. those who came here to cultivate were all aiming to break through in spiritual light, scrambling over each other to get into the better training grounds. these worst-grade training grounds were overlooked by everybody. "doesn''t that mean i can have it all to myself?!" chen mu laughed slyly. this way, he could boldly grind various skill experiences without any restraint. "it''s always more comfortable to be alone!" a two-life homebody, he stepped into the spacious and bright cave with light footsteps. then he looked up to meet six cold gazes. the wu mountain siblings? what were these cultivation freaks doing in this training ground?! shouldn''t they be in the most expensive and best one? with these people watching, how can i freely grind experience?! "find somewhere quiet to sit by yourself," ai ji said arrogantly, "disturb our cultivation and we''ll kill you!" chen mu: "..." alright, alright... you''re tough! chen mu touched the united heart rope hidden under his hood, then with a smile and a polite bow, he said, "sorry for the interruption, we will share this place for cultivation over the next month." "if there''s any inconvenience, i hope you all will be accommodating." then he added with a sincere face, "please rest assured, i''m very easy to get along with, really!" the wu mountain siblings: "..." why do i feel a tingling at the back of my head? enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 287 285 below cold moon pond, scripture transmission institute. "director, something''s not quite right." guo xiating''s round face was full of confusion. "previously, we could still faintly detect the trail of the cold moon toad. but now..." fu zi frowned as he looked at the snowflakes outside the scripture cave: "we''ve miscalculated." "the cold moon toad is a condensing aperture great demon, but it''s still just a toad." fu zi gave guo xiating a strange look. "toads need to hibernate." "this..." guo xiating couldn''t help but falter. this reason was truly unexpected. "after opening its aperture and cultivating demonic power, it should no longer fear seasonal changes." "but in this kind of icy and snowy weather, it definitely dislikes it." fu zi sighed, "to combat the severe cold, it might even use extra mana. to some extent, this weakens its strength." "although many great demons who''ve opened their apertures lack experience due to living in the wild for years..." "they ultimately have wisdom no less than ours." "it certainly longs for the cold moon pond and enjoys the summoning incense." "but wisdom makes it understand that with its strength limited, not only can it not defeat song wujie, but it could also very likely perish." "hence, it restrains its instincts and no longer shows itself." "this song wujie''s luck is really good!" guo xiating said resentfully. "yeah, truly good luck." fu zi''s eyelids drooped down involuntarily. it seemed they would have to wait until next spring. guo xiating looked at fu zi with doubt, wanting to speak but holding back. fu zi glanced at him, didn''t speak, and dismissively waved him away. ... "you want me to take action?" fu zi sighed: "what a pity, i can''t." he had been consolidating his condensing aperture to perfection for decades. beating two song wujies would probably be difficult, but one and a half was surely manageable. but what if song wujie usually pretended to be a pig to eat a tiger? that short fatty had a look of slyness about him. although last time he deliberately used a beast tide to interrupt his breakthrough, it seemed as if he was injured and not yet recovered. but what if song wujie was turning the tables, feigning injury? and there was song wujie''s disciple, liang yi. what if he was an exceptional genius, even more formidable than song wujie? if i act rashly, wouldn''t i be doomed? "still have to use that big toad to test song wujie again," fu zi seriously thought: "after all, a 99% chance of success isn''t the same as a sure thing." ... five days later, the wu letter initiate field. "damn!" a strange shout suddenly resonated within the field. your journey continues with empire ai ji, sitting on a gray linen meditation mat, sprung up like a shot skyward. "are you freaking asking to die?" xu rao''s face darkened as he stared down ai ji. today, ai ji had already disturbed him three times in the same way! "this damn cave definitely has something tricky!" ai ji said tensely, scanning the uneven rock walls of the cave. "that thing''s squatting behind me; i can feel its gaze, sharp as needles, as if it''s about to unsheath a knife and kill me any moment!" yet, the cave, half the size of a basketball court, lay bare before them. six of them scanned the area but found nothing. "i''ve been watching out of the corner of my eye the whole time, and there was nothing behind you," said yu lin in a deep voice. "impossible! absolutely impossible!" said ai ji, his face red with conviction. the chubby man stiffened. "so... sorry to intrude!" he exclaimed. after a loud yell, he turned and fled. it took a good while before he cautiously returned and stood behind the brown latticed screen at the entrance, peering into the cave. "not to check on the plates, i just came to tell you something," said the chubby middle-aged man with an obedient expression. "if any of you decide to leave on your own, remember not to forget to turn in your bronze plates." "is something the matter?" chen mu asked curiously. the chubby man glanced at the group again, sighed with relief, cleared his throat, and slowly moved out from behind the screen. "yesterday, during the plate check, we found two people missing." "we thought they sneaked off to some other cave, but we didn''t find them." "they must have left early without turning in their plates, hoping to come back again next time." "the institute says, people can leave, but the bronze plates must stay; you have to complete a full month before you can leave." "those who leave midway won''t get a refund or an extension, and not turning in their plates results in a fine!" "so if any of you want to leave, you must not forget to return the bronze plate." "leave before the time is up?" chen mu said, surprised. in this freezing weather, there''s nothing to do even if you go back home. having paid the money, why would they leave early?! "exactly, just like fools," the chubby middle-aged man complained. because of those two, they had to check each cave one by one in the snow. "probably couldn''t stand the solitude of harsh cultivation," chen mu mentioned offhand. without the proficiency cheat, even he couldn''t endure such intense training for long. ... after sending away the middle-aged man named sun, chen mu took a good look around the spacious and simple cave. fist-sized glowing algae lamps were embedded in the three-meter-high cave ceiling, twinkling like stars in the sky. the walls were of grey rock, and the floor was tamped earth. the lower courtyard had provided only one large grey meditation cushion. if you wanted to sleep at night, you had to make do with a makeshift bed on the ground. most people, however, chose to rest on the cushion in meditation instead of sleeping. to make full use of the earth spirit vital energy, they cultivated without wasting a second. with their spirits constantly on edge, it was inevitable to feel restless after a while. it was not surprising that some people quit halfway. "next time i come, i''ll bring my own bedding," chen mu quietly decided. "can''t have decent food, and can''t even get a good night''s sleep?" in cultivation retreats, every second counts. eating leads to excretion, wasting time on both ends. and preparing a month''s worth of food in advance is not feasible. therefore, most people just drink water and take fasting pills to minimize their trips to the restroom and the time spent there. "i have to come here at least another eleven times. it can''t always be this difficult, right?" "after all, it''s just for laying the groundwork." "it''s not worth paying money and suffering for nothing," he thought. "since i can''t eat properly, i should at least sleep comfortably." "hmm... i can''t eat regular meals, but bringing some durable jerky and snacks is still feasible." chen mu glanced over at the six siblings from wu mountain, shaking his head and sighing. he had jerky and dried fruit in his five ghosts bag. if it wasn''t for these six siblings, he would have already taken them out to eat. unfortunately... enhance your reading experience by removing ads: remove ads now Chapter 286 Disappearance three days later. chen mu was closing his eyes, sensing the spirit nourishing talisman. suddenly, a middle-aged man surnamed sun peeked out from behind the screen, glanced at a few people, then turned to leave. "stop right there!" ai ji glared at him, "what are you looking at!" the middle-aged man surnamed sun walked out from behind the screen, a sheepish smile on his face: "i just wanted to see if anyone here had sneaked away." had someone left the practice field halfway again? chen mu couldn''t help but open his eyes. "has this happened before?" lu ku spoke out. "in the past year, everyone has been busy with pioneering work; there was no one in the practice field, so there were no incidents," the middle-aged man surnamed sun said with a bitter smile. "how many left?" chen mu frowned slightly. "seven." ... after sending the middle-aged man away, silence fell inside the cave. "have similar issues occurred in the upper court''s practice field?" chen mu solemnly looked at lu ku. this guy had already cultivated spiritual light. he must have been to the upper court''s practice field. lu ku''s eyes narrowed slightly: "i haven''t heard of any." "what is the environment like in the upper court''s practice field?" chen mu continued to ask, his brows already furrowed. "not much better than here," lu ku replied, his expression also turning serious. that meant the issue wasn''t much related to the practice field itself. chen mu stood up from his cushion, walked around the screen, and came to the entrance of the practice cave. through the wind and snow, he looked down at the round cold moon pond below. a wooden plank bridge extended from the shore inward, ending at an octagonal pavilion standing alone in the middle of cold moon pond. looking closely, one could vaguely see a figure. "director song is still at cold moon pond. there shouldn''t be any problem, right?" yu lin said hesitantly. the six siblings from wu mountain also came to the edge of the cave entrance. "hard to say," chen mu shook his head. could it be that the giant toad had stealthily returned? chen mu''s heart chilled. leave the mountain? no way! without director song''s deterrence below the mountain, it was even more dangerous. but staying in the practice field didn''t seem safe either. "this is the tragedy of the weak," chen mu sighed to himself. if he had the cultivation of song wujie, he wouldn''t be afraid of anything! unfortunately... chen mu glanced at the pavilion once more, then walked back into the cave and sat down on his cushion. he might have sat down, but his heart was restless. this uncertainty made him incredibly agitated. "with so many people in cold moon pond''s practice field, it''s not possible for me to be the only unlucky one, right?" chen mu murmured with lifeless eyes. "and there are the seven brothers from wu mountain in this cave, if there''s a problem, it couldn''t possibly start with me, could it?" chen mu tried to comfort himself. "even if i''m not willing, there''s nothing i can do." despondency began to spread in his heart. "forget it, let fate decide," he concluded. after struggling for a long time, chen mu had no choice but to close his eyes in resignation. ... in the middle of cold moon pond. the octagonal pavilion was covered with white snow, looking like a white hat. "i saw nothing either!" discover stories at empire chen mu earnestly explained, trying hard not to look into the other''s eyes. fu zi: "..." you might as well not have explained at all! his eyelids drooped instantaneously, and he looked at chen mu with a dangerous gaze. "who are you? why are you lingering here and not leaving!" fu zi said expressionlessly. chen mu''s expression turned serious. stepping out of the cave, he clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully, "lower courtyard disciple shang huan, i''ve seen the great director fu." "the scripture was just too profound, i was entranced and completely lost track of time." fu zi expressionlessly glanced at the scripture in chen mu''s hand. "a cookbook for frogs?" cough cough! chen mu quickly shut the book and rolled it up in an attempt to cover the cover. "''yan jie''s cookbook''?" fu zi''s face darkened. you''re here at night, looking at this?! chen mu kept his composure and said earnestly, "sorry for disturbing director fu, please be forgiving." "do you know that experience of being so engrossed in a scripture that you can''t extricate yourself from it?" "that''s the state i''m in right now!" fu zi''s eyelid twitched. i''d believe in ghosts before you! "if i can''t finish this scripture in one go, i definitely won''t be able to sleep tonight," chen mu sighed, then immediately praised, "the system of our scripture transmission institute is really good." "as long as you pay enough, you could stay here till the end of time and no one would mind." "and if you stay overnight, it''s even half price!" "i won''t be going back tonight. i feel like enlightenment is right in front of me." chen mu said solemnly, "please, director fu, grant me this favor!" while saying this, he took out three prepared white jade coins and presented them to fu zi. fu zi: "..." enlightenment? enlightenment on how to cook a toad? overnight? who was the damn fool who suggested this rule? did i add it myself? crap! i''ll go cross it out later; first, i need to get rid of this troublesome fellow in front of me! the way i lost my composure can''t be known by anyone! that''s why i like the scripture cave at night, i had my reasons. empty, no people... fu zi''s right hand clenched into a fist again. then he saw chen mu turn and shout towards another part of the cave. "do you guys even know the rules?!" "if you want to read here, you have to pay!" "hurry up and come out with the money!" fu zi incredulously turned his head to look. and he saw six figures of varying heights obediently walk out from the cave entrance, appearing before him. it''s over! my reputation is utterly ruined! Chapter 288 Like Reality, Like Illusion in the wind and snow, chen mu led the charge, mounted on his horse. with each stride covering seven or eight meters, he sprinted down twin peaks mountain at extreme speed. as he passed by the entrance of a dojo cave, chen mu glanced inside with his peripheral vision. suddenly, he discovered seven or eight disciples from the lower courtyard, all in various short garments, standing right at the doorway. their eyes were pale white, staring at him indifferently with their ghastly eyes. chen mu felt the hair on his head nearly stand on end. he urged on his divine steps thousand miles, fleeing as if flying! the six siblings of wu mountain did not utter a word, exerting all their strength to follow chen mu''s pace, running headlong. by the time they reached the last layer, chen mu didn''t even take the mountain path; he led the six siblings to jump straight down from the seven or eight-meter-high trail, just like dumplings. boom! the rolling white snow was overturned by the landing force of the several people. without waiting for it to disperse, it was once again broken through by the seven people, carrying them straight toward the scripture transmission institute. ... "director fu zi!" just as he leapt into the scripture cave, chen mu shouted loudly. however, the aloof figure that usually sat behind the counter was nowhere to be seen. the entire scripture cave was eerily quiet. only the sound of chen mu''s voice, reflecting off the cave walls, faintly echoed back to his ears. "i''ll go in and look!" ai ji lifted his foot to walk further inside. but he was grabbed by chen mu. a black crescent blade suddenly appeared five meters in front of them. boom! a fistful of white snow burst open suddenly. woo-ah... accompanied by a miserable scream, the exploded snowflakes slowly dissipated in midair like fireworks. only a barely perceivable black powder was left sprinkled on the ground. chen mu''s heart sank suddenly. director song was missing, and director fu zi was nowhere to be seen. the last person with the condense aperture cultivation, minor director liang, was also missing. and this unknown threat seemed to loom nearby. "leave the mountain!" they must leave peng yue mountain as soon as possible! ... not long after chen mu left, a series of gentle footsteps suddenly started in the quiet scripture cave. a black boot stepped out from the shadow of a corridor and onto the black dust. "seems someone was calling me?" fu zi looked towards the cave entrance with a puzzled expression. to the south of peng yue mountain, as far as the eye could see, everything was covered in thick snow, a vast expanse of whiteness. "the snow has finally stopped," fu zi remarked with his hands behind his back. "having been in the lower courtyard of tongtian river for dozens of years, i''ve hardly ever seen it snow." "well, now i''ve had enough all at once," fu zi thought with glee. whether it was an illusion or not, he always felt that under the dim yellow sky, the snow carried a slight dull blue hue. he glanced at the flickering glowing algae lamps of cold moon workshop down below. fu zi could almost immediately imagine the scene of many disciples from the lower courtyard gathering in the pub, listening to storytellers and chatting away, a bustling scene. "alas... the bustle is for others," "only the tranquility of the scripture cave belongs to me," fu zi shook his head slightly, a satisfied smile crossing his face, then he turned and walked back into the scripture cave. the faint sounds of wind and snow started to envelope the entrance of the cave lightly, masking all other noises. and unknown to them, the patch of black ash on the ground also disappeared without a trace. ... "three yin slaying demon!" accompanied by a chilling low growl, ai ji and xu rao appeared behind the group with faces full of disbelief. "impossible!" ai ji bellowed. xu rao cursed in local dialects that chen mu didn''t understand, then raised his hand and waved it towards the boundary monument. "three yin slaying demon!" bang! the two-meter-tall boundary monument was instantly shattered. "have you heard of it?" lu ku looked at wu ruo. "the folk tale about ghost hitting the wall?" wu ruo frowned. "or some kind of large forbidden law." lu ku pondered deeply, "but peng yue mountain definitely doesn''t have any forbidden laws." "are we still befuddled, never having woken up?" not help but bloken up he looked to chen mu. just now in the training hall, it was chen mu who had slain the invisible monster and awakened them. was that fake? but chen mu''s eyes suddenly brightened. this wasn''t an infinite space, nor a crack in time-space. they might have just been misled in their minds and senses! even if the real person from the white tower could transform into a black dragon and ride the clouds and mists, he still left traces and could not travel through space. how could there be a demon more formidable than the white tower''s true person in the wilds of peng yue mountain?! "seven souls return to origin!" hum! ai ji, who had been pacing back and forth agitatedly, suddenly slumped to the ground. chen mu''s eyes were wide open, intensely observing the surroundings. "it''s not enough!" with a thought, he connected once more to a star within the mist. xu rao immediately followed ai ji''s lead, falling to the ground with a thud. a faint ripple of water flashed by the corner of chen mu''s eyes. "still not enough!" the next moment, shi xian also slumped to the ground. hum! the scene in front of him was flickering as if a video was buffering in a bad internet connection, with the blizzard unexpectedly causing stuttering and flickers?! "ha!" yu lin''s body suddenly shook, and he kneeled on the ground weakly. chen mu felt his spirit stronger than ever before. his eyes even began to flicker with a faint silver glow. pfft! the blizzard abruptly stopped, and where chen mu gazed, it was like watching a movie screen being ignited, the invisible flames burning the screen and obliterating the images. the blizzard was gone, the howling wind was gone, and the brightly-lit cold moon lodge turned dim. the entire peng yue mountain was covered with white snow as usual, quiet up and down the mountain, as if no living thing existed. lu ku hesitantly spoke, "mr. gongsun?" "tell me, is it still snowing above us?" chen mu asked, not directly answering. "yes!" lu ku''s expression shifted, respectfully responding. what an amazing exotic force! "follow me, and no matter what you see, don''t pay any attention to it!" "yes!" lu ku''s face immediately lit up with joy. ... a quarter of an hour later. chen mu looked at the familiar log cabin in front of him with relief. "is it still snowing above?" chen mu asked lu ku behind him. "no more!" lu ku, drenched in sweat, had his eyes filled with joy. chen mu let out a sigh of relief. finally... finally managed to get down the mountain! Chapter 289 Encounter under the wooden house. in the first cavern. listening to the constant sound of water, feeling the moist air within the cavern, chen mu finally let out a sigh of relief. "are we out?" wu ruo supported shi xian with her left hand and carried ai ji around his waist with her right hand as if she was carrying a chick. "for the time being," chen mu maintained the seven souls return to origin. he took out two mustard seed talismans and quickly gathered the dried fish and jerky stored within the cavern. ever since he penetrated the underground yin river, he had been stockpiling food. "pack, pack as much as you can," chen mu instructed wu mountain''s six siblings. peng yue mountain was no place to stay, and after leaving, they would certainly have to trek through the deep forests and mountains for some time. these provisions would come in handy. the six siblings exchanged glances and immediately sprang into action. even the weakened foursome of ai ji mustered their strength to help. "mr. gongsun, were you planning to leave all along?" lu ku asked doubtfully, looking at the large recesses carved into the walls of the cavern, each filled with bottles, jars, boxes, and bundles. "not at all," chen mu replied, as he pulled two neatly folded leather tents from one of the holes. if it were not for this weird snowstorm, he wouldn''t be leaving at all. hoping to survive a decade or more, to become an old disciple, one of their own, perhaps he might even have obtained the condense aperture secret method. now, once he fled, all the trust value he had accumulated on jilong road would be gone. "then what is this..." lu ku was at a loss for words as he looked at the small brown wooden box in his hands. with just a glance, he saw over ten kinds of ready-to-use emergency medicines, including insect and beast repellents, detoxifiers, and blood coolers. if the preparations were so thorough, wasn''t it meant for a long journey? "the world is such a dangerous place; i was only storing some disaster supplies like everyone else," chen mu stated matter-of-factly, then strangely countered, "don''t you all store some, too?" store, yes, but the scale of yours... lu ku glanced at the waist-high bags that were becoming increasingly full, and he exchanged looks with the others. this mr. gongsun, perhaps his preparations were a bit too sufficient. chen mu did not care what the others thought. he filled the several blank mustard seed talismans in his hand and continued to sneak items into the five ghosts bag as they packed. a quarter of an hour later. in front of each of the seven people stood a waist-high leather bag. chen mu looked regretfully at the remaining small amount of dried fish. "let''s go." ... in a dim, subterranean space, the sound of rushing water was constant. a five-meter-high cave wall had an arched entrance, large enough for one person. from this entrance poured a palm-deep stream of water, hitting the rock below and splashing snow-white droplets everywhere. a fist-sized spherical crystal ball drifted out from the entrance. inside the sphere, glowing algae swayed, emitting a soft, glowing white light. chen mu stood silently at the entrance. after a good while, once the five ghosts yin spirit had made a round and confirmed there were no abnormalities, chen mu signaled those behind him to jump down the entrance. ... "director, i''m a lower courtyard disciple, how could i harm you? you really don''t need to be so guarded against me." chen mu sighed. "this is just an ordinary side-door magic artifact. it can scout ahead, turn invisible, carry people and fly..." "and also perform five ghosts moving mountain, devouring and eating people," song wujie interjected indifferently. chen mu: "..." tsk, he''s run into someone who knows his stuff. "enough talk, do you have any white jade coins? lend me some," song wujie snorted. "you, being a dignified oversight courtyard director, asking to borrow money from a mere lower courtyard disciple like me, is that really appropriate?" chen mu asked incredulously. this person was the oversight courtyard director, a condensing aperture expert. if he borrowed money, could it ever be returned? "you know i''m the director and you still dare not to lend? do you think that''s appropriate?" song wujie glared menacingly. "lend... how could i not lend," chen mu sighed, "but let''s make it clear, nine lent for thirteen returned, not a coin less!" "you little brat, hurry up and bring it to me!" song wujie was fuming. "right away!" chen mu chuckled and floated forward. he began to draw out boxes of white jade coins. behind him, the six siblings of wu mountain watched with mouths agape at chen mu''s actions. giving high-interest loans to their own oversight courtyard director? typical of mr. gongsun. a hardcore man indeed! ... read new chapters at empire the box filled with white jade coins had just been taken out when it was pulled into the air by an invisible force. then with a bang, the wooden box burst open, and a shower of white jade coins rained down. after several boxes were emptied, song wujie was covered with white jade, his face buried among them. chen mu clicked his tongue in amazement. "director, your hobby... quite unique!" "get lost!" an invisible exotic force erupted. the white jade piled on song wujie immediately flickered with a glowing white light. chen mu''s spirit delved into the primordial talisman, activating a special vision, and he saw strands of earth spirit vital energy being forcibly extracted from the white jade. it was like kitchen smoke being sucked into an exhaust hood. whizzing as it was absorbed into song wujie''s body. the seven or eight thousand white jade coins that chen mu had scattered were soon drained. and due to the violent manipulation, the white jade pieces cracked and exploded one after another. bang! song wujie leaped up, scattering the white jade shards from his body. a mass of emerald insect cloud abruptly appeared beneath his feet, lifting him up into the air. the song wujie who had looked like a dead man floating just before suddenly seemed... not so much like a dead man. though his face remained as pale as paper, it now had a touch of vitality. Chapter 290 Snow Demon Qing Liu ``` "how did you all come to be here?" song wujie frowned as he looked at chen mu and his companions. "i only left for seven days, has something happened to peng yue mountain?" seven days? a lift of chen mu''s eyebrow. he only discovered song wujie''s disappearance this very afternoon. then who was the song wujie that had been standing in the cold moon pond''s pavilion for the past seven days? a chill ran through chen mu''s heart. had they been trapped all along?! he immediately recounted the recent changes. upon hearing the story, song wujie''s face showed a strange expression. snowstorms? red eyes? "that must be the snow demon qing liu." qing liu? "such a powerful demon should only exist in the north," song wujie frowned. "could it have followed along with the zhongshan path?" chen mu remained silent. he hadn''t expected the influence of the zhongshan path to persist, even as he ventured deep into the mountains. "director, should we head back?" chen mu asked, with a hint of hope. if this person could slay that qing liu snow demon, then he could continue staying in peng yue mountain to accumulate trust value. "i''m afraid that''s not possible," song wujie shook his head. "qing liu is adept at bewitching divine and can craft snow puppets." "at first, it''s quite weak. if discovered, it can be easily chased away." "but the longer it stays, the more snow puppets it assimilates, the harder it becomes to deal with." "unless all the snow puppets are killed at once, and at the same time, the ley lines are destroyed, eradicating the source of the earth spirit vitality." with a sigh, song wujie said, "peng yue mountain is ruined." chen mu sighed along. peng yue mountain was such a good place. just established, with so much to be done, lots of opportunities to earn white jade. what a pity... ... "director, the underground environment is damp and stuffy, shall we leave this place first?" chen mu cautiously suggested. song wujie glanced at chen mu, "there''s no need to be afraid, there''s no danger here." no danger? if there''s no danger, then why do you look like a ghost? "with the director here, there''s certainly no danger," chen mu complimented in a perfunctory manner. song wujie laughed it off in annoyance. "my injuries are the result of an entanglement with the cold moon toad." "now that the little toad has been subdued by me, what danger could there be?" song wujie glared at chen mu. subdued? chen mu couldn''t help but feel relieved. he had previously guessed that song wujie''s descent underground might relate to the cold moon toad. perhaps there''s an unknown yin river connecting the cold moon pond. the toad, hiding in the yin river, tried to sneak back to the cold moon pond and was discovered by song wujie, hence the chase down here. after the big toad scraped at its mouth for a while, and nudged song wujie a couple of times, it silently sank back into the water. then chen mu controlled the ghosts to float in front of song wujie. looking at the pallid-faced, eyes tightly shut pretending to be dead song wujie, chen mu held back his laughter. "director song, as we agreed, huh, ''what goes out in nine comes back in thirteen.''" saying so, he started sprinkling white jade coins on song wujie''s body. it was like a scene replay. sprinkle white jade coins, absorb earth spirit vital energy, then with a bang, spring up. this time, song wujie did not ride on the swarm of insects, but instead his entire body formed into a glowing white orb that enveloped him. with an expressionless face, he glanced at the seven people and said indifferently, as if nothing had happened, "let''s go!" ... the next morning. sixty miles south of peng yue mountain, on the northern side of a low mountain. halfway up the mountain was a small cliff about three stories high. a gentle stream fell from the cliff''s edge, splashing into a pool below, making a lively sound as it hit the water. not far from the pool, grass and trees had been flattened, revealing a man-made clearing. eight single-person tents were set up in a circle. a fire pit with grey-white ash and traces of scarlet embers was in the middle. chen mu and the six siblings from wu mountain were gathered in front of the fire pit, with chen mu saying nothing. before long, a figure descended from the sky. "peng yue mountain has completely become the domain of the snow demon qing liu," said song wujie, his face looking grim. after finally finding a place to settle down, they didn''t expect it to be occupied by a snow demon. chen mu couldn''t help but sigh. he really didn''t like moving around and being troubled. "director, where should we go?" since they couldn''t return to peng yue mountain, they might as well leave quickly. the snow demon qing liu''s bewitching divine ability was too strong. he didn''t want to be confused and inadvertently fall under its spell again. "no rush," song wujie gestured. "give me some time to recover, then i will go and test the waters," he said. "even if we can''t take back peng yue mountain, we have to save the person." "director, you are truly noble," chen mu said with an admiring face. "but the snow demon is powerful, and you haven''t recovered from your serious injuries. you mustn''t take risks lightly." "you think i can''t beat that qing liu snow demon?" song wujie looked at chen mu sideways. no, i''m just afraid you''ll die and won''t be able to repay the debt! "not afraid," song wujie waved his hand. "the longer qing liu takes to build its nest, the stronger it becomes." "previously because of my deterrence, this qing liu only dared to attack stealthily." "it has only been building the nest in full force for seven days." "dealing with it, very simple," song wujie said confidently. chen mu feigned contemplation. if you''re so confident, then i have some doubts. "don''t you trust me?" song wujie looked at chen mu sideways. "i do trust you!" chen mu quickly responded. "no need to say it, i know you don''t trust me," song wujie waved his hand. "just wait, i''m going to beat up that qing liu right now, to open your eyes!" he said and whooshed away. chen mu: "..." maybe i should run away first... Chapter 291 Rescue after a few faint sounds of explosions from the direction of peng yue mountain, a streak of emerald green light flew over from the horizon. song wujie landed in the camp, sitting in front of the bonfire with a strange look on his face. he didn''t pay any attention to the others and just frowned, muttering a series of "shouldn''t be," "impossible," "this isn''t the qing liu i know," and the like. chen mu didn''t dare to ask for details. seeing this behavior, it was clear that director song didn''t win in the fight he picked.no?v(el)b\\jnn asking now would be rubbing salt in the wound, wouldn''t it? what if he decided not to repay the debt? resting for one day, song wujie flew back to peng yue mountain for another fight. after returning again, his face still bore that peculiar, disbelieving look. chen mu, on the other hand, wasn''t worried anymore. even though director song couldn''t beat the snow demon qing liu, at least he could save his own life. as long as the creditor was alive and well, chen mu would just let him be. he only activated the seven souls return to origin every night, carefully observing his surroundings, afraid of being deceived again. the wu siblings didn''t complain at all. in fact, they were quite cooperative. they too were scared by the experience of falling into the illusion realm before. ... two days later. director song seemed to have found a solution. taking the cold moon toad, which had always been hiding underground sleeping, he set out for peng yue mountain. before long, they heard resonant croaking sounds. his plan was very effective. by that afternoon, more than a dozen people had arrived at low mountain. all wore gray, with short tunics and gaunt faces. chen mu didn''t recognize them. but from their attire and appearance, he could tell they were disciples who worked the fields in the lower courtyard. "i heard they''re all disciples from the foot of the mountain." in the evening, by the bonfire, wu ruo shared the information she gathered. "because they were short on resources, they didn''t go to the daoist hall." because they were far from cold moon pond, were they the first to break free from the illusion realm due to less influence? chen mu understood in his mind. ... in the following days, accompanied by the thunderous croaking sounds, more people gradually arrived near low mountain. they even saw shang huan and old hao. they appeared together with mo wuzhou. "chen mu, you''ve escaped too, how wonderful!" old hao had grown much thinner, his eyes bloodshot with excitement as he looked at chen mu. "fortunately, i escaped." chen mu also looked moved. he had thought he wouldn''t see his old neighbor again. "it''s thanks to xiao mo," old hao said with relief. "he''s the one who spotted the problem and saved us. otherwise, we wouldn''t have lasted until director song took action; we would have already perished on peng yue mountain." chen mu couldn''t help but look towards mo wuzhou, who wasn''t far away. around him were dozens of lower courtyard disciples, all of whom had been saved by him. chen mu couldn''t help but admire him. to be able to preserve oneself and save so many others within the snow demon''s illusion realm truly required some skill. looking at those around him, who all regarded mo wuzhou with a gaze full of respect, following his lead unquestionably. chen mu raised an eyebrow. "no wonder he''s been the number one talent of the lower courtyard for decades, a real main character indeed." ... in the evening, clusters of bonfires were kindled on the waist of low mountain. this... this is kind of difficult now. shang huan laughed sheepishly, extending three fingers, "three white jade coins!" chen mu immediately gave shang huan a sidelong look. it seems you really want to be taken for a fool! i''m charging thousands to tens of thousands of white jade now, and you''re trying to fob me off with just three white jade coins? "we''re really not hungry!" ai ji cried out in terror. if they really ate this meal, would he be drained of his spirit to the point of death? "three coins each!" shang huan said through clenched teeth. chen mu turned his head and gave ai ji an expressionless look. "no, you''re hungry!" ai ji: "..." "you go hunting, slaughtering, and cleaning, i''m only responsible for roasting the meat," chen mu said, turning back to shang huan. it wasn''t for the sake of those few white jade coins, mainly because i had achieved perfection in the spirit nourishing curse today, so i must celebrate with a good meal! "okay!" ... night fell. by the bonfire, chen mu held up a roasted deer leg, carving off a whole wooden plate of roast slices for himself. while he ate methodically, he reached out to take the grey cloth bag handed over by shang huan. "you''re three short," chen mu said flatly. "eight people, twenty-four coins, that''s right," shang huan said, confused. "nine people," chen mu stated flatly. "you''re including yourself too?" shang huan couldn''t believe it. "what do you think?" shang huan had no choice but to pull out three more white jade coins with a pained expression on his face. three years ago, his entire net worth wasn''t even twenty-seven coins. now one meal had brought disaster upon him. his heart ached. chen mu pocketed them with satisfaction. even a mosquito is still meat. last year when i sold calming pills, i only made sixty white jade coins in a month. now i''ve earned almost half a month''s income from one meal; not bad. and lately, i''d just lent out about fifteen or sixteen thousand white jade coins, so i was really feeling a bit anxious. i wonder if director song will try to weasel out of paying... ... the wu mountain siblings were devouring their meat without daring to look up. after a long while, wu ruo gathered the courage to speak, sharing the intel she had gathered just like the previous days. "there''s a snowstorm on peng yue mountain, it has passed cold moon pond and is starting to spread down the mountain." "there''s still no news about prefect song. some say he fell into the storm, others say he ran off ahead of time." "the disciple of oversight courtyard, liang yi, still hasn''t come out." "maybe..." chen mu''s expression turned less pleasant. two condensing aperture... could this qing liu be that formidable? he looked up again at the camp of nearly a hundred people and couldn''t help sighing. looks like it''s over for the lower courtyard of peng yue mountain, i don''t know if it will disband now. "there are rumors that director song plans to dismantle the lower courtyard," wu ruo said softly. "the only reason it''s still here is to save his disciple," she murmured. chen mu frowned. if song wujie truly just drops everything and leaves. these hundred plus people, it would be difficult even to get out of these deep woods alive! "stock up more supplies, and prepare for the worst," he said. Chapter 292 Secret Technique ``` three days later. liang yi finally arrived at low mountain. he also brought out a team of seventy to eighty people. the members included prefects and team leaders from the lower courtyard, the patrolling inspector from the inspection courtyard, and clerks from the administrative affairs institute. it was equivalent to bringing out nearly half of the core personnel of the lower courtyard. "now there should be no need to dissolve the lower courtyard," chen mu breathed a sigh of relief. the ordinary disciples below jade seed could be abandoned at any time. but those above jade seed, those with spiritual light or illusion breaking cultivation, were all excellent human resources. as long as a piece of territory was found, with these people, a new lower courtyard could be rebuilt at any time. naturally, they would not be casually dissolved and discarded. ... in the following three days, song wujie went to peng yue mountain every day to attempt, all ending in failure. no one else came to low mountain. chen mu raised the five ghosts yin spirit and looked out at the snow-white peng yue mountain from afar. out of the thousands of lower courtyard disciples, fewer than three hundred came out. the rest would become snow puppets, a fate worse than death. chen mu couldn''t help but think back to his time in da liang. to gather the thousand mechanism tokens, the high echelons of da liang let war rage, with city slaughters happening frequently, leaving nothing but death in their wake. "nowhere in this world is safe!" chen mu sighed. "i must continue to cultivate." only with greater strength could one survive in this tumultuous, chaotic world. suddenly, a pair of huge red crystal-like eyes appeared and disappeared in the wind and snow. chen mu''s spirit was startled, his scalp exploded instantaneously, and he immediately withdrew the five ghosts yin spirit. the snow demon qing liu had grown stronger! chen mu dared not look any further and immediately began to gather supplies, ready to flee at any moment. another two days passed, and the temperature near the low mountain camp began to drop. the crowd, joyful and noisy after being rescued, suddenly quieted down, fear and unease appearing in everyone''s eyes. obviously, the influence of the snow demon qing liu had expanded. that day, after song wujie returned without success again, he finally decided to lead the people away. ... nighttime, at the edge of the camp. chen mu sat silently by the bonfire. mo wuzhou suddenly came to visit. "junior brother gongsun, you''ve kept yourself well hidden," mo wuzhou said with a rigid face that showed no emotion, but his voice was full of playfulness. chen mu''s expression did not change. when he encountered song wujie, his cultivation couldn''t be hidden. seeing wu mountain''s six siblings and others around him, mo wuzhou could immediately guess that he was gongsun sheng. "it''s just some minor techniques to save my life," chen mu admitted openly, extending his hand and gesturing for mo wuzhou to sit down across from him. "did brother mo come here for..." "i''m here on behalf of brother liang," mo wuzhou sat opposite chen mu and said, "brother liang knows you dislike attracting attention, and if he came in person to find you, it would draw everyone''s gaze." "brother liang is very considerate," chen mu said with thanks. indeed, he did not wish to become the center of attention. "brother said, thank you for your help, you''ve done a big favor for the oversight courtyard. he asked me to thank you," as he spoke, he threw a mustard seed talisman to chen mu. "impossible!" song wujie glared at chen mu, "you''ve got fish, not dragon meat!" secret techniques for alchemy, artifact refining? these were the secret techniques many would break their heads over to get. and he wants to exchange a pile of exotic beast fish for it? daydreaming! "what if i solve the food problem for the whole team?" chen mu smiled slyly. "you can solve the eating problem for over three hundred people?" song wujie was incredulous. "just answer whether you''ll exchange it or not," chen mu echoed song wujie''s earlier words, putting on a tough face. "exchange!" song wujie gritted his teeth. if jilong road could overpower zhongshan path, he could return to jilong mountain and get his fair share of resources. if things on jilong road didn''t go well, these disciples in his hands were his capital for a comeback. as long as he found a new earth spirit vital energy node, he could rebuild the lower courtyard with these disciples. after developing for ten or eight years, they could bring him a huge amount of resources. so, the first thing was to ensure these people could survive the primitive jungle. ... your next journey awaits at empire having sent song wujie away, chen mu called over the six siblings of wu mountain. "teacher, do you want shi xian''s truthful listening secret technique?" lu ku immediately guessed what chen mu intended. over three hundred fugitives, none of them weak individually, hunting exotic beasts wasn''t difficult, the hard part was finding the prey. the truthful listening secret technique, with its detailed and wide-ranging detection, was ideal for locating targets. such exploration secret techniques were already rare for anyone to cultivate. and those who cultivated similar techniques had all perished on peng yue mountain. song wujie''s bugs could also scout, but he had never made a move. chen mu guessed, perhaps because the other party had been gravely injured and not yet recovered. wasn''t this the perfect opportunity? "it''ll be quick, i just need to borrow and make a copy," chen mu told shi xian. "no problem," shi xian nodded promptly. then, hesitating for a moment, her usually reserved face couldn''t help but show eagerness, "you can take the secret technique to use as you like, but could you return it to me a bit later?" chen mu looked at shi xian in surprise. he then turned to look at the six wu mountain siblings who all seemed quite agitated. a thought flashed through chen mu''s mind, and he incredulously looked at xu rao, "the triple yin slaying demon technique i''ve cultivated to the third rank, you can use it too?" "i don''t know the specific rank of the triple yin slaying demon technique," xu rao pursed her lips, trying to suppress her mirth for a long time, but couldn''t keep the smile off her face, "after you borrow it, i''ve broken through the bottleneck i had before." chen mu: "..." it''s over! i''ve become an external plug-in! it took a while for chen mu to come back to his senses, envy and resentment apparent as he looked at the six wu mountain siblings. you six must be the real protagonists! i toil away earning experience points, and you guys can use it right away. you level up faster than i can add skill points! chen mu extracted the truthful listening secret technique talisman from shi xian with a face full of grief and indignation. shi xian immediately went limp and leaned on wu ruo beside her, yet a smile couldn''t help but surface on her face. "roll, roll, roll, roll, roll..." "don''t let me see you guys!" my mindset is collapsing. Chapter 293 On the Banks of the Tongtian River by the bonfire. chen mu held up his right hand before his eyes. truthful listening! hum! a fist-sized black sphere emerged in the palm of his hand. with a thought, the black sphere suddenly expanded and dispersed. centering on chen mu, it swept through the dense forest like a breeze. at the same time, an image in black and white appeared in his mind. in the heart of the camp, song wujie rested with closed eyes; liang yi fiddled with some unknown potion; mo wuzhou cultivated with closed eyes. two miles east, a slowly writhing snake on a big tree. five miles south, a pig rabbit with more than half its body buried in the mud, only its legs kicking on the outside. above in the sky, an owl glided silently with a wingspan of one meter. even the cold moon toad hidden underground could be faintly discerned. after ten breaths, the image shattered and vanished. "what a great secret technique," chen mu marvelled. discover hidden content at empire "just a bit taxing on the spirit." handling so much information at once left his brain with a feeling of swelling and pain after overload. moreover, because of the overload of information, the memory gleaned from the exploration became somewhat jumbled after the image collapsed. "it seems shi xian has a special talent, particularly suited for the truthful listening secret technique." chen mu glanced at the experience on his gray wall. truthful listening technique: 9653/10000/second rank; "yet another secret technique about to advance," chen mu sighed. the triple yin slaying demon technique was the same last time. it was evident that the siblings of wu mountain had put in hard work on their respective secret techniques. "a five-mile range is still a bit too small." to feed more than three hundred hungry men, this hunting ground wasn''t quite sufficient. "no chance of sleep tonight," chen mu shrugged. "time to grind." ... two days later, in the evening. chen mu sat with closed eyes by the bonfire. in his palm, a fist-sized black sphere suddenly appeared and then vanished just as quickly. not far away, lu ku watched chen mu thoughtfully. "no wonder he is so quick with his united heart curse," yu lin said in admiration, standing beside lu ku. "this kind of mechanical, tedious repetition is something that ordinary people absolutely cannot endure." "do you think our defeat was unjust?" lu ku tilted his head slightly, his expression inscrutable. "yesterday he only rested for two hours, and today he hasn''t even started to rest." "with such perseverance, we can''t compare," wu ruo said softly from the other side. lu ku fell silent. all the while, chen mu, whom the siblings of wu mountain thought to possess astonishing perseverance to endure the drudgery, was currently staring at the virtual gray wall with bloodshot eyes. rest? to hell with rest! "junior brother''s secret techniques are becoming more and more exquisite," mo wuzhou unfolded the scroll, admiring the ever-broadening range and finer details of the map, his words full of admiration. "it''s just some little tricks," chen mu smiled. "they''re nothing compared to brother mo''s divine secret techniques." "we don''t know how long we will have to stay here." "the prey within the dense jungle nearby won''t be enough to support us for too long." "however, tongtian river is abundant with aquatic products that can be caught for food." "i''ve made some medicinal bait here, which is suitable for luring various fish. brother, you can send someone to try it out." while speaking, he passed a mustard seed talisman to mo wuzhou. "junior brother is thoughtful," mo wuzhou took it. chen mu hesitated slightly, then voiced his doubt. "how do we plan to go to the heavenly river water mansion? surely we''re not going to build our own boat?" mo wuzhou''s face was expressionless, but his words carried a hint of humor, "junior brother need not worry. the oversight courtyard has a way to summon the ling boat." chen mu''s eyebrows rose in surprise. there was such a method? "the lingboats of the heavenly river water mansion are meant to ferry people to the mansion." "ordinary people can only wait at fixed locations." "but if one gives sufficient white jade coins, they can also obtain a token to summon the ling boat." "our oversight courtyard possesses the highly cultivated condensing aperture masters, who receive several such tokens from the heavenly river water mansion every year." chen mu understood. to ordinary people, the ling boat is like a public bus. but as long as one pays enough, the ling boat can also be a taxi. to someone like director song, a condensing aperture master, the ling boat is essentially a free private car. heh! interesting. "it''s just that the tongtian river is so vast, it''s unknown how long the ling boat will take to arrive," "i was previously concerned about the food supply. but with junior brother''s medicinal bait, that''s no longer an issue," mo wuzhou thanked him with cupped hands. chen mu waved his hand, "it''s part of my duty." how well he did was related to what secret techniques he could acquire, so how could chen mu not be diligent? ... they had thought the ling boat would arrive soon. but the wait turned out to be more than twenty days. that morning, the motionless surface of the tongtian river suddenly exploded with a burst of water. a spiked white behemoth with a fierce appearance burst out of the water. everyone in the camp couldn''t help but stop and watch. they then cheered and leaped with joy. chen mu too looked over at the ling boat eagerly, resting on the handle of the chopping knife he had put down from cutting firewood. even though the camp lacked nothing in terms of food and drink. it was just that - only food and drink were ample. despite chen mu''s thorough preparations, after nearly two months of wilderness survival, they had not been able to replenish various living supplies, and the quality of life had plummeted swiftly. some people in the camp were even dressed like beggars. "whatever we say, we''ve got to check out red sleeve square... hmm, no, we need to have a good meal!" chen mu gazed at the ling boat, his eyes shimmering with anticipation. Chapter 294 Arrival ling boat, red sleeve square. chen mu sat in a secluded corner booth. before him, a wide, solid wood dinner table was filled with a colorful array of dishes, predominately fish. chen mu picked up a slice of tender white fish and put it into his mouth, teeth lightly biting down... and failing to break through. then, applying a bit more force, a salty taste with a hint of sweetness assaulted his taste buds. "the flavor is alright, but the softening of the meat''s texture is poorly done, affecting the taste," chen mu shook his head and lamented. the meat of exotic beasts was mostly tough. some were chewy to the point of comparing to rubber. though those who ate meat were strong and had powerful biting forces. but if all the ingredients in a meal were too tough, it would be too tiring for the teeth, wouldn''t it? while chen mu silently analyzed the ingredients to steal cooking methods, his gaze was fixed unblinkingly on the enchanting figure above the giant transparent water sphere in mid-air. "tsk tsk, that fish meat does look good." ... he twitched his ears slightly. the buzzing of voices within the hall slowly unraveled, becoming clear and distinct. "do you think if we sell the information about those jilong road disciples to the zhongshan path, we could earn a large sum of white jade coins?" "if you want to die, go ahead." "who knows if the sect master of east fence path is dead or not." "if the real person of white tower is dead, now that would be interesting." "i guess they dare to show up because they see zhongshan path''s people retracting their power." listening to this idle gossip, chen mu breathed a sigh of relief. what he feared the most was his group being surrounded by zhongshan path as soon as they showed their faces. it seemed zhongshan path and jilong road were in a delicate balance. unfortunately, this was only temporary. once either the real person of white tower or the sect master of east fence path made an appearance, either zhongshan path or jilong road would certainly be finished. and if neither appeared for a prolonged period, it could attract the covetous glances of other forces and trigger chaos. "it''s out of my hands," chen mu sighed. even with his concerns, there was nothing he could do. leave jilong road to become a wild cultivator? it carried risks, but he wouldn''t need to be involved in the visible turmoil. however, it was already difficult for disciples of jilong road to obtain the condensing aperture secret method, let alone a solitary wild cultivator with no support or connections... "i''ll wait and see at the heavenly river water mansion," chen mu made a decision: "if things go south, i''ll make a run for it immediately." the more than three hundred surviving disciples actually all shared this thought. this was also why chen mu was willing to continue following jilong road. ... "no, no, can''t be so petty. i''ve crossed over, how can i remain a small-minded commoner from the previous life! i need to be magnanimous! i have to learn to share!" chen mu chuckled as he teased himself. then he suppressed the laughter in his heart and put on a fake expression of regret, "what a pity." "i''ve already mastered fourth rank truthful listening." "by using mana, it can passively perceive information at short distances, and it''s already somewhat like the legendary hearing the wind." "if you could have fully inherited it, that would have been great." chen mu let out a long sigh, putting on a very regretful look. "i guess there''s loss during the talisman transfer." "such a pity!" he wanted to say a few more pleasantries. but then he heard shi xian say with a realization, "no wonder i couldn''t activate it, it turns out i''m lacking mana!" chen mu: "..." what does that mean? did you really learn everything completely?! chen mu suddenly felt a tightness in his chest. if it weren''t for maintaining his image, he would have already glared with frustration. just then, ai ji stepped forward with a worried look and spoke, "mr. gongsun, our departure from the mountains has already exposed our movements." "zhongshan path will definitely not sit idly by in regards to us disciples from jilong road." "once we clash, i fear it will be a tough battle." "a chaotic situation is nearly upon us." ai ji''s face was stern. chen mu looked at him in surprise. this brash man could actually have such clear awareness? "if something happens to you, we won''t be spared either." "my giant spirit divine secret technique specializes in amplifying strength, directly enhancing combat power," "so please, start practicing. don''t worry about my feelings. quickly master more secret techniques to ensure your safety," ai ji said with righteousness. chen mu: "..." "get lost!" ... after confirming multiple times that he could cultivate secret techniques with the help of seven souls return to origin for the six siblings of wu mountain, and that the secret techniques he had practiced could also be inherited by the siblings, chen mu''s mentality collapsed. it took five continuous trips to red sleeve square for him to slightly improve his mood. "always watching these performances here is still too depressing." "should i find a miss to chat with while bumming a meal?" "forget it, forget it, the food at red sleeve square is so expensive, i barely have enough for myself, let alone someone else!" "in that case, i can only visit a few more times to ease my gloomy mood," chen mu thought helplessly. misses on stage, could you please be a bit bolder in your performances? after staying another seven days and grinding out over two thousand experience points for truthful listening, chen mu reluctantly left red sleeve square. it wasn''t that he didn''t want to stay longer, but the heavenly river water mansion had arrived. Chapter 295 Secret Technique ``` at the very front of the ling boat, there was a position with a transparent light screen. having spent over three years on jilong road, chen mu now knew that the glass-like substance before him was called qiongyu. it was a man-made material used in artifact refining, tough and pressure-resistant, unafraid of falling. the most common use for it was in the glowing algae lamps. but to use it here to resist the immense water pressure seemed somewhat inadequate. "intriguing talismans," chen mu looked towards the edge of the screen wall. a ring of intricate black patterns that looked like lace. secret techniques, artifact refining, all were closely related to these special symbols. he hadn''t looked for long before his attention was drawn to a huge object in the distance. "the heavenly river water mansion is this big?" chen mu was shocked in his heart. the entire water mansion looked like half a salted duck egg lying on the sea floor. on the surface were patterned rings of bright spots. from afar, it resembled a towering mountain. in front of the water mansion, the ling boat, which seemed quite large in chen mu''s eyes, looked like a ping pong ball placed under a basketball hoop. "you absolutely can''t imagine it," shang huan leaned forward to chen mu with a grin, "the entire water mansion is actually the remains of a golden pearl clam demon." chen mu''s pupils suddenly shrank. this massive object used to be a living monster?! if they ever encountered a live one, likely just a slight breath from it could blow people away! "of the twenty-one water mansions in the heavenly river, it''s said this isn''t even the largest," shang huan remarked with a sigh. "there are twenty-one of these water mansions?" chen mu couldn''t believe it. twenty-one water mansions meant there were as many enormous monster corpses. did they die naturally, or were they hunted down?! if they were hunted, what kind of powerful beings had hunted down such great demons?! "not just that, it has been said that in ancient times there were seventy-two, built by true dragons and managed by the heavenly river dragon palace. alas, as time passed, the dragon palace left no trace, and only twenty-one water mansions remain. the legends are just that, legends." dragon palace? true dragons? seventy-two water mansions? chen mu was speechless for a moment. ... "although the water mansion is nice, wanting to live here is no easy feat," shang huan said with a squint, a hint of lament in his voice. is it because of high expenses? not to worry. after all, he was a wealthy man carrying thirty thousand white jade coins! chen mu appeared nonchalant. but, this fatty''s sudden lament seemed a bit off. "they say even the most ordinary accommodation here costs four white jade coins a month." "we''ve arrived at the water mansion this time, but it''s clear that the lower courtyard won''t continue to pay us." "it''s necessary to think about money-making opportunities early," shang huan said earnestly. chen mu glanced at the fatty but said nothing. continue your performance. along with the heavenly river dojo at the northernmost point, the entire heavenly river water mansion was divided into seven districts. he was currently staying in the ninth tongtian tower of the outermost geng district, inside a three-story wooden inn. "four white jade coins for a month''s lodging," "director song only covered one month; after that, everyone will have to figure it out on their own," "it''s fine for disciples of the spiritual light illusion breaking realm, but ordinary disciples below the jade seed level from the lower courtyard are in trouble," "this is forcing them to find other means." "it seems the situation on jilong road won''t be resolved any time soon," chen mu frowned. "i should think about how to save up money," chen mu shook his head, letting go of further thoughts. if there weren''t any major changes, he still wanted to wait. staying on jilong road allowed him to better obtain secret techniques. ... that evening, chen mu left the inn''s hall and returned to his room. he had spent the day in the hall sipping tea and listening to storytellers, ears pricked for any news. being his first time at the heavenly river water mansion, he dared not wander recklessly. after dinner, just when he planned to continue leveling up his truthful listening technique, an unexpected visitor arrived. "junior brother chen, this is the secret technique jade scroll that director song asked me to give you," mo wuzhou handed chen mu a wooden box that was as wide as a palm and as long as a forearm, his face expressionless. chen mu''s eyes lit up. "finally, it''s here!" discover more stories at empire he had been away from the mountains for so many days that he thought song wujie was going to default on his promise! "inside are the basic five elements qi absorption technique and five qi primordial technique, both suitable for refining fasting pills," mo wuzhou explained. a look of joy immediately spread across chen mu''s face. director song really is a man of his word! he had imagined many times what secret technique song wujie would give. the one thing he didn''t anticipate was that it would be an alchemy method. fasting pills. his connection with this item was no small matter. "junior brother, you really are lucky," mo wuzhou''s face remained expressionless, but his voice was filled with envy. having a master who practiced alchemy, he had only learned half of the method to make fasting pills. yet chen mu, who had not taken a master, was the first to receive the complete method for fasting pills from director song. however, as good as this secret technique is, it''s not easy to master. having a master guiding him, he could only use the five elements qi absorption technique to extract the essence of the five grains. seeing the joy on chen mu''s face, mo wuzhou still couldn''t help but say, "junior brother, it''s best not to blindly attempt it." "the alchemy secret technique is quite challenging. rash practice will only waste energy and white jade coins." "thank you, senior brother," chen mu thanked him with a bow. i have an external assistance, nothing to fear! ha ha! Chapter 296 The Reason five elements qi absorption technique inside the inn. chen mu, deep in thought, set down the jade slip. the five elements qi absorption technique is a common secret technique for absorbing all kinds of essences. however, different essences require different talismans. a fasting pill only needs the essence of the five grains, so only one five grains talisman is required. but some complex elixirs contain dozens or even tens of essences. to refine such elixirs successfully, one must learn the corresponding talisman for each essence. "this is just the extraction of essences," chen mu felt overwhelmed as he looked at the five qi primordial technique. the blending and refining also had corresponding unique talismans for various requirements. "no wonder there are so few alchemists." "it''s not only because the heritage is precious." "it''s really too difficult to practice," chen mu suddenly realized. not only does it waste white jade coins, but learning so many talismans inevitably consumes a great deal of time. "just for a simple fasting pill, you need to condense the talismans for the five elements qi absorption technique, the five grains talisman, the five qi primordial technique talisman, and the golden bead talismanthat''s four talismans in total." "with the same amount of effort, you could learn four different secret techniques!" of course, the huge expense is balanced by the alchemist''s strong earning abilities. however... "is this thing a little too precious?" chen mu frowned. he was merely helping to track down game. even without him, although it would be difficult, the survivors from the lower courtyard wouldn''t starve to death. he had thought that receiving the cultivation technique for the zuming talisman would be quite good, or at most he might be given a more generous gift like the cultivation technique for the spiritual light talisman. but this alchemy secret technique "feels like a hot potato." ... tongtian tower, building j, number 9. chen mu stood inside a cylindrical container with a perplexed expression. the container wasn''t very large; it could at most accommodate ten or eleven people simultaneously. its boundaries were transparent, resembling a layer of flexible, thin film. on the outside was a transparent jade tube slightly larger than the container, in which clear, transparent river water was filled. the container, like a bubble within this transparent tube, carried its passengers and floated rapidly upwards. "alien version of an elevator? a bubble lift? heh..." chen mu reached the sixty-second floor of the tongtian tower and, mimicking the passengers below, directly collided towards the exit. passing through a curtain of water in an instant, chen mu emerged in the elevator hall of the sixty-second floor feeling a cool sensation. the hall was bright and octagonal, with sixteen evenly spaced corridors leading off it. there were six elevators in the center, with transparent tubes going through the ceiling, arranged in a circular pattern around the center. chen mu looked down at himself, dry as a bone. he then turned back just in time to see the bubble lift whizz away upwards. "isn''t this elevator quite magical?" mo wuzhou approached chen mu and commented, "it''s said to be made from the swim bladder of some exotic fish." chen mu nodded and then respectfully cupped his hands saying, "i''ll trouble brother mo to lead the way." your next chapter is on empire "come with me; elder song is already waiting for you," mo wuzhou waved his hand and led chen mu deeper inside. along the way, chen mu saw many familiar faces. they were people who had come out of the mountains together, mostly prefects with illusion breaking cultivation from the lower courtyard. upon seeing mo wuzhou, some nodded and smiled as a greeting, while others just glanced and ignored him, seemingly not very fond of mo wuzhou. "don''t mind them," mo wuzhou suddenly spoke, sensing chen mu''s puzzled look.no?v(el)b\\jnn "these prefects from the lower courtyard, most of whom are from the upper court and have daoist bone talent, are rightfully a bit proud," mo wuzhou''s face was stiff and expressionless, but his voice was casual and even carried a hint of mockery. chen mu came to a realization. as for obtaining it from outside, chen mu hadn''t ruled that out. moreover, it was rumored that the heavenly river water mansion had once auctioned off the condense aperture secret method. but as for the price, well... "don''t look so gloomy." "if you practice alchemy for me for ten years, you can accumulate daoist cultivation." "by then, as long as you have enough white jade coins, you can come to me to exchange for the condense aperture secret method," song wujie said, waving his hand generously. "really?" chen mu eyed him suspiciously. "i''ve already given you a high-interest loan with excess returns, and my credit is that low?" "believe it or not, just get lost!" song wujie rolled his eyes and immediately began to shoo him away. chen mu immediately backed out with a smile. ... in the corridor, chen mu''s face bore a smile of joy, but his mind was filled with racing thoughts. who could say what the situation would be in ten years? what if song wujie died? and what if i also died... no, no, no, i won''t die. what if he refuses to acknowledge the debt? chen mu sighed. the alchemy secret technique still needed to be cultivated regardless. although it might just be the other party drawing a pie in the sky, that pie was simply too tempting! "besides, if i learn the art of alchemy, i can also make money by refining elixirs." "if things don''t work out with song wujie, the white jade coins i''ve saved up could also be used to attempt to purchase it from elsewhere." ... "has master found out whether he can learn alchemy?" liang yi asked doubtfully. "at least mastering the five elements qi absorption technique wouldn''t be a problem," song wujie said. "among those who have come out, quite a few have noticed the peculiarities of the qingliu illusion realm." "but only you three were unaffected and even managed to escape from it." "you, due to your unique secret technique, which unites body and spirit." "as for chen mu and mo wuzhou, they belong to those who are innately perceptive to the spirit, which is sensitive." "such people can perceive subtle changes in talismans, especially suited for refining elixirs and artifacts." liang yi had an epiphany. "three years to master illusion breaking, his talent is not low," liang yi pondered and then hesitantly added. "are you afraid there''s a problem with him?" song wujie inquired. "little mo mentioned before... this person''s secret technique is brimming with ghostly qi, and his actions are always shady..." liang yi narrowed his eyes as he spoke. "of course, he''s no good guy," song wujie sneered. "could a good guy propose such an aggressive profit scheme?" "besides, this man is from the border wilderness overseas. how many good people can you expect to emerge from there?" liang yi nodded in agreement. "as long as he can learn the qi absorbing technique, we can just consider him a talented disciple," song wujie said unconcernedly. "the new lower courtyard needs such talents." the new lower courtyard? "has there been news from the east fence path sect master?" liang yi asked joyfully. "i only know that he is still alive, other than that, not much is clear," song wujie shook his head. "but there has been news from the group that went east." "is it liu ling, the elder who went towards yunzhou''s east ridge?" liang yi was overjoyed. "exactly!" song wujie smiled. "she has found a new earth vein spiritual spring." "even better than the earth vein spiritual spring of peng yue mountain." "but with the crisis of zhongshan path not yet resolved, if they too get greedy..." liang yi worried. "that''s why we need to wait here for a while," song wujie sighed. "without a formidable figure in command, even with the discovery of an earth vein spiritual spring, it''s impossible to sustain long-term operations." Chapter 297 : Introduction inn''s main hall on the first floor. chen mu leisurely sipped tea in a corner. his ears were perked up, silently operating the truthful listening technique to gather various bits of information. beside him sat a frowning, smoking old hao and an increasingly portly shang huan. "four white jade coins a month for rent, and that''s just for lodging. adding food and cultivation, it''s at least nine white jade coins a month," old hao complained with a bitter expression. "the expenses are really too high!" chen mu sighed outwardly, nodding with a troubled face, but he didn''t really care much in his heart. back in the lower courtyard of tongtian river, the cost of cultivating with the exquisite jade plate every month was a whopping ninety white jade coins. now that his jade seed was full of mana, as long as he didn''t consume much, he basically didn''t need to use the exquisite jade plate, and expenses were suddenly reduced. the cost of lodging and food wasn''t even a tenth of what he used to spend. "although i earned a bit from clearing land at peng yue mountain, it can''t sustain this kind of expenditure," old hao said. "i heard that geng district has several ling boats hiring labor for unloading goods and also recruiting people to hunt aquatic beasts in the river." "shall we go take a look?" old hao asked chen mu, puffing on his smoke. unload goods? fish? forget it. better to ponder over alchemy secret techniques with that time. "forget about it." before chen mu could refuse, shang huan spoke up in objection. "they''ll only pay you three to five white jade coins a month, barely enough for anything," shang huan said, as he pinched open a roasted pine nut and tossed it into his mouth. "at least it can cover something, help us hold out a little longer," old hao sighed. "several old buddies are planning to leave once the inn''s monthly rent period is over." shang huan was startled, "leave for where? become wild cultivators?" "not exactly," old hao shook his head. "go somewhere with lower living costs for a while, come back every so often to check in, and if director song is leading people away, then follow along." shang huan shook his head, "leaving is easy, but coming back is hard. once people leave, director song might not even recognize them. and what if they miss the opportunity?" "we have no choice, do we?" said old hao, spreading his hands. "you don''t plan to do the same, do you?" chen mu couldn''t help but ask. "with no idea how long we''ll stay here, these expenses..." old hao spoke with a troubled face. he stopped mid-sentence, shaking his head silently. chen mu finally realized. this state of financial distress was probably the norm for disciples of the lower courtyard. the nearly three hundred people who escaped this time, more than half of them were regular disciples of the lower courtyard. their eventual path might well be like what old hao mentioned. chen mu thought of song wujie''s arrangements for him regarding the alchemy secret techniques. the other party seemed confident about rebuilding the lower courtyard. but as for how long they''d have to wait here, even chen mu could not guarantee. after thinking it through, he still gave a veiled reminder, "although director song has only paid our room rent for one month," "he''s providing food and lodging for those disciples with illusion breaking cultivation in spiritual light," "if the future was uncertain and hope dim, he wouldn''t spend this money," "rather than depleting savings, better to wait a bit longer," "and if it really isn''t enough..." chen mu considered his savings of over thirty thousand, then looked gravely at old hao, "you can borrow some from shang huan to tide over for a while." shang huan: "..." why borrow from me?! aren''t you the one with money! shang huan glared at chen mu. night, third floor of the inn, inside chen mu''s room. a lotus-shaped glowing algae lamp was placed in the middle of a square table, casting a warm white light all around. chen mu sat in front of the table, holding a jade slip in hand. beside his right foot, there was a three-legged, two-eared black pottery-like alchemy furnace. "alchemy is really hard." chen mu set down the jade slip. it contained the controls for the primordial five-element alchemy furnace. together with the qi absorbing technique for extracting essences and the primordial technique for condensing the elixir pills, even a basic fasting pill required mastering five talismans. "difficult!" however... "definitely profitable, though." he had quietly inquired over the past few days. one hundred jin of yellow bud rice could extract one portion of the essence of the five grains. one portion of the essence of the five grains sold for two white jade coins, doubling the price of the raw material. and one portion of the essence of the five grains could be transformed into forty to fifty fasting pills, with prices immediately rising to four to five white jade coins each. the finished product''s price was four to five times that of the raw material. "if i turn all my savings of over thirty thousand into fasting pills..." chen mu did some quick calculations and couldn''t help chuckling. "i''d have the money to buy the condense aperture secret method." "i could even earn some daoist cultivation." daoist cultivation represented the contribution points for jilong road. only after meeting the required amount could he exchange for the condense aperture secret method. "ten years isn''t long, but it''s not short either," chen mu shook his head and sighed. if it were as stable as the previous environment in the lower courtyard of the tongtian river. twenty years, fifty years, he could wait just the same. but now, unrest was visibly starting to rise in the world. he urgently needed more power for self-protection. ten years was a bit too long. "if i learn how to make fasting pills, perhaps i wouldn''t need ten years; five years might be enough to accumulate enough daoist cultivation," chen mu mused with narrowed eyes. "i have to learn this alchemy secret technique no matter how difficult it is!" chen mu made up his mind. he relied on his gray wall for proficiency. what he feared least was practicing secret technique talismans. back in da liang, he had mastered seven shape cultivation techniques in one go. "just five secret techniques." chen mu immediately put away the pill furnace; he still had no use for it. taking out a palm-wide jade slip, chen mu began to carefully study the five elements qi absorption technique. mana was injected into the jade slip, and a shiny, brand-new talisman appeared inside the jade seed. with a thought, a new entry naturally appeared on the gray wall. five elements qi absorption technique: 1/10000/first rank; just perfect for staying idle in the water mansion. find your next adventure on empire time for some hard work! ``` Chapter 298 Linglong Path Arena Heavenly River Water Mansion, at the edge of the Jia Character District. Chen Mu stood in front of a white jade archway as tall as a five-story building. The pillars of the archway were carved with exotic beasts amidst cloud patterns, and the top was inscribed with four big charactersJinzhu Dojo. Through the gates of the archway, one could see neat rows of exquisite two-story wooden buildings close to the edge near the archway. Further inside were red walls and green tiles belonging to sprawling gardens and separate courtyards. At the very back was a square-shaped complex of connected buildings, resembling a dynasty''s imperial palace of the mortal world. Chen Mu''s spirit sank into the Primordial Talisman, and he activated a unique perspective. He then saw that the entire Jia Character District seemed to be enshrouded in a transparent bubble. Threads and strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, like swimming fish, hurried from all directions into the bubble. Chen Mu blinked and withdrew his unique perspective, and the Jiazi District returned to being that neat and pretty place, but without anything peculiar about it. "Jinzhu Dojo''s outer wooden buildings, ten White Jade Coins per person per day, are you going?" a tall, thin middle-aged man in his forties, with long black sideburns and an expressionless face, said. "Let me have a look first," Chen Mu shook his head. The middle-aged man said indifferently, "If you''re not going, don''t block the way." Hey! Such a snob! Who does he think he is looking down on? Believe it or not, I could crush you with thirty thousand White Jade Coins! Chen Mu glared fiercely at the other man. Before he could open his mouth to speak, a streak of light flew across the sky. A small cloth bag thudded onto the long table in front of the middle-aged man. "Jia Number Eleven, one year," a voice came from mid-air, and then, without showing one''s face, the speaker flew into the depths of the Jia Character District and disappeared. The middle-aged man who had been indifferent just a moment ago immediately started bowing and scraping toward the direction where the light had disappeared. Once the streak of light was gone, the middle-aged man straightened up and resumed his impassive face. He then overturned the cloth bag, pouring out a small pile of Red Jade Money. He glanced at Chen Mu briefly, then nonchalantly counted the coins one by one. Red Jade Money? That had to be at least fifty or sixty coins, didn''t it?! Chen Mu couldn''t help but be astounded. The other''s rent for one year was double all his savings. Such a damn rich fella! Reluctantly looking at the Red Jade on the table, Chen Mu turned around and left. The concentration of Vital Energy on the outskirts was equivalent to that of the Exquisite Jade Plate, but how could it be as convenient as the Exquisite Jade Plate? With such steep fees, what a lousy dojo. I don''t want it! ... In an inn near the Gengzi District''s Number Nine Tongtian Tower. Chen Mu toyed with a White Jade Coin in his hand. Through the Primordial Talisman, he drew in threads and strands of Vital Energy into his body. Before long, the silver star points on the White Jade Coin dimmed, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy within having been drained. "It''s far inferior to the Exquisite Jade Plate," Chen Mu assessed privately. "Seems like the Exquisite Jade Plate does more than just release the Vital Energy within White Jade Coins," Chen Mu realized. It could consume Earth Spirit Vital Energy and, through a special talisman, produce Vital Energy, much like a portable Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. "What a treasure!" "It''s a shame that it''s so easily discovered by others," Chen Mu shook his head. He stared closely at the double-layered hemisphere and realized indeed no Vital Energy was escaping, but also that the concentration inside wasn''t increasing unlimitedly. "The Exquisite Jade Plate itself has a limit." Chen Mu understood abruptly. "If it doesn''t work, it doesn''t work, it doesn''t matter since it doesn''t affect my current practice." "With this foldable Ying Fish swim bladder shielding device, the compact portable Linglong Jade Plate dojo is now complete." Chen Mu called up the grey wall. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 2593/10000/First Rank; "With Mana restoration unrestrained, I can gain experience even faster." He immediately opened the entrance, reserved beforehand, like lifting the flap of a tent, and crawled into the portable version of the Linglong Path dojo. He sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, muttering scriptures with closed eyes, and continually rebuilt Vital Energy Talismans within the Jade Seed. ... As usual in the evening, Chen Mu appeared in the inn''s ground floor lobby. "The usual for you?" asked the grey-clothed waiter familiarly. Seeing Chen Mu nod, he turned to enter the kitchen and, before long, brought him a pot of tea and a plate of roasted pine nuts. Chen Mu smiled his thanks, then leisurely drank tea and cracked pine nuts, invariably fitting his ears with the Truthful Listening Technique, and began quietly gathering rumors. But not long after he started listening, the United Heart Rope above his head trembled slightly. "Shang Huan?" Chen Mu realized. The fatty had already contacted him about the drunken bait matter before. Now he not only convinced Mo Wuzhou but had also contacted Liang Yi, and he''d even prepared the storefront and customer network. Contacting him again was for the recipe. "He''s quite efficient." Chen Mu immediately transmitted the formula he had specifically organized and modified over the past few days to Shang Huan. The effects had been appropriately diminished to avoid trouble. At the same time, he made the materials and processes cheaper and simpler, suitable for mass production. "Let''s see how the fatty handles it." Chen Mu shook his head and let it be. After listening to some rumors about the Heavenly River Water Mansion. He hastily finished dinner, then returned to his room to continue grinding for experience. ... With money in hand, paying rent was no concern. Chen Mu spent all day inside the inn, not stepping out the front door or the second door. Eating, practicing, and eavesdropping on information, half a month quickly passed. In the ground floor lobby of the inn, Chen Mu pinched open a pine nut and tossed it into his mouth, calling up the grey wall to take a close look. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 15/10000/Second Rank; "Although it''s only First Rank, it''s enough. I can split my efforts into practicing the Five Grains Talisman." Insight comprehension came along with Proficiency. The Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique at First Rank Perfection now possessed the ability to extract essences. As long as he learned the Five Grains Talisman, he could specifically extract the essence of grains. His relationship with the Fasting Pill was not shallow. Initially, he had successively modified three versions of the Bigu Pill. Now, he was finally starting to officially decode the secret technique for crafting the Fasting Pill, and Chen Mu couldn''t wait to try. "I''ll start practicing the Five Grains Talisman tonight!" Chapter 299 Cultivation Complete ``` Geng District, Inn beside the number nine Tongtian Tower. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. The Five Grains Talisman within the Jade Seed was becoming increasingly complex. His understanding of the Essence of the Five Grains also strengthened as his proficiency increased. The Essence of the Five Grains is a special substance, widely present within various plants. It contains stable Earth Spirit Vital Energy that has undergone qualitative change. Cultivators who have thrice undergone Shape Cultivation and perfected their Shell Soul possess monstrously strong bodies after transformation. With strong bodies come great appetites; eating an entire cow in one meal is no exaggeration. Yet a hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice could keep such a glutton satiated for a month, precisely because it is rich in the Essence of the Five Grains. "Similar to the starch in food from my previous life, but this has clearly transcended the mundane due to the presence of Earth Spirit Vital Energy," Chen Mu realized. He pulled up a grey wall. Five Grains Talisman: 1233/10000; "Shall we try?" Chen Mu eyed the proficiency number, eager to test it. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke spread out, and he immediately took out a bag of Yellow Bud Rice, full of excitement. Within the Jade Seed. The Five Elements Vital Energy Talisman was the size of a soybean, disc-shaped, hovering up and down in the smoky mana fog. Silver threads connected like stars to form a vortex, spiraling around; at first glance, Chen Mu thought he saw a miniature version of the Milky Way. The Five Grains Talisman was generally spindle-shaped, with interior threads also filled with silver star points. It was very small, not even as large as a sesame seed. With a thought from Chen Mu, the spindle-shaped Five Grains Talisman drilled into the center of the starry river, then was pulled into the Black Orb Talisman. An absorption force emerged out of nowhere in front of him. Chen Mu felt as if he had suddenly obtained a vacuum cleaner in his hand. He immediately directed this Exotic Force towards the grey bag in front of him. Hum! The Yellow Bud Rice inside the bag immediately began to vibrate and undulate. A stream of whitish-yellow powder spun into Chen Mu''s palm, quickly amassing into two fist-sized clumps. "Is this the Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. According to the Jade Slip''s records, it should be pure white, not this mix of yellow and white... "It''s a failure," Chen Mu shook his head. The Five Grains Talisman is a description of the Essence of the Five Grains; the more detailed it is, the more precise the absorption. The purer the extracted Essence of the Five Grains will be, with fewer impurities. His proficiency with the Five Grains Talisman wasn''t enough, resulting in impure Essence of the Five Grains. He reached into the grey bag; the once clearly defined, crystal-clear Yellow Bud Rice had turned into a pile of dark yellow powder. It was edible, but tasteless and not filling. Dispelling the Qi Absorbing Technique''s Exotic Force, Chen Mu packed the yellow-white powder into a brown wooden box and scratched his head. "This stuff could still be made into a version 3.0 Bigu Pill," he thought. After this attempt, he discarded any wishful thinking. "I should just continue to work hard." ... Heavenly River Water Mansion, Ding District. Jinxiu Pavilion. "That puts me in a difficult position, dear guest," said an old man over fifty with graying hair, shaking his head with a wry smile. Yet the people around him didn''t seem to think anything of it, at most giving a couple of looks at the person''s chest muscles, obviously accustomed to such strange sights. As he strolled, a vast structure that was as wide as a football field came into view. Before getting close, threads of melodious music reached his ears. Through the gaps in the doors and windows, figures danced enchantingly. "Red Sleeve Square headquarters?" "How did I end up here without realizing it?" "Could it be fate calling?" "Ah well, if fate decrees it, what can I do? Might as well take a look..." ... In the evening, Chen Mu left Red Sleeve Square in a daze. As he walked, he smacked his lips. "The headquarters'' meals are definitely tastier than those at the Ling Boat branch." "It''s just that there are more sisters wanting to freeload, so annoying!" Chen Mu left with an impatient expression. ... The glowing ceiling at the top of the Heavenly River Water Mansion seemed to be connected to the outdoors; although there was no sun, moon, or stars, it simulated day and night. At the moment, with the light at the top dim and hazy, the market district streets lit up with specks of light. Neat three-story wooden buildings lined the spacious streets. Various signboards hung at the doors, too many for him to keep up with, barely remembering what they sold after walking past. But as he walked, a familiar signboard caught Chen Mu''s attention. "Imperial Goods Pavilion?" He curiously stepped up to the entrance. He immediately saw the elegantly dressed middle-aged man in his forties sitting behind the counter. "Customer, long time no see." Le Yang''an''s face wore the same gentle smile as always. Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile as well. Indeed, it had been a long time. This man was actually the owner of the Ling Boat branch of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yang''an. "What does the customer need?" Le Yang''an inquired gently, just like the first time he met Chen Mu. "Ah, I do have some items that need handling," Chen Mu''s mouth curled up. ... One month later. Geng District inn. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in the Linglong training ground. His right hand faced a black pottery bowl in front of him. Absorb! Hum! A heap of Yellow Bud Rice grains suddenly trembled and rolled. A stream of white powder swirled out of the bowl and quickly gathered into a bead in the palm of Chen Mu''s hand. At the same time, the grains in the bowl, as if the powder had been compacted, lost their binder and abruptly turned back into a pile of powder. Chen Mu turned his wrist and lifted it to eye level. Looking at the peanut-sized, pure white and flawless bead in his palm, a smile appeared on his face. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 1593/10000/Second Rank; Five Grains Talisman: limit; "Done!" Chapter 300 Accident Heavenly River Water Mansion, Geng District, Imperial Goods Pavilion. "You want Yellow Bud Rice?" Le Yang''an looked at Chen Mu with some difficulty. "As you can see, my Imperial Goods Pavilion mainly deals in Elixir Pills and Exotic Beast Materials. They don''t take up space and have high value." "Although Yellow Bud Rice is a necessity, it takes up too much space, so..." Le Yang''an shrugged. Chen Mu felt somewhat disappointed. He had mastered the Qi Absorbing Technique, and just like mastering the Dragon Slaying Skill, he couldn''t help but itch to get his hands on some Yellow Bud Rice to refine the Essence of the Five Grains. He didn''t plan to sell it for money, he just wanted to store about a hundred and eighty pounds of it in his Five Ghosts Bag. This stuff could almost be seen as a semi-finished Fasting Pill, small in size, high in energy, and very suitable as a reserve food to carry with him. "There are three large grain stores in the Geng District, why don''t you go there to buy some?" Le Yang''an looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "I need quite a bit, afraid that I might get ripped off." A hundred and eighty pounds of the Essence of the Five Grains would require at least seven or eight thousand pounds of Yellow Bud Rice as raw material. If someone got curious and checked it out, finding out that he could refine the Essence of the Five Grains, it might just cause a minor stir. He hated trouble! Le Yang''an''s eyebrow rose, "If it''s a bulk purchase, I might be able to help and procure some." Chen Mu''s spirits immediately lifted. "Then procure some." "I will have to charge a fee for acting as an intermediary," Le Yang''an clarified in advance. "No problem!" Chen Mu was full of confidence. Possessing over thirty thousand White Jade Coins, he wasn''t worried about his cut. "Then, would five hundred thousand pounds be enough?" Le Yang''an asked. "Cough, cough, cough... less, less." "Oh, I was worried it might not be enough. Fine, you name the amount," Le Yang''an said. Chen Mu thought seriously, "How about five thousand pounds?" Le Yang''an just looked at him gently without speaking. Chen Mu also felt embarrassed. The main problem was that his idea of bulk and others'' ideas of bulk were measured differently. "I''d better go buy it at the grain store." Chen Mu smiled sheepishly and ran off dejectedly. ... "Is it just because the amount of goods I want is small?" Chen Mu muttered to himself as he walked down the bustling main street of the Geng District. "Wait until I produce the Essence of the Five Grains, and show it off to scare you!" "If only Jie Jia was here," Chen Mu thought fondly. That old man didn''t care about the amount of money; as long as there was profit, he would do it. "Le boss''s business sense is really lacking." Idly strolling, Chen Mu arrived at the Baizhen Tower. Find your next read at empire By the window on the second floor, Chen Mu sat behind a square table, casually observing the hustle and bustle on the Geng District streets through the window while slowly chewing on the boiled fish slices. "The chef at Baizhen Tower is indeed more skilled than those at Red Sleeve Square." "The texture is just right, the flavors are well balanced, nicely done!" As he was secretly analyzing the ingredients used in the dish, a sudden loud noise erupted from the south side of the Water Mansion. Rumbling... A continuous tremor came through, causing ripples in the dishes and soup on the table. What''s happening?! Chen Mu abruptly got up and went to the window, straining his eyes towards the direction of the explosion. Sounds of chaos reached him faintly, indicating that the commotion was coming from the southeast part of the Geng District. Some impatient onlookers had already jumped out of the windows, flipping up to the top of the Baizhen Tower. On the street below, many people also climbed onto the high buildings on both sides of the street to watch. "But what if?" Chen Mu wasn''t reassured. "If Junior Brother continues to worry, you can go buy a Water Avoidance Bead," suggested Mo Wuzhou. A Water Avoidance Bead? A magic artifact for water avoidance? I will check out the Imperial Goods Pavilion later. "I still would like to practice the Water Avoidance Technique," Chen Mu insisted, handing Mo Wuzhou a small gray cloth bag, "Here is one hundred White Jade Coins. If it''s not enough, just let me know, Senior Brother." Magic artifacts are good, but what if you lose them? It is better to have more skills than be caught unprepared, so it''s best to learn more spells. "Alright," Mo Wuzhou shrugged, "I''ll ask for you when our mentor comes out of seclusion." Chen Mu immediately breathed a sigh of relief and hastily thanked him with a bow. Peng Yue Mountain was occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu; even the master of the Scripture Transmission Institute, Fu Zi, was captured. Fortunately, Song Wujie in the Oversight Courtyard had duplicates. "One''s energy is limited, learning too many secret techniques can dilute one''s focus," Mo Wuzhou couldn''t help but say in the end. "Compared to the Daoist Bone geniuses of the Upper Court, our starting point is already lower." "So it''s best not to be distracted." "You need to find one path, and then practice it diligently. Only then can you make rapid and vigorous progress!" "Senior Brother is absolutely right!" Chen Mu said with a face full of emotion. Reflecting on his journey so far, his heart resonated with the sentiments. "I owe my current level of cultivation to a focused goal and diligent practice," Chen Mu said earnestly. "Is... is that so?" Mo Wuzhou looked at him with a strange expression. He couldn''t help feeling that something was slightly amiss. ... Returning to the inn. Chen Mu immediately ran into a few familiar figures carrying large and small packages. The people nodded slightly at Chen Mu and then hurried off. "What''s going on?" Chen Mu approached the corner and joined Old Hao Shang Huan at their table. "The rent has gone up, can''t afford to stay anymore," Old Hao said, shaking his head with a look of misery. Price hikes? What''s this about? "I don''t know what Lord Jiao is thinking, raising the price is one thing, but doubling it all at once! Who can bear that?" Shang Huan also shook his head. "And they..." Chen Mu pointed towards the retreating figures. "They plan to live in Heavenly River District above here." "Although it lacks Earth Spirit Vital Energy, the cost of living is lower there." "It''s not far from the Water Mansion, and there are regular Ling Boats back and forth, with a monthly pass costing only one White Jade Coin." "After all, it''s just a place to sleep. They can still come here to work during the day," explained Old Hao Shang Huan, word by word. Chen Mu had a moment of realization. This is just like the commuters of a metropolis in a previous lifetime. Rent''s too expensive, so one could only rent or buy a place in a neighboring city and commute to work every day. "Does this have something to do with the collapse of the Dragon Gate yesterday?" Chen Mu wondered. "They say there''s a need for major repairs in the Water Mansion, hence the tax increase. And then we are the unfortunate ones," sighed Old Hao. "At this rate, I''m considering moving to Heavenly River District myself." "What a fine Dragon Gate of the Water Mansion it was; how could it just break like that." "Indeed," Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod his head. He thought Yunzhou would be more stable than Da Liang. Yet over these three years, it has been constantly troubled. Times are tough indeed. Chapter 301 Absorption ``` Heavenly River Water Mansion, Geng District, the ninth entrance on the east side of Dragon Gate, a series of continuous warehouses was located here. An old man in his fifties, short and plump, strolled along with his hands clasped behind him, casually glancing at Chen Mu, "What goods are you storing that require protection from the light?" "A batch of medicinal herbs," Chen Mu replied calmly, his appearance altered. "Ah, there are indeed some herbs that need to be kept in cool places," the fat old man nodded in realization. Chatting casually, it didn''t take long before they arrived at a small warehouse in the southeast corner. After unlocking the copper lock and removing the chain, the old man pushed open the grey wooden door, revealing a warehouse the size of a basketball court. A strong musty scent gushed out. "I need to be clear with you. This place is indeed cool but also damp. If your herbs get ruined, you can''t come back and blame me," the fat old man said. "This place is very good," Chen Mu, looking at the five or six small translucent windows on both sides of the warehouse, nodded in satisfaction. As long as these few windows were sealed and the Five Ghosts kept watch outside, it would block almost ninety percent of prying eyes. It was exactly suitable for hoarding Yellow Bud Rice and refining the Essence of the Five Grains. "Warehouse number sixty-seven, this will do." "The fee is honest, twelve White Jade Coins a month," the fat old man immediately said with a smile. Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows. "Don''t think it''s too expensive. Prices are going up all over the Water Mansion, I can''t help it," the fat old man shrugged his shoulders. Alright then. ... Two days later, warehouse number sixty-seven. Black smoke, like a flood tide, billowed within the warehouse, and wherever it passed, the soil and moss instantly vanished. Then the black smoke surged up the walls to the roof. The accumulated dust and cobwebs on the wooden triangular roof beams also disappeared without a trace. In just over twenty breaths, the warehouse was spotlessly clean. After scattering quicklime to absorb moisture and lighting insect repellent incense to eliminate bugs and ants, the dilapidated warehouse was instantly transformed. Chen Mu, taking out several Glowing Algae Lamps, hung them on the roof beams and habitually released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, then stood quietly inside, waiting. Before long, the six siblings from Wu Mountain and Shang Huan each carrying a huge hemp sack, walked into the warehouse.No?v(el)B\\jnn "Mr. Gongsun, a total of eight thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice." "As per your instructions, we bought them from separate shops, and no one followed or investigated," Lu Ku said with a bowed fist. "Very good," Chen Mu, wearing a white mask, nodded calmly. He then waved his hand, signaling for the group to leave. Shang Huan, however, was in a hurry and did not leave. Instead, he stepped forward, took out a small wooden box from a Mustard Seed Talisman, and presented it to Chen Mu with a sycophantic smile. "Mr. Gongsun, these are the earnings from the baiting operation, totaling three hundred and thirty-seven White Jade Coins," he said. Chen Mu''s brows rose involuntarily. It hadn''t been long, less than two months, and yet they had managed to divide over three hundred White Jade Coins?! "You didn''t mix in anything fake with the bait, did you?" Chen Mu asked suspiciously, looking at Shang Huan. "Absolutely not!" Shang Huan affirmed confidently. He had once inquired with Mo Wuzhou. A hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice could yield at most fifty Fasting Pills. An Elixir Pill weighed about two taels, fifty pills would be roughly ten pounds. "The extraction efficiency is only half?" Chen Mu looked at the gray wall and realized, "The Qi Absorbing Technique at Second Rank is still somewhat lacking." The Five Grains Talisman determined the purity of the absorption of the Essence of the Five Grains. The Proficiency of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique, on the other hand, determined the efficiency of the extraction. With only a tenth of his Mana expended, recovery would take a day and a half. To maintain full Mana, it''s best to process about seven or eight hundred pounds each day. With a batch of eight thousand pounds, processing three batches a month, even with just half the extraction efficiency, one could profit nearly four hundred White Jade Coins each month. If the extraction efficiency could be improved even further, not hesitating to use more Mana to refine more, up to nearly a thousand White Jade Coins could be harvested monthly! "Alchemy really does make money!" Chen Mu''s eyes sparkled. With this skill, once he followed Song Wujie to a new territory, just staying put for a decade, with Daoist Jade at his fingertips, one could obtain the Condense Aperture Secret Method without fighting or scrambling, living peacefully. "The future looks promising!" Chen Mu thought to himself, feeling pleased. ... The Heavenly River District is located right next to the banks closest to the Heavenly River Water Mansion. It''s a market district, as well as a large city without city walls. Nine broad streets crisscrossing the entire district section it off like a checkerboard. Due to the soaring prices at the Heavenly River Water Mansion, many people had to reside here, making the already bustling Heavenly River District even livelier. East of the City, within a residential complex with five entrances, Zhongshan Path Elder Yang Huan sat at the head of the inner hall. A robust man with a height of two meters, dark skin, a round face framed by thick facial hair, bowed and said respectfully, "Under the watchful eyes of Song Wujie, it''s not good for us to make a move." "This turbulence at the Heavenly River Water Mansion forced many disciples from the Jilong Road Lower Courtyard to come to the Heavenly River District. It gives us an opportunity." The robust man chuckled. "What? Have you found something?" Yang Huan glanced at the strong man. "Found something! A big discovery!" the dark-faced strong man said, grinning: "An Earth Vein Spiritual Spring, and it''s one occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu." "Snow demon Qing Liu?!" Yang Huan was startled, then elated: "Are you sure of the information?" "After interrogating five Lower Courtyard disciples consecutively, I''m at least ninety percent sure!" "The exact location!" "It''s roughly to the south of the original Jilong Road Lower Courtyard. Those disciples couldn''t give a precise location," said the robust man, scratching his head. "Keep capturing people!" Yang Huan said earnestly. "If you can find that snow demon Qing Liu, I guarantee you will get the Condense Aperture Secret Method!" "Just you watch!" The robust man grinned, turned and left the hall. Yang Huan watched the man''s retreating figure with an expression that changed. A Qing Liu Demon Puppet could be used to extract bloodlines and refine the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill. But that wasn''t the most important thing. If they could capture Qing Liu and employ the Six Desires Primordial Spirit Secret Technique to seize the demon''s body... Yang Huan clenched his fist: "Then I will become the next True Person of the White Tower!" Chapter 302 Surveillance Early morning. Hundreds of meters above, the ceiling of Heavenly River Water Mansion began to slowly light up. Tower after tower on Tongtian Tower was illuminated, and the entire Water Mansion buzzed to life. Chen Mu withdrew his gaze from the ceiling.No?v(el)B\\jnn "No matter how many times I see it, it still feels magical." He used to think it was bioluminescent algae, but after living here for a while, he realized the light was emanating from the Water Mansion itself. Chen Mu guessed that this might be an innate ability of the Golden Pearl Clams. "Once things settle down, I''ll raise a Golden Pearl and see." According to the information he heard, cultivating Golden Pearl Clams seemed to be a very mature industry. Jilong Road seemed to have its own cultivation farms, just not in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River. "When I first came to Yunzhou and was choosing a profession, there seemed to be an option to cultivate Golden Pearl Clams." ... Regaining his focus, Chen Mu, as usual, strolled over to Warehouse District Number Nine in Geng District. Entering small Warehouse Number Sixty-Seven, he separated out six to seven hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice, took a quarter of an hour to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, then replaced some of the lime powder to absorb the moisture in the warehouse. With the door locked, Chen Mu left the warehouse district. This was one of his daily routines lately. "After two more batches, I''ll stop," Chen Mu planned in secret. The Proficiency of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique wasn''t high enough, doing too much was just wasteful. The essence he was absorbing now was mainly being stockpiled as a reserve supply of food. ... Geng District was the gateway to the Heavenly River Water Mansion, with Ling Boats coming and going frequently and a dense flow of people, which in turn spawned a plethora of stores. Compared to the refined and bustling shops in District Ding where even minor purchases required payment in White Jade Coins, the marketplace here was rougher and more down-to-earth, where transactions could be made with gold, silver, or White Jade. He found a Fish Ball shop and ordered a bowl of fish balls. The mixed fish meat was skinned, deboned, mashed, seasoned, and molded into walnut-sized balls. Once boiled in a big fire until cooked, a basin-sized black pottery bowl was filled to the brim, garnished with a few verdant greenssavory and satisfying. Having eaten his fill, he left behind two soybean-sized Golden Pearls as payment and stood up to enter a shop just diagonally across. Behind the counter, a little-eyed fat man was dozing off out of sheer boredom. ... "Insect Repellent Incense?" Chen Mu, looking at the shelf to the right of the store, raised an eyebrow. Shang Huan stood up with a smile, "That''s right, Insect Repellent Incense." "Wild Cultivators who roam the mountains and forests hunting Exotic Beasts can''t do without this stuff." He said as he took out a gray cloth bag from below the counter and winked as he handed it to Chen Mu, "Here, this is yours." Chen Mu reached out to take it, his eyebrow involuntarily arching. This bag contained at least a hundred White Jade Coins. "Back at Peng Yue Mountain, you had to conceal your identity to deliver goods, and now you brazenly sell it..." This also involved the Wood Spirit Boy. Anyone interested would know that it was Shang Huan who sold the Wood Spirit Boy and the Spiritual Pulp back then. "Not afraid," Shang Huan chuckled, "Now, haven''t I got a connection with Liang from the Minor Supervision Court?" "In the eyes of others, I am now a trusted confidant of Brother Mo, and Brother Mo is a close friend of Liang from the Minor Supervision Court. So that makes me one of Liang''s people too," Shang Huan said proudly. As long as they jumped out the window, they would have a chance to escape. The next moment, black and white dense fur sprouted simultaneously on both of their cheeks, and the muscles in their legs rapidly became engorged and swelled, tearing through their trousers. They just needed to land to instantly flee in different directions. Just as their toes were about to touch the second floor''s blue-tiled eaves. An invisible force descended from above. It was as if a pause button was pressed the two rapidly falling men suddenly stopped mid-air. Whoosh! The next moment, they were sucked back into the third-floor room, even faster than when they had leaped out. Bang! The wooden window''s bamboo pole fell to the floor, and the heavily pasted paper window suddenly slammed shut. Instant silence fell within the three-story wooden building. ... "That was close..." Chen Mu sighed with relief inside the wooden building. Lucky for him, he had a habit of using the Truthful Listening Technique when roaming the streets. Initially, it was to gather as much information about the Heavenly River Water Mansion as possible. Who would have thought that he would overhear people surveilling Shang Huan? He had assumed it was local forces coveting wealth and goods. But these two men... Chen Mu looked at the two figures with thick thighs and slender calves, both with dense black and white hair growing on their hands and faces. "Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique? Zhongshan Path?!" "So the previous peace was indeed fake!" How could Zhongshan Path easily allow their three hundred people to stay comfortably in the Heavenly River Water Mansion! Capture them, interrogate... Those who went to live in the Heavenly River District earlier... Chen Mu suddenly had an ominous premonition. "Collecting information? Divide and conquer?" "How sinister!" ... Back at Shang Huan''s small shop, Chen Mu returned. "Mr. Gongsun?" Shang Huan asked, surprised. Why would this patron come to his little shop? Bang! Two figures appeared out of nowhere, crashing to the ground. "What is this..." Shang Huan looked at the two half-dead strongmen, immediately stood up, and closed the door. "You''ve been targeted by people from Zhongshan Path!" Chen Mu said calmly. Shang Huan''s complexion changed instantly. "Hand him over to Mo Wuzhou, tell him that Zhongshan Path''s ambitions are not dead, and to go find Liang Yi." Detain the mastermind, daringly infiltrating enemy territory? No no no, that''s something for the hot-blooded protagonists to do. I''m just an ordinary person. Faced with this kind of situation, in my past life, of course, I would call the police. Now, I have to find someone powerful for help. "Having taken the money, it''s time they did some work," said Chen Mu with an even expression. "Yes!" Chapter 303 Response Geng District, No. 9 Tongtian Tower, the sixty-second floor. "Yang Huan?" Song Wujie frowned. The conflict between the Sect Master of East Fence Path and the sage of White Tower hasn''t been resolved. Both Jilong Road and Zhongshan Path are consolidating their forces. Why would Yang Huan pick this time to cause trouble? "The two have confessed; they said it''s for Peng Yue Mountain," Liang Yi was also puzzled. Without the sage of White Tower to stand guard, this Yang Huan still dares to hop around everywhere? Isn''t he afraid that someone will take advantage of his absence and snatch his territory? "That place has already been occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu. What''s he doing there?" Song Wujie''s brow tightened. "Perhaps, Yang Huan has a way to deal with the snow demon," Liang Yi''s mind raced. "The snow demon is a creature from the frigid northern reaches of Yunzhou." "Zhongshan Path has dealt with them for years; they understand the snow demon Qing Liu better than we do." "It seems there''s a profit to be made!" Song Wujie let out a cold snort. "Do we kill him?" Liang Yi squinted. Having such a sly fellow wandering around the neighborhood is always disconcerting. "No," Song Wujie seemed contemplative. "Later, you''ll go and notify everyone. It''s imperative that those disciples who have left return to the Water Mansion, with food and lodging taken care of." "Such passive defense might lead Yang Huan to overstep," Liang Yi didn''t understand. "Not afraid," Song Wujie didn''t seem concerned. "I want to see Yang Huan make his move. I need to see just how much he wants Peng Yue Mountain." "Master is thinking of selling it at a high price?" Liang Yi suddenly realized. "If we kill Yang Huan now and later the sage of White Tower wins, what will we do then?" Song Wujie narrowed his eyes. "Better to be safe." "First, let''s cheat him out of some resources." ... Geng District, No. 9 Dragon Gate Storage Area, Warehouse No. 67. Chen Mu placed the remaining two thousand plus jin of Yellow Bud Rice before him. The Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique Exotic Force enveloped him. Hum hum hum... Sounds of bees flapping their wings immediately filled the warehouse. An hour later. Chen Mu retracted the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique and rubbed his aching temples. "I can''t come here anymore," Chen Mu sighed. With the incident stirred by Zhongshan Path, he didn''t dare hop around carelessly anymore. According to the confessions of the two captives, the Condensing Aperture expert Yang Huan was in the Heavenly River District. "What if that guy has no sportsmanship and personally comes to catch me? My arms and legs are no match for a Condensing Aperture expert." Originally, he had wanted to spend a month refining three batches of Yellow Bud Rice. But now, he had only refined one batch and had to stop. Black smoke billowed as Chen Mu activated Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. The residues from refining the Essence of the Five Grains out of Yellow Bud Rice were immediately consumed. The entire warehouse was once again left empty. Whether in his identity as Chen Mu or as Gongsun Sheng, it was not ideal for him to ask directly. Influencing Shang Huan and then having Old Hao inquire was the perfect solution. "Asking is fine, but we should have a pretext, right?" Old Hao exhaled a fragrant puff of smoke. The two exchanged a glance, and both instinctively looked towards Chen Mu. "Brother Chen, it''s time to show off your culinary skills!" Shang Huan said earnestly. Chen Mu: "..." Alright then. ... In Old Hao''s room on the second floor of the inn. "The details, I can''t say." "It won''t take long, the matter will be over soon." "All you need to do is to stay put in the inn, and you''ll be fine," Mo Wuzhou said emotionlessly at the dining table. Old Hao and Shang Huan immediately showed joy on their faces and enthusiastically invited Mo Wuzhou to drink with them. The meal took half an hour. After seeing off Mo Wuzhou, the three stood at the entrance of the inn, chatting. "Mo said it''d be safe as long as we don''t leave the inn," Old Hao whispered shrewdly, "which means someone must be protecting the vicinity." "Brother Mo also said that the issue would be resolved soon," Shang Huan chuckled. "Perhaps Director Song has gone to Heavenly River District to settle things with that Yang Huan from Zhongshan Path." "Now everything is fine, we just need to sleep for a few days in the inn, and when we wake up, everything will be back to normal," said Shang Huan, grinning. The two were chatting enthusiastically. But Chen Mu was squinting his eyes and suddenly said, "That''s not necessarily the case." "Indeed, there could be someone watching over this area." "Director Song might indeed be planning to settle accounts with Yang Huan." "But what if Director Song has his people guarding this place, waiting for people from Zhongshan Path to come, and then decides to deal with Zhongshan Path right here?" Shang Huan and Old Hao both stiffened immediately. "Are we bait?" "That''s not possible, is it?" "Of course not," Chen Mu said with a smile, "I was just kidding." "Let''s go, it''s time to sleep," he said without waiting for their reactions, and turned back to the inn. Then in less than two hours. Chen Mu arrived at the ninth Tongtian Tower wearing a black cloak and a changed appearance. He chose a room on the sixty-third floor and rented it for three months in one go. After verifying that the room ten meters below him to the left was Minor Supervision Court Liang''s room and the one fifteen meters to his front left was Director Song''s room, Chen Mu finally sighed in relief. "Regardless of the possibility that we''re bait, I can''t stay near the inn any longer." "I can''t take the risk." "Actually, going to Jinzhu Dojo would work too," Chen Mu muttered, smacking his lips. There, with the guards of Heavenly River Water Mansion, Yang Huan would definitely not dare to stir trouble. But the rent there was really too expensive. It would cost over six hundred White Jade a month, not cost-effective. "I can only reluctantly bask in the protection of the Evil-Repelling Halo of two high-level Condensing Aperture experts then." Chapter 304 Conspiracy ``` Geng District Number 9, Tongtian Tower, the sixty-third floor, Chen Mu''s room. The white walls radiated a warm luster, clearly not jade or stone, but some kind of bone or keratin. The corners were rounded, not like they were pieced together but rather as if they were one whole. Chen Mu took a meditation cushion out of the Five Ghosts Bag and placed it in front of the large floor-to-ceiling window, then sat down cross-legged and looked down over the entire Water Mansion. The glittering ceiling of the sky, the yellow and white Tongtian Tower, the wide crisscrossing streets, the bustling crowd, and the occasional streaks of light and various flying kites that cut across the sky. "What a wondrous world." Watching a streak of emerald light zip over his head and straight into the distant Jinzhu Dojo. Chen Mu''s face showed envy, "Although flying kites can also fly, compared to this Flying Escape Technique, they still lack a bit of flair." "One day, I will be able to fly on my own!" Chen Mu called up the grey wall, full of longing. Writing: 8521/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 8145/10000/Fifth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 7217/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 7136/10000/Eighth Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 8372/10000/Fourth Rank; Planting: 6933/10000/Third Rank; United Heart Curse: 4502/10000/Ninth Rank; Fire Cloud Curse: 4386/10000/Second Rank; Manipulation: 6736/10000/First Rank; Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: 4228/10000/Third Rank; Truthful Listening Technique: 9006/10000/Fourth Rank; Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 9181/10000/Second Rank; "The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is too noisy, can''t cultivate that." "Manipulation requires going out to fly, can''t practice that either." "If I could just slightly control the temperature, perhaps I could practice the Fire Cloud Curse." "I just don''t know if there is any equipment in Tongtian Tower designed for flames," Chen Mu looked around the room. In a former life, hotel apartments had fire alarm systems, "Better to ask later just to be safe."No?v(el)B\\jnn Chen Mu stared at the grey wall, plotting. "First max out the Second Rank of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique." "Then start learning the Five Qi Primordial Technique while simultaneously cultivating the Truthful Listening Technique." "Once the Truthful Listening Technique reaches the limit of Fourth Rank Perfection, I''ll start on the Fire Cloud Curse." With a plan in place, Chen Mu completely closed himself in. He closed his eyes and began to cultivate the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique. ... Four days later. Chen Mu opened his eyes, staring blankly out of the floor-to-ceiling window. He absentmindedly watched the flying kites in the sky for a while before snapping back to reality. "Getting too immersed isn''t good either," Chen Mu clicked his tongue. Watching the experience points slowly increase, that feeling was truly joyful. But over time, it''s easy to develop a sense of unreality about time slipping away. "This place is ultimately the domain of Heavenly River Water Mansion, we can''t let him make a noise." The tall man sighed, "This guy is such a nuisance, how did he end up staying just above Mo Wuzhou''s room." "Isn''t that perfect," Prefect Zhang chuckled, "We want to catch Mo Wuzhou by surprise, so we need to destroy the floors." "The Water Mansion''s strongmen and Song Wujie will definitely come to investigate, and this guy can take the fall for us." The tall, muscular man shook his head, "If Heavenly River Water Mansion gets involved, they will surely see through it." Prefect Zhang''s eyes narrowed with a smile, "Of course, they will figure it out. But all we need is for him to delay them for a bit." "Just enough to allow me to leave the Water Mansion''s Dragon Gate at leisure." "The Prefect has considered everything," the tall man suddenly realized. ... Inside Chen Mu''s room, after enjoying a full meal, he was in no rush to cultivate. Instead, he took out the Heartless Bell that he hadn''t used in a long time. A thread of mana followed the Primordial Talisman into his palm, and then into the Heartless Bell. Clang! A sound like that of a bronze bell echoed. The blood in his body suddenly vibrated gently. The relief of taking a brisk 3-kilometer walk and lightly sweating spread swiftly through his body. Then, looking at the distant view through the floor-to-ceiling window, he felt refreshed and carefree. "What a fine thing," Chen Mu said, fondly fidgeting with it. With the intervention of mana, the Heartless Bell''s soul-stirring and spirit-capturing capabilities were still ineffective on him. But its ability to vibrate the blood and relieve fatigue from long sitting began to take effect. "This is way more reliable than any massage chair." Chen Mu chuckled and put it away. ... In the following days, Chen Mu began to attempt to understand the Five Qi Primordial Technique. Similar to the Qi Absorbing Technique, this too was a foundational talisman. Different elixirs, due to their need for various aggregation methods, gave rise to different aggregation techniques, such as the Golden Bead Talisman required for the Fasting Pill. "No wonder alchemy makes money, the barriers are truly high!" To absorb the components of elixir pills, one needs the component talisman. To aggregate raw materials into an elixir pill, one needs the aggregation talisman. To control the alchemy furnace, you also need different talismans corresponding to the different states. A simple Fasting Pill involves five kinds of talismans, what about other, more complex elixirs? And even if one mastered them all, the success rate of alchemy still remains an issue. "To grasp a variety of talismans requires exceptional talent." "To increase the success rate of alchemy, one needs a lot of financial resources to practice." "I lack talent and resources." "Can an ordinary person like me really perform alchemy?" Thinking of this dim future, Chen Mu couldn''t help feeling disheartened. "Three months of hard training and I''ve only mastered two talismans." "Look at Mo Wuzhou; he only took half a year!" "Even though I''ve worked so hard..." Chen Mu shook his head with a wide grin, "I can''t compare, just can''t compare." "Ha ha!" Chapter 305 Dealing Several days later. Chen Mu''s cultivation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Looking up at the window, the world outside had darkened. Unknowingly, he had immersed himself in grinding for experience all day again. Of course, the results were very satisfying. Chen Mu looked at the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 6/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 196/10000/First Rank; The Primordial Technique had already reached the beginner level. What surprised him was that the Truthful Listening Technique was not just Fourth Rank. The skills he had trained before, such as the Void Cloak Technique and the Sand Containing Technique, were mostly only Fourth Rank. "Seems like I''ve struck gold," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. The seven Wu brothers sure had a knack for choosing secret techniques. "Then the other secret techniques..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel excited about the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique. He got up and opened the door, and it was the young man with the melon-seed face bringing the meal again. The burly man with the dark face across the corridor had already gotten his meal box and was now opening the lid, tearing off a piece of roast chicken the size of half a watermelon and chewing it with the bones. While eating, he complained to the melon-seed face, "You''re charging more and more money, but the stuff you give gets less and less." "Last month''s roast chicken was much bigger than this!" The melon-seed face youth had a fully smiling face, "All sorts of materials at the Water Mansion have gone up in price, we can''t do anything about it." The dark-faced burly man glared and sneered contemptuously, "What do you mean ''can''t do anything''? Tongtian Tower is already operated by the Water Mansion; you guys get your materials directly from outside the Water Mansion, and prices haven''t gone up out there!" The melon-seed face could only reply with a helpless smile. "I think the Water Mansion is just crazy about White Jade Coins. This young fellow, wouldn''t you agree?" The dark-faced burly man looked at Chen Mu for support with his argument. Chen Mu smiled and nodded in agreement but didn''t want to say much, preparing to turn around and close the door. But the man with the dark face suddenly spoke with a mysterious air, "Young fellow, do you know why the Water Mansion raised prices?" Chen Mu paused mid-movement. "Isn''t it to repair the Dragon Gate at the Water Mansion?" Could there be another reason? The dark-faced burly man stepped out of his room, approaching Chen Mu''s doorway. "Repair the Dragon Gate? Heh! That''s just an excuse to fool people." He waved his hand to dismiss the eavesdropping melon-seed face youth, leaned in closer to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard there''s a problem with the Jinzhu Dojo." Chen Mu took the food box to the French window. "Or maybe... listen in on their conversations?" That... that wouldn''t be ethical, right? Chen Mu''s face twisted with conflict as he activated the passive Truthful Listening Technique. "I''m just testing a new Fifth Rank skill, definitely not eavesdropping! Yes, that''s it!" Hum! A hum buzzed in his ears. The sounds of his stomach rumbling, the friction of the glowing algae sliding along the jade pipes on the walls making a rustling noise, the plink of water drops in the washroom. Sounds from all directions slowly flowed into his mind. Initially, it was just within Chen Mu''s room. The next moment, all Chen Mu had to do was think about the hallway outside his room, and the sound of the wind passing through it reached his ears. This sensation of being able to adjust his hearing range at will was quite marvelous. It was like looking at a particular scene with the eyes - just naturally looking over there allowed him to see it. Chen Mu focused on a direction he wanted to hear sounds from, and then he could hear them. Chen Mu held firm onto his spirit, carefully inching the Truthful Listening skill toward the dark-faced strong man''s room. He was wary lest the other man hit him with a sudden thunderbolt of revelation. The next moment, the crunch of chewing on a chicken bone came through. Chen Mu immediately let out a sigh of relief. Yet, he couldn''t repress a feeling of disappointment welling up inside him. Obviously, they were eating dinner at this moment; what else could be happening? Chen Mu immediately scolded himself. What was I looking forward to! Ptui, ptui, ptui! My mind''s too dirty! Hmm... Maybe I should listen in when they''re about to sleep. ... "That young man with the pale face has a room layout similar to ours, with a French window at the very back." Chapter 309 305 Croak! "You''re saying you can eat three in one bite? Blowing smoke!" Mo Wuzhou stared at the snow-white giant toad. Croak! "You''ve even swallowed Song Wujie before?" "And you even ate Elder Song? Why don''t I believe it!" Mo Wuzhou''s face was full of skepticism. Croak! "What? Wait for Song Wujie to come back and demonstrate for me?" "No, no, no! You don''t need to demonstrate for me!" Mo Wuzhou was suddenly sweating bullets. Croak? "Believe, believe, believe! I believe you, alright?" Mo Wuzhou said speechlessly. Although this giant toad was a big demon with an opened aperture, comparable to a human Condesing Aperture expert, its nature was quite simple and honest because it had been living in the wild for many years. If he dared not to believe, the toad would really dare to eat in front of him! "The one coming might not necessarily be Yang Hu. He might directly entangle himself with Elder Song, lure the tiger away from the mountain, and then let someone else come here to catch people." "After all, as long as you can capture more core disciples from the Lower Courtyard in the Spiritual Light Illusion Breaking Realm, you''ll always try to find Peng Yue Mountain," Mo Wuzhou said. "Yuanbao, I''ve made it clear to you. If the visitor is Yang Huan, feel free to take action. But if the visitor is an undistilled disciple from Zhongshan Path, you mustn''t swallow them in one bite. Beating them half to death is good enough. These people are to be used as negotiation leverage." Croak? "What does ''half dead'' mean? That''s not so easy to say," Mo Wuzhou scratched his head. Croak? "Does it count as half dead if the neck is twisted under the armpit?" "If it''s twisted under the armpit, that definitely means it''s broken, that''s already dead. "Then why not live on the sixty-second floor?" "How could I, I can''t disturb Oversight Courtyard and Elder Brother," Chen Mu said earnestly. Mo Wuzhou was speechless. You''re just afraid of dying. Daring not to stay in an inn, nor on the sixty-second floor, just afraid of being affected by Zhongshan Path''s attacks! Heh! What a pity, you still got involved in it anyway! Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile bitterly. He hadn''t expected Zhongshan Path to plan an attack on Mo Wuzhou from above. Living right above Mo Wuzhou, he became a fish caught in the net. Discover exclusive content at empire "Although I twisted that person''s neck and shattered his internal organs, that was a ''barbarian'' who practiced the Heavenly Cultivation Demon Rebirth Technique. His vitality is extremely strong," Chen Mu explained. "Taking him for interrogation might reveal some secret information, and if that leads Director Song to strike directly at the heart of the matter and capture the mastermind behind the attack, then this Zhongshan Path crisis might just be resolved!" Chen Mu said hopefully. "I wish," Mo Wuzhou turned his head to look behind him, his heart filled with disappointment. By now, the body would have dissolved, so there''s nothing left to interrogate! He had already searched upstairs and downstairs. Zhongshan Path seemed to have sent only those two people. He had still hoped to capture a Zhongshan Path disciple and use them for reverse intimidation. Now that plan was ruined too. Chen Mu followed Mo Wuzhou''s gaze. In the previously empty, spacious room, with a shift of light and shadow, a snow-white giant toad suddenly appeared. Chen Mu twitched his faceit was that black-faced strong man who had been eaten by the toad. Croak! Chen Mu: "..." "Alright, alright, you''re good too!" Chen Mu said with a forced smile, raising his hand awkwardlythis toad was quite polite, after all. Chapter 306 Ambush Five days later. Geng District, Tower Nine, sixty-fourth floor. Chen Mu sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, fitting a Fifth Rank Truthful Listening Talisman over his ears. Ignoring the occasional strange groans and moans that came through, and after confirming there was no danger nearby, Chen Mu''s face showed relief, "They''re all decent people here." "I should have moved to the sixty-fourth floor to begin with; the sixty-third floor is still too close to the sixty-second." "I wonder if the matter has been resolved." After handing over the dark-faced strong man to Mo Wuzhou, Chen Mu didn''t meddle in the affair any further. Had it not been for the fear of being caught outside, and the relative safety offered by the Tongtian Tower, he would have run away long ago. "Can''t be too close to the sixty-second floor; it''s easy to get involved in trouble." "Can''t be too far from the sixty-second floor either; if it''s too far, I won''t be able to benefit from the Cold Moon Toad''s protective aura." "The sixty-fourth floor is just right." ... Chen Mu perked up his ears once again to assure the surrounding rooms were safe, then he looked down at the ground in front of the meditation cushion. There lay three items. A black leather bag thick as a wrist and as long as a forearm. Your next read is at empire A Mustard Seed Talisman scroll the thickness of a carrot. A snow-white fanged tooth the size of a thumb. The first two came from the long-armed strong man. The fanged tooth was plucked from the neck of the dark-faced man. "I didn''t want to," Chen Mu sighed. He preferred to earn his wealth and resources diligently with his own hands. He detested easy gains because they diminished his sense of achievement. "If you insist on giving them to me, I have no choice but to accept," Chen Mu said helplessly as he picked up the black leather bag and untied the drawstring at one end. Two palm-sized leather talismans; one goose egg-sized black bottle of indeterminate material; and a palm-sized cloth pouch containing about twenty or thirty soybean-sized gold fragments. He shook the black bottle, and it rattled. "Most likely some kind of elixir." He then unfolded the two folded leather talismans. "Spiritual Light Talisman?" Chen Mu had noticed that the long-armed strong man, just before being killed, was sticking similar leather talismans on his body to add Spiritual Light. Chen Mu observed with interest. "Could there be three separate spaces?" "Three reusable spaces?!" What a great item! "This seems to be an upgraded version of the Mustard Seed Talisman," Chen Mu realized. A Mustard Seed Talisman made from Exotic Beast Skin was like a battery-operated device, being unusable once Mana was exhausted. A fanged tooth Mustard Seed Talisman kept a power cord, always usable as long as there was Mana. "This thing must be quite valuable, right?" He then turned his attention to the two reddish-brown wooden chests. Chen Mu suddenly had a bad feeling. Opening the chests, one was filled with bottles and jars of various elixirs. The other was full to the brim with White Jade Coins. "Can you not give me so many White Jade Coins?" Chen Mu looked at the full chest of gently glowing jade with a resistant expression. As money came in too fast, at one point, the notion of taking the six siblings of Wu Mountain to raid homes and rob them flickered through Chen Mu''s mind. "Dare you disturb my Taoist heart?!" "That dark-faced man was cunning indeed!" "To leave behind such troubles even in death." Chen Mu became furious, waved his hand, and locked all these White Jade Coins inside the Five Ghosts Bag. "Hoo..." "What a relief!" ... Another five days passed. Chen Mu used the Truthful Listening Secret Technique. An odd sensation emerged. Inside the sixty-second floor, three obstructed areas appeared. It felt like looking out the window to see the sky but having the view partially blocked by the building across the way. Those obstructed areas also blocked the reach of the Truthful Listening Technique. "Song Wujie is back!" Chen Mu realized. Before, there was only one such sensation, which he confirmed to be the Cold Moon Toad. Now that there were two more similar obstructions, they had to be Song Wujie and Liang Yi. "Has the matter with the Zhongshan Path been settled?" Chen Mu wondered. "I need to find out what''s happening." Being secluded in cultivation all the time has this downside. Information is too isolated. Chapter 307 Cloud Bat ``` Several days later. Near the No. 9 Tongtian Tower in Geng District, on the third floor of an inn. Chen Mu leaned against a pillow, half-reclining on a soft couch. His fifth-rank Truthful Listening Technique''s passive eavesdropping ability was activated. The noisy clamor from the lobby on the first floor kept reaching his ears. "Zhongshan Path is as good as finished, it''s said that several Condensing Aperture experts have died." "Alas... they shouldn''t have been so heavy-handed. Just driving them out would have been enough. If the real person from White Tower seeks revenge, it''ll be another mess." "The people from the Oversight Courtyard dared to do this because they probably have news from the East Fence Path''s Sect Master. That''s their backing." "I''m only concerned about what we''re supposed to do now." "The territories we snatched back definitely need people to run them, and with more land than people, you can plant as much Yellow Bud Rice as you want." "It''s a pity it''s not Peng Yue Mountain, the monthly salary here is likely just two White Jade Coins." "Be content, look at those wild cultivators mingling in the Water Mansion, are they not worse off?" "Wild Cultivators aren''t that bad, right? No one controls them." "Then you go be a Wild Cultivator..." Wild Cultivators cannot exchange for Secret Techniques and secret techniques. Having not heard any definite news about leaving the Water Mansion, Chen Mu shook his head and stopped listening to the meaningless discussions in the lobby. "Don''t believe in rumors, don''t spread rumors." "I''d rather gain more experience than waste time on those gossipy pieces of information." He sat up straight and looked at the black Alchemy Furnace on the low table before him. The Pill Furnace was about the size of a rice cooker from his previous life. It had three sets of double ears and its entire body was in a matte black finish, with cloud and Exotic Beast patterns engraved on the surface. He tapped it with his finger, producing a clear and melodious ''ding-dong'' sound. On top of the Pill Furnace was a lid with a spherical knob. He had tried several times before to open it, but to no avail, until he flipped through the accompanying jade slip for the Pill Furnace and realized it required a special Dharma Curse. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm, controlling opening and closing, heat and cold, thunder sound, and Qi Forbidden, four capabilities. It''s the key Dharma Curse for operating the Mixed Yuan Five Qi Furnace. Each Elixir requires a different environment for pill formation. Some need fire burning, some need to be chilled with ice, some need Qi Forbidden to be kneaded, some need the booming of thunder sound. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm could control the Pill Furnace, creating the necessary conditions to complete Alchemy. "The five Dharma Curses needed for the Fasting Pill, I''ve mastered four, just missing the Wind Fire Pivot Charm." For the following days, he holed up inside the inn. Daily, he would occasionally use the Truthful Listening Technique to eavesdrop on information, spending more time contemplating the Pivot Charm. ... Three days later. Near Dragon Gate in Geng District. More than two hundred people crowded together, preparing to board a Ling Boat to the Heavenly River District. Chen Mu, carrying a grey cloth bundle, stood with Old Hao, Shang Huan, and others on the edge of the crowd. "Do you know where we''re going?" Chen Mu withdrew his Truthful Listening Technique and asked. "It''s probably one of the Lower Courtyards we took back," guessed Old Hao. Chen Mu silently nodded. Most of the people in the crowd held the same opinion. "That''s not necessarily the case." Shang Huan shook his head. "Do you have any inside information?" Old Hao looked at him in surprise. "No inside information." Shang Huan laughed softly, "But Liang, the Minor Supervision Court, bought a large batch of Insect Repellent Incense from me." Insect Repellent Incense? "Psh..." Shang Huan looked unconvinced, "I thought there was something to it." "You think getting a wife is easy?" Old Hao glared at Shang Huan with a sidelong glance. "Is it... very difficult?" Shang Huan sounded uncertain. "To find a wife, you either need to have looks or wealth, and also be good with words." "Not just that, we cultivators hardly meet anyone because we''re always training, so how would you know which families have eligible daughters for marriage?" Old Hao said with a touch of exasperation. Chen Mu suddenly found this very reasonable. It seems that finding a partner isn''t easy anywhere. In his past life, countless homebodies were plagued by the Dharma Curse of being hectored to marry. It''s too hard! "Those Noble Clans are engaged in matchmaking activities." "Sending wives to male cultivators." "And husbands to female cultivators." "If you have special tastes, it''s not that they can''t send a young man to you." Chen Mu: "..." What in the world is this mess! ... Whoo... As they were chatting, a long, mournful cry suddenly came from somewhere. The chaotic crowd on the riverbank quieted down and looked up at the sky together. A black and white streak of light suddenly burst from within a cloud in the sky, and with a loud crash, it landed on the riverbank. It turned out to be Director Song from the Minor Supervision Court. Somehow, he employed a method to make his voice resonate loud and clear. "Everyone pack up your belongings and prepare to board the Ling Boat." No sooner had his voice faded than another long cry echoed from the horizon. The cloud from which Director Song had just emerged started to descend, spreading outwards as it fell. In no time, the clouds thinned and vanished from sight. A huge shadow, resembling a greenish-brown bat, appeared before everyone. Is this the Ling Boat? Chen Mu''s scalp tingled involuntarily. A massive object, comparable in size to a football field, slowly descended onto the surface of the Tongtian River, stirring up gusts of air that fluttered the clothes of all around. If it were not for Liang Yi standing in the front, perhaps some might have already run away! Even so, Chen Mu himself still felt his legs go weak. Upon close observation, noticing many signs of modification, he was sure this was something like the Ling Boat, a gigantic Flying Artifact crafted from the body of an Exotic Beast or monster. Thankfully, it was dead. Chen Mu felt a sense of relief. If this creature were alive, it could probably finish him off with a single breath! Amidst his shock, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel thrilled. He had strived in his cultivation, endured hardships, and made it step by step to this day, wasn''t it to witness the wonders of this world? Having seen such a peculiar aspect of the world today, he was convinced that there would be more to witness in the future. With this thought, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 308 Jade Spring Annex Yun Bat, originally an exotic beast of the sea, could both dive into the water and soar the skies. Beneath its pair of bluish-grey flesh wings were countless air holes, which allowed it to control cloud energy and ride upon mist and rosy clouds. After it was captured and killed, its abdomen was hollowed out and imbued with talismans, allowing it to carry both people and objects as it flew through the sky and dived into water. The Yun Bat flying vessel that Chen Mu boarded had cost Jilong Road a great amount of money to purchase from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The flying vessel had three layers. The bottom layer held cargo. The middle layer was divided into small compartments by screens, each equipped with two or three soft couches, enough for seven or eight people. The top layer was refined and luxurious, reserved only for those who had broken through illusions and had cultivated mana. Wuu... Accompanied by a prolonged cry, white clouds of smoke suddenly burst forth from rows of black holes located beneath the wings of the Yun Bat. After a slight vibration, the massive Yun Bat flying vessel slowly floated up into midair. On the second layer, in a compartment by the window. Chen Mu and Old Hao leaned against the round jade window, gazing at the smooth bluestone ground that was becoming increasingly distant below them. This was already their fourth day away from Heavenly River District. The Yun Bat flying vessel had reached the Upper Court of Jilong Road, reportedly to pick up passengers. Before long, Shang Huan hurried into the compartment. "I''ve found out, they''re picking up an elder with the surname Sun." "He''s also brought hundreds of Upper Court disciples aboard." "Now our Director Song can''t play the role of director anymore," Shang Huan whispered close to them. "Who becomes the director has nothing to do with small folks like us," said Old Hao leisurely, puffing on a cigarette. "Whoever we farm for, it''s all the same." Chen Mu strongly agreed. "It''s a shame Brother Mo has returned to the Upper Court," Shang Huan sighed. "There goes my business." "But isn''t there still Liang Yi of the Minor Supervision Court?" asked Old Hao, puzzled. "He was merely giving face to Brother Mo. A Condensing Aperture expert doesn''t care about a mere thousand or so White Jade Coins a month," explained Shang Huan, shaking his head. "But finding a new backer is hard," Shang Huan sighed. "Didn''t you say there were hundreds of Upper Court disciples arriving? Among them, there must be some skilled in Perceptive Illusion Breaking. If you look carefully, you''ll surely find a new backer," Chen Mu casually suggested. "I''m just afraid they''ll make exorbitant demands, swallowing us whole, skin and bones," Shang Huan said anxiously. "Why didn''t you ask Brother Mo to recommend someone?" Chen Mu inquired. "I did," Shang Huan replied, looking dejected. "He told me to find Mr. Gongsun." "But this Mr. Gongsun is like a mouse, always hiding and showing only bits of himself. How am I supposed to find him?" Hiding and showing bits of himself? A mouse? Chen Mu looked blankly at Shang Huan. Fatso, I''ll remember you! ... "Oh right, Brother Chen, Brother Mo had a message for you before he left," Shang Huan suddenly said, slapping his forehead. "He said if your matter is successful, you can go directly to Liang Yi of the Minor Supervision Court." Chen Mu couldn''t help but push open the window to look out. An old man in his fifties with a goat beard was holding a book, knocking on the doors of each hut in turn to ask questions, while occasionally making some notes. Many people stepped out of their huts, leaning against their doorframes with great interest to watch. "It looks like there''s no need to wait; I have to go today." The old man was documenting the ranks of the Lower Courtyard''s disciples to facilitate coordinated deployment. I have already mastered Perceptive Illusion Breaking, which isn''t suitable to be revealed in front of a large crowd. It would be better to change my status through Liang Yi instead. Apart from a few acquaintances, it wouldn''t cause too much of a stir. ... Jade Spring Mountain towered into the clouds, with pavilions lining its summit continuously, as if reclining on the clouds. The golden sun bathed the sea of clouds, making the mountain''s summit seem like a fairyland. To the west side of the mountain top was a pine forest, hiding two wooden buildings, one large and one small, in its midst. Inside the living room of the smaller wooden building, Chen Mu''s right hand was directed toward a grey cloth bag on the ground. Five Elements Qi Absorption! Humm! The Yellow Bud Rice inside the bag trembled, as wisps of white powder rose like steam, gathering into a ball in the palm of Chen Mu''s hand. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu stopped the Qi Absorbing Technique and placed a fist-sized ball of Essence of the Five Grains into the brown wooden box on the side table next to him. Then, with a face full of shame, he clasped his hands together in respect and said, "Minor Supervision Court, my skills are not refined. Out of a hundred pounds, I can only extract six or seven pounds. I am ashamed." "The master was not mistaken; you do have a talent for alchemy," Liang Yi exclaimed and then shook his head, "What a pity..." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "I will arrange for you to join the Administrative Affairs Institute''s Pill Treasure Pavilion to work in alchemy." "But as for the Daoist Cultivation accumulation plan, you''ll have to comply with arrangements from other sectors. Even the master can''t make much change," Liang Yi spoke calmly. Chen Mu''s heart sank all at once. An unexpected turn had occurred with the alchemy cultivation plan?! "You must have seen it; Jade Spring Mountain is dense with Vital Energy, the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring here is just too good," Liang Yi lamented. "This place is no longer the Lower Courtyard, it has become a branch of Jilong Road for Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu came to a realization. To be called a branch meant that the environment here, even if not quite on par with the Upper Court, was not far behind. Jade Spring Mountain was too big a pie for Song Wujie to eat alone; it required the collective effort of many. With more people involved, the affairs of the branch would need to be deliberated collectively. Chen Mu''s expression turned grim. He had wanted to quietly cultivate alchemy and accumulate Daoist Cultivation without expecting such a sudden change. "But as the Minor Supervision Court arranges," Chen Mu said respectfully, clasping his hands together. He understood that being placed into the Pill Treasure Pavilion was compensation for the previous Daoist Cultivation matter. No matter whether he accepted it or not, the situation had become unchangeable. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 310 Meeting The next day, Chen Mu''s cave abode. The alchemist cultivation room was situated near the cliff''s outer side, spanning forty to fifty square meters C nearly as large as three bedrooms in an ordinary family home from his previous life. To the south, there were two windows with hard Qing jade embedded above, allowing the light to shine through and making the room exceptionally bright. Chen Mu hadn''t yet furnished the room with cabinets or furniture. The only thing there, near the windows, was a long, cushioned couch. Sitting cross-legged beside the couch, Chen Mu focused on his practice. On a low table next to him, a fist-sized bronze incense burner stood in the center, its barely visible Calming Pill smoke slowly wafting through the air. Chen Mu held the Five Qi Primordial Furnace in one hand and activated the Wind Fire Pivot Charm, sending a strand of mana into the pill furnace. Clank! A faint ring of light flashed over the seam where the round lid met the furnace. The lid, which had appeared fused with the furnace, separated, and Chen Mu effortlessly lifted it by its round twist. "Open and close to control the lid," he muttered. "Cold and heat for regulating temperature," he continued. "Qi Forbidden to control internal pressure," he added. "Ignoring its last ability, to emit thunderous sounds isn''t this just an otherworldly magic artifact version of a pressure cooker?" Chen Mu wore an odd expression. "Tsk tsk... this will make stewing meat much more convenient." He glanced at the gray wall, noting his experience. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 2493/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 1696/10000/Second Rank; Wind Fire Pivot Charm: 6627/10000; Golden Bead Talisman: Limit; Five Grains Talisman: Limit; Chen Mu felt an itch to try something new. "Refine a furnace?" he pondered. After some thought, Chen Mu shook his head. "Better play it safe. In at most half a month, the Wind Fire Pivot Charm should reach Perfection." "By then, I''ll be more adept at the Five Qi Primordial Technique, and the success rate for trying will be a bit higher." "Can''t just bury myself in diligent practice either. I need to find out more about the exchange mechanism for Daoist cultivation," Chen Mu mused to himself. He had come to Jade Spring Mountain precisely to accrue Daoist cultivation points in exchange for Secret Techniques. His meeting with Pavilion Master Zhu was just a brief introduction. As for the operation rules of the Pill Treasure Pavilion, he was completely in the dark. "It''s a shame Mo Wuzhou has returned to the Upper Court." Without this acquaintance, gathering information would be somewhat troublesome. "Should I go to Pavilion Master Zhu?" Chen Mu shook his head. Being granted an audience with him was probably only due to Liang Yi''s influence. "Maybe I could seek out that old servant of Pavilion Master Zhu." That man, always by Zhu Yi''s side, had seen and heard much and surely knew a lot. Moreover, with his low cultivation, there was no fear of him causing any trouble. As he was wondering when to visit, his ears, bolstered by the Truthful Listening Technique, suddenly heard footsteps that were drawing closer. Chen Mu looked down through the window. On the five-meter-high stone staircase leading to the entrance of the cave, a two-meter-tall portly figure was laboriously climbing step by step. The corners of Chen Mu''s mouth instantly curled up. "Not enough," Chen Mu''s voice remained flat. Disaster! Shang Huan''s heart suddenly clenched. This guy seemed somewhat greedy! He quickly calculated the increase in the number of Lower Courtyard disciples and the distribution of benefits: If this person could guarantee the safety of the business, letting me expand with peace of mind, even giving him half wouldn''t matter! After realizing this, Shang Huan gritted his teeth and said, "Senior Brother, fifty percent of the profits, at least eight hundred White Jade Coins a month, how about that?" "Not enough," Chen Mu''s voice was still flat. This... "Eighty percent?" "Still not enough!" Shang Huan''s pupils suddenly shrank! This bastard wants it all?! He couldn''t help but think of some unsavory rumors. It was said that some Lower Courtyard enforcers, relying on their Perceptive Illusion Breaking Cultivation, would brazenly plunder the assets of the lowest-ranked disciples, greedy and ruthless. The persecuted disciples lost not just their wealth, but their lives were also at risk! I''ve walked right into the tiger''s den! But what could he do? He had only just managed to cultivate the Jade Seed. Maybe this bastard could snuff out his life with just a breath. Damn Gongsun Sheng! "Whatever Senior Brother deems fit, I will follow," Shang Huan said respectfully. "Are you sincere?" Damn right, I''m not! Shang Huan cursed inwardly but had to maintain a serious and sincere expression. "My heart is as clear as the sun and the moon, at Senior Brother''s disposal!" "Hmm... then do the splits for me," Chen Mu replied. Shang Huan: "..." What the hell kind of request is this?! "What, you''re not willing?" Chen Mu feigned discontent. Shang Huan instantly tensed up, "Willing willing willing!" He immediately spread his legs and with a snap, did the splits right in the doorway. A sharp pain immediately shot up from the inside of his thighs, causing Shang Huan''s large round face to turn beet red. Although he had achieved Perfection with the Jade Seed and had even started cultivating the Spiritual Light, his body had been transformed into something monstrous through secret techniques. But no matter how strong or fast he was, doing the splits still hurt! This bastard is definitely a pervert! "Senior Brother, how is my performance?" Creak. The tightly shut door slowly opened. Shang Huan quickly managed his expression, showing a sycophantic smile on his face. But that smile had only risen halfway when he saw a familiar figure on the soft couch inside the room, looking at him with a seemingly amused gaze. Shang Huan immediately stiffened, his eyes bulging and his mouth wide open. "Holy shit!" ``` Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 311 Daoist Cultivation ``` Continue reading on empire "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Shang Huan''s eyes were lifeless as he muttered incessantly. "Don''t believe me? Want me to show you a thing or two?" Chen Mu glanced sidelong at Shang Huan. "Believe, believe, believe, believe, believe, I believe!" Shang Huan quickly waved his hands. "Three-tenths of the Insect Repellent Incense business for me will do," Chen Mu said with a light chuckle. After all, Gongsun Sheng could still collect another payment. "But you have to disguise it well." "It''s best to change the style and name, creating brands similar to those of the Zhang Family and Li Family''s Insect Repellent Incense. Sell it in all the families, but not too much in each." "If it''s all concentrated in one place, the stall would be too big, and my newfound identity as an alchemist apprentice of the Pill Treasure Pavilion wouldn''t be very useful." "Understood!" Shang Huan had slowly regained his composure by now. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan, making sure he really took it in before feeling reassured. After some idle chatter, Shang Huan surveyed the sparse room, his eyes suddenly lit up and he said, "This is too plain, let me help you bring some furniture up tomorrow." Chen Mu regarded Shang Huan with suspicion. When had this fat man become so considerate? "Would that be trouble?" "No trouble," Shang Huan waved his hand. "They''ve started planning to build Jade Spring Courtyard at the foot of the mountain, so buying various supplies is very convenient." He then chuckled, "I''ll get a few people to deliver things for you and use their mouths to spread the word. Let people know that we also have a backing!" I knew it! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Already starting to ride on coattails? But in truth, this was a good strategy, and he wouldn''t have to show his face. "Alright then," Chen Mu shrugged. It saved him the trouble of going down the mountain to buy and move things, a joyfully lazy solution. ... Shang Huan was very efficient. By the next afternoon, he had brought seven or eight people, carrying brand-new tables, chairs, benches, cabinets, and other furniture for another visit. "You really cultivated it?" Old Hao said incredulously, staring at Chen Mu. "If it were fake, I wouldn''t be living here," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Uncle Hao, do you have any secret tricks that allow cultivation through planting Yellow Bud Rice?" Shang Huan teased with a chuckle. "First there was Brother Mo, now Brother Chen, tsk tsk..." Old Hao rolled his eyes: "If I had such secrets, how come you still couldn''t reach perfection with the Perceptive Spirit Light?" "I taught you how to farm too." Chen Mu''s face, however, was a picture of strangeness. Through the United Heart Curse, he could clearly see Shang Huan''s Jade Seed shone brilliantly. Perhaps in a year or so, he would have completed the cultivation of the Perceptive Spirit Light. Afterwards, as long as the Earth Spirit Vitality could keep up, he would eventually cultivate mana and break through illusion. To teach three people the Perceptive Illusion Breaking? Heh... Although it was only about planting Yellow Bud Rice, his luck really was unmatched. ... Originally, Chen Mu wanted to keep two of them for dinner, but Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan politely declined. Chen Mu could only see the two off. On the mountain trail, a group of people chatted as they walked along the stone steps. "Shang Fatty, why didn''t you let us know in advance? What if we offended Brother Chen?" "Exactly, exactly, Brother Chen is an Illusion Breaking High Cultivator and a future alchemist of the Pill Treasure Pavilion!" The more Chen Mu thought, the tighter his frown became. If the branch is using Daoist Cultivation as an incentive for Alchemist Apprentices to learn new talismans, then there must be an exchange channel. Direct exchange with Jade Money? Chen Mu shook his head inwardly. Techniques like Alchemy Tool Refining definitely wouldn''t be like those lesser secret techniques that are below Illusion Breaking. He estimated, it wouldn''t only require a large amount of Jade Money, but also Daoist Cultivation. But he didn''t have any Daoist Cultivation. Now he was stuck in a dead end. "Being an Alchemist is great." Bai Xiuwen lamented. "No matter the branch''s needs, as long as you succeed in making Elixir Pills, you''ll get plenty of Daoist Jade Money." Chen Mu''s eyes suddenly brightened. "What about the Fasting Pill?" "Just produce two bottles of twenty Fasting Pills each, and that''s worth a bit of Daoist Cultivation, nine White Jade Coins." Bai Xiuwen''s face was full of envy. Chen Mu glanced at the experience on the grey wall and let out a sigh of relief. In at most half a month, he would be able to try making the Fasting Pills. Hey! Isn''t this a stroke of luck! ... "Becoming an Alchemist is too difficult!" Bai Xiuwen suddenly said in a low voice. "You need to have a Secret Technique. And even if you have one, mastering the Condensing Talisman is a big obstacle." "And that''s not even the end of it." Bai Xiuwen stood with his neck stiff and eyes bulging. "The Pill Furnace has warm and cold cycles throughout the year." "But the Alchemy Secret Technique only tells you a range." "Without someone''s guidance and not knowing the tricks, out of a hundred batches of materials, you might only manage to make three to five batches of Elixir Pills." "Keep going, and it can bankrupt you!" Bai Xiuwen''s face was full of bitter memories. Chen Mu''s heart also skipped a beat. The Alchemy Secret Technique he had only gave vague instructions for the warm and cold cycles and the Qi Forbidden requirements. If he blindly proceeded, the consequences... "There''s no one in the pavilion to teach?" Chen Mu couldn''t help thinking of the Lower Courtyard''s Scripture Transmission Institute. This private tutoring model that charged money for lessons, surely it wasn''t unique to the Lower Courtyard? "There is, but do you have Daoist Cultivation?" Bai Xiuwen glanced at Chen Mu. Chen Mu''s heart sank. This is troublesome. "Fortunately, heaven doesn''t leave one without a path." Bai Xiuwen suddenly smiled. "Do you have a way, senior brother?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "Hey! I can''t help but mention our senior brother Qi Hui." "He''s one of the six Alchemists of Pill Treasure Pavilion, especially skilled in the Fasting Pill." "Casually giving us a few pointers can greatly benefit us." Bai Xiuwei shook his head and swaggered, full of pride, indicating he had received such guidance. "Of course, pie doesn''t just fall from the sky." "Fortunately, senior brother is kind. He doesn''t ask for Daoist Cultivation or money, just that we help him absorb the Essence of the Five Grains to assist his alchemy." "How about that, isn''t it a good deal?" Chen Mu''s heart jumped. Helping to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, assisting in alchemy? That means no pay, right? They want us to work hard as laborers, for free! His look towards Bai Xiuwen suddenly became amused. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 312 Attempt ``` "Junior brother, don''t think we are working for nothing," Bai Xiuwen said, as if he had read Chen Mu''s mind. "In the mundane world, whether one learns medicine or blacksmithing, doesn''t one have to serve as an apprentice for several years?" "Just think about the treatment one receives once they become an alchemist." "This little sacrifice is nothing!" Bai Xiuwen consoled with a tone filled with profound sentiment. It made sense! Chen Mu''s face lit up with realization, full of hope he asked, "I wonder, how many alchemists has that Brother Qi taught?" Bai Xiuwen stiffened, then quickly returned to normal, "Alchemy isn''t so easy to learn." Chen Mu watched Bai Xiuwen with a smile but said nothing. "It seems junior brother has some misunderstandings about Brother Qi," Bai Xiuwen regained his composure and said meaningfully, "After some time, you''ll understand Brother Qi''s methods." What? If persuasion fails, he wants to resort to intimidation? Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed instantly. However, Bai Xiuwen appeared completely at ease, "Brother Qi and I have agreed to meet tonight, does junior brother want to come with me to meet him?" "Once you see Brother Qi''s grand demeanor, I am sure you will change your mind." Explore new worlds at empire What a pity. Chen Mu sighed, dissipating the Five Ghosts Possession Technique he had been preparing. Seems like I''ll have to kill this guy. I can''t let him trouble me endlessly. Chen Mu''s eyes darted around, his face taking on a look of hesitation. "Does Brother Qi really teach alchemy?" Bai Xiuwen perked up, sensing a softening of stance, "Of course!" "As long as you refine a certain amount of the Essence of the Five Grains, you don''t even need Daoist cultivation to buy the recipe for the Fasting Pill from him!" A certain amount? No need for Daoist cultivation? You''re trying to fool a ghost. The Essence of the Five Grains could originally be exchanged for Daoist cultivation. This Brother Qi is simply finding another way to charge! Chen Mu pretended to be eager and said, "How about one hundred catties of the Essence of the Five Grains per month?" One hundred catties? Is he playing with me? Bai Xiuwen''s brow furrowed slightly. Chen Mu''s face showed embarrassment, "I know the quantity is a little small." "But I don''t need the brother to teach me alchemy." "As long as I''m taught how to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, I would be extremely grateful." What does he mean? Bai Xiuwen was a bit stunned. Chen Mu continued with a bitter smile, "To tell brother the truth, my identity as an Alchemist Apprentice is in name only." "Pavilion Master Zhu is generous and allows me to practice slowly." "But this alchemy business, without guidance, is genuinely tough." "Pavilion Master Zhu is so busy, and it''s not good to disturb him rashly." "Brother Qi''s arrival is just timely!" Chen Mu''s face showed excitement. "You don''t know the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique?" Bai Xiuwen asked in disbelief. How did you become an Alchemist Apprentice then? "Time to start attempting alchemy." ... He took out the previously refined Essence of the Five Grains, activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, and a fist-sized white powder flew into the Primordial Furnace. Chen Mu''s left thumb hooked on the left ear of the pill furnace, and his palm pressed on the side of the furnace. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm operated, the lid rotated slightly, and a glimmer of light flashed by. Instantly the inside was sealed off from the outside, air-tight. "From one hundred eighty-three to two hundred twenty-one tick marks for heat and cold, thirty-five to forty-two for Qi Forbidden." "The range is broad, difficult to grasp, so let''s start with the middle." The talisman trembled slightly, and the furnace began to radiate high temperatures outward. "The pill furnace is ready, now it''s time to condense the pill." His right thumb hooked the right ear of the pill furnace, his palm also pressed on the surface of the furnace. At the same time, inside the Jade Seed, the spindle-shaped Golden Bead Talisman drilled into the vortex of the Five Qi Primordial Technique. A surge of Exotic Force suddenly shot from the palm of his right hand into the interior of the pill furnace. The shallow layer of Essence of the Five Grains at the bottom of the furnace immediately divided into ten portions, rising up and clumping together. With the intervention of the Primordial Force, the small clusters of Essence of the Five Grains started rotating on their own. As they spun, their volume shrank, and what was once loose sand slowly condensed into pills. ... A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu opened the lid. Ten elixir pills, the size of longan fruits, flew out. "Failed, huh," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. The surface of the pills was pitted, some parts were even charred and black. They looked like clumps of white plastic that had melted together, with an unpleasant smell and unattractive appearance. Fortunately, he had anticipated this. If one could succeed on the first try, then becoming an alchemist would be far too easy. ... The Five Ghosts Bag branded dishwasher was activated, and black smoke drilled into the pill furnace to clean the inner walls. A walnut-sized clump of Essence of the Five Grains entered the pill furnace. Wind Fire Pivot, Primordial Five Qi. Chen Mu embraced the pill furnace with both hands and began to practice again. The entire afternoon, Chen Mu repeated the attempts. Unfortunately, not once did he achieve success. At dusk. Chen Mu pinched an oval-shaped white pill in his right hand. He was about to place it in his mouth when he hesitated for a moment and then stopped. With a squeeze of his right hand. Crack! The pill instantly split in half like the shell of a peanut. Specks of white powder fell from the inside at once. "Still a failure," Chen Mu sighed. "Fortunately, it''s not all for naught." He looked at the grey wall before him. A new entry still appeared. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 5/10000; "Success!" Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 313 Peeping Five days later. At the bottom of the cliff, in the small storage room of Pill Treasure Pavilion. Chen Mu handed over two hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice and received sixty White Jade Coins. Thirty of them were the salary for the Alchemist Apprentice, and the other thirty were the reward for two hundred jin of Essence of the Five Grains. Chen Mu then returned twenty White Jade Coins to exchange for a wooden token. The wooden token was as wide as two fingers and as long as a palm, one side carved with a mountain pattern and the other side inscribed with the words "Two thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice." With this wooden token, he could go to the Administrative Affairs Institute''s main storage room to claim two thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice. ... The main storage room of the Administrative Affairs Institute was not far away, also carved out of the hollow of a mountain. Compared to the Pill Treasure Pavilion''s small storage room, which was only as large as a basketball court, the main storage room was much more spacious. The ceiling was as high as seven or eight stories. Standing at the entrance, Chen Mu looked inside. Perhaps due to insufficient lighting, he couldn''t see the end at a glance. As he looked, a strange sense of dislocation washed over him. It was as if the inside and outside of the door were two different worlds. After thinking for a while, Chen Mu finally noticed something unusual. The lowest location of Pill Treasure Pavilion''s cave dwellings was just five or six meters above the main storage room. Yet the height of this main storage room was more than ten meters. This... "Haven''t seen it before?" The short, plump storeroom manager glanced askance at Chen Mu. "This is the ''Thousand-Mile Household: Miniaturization Method.''" "The original cave wasn''t this big." "Similar to the Mustard Seed Talisman?" Even though he had seen many wonders, this still left Chen Mu quite shocked. "More or less," said the plump manager nonchalantly. If I used this Secret Technique in my own cave dwelling, my small three-bedroom would instantly turn into a large flat! "May I ask which High Cultivator performed such a Secret Technique?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but ask. "Want to learn it? Or want to set it up in your own cave dwelling?" The plump Prefect glanced at Chen Mu. "You''ll talk about it when you become an Alchemist." Chen Mu paused and couldn''t help but laugh, the chubby man''s remark was unpleasant but also made sense. This kind of Secret Technique, whether to learn or to hire someone to perform it, cannot be done without Daoist Cultivation. I should just honestly go practice my Elixir Pills. He then picked up two huge hemp bags and left the main storage room directly. ... Not far from the small archway of the small storage room, Bai Xiuwen squinted as he watched Chen Mu''s retreating figure. Turning his head to ask the storeroom manager behind the long desk: "That new guy, how much Essence of the Five Grains did he turn in?" A storeroom manager, over sixty years old with white hair and beard, raised his head and looked outside through the white jade window. "Two hundred jin." "So little? He''s really doing the bare minimum." Bai Xiuwen shook his head in disappointment. Two hundred jin is just enough to meet the basic requirement for submitting the task. He really doesn''t know the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique? What a pity... "How do you know he isn''t pretending?" The old storeroom manager said indifferently. Bai Xiuwei''s mind stirred, and three White Jade Coins suddenly appeared on the long desk. The white-haired old storeroom manager''s sleeve brushed over the desk, and he discreetly picked them up. "If one wants to absorb a large quantity of Essence of the Five Grains, they need a lot of Yellow Bud Rice." "And to get Yellow Bud Rice from the main storage room, one must exchange for a wooden token at my place." "This month, I will keep an eye out for you." This month? Bai Xiuwen''s mouth twitchedold but greedy. After all, they still have the support of Jilong Road behind them. ... After the meal. Shang Huan handed Chen Mu a small cloth bag containing over six hundred White Jade Coins. "This is this month''s revenue. How is it, not bad right?" Shang Huan said with a smug smile. "The Insect Repellent Incense is selling that well?" Chen Mu was surprised. "Jade Spring Mountain is deep in the East Ridge, particularly plagued by poisonous insects and miasma. That''s why..." Shang Huan spread his hands. Chen Mu understood. It was all about the right timing. ... Early the next day, after washing up and eating, Chen Mu plunged into the alchemy chamber. An incense burner the size of a fist was placed on the windowsill. A wisp of black smoke snaked in, igniting the charcoal. Heat roasted the Calming Pill, and the fragrance that focused the mind and calmed the qi slowly diffused. Chen Mu raised his hand, and two large bags of Yellow Bud Rice flew in front of the couch. "Absorb!" The talisman drilled into the Primordial Talisman, and an exotic force enveloped the Yellow Bud Rice. Hum! The grains of Yellow Bud Rice vibrated and tumbled, as specks of white powder-like dust rose and gathered into a sphere. After a long while, Chen Mu placed the Essence of the Five Grains into a brown wooden box and sealed it away. "It seems more can be extracted," he mused, looking at the Yellow Bud Rice reduced to something like bran. Chen Mu summoned a grey wall and reviewed the alchemy-related entries. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 3243/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 2896/10000/Second Rank; Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 1325/10000; Wind Fire Pivot Charm: Limit; Golden Bead Talisman: Limit; Five Grains Talisman: Limit; "If the rank of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique continues to rise, can more Essence of the Five Grains be extracted from the same Yellow Bud Rice?" "Heh..." Chen Mu''s lips curled up slightly: "There''s no hurry. I''ll have plenty of chances to accumulate experience in the Qi Absorption Technique later." "Daoist cultivation matters more. I should focus on alchemy first." Without delay, he took out a pitch-black pill furnace. Five Ghosts Black Smoke cleansed. A small amount of ingredients entered. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm controlled the furnace and the Primordial Five Qi condensed the Elixir Pill. ... Over half a month later, within the alchemy chamber of Chen Mu''s cave abode. Chen Mu placed his hands on either side of the pill furnace. Click! With a light sound, the lid of the furnace rose into the air. Heat ascended, and the air above the furnace twisted slightly, with a faint burnt fragrance wafting about. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles extended into the furnace, and a longan-sized milky-white Elixir Pill flew out, twirling before Chen Mu''s eyes. He examined it closely for a moment, then his right index finger reached out, grazing the Elixir Pill. A clump the size of a green bean was scraped off. Placing it into his mouth, it immediately melted, turning into a warm current that slid down his throat into his stomach. "Haha, that''s the right taste!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but grin. He checked the gray wall. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 6095/10000; Although not yet perfected, he was already capable of making Fasting Pills. Being able to concoct Elixir Pills meant he could exchange for Daoist Cultivation. He was one step closer to the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 314 Calculations Pill Treasure Pavilion, Zhu Yi''s cave dwelling. "Can you perform alchemy?" Zhu Yi stared incredulously at Chen Mu. Wasn''t he just a slacker who got in through the back door? "Just a little, just a little," Chen Mu said with a humble face, but his heart burst with joy. Shocked, weren''t you? I didn''t intend for this to happen. It''s just that I''m so diligent and hardworking. Before I knew it, my alchemy experience had skyrocketed, haha... "I see," Zhu Yi thought for a moment, his face lighting up with realization. Then his brow furrowed with concern, "The status of an alchemist is not the same as that of an alchemist apprentice." "The other courtyards check strictly; it''s not easy to manage." What does that mean? Chen Mu was a bit confused. "Giving you this status is not impossible," Zhu Yi hesitated for a moment then clenched his teeth, "You''ll need to add Daoist cultivation!" "A lot of Daoist cultivation!" "Don''t take it personally, this is mainly to smooth things over with Sun Duyuan." "After all, the Pill Treasure Pavilion in the other courtyard is part of the Administrative Affairs Institute." "To handle the alchemist status, you will definitely have to go through the Administrative Affairs Institute Duyuan." "Plus, it''s best if Uncle Master Liang steps in first to grease the wheels with our Sun Duyuan." "With the double threat of Daoist cultivation, you can hold the alchemist status with peace of mind," Zhu Yi''s face was full of implied meaning. Chen Mu: "..." Are you still treating me like a slacker?! He was laughed to the point of exasperation. What kind of thought process did this Pavilion Master Zhu even have? I did indeed enter the Pill Treasure Pavilion through Liang Yi''s manipulation, but I am truly capable of alchemy! Without saying another word, he reached over to the fanged tooth pendant hanging at his waist. Bang! A Primordial Furnace appeared out of thin air. Open the lid, add ingredients, adjust the temperature, apply pressure, unify the primordial elements. Buzz! A quarter of an hour later. An elixir pill the size of a longan pearl and milky white flew in front of Zhu Yi. "You... you really know how to perform alchemy?!" Zhu Yi''s face fell in disappointment. Chen Mu: "..." What are you being disappointed for! Were you just hoping I was fake so you could extort a fistful of Daoist cultivation from me? "Cough! Junior brother can actually perform alchemy! With junior brother joining, the strength of our Pill Treasure Pavilion has greatly increased!" Zhu Yi pinched the smooth Fasting Pill, quickly putting on a face full of surprised joy, changing his demeanor completely from before. Chen Mu was completely dumbfounded. Pavilion Master Zhu, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, looked quite serious and staid, but who would have expected this? "Do you only know how to make Fasting Pills?" Zhu Yi asked. "Making just this Fasting Pill already takes up so much time and effort, I really don''t have the energy to be distracted by anything else," Chen Mu couldn''t help sighing. "If I want to gain more Daoist cultivation achievements, I still need to think through alchemy." He hadn''t been idle these past two days, constantly collecting data. "Refining ten pills at a time, it takes a quarter of an hour, and this method is most efficient." "Even so, the most I can refine in a day is up to three hundred pills." "And there''s also about a 20% loss of raw materials in the process." Chen Mu looked towards the grey wall. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 6625/10000; Chen Mu laughed cheerfully. "Now it''s getting to the part I''m familiar with." "Let''s get to work." He wasn''t in a hurry to exchange the alchemy for Daoist cultivation. Just like before, refining pill by pill, saving materials, saving time, to gain experience faster. With Shang Huan regularly delivering living supplies to him. Chen Mu truly closed his door to all visitors and focused on alchemy. ... Twenty days later. Chen Mu arrived in the small storeroom. After contributing his monthly share of the Essence of the Five Grains. He purchased eight thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice in one go, calling Shang Huan and others to help carry it into the Alchemist Room. He closed his door to visitors once more. In the Alchemist Room, Chen Mu focused on the grey wall where the Fasting Pill experience had reached its limit. His mind was flooded with corresponding alchemy techniques. "It turns out that the Qi Forbidden is not set in stone." "In fact, by adjusting its value, one can indirectly speed up the alchemy process, saving materials and hastening alchemy." But this wasn''t even the biggest gain. "By adjusting the frequency of the Exotic Force, in the same quarter of an hour, I can actually refine eighty-one Fasting Pills at once!" Chen Mu was overjoyed. "If I were to refine nonstop all day long, I could make over two thousand Fasting Pills a day!" This... If I bury myself in practice for four or five years, could I accumulate enough Daoist cultivation and White Jade Coins? Ha! Just running the numbers briefly made him uncontrollably eager to start practicing. It took some effort to suppress this impulse and return to his senses. "It''s still a bit idealistic." Even if he wanted to do so, his mana wouldn''t keep up. Even so, he could generally save about half the time. Chen Mu spread his hands out and lay back, thumping down onto the soft cushion behind him. "More than ten years is still pretty long." "Seven or eight years would be much better." "If I learn to make other kinds of pills along the way, like the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "Maybe I really could achieve my wish in four or five years!" Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 315 Conspiracy "Eight thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice?" Bai Xiuwen''s brows furrowed. He learned the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique so quickly? Could he have practiced it before? Or... was he playing dumb and using a trick to fool me from the start? Bai Xiuwen''s face looked somewhat unsightly. "Hmph, fake or real, since he knows the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique, he can obediently work as a laborer for Qi Hui," Bai Xiuwen narrowed his eyes. Having found another laborer for Qi Hui, perhaps he would share some more tricks of pill-making with me. If I can solve the difficult problems, perhaps I will smoothly enter the gateway to the Golden Bead Talisman! Just as he was about to leave, the white-haired storekeeper tapped the long table lightly with his index finger, and said with a smile, "That gentleman bought more than just Yellow Bud Rice." "I only need to know if he bought the Yellow Bud Rice; I don''t care about the rest," Bai Xiuwen dismissed with a wave of his hand. "Really don''t want to know?" The white-haired storekeeper asked teasingly, "You might regret it." Bai Xiuwen paused and looked at the old storekeeper suspiciously. "Is it really that important?" The corner of the old storekeeper''s mouth lifted slightly as he tapped the table again with his finger. Bai Xiuwen''s face twitched. That greedy old man! After hesitating for a moment, he eventually took out three White Jade Coins and placed them on the long table. ... "An alchemist?!" Bai Xiuwen''s heart leaped. Such a deep secret! "You''re saying he''s going to make Fasting Pills?" Bai Xiuwen suddenly remembered something and asked for confirmation again. "Yes, and he took a large share too!" the old storekeeper said meaningfully. Bai Xiuwen''s expression immediately changed. "Can he finish making so many with the amount he took?" "I don''t know," the old storekeeper shrugged, "but I do know that his identity as an alchemist was personally verified by Pavilion Master Zhu." This is trouble. The monthly Daoist Cultivation rewards for the Fasting Pill tasks are limited. If he takes so much, Qi Hui will get fewer Daoist Cultivation rewards. Bai Xiuwen immediately turned around and left briskly. I have to make early preparations! ... That very afternoon. Bai Xiuwen called two good friends to his cave abode. "That person can really make pills?" One of the dark-faced forty-year-old men asked dubiously. "He is so young..." Another man with a black mustache on his upper lip also expressed skepticism. "The Secondary Court is enforcing discipline around Jade Spring Mountain, forcibly conscripting disciples to go down the mountain." "A lot of people from the Transmission and Domestic Affairs Courts have been pulled to the frontlines; I''ve heard the casualties are quite severe." "It''s only our Pill Treasure Pavilion that''s special to have avoided this disaster. What if that person fabricated a false identity to seek refuge?" The dark-faced man also followed up, "It''s said that young man comes from a background. It might actually be possible!" After everything was prepared, he cautiously opened the door. "Brother above! Please accept your junior brother''s bow!" As soon as they finished speaking, the three men dropped to one knee, hands clasped in salute, their faces full of respect. Chen Mu: "..." Is everything this full of Jianghu flavor? ... Inside the alchemist chamber. It took a long while for Chen Mu to regain his senses. "So, you wish to join me to help me absorb the Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu asked skeptically. "As long as you can guide us in alchemy," Bai Xiuwen replied with utmost respect. "You don''t want White Jade Coins?" Chen Mu was disbelieving. "With money, one cannot buy the skill to perform alchemy," Bai Xiuwen said with a bitter smile. "Don''t you have secret techniques? Just cultivate, it''s not difficult, right?" Chen Mu failed to understand. Isn''t it just crafting talismans over and over again? What kind of guidance is needed for this? Not difficult? Just cultivate? Are these even human words? The three of them looked at each other, dumbfounded. Could it be that Brother Chen... wants to raise the price?! Chen Mu immediately saw what they were thinking and felt a bit wronged. I know I''m possessive and don''t want others to learn my secret skills. But I also enjoy teaching others and am willing to help solve their problems. It''s just ordinary alchemy, not a method to multiply the number of Fasting Pills. What''s there not to share! Chen Mu felt he had to explain, so he said earnestly, "My success in learning alchemy is entirely due to diligence." "Apart from practicing over and over, I really have nothing else to guide you with." "We have also practiced hard, but still no progress," Bai Xiuwen couldn''t help but retort. "Then it goes to show that your practice is not yet diligent enough!" Chen Mu said with a stern face. "Have you seen the first ray of sunlight on Jade Spring Mountain?" "I see it every day!" "Before the sun rises, I am already up trying to practice alchemy." "Only when the sky is completely dark do I wash up, rest, and finish my day''s cultivation." "Day after day, I finally learned alchemy!" Chen Mu looked at the three with an expressive sigh, "How can one succeed in anything without the sweat of hard work and effort?!" The three of them were stunned and speechless, "But..." "There are no buts!" The reason they didn''t succeed must be that they didn''t work hard enough! "But..." Bai Xiuwen tried to argue again, but Chen Mu, losing patience, waved his hand dismissively, "Go back and practice hard!" People who don''t put in the effort but expect others to teach them are not worth taking in! "But when we practice alchemy, we are working hard all day without sleep!" Bai Xiuwen finally managed to say these words filled with unwillingness and sorrow. Chen Mu: "..." Is the competition really this fierce?! Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 316 Daogong "Are you saying Qi Hui might cause trouble for me?" Chen Mu frowned as he looked at Bai Xiuwen. "Elder Brother, the Daoist Cultivation points allocated to the Fasting Pills are only a thousand." "In other words, only the first twenty thousand Fasting Pills of the month can earn Daoist Cultivation points. The rest can only earn White Jade Coins." Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod. He had indeed snatched someone else''s business. "How many Fasting Pills can Qi Hui produce each month?" Chen Mu asked. "Around six thousand," Bai Xiuwen immediately replied, then exchanged glances with the other two and whispered, "But he would buy Fasting Pills from outside to exchange for Daoist Cultivation points." Chen Mu suddenly realized. This was, in essence, spending money to buy Daoist Cultivation points. He suddenly understood why there was an upper limit on the Daoist Cultivation points allocated to the Fasting Pills. Would other people also operate this way? Like the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill that only the Pavilion Master could refine? He shouldn''t dwell on this matter. Overthinking it could lead to trouble. He should rather focus on how to cultivate pills. With his maxed proficiency in Fasting Pill Alchemy, twenty thousand Fasting Pills were far from enough to refine. But if he truly took over the entire allocation, that Elder Brother Qi would certainly become desperate. Although he wanted to amass Daoist Cultivation points as soon as possible, he preferred to quietly and steadily cultivate at home. "I''ll just refine twelve thousand a month." This would leave enough room for Elder Brother Qi to earn Daoist Cultivation points. ... Having made his decision, Chen Mu turned to the three Alchemist Apprentices... well, middle-aged Apprentices who had offered their services. "Help me with the absorption of the Essence of the Five Grains." "Each month, I will set aside half a day for you to ask questions freely, is that acceptable?" The three immediately expressed their joy upon hearing this. "It''s acceptable! More than acceptable!" Chen Mu nodded. Agreement was good, especially since he himself didn''t know what to teach. "Then let''s get to work." With the help of the three, the eight thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice he had just collected were all refined that day. The next day, Chen Mu bought another sixteen thousand and more catties of Yellow Bud Rice from the large storeroom. One and a half days later, it was all transformed into the Essence of the Five Grains. ... "Alright, this is enough for me to use. If you have any questions, ask them," Chen Mu said contentedly as he looked at Bai Xiuwen and the other two, their faces pale. Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Bai Xiuwen took a deep breath and asked, "Could Elder Brother enlighten us on the True Intent of the Golden Bead Talisman?" The True Intent of the Golden Bead Talisman? What true intent could there be? Wouldn''t you get it just by practicing repeatedly? He thought about the insights proficiency had brought him. He placed a rocking chair at the door, lying on it to gaze out at the lush Jade Spring Mountain from afar. After basking in the cool mountain breeze for a while, he finally came to his senses. "I nearly turned myself silly with all that alchemy!" He had rediscovered the feeling he first had when creating the Wood Spirit Boy. His spirit was overtaxed, causing a headache! Fortunately, the Seven Souls Return to Origin sustained him, or he wouldn''t have lasted until today. With black smoke billowing, a brown wooden box appeared in opulence. Lifting the lid, there were elixir pills the size of longans, looking like mutton-fat white jade. Fasting Pills, ah... Continue your saga on empire He couldn''t help but think of his old life in Da Liang. Back then, to create Fasting Pills, he would scrape a Fasting Pill into powder for use. He used to be afraid to eat too much at once, worried about bursting from overeating. Thinking back, Chen Mu casually threw a Fasting Pill into his mouth. It melted upon entry, a light taste of roasted rice filling his mouth, and after a slight feeling of fullness in his stomach, there wasn''t much sensation left. "Things are indeed different now." ... The next day, after eating well and having a good night''s sleep, Chen Mu, refreshed and invigorated, went to the small Fasting Pill storehouse. In front of the astonished expression of the storehouse keeper, Zhu Lao San, he handed over four thousand Fasting Pills. He had made over twelve thousand Fasting Pills in total but dared not hand them all in at once. He planned to deliver them every ten days. Even if others knew, they would at most think he was practicing tirelessly overnight. They wouldn''t guess that he had found the trick to Fasting Pills, that by adjusting the Pill Furnace''s temperature and Qi Forbidden, he could speed up and increase the quantity of his pill production. Once the pills were verified, Zhu Lao San became immediately respectful. The identity of a Pill Treasure Pavilion alchemist was indeed not ordinary. After manipulating his Identity Jade a bit, he held it out carefully with both hands and handed it to Chen Mu. "Brother Chen, the two hundred Daoist Cultivation points you''ve earned have been recorded in the golden books and jade scrolls of the annex," he said. "A backup is also in your Jade Token, which you can check by activating it with your mana." Chen Mu took the Jade Token and casually infused a strand of mana into it. A feedback of an Exotic Force similar to that of a Secret Technique Jade Scroll flowed into the Jade Seed. Two lines of text immediately appeared within the Jade Seed. "Jilong Road''s Jade Spring Mountain annex, Pill Treasure Pavilion alchemist Chen Mu." "Daoist Cultivation two hundred." Chen Mu looked at his Identity Jade with surprise. No wonder there were traces of the Golden Bead Talisman, so it was a Magic Artifact for recording similar to a Secret Technique Jade Scroll. An interdimensional mana version of an ID card? Heh... Fiddling with the Jade Token, Chen Mu felt a surge of exhilaration. "After almost two years of twists and turns, I''ve finally obtained some Daoist Cultivation points." Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 317 Fleeing Evening, Chen Mu''s cave abode. Inside the abode, the rooms were arranged in a straight line. From east to west, they were in order: the Alchemist Chamber, living and dining rooms, kitchen, bedroom, and the washroom at the very west. Each room had windows on the south-facing cliff side, paired with the glowing algae lamps embedded into the walls, providing bright and clear lighting. In the kitchen, Chen Mu hummed a tune as he swiftly tossed the bright green vegetable leaves in the pan with a wooden spatula. The stove was waist-high, but there was no fire underneath it; it was just a solid platform carved from rock. The pan was fan-shaped with a bright white interior, actually half of a huge shell. The opening was broad enough to fit the external unit of a household air conditioner. Chen Mu pressed his left hand against the edge of the shell, and mana streamed in, promptly causing heat to rise from the shell. Although it wasn''t his first time using it, Chen Mu still found this giant shell pan to be very magical. Stay tuned for updates on empire It was said to come from an Exotic Beast called Flame-Separation Shell, which naturally contained a talisman, making it a natural Magic Artifact. After serving the still bright green vegetables, black smoke filled the shell pan, and he casually scrubbed it clean. Holding the last dish of quickly-fried vegetables, Chen Mu came to the dining table, happy as could be. Various dishes were already arrayed on the table. In the center, a black Primordial Furnace bubbled with sound, stewing a pill furnace''s worth of braised Exotic Beast Meat. Beside it were steamed pork ribs, honey roasted meat, blanched vegetables, fishball soup, and a flat bamboo basket piled into a small mountain of filled pastries from the old Qi Family. "Time to eat!" Like a whirlwind sweeping through leaves, the table full of food quickly went down his stomach. After cleaning up, night had completely fallen; he hadn''t cultivated anything, so he washed up and went straight to bed. After six or seven days of Alchemy, having eaten his fill, he wanted to do nothing. ... The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched Jade Spring Mountain. A strong biological clock had Chen Mu opening his eyes, spirited and alert. "Being too physically enhanced isn''t great; recovering too fast means missing out on sleeping in." Propping the pillow up, Chen Mu leaned against the headboard. Through the large window, he gazed out at the continuous green expanse of Jade Spring Mountain, feeling refreshed. Chen Mu''s gaze settled on a long strip of land at the foot of the mountain. Lush trees had been chopped down, revealing the brown earth beneath. From a distance, it looked like a long, narrow cut had been made into a green carpet. If you looked carefully, you could even make out some dougong brackets and flying eaves. According to Shang Huan, the Jade Spring District was being built right there. "It seems it has expanded a bit more." Chen Mu looked toward the distant, cloud-shrouded five great mountains, understanding in his heart. The area around Jade Spring Mountain was vast and required more people to develop and guard it. Cloud Bat Flying Boats frequently ascended and descended at the mountain''s foot, continually transporting people and goods to Jade Spring Mountain. For the next few years, the main theme of Jade Spring Mountain would be massive development. "More people is a good thing." "With more people, the demand for Fasting Pills will rise, and I can earn more Daoist Cultivation." Chen Mu''s speed at making Fasting Pills was too fast; if he let go and crafted without restraint, that Brother Qi wouldn''t even get a taste of the soup. "I am a good person; I wouldn''t do something like breaking other people''s rice bowl." He spat out a mouthful of grass stuck to his lips and shook off the mud from his body. "Lucky for me, I''m thick-skinned and tough-fleshed." "Otherwise, that fall could have done some serious harm," Chen Mu exclaimed with lingering fear, as sweat beaded his forehead. Chen Mu looked towards his gray wall experience. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 71/10000/Ninth Rank; After reaching perfection at Eighth Rank, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse gained a new abilitythe Five Ghosts Dark Flame Great Escape Technique. Simply put... He could fly now! Even though he was battered from the fall, he was still eager to try again. "Flying isn''t that easy; I have to practice gradually." Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu barely managed to suppress the urge to try again. He climbed up to the treetop, and with a slight grin on his face, he looked towards the mountain wall twinkling with scattered lights in the distance. He wanted to suppress his grin, but the opposite happenedthe grin grew wider instead. Despite his best efforts, his mouth stretched open to reveal a mouthful of shining white teeth. He had first seen someone fly by their own power three years and eight months ago. Back then, when he had just arrived at the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, he saw Song Wujie soaring through the sky as soon as he exited the travel pod. At that time, he thought to himself that he must learn to fly. Everything he did after that, like practicing the Void Cloak Technique and buying a flying kite, was related to that original wish. The Five Ghosts Dark Flame Great Escape Technique finally realized that goal. "I can truly fly now!" "Hahaha... gulp..." "Hey! What are you doing there!" A stern voice suddenly rang out, startling Chen Mu so much that he jolted and quickly turned around to look. He saw more than a dozen men in black, leaping like fleas, covering seventy to eighty meters in a single bound, rapidly approaching him. Patrolling inspectors from the guard? He couldn''t be caught; what if they mistook him for a spy from the Evil Path?! The Inspection Courtyard had been cracking down hard lately, sweeping away exotic beasts and evildoers, seizing nearby territories with great aggression. Chen Mu certainly didn''t want to fall into their hands. He shrank his neck and stifled his laughter back into his stomach. Cloaked in the Five Ghosts Black Smoke and invisible, Chen Mu immediately slinked away. ... On the eastern side of the cliff where the Pill Treasure Pavilion was located, in a large cave dwelling that connected the upper and lower floors... Qi Hui, in his thirties, dressed in a white inner robe and covered with a fiery red outer robe, walked out of the alchemist chamber into the receiving hall with a tired expression. "Another Pill Master who refines Fasting Pills has joined the Pavilion? Impossible..." Qi Hui rubbed his temples and frowned. "The news comes from Third Elder Zhu; the Pavilion Master personally verified it," Bai Xiuwen said respectfully and seriously. "Why would the Upper Court send a Pill Master who can refine Fasting Pills at this time?" Qi Hui asked with a puzzled face, "Even if they were to send one, it shouldn''t be until after the harvest of the Yellow Bud Rice next year, right?" "It''s said to be a person from Elder Song Wujie," Bai Xiuwen said cautiously. "Oh, so it''s a country bumpkin from the Lower Courtyard," Qi Hui realized, "Then it''s nothing to worry about." Bai Xiuwen''s eyes shifted as he tentatively probed, "Third Elder Zhu said he''s taken on quite a few Fasting Pill tasks." "A lot?" Qi Hui''s eyebrows shot up. "Twelve thousand pills." "Has he gone mad, taking on so many?!" Qi Hui''s face darkened instantly. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 318 Manipulation "Do we want to..." Bai Xiuwen squinted his eyes, feigning a cold tone. After frowning and thinking for a moment, Qi Hui shook his head, "Let''s wait and see if he will continue to take on the Fasting Pill tasks." In a month, eight thousand Fasting Pills, he refined over five thousand himself and purchased about three thousand more. This was a number consistent with his alchemy skills, one that would not arouse suspicion of fraud in the merit points from other courtyards. "But if that person continues..." Bai Xiuwen probed in a dark undertone. Upon hearing this, Qi Hui''s expression immediately turned as somber as water. "Then don''t blame me for being ruthless!" Qi Hui''s eyes were sharp as knives. "I will definitely go to the Pavilion Master and give him a thorough complaint!" More than four hundred meters away from a cliff, hidden by the Five Ghosts and sitting cross-legged on a flying kite, Chen Mu: "..." Tattling? Wow! What a ruthless move! Ha ha... Even Bai Xiuwen was somewhat caught off guard. "Just... just tattling?" Not playing any underhanded tricks or anything? "What else would you want?" Qi Hui looked at Bai Xiuwen bewilderedly, then coldly scoffed with disdain, "Those mud-legged peasants from the Lower Courtyard are all so eager for quick success." "Does the other institute not know everyone exchanges Elixirs for merit points? It''s an open secret." "But if someone takes us for fools and acts without any scruples... Hmph!" "As long as I lodge a complaint against him, the Pavilion Master will definitely deal with him harshly!" Qi Hui said triumphantly. Chen Mu, watching from a distance, was full of reflection. This Senior Brother Qi, how to put it. He''s definitely not foolish, but it seems... Well, he''s like a well-behaved child fresh out of school from a previous life. Read latest stories on empire Chen Mu, who had seen his fair share of the harsh realities of the world, found this unexpectedly novel. Such a good person... How wonderful it would be if everyone were this simple! ... He covertly watched this Senior Brother Qi for several days. He made sure the man truly harbored no ill will. And had Bai Xiuwen closely monitor the man''s movements. Only then did Chen Mu feel at ease. Fortunately, when receiving the task in the past, he left some leeway. Had he taken all twenty thousand Fasting Pill tasks at once, it would have enraged Senior Brother Qi enough to complain right away! Tsk tsk... That was close! ... Midway up Jade Spring Mountain, within a dense, verdant forest. But just as he ascended half a meter, that heavy sensation abruptly diminished. It was as if the iron sand in the water glass had suddenly turned into air! Taken by surprise, Chen Mu shot up into the sky like a monkey soaring through the heavens. In panic, he tried to descend rapidly, pressing downward fiercely. Then he crashed into the ground with a thud. Chen Mu jumped out of the big pit, shaking his head to toss off the dirt on his head. "Ptui ptui... that''s quite difficult." He immediately continued experimenting with a cheerful laugh. ... In the following days. He spent his days holed up in his cave dwelling, grinding the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique. At night, he ran to the secluded dense forest, tirelessly practicing the Five Ghosts Blazing Flame Great Escape Technique. Even though he fell and ended up covered in dust and dirt every time, he never tired of it. "Before ascension, the Five Ghosts become heavy, but once surpassing a certain point, it''s like breaking free from shackles, and the Five Ghosts regain their lightness," he observed. "However, if you perform maneuvers like changing directions or accelerating, this shift from heavy to light repeats itself." "To fly effortlessly, one has to master this fluctuation between heavy and light," Chen Mu thought silently. He looked at the experience meter on the grey wall. To his surprise, not only had the proficiency of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse increased with the days of practice, but the experience in Manipulation Skill was also skyrocketing. Manipulation: 7986/10000/First Rank; "Now that''s a goal," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. Let''s grind to Second Rank before reassessing! ... Nine nights later, at the entrance to Chen Mu''s cave dwelling. A clump of black and red smoky clouds descended from the sky. Just two meters from the ground, it slowed abruptly, landing lightly like a feather. Amid the swirling smoke clouds, the three-meter-tall figure of Chen Mu with bulging muscles and indigo skin appeared intermittently. The next moment, the center of the black cloud seemed to contain an invisible black hole, rapidly drawing in the swirling smoke until it all disappeared. Chen Mu''s form also rapidly shrank back to normal size. "Five Ghosts Possession and the Great Escape Technique can be used at the same time." "It just consumes mana too quickly." He was trying to integrate the Five Ghosts Blazing Flame Great Escape Technique into his own energy system. "Faster than the flying kite speed, but it consumes more mana, suitable for short bursts, and pretty good for a quick escape." "The inherent ghostly wails and howls seem to have a deterrent effect, coupled with Flying Escape Rapid Speed, it can also be used for rapid offensive strikes." Chen Mu looked at the experience record on the grey wall. Manipulation: 236/10000/Second Rank; Second Rank Manipulation already allowed him to effortlessly control the Five Ghosts and fly at will. "If I continue to improve the Manipulation Rank, the Great Escape Technique will surely become even more mysterious and swift." "Looks like I''ve got another daily task," Chen Mu shrugged. Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 319 The Limit At the foot of Jade Spring Mountain, Jade Spring Square. Chen Mu walked on the busy, flourishing streets. Underfoot was a smooth bluestone floor, with tidy shops on either side. Men and women dressed in various fashions went in and out of the shops. Haggling over prices, the calls of vendors and greetings were an incessant din. Had it not been for the towering Jade Spring Mountain in the north, Chen Mu almost thought he was back in the T-shaped area of Heavenly River Water Mansion. "The changes are truly great," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. Two months had passed since he had last come down the mountain, and those temporary wooden huts they had lived in had been torn down. In their place stood rows of neat courtyards with green tiles and white walls. "I really should come down the mountain more often," Chen Mu remarked curiously, looking left and right, "Otherwise, I wouldn''t even realize how the world has changed." He slowly browsed from east to west along the main street at the center of Jade Spring Square. It wasn''t until he reached the edge of the western side and encountered a group of Lower Courtyard disciples laying roads and building houses that Chen Mu, still unsatisfied, turned back. "There''s every kind of shop here, except for Red Sleeve Square." "What a pity..." ... In the middle of Jade Spring Square, Embroidered Garment Pavilion. "What can I do for you, sir?" A black-faced, short, and plump shopkeeper greeted him with a smile. "I''ve heard that the clothes here are exceptionally tough?" Chen Mu looked around. Inside the shop were various Exotic Beast Skin robust outfits, faint black star-patterned silk threads visible upon them. Clothes similar to Magic Artifacts? Chen Mu came to a realization. "The gentleman has a good eye," the short, plump shopkeeper said, complimenting with a smile, "The garments and armor here are blessed with Secret Techniques by the alchemists of Hundred Workshops Hall. They''re more than just tough." "Take these armors for instance, ordinary attacks by Exotic Beasts have no effect on them," the shopkeeper boasted proudly, pointing to a line of armors. The armors hung on racks, resembling sleeveless shirts from a past life, in shades of brown and red, with Talismans faintly visible upon them. "Now look at these trousers, the fabric is mixed with silver sand from the stars, making them stretchy and flexible, suitable for wide-range movements." "Moreover, they''re durable and wear-resistanteven if one were to walk through forests year after year, they wouldn''t wear out in five years." The enthusiastic shopkeeper recommended. "Stretchy and flexible?" Chen Mu''s interest was piqued, and he reached out to pull on them. The gray trouser leg instantly stretched from two palms wide to the width of two palms and two fingers. "Do you have anything more flexible than this?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. When he invoked the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, his body would inflate like a balloon in size. His height would suddenly shoot up to three meters, and his clothes would burst and tear every time. "More flexible?" The short, plump shopkeeper sized up Chen Mu with some hesitation, "There is, but that would need to be custom-made." There really was such a thing? Chen Mu was overjoyed. "Nothing out of the ordinary," the shopkeeper said with a smile, explaining, "Many practitioners from Lesser Paths cultivate the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." Chen Mu gritted his teeth and steeled his heart, "Do it!" "Alright!" the stout shopkeeper was overjoyed. "But only make the long pants!" Chen Mu hurriedly added. "This won''t be another two thousand White Jade, will it?" The stout shopkeeper''s smiling face suddenly stiffened. "This... this will only need a little over four hundred White Jade," he stammered. Chen Mu breathed a slight sigh of relief. If it weren''t for the fact that wearing only underwear was too indecent, Chen Mu would have considered just making a pair of large underpants. Sigh, in the end, I''m still too poor. After purchasing ten sets of the same outer garment and paying a hundred White Jade as a deposit, Chen Mu left the Embroidered Garment Pavilion dejectedly. He glanced at Shang Huan''s rented shop from afar before hurrying back to the Administrative Affairs Institute. It''s better to continue alchemy to earn money. ... In the following time, Chen Mu entered a regular routine, steadily gaining experience. He nourished his spirit daily with the Spirit Nourishing Curse, and in his spare time, he would refine a few batches of elixirs to maintain his touch. He spent most of his day cultivating the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, and at night, he would venture into the secluded forest to ponder the Great Escape Technique. Now that he could fly at will, instead of cultivating, it was more like playing while flying. Upon returning, he''d dive into the Linglong Path to recover his mana, and when he went to bed, it was still far from midnight. By the time calculation of his previous life, it was barely ten-thirty. Eating well, sleeping enough, and practicing martial arts enthusiastically, Chen Mu was immersed in this routine daily and didn''t notice the passage of time. ... A month later, the weather gradually became colder. In Chen Mu''s dwelling, inside the Alchemist Chamber. He was sitting calmly on a soft couch. With a slight lift of his right hand, a pitiful green blade light flickered in mid-air. Three hundred and sixty forearm-length Qi Blades floated densely before him, slowly undulating like a school of fish. They would even swiftly turn away from each other when they collided, dispersing due to the stimulation. "It''s a pity it''s only Fifth Rank," Chen Mu lamented as he looked at the gray wall. Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: Limit; In a little over a month, the Slaying Demon Technique had risen two ranks. Though it was one level higher than most Secret Techniques, it had also reached its limit. "Truthful Listening Technique was, after all, an exception," Chen Mu shook his head and stopped dwelling on it. Staring at the gray wall, his heart quickly filled with a sense of achievement. "Another skill has been maxed out." "Awesome!" Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 320 Mist Smoke Mountain As time passed, the weather grew colder. One morning, Chen Mu woke to find that snowflakes had begun to drift down upon the slopes of Jade Spring Mountain. "Could it be Qing Liu, the Snow Demon, again?" Before he even had the chance to verify with the Seven Souls Return to Origin. The United Heart Rope above his head vibrated ahead of time. Shang Huan? Chen Mu understood at once. This fat man had also experienced the Peng Yue Mountain incident firsthand and must be feeling anxious right now. "What''s the matter?" Chen Mu cast the United Heart Curse to sense the emotions and reached out, his words conveying the detached air of Gongsun Sheng coming online. "Mr. Gongsun, could you make another batch of Wood Spirit Boys?" asked Shang Huan cautiously. It wasn''t about the Snow Demon? "Reasons," Chen Mu didn''t rush to decline. "The Lower Courtyard has already seen three types of surveillance magic artifacts and talismans, and they are priced steeply." "If we release the Wood Spirit Boy now, it will no longer arouse covetous desires." Chen Mu''s heart was moved. If there was no risk and he could earn more White Jade Coins, of course that would be good. He was so poor he didn''t even dare buy clothes! "Agreed," Chen Mu spoke calmly. Then, as if a thought struck him, he added, "With the purchase of a Wood Spirit Boy, provide the recipe for the Spiritual Pulp for free, and by no means hoard the Spiritual Pulp." Selling the magic artifact in one go was fine, but if sales trickled in over time, the benefits were too great and could attract unwanted envy. "Yes," Shang Huan''s voice carried a hint of regret. Chen Mu rolled his eyes, thanking his foresight. Otherwise, this fatty might have really gone through with it! He then cut off the emotional connection. One Wood Spirit Boy could earn him seventy to eighty White Jade Coins. Producing a hundred of them each month, nearly ten thousand White Jade Coins would be within his reach. As the number of people at the Jade Spring Mountain annex grew, the Administrative Affairs Institute and Inspection Courtyard expanded time and again. Given such a large population base, he might earn enough to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method with White Jade Coins within a year! And with similar magic artifacts available, the Wood Spirit Boy would not draw attention. Earning more while being safewhat a wonderful project. As long as Shang Huan didn''t mess things up, everything would be perfect. Would Shang Huan cause problems? This... it''s really hard to say! ... Down at Jade Spring Quarter. In the rear hall of the modest Qi Wu Tang. "Why didn''t you ask about the Snow Demon?" Old Hao was visibly anxious. "Mr. Gongsun has agreed to make the Wood Spirit Boys for me! Haha!" Shang Huan chortled, eyes squinted into slits with joy. "You don''t even know if you can keep your life safe, and here you are, thinking about making money?!" Old Hao was infuriated. "What Bro means is, Mr. Gongsun probably thinks there''s no issue, that''s why he''s agreed to make the Wood Spirit Boys," said a bald, pale-skinned, plump youth in his twenties, grinning from ear to ear. "Tsk tsk... Uncle Hao, I''ve never heard that smoking damages the brain, have you?" "Look at Jia Tian," teased Shang Huan, chuckling heartily. "Get out!" Having caught on, Old Hao shot Shang Huan a glare and topped up his smoking pipe with fresh tobacco. ... The three of them bowed and thanked him in unison, "Thank you, Brother Chen!" The black-bearded Xue Yangliu was so excited he trembled, "With Brother''s guidance, in at most two more months, I''ll be able to make a preliminary construction of the Golden Bead Talisman!" "This is the compensation you deserve, no need to thank me," Chen Mu said, waving his hand dismissively. He then asked curiously, "Isn''t it easy to start with the basics of the Golden Bead Talisman? Didn''t Qi Brother teach you?" The three exchanged glances. "He did teach, but only a little each time, and not in as much detail as Brother," Bai Xiuwen said. A single lesson divided into ten? Ensuring they milk Bai Xiuwen and the others for as long as possible? Chen Mu suddenly understood. Clicking his tongue... it''s quite the chive-harvesting technique. "Has he been up to any shenanigans lately?" Chen Mu asked out of habit. What if that guy were to lodge a sneaky complaint against him, huh... "No, none of that," Bai Xiuwen said. Then he added in a quiet voice, "It''s just that the business of exchanging Fasting Pills for Elixirs has stopped." "And he''s also ordered us to extract more Essence of the Five Grains." "It looks like he''s planning to go into seclusion to refine his alchemy experience." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. What a decent guy! If he''d run into some ruthless characters, Chen Mu might have long been bagged and kidnapped! ... After sending off Bai Xiuwen and the others, Chen Mu returned to the alchemist chamber. Checking the gray wall, Chen Mu looked at the Fire Cloud Curse experience. Fire Cloud Curse: 1736/10000/Third Rank; After breaking through to the Second Rank, the temperature of the Fire Cloud hadn''t changed much, but the volume of the flames had increased several times over. It could congeal into a large cloud of fire or disperse into individual feathers of flame. Its power had enhanced and it had become more versatile. "Time to keep grinding." ... As days and months passed, the weather gradually warmed up. The Upper Court continued to send disciples to Jade Spring Mountain, some even in the Illusion Breaking Spiritual Light realm. The associated courts kept expanding their territories, endlessly struggling with the neighboring minor paths and evil ways around Jade Spring Mountain, with rumors of Condense Aperture masters joining the fight and casualties on both sides. Chen Mu didn''t concern himself with any of it, leisurely refining pills and grinding experience. That was until two months later, when he was summoned by the Pavilion Master of the Pill Treasure Pavilion. "Great news," Zhu Yi said with a smile: "The Mist Smoke Mountain closest to Jade Spring Mountain was home to the Yanxia Sect." "Three days ago, the Yanxia Sect''s gate was broken through, and now the mountain is our turf." This has nothing to do with me, though. Chen Mu looked at Zhu Yi, puzzled. "The Yanxia Sect had stored a vast amount of Yellow Bud Rice, which needs to be quickly refined into Fasting Pills." "You are exceptionally fast at making Fasting Pills, so this hefty Daoist Cultivation profit should naturally be yours to earn." Chen Mu''s brows immediately furrowed. Earning Daoist Cultivation is fine when you have a life to spend it. Mist Smoke Mountain is on the frontline of the conflict. What if the Evil Path launches a counterattack? Trouble! Enhance your reading experience by removing ads: Remove Ads Now Chapter 321 Preparation "Must we go?" Chen Mu asked, reluctant. Mist Smoke Mountain is ultimately at the forefront of the struggle, what if we encounter danger? "The brutes from the Inspection Courtyard wrecked the Yanxia Sect''s storage." "Mist Smoke Mountain is humid and rainy. Without the protective restraints of the warehouse, Yellow Bud Rice is easily prone to mold and spoilage," Zhu Yi said helplessly. "It''s too much trouble to move it back to Jade Spring Mountain. It''s best to refine it into Fasting Pills on the spot, then move it here." He then sighed, "Originally, Qi Hui was supposed to go." "But his Pill-making quantity has sharply decreased lately, and he''s wasted a lot of materials." "I wouldn''t dare send him to do alchemy." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly. A sharp decrease in quantity, wasting materials? Could it be too much of a coincidence? Seeing Chen Mu silent, Zhu Yi continued with a smile, "Mist Smoke Mountain is indeed not a peaceful place." "But our Liu Ling, Elder Liu, is stationed there." "You only need to focus on alchemy once you''re there, no need to worry about anything else. Your safety will definitely be assured." Liu Ling? One of the four Condensing Aperture experts from Jade Spring Mountain''s annex? Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that a trip to Mist Smoke Mountain was inevitable. He then frowned and asked, "It won''t be just me going, will it?" "That won''t do," Zhu Yi shook his head. "There will be three Alchemist Apprentices going with you." "They are all talented hands from Pill Treasure Pavilion, extremely skilled at Absorbing the Essence of the Five Grains, which can assist you in alchemy." ... Inside the living room of Chen Mu''s cave abode. "You''re going too?" Chen Mu frowned at Bai Xiuwen. He then looked toward Feng and Xue, "You two, you haven''t been chosen as well, have you?" "Our ability to Absorb the Essence of the Five Grains still falls short," Feng Haoxiu said, his dark face turning red with embarrassment. Continue reading at empire Chen Mu nodded, neither affirming nor denying. "Has Qi Hui shown any abnormalities?" "Abnormalities? Not that I''ve noticed," Bai Xiuwen considered. "He''s just a bit irritable." What''s going on? "This trip to Mist Smoke Mountain comes with a hefty reward. He wanted to go, but Pavilion Master Zhu did not agree," Bai Xiuwen chuckled. "Do you know why Qi Hui has reduced his alchemy output recently?" Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. "You suspect he''s feigning weakness intentionally? Just to avoid going to Mist Smoke Mountain?" Bai Xiuwen voiced his astonishment: "Could that be possible?" Hard to say. Chen Mu remained silent. "I don''t know if Elder Brother Qi is feigning weakness, but I do know a bit about why he reduced his alchemy output," Feng Haoxiu said hesitantly, looking at the two beside him. "Go on," Chen Mu said, interested. He purchased a bunch of durable cured meats and jerkies. He also ordered two baskets of vegetables, intending to make dehydrated vegetable chips. Finally, Chen Mu arrived at the entrance of Shang Huan''s Qi Wu Hall. As he would be away from Jade Spring Mountain for a while, he had to inform Shang Huan in advance. He wanted to caution the plump man to exercise restraint in his actions to avoid any danger that Chen Mu''s absence would fail to protect against. ... Jade Spring Pavilion, at the back courtyard of Qi Wu Hall. Old Hao was overwhelmed with worry, "This could be seen as aiding the enemy!" "If the Inspection Courtyard finds out that you''re doing business with those heterodox evildoers, you''re done for!" Shang Huan replied cheerfully, "We''re just selling our products to the mountain folks within East Ridge. As for who they sell to after that, hehe..." Old Hao immediately gave Shang Huan a sidelong glance, unable to restrain himself. The mountain folks were already involved with the heterodox sects of East Ridge. Many of their young ones had been apprenticed to those sects from a young age. Selling to the mountain folks was essentially aiding the enemy! "Mr. Gongsun has already warned you not to conduct business with those heterodox paths." "If he starts to follow up on this..." Instead, Shang Huan raised his eyebrows confidently, "Mr. Gongsun only forbade me from selling Wood Spirit Boys to the heterodox paths. He didn''t say I couldn''t sell the Heaven-Earthing Talismans." "I''ve fully understood Mr. Gongsun''s intentions now!" "The Wood Spirit Boy is Mr. Gongsun''s trademark. If it appeared in the hands of the evildoers, there could be serious repercussions." "But for other items, there''s absolutely no problem!" "Essence of the Five Grains, Healing Precious Medicine, Pathfinding Talismans C all goods from Jade Spring Pavilion can be sold up the mountain!" "Just think about how big of a deal that would be!" Shang Huan''s eyes shone with excitement. Outside Qi Wu Hall, Chen Mu, with the Truthful Listening Technique attached to his ear, thought: "..." Did you learn your reading comprehension from a demon or what?! ... A short while later, at the back courtyard of Qi Wu Hall. "My, my, Shang Huan, what''s wrong with you? Do you need a doctor to take a look?" Chen Mu feigned concern. "I''m fine, just a bit dizzy," Shang Huan said, his face pale as he struggled against the bouts of darkness encroaching his vision. Or it might have been an illusion. He always felt something off about the expression of the person before him. "The Administrative Affairs Institute has assigned me a task to go to Mist Smoke Mountain for alchemy. The return date is uncertain, so I came to tell you all," he explained. "If you really run into trouble, just close up shop and take a break for a while." "Things have not been very peaceful up the mountain lately. You better not cause any trouble," Chen Mu said meaningfully. Shang Huan''s face instantly turned serious. "Rest assured." "I''m just a simple, honest merchant. I will definitely not stir up any trouble!" Shang Huan promised solemnly. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with a blank expression. It seems the strength of the spirit I drew out was still too little. Seven Souls Return to Origin! Chapter 322 Revenge Five days later. East gate of Jade Spring Square. More than a dozen giant insects, similar to centipedes, obediently lay in a row, spaced four to five meters apart. The centipedes are over twenty meters long and three to four meters tall, their entire bodies glossy and pitch-black. Densely packed, countless jointed legs line both sides of their bodies. Upon arriving at the east gate, Chen Mu immediately felt his skin crawl at the sight. "East Ridge is full of poisonous miasmas and insects; these Seven-Star Centipedes are a specialty of the area," Bai Xiuwen explained as he approached Chen Mu. "They possess immense strength and lightning speed. Captured and tamed by our elder Song Wujie, they are perfect for transporting large quantities of goods." Chen Mu nodded in realization. Song Wujie truly was an expert in handling insects. In the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, many tasks were completed using insects. ... As the two chatted casually, hundreds of people slowly gathered at the east gate. Chen Mu noticed that these men and women were all tall and sturdy. And their demeanor exuded a wild and unrestrained air, starkly different from the Lower Courtyard disciples he had seen before. "Are these people all new arrivals from Da Qian? How come their build and temperament are so... unique?" Chen Mu wondered. "You noticed?" Bai Xiuwen leaned closer to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard there''s been an issue with the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "After eating them, their height and physique have all changed to various extents." "Fortunately, their bodies haven''t mutated." "If they truly took on the forms of beasts, the Pavilion Master would be in big trouble." An issue with the Rebirth Pill? Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. This was the second time he had heard this rumor. Experience more content on empire "The other institutes have a high demand for the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "Pavilion Master Zhu has had to speed up the production process." "When you rush, problems are bound to arise," Bai Xiuwen sighed, "the Pavilion Master is afraid others will compete with him for Daoist cultivation achievements." "Afraid the Upper Court will pull pill masters from the other institutes?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Exactly," Bai Xiuwen nodded, "the Inspection Courtyard and the Administrative Affairs Institute have always been transferring people from the Upper Court." "Even the Pavilion Master is afraid." Chen Mu sighed to himself. "It''s all for the Condense Aperture Secret Method." Thinking this, Chen Mu suddenly felt that going to Mist Smoke Mountain might not be so bad after all. Although there was some risk, the rewards were high. To make Fasting Pills in Jade Spring Mountain, it takes twenty pills to exchange for one point of Daoist achievement. Wei Donglai''s expression was indifferent, "What hundreds of years foundation? If it cannot be kept, why hold on to it?" "Better to let it burst forth in brilliance once and become the nourishment for my advancement." "This forbidden technique has an unknown origin, are you sure it works?" Xin Ya hesitated. "Isn''t this the perfect opportunity to test it on Mist Smoke Mountain?" Wei Donglai said indifferently. "Experimenting with the foundation of your ancestors? That''s really..." Xin Ya shook his head. "So are you in or out?" Wei Donglai asked calmly. After hesitating for a while, Xin Ya gritted his teeth, "If it can really produce a Primordial Unity, and assist in refining my Divine Orifice, advancing me further, what''s a little risk worth!" "At worst, I''ll flee East Ridge!" "Done!" A smile erupted on Wei Donglai''s face, which was full of tattoos. "I''ve already made inquiries." "Only Liu Ling is guarding Misty Glow Mountain." "Her secret technique is profound, and indeed I''m no match for her, but with you added to the mix... heh heh!" ... Half a month later, Misty Glow Mountain. Misty Glow Mountain is a mountain range that stretches from east to west. The entire north side of the mountain had collapsed, leaving only a pale, vertical cliff face, as if carved by knives and axes. South Mountain, however, had a gentle slope and was covered in lush greenery, with white-walled and black-tiled buildings partially hidden among the towering ancient trees. Inside an eastern cave. Chen Mu stood up and stretched his body. Before him lay a collection of bottles and jars, all filled with Fasting Pills. This was the result of his more than ten days of work. "At least twenty thousand of them!" If he handed them all in, that would be more than thirteen hundred Daoist cultivation points, almost catching up to his earnings from the previous two months. "Shame I can''t hand them all over." While his alchemy speed could be faster than others, it couldn''t be too fast. "The material consumption is generally around ten percent." Chen Mu thought this and placed over two thousand Elixirs into his Five Ghosts Bag. With his max-level Fasting Pill alchemy, his control was delicate and the loss almost zero, so he had to keep the extra Fasting Pills for himself. "Ordinary Alchemists have a success rate of around sixty to seventy percent." "I''ll have a bit more, say eighty percent." Chen Mu then put away nearly four thousand more Fasting Pills. "I don''t want to embezzle these Fasting Pills." "But the skills of my peers are just too inferior." "To not shatter their confidence, I must endure and keep these for myself." "So thoughtful and considerate, sigh, I really am a good person!" Chapter 323 The Symposium on the Way "Junior Brother, what a skilled method you have!" Sun Wuhuan, the forty-something Deputy Head of the Administrative Affairs Institute, said with a beaming smile, "No wonder Junior Brother Zhu sent you." "Even Qi Hui on horseback couldn''t catch up with your alchemy speed!" "I can''t compare, I can''t compare," Chen Mu repeatedly shook his head. "My alchemy speed is all thanks to working tirelessly through the night." "Compared to Brother Qi''s talent and understanding, I''m worlds apart." Sun Wuhuan looked at Chen Mu''s pale complexion and heavy eye bags, and suddenly realized. Cultivators at the Perceptive Stage had robust bodies. However, the junior brother in front of him had weak vitality, clearly the result of staying up all night practicing alchemy and excessive fatigue. He then couldn''t help but express his concern, "Junior Brother, you must take care of your health!" "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother." It looks like my disguise is still quite successful. Chen Mu gloated to himself. The issue of alchemy speed being too fast had a ready explanation with the excuse of working hard without sleep. "There''s no time limit for this task. If you keep burning the midnight oil like this, what if you damage your foundation?" Jin Wuhuan advised earnestly. Chen Mu nodded seriously, making an appearance as if he was listening, "I understand." However, his face subtly conveyed an expression that he hadn''t really taken the advice to heart and would keep doing the same thing. Sun Wuhuan sighed helplessly, "This is all the trouble that Daoist cultivation causes." Isn''t that the truth! Chen Mu nodded with deep feeling. One Daoist practice had tied down so many cultivators, making them toil for Jilong Road. Sun Wuhuan looked at Chen Mu with a sense of nostalgia, "Looking at you reminds me of myself more than ten years ago." "Back then, I also got up early and stayed up late, doing everything I could to accumulate Daoist cultivation points." "I dared not exchange for secret techniques, dared not attend theory conferences, and stayed away from anything that would cost Daoist cultivation points." "By saving more and spending less, I struggled for a full three years, and only then did I manage to exchange for the Condense Aperture Secret Method!" Three years? Chen Mu was suddenly startled. Alchemy for Jilong Road was already a high-paying job. But by his rate of accumulation, gathering a hundred thousand Daoist cultivation points would still take at least twelve or thirteen years. If he went by Qi Hui''s rate, that would be at least twenty years! And this big, fat man with a face full of flesh had managed to save enough points in just three years?! He couldn''t help but ask, "You... How did you...?" "Do you want to know how I obtained the Condense Aperture Secret Method?" Sun Wuhuan asked with a smile, looking at Chen Mu. "Junior Brother presumes too much!" Chen Mu quickly cupped his fists in apology. Sun Wuhuan waved his hand, "There''s nothing that can''t be said." "It was two years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days after I started saving Daoist cultivation points." "On a stormy day." "We''ve just taken down Mist Smoke Mountain. Many senior brothers have plenty of good items that can increase Daoist power!" Sun Wuhuan said meaningfully. Well, this is Magic Artifacts and secret technique fencing, trading in Daoist power. No wonder he wanted to show off his family background. Without some status and background, he really wouldn''t dare to do this. The Sun surname? It seems that there really is an elder with the surname Sun in Jilong Road. "If junior brother is undecided, then consider it for a while longer." Seeing that Chen Mu understood, Sun Wuhuan was in no hurry and put away the Fasting Pill and handed back Chen Mu''s Identity Jade. Is this to let oneself inquire about the truth? So confident? "Thank you for your understanding, senior brother." Chen Mu thanked him with a bow and left. ... Three days later, late at night. To the east of Mist Smoke Mountain, outside the former Yanxia Sect''s cave warehouse. A cluster of bamboo houses suspended over two meters high was hidden within the dense forest. In the underground, about six or seven meters below the outermost bamboo house, there was an Underground Secret Chamber about the size of two bedrooms. The chamber was brightly lit, with fresh air. "It really is more peaceful staying in this unknown underground space," Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Truthful Listening!" Invisible ripples were directed by Chen Mu, starting from his right hand and forming a cone shape as they probed the underground. Images of rock, soil, roots, and unidentified animals, a colorful underground landscape flooded his mind. Soon, a familiar vast underground space appeared. "Still over two hundred meters? Tsk tsk... quite deep." Chen Mu had aimed at the Yin River underground from the beginning of the secret chamber''s excavation. Over the past twenty or so days, Mist Smoke Mountain had been peaceful. But since it was freshly conquered territory, rather than betting on the Yanxia Sect being completely safe, Chen Mu would rather spend the time digging a secret tunnel. "Should I go learn a secret technique for tunnel digging?" Chen Mu stroked his chin in contemplation. Previously, when using Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to dig, it felt fast and convenient. But now that the engineering depth had increased to over two hundred meters, it suddenly seemed a bit difficult. "Maybe I can take a look at the seminar," These past few days he hadn''t been idle either, having specially asked Bai Xiuwen to help inquire and indeed heard some rumors. The seminar indeed involved discussions, but that was more of a front. The exchange segment that followed was the focal point. Daoist Cultivation insights, unspoken Secret Techniques, and unused Magic Artifacts could all be traded for Daoist power through the seminar. It was even said that such seminars existed in Jade Spring Mountain. It was just that he had been in seclusion leveling up and had never encountered it. "Wait a bit longer," Chen Mu decided to play it safe. "If there''s no problem, then I''ll go and broaden my horizons." Chapter 324 Discovery One month later, early in the morning. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the bedroom of his bamboo building. A palm-sized black Moon Blade and a white Bone Sphere chased each other like fish, darting and floating through the air with a spiritual grace. After a good while, Chen Mu opened his eyes, ending today''s Spirit Nourishing Curse practice. After breakfast, Chen Mu lay in a bamboo rocking chair and indulged in reading a leather-bound "East Ridge Medicinal Stones Illustrated Handbook" with relish. The East Ridge spanned tens of thousands of miles, with a climate that was moist and warm, giving birth to many unique poisonous insects and plants. This scroll of Medicinal Stones Illustrated Handbook was originally a collection of the Yanxia Sect, recording thirty-nine unique medicinal herbs from East Ridge. Now registered by the Scripture Transmission Institute, he had purchased a copy for just one White Jade Coin to increase his experience in Pharmaceutical Technique. "Senior Brother, I''ve checked alreadythe discussion meeting organized by Vice-Director Sun should be fine," said Bai Xiuwen as he strode into the bamboo building. Chen Mu pointed to the bamboo chair next to the short table and said, "Sit down, and give me the details." "Thank you, Senior Brother," Bai Xiuwen bowed with clasped hands. "Vice-Director Sun has hosted more than ten gatherings at the Mist Smoke Mountain." "Most participants are from the Inspection Courtyard. They are frontline attackers who overthrew the Yanxia Sect, and they must have snatched quite a few good items back then." "Fencing goods," Chen Mu nodded in understanding. "Exactly," Bai Xiuwen nodded.No?v(el)B\\jnn "I asked two of the participants to scout, and they spoke highly of the little Dao discussion meeting." "Three days ago, I even blended in to check it out myself." Chen Mu couldn''t help but cast a sideways glance. I only asked you to scout for some information, yet you went there in personsuch a big investment? Bai Xiuwen chuckled and said, "Apart from using discussions as a front, it''s like one of the stores in Jade Spring Market." "I suspect this little Dao meeting is actually a joint private operation by the Inspection, Civil Affairs, and Scripture Transmission Institute. Otherwise, they wouldn''t dare to be so blatant." Of course there was backing behind the meetings. That Vice-Director Sun was flaunting his family background to him, indicating that the Dao discussion has backing and is safe. "The people inside were sincere and enthusiastic, and they were nice to talk to." "The items were not bad eitherSecret Techniques, Magic Artifacts, Elixirs, anti-insect Elixir Pills; it was quite a variety." "Except for requiring Daoist Cultivation, everything else is pretty good," Bai Xiuwen said with regret on his face, "You really should take a look." Having concentrated on alchemy for a month and a half, Chen Mu was also a bit frustrated. With backing, praised by participants, and Bai Xiuwen personally investigating, the little Dao meeting seemed indeed very safe. "I''ll go take a look later," Chen Mu shrugged and pulled out a scroll from his sleeve to hand it to Bai Xiuwen. "Inside are some insights of mine on the Golden Bead Talisman. Maybe it can help you condense a Talisman." Even the always restrained Bai Xiuwen couldn''t help but let a smile spread across his face at this moment. Being busy and scouting around was all to learn about alchemy. Picked the right person! Continue reading on empire Senior Brother Qi was never so generous! "Thank you, Senior Brother!" Bai Xiuwen immediately stood up and respectfully bowed with clasped hands. Chen Mu acted nonchalant and waved his hand, "As long as you''re happy." After all, it was just some understanding about the Golden Bead Talisman, it didn''t even involve the making of Fasting Pills. To exchange this information for Bai Xiuwei''s help in gathering intelligence, Chen Mu thought it was a good deal. A pale green light shone from afar, spreading bit by bit as it drew near. Dressed in an emerald robe, with white hair and beard, and with a physique resembling that of an eleven or twelve-year-old child, Xin Ya floated mid-air. Three human-head-sized flames burned silently behind him, illuminating the cave. "This sacrificial altar tunnel wasn''t dug recently, was it?" Xin Ya glanced sideways at the muscular man beside him: "You''ve been setting up the Dual Yin-Yang Creation Forbidden Technique in Mist Smoke Mountain for a long time, haven''t you?" Wei Donglai''s tattoo-covered face was expressionless: "Merely a mine." "Heh..." "If your disciples and the mountain people under your rule found out that you, Sect Leader Wei, have always considered them mere sacrificial offerings, I wonder what they would think." Xin Ya sneered. Wei Donglai''s eyes rolled, glancing at Xin Ya: "Probably not much different from those disciples and mountain people in Hundred Insects Valley, on whom you''ve implanted Gu worms." Xin Ya paused, then snorted coldly, his voice trailing off. Before long, the two reached the end of the tunnel. "We need to keep digging the sacrificial altar tunnel, but with Liu Ling overseeing things above the mountain, the secret technique''s bombardment could easily be detected. I need your insect puppets to help me dig," Wei Donglai pulled out a scroll tied to his waist and handed it to Xin Ya. "Once the task is done, I want half of the primal chaos energy," Xin Ya demanded, holding the scroll and staring at Wei Donglai. Wei Donglai glanced at Xin Ya. "The spirit mechanism of an entire mountain will yield a substantial amount of primal chaos energy, enough for three to five people to cleanse their Divine Orifices," Wei Donglai said nonchalantly: "I only want my share." "The restif you can keep it and take it away, it''s all yours," he concluded. A smile formed on Xin Ya''s wrinkled face. With a flip of his right hand, a black beetle appeared. He casually threw it into the green flames behind him, and it burnt to ash. Accompanied by green luminous specks, the ash rapidly spread throughout the cave. Tap, tap, tap... A series of rhythmic footsteps approached from afar. One by one, figures in tattered animal skin garbs, looking dazed, emerged from the tunnel. Five brawny men stepped out of the crowd, walked straight to the end of the tunnel, raised their hands, and gently probed the hard earth. Their nails, dark as obsidian, sliced into the wall like swords, quickly scooping out a lump of soil. Those following wordlessly stepped forward, filled their bamboo baskets with the soil and passed it to the person behind them. In this way, a human-powered assembly line for digging was formed. The tunnel was rapidly extended forward. "Without mana fluctuations and little noise, now there''s no fear of being discovered," Wei Donglai immediately nodded in satisfaction. Xin Ya glanced at Wei Donglai, his face full of smug confidence: "Don''t worry. With these insect puppets, we''ll certainly be able to dig out the Forbidden Spell altar without anyone being the wiser!" As he finished speaking, a faint, invisible pulsation suddenly swept past. It was as if an invisible giant sphere had suddenly expanded from around them and dispersed. Xin Ya''s body stiffened. Have we been discovered?! Wei Donglai''s expression immediately became grim. ... In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat stiffly on the soft couch. The Truthful Listening Technique in his hand had yet to dissipate. Just moments ago, through the feedback from the Truthful Listening Technique, he had detected two obstacles underground. That interference, as if caused by jumbled signals resulting in distorted sounds and images, made Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly contract. Beneath the ground... were hiding two Condensing Aperture experts! Chapter 325 Unexpected Joy Inside the secret chamber, Chen Mu''s thoughts spun rapidly. As he once again urged the Truthful Listening Technique in his hand, he leaped up like his butt was on fire and dashed straight for the chamber''s upper exit. Almost the instant the feedback from the Truthful Listening Technique reached him, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shudder violently. The two Condensing Aperture experts who had been two or three hundred meters underground just now had suddenly halved the distance between them! That fast?! He had just leaped out of the bamboo building when mana surged wildly within his Jade Seed. Five Ghosts Escaping Earth... Gua! A flash of light and shadow changed on the open ground in front of the bamboo building. A giant toad as tall as a basketball stand appeared out of thin air.No?v(el)B\\jnn Chen Mu stiffened all over, and the wails and howls that had just started rising around him were immediately dispersed by him. Then, rustily, he raised his hand and robotically shook it left and right in greeting. "You... hello." This terrifying giant toad, damn it, was actually quite polite! ... Underground, Xin Ya frowned at Wei Donglai. "What was that just now..." "It must have been Liu Ling setting up the Mountain Protection Restriction," Wei Donglai said with an ugly expression. "We need to speed up." "Or perhaps we should go kill Liu Ling first?" Xin Ya suggested with a sinister smile. Wei Donglai glanced at Xin Ya: "Can you guarantee it won''t alert Jade Spring Mountain?" "Fine," Xin Ya shrugged helplessly. He threw another handful of insects into the green flames. The wooden-faced insect thralls immediately trembled all over, their muscles bulged, and dark green lines crawled over their exposed skin, their entire demeanor visibly becoming more ferocious. Like they were injected with chicken blood, they dug through the tunnel with frenzied punches and kicks. ... "It''s you," Liang Yi recognized Chen Mu at a glance. "I should have thought of it." "To have cultivated the Truthful Listening Technique to this level, there aren''t many on Jilong Road." "Minor Supervisor!" Chen Mu quickly greeted with respect and clasped fists. "Just call me Liang Yi, the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River is gone, there''s no Minor Supervisor anymore," Liang Yi said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "In my heart, Minor Supervisor will always be Minor Supervisor!" Chen Mu said with earnest flattery. Liang Yi looked at Chen Mu strangely. You really have no shame. He sized up Chen Mu, thinking of the fleeting sinister aura from before, and his brows furrowed. A thick-skinned, sinister sorcerer, doesn''t seem like a decent person at all. "How come you are on Mist Smoke Mountain?" "Came for alchemy," Chen Mu replied honestly. "Goodbye, Director Minor, toad revered one, take care!" "Once I''m done with my tasks at hand, I will surely come to offer my humble services!" Chen Mu bowed with his hands clasped, shouting his farewells to the empty space. After a good while, with only the rustling of leaves in the dense forest, there was nothing else. Chen Mu then breathed a long sigh of relief. He finally left! Everyone in Misty Glow Mountain knows Liu Ling holds the fort, but they don''t know that beneath it, Liang Yi and the Cold Moon Toad, two great Condensing Aperture beings, are hidden. Just thinking about it, I know it''s going to be troublesome. I really don''t want to get involved in that. ... Five days later, in the evening, Chen Mu walked out of the warehouse''s alchemist chamber and returned to his bamboo building. "This time I should have really dodged it," Chen Mu relaxed completely. Ever since meeting Liang Yi, he had stayed inside the warehouse and buried himself in alchemy, fearing Liang Yi might come back for him. After using the Primordial Furnace to make soup with two Exotic Beast bones, feeling well-fed and content, Chen Mu brought the rocking chair to the long porch in front of the door and lay down to watch the stars. The location of his bamboo building was out of the way, but the area around it was open, and the Gentle Breeze blowing through the forest was quite pleasant. After a while, Chen Mu floated a ball of luminescent algae above his head and took out a Bright Yellow Scroll. Unfurling the silk-like parchment, a column of ancient characters appeared on the left side"Ge Family''s Hundred Grass Notes." This was the only item he had brought back from Sun Wuhuan''s debate conference. It wasn''t that the item was particularly great, but because it cost only a little bit of Daoist cultivation, it was cheap. Continuing to unroll the scroll, a series of dots and lines forming an unintelligible script appeared before Chen Mu. "So it is indeed a cipher, who the hell can understand this!" Chen Mu shook his head in dismay. "Cheap goods aren''t good quality!" In that moment, he didn''t feel too disappointed. Perhaps he had lost all expectation at the moment he realized the other party wanted him to play the fool. "There were indeed good items at the debate conference, but they were certainly not cheap." "And that sales attitude... I always felt that if I really bought something, I would definitely get the short end of the stick." Chen Mu also thought of the people at the conference who always started by teaching him how to get rich and then inevitably tried to sell him something, sending a shiver down his spine. "I might as well be honest and save up money and Daoist cultivation," he thought. "Those ways that supposedly make Daoist cultivation and White Jade Money double on their own are totally not for me," Chen Mu shook his head. Hmm... isn''t it true that selling these so-called wealth management methods is itself the real way to double one''s wealth? Anyone who joined the debate conference had to give Sun Wuhuan, the vice director of the conference, five points of Daoist cultivation. There were also commissions to be taken from the exchanges within the conference, it was said. "Tsk tsk... clever tactics!" Chen Mu admired the ingenuity of these people for a while, then rolled up the scroll and prepared to go downstairs to cultivate. But as his eyes swept over the ghostly script, a strange feeling suddenly rose in his heart. Could it be, perhaps, maybe, that I can somewhat understand it?! Moved by this thought, Chen Mu promptly summoned a gray wall. He wrote: 9377/10000/Second Rank; Indeed! Who would have thought that the writing skill he had neglected for several years could actually help decipher a cipher?! "What a pleasant surprise! Haha!" Chapter 326 Xie Wen Several days later, inside Chen Mu''s bamboo building. "Xiaozhuan?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow as he looked at the brown scroll in his hand. He had previously thought that the ghostly inscriptions were some sort of coded cipher, but it turned out to be a unique type of script. Having been in Yunzhou for so long, he had never heard of Xiaozhuan. Chen Mu''s gaze turned to the gray wall with experience recorded on it. Writing: 12/10000/Third Rank; These past few days, he hadn''t practiced elixir-making, instead holing up in his bamboo building, single-mindedly brushing up on his writing skills. Once his writing reached the Third Rank, he would naturally comprehend the meaning contained within Xiaozhuan. Unscrolling the scroll, Chen Mu stared intently at the dense Xiaozhuan characters, examining them one by one. After looking at them for a while, those line-outlined characters seemed to slowly wriggle, almost as if coming to life. Suddenly, a pattern emerged in his mind out of nowhere. On a sheer cliff, the wind howled fiercely. A plant about the height of a palm, with several purple-red berries the size of soybeans at its tip, swayed in the wind. Looking at those little fruits, an epiphany arose in Chen Mu''s heart. This thing is called Coix Seed Peach, a type of berry with a special fragrance that can repel toxic insects. Extensive information, including the appearance, growing environment, and cultivation methods of the Coix Seed Peach, continuously flooded into his mind. Chen Mu continued to focus on the Xiaozhuan text. Next to the mountain peak image of Coix Seed in his mind, a silver silken star sphere the size of a fist slowly appeared. That was actually the essence of the most exquisite part of the Coix Seed Peach, the talisman pattern of the Coix Seed Essence! A shock went through Chen Mu''s heart. This Xiaozhuan could not only record both visual and auditory information simultaneously but could also be used to describe talismans?! What a score! Chen Mu gleefully continued to examine it. After a good while, he stared at the last column of the scroll, the signature. "Pill Cauldron Sect? Ge Yuan?" He hadn''t heard of it. But it was definitely not ordinary! "Perhaps it''s also a great sect famous in several provinces." Just like the Thousand Mechanisms Sect that manufactured Ling Boats and Cloud Bat Flying Boats. Even if not in Yunzhou, it was still closely related to all industries within Yunzhou. ... Chen Mu gathered his thoughts and quickly perused the Little Annotations on Herbs. It contained records of a hundred and eight types of spiritual medicines and spirit stones, from the simplest appearance and form to the structure of essence talismans; the content was detailed and clear. Chen Mu also saw the Yellow Bud Rice and the talisman for the Essence of the Five Grains. Although Xiaozhuan could not form temporary talismans directly in the Jade Seed like the Secret Technique Jade Scroll and speed up talisman refinement, it displayed the key points of talismans clearly. With continuous contemplation and practice, any talisman of the essence of spiritual medicines could be self-learned and refined. "That Vice Director of the Administrative Affairs Institute must not know about Xiaozhuan," Chen Mu mused. Over a hundred essence talisman designs! This one scroll, not much thicker than an arm, is worth ten times more than ten Fasting Pill refinement jade slips! "I thought I had bought some cheap goods, but who would have thought they''d be so precious." "Huge profit! Haha!" ... In the underground secret chamber, lying comfortably on a soft couch within a bolster, was Chen Mu. He held a bamboo tube filled with iced tea, slurping it intermittently with a straw made from pearl rice, all while staring at the gray wall in front of him. Writing: 87/10000/Third Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Culinary Arts: 9440/10000/Fifth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 7817/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 2256/10000/Ninth Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 8997/10000/Fourth Rank; Planting: 6933/10000/Third Rank; United Heart Curse: 9117/10000/Ninth Rank; Fire Cloud Curse: 3236/10000/Third Rank; Manipulation: 4286/10000/Second Rank; Truthful Listening Technique: 3336/10000/Sixth Rank; Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 8988/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 866/10000/Third Rank; His ability in writing had just broken through; it wouldn''t change in the short term. Instead, thanks to "Ge Family''s Compendium on a Hundred Herbs", his Pharmaceutical Technique had made significant progress recently. Also, with continuous alchemy efforts, the Five Qi Primordial Technique successfully advanced to Third Rank. Culinary Arts, Shapeshifting Technique, United Heart Curse, and Five Elements Qi Absorption Techniquethese four skills were unconsciously nearing their final breakthrough phase. Find adventures on empire "No rush, there''s no need to grind these out separately." "It''s quite good to progress slowly as things fall into place." "On the other hand, due to alchemy, the Fire Cloud Curse has been shelved once again." "Now that alchemy is on the right track and the secret passage has been dug through, I can properly allocate more time to it." ... The plaza halfway up Mist Smoke Mountain. Inside a two-story building, Sun Wuhuan''s discussion gathering was in full swing. Thirty to forty people milled about the room, standing by various long tables and conversing in low voices. Sun Wuhuan''s face was all smiles. Among them were over a dozen sellers, all impersonators he had hired. They were exchanging the spoils he had secretly purchased recently in exchange for valuable Daoist cultivation tools at high prices. After numerous gatherings over the months, he had already made a tidy profit. "Director, those two alchemist apprentices have agreed," a gaunt man with a face full of pock-marks approached Sun Wuhuan and said. "Starting today, when they draw the essence of the five grains, they will adjust and refine according to the talisman you provided." Sun Wuhuan''s smile grew even brighter. "If the essence of the five grains is incorrect, the Fasting Pills will be problematic." "That little alchemist is now in big trouble!" the pock-marked man sniggered with glee. "Well, I can''t be blamed for that," Sun Wuhuan chuckled lightly, "I didn''t sell fakes. It would have been much better to spend a little money honestly to buy peace." "If the Fasting Pills are problematic, then it''s not just a small amount of money at stake." Ha... That''s six or seven thousand Daoist cultivation points. I really can''t afford to go easy on them. Chapter 327 Heavens Will Several days later, deep within the Yanxia Sect''s warehouse. A huge pile of Yellow Bud Rice was haphazardly stacked into small mounds, each five or six meters tall. In a corner, Zhang Lang and Li Huan, two Alchemist Apprentices in their forties, sat on bamboo chairs resting. "Brother Zhang, are we really going through with this?" Li Huan nervously said, clutching a wooden box. "When it comes to the crunch, do you want to chicken out?" Zhang Lang''s brows furrowed. "But if anything happens to Senior Brother Chen, we..." Li Huan still hesitated. "It''s his own fault for not knowing what''s good for him!" Zhang Lang said resentfully, "How dare he reject Vice Court Chief Sun''s invitation!" Seeing Li Huan''s indecision, Zhang Lang sighed, "We''re just two Alchemist Apprentices, stuck in the middle. What can we do?" "You''re not afraid to offend Senior Brother Chen, but you dare to offend Vice Court Chief Sun?" "Compared to the isolated and helpless Chen Mu, it''s obviously more advantageous to side with Vice Court Chief Sun." "Alas, an undeserved calamity!" Li Huan sighed despondently. A hint of a smile flashed across Zhang Lang''s eyes. "Don''t be afraid." "This isn''t the first time we''ve delivered the Essence of the Five Grains." "In the past, Chen Mu would only check the weight of the Essence of the Five Grains, he never inspected it closely." He opened a brown wooden box on a low table next to him, revealing neatly arranged small wooden boxes, each the size of a large fist. He took out a small wooden box and opened it to show Li Huan. "I''ve even covered the top layer with normal essence, so there''s no need to fear his inspection." Seeing Li Huan say nothing, Zhang Lang put away the box and said indifferently, "We''ve already accepted the Daoist Cultivation jade, do you still want to give it back?" "Let''s do it!" Li Huan bit the bullet and took the lead in leaving with the wooden box from the low table. ... Near the entrance of the Yanxia Sect''s warehouse, there was a cave about the size of two bedrooms, shaped like half of a vertically sliced egg. The walls of the cave were smooth and even, as if they were cast as a whole. Along the base of the wall, every two or three steps, there was a bush about waist-high with round leaves. The branches were laden with orange-yellow berries the size of quail eggs. At this moment, the berries emitted a gentle glow, illuminating the entire cave. In the depths of the cave, Chen Mu sat with his legs crossed on a soft couch. In his left hand was an iced tea, in his right, a beast skin scroll. He sipped the tea with a slurp while studying the scroll''s minor notes on herbs. If it weren''t for the need to pretend he was up all night practicing Alchemy, he would have been back in his Secret Chamber to grind experience long ago. The warehouse was under reconstruction; with so many people around, it wasn''t suitable for practicing Secret Techniques. He had no choice but to read the minor notes on herbs and grind experience in Pharmaceutical Technique. Right now, as he pondered the annotations on Yellow Bud Rice, he suddenly noticed that his Planting Skill had also gained experience! "If that Vice Court Chief Sun knew the true value of these minor herb notes, he''d be green with regret! Haha..." Just as he was chuckling, footsteps approached. Chen Mu immediately put away the scroll and, pretending to be busy, picked up the black Pill Furnace on the low table and started to inspect it. ... "Senior Brother, this is today''s portion of the Essence of the Five Grains." Zhang Lang struggled to control his racing heart as he stepped forward with a brown wooden box in his hands. Chen Mu took it and weighed it casually, frowning slightly, "It''s three pounds heavier than yesterday. You two have worked hard." "Senior Brother, this is our duty..." Zhang Lang had not finished being polite. Only to see Chen Mu open the large wooden box, casually took out a small box, and pinched a pinch of the Essence of the Five Grains between his index finger and thumb to examine closely in front of his eyes. Zhang Lang felt as if his heart jumped to his throat, freezing in place. "Hmm, not bad." Chen Mu looked up, satisfied, and immediately saw Zhang and Li standing there petrified. With "Ge Family''s Annotation on Hundred Herbs," extracting the essence of Coix Seed Essence is not a problem. "Although there is no Talisman to congeal the pills, perhaps other methods could be used as substitutes," Chen Mu looked at the items written on the grey wall. Pharmaceutical Technique: 7997/10000/Fifth Rank; "No rush, I''ll see after I max out my Pharmaceutical Technique." ... Late at night, Chen Mu, pretending to be exhausted, left the Alchemist Chamber and headed back to his living quarters. As he walked, he came upon a building four to five hundred meters away. "Isn''t this Zhang Lang''s residence?" Looking at its brightly lit interior, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "No wonder that Zhang Lang is so proficient in the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique." "He turns out to be a hardworking person just like myself." "Heaven rewards the diligent!" He turned to leave. One must not disturb a hardworking person''s effort. But when he looked up at the sky, he saw a full moon hanging high. Still awake at this hour could deplete one''s very essence! Such a good helper mustn''t ruin his future due to excessive diligence! "He still lacks experience," Chen Mu said with a smile and a shake of his head: "He needs to learn to balance work with rest." With that thought, Chen Mu stepped forward, planning to share with him some tips on hard work and diligence. But after only two steps, Chen Mu paused, as his ears, active with the Truthful Listening Technique, suddenly picked up three breathing sounds. Visitors? Chen Mu looked at the sky in surprise. Forget it, let''s not disturb them. Thinking so, Chen Mu turned to leave. ... "The two of you need not worry," the man with the orange-peel face and gaunt figure reassured them with a smile. "The vice dean told me that the Essence of the Five Grains, which had been tampered with, only contains a bit more impurities." "It doesn''t affect pill refinement and can even increase the pill formation rate. It''s also safe for normal consumption." "It will only affect the storage time of the pills." Zhang Lang and Li Huan let out a big sigh of relief. "In half a month, when the pills grow moldy and go bad, the good and the bad Fasting Pills will be mixed together." "Everyone will think that Chen Mu made a bad batch of pills." The man with the orange-peel face chuckled coldly. "By then, no one can assure that the pills he made before were safe." "Such a huge loss will not only force him to spew out all the Daoist Jade he''s earned before but also make him pay until he''s bankrupt!" "What a great strategy from the dean!" Zhang Lang slapped his thigh, full of admiration. Outside the main building, Chen Mu, who returned out of concern for Zhang Lang''s health, had this to say: "..." Here I was, wanting to advise you on regular habits and taking care of your health. And you''re scheming against me behind my back?! No wonder I unknowingly walked over here. It must be that Heaven is reminding me there''s a villian causing trouble! What does this mean? It means Heaven wants me to act on its behalf! "Did I not want to get involved?" Chen Mu sighed deeply, his face a picture of difficulty. What a pity... Heaven''s will cannot be defied! Chapter 328 Trouble Silver-white moonlight filtered through the thin mist, spreading across the land. Mist Smoke Mountain seemed to be draped in a layer of moon-white gauze. In the dense forest, the man with a pockmarked face hovered a palm''s height above the ground; with every step, he covered dozens of meters. "The Vice Prefect is always generous. Taking down this Pill Master, I should at least get a reward of a hundred and eighty Daoist Cultivation points," the man with the pockmarked face hummed an unrecognizable tune, thinking to himself. Thinking of how Zhang Lang and Li Huan had fawned over him just now, the man couldn''t help but sneer. "Idiots!" "Chen Mu is an alchemist; even if he is being plotted against, it''s because the Vice Prefect values his abilities and wants to recruit him." "To think they can climb up to the Vice Prefect''s position, heh..." the man with the pockmarked face was full of disdain. "But if things really work out, I might have to deal with that Chen Mu." "After all, he is an alchemist. If he prospers after this and seeks revenge for the plot..." the pockmarked-faced man couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. "Zhang and Li can''t stay alive." "Kill these two, and only the Vice Prefect will know the plot came from me." "With this leverage, the Vice Prefect will trust me even more. He will never tell Chen Mu the truth." "Just right to pin the blame on Zhang and Li, maybe even use their deaths to curry favor with Chen Mu!" "Ha! Two birds with one stone!" He was calculating secretly. A sudden cacophony of ghostly wails and wolf howls erupted out of nowhere, as sudden and loud as thunder, appearing close at hand. Hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and he almost instinctively activated Spiritual Light Body Protection. But as the lucent white halo rose, it shattered with a bang. An enormous indigo palm, as big as a fan, suddenly clenched around his neck. Crack! The neck of the pockmarked-faced man was twisted and broken on the spot. With his head lopsided, almost parallel to his shoulder, his eyes bulged with terrora look of horror that stopped abruptly, as his entire body seemed to hit the pause button, freezing in place. The next moment, that skewed head began to shout loudly, "I surrender!" "Whatever you want, I''ll give it all to you!" "Whatever you want to know, I''ll tell you everything!" "I follow the Vice Prefect of the Administrative Affairs Institute, I know many secrets!" "Spare my life!" Chen Mu, watching the torn flesh and blood seeping from the pockmarked-faced man''s neck, yet still babbling ceaselessly, felt the corner of his mouth twitch. The cultivators of this world, seemingly fragile with their Daoist bones, possessed incredibly resilient bodies in reality. A mistake! Whir! Black crescent blades flickered one after another. The pockmarked-faced man, who a moment ago was brimming with vitality, suddenly became sluggish. Black smoke rose and quickly enveloped him, swallowing him up in an instant. As a gentle breeze blew through the mountains, a piece of dead leaf fell to the ground. Aside from a drop of blood splattering on the soil, there were no other traces left. ... Five days later, by the warehouse entrance. A man in his thirties, dressed in black and an officer from the Inspection Courtyard, said with a bow, "Vice Prefect Sun, please wait." "I will arrange for someone to search for Zhang and Li in the vicinity later." After glancing over his shoulder at the people behind Sun Wuhuan, he took Sun''s arm and pulled him to the side, whispering a few steps away, "Mist Smoke Mountain has just come under control; remnants of the Yanxia Sect still cause trouble from time to time." "The Outer patrols frequently suffer unexplained attacks." "If not for Elder Liu''s benevolence in letting us patrol the mountain base only during the daytime, who knows how many more might have died." "You should prepare yourself mentally. Those two disappeared at night, I''m afraid the odds are more likely bad than good." Sun Wuhuan''s expression darkened, "I understand." "Still, they are two Alchemist Apprentices from the Upper Court, I hope Brother Li will take extra care." If his weak arms and legs were to clash with him, the consequences... Damn it! Chen Mu slammed his hand down on the low table beside him in frustration. Was he supposed to grovel to Sun Wuhuan, work for nothing, and help him earn White Jade Coins? After much thought, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "I''m just a low-level disciple from Jilong Road. What can I do..." "Ultimately, it''s because I''m too weak, which is why I can only be passively defensive." "Sigh... I''ll just have to take things one step at a time," Chen Mu lay down on the couch, resigned and dejected. ... Deep into the night, in an underground cavern more than five hundred meters beneath the east of Mist Smoke Mountain. Liang Yi floated midair, a scroll drifting in front of him. With a brush in his right hand, he thought hard and carefully made modifications on it. As he was recalling the direction of a tortuous small water vein, a wave of invisible ripples suddenly swept across him. It felt as if someone had brushed a feather against the soles of his feet, causing Liang Yi to shudder all over and abruptly forget the water vein route he had just remembered. Chen Mu?! What the devil is this guy up to now?! Could it be he''s dug a tunnel all the way here? This place is almost outside of Mist Smoke Mountain?! He was just about to go up and say a few words. But suddenly, the image of that complex water vein flashed through his mind. His face lit up with joy, and he prepared to record it with his brush. Then another wave of invisible disturbance swept over him. Liang Yi couldn''t help but shiver again. And before he could collect his wits, wave after wave of Truthful Listening detection ripples swept over him, irritating Liang Yi to the point of wanting to hit someone! What the hell is this bastard doing?! ... "Minor Supervision Court!" "Venerable Gar!" Chen Mu greeted him with a respectful fist and palm salute. "What the devil are you doing?" Liang Yi was quite exasperated. "After I went back that day, I thought about it carefully." "I felt that if two Condensing Aperture High Cultivators like you took action, it must be for some crucial strategy involving the development of another courtyard." "As a disciple of the other courtyard, it''s my duty to contribute!" Chen Mu spoke earnestly. "Help me? Haven''t you gotten yourself into some kind of trouble and come to my side to escape it?" Liang Yi looked skeptical. "How... How could you say that?" Chen Mu''s face was the picture of wronged innocence. "I truly just wanted to help!" "Look, I''ve even mapped out the underground water, veins-distributing the whole thing!" Chen Mu handed over a scroll with a mix of indignation and urgency. Liang Yi took the scroll and was immediately taken aback. It was even more detailed than the map he had been working on! Clutching the scroll, he was somewhat reluctant to return it. Roaming around in the darkness underground was such a nuisance. If he had the time, he would rather practice his Gentle Breeze punches against a stone. "You''re sure you haven''t gotten into any serious trouble?" Chen Mu let out a long sigh, "Minor Supervision Court, you know me. I''m just an honest and straightforward minor disciple. How could I encounter any serious trouble." Liang Yi gave him a sidelong glance, "Do you think I believe that?" "Sigh, the Minor Supervision Court''s misunderstanding of me is really too deep!" "How about this, why don''t you just go back?" "Let the misunderstanding stand. My grievances are not important. What''s important is the grand plan of the other courtyard!" "Hah..." Chapter 329 Acupoint At the top of Mist Smoke Mountain, within the Cloud Summit Palace of the Yanxia Sect. "There''s an alchemist named Chen Mu in the Administrative Affairs Institute?" Liu Ling, in her thirties, dressed in a fiery red, cross-collared blouse and skirt, had a stern face and sharp eyes, and spoke with a ringing, forceful tone. Sun Wuhuan unconsciously clasped his hands and bowed, his face full of respect, "Indeed, there is such a person." Sun Wuhuan''s heart tightened. Has the matter concerning this person been exposed? "Put a halt to whatever he''s handling." Liu Ling said indifferently. "Yes!" Sun Wuhuan immediately agreed. Then, lifting his head to look at Liu Ling, he hesitated for a long while, his face filled with worry, "Chen Mu is a newly appointed alchemist, and he doesn''t quite understand the rules. If he really did make a mistake, I hope Master Uncle will be lenient." Liu Ling glanced at Sun Wuhuan, "What, is he one of your Sun Family people?" "Master Uncle misunderstands," Sun Wuhuan hurriedly explained. "In the end, he is a pill master I brought to Mist Smoke Mountain, and I can''t bear to see him stumble and face punishment." Liu Ling snorted coldly, "This matter involves the secrets of another court; it''s not for you to inquire about." "Whenever you manage to cultivate Condensing Aperture, go back and ask your Old Ghost Sun about it." "If there''s nothing else, you may leave; I need to cultivate." Far from being annoyed, Sun Wuhuan kept a smiling face, "Master Uncle''s admonition is right, your nephew will take his leave now." While speaking, he bowed and backed out of the great hall without lifting his head. ... Outside Cloud Summit Palace, Sun Wuhuan walked down the mountain with an expressionless face. "I never expected this man to actually have a connection with Master Uncle Liu!" "With such a background, why didn''t you reveal it earlier!" Sun Wuhuan cursed inwardly. It''s another damn case of a wolf in sheep''s clothing. "Seems like I can''t go against him anymore," Sun Wuhuan thought helplessly. Find a chance to talk? After all, no substantial conflict had occurred. As for those three missing people... "Gone means gone; every year countless people wish to ingratiate themselves with the Sun Family, they won''t miss those three." Chen Mu is an alchemist, and apparently someone high up in the institute favors him, his future prospects are boundless. Where there''s a conflict, it''s best to resolve it swiftly; it''s better to dissolve grievances than to harbor them. That''s the reason why his Sun Family was able to grow and prosper on Jilong Road. "First find an opportunity to send some small gifts to smooth things over," Sun Wuhuan thought helplessly. ... More than a month later. Thirty li to the west of Mist Smoke Mountain, underground. Within a crevice roughly three to four meters tall and five to six meters wide, shaped like a triangle, a half-meter deep underground stream flowed quietly. the buzzing sound like that of bees flapping their wings suddenly came through. The two stopped their chat and turned to look, only to see that Liang Yi had somehow exited the Condensing Aperture space. The silver sphere, however, was floating in mid-air, spinning and emitting a pale white glow. The next moment, the hollow sphere suddenly transformed into silver threads, which then threaded into the surrounding walls and disappeared. A smaller hollow sphere was left in its place. Then it began to spin and shine again, spreading into silver threads that merged into the entire space. As the sphere changed, rocks around the arched entrance grew rapidly, sealing off the entrance completely in the blink of an eye. Buzz! Another buzzing sound resonated. An invisible ripple dispersed from the rock wall across from them. It swept by them and melted into the surrounding rocks and soil, disappearing without a trace. "All set, we can go back now," Liang Yi said with a smile, visibly relieved. Go back? A thought struck Chen Mu, and he looked at Liang Yi with curiosity. "This is the last Condensing Aperture," Liang Yi said. "After over three months, the Mountain Protection Restriction is complete, and thankfully we no longer have to keep burrowing underground," he said with a laugh. "First go and rest for three days, then come to Cloud Summit Palace to collect your Dao Contributions from me." "Each of you will receive three thousand. However, there is one thingthis matter must be kept a secret, not to be mentioned to outsiders." ... In the evening, inside Chen Mu''s bamboo building, dust had accumulated everywhere since it hadn''t been lived in for so long. Due to the damp conditions of Mist Smoke Mountain, a faint musty smell permeated the room. "Luckily I had packed and taken away all the bedding before," Chen Mu thought silently, noting the black mold spots on the bamboo window. Soon, Five Ghosts Black Smoke permeated the place, roiling along the floor and walls, and quickly swept through the entire bamboo building. Chen Mu opened the windows for ventilation and then lit some incense. Carrying his rocking chair, Chen Mu retreated to the corridor outside the door to avoid the lingering smell. "Three thousand Dao Contributions, that''s even more than what I earn from Alchemy." "If only this could happen a few more times." The neighboring courtyard seemed to be intent on expanding its influence; if they also took over the other four mountains around Jade Spring Mountain... After some thought, Chen Mu shook his head. This time it was a coincidence that he encountered Liang Yi overseeing the Mountain Protection Restriction; there''s no guarantee it would happen again. "I''d better think about how to deal with Sun Wuhuan," Chen Mu frowned. More than a month had passed, and it was uncertain whether Qi Hui had visited. "It would be best if he replaced me; that would allow me to return to Jade Spring Mountain directly." Chapter 330 Activation In the dark underground passage. A gaunt man in ragged clothes used his dark hands to shovel and dig into the rocks in front of him mechanically, his fingers pressed together like a knife. At a certain moment, the luster on the gaunt man''s hands abruptly vanished. Crack! A muffled sound echoed. The man''s fingers instantly bent backward, broken. Yet he stared blankly, continuing to pound the rock wall without any expression. It wasn''t long before both his hands were completely disabled and broken. "Useless!" Xin Ya''s short figure floated in the air, his face ugly with displeasure. With a motion of his hand, a speck of light flew up from the man''s head, revealing a tiny, transparent insect that looked much like a miniature butterfly. Because of the insect''s departure, the gaunt man collapsed to the ground with a thud. As he lay dying, a trace of vitality flashed in his eyes, but it quickly dissipated as his breathing stopped. "Wei Donglai, for this Dual Yin-Yang Creation Forbidden Technique, my insect puppets have already been damaged by more than eighty percent. If you can''t succeed, you dig the hole yourself!" Xin Ya glared, green venomousness filling his eyes. "Alright, I''ll dig myself," Wei Donglai suddenly laughed. Xin Ya felt a surge of rage rise within him. The three wisps of ghostly green flame that trailed behind him suddenly flared up. Wei Donglai, paying no attention to the other, strode towards the obstructing rock and threw a punch at the air in front of him. An invisible force burst forth from his fist, like a giant spider''s web, suddenly ensnaring the entire three-to-five-meter-high cave wall. Boom! A muffled blast. The earth and rocks blocking the path exploded on the spot. A dark abyss appeared before the two men. "Finally, it''s through!" Wei Donglai breathed out in relief. Xin Ya, who had just been enraged, now turned his anger into joy. Wei Donglai immediately snatched the yellow gourd from his waist and uncorked it towards the pitch-black cavern. "Are we invoking the forbidden spell now?" Xin Ya raised an eyebrow. "Of course now," Wei Donglai''s mouth curled slightly. "If we wait for Liu Ling to finish strengthening the Mountain Protection Restriction, that would be troublesome." After a string of cumbersome Curse Words. The yellow gourd rose into the air, its opening facing one side of the tunnel. Whoosh! Like water being released from a sluice, a mass of black threads rushed out of the gourd, competing to be the first. Upon flying out, they didn''t fall to the ground but hovered in mid-air, twining together into a black hemp rope over a meter in diameter. As the rope twisted tighter and tighter, when it was about to become immobile. Bang! A sound of air bursting. The rope, still from motion, suddenly began to spin like a drill and in an instant pierced through the air, disappearing from view. Yet the threads inside the yellow gourd seemed infinite, gushing out continuously, pushing the black line forward and drilling deeper into the tunnel. "Let''s go, to the central pulse point. Once the Forbidden Spell is activated, that is the only safe place." "Xin Ya, get ready to harvest the Primordial Qi! Haha!" Laughing heartily, Wei Donglai strode away. ... At Mist Smoke Mountain, in Chen Mu''s wooden tower. The next moment, Sun Wuhuan''s sincere voice suddenly came from behind. "Junior brother, stop for a moment. I''m here to give you a gift." I''ll believe in ghosts first! Chen Mu''s expression changed drastically at once, the sounds of wailing intensified threefold, and he ran even faster! "Junior brother, the Secret Technique you''re using is shadowy and peculiar. It''s not the right way. Make sure you don''t stray." Still sincere, Sun Wuhuan''s demeanor even carried a hint of concerncould Chen Mu be hearing things?! Madman! Bang! He broke through a stone door at the end of the secret tunnel. Chen Mu''s figure fell for half a meter and then, with a fierce howl from the Five Ghosts, shot up as if hitting a trampoline and flew towards the dark, dense forest without looking back. Almost the instant he left, Sun Wuhuan appeared at the entrance of the tunnel. He crouched slightly, and the White Jade Spiritual Light around his body spun rapidly, buzzing loudly. Then he shot out like a cannonball, following right behind Chen Mu. ... In midair, Chen Mu instinctively looked back. He saw a streak of White Jade light shooting diagonally upward from the mountain wall, tracing a faint arc toward him. When the light reached a certain height, it sprang up again, drawing another arc. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire After three ups and downs like this, the distance between the two had been cut by half! Chen Mu felt as if someone had clenched his heart. The distance he had managed to put between them by using the winding tunnel was about to be closed! Chen Mu could even see Sun Wuhuan''s face, with a gentle smile plastered on his pudgy cheeks. He definitely couldn''t outfly him! Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly constricted. In that moment, his heart hardened, and his right hand swung fiercely. Three Yin Slaying Demon! One hundred and eight pale green dagger lights, each the length of a small arm, appeared and then splattered like fireworks. Like a miniature meteor shower, they thunderously plummeted towards Sun Wuhuan. The pale green translucent blades tore through the air, fiercely slicing into the White Jade Spiritual Light... Crack! A fissure appeared on the translucent blades, and in the blink of an eye, dense cracks followed. Bang! The blades shattered into glowing specks of light. "Oh? I didn''t expect my junior brother to know the Demon Slaying Talisman Sword, but it''s a pity you learned an incomplete version," Sun Wuhuan said, all smiles, "After we resolve our issue, if you still fancy it, I can burn you a copy, you know." His entire figure suddenly veered to the side, easily dodging the pale green blades. The glow around his body spun once more, with a buzzing sound resuming. The smile on Sun Wuhuan''s face became broader, and he prepared to unleash the Longitudinal Rainbow Light again, which would allow him to bring his foe down. But just as he was about to leap, he saw Chen Mu fiercely swing his right hand to the right. The pale green blades that had just been dodged all bombarded Sun Wuhuan''s side. Caught off-guard, Sun Wuhuan veered to one side and went crashing down diagonally into the dense forest. An incomplete version? Even if it was incomplete, it was the peak of what could be achieved with an incomplete version! Chen Mu snorted coldly, seizing the moment his foe veered off course to change direction rapidly, accompanied by a series of ghostly wails and wolf howls, and swiftly flew away. Chapter 331 Pursuit Dense fog enveloped the entire Mist Smoke Mountain. Even the moonlight from above was obscured. All of a sudden, a chorus of ghostly wails and wolf howls erupted. A black cloud burst through the dense white fog, bringing with it a strong wind that instantaneously scattered the mist. "As long as I reach Poison Dragon Pool, I will have a chance to shake off Sun Wuhuan," Chen Mu spared no mana, desperately flying forward. There were cracks under Poison Dragon Pool that led to the underground water veins. Once he burrowed underground, relying on his knowledge of the Yin River beneath, he could widen the gap and escape to safety. As he thought this, Chen Mu suddenly felt a chill down his spine, an immense fear surging into his heart. Chen Mu immediately turned around. A snow-white light streaked through the air, arriving in the blink of an eye not far behind him. Chen Mu''s face paled drastically. Three Yin Slaying Demon! Hum! A hundred and eight ghastly green Blade Lights formed a rolling Blade Net that swooped down on the white light. Boom! But upon contact, the white light instantly pierced through the Blade Net. The ghastly green translucent Qi Blades instantly shattered. Within the white light, a Flying Blade as long as a palm and as wide as two fingers, shaped like a willow leaf, brought a gust of wind and, in just the blink of an eye, boldly rushed in front of Chen Mu. Flying Sword?! The Flying Sword that can decapitate someone from a thousand miles away?! Chen Mu''s pupils constricted sharply, and he instantly raised his palm. Sand Shooting Shadow! Seven head-sized black and red spheres flew out in a row.No?v(el)B\\jnn Bang Bang Bang... The Sand Containing Technique, which could easily break through a Body Protection Aura, popped like a balloon upon contact with the Flying Blade. The Spiritual Armor''s black smoke was first to shield him, and the Body Protection Aura suddenly rose up. But in the next instant, the black smoke of the Spiritual Armor was pierced through, and the Body Protection Aura also collapsed. Chen Mu''s heart felt as if it was being seized by someone. Seven Souls Return to Origin! Five Ghosts Possession! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! An invisible Exotic Force, like a large hand, desperately grabbed at the Flying Blade. But the Flying Blade was like a large fish caught in hand, slippery and vigorous, completely unaffected by Chen Mu''s force, unable to stop its forward progression. It looked like it was about to stab into his chest. Bang! A hollow White Bone Sphere suddenly appeared. Sunshine! The unstoppable Flying Blade explosively smashed into the Bone Sphere. Though it was delicate and short, the force of the impact was like a hammer hitting an anvil, causing rippling waves on the Bone Sphere and making Chen Mu''s heart tremble with fear. "What''s going on?" "Could it be that some heavenly material or earthly treasure has been born?" "It''s not the remnants of the Yanxia Sect coming back for revenge, is it?" Such a commotion instantly alarmed the whole of Mist Smoke Mountain. "Everyone stay put, do not act rashly!" "Those who take advantage of the chaos will face the consequences!" A crisp androgynous voice suddenly resounded throughout Mist Smoke Mountain. Liu Ling stood on the rooftop of Cloud Summit Palace, looking expressionlessly at the black light enveloping the area. At that moment, clusters of black smoke were rising from the ground. The temperature around the entire Mist Smoke Mountain suddenly dropped by three degrees. It was as if summer had plunged into early winter in an instant. "Evil heretics!" ... Below Mist Smoke Mountain, within the Yin River. Bang! Chen Mu, like a cannonball, violently smashed into the hard rock wall, sending small and large stones flying. The stark white Flying Blade followed closely, pounding like a mortar pestle or like a coiled snake-head poised to strike, hammering down on Chen Mu trapped in the rock. The white Bone Sphere was hit causing ripples, and fine cracks spread across its surface. Chen Mu felt intense pain all over his body, his face ghastly. "Such a powerful Flying Sword!" If it hadn''t been for the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, the mere recoil would have seriously injured him. Boom! The rock wall behind him suddenly shattered. Chen Mu, who had been ready for a long time, instantly flipped over and slipped into a narrow crevice like an eel, twisting through several turns before disappearing again. Jade white light flickered, and Sun Wuhuan''s figure emerged at the mouth of the hole, his gaze dark as he stared into the pitch-black crevice. After being evaded by Chen Mu several times, his smiling face could no longer remain composed. "Like a rat!" "Wouldn''t it be better to just lie down and die?" With a flick of the wrist, the silvery Talisman Paper held between his right fingers instantly turned into a blaze. The fire, like a sprite, danced left and right briefly before swooshing into the middle of the rock crevice. Sun Wuhuan was about to continue the pursuit. However, from the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing quickly not far behind him. "Daring to play tricks right under my nose?" Sun Wuhuan let out a cold laugh and, disregarding the talismanic fire, immediately chased after the figure. Just as he rounded a bend, he saw that the figure had actually stopped, standing still. "Junior Brother, isn''t it a bit late to seek a disturbance now?" Sun Wuhuan said with a smirk on his face. The next moment, he couldn''t help but stiffen all over. He saw the person slowly turn around, sporting Chen Mu''s clothes but a face that was identical to his own. The figure wore the same mocking smile, "Junior Brother, isn''t it a bit late to seek a disturbance now?" As the figure spoke, blood uncontrollably trickled from the corner of his mouth, quickly staining his chest clothes a deep red. The flesh on his face also began to rapidly rot and turn inside out. Sun Wuhuan felt a chill rush to his head, and his back was immediately drenched in cold sweat. "What on earth are you!" Chapter 332 Ghosts Mist Smoke Mountain, within the underground Yin River. Chen Mu was rapidly flying through the narrow crevices between the rocks. He had just squeezed his body sideways into a cave about three to five meters tall when Chen Mu couldn''t help but shudder all over. "Junior Brother, where are you going?" A familiar figure with a sinister smile stood in the depths of the cave. How did this madman get ahead of me?! Looking at the sinister figure slowly floating toward him, Chen Mu involuntarily took a step back. The next moment, Chen Mu''s vision blurred, and Sun Wuhuan suddenly vanished from the spot. This is bad! Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly narrowed. Before he could react, he felt a cold breath blown on his neck. A chill instantly spread from his head to his feet, pervading his entire body. Chen Mu turned his head as if it were rusted. He saw Sun Wuhuan''s chubby, smiling face, which had somehow ended up resting on his shoulder. It seemed to notice Chen Mu''s gaze. The other party''s head slowly turned with a click-click sound. As he turned, blood flowed from his eyes. "Don''t run away, Junior Brother, come play with me." Sun Wuhuan''s tone, gentle and close at hand, made one''s scalp tingle. His mouth already turned dark and rotten, and his tongue made Chen Mu''s hair stand on end?! Chen Mu looked at the rotting head with ripples of desire with a complex expression. Damn it! ... Underground in Mist Smoke Mountain. Within a certain spherical aperture. In the vast space with a diameter as long as a basketball court, black smoke permeated the area. Xin Ya was holding a black porcelain bottle the size of a palm and muttering to himself; strands of black smoke occasionally spiraled into it. Whoosh! A hand suddenly burst out from his chest. Xin Ya''s body stiffened, his face full of bewilderment. The next moment. Boom! He suddenly exploded, turning into a swarm of transparent insects the size of soybeans, scattering in all directions. They quickly regrouped on the other side of the aperture space, reconstituting Xin Ya''s figure. With a gloomy face, he stared at the opposite side, as three tufts of ghostly green flames flared up behind him, casting the entire aperture space in a chilly green hue. "Wei Donglai?!" "Are you puzzled?" In a corner of the aperture space, the solid wall spread apart like mud, revealing a tall figure in a red dress. "Liu Ling, you..." Xin Ya looked at Wei Donglai and Liu Ling, his expression drastically changing. I''ve been calculated! "You think you can take me down just like that?" Xin Ya''s face was sinister. "Thinking of escaping?" Wei Donglai''s tattoo-covered face was indifferent, "Relying on your Flawless Immortality Technique?" "Do you think I wanted to exhaust your insect avatar?" "Without the insect avatar to die for you, how else do you plan to escape?" Xin Ya glared at Wei Donglai without speaking. He must not be afraid! They were all illusions! Sweat beaded Sun Wuhuan''s forehead as he repeatedly reminded himself inwardly. But no matter how he comforted himself, an inexplicable fear kept surging into his heart. "No! I must not sit still and wait for death! Bang! A pitch-black snakehead as high as a basketball hoop next to him was pierced by the Flying Sword and dissipated into wisps of smoke. Sun Wuhuan urged the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, following the Flying Sword closely, and quickly disappeared into a narrow crack in the rocks. After a while. Sun Wuhuan reemerged from another end. He gazed in despair at the faces in the cave that seemed to smile mockingly. This was already his fifth time returning to the starting point! "Playing tricks on me!" Sun Wuhuan''s eyes were bloodshot, and the palm-length Flying Sword radiated with intense Spiritual Light as he slashed at those silent, unresisting figures that just stared and laughed at him. Boom boom boom... A series of explosions sounded. The creepy figures suddenly turned into streams of black smoke and vanished. But in just the blink of an eye, they reappeared. As if they had always been standing there! "Impossible!" ... When Chen Mu, wrapped in Five Ghosts Black Smoke, quietly floated along with the current of the Yin River, he arrived here and saw Sun Wuhuan with dimmed Spiritual Light. He was crazily urging his Flying Sword, furiously hacking away at the air around him. Opposite Sun Wuhuan, a basketball-sized black cloud with lava-like patterns was floating. At that moment, the cloud was slowly contracting and expanding, as if breathing. Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly dilated. This form of Ghost... Aside from being a little smaller, it looked almost identical to Cui Cui''s true form! "Don''t see me!" "Don''t see me!" Chen Mu wished he could slap himself twice. You should''ve just honestly made your escape, so why the hell did you come back?! He immediately looked away and wrapped himself tightly in the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, staying motionless and allowing the underground river to carry him slowly towards the other end of the cave. For a long time, Sun Wuhuan was still wildly swinging his Flying Sword at the air. But Chen Mu didn''t feel affected in the least. Thank goodness! Thank goodness! Fortunately, I''ve had enough experience using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to lift the restrictions of the Five Ghosts and successfully bluff my way through. Just as he was thinking, he glanced upwards with the corner of his eye. Then he saw it, a black and red cloud that had appeared beside him at some point. It seemed to notice Chen Mu''s gaze. The black and red cloud suddenly grew larger. "Chirp chirp... chirp chirp... chirp chirp chirp!" Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! ``` Chapter 333 Good Things Underground space. Chen Mu floated on the surface of the water, daring neither to move nor to make a sound. It took a while before he caught on to what the ghosts above his head meant. "Yours?" Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire "What do you mean, yours?" He couldn''t help but look toward Sun Wuhuan, who was continually spinning in mid-air. Spiritual light sparkled around him, casting a white jade glow onto Chen Mu''s retinas, leaving afterimages that were almost encircling! "Is this... you mistook me for one of your own?" Phew... Chen Mu instantly breathed a sigh of relief. "Ji ji ji..." Let''s go, go now, I''m leaving right this very moment! Chen Mu, in high spirits, controlled the Five Ghosts to push him toward the other exit. But the ghosts, the size of a basketball, didn''t seem to trust him and followed Chen Mu closely, almost like watching a thief. It wasn''t until he reached the exit that it turned around and flew back to find Sun Wuhuan for trouble. Chen Mu watched Sun Wuhuan, who was chaotically hacking with his flying sword. He also glanced at the ghosts that were slowly circling around Sun Wuhuan. "Is this... you have no way to deal with Sun Wuhuan''s flying sword for now? You''re planning to wear him down with an illusion realm?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. Sun Wuhuan was indeed formidable; though he hadn''t achieved Condensing Aperture, he could still fly through the air. A sharp flying sword chased him, causing him to dart frantically in all directions. Chen Mu looked at the small bundle of ghosts with pity. This tough nut, you''ve got something to chew on now. Oh...it seems I still have to give you a hand. Well, there''s no need to thank me, haha... Oh no! The Crescent Blade suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The black light flickered, and like teleporting, the Crescent Blade deftly evaded the flying sword and appeared in front of Sun Wuhuan. Bang! The spiritual light around Sun Wuhuan shattered abruptly. A large wound stretched from his left shoulder to his right lower abdomen. The bisected heart was clearly visible through the opened chest. Spurt! Like a high-pressure water faucet, bright red blood gushed out. Under the intense pain, Sun Wuhuan, trapped within the illusion realm, gradually came back to his senses. He looked bewildered, and as he looked down at the fatal wound that nearly split him in two, his whole body stiffened, and he fully awakened. He immediately looked up and saw the eager ghosts right before him. "Did this thing injure me?!" Disaster! I''ve got to flee! He grabbed his heart in one hand to stop the blood spray, his eyes fixed on the ghosts, but his peripheral vision rapidly searched for the exit. ... Underneath Mist Smoke Mountain. In a freshly dug cave the size of an ordinary bedroom. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, smelling the earthy stench of fresh soil and observed the ground through the vision of Five Ghosts. The occasional passing ghost creatures made his scalp tingle. The sight of withered dead birds and animals further chilled his heart. "This place isn''t going to be wiped out again, is it?" Chen Mu''s face turned pale. He had just settled down in Jade Spring Mountain''s branch residence when he encountered such a calamity. "No, it can''t be, it can''t be. There are three Condensing Aperture masters stationed on Mist Smoke Mountain," Chen Mu reassured himself. But the ghosts scattered all over the mountain truly unsettled him. Unable to think of anything else, Chen Mu could only sigh and shake his head. "Just wait and see." He sent out a single Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to drift above the ground. The other four gathered around him, terrified that the ghosts would find them. He hid tensely throughout the night until the sun rose the next day, and the ghosts that filled the mountains suddenly disappeared. He stayed hidden underground until noon. Only when the sunlight slanted to the west and streaks of light flew out of Mist Smoke Mountain did Chen Mu finally emerge from the ground. Using Five Ghosts Pathfinding, he moved closer to the Yanxia Sect''s location. When he saw the flow of people on the waist of Mist Smoke Mountain, Chen Mu felt surprised and finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Was it Elder Liu Ling who took action and saved everyone?" "That''s great!" "No need to flee all over the place now." ... At night, inside Bai Xiuwen''s bamboo building. "Do you know what happened last night?" Chen Mu asked. After using Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to observe all afternoon, he noticed that there didn''t seem to be any significant damage on the mountain, which was obviously not normal! "I heard that the Mountain Protection Restriction of Jilong Road was at work. Those who stayed on the mountain were all safe," Bai Xiuwen explained. Chen Mu instantly understood. That was close! If they hadn''t just completed the Mountain Protection Restriction yesterday, who knows how many on the mountain would have died! "Last night, black light shot up into the sky, and some thought it was the birth of a Spiritual Treasure or spiritual item. Ignoring the elders'' orders, they sneaked down the mountain," Bai Xiuwen said with a shudder, shaking his head. "One by one, they all went and never returned. I''m lucky I held back, otherwise... " He then leaned in close to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard that our Vice Director Sun was one of them." "Vice Director Sun didn''t come back either?" Chen Mu pretended to be shocked. Little did he know, that man really did die at the hands of the ghost creatures. "Greed harms people," Bai Xiuwen lamented. It wasn''t greed that killed him, he just wanted to kill me, to eradicate me root and stem. But... If Sun Wuhuan was believed to have died in the chaos caused by the ghosts, wouldn''t I be able to continue staying peacefully in Jade Spring Mountain''s branch residence? Good news indeed! ``` Chapter 334 The Aftermath ``` Five days later. Somewhere underground by the Yin River. Accompanied by a booming sound, a dismal green blade light burst through the collapsed rocky entrance. Chen Mu, shielding himself with the Yang Judge Bone Shield, with a glowing algae lamp the size of a fist floating beside him, carefully stepped into this subterranean space. As soon as he entered, he found a shriveled corpse at the entrance. The chest of the other party was split open, and the face, skin-and-bones, was full of terror, as if it were a mummy buried in the desert for hundreds of years. At this moment, it floated on the surface of the Yin River, blocked by a rock, drifting with the current, slowly rotating in place. "What a futile move," Chen Mu shook his head. Sun Wuhuan, with his great talent and good family background, and not lacking in secret techniques or resources, should have become a high and mighty figure, yet he still met his end underground. "I was clearly avoiding you, but you insisted on eradicating me to the roots. Sigh..." Chen Mu sighed. "Still, we knew each other, and although we were enemies, I can''t bear to see your body floating in the water after death. I''ll take care of your burial," thought Chen Mu, as he activated the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and lifted Sun Wuhuan from a distance. Then... he took out the Fire Cloud Gourd. Boom! A fierce flame immediately engulfed Sun Wuhuan. Chen Mu watched unblinkingly, occasionally using the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to squeeze and hammer, until he completely burned the opponent to white ashes before stopping. Then he scattered the white powdery ash into the Yin River. "Dust to dust, earth to earth, as my enemy, to take care of your affairs after death to this extent, I suppose that counts as doing the utmost duty," Chen Mu''s face was filled with complexity. "Sigh... I am just too kind-hearted," he was quite helpless about the innate goodness in his bones. The world is perilous, and having a too kind heart doesn''t necessarily lead to a good outcome. "But who made me this kind of person," Chen Mu was very pleased that he could maintain this pure kindness. "If Sun Wuhuan knew underneath the spring, he would surely feel moved," he thought with a sense of achievement. "If he could still pass on messages, he would definitely reward me with these material things," Chen Mu looked at the two items floating in front of him with a smile on his face. A heavy, iron-cast like, red gourd. An emerald jade ring with faint silver star spots. "It''s really too polite!" "This is what I should do." "No need to thank me!" "Haha..." ... Inside the alchemist chamber of the storeroom on the east side of Mist Smoke Mountain. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch, cradling the pitch-black Primordial Furnace on the short table in front of him. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. Such actions were indeed typical of the Evil Path, reckless and without restraint. "Fortunately, we have the Mountain Protection Restriction, otherwise..." Bai Xiuwen''s face was full of relief. "With this battle behind us, we won''t fear covert attacks from the Evil Path anymore." "Mist Smoke Mountain is now completely under our control at Jilong Road," Bai Xiuwen declared. Chen Mu nodded in agreement. With the Mountain Protection Restriction in place and three Condensing Aperture experts - two humans and one demon - to guard it, it was enough to take control of Mist Smoke Mountain. "Has there been any news from the deputy director of the Sun family? Or any word from the other institutes?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly. "I''ve crafted so many Fasting Pills, yet I don''t know whom to exchange them with for Daoist Cultivation," he said with a hint of complaint in his voice, as if he were truly just concerned about how to exchange them for cultivation progress. "It''s probably more bad news than good," Bai Xiuwen speculated. "I hear another Condensing Aperture expert from the Sun Family has come here, searching for information and enquiring a lot of people, even using Secret Techniques to scour the mountain." "After circling Mist Smoke Mountain for several days, they found nothing at all." "As you know, everything for a hundred miles is dead, what could they find?" Bai Xiuwen whispered. "I reckon before long, someone will come to take charge of the Administrative Affairs Institute." A Condensing Aperture expert? Searching with Secret Techniques? Sun Wuhuan indeed had powerful connections. Coming up empty is good. No results likely means no involvement with me. "I hope so," Chen Mu feigned a sigh, "I might as well stop for a few days before continuing to practice alchemy. Having too many Fasting Pills on hand doesn''t sit well with me." ... In the days that followed. Chen Mu dutifully remained in the warehouse, showing his face every morning, refining two or three batches of pills and brushing up on his experience with the Five Qi Primordial Technique. Then he took the Ge Family''s Hundred Herbs Primer to read, seizing the opportunity to ponder over the Parasite Expelling Pill. In the afternoon, he would return to his bamboo building, hiding in the secret chamber to practice the Fire Cloud Curse. He went to bed early and rose early, maintaining a regular routine. As days and months revolved like this, more than half a month passed in the blink of an eye. One deep night, in a cave four hundred meters underground. Glowing Algae Lamps illuminated a cavern that had been in darkness for who knows how many years. On a platform protruding from the rock wall. Chen Mu took out a large meditation mat and sat down, activating Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and digging out a wooden box from within the platform''s rocks to open it. A Red Gourd and an Emerald Jade Ring lay quietly inside. Chen Mu excitedly scratched himself all over, "A Flying Sword..." Chapter 336 Restrictions ``` Determined to cultivate the Netherworld Grand Summary. In the days that followed, Chen Mu deliberately adjusted his routine. He reduced the number of alchemy sessions and decreased the frequency of practicing the Fire Cloud Curse to ensure his energy remained abundant. He even specially prepared some light meals, listening daily to the sounds of the wind and the birds to calm his spirit. Several days later, in the evening. After eating a dinner that was seventy percent vegetarian and thirty percent meat, leaving him satisfactorily full, Chen Mu washed and bathed, changed into a loose and dry robe, and entered the underground secret chamber. Sitting on a soft low couch, in the fragrance of Calming Pills, Chen Mu solemnly opened the Jade Slip of the Netherworld Grand Summary. The thin jade tablet, only two fingers wide and as long as a forearm, was bound at both ends with exotic beasts forming a scroll. The first nine jade panels were inscribed with golden characters, giving a general overview of the Netherworld Condensation Aperture Technique. The last sixty-three jade panels had no characters but were fully covered in patterns of silver threads and stars. Chen Mu placed his right index finger on the first blank jade panel, slowly closed his eyes, and with a thought, a thread of mana surged into it. The next moment, a gentle force entered the Jade Seed. The originally slow-drifting mana, like a sea under a storm, was suddenly stirred violently, scrambling to congregate around the Primordial Talisman. In an instant, starting from the Primordial Talisman, a hollow net-like sphere was formed. "Such a complex talisman," Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. The most intricate Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse Talisman he had practiced before was only the size of a sesame seed, yet the one before him was as large as a quail egg. And there were a total of sixty-three talismans like this one.No?v(el)B\\jnn Just the thought of this task made Chen Mu''s scalp tingle. Sixty-three of them... "I guess I''ll just have to incorporate it into my daily tasks and chip away at it slowly." A momentary distraction was met with a deep hum. The hollow sphere vibrated, and its structure, already somewhat ephemeral, suddenly dissipated, turning into mana mist. However, the mana that should have filled the Jade Seed was now a tenth less. Chen Mu''s eyelids twitched. If every practice session would result in a tenth of his mana lost, wasn''t this consumption... a bit too much? Suddenly, he thought of Sun Wuhuan''s debate forum. "Was Sun Wuhuan''s desperate collection of wealth all to cultivate the Condensing Aperture Technique?" Thinking about future expenses, Chen Mu felt overwhelmed. "I must continue to refine the Parasite Expelling Pill." ... Halfway up Mist Smoke Mountain. A small building in a corner of the former Yanxia Sect''s martial arts training ground square. Sun Chengye sat at a table by the window on the second floor. "My brother is a genius of the Sun Family, with no shortage of resources for secret techniques. That he would covet treasures and defy Elder Liu''s orders to search for them in the forestthis, I don''t believe." Across the table sat a man in his thirties, dressed in the black clothes of a Patrolling Inspector from the Inspection Courtyard. "Does Brother Sun mean to suggest that someone is plotting against the deputy prefect?" "The position of deputy prefect in the Administrative Affairs Institute is highly coveted," Sun Chengye scoffed coldly. The black-clothed Prefect Li Guangfu''s body stiffened, and he sipped his tea without responding. The current deputy prefect was a relative of Elder Liu Ling. Li wouldn''t dare to meddle in the power struggles of Jilong Road''s two major families. "If the first one goes to waste, what use will the rest be?!" Chen Mu suddenly felt overwhelmed. The jade slip was originally sufficient for mastering the basics. But the one in Chen Mu''s hands had been used by Sun Wuhuan, with ninety percent of its power already consumed. "I''ve been careless!" With that thought, Chen Mu immediately inspected each one. Out of sixty-three jade tablets, fifty-one had their luster dimmed. Only the last twelve shone as if brand new. Chen Mu frowned at the unchanged gray wall. Should I take a chance and try to master the technique before the tablets become ineffective? "No! If I fail, this volume of Netherworld Grand Summary would have been in vain!" He didn''t dare to bet. ... Several days later. Bai Xiuwen walked into the storeroom''s Alchemist Chamber carrying a wooden box filled with the Essence of the Five Grains. He looked up to see Chen Mu sitting cross-legged on a soft couch, writing something. "Brother Chen, I have some bad news," Bai Xiuwen said softly as he approached the couch. "Go ahead," Chen Mu said without lifting his head, his writing as dynamic as a dragon or snake, copying the ghostly hieroglyphs. "The brothers at Hundred Workshops Hall have fixed the storeroom''s protection restriction." "The price of Fasting Pills has dropped." "It was a matter of time." Chen Mu was unconcerned. Even with them working faster, a lot of Yellow Bud Rice was still spoiled. The best solution, of course, was to quickly repair the storeroom''s protective restrictions. "Does the affiliate institute want us from Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly as he continued to trace the silken star points with his brush. "It''s hard to say." Bai Xiuwen frowned, hesitant, "Another batch of upper court brothers has arrived on the mountain." "Mist Smoke Mountain could end up becoming another Lower Courtyard." "We might leave, or we might stay." "Then when you have time, ask around and let me know if there''s news," said Chen Mu indifferently. Mist Smoke Mountain, with its Mountain Protection Restriction and the second-best expert of Jilong Road stationed there, was not less secure than Jade Spring Mountain. Now that he had the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he could cultivate anywhere. He waved Bai Xiuwen off with a gesture. Chen Mu carefully compared the string of hieroglyphs he just copied. "It still lacks a bit of essence." Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Written: 1762/10000/Third Rank; Writing the Netherworld Grand Summary in hieroglyphs was the solution Chen Mu came up with. Unfortunately, proficiency at the Third Rank only allowed him to understand hieroglyphs, not to write them. To increase his writing proficiency, he had been copying and transcribing for five continuous days, neglecting even to refine Fasting Pills. The quota he handed in was still made from previous stock. "Better keep practicing." He casually collected the used brown papers into the Five Ghosts Bag and unfolded a new piece of paper. As long as he hadn''t transcribed the Netherworld Grand Summary, he would never feel at ease. ``` Chapter 337 Fourth Rank Several days later. On the mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, a corner of the plaza on the Fog Platform was a small building. Sun Chengye frowned as he looked at the booklet in his hand. "I asked you to find my brother''s enemy, not these insignificant nobodies," he said. Li Guangfu spread his hands: "But all these people had disputes with Deputy Director Sun." "Cheating the Alchemist with the surname Chen from the Administrative Affairs Institute by selling a forged Pill Master''s letter of recommendation, is this necessary to write?" Sun Chengye glared at Li Guangfu. "It''s just a little Daoist Cultivation, how could that start a big feud with my brother?!" "Brother Sun, you are mistaken," Li Guangfu said earnestly. "Sometimes, a little Daoist Cultivation can be enough to make someone desperate!" Sun Chengye looked skeptical: "You''re not trying to swindle more White Jade Coins from me by recording these trivial matters, are you?" Li Guangfu looked at Sun Chengye in disbelief: "How could you see me in such a way?" "The people in this booklet, each and every one of them could be a potential murderer!" "I''m recording all this in detail, it''s all to help you find your brother''s body," Li Guangfu stated confidently. "Enough!" Sun Chengye waved his hand impatiently. With a flip of his right hand, a Mustard Seed Talisman appeared. He threw the talisman to Li Guangfu and said indifferently, "Our Sun Family does not lack White Jade Coins. It''s up to you if you have the ability to earn them." Li Guangfu caught the Mustard Seed Talisman and with a smug smile, he took out a folded pale yellow letter from the leather pouch on his waist. Sun Chengye unfolded it with curiosity, on it were written seven or eight lonely names...@@@@ "Zhang Mukuai, Liu Xiali..." "This is..." Li Guangfu grinned: "These are the unlucky ones who were set up by Deputy Director Sun and lost a great deal of their fortunes." Sun Chengye''s eyes suddenly lit up. "Now this is how you handle business!" "If you succeed in finding my brother''s body, there will be plenty of rewards for you," Sun Chengye nodded in satisfaction. "But don''t try to pad the numbers with insignificant figures like that Chen surname Alchemist." It all depends on your sincerity. Li Guangfu fondled the Mustard Seed Talisman in his hand, silent with a smile. No amount of promises could match the tangibility of White Jade in hand. ... "So the purpose of the Red Gourd Sword Box is to create Sword Pills?" On the eastern side of Mist Smoke Mountain, within Chen Mu''s bamboo building. An insignificant figure was carefully reading the jade tablet about the Sun Family''s Red Gourd Sword Box. "The Flying Sword is a Flying Sword, and the Sword Box is a Sword Box, I thought they were one and the same," Chen Mu said, quite astonished. ... Evening. Bai Xiuwen, carrying a large bamboo basket, walked into Chen Mu''s bamboo hut: "Senior brother, are you still pondering over that Alchemist''s notebook?" "If I can figure something out, then wouldn''t that be a profit?" Chen Mu said casually. Very few people knew about Pei Wen. Chen Mu had no intention of disclosing more. Standing up to take the basket, Chen Mu looked satisfied at the wild vegetables and Exotic Beast Meat inside: "For the upcoming half-month, I plan to seclude myself; I''ll need to trouble you with the procurement of supplies." He intended to max out his Third Rank writing ability in one go. Only when he had transcribed the Netherworld Grand Summary would he feel at ease. "You should come every three days, and also update me about the changes on the mountain, or else I''ll truly become deaf and blind." As he spoke, he handed over the freshly drawn Golden Bead Talisman to Bai Xiuwen. "This is...," Bai Xiuwen began to say, intending to be polite, but as he clearly saw the item on the paper, he suddenly became excited. "A rough outline of the Golden Bead Talisman. With its help, it won''t be long before you can fully master the Golden Bead Talisman." Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire "Thank you, senior brother!" Bai Xiuwen said, respectfully making a fist and palm salute. Chen Mu, undisturbed, waved his hand dismissively: "Just keep me entertained with some interesting news." Bai Xiuwen was well-informed. He could provide real-time updates about the changes in Mist Smoke Mountain, especially the movements of the Sun Family. "You won''t be disappointed, senior brother!" Bai Xiuwen said earnestly. ... It was not Chen Mu''s first time in seclusion to raise his proficiency, and he had a wealth of experience. Although he planned to tackle the Third Rank writing ability with all his might, he wasn''t blindly immersing himself to the point of neglecting sleep and food. In fact, he was even more regular and leisurely than usual. He rose early and retired early each day, turning a deaf ear to the affairs outside the window. Besides the habit of reciting the Spirit Nourishing Curse twice during his free time, he focused on imitating the Hundred Grass Annotations at all other times. As proficiency increased, insights continuously flooded into his mind. The Pei Wen that he used to be able to only read and not write was gradually being mastered by him. More than ten days later. Finally, a change appeared on the grey wall. Writing: 107/10000/Fourth Rank; Chen Mu recalled the information in his mind, his brow slightly furrowed. He had learned Pei Wen, but not completely. The Pei Wen records in the Hundred Grass Annotations included images, sounds, scents, and tactile sensations, much like the virtual worlds conceived in television dramas of a previous life, placing one right in the midst of the action. The Pei Wen mastered in the Fourth Rank writing could only record three-dimensional images. "Forget it, it''s good enough if it''s usable." Chen Mu decided not to continue training. To avoid unforeseen complications, he planned to transcribe the Netherworld Grand Summary first. Chapter 343 338 Several days later. Underground secret chamber. A short table in front of Chen Mu was set with a scroll of blank jade tablets. In the upper-right corner, there was a porcelain dish filled with thick, gold-colored ink. This ink could etch into the jade, penetrating three parts deep. Characters written with this ink would remain intact and clear even after a hundred years. "Let''s get to work!" Chen Mu took a deep breath and spread out the Netherworld Grand Summary. Mana surged into the jade tablet, and as mental powers churned in his mind, a net-shaped spherical talisman coalesced into existence. Chen Mu dared not be negligent as he strove to maintain the talisman while continuously enlarging and rotating it, examining it closely both inside and out. A quarter of an hour later, the talisman suddenly trembled and dispersed back into a cloud of smoke. Chen Mu quickly picked up the brush, soaked it in the golden ink, and with swift, dragon-and-snake-like strokes, he inscribed a string of bizarre symbols connected by dots and lines onto the blank jade tablet. Accompanied by a faint hissing sound, the golden script quickly permeated the jade tablet. Chen Mu scrutinized it carefully for a moment, and his heart lightened. "Success!" Recording the Netherworld Grand Summary in this script seemed to be the right and effective approach. After another verification of accuracy, Chen Mu set down the brush and took out the exquisite jade plate to recover his mana. Copying the script, recovering mana, then copying again. Chen Mu repeated this process for the entire day. By late night, he had only memorized nine jade tablets. Most of the time was spent recovering mana. "And this is just copying the secret method. Who knows how much mana will be needed for the actual cultivation?" Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. Were all Condense Aperture Secret Methods like this? Or had the Sun Family, unconcerned about expenses, specifically chosen this mana-guzzling technique? ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu focused on recording the Netherworld Grand Summary. Seven days later, in the underground secret chamber. Looking at the jade tablets on the low table, full of golden script, Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. "With this backup, there''s no fear of the Netherworld Grand Summary becoming ineffective." He held the tablet, scanning it from beginning to end. After one round of copying, Chen Mu realized that the Netherworld Divine Orifice wasn''t composed of sixty-three talismans, but nine. There were a total of sixty-three jade tablets for recording the talisman. Seven tablets made up a set, and only when put together did they form a complete talisman. Grumble, grumble, grumble... A thunderous noise from his stomach interrupted Chen Mu''s thoughts. Coming back to his senses, he didn''t dwell on it. "After a month of fear and trepidation, it''s time to reward myself properly." Immediately, he sprang up to the bamboo building, grabbed the Flame-Separation Shell pot, and began stir-frying with a clanging bustle. ... Evening two days later. Chen Mu lay comfortably in a rocking chair watching the sunset when he saw Bai Xiuwen approaching with a beaming face. "Why did you come over today?" Normally, Bai Xiuwen should have come tomorrow. A jolt went through Chen Mu''s heart, but he remained composed, "What about it?" "Recently, the Inspection Courtyard has been questioning participants." "It is said to be related to the disappearance of Deputy Warden Sun." "If they do find you, don''t have any omissions." Not have any omissions? If I don''t omit anything, then it''s really game over! Chen Mu''s heart tightened, Sun Wuhuan''s matter had not yet concluded! Bai Xiuwen hesitated for a moment, but then suddenly said, "Senior Brother needs to make some early preparations." What does he mean? Could it be that Bai Xiuwen has spotted something?! Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed immediately. "Prepare White Jade Coins," Bai Xiwen shook his head with a wry smile. "Condensing Aperture experts couldn''t find any clues, what good can the Inspection Courtyard do?" "This investigation is nothing but an excuse to extort money." Is it really extortion? It must be the Sun Family''s unwillingness to let go! "Hey! Seems like I can only spend money to avoid disaster then," Chen Mu said with a feigned look of helplessness on his face, while his heart began to feel anxious. He had to speed up the practice of the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Every increase in strength meant another way to respond to situations. ... The next day, Chen Mu began his retreat to focus on Condensing Aperture. Five days later, early in the morning. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the soft couch of the secret chamber. He cradled the Netherworld Grand Summary jade slip in his arms. At a certain moment, he felt a slight throbbing at his brow, and he slowly opened his eyes. "I''ve finally made a start." Within the Jade Seed, next to the pitch-dark spherical Primordial Talisman, was a newly added silver-white spherical Talisman. It was as if a black and a white sesame seed had grown together. Chen Mu accessed the grey wall and indeed found a new entry. Netherworld Grand Summary: 5/10000/First Rank; He looked down at the jade slip in his hand. The jade tablet that recorded the first Talisman now had its silver-threaded star points completely disappear. "Good thing I have it recorded in cuneiform script," Chen Mu took out the cuneiform-script version of the Netherworld Grand Summary, his face full of relief. Without this backup, he would have nothing to practice later. Just as he was about to bury himself in further practice, the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit set as a guard around the bamboo house transmitted an image of a stranger approaching. ... On the long corridor outside the bamboo house, Chen Mu curiously looked at the young man coming down the steps. "My name is Sun Chengye, may I ask if I am speaking to Pill Master Chen?" Sun Chengye bowed with clasped hands, a smile on his face. Sun?! Chen Mu''s heart tensed, and his eyes narrowed instantly.@@@@ Chapter 339 Scripture Doctorate "Brother Chen might not recognize me, but you must know my elder brother," Sun Chengye said with a radiant smile. "My elder brother, Sun Wuhuan!" The expression on Chen Mu''s face immediately darkened. Exposed! The right hand he had been hiding behind his back opened up, with black light flashing, a palm-sized Yin Error Moon Blade appearing in his palm. The Yang Judge Bone Shield also rose behind him, spinning rapidly. Just as he was about to kill, Sun Chengye suddenly bowed with a smile on his face. "I hope you''ll forgive my abrupt visit, Brother Chen." "The main reason I''m here is to share some good news with Brother Chen that I just couldn''t keep to myself." Good news? Something seemed a bit off. With a smile in his voice that conveyed closeness, Sun Chengye said, "Brother Chen may not be aware, but your contributions in transmitting teachings have produced three alchemists for Jilong Road." "The Scripture Transmission Institute has taken notice, and you are about to become a Scripture Doctorate." "I''m here to offer my congratulations to Brother Chen in advance!" Chen Mu was a bit stunned. Scripture Doctorate? What the hell is that? "Please come in, Brother Sun. I hope you''ll excuse any lack of hospitality," Chen Mu said, quietly withdrawing the Yin and Yang blades and showing a face full of sincere apology.@@@@ "I know nothing about the matter of the Scripture Doctorate. Could you please explain in detail?" "Brother Chen is dedicated to alchemy and pays no mind to worldly affairs, something I deeply admire," Sun Chengye said cheerfully. "I am here to resolve any confusions you may have." This Chen Mu, so young, yet capable of guiding three other alchemists, his future is truly limitless. If he could successfully draw him over to the Sun Family, that would be a great achievement for him. "May I ask out of curiosity if Brother Chen has ever been married?" Chen Mu felt bewildered upon hearing this. "It seems that you haven''t!" Sun Chengye''s smile brightened even more. "I have a cousin, named Sun Jiaojiao, who is the youngest daughter of Elder Sun of Jilong Road. She has a voluptuous figure and a face as beautiful as flowers bathed in moonlight; truly, she is a rare match." "Even the prodigy Mo Wuzhou from the Lower Courtyard came asking for her hand in marriage, and our Sun Family did not agree." "Come, come, let me speak with you in detail about it!" Chen Mu: "..." What the hell, I''ve transversed through time, and now I have to go on a blind date?! ... After seeing Sun Chengye off, Chen Mu stood in the corridor, his expression complex. Through Sun Chengye''s explanation, he finally understood what was going on. The matter started with Bai Xiuwen, Feng Haoxiu, and Xue Yangliu. Recently, they had successively mastered the Bigu Dan, becoming alchemists at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. The emergence of three alchemists at the same time naturally sparked curiosity. Then Chen Mu was exposed. Liu Ling couldn''t help thinking of Sun Wuhuan. The other''s Secret Techniques were unique, and he was in urgent need of Daoist Jade. If she set her sights on this man... No, it''s absolutely impossible! "Really tired of Old Ghost Sun causing trouble," Liu Ling shook her head and smiled wryly, "I can''t help but think of Sun Wuhuan''s disappearance in every situation." Sun Wuhuan was a person nearly at the Condensing Aperture stage and had Sun Family''s Flying Swordhow could that be possible? ... Outside the bamboo building, a small grove of trees. Chen Mu stood on an open piece of land, murmuring to himself. Accompanied by low Curse Words, an Exotic Force materialized before him. "Point Ground into Steel!" The ground, which had already been loose soil, became even softer, and even the fragments of rock within it melted into mud like wax. "Done." Chen Mu withdrew his Mana and nodded with satisfaction. "With this Secret Technique, I can quickly dig or bury underground passages." The most important thing was the ability to dig holes quickly, to bury the gourd Sword Box even deeper. Just as he thought to continue practicing, his ears suddenly twitchedhe heard a familiar set of footsteps. Chen Mu immediately left the grove and returned to the bamboo building. Soon enough, he saw Sun Chengye approaching with a smile all over his face. Chen Mu showed a happy smile on the surface, but his heart couldn''t help but sink. This was not Sun Chengye''s first visit. The other''s keen interest in him was not a good sign. If he let slip any flaws, it would be bad news. ... Mist Smoke Mountain, Cloud Summit Palace. "While it''s true you have to submit your Alchemy insights, it''s not without benefits," "Not only will you receive a sum of Daoist Cultivation immediately, but you will also get a share of the sales when the Scripture Transmission Institute sells the annotations." "And with their approval, you can become a Scripture Doctorate." "Once you return to Jade Spring Mountain, you just need to report to the Scripture Transmission Institute, and you can recruit students to teach classes and earn Daoist Cultivation." Liang Yi carefully explained the benefits of being a Scripture Doctorate to Chen Mu. "To teach the scripture, do I need to go back to Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "Actually, teaching at the Upper Court is the most profitable," Liang Yi said with a smile. "The other courtyards have only about fifty Alchemist Apprentices in total, far fewer than the Upper Court." "What do you thinkgive it some thought." "No need to think, I''ll go back now and write the Golden Bead Talisman annotations," Chen Mu replied promptly. Sun Chengye was constantly roaming around Mist Smoke Mountain, appearing before him every few days. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu felt it would be better to return to Jade Spring Mountain and hide for a while. Chapter 340 Condensing Aperture Cultivation Five days later. Cloud Summit Palace atop Mist Smoke Mountain. Liang Yi handed the brand-new Identity Jade to Chen Mu. On the side with the inscriptions, a few golden characters for ''Scripture Doctorate'' had been added. "For your commentary, the Scripture Transmission Institute has awarded you two thousand Daoist merits." "Any future purchases will also earn you a fifty percent cut." Could there really be such a good deal? I thought I was being strung along before.@@@@ Chen Mu accepted the Jade Token with some hesitation. "What, you thought the Scripture Transmission Institute would just pocket your commentary?" Liang Yi looked at Chen Mu with a slanted eye. "The head of the institute is Ying Tiance, the senior brother." "He is the direct disciple of Sect Master Dong Li; who would dare to play tricks under his watch?" The Sect Master Dong Li really values the Scripture Transmission Institute, huh? Chen Mu suddenly realized. Originally, he just wanted an excuse to return to Jade Spring Mountain. But now that he thought about it, being a Scripture Doctorate didn''t seem too bad. A single commentary can be sold many times, and the Daoist Jade will keep flowing inthis is even more lucrative than the strenuous Alchemy! Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at the grey wall. Should I prepare a few more pieces of insight? Forget it, forget it, I''m still somewhat reluctant to part with them. After all, with the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he wasn''t in a rush to accumulate Daoist merits. ... After leaving Cloud Summit Palace, he began preparations to leave Mist Smoke Mountain. Within a certain Yin River Space, Chen Mu whispered an incantation, and the ground beneath him swiftly turned into muck. Clutching a stone box in his arms, he slowly sank into the earth. Descending more than two thousand meters, Chen Mu found a giant boulder, carved out a hole, and stuffed the stone box that held the gourd Sword Box inside. "What a pity to bury such a treasure," Chen Mu lamented deeply. A Flying Sword at the flick of a wrist, taking heads from a thousand miles away. What an exhilarating act that would be! And now, with such a dreamy weapon right before his eyes, he had to bury it himself. "It''s all the Sun Family''s fault!" Chen Mu, enduring the pain in his heart, activated Point Ground into Steel, applying another thick layer around the big rock. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire He also deliberately planted a layer of Hidden Qi Vines around the stone sphere. "The Sun Family''s Condensing Aperture expert didn''t discover it before." "Now that it''s buried deep underground, two to three thousand meters wrapped by Hidden Qi Vines, it''s even less likely to be discovered," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. He wasn''t actually afraid of Sun Chengye''s investigation. Zhang Lang and Li Huan, along with the nameless orange-peel-faced man, had fed the Five Ghosts Bag. Sun Wuhuan had even been turned to ash. "As long as I stay calm and don''t show any flaws, I won''t be discovered." Those people could even transform into demons and monsters; the true master from White Tower once turned into an entire black dragon. This clearly required significant alterations and shaping of the body. "Humans have limits, so to seek immortality, one must transform in the direction of becoming something other than human, huh..." Luckily, what I''m cultivating is orthodox Daoism, where the main changes are concentrated in the Jade Seed; otherwise, who knows what kind of demon or monster I might have become. "Still, the Netherworld Grand Summary is reliable." "Not like the Five Ghosts Possession, which always comes with black smoke billowing, clearly unorthodox." "I am an orthodox cultivator, a righteous person; I should be surrounded by white spiritual light, moving elegantly as if a celestial being." Chen Mu made up his mind. Once he has mastered the Condensing Aperture Technique, he would exchange for a few orthodox secret techniques to change his style. Otherwise, people keep saying he''s full of evil aura and doesn''t look like a good person. Isn''t this slandering me?! Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle... A thunderous rumbling sound interrupted Chen Mu''s reverie. "This Condensing Aperture Secret Method is all well and good, except it makes one hungry too quickly." "But since it involves body transformation, that''s inevitable." "In my previous life, working out to shape the body required extra nutrition; all the more so for such fundamental changes to an individual''s life form." "I must have Shang Huan buy more Exotic Beast Meat." ... Three days later. In the dense forests of Jade Spring Mountain. This was where Chen Mu had previously practiced the Five Ghosts Fleeing Technique. His ears twitched slightly, picking up all sounds within a ten-mile radius to ensure there was no one around; then, Chen Mu suddenly urged his mana. "Five Ghosts Possession!" Weng! His muscles writhed as if alive, his bones crackling, Chen Mu suddenly transformed into a towering figure over four meters tall, with a body of indigo blue. At this moment, his hair moved without wind. His muscles bulged, as if strands of steel wire were twisted together into cables, and his skin was marked with protruding lines. His eyes narrowed slightly, exuding sharp light, and his forehead glowed brightly with silver luminescence. Around him, swirling black smoke enveloped him, giving the appearance of shadowy demons or ghosts. Chen Mu just stood there silently. Impulses of killing and devouring surged in his mind, yet he remained steady as a rock amidst the sea. He even managed to observe with interest the origins of these murderous thoughts. Hiss! A sound like strong acid eroding material echoed, and as Chen Mu''s eyes moved, he saw a wisp of black smoke drift over an unidentified bush''s leaf. Half of the palm-sized green leaf instantaneously turned scorched black, and then crumbled into ash. The remaining half of the leaf, too, flickered with threads of scarlet light, reminiscent of a burning piece of paper whose edges had been extinguished. Eight to nine minutes later, Chen Mu released the Five Ghosts Possession and returned to his normal appearance. "It''s indeed different." He used to manage six or seven minutes with the help of Seven Souls Return to Origin. Now, relying on himself alone, he could maintain the Five Ghosts Possession for eight to nine minutes. "The Condensing Aperture is truly extraordinary." Chen Mu couldn''t help but clench his fist. Chapter 341 Loss and Emptiness Chen Mu''s cave dwelling. Grilled meat slices, steamed meat cakes, rice-flour-steamed pork ribs, braised meat in a pill furnace, and four or five quick-fried seasonal vegetables filled the square table. "Is the Cloud Bat Flying Boat still sending people to Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mu chewed the grilled meat finely and asked. "You haven''t heard the news that South Mountain was taken down?" Shang Huan said with an oily smile across the table. The other courtyard was actually expanding its territory again? "Are they planning to occupy all five mountains?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. First there was Mist Smoke Mountain and now South Mountain; the intention of the other courtyard was very clear. "How can others be allowed to snore beside one''s couch?" Shang Huan chuckled. Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the incident of ghosts causing chaos on Mist Smoke Mountain. It indeed wasn''t very safe unless the local forces nearby were driven out. "There''s a rumor that the Sect Master plans to make this place a second Upper Court." Old Hao added from the side. "The Cloud Bat Flying Boat isn''t just bringing Da Qian warriors. There are also brothers from the Upper Court who are in the Perceptive Realm." "If it were just an ordinary Lower Courtyard, they wouldn''t have brought so many people." Chen Mu nodded thoughtfully. His current dwelling was filled with Vital Energy, its density already a third of what it had been at Cold Moon Mountain''s cultivation field. In such a good environment, turning it into a second Upper Court wasn''t impossible. "If it''s turned into a second Upper Court, it''ll be better for my business with more people." "But if there really are more people, we might not be able to stay on Jade Spring Mountain," Shang Huan said, somewhat conflicted. "Is it because of the brothers from the Upper Court?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Those arrogant brothers, they look down upon those five barren little mountains." Shang Huan curled his lip. Chen Mu fell silent. "Actually, it''s not so bad," Old Hao seemed to enjoy the prospect. "Staying on Jade Spring Mountain, if you offend a brother from the Upper Court, wouldn''t that be even more troublesome?" "Going to the other five little mountains, you can cultivate peacefully." "But away from Jade Spring Mountain, with fewer people, business will be bad," Shang Huan said with a worried frown. "No rush, those mountains aren''t that easy to occupy," Chen Mu said reassuringly with a smile. "By that time, you might have cultivated Spiritual Light and then you''d have more options." He had just checked with the United Heart Curse a moment ago, and Shang Huan''s Jade Seed was shining bright. In a year or two, this chubby fellow might indeed be able to cultivate Spiritual Light. ... After a hearty meal and drink. Chen Mu sent the two away. At the entrance, Shang Huan, carrying an empty bamboo basket, suddenly said, "The Cloud Bat Flying Boat brought a lot of Blackscale Snappers this time. That stuff is very nourishing, want some?" "Yes," Chen Mu agreed without hesitation. After two months of intensely cultivating the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he had consumed a lot of nutrients and urgently needed replenishment. "I''ll bring it to you tomorrow," Shang Huan said with a meaningful smile. Old Hao, holding his pipe, took a big puff, hesitated for a moment, and then gritted his teeth and said, "Chen Mu, you need to exercise moderation." Chen Mu was confused. "The company of women is the bane of heroes." "Above the character for ''lust,'' there hangs a blade!" Old Hao sighed long and short, like someone who had been through it all. What did that mean? Chen Mu was even more puzzled. "Pale face, puffy eyes, tsk tsk, you''re looking pretty drained..." Shang Huan clicked his tongue in pity. And most were like the decoctions similar to the ''Complete Tonic Soup''. Even if useful, their effect was limited. "I should ask someone for advice." There were too many and too varied books in the Scripture Transmission Institute. Searching for information on his own was inefficient. ... In the east side of the first floor of the Tianyi Pavilion, there was a row of nine small compartments. The compartment entrance had latticed wooden windows on both sides, while a round arch moon gate hung with white jade bead curtains. Soft couches, low tables, and bronze incense burners were vaguely visible inside. Inside compartment "Bing". Li Changjiu, over forty years old, dressed in black, was reading a blue-covered book. Hearing the sound of the bead curtain, his eyes shifted slightly, and he looked over impassively. Noticing Chen Mu''s waist with a jade token, he immediately smiled. Here comes business! "What''s your honorable surname, junior brother?" Li Changjiu put down the book and asked with a warm smile, "Do you have any difficult questions?" "No need for formalities, my surname is Chen." Chen Mu replied politely with a cupped fist greeting, "I was indeed hoping for Brother Li''s assistance." This person was a Scripture Doctorate who regularly stayed at the Scripture Transmission Institute, responsible for assisting disciples with passing on scriptures and resolving doubts. "Please speak, junior brother, I will be as open as a book," Li Changjiu said hospitably. Answering such doubts could earn some Daoist Jade. "I am currently cultivating a secret technique that strengthens the body by making the skin as cold as ice and bones as hard as jade." "But this secret technique is too exhausting, and the accompanying decoctions aren''t very effective. That''s why..." "You must be looking for a method to replenish and reinforce your essence," Li Changjiu deduced, looking at Chen Mu''s pale face. "Strengthening the body with a secret technique requires a gradual approach, junior brother. You''re being too impatient, practicing too frequently." "You just need to reduce the intensity appropriately and switch to a better Rejuvenation Secret Medicine," said Li Changjiu, slightly disappointed. It''s too bad it''s not about the cultivation of a secret technique; otherwise, he could have made more money by breaking it down into smaller pieces of information. Well, even a tiny bit counts. Sorting out his thoughts, Li Changjiu pondered for a bit, "Here at Jade Spring Mountain, there are quite a few similar decoctions and elixir pills." "As far as I know, there are seven types of average-effect decoctions, five types of slightly better pills, and the most effective are the elixir pills refined by pill masters. We have two types here in the separate court." "For just fifty Daoist cultivation points and one hundred White Jades, I''ll tell you this classified information." "Junior brother, it''s not expensive, right?" Expensive? To earn fifty Daoist points, I''d have to cultivate a thousand Fasting Pills! "Is junior brother''s budget tight?" "I can lend you some in advance." Li Changjiu said with a full smile, "You can just give me twenty percent more when paying it back." The corner of Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Was this some kind of one-stop service for swindling and lending? Scripture Doctorate, is it that profitable? Suddenly, Chen Mu laughed. Then, under Li Changjiu''s expectant gaze, he took out his identity jade and, pointing to the four large characters that read "Scripture Doctorate," he laughingly said, "Not expensive, not at all!" Li Changjiu''s face immediately twitched. Tsk... looks like there''s no mosquito leg to feast on now. Looks like he''s met a fellow professional. "Fine, just give me five Daoist points," Li Changjiu said, interest waning. Now it was Chen Mu''s turn for his face to twitch. Marking up ten times the price? That''s too damn exploitative! Chapter 347 342 Jade Spring Mountain, the storage of the Administrative Affairs Institute. "One hundred Daoist Cultivation merits and two hundred White Jade? For one pill?!" Chen Mu glared at the short and plump storekeeper with displeasure. Isn''t this little winter melon trying to scam me?! The short and plump storekeeper said with an indifferent face, "Think it''s too expensive? If it''s too expensive, then don''t buy it!" "Only the Pill Masters of the Upper Court can refine the Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pills, and the supply cannot meet the demand." "These ten pills I have are reserved for someone else." "If that person hadn''t died, you wouldn''t even have the chance to buy them," the short and plump storekeeper said to Chen Mu, looking at him sideways with no courtesy. One thousand Daoist Cultivation merits... He''d have to refine twenty thousand Fasting Pills! Chen Mu reluctantly handed over his Identity Jade to the other party. Save where I should save, spend where I must, after all, Condensing Aperture is the priority, no matter how expensive, I must buy it. ... The Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pill was the size of a longan, with a greenish-blue body, just like transparent jade. The pill melted in the mouth immediately, and a cool and refreshing liquid slid down the throat. But as soon as the liquid dropped into the stomach, it suddenly turned into a warm and cozy airflow that spread throughout the body. In an instant, both palms and soles of the feet became warm and comfortable. After a while, Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. A sense of relief slowly rose from the bottom of his heart as if he had lifted an invisible burden. He stood up and walked in front of the bronze mirror, finding that in just a short while his face had gained a bit of ruddiness. "This one thousand Daoist Cultivation merits spent is really worth it." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction immediately. "But I just don''t know how many days this one Rejuvenation Pill can last." As long as I continue Condensing Aperture, I''ll need to constantly replenish, I''ll need an endless supply of Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pills. ... Three days later, looking at the slightly pale face in the bronze mirror, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "Three days?" "Is it because Netherworld Grand Summary consumes so much, or is it that all Condensing Aperture Techniques are like this?" Based on the current intensity of cultivation, he would need at least ten Rejuvenation Pills a month! Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire He thought about the short winter melon storekeeper''s words, and a flash of Spiritual Light crossed his mind. "These bottles of Rejuvenation Pills, could they have been reserved by Sun Wuhuan?" That fellow had a round figure, with a ruddy complexion, he must have eaten these Rejuvenation Pills a lot. Chen Mu suddenly realized: "No wonder that fellow wanted to make money during the Daoist discussion meet." An expenditure of at least one thousand Daoist Cultivation merits and two thousand White Jade a month, even Sun Wuhuan, who was a second-generation cultivator, could hardly afford it. He took out his Identity Jade and input a trace of effort. Silver characters appeared at the bottom of the landscape painting side of the Jade Tokentwelve thousand three hundred seventy-five. "If it could be reduced, those Alchemy Masters wouldn''t have spent all that effort researching the Vital Energy Talisman." Chen Mu looked curious: "Is the Vital Energy Talisman hard to discover?" "First, you need to have a thorough understanding of medicinal properties." "Then, you also need a divine skill like ''Penetrative Vision Beyond Walls.''" "Finally, you have to spend a massive amount of mana on repeated testing," Li Changjiu shook his head and sighed. "Just a single brand-new Absorption Talisman, without three to five years, don''t expect it to be perfected." "So, you''re telling me it''s not difficult?" Three to five years? Chen Mu glanced at the Sixth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique on his grey wall. After pondering for a moment about the key component of the Parasite Expelling Pill, the Coix Seed Peach, and then its corresponding Absorption Talisman, fragments began to surface in his mind. "It''s indeed very difficult!" Chen Mu exclaimed with a complex expression. With this fragmented level of understanding, wouldn''t it take three to five months to fully decipher it?! Difficult! It''s darn difficult! Ha ha! ... Nighttime, beside the window in the Alchemist Chamber. Chen Mu, who had enjoyed a sumptuous meal, lay comfortably in the rocking chair. He rested his feet on the low windowsill, gazing at the stars in the night sky with a carefree expression. The grey wall materialized in front of him. Pharmaceutical Technique: 217/10000/Sixth Rank; After several days of targeted experience grinding, Pharmaceutical Technique successfully advanced. Upon reaching the Sixth Rank, Pharmaceutical Technique began to break away from the shackles of ordinary medicinal stones and was now able to decipher Elixir Talismans. "Although I may not have a divine skill like ''Penetrative Vision Beyond Walls'' that perceives through everything," "with Pharmaceutical Technique at my disposal, the most important part of Alchemy, the Primordial Absorption Talisman, is no longer a challenge." "Hey! From now on, all the Elixirs in the world will be within my grasp!" Chen Mu revealed a wide grin, laughing with his big white teeth showing. The surprises from Pharmaceutical Technique were indeed tremendous. While deciphering and replicating Elixirs would still require a significant amount of time, it freed him from Jilong Road''s monopoly on Alchemy Secret Techniques. "It''s a shame that the Elixir Pills I refine can only be used personally, at most exchanged within a small circle for White Jade Coins," Chen Mu felt a twinge of regret. Any precious Secret Technique on Jilong Road needed Daoist Cultivation points to qualify for exchange. Explaining the origin of an Alchemy Secret Technique could be very troublesome. Especially when it comes to the highly lucrative field of Alchemy, that could spell big trouble! "Forget it, it''s enough to be able to use them for myself." After a moment, he regained his composure. To work hard to earn Daoist Cultivation points and White Jade was originally meant to improve one''s Cultivation and personal growth. One must not let external wealth like White Jade and Daoist Cultivation points reverse priorities and cloud one''s vision. Chapter 344 Longitudinal Rainbow Light The expansion of the separate courtyard won''t stop. "Who knows, one day I might also be forcibly assigned to the front line." Even though it might just be for alchemy, it''s definitely not as safe as staying on Jade Spring Mountain. Just like last time on Mist Smoke Mountain. If it had not been for the protection of the Five Ghosts, I might have already been drained by the Ghosts. "The best way is to stay put on Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Having the title of Scripture Doctorate is great." His departure from Mist Smoke Mountain was under the pretense of returning to Jade Spring Mountain to teach scriptures. "Why not make that pretense a reality?" A Scripture Doctorate capable of training alchemists is certainly more important than an ordinary alchemist. That way, it''s less likely to be dispatched to the front line, right... ... On the Golden Summit of Jade Spring Mountain. Sun Chengye walked into a spacious and remote hall with a heart full of apprehension. A gaunt elder with prominent cheekbones, who was sitting cross-legged on a cushion deep in the hall, was indeed the Sun Family''s authoritative elder who had been in Condensing Aperture for many yearsSun Jian. "I pay my respects to the elder ancestor," Sun Chengye said respectfully as he approached. "Where is the gourd sword box?!" Sun Jian demanded coldly. Sun Chengye immediately began to sweat profusely: "Please forgive me, elder ancestor." "It''s not that your grandson was careless; the thieves were just too cunning." "The moment I made a move to investigate big brother''s network, the gourd sword box went completely silent." "It seems... it seems to have been taken away from Mist Smoke Mountain..." "Useless!" Sun Jian''s face filled with cold rage. Sun Chengye''s scalp tingled instantly: "Please spare my life, elder ancestor!" "If it weren''t for your decent talent, hmph!" Sun Jian looked displeased. The gourd sword box had been nurtured by the Sun Family generation after generation, crucial to his path to enlightenment. Now it had disappeared suddenly at a critical juncture... "Who exactly is it?" Sun Jian''s face darkened. Liu Ling? Or Dong Li?! Let me not catch you slipping! Sun Jian''s eyes narrowed with a chilling light. "Elder ancestor, I have not come back completely empty-handed," Sun Chengye quickly spoke up, trying to make amends. "Oh? What have you managed to accomplish?" Sun Jian sneered coldly. The gourd sword box, capable of incessantly nurturing sword pills, was his ace to be offered to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect in exchange for the Dao Foundation Secret Method. It was not something ordinary items could compare to. "The elder ancestor might not be aware, but a new Scripture Doctorate has joined the institute." "This individual is exceptionally talented, not only swiftly becoming a Pill Master himself but also guiding three alchemist apprentices to successfully create Fasting Pills in just one year." "If we draw this individual into the Sun Family, given time, the Pill Treasure Pavilion will surely have a place for our Sun Family!" Sun Chengye hurriedly laid it all out without delay. Sun Jian''s eyebrows lifted slightly. If that were truly the case, then it indeed was a gain. He was just a whisker away from floating in the air! "Haha!" "Shining spiritual light, an ethereal aura of immortalitythis is the true visage of one who seeks the Dao!" "What''s the deal with the Five Ghosts Fleeing Technique, with its wailing and howling ghostsit''s clearly not respectable." Chen Mu changed the direction of the traction, maintaining the tips of his toes on the ground, and floated about the room like an apparition. After playing around for a while, he stopped, still not quite satisfied. "Once I''ve trained in another layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman, I''ll truly be able to fly," Chen Mu looked forward to it. "Then, I''ll get myself a snow-white Daoist robe to match this flashy escape skilltsk tsk... it''ll be so suave!" ... After lunch, Chen Mu didn''t continue his cultivation. Instead, he leisurely made his way to the Scripture Transmission Institute. To the west of the Tianyi Pavilion of the Scripture Pavilion, there was a large cluster of buildings. Chen Mu arrived in front of a line of rooms with green tiles, gray walls, and wooden windows, and after some deliberation, he entered one of them. To the left inside the room was a long table, where a burly elder with flecked hair, displaying an incongruous temperament, sat reading a book. In his hands as large as palm-leaf fans, the blue-covered book seemed as small as a toothpick. His muscular body bulged, and the wide black Daoist robe he wore was stretched tight enough to be a bodysuit. "Prefect Hu!" Chen Mu greeted respectfully as he approached. "You really want to teach people alchemy?" Hu Kui frowned at Chen Mu. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire He looked far too young. "Let me make it clear: if you dare to fool anyone, and they report to me, watch out or you''ll be in for trouble you can''t handle," Hu Kui''s fists, as large as big black hammers, cracked menacingly. Chen Mu immediately felt embarrassed and hurriedly shook his head to show he wouldn''t dare. "I have already helped three others make the Fasting Pill. If you do not believe me, you are free to inquire about it." Hu Kui gave Chen Mu a surprised look. "You do have some real skills?" "Just scraping by," Chen Mu said with false modesty. Hu Kui sized up Chen Mu for a moment before speaking indifferently, "According to your request, there will be three students per Scripture class, lasting one year." "You will teach twice a month. If you can make an elixir pill, you''ll receive one hundred Daoist cultivation points. If not, you''ll only get half." "No problem, come here to sign and make a record." ... Not long after, Chen Mu left Hu Kui''s room holding a document. In his hand, he had successfully gained three apprentices to teach alchemy. "I''ll start another class in a year." "If I continue this for two or three years without interruption, until the expansion of Jilong Road is completed, I can perfectly avoid being conscripted." With his hands clasped behind his back, Chen Mu headed cheerfully towards the terraced courtyards on the west side. That was where the Scripture Transmission Institute had prepared the teaching venue. The three new apprentices had been waiting there for some time. Chapter 345 Awareness "Senior Brother!" In the Lecture Hall, three middle-aged men in their forties stood up and respectfully clasped their fists in greeting. Chen Mu looked at the three men, their faces full of respect, in surprise. So well-behaved? "Lectures at the beginning of the month, question and answer sessions in the middle, two classes per month, any questions?" Chen Mu asked, staring at the three. "We shall follow Senior Brother''s instructions," the three middle-aged men replied, full of compliance. Really this obedient? He had thought he would encounter some rebellious troublemakers seeking to save face. "The lecture has not yet begun, if there are any doubts in your heart, it is best to bring them up now," Chen Mu stated, still not quite reassured. The slightly older leading man cupped his hands and spoke, "Senior Brother Chen, rest assured, the three of us genuinely seek guidance." "Senior Brothers Bai, Feng, and Xue have praised you for your willingness to share all you know and being extremely adept at teaching Alchemy. So..." Following this, the three bowed respectfully and said, "Please impart your teachings to us, Senior Brother." Chen Mu suddenly realized. They had clearly done their homework in advance, no wonder. He shook his head and chuckled. After all, they were veterans who had been through the wringer for years, and even if they had doubts, they would certainly want to listen to two classes first. With his proficiency bringing insight, and his Fasting Pill making techniques reaching pinnacle levels, guiding three Alchemist Apprentices wouldn''t be a problem. With that, the matter of teaching lectures and preaching was settled. ... Time flew by, and more than two months passed in a blink. The weather gradually warmed, and large swaths of withered yellow leaves were replaced by yellow-green tender buds. In the Alchemist Chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch. In front of him, on a low table, there was a square wooden box about a fist high, filled with a whole box of copper coin-sized, aquamarine round leaves. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly, as he activated the Primordial Energy Absorption Technique, and an exotic force appeared out of nowhere. He reached out with his right hand toward the wooden box and grasped at the air above it. "Absorb!" Aquamarine powder rose in clouds, gathering into a longan-sized lump beneath his palm. The round leaves in the wooden box, which had been fresh and plump, instantly darkened, shriveled, and went limp. He took out a white jade porcelain bottle the size of a chicken egg to store the aquamarine powder. Chen Mu placed the small porcelain bottle in a wooden box next to the low table, which was filled with small compartments. "Analyzing a Talisman in a little over a month, the progress is indeed quite fast," Chen Mu said cheerfully. He looked at the wooden box with satisfaction, where three porcelain bottles contained the essence of the Rejuvenation Pill ingredients. Ha! I was right on the money with starting scripture lectures! Chen Mu felt smug inside, but his face did not betray him. After exchanging a few words of comfort with Li Changjiu, he left in a hurry. Having dodged the bullet himself, he couldn''t risk being a sore sight, just in case he stirred up envy. ... With the plan working, Chen Mu felt pleased. He spent the whole day at the Lecture Hall with a smile on his face. But this good mood lasted only until the evening. A person he definitely did not want to see appeared at his doorstep. "Brother Chen, long time no see!" Sun Chengye approached with clasped hands and a fist in salute. ... In the living room of the cave dwelling. With a flick of his wrist, Sun Chengye produced a White Jade porcelain bottle on the side tea table. He gently pushed the bottle towards Chen Mu with two fingers. "I hope you''ll excuse my impromptu visit, please accept this modest gift as a token of respect," he said. "This is..." Chen Mu wondered. With a slight smile, Sun Chengye said, "Ten Rejuvenation Pills." Chen Mu''s pupils narrowed suddenly. Giving away Rejuvenation Pills worth a thousand points of Daoist Cultivation as a gift? That''s quite lavish! Rejuvenation Pills? Is it a coincidence, or does he really know I need Rejuvenation Pills?! Chen Mu squinted his eyes involuntarily. "Please don''t take offense, Brother Chen," Sun Chengye said with an open, cheerful expression. "Before coming here, I did indeed inquire about you, Brother Chen." "Mainly because our Sun Family wants to recruit you as a guest alchemist... so..." A guest alchemist? Is it not to probe me about Sun Wuhuan''s affair? Chen Mu''s tension eased slightly. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire "The Sun Family can provide you with Alchemy Secret Techniques for free, such as the much-sought-after Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill," he said. Chapter 352 346 Aftermath People in mid-air. Chen Mu did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent. The Divine Orifice Talisman whirled, Jade Seed Mana poured out crazily, and he pushed the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain technique to its limit. But just as he flew to the middle of the mountain, a sense of life-threatening crisis suddenly came over him. It was as if a powerful demon with opened spiritual orifices was staring him down. He subconsciously looked back. He saw a pale yellow streak of light shooting into the sky from the Golden Summit. After pausing slightly in mid-air, it then shot towards him like a rocket ignited, instantly breaking through the mist at the mountain peak. In the time it took for a breath, the distance between them was halved. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu could even see the gaunt and fierce face of the other.@@@@ "Kui Water Yin Thunder!" A shrill shout exploded. Crack! Almost at the moment he saw the flash of light, a thick purple-black bolt of thunder had already arrived in front of Chen Mu. The Spiritual Armor and the Body Protection Spiritual Light collapsed upon contact. Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly contracted to pins. His muscles stiffened, and the fatal threat left his mind blank. Apart from subconsciously invoking the Five Ghosts Possession, he had no time for other reactions, only staring blankly at the purple-black thunder that was inches away. Time seemed to stop at that instant. He could even clearly see the scene of the Yin Thunder slowly moving through the air, tracing a crooked line like a withered branch. Just when he thought he was undoubtedly going to die, a pale white spherical Bone Shield suddenly appeared before him. At that moment, Chen Mu was as still as a mosquito trapped in amber. The purple-black thunder seemed like a snake struggling through mud, moving with difficulty. Only the pale white Bone Shield moved freely, as if it shook its body while waking up from sleep, vibrant with a tremble. Nearly seventy percent of the Mana in Chen Mu''s Jade Seed was instantly absorbed. The next moment, everything that had been frozen came to life with clarity. The slowly advancing purple-black thunder struck swiftly, fiercely smashing into the Bone Shield. Bang! "But what if the elder from the Sun family directly investigates me?" If Sun Chengye could detect the Netherworld Grand Summary, then surely the Sun Family elder would be able to as well. "Physical traits and mannerisms..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the reason Sun Chengye suspected him. "Then I''ll change my physical traits and mannerisms!" He immediately activated the gray wall. Shapeshifting Technique: 9437/10000/Fourth Rank; "If Fourth Rank isn''t enough, then Fifth Rank it is!" "It''s just a matter of endurance!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth internally. He half lay on the bed, keeping an eye on the movements outside the window, ready to flee at any moment. At the same time, he kept tirelessly grinding experience for his Shape-shifting Technique. It wasn''t just changing his face, but also shifting his muscles and bones throughout his body. Despite seeming to lie there quietly, under his clothes it was as if countless little mice were burrowing around, incessantly bulging and subsiding. His face changed endlessly, one moment the old man Jie Jia, the next a fat man Shang Huan. He even switched to feminine faces, becoming Wu Ruo and Shi Xian from the seven siblings of Wu Mountain. With a heart full of fear, he endured through the entire night, even seeing the pale yellow light pass over his head twice, causing Chen Mu to break out in a cold sweat. As the sun rose in the east, the light gradually brightened. Chen Mu''s anxiety increased. Like always, he got up, dressed, and washed, but with every step he took, he changed his face, grinding out experience for his Shape-shifting Technique in a race against time. "Sun Chengye''s movements yesterday cannot be hidden for long!" "Once they know I was the last one seen with him, they will surely come to check on me!" "No, I can''t stay in my dwelling anymore." If he were cornered at home with no one around, he would be at the mercy of others! The Scripture Transmission Institute! That was the territory of the Sect Master''s direct disciples. Even a powerful family like the Sun family would have to be cautious, not daring to act recklessly! With his heart pounding, he endured until daylight, and as soon as people from the Administrative Affairs Institute began to stir, he immediately left home and headed straight for the Scripture Transmission Institute. ... As the sun climbed higher, Jade Spring Mountain gradually bustled with activity. Chapter 353 346浣欐尝_2 Sun Chengye died in front of the gates to Golden Summit Mountain. It wasn''t just the Sun Family that was furious; the separate courtyards were equally enraged. Too arrogant! The Inspection Courtyard mobilized almost its entire force. Starting from the pit where Chen Mu had used his Escaping Earth technique the night before, the search spread outwards, combing the mountain in expanding circles. Sun Jian even took it upon himself to lead a team in pursuit of Sun Chengye''s movements. Anyone he had seen in the past three days was found and interrogated, one by one. ... Scripture Transmission Institute, first floor of Tianyi Pavilion. Chen Mu held two books in his hands, standing in front of the counter at the entrance. "Have you made your choice? If so, hurry up and pay up!" a young man in his late twenties behind the counter said impatiently. "Just one more look, let me have one more look." Chen Mu said with a troubled face. "Look at what, dammit. If you want them, then buy them all," the young man slammed on the desk. "I don''t have the money." Chen Mu shrank his neck. Both booklets contained introductions to the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill and the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill, including their prices. Five thousand Daoist Cultivation points, ten thousand White Jade Coins, per portion! Before, he thought himself quite wealthy, but upon a closer inspection at the Scripture Transmission Institute, he realized he was not even equivalent to a nouveau riche. While he was still deliberating, two figures suddenly appeared beside Chen Mu. One of them, a limping, short, and thin old man, faced Chen Mu with a probing glance and cracked a smile. "Wonderful technique, Bewitching Divine!" An exotic force suddenly enveloped Chen Mu. Chen Mu only felt a jolt throughout his body, as if his soul had left his body, losing control over it. He felt as though he had become a bystander, watching himself standing there stunned, immobile. Damn! I''ve been controlled! In his panic, he fought back instinctively... and then, he actually managed to regain some control over his body! With a thought, his right little finger hanging by his side subtly curled up. Huh?! "This person''s secret technique of bewildering the spirit... doesn''t seem to be very effective, huh." He had always had a strong resistance to illusions. Apart from being tricked once by Cui Cui, other things like the Heartless Bell''s Soul Capturing or the common Ghosts'' fear tactics, didn''t have much effect on him. "Uncle-Master Sun, attacking a member of our family right in front of me, isn''t this inappropriate?" The young man behind the counter suddenly stood up. "Ying Tiance, my Sun Family has lost two geniuses, and our family''s Magic Artifact is missing." "I am already showing restraint by just using Bewitching Divine to question his heart!" Sun Jian said coldly. Ying Tiance''s expression changed slightly, and he sighed, "Uncle-Master, please accept my condolences." Then he said seriously, "I hope Uncle-Master does not take out his anger on the innocent. Otherwise..." Yes, I guessed right! Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. In the presence of this direct disciple of the Sect Master, Sun Jian indeed restrained himself. If it had been just him alone in his dwelling, it''s likely Sun Jian would have knocked him down at the first opportunity. He might even have acted ruthlessly and crippled him! ... "Rest assured, Dean Ying, the technique I cultivate is the comprehensive Bewitching Divine technique, best at capturing the spirit and seizing the soul," the limping old man said with a smile. "Those who are affected cannot help but have their spirits taken, and the words they speak must come from the heart, without falsely accusing the innocent," he said, still smiling. Sun Jian gave Ying Tiance a cold glance and shook his head slightly, signaling the limping old man to proceed swiftly. The limping old man nodded at Ying Tiance with a smile, then stepped forward and asked, "Did you see Sun Chengye yesterday?" "I did," Chen Mu answered honestly. "What did you talk about?" the limping old man continued to inquire. On the surface, he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, but his mind was very clear. The Truthful Listening Technique hanging from his ear was also in operation. Should there be any disturbance, he was sure to jump up and flee at a moment''s notice. "That was too close!" Chen Mu was still scared after the fact. If it wasn''t for his fully leveled shapeshifting technique, which completely changed his appearance and aura, he would have been done for the moment he met Sun Jian. If not for the grey wall and Seven Souls Return to Origin successively blocking the Bewitching Divine Technique, the lame old man would have found him out with just one question, and he would have been finished. If it wasn''t for Ying Tiance being there, Sun Jian had reservations and couldn''t use torture methods, Chen Mu would have exposed himself if he resisted even a bit, and ultimately, he would have been done for! "Seems like I''ve temporarily escaped," Chen Mu anxiously reflected. Yet in just one short night, not only had Sun Jian found him, but he also had a clear understanding of his living habits. Luckily, he hadn''t fled rashly. Otherwise, once it was confirmed there was something wrong with him, he would certainly be relentlessly pursued until there was no escape to the heavens and no door into the earth. "I hope all will be well," Chen Mu fretted in his heart. ... Half a month later. The bustling Jade Spring Mountain gradually returned to tranquility, but there had been a change. The personnel of the Inspection Courtyard were doubled. Someone patrolled and inspected the entire Jade Spring Mountain day and night. Chen Mu was later detailedly questioned by the Inspection Courtyard again. Luckily, there was no Sun Jian this time, nor was there any bewitchment by a secret technique, just a simple questioning and verification. After the inquiries turned up nothing, the various courtyards unanimously concluded that the attack was a retaliation by the local powers of East Ridge. As a result, the Sun Family patriarch even went to Eagle Grief Cliff and thoroughly plowed through the local powers gathered nearby with Kui Water Yin Thunder. It was said that a small mountain was even leveled. Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. ... Scripture Transmission Institute. Chen Mu, as usual, went to lecture to his three disciples. Just as he reached the door, he ran into Li Changjiu again. "Isn''t Brother Li supposed to be heading to Eagle Grief Cliff?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "Well, with that whole mess with Sun Chengye happening, I wasn''t allowed to go," Li Changjiu said, curling his lip. "They say it''s for our protection, but really it''s just to lock down Jade Spring Mountain and find the assailant." "After all, it''s the Sun Family''s own; they''re precious!" "Considering he''s a genius of the Sun Family, it''s normal to take extra care," Chen Mu said naturally. "Besides, it really isn''t safe below the mountain; staying up here an extra day is a day gained." "You have a point," Li Changjiu admitted with a chuckle. Then he suddenly sighed, "Actually, it''s not very safe up here either." "Look at that Sun Chengye, tsk tsk..." Li Changjiu shook his head with schadenfreude. "Who knows which ruthless character dared to strike right in front of Golden Summit Gate, downright brazen!" "That Sun Chengye was also ineffective, being chopped into mincemeat; the mountain road was stained red all over, what a dreadful scene." "If I ever run into that person, hmm hmm..." "What would you do?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Li Changjiu immediately felt a chill run down his spine and shivered uncontrollably. "Um... I''d certainly make him pay," he said, stiffening his neck. Is that so? Chen Mu watched with half-lidded eyes, his face bearing a smirk: "Brother Li is truly formidable." In front of me, you want to show me a thing or two? Heh! ``` Chapter 348 Test ``` The next day. At the foot of Eagle Grief Cliff, in the market district. Chen Mu curiously looked at the bamboo buildings in the marketplace, each elevated one to two meters off the ground. It was said that before Jilong Road had arrived, this place was a large mutual trade fortress. The original powers had been driven out, and it became a market district overseen by a different estate. Inside a certain pharmacy. "Customer, the total is one hundred and twenty-three White Jade Coins," said the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper. "That''s twice as expensive as Jade Spring Mountain, isn''t it?!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but exclaim. Although he wasn''t short on White Jade now, he couldn''t just waste money like that. "As you mentioned, that''s the price at Jade Spring Mountain." The dark-skinned shopkeeper shrugged, "The herbs were transported from a long way, taking great risks. It''s only reasonable for the price to go up a little, no?" "What kind of risks could there be?" I think they''re just gouging prices to swindle people! "What else but the remnants of wild cultivators from Eagle Grief Cliff?" said the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper helplessly, "Our transport teams have been frequently ambushed by them." "With three mountains already taken, people still dare to provoke Jilong Road?" Chen Mu was quite surprised. "You also know that we have taken three mountains; it''s quite normal for the remnants of the local powers to retaliate against Jilong Road," the shopkeeper spread his hands. Miscalculation, miscalculation! I should have stocked up on herbs back at Jade Spring Mountain, Chen Mu regretted in his heart. "They''re just annoying flies. They''re incapable of confronting us head-on and can only cause us trouble in secret. The Inspection Courtyard will deal with them sooner or later," the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper said confidently. Chen Mu nodded involuntarily. Jilong Road was investing more and more power into Jade Spring Mountain. The local powers on the East Ridge side had no large Dao Sects and couldn''t withstand Jilong Road; they were bound to be expelled and dispersed eventually. "The prices should get a bit cheaper by then. If you''re not in a hurry, you could wait," the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper suggested.@@@@ "No need for that." He was buying these herbs for testing; it didn''t matter if they were expensive. And no matter how expensive, he couldn''t spend more than the cost of a Rejuvenation Pill. "If it has even one-tenth of its efficacy, I will be very satisfied," Chen Mu thought with anticipation. After purchasing over a hundred jin of fresh Exotic Beast Meat, he was about to leave when he noticed the signboard for Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and on impulse, Chen Mu walked in. ... "Sword Qi Talisman?" The forty-something-year-old shopkeeper of Hundred Treasures Pavilion said with a smile, "We have them, five hundred White Jade Coins each." Chen Mu''s mouth twitched immediately. Are they that expensive? Recalling how he had thrown three to four dozen just one night, his heart couldn''t help but clench. What he threw was not Talismans; it was more than twenty thousand White Jade Coins! He had only about thirty-seven thousand White Jade Coins on him. That was like throwing away most of his fortune in one go! He had previously thought about stocking up on Sword Qi Talismans to throw at enemies in abundance. I can''t afford this, I just can''t! In the past, he took a Rejuvenation Pill every three days. Now, combining hefty medicinal soups with a vigorous consumption of Exotic Beast Meat, he had changed to taking a Rejuvenation Pill every four days. "The effect ultimately isn''t as good. It should be over two thousand seven hundred experience by now." After pondering for a while, Chen Mu decided to cultivate with all his might, no longer sparing the Rejuvenation Pills. "If it comes down to it, I''ll just fly back to Jade Spring Mountain." "Using the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to become invisible and hidden, I should be able to avoid dangers along the way." Having made up his mind, he took a Rejuvenation Pill and dove into the Linglong training ground to cultivate. Eagle Grief Cliff was no comparison to Jade Spring Mountain. The location of his wooden tower was already not bad, but the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy was only half that of the Jade Spring Mountain cave abode. Now, as he cultivated Condensing Aperture, his mana consumption was high, and the demand for external Earth Spirit Vital Energy was great, making it necessary to utilize the Exquisite Jade Plate. "It''s just six White Jade Coins a day, no big deal at all," Chen Mu wasn''t concerned. Thinking back to five or six years ago, when he first arrived at Jilong Road in Yunzhou, how he counted every single White Jade Coin and spent it cautiously, it was truly hard and difficult. Luckily, he now mastered how to refine Fasting Pills. He had indeed achieved the freedom to use the Exquisite Jade Plate. ... Several days later. Chen Mu went down the mountain to purchase food. As soon as he walked into the Market Fortress, something felt off. Several shops had closed their doors, and passersby were hurrying along. Many carried large and small bags, all stocking up on a large number of items. On the north side of the fortress, the stench of blood filling his nostrils, Chen Mu headed straight to a familiar butchery. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire "Lu Tu, cut me two hundred pounds of fresh meat, the good stuff." "Only one hundred pounds of pork rabbit left, do you want it?" Lu Tu asked, his robust body shaking as he spoke hoarsely. "No Wind Marcher?" From his years of experience as a trained chef, pork rabbit meat was tender and delicious, but its benefits to the body were incomparable to Wind Marcher. He was now cultivating Condensing Aperture and needed the substantial nourishment from Exotic Beast Meat. Having top-notch culinary skills, he wasn''t worried about the taste being inferior. "Gone, all snatched up," Lu Tu shook his head helplessly. "What''s going on..." Chen Mu turned, gesturing toward the bustling crowd on the street. "A group of mysterious Wild Cultivators attacked and destroyed three supply transport teams consecutively." "Isn''t everyone afraid that prices will go up again, and rushing to stock up?" Chen Mu was taken aback, "That group hasn''t settled down." "Once they dive into the deep mountains and forests, who can find them?" Lu Tu said with a helpless face, "Those people are more familiar with East Ridge than we are." Guerrilla tactics? Chen Mu was stunned. Indeed, that would be hard to track. "No movement from the compound?" "I heard that the Inspection Courtyard has already assembled teams to sweep the mountains," Lu Tu said with a relaxed expression. "They should be able to clear the transport roads soon." "Well, that''s good," Chen Mu nodded. "Pack up these hundred pounds of boiled rabbit meat for me." Chapter 349 Replenishing Origin Soup Time passed, and the sun and moon took turns dominating the sky. Aside from teaching the three apprentices at the start of each month, Chen Mu spent most of his time confined within the wooden tower, obediently taking medicines and cultivating. During occasional breaks, he would make two or three furnaces of Fasting Pills, and by taking a portion from the previously gathered Elixir Pills, he assembled around six thousand to hand over to the Administrative Affairs Institute. Pill Master Qi Hui would only make this quantity each month. Without the Condense Aperture Secret Method consuming his Daoist cultivation voraciously, Chen Mu''s passion for cultivating his Dao power quickly declined. Handing over "a batch" of Fasting Pills each month was more than enough. His life was regular, his days productive, and two and a half months passed in a flash. Inside the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu took off his shirt and took a deep breath. Five Ghosts Possession! Hum! Billowing black smoke rushed into his body. Underneath his skin, it seemed like pythons writhed and squirmed, rising rapidly and entwining, suddenly transforming him into a muscular giant, three heads taller than a heavy-duty truck from his previous life. His entire body was indigo with strands and threads of silver patterns that appeared faintly visible. Even his hair moved on its own as if it were floating in water. At the same time, waves upon waves of bloodthirst and devouring impulses assaulted his mind, causing his eyes to gradually fill with blood and turn a deep red. Yet inside, Chen Mu was remarkably calm. With the cultivation of the Condense Aperture Secret Method, both his body and mind were strengthening. The maddening whispers of the Five Ghosts, which once could drive one insane, now seemed to be blocked off by some force; before reaching his limits, it could no longer easily shake his spirit. Chen Mu silently counted the time in his heart, standing still. For a while, the only sound in the Secret Chamber was his deep and long breathing. At one moment, the murmuring in his mind suddenly intensified. Chen Mu exhaled and released the Five Ghosts Possession. "About twelve minutes." As he cultivated the Condense Aperture Secret Method, the duration of the Five Ghosts Possession had extended again. "Strength and speed have also been enhanced to differing extents," Chen Mu observed as he clenched his fist, feeling the power throughout his body. He called up the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7115/10000/Second Rank; After two months of rigorous training, the second set of Talismans for the Condense Aperture Secret Method was seventy percent complete. The originally web-like spherical Talisman was gradually becoming filled and solidified. Dominated by silver-white with black threads as veins, it exuded an ancient and mysterious aura. As the Talisman condensed, the Jade Seed expanded once again. "There are nine Talismans in total, does the Jade Seed have to grow ninefold? By then, how powerful will my Mana be?!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but be amazed. It was sheer luck that he was able to kill Sun Wuhuan. "That Ghost really did me a big favor," he mused. "Of course, I also gave that Ghost a little help. It''s all about mutual support when you''re out and about." "I wonder if I''ll see it again. Hmm... It would be great if it could help me get rid of that old ghoul Sun Jian." "A bunch of barbarians, aside from playing with bugs and worshipping the Heavenly Demon, the rest are just brute cultivators practicing perverse methods. How could they possibly have a legitimate scouting secret technique?" "If they had such a technique, they wouldn''t have been easily driven off from three mountains by us," said the thin shopkeeper disdainfully. "It''s definitely an Exploration Magical Instrument! This is information coming from the Inspection Courtyard." Exploration Magical Instrument? Chen Mu suddenly thought of a fat man with smiling eyes that were barely visible. No... Could it be?! He then shook his head, chuckling at the thought. Shang Huan and Jia Tian, the two fat men, didn''t have the skills for this; this was almost disturbing the situation in East Ridgeit couldn''t be... "How about you wait another two days?" the shopkeeper suggested. "Forget it, just wrap it up for me." Chen Mu shook his head. With the way things were going, the longer he waited, the more expensive it would get. While the clerk was busy scooping out the medicine as per the list, Chen Mu asked the thin shopkeeper, "Is it safe now to follow the transport convoy back to Jade Spring Mountain?" "It''s a bit troublesome, but still relatively safe. After all, the convoy is escorted by the Inspection Courtyard," the shopkeeper said. "You just have to be vigilant against attacks and the journey will be slower." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. If the situation remained unsettled, flying solo would be dangerous. It might be a good idea to follow the transport convoy for a trip back. Although it would take over ten days for a round trip, acquiring the Rejuvenation Pill would at least not impact his cultivation for the coming month. After chatting with the old shopkeeper for a while and learning where to contact the transport team, Chen Mu, holding a half bag of medicinal herbs in his left hand and a basket of meat in his right, was ready to leave the fortress. But just as he reached the entrance, he saw a disheveled convoy heading his way. Four Seven-Star Centipedes, covered in cuts and bruises, missing legs and tails, crept weakly forward. The personnel on both sides each bore bloody marks, with many having lost limbs or being disabled. This... is this the late transport convoy? Chen Mu suddenly had a bad feeling. Sure enough, after a few days of close observation, the situation worsened. Several convoys were attacked, with heavy casualties. The local cultivators in East Ridge carried out a fierce retaliation against Jilong Road. "With it being so dangerous, it''s not good to return to Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu sighed. Given the current, increasingly chaotic situation, even accompanying a convoy protected by the Inspection Courtyard might not be safe, let alone venturing out on his own. Thinking of the Condensing Aperture Technique that he hadn''t practiced for several days, the braised pork stewing for two hours in the pill furnace in front of him didn''t seem... well, it still smelled delicious. But no matter how sweet and fragrant the braised pork was, it couldn''t stop his fear of that grumpy old man, Sun Jian, who wielded the Kui Water Yin Thunder. After eating two large bowls of braised pork with pickled long beans, the worries and gloom in his heart eased slightly. "It would be great if Eagle Grief Cliff had an Elixir Pill to substitute for the Rejuvenation Pill," Chen Mu wished. Then, a recipe named Replenishing Origin Soup suddenly popped into his mind... Wait, a recipe?! Chen Mu looked at the dusty wall with a puzzled expression. Cooking: 13/10000/Sixth Rank; "Ha!" "What a pleasant surprise!" Chapter 357 350 "A full pot of clear water, a hundred jin of Exotic Beast Meat, a suitable amount of salt, and seventeen kinds of medicinal stones and spices." Chen Mu placed ingredients into the Flame-Separation Shell cauldron with a strange expression on his face. "First, bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer it on low heat." Recalling the method to prepare Replenishing Origin Soup, Chen Mu''s expression became even more peculiar. Just earlier, he was worried about a stagnation in his cultivation, only to have a serving of meat soup solve it. "Some of the herbs are quite precious, but at least they can be bought."@@@@ "There are disciples in the courtyard down the mountain who raise pig-rabbits, so buying meat is even simpler. I could even raise them myself." Chen Mu calculated happily. "Being able to cook is really important, huh. Who knows, a surprise could pop up any day." After covering the pot, he sat beside the stove in a rocking chair. Chen Mu controlled his mana to surge into the Flame-Separation Shell cauldron from mid-air. It didn''t take long for the contents of the pot to start bubbling. After stewing for two hours and removing the scum from the surface, Chen Mu stood firm in front of the stove. Taking a deep breath, he recited a lengthy string of Curse Words. The voice sounded like a thousand people chanting, deep and eerie. An Exotic Force emerged from nowhere, falling into the pot. The soup, which had calmed down, began to swirl slowly. Then, strands of purple-red liquid separated from the whirlpool''s ripples, rising and slowly converging about half a meter above. Half a quarter of an hour later, Chen Mu observed the condensed soup in a small white porcelain bowl, about the size of one and a half fists, and clicked his tongue in wonder. "Is this the Replenishing Origin Soup? If it weren''t for the absence of grains, I would have thought it was a bowl of Eight-Treasure Porridge." He stirred with a spoon, and with a small sip, Chen Mu immediately squinted his eyes. "Hey! This thick soup is quite delicious." After thinking about it, he felt relieved. Although the Replenishing Origin Soup is greatly nourishing and can even replace the Rejuvenation Pill, it is after all a dish, and it''s normal for it to be tasty. Spoon by spoon, the warm and just-right Replenishing Origin Soup was quickly consumed. His stomach soon felt warm, and the warmth gradually spread to his whole body. In no time, a fine sweat appeared on his forehead; he felt energetic and his body was comfortable! "This feeling... it''s a success!" Chen Mu''s eyebrows lifted with happiness. "Time to cultivate, time to cultivate!" ... For several days, Chen Mu spent his time in the wooden building on the mountainside, aside from going down the mountain to buy meat, stewing meat soup for cultivation all day long. After reciting the mysterious Curse Words once again. A thought flashed through Chen Mu''s mind as he looked towards the gray wall. Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse: 13/10000; "Made it onto the list?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. After days of continuous use, the mysterious Curse Words finally showed most of their true form. "Is there also a Strongman Technique to cure hemorrhoids?" Lu Tu''s eyes lit up: "Tell me how, and I''ll waive the cost of White Jade for today''s basket of meat!" Chen Mu''s face immediately darkened. I freaking don''t have hemorrhoids! "I can even give you a 20% discount in the future!" Lu Tu persisted stubbornly. Just freaking go away! Seeing Lu Tu''s eager eyes, Chen Mu was truly intimidated. Discussing this topic in public was just too embarrassing. "I''m buying so much meat for alchemy," Chen Mu seriously fibbed. To ensure credibility, he even flashed his Identity Jade. "You''re an Alchemist?!" Lu Tu''s face was full of amazement. After receiving Chen Mu''s confirmation, Lu Tu chopped with less force, fearing the meat juices might splatter on Chen Mu. The identity of an Alchemist still carried some weight. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. It took some time before Lu Tu finished chopping up four hundred dodges worth of pig and rabbit meat and loaded it into a large bamboo basket. After paying, Lu Tu, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke hesitantly: "Since you''re an Alchemist and well-informed, do you know... do you know of any elixir that can cure hemorrhoids?" Fuck! I can''t get over this hurdle today, can I?! Chen Mu picked up the basket and turned to leave. "Don''t be in such a hurry, how about a 30% discount, and I''ll deliver to your door?" Lu Tu shouted loudly. This made Chen Mu run even faster. ... Without the hindrance of the Rejuvenation Pill, his Condensing Aperture cultivation was unobstructed. He went to bed early and got up early every day, spending his time on the wooden building halfway up the mountain in a fulfilling and regular manner. One month later, deep in the night. In the Underground Secret Chamber. The glow algae within the Jade Sphere above his head cast a warm, gentle light, illuminating the chamber. The four pots of sea heart pine in the corner trembled slightly like breathing, freshening the air in the chamber. The bronze incense burner on the low table beside the soft couch released wisps of blue smoke. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in a translucent Linglong Path arena made of fish maw, his eyes tightly closed. At a certain moment, a sudden heat erupted from his chest, and it thumped as though muscles were twitching. Two silver threads chasing each other emerged, circling on his chest''s skin into a circle the size of a peanut. An inky black space suddenly appeared within it, where billows of black Mana swirled and materialized. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes to see the gray walls. Netherworld Grand Summary: 65/10000/Third Rank; Inside the Jade, two hollow silver spheres, one inside the other, rotated slowly. Chen Mu''s face lit up with a smile. "I did it!" Chapter 351 Neighbors "Divine Orifice?" Chen Mu curiously fiddled with the silver ring on his chest. When he completed the first set of Condensing Aperture Talismans, his forehead also heated up and throbbed. But since the Spirit Armor Technique''s Divine Orifice in his forehead didn''t change much, he didn''t pay too much attention to it. Now that he had completed the second set of Talismans, another Divine Orifice appeared on his chest. "So, Condensing Aperture is not only about condensing Talismans and Divine Orifices within the Jade Seed space but also about opening Divine Orifices to transform the body," Chen Mu soon understood after reflecting on the insights gained from the Proficiency of the Netherworld Grand Summary. The Divine Orifice on his chest had an internal space about the size of an egg. Invisible and intangible, yet it truly existed. Overlaid with his body, but not in the same dimension. "But isn''t Mana supposed to be white?" Chen Mu looked at the swirling black fog-like Mana within the two Divine Orifices. "And these strange patterns too." Sun Wuhuan also cultivated the Netherworld Grand Summary, yet he bore no such silver patterns on his body. "Could this be because of the Five Ghosts Possession?" When possessed by the Five Ghosts, silvery patterns would faintly emerge on his skin. After pondering for a while and finding no explanation, and as the insights from the gray walls indicated no danger, Chen Mu set it aside and didn''t worry about it. Instead, he began studying the Divine Orifice Talisman with great interest. Within the Jade Seed, two silver hollow spheres nested within each other, each rotating haphazardly. At the thought, the hollow silver spheres suddenly whirled rapidly. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! Suddenly, specks of starlight appeared around him. Then the specks quickly began to circle around him, spinning faster and faster, until finally they explosively connected into one piece. A pulling force suddenly enveloped his whole body, causing Chen Mu''s feet to slowly leave the ground, his entire being enveloped in a white sphere of light, levitating one and a half meters in the air. "Ha!" When he first arrived in Yunzhou, the first thing he saw after disembarking from the Tongtian River was the sight of Song Wujie, cloaked in Spiritual Light, soaring into the sky. He had decided then and there that he, too, must learn to do that no matter what. Now, after five and a half years, he had finally taken the first steps to fulfill that wish. "With two or three more layers of the Divine Orifice Talisman condensed, I''ll be able to fly through the air just like Song Wujie." On a whim, Chen Mu flew around the Secret Chamber left and right, drawing circles for half an hour before reluctantly stopping. He emerged from the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu settled into a rocking chair beside the window. Holding a wooden cup of iced tea in his hand, he listened to the gentle splashing of a small waterfall not far outside the window, utterly at ease. "Just nine layers of Talismans, at most it would take three and a half years." "By then, I''ll be able to fly through the sky as Song Wujie once did!" "By then, I''ll be free to enter the Blue Abyss and wander from the North Sea to the evening shadows of the Cangwu Trees!" "By then, I could fly to the Red Sleeve Square and find a pretty girl to... ahem, listen to songs!" "I wonder if it''s the furry-eared singers who sound more sweet or if it''s the fluffy-tailed ones who resonate more melodiously. Never mind, I''ll know when I hear them both at that time." Thinking this way, Chen Mu could hardly wait to get back into the Secret Chamber and continue his cultivation. After struggling to restrain himself for quite some time, he reluctantly settled back into the rocking chair with a sigh. He had just finished a session of cultivation, and the strain on his spirit was too great; his head was still buzzing, and he would need to wait until the afternoon to reenter a state of cultivation. As he pondered over the lunch menu, a cacophony of footsteps and voices suddenly reached his ears. Chen Mu emerged from his residence and looked towards the west side. "Got a new neighbor?" About two or three hundred meters away, there stood a wooden building. At this moment, four or five people were moving various pieces of furniture and household items in and out. "Gotta be more careful from now on," Chen Mu frowned slightly. A two to three hundred meter distance was not far at all; it was all too easy to accidentally reveal some secrets to the other party. "Tonight, I should sink the secret chamber another ten meters down," Chen Mu thought to himself. "Perhaps I could also take a look at the Hundred Workshops Hall," he pondered with intent. The complex and vast mountain protection restrictions were forged by the Hundred Workshops Hall. There might just be some enchantments that could isolate the inside from the outside and create illusions. ... At dusk. Chen Mu had just had his dinner not long ago and was sitting by the windowsill, watching the scenery of a small waterfall to aid his digestion. "Elder Brother Liu, you must work hard so that the restriction is built soon, and I can be at ease sooner," Chen Mu thought cheerfully while playing with the Yang Judge Bone Sphere. In the following days, Chen Mu returned to his peaceful life, continuing to drink soup and cultivate his Condensing Aperture without interruption. He taught two classes a month and practiced making two batches of elixirs during his free time. His strength steadily increased, and he lived quite comfortably. Except occasionally missing the young ladies of Red Sleeve Square, he had no other worries. ... That day, Chen Mu finished his morning cultivation and sat by the window as usual, admiring the small waterfall not far away. He held a wooden tea cup in his hand, filled with ginger milk-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, sipping from time to time with great contentment. To maximize the effects, Chen Mu divided the day''s dosage into three parts. As a result of making it often, his Proficiency increased, and so did the variety of flavors. He had just eaten a bowl with hot and spicy soup flavor in the morning, and now he switched to ginger milk for noon. Sounds of familiar footsteps approached, soon followed by a knock on the door. Wang Heyuan? Why had the three of them come? Chen Mu stood up to welcome his three apprentices inside. Before Chen Mu could inquire, Wang Heyuan handed over a wooden box. Chen Mu, curious, opened it and found a box full of White Jade Coins. At a quick glance, there had to be at least a thousand. "This is..." Chen Mu looked puzzled. Wang Heyuan smiled widely, "This is a thank you gift for you." "We don''t know what you need, so we can only offer some worldly items to express our gratitude, hope you won''t look down on it." No, not looking down on it at all, who would think White Jade Coins were too many these days? But why give a gift for no reason at all? Suddenly, Chen Mu had a thought and looked at Wang Heyuan with surprise, "You guys..." "Please evaluate them, Elder Brother," Wang Heyuan and the others presented, each handing over an Elixir Pill mottled with black and white. Chen Mu instantly understood and began inspecting each one. "The Pill Furnace was too hot, the Qi Forbidden within unstable, you still need to practice the Wind Fire Pivot Charm." "The Essence of the Five Grains isn''t pure, the Qi Absorbing Curse needs more refinement." "The Elixir Pill''s blend is lacking in smoothness, the Golden Bead Talisman is not yet complete..." Chen Mu pointed out several flaws in quick succession. Upon hearing this, the three faces turned red and they looked at Chen Mu while bowing, "You''re right, Elder Brother!" Ha... Chen Mu laughed softly. "There are many mistakes, but you''ve managed to make them anyway." "After the hardship comes the reward, you can now go to Pill Treasure Pavilion and take the Alchemist exam." "All thanks to Elder Brother''s guidance!" The three apprentices were beaming with joy. The experience provided by Proficiency is still so reliable. Chen Mu waved his hand in pride, "I didn''t do much to help; it''s all due to your own hard work." By now, Chen Mu also realized the intention of the three. "Are you planning to return to Jade Spring Mountain?" "Yes, we do need to change our status as soon as possible." The difference in status and income between an Alchemist Apprentice and an Alchemist was quite substantial. "But is the road safe?" Chen Mu remembered the rumors he had heard over the past few months. "Elder Brother might not be aware, as long as we avoid the vicinity of the Six Linked Mountains, there shouldn''t be much problem," Wang Heyuan explained with a smile. "Recently those barbarians from East Ridge have been locked in a fierce battle with the Six Linked Mountains; it''s said they even sneaked up the mountain and caused quite some damage." "The attack on the transport team a while ago was affected by the situation near the Six Linked Mountains." "The area around Eagle Grief Cliff has been thoroughly cleaned by Elder Sun, oddly making it quite safe." "As long as the transports avoid the Six Linked Mountains, at most they encounter minor raids, and with the support from the Inspection Courtyard brothers, they can''t do much harm." Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. Elder Sun really did a commendable job! But, no issues with transports now? Then why is Red Grass Hall still selling herbs at such high prices? Damn! That damn black-hearted shopkeeper ripped me off! Chapter 360 353 bonus East Ridge became increasingly chaotic, and it was said that traps surrounded the area around the six connected mountains. The cultivators of East Ridge set up poisonous insects and miasmas, continuously launching ambushes and plundering, nearly isolating the six connected mountains. If it wasn''t for the lack of a powerful figure leading East Ridge, perhaps they would have already conquered the six connected mountains. By contrast, Eagle Grief Cliff turned out to be unexpectedly stable and peaceful. And after the transport team left the vicinity of the six connected mountains, they encountered fewer and fewer attacks. The unscrupulous manager of Red Grass Hall even began to voluntarily drop prices. ... One month later. At the Market Fortress in the Northern District below Eagle Grief Cliff. Listening to the chopping sound of meat beside his ear, Chen Mu stared blankly at the fresh exotic beast meat on the cutting board. Shang Huan and the six siblings of Wu Mountain mingled together, trading healing precious medicine made from the Essence of the Five Grains for talismans and doing business with the mountain folks of East Ridge. They bartered goods, exchanging for a large amount of urgently needed supplies such as pigs, rabbits, deer antlers, and black sheep for Eagle Grief Cliff, and surprisingly, the business thrived for the moment. Even the exotic beast meat that Chen Mu needed daily for concocting Replenishing Origin Soup came through Shang Huan''s channels. "Now it''s even harder to stop the other party," sighed Chen Mu. Accepting favors makes one''s hands short. His own need for the exotic beast meat had inadvertently become one of the reasons encouraging Shang Huan to continue smuggling. Chen Mu gave a wry smile. "Fortunately, Shang Huan is careful enough and hasn''t caused any trouble." "And it seems that no one knows it''s just Shang Huan alone doing this business, as long as one is careful, there likely won''t be any problems," Chen Mu thought with slight relief. After paying forty-five White Jade Coins, Chen Mu carried away three hundred jin of deer antler black sheep meat and left the Northern District. Instead of immediately returning to the mountain as usual, he strolled leisurely to the Embroidered Garment Pavilion in the Southern District. The manager of the Embroidered Garment Pavilion''s branch at Eagle Grief Cliff was a middle-aged woman dressed in red. Upon seeing Chen Mu, a smile immediately appeared on her face. "Pill Master Chen, your timing is impeccable." "Just this morning, the outfit you ordered was delivered here from the main branch of the Embroidered Garment Pavilion," she said as she took a cloth-wrapped package from under the counter. "Inner garments, outer robes, belt, brocade boots the entire set is made from Star Sand Silver threads. Warm in winter, cool in summer, durable and tough..." The red-dressed manager went on and on with her explanation. Chen Mu casually touched the grey cross-collared strong suit, a look of excitement mixed with a tinge of regret in his eyes. Star Sand Silver threads were strong yet flexible, able to endure multiple times the stretching without breaking, making them very suitable for the Five Ghosts Possession technique. But this stuff was expensive. A month ago, Chen Mu unexpectedly received a thank you gift of White Jade from his three apprentices. Overjoyed, he spent it the next day. Now that he had received the clothing, the excitement in Chen Mu was accompanied by a bit of regret. Totally lacking restraint, it was just fifteen hundred White Jade Coins anyway, not even as expensive as a bottle of Rejuvenation Pills, so what''s there to regret! "Can I get a discount?" Chen Mu asked earnestly. "Pill Master Chen, this is already the lowest price. The materials are expensive, and we had to invite a brother from the Hundred Workshops Hall to bless them with a secret technique; it really can''t get any cheaper," the woman in red said with a look of difficulty, and then flattered him: "But you are an Alchemist, just refining a few more batches of pills will earn it back in no time." Indeed, with his alchemy skills, it was just a matter of concocting more Fasting Pills. "Who would dare to offend White Jade?" Shang Huan slapped the wooden chest in front of him, unconcerned. The Wu Mountain siblings exchanged glances. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire It seemed indeed possible! The other party, after all, was someone who had dared to lend money at high interest rates to Song Wujie from the Oversight Courtyard. He would certainly like White Jade Coins. "With business expanding, the envious eyes multiply. Even if Mr. Gongsun dislikes trouble, isn''t there still Master Yuanmeng, Lu Zhishen?" Shang Huan said with confidence. You want to drag Master Yuanmeng, Lu Zhishen into this too? Master Yuanmeng also damn well dislikes trouble! Chen Mu, just as he was tapping into his sensory connection, couldn''t help but wear a dark expression on his face. Sensing the connection, Shang Huan immediately pulled out a smile that was one-third respectful, one-third boasting of his achievements, and one-third ingratiating, brimming with pride as he said, "Mr. Gongsun, I''ve come to bring you your share of the profits!" Then he flipped open the wooden chest in front of him, revealing a heap of White Jade that caught their eyes. Chen Mu took a sharp breath of cold air. In that chest, there were at least eight or nine thousand pieces of White Jade. He had only a total of thirty-six thousand plus pieces of White Jade on him, this was almost catching up to a quarter of his worth! "Business has been slow recently, this is all I could bring, but next month there''ll be more!" Shang Huan said with a big grin. A feeling of tightness seized Chen Mu''s chest. This is considered a small amount? Are you kidding me?! After taking several deep breaths, Chen Mu regained his composure, and couldn''t help but marvel, "The trades written in the penal code are indeed damn profitable!" It''s a pity he couldn''t take it. He hadn''t done anything to deserve a share of the profits C this was Shang Huan''s lifeline! "This damned fatso has even learned how to manage upwards!" If he greedily accepted it, even if he didn''t protect Shang Huan, he would have to protect this source of wealth. "It''s still not safe," Chen Mu sighed. Eagle Grief Cliff had been cleared by Sun Jian, there couldn''t be so many cultivators around. Chen Mu speculated that the goods sold by merchants like Shang Huan were all transported to the Six Lian Mountains! In the long run, the other courts would surely start to investigate and take action. "So much White Jade Money!" Chen Mu''s face twisted with pain. If he had all this White Jade Money, he would have dared to drink a bowl of Replenishing Origin Soup and then pour another away! "I can''t keep looking," Chen Mu warned himself. Yet, thinking about the fifteen to sixteen hundred White Jade he had just spent in the afternoon, his heart pained even more. It''s all damn Shang Huan''s fault! The damned fatso even dared to test me with White Jade! Seven Souls Return to Origin, Seven Souls Return to Origin... Shang Huan, who was cheerfully recounting his thrilling smuggling operations, suddenly passed out. The Wu Mountain siblings, living not too far away, were not spared either. Chen Mu sent them all a collective fainting package. If I''m not feeling well, you''re not going to have it easy! Chapter 354 The Giant Spirit "Having the White Jade within grasp but too timid to take it, really pathetic!" Chen Mu muttered with a face full of regret. After a moment''s thought, he shook his head, "Forget it, after all, Condensing Aperture is more important." The Sun Family was still looking for him, both openly and in secret. If he got involved with people like Shang Huan, he would certainly be investigated. Just like the neighbor, Liu Hongyang, who was merely suspected and ended up being detained on Jade Spring Mountain for half a year, questioned over and over. "At that time, I''d have no choice but to flee." The key point was that he might not even be able to escape. Based on what happened to Liu Hongyang, Sun Jian''s interest in the gourd sword box seemed to exceed all expectations. Chen Mu sat on the soft couch in the secret chamber, frowning deeply, "I cannot keep in contact with Shang Huan and the others any longer, and if any trouble arises, it must be dealt with promptly!" ... On the west side of the mountainside of Eagle Grief Cliff, Inspection Courtyard. Inside a small building with black tiles, grey windows, and white walls. Deputy Prefect Zhao Shaoyuan sat by the window on the second floor and after a long while said indifferently, "That business cannot be done anymore." Standing behind him, Prefect Li Dechao''s expression changed, "Prefect, last month we made nearly fifty thousand White Jade, are we really not doing it?" Zhao Shaoyuan''s brow furrowed slightly, "Stop it!" "Prefect, who is blocking our money path?!" Li Dechao''s face was full of ferocity. Zhao Shaoyuan turned and glared at him, "What, are you thinking of finding trouble with Elder Hu?" "The Elder Hu on the mountain top?" Li Dechao''s neck immediately shrank, but his face still carried a reluctant probing. "We are just trading with the local mountain folk, it''s a sign of our court integrating into the local powers of East Ridge." "Is Elder Hu...perhaps being too meddlesome?" Zhao Shaoyuan glanced at him, "The trouble on Liulian Mountain is getting worse." "It used to be bartering, now it''s aiding the enemy." "Stop it as soon as possible." Li Dechao could only nod reluctantly. "Don''t be foolish," Zhao Shaoyuan cautioned, "Elder Hu asked me to catch a few typical suspects to make an example, do you want to be that chicken?" "I dare not, I dare not..." Li Dechao shook his head repeatedly. Suddenly, his eyes rolled, and with a sneaky smile, he said, "Since the elder assigned you to catch these smugglers, about those confiscated goods..." Zhao Shaoyuan''s mouth curved slightly, "You''re finally showing a bit of intelligence." Li Dechao was immediately overjoyed, "No wonder you previously told me to suppress the reports about Lu the butcher and others." "I was thinking, those people are stealing our business, why let them off so easily. Haha, so it turns out..." Zhao Shaoyuan nodded with a smile, "In the end, this business is treading a fine line, of course, we need to prepare several scapegoats." "Besides, pigs and rabbits are worth more when they fatten up." "Prefect Gao Ming!" Li Dechao''s face showed admiration. "Giant Spirit Divine..." In the past, he had drawn this talisman into the Jade Seed to deceive Sun Chengye. But after its use, since he was busy with Condensing Aperture cultivation and had no time to practice, Chen Mu shoved the talisman back in unchanged. "Sun Chengye said that this secret technique consumes a lot and the more resources invested, the stronger it becomes." "Such a wonderful method that can increase strength and reduce fat, it''s time to start practicing it." Giant Spirit Divine! The silver talisman shone brilliantly. Mana mixed with the power of vitality began a transformation. A large, dark red shadow slowly emerged behind him in mid-air. With a thought, the dark red shadow drilled into his arms. A vigorous force suddenly surged into his arms, causing his skin to darken into a reddish black. Chen Mu instinctively raised his arms to check and immediately felt a lightness wash over him. It was as if he had donned a layer of exoskeleton armor; with external support, swinging his arms and throwing punches became three times easier. Bang! Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire Just by lightly clenching his fists, the air burst with a pop. "The strength is increasing!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows. It wasn''t much, but he could clearly feel the enhancement. It was hard to quantify with specific data, but since he could feel it, the effect was definitely significant. "And this is just the first use. If I raise the Rank and use it after triggering Five Ghosts Possession, then..." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. "This Secret Technique really complements Five Ghosts Possession perfectly!" He immediately began to cultivate continuously. After performing the technique more than ten times, a new line appeared on the gray wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 9976/10000/Second Rank; "Ai Ji is no good, stuck at Second Rank," Chen Mu scoffed. If that guy could have cultivated Perceptive Spirit Light, this secret technique would have already advanced to Third Rank. "Tsk tsk... can''t reap a huge benefit this time," Chen Mu shook his head. "Should I copy over the secret techniques of the remaining three now, or should I let them grind it out for me?" he pondered uncertainly. The smuggling business done by the seven people was booming, it was a pity it could only be done at noon. Because come evening, they were done for! If one day that suddenly stopped, wouldn''t he lose out on three secret technique experience packs? After careful consideration, Chen Mu suppressed his impulse: "Wait, just wait a little longer!" "Lu Ku, Yu Lin, and Wu Ruo have all cultivated their Spiritual Light." "Delaying the harvest by one day might yield hundreds or even thousands more experience!" Chapter 355 Encirclement Eagle Grief Cliff, twenty li to the southwest, within a dense forest covered by trees as tall as fifteen or sixteen floors. Coughing and grunting sounds grew from distant to near. Hundreds of sturdy black goats, with antlers as tall as a man, ambled over. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire Shang Huan rode astride a black goat, his face clouded with worry, "We can''t do this business anymore." Sitting on the back of the black goat as well, the six siblings of Wu Mountain simultaneously turned their heads, causing Shang Huan''s whole body to tense up. Shang Huan tried not to look at the others, addressing only Lu Ku, "Brother, the rumors lately seem quite troubling." "Someone''s investigating us? Let''s kill them," Ai Ji said indifferently. Shang Huan shook his head with a bitter smile, "It''s precisely because there''s been no probing that I feel something''s off." "Since we started this business, there have always been people snooping around, both openly and in secret." "But recently, these people have suddenly disappeared; that''s not normal." "It''s very likely that people with even stronger abilities have intervened, aiming to wipe us out in one fell swoop!" Lu Ku pondered, "Inspection Courtyard?" "Impossible, we''re serving at the Inspection Courtyard, and I haven''t heard of any major operations," Ai Ji scratched his head. "Then let''s stop for a while," Lu Ku decided on the spot. Shang Huan sighed with relief, "Brother, you''re wise." "It may also be that I''m worrying over nothing. But without Mr. Gongsun backing us up, if something really does happen, we''re in trouble," Shang Huan said with a wry smile. The others couldn''t help but nod in agreement. Just as they were each absorbed in their thoughts, Shi Xian suddenly spoke up, "Someone''s here! It''s Li Dechao from the Inspection Courtyard!" Their faces changed instantly. "Behind him... Zhao Shaoyuan?!" The usually calm Shi Xian''s face turned pale. Lu Ku''s pupils dilated abruptly, "Run!" ... In a secret chamber twenty meters below the middle of Eagle Grief Cliff, Accompanied by a series of urgent incantations, a dark red phantom roughly the size of three basketballs appeared behind Chen Mu. "It should cover both arms and the chest area." He turned around to scrutinize the phantom carefully. Whether it was an illusion or not, Chen Mu always felt like the phantom somewhat resembled a human head. As he continued to cultivate, the mana and essence he invested were like small pieces of a puzzle, gradually filling and completing an image akin to a colossal divine statue. Giant Spirit Divine? Chen Mu thought to himself. "I''ll know the specific results once it''s applied." Chen Mu shook his head, dismissing the thought, and looked up at the grey wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 3916/10000/Third Rank; "Whether or not advancing in rank is irrelevant, the most important thing is, the love handles are gone!" Chen Mu lifted his shirt, satisfied as he looked at his sculpted abs. "If I could go back to my previous life, just flaunting this weight loss achievement could easily lead me to financial freedom." "By then, I''d be spending every day in clubs with... cough, right?" Recently, there had been several mysterious deaths at Eagle Grief Cliff, the victims appearing as if they''d been drained. The injuries were remarkably similar to those Li Dechao had sustained. He never expected that capturing a smuggler would bring such an unexpected discovery. Ai Ji was lying on the ground, one half of his upwards-facing face covered in blood. With one eye tilted upwards, he mockingly locked gaze with Zhao Shaoyuan, his mouth grinning to reveal blood-stained teeth: "Ha!" "Heh... still a tough nut to crack," Zhao Shaoyuan chuckled lightly, "I think these people are the secret pawns of the East Ridge Barbarians; what do you say?" Li Dechao immediately sneered, "Ha! Then they definitely are secret pawns!" He hadn''t expected Ai Ji and the others to conceal three individuals with Perceptive Spirit Light. Just a momentary distraction allowed one of them to use a secret technique to suck away the blood essence from his left hand. "Just break their limbs; we''ll take them back for a thorough interrogation," Zhao Shaoyuan said indifferently. He was soon enveloped in a pale blue light, lightly stepping on treetops and branches as he leaped into the distance! "Don''t worry, Prefect, I''ll definitely make him spill everything about his ancestry!" Li Dechao laughed heartily. He then approached Ai Ji and with a few snaps, brutally crushed his limbs. "We''ll take our time having fun," Li Dechao leaned down, face full of malice, "Not just you, but also the wench who ruined my left hand." "Your relatives, your friends, everyone you knowI''ll catch them one by one and, right in front of you, give them a proper greeting!" With that, he reached out to grab Ai Ji by the neck, ready to carry him away. But in the next moment, a dark red apparition, about the size of three human heads, suddenly materialized behind Ai Ji. Li Dechao''s pupils shrank suddenly. Not good! He had just begun to leap upwards with force. That''s when Ai Ji, who had been lying on the ground like a dead dog, suddenly flipped over. With a frenzied smile on his face, he viciously jabbed his blood-red, freshly broken right forearm bone, which was protruding through the skin, towards Li Dechao''s eye socket. Li Dechao quickly got up and tilted his head back. Pu! His eye was unharmed, but half of his neck was punctured rotten! Instinctively, Li Dechao kicked Ai Ji away with his foot. But as Ai Ji''s figure tumbled through the air, it slowed as if sinking into a quagmire, until it finally came to a halt, suspended midair! A cloud of black smoke emerged beside Ai Ji, and a figure draped in a black robe with a white mask floated into view. "How do you like the Third Rank Giant Spirit Divine?" Chen Mu asked with a light chuckle under the mask. "Haha... it''s freaking awesome!" Ai Ji stiffly threw back his neck, staring viciously at Li Dechao, who was nearly decapitated. "The heart of man is unfathomable," Chen Mu sighed. He hadn''t intended to show himself, but these people were scheming further connections?! And they even made up some story about secret pawns of East Ridge Barbarians? For the sake of maximizing benefits? Heh... Greed! Pu! The Moon Blade''s dark light flashed, and as it appeared behind Li Dechao, the remaining half of his neck was cleanly severed. The black smoke, like a swarm of ants, rushed onto Li Dechao''s body, devouring it entirely in the blink of an eye. Chapter 356 Gathering Heart Nail In the dense forest. The corpulent Shang Huan, as light on his feet as if they were fitted with springs, lightly tapped the ground and suddenly shot forward. He resembled a colossal yet agile ball bouncing throughout the forest, darting through the complex terrain, advancing rapidly. The next moment, his complexion underwent a sudden change, and his rotund figure shifted abruptly half a meter to the left without any warning. Whoosh! A jet-black stream of light grazed his right arm as it flew past. The wind it carried, sharp as a blade, easily tore through his sleeve. A pale blue stream of light descended from the sky, crashing right in front of Shang Huan. The blast of air rolled, lifting bits of leaves. Zhao Shaoyuan looked at Shang Huan with surprise, "You actually dodged the Earth Core Ghost Iron Gathering Heart Nail?" Shang Huan''s eyes widened, and his heart suddenly sank to the pits. Damn it! Before he could get a clear view of the newcomer, a black light pierced through his chest. But in the next moment, the Shang Huan with the pierced chest dissipated into nothingness. He appeared two meters away, gasping for breath. "Eh?" "You''ve practiced the Divine Travel Technique? No wonder you ran the farthest," Zhao Shaoyuan realized. He casually raised his hand, the black light swirling, a jet-black spike as long as a palm and thick as a carrot emerged in his palm. "Wait! Wait!" Shang Huan shouted in panic, "Whatever you want, I''ll give it to you. Whatever you want to know, I''ll tell you!" Zhao Shaoyuan raised an eyebrow, "Really?" "Truly, truly, truly!" Shang Huan nodded as if pounding garlic. "I don''t want to listen!" Zhao Shaoyuan said coldly.@@@@ The black light in the air vanished in a flash. Shang Huan''s figure shattered once more, reappearing two meters to the right, his face deathly pale. With a look of disdain, Zhao Shaoyuan said, "Your six companions are all tough nuggets, beaten half to death but not uttering a word. You think you''d tell the truth?" He then assumed an I-have-already-seen-through-your-lies expression, "You''re trying to confuse me with false information, huh? Ha!" Shang Huan: "..." I''m genuinely trying to surrender! Whoosh! A low whooshing sound accompanied the black light quickly enlarging before Shang Huan''s eyes. F*ck! With your IQ, how the hell did you become the vice director of the Inspection Courtyard? "You can''t touch me!" Shang Huan yelled at the top of his lungs while rapidly dodging, "I''m telling you, I have a backer! If you lay a hand on me, you''re done too!" "A backer?" Zhao Shaoyuan appeared indifferent, "Ha! I don''t believe it!" Wooo wooo wooo... Would you f*cking listen first before you act! Maybe we''re on the same side! Shang Huan cursed bitterly in his heart, his neck flushed red. But a moment of distraction caused him to step on a pile of broken leaves, feeling a slight slipperiness underfoot, and his complexion changed drastically. Damn! Before he could adjust his stance, the Gathering Heart Nail had already appeared in front of his chest. Instinctively, he closed his eyes. His mind was filled with regret. I should never have taken this deal. So much White Jade not yet enjoyed, not to mention the earnings, now my life is at stake too! Bang! The next moment, the blue light burst! Chen Mu''s vision blurred, his heart skipped a half beat from the fright! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, Spiritual Light Armor, and a flurry of other abilities were all activated in desperation. As his muscles tensed all over his body, bracing for the impact. He saw Zhao Shaoyuan across from him, whose fierce momentum turned into a skyrocketing monkey, soaring into the sky enveloped in the obscure blue flame. In the blink of an eye, he became a small blue dot in the sky. Chen Mu: "..." "He... he ran away?!" Shang Huan stood there, dumbfounded. Under the mask, Chen Mu was at a loss for words. I didn''t see that coming... All those fierce words just now, were you just performing for me?! I thought it was some sort of powerful move, but it turned out to be just a skyrocketing monkey? Chen Mu couldn''t help but clench his teeth, your Gathering Heart Nail actually is quite something! Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire ... Ten miles away in the sky. Zhao Shaoyuan, shrouded in obscure blue flames, was pale as paper, rapidly depleting his Mana, but dared not stop for a moment. The Gathering Heart Nail was his biggest reliance. Yet he was utterly powerless against his opponent. He would be foolish to stay and grapple to death. "That guy must be connected to those seven smugglers. As long as I report this to Elder Hu, we can track down the masked man," Zhao Shaoyuan thought to himself, elated. This was a significant achievement! Then he looked ahead to see the tip of the Gathering Heart Nail that was breaking through the air, carrying him at high speed; it had cracked without him noticing when. It pained Zhao Shaoyuan to the core. "How could that Jet-black Moon Blade be so sharp? Just a few clashes and my Gathering Heart Nail..." "I must make the Sun Family compensate for this loss, double!" "And that masked man!" "You wait for me. When I get back to the mountain and find Elder Hu, when I catch your true form, I''ll see how I deal with you!" As he was lost in his fantasies, a faint sound of ghostly wailing and wolf howling suddenly reached his ears. Zhao Shaoyuan hurriedly looked back but saw no figure. Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, a strange whining noise suddenly intensified from above. He quickly looked up. And saw a four-and-a-half-meter-tall giant breaking through the clouds, coming into view. The giant had indigo skin, muscles like coiling dragons, and a pair of blood-red eyes that looked like a fiend''s! He held a three-meter-long crescent black blade high between his hands. Amidst billowing black smoke, like a meteor from outer space, it crashed down right in front of him. Zhao Shaoyuan just managed to pull back the Gathering Heart Nail in front of his face. Whoosh! A flash of black light. The Gathering Heart Nail was instantly cleaved in two. Zhao Shaoyuan''s eyes widened in disbelief. Thud! He was instantly split into two halves. Blood splattered, but before it could disperse, it was enveloped and devoured by a mass of black smoke in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu''s figure rapidly shrank, activated the Great Escape Technique at full power, with a whining wail, he slashed through the white clouds in the sky and instantly rushed into the dense forest of East Ridge and disappeared. Chapter 358 News ``` Two days later. Thirty miles southwest of Eagle Grief Cliff. Groups of grey-clothed Patrolling Inspectors diligently searched through the thick forest. After quite some time, Yu Liu, who had just been appointed as the Deputy Prefect of the Inspection Courtyard, briskly approached a particular large tree. His body flashed with Spiritual Light as he nimbly leaped to the very top of the tree, which was as tall as a six- or seven-story building. At the top of the canopy, a man in his forties quietly stood. He was balancing on the tip of a tree leaf, remaining motionless no matter how the canopy swayed as if he were a rock in the sea. Yu Liu steadied himself on a tree branch the thickness of a finger and respectfully clasped his hands in salute. "Hu Elder, the scene has been severely disturbed, we can''t find anything." "I fear that Zhao, the Deputy Prefect, and those three teams of inspectors have met with more misfortune than fortune." Hu Changqing gently twirled his beard and muttered to himself, "Retaliation?" His intention in having Zhao Shaoyuan investigate smuggling was to crack down on independent operators, to facilitate his future consolidation and management. Yet as soon as they started, the man disappeared. "Did someone else from the other Courtyard interfere with the trade at Eagle Grief Cliff?" "Someone is daring to steal business right under my nose?" A cold light flashed in Hu Changqing''s eyes. This was someone throwing sand in the gears of his domain! "It''s time to clean up Eagle Grief Cliff." While pondering plans to exclude and cleanse, a stout figure suddenly shot up the tree trunk. The figure, with an honest and naive-looking face, bowed respectfully and then said in a deep voice, "Elder, Deputy Prefect, we''ve found something!" He then turned his hands over, holding up a sparrow-sized bird high above his head. The bird''s feathers were grey and lackluster, its body shriveled, and its hind legs gnawed away by some small creature, revealing a stark white skeleton. Strangely, the muscles attached to the skeleton were neither bloody nor rotting, but instead showed a fresh and bright brownish-red hue, resembling cured meat! Hu Changqing''s expression changed at the sight. He made a beckoning motion, and the bird was drawn into the air in front of him. "All of its blood and essence have been drained. The Witch Gu Curse Killing Secret Technique of the East Ridge Barbarians?!" He couldn''t help but think of the more than ten bizarre deaths on Eagle Grief Cliff. "Could it be that Zhao Shaoyuan''s disappearance wasn''t due to the marketplace deals, but because he stumbled upon something he shouldn''t have seen and was silenced?!" A frown immediately marred Hu Changqing''s brow. "Is someone scheming over Eagle Grief Cliff? Just like what happened with Mist Smoke Mountain." The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt in his heart. The protective great formation of Eagle Grief Cliff was not yet fully established! "Yu Liu, leave a team to continue the search, everyone else must return to Eagle Grief Cliff immediately to investigate those Witch Gu Curse Killing cases first!" The death of Zhao Shaoyuan was no longer important. Hu Changqing placed greater importance on the security of Eagle Grief Cliff. As the head of the Oversight Courtyard, as long as he could ensure the safety of Eagle Grief Cliff, why worry about not earning White Jade Money? Yu Liu immediately responded loudly and jumped down from the tree to summon people to leave. Before leaving, he patted the arm of the naive-looking man with satisfaction, "Yu Lin, well done!" "Shi Xian seems to be at... the Inspection Courtyard!" A problem arose?! He immediately concentrated to listen closely. The more he listened, the more peculiar his expression became. The six siblings of Wu Mountain are inspectors of the Inspection Courtyard? Yu Lin has become the Prefect of ten? The new Deputy Courtyard Master entrusted the main force of the Wu Mountain siblings to investigate the disappearance of Zhao Shaoyuan? This... letting the murderer investigate the murderer?! Chen Mu: "..." "That Deputy Courtyard Master really has an eye for talent, huh." "Ha!" ... Half a month later. The weather grew colder, and even snowflakes started drifting atop the summit of Eagle Grief Cliff. By the mountainside waterfall, inside Chen Mu''s wooden building, it was as warm as spring. The flames in the stove roared loudly, heating the underfloor heating pipes beneath the floor. "Although indifferent to heat and cold, in the depths of winter, it''s still more comfortable to keep warm," Chen Mu nodded, satisfied. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire He had previously installed underfloor heating on Cold Moon Mountain. Now with Point Ground into Steel, with a handful of soil, he could easily make a stove and heating pipes. Cheerfully walking to the window, his Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles worked like windshield wipers. From top to bottom, it pushed and squeezed away the white moisture that had condensed on the crystal window, revealing the outside scenery. Chen Mu, holding a cup of hot Replenishing Origin Soup flavored like hulatang, watched the distant and vast countryside below the mountain, and his spirits soared. In the past ten days, the situation at Eagle Grief Cliff had changed. Elder Hu Changqing conducted a thorough investigation and indeed discovered some undercover Barbarians from East Ridge. However, due to the excellent foresight of the Deputy Courtyard Master of the Inspection Courtyard, the investigation into Zhao Shaoyuan''s disappearance remained fruitless. Even because of Elder Hu''s emphasis on the strange deaths at Eagle Grief Cliff, Yu Lin and the others were reassigned to assist two days ago. The disappearance of Zhao Shaoyuan and the others was no longer being followed. "It''s good that no one is paying attention," Chen Mu relaxed completely. "I should thank those undercover Barbarians." Because of shared sensation, he had also received some information on the Barbarian Witch Gu curse killings. Most of the deceased had withered bodies, their vitality and essence drained, the effect strikingly similar to Wu Ruo''s Soul Capturing and Return to Origin Secret Method. It was for this reason that the Inspection Courtyard shifted their focus. "I wonder what the Inspection Courtyard has found today." Chen Mu, like the past few days, activated the United Heart Curse and shared sensation, at the same time transferring the Sixth Rank Truthful Listening Technique Talisman to Shi Xian. "I guess this is like a cross-dimensional version of a Truthful Listening radio, huh? Heh..." Chen Mu, pleased with himself, took a sip of Replenishing Origin Soup and happily settled into the rocking chair beside the stove. "If Shi Xian runs around a bit more, increasing the listening range, this can work almost like a downgraded version of ears that hear with the wind."@@@@ Chapter 359 Visit By the stove, Chen Mu held a wooden cup while lying in a rocking chair, the epitome of leisure. The grunting and coughing sounds of pig rabbits and black sheep occasionally entered his mind. "This is hardly the noise you''d expect from the Inspection Courtyard." "Are Lu Ku and the others not working today?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. For the past half a month, Lu Ku and his five companions had been busy working non-stop at the Inspection Courtyard, making Chen Mu almost forget that under normal circumstances, Patrolling Inspectors got three days off every month. Today just happened to be their rest day. Just as he thought of cutting off the sensory link, Shang Huan''s voice suddenly reached his ears. Chen Mu''s mouth curved into a slight smile. "Fatso can''t take it anymore, huh? Serves him right!" Over the past half a month, Chen Mu had performed the Seven Souls Return to Origin on Shang Huan every day. The drain on his spirit and the resultant depletion of his vitality had caused the fat man to visibly lose a lot of weight. "Let''s see if you dare to cook up so many schemes in the future!" If it wasn''t for this guy''s greed for White Jade, risking trade with the East Ridge mountain folks, he wouldn''t have brought this fatal disaster upon himself. ... To the southwest of Eagle Grief Cliff, there was a small mountain village. Most of the southern part of the village was enclosed by a sheep pen made of sturdy wooden stakes as tall as two men. Within, a flock of deer-horned black sheep occasionally lowered their heads and charged, hitting the fence. A group of fierce-looking, robust men busily attended to their respective duties near the enclosure. Some were feeding the black sheep grass, others were cleaning the droppings inside the fence, and many more were grasping the wooden stakes, pounding them into the ground to reinforce the fence. To the north of the village were several spacious wooden houses supported by wooden stakes and lifted more than two meters above the ground. Clutching a gray wooden box and with a face full of eagerness, Shang Huan walked into one of the houses and asked hopefully, "Mr. Gongsun... are you there?" Shi Xian, as if he had heard nothing, stared blankly into space with wide eyes. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire Shang Huan was unfazed. Having interacted with the six siblings of Wu Mountain for a while, he had gotten quite familiar with them. This one in front of him often seemed to be lost in thought, with a cold disposition and a somewhat silly appearance. He stood by patiently waiting, and after a long while, the other party seemed to just react and nodded slightly. Shang Huan was delighted. He lightly tapped the wooden box in his hands and said slyly, "Sir, here''s the gain from the last hunting trip. Just give me an address, and I''ll send it over to you." Hunting gains? That must be what they scavenged from the bodies of Zhao Shaoyuan and others. Tsk... Kill a man, start a fire, and you get a gold belt, eh? Chen Mu shook his head. He had killed to save people, not for wealth. Besides, he was an Alchemist. Just refining a few hundred batches of Fasting Pills would give him everything he needed. Such sudden windfalls, hmpf! They weren''t necessary... eh, but it wouldn''t hurt to take a look. Sigh... I don''t really want to see it. But what if there''s something incriminating left over that could be traced back? It''s still safer to inspect it thoroughly. I''m not being greedy for ill-gotten wealth here; I''m totally considering the safety of Shang Huan and the others. Just as he was pondering how to get the wooden box, Shang Huan had already started to play the victim. "Sir, I really can''t hold on anymore." Shang Huan''s voice was full of grievances: "Look at me, I''ve lost a whole lot of weight." "I fully recognize my mistake and from now on, I will conduct myself cautiously and live honestly," Shang Huan promised earnestly. "Please forgive me." Ha! Now you know it hurts? Where was this realization before? He instinctively activated it, and a faint breathing sound suddenly entered his ears. Although the sound was faint, Chen Mu felt as if thunder had struck. That''s because the noise was too close! Had someone actually approached him without his notice?! Suppressing his panic, Chen Mu composed himself and turned his head, only to see a face full of smiles on the large jade window beside him. Liu Hongyang? Is this... a neighbor visit? You almost scared me to death! ... Inside Chen Mu''s wooden tower. Liu Hongyang curiously examined the underfloor heating pipes. "Junior brother really has some unique ideas." Chen Mu handed him a cup of tea, "It''s essentially just boiling water, nothing special." "It''s nothing compared to the profound power of the Hundred Workshops Hall''s Mountain Protection Restrictions that can keep an entire courtyard warm as spring." "When senior brother learns it one day, you must have a good chat with me about it." "Certainly, certainly." Liu Hongyang chuckled. "The tunnels, are they all dug out?" Chen Mu probed. The other party hadn''t been at Eagle Grief Cliff for long before he went underground to help set up the Mountain Protection Restriction. Now suddenly back... "All set up," Liu Hongyang didn''t conceal it. Chen Mu was delighted. With the Mountain Protection Restriction, Eagle Grief Cliff was now even safer. "It wasn''t supposed to be completed so quickly," Liu Hongyang shook his head. "There seemed to be someone killed by the barbarians'' Witch Gu Curse on the mountain. Elder Hu became anxious, fearing an attack from the barbarians. So, he went down and personally supervised us, and we didn''t get a moment of rest." Liu Hongyang looked frustrated. "The work we did this past half month is more than we did in the previous two months!" Chen Mu looked at Liu Hongyang''s slightly pale face and shook his head with a smile. It seemed he was worn out. "Think positively, completing it early means you can get your Daoist Cultivation and White Jade Coins sooner," Chen Mu consoled. But Liu Hongyang looked even more upset: "But our compensation is calculated by the day." Chen Mu was speechless. He finally understood why the Mountain Protection Restriction of Eagle Grief Cliff was being built so slowly. The guys from the Hundred Workshops Hall must have been deliberately delaying to swindle more Daoist Cultivation points. "Let''s not talk about it," Liu Hongyang waved his hand. He then looked around and soon his eyes fixed on the brown wooden cup on the windowsill. Liu Hongyang stood up, walked to the window, sniffed, and then pointed at the cup eagerly, "Junior brother actually has great cooking skills!" "This aroma, tsk tsk..." "Senior brother likes spicy soup?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows in surprise. That wooden cup originally contained Replenishing Origin Soup which had the flavor of spicy soup. He had drunk the soup, but the cup hadn''t yet been washed. Little did he expect it would be sniffed out by Senior Brother Liu. "It''s getting late, senior brother, please sit for a moment, I''ll go cook right now. It''s a good opportunity to show off my skills," Chen Mu said with a smile as he stood up. "Won''t it trouble you?" Liu Hongyang rubbed his hands, feeling embarrassed. "If you tell me the key points of Point Ground into Steel, that will be enough," said Chen Mu cheerfully. "That''s not enough for just one meal!" Liu Hongyang immediately laughed. Hey! Chapter 361 The Ban "It can gather and disperse, become invisible, fly away, and even transform into terrifying attacks." "What ghosts know, yin soldiers also know. What ghosts do not, yin soldiers will also know." "Most importantly, it can prolong life!" This was truly magical. According to the secret technique, once one becomes a yin soldier, one could easily live for over two hundred years! Is life limited, so why not stop being human? Heh! Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling to himself. Unfortunately, yin spirits that go through countless disasters can''t ascend to sainthood. Yin soldiers are almost locked in their upper limits, and promotions are extremely difficult. But what does that matter to those who are already struggling at the threshold? "Luckily, this secret technique wasn''t written into the Thousand Mountains Sutra; otherwise, it definitely would have caused chaos." Chen Mu guessed that, besides himself, probably only the original creator knew the Seven Kills Yin Soldiers Secret Method. "After all, I doubt there''s a second diligent and hardworking person like me who has practiced the United Heart Curse to its peak among the consecutively chosen seven disciples," Chen Mu thought with a satisfied look on his face. The secret technique also showed that as long as one held the talisman that should be called the Binding Ghost Rope, one could continuously split the United Heart Gu and create countless yin soldiers. "What did the creator of that secret technique want to do with so many yin soldiers?" "Wanna become King Yama?" "Heh..." ... Time flies, and before long, it was deep winter. The snowflakes that had initially drifted only at the mountain peak now covered the entire mountain. Gazing into the distance, everything was dressed in silver, a sea of white. Chen Mu, who already enjoyed staying at home, was even less inclined to go outside. Every time he went to the market district to buy supplies, he would directly purchase three black sheep with antlers or pig rabbits, hanging them outside the window to freeze in the cold wind, enough for half a month''s consumption. Thus, two months passed hastily.@@@@ Chen Mu hadn''t completed the third group of talismans from the Netherworld Grand Summary, but he had successfully deciphered the Rejuvenation Pill. "Thirteen Essence Talismans, one Primordial Condensing Pill Talisman, taking over thirteen months." "Not bad!" "It''s just a pity I can''t present them publicly." After all, they were deciphered through the reverse engineering of the Pharmaceutical Technique; the origin couldn''t be explained. Chen Mu glanced at the essence of the medicinal ingredients collected in the wooden grid box, as information on the Rejuvenation Pill swirled in his mind: "It''s not that hard, really; I don''t know why they sell for so expensive." He immediately took out the three-legged, two-eared Primordial Furnace. Cleaning the pill furnace, adding ingredients in sequence, he started chanting the Wind Fire Pivot Charm. Chen Mu cradled the pill furnace in both hands, meticulously adjusting it. An hour later. With a ''pop'', he unlatched the furnace to find a burnt smell invading his nostrils. The essence worth nearly a hundred pieces of White Jade had all been wasted. "What a money burner!" The key is, it wasn''t even ranked. "That shouldn''t have happened," Chen Mu murmured as he peered into the furnace. Amidst the scent of burning, there surprisingly seemed to be a hint of meat aroma!? Too many stews made, permeated with flavor? Illusion! It must be an illusion! Chen Mu quickly put the lid back on the furnace and put it away. "Just not my lucky day today, next time, next time..." Anyway, with Replenishing Origin Soup on hand, he wasn''t in a hurry to consume Rejuvenation Pills. "It''s good not to go out, staying in is safe," Liu Hongyang agreed. Then he looked envious, "Plus, you alchemists have a stable income, no need to run about everywhere." "If Senior Brother wants to learn, I can teach you," Chen Mu said cheerfully. "I had almost forgotten you''re also a Scripture Doctorate," Liu Hongyang became even more envious. "Junior Brother really has an extraordinary talent." "It''s diligence, mainly because I am more diligent," Chen Mu earnestly corrected. "Heh..." Liu Hongyang rolled his eyes. Guess if I believe you. ... After sending Liu Hongyang off, amidst rolling black smoke, the messy cups and plates on the table instantly became as clean as new. Using the Truthful Listening Technique, he confirmed there was no movement around. Chen Mu returned to his bedroom, opened the wardrobe, and prepared to go to the Underground Secret Chamber. "Babbling away all night, I''ve fallen behind on my experience progression." Luckily, it wasn''t entirely without gains. "When I have time, I''ll exchange for the Minor Celestial Stars Prohibition." With the help of the grey wall, I can accumulate experience in my spare time, and the profundity will reveal itself. Then I can improve the Secret Chamber, upgrade the Daoist Arena, and greatly enhance safety. "No rush, just need to finish today''s Condensing Aperture experience," he thought. With that in mind, Chen Mu closed the wooden door of his wardrobe and jumped into the chamber passage. His body flickered with Spiritual Light as the Longitudinal Rainbow Light pulled him, and he descended slowly along the sloping dark tunnel. But soon, he felt something was wrong. "A twenty-meter passage can''t be this long, can it?" He instinctively looked up only to see darkness above, as if it were infinitely high. Looking down again, the darkness below seemed bottomless. Chen Mu''s body tensed immediately. His surrounding starlights began to spin rapidly, quickly connecting into one. The Longitudinal Rainbow Light fully opened, its pulling force significantly increasing. Chen Mu kicked against the two-meter diameter wall of the round tunnel, shooting upwards like an arrow. But after ascending for a quarter of an hour non-stop, the area above him remained pitch black. Barbarian Cursing Technique? Damn it! Chen Mu wished he could slap himself. He had just been assuring with conviction that he wasn''t afraid of a barbarian attack, and now this was exactly what happened! Don''t panic! Chen Mu quickly calmed himself down. Having faced multiple crises throughout his cultivation journey, he was no longer the frail scholar he once was. He continued to drift upwards slowly, while using the Spiritual Light surrounding him to closely inspect the smooth inner walls. Then a fist-sized hole suddenly caught his eye. Chen Mu''s hair nearly stood on end. That was clearly the hole he had kicked open while ascending just moments ago. Before this, he had been continuously floating upwards, yet now he found himself back at the starting point! Somehow, the original tunnel, only twenty meters long, seemed to have turned into an infinite loop with no beginning or end! Not only that, the rocks inside the hole were growing bit by bit. Before long, they restored themselves to their original state right before his eyes. At that moment, he realized with shock that the passage, which was originally more than two meters in diameter, had shrunk to about one meter seventy! Unable to escape and with the passage continuously shrinking... Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire "They''re trying to bury me alive!" Chapter 369 362 Chapter Divine Monarch Dong Yue ``` In the pitch-black tunnel, Chen Mu''s face looked grim. "When did I fall into the trap? Never mind, first I need to escape from this tunnel," he thought to himself. "Point Ground into Steel... wait a minute!" Chen Mu suddenly furrowed his brows. "This feeling seems familiar..." He looked around once more. "An endlessly looping tunnel... An Illusion Realm? An ice demon?!" Unpleasant memories from Cold Moon Mountain immediately flooded his mind. Seven Souls Return to Origin! As his spirit power surged, Chen Mu''s eyes snapped open, as if they were about to burst forth with light! He looked up sharply. What was originally pitch-black as ink, the tunnel seemed to burn from the backside like paper. One after another, the edges of the red-lit holes appeared, revealing the real world they had concealed. Only then did Chen Mu notice, the entrance to the tunnel was right above his head, just three to five meters away! He could even see the inside wall of the brown closet. But before he could rejoice, he turned his head and found that the diameter of the pitch-black tunnel had shrunk to just one meter wide! Seemingly real, yet illusory? Or illusory yet real?! He couldn''t stay any longer! His body shone with Spiritual Light, and Chen Mu immediately sprang out of the tunnel. Looking up, he saw a large mass of black smoke, seemingly formless and substanceless, pass straight through the wall and disappear. "Thinking of running?!" Boom! The solid wooden cabin walls burst open, and wood chips flew everywhere. Transformed into a four-and-a-half-meter-tall giant, Chen Mu flew up like a catapulted boulder, arcing down from the sky with a loud crash into the mass of black smoke. The ground was instantly smashed into a five-meter-wide pit, and white snow and dirt splattered everywhere. But the black smoke suddenly dispersed in all directions, only to coalesce again five or six meters away in mid-air. Hee hee hoo hoo ha ha... As though mocking Chen Mu for overestimating himself, the black smoke tumbled and suddenly burst into a coarse and eerie laugh reminiscent of a night owl. Immediately wrapping itself in a flurry of snowflakes, it shot into the sky with a bang, soaring dozens of meters in the blink of an eye. Flying? Ha! Chen Mu''s blood-red eyes stared fiercely at the black smoke. Great Escape Technique! Woo! Black smoke rolled around Chen Mu''s body, quickly halving the distance between them. United Heart Rope! A slender black line shot out from Chen Mu''s palm, like a long spear, piercing into the black smoke. The black smoke, which had seemed formless and substanceless, suddenly appeared as if it had met its natural enemy and was struck by the chain. Like a fish skewered by a harpoon, it inflated and deflated, twisting and changing shape. Shadows of various shapes emerged and dissipated within it! "Heh... Ghosts!" Chen Mu''s mouth split wide, revealing a row of ghastly white teeth. "Come down here!" With a forceful pull backwards, Chen Mu dragged the Ghost down, smashing it into the ground with a tremendous crash. The Ghost, which had previously been formless and shadowless, now seemed to have a tangible body, creating a wave of air that flung up a shower of snowflakes. Then the black smoke disintegrated like burnt paper ash, scattering into fine dust. The mass of black smoke, once as large as a bedroom, quickly shrank and gradually took on a human shape! Chen Mu''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "How can I get it without killing you?" Pepper soup? Secret Medicine? "Is this it?" The black smoke churned, and a wooden cup the height of a palm appeared on the seat. Liu Hongyang''s face changed dramatically at once, like a cat that smelled blood, or like an addict in the throes of craving, his throat rolling as his eyes fixated on the wooden cup, his face full of urgent greed. Chen Mu suddenly realized. Liu Hongyang kept peering outside the window originally not to look at him, but at the Replenishing Origin Soup in his hand! The wooden cup floated into Liu Hongyang''s reach. He quickly grabbed it with both hands and gulped it down. Like a person dying of thirst drinking from a spring, despite coughing continuously, he clutched his mouth, unwilling to waste a single drop. Immediately Liu Hongyang''s body trembled violently, his face showing relief. The face that kept flickering like a shadow finally began to stabilize! "Junior brother, do you have more? Just a little more..." Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. Was this really the Replenishing Origin Soup he had been consuming for several months? Could it be addictive?! He couldn''t help but narrow his eyes towards the gray wall in front of him. Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse... What was the origin of this curse! After a while, Liu Hongyang, begging fruitlessly, gradually calmed down. He wore a bitter smile, "You''ve seen the embarassing side of me, junior brother. Since I became this inhuman, ghostly figure, my actions are no longer under my control." "Anger, greed, chaos, they fill my head every moment." "Only by absorbing the vital energy of others can I find a moment of peace." "But that is drinking poison to quench thirst; the more I absorb, the more confused my mind becomes." "Sometimes, I can''t even tell who I am anymore." Liu Hongyang''s face was full of bewilderment. Chen Mu fell into silence. "Brother, how did you become... a ghost soldier?" "Junior brother, you know?" Liu Hongyang suddenly snapped back to his senses, looking at Chen Mu in surprise. Then he bitterly smiled again, "Junior brother has the magic artifact to deal with ghost soldiers, knowing my condition is not surprising." He then spoke with hatred, "This is all thanks to Sun Wuhuan!" But then he became frenzied again, "But I should thank him." "If it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have gotten that turtle shell at the Daoist conference, and I would have never seen the power of Divine Monarch Dong Yue." "Junior brother, look at me, in such a short time, I have become so powerful!" He puffed out his chest and moved excitedly from side to side. The United Heart Rope that was bound to his body tinkled. Chen Mu: "..." "Hahaha... As long as I worship devoutly, and offer the vital energy of a hundred or so more people to the Divine Monarch, even Old Ghost Sun will have to kneel before me!" Chen Mu: "..." With your neurotic demeanor, it''s probably an Evil God you''re worshipping! "At first I was afraid of falling into chaos. But now it''s different!" Liu Hongyang eagerly looked at Chen Mu: "Junior brother''s secret medicine can also please the Divine Monarch!" "Junior brother, join me in worshipping the Divine Monarch!" "As long as we serve the Divine Monarch well, what Sun Jian, what Dong Li, those are nothing!" "Junior brother! Hurry and untie me, let''s go offer the secret medicine to the Divine Monarch." "The Divine Monarch will be pleased, and will surely grant us great rewards!" Liu Hongyang''s face began to change like a kaleidoscope once again. One moment angry, the next frantic, making Chen Mu''s scalp tingle! It''s done, that Divine Monarch Dong Yue is definitely an Evil God! And you want to recruit me into the cult? I damn well don''t want to die! Chapter 363 Jade Statue Chen Mu looked at Liu Hongyang with pity, watching his face shift and change incessantly. The other had absorbed too much of people''s blood essence and merged too many memories. One moment he was lucid, the next he was in disarray. Living was more of a torment for him. "I am an envoy under the Divine Monarch Dong Yue. You can''t kill me!" Sensing danger, Liu Hongyang glared venomously at Chen Mu. "If you kill me, you won''t live either!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. "After all those sneaky maneuvers, where is your Divine Monarch?" Liu Hongyang''s face underwent a drastic change. One moment he was obediently responding, the next he was madly raving, yet secretly he was continuously praying for blessings from the Divine Monarch. But... "Divine Monarch''s blessings, without any taboo?" Chen Mu said softly. Liu Hongyang felt as if thunder had exploded next to his ear. He trembled all over, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Chen Mu, "How could you hear that?!" I didn''t expect that myself. Chen Mu looked at the dark rope as thick as a little finger. It was indeed the Binding Ghost Rope, it not only bound Liu Hongyang''s ghostly body but also restrained his sinister divine skills. Liu Hongyang''s covert prayers, emitted through subtle vibrations, were intercepted by the Binding Ghost Rope and transmitted to Chen Mu''s ears. "Brother Liu, I''m curious, having asked for a blessing from the Divine Monarch, how would you deal with me?" "No, no, no! Junior brother, please don''t misunderstand..." Liu Hongyang shook his head and waved his hands frantically. Mid-sentence, however, his entire being suddenly turned into a puff of black smoke, thrashing wildly in all directions. "Brother Liu, you can''t escape." Chen Mu said slowly, the United Heart Rope silently tightening in his hand. Ah... A piercing, tragic scream rang out. The black smoke that had just flown out was suddenly pulled back by an invisible force, once again coalescing into Liu Hongyang''s form. Without waiting for the other to plead for mercy, Chen Mu lightly clenched his right hand. Whoo whoo whoo! Amid the strange wailing of the quickly pulled rope, Liu Hongyang, like a drawn bomb, exploded into a cloud of black smoke with a bang. Dots of crimson light spread in the smoke, resembling the embers of a fire, or burning paper money. Countless faces flashed within the black smoke. Liu Hongyang''s face was covered with patches of copper wire fire patterns. As the patterns spread and burned, he madly charged towards the roof. "Divine Monarch Dong Yue! Divine Monarch Dong Yue..." But before he could touch the beams, A black rope flew suddenly towards him.@@@@ Crack! A loud sound erupted, like snapping a whip or muffled thunder. Liu Hongyang was immediately scattered, turning into dots of crimson sparks that slowly dissipated in midair. The next moment, the United Heart Rope slowly emerged behind his head, automatically binding his hair as if it were an ordinary black rope. Chen Mu looked at the beams, somewhat stunned for a while. Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair beside the stove, holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup in his left hand and carefully studying an old, curled scroll with his right. "It''s taken three months, but I''ve finally condensed a Talisman." "I''m so envious of Junior Brother Zhang, who actually has White Jade to attend classes at the Scripture Transmission Institute. First, I need to save up some money..." "Damn it, damn it! That greedy Scripture Doctorate, why does he keep asking for more when I''ve already paid with Daoist Jade?" "Finally gathered enough White Jade, now I should be able to learn the intricacies of Point Ground into Steel." "That damned Scripture Doctorate!" "No, no, I got it all wrong, I''ve been cultivating completely incorrectly, ahhh..." "Haha, after half a year of hard training, I''ve finally broken through the bottleneck...." "No, what exactly is going on?" "I swear I won''t attend another Scripture class..." "At last, I''ve mastered Point Ground into Steel, and now I can take on work to earn money. The future looks promising, haha...." "That damn..." "The Jade Seed has shattered, I''m finished, what a shitty Dao path, it''s all over! Hahaha...." "Divine Monarch, Divine Monarch, bless me, Divine Monarch!" After a long while, Chen Mu set aside the scroll, sipped the coffee-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, and sighed silently. The scroll was Liu Hongyang''s Cultivation Notes. It described the intricacies of cultivation, as well as the records of wrong practices and the experiences of correcting them. Reading through the entire thing, Chen Mu''s vision of that simple and honest figure became even clearer. He seemed to see the other person hiding in a secluded place, tirelessly practicing secret techniques over and over again, practicing until mana was exhausted, until he was so fed up that he wanted to vomit. Suffering injustice but powerless to resist, he could only endure in lonely silence. Though his path was fraught with stumbling blocks, he continued to steadfastly and unwaveringly pursue the Dao. Until he was tortured by Sun Jian with the Bewitching Divine Secret Technique, until his Jade Seed tore apart, severing his Dao path. "What a pity..." Chen Mu couldn''t help feeling gloomy. If it weren''t for Sun Jian. With Brother Liu''s solid and diligent effort, though progress was slow, he was steady and sure-footed, and could have hoped to Condense his Aperture eventually, and as Brother Liu said himself, the future might have been promising. "Such a pity indeed." He wore the Truthful Listening Technique on his ears, listening to sounds from over a hundred meters away. Half a month had passed, and the death of Brother Liu hadn''t caused the slightest stir. As if he had never existed, no one noticed, no one inquired. This damned world, where good people get no rewards! Chen Mu sighed deeply. He brought up the grey wall and looked at one of the entries. Point Ground into Steel: 69/10000/Second Rank; Inheriting Liu Hongyang''s legacy, he spent half a month studying his Cultivation Notes. Initially, he just casually practiced Point Ground into Steel to conveniently dig out Secret Chambers, and he easily broke through to the Second Rank. Chen Mu couldn''t help standing up, looking through the window at that lonely wooden building, his expression growing increasingly intricate. Chapter 364 Recruitment Time flew by, and the earth revived in spring. Above Eagle Grief Cliff, except for a spot of snow at the peak, the mountainside had turned into a patch of yellow-green. The waterfall at the mountainside had transformed from a slight drizzle into a loud, rushing flow. With the Second Rank Point Ground into Steel, the secret chamber was once again expanded and sunk deeper by Chen Mu. Thirty meters below the ground, there was now a space as large as a two-story building with seven or eight bedrooms. Chen Mu stood in the center of the secret chamber, his mana connecting. Behind him, a burst of black and red light flashed; a dark red shadow, two meters high and one and a half meters wide, appeared like two gigantic doors. Chen Mu turned to look and became even more certain that the shadow was a statue of a person clad in armor. "Giant Spirit Divine?" "Could this deity really exist?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the Divine Monarch Dong Yue and scrutinized it carefully. The statue wore a black hooded cloak, with its head and face shrouded in darkness. The beast-headed armor was fierce, and on the dark red plate armor, subtle dark golden threads were faintly visible. After looking for a while, Chen Mu actually felt a blood connection with the statue. "It doesn''t seem to be an illusion." The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique seemed to be different from other secret techniques. Rather than calling it a secret technique, it felt more like a magic artifact, crafted using his own blood, essence, and mana as materials. Hidden in an unknown space on normal days, it accumulated strength continuously as Chen Mu performed invocations. Once activated, it could quickly reciprocate, granting the user tremendous strength. "Thank goodness, it''s not those spooky ghosts and spirits." He was afraid that the Giant Spirit Divine, like Divine Monarch Dong Yue, had unfathomable power. What if he unknowingly fell under its spell? How would he handle it? Brother Liu was a cautionary tale. Sighing, Chen Mu withdrew the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique. During this process, he also observed carefully, trying to find where the statue was located. Unfortunately, even with Chen Mu''s eyes wide open, he only saw a flicker of black and red light, and then the statue''s trace was gone. Using the Giant Spirit Divine Talisman to sense, however, he could clearly perceive the statue''s presence. "Mysterious." In the end, his experience was still lacking. Chen Mu shook his head, no longer dwelling on it. Perhaps when his strength grew in the future, he might be able to discern the space where the statue resided. Returning to a soft couch in a corner of his room, Chen Mu picked up the cup of Replenishing Origin Soup from the short table and drained it, staring blankly at the empty cup. "Who knows what magic the Replenishing Origin Soup holds." He vividly remembered Brother Liu''s greedy longing for it. Afterwards, fearing there might be a problem, Chen Mu deliberately stopped for three days but didn''t notice any addictive properties. He even began to feel tired of the soup after drinking too much and had to adjust its taste before it became palatable again.@@@@ "Is it only effective on ghost soldiers?" "Yet another mystery." After confirming that the grey walls offered no warning of danger, he continued to drink the soup and cultivate. It was precisely with the supplement of the Replenishing Origin Soup that the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique progressed rapidly. He looked at his experience with satisfaction. Giant Spirit Divine: 16/10000/Fourth Rank; "Keep up the good work." ... Chen Mu, holding the three-legged Primordial Furnace, couldn''t help but fall. "Another failure?!" "If it''s too big, it explodes; if it''s too small, it burns. What exactly are the requirements for this thunderous reaction?" "It''s definitely because of this crappy furnace!" Chen Mu slapped the pitch-black furnace: "If it fails again, I''m gonna repurpose you for stewing meat exclusively!" Chen Mu cleaned up the medicine residue huffily. Not in the mood to practice anymore, he sprang up to the wooden floor, slumped into the rocking chair by the window, and watched the little waterfall soothingly. Before long, the United Heart Rope above his head suddenly vibrated. The Wu Mountain siblings? Chen Mu was surprised. Since the last incident, Shang Huan had run back to Jade Spring Mountain to guard his little shop without leaving, and Lu Ku''s group of six was also slacking off at work in the Inspection Courtyard every day. It''s been a long time since any of them initiated contact. After a while, Chen Mu stopped the United Heart Curse and came round. "People are actually being sent from Eagle Grief Cliff to assist the six Lia?n Mountains?" "Great news though!" "They''d better restore order quickly; otherwise, I won''t be able to afford meat." ... In the following days, Eagle Grief Cliff suddenly became bustling. The Inspection Courtyard was hiring at a high price, and many skilled people eagerly signed up. Chen Mu also went to the market district to join in the excitement. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire "Brother Chen, are you also here to sign up?" Butcher Zhang saw Chen Mu on the street and couldn''t help but come over and ask. "I''m just a frail alchemist, warfare is dangerousyou think I dare to join in such excitement?" Chen Mu shook his head. Then he glanced at Butcher Zhang: "Besides, if I go, who will take care of your business?" He had long seen that the butcher was not concerned about his own future, but rather the financial prospects of his meat shop. Butcher Zhang immediately laughed with a slap on his thigh, complimenting him: "With your physique and demeanor, you may look frail, but you actually seem fit and capable. One could tell at a glance that you''re a high cultivator with Dharma Guardian Divine Skills. The term ''frail'' doesn''t suit you." Chen Mu waved his hand indifferently: "I''m just practicing randomly; it''s not as exaggerated as you''re making it out to be." Practicing randomly? You can''t get that physique by practicing randomly. Butcher Zhang looked at Chen Mu with a meaningful gaze. Chen Mu felt helpless inside. Results were still noticeable even after he used the shapeshifting technique to weaken his physical appearance. Somehow, the Netherworld Grand Summary had transformed his physique to be stronger. As the third set of talismans became more complete, his body''s capacity for bearing power grew stronger. Now, activating the Five Ghosts Possession, his height had already broken through to five meters. Even the Sun family''s ancestors and descendants weren''t so exaggerated. "I heard the rewards this time are incredibly generous... Sigh, if it weren''t for not wanting to leave that shop, I would''ve gone to sign up too," Butcher Zhang lamented. "You might earn the money, but you might not live to spend it," Chen Mu shook his head. Fighting and killing are too dangerous. With mountain protection restrictions and Condensing Aperture High Cultivators, it''s much safer to stay on Eagle Grief Cliff. Chen Mu looked at the raucous crowd signing up with contentment. "You all go on and fight for your futures." "The more peaceful you can make it, the better. That way, Icough cougheveryone can cultivate in peace." "I''ll just stay behind to provide support, and it''ll be convenient to refine more furnaces of Fasting Pills. Maybe earn a little more White... ahem! It''s an opportunity to support the six Lia?n Mountains!" Chapter 365 Cutting the Mountain With the departure of a large number of skilled practitioners, Eagle Grief Cliff was instantly much less lively. The flow of people in the market at the base of the mountain became ever sparser. Yet, the price of exotic beast meat unexpectedly fell quite a bit. "Those who eat meat have all run off to the Six Consecutive Mountains to risk their lives, and without lowering prices, we simply can''t sell anything," Butcher Zhang lamented. "If they didn''t risk their lives, where would they get the white jade to buy your meat? Be content," Chen Mu chuckled. "Had I known earlier, I would have closed shop and gone to the Six Consecutive Mountains as well," Butcher Zhang regretted as usual. "Then go," Chen Mu said with a sidelong glance. "Forget it, one more or less of me won''t make a difference; I''d rather not go and be a bother to them," Butcher Zhang said with a nonchalant face. Heh... Chen Mu gave him a sidelong glance, "You''re right." ... One day, a month later. The weather was clear, the sky cloudless. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch, holding the three-legged two-eared Primordial Furnace, his eyes tightly closed. He carefully activated the Wind Fire Pivot Charm, and the pill furnace immediately emitted a rhythmic buzzing sound. Before this, he had already concocted two hundred and seventeen batches of Rejuvenation Pills, and without exception, all were ruined at this last hurdle. Chen Mu became even more cautious, unwittingly sweating profusely from his forehead. After a long while. Bang! A muffled sound rang out. Chen Mu''s heart sank. Done for! Just as he was about to withdraw his mana, he suddenly felt the Five Qi Primordial Technique was still intermittently exerting force. He was immediately shocked, hastily focused his concentration, and carefully arranged the fusion of the thirteen essences according to the Primordial Force. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu carefully opened the Primordial Furnace and peeked inside to see a drab elixir pill floating in the middle of the furnace. "Tsk... the pill''s shape is oval, the aggregation technique too crude." "Half black, half white, the essence fusion efficiency isn''t high." "A hint of scorching taints the taste, not good at all." "Which is why, I''m not at all proud." "It''s just a Rejuvenation Pill, what''s there to be proud of." He glanced indifferently at the gray wall. Alchemy (Rejuvenation Pill): 1066/10000; "Ha!" ... At dusk, with the setting sun slanting to the west. On a mountain path, Chen Mu floated one meter above the ground, gliding leisurely through the air. The three-meter-long, barrel-thick strange fish floating by his side was controlled by him to shake its head and wave its tail, as if swimming through the air. This was a Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish, a specialty of the streams in East Ridge Mountaindelicious and highly nutritious. Its scales shone like silver moons, and its pair of golden eyes nearly took up half of its head. Chen Mu controlled the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, floated the Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish in front of him, and stared intently into those golden eyes. His eyebrows slightly furrowed, his expression serious, he hesitated for a moment before speaking solemnly, "Do you know where Red Sleeve Square is?" Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish: "..." "Green Embroidery Square is fine, too." "You''re an East Ridge local fish, how could you not know Red and Green Embroidery Squares?" "If you don''t talk, I might just stuff you into the Primordial Furnace, you know." "Hey! I''ll have you mixed with the Primordial in just a moment." Just as he was happily teasing a bored person, he lifted his head to see someone standing at the front door of his house. "Is this Pill Master Chen in person?" The man was in his forties, plump and with a smiling face. Seeing Chen Mu float effortlessly in the air and glancing at the golden-eyed bizarre fish, his expression became even more cordial. "I am Du Cheng from the Hundred Workshops Hall, and I hope you''ll excuse my intrusion," he said. The Hundred Workshops Hall? "And you are...?" "I''ve just moved here today and came specially to pay a visit," Du Cheng said, pointing to a wooden building over a hundred meters away. He then took out a talisman from his sleeve: "Just a small token of my appreciation, it''s not much." "You''re too kind." Chen Mu waved his hands in refusal, again and again. "It''s a homemade Dust-Avoiding Talisman, not worth much," Du Cheng insisted, holding it out to Chen Mu. "You are actually a Talisman Maker? What a pleasure, what a pleasure!" Chen Mu no longer refused and accepted with a smile. Had the Hundred Workshops Hall discovered the death of Brother Liu? He probed without showing any change in demeanor, "I have been busy refining pills these past few days and didn''t notice that Brother Liu has already moved out." "I regret it!" Butcher Zhang chopped on his butcher block with force. "You''re not too late to go now, and if you can''t eat the meat, you can still drink some soup," Chen Mu cajoled with a smile. "Drinking some soup is fine, but I''m not at ease," Butcher Zhang said, poking his head out and whispering, "Let me tell you, Old Li''s meat across the way isn''t clean. If I leave, you old customers won''t be able to eat good meat anymore." "Sigh... I can only painfully give up," Butcher Zhang sighed with a face full of regret. He talked as if it were true. I think you just can''t bear to leave this business that''s getting better and better. Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "Give me two black sheep with antlers," he waved his hand and ordered. Happy! He planned to cook one for Replenishing Origin Soup, and have a whole-sheep feast with the other. "With the affiliated court standing firm, the chaos in East Ridge will soon end." "It''s good to end the chaos, stability, safety, it deserves celebration," he said. ... Red Grass Hall. Contrasting with the bustling scene outside. Upon entering, Chen Mu sensed a heavy atmosphere. Several people with pale faces and missing arms and legs were waiting to pick up medicinal materials. As soon as Chen Mu appeared, these people looked over with wary expressions. A few of them even instinctively reached for their wrists wrapped with Mustard Seed Talismans, like startled rabbits. Upon recognizing Chen Mu''s attire and demeanor, they slowly relaxed. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Post-battle syndrome? "It seems that those two mountains were not as easily taken as said outside," The gaunt shopkeeper shrugged as he saw off a few wounded people. "Even a desperate rabbit will bite. We''ve attacked their homeland, so it''s quite normal for them to fight back fiercely and cut down or maim a few of us," "Outside, everyone is talking about who got their hands on magic artifacts and made a fortune, but that''s only seeing the thieves eat meat, not seeing the thieves get beaten," "Those few disabled lucky ones came back at least. But how many did not return, who knows?" the gaunt shopkeeper said with a sigh. Chen Mu nodded in agreement. "It''s still more reliable to stay put on the mountain." ... In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu looked at the third layer of talismans nearing perfection, his face full of satisfaction. The three layers of silver hollow spheres nested within one another, slowly and disorderly rotating. The Jade Seed had expanded another circle, now the size of two fists. His mana surged, becoming even more condensed. The spot three inches below his navel pulsed, as the third secret aperture gradually opened. Chen Mu checked the gray wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9530/10000/Third Rank; "With Replenishing Origin Soup and Rejuvenation Pill escorting," "With Fasting Pill to earn White Jade resources," "And with the affiliated court about to grow and strengthen, and the East Ridge territory becoming increasingly safe," "Just let me cultivate in peace for three or four years, and I''ll show Old Ghost Sun a thing or two!" He still remembered the peril when he was struck by lightning. With a thought, the black moon blade flashed into existence. Habitually activating the Spirit Nourishing Curse, he enhanced the blade''s spiritual power a notch further. "Hmph, given the chance, I must also slash that old ghost to see," he muttered. Just as he was imagining his future, A dull thud suddenly came from above. It was followed by an earthquake, as the continuous rumbling shook everything. The sturdy secret chamber collapsed almost instantly under this wave of force. Chen Mu''s face abruptly changed color. An earthquake?! "Point Ground into Steel!" The rocks and earth about to crash onto his head immediately softened into mud and were then repelled and parted by an invisible exotic force. Chen Mu, surrounded by a flickering spiritual light, shot up to the surface agilely like a fish in water. As he popped his head out, he saw a large, green, flame-like ball shaped like a heap of dry bones appear on the horizon. That flame dragged a long tail and swiftly reached the summit. Boom! A sound even louder than the last one exploded. Crack. It was like the snap of sugarcane breaking. Chen Mu turned around abruptly, only to see the peak of Eagle Grief Cliff, which wasn''t far away, slowly tilting and collapsing?! In that instant, his heart felt as if it was being mercilessly squeezed. "The mountain... broke?!" Chapter 366 Surprise Attack ``` The sky was dim, leaden clouds hung low. The thick gray clouds were like a quilt, tightly covering the area around Eagle Grief Cliff. The setting sun was still hanging on the horizon, yet the sky had already turned a deep dusk. Shadows covered the ground, making the sunset seem all the more dazzling for a moment. Chen Mu stared dumbfounded at the slowly collapsing Eagle Grief Cliff. Where was the Mountain Protection Restriction? Hadn''t it already been established? Where did the Mountain Protection Restriction go?! Boom! In his daze, another clump of skeletal remains shaped like a green flame flew across the sky. The towering top of Eagle Grief Cliff exploded with a loud bang, the pointed peak instantly crumbling to pieces. Soil and rocks sprayed in all directions, creating a huge opening in the clouds under the churning wind and sky. The mountaintop''s falling rocks clattered loudly, yet the entire Eagle Grief Cliff seemed to fall into a strangely eerie silence. At the foot of the mountain, halfway up, on the streets of the Market District, in the Medicinal Fields, everyone was looking up, frozen as if turned to stone, not daring to breathe, leaving only their faces dumbstruck. The next moment. The entire Eagle Grief Cliff collapsed into chaos with a bang. People unleashed their skills, scattering in all directions. Chen Mu swallowed his saliva and came back to his senses. He turned his head to see his new neighbor, Du Cheng, kicking away a collapsing beam and leaping out from a pile of rubble. Raising his hand, he threw out a swallow-shaped flying kite, leapt onto it, and with a bang, shot up into the sky. Carrying a rolling air current, he turned into a small black dot in the distance in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu immediately abandoned any attempt at concealment, his body emitting surging black smoke, with a wailing howl, he fiercely activated the Five Ghosts Great Escape Technique. But just as he was about to bend his knees to leap and fly away, Chen Mu stopped again. "Something''s not right!" He stared intently at the gray clouds in the sky. Threads of mournful green lightning flickered within the thick clouds, barely visible. He felt as though he was being targeted by a ferocious demon, sending a chill over his heart. Chen Mu''s hair stood on end, his scalp itching from the tension. Suddenly, the entire sky flashed with a burst of green light. Clumps of green, arrow-shaped flames violently broke through the clouds, pouring down to the ground like a downpour. Chen Mu watched in horror as a person maneuvering a flying kite was struck by the flame arrows. His flesh was burned away in an instant, leaving only a pale skeleton with an open mouth silently screaming. But after only a few struggles, the bones turned into powder and dissipated. The green flames, however, soared upwards, becoming even more fierce and rampant. What the hell! Chen Mu''s back was instantly soaked with fine, cold sweat. Looking at the dense shower of flaming arrows, his eyes involuntarily widened. "Lucky! Lucky I didn''t fly out just now!" "Otherwise, I''d be done for!" Chen Mu didn''t dare to hesitate. Point Ground into Steel! The ground in front of him suddenly turned into a quagmire. Next, he leaped up, Mana surged as he was midair. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! Great Escape Technique! Black smoke and Spiritual Light appeared simultaneously. He then took a dive forward. Accompanied by a wailing howl, he plunged headfirst into the ground and disappeared. Almost in the instant he vanished, The entire sky was filled with mournful green flaming arrows hitting the ground. The wooden building Chen Mu had meticulously cleaned up was instantly riddled with holes, flimsy as paper, collapsing and igniting in the mournful green flames, burning up and becoming clean ash in a few breaths. ... Northern side of Eagle Grief Cliff, thirty miles away, atop a small mountain. Chen Mu poked his head out of the ground and activated the Truthful Listening Technique. Only when he was sure there was no one within ten miles did he emerge from underground. That stealth ability was indeed formidable. Working together on multiple occasions, one would handle concealment while the other took care of burying bodies. They had always been successful. "Tsk tsk... Patriarch Wei is really powerful!" the shorter man said, looking at the mountain that had been reduced by half, his face full of awe. "Not just Patriarch Wei but also three other Condensing Aperture experts," the tall and strong man shook his head. "Four of them set up the altar, pooled their collective power, and only then could we see the situation as it is now." "That''s why I say Patriarch Wei is powerful," the short and thin man retorted. "Those people have never worked together before." "Are you planning to follow Patriarch Wei?" the tall and strong man gave him a sidelong glance. "After this battle, there will be many more than just me wanting to follow Patriarch Wei," the short strong man said calmly. "You wouldn''t be thinking of following those other unpredictable fellows, would you?" "I don''t want to follow anyone," the tall strong man shook his head. "East Ridge has changed; we need to find a big backer," the shorter man couldn''t help but sigh. The tall and strong man fell silent. ... After a while. Feeling the feedback from the Secret Technique and sensing that the man below had been pinned down motionless, a slight smile appeared on the corner of the tall strong man''s mouth: "We''ll talk about finding a backer later. For now, let''s go hunt the next prey." But just as he was about to withdraw his Secret Technique, his face changed abruptly. He felt the prey he had firmly pinned down beneath the ground suddenly unleash a tremendous burst of strength. It was as though he had caught a python as thick as the mouth of a bowl with his bare hands. Despite his exertion, he could only watch as the opponent shattered the hold of the Exotic Force like rotting wood and broke free from the Coffin Mountain Secret Technique. "Go!" he exclaimed loudly. The short and thin man beside him tensed up, quickly spat out some tricky Curse Command, and clenched his fist significantly. A deep blue light shot out from between his fingers, and a pale blue orb of light suddenly rose from beneath their feet. The figures of the two men became obscured by the swift blue light. By the time Chen Mu emerged from the ground, the tall man was left only with a head, while the shorter man had only his eyes visible. The other man emotionlessly gave Chen Mu a glance. Then the blue light flashed explosively, the orb closed up, and the two men disappeared from sight. Escape?! Chen Mu''s eyes flashed fiercely. He had been pressed into the soil and scraped aroundhad he not been physically strong and possessed the Point Ground into Steel, by now he would have been flattened by the mountain! And now they wanted to run? Truthful Listening! Hum... A ring of gray ripples immediately spread out in all directions. The landscape within a radius of ten miles flashed into his mind in the blink of an eye. Gone?! Chen Mu''s expression changed. To think they could evade the Truthful Listening Technique''s search! He swept his gaze around ferociously. Three Yin Slaying Demon! Three Yin Slaying Demon... A blanket of ghastly green crescent blades slashed in all directions. If he couldn''t see them, then he would force them out! Bang! A hundred meters away, near a tree thick enough for three people to embrace, a distortion of light and shadow occurred. As if a projection screen was tapped, ripples appeared on the surface of the tree trunk. Chen Mu abruptly turned his head, exhaling a forceful breath through his nostrils. Yin Error! A flash of black light. A hundred meters away, the black crescent blade swooshed past. Yet, this strike met with air; there was neither a feeling of impact nor a splatter of blood. Chen Mu''s face immediately contorted in frustration. Just as he was about to continue invoking the Three Yin Slaying Demon to cover the vicinity, the Yin Error crescent blade that had flown skyward suddenly whirled back. Aiming three meters to the right of the large tree, it plunged into the ground with a ''thud''. Ah... A dull scream echoed. Boom! The crescent blade burst out of the earth. Two bodies with severed heads appeared among the fragments of shattered blue light. Constantly nourished by the Spirit Nourishing Curse, the spiritual intelligence of the Yin Error crescent blade had grown significantly, managing to break through the opponent''s hiding Secret Technique and excel in tracking capabilities! "Haha! Well done!" Chapter 367 Returning to the Mountain Atop Eagle Grief Cliff. The grey clouds in the sky had completely ignited, resembling a long carpet of dim green flames. Fire rain fell in waves like relentless arrows. "Wei Donglai!" a roar echoed to the ends of the sky. Old Hu? Chen Mu''s heart leaped with joy, and he immediately turned to look. He saw a stream of cyan and white light soaring up from Eagle Grief Cliff, hovering in mid-air. Then, with both hands, he pushed fiercely towards the sky and bellowed loudly. Great Luo Reincarnation Hand! Hum! Suddenly, two palm-shaped holes burst open in the cloud of flames. The vicinity of Eagle Grief Cliff was freed from the cover of the fire clouds, and the overwhelming fire rain arrows were wiped clean by a single palm! An intense cheer suddenly erupted atop Eagle Grief Cliff. Good going! Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel exhilarated. Do that a couple more times, and kill them all! As if responding to the crowd''s wishes, Old Hu quickly rose higher. His hands pressed against the fiery clouds, pushing harshly once more. Suddenly, two massive palm impressions appeared in the fire clouds. Then, he exerted his full force and managed to push the fire clouds away from the direction of Eagle Grief Cliff! Chen Mu''s eyes shone with admiration. This was the great power of a Condensing Aperture master! Chen Mu was not in a hurry anymore. After dealing with the two robust men, he sat down on a stone nearby, watching the distant great battle. He had come all the way from Da Liang, and wherever he went, disaster followed. "But this isn''t my fault," Chen Mu felt aggrieved. This time, when it seemed that all was lost, he never expected Old Hu to turn the tide. "Looks like I won''t have to keep running around." The reason those places had fallen was that the people in charge were too weak. Just look at Old Hu, impressive! Chen Mu was quietly enjoying the moment.@@@@ Then he saw the fire clouds in the sky morphing rapidly, forming a massive skull. The skull suddenly opened its mouth to an astonishing degree. The pitch-black maw occupied more than half of the face! Roar! An invisible force burst forth suddenly. Bang! Old Hu, like a tennis ball being hit away, suddenly exploded into a white air wave and was slapped into the ground disappearing from view. Chen Mu: "..." You could''ve lasted a bit longer, damn it! I still have to run. With no choice, he stood up, a black spiritual light and smoke rising around him. With a leap like a fish, he burrowed underground and rapidly disappeared, fleeing for his life. "Worse than that," Shang Huan said with a sigh. "They say the whole mountain was burned bare, even the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring is gone." "Little Mu, you''re really lucky to have come back in one piece!" Old Hao exclaimed with heartfelt emotion. "Lucky I practiced a few more fleeing secret techniques," Chen Mu also felt a chill down his spine. If he hadn''t been able to use the Escaping Earth technique, he wouldn''t have been able to descend from Eagle Grief Cliff! "Thankfully, those barbarians are finished too," Shang Huan said, looking excited. "There was movement on the mountain?" Chen Mu tensed up. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire As expected, trouble was brewing again in East Ridge. "The day after Eagle Grief Cliff''s collapse, the elders from Golden Summit acted in unison," Shang Huan chuckled. "I heard that several elders went straight to the barbarians'' lair and killed three Condensing Aperture barbarians on the spot." "Only one surnamed Wei narrowly escaped with his life." "The barbarians who followed in their uprising were scattered and killed by our Inspection Courtyard." "Besides a group taken away by the Wei-surnamed barbarian, the other barbarians have all started to migrate and flee." Chen Mu stood there, his expression stunned. The chaos in East Ridge he had anticipated hadn''t started and had dissipated abruptly? For a moment, he felt an unrealistic sense of relief. "Those barbarian cultivators are too cowardly, not holding out for a few more days," the bald-headed Jia Tian complained with frustration. Chen Mu came back to his senses and glanced sideways at Jia Tian. "What, Your Highness is hoping for chaos across the land?" "Have you forgotten how you lost your throne?" It was precisely because of the chaos in Da Qian and the danger of the dynasty''s collapse that the bald-headed Jia Tian had no choice but to abandon the throne and take refuge in Jilong Road. "I didn''t wish for chaos across the land," Jia Tian said with a wronged look. "East Ridge is a perilous place, and those barbarians already live hard lives. Hasty migration would inevitably lead to heavy casualties." "I just hoped those cultivators would hold out for a few more days so that my subordinates, the lower-level cultivators, and the ordinary mountain folk could better prepare," he explained with a sigh. "On my run from East Ridge, the journey was truly difficult," Jia Tian''s face filled with remorse. Chen Mu fell silent. In times of great chaos, it was always the common people who suffered most. He himself was an unfortunate victim caught up in the turmoil. "Indeed, without being prepared in advance, one could hardly preserve their life," Chen Mu sighed. What surprised him even more was that Jia Tian, the former prince, actually cared about the safety of ordinary mountain folk''s lives. Though a bit crafty and greedy, his heart wasn''t bad after all. Seeing the troubled look on his face, Chen Mu couldn''t help but offer some comfort, "Life and death are predestined, and wealth and honor are in heaven''s hands. Try to take things a bit more philosophically." After hearing this, Jia Tian''s expression grew even more distressed: "But how am I going to repay my debts?" What does he mean? Chen Mu was somewhat confused. "After Elder Liu left, he borrowed money everywhere, hoarding goods at high prices, and even pre-ordered exclusive purchase rights from several suppliers," Shang Huan said with the look of someone enjoying the drama. "And then, heh heh..." Chen Mu''s face instantly darkened. I really thought you were worried about the barbarians'' lives, turns out you bald head were just concerned about making less money! Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian with a smile. "Must be quite a loss, huh?" Jia Tian nodded, looking miserable. "Serves you right!" Jia Tian: "..." Chapter 368 The Third Layer Dawn. South of Jade Spring Mountain. In the cave abode of Pill Treasure Pavilion, Chen Mu opened his eyes and awoke. Despite feeling energetic, he lazily didn''t want to get up. Pulling back the curtains, he sat up against the headboard, staring out the window and daydreaming. The sun had just risen, and already Jade Spring Mountain was bustling with activity. In the Administrative Affairs Institute below, people were coming in and leaving now and then. Handsome men and beautiful women, stepping on flying kites, whooshing through the sky toward the horizon, quickly shrinking to tiny black dots. Even though it wasn''t his first time seeing this, Chen Mu still found the sight marvelous. He had been in Yunzhou for five or six years, but he had always been muddling along in the Lower Courtyard. What he saw were all low-ranking disciples, busy with farming and hunting to earn White Jade Coins, all hurrying along with dusty faces. They were even less stylish than the martial warriors of Da Liang, who high-flitted here and there. "Indeed, they are Senior Brothers and Sisters from the Upper Court, brimming with the aura of immortals," Chen Mu sighed. Although Eagle Grief Cliff was destroyed, the other five mountains including Jade Spring Mountain had been occupied by other courtyards. The other courtyards were expanding their territories and urgently needed manpower. The Senior Brothers and Sisters from Jilong Road''s Upper Court swarmed over at once. Just as he was thinking, a dashing young man in a wide robe and luxurious black garments flew by his window on a flying kite. His robe flapping, his black hair flying, he seemed as ethereal as an immortal, filling Chen Mu with intense envy. "A Qi Cultivator should be like this!" This was the image a high cultivator of the Dao should have! What about the Five Ghosts Possession? Big and clumsy, with clothes exploding at every turn. To the uninformed, it might seem like a heretical practice! "I''ve got to condense my aperture quickly," Chen Mu thought to himself. By that time, with Flying Escape there would be Longitudinal Rainbow Light, and in a fight there would be tricks of light and shadow, plus two magical techniques from the immortals. Once he fought with someone, without moving his body or shaking his hands, with just a flick of his fingers he could knock someone outhow cool would that be! Chen Mu was so excited at the thought that he threw off the thin quilt and jumped out of bed. After hastily eating breakfast, he entered the Underground Secret Chamber with his heart full of anticipation to cultivate. ... Five days later. In the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu was sitting cross-legged on a soft couch. Next to him, a wisp of green smoke from the incense burner in the small table next to him rose straight up. Suddenly, a soft popping sound erupted from his body. Two silver lines flowed around his brow, and a fist-sized secret aperture space suddenly appeared three inches below his navel. An invisible aura burst forth from his body. The straight green smoke was immediately bent. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall in front of him. Netherworld Grand Summary: 3/10000/Fourth Rank; "I''ve done it!" With a thought, the three nested hollow silver spheres inside the Jade Seed immediately began to spin rapidly. "It costs you to keep them, but if I can''t finish eating them and they go bad, won''t that cost me money too?" Hearing this, Jia Tian hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "If you''ll buy one more, I''ll give you two small Frostfall Talismans for free; they can freeze the meat and ensure it doesn''t spoil." Small Frostfall Talisman? A talisman that can freeze and keep things fresh? "You''re being so generous?" Chen Mu was skeptical. Selling stock at a reduced price is understandable, but now you''re throwing in two talismans as well? "I''ll lose even more holding onto it," Jia Tian forced a smile, "Fortunately, small Frostfall Talismans aren''t expensive; two of them aren''t even worth one White Jade Coin. I''ll just consider it a small loss." "The longer those exotic beasts stay in the pens, the more I lose." "Giving away some small Frostfall Talismans will actually help me lose less." Chen Mu nodded in understanding. It was a way of cutting losses immediately. If only he had known, he wouldn''t have made this mistake to begin with. "Alright," Chen Mu agreed. He needed to consume over a hundred catties of meat every day to make Replenishing Origin Soup anyway. Buying from Jia Tian, he could even save a few White Jade Coins. "Thank you, senior brother!" Jia Tian immediately flashed his back teeth with a grin. After sending Jia Tian away, Chen Mu stared at a palm-sized brown Leather Talisman in thought. "I wonder if this thing could keep the Replenishing Origin Soup fresh." He was still not proficient in the practice of making Rejuvenation Pills. The Replenishing Origin Soup was still the main source of vital energy replenishment. ... Three days later, Chen Mu carefully controlled a wisp of black smoke from his Spiritual Armor to drill into a brown wooden cup. He successfully opened up the third Condensing Aperture in his body. Not only did the range of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles expand to thirty meters in a flash, but the burning ability of the black Spiritual Armor smoke also greatly increased, and its manipulation became more flexible and precise. Within two breaths, steam was rising inside the cup, yet the wooden cup itself remained undamaged. Chen Mu eagerly swallowed a big gulp of Replenishing Origin Soup. But soon after, his expression turned to one of disappointment. "I''ve underestimated the Replenishing Origin Soup after all." The soup did not spoil, but its ability to replenish vital energy was gone. "It''s within reason, I suppose," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. It would have been too easy if things that attracted ghost soldiers could simply be preserved longer by freezing. "However, it''s still possible to freeze some meat and store it." Chen Mu held the small Frostfall Talisman with a smile, thinking to himself. Back on Eagle Grief Cliff, meat prices had soared nearly three times, and he had indeed spent a lot of undue money. Now, with the small Frostfall Talismans, he could stockpile a large amount. Even if he moved to another mountain and happened to face a shortage of supplies, he wouldn''t lack Replenishing Origin Soup for cultivation for a while. "The little bald kid seems to have a lot of unsold exotic beasts." "Every day they sit, he must be losing a nice amount of money." "What was the price again? Forget it, I won''t haggle with him. I''ll take a small loss and give him nine White Jade Coins for a hundred catties of meat." "After all, we''ve met, I should lend him a hand." "Ha ha!" Chapter 376 369, what a coincidence Jade Spring Pavilion, Hundred Objects Pavilion''s backyard. "Buy a whole pig rabbit, and I''ll throw in a Minor Frost Descend Talisman for free." "A whole pig rabbit can last at least a month to eat." "But a Minor Frost Descend Talisman can only last four or five days at most. This way, you''ll have to buy more Minor Frost Descend Talismans." "And since Minor Frost Descend Talismans are a niche market, we''re the only ones who have them in stock. This way, we can make another bundle of money." Jia Tian looked at Shang Huan and chuckled, "It seems like a loss at a glance, but actually, we still stand to profit!" "So you give Brother Mu two pig rabbits, but only two talismanswhat does that mean?" Shang Huan''s eyes widened, "Two talismans can last at most six days; are you even daring to scam Brother Mu?!" Chen Mu''s face turned dark the moment he connected to the sympathetic sense. Lowering prices, discounting, and giving away talismansI thought this bald-headed kid was being too generous. Turns out he''s been waiting here! "Brother Chen is our backbone; how would I dare?" The bald-headed boy waved his hands repeatedly. He then chuckled and said, "Brother Huan doesn''t know, but our brother has been practicing some hammering Dharma Guardian Divine Skill to forge his physique, and his consumption of meat is not ordinary at all." "I''ve been running around to handle those pig rabbits recently and just happened to see it in the East Market slaughtering area." "Every few days, Brother has to buy three to five hundred catties of Exotic Beast Meat." "Those two Exotic Beasts'' meat combined with two Minor Frost Descend Talismans will be just right." As if you know so much! Chen Mu huffed discontentedly in his heart. He hadn''t concealed the fact that he was buying a large amount of Exotic Beast Meat, so being discovered was normal. "I originally wanted to stockpile some cheap Exotic Beast Meat, alas..." "Forget it, the total price is about the same, and it''s better to buy fresh Exotic Beast Meat." "Besides, the turmoil in East Ridge has ended, and even if the Exotic Beast Meat prices rise afterward, it will only be by a limited amount." Chen Mu disconnected from the sympathetic sense with a lack of interest. ... Jade Spring Mountain, Scripture Transmission Institute. After a long absence, Chen Mu walked into Tianyi Pavilion. At the registration desk at the entrance, Sect Master Ying Tiance''s direct disciple was no longer there, replaced by the burly Elder Hu. Chen Mu bowed slightly in respect, presented his Identity Jade after arriving, and walked straight up to the second floor of Tianyi Pavilion. "Earth Sink Technique, creating muddy pit traps? Not very useful." "Mountain Crusher? Shaking the earth to crumble rocks? Heh, that''s a good hand for mining." "Earth Dragon Turnover? This one is powerful, actually turning two feet of deep soil over to the surface." "It''s absolutely unbeatable for tilling the land for farming... what the heck!" Chen Mu tossed the Bright Yellow Scroll back onto the wooden shelf, his face deflating. He had come to find an Earth Walking Secret Technique, but after flipping through for a long time, he found only auxiliary production Secret Techniques. "Isn''t the Lower Courtyard meant for farming, breeding, and producing resources?" Chen Mu came back to his senses and couldn''t help but sigh. Take Point Ground into Steel, for example; used in reverse, it turns stone to mud, and forward, it turns mud to stone. It was originally a great tool for building palaces and constructing pavilions. Liu Hongyang earned White Jade by constructing an Exotic Beast breeding ground with it, after all. Even Chen Mu himself learned it initially to dig underground tunnels. "Though one could buy two with a White Jade, it''s not cost-effective in the long run, how about... buying less?" "Isn''t this a coincidence." Chen Mu raised his hand and pointed at the table in front of him. A wisp of white smoke spread from his fingertip, and the brown wooden square table was immediately covered with a layer of frost. "I happen to know this Minor Frost Descend Method," Chen Mu said leisurely. On the semi-transparent gray wall in front of him, a new entry appeared. Minor Frost Descend Method: 115/10000/Second Rank; "The weather is getting hotter, and I want to have some cold refreshments, so I learned this Minor Frost Descend Method," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Guess what, practicing it, I managed to reach a minor level of proficiency." "What a coincidence! Such a huge coincidence!" "With this technique, I could buy a hundred heads, and still be able to preserve them" Chen Mu smiled at Jia Tian, "You''ll surely sell it to me, right?" You sneaky profiteer! I''m totally taking advantage of this! Ha-ha! Jia Tian: "..." This is a huge loss for the business! ... In the end, Chen Mu only bought thirty pig-rabbits. They should sustain him for over three months of soup-based cultivation. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire By then, the experience with Rejuvenation Pills should also be nearing completion... probably. Well, whether he could eat them or not, at least they were worth watching. "Always eating frozen meat isn''t good." "Even if Rejuvenation Pill doesn''t work out, I can still buy fresh Exotic Beast Meat." Moreover, he had plans to leave Jade Spring Mountain. Buying too much wouldn''t be convenient to carry. ... With food and drink sorted, Chen Mu focused peacefully on his cultivation. In his free time, he''d apply the Truthful Listening Technique on Shang Huan, widely collecting news from other courtyards through the Jade Spring Pavilion. He initially thought of using Shi Xian as a receiver since among the seven, she had the best response to the Truthful Listening Technique. However, the six siblings from Wu Mountain were not the quiet types, all having gone to Cliff Shaman Mountain for an adventure. He had to make do with Shang Huan. With the many people and their gossip within the Jade Spring Pavilion, Chen Mu heard quite a bit of news. For instance, a massive development in Wu Liang Mountain at Brush Rack Cliff was in dire need of manpower. For instance, the Sect Master of East Fence Path had healed and emerged from seclusion. For instance, there was a sudden change in leadership at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. The new Pavilion Master came from the Upper Court, rumored to have profound backing. He ousted Zhu Yi from the position upon arriving. "Is the Upper Court fighting for power and profit?" Chen Mu was silently contemplative. It has only been peaceful for a few days... Chapter 370 Departure Intentions At the southern part of Jade Spring Mountain, behind the Administrative Affairs Institute, high up on a cliff, there was a cave dwelling. The dwelling was spacious and bright, with forty to fifty people gathered in small groups, quietly conversing. Chen Mu stood in an inconspicuous corner, with the Truthful Listening Technique activated on his ear, quietly listening. The new Pavilion Master of the Pill Treasure Pavilion had summoned, and all the alchemists on Jade Spring Mountain had to attend, naturally Chen Mu was no exception. Before long, the former Pavilion Master Zhu Yi entered the cave.@@@@ Some approached to greet him, exchanging pleasantries warmly. Others kept their distance, with a cold demeanor. Seeing Zhu Yi chatting animatedly with those close to him, Chen Mu quietly stepped two paces further into the shadows, using the figures of people in front to block the gazes that might be cast toward him. "Zhu Yi still can''t let go, huh." Chen Mu quietly adjusted his posture and breathing, minimizing his presence. He just wanted to cultivate in peace and didn''t want to be involved in any disturbances. But just as he had hidden himself, he heard Zhu Yi asking about him, as if he was very familiar with him. "As a homebound man, am I really that famous?" With a helpless sigh, Chen Mu took half a step to the side, revealing half of his figure. If the other party took the initiative to seek him out, he couldn''t hide. Besides, the cave was only so big; there was nowhere to hide. ... "Junior Brother Chen, it''s been a long time," Zhu Yi said with a beaming smile. "Greetings, Pavilion Master," Chen Mu replied shyly, like a home-dwelling alchemist who was tactless in the ways of the world. "I am no longer the Pavilion Master, I''m the Deputy Pavilion Master now," Zhu Yi announced with a smile. After which he went on to make inquiries about Chen Mu''s well-being, using the drastic changes at Eagle Grief Cliff as a conversation starter. With a look full of emotion, Zhu Yi said, "At first, I thought Junior Brother joined the Pill Treasure Pavilion just to bide time, but who knew that Junior Brother''s alchemy talent would be so astounding. Not only are you skilled in alchemy yourself, but also proficient in teaching others." He then shifted the topic and asked, "I have some nephews who wish to learn alchemy but have failed to grasp the basics." "I''m too busy with other matters to instruct them, I wonder if Junior Brother..." "I''m truly sorry, but I am currently in seclusion, pondering over the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill, and it''s a critical moment right now, so..." Chen Mu said with a look of difficulty. Zhu Yi''s eyebrows lifted slightly. Critical moment? That All-Disease Pill isn''t so easy to make; he''s trying to distance himself from me, isn''t he? Heh... With a light chuckle, Zhu Yi said, "Then, what unfortunate timing." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhu Yi took his leave. Chen Mu smiled and bowed his hands, waiting until the other man was far enough away before his expression became somber. Teaching and giving lectures? Better not. "With that time, I''d rather refine several batches of Rejuvenation Pills." He had no intention of getting embroiled in the struggle between the new and former Pavilion Masters. Zhu Yi then started to frown and ponder. After a moment''s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, saying fiercely, "Then we''ll have to send him away!" That''s more like it! Zhu Yi''s eyes brightened. Since we''re killing the chicken to scare the monkey, we must truly kill! This young man Qi Hui has potential after all. Zhu Yi looked at Qi Hui with satisfaction, feigning regret, "We are compelled by the situation; there''s no other choice." "You agree then?" Qi Hui was overjoyed. Zhu Yi lightly chuckled and nodded, "What do you plan to do?" Qi Hui perked up immediately: "I plan to send him to Pen Rack Mountain." "That mountain is so poor it rings hollower than a bell; they can''t even make a few White Jade Coins a year." "Just let him guard that pathetic little mountain." Qi Hui gave Zhu Yi a suggestive raise of his eyebrows: "Starve him to death!" Zhu Yi: "..." Are you sure you''re not in cahoots with him?! With all that ruthless talk, you''re showing me this? The guy''s probably dying to leave Jade Spring Mountain at this point! All this talk about exhausting and starving him to death, are you trying to be funny, planning to die laughing here?! Zhu Yi watched Qi Hui with an indescribable look, feeling as uncomfortable as if he had misstepped on a staircase. Not far away, Chen Mu wore a peculiar expression. This Brother Qi Hui sure is... a good person! Listening to Zhu Yi and Qi Hui''s conversation, which was completely at cross purposes, Chen Mu nearly burst out laughing. He looked at Zhu Yi with a touch of sympathy. With such talents at hand, Pavilion Master Zhu is in for a tough time. ... Afterwards, there were no further disturbances. The new Pavilion Master, Zhao Yuzhang, appeared, met everyone, and officially took up the position of Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion. Watching the young and handsome face of the other party, Chen Mu understood a bit why Zhu Yi was restless. The new Pavilion Master is said to be over thirty, but looks just over twenty. Being unseated by a younger peer is no wonder Zhu Yi is not convinced. "Being so young and able to take up the position of Pill Treasure Pavilion Leader, he must inherently possess Daoist Bone, an extraordinary talent." "Where does Zhu Yi get his confidence from?" "Blinded by White Jade Cultivation?" "I don''t understand..." "But, this has nothing to do with me." Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire "It''s also time to leave Jade Spring Mountain." Chapter 371 Joining the Company Jade Spring Mountain''s Scripture Transmission Institute, the third floor of Tianyi Pavilion. Chen Mu placed a Bright Yellow Scroll back on the shelf, reluctantly leaving the bookshelf where the Earthly Movement Secret Technique was kept. He still wasn''t satisfied and wanted to find a copy of the Earth Escape Secret Technique. With the Secret Technique, he wouldn''t need to leave a secret passage when digging a Secret Chamber, making it even more concealed. "What a pity..." ... In front of the counter on the first floor of Tianyi Pavilion. "Going to Mist Smoke Mountain?" "Shouldn''t you stay put in the academy, passing down scriptures and preaching, instead of running around all over the place?" "Spill it, what''s the reason this time?" Elder Hu looked at Chen Mu with a stern face. "The miasmas and clouds around Mist Smoke Mountain make it convenient for me to ponder the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill," Chen Mu earnestly said. "Last time you went to Eagle Grief Cliff for the All-Disease Pill, and this time going to Mist Smoke Mountain still for the All-Disease Pill?" Hu Kui eyed Chen Mu skeptically: "Tell the truth!" "The Pill Treasure Pavilion has a new Pavilion Master, and I''m worried about trouble, so I''m going out to lay low," Chen Mu shrugged. "Who would dare to trouble a Scripture Doctorate from my Scripture Transmission Institute?" Elder Hu''s beard and hair bristled, his muscles bulging fiercely: "I''ll go and tear them to shreds!" Chen Mu looked at Hu Kui who appeared ferocious but seemed actually glued to his chair and couldn''t help but roll his eyes. I wish you would. "I can''t let you be troubled on my account; I''d better go lie low instead." Hu Kui looked at Chen Mu dissatisfied: "You''re already a member of my Scripture Transmission Institute, so me stepping in for you won''t be a trouble." Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire "As long as you concentrate on transmitting scriptures, my Scripture Transmission Institute can ensure your safety." "Listen to me, start another preaching session, teach a few Alchemists, and I assure you no one will trouble you!" Does this old guy have nephews who want to learn Alchemy? Chen Mu looked doubtful. "No thanks, I''d better go and lay low." "Besides, I do indeed need to ponder over new Elixir Pills." "I can''t always be teaching the Fasting Pill, I need to add some new content." "That way I can jack up the price and earn more Daoist Jade Money," Chen Mu pretended to be greedy and chuckled mischievously. Hu Kui looked on regretfully: "Make sure you think it through. If you really accept this task from the Mist Smoke Mountain Scripture Transmission Institute, and no one replaces you, you won''t be able to return to Jade Spring Mountain for a short time." Isn''t this perfect, I actually don''t want to come back. Disciples from the Upper Court kept boiling in, disputes were visibly escalating, and he really didn''t want to stay on Jade Spring Mountain. ... South of Jade Spring Mountain, above the cliff face, in a spacious cave dwelling. Zhao Yuzhang, dressed in black fine clothes, sat at the head of the room. "Left? I was hoping he could train a few more Alchemists," he expressed his disappointment. "I heard that initially, it was Elder Liang who brought that person into the Pill Treasure Pavilion." "And Elder Liang is a disciple of Elder Song." "If we rashly lay hands on him, I''m afraid..." Qi Hui cautiously reminded. Zhao Yuzhang shook his head with a wry smile: "He''s capable of teaching Alchemists, and he refused Zhu Yi, as long as he stays in Pill Treasure Pavilion, that means he''s one of us." "Besides, that little junior brother of mine, Mo Wuzhou, has some dealings with him. I would never go against him." "No wonder Zhu Yi wanted to move against him," Qi Hui suddenly realized: "He probably knew about this man''s relationship with the Pavilion Master''s disciple." Immediately his expression brightened: "Shouldn''t we lend a hand? It might be a good chance to do a favor." "No need," Zhao Yuzhang waved his hand: "Zhu Yi has enough on his plate and won''t have time to trouble him." "The Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill really has issues?" Qi Hui was astonished. "Our Qingdu Institution head, he''s a bit obsessive about cleanliness," Chen Mu suddenly realized. No wonder the Scripture Pavilion was excessively clean and tidy. "Alright, I''ll go learn it when I have the time," Chen Mu casually said. Seeing him nonchalant, the round-faced youth seemed to want to say more but stopped himself, ultimately bowing and quickly leaving. Standing at the door of the bamboo building and watching the other''s fleeing figure, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. Running that fast, are you afraid I''ll change my mind? It''s just a librarianship, pay is admittedly low, but it''s not that terrible, right? ... The next day, at the Scripture Pavilion. "This scroll should be placed in the third compartment of the second shelf, not the second compartment of the third shelf, you put it in the wrong spot," a thin old man suddenly appeared behind Chen Mu. Chen Mu jumped in fright and promptly turned around. Qing Lu? The Qingdu Institution head. Chen Mu bowed his head to check the catalogue in his hand and found he really made a mistake. This Qingdu Institution head is impressive, could it be he remembers the location of every book? "It''s my first time as a librarian, and I misplaced it. I ask for the Qingdu Institution head''s understanding," The old man''s face was expressionless, showing neither pleasure nor displeasure, and he nodded slightly at Chen Mu before turning away. He''s not that difficult to get along with, is he? Chen Mu internally felt it was quite novel. After eight or nine years since crossing through time, he never expected to end up working again. Luckily, he didn''t rely on this job for a living, nor did he have the tension of facing a boss. Then, he continued sorting out the books while holding the catalogue. "This book''s lower corner is curled up; take it for repairs before categorizing it," a voice once again abruptly came from behind Chen Mu. This time, completely unanticipated, it scared him so much his hair nearly stood on end. He quickly turned his head and immediately saw Qing Lu two meters away with an emotionless face. This Qingdu Institution head, does he walk without a sound? "Okay," Chen Mu calmly nodded. This time he was on guard, intentionally hanging the Truthful Listening Technique on his ear. After calmly sorting books for a quarter of an hour, he purposely misplaced a scroll while focusing intently, trying to listen to the surrounding sounds. "The first shelf on the catalogue refers to the lowest part of the bookshelf, not the highest part." Qing Lu''s voice appeared again without any warning. Chen Mu abruptly turned around, feeling his heart skip half a beat. In the meantime, Qing Lu had once again appeared two meters behind him. When did he...? When did he appear behind me? The Truthful Listening Technique didn''t pick up anything?! He suddenly understood why the round-faced youth was so eager to run away. With Qing Lu popping in and out like a ghost... No one can stand that! Especially since the Qingdu Institution head seemed to have an obsession with cleanliness. With people coming and going in the Scripture Transmission Institute, dirt and dust were bound to be brought in on their shoes. If every speck of dirt conjured him instantly beside oneself, then... Fuck! Chapter 372 Qing Lu As dusk fell. The clouds on the horizon glowed red as fire. A gentle breeze came, blowing away the summer heat. Outside the new residence, on the wooden corridor, two meat and two vegetarian dishes were placed at the center of a square table. Ever since he had the Replenishing Origin Soup, his appetite had plummeted. He was no longer like a rice barrel as before. Picking up a piece of steamed pork rib with rice flour, Chen Mu crunched it, bones and all, to pieces. The more he chewed, the more he felt something was amiss. "Sigh... this isn''t what I had in mind." On his first day at work, Chen Mu was watched by Qing Lu from the Qingdu Institution all day long. The other''s cultivation was high, and he didn''t even dare to slack off. "How on earth did that old man appear behind me?" Chen Mu was quite annoyed. Even when he pushed his Truthful Listening Technique to the utmost, he still couldn''t hear any movement from the other person. "Weird!" Chen Mu glanced at the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 8836/10000/Sixth Rank; "The Truthful Listening Technique is still lacking a touch." Previously at Eagle Grief Cliff, he had been ambushed by two barbarians, and at that time his Truthful Listening Technique had been deceived by their Harmonious Light Secret Technique. The unpredictable Qing Lu was even more formidable. Silent, Chen Mu didn''t even know when the other was standing right behind him. With that thought, he couldn''t help but turn his head and look back. "The Qingdu Institution really harms people deeply," Chen Mu said with a wry smile. No wonder that chubby fellow disciple ran so fast. He probably got scared by the Qingdu Institution. "If I were secretly practicing the Five Ghosts Possession and the other was standing behind watching..." Hiss! Chen Mu couldn''t help shivering. He was afraid too. Chen Mu had many secrets; if someone were to track and investigate him so stealthily, it would be a disaster. "Can''t dig out the secret chamber, must stop cultivating, can''t take risks!" Having eaten his meal without much enthusiasm, he rushed to wash up and then returned to the second-floor bedroom. Not going to sleep, he hung the Truthful Listening Technique on his ear and started grinding away. ... Several days later. In front of the bamboo cottage, on the corridor. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair with his eyes closed, swaying back and forth. The bronze wind chime hanging in the southeast corner of the corridor clinked. In the distant woods, the collision of leaves created a rustling sound. His ears twitched slightly, carefully distinguishing the various sounds within five hundred meters. After a while, Chen Mu opened his eyes, satisfied, and looked at the grey wall. After days of contemplation, his Proficiency in Truthful Listening Technique had surpassed nine thousand. "It''s a pity I don''t dare to use it actively," Chen Mu shook his head. The passive version of the Truthful Listening Technique merely amplified his hearing, allowing him to hear more and further. The active version of the Truthful Listening Technique involved echo probing, requiring him to actively release his vital energy, then rely on his hearing to gather the feedback vibrations. Actively using it would net more experience but would also make it easier to be discovered. "Move away from Mist Smoke Mountain to practice?" "Forget it, what if I run into a demon?" Jia Tian: "..." Could you not say it in such a scary way?! ... "So, you''re the unlucky one?" In the Scripture Pavilion, a man in his forties looked sympathetically at Chen Mu. The unlucky one? Who are you calling that?! Chen Mu''s face soured. "Little Yuan really hit the jackpot with you, finding such an easy... scapego... cough cough, replacement." The middle-aged man looked regretful. "When will I have that kind of luck?" An easy mark, a scapegoat, is that what you were going to say?! Chen Mu pretended not to hear. If it weren''t for wanting to get some information from this colleague, he really felt like smacking the man upside the head. "Don''t blame me for talking nonsense." The middle-aged man sighed. "Our Qingdu Institution pays promptly and doesn''t ask for much, just to keep the Scripture Pavilion clean and tidy. He doesn''t care about anything else you do." "But... well..." He hadn''t finished speaking when a voice suddenly interrupted. "The Water Walking Secret Technique Area on the first floor needs cleaning." The middle-aged man shivered, his head not turning as he shrugged helplessly at Chen Mu. See? Chen Mu, however, couldn''t help but look. And he saw a lean old man standing quietly not far away, as if he had always been there. This time not directly behind me? Noticing the reaction of his middle-aged colleague across from him, Chen Mu was taken aback. After taking a careful look at Qing Lu''s position, his face involuntarily started twitching. Qing Lu might not have been standing directly behind him this time, but the position he did choose was in the blind spot of both himself and the middle-aged colleague''s lines of sight! Does this Qingdu Institution have a screw loose?! As Qing Lu slowly descended the stairs, Chen Mu muttered softly, "Hasn''t anyone talked to the Institution about this?" "Would you dare?" The middle-aged man cast a sideways glance at Chen Mu. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire "I wouldn''t dare?" Chen Mu said, feeling wronged. The old man from Qingdu Institution had a habit of coming and going like a phantom, his formidable strength clear for all to see. With his eternally stern face and his unapproachable demeanor, who would dare to offer suggestions to such a powerhouse. "There''s really no other way?" Chen Mu persisted, unwilling to give up. Being watched like that was too frightening. The middle-aged colleague suddenly became animated: "You could practice the Dust Avoidance Technique." "As long as you ensure the Scripture Pavilion is clean and tidy, the Institution won''t need to show up." "Including the time just now, the Institution has appeared twenty-one times today." "Do you know? My lowest record was twenty-four. With a bit of effort, maybe I can break that record today!" The middle-aged man''s face was full of excitement. What''s there to be excited about that?! "When my Dust Avoidance Technique is perfected, and the Scripture Pavilion is free of every speck of dust, perhaps the Qingdu Institution won''t come to scare people anymore." The colleague''s eyes brimmed with yearning. Haven''t they all learned to motivate themselves now? Chen Mu looked at his middle-aged colleague with pity, like looking at a middle-aged office worker who had been ground down by the corporate world in his previous life. "Really no other way?" The middle-aged colleague didn''t speak, only giving Chen Mu a meaningful look. Is that it...? Find another easy mark like me to take the fall? Chen Mu''s face instantly darkened. Chapter 373 Qi Mechanism Half a month later, at early dawn. Chen Mu lifted the thin blanket and sat up from his bed. He habitually activated the Truthful Listening Technique, but then froze in place. The swishing of tree leaves, the whooshing of the Gentle Breeze, the crackling of dry branches breaking, everything was so familiar. Yet beyond these familiar sounds, there was also a faint buzzing noise. The sound was not loud, but it filled the environment. Curiously following one of the buzzing sounds, he approached the window. A brilliantly blue butterfly quietly perched on the gray window frame. As if it sensed Chen Mu''s approach, the butterfly slowly opened its wings. The blue stripes on its wings became even more vivid and beautiful. "Life..." A sudden enlightenment emerged in Chen Mu''s mind. The vibrating hum was not an ordinary noise, but rather the unique life force of the creature itself! His gaze followed the butterfly as it took flight, looking into the distance. In the lush green sea of trees, the humming of various pitches was continuous but not chaotic, creating a harmonious beauty! Chen Mu involuntarily looked at the gray wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 1/10000/Seventh Rank; It was true! The Seventh Rank Truthful Listening Technique could not only hear ordinary sounds but also miraculously detect the sounds of individual life forms. Secret techniques could distort sight and cover up sounds, but they could not hide this unique rhythm of life. "Qingdu Institution, huh..." ... The next day, early in the morning. Chen Mu hurriedly ate breakfast and headed straight for the Scripture Pavilion. Upon entering, he looked up to see Qing Lu. The man sat solemnly behind the counter as usual, expressionless as he leafed through a book. Chen Mu nervously activated the Truthful Listening Technique. A buzzing vibration immediately filled his ears. "Great!" Chen Mu was exhilarated. The Seventh Rank Truthful Listening Technique indeed could capture Qing Lu''s life force! When Qing Lu sensed Chen Mu''s gaze, he couldn''t help but look up. "Is something the matter?" Something the matter? Of course, there was something. A great thing! Having spent nearly a month at Mist Smoke Mountain, he was on edge because of the enigmatic Qingdu Institution, always fearing the other party was lurking behind, discovering many secrets. But now, with the new Truthful Listening Technique to capture life''s rhythm, no matter how secretive the other''s movement technique, it could not escape his ears! This person was none other than the head of the Scripture Transmission Institute and a likely Condensing Aperture High Cultivator, a true dignitary of Jilong Road. At this moment, he caught a flaw of the other party, who was still unaware... Heh! "Good morning, Institution Head," Chen Mu greeted with a beaming smile. A Secret Technique? An illusionary clone? A fake? Impossible! Chen Mu remembered clearly that this secret shadow could take books from the shelf. It was not just a simple illusion. This is troublesome... Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire ... At dusk, outside the bamboo cottage''s long corridor. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup and sighing deeply. "The Truthful Listening Technique was a waste of effort!" The ability to hear the life force was indeed miraculous, but without hearing Qing Lu''s clone''s movements, he couldn''t resolve the current dilemma. "Am I being overly cautious?" He was just a small fry, while Qing Lu was a lofty High Cultivator. Would he bother to keep an eye on himself? Recalling the past month''s interactions. Aside from his sudden and terrifying appearances and disappearances, what struck him most was Qing Lu''s indifferent and serene demeanor. The most common sight was him sitting calmly behind the counter, reading a book. "Am I waging a battle of wits with thin air?" "Forget about Qing Lu, should I just get started?" Chen Mu gritted his teeth, tilted his head back to drain the cup of Replenishing Origin Soup, and with a surge of mana, activated... Giant Spirit Divine. In the end, he still didn''t dare to gamble. "The old ghost of the Sun Family still has his eye on me." "With my diligence and effort, plus a little help from the Proficiency of the gray wall, cultivating the Condensing Aperture should be no issue." "I can''t rush for quick success and ruin my future prospects." Chen Mu consoled himself silently. Feeling the flow of blood and mana, Chen Mu turned his head to look behind him. As black and red lights flickered, a three-meter-tall divine figure wearing red and gold armor emerged. Since he dared not cultivate the Netherworld Grand Summary, he had plenty of spare energy and time. Before he knew it, the Proficiency of the Fourth Rank Giant Spirit Divine had been farmed over five thousand times. The divine figure was now completely condensed from the waist up. Chen Mu turned back and immediately noticed the giant crimson eye in the middle of the divine figure''s head. It was less like an eye and more like a huge hole with a swirling vortex of crimson mist inside. If he looked too long, he felt as though he would be sucked into it. Apart from this eye occupying nearly half of the figure''s head, there were no other features on the square Chinaman''s face of the divine figure. Mystery, antiquity, and eeriness spread along his gaze, blanking his mind and forcing him to look away. "I wonder what existence this Secret Technique divine figure is modeled after. Just imitating its form already has such wonderful uses." "But this is still useless for the current predicament." Like the round-faced junior brother before, should he find a scapegoat to take his place and leave the Scripture Pavilion? He thought about it and then shook his head to dismiss the idea. The other courtyard was entering a period of great development, chaotic everywhere. But Mist Smoke Mountain''s Scripture Pavilion was one of the few places of tranquility and calm, exceedingly suited to his needs. Chen Mu squinted at the gray wall. "Then I should learn another secret technique for investigation." Chapter 374 Unexpected Joy Two days later. At the end of the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion. Chen Mu picked up a silk scroll from the top shelf, activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, and absorbed the dust from the crevices of the adjacent scrolls. After cleaning, he put the scroll back in its original place. He repeated this process until he reached the middle of the bookshelf, where five or six stacked scrolls appeared before his eyes. Chen Mu cleaned the dust as before, but in the end, he deliberately left one of the scrolls beside him. The next moment, Qing Lu''s voice emerged. "The third volume of ''The Mirror of Tongtian River Water'' is placed in the wrong position." Chen Mu turned around, bowed respectfully, and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Director." Immediately, he activated the Truthful Listening Technique and, as expected, caught the familiar aura from the first floor. "This place is the farthest from the counter on the first floor, and the entire octagonal wooden building is within the coverage of Qing Lu''s Secret Technique." Watching Qing Lu leave, Chen Mu continued his silent cleaning. At noon, Chen Mu used having lunch as an excuse to temporarily leave the Scripture Pavilion. After exiting the pavilion, instead of hurrying back to his bamboo building, he strolled slowly along the bluestone path outside the Scripture Pavilion. At the same time, he silently activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and absorbed the dust and loose soil from the side of the road, spreading it on the ground. Before long, a tall and thin young man in his twenties came up the mountain path, walked along the bluestone pavement with shoes full of dust, and hurried towards the Scripture Pavilion. As they brushed past, Chen Mu''s face showed nothing, but his Truthful Listening Technique firmly locked onto the young man. After the young man entered the doorway of the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Mu''s heart couldn''t help but lift. Yet, until he left the Scripture Transmission Institute area, Qing Lu did not appear. "That young man stepped on the loose soil. With Qing Lu''s cleanliness, he would have called me to clean it up under ordinary circumstances, but now..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Is it that he cannot or does not want to?" "Most likely, he does not want to," Chen Mu frowned. Old man Qing was someone who followed the rules; once Chen Mu had left the Scripture Pavilion, he wouldn''t bother him. However, this made it difficult to calculate the coverage of Qing Lu''s Secret Technique. ... After lunch. On the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion, in the Qimen Secret Arts District. Chen Mu stood between two rows of gray bookshelves. From the bottom shelf on the right side, one bright yellow scroll after another floated up, queuing in front of Chen Mu. "''Far Sight Technique,'' seeing dozens of miles as if they were before one''s eyes, a human-powered telescope?" "''Smell Identification Technique,'' distinguishing hundreds of scents, identifying people by smell, like a dog''s nose, heh..." "''Mirage Technique,'' mist forming a mirage decoy, this is far inferior to Qing Lu''s Secret Technique..." Chen Mu skimmed through the scrolls at a glance. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire He tried to find some clues about Qing Lu''s Secret Technique and it would be even better if he came across a targeted Investigative Secret Technique. The Scripture Pavilion was sparsely populated. Qing Lu: "..." This new scriptorium scholar... he doesn''t have any issues, does he? ... The next day. Scripture Pavilion third floor. "Don''t ask me again, I can''t help it. If there was a fool willing to take over, I would have quit this scriptorium scholar job long ago," a colleague in his forties said meaningfully while looking at Chen Mu. Who the heck are you looking at! I''m not the fool here! Chen Mu explained earnestly, "I actually quite like the job of a scriptorium scholar." The middle-aged colleague sneered: "Like it? With all the bizarre comings and goings in the Lower Courtyard, aren''t you scared?" "Not scared at all," Chen Mu said with an unfazed face. "Ha!" his middle-aged colleague said with disdain. "Don''t believe me?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Then he casually took a black leather-bound book that needed sorting and archiving from the other''s hand. With a whoosh, he threw it to a random spot. The middle-aged colleague only felt his scalp tingle, his eyes uncontrollably widening. But before he could figure out what was going on, a voice suddenly rang out. "''Records of the Hundred Thoughts of the Daoist Ancestor'' should be placed on the fourth shelf of the fourth layer." The middle-aged colleague immediately shuddered at the ghost-like sudden appearance of the voice. He quickly turned around to comply and swiftly corrected the placement of the wrong book. After watching Qing Lu leave, just as he turned to scold Chen Mu, he was met with Chen Mu''s grinning face: "Exciting, isn''t it?" The middle-aged colleague: "..." This guy... he must have some serious problem, right?! ... Chen Mu looked on with regret as his colleague left in disarray. He had wanted this colleague to help him test a few more times to get the hang of it. What a pity... Arriving on the second floor at the Qimen Secret Techniques District, Chen Mu continued flipping through the books. Meanwhile, the acupoint in the center of his brow twitched and he spread Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles around, encompassing a ten-meter radius. "If I wasn''t afraid to use Five Ghosts Possession, this range could be even greater... huh?" "It seems like it can be a bit larger indeed!" Thinking so, he tentatively spread Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles further outward. The secret acupoints in his chest and abdomen pulsed simultaneously, and Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles indeed expanded outwards! "What''s going on?!" Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles originated from the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, and it originally could only restrict at ten meters, but with Five Ghosts Possession, it could be amplified to a hundred meters. But now... "This must be two or three hundred meters, right?!" Chapter 375 Netherworld Atlas ``` Time flew, and Mist Smoke Mountain was tranquil, with three months passing in the blink of an eye. Twenty meters beneath the bamboo cottage, in a secret chamber about the size of two bedrooms, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a large, soft couch, his eyes closed. Next to him was a low, square table, on which a fist-sized incense burner wafted curls of blue smoke. Above his head, more than ten fist-sized jade spheres were embedded, whose inner glow-worms twinkled, casting a gentle light. In the corner, seven pots of sea heart pine were placed, their branches and leaves trembling slightly, as if breathing and purifying the air. After a good while, a low hum came from within Chen Mu''s body. Invisible ripples spread outwards like water waves, abruptly bending the vertical strands of blue smoke. Inside the Jade Seed, four layers of Netherworld Talismans nested closely together, while a perforated sphere of silver with hints of black rotated chaotically, somehow revealing a sense of orderly rhythm amidst the turmoil. "Success!" Chen Mu looked joyfully at the gray wall in front of him. Netherworld Grand Summary: 32/10000/Fifth Rank; After traveling from Jade Spring Mountain to Mist Smoke Mountain over seven or eight months, he had finally managed to solidify the fourth layer of talismans. The Jade Seed had expanded to the size of three fists, and his total mana had increased once more, allowing the Longitudinal Rainbow Light to lift Chen Mu up to the height of a three-story building. At the same time, in the vicinity of his back, almost opposite to his navel, a new secret orifice had appeared. "Heh, this Spirit Armor Technique..." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Although the wall indicated that the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was still at its limit, as he focused intently on that entry, insights began flooding into his mind. This inadvertently acquired secret technique had quietly advanced a significant step forward. "Is it an associated effect of the Netherworld Grand Summary, or is it influenced by the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain?" "I won''t turn into a ghost, will I?" The Spirit Armor Technique is a path for outsider sects to reincarnate into heavenly demons, aiming to cultivate the Heavenly Demon True Body, like that White Tower real person who once transformed into a black dragon. "If only I could really turn into a black dragon; at least that would be imposing." "But a mass of black smoke mixed with the howls of ghosts and wolves... That style is clearly crooked and unorthodox!" Chen Mu scratched his head. His dream of becoming a carefree sword immortal seemed to be getting further and further away. "Sigh... keep practicing." Whether it was the Netherworld Grand Summary or the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, there was no way he could stop practicing. Besides, the capability of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles that the Spirit Armor Technique granted him could see through the secret methods of Qing Lu! With these thoughts, an invisible exotic force unfolded, and in an instant, an invisible, intangible hemisphere with a diameter of over four hundred meters covered the surroundings of the bamboo cottage. "The range has increased? Good news!" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up with delight. The wider the area of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, the less he feared the Qing Lu''s secret techniques. As long as the opponent''s clone appeared, he would detect it immediately. "No matter how sophisticated your secret techniques, Qing Old Man, they won''t escape my Qi Forbidden surveillance!" ... After being pleased with himself for quite a while, Chen Mu called up the gray wall and started to review from top to bottom. Having been in this world for more than ten years, without realizing it, there was already a long list of entries on the gray wall. He looked down the list one by one. Writing: 2162/10000/Fourth Rank; A grey wall? That was a record board! "I owe what I have today all to myself! Yes!" ... Eagle Grief Cliff. Originally towering high into the clouds, the steep cliff unscalable by eagles was sheared in half. The lush green peaks had become dusty and bare. On the western side of the cliff, within a surviving pavilion. Strands of sunlight penetrated the collapsed roof, and dust particles floated silently in the light, ethereal and elusive. At a certain moment, the dust stirred violently with a sudden, low-pitched, urgent whistling, and a tall, thin figure appeared abruptly in the hall. "Yang Huan, you actually dare to show up before me, are you not afraid I''ll strike you down with a bolt of lightning." Sun Jian said coldly, staring at the shadows in the broken hall. "Strike me down? Heh... Don''t you want the Netherworld Atlas anymore?" Yang Huan smirked broadly, his face full of mockery. "If I kill you, the atlas is still mine!" Sun Jian''s right hand reached out from his wide sleeve, and a streak of lightning leapt between his fingers. "Tough talk is useless, if you have the ability, go rampage through the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and see if they will give you the Netherworld Atlas." Yang Huan sneered, "Without the gourd sword box as a knocking brick, you can''t even board their Cloud Bat Flying Ship!" Sun Jian''s face suddenly darkened. Yang Huan chuckled lightly, stepped out from the corner''s shadow, and approached the hall''s entrance. He looked out at the desolate Eagle Grief Cliff and clicked his tongue in wonder, "You guys from Jilong Road are really ruthless, to destroy an Earth Vein Spiritual Spring just to set up a Forbidden Law." "Don''t talk to me about the East Ridge barbarians, if it weren''t for you helping them along, how could Wei Donglai have broken through Eagle Grief Mountain?" "Besides, it''s no big secret that you exchanged the Five Qi Gathering Yuan Law Prohibition with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "Too many peaks interfere with setting the Forbidden Law, so you destroy one? These are mountains that can nurture Vital Energy. Tsk tsk, such a waste of heaven''s gifts." "Speak, what do you want me to do?" Sun Jian stepped beside Yang Huan and calmly asked. "Heh heh, it''s nothing much, just help plant a few restrictions, and destroy a few more Spirit Mountains." Yang Huan grinned, showing his teeth in a sly smile. "What, with Zhongshan Path gone and White Tower dead, you still want to take revenge for them?" Sun Jian said scornfully, "I can''t tell that you''re someone of emotion and righteousness." Yang Huan was nonchalant, "Emotion and righteousness? That stuff isn''t as valuable as the Dao Foundation Secret Method." Sun Jian fell suddenly silent. Indeed, what worth is emotion and righteousness in the face of the Dao? Sects and clans are also dispensable. "I need to see the Netherworld Atlas first." Sun Jian said indifferently, looking into the distance. Yang Huan immediately grinned, showing a mouthful of sharp white teeth. ... For a long while, the ruined hall was silent. Sun Jian stood alone at the entrance, glaring somberly at the barren mountains in the distance. "Who is behind Yang Huan? The remnants of Zhongshan Path? Or other sects from Yunzhou?" "Damn it! If it weren''t for the loss of the Spiritual Treasure, the gourd sword box, I wouldn''t be at Yang Huan''s mercy... Hm? The loss of the treasure gourd, could it be Yang Huan''s doing?!" Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire His eyes became piercingly sharp. "No wonder I''ve been unable to find any clues, Yang Huan!" It took a while before Sun Jian slowly regained his composure. "Since Yang Huan dared to show himself, there''s no need to think about retrieving the gourd sword box anymore." "The Dao Foundation Secret Method..." Sun Jian looked down at the bright yellow scroll in his hand, lost in thought, but soon he became alert and resolute. "Compared to the path of the Dao, Jilong Road is nothing." Chapter 377 Harvesting Thunder Mist Smoke Mountain, Misty Pavilion Firm, Qiankun Firm. This was already the fourth firm that Chen Mu had entered. "What can I get for you?" asked the burly owner, surprisingly gentle in both expression and speech, a stark contrast to his sturdy physique. Chen Mu nodded slightly at the owner and glanced around. Behind the counter, various goods were neatly arranged on the shelves. However, most were herbs and ores and other materials; the only elixirs present were Fasting Pills, and the magic artifacts were mostly minor auxiliary tools. Chen Mu was disappointed. Although the name Qiankun Firm sounded impressive, he guessed it was just a small firm, unlikely to meet his needs. "Does your shop have any Lightning Avoidance Magical Instruments?" he asked, not quite ready to give up. The middle-aged, robust owner apologized, "Such magical instruments are quite precious. Our store has just opened and we dare not deal with them. Perhaps you might want to check out the Hundred Treasures Pavilion." "I have already looked there," Chen Mu sighed. The Hundred Treasures Pavilion did have them, but those needed to be custom-ordered from the Upper Court Hundred Workshops Hall, and moreover, they were very expensive. Although he could afford the twenty or thirty thousand White Jade Coins, the time for customization was too long. Back and forth, it would take at least three or four months. "I need to head to Jilei Mountain to gather the Poisonous Miasma in a few days; I can''t wait that long," Chen Mu shook his head. "Although Jilei Mountain is prone to lightning, as long as you don''t go to the mountain tip, there''s no issue, sir. You need not worry and buy a magical instrument for protection," the broad-shouldered owner suggested with a smile. But what I need to guard against isn''t the heavenly thunder, but rather that old ghost Sun Jian, Chen Mu thought helplessly. Though the likelihood of being found was extremely low, he still couldn''t shake off the anxiety. The feeling of being locked on by the Kui Water Yin Thunder still sent shivers down his spine whenever he recalled it. "Just to be on the safe side," Chen Mu replied nonchalantly. Just as he was about to take his leave, the broad-shouldered owner called out to Chen Mu. "If the guest is just taking precautions, there''s truly no need to buy a Lightning Avoidance Magical Instrument." "They''re single-function and expensive; not worth the price." A thought struck Chen Mu, and he turned to look at the robust owner. "Consider the Thunder Gathering Charm from Goose Sheep Path," said the burly owner with a smile, pulling out a palm-sized rectangle talisman from his wide sleeve. The talisman was thin, seemingly made of some yellowish leather, densely covered with dark red star-pointed thread patterns. As the robust owner infused a bit of mana, wisps of bright silver lightning moved along the threads. At the mention of this, Sun Jian looked towards Yang Huan''s back, having already noticed the always-smiling chubby figure standing behind Yang Huan. "Li Yang Path?!" Sun Jian''s expression turned unsightly as he realized. So the remnants of Zhongshan Path had indeed defected to the Li Yang Path. No wonder they dared to provoke Jilong Road again. "Greetings, Elder Sun," Hui Ming greeted with a cordial smile in his broad golden silk red robe, his round chubby face beaming, "I heard that Elder Sun was secretly capturing people recently; do you have enough manpower? Do you need me to offer some support?" Sun Jian looked at him expressionlessly. Hui Ming waved his hands in a friendly manner, "I''m not here to rush Elder Sun to modify the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier. I just think that Elder Sun is exerting a lot of effort for little reward." "It''s been so long, and hunting for the gourd Sword Box is quite troublesome." "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect may not be so willing to simply hand over the Netherworld Atlas to you." "But we are different," Hui Ming said, his plump face filled with sincerity. As he spoke, he pulled out a palm-sized Bright Yellow Scroll from his wide sleeves. With a gentle lift of his hand, the scroll floated to Sun Jian. Without Sun Jian having to take it, it unfolded slowly. Seeing the contents of the scroll, Sun Jian''s pupils suddenly constricted, and he quickly grabbed the scroll to examine it closely. After a good while, he frowned and spoke with slight disappointment, "The prohibitions of the six connected mountains, Witch Cliff, and the Pen Holder Mountain have already been modified by me." "Jade Spring Mountain is the main Daoist training ground of the five mountains, with complex prohibitions. Mist Smoke Mountain has Liu Ling in charge, so we cannot make big moves. I need time." Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire Hui Ming nodded cheerfully, "Of course, we all understand the difficulties Elder Sun faces." "So, I leave it all to you." "This excerpt from the Yun Shen Daoist Foundation Atlas will serve as my greeting gift." Sun Jian nodded without showing any emotion, then turned into a beam of Escape Light and vanished into the horizon. "Will that old ghost really obey?" Yang Huan asked skeptically. Hui Ming continued to smile cheerfully, "That''s why I''m here. I gave him part of the Daoist Foundation Atlas to help boost his confidence." Yang Huan acknowledged noncommittally, "The Netherworld has six hundred paths, and your Yun Shen Daoist Foundation is only at the tail end. It''s not very tempting for Sun Jian." "Bait must not be too generous," Hui Ming replied jovially, "If he wants better, then he''ll have to continue cooperating with us." "In case he does find the Sword Box gourd..." Yang Huan narrowed his eyes. "What do you think, if the Sun Family junior gets hold of this treasure, would he hand it over to Elder Sun or come directly to me to trade for the Daoist Foundation Atlas?" Hui Ming''s face was full of deep meanings, "Our dear Elder Sun has always been domineering; aside from his direct descendants, the others have a hard time under his rule." Yang Huan''s mouth curled into a smile, "Daoist, you are truly astute!" Chapter 378 News Years passed, and the weather gradually warmed. The Inspection Courtyard''s interrogation scope became broader and broader, and while serving his duty in the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Mu overheard complaints several times. At first he was quite nervous, but later he gradually relaxed. The Sun Family might truly be unwilling to let things go, but the people handling affairs in the Inspection Courtyard didn''t care, they were only interested in collecting White Jade Coins. Thus, Chen Mu served his role as a book collator with ease, taking shifts every three days, and used the abundant time remaining to practice his magic and alchemy in the bamboo abode retreat. Two months flew by in the blink of an eye, and in the bamboo abode retreat''s porch, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, listening to the wind chimes tinkling, unfolding the gray wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7112/10000/Fifth Rank; Alchemy (Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill): 8280/10000; During this time, he put quite an effort into the Netherworld Grand Summary. The results were quite significant, looking at the experience values, in another two months, he should be able to level up again. "This level-up seems a bit different," said Chen Mu, touching his belly thoughtfully. Every layer he practiced in the Netherworld Grand Summary would open up a strange Mysterious Aperture on his body. With mana imbued with a black hue inside the Mysterious Aperture, he could invoke Five Ghosts Possession and cast Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. The previous four were located at the center of the forehead, chest, below the navel, and lower back respectively. The Mysterious Aperture produced by the fifth layer seemed to open inside his abdomen. And it seemed... to have a newfound affinity with the earth. "Could the Netherworld Grand Summary be related to the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique?" Ingesting demonic bloodlines, cultivating Spiritual Armor; comprehending the true intent of the bloodlines, discarding the useless and keeping the essence; then opening the Heavenly Demon Mysterious Aperture, and triggering the transformation. That''s the way of the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. The Mysterious Apertures on his body felt somehow related to the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. "Fortunately, even if there is a relation, it should only be incidental," Chen Mu said, looking at the silver-white Mysterious Aperture moving chaotically inside the Jade Seed and sighing in relief. "I''ve heard that those who practice the Heavenly Demon Technique are quite stubborn, after opening the aperture, they all actively seek out thunder, tsk tsk..." Being targeted once by the Kui Water Yin Thunder, he never wanted to face it a second time, let alone seek it out voluntarily. Insane! "No wonder it''s called a heretical and unorthodox approach, such crude methods." After pondering for a while and not arriving at a conclusion, Chen Mu decided to let nature take its course. He shifted his gaze to the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. After months of contemplation, the talismans involved in the All-Disease Pill had already been refined completely, he just needed to collect the Poisonous Miasma and start the alchemy process. ... Several days later, in the mountain ranges east of Mist Smoke Mountain.@@@@ Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a cliff. Looking around, clouds and mist entwined, with the sunlight occasionally piercing through the sea of clouds, only to be engulfed again by the mist in a blink of an eye. Waving away the faintly fishy mist, Five Ghosts Black Smoke tumbled about, and a palm-sized yellow gourd appeared in front of him. With eyes slightly closed, he stimulated the Five Elements Qi Absorption Talisman, embedding nineteen kinds of Poisonous Miasma talismans into it, transforming mana, and an invisible Exotic Force manifested. With a thought, this Exotic Force spread out like a fishing net, cast far into the sea of clouds below the cliff. Strings of fine gray-black particles arose, forming into lines. Like birds returning to their nest, they came before Chen Mu, unhurriedly drilling into the gourd reserved for collecting qi. In a short while, the bottom of the yellow gourd was stained black. This was the way the qi-storing gourd displayed the storage amount; when the gourd turned completely black, it meant it was full. About a quarter of an hour later, the poisonous miasma nearby the cliff had been thoroughly absorbed, refreshing the air significantly. The qi-storing gourd was also one-seventh black. "Gathering miasma isn''t as difficult as described in the Pill Scripture," Chen Mu sighed in relief. "Heh!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. With a wave of his hand, a cup of tea made with diluted Replenishing Origin Soup appeared on the low table. Little Baldy immediately grabbed it with both hands, smiling broadly. "Don''t blame me for being greedy, it''s just that Elder Brother''s skills are superior." "This Replenishing Origin Tea you''ve made is not only delicious but also strengthens the foundation and cultivates the vital essence. It''s truly a rare and nourishing medicinal food." While his mouth was full of flattery, his eyes were unblinkingly fixed on the wooden cup in his hand, the eagerness making Chen Mu''s heart skip a beat. Back then at Eagle Grief Cliff, that Senior Brother Liang who was turned into a ghost soldier by the Evil God Dong Yue showed the same longing for the Replenishing Origin Soup. This Little Baldy... "You haven''t sworn allegiance to any strange gods, have you?" "Swear allegiance to gods? Of course!" Jia Tian looked confused. "Ever since the founding of Da Qian, we''ve always worshiped Jade Spirit as the supreme deity, burning incense and offering sacrifices every festival and holiday." A national worship? That must be a righteous god. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief but was again curious, "What were you just thinking about?" "Elder Brother, if you openly sell this Replenishing Origin Tea, it would simply be like picking up White Jade Coins with a sack!" As he spoke these words, there was almost a light shining in his eyes! "Typical you," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. This Little Baldy, giving up on being a prince to delve into money-making tricks, hasn''t done a few shady dealings; he''s a downright crafty merchant. "Give it up," Chen Mu waved his hand, "It''s difficult to refine, hard to preserve, and it may even cause trouble. Stop thinking about it." "Tell me, anything new going on in the mountain recently?" Jia Tian shrugged his shoulders in regret. "Nothing new, but there''s an old matter that isn''t over yet." "The Sun Family?" "Who else but them?" Jia Tian laughed slyly. "I heard there''s a clue about the Sun Family''s treasure, leading many to secretly investigate. The five mountains of East Ridge are getting even more lively!" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, hoping the Sun Family hadn''t really found it. He feigned disbelief, "This clue isn''t in Mist Smoke Mountain, is it?" "Oh, that''s not it," Jia Tian gestured dismissively, "It hasn''t reached Mist Smoke Mountain yet." "What do you mean?" Chen Mu was a bit confused. "At first, it was said to be at the peak of Pen Rack Mountain, then they said at the base of Pen Rack Mountain, and two days ago the rumor was that it''s hidden in a spiritual spring in some mountain among the Six Connecting Mountains." "I reckon it''s going to take a few more days before it''s Mist Smoke Mountain''s turn." "That treasure has legs now, doesn''t it?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh and cry. So after all that, it was completely baselessscared me for a moment. "Aside from delivering goods, I came today also to say farewell. I''m off to the Six Connecting Mountains," Jia Tian said regretfully, "In the coming days, I won''t be able to purchase items for Elder Brother personally; I''ll have to send my trading company''s guys to do it." "You''re also interested in the Sun Family''s treasure now?" Chen Mu looked at him sideways. "Heh heh, what I''m eying is the treasures on the people looking for the Sun Family''s treasure," Jia Tian said smartly. "People are taking advantage of the chaos to rob and kill?" Chen Mu suddenly understood; Little Baldy was interested in their ill-gotten gains. "Elder Brother, while you''re cultivating in the mountains, also be cautious about your safety," Jia Tian advised. "Ah! I''m just a humble scholar, as poor as a church mouse; how could trouble find its way to me?" Chen Mu replied confidently. All these years, he had kept a low profile, shapeshifting whenever he left home, wasn''t that exactly for moments like now? Who would take notice of such an almost invisible person like him? Chapter 379 Assault "I asked around, this guy is just a minor clerk, poor as a church mouse, nothing to squeeze, Uncle Three." Sun Chengzong looked puzzled at Sun Wujiu beside him. "Shut your mouth!" Sun Wujiu, clad in a black robe, stood in the shadows of the trees, his face full of dissatisfaction as he scolded: "Have you forgotten the purpose of our journey!" Sun Chengzong rolled his eyes: "It''s been so long, that Sword Box gourd has long been out of sight." "Even if we really find the precious gourd, won''t it be the direct descendants of the main house who get the privilege to nurture the Flying Sword? We... pfft!" Sun Chengzong grumbled discontentedly. Sun Wujiu remained silent, calmly looking at a weed under his feet. After a long while, he finally spoke indifferently, "Set up the Isolation Barrier Technique as quickly as possible." Sun Chengzong became even more impatient: "Why bother with such a huge effort, just go and kill him." "This man is different." Sun Wujiu mysteriously looked at the corner of the bamboo building faintly visible in the dense forest. Sun Chengzong sneered in disdain: "What''s so different about him?" "He knows alchemy, and he teaches others alchemy, you tell me what''s different about him?" Sun Wujiu glanced at him dismissively and said indifferently. "Alchemy?" Sun Chengzong rejoiced: "A fat sheep indeed!" "I knew it, at such a critical moment, why would Uncle Three personally oversee the battle for just a minor clerk!" "We''re going to make a fortune!" "Quick, quick, quick, go set up the Isolation Barrier Technique." More than ten figures in black robes suddenly dashed out from the woods behind, sprinting in different directions. Before long, a layer of Exotic Force slowly rose within the dense forest. The moonlight above seemed to distort slightly, and the slight chirping and tweeting in the woods also gradually disappeared. The black-clothed people returned one by one in succession. "An alchemist not going to Pill Treasure Pavilion but choosing to be a clerk? Quite the hideout." Sun Chengzong shook his head amusedly and looked curiously at Sun Wujiu: "Say, Uncle Three, how did you notice him?" "It''s not worth mentioning," Sun Wujiu waved his hand. "Come on, tell us, the kid can''t run away anyway." Sun Chengzong grinned. "Yeah, tell us, I''m not running away anyway." A strange voice suddenly echoed from behind everyone. Sun Wujiu''s face changed instantly, as if locked on by a great demonic beast, a shudder of terror abruptly swept over him! Not good! Before he could make a sound, a strong force suddenly struck his lower back. Excruciating pain followed, feeling as if he''d been snapped in half at the waist his body involuntarily bending backward into a bow shape. The overwhelming force gave Sun Wujiu no chance to react, and he was suddenly sent flying. Everyone watched Sun Wujiu vanish abruptly, stunned in place! Sun Chengzong also paused in shock, his face quickly turning pale. Just as he was about to act, an invisible Exotic Force descended from the sky upon him. He was like an insect trapped in amber, his struggles futile as he was immobilized on the spot. A shadow slowly rose behind him, gradually enveloping him. Sun Chengzong struggled to turn his eyes backward, but he could see nothing. "Senior, could there be some misunderstanding here?" he tried to maintain his composure. "We are here to capture a petty thief who stole something from my Sun Family ancestor." "If we have disturbed the senior''s cultivation, we deeply apologize." "Tomorrow my Sun Family will surely bring generous gifts to apologize and make amends." Sun Chengzong spoke earnestly. Old Ghost Sun''s temperament was just like his Thunder Law, domineering. Would he apologize? "I think he''s more likely to come here to accuse us," Chen Mu chuckled lightly. "How could that be!" Sun Chengzong hurriedly explained, "My Sun Family has always upheld the teaching that it''s better to resolve grudges than to create them. We''ve always been kind to others, elder, believe me!" Chen Mu''s face involuntarily darkened, "Quietly killing your enemy to settle a vendetta, is that it?" That was exactly what Sun Wuhuan had done! Sun Chengzong''s scalp tingled instantly. This man bore a grudge against the Sun Family! Which bastard created this feud with this man, Sun Chengzong wondered indignantly in his heart. Why hadn''t they just killed this guy! "The barrier you set up, it isolates the inside from the outside, right?" Chen Mu suddenly smiled with amusement, "Which means, whatever happens here, people outside won''t notice, right?" Sun Chengzong''s heart skipped a beat, "No, no, no, you can''t hurt us, otherwise my family''s ancestor won''t let you off!" "Heh, is there a possibility that he never intended to let me go?" If the main family branch knew that he had the Sword Box, they might simply pin Sun Wuhuan''s death on him, then seize the opportunity to plunder all the resources he held! "Our ancestor Sun Jian is not someone who reasons," Chen Mu said ominously, "Do you think he''d listen to your excuses?" Sun Wujiu couldn''t help but clench his fists. "The Sword Box is valuable, are you truly willing to give it to me?" It worked! Chen Mu felt elated, "I''m indeed taking a loss here. Of course, it would be even better if you could inform me of any movements within the Sun family." So that''s it, after all, afraid of Sun Family''s retaliation, Sun Wujiu suddenly understood. If that''s the case... "Done!" Chen Mu instantly heaved a sigh of relief. "Straightforward!" "Let''s swear with a high five, to advance and retreat together," Sun Wujiu walked over to Chen Mu, solemnly raising his right hand. Chen Mu also extended his hand seriously, "From now on, we''re allies!" Smack. Their palms gently touched. Sun Wujiu immediately grinned ear to ear. "Yin Binding Seven Kills!" Grey threads instantly burst forth from his palm, quickly spreading upwards along Chen Mu''s arm. A chilling aura abruptly enveloped Chen Mu''s entire body, as if his life force would be frozen in an instant. "Why do you think I''ve been talking to you for so long?" "I feared you''d escape underground," Sun Wujiu said, laughing heartily as he watched Chen Mu bound by the grey threads in an instant. "What are you thinking? How do you plan to free yourself?" Sun Wujiu asked with interest, staring at Chen Mu. "Once you''re trapped by my Yin Binding Seven Kills, even infinite strength from the Heavenly Demon Path would not allow you to escape." "It''s impossible for you!" Sun Wujiu, leisurely, "Just tell me where the gourd is, and I can grant you a quick end." "Otherwise, once you are corroded by the Yin Killing Curse, spoiled blood polluting your mana, you''ll find it''s a fate worse than death." "Not talking? Feeling indignant? Try struggling then," Sun Wujiu said mockingly. "My Sun Family moves in secrecy; no one knows." "Additionally, with an Isolation Barrier Technique in place, no one will discover what happens here." "I have all the time in the world to play with you." "So, this means no one knows you came here tonight, right?" Chen Mu, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. Sun Wujiu''s brow furrowed slightly, "What do you mean?" The corner of Chen Mu''s mouth suddenly curved up, "It means that if you die here, the Sun Family wouldn''t know who killed you, right?" "You?" Sun Wujiu suddenly felt something was amiss; the man before him was far too composed, his expression hadn''t changed once since being restrained! "Why do you think I listened to you ramble on for so long?" Chen Mu grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp white teeth. "I feared you''d fly away!" Five Ghosts Possession! In an instant, Chen Mu''s body swelled with power, shattering the Yin Binding Killing Curse that bound him, each thread snapping apart! The continuous grating sound of the curse breaking made Sun Wujiu shudder uncontrollably. This could only happen if the opponent''s mana and strength far exceeded his own by more than five times! Before he could react, the hand that was touching his suddenly swelled up. Its skin undulated, and the muscles beneath writhed like countless snakes, pushing and twisting, melding and tangling together. In the blink of an eye, the hand became as large as a fan. Crack! The air resounded explosively. That fan-sized hand instantly grasped his within its palm. A voice as rough as a chorus of a thousand shouts abruptly rang out above. "Caught me? No, no, no..." "It''s me who''s caught you!" Chapter 380 Idea ``` "Spiritual Light Body Protection!" Sun Wujiu''s body suddenly lit up with a layer of lustrous white spiritual light, and his right hand shone even more dazzlingly. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu felt as if he were clutching a large, slippery fish in his hand. A huge, resilient yet slippery force abruptly surged from the palm of his hand. The fist that he had been holding firmly was slowly being pried open! "Trying to escape? Too late!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. A dark red vortex suddenly emerged behind him. The red light twisted and deformed, instantly transforming into an armored deity figure. His already formidable strength doubled once again. Squeak, squeak! Accompanied by a grating noise, The rapidly expanding protective spiritual light on Sun Wujiu''s hand was immediately squashed by Chen Mu. Feeling that overwhelming strength, unlike anything human, Sun Wujiu''s face twisted in ferocity. His left hand suddenly covered in a gray glow, he chopped at his right arm, severing it completely at the root. "Yin Wind Curse Technique!" With a loud shout, the severed arm instantly turned into a gray wind tornado, which swiftly engulfed Chen Mu within. The gray wind was chilling and sharp. As it swept across the trees, their vitality was shredded and drained in an instant. The lush green leaves on the branches, as if scorched by a scorching sun and pelted by countless hailstones, became dry and tattered in the blink of an eye. Sun Wujiu, however, did not even glance back. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! With just a thought, white fluorescent light rapidly circulated around his body. Like a bullet drawn to its limit on a slingshot, he shot straight into the sky. He had no desire for the gourd-shaped sword box; his only thought was to kill Chen Mu to avenge his severed arm. "As long as I break through the Isolation Barrier Technique, I can alert the elder ancestor!"@@@@ "With the elder ancestor''s intervention, we can definitely capture this bastard." Sun Wujiu was full of hatred. In a flash, dozens of torture secret techniques emerged in his mind. But just as he flew into midair, a massive force suddenly bore down on him. That invisible power, like a huge hand, grabbed him and held him firmly in midair, rendering him immovable. He turned his head abruptly. All he saw was the gray tornado, like a tangled mess with countless huge snakes, bulging from internal collisions throughout the wind mass. Pop! A pair of clasped hands suddenly pierced through the tornado, followed by a fierce rip to either side. The Yin Wind Curse Technique, for which he had sacrificed an arm, was instantly torn apart. A five-meter-tall monster giant, with indigo skin and bulging muscles, burst out of the wind mass. "Really?" Chen Mu pretended to be surprised. "I heard it''s the head of a branch of the Sun Family." Master Ma chuckled, "Suddenly disappeared, alive without a trace, dead without a body. It only happened a few days ago." "Ah, Elder Sun must be furious, right?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly for more information. "I heard he made a fuss on the mountain tops, then went to other mountains. But in the end, he still didn''t find the person." Master Ma curled his lips, "That''s what his Sun Family gets for being so arrogant and tyrannical. Who knows, they might have offended some High Cultivator. By now, maybe even their ashes have been scattered." "Indeed, indeed, it''s better to keep a low profile," Chen Mu agreed wholeheartedly. Otherwise, there wouldn''t be even ashes left. While they chatted, the two men had finished building the foundation. They waved from a distance and then went straight to the edge of the clearing to chop wood and trees, using local materials. "It''s a pity you burned all the trees around here; otherwise, we could have saved a lot of work," Master Ma said regretfully, looking at a large area of scorched plants not far away. I had no choice but to burn them. Those plants had been affected by the Yin Wind of Sun Wujiu, showing obvious symptoms. Leaving them would be a flaw. "Well, you know me, I can''t feel right if I don''t burn something every day while cultivating pills," Chen Mu shrugged. "That''s a really strange habit you have," Master Ma glanced sidelong. "I don''t want to either," Chen Mu laughed, "but what can I do if those twigs and branches always get in my way and are so bothersome?" ... Master Ma was truly skilled in constructing pavilions in the Hundred Workshops Hall. As expected, he completed the wooden building by evening. Seeing off the three men, Chen Mu walked into the wooden building on the first floor to inspect it. The building was seven or eight meters long and wide, with windows on both sides, five or six meters from the south to the north, and doors at the front and back. Spacious and airy, there was no need to fear that the miasma or poison smoke would linger. The second floor had a similar layout, only with the addition of a bed, suitable for a brief rest or sleep. It was not convenient enough for long-term living, but as a lodge for alchemy practice, it was more than sufficient. "More than anything, it''s to deceive others." This clearing was the main battlefield where Sun Wujiu and others were killed. Luckily, I acted swiftly that night without leaving much evidence. Then I removed all the plants, bamboo, and rocks that were affected by the battle, and used fierce fire to burn and erase the traces. But an abrupt clearing would always be somewhat conspicuous, hence I built a wooden building under the pretext of needing it for alchemy. Tomorrow, I''ll deliberately spread some poisonous miasma and work on several batches of All-Disease Pills. Then, I''ll set up signs around it prohibiting people from approaching due to the miasma. Clean up the traces, disguise the scene, and the job is done! "Sun Jian''s running around like a headless fly on each mountain peak, obviously unaware of Sun Wujiu''s whereabouts. This is good." But recalling Sun Wujiu''s suspicion and test, I remained somewhat worried. "If Sun Wujiu could suspect me, could it be that others are also suspecting me?" There''s never a shortage of smart people in the world. Chen Mu looked at the darkening sky outside the window, his thoughts swirling. "East Ridge is becoming increasingly lively, and one could easily get involved in trouble if not careful." "I have the Condense Aperture Secret Method and can perform alchemy to earn White Jade Money. What I lack is a stable environment to cultivate." A thought suddenly flashed through my mind. "What if I were to leave East Ridge..." Chapter 381 Alchemy Three days later. On the mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, to the west side of the Administrative Affairs Institute. Chen Mu followed the markings on the wooden token and slowly walked into the Bamboo Garden. According to the notice at the entrance of the Administrative Affairs Institute, the Bamboo Garden was responsible for the inter-regional deployment of personnel. Whenever a Lower Courtyard was short of people, the news would be sent to the Bamboo Gardens of all the Administrative Affairs Institutes immediately. The Bamboo Garden would then arrange for staff to be sent to the Lower Courtyards that were short of people through missions. His purpose in coming here today was to see if there was a suitable job that would allow him to leave the Five Mountains of East Ridge. After all, killing Sun Wujiu was a hidden danger. Upon entering the room, Chen Mu quickly glanced around. Two openwork screens stood on either side of the entrance, dividing the house into two small and separate compartments on the east and the west. Inside, it looked like a study, with bookshelves, desks, and writing materials all available. At the moment, two people were talking inside the western compartment. Chen Mu took a quick peek and then headed straight for the eastern compartment. There, a bald middle-aged man in his forties was sitting behind the desk. The man was dressed in black, with droopy eyelids and an indifferent face. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire Without waiting for Chen Mu to speak, the bald middle-aged man stretched out his hand impatiently, "Give me your Identity Jade." Chen Mu, having inquired about the procedures, was prepared and quickly handed over his Jade Token. The other party took the Jade Token, and a flicker of pale light flashed in his eyes: "Can you refine Fasting Pills?" "Yes," Chen Mu nodded. The bald middle-aged man''s expression became more cordial upon hearing this, "Which mountain would you like to go to?" "I don''t know, are there places outside of East Ridge that need Fasting Pills to be refined?" Chen Mu asked calmly. "You want to go to another Lower Courtyard?" The bald middle-aged man furrowed his brow. Without waiting for Chen Mu to explain, the man''s face lit up with realization, "Right, over here in East Ridge refining Fasting Pills only pays out in White Jade Coins. To earn Daoist Cultivation, you really do need to go to other Lower Courtyards." Was there such a thing? Chen Mu was surprised in his heart. When he had come to Mist Smoke Mountain, it was mainly to cultivate in peace. Apart from the facade of being a Scripture Transmitting Pavilion Scholar, it had been a long time since he had refined pills for the Administrative Affairs Institute, and he had not expected such changes. However, it''s good not to get Daoist Cultivation! With this excuse, I could legitimately leave the Five Mountains of East Ridge. "It''s a bit tricky," the bald middle-aged man frowned: "Your request covers all the Lower Courtyards in Jilong Road, and it''s not easy to find a suitable task on short notice." "Thank you for your effort," said Chen Mu as he stepped forward, took out a grey cloth bag from his sleeve, and quietly placed it next to the pen stand at the corner of the desk. The bald middle-aged man swept it into his sleeve, and his brow immediately relaxed: "Then I''ll help you look into it." As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned back slightly, rolling his eyes upward. Then, dense tiny points of silver-white light began to emerge from the base of his eyes. Those points leapt and whirled about, like a myriad of stars in the night sky. Chen Mu watched the man''s eyes with amazement. In the past, whether it was at Tongtian River Lower Courtyard or the Five Mountains of East Ridge, he would find work locally. The staff who assigned tasks at those Administrative Affairs Institutes needed to look through current records and search physically. A muted thump sounded, and Chen Mu sighed, a look of regret on his face. "Just a bit more..." With a flick of his mana, the lid of the Pill Furnace popped up and floated midair. A cloud of grey smoke immediately rose and spread out. He waved his hand to create a gust of wind, fanning the failed miasma out of the room. While using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to clean the Pill Furnace, Chen Mu reflected on the process. Despite some disappointment, he was not discouraged. The number on the grey wall told him that although he had failed just now, he had gained quite a bit of experience. At this stage, he had mastered all the Essence Talismans to extract the essence of the Poisonous Miasma, the Through-Rhino Talismans for absorbing miasma, and the Golden Bead Talismans for pill formation. "I just need to familiarize myself with the fusion conditions such as Qi Forbidden and Thunder Sound needed for the All-Disease Pill, and I will be able to succeed in one fell swoop," Chen Mu thought as he consulted the grey wall. Alchemy (Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill): 8280/10000; "Almost there." After a short rest, he once again added Poisonous Miasma and the essence of Earth Spirit Rhino Horn into the furnace and began another alchemy attempt. With previous experience, the control of the Wind Fire Pivot Charm and Qi Forbidden Thunder Sound became more proficient. In just a quarter of an hour, the Primordial Furnace suddenly trembled. Sensing through his mana into the furnace, Chen Mu''s tense face immediately relaxed. He quickly opened the lid of the furnace, using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to capture his creation. An All-Disease Elixir Pill the size of a quail egg, grey and semi-transparent, appeared before his eyes. "Success!" ... Outside the Alchemist Bamboo Tower, a rocking chair was placed beside the east-facing window. Chen Mu lay in the chair, examining the newly minted All-Disease Pill in his hand. He could clearly feel a subtle force that, centered on the Elixir Pill, was circulating back and forth around him. Under this force, the pale grey mist that was initially lingering near the bamboo tower was being drawn slowly towards Chen Mu. As it approached within three meters of him, it was collected by an invisible force, turning into fine, invisible threads that entered the All-Disease Pill and disappeared. "The All-Disease Pill itself absorbs the miasma, and when released through a special method, it can even continue to be used to refine All-Disease Pills. Tsk tsk..." "What an ingenious idea, Uncle Master Rong Qiu has quite the skill." After pondering for a while, Chen Mu put away the pill. "Having succeeded in making the All-Disease Pill, it counts as accomplishing a major task." "Now I should ponder how to leave Mist Smoke Mountain." Currently a Scripture Transmitting Pavilion Scholar, if he wanted to leave, he first needed to find a replacement. But the pay for Scholars at Mist Smoke Mountain was too low, and the head of the institute, Qing Lu, was a perfectionist with a mania for cleanliness, with many requirements. Apart from someone like him who wasn''t lacking in White Jade and wanted a peaceful cultivation environment, there really weren''t many who would take the job. Moreover, with the recent development of East Ridge, there were many ways to earn White Jade Coins. In such times, finding someone to take over this arduous duty... "That''s going to be a bit difficult." Chapter 382 Inventory Several days later, in front of the bamboo building retreat, a square table was placed beside the eastern window of the porch. In the center of the table, there were dishes such as mashed garlic with white pork slices and scallion pork ribs, a mix of three meats and two vegetables. Next to it, a flat bamboo basket piled high with secret-recipe pies. These past few days, he had been busy with refining All-Disease Pills to gain experience, consuming nothing but Replenishing Origin Soup and Fasting Pills. Today, having reached a milestone, he immediately made himself a satisfying feast to appease his cravings. Like a whirlwind cleaning up, he released Five Ghosts Paper Man to wash the dishes and clean the plates. Chen Mu leaned against the porch pillar, letting the gray wall appear before his eyes. "The Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill experience value has reached its limit; these seven-eight days of focused training were not in vain." For the first five or six days, he refined one pill at a time to increase the frequency of alchemy and raise his proficiency. Once the experience was maxed out, he let loose and, in two days, used up all the poisonous miasma stored in the gourd, reaping more than eighty All-Disease Pills. "Once I find the time to sell them, it will be another sum of White Jade Money." Chen Mu chuckled for a while, then his gaze moved to another column. Netherworld Grand Summary: 8702/10000/Fifth Rank; The Netherworld Grand Summary was fundamental; he allocated time every day to cultivate it. As his experience increased, he underwent a silent transformation. His mana became more potent, his physique more robust, and his Five Ghosts Possession grew increasingly formidable. "In less than a month, I should be able to complete the current stage." After mulling over his progress for a while, Chen Mu shifted his gaze again. Giant Spirit Divine: 66/10000/Fifth Rank; "This secret technique seems to be no simple matter." The technique originated from the six Wu Mountain siblings and was initially treated as an ordinary Secret Technique. Later, he discovered it could consume the excess vital energy from Replenishing Origin Soup and assist in cultivating the Netherworld Grand Summary to a certain extent, so he included it in his daily mandatory routine. Accumulated over time, the progress was always steady. As the rank rose, its unique properties began to manifest. At the thought, a red vortex swirled behind him, and a figure clad in golden red armor, over three meters tall, a half-body deity statue, emerged. At the same time, a series of secret technique information flooded into his mind. "Fifth Rank secret technique, capable of bestowing a twofold increase in strength to the practitioner, based on the state of the practitioner at the time of casting the technique." "Does that mean if I initiate Five Ghosts Possession first and then activate Giant Spirit Divine, the secret technique will amplify based on my state after Five Ghosts Possession?!" Even though he had a premonition, he still felt an incredible sense of disbelief. Chen Mu couldn''t help but suddenly clench his fist, squeezing a dull booming sound out of the air. "No wonder I easily tore through Sun Wujiu''s Yin Binding Seven Kills." "At that time, the Giant Spirit Divine was only Fourth Rank, enhancing only by one fold! If the Giant Spirit Divine is cultivated to the limit..." "Hiss!" The earlier Truthful Listening Technique already surprised him; now, the Giant Spirit Divine also showed its mystery. What about the secret techniques of the others? "It seems I should meet with the six Wu Mountain siblings before leaving East Ridge." ... Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu sat on the soft couch, opening and inspecting Mustard Seed Talismans one by one. In front of him lay a low table filled with medicinal herbs, ores, animal hides, talismans, and other miscellaneous items, while several flying swords lay on the ground next to the soft couch. These items were all from killing Sun Wujiu and the others. "That position of a scholarette at Mist Smoke Mountain, there are not many willing to take it." On the western side of the bamboo building''s veranda, Jia Tian sat by a low table, shaking his head continuously. Chen Mu''s face was indifferent, "Pay them." "It''s only because it''s you, Senior Brother; otherwise, I wouldn''t take this job," Jia Tian said with a look of righteous indignation. Tsk, just look at that money-grubbing face of yours. "Qing Lu''s courtyard in the capital has profound strength; it won''t do to just fool around with any replacement," Chen Mu worried. This little baldy had followed Shang Huan and learned only bad things in the past. For the sake of White Jade Money, he''d often sold substandard goods as high quality. "You wouldn''t believe how many warriors from Da Qian are here in East Ridge, it''s simply a matter of reaching out to find someone careful and clean; it''s not hard," Jia Tian expressed with confidence. "Yeah, I almost forgot; besides being a crafty merchant, you also have the title of a little prince," Chen Mu commented, looking at the other party lazily over the low table. The little baldy humbly waved his hands, "It''s nothing, not worth mentioning!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes, unable to help it. "Try to get it done within a month, preferably before the next cloud bat airship arrives." "Senior Brother is leaving East Ridge," Jia Tian''s smile vanished. Chen Mu nodded calmly; he just wanted to find a peaceful space to cultivate. "In that case, this time, I won''t take money for it," Jia Tian sighed. Chen Mu''s eyebrows rose. Not taking money? Has the sun risen from the west? "What is that look, Senior Brother!" Jia Tian exclaimed with a look of offense. Chen Mu didn''t say anything, just kept giving him a sidelong glance. "Hehe, according to those chaps who help you with purchasing and delivery, Senior Brother, you''ve been researching new elixir pills recently, right?" Jia Tian rubbed his hands, "My shop hasn''t been open long and could really use some top-quality items to draw customers. So, you see..." That''s more like it. But... "You''re not selling fakes in your shop, are you?" "That I can''t do," Jia Tian said with conviction, "well, let me put it this way: my shops have never had a single return." Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire Why does that line sound so familiar? Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian with suspicion. Forget it, if this little baldy really dared to sell fakes in his shop, he''d just be smashing his own signboard. In the end, he''d be the one at a loss. Chen Mu shook his head and no longer pondered over it, taking out the All-Disease Pills he had practiced making a few days earlier. "I can sell you the medicines, but you''d better hurry up with finding a replacement," he said. "Don''t worry!" "I will certainly sort it out perfectly for you!" Chapter 383 Mutation Chen Mu entrusted Jia Tian to find someone for a shift substitution, thinking it would take a long time. But only three days later, Jia Tian appeared in front of him with a burly man in tow. The man was rough in appearance, but his temperament was gentle and soft. And in the mundane world of Da Qian, he had worked as a Document Keeper, protecting and organizing literature and archives. Being a mere junior proofreader would be as easy as turning his hand over. After confirming the handover for the next day, the muscular man took his leave, his actions and demeanor proper and polite, creating quite a contrast with his robust frame. Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian in surprise, "I must say, you''ve outdone yourself finding such a suitable candidate so quickly." "For my fellow apprentice, of course I must go all out, sparing no effort!" Jia Tian declared righteously. Chen Mu didn''t speak, merely watching Jia Tian''s ''performance'' with a sidelong glance. "Hehe! I''ll still need to trouble the fellow apprentice to refine a few more batches of the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills." Saying this, Jia Tian tapped his Mustard Seed Talisman lightly, and a brown square wooden box materialized. He held it in his hands and placed it on the low table beside Chen Mu, opening it with a cheerful smile for Chen Mu to see. A box full of warm, lustrous White Jade appeared before him. Chen Mu''s eyebrows raised involuntarily, "Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills are selling well?" There were at least six to seven hundred White Jade Coins in this box. "Mainly because the Upper Court brothers aren''t short on money," Jia Tian laughed. Chen Mu suddenly understood.@@@@ He hadn''t expected so many Upper Court disciples to come to East Ridge Five Mountains; it seemed the Upper Court really was rather competitive. "Fellow apprentice, you see..." "I''m only responsible for the alchemy, and moreover, no one else can know these pills are my work," Chen Mu laid out his terms. The profits from the All-Disease Pill were clearly substantial. But with greater profits came more complications. He needed someone else to take the front line. "Then in terms of splitting the profits, you''ll have to yield a little to me," Jia Tian agreed without a care, immediately starting to haggle. Chen Mu looked at him in amazement. This bald-head had no fear of potential risks? "Being the young noble lord for so many years wasn''t for nothing, hiding a few things from prying eyes is nothing hard," Jia Tian said as he rubbed his bald head, showing a self-satisfied grin. Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle. Jia Tian had been in East Ridge for just two to three years. Initially, he was so poor that he was worse off than the farming warriors who came from Da Qian. Yet now, he was trading across the Five Mountains and owned his own store. Thinking a bit about this fellow''s path to wealth, Chen Mu had to admit, he was indeed no ordinary person. "You gather the materials as quickly as possible." "I won''t be staying in East Ridge for much longer." "How much we can earn this time will depend on how many materials you can find for me to use in alchemy." ... Jia Tian was clearly well-prepared. The very next day, he brought Chen Mu ten qi-storing gourds, filled with the poisonous miasma from Mist Smoke Mountain. He also delivered a bamboo basket of Earth Spirit Rhino Horns. Chen Mu suspected that Jia Tian had bought up all the rhino horns from Mist Smoke Mountain. "I''ve already taken care of the handover duties of the junior proofreader for you at the Administrative Affairs Institute." "I will handle all your daily dietary purchases." Besides, he would be leaving East Ridge in a few days, so no matter how chaotic it got, it would have nothing to do with him. And who would bother with someone as inconspicuous as a former junior scholar? Thinking this, Chen Mu''s mind relaxed, and he leaned back comfortably into the rocking chair. ... Nights passed. The night sky was as clear as if it had been washed. Bright moonlight spilled over, turning a large portion of the porch floor a glowing white. Chen Mu finished his daily cultivation, emerged from underground, slipped into the rocking chair at the door and basked in the moonlight while idling. As usual, he held a cup of green tea-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, tilting his head to gaze at the sky, "The night sky in this world is truly the most beautiful." "I wonder just how far away these stars up there are." He once read a diverse book in the Scripture Pavilion titled "Records of Peculiar Tales by the Ancestor Baiyi." It said that when the heavens and earth first opened, demons invaded. The Ancestor Baiyi, unwilling to let living beings suffer, waved his hands to create billions of stars in the Beyond Heaven, guarding the world and stopping the chaos wrought by otherworldly demons. "It sounds so mystical; I don''t know if it''s true or false." In this world, where one can cultivate immortality and become an ancestor, maybe mythological tales are indeed factual records. "I truly wish I could fly up there and see for myself," Chen Mu said longingly, looking up at the sky. But as he gazed, he suddenly noticed an abrupt appearance of a cloud that was so immense it blotted out the sun and moon. "Is there a storm brewing?" "That isn''t right though; doesn''t it seem to be moving too swiftly?" This reminded him of the chaos at Eagle Grief Cliff. As his thoughts turned, the cloud had already reached directly overhead, obscuring the star and moonlight and plunging Mist Smoke Mountain into darkness. The next moment, the dark sky suddenly brightened with countless dark red fireballs, bursting forth eagerly from within the cloud and raining down upon Mist Smoke Mountain like meteorites. "Someone is attacking the mountain!" Chen Mu leaped up at once, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man swiftly burrowed into the room. Billows of black smoke rolled in, as if having rehearsed countless times before, swiftly engulfing the useful items inside the Five Ghosts Bag. At that moment, a wave of invisible force exploded from the base of Mist Smoke Mountain. Chen Mu felt as if an unseen brush had swept upward through his entire body in a flash and shooshed into the sky. It seemed to transform into an invisible umbrella, successfully barring the fireballs from coming through. "Mountain Protection Restriction? Nicely done!" Chen Mu cheered. But before he could rejoice any longer, a muffled roar exploded from beneath the ground. The earth trembled violently, shaking the house from side to side. And with the tremors, the invisible umbrella that had blocked the fireballs suddenly vanished. The fireballs plunged into Mist Smoke Mountain without difficulty. The next moment, the entire mountain seemed to light up, radiating a red glow. Subsequent blasts rang out one after another, deafening Chen Mu to the point of feeling momentarily hearing impaired! "This is the end!" Chapter 384 Unexpected ``` Hum! A golden-red fireball appeared out of nowhere on the rooftop of the bamboo house. Chen Mu''s expression changed drastically, and he lunged forward violently. Almost at the instant he flew out of the room, the fireball smashed into the room and exploded with a loud bang. Splintered planks, studded with sparks, flew all around, and the bamboo house that had been his home for over a year was instantly destroyed and set ablaze, turning into a sea of fire. Chen Mu steadied himself, turned around, and stared at the space above the fire, his expression ugly. There, a tall, thin figure in a fiery red Daoist robe stood in the air. He looked down at Chen Mu with an indifferent face. Without a word, he simply brought his fingers together and made a light chopping motion toward Chen Mu. A rain of fire large enough to cover half a basketball court materialized out of thin air above Chen Mu''s head. It then smashed down fiercely, lighting up the dense forest in an instant. The man in the red robe frowned slightly: "Escaping Earth? You do run fast." He looked up at the continuous explosions on the mountain and immediately dismissed the thought of chasing with spells. "I can''t give up the Daoist cultivation of these mountains for just one head." Thinking this, a red light flashed on his body, and he flew toward the middle of the mountainside where the battle was most intense. ... Thirty meters underground, inside a temporarily created small space, the Truthful Listening Technique was fully operating, and various noisy sounds from above Mist Smoke Mountain filled Chen Mu''s ears continuously. "Liyang Road attacking the mountain?" A few years ago, there was Zhongshan Path, and now Liyang Road has sprung up. Is Jilong Road a soft persimmon for anyone to squeeze? "I just wanted to find a stable place to grind experience, why is it so hard?" Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire "What''s the point of all this fighting every day?" After a while, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh helplessly. This kind of struggle between major powers wasn''t something a minor cultivator like him could influence. The urgent matter was how to respond. Run? There could be an ambush outside the mountain. No, there would definitely be an ambush. In the past, everyone from East Ridge knew to set up ambushes on the outskirts; Liyang Road, being one of the seven paths of Yunzhou, would certainly be no less thorough in their arrangements. If they dared to attack the mountain, their setup would be foolproof. "Better to stay underground for now." There weren''t many who specialized in the Earth Escape Secret Technique, and for those from Liyang, searching underground would be fraught with difficulty and not cost-effective. In this way, staying underground would be relatively safe for the time being. "I''ll wait until the situation is clearer before making any plans." Chen Mu made up his mind C he would not show his face until there was an outcome on the mountain. "There are others here? Hm... this is good!" "Let the others brave the lightning first to see if there is any danger." Thinking this, the Five Ghosts Paper Man that had just poked its head out from his chest immediately dove back in. He lay there honestly, pricking up his ears, listening intently to the performance of others in the cave. Then he noticed that, in just the span of three to five breaths, the entire space became eerily silent. Are they all dead? That can''t be, right? The lightning was fierce, but its main effect was to paralyze and subdue the enemy. Chen Mu was curious as he stealthily glanced to one side. The moment he turned his head, he met a pair of eyes full of encouragement: "Young brother, I''m out of options. If you have any tricks up your sleeve, use them quickly!" Chen Mu: "..." You want me to brave the lightning, don''t you? "Whether we can get out or not all depends on you now!" Fuck! Old Yin Coin! ... Explosions continuously rocked up and down Mist Smoke Mountain. Tensions were high at Cloud Summit Palace. Sun Jian and his two comrades closely surrounded Liu Ling. "Elder Liu, we are not your enemy," Huiming said seriously. "Yunzhou''s land and skies are changing, the Earth Vein Spiritual Springs are withering, and no one can ensure they will survive this calamity safely." "It''s precisely because the Earth Veins are destroyed that the real person of White Tower from Zhongshan Path sought trouble with Sect Master Dong Li." "Unfortunately, the seven paths of Yunzhou have coexisted for hundreds of years with comparable strengths. If one faction tries to extinguish another, it will only result in mutual destruction, which is clearly not a good option." "However, if multiple sects merged, that would be a different story entirely." "As long as we join forces, becoming larger and stronger, even breaking out of Yunzhou won''t be difficult." "Elder Liu, if you wish to consolidate your Daoist Foundation and take it a step further, you cannot do without a stable environment and abundant resources." "Merging multiple sects, with the seven paths becoming one family, that is the best choice," Huiming spoke with profound earnestness. "Sect Master Li of our sect has already gone to Jilong Mountain, you must make your decision quickly." Liu Ling glanced at the other party before turning to look at Sun Jian: "Do you believe his nonsense?" Huiming''s face immediately turned sour. Sun Jian remained expressionless: "He can give me the Dao Foundation Secret Method." "It seems you''ve set your heart on leaving Jilong Road," Liu Ling sighed. No sooner had the words left his mouth than a tall and thin figure appeared out of nowhere behind Sun Jian. The man''s palms were pressed together like a knife, silently stabbing towards Sun Jian. Thump! Blood splattered as Sun Jian''s left arm was cleanly severed at the root by the attacker. Chapter 385 Trap In the underground cavern, lightning flashes periodically, and the number of people trapped inside begins to increase. The strikes of lightning, the intangible pressure that confines, turn the entire cavern into a carefully designed trap, much like a cage. "Something''s not quite right." Just for a few who can perform ''Escaping Earth'' and slipped through the net, would Jilong Road go to such great lengths? Chen Mu stares intently at the spherical object on the cavern ceiling, the more he looks, the more he feels the lightning is familiar. "Kui Water Yin Thunder?" His scalp numbs instantly. "Sun Jian?!" Fuck! "I can''t stay here!" Chen Mu''s brain works feverishly. Now there''s some noise in the cavern, many are talking, but none are trying anything. "A bunch of cowards, just hoping others will set off the traps." Chen Mu curses inwardly. Thinking about it, he realizes that if they were a bunch of fools, they wouldn''t have used ''Escaping Earth'' to flee as soon as Jilong Road started its attack. "I can''t count on these people." Once he''s made up his mind, the little figures of Five Ghosts quietly crawl out of his clothes. A flash of black smoke, and five dark gourds full of Qi appear out of thin air beside him. Crack! A bolt of Kui Water Yin Thunder lands suddenly, shattering the gourds that had just appeared, spreading their poisonous content in a burst that quickly engulfs the surrounding area like thick smoke from burning wood. "Who the fuck released the poison smoke!" Immediately, someone knowledgeable curses and shouts in the cavern. Chen Mu''s mouth curls slightly: "I only wanted to take them out to have a look." "It was Old Ghost Sun''s Kui Water Yin Thunder that shattered the gourds, causing the poison smoke to release." "If you have to blame someone, blame Sun Jian." Chen Mu holds an All-Disease Pill in his hand, feigning sympathy in his mind. As he listens to a group of cursing voices, he suddenly comes face to face with a beet-red face. The gray-clothed old man who had previously incited him to set off traps is now fuming and glaring at him. Seeing the other party''s face turning red in an effort to prevent poisoning, Chen Mu thinks for a moment and earnestly makes an angry face: "Who the fuck released the poison smoke!" The gray-clothed old man: "..." Have some shame! ... A quarter of an hour later, accompanied by a resentful glare from the gray-clothed old man before he passes out, the entire cavern falls eerily silent. After a short wait, Chen Mu gathers his thoughts and frowns at the cavern ceiling. "This sphere is no ordinary object." It seeks out its enemies automatically. Wherever there''s mana in the cavern, the Kui Water Yin Thunder strikes, until the source of the mana fluctuations is extinguished.@@@@ Just now, when he was merely taking out the Qi gourds from his Five Ghosts Bag, several bolts of lightning fell upon him. While shattering the gourds, they also gave him a tough time. Even though he had covered his body with a Body Protection Aura, the lightning still left him completely numb. "I need to destroy this sphere first." Damn it! At the same time, as if a warning line had been touched, the invisible force that had been pressing down on him surged suddenly. Chen Mu, who had just sat up, was immediately pushed down again, splashing up a circle of dust. After quite a while, Chen Mu, who had removed the Five Ghosts Possession, came back to his senses. He had not anticipated that the invisible force would intensify, nor that the Kui Water Yin Thunder would be so powerful that the five Thunder Gathering Charms would be destroyed without serving any purpose. "Wait a minute... something''s not right here." Those Thunder Gathering Charms were meant for gathering heavenly thunder. Even if the Kui Water Yin Thunder was fierce, how could it be much stronger than heavenly thunder? Chen Mu suddenly had a very bad premonition and immediately threw all thirty remaining Thunder Gathering Charms into the sky. Then he saw the thunderbolts fall; the thunderbolts were attracted; the thunderbolts pulverized the Thunder Gathering Charms into debris... Chen Mu: "..." Swindlers! Luckily, he discovered this here. If it were in a confrontation with Sun Jian... "Qiankun Firm, isn''t it." Chen Mu grinded his teeth, "You better pray that you die at the hands of the Liyang Path." "Swindlers!" ... Atop Mist Smoke Mountain, dark clouds were dense. A blizzard that should not have appeared in this season was wildly swirling. Horrifying blue-white lightning also snaked and scattered within the clouds. Above the clouds, Sun Jian, with every strand of his beard and hair erect, was covered from head to toe in lightning. "You''re definitely not Qing Lu! Who the hell are you?" His face was frosted over. Qing Lu would never be able to cut off one of his arms at close range, nor would he be able to use the Wind Snow Secret Technique and hold out against him for so long. Opposite, stood a lean old man in a green robe, silently towering on the cloud''s edge. "I am Qing Lu, I am Fu Zi, I am also Yang Huan." His voice was flat as water, and as he named each identity, two figures subsequently appeared. The three had different attire, different statures, but they all had a pair of crystal-clear red eyes. Seeing these familiar faces, even Sun Jian, accustomed to tough situations, couldn''t suppress the panic in his heart. "Snow Demon Qing Liu!" He saw clearly that three individuals, each only slightly less powerful than himself, had all become the puppets of the snow demon. How was he supposed to fight this?! Boom! Suddenly, Sun Jian erupted in mighty Yin Thunder, becoming a ball of lightning, and like a cannonball, he shot out, fleeing rapidly towards the edge of the heavens. "Since when did the Snow Demon of Zhongshan Path join Jilong Road?!" "This is a trap!" "A trap for both me and the Liyang Path!" "Damn it!" Chapter 386 Escape Underground cave. Lightning strikes fell one after another, and despite the Body Protection Aura, Chen Mu still gritted his teeth in pain. He felt as if countless ants were burrowing inside his body, both painful and itchy. "Point Ground into Steel!" Chen Mu clenched his teeth and activated his mana. Invisible Exotic Force enveloped a nearby pit half a person deep. Suddenly, the Jet-black Moon Blade appeared and, following the Exotic Force, fiercely chopped at the bottom of the pit. Clang! With a metallic collision-like noise, rocks splattered, but the pit was only chiseled one finger deep. At the same time, a Kui Water Yin Thunder descended from the sky. Chen Mu wore a helpless expression as he propped up the Spiritual Light. Crackle and pop! The Yin Thunder dispersed, but a series of electric lights still lingered around his body. "The hole isn''t dug out yet, and I''ve already been zapped to a crisp inside, tsk..." Chen Mu said with a wry smile as he summoned a grey wall. Point Ground into Steel: 8834/10000/Second Rank; "If I had reached Third Rank earlier, maybe I could have countered the ground restrictions." "Even if I couldn''t completely eliminate them, at least I could have suppressed them a bit more, sigh..." He hadn''t expected Sun Jian to have set up Teleportation Prohibition underground. In trying to avoid the chaos, he had burrowed into the ground, and also into a cage. "To pre-arrange it, and to just happen to activate the prohibition when Jilong Road attacked the mountain. Timing it so precisely, perhaps Sun Jian had known about the attack all along." "It''s uncertain whether he got wind of it early due to being well-informed, or if he''s in cahoots with Jilong Road." "I just hope Mist Smoke Mountain can hold on a bit longer, and that this old fellow arrives a bit later." With a sigh, Chen Mu could only bear the increasingly severe injuries from the lightning strikes and continue to stimulate the Burrowing through the wrong layers. ... Yin Thunder fell one after another, and time flew by. At a certain moment, the piercing pain and tingling numbness of the Yin Thunder struck his body increased sharply. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, "Is it coming?!" He immediately stopped burrowing and pricked up his ears, slowing his breathing. But aside from the heavy, uneven breathing of the people stunned by poison, there was no other sound in the cave. Upon closer listen, Chen Mu couldn''t help but have a strange look on his face. "It seems... it''s because of me." "My physique has strengthened, my senses are sharpened, and the damage from the lightning strikes has inexplicably healed." "Not only that, but a secret acupoint was unveiled in my body. This..." At some point, a brand new secret acupoint had opened inside his body, under the ribs at the side of his abdomen. It didn''t rely on any internal organs, existing in the void, yet rooted in the body, truly strange. "A secret acupoint opens, the body transforms. Because the regenerated body is sensitive, that''s why I felt like the power of the Yin Thunder increased." Chen Mu suddenly understood. With a thought, he glanced at a certain section of the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9174/10000/Fifth Rank; "Still Fifth Rank?" Previously, when a secret acupoint appeared in his body, it was always after the progression of the Grand Summary, but this time was clearly different. "The thunder strikes?" "The Heavenly Demon Path?" Chen Mu hazarded a guess. "Tsk, tsk... A bunch of old Yin Coins!" "Eh, that person entering the cave... seems to be someone I know," Chen Mu''s ears twitched slightly, and the corners of his mouth couldn''t help but curl up. ... A hundred meters underground. A bolt of Yin Thunder soared, illuminating the dim cave as clear as day. A tall, thin figure in a fiery red Daoist Robe continued to struggle, like a fish flailing out of water, but eventually, he lay exhausted and panting on the ground. "Damn it, it''s all traps!" His eyes were bloodshot and red. Everything had been going well, the Mountain Protection Restriction was broken, and he and his senior brothers took the opportunity to launch a surprise attack. Who would have thought that Elder Huaiming would suddenly die, and the broken restrictions turned into countermeasures? The escaping Jilong Road disciples turned around to join hands and attack, and several of his junior brothers were killed on the spot. Luckily, he reacted quickly and immediately activated a Burrow Jade Talisman to dive deep into the ground. He thought he could escape to safety, but who knew he would fall into another trap. "Where did it go wrong!" The red-robed Daoist tried to remain calm. "Don''t panic, don''t be hasty, I have to find a way to escape!" Suddenly, he noticed a deep pit in the distance. "Heaven is helping me!" The red-robed Daoist couldn''t help laughing loudly. "The pit isn''t big, but it''s deep enough. Just bury a sufficient amount of Thunderbolt Talismans, and it will blast open a small crack in the cave''s restrictions!" And this crack was his chance for survival. He immediately crawled toward the pit, feeling an invisible pressure on his body, which made him even more confident in his plan to escape. "The invisible pressure comes from the great mountain, so the cave''s restrictions must also be based on the mountain. If I can blast open the mountain, I can shake the foundation''s restrictions." They from Liyang Path were most adept at the Explosive Fire Technique, very familiar with blasting mountains and mining. Along the way, he found many people lying unconscious, and he couldn''t help feeling fortunate: "Thank goodness I took a Detoxification Pill in advance, otherwise I''d have been laid flat long ago." "This is what they mean by ''Heaven never bars one''s way.''" With great effort, he finally reached the edge of the pit under the pressure. Without time to catch his breath, he immediately peeked out to estimate the depth of the pit. As he was considering the power of the Thunderbolt Talismans, he looked down and met a sinister smiling face. At the bottom of the dark pit, someone was looking up. The mouth was wide open with a big smile, and the face was full of joy. "Long time no see." "You..." The red-robed Daoist trembled violently as if struck by lightning. Pfft! Black light flashed, and yin energy danced. A head silently fell. Bouncing off the rough cave walls, before it hit the ground, it was enveloped by a cloud of black smoke and swallowed up in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu''s figure flashed, merging into the ground, dodging the Yin Thunder attack, and reappeared by the pit. "Sun Jian ran away, but what about this hole full of guys lying around?" "Each of them has been poisoned; wouldn''t it be pitiful if they died?" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire "Sigh, it''s only someone like me who would be so kind, to help you detoxify, to help you send a message, to give you a chance to escape to safety." "This is a life-saving favor!" "Charging a bit for the service, I''m sure you won''t mind." "That''s happily decided then." "Haha!" Chapter 387 The News Two days later. At the western mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, in front of the wooden tower Dan Rooms'' entrance. Chen Mu was huddled in a rocking chair, gazing absentmindedly at the horizon. The Liyang Path Fire Method was formidable, and two days had passed with many places in the mountains still billowing black smoke. As he was pondering over when the chaos would end, a figure agilely emerged from the dense forest, a gleaming bald head catching his eye. Jia Tian? A smile curled on Chen Mu''s lips. It seems the little baldy also successfully avoided this calamity. "I just knew Senior Brother''s fortunes were as vast as the heavens, and nothing would happen to you!" Jia Tian approached with a face full of surprise. "It was a narrow escape." Chen Mu smiled and gestured for Jia Tian to sit down on a bamboo chair beside him. "Alas, why has it become so chaotic these past two years." Jia Tian sighed. Chen Mu joined in the sigh, "Indeed, instead of cultivating diligently, they keep stirring up trouble." In the years since Chen Mu had arrived in Yunzhou, he had constantly been on the run, hardly having a few years of peace. Unfortunately, the human heart is unpredictable, and how can the vicissitudes of the world always conform to one''s desires? Shaking his head to dismiss further thought, Chen Mu changed the subject to ask about the situation on the mountain. "Nothing much happening." Jia Tian thought for a moment and shook his head, "It seems they haven''t finished fighting. The mountain is still ok, but I hear it''s still chaotic down below." Then he added gleefully, "The Sun Family is completely finished this time." The Sun Jian''s deeds exposed, implicated? That Sun Jian... Pretending to be puzzled, Chen Mu inquired without showing any emotion, "How can the Sun Family''s old ancestor, so formidable, be finished?" "Hey! It''s because Old Ghost Sun colluded with Liyang Path," Jia Tian laughed. "The old guy got chopped by the Scripture Pavilion Qingdu Institution. Once the supporter falls, retribution comes, doesn''t it?" Jia Tian chuckled again. Sun Jian is dead? Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, "The Sun Family''s old ancestor''s Thunder Law was so sharp, he died just like that?" "Is there any doubt?" Jia Tian looked completely certain, "Right near Jilei Mountain, one of my assistants saw it with his own eyes." "They said that the snowstorm was like a sword rain that chopped Old Ghost Sun into mincemeat!" Chen Mu was dumbfounded. There''s such a good thing?! Ha! The Qingdu Institution is awesome!@@@@ ... Through roundabout probing and idle chatter, Chen Mu finally confirmed that the Sun Family truly met their doom this time. At least the members of the Sun Family on Mist Smoke Mountain were done for. The main branch members who weren''t dead had fled; only some distant branches and junior members were left and even they were detained and monitored by the Inspection Courtyard. In an instant, a gleaming white Escape Light suddenly broke through the clouds and landed with a ''bang,'' scattering the pebbles on the stream bank. "The Longitudinal Rainbow Light travels through the land and enters the azure abyss; this is the style of a true Qi Cultivation master," Chen Mu said, beaming with joy. "Although the Five Ghosts'' Dark Flame Escape Method is fast, its howling ghosts and wailing wolves are just so unprofessional." "I''ve decided, for future Flying Escapes, I''ll use... uh, the flying kite method, I guess." Being just a small cultivator with the Perceptive Illusion Breaking and Primordial Talisman, he dared not show off with the Longitudinal Rainbow Light. Summoning the grey wall, Chen Mu looked at one of the sections. Netherworld Grand Summary: 82/10000/Sixth Rank; The Fifth Level Grand Summary has finally reached perfection. It was the advancement that made the Longitudinal Rainbow Light capable of Flight. At this moment inside the Jade Seed, five layers of hollow spherical Divine Orifice Talismans nested within each other. As they rotated chaotically, strands of Mana drifted out, rapidly filling the once again enlarged Jade Seed. "Huh, I can still slightly strengthen my physique? Strengthening the body through the Grand Summary and transforming through the Divine Orifice are two different things?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. "Then let''s try the Five Ghosts Possession again." With a thought, billowing black smoke entered his body, and he quickly grew taller. In the blink of an eye, a five-meter-tall, burly silhouette appeared in the midst of the mist. Surrounded by black smoke that turned into black and red streamers, they slithered around him like fire snakes, causing the air to appear subtly distorted wherever they passed. Feeling the devouring desire to destroy that assaulted his consciousness, Chen Mu slowly dissipated the Five Ghosts Possession. "The strength has increased, but the side effects have diminished." "Was it the thunder strike?" He stared at the section on the grey wall where the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was listed. A vague epiphany hovered at the edge of his mind. "Did the thunder strike cause some unknown change, making me more in tune with the Five Ghosts Possession?" "Can thunder strikes actually aid in the Five Ghosts Possession?" "This... this is going off track, isn''t it?" "I''m aiming for the style of ''a white-robed immortal with a transcendent aura,'' not getting further and further into this Yin Mysterious Method." Chen Mu browsed the grey wall unwillingly. Although he had learned many Secret Techniques, none were as powerful as the Five Ghosts Possession. Is it irreplaceable then? Tsk! "With the Sun Family gone, I wonder if that Kui Water Yin Thunder has made it into the Scripture Transmission Institute." Although Chen Mu would have loved to kill Sun Jian himself, he genuinely coveted his Thunder Law. "Once I get to the Upper Court on Jilong Road, I must find time to check it out." "For now, let''s take out that treasure first." Chen Mu activated the Truthful Listening Technique, and all sounds within ten miles fell upon his ears. Then, as if stepping into the void, he swooped down into the ground with a ''swoosh'' and disappeared. When he reappeared, a Red Gourd as tall as his forearm was floating beside him. He didn''t plan on inspecting it closely, and with a reverse swing, he stored it in the Five Ghosts Bag. Levitating into an Escape Light, he shot into the sky with a ''swoosh.'' "With the turmoil at Mist Smoke Mountain mostly settled, it''s time to send that distress signal for those folks in the cave; after all, I did take their money for saving lives." Chapter 388 Counterattack At the waist of Mist Smoke Mountain, Misty Glow Market District. Jilong Road''s raid hit the mountain, causing destruction through smashing, looting, burning, and bombing; numerous shops were destroyed by fire, and the neat flagstone paths were also blasted to pieces by secret techniques. However, despite such dilapidated surroundings, the market district was even more bustling than before. The sounds of bargaining were incessant, and everyone''s faces were flushed with excitement. Inside Qiankun Firm. A burly man in his forties looked worried, "Boss, do we continue to buy those stolen goods?" "Buy? Of course, we buy!" Jia Tian said, his face full of excitement. "Jilong Road has attacked, and many people took the opportunity to steal a lot," Jia Tian''s eyes sparkled. "A large number of magic artifacts and talismans have entered the market, causing prices to plummet. Now is the perfect time for us to buy low!" The brawny shopkeeper remained concerned, "If we stockpile so much and the prices keep falling, we might get stuck with them..." "Jilong Road has already fought up to the sect''s gate. You think they''ll just stop there?" Jia Tian chuckled confidently. "Talismans and magic artifacts are life-saving tools. Once the fighting starts again, there''ll be no worries about sales." "Buy low and sell high, making several times the profit with ease. Why wouldn''t we take this opportunity!" "Boss, you''re wise," the brawny shopkeeper complimented with a smile. "Just, there might not be enough white jade on the account, right?" "No worries!" Jia Tian flicked his Mustard Seed Talisman, and a wooden box appeared on the table. "Take these two thousand white jade pieces to use for now." "Is this the payment collected for the All-Disease Pills from before?" the brawny shopkeeper hesitated. "Would it be okay to owe an alchemist like this...?" "Opportunities like this don''t come twice!" Jia Tian waved dismissively. "At worst, I''ll just give up my share of the elixirs." Jia Tian''s face bore a shrewd expression, "My senior brother might be even happier making extra money." Outside the firm, Chen Mu, who was listening with pricked ears, couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. It turned out it wasn''t that he didn''t have the money to pay but that he was preparing to make a fortune through buying and selling with the money? This guy was truly slippery. If things were done according to the little baldy''s thinking, I, indeed, would be happy to make extra money, and he would also take advantage of this situation to buy low successfully. Even if he explained the truth afterward, I would only admire his cleverness. "No wonder he could be so wealthy, just look at that brain, tsk..." "But cleverness is good." A flexible mind, considering every aspect. He could trust this guy with the errand of informing those people in the underground cave. While pondering whether to use Gongsun Sheng''s or Lu Zhishen''s alias to approach, the conversation of the two people inside reached his ears again. "Recovering those ownerless magic artifacts and talismans is a priority." "Those problematic items in the store need to be handled slowly." "Switching people and changing signs is a good method, but it takes a lot of time and effort." "We can''t let the small things cause us to miss out on this great opportunity to get rich." Chen Mu was taken aback. Dealing with problematic items? Changing people and signs? This... They''re planning to sell fakes and run away! His face twisted oddly. No wonder that little baldy once boasted so confidently, saying his firm had never accepted returns. You didn''t even give people a chance to return anything! "Why am I not surprised at all?" Chen Mu said with mixed emotions. Chen Mu couldn''t help rolling his eyes. These cultivators were becoming more and more inhuman, no matter how much he hit their necks, he couldn''t knock them out. "Even better if he doesn''t faint," "If he really slept for three to five days, wouldn''t this dark room have detained him for nothing?" Chen Mu, holding the wooden box filled with White Jade, watched the bald boy lying on the ground like a salted fish and couldn''t help but snicker. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire "Gongsun Sheng robbing you, Lu Zhishen beating you upwhat does it have to do with me, Chen Mu?" "Heh, I don''t admit it either!" ... Several days later. West side of the Administrative Affairs Institute of Mist Smoke Mountain. "The date has been postponed?" Indeed. The Upper Court was also attacked, and most administrative affairs have been halted," the bald middle-aged manager explained. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. The Dao Sect was attacked, leading to chaos. The restriction on the movement of personnel on Jilong Road was to maintain stability. "When can it be resumed?" Chen Mu continued to ask. "Hard to say," the bald middle-aged man was also unsure, "At the very least, we must wait until the conflicts in both paths are settled." "Still fighting?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. It turned out Jia Tian''s guess was correct. "Hey! The Sect Master of the Off-Sun Path was severely wounded by our East Fence Path Sect Master. Most of the attackers on East Ridge were also captured." "At this moment, the Off-Sun Path is so weak that it''s an opportune time for us to counterattack and destroy their sect!" "The Upper Court has issued a recruitment order, immediately granting one hundred Daoist Cultivation points and one hundred White Jade to anyone who participates in the counterattack." "Any spoils of war obtained in the process are kept by the victor, and you can claim additional rewards for the heads of Off-Sun Path members!" "What do you think? Want to sign up?" the bald manager eagerly looked at Chen Mu. "I''ll pass," Chen Mu waved his hands repeatedly, "I''m just an alchemist, with no power to truss a chicken. How could I dare venture into such perilous places?" "That''s a pity," the bald manager sighed. "Indeed, what a fine opportunity to make a fortune," Chen Mu also pretended to sigh with regret. After chatting for a few more moments, Chen Mu bid farewell and left. Along the way, he saw many people excitedly running into the Administrative Affairs Institute. From their conversations, it was apparent that most were there to sign up in response to the recruitment order. The recent attack on Mist Smoke Mountain by the Off-Sun Path had resulted in many deaths, but it had also provided an opportunity for others to profit amid the chaos, claiming the White Jade of the deceased. Hearing that Jilong Road was mounting a major counterattack, their greed was stoked further, and they eagerly joined the punitive force. "Who knows how many will die this time," Chen Mu shook his head and leisurely made his way back to his wooden alchemy hut. "No need to go to the Upper Court for the time being." "Old Ghost Sun is dead; the chaos and strife have moved to the Off-Sun Path''s territory." "Mist Smoke Mountain will be very safe for a while, perfect for me to comfortably grind experience." Chapter 389 Vermilion Feather Sword West of the Mist Smoke Mountain, thirty meters below the wooden building of the Dan Pavilion. Chen Mu activated the Point Ground into Steel, expertly expanding a new square space.@@@@ After drying the walls, carving out ventilation ducts, arranging luminous jade lights, and putting out several pots of sea-heart pine to purify the air, a brand new underground secret chamber was completed. Lighting a plate of Soul Condensing Incense and placing it in a brass incense burner, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a low couch, taking out the gourd sword box to examine and study it in detail. The small-arm-long red gourd seemed to be made of ironsolid and heavy. Its surface was etched with black cloud patterns, mysterious and ancient. With a slight push of mana, a flood of intricate information surged into his mind. A moment later, Chen Mu came back to his senses, his face full of surprised as he looked at the gourd. The information that had suddenly appeared was akin to hieroglyphs, with an audio-visual introduction to the marvelous uses of the gourd sword box. It explained that simply by putting in materials such as red copper, metal Geng, and the Dual Yin-Yang Stone, along with a large amount of mana in refinement, one could easily forge a type of magic sword called the Vermilion Feather Sword. "No wonder the Sun Family pursued it tirelessly, it''s an automatic flying sword maker," Chen Mu realized. With this treasure in hand, the Sun Family could continuously produce Vermilion Feather Swords. Not to mention for their use, even selling them would bring in substantial wealth. A thought suddenly struck him, making him think of the Netherworld Grand Summary. "I have the Replenishing Origin Soup to replenish vital energy, while the Sun Family can only use the Rejuvenation Pill, which is quite expensive," he mused. "So, does the Sun Family rely on the gourd sword box to earn resources to support their cultivation?" "Whoever holds the gourd sword box, cultivates faster?" Chen Mu realized. "No wonder Sun Wujiu carried a great amount of materials. It seems that his aim in snatching the gourd was to sell swords in exchange for cultivation resources." Chen Mu slowly sorted out his thoughts. "This gourd sword box and the Netherworld Grand Summary are quite a match," he thought. "Perhaps the Sun Family''s original ancestor rose to power with this combination." "But well, now they are all mine," he chuckled. "Haha!" He happily took out various materials and chopped them up, activating the gourd sword box according to the information obtained earlier. An invisible exotic force pulled the materials into the air. As if pebbles were cast into a pond, the material particles easily penetrated the gourd''s skin, stirring up slight ripples, and disappearing inside. "As long as mana is continually supplied, the sword will naturally take form over time." "Foolproof artifact refining, so simple it''s miraculous." "What a treasure!" ... Three days later, at noon, at the entrance of the Dan Pavilion''s first floor. Chen Mu was resting in a rocking chair. A buzzing sound arrived, resounding through heaven and earth. Looking up, he saw a giant cloud bat flying boat slowly approaching, the dense fog that perennially shrouded Mist Smoke Mountain was instantly scattered by the airflow around the vessel. Dozens of flying kites rose from the mountainside, like swallows circling the flying boat for a while before entering it from different directions. Take the Six-winged Locust Spell, for instance, it provided great speed and used less mana, making it a favorite among lower-ranked disciples. But it wasn''t stable, and once the Magic Artifact reached a certain speed, there was a risk of losing control. Then there was the Cloud-Piercing Cicada Spell, which was extremely fast and could grant an attacking boost to the Magic Artifact. But the mana consumption was huge, and it was operated in a straightforward manner, lacking flexibility. Compared to these, the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell was more suitable for the Vermilion Feather Sword. "The Vermilion Feather Sword itself possesses flying escape abilities. If I practice the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell to the limit, the effect would be..." "Let''s go with this one!" Chen Mu promptly unrolled the scroll and read it carefully. "No way, there''s no Curse Command?" he searched back and forth for quite a while, but eventually had to give up reluctantly. "How can I benefit from this if there''s no Curse Command?" Secret Techniques like the True Sun Scripture and the Empty Shadow Sand Bluff typically included not just an introduction but also the Curse Command in their appendices. By constantly reciting the Curse Command, there''s no need to purchase the real Jade Slip. By relying on the gray wall for experience, he could gradually condense the Talisman within the Jade Seed. "Never mind, I''ll buy it, I have money!" he immediately took the scroll and left the third floor. ... A moment later, in front of the counter on the first floor. The man who supposedly didn''t care much about money twitched in pain. "Four hundred sixty White Jade Coins and eighty Daoist Cultivation points? Are you trying to rob me?" A month''s hard work refining Fasting Pills would only earn him around four to five hundred White Jade Coins. To spend a month''s earnings on just one Secret Technique seemed absurd. Moreover, he originally intended to benefit from this without spending much. "You buying or not?" Qing Lu asked coldly and indifferently, still maintaining his expressionless, calm demeanor. "Buy!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth as he respectfully handed over his Identity Jade and White Jade Coins. This was someone who could chop Old Ghost Sun into minced meat; no matter what grievances Chen Mu had internally, he dared not make a fuss in front of him. After receiving the real Jade Slip, Chen Mu promptly turned and left. It was only after he had walked some distance from the Scripture Pavilion that he slowed down. "Four hundred sixty White Jade Coins, that could buy so much Exotic Beast Meat!" "No wonder the disciples of the Lower Courtyard use close-ranged or hand-held Magic Artifacts like swords and leather armor, or Gourd Flying Kites." "Any Magic Artifact that can be operated remotely is precious in itself, and the Secret Techniques for their manipulation are even more costly." "With only farming and mining, how could they afford them?" Chen Mu sighed, "No wonder everyone''s flocking to Liyang Road to look for opportunities; they''re so poor." "I would have bartered if it wasn''t for Qingdu Institution''s presence." Just the thought of Qingdu Institution made Chen Mu''s scalp tingle. Back when he worked as a scribe to prevent Qing Lu''s sudden appearance with his Secret Technique, he had used Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to monitor the other party''s movements. Little did he expect that the man was a big shot, even more formidable than Old Ghost Sun. "I better avoid hanging around these big shots in the future." "It''s not safe." ``` Chapter 390 Victory Half a month later. At the entrance of the alchemy hut, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding the sword box gourd in his hands, his attention completely absorbed by the changes within the gourd. In his mana perception, various materials had fused into a new substance within the sword box. These new materials formed into tiny, invisible grains, accumulating bit by bit in some predetermined structure. They slowly grew into a palm-length, flat, date seed-shaped thin blade, as if they were alive. Its surface was a cinnabar red, with some feather patterns. Chen Mu watched in amazement, "No wonder it''s called Zhu Yu, the magic sword looks like a peculiar cinnabar feather." Within those special structures lay intricate True Meaning Talismans. It was these that endowed the magic artifact with mystical divine skills such as flying escape and piercing armor. Compared to that, the Wood Spirit Boy he had previously refined was as crude as a little toy. And the gourd sword box, capable of setting and automatically carrying out the process of refining a flying sword, appeared all the more precious. "The people of the Sun Family are all good folks." Chen Mu happily watched the refinement of the flying sword. "Another two or three days, and it should be completely formed." Normally, it wouldn''t have been so quick, but thanks to the profound mana of the Netherworld Grand Summary, he enjoyed the process, constantly holding the gourd to refine it, and naturally, the magic sword took shape very quickly. "I also need to quickly level up my experience with the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell," Chen Mu pondered to himself. As he mulled over the cultivation of the spell, a familiar buzzing sound came from the sky, and the massive bat flying boat appeared again. More than a dozen flyers emerged from within, descending into Misty Glow Mountain. With an arched eyebrow, Chen Mu exclaimed, "Is it over?" "Nearly two months back and forth, this dispute should also be over." ... Misty Glow Market. The once deserted street was bustling again. Inside a certain shop, a goat-bearded shopkeeper examined a thick-backed broadsword, ignoring the slight brownish-black bloodstains that hadn''t been wiped clean from the shiny blade. "Why are so few people returning, were the casualties heavy?" He tapped the blade with his fingers to discern the material while curiously inquiring of the dark-skinned man in front of the counter. "In a sect-destroying battle, how could the casualties not be heavy? I almost had my arm chopped off," the dark-faced man raised and showed his left arm wrapped in gray cloth, hung in front of his chest, with a lingering fear in his voice. "However, the main reason so few people returned is that many chose to stay behind in Liyang Path." "We from Jilong Road gained a lot of new territory, needing hands to suppress and oversee. If it hadn''t been for my family here, I might have stayed there too." "The compensation offered by the institute is so high it''s tantalizing," said the dark-faced man with eagerness, "Once my family is settled, I''ll go to the Administrative Affairs Institute to ask and see if I can still go to the Liyang branch." "Just finished fighting, aren''t you afraid of hidden dangers?" asked the goat-bearded shopkeeper, surprised. "Our Sect Master from East Fence Path showed great divine power, freezing that fierce Sect Master of Liyang Path into an ice block and placing it on the mountain peak of Liyang Path." "Those disciples and elders from Liyang Path are either dead or have fled. What hidden danger could there be?" A group of five or six Liyang Path disciples were fleeing in disarray through the dense forest. Unexpectedly, they looked up to see a wave of dismal green Qi Blades coming straight at them. The tumbling Qi Blades formed a net, the few were ensnared over their heads, and in an instant, they were chopped into pieces. Xu Rao, cloaked in a black cape, emerged from the dense forest, standing expressionless beside the bodies with drooping eyelids. Soon after, the leaves rustled, and the figures of Lu Ku and the others appeared one after another. "Is this the last batch?" Ai Ji stood amidst the heap of corpses, picking through them with a look of disgust. "There''s no one within ten miles." Shi Xian put away his Truthful Listening Technique, his expression blank. "Finally, no need to deal with these disgusting things anymore." Ai Ji shook his blood-red hands and laughed heartily. "Not dealing with corpses means having to deal with Gongsun Sheng." Shi Xian''s expression remained blank. Ai Ji suddenly choked up like a duck caught by the neck and could not speak. "Are you scared?" Shi Xian quietly walked up behind him and spoke softly. Ai Ji shuddered in fright and shouted with his neck stiff, "I am a Qi Cultivator who broke through delusion to condense the Gathering Talisman! With Spiritual Light shielding my body, and spiritual beings protecting me, why should I be afraid of him?" Xu Rao: "Heh..." Wu Ruo: "Haha..." Ai Ji: "..." "It''s time to make a decision." Yu Lin looked at the bickering group softly before turning to Lu Ku and speaking seriously. "We don''t have a choice." Lu Ku said calmly. "Now that all six of us have condensed our Primordial Talismans, if we act together..." Xu Rao''s eyes narrowed into slits, filled with malice. "Let me ask you a question," Lu Ku looked at Xu Rao, "how long did it take for you to reach your current mastery of the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique?" "How long did Gongsun Sheng take?" Xu Rao''s face darkened. "What about the Truthful Listening Technique?" Lu Ku turned his gaze toward Shi Xian. "Truthful Listening within eight directions, hearing across ten miles, I can''t do it on my own," Shi Xian replied honestly. "Given his proficiency in secret technique cultivation, what level do you think he has reached with the United Heart Curse?" Lu Ku sighed helplessly. "If we take action before he activates the United Heart Curse, we have a chance at a counter-kill." "But this window of opportunity is very fleeting." "Even though he has summoned us, he might not necessarily mean us any harm, right?" Ai Ji grinned and scratched his head, "His attitude towards us in the past few years has always seemed like... um, he''s avoiding us?" "But what if that''s because he disdains our weak strength?" Xu Rao''s face was somber, "Now that the six of us have just condensed our Primordial Talismans, he''s summoned us to meet. Perhaps he plans to use some evil Dharma to steal our Magical Power Cultivation." The expressions of everyone stagnated, knowing that the United Heart Gu came from the Thousand Mountains Sutra, which had always been labeled as part of an evil path. "If that''s the case, I''ll try my best to take him down with me," Lu Ku said indifferently, "For the rest of you, you''ll just have to fend for yourselves." The crowd fell into a silent speechlessness. Chapter 391 Secret Technique Several days later, outside the door of the Wooden Building Pill Cottage. "Wow, Little Prince, it''s been a long time," Chen Mu said with a big smile, looking at Jia Tian. Jia Tian was perplexed, always feeling there was something else behind the other''s smile. He subconsciously touched his bald head, but aside from a slight pain in the back of his skull, he couldn''t figure out why. "Senior brother, here''s the payment for the All-Disease Pills." Jia Tian took out a wooden box from his wrist Mustard Seed Talisman. "I''ve delayed a bit, please forgive me, senior brother." "I won''t take my share this time, consider it an apology," Jia Tian said as he approached Chen Mu with a grin. Chen Mu took it and opened the box, glanced briefly and set it down on the table beside him. Who knew if that little bald head had used some sort of distress signal, or if the underground restraints had dissipated on their own. After initially throwing him into the underground cavern, it wasn''t long before he''d escaped to the surface. Not only that, but he''d also made it in time to catch the last Cloud Bat Flying Boat to Liyang Path''s territory. "Little Prince, did you make a big fortune this time?" Jia Tian was scratched right where it itched and laughed out loud while touching his bald head, "Just the usual." "You don''t know how dangerous it was. Luckily, I was well-prepared, with plenty of magical artifacts and talismans. I did make some hard-earned money by buying low and selling high," Jia Tian said with his leg shaking and a look of nonchalance. Seeing his smug demeanor made Chen Mu itch to slap the back of his bald head. "Alright, I accept the White Jade. You, Little Prince, are making money hand over fist; you better hurry off to your busy schedule," Chen Mu said, dismissively shooing him away. "Wait, senior brother! I got a lot of treasures this time at Liyang Path. Aren''t you going to take a look?" Jia Tian was full of temptations, both overt and covert. "What, are you planning to take back this White Jade you just gave me?" Chen Mu looked askance at Jia Tian. His treasures wouldn''t be better than my Flying Swords, would they?! Huh! "Just get lost!" Jia Tian scratched his head, thinking he could make another big sale, but who would have thought that senior brother Chen Mu wouldn''t care for magical artifacts. An idea struck him, and Jia Tian suddenly realized, "Senior Brother, are you saving up to buy a Condense Aperture Secret Method?" "Too expensive," Chen Mu didn''t deny it. Indeed, he wanted to buy a Condense Aperture Secret Method to cover for the origins of the Netherworld Grand Summary and also to pave the way for the purchase of subsequent secret techniques. But since he had not completed condensing his aperture and didn''t know the specific methods for later cultivation, he wasn''t in a hurry to make the exchange. Jia Tian nodded in deep agreement, "That''s truly expensive." "Each secret technique costs ten to twenty thousand White Jade, and that''s not to mention the large amount of Daoist Cultivation energy required. Tsk, tsk... Tough problem." "Ten to twenty thousand? Isn''t it one hundred thousand?" Chen Mu was surprised. "You don''t know, senior brother?" Jia Tian scratched his head, "After the defeat of Liyang Path, the institute made some changes, and many Condense Aperture Secret Techniques are now available for layered exchange." "I guess the plate was too big, and there weren''t enough strong hands, so they had to do this." "Even the fundamental Liyang Path Secret Technique ''Flame-Separation True Solution'' has been split up and placed in the Scripture Transmission Institute." Is there such a good deal? Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. Wonder if the Netherworld Grand Summary is divided? And that Sun Family''s Kui Water Yin Thunder, is it also in the Scripture Transmission Institute? It was a perfect opportunity to probe through Shang Huan. ... "Elder Brother Chen?" Shang Huan curiously looked at the six formidable figures: "Do you elder brothers and sisters also know Elder Brother Chen?" "Elder Brother Chen''s skills are valued by the elders of Pill Treasure Pavilion, he''s been transferred to the Upper Court." "He left for Jilong Mountain on a flying boat yesterday." The siblings of Wu Mountain exchanged glances with each other. Wasn''t he supposed to gather us for a meeting? Why did he leave without a word? Is this some kind of joke? A notion struck Lu Ku''s mind, and he looked at Shang Huan again, "Have you made any progress with the secret technique, Ten Directions Hand, that I gave you before?" Shang Huan replied with a hint of pride: "I have been diligently practicing it for the past two years. Just yesterday, I finally made a breakthrough." "Without Ghostly Qi, how could you possibly..." Ai Ji began to speak but suddenly stopped in mid-sentence. Maybe Shang Huan couldn''t, but there was someone who might be able to. Gongsun Sheng? The six siblings exchanged a knowing look, all thinking of a certain possibility. The secret techniques they cultivated, like the United Heart Gu, were all acquired from the same ancient tomb. While the other secret techniques were manageable, the Ten Directions Hand required a material called Ghostly Qi for assistance, without which it was extremely difficult to master. Over the years, except for the portion they had acquired when they initially rifled through the tomb, they had never encountered it again, not even heard of it. Without the guidance of Ghostly Qi, it was impossible for Shang Huan to succeed in cultivation. But now... "Is it possible that I have an exceptional talent?" Shang Huan asked earnestly. The siblings simultaneously turned to stare at Shang Huan. "Your face does have an exceptionally gifted talent," Shi Xian said enigmatically. Shang Huan gave an awkward smile: "I really don''t know, I just went to sleep, and when I woke up the next day, suddenly I had succeeded." The six siblings exchanged glances again. It had to be Gongsun Sheng! Previous experiences with Shi Xian''s Truthful Listening Technique and Xu Rao''s Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique were similar. After Gongsun Sheng took the secret techniques away, when he returned them, they had all improved to different extents. Lacking Ghostly Qi might restrict Shang Huan, but it was highly likely not enough to stop Gongsun Sheng. After sending away the puzzled and perplexed Shang Huan, the siblings immediately introspected their Jade Seeds to check. While the others showed no change in expression, the always calm Lu Ku''s face subtly shifted. The siblings immediately sensed something was off. "My Mechanical Technique has advanced," Lu Ku said with a wry smile. "So, he came to us without a sound, secretly interfered with our secret techniques, and we didn''t notice anything beforehand?" Ai Ji''s eyes bulged in astonishment. If he could easily take their secret techniques, he could just as easily take their heads. "We thought that with the six of us consolidating the Primordial Talisman, we had some resisting power, but now..." The siblings couldn''t help but feel a chill of desolation run through them. Chapter 392 Exchange ``` In the lower cabin of the gigantic Cloud Bat Flying Boat, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, resting with his eyes closed and his back against the cabin wall.@@@@ This was his second day aboard the flying boat. He was oblivious to the panic and wariness of Lu Ku and the others, and even if he knew, he wouldn''t care. After all, he had no plans to meet with those people again. "As a person who keeps to himself and abides by the rules, I definitely can''t associate with those dangerous elements. What if I got dragged into trouble?" "Now that I''ve got the secret technique, it''s better for everyone to part on good terms." Chen Mu cheerfully summoned his Grey Screen, looking at the new slot for the secret technique. Mechanical Technique: 15/10000/Fourth Rank; Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 7735/10000/Third Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 6345/10000/Third Rank; Ten Directions Hand: 3/10000/First Rank; This wasn''t Chen Mu''s first time pondering these four secret techniques. Although powerful, they all had a somewhat sinister nature to them. Only the Mechanical Technique, a Daoist Puppet manipulation secret technique, was somewhat normal. "Being able to manipulate complex puppets and control Magic Artifacts like Flying Swords is an unexpected joy." That day he acquired the secret techniques, he briefly checked and discovered that the Mechanical Technique could control Flying Swords, and Lu Ku had already trained it to the Third Rank limit. Chen Mu only tried it twice, and the secret technique broke through to the Fourth Rank. "With the Mechanical Technique, there''s no need to practice the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell anymore." "What a shame about those four hundred plus White Jade Coins." He looked around, and most of the fellow passengers were also meditating with their eyes closed, sitting a few meters apart from one another. In the middle of the empty area, various goods were piled up. The mixture of odors was indeed not very pleasant. "I wonder how many more days we''ll have to fly." "I can''t wait to try out the Flying Sword." ... Several days later, halfway up Jilong Mountain, at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. "You''re the one from East Ridge, here to take over Qi Yi''s Alchemy duties?" an elderly man in his sixties, clothed in a brown garment, asked Chen Mu with a curious look. "Is there a problem?" Chen Mu was bewildered by the man''s gaze: "Could it be that Pill Master Qi has had second thoughts?" Wouldn''t that mean his trip was in vain? "Him having second thoughts? He''s afraid that you''ll have second thoughts!" The old man looked at Chen Mu as if he were looking at a fool: "Three days ago, he''d already taken care of the handover procedures. By now, he''s probably already at Jade Spring Mountain?" "So what is this about...?" Chen Mu frowned. "Another one who secludes himself in training and cares nothing for world affairs," the old man chuckled. "You might not know this, but due to the attack by Li Yang Path, the earth vein of Jilong Mountain has been damaged. The institute has decided to turn this place into a branch sector." "It won''t be long before the Upper Court core will relocate," the old man said with a playful expression on his face. "Guess where the Upper Court is planning to move to?" "Jade Spring Mountain?" "Have all the sects'' mountain veining in Yunzhou experienced changes?" Chen Mu pondered for a while but couldn''t come to a conclusion. He felt the higher-ups and elder experts must know something. Otherwise, Liu Ling wouldn''t have left to set up the Jade Spring Mountain branch in East Ridge more than five or six years ago. "It''s fruitless to overthink it. Better to secure the secret arts while the Upper Court is still open. Once purchased, they are mine to keep." ... The next day, Chen Mu arrived early at the Scripture Transmission Institute located atop a cliff on the western side of Jilong Mountain. A massive five-story Octagonal Tower loomed before Chen Mu. He barely gave the structure a glance, too excited to appreciate it, and rushed inside. After asking a young scribe at the front desk for directions, Chen Mu went straight to an enclosure on the fifth floor''s west side. The enclosure was quite large with antique bookshelves on both sides and a huge window made of fine jade facing the entrance, beneath which stood a long wooden desk. An elderly man with grizzled hair and beard was sitting sternly behind the desk. The man was stout, and his wide Daoist Robe was stretched taut, giving off an imposing presence just by sitting there. "Netherworld Grand Summary is tiered for exchange, twenty thousand White Jade Coins per level, and thirteen thousand for Daoist Cultivation," he said. "Kui Water Yin Thunder costs twenty-five thousand White Jade Coins and eight thousand for Daoist Cultivation." "No bargaining, no discounts, and absolutely no credit." "Buy if you can afford it; if not, stay out of my sight," the sturdy old man said impatiently. Having said that, he stared at Chen Mu as if he would throw him out of the Scripture Transmission Institute if he dared to haggle. Chen Mu''s face involuntarily twitched. He had anticipated it would be expensive, but not to such an extent. After doing some quick math, Chen Mu couldn''t help but grit his teeth. "I''ll buy it!" The robust elder looked at Chen Mu with surprise, his expression losing the previous impatience. "Rare to see someone so decisive," he remarked. The elder accepted Chen Mu''s Identity Jade and White Jade Coins, verified them, and promptly handed two wooden boxes to Chen Mu, gesturing for him to inspect them. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire His manner became amiable, "If there''s anything unclear, you can come to the Scripture Transmission Institute for lectures." "We have Scripture Doctorates available to resolve doubts and questions, free of charge." Could there really be such a good deal? "Of course, if you''re interested in specific cultivation techniques, those are the unique teachings of the Scripture Doctorates. To learn alongside them..." The stalwart elder trailed off, winking at Chen Mu. "I''ll need to pay extra?" Chen Mu immediately rolled his eyes. As expected, the Scripture Transmission Institute was as mercenary as ever. ``` Chapter 393 Mechanical ``` Time flew by, and the weather grew increasingly hot. On the eastern side of Sunrise Mountain, the mountain breeze swept through the forest, rustling the leaves. A thin line of red light, like an arrow, spiraled through the dense forest, shuttling swiftly like lightning. In a moment, the red light abruptly accelerated and crashed straight into a large grayish-white boulder protruding from the ground. With a soft ''pfft'' sound, the stone, as if solidified fat meeting a hot knife, was effortlessly pierced through by the red light. Then the red light agilely changed direction and disappeared into the dense forest in the blink of an eye. Under the eaves, in front of the porch, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, eyes slightly squinted. His eyeballs moved left and right, but his attention was not on what was before him. After a while, a flash of red light appeared before him, and a vermilion flying blade, light as a feather, materialized, hovering in mid-air in front of Chen Mu. He reached out to pluck it, holding it before his eyes with a joyful expression, turning it over in his hands. "What a good flying sword!" Thinking back to the moment it flew at breakneck speed, piercing the clouds and cleaving the stone, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel excited. It had been a month since he arrived at Jilong Mountain. After getting over the initial unfamiliarity, it took him only three days to adapt quickly. Hiding in the small building, he engaged in alchemy and practiced secret techniques, gradually returning to his previous pace of life. During his leisure time, he took out the Vermilion Feather Sword that he had refined over time and played with it. With just one attempt, he fell in love with the feeling of manipulating the flying sword. The Vermilion Feather Sword inherently possessed the ability for armor-breaking flight, traveling at extreme speed. What was even more marvelous was that the Mechanical Technique allowed him to have a vision and sensory experience as though he were right there. Combining the two, every time he controlled the flying sword, it was as if he himself was taking a swift flying escape! And he had no fear of crashing or smashing his face because everything that was struck by the Vermilion Feather Sword was pierced through! "The Vermilion Feather Sword is sufficiently sharp and unstoppable." "The Mechanical Secret Technique is wondrous, allowing for long-distance manipulation of the flying sword." "The flying swords and darting pellets of the legendary immortals from my past life, capable of decapitating someone thousands of miles away, were probably like this, right?" Chen Mu chuckled inwardly as he examined his Jade Seed. He pulled a clump of True Meaning Talismans before his eyes. The talisman was enveloped by dark green mist on the outside, while the inside resembled an irregular black stone. The stone was covered with tiny holes, with thick green mist quietly flowing through them. This was the true form of the Mechanical Secret Technique''s True Meaning Talisman. "It''s definitely useful, although it looks a bit eerie." Thinking about the consistently strange style of the Wu Mountain siblings'' secret techniques, Chen Mu found it perfectly reasonable. "No harm in having one more technique, especially since it''s useful," Chen Mu shrugged, unconcerned. The Mechanical Secret Technique was similar to the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell. During the initial construction of the core talisman of the Mechanical Secret Technique, it autonomously split off a Talisman Spirit Seed.@@@@ After infusing the spirit seed into the magic sword, one could use the core of the Mechanical Technique to connect the spirit seed, bridging the gap between the ethereal and the material realms, allowing for the transmission of mana without regard to distance, achieving long-range control of the magic sword. ... The middle-aged man in black spoke eloquently. The listeners in the surrounding bamboo corridors, whether seated or standing, were utterly engrossed. Chen Mu, leaning against a column of the corridor, also listened with great interest. Previously, he had followed the steps methodically, immersed in cultivation; it was also his first time hearing someone systematically explain the path of cultivation. "Join the Jade Seed, gather the Gathering Talisman, condense the Soul Orifice, refine the River Chariot, establish the Daoist Foundation. This is our Yunzhou Daoist path for cultivating Qi." "Those who cultivate the Heavenly Demon Technique of the heretical paths are at risk of losing control and suffering backlash. To eliminate such calamities, they must endure the strikes of thunder." "Our Qi cultivation orthodoxy is different, step by step, each with a clear path to follow." "With someone''s guidance and diligent study and practice, one can progress systematically." "Like our Sect Master Dong Li, he is a Dao Foundation Cultivator." "The Sect Master himself first annihilated Zhongshan Path''s White Tower, then killed Li Xin of the parting sun. His might is unmatched, and his strength is formidable!" "If everyone diligently cultivates, a day will come when they can also succeed." This black-robed Scripture Doctorate was extremely articulate, and with just a few words, had painted a sweet picture for everyone, making their blood boil with enthusiasm. Chen Mu also couldn''t help but feel impassioned. "If one day I achieve a Daoist Foundation, I will surely take over an entire painted barge brothel." "Let those plump and slim beauties take their turn, hmm hmm..." "I''ll listen to the music all night long!" As he indulged in his wild fantasies, a voice interrupted his daydreaming. "Senior Brother, what comes after achieving a Daoist Foundation?" The middle-aged man in black cast a nonchalant glance at him, "Above a Daoist Foundation? I suggest everyone get a good night''s sleep. Dreams have it all." The crowd burst into laughter. Chen Mu couldn''t help scratching his head. He hadn''t even managed to refine his Divine Orifice yet, let alone knowing when he would establish a Daoist Foundation. He was getting ahead of himself. "I''ve practiced Qi cultivation for thirty years, and my Condensing Orifice phase is more than half complete, providing me with rich experience." "I know which Hour yields the highest efficiency in cultivation, which Elixirs are effective and affordable, and which methods can aid cultivation without side effects." "All these bits of information and techniques come from my many years of personal practice." "If you want to know more, it will only cost nine hundred and ninety-nine White Jade Coins..." Watching the crowd getting excited by the Scripture Doctorate''s pitch, Chen Mu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. He experienced a sense of de?ja? vu, as if he were seeing the sales pitches of online courses from his previous life. Chen Mu slipped away against the crowd, quietly leaving. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to buy; he simply couldn''t afford it. The Kui Water Yin Thunder and Condense Aperture Secret Method had drained his finances. His White Jade savings of over forty thousand were now reduced to just over two thousand. He had lived comfortably for several years, only to be brought back to his former plight overnight. Desiring to cultivate immortality, first he must earn money. Chapter 394 Reunion Outside a small building on Sunrise Mountain. The Vermilion Feather Sword danced nimbly in the open space in front of the building, resembling butterflies flitting through flowers. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, directing the magic sword while contemplating how to make money. He had a fair number of medicinal herbs and ore fragments on hand, all of which were obtained from looting corpses. It was fine to deal with small amounts, but a bulk sale would not be very prudent. Refining Fasting Pills was a good job, yielding four to five hundred White Jade each month. But whether it was operating the Exquisite Jade Plate or concocting Replenishing Origin Soup, White Jade Coins were needed. The income from alchemy barely covered daily cultivation expenses. The trouble was that Jilong Mountain was undergoing a major relocation, and all the essence of grains had been sent to Jade Spring Mountain. He could only wait until the spiritual field of Jilong Mountain was remodeled and Yellow Bud Rice was harvested before he would have the raw materials for alchemy. "If I had known, I would have just bought Kui Water Yin Thunder." "Netherworld Grand Summary is just a ruse, there was no need to buy it so early." He had saved quite a lot of White Jade, but unfortunately, between relocation purchasing, daily cultivation, and the exorbitant exchange for secret techniques, his savings gradually dwindled away. Hum! A hum sounded, and the sky suddenly darkened as a huge cloud bat flying boat slowly rose from below Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu glanced at it casually, his expression unchanged. Recently, with the large-scale relocation beginning at Jilong Mountain, cloud bat flying boats had been appearing frequently. As a large number of residents moved away from Sunrise Mountain, many vacant buildings and courtyards could be found in the mountain. In the past, when he flew his Vermilion Feather Sword, he would be very careful to avoid others. Now, as he flew unimpeded across the mountain, he saw hardly any signs of life. Chen Mu''s mind suddenly stirred. "East Ridge is most famous for its poisonous insects and poisonous miasma." "With so many people concentrated on relocating, wouldn''t the elixirs and charm scripts used for poison avoidance and detoxification become very valuable?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel exhilarated. Amidst rolling black smoke, a dull-looking, shiny, air-storing gourd appeared before him. Chen Mu reached out to pick up the gourd, which was unremarkable in appearance, and played with it affectionately. Back in the underground caverns, he had easily knocked over his fellow prisoners with the poisonous miasma. Ever since then, this unique local product of East Ridge had been on Chen Mu''s list of essentials for home and travel. As soon as the chaos at Mist Smoke Mountain subsided a bit, he immediately went to buy ten gourds of the essence of poisonous miasma, always carrying them with him. "Just need to buy the Earth Spirit Rhino Horn..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but clench his fist ... There was a vast open space in front of Sunrise Mountain, as large as a modern-day stadium. The ground was paved with blue stone slabs, and two huge cloud bat flying boats docked side by side in the middle. Surrounding the area, a circle of buildings stood tall. This was the location of the Jilong Mountain Market District. Inside a business establishment. "Earth Spirit Rhino Horn, one hundred and eighty White Jade each, how many would the customer like?" "Weren''t they only sixty to seventy White Jade before?" Chen Mu was astonished. "You seem to be knowledgeable," the shopkeeper said with a composed smile. "A familiar face, transparent pricing, and a developed loose goods network." It''s a pity that Jia Tian had always been active in East Ridge and hadn''t come to Jilong Mountain. "Perhaps, take a trip to Jade Spring Mountain?" ... Market District at the foot of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu stood on a small hill at the base of Sunrise Mountain, gazing distantly at the Cloud Bat Flying Boat, his brows furrowed with worry. He had just finished inquiring. The Cloud Bat Flying Boat was prioritized for the Upper Court''s relocation. He wouldn''t be able to buy a ticket or board the boat anytime soon. Traverse mountains and valleys to get to Jade Spring Mountain by himself? "I''d have to be crazy to go alone. What if I were to encounter a powerful aggressor on the way?" Chen Mu quickly shook his head. He didn''t hurry off. Instead, he stood there, intently watching the flying boat. It was said that the main body of the Cloud Bat Flying Boat was a type of demon beast called the Cloud Bat, captured and transformed by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. One could tell by its mountain-like size that, in life, it must have been strong. "Truly worthy of being an ancient sect that spans multiple continents." "To casually capture such demonic beasts and turn them into standardized Magic Artifacts for sale, tsk tsk..." As he was engrossed in his thoughts, he suddenly felt a rhythmic throbbing from the ground. Chen Mu swiftly turned his head only to see a beautiful two-person-tall toad slowly rising from the ground. Its whole body was as white as jade, with three golden lines stretching from its forehead to its back. Two slightly dull big eyes were staring at Chen Mu, full of curiosity. A Cold Moon Chan Yuanbao? For a while, as if recognizing Chen Mu, a somewhat naive croak sounded in Chen Mu''s ear. Croak! "Hello?" "Oh, hello to you too!" "Croak!" "Long time no see?" "Indeed, it''s been quite some years since we last saw each other," Chen Mu remarked with a smile. After so many years, Yuanbao the toad was still as polite as ever. "Eh? Are you Chen Mu?" Accompanied by a question, a cyan Escape Light descended from the sky. A person with a stiff, wooden expression, both unfamiliar and familiar, appeared beside Yuanbao. Mo Wuzhou? The genius from the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, Mo Wuzhou, who was taken in as a personal disciple by Rong Qiu, the Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion? Why was he still at Jilong Mountain? A thought suddenly struck Chen Mu. He had just been worrying about who to sell the All-Disease Pills to. The suitable candidate had just appeared! ``` Chapter 395 Half a Year "Why didn''t Senior Brother Mo go to Jade Spring Mountain?" After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chen Mu asked with curiosity. As a core disciple like Mo Wuzhou, he had already moved in large numbers to the East Ridge mountains at the beginning of the Upper Court''s relocation. "I received an order from our master to sort out the earth''s veins here and to transform Jilong Mountain into a batch of spiritual fields," responded Mo Wuzhou. Chen Mu glanced at Yuanbao, and understanding dawned on him. The Cold Moon Toad naturally possessed the Earth Escape Divine Ability and could move freely underground. The Mountain Protection Magical Barrier of Mist Smoke Mountain was initially built with the help of Yuanbao. "If there''s anything you need from me, just say the word," Chen Mu offered eagerly after a moment of thought. Mo Wuzhou''s heart stirred. He had heard from Senior Brother Liang Yi that it was Chen Mu who helped him explore the underground water veins of Mist Smoke Mountain. However, Senior Brother Liang had also said that this guy was extremely good at hiding his talents. Why was he so eager this time? "If you have any requirements, you can tell me straight," Mo Wuzhou said. "It''s nothing major; I just wanted to ask Brother to help sell a batch of Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills," Chen Mu replied with a sly smile, not trying to conceal his intentions. As he spoke, he flipped his wrist and handed over a gray elixir pill. "You can make Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills?" Mo Wuzhou was surprised, examining the pill carefully in his hand. This was a special All-Disease Pill developed by his master, Rong Qiu, for the disciples from East Ridge. The difficulty in concocting it was substantial, and he didn''t expect Chen Mu to know how to make it. "I wouldn''t let Brother work for nothing," Chen Mu assured him quickly. "You can take thirty percent of the White Jade Coins," Chen Mu offered readily. He was planning to use Mo Wuzhou''s reputation to shield himself from greedy eyes, something he had done before. Mo Wuzhou felt a jolt in his heart; why did this approach sound so familiar to him? "The Wood Spirit Boy sold at Peng Yue Mountain, it wasn''t you who made it, was it?" he asked, scrutinizing Chen Mu with suspicion. That was something Gongsun Sheng did; what does it have to do with me! Chen Mu looked clueless and feigned ignorance: "Wood Spirit Boy? Wasn''t it you who had Shang Huan sell it on your behalf, Brother?" Mo Wuzhou eyed Chen Mu thoroughly for quite a while before he half-doubtingly looked away. "Aren''t you worried that I might swallow your pills?" "If Brother needs them, please take them," Chen Mu declared with magnanimity. "Are you really that generous?" "You''re not thinking about giving me a stealthy knock on the head, are you?" Mo Wuzhou cast a glance at Chen Mu. "How could I?" Chen Mu said with earnest sincerity. A stealthy knock would hardly suffice. I''d at least need to test my Vermilion Feather Sword on you. ... Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire With Mo Wuzhou''s assistance, through the Pill Treasure Pavilion, over nine hundred Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills were sent to Jade Spring Mountain without causing a stir. As the close disciple of Rong Qiu, no one doubted the origin of the pills and assumed they were concocted by Mo Wuzhou. Having previous cooperation on the Wood Spirit Boy, Chen Mu was relatively at ease with Mo Wuzhou. Of course, it''s wise not to be without one''s guard. That night, he still hid in the second underground secret chamber beneath the first underground secret chamber. Fortunately, it turned out he had been overly cautious. The next day, Mo Wuzhou brought nine thousand White Jade Coins. Thus, Chen Mu began to shuttle through the underground of Jilong Mountain with Mo Wuzhou, helping him in his search for underground water veins. Two months later, the relocation of Jilong Mountain''s Upper Court was completely finished. A large batch of newly recruited Lower Courtyard disciples was also successively brought to Jilong Mountain. Just like the initial development of the East Ridge Five Mountains, those martial fighters recruited from Da Qian, after being stimulated by the primary Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill to awaken their Shell Soul Steel Skin, became the best people for planting in the Lower Courtyard. Under the guidance of core disciples like Mo Wuzhou, the newly recruited disciples began to cultivate the Spiritual Fields of Jilong Mountain. Starting from Sunrise Three Mountains, first, the redundant buildings were demolished, then trees were cut down, grass and weeds were removed, and rubble was cleared. Below the mountainside, it was soon transformed into neatly terraced fields surrounding the mountain. The main mountain of Jilong Mountain also underwent minor renovations. The forests remained, while some useless buildings disappeared. In their place were small and exquisite Spiritual Fields ready for planting Spiritual Medicines. With all the support disciples working with great enthusiasm. Jilong Mountain, which had quieted down because of the relocation, became lively once again. ... The weather gradually became cooler, and in the blink of an eye, half a year had passed. On the east side of Sunrise Mountain, in front of the gallery of the pavilion, Chen Mu lay lazily in a rocking chair. After half a year of running around, the Spiritual Fields of Jilong Mountain were basically remodeled. Below the mountainside of Sunrise Mountain, the dense forests had disappeared, replaced by fields of Yellow Bud Rice; a swath of lush green as far as the eye could see. Gone was the quiet of the past, but in its place was a sense of openness. He squinted his eyes, introspecting his Jade Seed Mud Pill. A silver hollow sphere spun around at its center. Over the past half year, while he assisted Mo Wuzhou in locating underground water veins, he had never stopped cultivating. As of today, the sixth layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman once again coalesced completely. In an empty space beneath the ribs on the right side of his abdomen, a mysterious aperture appeared in synchronization with the advancement of the Netherworld Grand Summary. After this, the grass and trees of the mountains appeared to him with a subtle sense of rhythm, as if he could merge into them unobstructed at will. "First, merging into the earth, and then into plants and trees?" "The Five Elements Escape Technique?" "What kind of creature is this Cloud Mirage anyway, that it knows the Five Elements Escape Technique?" As he continued cultivating, he had some guesses about the mysterious apertures that appeared in his body. When practitioners of the Heavenly Demon Path cultivate, the first step is to introduce demonic bloodlines and awaken the innate ability of Spirit Armor Steel Skin. Then relying on the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique to discern the True Intent of the bloodline, they cultivate Mana. Next, they open up the Heavenly Demon Mysterious Apertures to transform their bodies. At this stage, the ability innate to the Heavenly Demon Bloodline may awaken. Compared to this, the third step, the Opening of Apertures realm, seems very similar to the changes happening within his own body. He had never consumed a Reincarnation Pill nor practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. If there was any connection, it might only be due to the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. "For some unknown reason, my body harbors the Cloud Mirage Bloodline." "And unexpectedly, the Netherworld Grand Summary can facilitate the growth of the bloodline, which is why secret apertures are opening up and innate divine abilities are awakening." "But the first ability that appeared should have been the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Yet that is clearly a Secret Technique unique to Ghosts." "Could it be that the Cloud Mirage is a type of Ghosts? But why then isn''t it called the Ghost Spirit Armor Technique on the gray wall?" "Tsk tsk... it''s puzzling." ``` Chapter 396 Expansion "It really is the Five Elements Escape Technique, that''s just wonderful." He liked secret techniques for escaping the most. Like the Longitudinal Rainbow Light or the Five Ghosts Phantom Flame Escape Technique.@@@@ But these two were only good at flying, competing in speed. The Five Elements Escape Technique, however, could traverse through various environments, specializing in all-terrain adaptation. If he really mastered it, his ability to escape and survive would greatly improve. "I need to ponder over the Kui Water Yin Thunder," Chen Mu thought, stroking his chin. The Thunder Law was extremely beneficial for opening apertures secretly. It is said that the fourth stage of the Heavenly Demon Path is called Transcending Tribulation, which is about how to withstand lightning strikes. The power of heavenly lightning couldn''t be controlled, countless members of the Heavenly Demon Path died from being struck. If one could control the Thunder Law by oneself, it was always better than seeking out heavenly lightning to try one''s luck. As long as he increased his proficiency with the Kui Water Yin Thunder, he might be able to control its power. A slow stimulation could allow the apertures to be opened gradually and in order. Having made up his mind, Chen Mu adjusted his cultivation schedule. The morning practice of the seventh layer of the Netherworld Grand Summary remained unchanged. In the afternoon, aside from the Mechanical Technique and the Giant Spirit Divine, he specially allocated some time to practice the Kui Water Yin Thunder. ... Three days later, in front of the wooden house''s porch. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding the True Meaning Jade Slip of the Kui Water Yin Thunder in front of his eyes, blocking out the slightly blinding sunlight. The origins of this Thunder Law were untraceable; it was only known to be a secret passage from the Sun Family. According to the Jade Slip, Yin Thunder was powerful but difficult to cultivate, and its destructive force was proportional to the mana consumed. Ordinary cultivators had insufficient mana, and the Thunder Law would at most cause numbness. With that amount of mana, it was better to reserve it for the activation of Magic Artifacts. "Isn''t this convenient?" "The Netherworld Grand Summary I''m practicing doesn''t have many other benefits, but it does provide ample mana!" "The Sun Family are all such good people. Haha!" Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu cheerfully activated the Jade Slip. The true intent of the secret technique immediately seeped backward into the Jade Seed, stirring the mana to surge and swirl. In the blink of an eye, a peculiar talisman rapidly appeared. Its appearance was unique, resembling countless branches gathered into a mass, with strands of blue and white light coursing over it. Chen Mu stared at the talisman, memorizing and observing it carefully. After a good while. The talisman slowly faded, leaving only a small section of branch-like talisman within the Jade Seed, seemingly on the verge of falling apart at any moment. Chen Mu''s eyes lit up; he immediately brought up the grey wall and indeed found a new entry had appeared. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 3/10000/First Rank; "It worked." "I''ll keep practicing it." "Once I gain more experience, I''ll try to use it to assist in opening secret apertures." He delightfully looked at the experience bar of the Kui Water Yin Thunder for a while longer. Chen Mu''s gaze gradually moved up, looking at another entry on the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 1/10000/Eighth Rank; "An Alchemy Furnace? Are you an alchemist, sir?" the storekeeper with a red nose asked, his casual expression becoming more serious. "I dare not claim to be an alchemist, I just concoct some Fasting Pills," Chen Mu said, waving his hand indifferently. "Ah, it''s Pill Master Chen from the Pill Treasure Pavilion." The red-nosed storekeeper revealed a smile. Chen Mu raised his eyebrows; he had not expected the other party to recognize him. "Don''t be offended, Pill Master Chen," the red-nosed storekeeper said with a smile and a cupped fist. "In our line of business, we have to pay attention to the personnel changes on Jilong Road." "On Jilong Mountain, there are only three of you Pill Masters who practice alchemy." "And you are the youngest among the three." "It''s hard for us not to know about you." Chen Mu came to a realization. It wasn''t that he had done anything outrageous; it was simply that the personnel on Jilong Mountain had been reduced too much and too quickly. With large numbers of people moving away, those who remained became rather conspicuous. "You''ve come just at the right time, sir. We happen to have a large Pill Furnace in the store," the storekeeper said as he stepped out from behind the counter. He tapped the Mustard Seed Talisman on his wrist. A huge, pitch-black Alchemy Furnace, half the height of a man with three legs and two handles, appeared. Chen Mu''s eyes lit up immediately. "If I used it to braise a furnace full of meat, I could certainly have a feast to my heart''s content!" he thought. "What''s the price?" he inquired. The red-nosed storekeeper chuckled, spread his five fingers, and flipped his hand back and forth. "One thousand White Jade Coins." "That expensive?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but exclaim. "You won''t find such a large Pill Furnace elsewhere," said the storekeeper. After some hesitation, Chen Mu thought of his 100% success rate with the Fasting Pills and eventually paid, though it pained him to do so. "At worst, I''ll just keep more Fasting Pills for myself." "A private sale, and in two or three months, I should be able to earn back the cost." ... At the entrance of Hundred Treasures Pavilion, the red-nosed storekeeper was smiling broadly as he stood by Chen Mu. A noisy group of people bustled past the entrance of Hundred Treasures Pavilion, drawing Chen Mu''s attention. "Who are they...?" he wondered. "Pill Master Chen is not aware?" The red-nosed storekeeper explained with a smile, "Just recently, our Jilong Road just took care of two small sects and acquired two new territories." "They are called to develop the brand-new Lower Courtyard." "Of course, not just anyone can go there; one must have skills." "These days, people are going every day to take tests, attempting to pass." "Developing new territories always allows one to earn more White Jade Coins than farming." Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. It had been quiet for just half a year, yet Jilong Road was already expanding outward and engaging other sects in proactive conflicts. Although they were just minor sects, were the other four powers in Yunzhou truly just watching idly? "Is it going to fall into chaos again?" he wondered. Chen Mu had a bad feeling. Chapter 397 Yuanbao Chen Mu''s residence, the alchemy chamber on the second floor, west side. In the center of the room stood a pitch-black, massive pill furnace. Chen Mu patted the heavy furnace but had no mind for alchemy. "How many days have passed since we had peace? Are those elders on Jilong Road really so belligerent?" "They''re all cultivating immortality, why do they still think about expanding their territory every day?" Chen Mu shook his head in a sigh, yet he understood that as a Daoist sect, it would not wage wars everywhere without reason. "Is it still because of the changes in the Earth''s veins?" Thinking back on the many years of upheaval, he had already formed some concept about the changes in vital energy. For some unknown reason, the changes in the Earth''s veins of Yunzhou caused the Earth Spirit Vital Energy to change with it. Mountains with spiritual veins might become barren of vital energy, unsuitable for cultivation, like Jilong Mountain. In contrast, barren and desolate places could become sources of surging vital energy and excellent spots for Qi cultivation, like the five mountains of East Ridge. "All of Yunzhou''s seven sects must be making big moves." "It''s just that I''m isolated from the news and unaware." Chen Mu''s expression grew troubled. If things were indeed as he understood, the entire Yunzhou might fall into chaos! "I need to spend more effort pondering the Kui Water Yin Thunder." "And focus on developing the Condensing Aperture Secret Technique to awaken the Five Elements Escape Technique. If disaster strikes, it''ll be much easier to flee." Chen Mu decided to dedicate the time after dinner and before sleep to practicing the Thunder Law. "It''s also fortunate to have this large pill furnace. In one furnace, I can produce a hundred or two Fasting Pills." "Two furnaces a day are enough to meet the demand, saving a great deal of time." ... Half a month later. Administrative Affairs Institute. An elder in grey carefully inspected the Fasting Pills packed in a wooden box. It took a while before he raised his head, showing a smile. "The Fasting Pills are as smooth as pearls and flawless in appearance. Pill Master Chen''s skills are exquisite, far surpassing others," the grey-clothed elder praised. The highest level of Fasting Pill technique is of course exquisite. Chen Mu tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile but said nothing. Unperturbed, the elder in grey chuckled and took out a small cloth bag, placing it on the counter along with the Identity Jade, and pushed them toward Chen Mu: "For the two thousand four hundred Fasting Pills, a total of one hundred Daoist Cultivation points and two hundred White Jade Coins for you." Chen Mu glanced at it but did not take it: "Have the items I requested arrived in stock?" "We received a batch of Golden Pearls and Cyan Turtle Shells." "There are still no Black Snake Bones or Stone Marrow." The elder in grey spread his hands: "This place isn''t the Upper Court anymore. All the main materials for the Rejuvenation Pills are prioritized for Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu was helpless but had no choice; he could only push the Jade Token and the grey cloth bag back to the elder: "Then give me the two materials we have in stock for now." Replenishing Origin Soup is cheap but cannot be stored long-term whereas Rejuvenation Pills are expensive but ensure quality over ten years or more. He planned to stockpile Rejuvenation Pills in advance, so that if he indeed had to flee one day, nothing would hinder his practice of the Condensing Aperture Technique. Rejuvenation Pills comprised thirteen materials in total: nine auxiliary materials and four main materials. There''s no need to purchase the auxiliary materials as he had saved plenty of essences when grinding for experience in the past. "Quack." "Oh? You came to find me for fun on your own?" "Did you really just come to play with me? Nothing else?" Chen Mu teased with a smile. "Quack!" "Wouldn''t it be even better if there were a pot of Replenishing Origin Soup?" "Ha!" "Well, you sly toad, coming to take advantage of me, huh?" "Is Replenishing Origin Soup something you can drink by the potful?" "Quack!" "You brought me a particularly big gift?" "Precious, eh? Well, I''ve gotta take a look." No sooner had his voice fallen than the big toad in front of him suddenly opened its mouth and spat out a strange beetle the size of a water buffalo. When Chen Mu looked over, the dense beetle legs were still floundering in a near-death struggle, nearly making his hair stand on end. I really find this gift a bit hard to accept. "Quack!" "You even want me to eat it?" Chen Mu glanced at the exotic beetle covered in Yuanbao''s stomach fluids and couldn''t help rolling his eyes. I''d be crazy to eat this thing! ... At dusk. On the open ground in front of the wooden building. Chen Mu used the Point Ground into Steel skill to manipulate soil, creating a two-meter-wide pot. The earthen pot hovered in mid-air, beneath it a rolling mass of pale blue flame. In his hand, Chen Mu held the Fire Cloud Gourd, controlling the flames while silently reciting curse tactics. Drops of Replenishing Origin Soup rose up, just gathering into a ball in midair when with a flash of red light, the freshly prepared Replenishing Origin Soup instantly vanished. "Aren''t you afraid of scalding your tongue!" Chen Mu glared at Yuanbao, then continued to chant the curse words. He didn''t stop using the secret method until he had drained all the Vital Energy from the big insect. With black smoke billowing, the pot''s residue disappeared and the earthen pot turned back into soil and dissipated. "Does Replenishing Origin Soup work for monsters too?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but look at the Cold Moon Toad. Half a year ago, Chen Mu had followed Mo Wuzhou to explore water veins, and every time, Yuanbao would ferry him back and forth through the forests by Escaping Earth. By chance, the big toad discovered the existence of the Replenishing Origin Soup. Since then, it had often come to Chen Mu. Each time, it would bring Chen Mu some small wild animals from the mountains in exchange for a taste of the Replenishing Origin Soup. Today, in order to drink more, it had even caught a big beetle exotic beast. "If I go by the toad''s diet, this is indeed a special big gift." Chen Mu shook his head and laughed, "It''s an unexpectedly proper and courteous surprise." Every time after consuming Replenishing Origin Soup, the big toad wouldn''t leave. It just sat obediently at the door, its dull eyes foolishly staring at the sky until it turned dark, and then it would leave on its own. Chen Mu chuckled and watched for a while, then ignored it. He turned and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for himself. Chapter 398 Yama One day, Chen Mu was leisurely enjoying his dinner under the corridor. A jade-colored Escape Light descended from the sky. Mo Wuzhou revealed his figure, glanced at the big toad zoning out in front of the door, and stared at Chen Mu with full of suspicion. "What kind of Soul-Bewitching Soup did you give Yuanbao? Why does it keep hopping over to your place?" The Cold Moon Toad Yuanbao was his master Song Wujie''s Exotic Beast pet. His master Rong Qiu lent it to him partly to help explore the water veins, and partly to have Yuanbao protect him thoroughly. But this big toad kept shirking its duties every now and then to run to Chen Mu''s place and take up the role of a doorkeeper and security! Chen Mu glanced at the big toad and noticed it was also secretly staring at him. His heart skipped a beat at that moment. Crap, this big toad wouldn''t sell me out, would it?! "Didn''t you ask it?" asked Chen Mu calmly. "I asked, but it won''t say," Mo Wuzhou said, frustrated. "Is it possible that it''s because the feng shui here is better, suitable for zoning out and cultivating?" asked Chen Mu with a serious face. Mo Wuzhou was momentarily speechless. Your place is better than the Jilong Mountain dojo?@@@@ "It''s not because of the feng shui?" Chen Mu asked with a puzzled face. After thinking seriously, he suddenly realized, "Then it must be because my heart is open and sincere, and Yuanbao sees me as a friend, considering me as a companion!" Mo Wuzhou: "..." Listen to the nonsense you''re spouting. You dare to say your heart is open and sincere?! "You don''t believe it?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "How could I believe that?" Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu askance. "Croak!" "See, even Yuanbao says you have to believe it, haha!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. Are you treating me as if I''m blind with this act of yours! "Don''t worry about those things," Chen Mu said with a beaming smile. "Brother Mo, have you eaten? Come and join me." After all, he was a core member of the Upper Court of Jilong Mountain, and he couldn''t afford to offend him too much. Immediately, he kept inviting and made Mo Wuzhou sit at the table, then brought out two more dishes, and began eating and drinking together. As soon as the dish and meat entered his mouth, Mo Wuzhou couldn''t help but be dazzled. This culinary skill is really something. Could it be that the big toad has taken a liking to the cooked food here? "Not to brag, but when it comes to cooking, I''m second to none in the entire Jilong Road," Chen Mu said proudly. Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu expressionlessly. Look at how pleased you are with yourself. Anyone on Jilong Road with a bit of cultivation eats Fasting Pills. The disciples of the Lower Courtyard with lower cultivation cook merely to fill their stomachs for survival. Here... "It''s a bit disappointing." He had been hoping for a powerful skill akin to Five Ghosts Possession. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire "I suppose it''s better than nothing. After all, I''ve acquired a new means to deal with ghosts," Chen Mu muttered to himself. He still remembered back in Mist Smoke Mountain, someone summoned a sky full of ghosts, and Sun Wuhuan was killed by those ghosts. In the future, if he were to encounter ghosts again, he would be able to handle them with ease and not have to flee in panic. ... A hundred li north of Jilong Mountain, in a sunlit, small valley. Suddenly, a blanket of ghostly white fog appeared and quickly enveloped the entire valley. Moo! A deep sound that resembled the bellow of a cow and the roar of a tiger erupted within the dense fog. The once lively valley instantly fell into deathly silence. The next moment, a strong suction force burst from within the fog, swiftly turning into a violent wind that swept across the entire valley. Wherever the wind passed, grass and trees seemed to have their colors and moisture sucked out, turning from verdant to withered and yellow rapidly. Birds and beasts appeared to be drained of blood and flesh, dying off in large numbers. At the peak of the valley, a group of more than a dozen people dressed in hooded cloaks appeared suddenly. Each one was tall and robust, their wide cloaks unable to fully conceal their figures. Faint black smoke swirled around them, their presence as menacing as that of strange demons, chilling to onlookers. The bearded man leading them frowned at the valley''s transformation, his expression grim: "How did this strange demon suddenly break through the barrier and appear?" "We''re less than a hundred li from Jilong Mountain. If we''re discovered, we''re all done for!" Several men, stiffened under the bearded man''s gaze, had no choice but to speak up. "It might... be hungry and came out..." Bang! Before he could finish, he was sent flying backward like a meteor, crashing into a distant hill and sending soil and rocks flying as dust filled the air. The bearded tough withdrew his right leg, black smoke rising around him as if it were tangible. He glared at the other toughs with a furious expression: "You dare to keep the Longevity Wine to yourselves, not knowing that it''s the bait to lure the strange demon?!" The group of men trembled, unable to speak. Mooo! Another anguished roar sounded. The fog that had filled the valley a moment ago vanished without a trace. The bearded tough turned and glanced back, his angry expression easing slightly. "Dig that guy out from underground." "As long as we can safely lure the strange demon into Jilong Mountain, I will overlook your past deeds." "If you ruin the plans of the Spiritual Master, I will feed all of you to the strange demon as an extra meal!" "We will not disappoint you, General." The men quickly saluted and nodded vigorously. Chapter 399 Withering Early in the morning, the sun rose in the east. Jilong Mountain was enshrouded in a light mist above and below. Chen Mu pushed open the window on the second floor, stretched, and yawned.@@@@ A streak of red light shot out from his sleeve, circled Sunrise Mountain in the blink of an eye. Then it danced within the mountain''s summit clouds for a while before turning into a red line and flying back in front of the small building. The Mechanical Technique was like equipping a Flying Sword with eyes; a single Flying Escape around Sunrise Mountain provided an easy view of its entire scenery. The exhilarating feeling of looking down from high above prompted him to take his Magic Sword for a spin around Sunrise Mountain every morning. At this moment, in the space in front of the building, the red light weaved back and forth, and the Flying Sword practiced stabbing and stopping abruptly. After a while, Chen Mu reluctantly put away the Vermilion Feather Sword. He summoned the gray wall, and the Mechanical Technique''s progress appeared. Mechanical Technique: 8015/10000/Fourth Rank; "Interest is indeed the greatest motivation," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. He hadn''t practiced deliberately, but whenever he had time, he would send his Magic Sword flying around the mountain for fun. Before he knew it, he had grinded out more than eight thousand experience points for the Mechanical Technique. After stretching again, he activated the Five Ghosts Black Smoke to sweep from head to toe, removing dust and taking away fatigue. Chen Mu then refreshed himself and headed into the kitchen on the first floor to make breakfast. ... In front of the porch. Chen Mu sat on a low bamboo chair, eating a Qi Family stuffed bun, while habitually activating the Truthful Listening Technique. The next moment, the hustle and bustle of the market district below the mountain reached his ears. This was a recent habit he had developed, like listening to the radio, he tuned in to the Jilong Road market district channel every day to keep up with the latest developments. "Rallying troops and horses, ready to continue expanding territory?" "Tsk, when will it ever end." He took a bite of the cool mountain wild vegetables and frowned involuntarily. He used to worry about Jilong Road''s belligerence, but now it almost felt like the norm. Since the Upper Court completed its relocation, Jilong Road had been expanding like clockwork, constantly swallowing up small sects to enlarge its territory. Fortunately, Jilong Mountain had become a branch residence, a production base for Spirit Rice and Spiritual Medicine, out of reach from the battles. "Coming to Jilong Mountain was really the right move." Just as he was engrossed in various gossip news, a faint but unusual sound reached his ears. Listening closely, he discovered the noise was coming from the Yellow Bud Rice fields over the mountainside. "Yellow Bud Rice... wailing?" Chen Mu was stunned, forgetting to swallow the mouthful of Yellow Bud Rice porridge. After carefully listening for a while, he couldn''t help but frown, stand up, and look toward the terraced fields at the foot of the mountain: "I need to go check it out." Yellow Bud Rice was the main ingredient for Fasting Pills. If the yield decreased, it would definitely affect his Fasting Pill refining. ... Chen Mu''s face immediately turned grim. ... In less than half a month, the situation had already begun to rapidly deteriorate. The lush green Yellow Bud Rice all over the mountain was wilting uncontrollably, now a mix of yellow and green. Chen Mu stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor, gazing out at the terraced fields below. Thick smoke billowed from the fields, the work of the Lower Courtyard disciples burning and uprooting the severely wilted Spiritual Fields. Not only that, but in the past few days, the Lower Courtyard disciples had also poured a great deal of Insecticide into the Spiritual Fields and buried large amounts of Bone Powder fertilizer. Yet, they still could not stop the spread of the wilting symptoms. "Has Jilong Mountain truly contracted that mysterious wilting disease?" Chen Mu''s face was ugly. Not long ago, Song Wujie had arrived at Jilong Mountain. He had released countless Spirit Insects to search the mountain the very same day, but still found nothing. "This is trouble." At dusk, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair in front of the window on the second floor, his brows knit with worry, the beautiful red sunset unable to attract his gaze. "Did those elders on Jilong Road discover some issues long ago, and that''s why they led the relocation of the Upper Court?" "It''s only been less than a year since the change to an annex, are we going to have to run again?" Chen Mu said helplessly. He had been running around for the past few years, barely having any peace. "I really wish I could find a paradise where I could grind to the top before coming down from the mountain." "What a pity..." Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire As he wondered whether it was time to prepare to flee, a Five Ghosts Paper Man suddenly flew to his window. Since he had reached the limit with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, the Five Ghosts Paper Man seemed to come alive, often scampering around the house when there was nothing to do. Chen Mu found it curious but didn''t interfere. But today''s Paper Man, with its wide open mouth, gleefully ran up to Chen Mu and was out of the ordinary. It didn''t appear alone; it rode on a meter-long, serpent-like grayish-white wisp of smoke. The smoke wisp writhed under his feet as if it were a living thing! "What is this?" Chen Mu leaned in with curiosity. The next moment, the serpent-shaped smoke wisp suddenly shot towards his face, its front end rapidly morphing, revealing the face of a stranger. The face was expressionless, almost pressed up against Chen Mu, just staring at him with lifeless eyes. Fuck! He was startled into a shiver, and instinctively slapped at it. But to his surprise, his hand passed right through the white smoke without any resistance. Yet, at that instant, Chen Mu felt as if his right hand had been soaked in an ice hole for an entire day, bone-chillingly cold. And the face-shaped smoke wisp took advantage of the moment the Five Ghosts Paper Man flew up to dodge, its smokey tail flicking, and disappeared into thin air. "What kind of ghostly thing is this? How could it appear on Mist Smoke Mountain?!" Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. Feeling the residual coldness on his palm, he was thoroughly creeped out. ``` Chapter 400 Capture Chen Mu looked sternly at the five little paper men. "Is that thing harmful?" The five little paper men shook their heads in unison. "Will it appear again?" The little paper men continued shaking their heads. "Can you do anything other than shaking your heads?!" The little paper men were still shaking their heads. Damn! I was really confused by that thing just now. The Five Ghosts Paper Men were at most slightly spiritual, like bewildered children, and essentially impossible to communicate with. Chen Mu looked at his still cold right hand. "What exactly was that thing?" "Was it one or a group?" "Did it cause the Yellow Bud Rice to wither?" During his year on Jilong Mountain, he had never seen such long snake-like white smoke with a human face before. Now, with the mountain infected with decay disease, that thing had appeared just in time. This inevitably made Chen Mu wonder whether there was any connection between the two. And the way that thing disappeared was too strange. It was not invisibility, nor a rapid flight away, but a disappearance into thin air. "Some kind of spatial escape technique? Breaking through boundaries with teleportation?" "What if it suddenly appeared behind me and bit my head..." Chen Mu felt uneasy. He tossed and turned in bed all night, afraid the thing would suddenly show up. Not until the sun rose and the thin mist over the mountains steamed up, and there were signs of life below the mountain, did he breathe a sigh of relief and slowly calm down. ... Around noon, Song Wujie and Mo Wuzhou returned to the Spiritual Field of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu stood on the second floor, watching from a distance as the two tried various methods of testing but still found nothing. "Should I tell Mo Wuzhou?" "If I can get Song Wujie to act, he might be able to capture that monster and rid us of the trouble for good." "Hmm, let''s investigate first." After breakfast, Chen Mu hurried off to the Scripture Transmission Institute and stayed there the whole day. He searched for information on Exotic Beasts and Monsters, sought advice from a Scripture Doctorate, but all to no avail. There was no record in the books, and the Scripture Doctorate didn''t know. "The likelihood that that thing is causing the decay disease is growing higher and higher." "Great news, indeed!" "Song Wujie is here for the decay disease, and once he learns of the existence of the white smoke creature, he will definitely take action to investigate." ... In the evening, Chen Mu sat in front of the door porch. ... Perhaps Chen Mu''s hints had played a role. The next day, numerous unfamiliar faces arrived at Jilong Mountain, and then they started setting up Forbidden Laws all over the mountains. Chen Mu observed for a long time, only to know that it was some sort of binding Forbidden Law, similar to the Isolation Barrier Technique that Sun Wujiu had set up previously. He couldn''t understand the specifics. This went on for many days. He paid attention to the goings-on of Jilong Mountain every day and also continuously attempted to explore, but unfortunately, he never encountered that kind of white smoke again. Instead, with the continuous patrolling of the mountain with his Flying Sword, he gained a large amount of Mechanical Technique experience. That night. In front of the window on the second floor. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, the grey wall materializing before his eyes. He looked down, focusing on one particular section. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire Mechanical Technique: 35/10000/Fifth Rank; With a thought, the palm-length Vermilion Feather Sword started flashing around him, leaving streaks of red lines in mid-air. "The speed is clearly three parts faster." "And the Mechanical Technique has gained eight more Talisman Spirit Seeds." Chen Mu inspected the Jade Seed with glee. Within the dark green mist, eight white translucent threads actively wriggled inside the black stone-shaped Talisman. "That means I can control nine Magic Swords at once!" "One Vermilion Feather Sword is already sharp enough; if nine swords were to strike together..." He couldn''t help but get excited at the thought. "Right, the Mechanical Technique is a Secret Technique for controlling puppet weapons, aiming for the strategy of overwhelming numbers." "It makes sense that it would split into multiple Talisman Spirit Seeds after advancing." "Now it''s only at the Fifth Rank, but if I push it to the limit... haha!" As he fantasized about the scene of a sky filled with Flying Swords at his command. A thunderous roar suddenly exploded. Chen Mu''s face changed, and the Vermilion Feather Sword shot up into the sky with a swish. The pitch-black back mountain came into view. Under the stars and moonlight, a vast expanse of pale and strange fog shrouded Jilong Mountain. Accompanied by a succession of explosions, red lights flashed within the white smoke. The next moment, an unseen force rose from all directions, locking down the area surrounding Jilong Mountain firmly. "A Forbidden Law that traps the void?" "Song Wujie has really caught it!" Chen Mu rejoiced. Many people heard the commotion and leaped out of their rooms, rushing to the mountaintop to watch. Chen Mu also sprang up from the second floor and then... he zipped into the ground and disappeared without a trace. Having both the Truthful Listening Technique and the Mechanical Technique, he could watch from a distance, with no intention of joining the crowd on the mountaintop. That fog looked very strange; what if he got affected by it? Chapter 401 Netherworld The dense fog over Jilong Mountain repeatedly expanded and contracted, as if it were a living creature. Flashes of red light appeared all around within it, and the thunderous sounds roared incessantly. Chen Mu hid underground, monitoring Jilong Mountain through the cloud-bound Vermilion Feather Sword. Soon he noticed that the long snake of white smoke with human faces occasionally appeared on the edge of the dense fog. When it broke free from the fog, it would turn into a snake of white smoke, and upon contact with the fog, it immediately merged back into it and disappeared. "Could it be that the dense fog enveloping Jilong Mountain is made up of those human-faced long snakes?" Chen Mu couldn''t help feeling frightened. He had previously attempted to find the snakes of white smoke. Now, thinking about it, if he had really provoked that large group of monsters, he would have been doomed for sure! ... The battle lasted for half an hour. Accompanied by a heaven-shaking wail, the entire expanse of dense fog suddenly dispersed. Song Wujie stood hovering above Jilong Mountain, his clothes visibly tattered. Then, swarms of fiery red insects flew out from around him, chasing after the clusters of white smoke across the mountains. The dying roars of countless exotic beasts echoed throughout the mountains one after another, but before long, they were heard no more. Song Wujie maneuvered his Escape Light, circling around the outskirts of Jilong Mountain and returned to the grand hall at the mountain summit. Before long, the black-garbed patrollers from the Inspection Courtyard descended the mountain, spreading the news to soothe the people''s hearts while dispersing the gathered disciples from various places. The once noisy Jilong Mountain gradually quieted down. ... On the eastern side of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu emerged from the ground and returned to the window on the second floor. Thinking of how the white smoke monsters had been targeted by Song Wujie and killed beyond any chance of revival, he felt greatly relieved. "It''s your own fault for being so elusive," he said. "You''re just a wisp of white smoke but insist on wearing a human face. Plus, you can use the interdimensional Teleportation Escape Skill, tsk tsk..." "You''re far too dangerous!" "Watch my big bro Song Wujie summon the great magic!" Chen Mu chuckled as he lay back in the rocking chair. "I''m not doing this just to get a good night''s sleep," he said. "I''m simply trying to help eliminate the source of degeneration in Jilong Road." "Yep, that''s right, haha..." Chen Mu swayed contentedly in the rocking chair, feeling relaxed in body and mind. Just as he was silently rejoicing, a discordant chattering sound reached his ears. Chen Mu frowned, looking over with displeasure. He saw five little paper men, each riding a white smoke monster with a human face, cheerfully flying towards him. Chen Mu: "..." Weren''t these ghostly things already killed by Song Wujie? "It seems... it''s not that dangerous after all." Chen Mu''s eyes moved as he observed the white smoke monsters. He noticed that although the faces were identical, the colors differed. Some were vividly colored as if real, and some were black and white, vague and dim. Their snake-like bodies were filled with white smoke which, when slightly stirred, would occasionally form patches of fur or scales. He also discovered that these monsters didn''t actively absorb vital energy, but once vital energy drifted inside them, it would not reemerge. It was as if they were erasers, wiping the vital energy from existence. "They really are the root cause of the withering disease!" Chen Mu thought as he looked at the quietly floating monsters, his heart stirred, and he activated the Yanmo Command again. The white smoke monsters then began to circle him orderly, as if he were a diver who had unwittingly entered a school of deep-sea fish. "That scared me to death," Chen Mu exhaled a long breath of relief. The Yanmo Command worked, which meant these monsters were only frightening in appearance. "Should I inform Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu hesitated. "Better not." "A subtle hint before was one thing, but catching so many white smoke monsters now would draw too much attention and inquiry." "I have to deal with them as quickly as possible." He turned his head to look at the cheerfully frolicking Five Ghosts Paper Men, feeling both annoyed and amused. By now he had figured out that the appearance of so many white smoke monsters was likely due to the Five Ghosts Paper Men''s summoning. I''m here scared out of my wits, and you five culprits are joyously frolicking? That''s outrageous! All of you, get to work! Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! The paper men suddenly turned into black smoke and pounced on the monster faces. In the blink of an eye, the white smoke monsters in the room were consumed completely. Chen Mu finally relaxed, and just as he thought to move his stiff body, he suddenly felt the Five Ghosts Bag at his chest vibrating nonstop. He hurriedly checked it and saw the inner walls of the Five Ghosts Bag undulating and growing rapidly, expanding outwards. In just a few breaths, it had become a giant spherical space over ten meters in diameter. "White smoke monsters can enlarge the Five Ghosts Space?" Chen Mu was overjoyed. Over the years, he had occasionally fed the Five Ghosts Bag with Exotic Beast blood and flesh. Although the space within the bag had expanded, it had always been minimal. Who would have thought that simply consuming some white smoke monsters would instantly double its size? As he was quietly pleased with himself, he noticed another change within the Five Ghosts Bag. Clouds of black smoke began to emerge within it, gathering like clouds and swirling around the space inside the bag. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. He was all too familiar with this black smoke. It was none other than the Ghosts he hadn''t seen in years! "Where did all these Ghosts come from inside the Five Ghosts Bag?!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but widen his eyes. Chapter 402 Recovery ``` The moonlight was pure and bright over Sunrise Mountain. Three figures darted through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields like swift arrows.@@@@ Their robust bodies didn''t so much as brush the Yellow Bud Rice, moving in absolute silence. The one running at the front, Qian Mu, suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Gone! How could it have disappeared?" His eyes widened, disbelief etched on his face. "Explain yourself!" the bearded General Jin frowned. "The Netherworld Worm vanished abruptly, its trace completely gone." Qian Mu hastened to explain. General Jin''s expression turned ugly in an instant, "Could there really be forbidden traps?" "There only lives one person nearby, and there are no traces of any prohibitions," Qian Mu said, his countless eyes scanning Sunrise Mountain. "General, should I go take a look?" the third brawny man in black robes asked, bowing with his fists clenched. General Jin''s face was seething with rage, but after a long moment, he took a deep breath to suppress the frustration in his heart, "Jilong Mountain is under strict surveillance tonight. If we approach rashly and something goes awry, we might risk being exposed." "Our objective is to destroy the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. It doesn''t matter if the Strange Demon is discovered, but we cannot be exposed." "The pressing matter is to lure a Strange Demon here. We can''t afford any complications," General Jin instructed. Qian Mu and the man in black exchanged glances and nodded their agreement. The three figures disappeared as swiftly and silently as they had come. ... Upstairs, by the window. Chen Mu still lay in the rocking chair, intently watching the changes within the Five Ghosts Bag. "Where did these Ghosts come from?" "Could it be because of the pale-faced smoke creature?" "It can be controlled by the Yama Emperor''s Command, and like the Ghosts, it manifests a smoky form in both white and black." "These Ghosts appearing in the Five Ghosts Bag are almost certainly due to that smoke creature." He couldn''t comprehend the relationship between the two, but one thing he was sure of. That smoke creatureit could enlarge the Five Ghosts Bag! Thinking of the enormous pall of white smoke that enveloped the entire Jilong Mountain, Chen Mu froze, "If I could swallow that whole mass of smoke, how large might the Five Ghosts Bag become? It might transform directly from a bag to the size of a Five Ghosts Cave Mansion." "What a loss!" At this moment, Chen Mu felt such heartache he could barely breathe. "These Five Ghosts Paper Men are useless. For so many days, not a single smoke creature was captured." "Otherwise, I would have discovered the function of the smoke creatures long ago, and wouldn''t have divulged the information to Mo Wuzhou." He truly felt aggrieved, "Perhaps I should visit Zhongshan Path?" The withering sickness was caused by the smoke creatures, and Zhongshan Path had declined because of it. Therefore, it was highly likely that smoke creatures could be found within the Dao Sect there. "I don''t ask for much, just for the space in the Five Ghosts Bag to expand by two or three times more. Haha..." "Never mind that for now. It''s been more than half a year since I''ve seen you; what have you been feeding Yuanbao? How has its awakening progressed so quickly?" Song Wujie turned his head to look at the Cold Moon Toad standing quietly by his side. Yuanbao? Mo Wuzhou was puzzled, "I''ve only given it Essence Pills, which are just like Fasting Pills, that should be fine, shouldn''t it?" Song Wujie stared intently at Yuanbao without confirming or denying. But the large toad was squatting in place, not even moving its eyes, looking utterly unconcerned. Suddenly thinking of Chen Mu, Mo Wuzhou had an epiphany. No wonder Yuanbao was always running to him; it turns out Chen Mu had some method to accelerate the development of Yuanbao''s bloodline! "Yuanbao, you''d better come clean, have you been stealing and eating the spiritual medicine from the mountain again?" "I''ve told you many times, those belong to someone. If you want to eat them, you should tell me, and I''ll get them for you... woof woof woof woof" While Song Wujie was in the midst of his lengthy admonishment, he didn''t expect Yuanbao to suddenly open its mouth wide and swallow his upper body, leaving only his short legs fluttering outside. "You scoundrel! Put me down this instant!" "Did you hear me, put me down..." A series of scolding voices could faintly be heard from inside the toad''s mouth. Yuanbao, however, remained utterly indifferent, with eyelids drooping lazily halfway over its large eyes, the epitome of nonchalance. Mo Wuzhou''s face twitched involuntarily. He had long heard that his master and Yuanbao had a somewhat strange relationship. He hadn''t known before, but now it all made sense. Master really has it tough. Ha ha! ... The white smoke creature disappeared. The next day, within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields of Jilong Mountain, the rice showed visible improvement. With meticulous care from the disciples of the Lower Courtyard, the withered Yellow Bud Rice had returned to its former state in just half a month. With careful attention, this batch of Yellow Bud Rice would suffer only a slight reduction in yield at most. During this time, Chen Mu had also tried multiple times to use the Yanmo Command and release the Five Ghosts Paper Man, hoping to find more white smoke creatures, but to no avail. He could only sigh, withdraw his efforts, and refocus on cultivation. In front of the porch. Chen Mu held the gourd Sword Box, as vast amounts of mana flowed into it. With eight additional Talisman Spirit Seeds integrated into his Mechanical Technique, he could control even more Flying Swords. Thanks to Sun Wujiu''s generous gift of numerous ores, he had enough to forge two more Vermilion Feather Swords. It went without saying that his offensive power increased, but more importantly, he had two more sets of "eyes." "Three Flying Swords working with the Truthful Listening Technique will make my sensing and scouting methods even more comprehensive." "The earlier I detect danger, the safer I will be." His spirit immersed deeper into the Sword Box, focusing more intensely on amassing and fusing the Flying Swords. Chapter 410 403 "Elder Song has left?" Under the setting sun, on the porch. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu and Mo Wuzhou sat facing each other at a low table. "If he hadn''t left, this huge toad wouldn''t have shown up at your door," Mo Wuzhou said with annoyance, glancing at the Cold Moon Toad. He immediately looked at Chen Mu with suspicion, "Did you really not feed it Soul-Bewitching Soup?" He suspected that the accelerated development of Yuanbao''s bloodline was related to Chen Mu. "You could ask Yuanbao," Chen Mu chuckled with narrowed eyes. Mo Wuzhou instantly rolled his eyes. If that big toad was willing to talk, I wouldn''t be coming to you with questions. Forget it, it''s not something bad after all, I''m just a little curious. "I''ve requested Elder Song to procure a batch of scarce materials, which can be used to concoct Rejuvenation Pills." "Consider it a token of gratitude for helping Yuanbao develop his bloodline. You can go to the Administrative Affairs Institute and exchange for them tomorrow." "Too bad you aren''t willing to reveal the situation; otherwise, you wouldn''t have to spend a dime on these materials." Chen Mu felt a surge of joy, followed immediately by confusion. Help Yuanbao develop its bloodline? Is that even a thing? "Could there be a mistake?" Chen Mu was baffled. Replenishing Origin Soup can develop monster bloodline? I''ve had so much myself, and I haven''t seen any secret tricks open up. "You would be unaware?" Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu skeptically, full of disbelief. "Please enlighten me, elder brother," Chen Mu requested sincerely. Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes, "You''re quite convincing. Do you think I''d believe that?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Since when has speaking the truth not been believed by anyone? Mo Wuzhou chuckled, "You could ask Yuanbao. Do you see it speaking up?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn his head towards Yuanbao. The big toad sat motionless in its spot, gazing at the sky, utterly ignoring Chen Mu''s inquisitive gaze. Chen Mu felt increasingly disgruntled. It''s not good when a big toad has such a tight lip. Mo Wuzhou chuckled and said no more, focusing instead on the feast before him. ... Time flew, and a month flashed by in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu went to the Administrative Affairs Institute to deliver a batch of Fasting Pills, then took a trip to the market district at the base of the mountain, buying a hundred jin of fresh deer horned black sheep meat, and leisurely returned to Sunrise Mountain. Using Point Ground into Steel clay, he molded a large vat, poured in clear water, added special herbs to tenderize the meat and remove the gamey taste, and soaked the newly bought deer horned black sheep meat into it. Chen Mu pulled out a rocking chair and comfortably seated himself at the front door. While sipping green tea-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, he watched the busy disciples from the Lower Courtyard in the terraced fields below, as if seeing his past self. Crackling noises ensued. Chen Mu''s palm instantly flickered with light, as if he were holding a lightning ball. He took a deep breath, his spirit focused, tensing all the muscles in his body. The next moment, the lightning ball in his palm exploded. A small, arm-thick bolt of lightning shot into the air, then turned sharply in mid-flight, and whooshed straight toward Chen Mu''s chest. Bang! It was as if he was hit by a dump truck; he, along with the rocking chair, were sent flying in an instant. After a long while, Chen Mu walked out of the room with a dark face. At this moment, his chest was covered in tattered clothes, his head crowned with shattered bamboo slices, and his body still occasionally emitted wisps of smoke. The bamboo rocking chair that had followed him for many years, in the end, could not die a natural death, having been smashed to pieces. Chen Mu''s face twitched unconsciously. "That was careless." Thunder, after all, was thunder. He had just complained about the insufficient power of Second Rank Thunder Law, and with just a bit more strength, he had been struck to a delightful agony. "I cannot be impetuous; I must progress step by step." ... Late at night. In front of Jilong Mountain, Jiaquan Mountain. A solitary small building stood among the sparse woods on the west side of the hillock. In a fleeting moment, a man in his forties suddenly woke up from his sleep in the room. He frowned as he got up, looking around. The bright moonlight shone through the window, sprinkling into the room. Half of the floor was bright, the other half shadowed. The man sighed and couldn''t help but find his sudden panic in his dream absurd. "Am I uneasy because I''m going to the new Lower Courtyard tomorrow, worried about my future?" The man shook his head with a wry smile. "If you want to make your way in the world and earn more White Jade Coins, how could you not take risks?" Thinking this, he got up and walked to the window, looking at the bright terraced fields under the moonlight. "Farming is stable, but it can''t accumulate resources quickly. Without competition and strife, how can one cultivate?" As he was feeling nostalgic about leaving the environment he had lived in for several years, a wave of heart palpitations struck again. His skin tightened for no reason, as if he were hunting exotic beasts and were stalked by a ferocious beast from behind. "Something''s wrong!" When he suddenly turned around, he saw shadows under the moonlight that seemed to come to life, quickly wriggling forward along the ground. Before he could react, it leapt from the ground and swallowed him whole. A brief cry of pain just began to echo before it was abruptly cut off. Outside the window, the moonlight remained unchanged. Inside the house, all was silent. As if nothing had happened at all. ``` Chapter 404 Opening Up In the underground secret chamber, accompanied by a crackling sound like that of ripping silk, a blue and white light burst forth. Moments later, the light dimmed, and Chen Mu collapsed to the ground, his clothes torn to shreds. His chest, in particular, emitted white smoke and was charred black. "If I don''t open up a new secret technique soon, I''m afraid I''ll be charred crisp on the outside and tender on the inside," said Chen Mu, his face expressing a sense of hopelessness. To temper his bloodline, he suppressed his body''s defenses and actively endured the lightning strikes. However, the Kui Water Yin Thunder was only Second Rank and difficult to control. A slight mishap, and the Thunder Law''s power was a bit too great, causing him to burst open with his flesh splitting. "Even if I can endure the pain and itching, but waiting for my body to recover and to bear the next lightning strike will take at least three days." "At this rate, I might as well stick to practicing the Netherworld Grand Summary earnestly." Chen Mu lay on the ground, not bothering to get up, the more he thought about it, the more he felt it was not worth it to strike himself. "To speed up the opening of secret techniques, either I refine the Kui Water Yin Thunder further for precise control," "Or I''ll have to find a way to accelerate the healing of my injuries." He looked at the gray wall in front of him, where a series of skills emerged. Chen Mu intently focused on one of the entries. "Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique..." This skill came from the six siblings of Wu Mountain. Originally, he had simply copied a few secret techniques for the sake of freeloading, and after a cursory glance, he didn''t practice it further. He vaguely remembered that this Secret Technique seemed to have the ability to accelerate injury healing.@@@@ As his attention concentrated on the gray wall, a series of information surged forth in his mind. After a long while, Chen Mu withdrew his gaze with a complex expression. The information on the gray wall showed that the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique indeed could accelerate injury healing, and not only that, but it could also strengthen physical constitution. But the price was somewhat sinister. It required the Vital Energy of living beings'' souls as fuel to achieve the effects of healing and strengthening the body. "Might as well rename yourselves the ''Sinister Six Siblings''," Chen Mu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. Almost all of the Secret Techniques obtained from the six siblings were not straightforward, each having some odd or eerie aspect. "I remember... the Giant Spirit Divine also seems to need Vital Energy of the soul." "So, do the Soul Capturing Return to Origin and the Giant Spirit Divine actually complement each other as two Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu was astonished in his heart. Using the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to absorb the Vital Energy of others could heal his own injuries, strengthen his physique, and also support the cultivation of the Giant Spirit Divine. "Since the Giant Spirit Divine can use Replenishing Origin Soup in place, then the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique..." Chen Mu immediately started experimenting. A force of Absorption swiftly concentrated in his hands. He carefully manipulated it, directing it into his body. As the Exotic Force entered his body, he instantly felt a sense of being stretched outward. In the palm of his hands, a stream of blood-red smoke materialized from nothing, billowing and spreading. Chen Mu lifted his hands and smacked the smoke into his chest. The charred flesh immediately fell away, revealing fresh muscle rapidly regrowing at the site of the blackened and cracked wound. With just one application, the injury at his chest was already half healed, and the branched, lightning strike patterns that spread across his chest and abdomen became fainter. At the same time, a faint sense of depletion also arose from within his body. Far from being scared, Chen Mu was actually delighted. He was very familiar with this feeling; it was the same sense of depletion he experienced when he had over-practiced the Netherworld Grand Summary in the beginning. It was the weakness caused by over-extraction of Vital Energy from within the body. And what the Replenishing Origin Soup excelled at was precisely nurturing and replenishing the foundation! "Isn''t this just perfect, haha!" In the next instant, a streak of red light descended from the sky, swiftly pinning the shadow that had just crawled out of the room to the ground. Though it seemed like a shadow, when the Magic Sword pierced it, it felt as if it had hit tough cowhide. The shadow screamed shrilly, like a wild beast, and then suddenly leapt up, allowing the Flying Sword to go through itself. Desperate to escape despite severe injury, it bolted toward the dense forest. "Very ferocious, indeed dangerous!" "Mechanical!" Another streak of red light fell from the sky, pinning it to the ground once more. Before the shadow could struggle free, mana surged wildly within Chen Mu''s body. Three Vermilion Feather Swords appeared at once, repeatedly thrusting and piercing the shadow on the ground. After stabbing it eighty-three times, turning the shadow into a sieve, Chen Mu finally ceased the Vermilion Feather Swords. The shadow continued to wriggle and struggle on the ground, like a boiling sludge swamp. It took a long time before it finally stopped moving. Then, the shadow began to contract slowly and eventually transformed into a burly stranger dressed in black. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire The man was drenched in blood, with wounds punctured by the Flying Sword faintly visible under his tattered clothing. Chen Mu pulled his Magic Sword closer for a careful examination, but before he could clearly see the man''s face, streams of red light suddenly shot out from inside the black-clad man''s body. The entire person ignited from the inside, reducing him to a pile of white ash that disappeared in moments with his clothes. Not far away, the surface of a large tree rippled like water. Chen Mu, furrowing his brows, stared intently at the white ash and emerged from the trunk with a grave expression. "To think it was a person?" "Was it the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique, or the techniques from the Embroidery Technique Secret Record of the Witch Gu sect?" "Transforming oneself into a mire-like dark shadow doesn''t seem like the method of a conventional Qi Cultivator." "Such covert action capability is truly unusual." He glanced again toward the lonely shack beside the forest, "Who lives in there, worthy of such a person''s stealthy assault in the dead of night?" The Vermilion Feather Swords spread out in all directions, with Truthful Listening encompassing the vicinity. Yet all around was deathly still; besides himself, there wasn''t another soul. "There might be big trouble behind this," Chen Mu''s brows instantly knitted together into a frown. "Perhaps it''s best to pretend nothing happened and stay out of it," he decided. With his mind set, Chen Mu quickly retreated, stepped into the trunk, and vanished in the blink of an eye. ... The night was silent, and the moon slowly inclined to the west. When a hint of red light gradually appeared on the eastern horizon. In the still woods, a shadow moved silently. The next moment, figures stood up from within it, turning into several muscular men clad in black. "The aura of Eleven disappeared right here," said the leader in black, halting to touch the white ashes that the mountain wind had yet to disperse. "No ordinary Lower Courtyard disciple could make Eleven disappear without a trace," another black-clad man spoke up in a low voice. "Sunrise Mountain is a bit sinister. It''s no wonder the general cautioned us to be wary of this mountain before he left," another man with tightly furrowed brows said, "Eleven is also a failure; Jilong Mountain is so big, there are plenty of places to find a person''s pillar, but he insisted on burrowing around here." "He''s dead, so at least that''s clean, but I''m afraid that if we''ve already startled the snake, it could put us in danger." "Should we hide for a while?" The man who had been examining the ashes stood up, "We can''t stop the business of setting up human pillars." "Avoid Sunrise Mountain and first search atop Jilong Mountain." "As for Sunrise Mountain, let''s wait for the general to come back and decide." The remaining ten black-clad men exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. The next moment, eleven black-clad figures retreated into the shade. Their bodies collapsed like dirt ink, and in an instant, they turned into a layer of shadow clinging to the ground, rapidly wriggling along with the fading dawn, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Chapter 405 Primordial Chaos Second floor, by the window. Chen Mu squinted his eyes, lying on the rocking chair. "Pillar of people?" "That doesn''t sound very proper," he frowned deeply. Hadn''t it been just a few days of peace? Was someone up to something again? If chaos erupted on the mountain, how could I continue to peacefully grind for experience? A chilling light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. "Since you all won''t behave, don''t blame me for being ruthless!" ... "Someone''s plotting for wealth and murder, wanting to bring disaster to Jilong Mountain; Elder Brother, are you going to do something about it?!" Two days later, in the evening, Chen Mu looked solemnly across the round table on the porch, "I want to make a report!" Mo Wuzhou picked up a piece of boiled meat and stuffed it into his mouth, his eyes filled with surprise. "Who dares to mess with Brother Chen?" "You didn''t directly kill them? And you''re coming to me to complain?" "How odd!" Chen Mu looked displeased, "What are you saying, Elder Brother! I am a law-abiding and kindhearted person, how could I commit such atrocities!" Mo Wuzhou was at a loss for words, forgetting to swallow the meat in his mouth. "You don''t believe me?" Chen Mu stared angrily at Mo Wuzhou, his neck stiff. "Do you believe yourself?" Mo Wuzhou''s face was expressionless. "I believe!" Chen Mu said earnestly, then slapped his hand on a big toad''s belly, "Yuanbao believes too!" The big toad''s eyelids drooped, looking at the ripples on its belly, and weakly opened its mouth to agree. "Croak..." Mo Wuzhou: "..." Fine, have it your way. "Since Elder Brother doesn''t believe me," Chen Mu lamented deeply, "I''ll make an effort to tell you." I don''t want to listen! Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes. But as if Chen Mu couldn''t see that gesture, he went on and on, "Three days ago, I had a friend who couldn''t sleep and went out for a walk in the middle of the night..." Mo Wuzhou looked helpless, but the more he listened, the more he felt something was amiss. Pillar of people? And they want to bury it in Jilong Mountain? "Do you have any more information, Junior Brother?" he had to ask earnestly. Chen Mu flipped his wrist, and a small blue booklet appeared in his hand. With the Magic Sword and Truthful Listening working together, it only took him two days to figure out the identity and whereabouts of a group of people in black. He had even compiled a report early, just waiting to hand it over to Mo Wuzhou for inspection. Mo Wuzhou stared at the brand-new booklet handed to him, really not wanting to accept it. Isn''t your intention to use me to do your dirty work a bit too obvious! As if Chen Mu couldn''t see Mo Wuzhou''s reluctance, he forced the booklet into his hands, even considerately helping Mo Wuzhou analyze and calculate their strategy. "Those people can turn into shadows; I guess ordinary blunt hits won''t be very effective against them. We should use law swords and flying daggers or other sharp weapons. If we have the Thunder Fire Explosion Secret Law, even better!" "They''re also adept at hiding in shadows, so it''s best to ambush them during the day, and prepare some glowing fire methods, which will leave them nowhere to hide." "Senior brother, remember to have the Inspection Courtyard set up some isolation and confinement measures, those people move fast, and we can''t let them get away." "And also..." Mo Wuzhou glanced sideways. You''re asking me to wipe them out completely. And you still dare to call yourself a good person? ... In the residential area on the edge of Jilong Mountain Market District, within a vacant estate. The dilapidated bungalow across the street was the hideout of the leading figure in black mentioned in the records. Knowing that a group on Jilong Mountain was preparing to use an Evil Method, Mo Wuzhou couldn''t even enjoy his meal. He immediately contacted the head of the Inspection Courtyard, bringing a group of inspectors dressed in black to stealthily infiltrate the area. Before their arrival, the Inspection Courtyard had already verified and indeed discovered that many people had gone missing recently. Most of these people were preparing to head to the newly established Lower Courtyard. Although they had completed the handover at Jilong Mountain, they never arrived at the new Lower Courtyard. It was originally thought to be an accident en route, but now it seems very likely that they''ve all been killed by this group in black. "Damn it!" "I''m sure you can understand my point of view." Chen Mu, looking content, patted his hands together as the ground rippled beneath him, and he disappeared into the earth. Before long, the short and plump figure emerged from the Yellow Bud Rice fields, scratching his head while looking down at the white Bone Powder on the ground, utterly puzzled. "Did I just hear a thunderclap?" "Could it be because I stayed up too late cultivating immortality last night?" "I really need to eat something good to make up for it." ... The Inspection Courtyard investigated for some time, but came up with nothing. Mo Wuzhou even came by to inquire with Chen Mu. But he genuinely knew nothing about those people''s origins and couldn''t provide any more details. Other than reporting it and strengthening their guard, there was nothing more to be done and it was left at that. Peace was restored on Jilong Mountain, and Chen Mu continued his home cultivation. He called down the Thunder Law upon himself daily, later using the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique for rapid recovery. His body''s strength gradually increased, and occasionally within his heart, a pulse different from his heartbeat emergeda new Secret Orifice was being nurtured. Everything was progressing in an orderly manner. ... That day. Under the evening sun, on the front porch. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair with a giant toad squatting beside him. The fiery red sunset hung in the sky as disciples bustling about in the terraced fields started to return. Chen Mu, enjoying the warm sensation of the sunset on his face, was reluctant to open his eyes. As if struck by a thought, he lazily reached out his hand and gently prodded the big toad''s pearly white belly. "Yuanbao, tell me, does Replenishing Origin Soup really speed up your cultivation?" The big toad paid him no mind, squatting motionless on the ground with half-closed eyes. "Hey!" Chen Mu poked its belly again. The big toad sluggishly scratched its belly with its webbed foot. "Croak." "Ticklish?" "Ticklish it is, then!" "If you don''t tell the truth, I won''t brew the Replenishing Origin Soup for you!" Chen Mu threatened. The big toad indifferently batted away Chen Mu''s hand as it reached out again. "Croak!" "Not frightened?" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise. "So, your strength is growing faster not because of the Replenishing Origin Soup?" The big toad stiffened and remained motionless, pretending not to hear. "Spill it! What''s going on?" Chen Mu poked vigorously at the toad''s belly. "Croak..." the big toad lethargically swatted Chen Mu''s hand away, calling out weakly. "I have the Chaotic Primordial Qi around me? What is that exactly? How come I''ve never noticed it?" Now Chen Mu was genuinely astonished. "Croak." "You don''t know?" Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire "How can you not know!" Chen Mu poked and prodded at the big toad''s belly persistently. The big toad dodged left and right, full of helplessness. "Croak!" "That''s all that''s in your head, nothing else?" "So, this is a message hidden within the bloodline of your Cold Moon Toad lineage?" Chen Mu suddenly understood, then immediately glared at the big toad, full of dissatisfaction. "Even if your ancestors didn''t tell you more, couldn''t you go to the Scripture Transmission Institute to read and study?" The toad''s eyes popped open wide at these words. Expect me, a demon beast, to read and study? Listen to yourself! "Why are you glaring at me?" "Still claiming to be an enlightened demon beast." "Such a foolish big toad!" Yuanbao: "..." You must be seriously ill! Chapter 406 Sitting on Fire The Scripture Transmission Institute''s first floor, in a certain partition, four or five middle-aged men dressed differently came out one after another. Once the crowd had moved away, Chen Mu stepped into the partition. "Senior Brother, I have a question, may I ask for your guidance..." Chen Mu bowed and addressed a middle-aged man dressed in black inside the partition. The man in black glanced at Chen Mu, "An hour costs twenty White Jade Coins, if you have a question, pay first." So direct, huh? He was hoping for a little small talk first. Chen Mu''s mouth twitched slightly as he reluctantly handed over twenty White Jade Coins. The man in black waved his hand expertly, and the White Jade Coins on the long table disappeared from sight. Then he sat upright, looking indifferent, and said, "I shall hold nothing back in what I know, but I make no guarantees of correctness, ask away." Heh! Sounds like you''ve given that disclaimer plenty of times before. "May I ask if Senior Brother knows about Primordial Energy?" The man in black suddenly raised his eyebrows, "Haven''t you condensed your aperture yet? Why are you asking about this?" Before Chen Mu could give the excuse he had prepared in advance, the middle-aged man simply waved his hand, "Never mind, I don''t want to know." Then he started speaking, regardless of Chen Mu''s reaction. "Primordial Energy, also known as Yin Yang Energy or Heavenly River Water, is the key Vital Energy for cleansing the Divine Orifice and cultivating the River Chariot Dao Embryo." "This Vital Energy originates from the celestial stars and gathers near Earth Vein Spiritual Springs, extremely scarce and requiring years to accumulate." "The elders stationed in the various Lower Courtyards, aside from ensuring the courtyards'' safety, are mostly there to accumulate Primordial Energy." Chen Mu''s mind stirred. He remembered back on Peng Yue Mountain, Song Wujie would sit above the Moon Reflecting Cold Lake each day in meditation and seclusion. That mountain peak''s Cold Lake was a node of an Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. At that time, Song Wujie was probably cultivating by using Primordial Energy. "Is this Vital Energy useful to demons as well?" The man in black nodded, "It is said that demons worship celestial stars to draw in and absorb Primordial Energy, stimulating their Heavenly Demon Bloodline." No wonder. Chen Mu suddenly understood. Before Yuanbao was tamed, he frequently attacked Song Wujie on Peng Yue Mountain, probably also for the Primordial Energy in the Moon Reflecting Cold Lake. As a result, after being defeated by Song Wujie, Yuanbao turned into a domesticated giant toad and ceased his rebellion. But the Vital Energy on Sunrise Mountain, where he lived, seemed too sparse to be a place where Primordial Energy could exist. "How can I discover this Primordial Energy?" Chen Mu asked hurriedly, "What secret technique can store and accumulate it?" "You won''t be able to perceive it right now," the middle-aged man in black replied without concealment, "Once your Divine Orifice is cultivated, you''ll naturally sense and discover it." "As for the secret techniques to collect Primordial Energy, they are secret transmissions of Dao Sects, so..." the man in black shrugged his shoulders. Chen Mu immediately realized. It seemed that his idea to gather the nearby Primordial Energy would not be realized any time soon. ... To the east of Sunrise Mountain. In front of the small building''s porch. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, swaying as he gazed absentmindedly at the distant Yellow Bud Rice Fields. "Primordial Energy comes from the celestial stars, often appearing near Earth Spirit Vital Energy surging from Earth Vein Spiritual Springs." "This place is just a small mountain in front of Jilong Mountain; it couldn''t possibly have a spiritual spring." "So... is it because of the Exquisite Jade Plate?" Chen Mu''s eyebrows lifted slightly. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire "Have I gone mad? To actually bring my head closer to the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique?" He immediately took his hands from above his head, looking at his white hands with a shiver running down his spine. "Bewitching one''s mind, and then making one willingly approach to be drained?" "Damn it!" "That''s really damn insidious!" Thinking back on the origin of the secret techniques, Chen Mu couldn''t help but grimace, "You guys must really be the infamous six siblings of the Evil Path, huh!" ... The night was hazy. In front of Jilong Mountain, to the west, near a stream and a mountain. The weary General Jin and his two companions were quietly seated in a remote courtyard. "I really didn''t expect that we would find a completely new Strange Demon so quickly," Qian Mu said, his face lit up with joy. "What''s more delightful is that this Strange Demon has been in existence for a long enough time," the burly man in black, Lian Cheng, also smiled. "The demon has sunk deeply into the Netherworld, far beyond the reach of Jilong Road''s secret techniques." General Jin also breathed a sigh of relief. He had been prepared for punishment, but did not expect the mission to be unexpectedly smooth. "We need to set up the Linglong Royal Element Prohibition as soon as possible." "The Strange Demon has sunk too deep, although it''s sufficiently hidden, there''s always the possibility that it will enter the Netherworld completely." "If we can''t secure it in time, there''s no guarantee we won''t end up with nothing," General Jin said gravely. Qian Mu smiled reassuringly, "General, please rest assured." "The Twelve Nights Wander Spirits have already been secretly capturing people." "By now, the buried human pillars, even if not enough, are not far from it." General Jin''s tension eased slightly, "Have you informed them?" "I''ve left a mark in the Market District at the foot of the mountain," Qian Mu said with a smile. "They will discreetly come here later to report." General Jin nodded slightly and said no more. As the dawn moon rose, and the more complete it became. Qian Mu couldn''t help but murmur in admiration, "The Twelve Nights Wander Spirits are indeed reliable." "I only indicated the date and place, yet they chose to act when the night grew quiet, prioritizing caution and secrecy, living up to the trust of the General." Upon hearing this, General Jin''s lips curled slightly in a satisfied smile. But as they waited, even when the moon was high in the sky, the surroundings of the manor remained deathly quiet. General Jin couldn''t help but frown. "Not feeling safe even at midnight, and preferring to wait until dawn just before most are deep in sleep?" the man in black, Lian Cheng expressed some dissatisfaction. "Isn''t that being overly cautious?" Qian Mu chuckled and shook his head, "Better safe than sorry." "We can''t afford to lose another Strange Demon." The expression on General Jin''s face softened. Yet as time went on, still no one approached the sequestered courtyard. As the east turned a pale red and the sun began to rise, the look on General Jin''s face turned exceedingly grim. This was not caution, this was a disaster unfolding! After waiting the whole night, not a person came; it was possible the Twelve Nights Wander Spirits had been completely wiped out! "The Wander Spirits, on my command, would only act deep in the night," he said. "And each of them can transform into a shadow, masters of stealth in darkness." "Even if some bastard wandered the mountains instead of sleeping at midnight, it would be impossible to detect them!" Unable to contain his anger any longer, General Jin''s eyes bulged with fury. "First the Strange Demon is slain, now the Wander Spirits are ambushed." "Is there some kind of ghost in Jilong Mountain, for such eerie things to happen?!" Chapter 407 Monster The sun rose in the east and set in the west, time slowly passing by. One day, inside an underground secret chamber at Sunrise Mountain, Chen Mu. Along with the resonant buzzing sound like a gong strike, the pitch-black lid of the Primordial Furnace soared into the air with a bang. Elixir pills the size of longan fruits, translucent and jade-green, successively flew out, lining up to enter a fist-sized pristine white porcelain bottle. Chen Mu held the bottle gleefully with his left hand, waiting until it was filled with elixirs before skillfully sealing it with a wooden stopper and beeswax, then continued to scoop out more pills into another identical porcelain bottle to seal and store. "Indeed, it''s the alchemy of the extreme rank." He had pondered over the Rejuvenation Pill technique for many years, and as of today, he had finally refined it to perfection, with a one-hundred-percent success rate creating the pills, saving him a great deal of time. The materials he had previously accumulated, combined with the great Primordial Pill Furnace, were turned into elixir pills after only three batches. "If there''s a special circumstance that prevents the concoction of Replenishing Origin Soup, having these one hundred thirty-two Rejuvenation Pills on hand means I won''t delay cultivation." Chen Mu cleaned the pill furnace with a grin. As he busied himself, he thought about whether to celebrate with some late-night snacks. But suddenly, the Five Ghosts Paper Man flew over to him. Then, a lingering, hissing sound arrived at his ear without warning. The voice was profound and deep, like the long call of a whale from a past life in the deep sea, causing an irresistible tremor in body and soul. "What the heck is that?!" The Truthful Listening Technique was suddenly stimulated, with invisible ripples dispersing in all directions. However, apart from the occasional chirping of insects and birds, the mountain was as tranquil as always. The melodious call just now seemed to be nothing more than an auditory hallucination. "Did I hear wrong?" Chen Mu squinted at the jumping Five Ghosts Paper Man. "Or is there another creature appearing?" Three Vermilion Feather Swords soared into the clouds. Under the moonlight, the whole of Jilong Mountain seemed like a submerged reef in the deep sea, silent and steady, with no abnormalities. "What a hassle..." ... In a secluded courtyard by the creek on the east side of Jilong Mountain. General Jin had a face so gloomy it looked like water might drip from it. Qian Mu''s face, filled with countless eyes, exhibited nothing but helplessness: "The Strange Demon has completely submerged into the Netherworld. General, our great efforts have come to naught." "Have you found out where the Twelve Night Wandering Deities have gone?" General Jin asked, suppressing his rage. Lian Cheng''s expression was grave: "The Night Wandering Deities were ambushed and killed by the Inspection Courtyard." "The lead person, they say, was Mo Wuzhou." Qian Mu frowned deeply: "Could it be Mo Wuzhou who discovered the Strange Demon last time as well?" "It was Song Wujie who came to deal with the Strange Demon." "I have alchemy skills; I don''t need to fight and struggle to make money." "I just want to find a quiet place with little conflict to cultivate in peace." "It''s just that there are too many newly built Lower Courtyards on Jilong Road and it''s hard to distinguish them. As I don''t know any other influential people, I can only trouble you, brother, to help me look into it." Mo Wuzhou understood what Chen Mu was saying. At the Condensing Aperture Stage, what you need is resources and time. If one can refine elixir pills, they won''t lack resources; they just need a stable environment for cultivation. He himself chose to hide on Jilong Mountain to avoid the internal disputes within the Jade Spring Mountain Upper Court. "So, there really are hidden dangers on Jilong Mountain?" Mo Wuzhou stared intently at Chen Mu. Chen Mu responded with a bitter smile, "I don''t know if there are hidden dangers, but with the withering disease followed by the men in black, Jilong Mountain doesn''t seem as safe as it appears." "You said I am timid, so..." Chen Mu shrugged helplessly. "Really?" Mo Wuzhou was skeptical. "Of course it''s true." Chen Mu lied with a straight face. ... Toward evening. Mo Wuzhou walked out of the Inspection Courtyard with an expressionless face. In the end, he couldn''t get anything conclusive out of Chen Mu, but he instinctively felt uneasy. However, he could only instruct the Inspection Courtyard to strengthen their guard and try their best to prevent any incidents. The verdant green mountains under the setting sun held a serene beauty, yet he had no mood to appreciate them. Mo Wuzhou frowned and looked towards the black smoke inside his Jade Seed, "Tell me, is there really a problem on Jilong Mountain?" "Oh, how rare, you actually took the initiative to talk to me?" The black smoke churned, with streaks of scarlet visible within, and a slightly mocking voice appeared in Mo Wuzhou''s mind, "You''re not calling me a vile demon anymore? I..." "Shut up!" Mo Wuzhou immediately withdrew his spirit, treating the black smoke''s rants as if they were the blowing wind. Ever since the disappearance of the white smoke creature, this black smoke had appeared inside his Jade Seed. He had tried every means to drive it out, but had failed every time. He couldn''t even sense the existence of the black smoke with his secret techniques. It seemed as though it was all just an illusion of his own mind. While his mind was in turmoil, he suddenly felt a tightening on his scalp, and a sharp, piercing pain abruptly surfaced on his skin. Mo Wuzhou instantly returned to his senses, his eyes sharply scanning his surroundings. That feeling just now was clearly the sense of danger that appears when targeted by a powerful demon or monster. But after surveying the area, it was peacefully quiet around him, and he found nothing. He immediately retracted his gaze in annoyance, glaring viciously at the black smoke inside his Jade Seed, "If you mess around again, I''ll go directly to the Sect Master for help. If it comes down to it, we''ll both be done for!" "Going down together, that vicious, huh?" the black smoke teased playfully. "Shut up!" "Tsk tsk..." Mo Wuzhou ignored the black smoke''s taunting, summoned his Escape Light, and flew expressionlessly toward the summit of Jilong Mountain. Chapter 408 The Gan River Lower Courtyard A secluded small courtyard in Linxi Mountain. Suddenly, a person-high rift split the air, its shape resembling a vertical pupil. The inside was deep and pitch-black, causing one''s mind to sway with just a glance.@@@@ The next moment, General Jin and his two companions tumbled out of the black vertical pupil like broken dolls. The disheveled General Jin did not dare to complain, scrambling to his feet and kneeling on one knee toward the vertical rift. "Spirit Venerable, spare me!" Bang! The heads of General Jin and his companions exploded suddenly, like smashed watermelons, with red and white chunks of flesh scattering across the ground. Then, the flesh that covered the courtyard hissed as it sublimated like dry ice, turning into plumes of black smoke that slowly dissipated. At the same time, the flesh around their necks moved and grew rapidly, and within a blink of an eye, brand new heads appeared unharmed. Even with his thick beard, General Jin couldn''t hide his pale and bloodless face. Despite suffering grievous injuries and having his head blown off, he didn''t dare voice any resentment; instead, he was filled with grateful respect. "Many thanks to Spirit Venerable for sparing my life!" "Mo Wuzhou is the third generation heir of Jilong Road. If he died, it would inevitably lead to investigations," a gentle voice that seemed to be thousands speaking at once came from within the black rift. "The time is not yet ripe, we must prioritize prudence and secrecy in our actions." "I am already fully aware of what you have done at Jinlong Mountain." "You are rash in your actions. It seems that the task of infiltrating Jilong Mountain does not suit you." "Go make trouble outside, pretend to be a rogue practitioner from the Heavenly Demon Path, and do your utmost to stir up conflict." Filled with joy on hearing this, General Jin said, "Killing and arson, that''s our specialty, just watch us!" The next moment, the person-high black vertical pupil suddenly closed and vanished without a trace. Only a strong breeze lingered, slowly drifting through the small courtyard. ... On the east side of Sunrise Mountain, in front of Chen Mu''s small building on the porch. Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian, the little bald boy, with delight. "You''ve come at just the right time. Help me sell a batch of Fasting Pills." He said, handing over a wooden box the size of a portable medicine kit to the other. "This is a big help. I''ve come to Jilong Mountain just to buy Precious Medicine Pills," Jia Tian accepted the box with glee. "As you know, my new business is in dire need of various elixirs." Before Jia Tian could open the box to inspect it, eight or nine identical wooden boxes landed at his feet. "This many?" Jia Tian''s face was a picture of surprise. Alchemists who performed alchemy for Jilong Mountain typically retained some for themselves after delivering the agreed-upon amount. But haven''t you kept a bit too much this time? "Condensing Aperture cultivation is too costly, so I just made some extra," Chen Mu said nonchalantly. Not retained? Jia Tian laughed and with a meaningful admiration said, "Brother, you have quite the skill." Then, without further ado, he lowered his head to check on the pills. Chen Mu watched him with a smiling gaze, making no further explanation. Even if the little bald boy suspected that Chen Mu had a high success rate in making Fasting Pills, he would never imagine that it could be one hundred percent. "By the way, brother, would you like to join me in going to the Lower Courtyard of Canglan?" Jia Tian chatted while inspecting the elixir pills. "Is there something special there?" Chen Mu asked Jia Tian with a puzzled look. "Does chaos count as special?" Jia Tian grinned: "The Lower Courtyard of Canglan is located by the banks of the Canglan River. It is a buffer zone where Jilong Road meets Goose Sheep Path, a lawless land." "That place is a melting pot, filled with all sorts of people; murders and robberies happen all the time." "With brother''s alchemy skills, just think about one or two types of Healing Pellets. In such a place, you could make a fortune in White Jade Coins." "And you''re not afraid of losing your life with such danger involved, just to earn money?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "Fortune favors the bold," Jia Tian said nonchalantly, followed by a somewhat helpless sigh, "Didn''t you say it yourself that Condensing Aperture cultivation consumes too many resources?" Chen Mu thought about the expensive price of Rejuvenation Pills and had a moment of realization. This was also a reason he wanted to leave Jilong Mountain. Other high-level cultivators who had reached the Condensing Aperture phase were fine; they wouldn''t even cross over the impoverished Sunrise Mountain peak. But Mo Wuzhou was different. Because of Yuanbao, he often showed up here. If one day Mo Wuzhou completely condensed his aperture, he might discover the Primordial Energy here. "Just the thought of it is troubling." "Indeed, I have got to steer clear of Mo Wuzhou, steer clear of Jilong Mountain." ... At the peak of Jilong Mountain, on the practice ground, Mo Wuzhou stood respectfully in front of the incense table. Threads of blue smoke rose from the Incense Burner, converging into a screen mid-air. The image of a woman in a moon-white Daoist Robe with gentle eyes was slowly dissipating in the wisps of smoke. "Tsk tsk... someone has their eye on the Heavenly River Water of Jilong Mountain and is scheming to drive you away," a monster made of black smoke in the Jade Seed twisted and churned, its voice tinged with mockery, "Looks like your master can''t protect you either, how pitiful!" "Trying to stir up my emotions? Hah! Heavenly Demon Path," Mo Wuzhou said, expressionless. The black smoke monster was unconcerned and spoke teasingly, "Don''t you resent your master, the Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion? If she were really willing to stand up for you, who could chase you off Jilong Mountain?" Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire "And that elder who took your place, don''t you want to teach him a lesson?" "How foolish," Mo Wuzhou scoffed, "You should read more books and understand what '' repay evil with good'' means." The black smoke chuckled weirdly, "Whether you choose to repay kindness or seek revenge, both require power, ya know." "Come beg me!" "Scram!" Mo Wuzhou''s Spirit withdrew from the Jade Seed, ignoring the idiocy of the inner demon in his mind and began to ponder his future destination. "Master has prepared a sufficient supply of Rejuvenation Pills for me, I just need to find a stable place to practice." He pulled out a newly drawn map, examining it slowly. "Lindong, Gan River, Dantong, Stone Platform..." "According to Master, these are the newly established Lower Courtyards on the fringes of East Ridge, slightly barren but also peaceful." Mo Wuzhou looked left and right, undecided for the moment. Turning his head to the big toad crowding nearby to watch the excitement, he couldn''t help but want to tease, chuckling, "Yuanbao, which Lower Courtyard do you think we should go to?" "Gua!" "The Gan River Lower Courtyard?" Mo Wuzhou was taken aback; he hadn''t expected the big toad to actually make a choice. "Why go there?" "Gua!" "Because the sky is bluer there? Convenient for you to space out and sky-gaze?" Mo Wuzhou said incredulously. What sort of reason is that, he thought. "The sky over Jilong Mountain isn''t that great, and you still spend all day squatting by Chen Mu, staring vacantly... Wait a second." Mo Wuzhou looked at the big toad with suspicion. "I remember you used to prefer burrowing underground to hibernate, only spacing out to watch the sky by Chen Mu, so..." "Chen Mu is also moving to the Gan River Lower Courtyard!" "With that guy''s cautious nature, he must think the Lower Courtyard is very safe," Mo Wuzhou couldn''t help but curl his lips into a smile. "Then we''re going to the Gan River Lower Courtyard too!" "Gua!" "Yes, yes, you didn''t say anything, your mouth is the most sealed, I''m just guessing, it''s all a coincidence." "This really is a bit too coincidental! Haha..." Chapter 409 The Sound of the Deer Chen Mu had moved house before, this wasn''t his first time. Once he had confirmed his itinerary, he began to pack up his belongings with practiced ease. Useful items were put into the Five Ghosts Bag, while the useless ones were absorbed by it. He went down to the market at the foot of the mountain to purchase pots, pans, ladles, bedding, and other household necessities, packing them into Mustard Seed Talismans to form a moving kit. He also bought some common medicinal herbs, so that when he arrived at the new place, he wouldn''t have to worry about lacking the materials to prepare the Replenishing Origin Soup. After completing the preparations one by one, he stayed quietly in the small building, practicing his techniques every day, waiting for the person in charge of the handover to arrive. ... Ten days later. Accompanied by a humming sound, the huge cloud bat flying boat slowly rose into the sky. Feeling the slight vibrations coming from the cabin wall behind him, Chen Mu''s heart gradually settled. He had grown accustomed to traveling from east to west. "I wonder if I''ll ever have a chance to revisit this place." Just as he was recalling the relatively peaceful days of the past year or so, a sudden sound of deer calling entered his ears. This sound... He looked around, only to find that the fellow disciples from the Lower Courtyard, whether meditating with closed eyes or whispering to each other, were paying no attention to this inexplicable deer call. The Truthful Listening Technique was put into motion.@@@@ The view of Jilong Mountain below entered his mind. The verdant green mountains were as usual, the breeze blowing over the terraced fields, causing a rustling sound. An illusion, perhaps? Chen Mu frowned slightly. But just as he was about to withdraw the Truthful Listening Technique, A massive creature abruptly entered his perception. The thing was surrounded by swirling mist, filled with white smoke and bizarre insects. It had eight pallid, long legs, each as tall as Jilong Mountain. On its head, fierce deer antlers, and its body was covered with a dense white bone which looked like thickets of grass and trees. Merely being swept by the outline with the Truthful Listening Technique caused Chen Mu''s spirit to tremble. He felt as though he was a fly trapped in amber, completely unable to move. Hum! The cloud bat flying boat vibrated, and intense air currents surged forth. The boat''s wings curled slightly as the entire vessel quickly ascended into the sky. Chen Mu snapped back to consciousness. He activated the Truthful Listening Technique again. Feathery white clouds drifted among the mountains, and little figures busied themselves in various places; Jilong Mountain was still as peaceful and tranquil as ever. And that colossal creature from just a moment ago had vanished without a trace. It was as if that terrifying glimpse had been nothing more than a figment of his imagination. "Was it really just an illusion..." Chen Mu murmured absently, lost in thought. Withering sickness, white smoke creatures, the world he had been gradually getting used to seemed to become hazy once again. ... Clear skies for miles, the fierce sun overhead. An endless expanse of dense forest stretched across the land like a green carpet. Faint white mist, as soft as cotton, floated sporadically above the treetops. Within the dense forest, accompanied by a succession of slight piercing sounds, several seven-star centipedes, each as tall as two stories and more than ten meters long, made their appearance. Bearing loads covered with oilcloth, they moved in an orderly fashion through the forest. And then there were those like the members of the Hundred Workshops Hall before him, steady in their actions, favoring a slow and steady approach. "So you think you''re the only ones clever and insightful, huh?" The tall and thin youth, obviously familiar with the surrounding people, was still stubborn, stiff-necked and persistent, "I think you all are just too cowardly, that''s why you chose this place..." "Hey, Wen Family lad, don''t you doubt it." "Even if our judgment is off, you can''t say that Mo Wuzhou of the Modu Court also has poor judgment, right?" "That''s the Pill Treasure Pavilion''s Young Pavilion Master we''re talking about, a direct descendant of three generations." "He personally volunteered to come here to supervise the construction of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River." "What does that tell you? It shows that the Lower Courtyard of Gan River has unlimited potential!" The tall and thin youth immediately froze in place. Chen Mu, who was not too far away, also couldn''t help but stiffen. A direct descendant of three generations? Modu Court? That sounds damn familiar! He suddenly had a bad premonition. ... The Lower Courtyard of Gan River was built within a vast pocket-shaped valley, with the mouth of the valley being the riverbed of Gan River. A group of strong men carrying planks with the heavy stone slabs the size of door panels ran out of the valley in an orderly fashion. They looked like ants carrying gigantic leaves, moving in groups to transport them to the river bank. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire There, another group of people gestured and chanted continuously. Mud surged up from the riverbed, water rising into the air, immediately covering the stone slabs, turning mud to stone as it enveloped and bound them together, quickly accumulating into a tidy embankment. A deep-water ferry crossing, under the enhancement of various secret techniques, rapidly took shape. Deep in the valley of Gan River, a small forest on a hillside suddenly gained a wooden hut. The hut stood raised on supports, elevated two meters above the ground. Inside, it was simply divided into three sections: a bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen. This was Chen Mu''s new dwelling in the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, which he had hired skilled hands from the Hundred Workshops Hall to build. He habitually left a long corridor in front of the door, and even extended it with a roofing overhang. Even on rainy days, it would not hinder him from enjoying tea in the corridor and seeking solace. A comfortable rocking chair was placed on the corridor. At this moment, Chen Mu was curled up in it. He was enjoying the mountain breeze and the faint scent of wood, but he did not feel at ease at all; instead, he looked worried and troubled. Over the past few days here, he had confirmed that the Courtyard Master of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River was indeed Mo Wuzhou. "After all the effort to leave Jilong Mountain, have I run into Mo Wuzhou again? Tsk..." "What if he discovers the Primordial Energy?" "I definitely don''t want to lose the Exquisite Jade Plate." "But the Hidden Qi Vine Mantle can only suppress Earth Spirit Vital Energy, not effective against Primordial Energy." Chen Mu''s spirit sank into the Five Ghosts Bag, pushing aside a curious Ghost that had come closer, and began rummaging through a small compartment in the wooden rack. After quite a while, he found several worn-out scrolls among a pile of miscellaneous books. Chen Mu looked at the black leather books with mixed emotions. The books were a collection of cultivation miscellanea from Liu Hongyang, who was adept at the Point Ground into Steel technique, came from the Hundred Workshops Hall, and had met Chen Mu on Mist Smoke Mountain. After the death of Sun Wuhuan and the loss of the Sword Box, the Sun Family indiscriminately captured and interrogated many, and this Senior Brother Liu was implicated. Due to the extreme nature of his techniques, it damaged Senior Brother Liu''s Jade Seed foundation, leading him to become radical and worship an Evil God. Ultimately he attacked Chen Mu, who then killed him in self-defense on the mountain of eagle sorrow. These cultivation miscellanea recorded all of his cultivation insights, some of which related to wards and protections. The altar to the Evil God built by that god Dong Yue had been concealed by Senior Brother Liu using those very wards. "It managed to block the aura of an Evil God." "Blocking some Primordial Energy shouldn''t be too hard, right..." Chen Mu scratched his head, feeling a bit uneasy and apprehensive. Chapter 411 Origin "So, the Primordial Energy didn''t come from the Underground Secret Chamber, but from myself?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but widen his eyes. How could there be Primordial Energy around me?! Chen Mu didn''t care about eating; he grabbed the great toad and began pondering where exactly the Primordial Energy came from. A messy array of tests and trials ensued. Chen Mu looked at the red leather bag in his hand, his eyes filled with disbelief. He had never imagined that the so-called soaring Primordial Energy would come from the Five Ghosts Bag. Each time he used the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain technique and opened the Five Ghosts Bag, streams of Primordial Energy would leak out. Not only that, there was some on himself as well, but nowhere near as much as from the Five Ghosts Bag. "Ghosts..." Chen Mu gradually calmed down. If there was anything in common between him and the Five Ghosts Bag, it was the Ghosts. The foundation of the Five Ghosts Paper Man was the Ghosts, and his own body''s continuous creation of Divine Orifices connected to the Cloud Mirage Bloodline was also associated with Ghosts. And at that moment, the Five Ghosts Bag contained a group of Ghosts. These creatures, which to him had always seemed dark and eerie, suddenly became mysterious. ... "Can you still see it now?" Chen Mu called to the great toad outside the bamboo fence. "Croak!" "You can only see a big rock?" "If you can see the big rock, then that''s right!" Chen Mu revealed a satisfied smile. Now that he knew the source of the Primordial Energy, he raised the Underground Secret Chamber, expanded the Minor Three Talents Harmony Light Prohibition, and covered the wooden house and small courtyard above the ground. Chen Mu also walked out of the small courtyard. Turning back, he saw a huge rock emerging from the ground, standing in the middle of the forest without any sense of incongruity. The surface of the rock was grey-brown, even with some dry leaves fallen on it, as if weathered by wind and sun. "This Light Law Prohibition is impressive!" Chen Mu couldn''t help exclaiming. Although there were only three fundamental talismans, if the technique is mastered, one could continue weaving and expanding. It could hide the Underground Secret Chamber, and it could hide the bamboo fence''s small compound. "Just need to sprinkle some wild grass seeds around the empty grounds, and when the grass grows lush, it will truly resemble a wilderness." "Unfortunately, I won''t be able to leave the house anytime soon." The Five Ghosts Bag was fine; as long as it wasn''t worn on the body or its use minimized, there wouldn''t be a leakage of Primordial Energy. But the Primordial Energy emanating from his own body was a bit more troublesome. From the tests, it seemed that as long as he refrained from using techniques like Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Five Ghosts Possession and other Yin Soul Secret Techniques, the dispersion of Primordial Energy could be decreased, but it was still a hidden danger. If someone with a keen sense of smell discovered the nuances on him, trouble would immediately ensue. "So, this thick black energy within the Divine Orifice is what''s called Primordial Energy?" Chen Mu stared at the black energy inside the Divine Orifice. Inside the Divine Orifice, he could see it clearly. But once it scattered outside his body, he couldn''t detect it, which was very strange. "I''ll figure it out eventually."@@@@ He suddenly remembered the Ghosts calamity at Mist Smoke Mountain. "Was that really just for killing, or was it to create Primordial Energy? Or... was it both?" "Tsk... this world is really chaotic." "Indeed, staying at home is safer." He made up his mind and prepared to retreat at home. This time, he wouldn''t come out of retreat until he completely understood the Primordial Energy and controlled it. Chi! The previously composed General Jin''s pupils contracted sharply, and he hurriedly twisted his head to the side. Even so, an uncontrollable cut appeared on the left side of his cheek. The cut quickly turned black, and shortly after, half of his face began to shrivel and wither rapidly. Ha! A dark crimson glow suddenly erupted from his body. It seemed as though a monster was hidden beneath his skin, with muscles wildly protruding and shifting. His body inflated like a balloon and grew to five meters tall with bull horns atop his head, and his eyes turned blood-red, transforming him into something monstrous in a blink of an eye. He didn''t even appear to move. Bang! Wu Ruo was sent soaring into the air. Her body bent, her head almost touching her heels, as the tremendous force broke her spine. She tumbled to the ground like a broken doll, struggling for a few moments before collapsing powerlessly to the ground. Beside her, Yu Lin, Ai Ji, and Shi Xian lay unconscious. Ai Ji, not far away, had all four limbs twisted and was constantly cursing while lying on the ground. General Jin reached up and peeled off the dried skin on his face, revealing a row of sharp, bloodstained teeth, chilling to the bone. "Lian Cheng, hand these people over to the Night Traveler God, have them sent to the Heavenly River Water Mansion," he said as his broken cheek rapidly healed, and in the blink of an eye, it was restored. "Qian Mu, lead the way. Let''s go catch that little rat that escaped." Qian Mu bowed slightly, his body disintegrating into black feathers and vanishing. Bang! A sonic boom rang out as General Jin''s massive form shot into the air like a cannonball. With just a couple of rises and falls, he turned into a small black speck, disappearing into the horizon. ... In the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River On the porch of a wooden hut. Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair. In his left hand, he held a cup of dark plum-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup. The fingers of his right hand, hanging down from the armrest of the recliner, sparked with lightning. Tiny bolts of electricity crackled and jumped between his fingers. Now with the Harmony Light Law Prohibition Method, the area around the hut was concealed. He had less to worry about and did not need to practice cultivation in the Underground Secret Chamber. Although the underground was safe, it was ultimately stifling, nothing like the comfort of the porch, where he could enjoy the gentle breeze and the bright moon. As tiny arcs of electricity spread from his right hand over his entire body, a pulsing sensation faintly emerged in the right side of his chest, as though a second heart had appeared. "If only the Divine Orifice Talisman could be constructed this quickly as well," Chen Mu sighed. He was very familiar with this pulsing sensation, which always appeared before a new Secret Chamber opened. As he was lost in thought, the lightning encompassing his body suddenly flashed and then disappeared. At the same time, his mind was filled with a vast amount of information about Kui Water Yin Thunder. He couldn''t help but look toward the gray wall. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 1/10000/Third Rank; "Indeed, it has advanced." "Tsk tsk, this Thunder Law and Heavenly Demon Path really do match well." After drinking the Replenishing Origin Soup, he activated his soul-capturing powers to heal minor injuries. He closed his eyes and began to concentrate on the seventh layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman. This was the key to his current cultivation. Only by solidifying the Divine Orifice and gaining a clear view of the Primordial Energy could he attempt to control and harness it. Chapter 412 Undercurrents Gan River Lower Courtyard. At the north side of the mountain peak''s Daoist platform. Mo Wuzhou stood respectfully in front of the incense table. On the curtain woven from strands of blue smoke, the figure of Rong Qiu appeared. "Soon, a group of people from the Hundred Workshops Hall will secretly proceed to the Gan River Lower Courtyard." "Find them a more hidden location so they can concentrate on building the deep-diving ferry." Mo Wuzhou''s expression turned grave, "Master, are we really going to relocate the sect to Hai Province?" Rong Qiu sighed, "Sporadic records in ancient books say that Earth Spirit Vital Energy is like waves with peaks and troughs." "We''ve had the misfortune of being born in a year of great change, and Yunzhou has hit a low point in the energy wave." "We can only prepare early, to chase the energy wave, if we want a chance to continue cultivating." Mo Wuzhou nodded solemnly, "Master, rest assured, I will safeguard the Gan River Lower Courtyard." "Don''t feel too pressured. Your Elder Brother Liang Yi has gone to the Stone Cave Lower Courtyard to do similar work." "Jilong Road isn''t placing all its hopes in one location; several alternatives have been prepared," Rong Qiu reassured with a gentle voice. Mo Wuzhou immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Rong Qiu chuckled lightly before turning serious, "You need to be wary of troublemakers. Elder Song has already started investigating." "These people''s backgrounds are mysterious. We still don''t know which Dao Sect they belong to, so you must be on your guard." Mo Wuzhou''s eyebrows furrowed, his mind instantly going to the group of black-clothed oddities he had encountered on Jilong Mountain. After resolving some of Mo Wuzhou''s doubts about cultivation, the figure of Rong Qiu slowly faded away. ... "Crafty humans," the smoky beast Tu suddenly voiced his thoughts in amazement. "On the surface, they banish you to this godforsaken place, but in reality, they have you supervise the construction of the Gan River ferry site in preparation for the sect''s relocation." "That cheerful elder who took over Jilong Mountain, is he in for bad luck? Tsk tsk..." "You didn''t even tell him about the relocation plans, and I bet he doesn''t know about the ghosts and demons lurking around Jilong Mountain either, does he?" Mo Wuzhou''s lips curled slightly, "That white mist creature is called a ghost demon?" "Sinister! Truly sinister!" Tu exclaimed, "Your human hearts are much dirtier than us ''Heavenly Demon Path'' beings." "At least we humans don''t hide inside someone else''s Jade Seed and refuse to come out, do we?" Mo Wuzhou sneered. "How do you know no one does that?" Tu asked back merrily. Mo Wuzhou paused. It wasn''t so far-fetched; there might indeed be people who covet others'' bodies for power and longevity. He had heard of something called the Six Desires God-Slaughtering Technique, a Soul Transference Secret Technique that supposedly allowed one to take over the bodies of demons for an unnatural long life. "No response, huh?" Tu chortled eerily. "Shut it!" "Heh heh..." After years of adventuring, he had collected a variety of vegetable seeds in his Five Ghosts Bag, and with the Third Rank Planting Technique, he was not short of fresh wild vegetables. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire As for Exotic Beast Meat, necessary for preparing the Replenishing Origin Soup... Chen Mu chuckled as he looked at the Cold Moon Toad in the small courtyard. With this big demon-grade amphibious hunter around, he felt he would soon be able to eat all kinds of exotic beasts around the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. Chen Mu hummed a little tune while his right-hand fingers flicked in succession. Accompanied by the swooshing of the Three Yin Demon-Slaying Qi Blade, the tender parts of the strange fish quickly turned into thin fish slices. He casually threw a Minor Frost Descend Method over to temporarily freeze them for freshness. Then, he separated the tough parts and threw them into a wooden barrel, soaked them with cold water and medicinal herbs, ready for extraction into the Replenishing Origin Soup. The large golden-whiskered strange fish was quickly and skillfully processed. Wind chimes tinkled in a corner of the corridor. The big toad crouched in the yard, its eyelids drooping as it dozed off. Five little paper figures dove into the vegetable patch, hopping and jumping as they caught bugs. Chen Mu settled back into the rocking chair, sipped some mountain tea from a wooden cup, pulled up the grey wall interface, and focused on one of the entries. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7990/10000/Seventh Rank; Lately, he had been devoting more time and energy to refining the Divine Orifice Talisman. After years of cultivation, he had become increasingly skilled at consolidating the talisman. Even though there were more and more varied talismans, the refinement speed was noticeably faster than in previous years. "It''ll be at most a month before the next phase," Chen Mu murmured as he leaned back in his rocking chair and squinted his eyes comfortably amidst the creaking sound. ... Night Bright moonlight spilled into the Gan River. A small black canopy boat was quietly floating in the middle of the river. Despite the rushing and turbulent water, the boat was motionless, pinned in place as if it were a rock in the river. "What''s the strength of this person?" asked a tall and skinny man in a grey robe from inside the cabin. Opposite him, a burly man wearing half armor shook his head, "Hard to say." "Based on the intelligence delivered by the Night Walker, it seems that about a year and a half ago, the target exchanged for the Netherworld Grand Summary and appears to have a good number of strange secret techniques at hand," the grey-robed man continued. "He looks just so-so on the surface, but the Spiritual Master has instructed us to wait for General Jin Er to arrive before taking action." "Ho! Likes to play pig to eat the tiger? He''s hiding his strength," the middle-aged man in the grey robe couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows. The man in black armor nodded, "Otherwise, the Spiritual Master wouldn''t be so cautious." "But we can''t just do nothing in the meantime," the man in the grey robe shrugged, "I don''t want to see that Barbarian giving me a dirty look." "Start by checking if he has any acquaintances around the Lower Courtyard of Gan River," suggested the black-armored man. "Then we set a trap to lure him out. It''s risky to take action near the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, it''d cause too much commotion." The man in black armor nodded, but with a helpless look, "You might not believe this, but since he arrived at the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, he hasn''t shown up even once." "Not even anyone in the courtyard knows such a person exists." "As for acquaintances," the man in black armor''s expression turned strange, "does Mo Wuzhou count?" "Tsk... What a hassle." Chapter 413 Nine Orifices Half a month later. In the dead of night, within the deep mountains of East Ridge, somewhere upstream on the Gan River, a dark-covered small boat quietly floated in the middle of the river. Wearing light black armor, Dantai Zong sat helplessly kneeling in front of a square low table. "The butchers, vegetable farmers, and grain store clerks in the market at the mouth of the valley all belong to us. But so much time has passed, and we haven''t seen that person show up even once." "And the few spiritual fields closest to that hillside are also planted by our people, we haven''t seen that guy come down from the mountain at all." "Young Master, could that person have died inside his house?" "Go!" Lin Su, the middle-aged man in a gray robe, gave the other a displeased glance. Dantai Zong''s face was full of helplessness: "Cooped up in the little wooden hut every day, how can he stand staying in there?" "I''m beginning to admire those Qi Cultivation parasites, eating Fasting Pills all day long, doesn''t he ever get tired of it?" "How can you be sure he hasn''t left the house?" Lin Su, clad in a wide gray robe, sat cross-legged, lightly tapping his pale fingers on the table top. "Is Young Master suggesting that he might be using secret techniques like Shadow Concealment?" Dantai Zong was startled. "He probably can even disguise himself; otherwise, our brothers in the market wouldn''t have discovered nothing." Lin Su was certain of this. "No wonder," Dantai Zong suddenly realized. He then showed a bitter expression, "With such caution, it''s difficult for us to ascertain his whereabouts. Should we capture Mo Wuzhou to lure him out?" Lin Su shook his head indifferently, "Mo Wuzhou and him are merely acquaintances; it''s impossible to expect him to save someone." "Then what should we..." Dantai Zong was at a loss. Lin Su laughed, "He may not care about others, but he will surely care about himself." "Send a few people to tail him, but don''t use our own brothers, hire some idle folks." "The action cannot be too conspicuous, but also not too secretive; we have to let him see it." Dantai Zong''s eyes lit up, "Such a cautious guy, if he notices someone tailing him, he will definitely react!" "Exactly!" Lin Su''s eyes gleamed with a sharp light, "Once he detects tailing, he will either kill the follower directly or trace and eliminate the root." "I guess he''ll most likely choose the latter." "So we can lead him into the trap of the Dragon Well?" Dantai Zong laughed, "Young Master is wise!" "It''s a pity that the Barbarian was so useless, losing his tail during pursuit," Lin Su shook his head, "If we had his help, the success rate of the plan could be increased by another twenty percent." ... In the depths of Gan River Valley. Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair on the long wooden porch of the hut, quietly brushing up experience with his eyes closed. Within the Jade Seed, misty Mana gathered orderly, and tiny Talismans began to emerge. They quickly stacked and wove into delicate branches, extending and connecting in all directions. Soon, the entire Divine Orifice Talisman network was connected, creating a sterling hollow sphere. Chen Mu glanced at it indifferently and began to review the gains and losses of this operation, quietly waiting for the sphere of Talismans to disperse. Each layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman during condensation would go through hundreds to thousands of dispersions, a process he had already become accustomed to. Initially, he felt frustrated and complained, but he later realized it was inevitable. The condensation of each Talisman was shaping and perfecting the whole person from inside out. The Talismans were easy to gather, but the transformation and leap of the body were very slow. Without complete shaping, the Talismans wouldn''t be stable, and their dispersion would become inevitable. Just as he thought the Talisman would collapse again, the entire Jade Seed suddenly began to vibrate. As the center of the Divine Orifice Talisman, an invisible fluctuation spread outwards. The Mana that was silently floating surged like a tidal wave, and the boundaries of the Jade Seed expanded outward with a thunderous roar under this Mana rush. "This is... it''s a success!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but curl up the corner of his mouth. After many days of attempts, the seventh layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman was finally condensed successfully. At the same time, he felt a thrumming near the Mingmen on his lower back, and a brand-new Condensing Aperture slowly emerged from the void. "The ninth Divine Orifice?" "Double happiness! Haha!" But before he could examine the new orifice, the other eight began to vibrate in unison. The originally independent Divine Orifices seemed to have some kind of connection. This connection, like an invisible network, linked the nine Divine Orifices into one whole, and a strong surge of vitality was slowly brewing within. "This feeling... it''s like having an extra body..." Chen Mu was greatly shocked, "Could it be the True Form of Heavenly Demon?!" Chen Mu never even thought about it. Leaving the house could lead to murder and robbery or becoming entangled in some conspiracyweren''t those the stories in the novels from his past life? Staying at home without stepping out was safest! ... Gan River Lower Courtyard. At the mountaintop dojo on the north side of the valley entrance. Mo Wuzhou, clasping his hands in greeting to an old man with white speckled hair in his fifties, said, "Elder Hu, long time no see." Hu Quan looked at Mo Wuzhou with a cheery smile, "Sister Rong has a good successor, Little Mo''s cultivation has grown even deeper." After a brief exchange of pleasantries, his expression turned serious, "You''ve been informed by my sister about why I''m here, right?" Mo Wuzhou nodded solemnly, "Elder, rest assured, I have chosen a suitable site deep in the valley where we can start building the shipyard at any time." "It''s a place rarely visited by people, secure enough to avoid detection." "Once we tunnel through the mountain at the valley''s base, we will have direct access to the Gan River behind it, convenient for testing the ferries." Hu Quan nodded in satisfaction, "I need to focus on shipbuilding, and I''m not good at spell battles. I''ll need you to exert some effort to ensure the secrecy and safety of the shipyard." Mo Wuzhou clasped his hands firmly, "Elder, have no worries." "I have crafted a sufficient number of Wood Spirit Boys. Once they are released later, the ground around the shipyard will be under our watch." "With Elder Song''s Cold Moon Toad beneath the ground and my own arrangements in the sky," "any slight movement will be detected immediately." "Little Mo''s considerations are thorough," Hu Quan immediately beamed with satisfaction. ... That afternoon, Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu was lying on a rocking chair, basking in the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest, when suddenly, the sound of churning mud reached his ears. "Who''s using the Point Ground into Steel?" He was all too familiar with that sound; it was the noise it made when turning stone to mud. The Truthful Listening Technique unfolded, slowly bringing the images of everything within a twenty-mile radius into his mind. "Mo Wuzhou?" "He''s not cultivating and instead he''s leading people here to dig holes?" Curiosity got the better of Chen Mu. But before he could discern the other party''s actions, a clattering noise suddenly emerged at the courtyard entrance. A palm-sized, cleverly crafted wooden horse burrowed out of the ground and swiftly circled Chen Mu''s courtyard. It shook its head and looked around as if it found the place particularly appealing. Chen Mu immediately got a bad feeling about this. The next moment, the tiny wooden horse leaped high into the air above the courtyard. And as expected, the little wooden horse fell into the yard, landing squarely on its back. With a nimble roll, it sprung up and came face-to-face with Chen Mu. Chen Mu: "..." All those big rocks on the mountain and you had to choose the fakest one as a landing spot! Chen Mu''s face stiffened as he forced a smile and waved at the expressionless face of the little wooden horse. "Hey?" More than ten miles away, Mo Wuzhou: "..." Hey my ass! He opened his eyes, speechlessly gazing at the distant hill. Months had gone by, and he thought Chen Mu hadn''t come to Gan River Lower Courtyard, but it turned out he was hiding here, cultivating. With so many places in the valley to choose from, you just had to pick a spot close to my secret shipyard to fix up your little courtyard! Damn! Chapter 414 Doorkeeper Upon the wooden house''s long corridor. Chen Mu looked at Mo Wuzhou with a sincere face, "I can move out." "Do you think you can still move?" Mo Wuzhou said with irritation. Ever since this mountain forest had been chosen as the shipyard construction site, the entire development plan for the Lower Courtyard of Gan River started to consciously avoid it. The closest Spiritual Field was also twenty li away from here. He had also secretly altered the prohibitions, reducing the Earth Spirit Vital Energy of the nearby Spiritual Fields to make them barren, for the purpose of making the disciples of the Lower Courtyard stay away of their own accord. As a result, the already rarely traversed deep valley would become even more desolate. Who would have thought that Chen Mu would hide in this remote corner? And to make matters worse, he had seen him along with Hu Quan, his master, drilling and digging here! "I didn''t see anything, so why can''t I move out?" Chen Mu insisted stubbornly, his face full of defiance. "You didn''t see, but you heard," Mo Wuzhou couldn''t help but roll his eyes. He was well aware that the guy in front of him was highly skilled in the Truthful Listening Technique. At such a close distance, he was sure that Hu Quan, his master''s actions of digging into the mountain had been fully discerned by this fellow. "I don''t know what you''re talking about, I just want to move out!" Chen Mu denied adamantly. Seeing Mo Wuzhou''s attitude, it was clear that whatever those people were doing was highly confidential. How would he dare to get involved in such matters? He couldn''t get away fast enough! "Alright, but you can only move to the dungeon of the Inspection Courtyard," Mo Wuzhou said expressionlessly. Chen Mu immediately felt a headache coming on. If Mo Wuzhou was this resolute, it definitely wasn''t a common secret; how had he gotten dragged into this mess? "Dammit!" Mo Wuzhou glanced at the empty space in the small courtyard and immediately noticed two huge toad web prints. His face twitched involuntarily, those surely were the marks left by Yuanbao. Good grief, that big toad had already found this place. Why hadn''t it informed Chen Mu to stay away earlier? "Stop thinking about running away, just stay here honestly," Mo Wuzhou sighed. "I remember you once assisted in the construction of the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier for Mist Smoke Mountain, especially adept at listening to the breath of the deep earth. Just right to cooperate with Yuanbao, keep an eye on the ground beneath us." The color drained from Chen Mu''s face: "The big toad knows about this too?" It actually never told me?! "You should thank it," Mo Wuzhou gave Chen Mu a meaningful look. It was Yuanbao''s deliberate omission that had embroiled Chen Mu in the relocation plan for Jilong Road. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire But because of this, when the time came to move to Hai Province, Chen Mu, as a participant, would naturally be eligible to follow along. With the tide of Vital Energy in Yunzhou ebbing away, following the Dao Sect to Hai Province was the only way to continue his cultivation. Compared to most disciples who knew nothing, Chen Mu was already quite fortunate. "Thanks my ass!" Chen Mu, still not understanding, remained indignant. ... Above Gan River, within a black-canopied boat. "Young Master, it''s settled," Dantai Zong said respectfully, kneeling before a square table. "I found two herbal farmers who know the Far Sight Technique." "They will live thirty li away, on a mountain top planting Huang Root Grass to make a living. They''ll use the Far Sight Technique regularly to observe and record that person''s movements." "The messages recorded each day will be sent to a designated location using the Emerald Feather Messenger Birds, and if that person comes, he will surely fall into our trap." "How the hell is such a big deal ''not too important''?! I wish I could slap myself to death," Chen Mu was irate. Ask, ask, ask, and now you''ve asked for trouble, haven''t you! Knowing about a matter that concerns the survival of a Dao Sect, there''s no way I can bail out now! "Are you doing this on purpose!" Chen Mu glared at the giant toad. Yuanbao slowly turned around, once again presenting his backside to Chen Mu. Fuck! "It looks like I can''t avoid this gig of gatekeeping anymore," Chen Mu lay back, reclining on the gallery. What was even more worrisome for him was that this quiet, secluded valley would soon become a place of strife! Lurking, assassinations, tracking and counter-trackinghe conceived several stories in his mind in an instant, each filled with peril. "No, not soon, perhaps it''s already unsafe right now!" He sat up abruptly. He activated the Truthful Listening Technique to full capacity, and three Vermilion Feather Swords soared into the sky. He coordinated his hearing and vision to catch any suspicious movements in the vicinity. Soon, his face turned incredibly grim. ... That very afternoon, Chen Mu had Yuanbao secretly invite Mo Wuzhou to the small courtyard. "Someone is watching this place from thirty miles away?" "Are you certain?" Mo Wuzhou looked skeptical. The plan had just started a few days ago. Could there already be a leak? That seems unlikely. "I feel like my best move is to move into the dungeons of the Inspection Courtyard," Chen Mu said with a worried frown. They had only just begun to excavate this underground dock, and it had already attracted prying eyesfar too dangerous. Hmm? Is this guy trying to bail again? A shock ran through Mo Wuzhou''s heart. "I''ll investigate immediately!" His tone and demeanor became utterly serious. Chen Mu looked blankly at Mo Wuzhou. You were still doubtful just now, how come all of a... "I''ve studied your experiences over the years," Mo Wuzhou said gravely. "Every place you''ve left has either been attacked or mysteriously destroyed." "Some kind of disaster or calamity always happens, no matter how big or small." "And now you''re even willing to move into a dungeon." At that moment, he looked at Chen Mu with a solemn expression. Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! I''m not a goddamn jinx! Chapter 415 Tracking ``` A hundred and thirty li north of Gan River. A streak of emerald brilliance flashes across the azure sky like lightning. Enshrouded in mist, Mo Wuzhou seems a faint white cloud, his gaze locked from afar on the path of the emerald messenger bird. A quarter of an hour later, the bird flies into a dense forest and, when it reappears, the small bamboo cylinder tied to its leg has vanished. Above the clouds, Mo Wuzhou frowns deeply, "The Lower Courtyard of Gan River has just been established; which Dao Sect is this well-informed?" "Or are they casting a wide net, indiscriminately conducting surveillance on a large scale?" "I want to see exactly who is behind this." For half a month, he hides among the clouds, circling the dense forest. Yet no matter how long he waits, no contact person appears. "Very cautious!" Mo Wuzhou''s expression becomes solemn. ... "That guy is too cautious!" Above the Gan River, at the bow of a black-canopied boat, Dantai Zong bites his lip in frustration. "He followed the messenger bird here, but he''s just hiding up in the sky watching." Lin Su chuckles lightly, "I told you before, the bait was too small; he won''t show himself so easily." Dantai Zong looks troubled, "Do we really need to lure him here? Then Young Master, you..." Lin Su taps his fingers lightly on the table, "No pain, no gain, right?" "Without someone who looks as vital as I do making an appearance, why would he show himself?" "Go make arrangements, let those messages pass through more hands, try to deliver them to me secretly and realistically." Dantai Zong respectfully clasps his fists, "Understood!" ... That very afternoon, in a nondescript small grove. A golden-haired monkey bursts in, snatches fifteen small bamboo cylinders from a bird''s nest and stuffs them into his mouth. Leaving behind a fiery red elixir pill, he then stretches his arms and swings through the trees, disappearing without a trace. "Relying on unnoticeable exotic beasts to pass on messages, one link after another?" Mo Wuzhou marvels internally. Now even more curious about these people''s identities, he follows the golden-haired monkey back to its troop. As half a month flies by, Mo Wuzhou watches the cylinder travel from beast to beast within the forests of East Ridge. Finally, when he follows a turtle as large as a millstone to a section of the Gan River, he sees a small black-canopied boat. A middle-aged man wearing a half-body suit of black armor appears at the stern. He retrieves a bamboo cylinder from the turtle''s mouth, feeds it a golden yellow pill, and then places the cylinder before the grey-clothed person sitting at the bow. Seeing the other party open each one for inspection before burning them, Mo Wuzhou knows he has found the right person. But he still doesn''t show himself, instead following the black-canopied boat once more. After five days of discovery that the person continuously receives bamboo cylinders through various animals, Mo Wuzhou finally confirms that even if this person is not the mastermind behind the scenes, he definitely is a high-level insider. "A pair of mortals, where do they get the courage to target cultivators of Qi?" After days of observation, he had already realized that these two people had no mana at all and were not cultivators. Thinking this, Mo Wuzhou descends from the sky, appearing abruptly at the bow of the boat. Upon seeing the newcomer, Lin Su cannot help but be stunned. However, Dantai Zong can''t hold back a laugh, "Surname Chen, you really are cautious. You followed us for over a month, and now you finally deign to reveal yourself?" The just-stabilized Mo Wuzhou immediately blinks in confusion. Surname Chen? Chen Mu?! These people weren''t probing the ship dock inside the mountain but aimed to lure and capture Chen Mu? So, I''ve accidentally stepped into the middle of this?! "Stop laughing!" Lin Su kicks the overly pleased Dantai Zong, making him stagger, and says with a helpless face, "He is Mo Wuzhou!" Dantai Zong''s eyes widen in disbelief. So... I''ve been busy for a month and lured the wrong person? This isn''t a wild goose chase, is it?! Lin Su looks at the dark-faced Mo Wuzhou and shakes his head with a bitter smile, "I don''t know if he was planning to use you to eliminate someone or simply to test the waters," "But one thing is certain, we all underestimated that Chen youngster''s cunning and depth of strategy." Mo Wuzhou: "..." At this moment, he can''t help but recall Chen Mu''s worried face from a month ago. "You really are quite the actor!" Inside the Jade Seed, Tu, who had witnessed everything, couldn''t help but burst out laughing, "You humans are indeed too crafty! Haha..." "You seem to have forgotten that you also started from a mortal and got to where you are today..." "Run! This is the Netherworld Ferry! He''s stalling for time!" Before Lin Su could finish speaking, the black smoke creature hidden within the Jade Seed, Tu, suddenly shouted. Instinctively, Mo Wuzhou''s body burst with spiritual light, and he triggered the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, propelling himself into midair in the blink of an eye. Just as he was about to ask Tu why he signaled alarm, his expression suddenly changed. He noticed that, inexplicably, the once tumultuous Gan River had become a motionless, calm surface. The muddy water had turned clear, and the distant riverbanks seemed to be shrouded in a layer of gray filter, becoming blurry and dark. He glanced unintentionally into the clear water of the river and instantly couldn''t help shuddering all over. At the river bottom, countless black smoke clusters resembling human figures with snake tails had appeared. They were piled up quietly, creepily inching forward. Just one look at the swarming human-shaped black smoke gave him an inexplicable chill. At that moment, the canopy boat, which should have been easily dispersed by the spiritual light, was still intact, floating in the middle of the river. The black-armored man stood silent at the bow, and the man in the gray robe still sat nonchalantly at the table, with a look of regret on his face. He waved at Mo Wuzhou, seemingly saying goodbye. The next moment, the entire canopy boat, as if a painting, began to be rapidly erased from the rear to the front. The scenes on both banks cleared and brightened. The clear river water turned into a murky yellow. The shadowy figure at the bottom of the river was nowhere to be found, as if it had been an illusion all along. "That was the Netherworld Ferry, the usual method of breaking through barriers and teleportation used by the Yinming Group," Tu complicatedly said. "What would have happened if I hadn''t left the awning boat just now?" Mo Wuzhou asked with lingering fear. "You would have fallen into the Netherworld, forgetting who you are, forgetting the past. You would wander aimlessly, never to return to this world again," Tu''s voice was filled with an inexplicable heaviness. Mo Wuzhou felt a chill in his heart. ... Deep in East Ridge, at the foot of a desolate mountain. Dry yellow leaves were crushed by a heavy footstep. A figure flashed through the dense forest like lightning. Finally, it stopped beside a small stream. Then it plunged into the mountain stream, gulping down the icy water. After a while, Shang Huan, who was almost too gaunt for his clothes, finally lifted his face. Without caring about the muddy bank, he lay down beside the stream. After a few heavy breaths to steady his ragged breathing, he finally opened his mouth with a voice as dry as though he had swallowed hot coals and asked, "How far is it from here to the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River?" The next moment, in the empty forest, another dull voice responded, "Not far, a day''s travel at the most with day and night marching." "Stop lying to me, you said the same thing last time," Shang Huan said spiritlessly, staring up at the sky. Run, run, run, he had been fleeing non-stop for a month, and his mind could hardly contain anything else. "You asked me the same thing just two hours ago," the dull voice calmly stated. "Guess what, as a Qi Cultivator who longs for immortality, I actually find myself hoping that time would pass more quickly. Haha... cough cough cough!" Shang Huan''s laughter was full of despair. "You should be glad, after all, you are still alive to bemoan the speed of time," the dull voice said, its calm unchanging. "Can Brother Mu really save our lives? Maybe we should just surrender," Shang Huan''s lazy voice carried a tone of hopelessness. "The feeling of being chased with nowhere to escape to is too agonizing." "Ha! Do you know what? More than surviving, I actually want that horned monster to suffer," a hint of morbidity slipped through the dull voice. "Find Chen Mu, become a Netherworld soldier, and we can exist in another form, a form that the horned monster would hate to see." "Imagine the frustration after a month''s pursuit, only to find that the plan has failed. What do you think his expression would be like? Hehe... Hahaha..." "Fuck it, let''s do it!" Shang Huan abruptly opened his bloodshot eyes. "It''s just some flesh, I can afford to lose it!" He pulled open the front of his shirt, revealing a human face on his chest. The next moment, that face strained outward, and countless black threads burst from Shang Huan''s chest along with it. As soon as it touched the ground, the black threads began to wriggle and weave rapidly, and in an instant, they formed a handsome young man in black tight suit. Shang Huan gasped for breath, visibly thinner than before, his eyes deeper set. "Lu Ku, this time you need to lead them further away. I''ve already cut back to the limit; if we make another Seven Kills Puppet, we''re both done for!" At that moment, another face of Lu Ku appeared on Shang Huan''s chest. The face smiled lightly and said, "Don''t worry, when we''re truly at our wits'' end, I''ll kill you first and then end myself." "We may not survive, but I guarantee, the horned monster''s plan against us will be screwed as well." "You''re truly fucking insane! I don''t want to die!" "Then quit the bullshit and keep running for your life." "Fuck!" Chapter 416 True Form Gan River Lower Courtyard. The long corridor in front of the wooden house. Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair, his right hand raised in front of his eyes, covered with strands of blue and white lightning. After a while, Chen Mu dispersed the Kui Water Yin Thunder and frowned as he repaired the injuries to his body. Upon closer observation, however, he found no new traces of Divine Orifices opening throughout his body. "What a pity..." He was thrilled at having collected all Five Elements Escape Techniques, and had been hoping that more Divine Secret Skills would emerge. "I wonder when the True Form of Heavenly Demon will be fully nurtured." At this moment, the nine orifices within his body were connected by an invisible web, with the Divine Orifice at his brow still in contact with the flesh, while the other eight had completely detached. Though these orifices spread throughout the body, they seemed to exist in another void of a different dimension. The first Divine Orifice had become the pivot connecting the body and the nine orifices. The absorption of blood essence, the exchange of vital forces, and the transformation of the body were all done through it. "Start over from scratch? Grafting?" Chen Mu''s eyebrows shot up involuntarily. "Is the so-called Heavenly Demon Heretical Method simply grafting and cultivating a more powerful True Form of Heavenly Demon onto oneself?" "The human body has its limits, so instead of remaining human, directly cultivate a new Celestial Demon body? Tsk..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but click his tongue in wonder. "Though the style may not be to my taste, if it means having more Divine Secret Skills... well, that wouldn''t be so bad, ha!" he thought cheerfully. "I should feed this True Form of Heavenly Demon some more tonic." Chen Mu immediately activated Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, and a human-sized black fog emerged before him, with the Exotic Force of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles spreading around him. In his unique perception, the heavy Primordial Energy was slowly seeping out of the black fog. He immediately manipulated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, striving to gather it together. In the past, Chen Mu couldn''t see Primordial Energy outside the Divine Orifices. Even after the nine orifices were connected, he still couldn''t see it, but Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles could sense and absorb Primordial Energy. "Not being able to see it is because the original body didn''t have this ability." "Now that I can sense and grab it using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, is it the capability of the new body, the True Form of Heavenly Demon?" At this moment, Chen Mu was already enraptured by the mysterious allure of the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method. He placed a bean-sized cluster of Primordial Energy in front of the first Divine Orifice at the brow. It was as if pulling the plug from a backed-up sink, the heavy and sluggish Primordial Energy suddenly leaked into the Divine Orifice. After a good long while, once his brow swelled ever so slightly, as if sated and no longer absorbing, Chen Mu stuffed the remaining Primordial Energy into the Five Ghosts Bag. "I had only heard that Primordial Energy could refine Divine Orifices and achieve the River Chariot Dao Embryo. I never imagined it could also accelerate the condensation of the True Form of Heavenly Demon." He had previously discovered that a portion of Primordial Energy would vanish after circulating between the nine orifices. It was precisely this disappearing Primordial Energy that bolstered the vitality of the True Form of Heavenly Demon. He began trying to replenish it from the outside immediately. Sure enough, the vitality between the nine orifices began to grow much faster.@@@@ "So close now, so close." "Once this True Form of Heavenly Demon emerges, I shall likely glimpse a hint of the True Form of the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon." ... Chen Mu''s face immediately grew ugly. The powerful enemy was evidently wary of Jade Spring Mountain''s strength, hence why they targeted the direction of Jade Spring Mountain to surround and intercept. Allowing Shang Huan to run towards other Lower Courtyards indicated that the enemy was not at all afraid of the martial power of a single Lower Courtyard! Even if the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, for secret reasons, secretly had a Condensing Aperture elder in residence. The very purpose of the existence of the Gan River Lower Courtyard was the construction of ferry boats. Everything else could be sacrificed. They would definitely not intervene for the safety of one or two disciples; they had to protect the secret of the shipyard inside the mountain. So am I supposed to bring trouble upon myself? A flash of severity appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes, and immediately his face turned incredibly grim. If I really dared to do that, those old guys hiding in the mountains would probably go after me first! In an instant, he understoodif Lu Ku and Shang Huan really did bring a powerful enemy, the Gan River Lower Courtyard would never help him! Right away, Chen Mu activated the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, and like a tightly wound spring suddenly released, he shot upwards abruptly. After reaching a high altitude, he made a sharp turn and headed in the opposite direction from where Shang Huan and Lu Ku came, without looking back, he fled at high speed. No matter who the enemy was. I''d rather run first out of respect! ... Sixty miles east of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. The sky was a clear blue, cloudless for miles. A pearly white Escape Light dashed across the sky with great speed. "Stop... chasing... me!" Chen Mu shouted furiously over the United Heart channel. If he hadn''t been afraid of encountering that unknown powerful enemy, he really would have turned back to strangle Shang Huan and Lu Ku first! "You''ve got to help us!" Shang Huan shouted while frantically tracking him down. "Have you gone mad or am I the stupid one!" Chen Mu ground his teeth with hatred: "If I help you, do I even have a chance to live?! If that person doesn''t fear a regular Lower Courtyard, then he must be a Condensing Aperture expert. How should I help, by offering up my head?!" He tried to actively cut off the United Heart connection, but somehow Lu Ku was able to continually lock onto his position. Even after changing directions several times, he still couldn''t shake off the pursuit. "By now you must be convinced that you cannot escape my tracking," Lu Ku, who had been observing the chase, spoke up, "Moreover, even if you can avoid us, you can''t hide from that horned beast." "I have no grudges with your pursuers; so long as you don''t come near me, they''d be fools to waste effort catching me," Chen Mu certainly didn''t believe him. "There''s some bad news I forgot to tell you." Lu Ku''s voice remained calm. "Judging from a few words from our pursuers, the United Heart Gu planted in our bodies altered our constitution, coincidentally making us suitable to be used as offerings for a ritual called the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryo." "They need the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryo for some ceremony." "As the master of the United Heart Gu, your constitution is a perfect match for the main offering." "So, whether we come looking for you or not, from the moment we were captured, you were already on their capture list." Lu Ku''s calm voice carried a hint of amusement: "We''re like grasshoppers on the same rope, you can''t escape." Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Chapter 417 Thousand Lights The luminescent white Escape Light retracted, and thick black clouds emerged around Chen Mu. "Whether I can escape or not, I''ll only know after I try!" Five Ghosts Mysterious Shadow Escape Technique! Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu''s pace quickened by another fraction. Lu Ku''s voice still carried its usual calm, "We sought help at Jade Spring Mountain and were intercepted. Yet, when we come to the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, there are only pursuers." "Is it because they lacked the ability to blockade us?" "No, they are deliberately letting us meet." "I guess, given your modus operandi, you never really left the Lower Courtyard of Gan River," Lu Ku said with a light chuckle. "These people, although powerful, might not want to attack the Lower Courtyard for reasons of concealment." "Then how could they catch you?" "Of course, by making you aware of the danger and prompting you to leave the Lower Courtyard of Gan River of your own accord." Chen Mu, soaring through the mid-air, suddenly halted his Escape Light. So... have I been running in the wrong direction all this time?! Lu Ku laughed heartily, "We should thank you for your caution, otherwise those people would never have allowed us to flee to your presence." Chen Mu: "..." I want to strangle this bastard more and more! "You had already guessed? Yet you didn''t say?" "Whose side are you really on?!" Chen Mu''s Escape Light descended from the sky, plunging into the ground like diving into water, and he immediately began to return in the direction of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. Lu Ku chuckled, "Do you want to go back to the Lower Courtyard of Gan River now? Hmm... I''m afraid it''s a bit too late." Hearing this, Chen Mu did not even have time to react before he suddenly saw a bright light in front of him, and the earthen pressure around him lightened as if he had burrowed into an underground cavern. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look down towards the source of the light, and unexpectedly found a brightly lit, enormous city had appeared under his feet. Streets crisscrossed within the city, and red-walled, green-tiled pavilions lined both sides, with out-of-place pavilions featuring flying eaves adorned with bronze bells. Countless white paper lanterns hung throughout the streets and alleys, resembling a river of stars floating in the sky, illuminating the entire city with their glow.@@@@ But the vast city was silent as the grave. Not a single person was seen inside the streets or pavilions! A trap! He abruptly turned around, only to find in shock that the subterranean rock layer he had traversed had vanished without a trace. Behind him was an empty expanse, leaving only the pitch-black horizon devoid of any light. Chen Mu immediately flew back the way he had come, the lights underfoot stretching into countless lines. No matter how much he accelerated, the distant black horizon seemed perpetually out of reach. He suddenly stopped his Escape Light and spun around in mid-air to inspect his surroundings. Above his head and in all directions, there was only darkness as far as the eye could see. Yet, right below him lay the same luminous, immense city, as if Chen Mu had never actually left the spot. Chen Mu''s face instantly turned extremely grim. ... Truthful Listening! An invisible wave immediately enveloped the city below, but apart from the sound of flames burning within the lanterns, there was no sound of life in the entire city, just a deadening silence. Chen Mu looked around once more, his brows furrowed tightly, "The most likely way to break the situation must be in the city." He immediately descended, his Escape Light fading, and entered a tavern with a cloth sign reading ''Wine''. Once inside, he saw wine jars, counters, abaci, and books; further in, seven or eight tables were neatly arranged, filling the hall. The hall was empty, but on three of the tables were complete sets of dishes, chopsticks, delicacies, and fine wines. Chen Mu frowned as he approached and found that the slightly reduced dishes still retained some warmth! It was as if people were just eating and drinking here, and then the moment he arrived, they vanished instantly! He quickly stepped out of the tavern and broke into several houses and pavilions along the street. Eaten meals, rice boiling in pots, steaming, bubbling soups C except for the absence of people, all signs of a bustling city life were there. Standing on the deserted street, Chen Mu felt a chill run down his scalp. He returned to the tavern with the ''Wine'' sign, reached behind the counter, and began to slowly flip through the ledger. He was so engrossed in his reading that he failed to notice his elongated shadow behind him beginning to twist strangely. A pair of hands emerged from the shadow, slowly reaching towards the neck of the shadow... "Who''s there!" Chen Mu spun around suddenly. Just now, he felt as if someone was blowing on the back of his neck. But upon closer inspection, the surroundings were silent, with no one in sight. "Something''s not right..." Chen Mu''s brows furrowed tightly, and he began to flip through the ledger more quickly. The detailed entries in the ledger convinced Chen Mu that the eerie city before him was most likely not an illusion. "So this is a real city shrouded in a Qiankun Mystical Technique like Shrinking the Miles to a Foot." "To leave, the best way would be to master the two-realm teleportation..." Just as he was muttering to himself, transfixed, he suddenly turned around, his face fierce as he stared down at the long shadow at his feet. "Die!" Ding ding ding! Three flashes of red light. The Vermilion Feather Sword suddenly pinned the shadow beneath his feet. "Nothing?" Chen Mu looked at the trembling Magic Sword on the ground, his brow furrowing deeper. Through the perspective of the Flying Sword, he thought he had seen the shadow move. "An illusion?" Just as this thought emerged in his mind, a chill breeze hit his neck again. Boom! The Body Protection Aura surged, and the Yang Cuo Bone Shield manifested. The ledger on the counter instantly disintegrated into dust. He stared intently at the shadow beneath his feet. He was absolutely certain that his own shadow had just moved! Chapter 418 Shadow Within Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu stared intently at the shadow beneath his feet. However, after a good while passed, his own shadow remained still, without a stir. "I clearly saw the shadow moving." Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! The secret center of his eyebrows throbbed, and an invisible force radiated from him in all directions. It was the feedback of perception he had initially gained from the True Form of Heavenly Demon. Chen Mu fixed his gaze on the surrounding shadows. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire His own shadow was fine, but the shadows of the tables, chairs, and benches around him were not right. While they appeared calm on the surface, they were filled with strands of dark, malevolent intent! These shadows, they were alive! In the next moment, these shadows suddenly became active and began to wriggle, twisting into numerous monster-like claws and sharp teeth in an instant. Malice surged towards him, as numerous black tendrils reached out from the surrounding shadows, swiftly extending and straightening, and in the blink of an eye, they bound Chen Mu''s shadow tightly. It was as if he had just stepped out of the shower and into a cold breeze, causing Chen Mu to shiver uncontrollably. His face immediately darkened. "These shadows can actually absorb my blood essence and vital energy?!" This was the physical sensation he experienced when he himself launched Absorption to return the soul! Boom! At the thought, the Body Protection Aura suddenly swelled, instantly shattering the tables, chairs, and benches, and the shadow tendrils broke apart and dissipated. But in the very next instant, from the dark corners and room edges, more sharp shadows pierced out, arrow-like, zipping into the midst of Chen Mu''s shadow. Chen Mu''s body shook as if someone had suddenly drawn a large tube of blood from him, his entire body suddenly went limp. "Damn it!" He shot up abruptly, crashing through the roof and soaring into the sky. Only when he had completely left the large city below did the sensation of having his vital energy drained disappear. He stared intently at the city below. On the surface, it seemed quiet and still, but he could acutely feel the malevolent gazes hidden within the shadowy nooks and crannies. In that instant, he even felt as though the entire large city was alive. In comparison to this menacing behemoth, Chen Mu, floating mid-air, appeared as insignificant as a sesame seed.@@@@ Before he could figure out the true nature of the shadow attack, countless shadows within the entire city began to writhe. The next moment, those shadows seemed to take on a solid form. Numerous pairs of pitch-black tendrils suddenly surged towards the sky from all directions, swiftly surrounding Chen Mu at the center. "Caught you!" A frenzied cheer that sounded like millions of people speaking at once exploded. A massive force of absorption descended out of nowhere. Chen Mu''s body temperature plummeted rapidly, and his face visibly paled at a pace visible to the naked eye. But he laughed in defiance, something unusual for him. "Caught me?" "It''s I who have caught you!" His hands suddenly became clear and jade-white, and a mesmerizing demonic power unfurled upon them. Then he fiercely grasped at the shadows entwining his body, and those shadows, which should have been intangible, were suddenly gripped. Swish! The once brightly-lit city darkened abruptly, screams and roars wiped clean. Aside from the raging fire Chen Mu had started, which still crackled and popped, the shadowy monstrosities that had swarmed the entire city had vanished without a trace. The black sphere between his eyebrows, seemingly satiated, spun around. The black light flickered, and it disappeared from sight. Immediately after, a surge of thick Vital Energy flowed into his body, instantly replenishing the Vital Energy he had lost. It even appeared as though it might not have been enough, as two more currents of Vital Energy emerged from his forehead, causing Chen Mu''s face to flush red. He didn''t look like he had just fought a fierce battle but rather as if he had eaten his fill, drank heartily, and had a long, satisfying sleep! "Hey!" "This True Form of Heavenly Demon is really something!" "Haha..." ... In the dense forest. Qian Mu, carrying Shang Huan with a smile, said, "Seven Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryos and one Nether Spirit Primordial Embryo, all captured by the general." "With such a great achievement, the Spirit Lord will surely allow you to retreat and cultivate in the Jade Dew Grotto Heaven." "Haha, this subordinate pre-congratulates the general on achieving the Divine Demon Eight Transformations soon!" Jin Er couldn''t help but curve up the corners of his mouth. Stuck in the Divine Demon Seven Transformations for years, now seeing a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough, he too couldn''t suppress the elation within. "Let''s go to Thousand Lanterns City." "At this moment, Lian Cheng should already have succeeded." "The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can return to the capital to claim our rewards." Upon hearing those words, Qian Mu nodded, dropped Shang Huan, and pulled out a compressed, foldable white-skin lantern from his embrace. With a flick downward, the white-skin lantern abruptly stood erect. He cut open his right palm, and his fresh red blood flowed into the lantern. Puff! Instead of staining the lantern with blood, a dim yellow candlelight appeared inside. Under this light, the ground ahead turned into a dark shadow. The two men, unfazed, stepped forward carrying Shang Huan and sank into the darkness. The view shifted in a blink, the dense forest vanished, and the two abruptly appeared in a small alley paved with green bricks. A lantern hung on the eave of a house nearby, and now the two stood within its candlelight. Without even having time to scrutinize their surroundings, a pitiful wail reached their ears. Looking up towards the sky, their gaze was immediately captured by the mass of dense black shadows up above. But before they could react, they saw all the shadows being pulled into the sky and disappeared without a trace. Simultaneously, the lantern illuminating the alley extinguished, plunging the whole street into darkness. Qian Mu looked up at the sky and then down at the white-skin lantern in his hand, which now lacked any light. Almost as if he had seen a terrifying demon, his forehead was suddenly covered in a fine, cold sweat. "Lian Cheng is dead, and Thousand Lanterns City will surely drift into the void!" "We don''t have the Divine Skills of Teleportation!" "General, we... we are going to be trapped to death in Thousand Lanterns City!" Jin Er, who had just regained his senses, became rigid all over. Chapter 419 Attack The white paper lanterns went out, and the shadow creature died at the hands of the True Form of Heavenly Demon, and Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief. He retracted the Fire Cloud Gourd but didn''t rush to land just yet, fearing that this bizarre ancient city might harbor other secrets. Just as he was about to investigate carefully, a faint vibration transmitted from the United Heart Rope. With a thought, Chen Mu activated the United Heart Curse and discovered that Lu Ku and Shang Huan, whom he had previously cut off from sense sharing, seemed to be very close to him now. Had these two also been captured into this peculiar ancient city? "Someone is coming to capture you!" "Brother Mu, run quickly!" Just as he opened the sense sharing, Chen Mu heard Shang Huan''s urgent voice, and his heart startled, instinctively activating Truthful Listening. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire The next moment, he couldn''t help but tense up all over. He suddenly looked down and saw, without knowing when, a strong man over two meters tall with a full beard had appeared silently on the rooftop of a building not far beneath his feet. When did he?! Before Chen Mu could suppress the shock in his heart, the figure vanished like a phantom. Almost at the same time, he saw a black shadow flit by, and a rough, furious roar suddenly appeared over his head, "You seem very pleased!" Chen Mu''s pupils contracted, and he abruptly looked up, only to find that the strong man had already reached above him! At this moment, the man looked down at Chen Mu from a high position, his gaze filled with rage and coldness. "But I''m not pleased!" "You useless Lian Cheng!" The man''s face turned beet red as he almost roared out loud. At the same time, he raised his right hand and, in the process of naturally falling, he swung down his fist with the force of a giant axe. Without a sound, his fist, heavy like a sledgehammer, appeared abruptly above Chen Mu''s head as if it teleported through space. Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly shrank, and his hands instinctively lifted to brace upward, his Body Protection Spiritual Light automatically activating. Bang! Upon contact, the circular Spiritual Light was smashed into a concaved distortion, becoming nearly as thick as a pancake. Chen Mu felt a surge of mountainous force acting upon his whole body as if he were a baseball being struck and his entire form just whooshed away into nothing in midair. Boom! A three-story building instantly had a large hole smashed through its roof. On the first floor of the building, before Chen Mu could push away the broken clay, wood, and bricks on top of him, a large foot descended from the sky, wrapped in a chilling wind and appeared before his eyes. The spontaneously manifested Body Protection Aura barely held for a moment before it shattered into flickering light fragments with a pop. Chen Mu''s expression abruptly changed dramatically. Escape! His figure suddenly burrowed into the ground and disappeared from sight. The next moment. Boom! An intense shockwave exploded, tearing the damaged building into pieces with violent force in an instant. As dust and rubble billowed, a crater about seven or eight meters in diameter filled with dirt and rocks appeared, centered on Chen Mu''s last position. Is it the eyes of this fellow that perceived me through the earth? Between the flashes of lightning, two red lines tore through the air in an instant. Vermilion Feather Sword! Pfft! Just miles apart, reaching in the blink of an eye. As it rapidly spun back, the red glow left trails like a ball of yarn. The two Magic Swords turned into a dense barrage of arrows, piercing the figure hundreds of times in the blink of an eye. Like a bursting balloon, Qian Mu''s figure exploded into pieces. A sense of elation filled Chen Mu''s heart, and he was about to dive back into the ground. But then he saw countless fragments from Qian Mu''s explosion each split open a crack, and in an instant, they all turned into variously sized eyes filled with scarlet blood vessels! In those constantly blinking eyes, there was nothing but a mocking gaze. They scattered in all directions, flying into various dark corners and disappearing without a trace. Chen Mu''s pupils abruptly narrowed. Damn it! As his spirit shook, the deflection of light briefly stalled, and in that moment, Jin Er''s figure reappeared, his scarlet iron fist viciously smashing towards Chen Mu. An enormous force came barreling down, and the Bone Shield trembled violently. Crack! A faint noise, as soft as a whisper yet as deafening as thunder, reached Chen Mu''s ears. He stared fixedly at the point of contact between the scarlet fist and the Bone Shield, a tiny crack catching his eye; in the next moment, dense fissures suddenly spread out and raced across the back of the Shield! "I want to see how long your turtle shell will protect you! Hahaha!" Jin Er laughed loudly. His fists, like shooting stars with a scarlet glow, slammed into the same spot of the Bone Shield ten times in a row. Bang! The pale Bone Shield shattered in an instant, and the fist, hot like a red-hot hammer, appeared fiercely in front of Chen Mu. No time! Can''t dodge! Chen Mu''s eyes bulged as he instinctively clenched his right fist, his body''s strength flowing in waves, fiercely slamming into the scarlet iron fist. In a flash of thought, black smoke from around him furiously burrowed into Chen Mu''s body. Under the skin, the muscles seemed to come alive, violently surging left and right. As his fair fist broke through the air, the muscles around his knuckles twisted, bulging with veins, and a dark blue color rapidly crept over his fist. Bang! An invisible shockwave burst forth suddenly. The swirling black smoke around him was instantly dispelled. Wrapping a gust of wind around him, a shadow was struck flying towards the ground with a whoosh. Buildings made of hard earth and stone shattered as if they were made of paper, instantaneously pierced and blown apart. In midair, Chen Mu with silver light swirling on his forehead, opened his palm and then clenched his fist again, his eyes, turned dark scarlet, intently gazing at the ground. "The strength of this man is so... so..." "So utterly feeble!" He bared his teeth, and on that demon-like dark blue face, a ferocious smile suddenly emerged. Chapter 420 Netherworld Hiss! A surge of vigorous qi burst out from within a dilapidated pavilion, the bricks and stones easily torn to pieces by the impact. Hum! The air abruptly trembled as a figure with pitch-black bull horns, five meters tall and with skin as dark and iron-cast as his body, tore open the roof of the ruined pavilion and suddenly appeared. Jin Er''s mouth and nose were surrounded by swirling hot white smoke, and he glanced indifferently at Chen Mu. "No wonder the Spirit Lord values you," he said. <><>"But this is as far as you go." Chen Mu stared at Jin Er, his brows slightly furrowed and the smile on his face slowly fading away. The aura emanating from his opponent at this moment made his heart tremble without reason. Was that feeling just now an illusion? Trouble! "Not willing to give up?" Jin Er''s mouth curled into a mocking smile. "Even if you''re a Condensing Aperture elder of Jilong Road, you''re nothing more than a slightly bigger ant in my eyes." "You... heh!" A strong sense of oppression came over him, and Chen Mu''s face instantly changed. With this level of might, an ordinary Condensing Aperture practitioner of Jilong Road would most likely not be able to withstand this bull-horned monster''s iron fist! His heart sank. "Take a beating obediently, and if I''m in a good mood afterward, I might grant you a quick death," Jin Er threatened. "Otherwise..." Jin Er bared his teeth, revealing his bone-white fangs, and a playful and malicious gaze filled his eyes! The next moment, Jin Er''s figure abruptly sprang up, a ring of white smoke exploded in the air, and he appeared almost instantaneously above Chen Mu with a boom. He put his hands together and raised them high above his head. "Heavenly Destruction from Ten Directions!" An imprisoning force suddenly descended, and Chen Mu felt as though he were a mosquito trapped in amber, fixed in mid-air. This is it! Giant Spirit Divine! The shadow of a divine general in dark red armor flickered behind him, and a tremendous force suddenly bolstered his body, forcing a small gap in the imprisoning power. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire Chen Mu was immediately overjoyed and was about to cast spells to escape. Jin Er''s indifferent voice came again. "It''s useless," he said. Clang! The imprisoning force that Chen Mu had just pried open rebounded back into place. The air around him suddenly became as rigid as concrete, and he was firmly stuck in place, unable to move! In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu even felt as though time around him was slowing down, and a sense of despair began to spread in his heart. He looked at the pair of crimson iron hands chopping down toward his head, feeling for the first time that death was just a hair''s breadth away. In that instant, countless thoughts surged in his mind. He just wanted to stay in a place where no one would bother him, where he could peacefully farm experience. But why was that so difficult? For more than ten years, he had lived cautiously, staying far away from danger. Yet, the unpredictable nature of events always surprised him, as if he wasn''t meant to have a peaceful and harmonious life. Just give up resisting and wait for death? Chen Mu''s pupils slowly contracted into needles. No way! Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! Black smoke billowed out, and the Five Ghosts Bag opened wide as if bees were leaving their hive. Clusters of black mixed with red ghosts exploded in the sky like black fireworks, instantly filling half of the heavens. If you want me dead, you''d better be prepared to go down with me! "Thank you for giving me this opportunity!" "I''ve been wanting to try this move!" "Let''s die together! Haha!" Myriad Ghosts as One! The dense mass of black and red smoke abruptly became still, and the next instant, like piranhas smelling blood, they crazily burrowed into Chen Mu''s body. Lin Su replied with an easygoing expression, "Afraid, of course." "But who let Jin Er bungle his task?" "Even the annihilation of the Jin Family''s nine generations would hardly atone for ruining the Divine Spirit''s grand scheme." Lin Su looked indifferently at the pond before him. "I gave him the opportunity, and I gave him the time." "Unfortunately..." He turned back to look at Dantai Zong. Dantai Zong''s face was grave. He bowed slightly, nodded, and then briskly walked in front of Lin Su. Hands joined together. "Netherworld Ferry!" His entire body suddenly exploded, and in the blink of an eye, he turned into a puddle of bright yellow water, disappearing into the ground without a trace. ... Thousand Lanterns City. Inside a dark alley. Shang Huan lay helpless against a wall, bound in pitch-black chains. He looked terrified at something in the distance. There, a five-meter-tall giant with indigo skin was holding a horned monster by its horns, swinging it against the city walls and then smashing it to the ground over its head like a rag filled with stones. In just a moment, the massive city had been nearly destroyed. His eyes bulging, he felt the wild aura, disbelief written all over his face. Was this black-smoke-wreathed, blood-eyed monstrous giant really the same person as the one who used the Alchemy Furnace to stew pork ribs? "Mu, he..." "He''s probably gone mad, right?" Lu Ku let out a wry smile, "Such a terrifying secret technique can''t possibly come without a price." Suddenly, the wall beside the two of them cracked open, and an eyeball covered in bloodshot veins appeared. The air vibrated with a buzz, and Qian Mu''s anxious voice came through immediately, "That man has indeed lost his mind. Do you have any way to wake him up?" Shang Huan lay on the ground, glanced at him, and suddenly burst into a strange chuckle, "Yes, if you beg me, I''ll tell you." "Are you blind? That guy doesn''t recognize anyone now! If the general falls, neither of us will survive!" the crimson eyeball yelled. Shang Huan furrowed his brows, unable to suppress a look of concern. "That''s indeed a possibility." The crimson eyeball blinked rapidly, "That''s right, if we can wake him up, we can still live. If you let him keep raging, we''re all doomed!" Hearing this, Shang Huan''s gaunt face grew even more solemn. "If that''s the case..." "Then let''s all die together!" "Ha ha ha..." Right over his chest, Lu Ku''s mouth corners quirked up, "Seems like you''re afraid of death too, huh... hehe..." The crimson eyeball stood frozen in place, its gaze filled with disbelief as it stared at Lu Ku and Shang Huan, "Have you guys gone mad?!" But before it could plead further. A streak of bright yellow water suddenly seeped out from the chains binding Shang Huan, and as it hit the ground, it silently began to spread rapidly. Everywhere it passed, houses and walls corroded and collapsed as if wax had met flame, soon sinking into the bright yellow water to disappear without a trace. "Netherworld Ferry?!" The crimson eyeball''s pupil suddenly contracted. "Dantai Zong!" It cursed through gritted teeth and, right before sinking into the watery surface, vanished in a flash. Shang Huan lay against the wall as the bright yellow surface appeared, slowly sinking down. No corrosive pain came as expected; instead, he felt a warm and comfortable sensation that gave him an unprecedented sense of security, causing him to involuntarily squint his eyes. "If I really have to drown like this, it wouldn''t be so bad." "Lu Ku, still thinking about becoming a ghost soldier?" "Probably won''t make it, huh." Only Lu Ku''s face was above water as he glanced sideways at the rampaging blue giant not far away. He too felt the soul-soothing warmth. This must be the sweet poison, he thought. But... "I tried my best; let it be..." With an oddly light chuckle from Lu Ku, both their figures completely submerged beneath the water. The surrounding walls and pavilions began to sink slowly but resolutely, quietly disappearing beneath the water''s surface. Chapter 421 Forgetful River Thousand Lanterns City. Surrounding and above, the dark void still lingered, but the vast and complex city had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a calm expanse of water. A black heart floated in mid-air, pulsing slowly. Wisps of white smoke drifted from the heart, slowly gathering into clusters. After a while, a ghastly pale hand suddenly reached out, dispersing the white smoke, revealing Jin Er''s form slowly emerging. Yet now, his whole body was withered and diminutive, having aged to appear like a man in his seventies or eighties. "Thirty years of cultivation, all lost in a single moment!" "Lin Su!" He gasped desperately for air, teeth clenched, fixing his eyes on the water beneath him. Previously, when the opponent suddenly activated the Netherworld Ferry, he had no choice but to fight with all his might. He was certain that if he couldn''t send Chen Mu into the dragon well first, Lin Su would dare to pull him into the Netherworld Ferry as well! As a result, he was left with his cultivation completely dissipated, while Qian Mu had been drained of vital energy by that unconscious, frenzied monster, reduced to smoke and dust. Fortunately, he managed to send the person into the Netherworld and survived this catastrophe. "Lin Su! I have already sent the person to the dragon well, now let me out quickly!" Jin Er''s heart was tumultuous as he shouted repeatedly. He feared that Lin Su, with his ruthless and decisive nature, would take the opportunity to silence him. After a long while, ripples finally began to emerge on the calm water''s surface beneath him. Jin Er''s heart loosened somewhat, thinking to himself that Lin Su after all had some reservations, pondering how to settle accounts with him once he got out. However, an indigo-blue arm suddenly burst through the ripples and grabbed his ankle in one swift motion. Jin Er looked down in shock, and immediately his eyes met Chen Mu''s pair that had regained clarity, yet appeared even more fierce and frenzied. The next moment. Whoosh! The extremely weakened Jin Er was pulled into the Netherworld Ferry without any resistance. Inside Thousand Lanterns City, it became completely empty. ... Atop an unnamed mountain peak. Bright yellow water spurted from underground, slowly converging to form a human shape, as Dantai Zong''s figure reappeared. "Young Master, everyone has now entered the Netherworld Ferry." "I placed the exit at the dragon well, by now they should all have entered it." Lin Su smiled with ease, "With all the Nether Spirit Primordial Embryos gathered, the preparations for the dragon well are finally complete." Dantai Zong nodded in agreement, then sighed with a hint of concern, "General Jin used the Blood Pouch avatar, sacrificing his entire cultivation in a bid for survival by severing a limb. It''s a pity that at the last moment, he was still dragged into the Netherworld Ferry by Chen Mu." In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu''s clothing and hair were completely corroded to black withering, turning to dust and smoke, drifting away in the water. Patches of his fair skin started falling off, the blood-red muscles beneath as if they had dipped into strong acid, rapidly decomposed and dissipated. In just a moment, his fingernails and toenails began falling off. Stark white bone appeared where flesh had completely corroded away. Yet Chen Mu still lay peacefully in the water, his half-open eyes completely undisturbed. Just as his slowly beating heart became visible between the gaps of his ribs, a lychee-sized pitch-black hollow sphere emerged on his smooth, pale brow. Torrents of black smoke surged from within, rapidly enveloping Chen Mu''s entire body. Like teleportation, his shattered, skeletal body suddenly disappeared, replaced by a human-shaped black smoke figure. The previously violent and clear water instantly turned as gentle as a warm spring, softly cradling the human-shaped black smoke that Chen Mu had transformed into, slowly sinking to the riverbed and blending into the mass of shadows. ... The Lower Courtyard of Gan River. "Ran off suddenly, as if someone was chasing him?" Mo Wuzhou looked with a serious expression at the big toad. He couldn''t help but think of those strange people who could transform into muddy black shadows and the Netherworld demons and monsters that could envelop an entire mountain peak. Chen Mu had played a role in the discovery of both. Now it seemed... "Is it a revenge killing?" Mo Wuzhou''s face looked ugly. "To make those people launch the Netherworld Ferry, your junior brother is probably in dire straits," Tu said with a chuckle. "Able to adeptly wield the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, his Cultivation almost on par with yours. I remember you saying he started his Cultivation much later than you, right?" "A genius indeed..." Tu''s tone carried a hint of regret. "I should have taken his brain when I had the chance." Mo Wuzhou gave a cold smile, "You should be glad you didn''t mess with him." "My junior brother is best at the Yin Mysterious Method." "That Netherworld demon was exposed by him." "What could he do to you, do you think?" Tu fell silent for a moment, then stopped talking. Standing in front of the wooden house''s porch, looking at the big toad standing dumbfounded in the courtyard, Mo Wuzhou sighed. "Is there really no chance of survival?" Tu sighed, "Those people are likely from the Yinming Group." "Greedy, bloodthirsty, terrifyingly strange. And like locusts, they''re endless. No matter how powerful, one can be overwhelmed and devoured by wave after wave of their attacks." "I think instead of worrying about him, you should be more concerned about yourself." "The appearance of the Yinming Group here suggests that they are very likely to launch an attack on this place." "If your strength is not up to par, you won''t even have time to run!" Chapter 422 Yin Spirits At the bottom of the River of Oblivion. Human-shaped, serpent-tailed shadows piled on top of each other, flowing with the current, vast and endless to the sight. One of the shadows, as if awakening from a nightmare, shuddered, and amidst a tremble of limbs, suddenly soared into the air. Chen Mu felt his brain was a jumble of mush, as if his thoughts were out of control. Instinctively wanting to shake his head to clear his mind, he found it futile, his head immovable. In a haze, noticing the boundless flood of shadows, Chen Mu''s heart was filled with horror. He struggled to move his arms and body, only to find the connection between body and mind intermittent. Thinking over and over again to lift his arm, he managed only once to slightly move his smoke-like palm. His consciousness was frantically useless. After trying for a long time, he had no choice but to calm down and try again. Thus, his limbs would twitch and then pause, like a machine running out of battery, starting and shutting down intermittently. With that, his body rose and fell along the riverbed. In the silent depths of the river, Chen Mu lost track of time. He didn''t know how much time had passed when his movements became a bit more coordinated, and his body finally began to float up slowly. Plup! At one moment, Chen Mu broke the surface with his face. As if snapping out of a nightmare, his sluggish, blurred thoughts suddenly cleared. His body, completely composed of black smoke, contracted and solidified, features forming on his face and quickly becoming distinct. The pitch-black color faded on his body and then, as if someone were painting over him, gradually turned into normal, healthy, reddish-white skin. Before long, he had transformed from a cluster of human-shaped black smoke into a normal human body. At this point, Chen Mu was overwhelmingly weak. Despite this, he had no choice but to struggle, swimming towards the nearby riverbank with all his might. By the time he touched the grey cobblestones of the riverbank, he was utterly exhausted, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. "Yo! Another one''s been found! We''re in luck!" A voice suddenly rang in his ear, as a pair of black cloth boots appeared in front of him. He tried to lift his head to see who had spoken, but his eyelids drooped, and his consciousness plunged into darkness. ... Three days later, at night. The sky was shrouded with thick clouds. Faint light penetrated from behind the clouds, casting the land in a gloomy haze. On an open field in the wilderness, several bonfires burned, dispelling the darkness. Chen Mu, who had climbed out from the bottom of the river, was sitting beside one of the fires. He was dressed in coarse grey cloth shorts, and he looked fifteen or sixteen years old, with a shaved head. Aside from an eerie silver vertical stripe on his forehead, his face and body were exactly the same as Chen Mu''s in the memories of his fifteen or sixteen-year-old self in this life. "Young man, it''s time to accept reality," said a gaunt old man with white hair and beard gently beside him. "Let me tell you, each one of you owes me twenty Jade Dew Pearls." "If you don''t pay up, don''t think I''ll take you to Antiquity City!" A tall, stout man with bull horns on his head suddenly walked up to the group. He snapped his whip in the air with a crack, his face fierce and terrifying, looking as if he was about to devour someone. Upon hearing this, the people by the bonfire instantly fell silent, not daring to speak. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Each of them quickly closed their eyes and began to murmur incantations. The old man Shi sitting next to Chen Mu was already sitting upright, seriously muttering Curse Words. Chen Mu couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Just a moment ago, the old man looked like a gentle and open-minded elder who saw life and death indifferently, but you turned into a coward as soon as the bull-horned man showed up? Your reaction speed is a bit too fast, isn''t it? Chen Mu looked up at the newcomer with bull horns, narrowing his eyes. He thought back to the man with the beard in Thousand Lanterns City. He really wanted to break off those damn bull horns! "New guy, what are you looking at!" the bull-horned man barked at Chen Mu angrily. The people by the bonfire stiffened instantly, fearing the repercussions, each of them shrinking like quails trying hard to keep out of sight. Chen Mu also noticed that Shi, sitting cross-legged beside him, had managed to lift himself slightly with fingers from both hands and quietly shifted towards a position farther from himself. Chen Mu: "..." Damn slippery old man! Facing the bull-horned man''s angry gaze, Chen Mu put on a solemn face, "Your pair of bull horns, they look really nice!" "Do... do they?" the bull-horned man scratched his head, then immediately began to chuckle foolishly, "I also think they look good." After that, he turned and walked away to another bonfire, the whip in his hand cracking again, quickly reverting to his fierce and intimidating demeanor, as if the amiable attitude just shown was an illusion. The few by the bonfire looked at each other, puzzled. "How did you do that?" The old man Shi sitting beside him asked in amazement. How did he do it? "Perhaps it''s because I speak sincerely," Chen Mu said with a serious face. The people around the bonfire: "..." You''re fooling ghosts! Chen Mu smiled slyly. That''s exactly what he was doing C fooling ghosts. He was able to bamboozle the bull-horned man, of course, by leveraging the True Form of Heavenly Demon. In the past few days, he had already discovered that the True Form of Heavenly Demon seemed to be able to sway the emotions of others, momentarily bewildering their spirit. ``` Chapter 423 Gathering Dew ``` The following day, by the River of Oblivion. Groups of people were scattered in twos and threes, wandering along the riverbank. Chen Mu stood beside Shi Dechun, his heart still harboring residual fear as he gazed at the calm, endless, and unruffled surface of the water, the terrifying memories of struggling at the river bottom still lingering in his mind. As he stared absently at the river, a sudden spray of water appeared. A human-shaped shadow burst forth from the surface, only to sink back down again. As it rose and fell, it would at one moment take on a human shape, and at the next, revert to a form of black smoke. After dozens of attempts to break free, it finally sank to the bottom and disappeared. Only a ring of ripples remained, slowly spreading out before returning to calm, once again resembling a glass mirror. "What a pity," Shi Dechun remarked with a face full of sorrow. Chen Mu frowned, "What happens to that person who fell back into the river bottom in the end?" Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire "What else could happen?" Shi Dechun snorted coldly. A jolt ran through Chen Mu''s heart. Could it be they are completely dead? He remembered well that the River of Oblivion Water was highly corrosive, comparable to a terrifying poison. Shi Dechun''s face darkened, "Of course, it''s to be reborn and reincarnated." Chen Mu''s expression became rigid, "Reincarnation doesn''t seem to be a bad thing, is it?" Shi Dechun scowled, "He might be off living his life in the world, but I''ve just lost five Jade Dew Pearls for nothing." "Niu Sanmiao did say that anyone who helps him pick up a Yin Spirit from the river can save five Jade Dew Pearls off their fare to Antiquity City." "What a loss..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. I thought you were grieving for the loss of something precious, but it turns out you''re just worried about your income? Tsk... But... "Is there really such a thing as reincarnation?" Chen Mu expressed his skepticism. "How could there not be?" Shi Dechun gave Chen Mu an odd look, "As long as they steep long enough at the river bottom, they can wash away the imprints of their past life." "Then their bodies will turn from black to white, become light as a feather, and they can fly out of the River of Oblivion to the Bridge of Helplessness." Is this for real?! Chen Mu was filled with suspicion, "Have you seen the Bridge of Helplessness?" That''s all stuff of legends and tales, right? He had been cultivating Qi for more than ten years and had never come across such claims in any respectable Daoist Scripture. Shi Dechun looked indifferent, "I haven''t seen the Bridge of Helplessness, but I often see Yin Spirits flying off to be reborn when I walk by the River of Oblivion." He then squinted his eyes, looking like he was enjoying a show, and lifted his chin toward the river, "Look, there goes one." Chen Mu looked up in surprise and saw a wisp of white smoke flying out of the water. Its head rapidly changed color, gaining clear facial features, yet from the neck down, it was like a long snake made up of white smoke. The expression on that person''s face was blank, eyes drooping as if called by something; with a light flick of its white smoke tail, it swiftly soared towards the endless opposite bank of the River of Oblivion and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Having just started to learn, he didn''t plan to delve too deep and decided he''d probably understand it better once he became proficient. "Tsk, tsk, the familiar grind begins, get to work!" His original body was hidden all along in the dark space brought about by the True Form of Heavenly Demon. The damage caused by the corrosion of the Heavenly River Water, although slowly healing, was still terrifying. In an unfamiliar place and unaware of potential dangers, he dared not rashly reclaim his body. He decided to follow the local customs first, settle down, and then think about the future. ... By the River of Oblivion. Chen Mu followed Niu Sanmiao''s team, pretending to stroll around all day long. They encountered several Netherworld Worms and saw a few Ghosts almost climbing onto the shore. Unfortunately, not a single one successfully became a Yin Spirit, leaving Niu Sanmiao''s face visibly upset. Especially noticing Chen Mu slacking off, leisurely as if on a spring outing, Niu Sanmiao''s expression grew even grimmer. After glaring and scolding several times, Chen Mu would respond with respect, then immediately continue to hide behind Shi Dechun and slack off, brushing up experience. Frustrated, Niu Sanmiao reached for his whip several times, as if wanting to lash him a few times. Frightened, Shi Dechun kept his distance from Chen Mu. Unfortunately, no matter where he went, Chen Mu followed, annoying the old man to no end. He wanted to scold Chen Mu to go away but didn''t dare to. He hadn''t forgotten Niu Sanmiao''s peculiar behavior the previous night, and had a feeling that this little bald kid was out of the ordinary. ... At night, in the same wilderness as yesterday, a few bonfires had just been started. Niu Sanmiao came to the campfire with an imposing aura. His gaze immediately turned to Chen Mu, his right hand gripping the whip. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Chen Mu handing over a palm-sized yellow gourd without hesitation. The gourd felt heavy, and Niu Sanmiao was startled as he uncorked it, immediately seeing it was filled with a clear liquid like water. He hurriedly sniffed it and was struck by the scent of fresh grass, his expression instantly changing to surprise, "Jade Dew?! When did you learn the Dew Harvesting Spell?" Chen Mu smiled, "Niu Sir, is this Jade Dew enough?" Niu Sanmiao hesitated for quite a while, very reluctantly moving his hand away from the whip. He reached into his waist pouch and took out a lychee-sized transparent gel-like pearl and tossed it into the gourd. Shaking the gourd, he turned it upside down. The Jade Dew didn''t flow out, but only a cherry-red pearl did. Niu Sanmiao glanced at the pearl in his palm and finally nodded in satisfaction, "Fine, continue tomorrow." Chen Mu nodded with a smile. Rather than collecting Yin Spirits to earn travel money, he preferred to practice his skill and condense Jade Dew on his own. After four days of grinding, the Dew Harvesting Spell had earned over twelve hundred experience points and was somewhat usable. Today, despite the effort it took almost half a day, he finally succeeded in condensing a gourd of Jade Dew. Afterward, as long as he handed over a gourd of Jade Dew every day for Niu Sanmiao to turn into Jade Dew Pearls, it would take just over ten days to gather enough travel money, so he naturally wasn''t worried about this horned creature causing him any trouble. ``` Chapter 424 Divine Skills By the bonfire. "Where''s your Jade Dew?" Niu Sanmiao glared at the others with a fierce and evil look. Shi Dechun and the others quickly took out the gourds hanging from their waists, which they had gathered and condensed by staying up all night and making use of any spare time during the day. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire Without a word, Niu Sanmiao took the yellow-skinned gourds one by one, using a transparent bead to absorb the Jade Dew and make Jade Dew Pearls, As he was collecting them, he walked over to a short man. The man''s face was plastered with a smile, "Boss Niu, today I was busy searching for Yin Spirits, so I don''t have enough Jade Dew. Can we possibly delay it a bit?" Upon hearing this, the corners of Niu Sanmiao''s mouth curled up, revealing a smile full of malice, "Delay? Give me a reason!" As he spoke, his hand reached for the whip at his waist. The short, skinny man immediately broke out in sweat on his forehead and couldn''t help but look towards Chen Mu. Why are you looking at me? Chen Mu looked utterly baffled. Before he could figure out the meaning behind the other person''s gaze, He saw the man grit his teeth, stomp his foot, and, after rubbing his face vigorously, said with full sincerity, "Boss Niu, your pair of horns look so nice!" "Look, can we delay the Jade Dew just for tonight?" Chen Mu: "..." I''m scamming the devil here, and you actually believe it! Smack! Niu Sanmiao was so amused he laughed, lashing the short, skinny man on the arm with his whip, making him howl with pain. "I freaking hate it when others talk about my horns!" As he spoke, he kept whipping, causing the short, skinny man to hop around the bonfire. After a while, Niu Sanmiao finally put away his whip and, with a cold face, moved on to another bonfire. Once he was gone, the short, skinny man moved back beside the fire, looking at Chen Mu with a resentful gaze, "Last night you said the same thing, so why didn''t it work today?" After thinking for a while, Chen Mu said earnestly, "Maybe you just weren''t sincere enough." Shi Dechun''s face twitched as he listened. This little baldy is blatantly lying. What astonished him even more was that someone actually believed it?! Seeing the smiling little baldy beside him, he instinctively wanted to keep his distance. But when he took a couple of steps to the side, he turned his head to find the little baldy still beside him as if he had never moved at all. Shi Dechun felt his eyebrows twitching violently. Chen Mu smiled broadly, "Mr. Shi, it''s quite cold, isn''t it? It''s warmer to huddle together." Shi Dechun rolled his eyes and resignedly sat down by the fire with a sigh. Wasn''t it just last night when Niu Sanmiao scolded someone and I stealthily shifted my seat? It''s human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. Why is this being blamed on me, to harbor such a grudge? "You didn''t say anything bad about me in your heart, did you?" Chen Mu suddenly spoke. Startled, Shi Dechun shook his head vigorously. Crafty old fox! Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle. Then he turned his head towards the bonfire not far away and jerked his chin in that direction: "What''s with that group of strange and bizarre looking creatures?" At that fire, set apart from the crowd, sat four or five people with unusual appearances. Some of them had just one large eye, others had extra arms under their ribs, and one even had a pair of black feathered wings on their back. Niu Sanmiao, who had just been ferocious and terrifying, was now crouching by the fire chatting jovially, his demeanor completely changed. "What else could it be? They have unique talents and can cultivate Divine Skills," Shi Dechun whispered. "They''ll certainly be recruited as Yin Soldiers for Antiquity City, a bright future awaits them, so of course, Boss Niu wants to curry favor early on." "Divine Skills?" Chen Mu showed interest. Everyone''s attention was immediately drawn. There they saw a creature with only one eye in the middle of the forehead, its face red and body shaking with excitement. Niu Sanmiao was also beside it, saying something joyfully and excitedly. Then, facing everyone''s gaze, the one-eyed creature took a deep breath, held it in as hard as it could, and then its single eye suddenly lit up with a scarlet glow. The entire camp exploded into commotion, with people crowding around to see what the fuss was about. Shi Dechun jumped up and crowded forward with a look of envy. "Awesome, this is clearly the awakening of Divine Skills!" "He''s definitely going to Antiquity City to become a Yin Soldier, and he might even get to be a minor official immediately." "Such bright prospects, such a promising future..." Curious, Chen Mu followed Shi Dechun to take a closer look. He had only heard about Yin Spirits awakening Divine Skills, but this was his first time seeing it up close. Amidst everyone''s praises, the one-eyed man became even more excited, took another deep breath, and held it in forcefully. Then, the eye emitting the scarlet light started flickering, flashing several times before suddenly emitting a ghastly green beam. Pfft! One moment red, the next greenhad he awakened some kind of traffic light Divine Skill?! Ha ha! Taken aback, Chen Mu almost laughed out loud. "Alas, it''s turned green, it''s green now," the crowd exclaimed around him. The one-eyed man, proud and about to burst into laughter, raised his head in triumph. Chen Mu covered his face, trying hard not to laugh and ending up with a stomachache from restraint. ... A while later, people beside the campfire couldn''t resist lively discussions. And nearby, the one-eyed man still had people flattering him. Shi Dechun said with an envious face, "I wish I could do this." "Do you also want to turn into a traffic light?" Chen Mu asked with a strange look. "Traffic light? What''s that?" Shi Dechun was puzzled. "Never mind, I''m praising him," Chen Mu said cheerfully. Bullshit! Though he didn''t understand, looking at the other''s expression, he knew he was being hoodwinked. Shi Dechun said displeased, "I want to awaken Divine Skills." "Putting prestige aside, at least I won''t have to painstakingly condense Jade Dew." "Perhaps Niu Sanmiao would even waive the toll for me, or even better, people might offer up their own condensed Jade Dew." "Like that skinny monkey Yin Liu," Shi Dechun gestured with his chin toward the distance and sneered. Chen Mu glanced over just in time to see a thin, short man handing over a gourd with eagerness, the very same Yin Liu who had been whipped by Niu Sanmiao. "Wherever you are, there are always those who excel at opportunism," Shi Dechun sighed. Chen Mu took a brief look and then turned his attention away. His experience with the Dew Harvesting Spell had already reached over three thousand. If he put in the effort tonight, perhaps he could reach four thousand. Then, harvesting Jade Dew would become even easier. He had already inquired about it; the Jade Dew Pearl in Antiquity City was both currency and sustenance, so he held the Dew Harvesting Spell in high regard. "I just worry he might see us as stepping stones for his promotion," Shi Dechun whispered into Chen Mu''s ear with a tilt of his head. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu frowned. "Yin Liu thinks about picking up Yin Spirits to avoid tolls all day and hardly practices the Dew Harvesting Spell." Shi Dechun said spiritedly, "With just those few drops of Jade Dew he condenses on his own, one more of him doesn''t make a difference, one less doesn''t matter either. How could he possibly catch that person''s special attention?" "You mean..." "I bet that guy is probably going to take advantage of the situation, collecting our Jade Dew on his behalf," Shi Dechun guessed. Chen Mu looked towards the distance. Sure enough, he saw Yin Liu speaking with the one-eyed man, looking smug. And the one-eyed man began to scrutinize the people around the campfire. Chen Mu immediately furrowed his brows. This was going to be troublesome. Chapter 1 - 1 Adventure Da Liang Country, year 638, April. Qingfeng Observatory''s kitchen, in the backyard. In front of the long wooden table, Chen Mu bit into a coarse grain vegetable cake, the rough texture making him grimace. He was not from this world. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary, reclusive man with social anxiety; after falling asleep, he woke up in a different body and place, having transmigrated here through possession. The original Chen Mu was a poor scholar who made a living by writing and drawing portraits. This place was not his home; his home was at the bottom of the mountain, inside Qingshan County. He came to Qingfeng Observatory to copy scriptures and earn money. The original had already been here for two days, and for some unknown reason, upon waking up, his consciousness was gone, allowing Chen Mu to take over his body. "Cheng Ming, has your master not returned yet?" A Daoist priest in his fifties chatted idly while washing dishes. The other had the surname He and was a fireworking Daoist of Qingfeng Observatory. Upon hearing the question, an eight or nine-year-old little Daoist acolyte beside Chen Mu mumbled with puffed cheeks, "Not yet." "Heh, it seems that the spirit that possessed the body is quite fierce," Daoist He squinted at Chen Mu and said. Chen Mu: "..." "Do you know, it''s said that the poor scholar who was possessed by the evil spirit woke up as if he had become a different person. He could no longer write well, speak properly, nor recognize any of his neighbors, which is how the villagers discovered the lapse," Daoist He whispered to Chen Mu with a meaningful face. Chen Mu: "..." Why the hell are you telling me this? I don''t want to listen! Chen Mu forced a smile, giving the other a polite and not-so-awkward grin. "The master is the most powerful," Cheng Ming swallowed the last of the vegetable cake in his mouth and said with pride. "Right, no matter how powerful the evil spirit, it''s just a matter of a little fire. Don''t you think?" Daoist He raised an eyebrow at Chen Mu and said in a relaxed tone. Chen Mu: "..." Was he discovered just after transmigrating?! Chen Mu glanced at the eight or nine-year-old little Daoist acolyte... Hm, this one could be easily taken down. He then looked at the short, fat, and burly fireworking Daoist... Hm, this one would definitely not be easy to defeat! Just as Chen Mu was unsure whether he should grab a bucket and make a run for it, Daoist He resumed washing dishes. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. However, what was this evil spirit? What in the world? A series of unfamiliar memories tumbled from the depths of his mind. This world had legends of gods and ghosts since ancient times, which the original Chen Mu grew up hearing about. Always surrounding him were odd incidents known as possession by evil spirits. Some people died mysteriously, some disappeared strangely, others changed their personalities completely and did not recognize their own kin. These unexplainable and incomprehensible events were all categorized as incidents of evil spirits. In Da Liang Country, this was not uncommon, and even the Prefectural Government Office had officials specifically in charge of such incidents. Written: 7136/10000/First Rank. Golden finger? How wonderful! ... Chen Mu quickly came to accept the existence of the gray wall. Having transmigrated, it wasn''t that strange to encounter a golden finger. As for whether there was a hidden manipulator behind this, Chen Mu didn''t care at all. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary homebody. Now he had transmigrated and got a golden finger. If it could offer him the chance to boldly, without any reservations, charge forth into a brand new world, even if it were a plot or a trick, Chen Mu would relish it. This would be a heartfelt grand adventure! The golden finger was easy to understand, similar to the proficiency system in third-rate online games. Whenever he wanted, the gray wall would appear before his eyes. And since the wall was semi-transparent, it was like wearing tinted glasses, not obstructing his view of other things in the slightest. Chen Mu thought for a moment, picked up a brush, and casually wrote three characters. The numbers on the gray wall did not change. Chen Mu pensively picked up the brush again and began to write. This time he concentrated fully, every stroke deliberate, and as he wrote, he contemplated the structure of the characters. He continuously compared and improved based on the previous occupant''s memory of the script. And then, something miraculous occurred. Threads of insight began to emerge from the depths of his heart, allowing him to clearly sense the differences from the previous occupant''s handwriting, understanding how to improve his own to approach, even surpass the previous standard. "Through diligent practice, proficiency can increase, and with proficiency comes true insight, enabling genuine skill improvement," he realized. Chen Mu couldn''t help but burst into laughter. With proficiency, what did he have to fear? Getting caught for a drastic change in handwriting? That''s not even an issue. Isn''t it just about grinding? Chen Mu spread out the Daoist Scripture, then found the scripture passages already transcribed by the previous occupant as a decoy. He put away the paper and brush for transcribing scripture, and took up a new brush to begin practicing calligraphy with water. He was not sure how long it would take to reach the level of the previous occupant. Using actual ink and paper would waste a lot of paper and also leave behind practice writings. Practicing with water was perfect, as everything disappeared with a wipe. Chapter 2 - 2 The Evil Spirits In the quiet Scripture Depository, the only sound was the faint scratching of the brush against the paper. The cloth used to wipe away the water stains became increasingly damp and soaked through. Chen Mu was immersed in practicing his calligraphy, tireless and joyful. He had never been so focused on a single task before.@@@@ In his previous life, he was not without the thought of practicing calligraphy. But after buying the copybook and writing a couple of lines, he couldn''t resist turning his attention to his phone. He kept at it for two days, then finally gave up. It was the same in his daily life. Sometimes he would wake up feeling that he was living a mediocre life and wanting to change, but by the next day, he would have sunk back into it again. That feeling of being lucid one moment and drowsy the next was like "sleep paralysis," a nightmare from which one can''t wake up. But in this life, faced with the even more monotonous and difficult art of brush calligraphy, in a style that was completely foreign to him just a day ago, Chen Mu burst forth with an unprecedented passion. That feeling of knowing how to improve the next character after writing one compelled him to continue without pause, in a state of exhilarating fulfillment! Around two in the afternoon, Chen Mu''s stomach began to growl. The sense of hunger pulled him out of his deep focus. The characters written with water on the tabletop were slowly drying up. The grey walls emerged once more before his eyes. Calligraphy: 8056/10000/First Rank; Chen Mu savored the feeling of wanting more. No matter who brought him here, he was immensely grateful. ... Lunch was brought to him by the young Daoist acolyte, Cheng Ming. Three coarse grain vegetable cakes, a plate of boiled green vegetables, and a bowl of thin porridge. Chen Mu devoured his food hungrily, leaving nothing behind under Cheng Ming''s astonished gaze. After Cheng Ming left, Chen Mu continued to practice his calligraphy. The water in the brush-washing container was changed over and over again. The cloth was wrung out and soaked anew. It wasn''t until the light dimmed and Chen Mu''s vision blurred that he stopped practicing and started pounding his sore back with his hands. Calligraphy: 8673/10000/First Rank; He certainly didn''t want to face the evil spirit. ... The next morning, Scripture Depository. Chen Mu, with dark circles under his eyes, spread out a sheet of white paper about the size of two palms. This was a specially cut paper for copying scriptures. "The gate of origin, wondrous upon wondrous..." He finished a page of scripture in one go. Placing the brush on Pen Rack Mountain, Chen Mu compared the scripture he had just copied with the previous ones. "Phew... finally, it''s done." With a thought, a grey wall appeared before him. Writing: 103/10000/Second Rank; All that grinding all night wasn''t in vain. Fearing discovery by others in the observatory, Chen Mu dared not light an oil lamp. Fortunately, the full moon hung high last night, providing enough light for him to practice calligraphy under the moon. "Young Master Chen, you''re up early today," a voice suddenly sounded at the doorway. Chen Mu jumped, looking up to meet a face with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile. He knew this man, Qingfeng Observatory''s chief disciple Cheng Yi, who had recruited his predecessor to copy scriptures. Reviewing the memories of his predecessor last night, he found that there were seven sets of scriptures to copy in total, and the payment was generous a hundred copper coins. With frugal living, that was enough to last him over a month. "Good morning, Daoist Cheng Yi." "I shouldn''t disturb Young Master Chen while copying scripture, but I really need a favor, and I must be so bold as to come and ask," said Cheng Yi with a leisurely posture and a warm smile, while his heart tightenedanxiety bubbling up, careful not to rush, not to alarm, not to startle. "Please speak?" Chen Mu looked at Cheng Yi curiously. "A benefactor is coming to visit today, promising to request a copy of the Precious Scripture of a thousand characters to worship at home. This morning I discovered that the pre-copied Precious Scripture is down to the last copy, and it has an extra ink spot," Cheng Yi said with a troubled expression. "That benefactor is a good friend of the master, and I really can''t afford to neglect him. So I thought of Young Master Chen. Your calligraphy is elegant and beautiful, could you help to copy a set urgently?" Cheng Yi looked at Chen Mu earnestly and reached into his wide sleeve to pull out a small grey cloth bag, "A small token of appreciation, unworthy though it may be." "No problem, where''s the scripture?" Chen Mu took the cloth bag and agreed readily. "This scripture is a bit special; it''s engraved inside the Ancestral Master Hall of the observatory. You''ll have to trouble Young Master Chen to bring your writing materials to the hall," Cheng Yi apologized. "No problem, time is of the essence. Let''s head there now," Chen Mu said without hesitation, turning to gather his writing materials. Cheng Yi clenched his fist fiercely under his wide sleeve! Success! Chapter 3 - 3 - The Heartless Bell The two walked side by side out of the Scripture Depository, as Cheng Yi struggled to suppress his uneasy emotions. Soon, very soon, once inside the Ancestral Master Hall, they could suppress this evil spirit. "Daoist Cheng Yi, are you hungry? How about we grab a vegetable pancake before we go? It won''t take much time," Chen Mu suddenly said. Cheng Yi''s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly regained his composure, "Okay, let''s eat first." With a turn, they headed for the kitchen. In the kitchen, Daoist He was absentmindedly washing dishes. Cheng Yi had ordered that the Daoists of the observatory rise unusually early that day. After breakfast, they were all arranged by Cheng Yi to practice on the square in front of the Ancestral Master Hall.@@@@ On one hand, to stimulate their Qi and blood for self-protection and on the other, to block the exits to prevent the evil spirit from escaping. "I wonder if that evil spirit has been suppressed," Daoist He thought, lifting his head to see a figure with a pale face and dark eye sockets. Daoist He''s heart nearly stopped from fear. "We''ve come to eat!" Cheng Yi quickly spoke up in advance. Startled, Daoist He hurriedly prepared their meals. Chen Mu wolfed down his two vegetable pancakes in just a few bites, nearly pouring his bowl of porridge directly into his mouth. After finishing, he stared unblinkingly at Cheng Yi''s vegetable pancake. "I''m not very hungry, you eat," Cheng Yi''s eyelid twitched. "Alright!" Chen Mu, overjoyed, took Cheng Yi''s pancake and chewed it with big bites. Cheng Yi quickly finished his own porridge and sat down next to him, feigning ease, but his peripheral vision remained fixed on Chen Mu. Seeing Chen Mu finish his pancake as well, he let out a sigh of relief. Now it should be possible. As long as he lured this fellow into the Ancestral... "Could I have another bowl of porridge? I''ve got something stuck," Chen Mu said, looking distressed. "Sure!" Cheng Yi suppressed the urge to grind his teeth and waved to Daoist He. Daoist He filled another bowl of porridge with a pained expression. If they let this evil spirit eat its fill, how would they fight it?! But if they refused, what if it went berserk? Sadly serving Chen Mu porridge and watching him down it in one gulp, even letting out a satisfied belch, Daoist He felt itchy with nervousness. "Young Master Chen, shall we go now?" Cheng Yi tried to keep his breath steady as he spoke. "Let''s go, let''s go, the sooner we start, the sooner we''re done," Chen Mu, satisfied, followed Cheng Yi to a towering great hall. At the moment, seven or eight Daoists in their workout clothes were passionately practicing martial arts on the small square in front of the hall. Chen Mu stood beside the square, watching the Daoists practice with interest. Cheng Yi was anxious inside but didn''t dare to rush too much, fearing the evil spirit would notice something amiss. After a full quarter of an hour, Chen Mu reluctantly entered the Ancestral Master Hall. Cheng Yi watched Chen Mu enter the Ancestral Master Hall and couldn''t help but breathe a long sigh of relief. Clang! The distant bell sound rose again. Chen Mu''s figure stopped moving once more. Cheng Yi clenched his left fist tightly! It''s done! "Taoist priest, keep ringing it, that bell sound is quite pleasant to listen to," Chen Mu, frozen in place, suddenly turned around and said. Cheng Yi: "..." "You don''t feel anything unusual?" Cheng Yi cautiously asked. Chen Mu frowned in thought: "I just feel a bit bloated in the stomach." Cheng Yi: "..." "Keep shaking it, the bell sound matches the scripture really well," Chen Mu said with a laugh, scratching his head. "Heh..." Keep ringing it? You probably want me dead! Holding the bronze bell, Cheng Yi approached Chen Mu and peered at the texts that were just copied. The structure was coordinated, and the handwriting was elegant, basically consistent with the first time he saw Chen Mu''s writing, even prettier and with a slightly more ethereal charm. Could I have been wrong? Was the evil spirit frightened away by the Heartless Bell last night? The Heartless Bell is an heirloom of Qingfeng Observatory, said to originate from the ancient Pure Yang Dao, specifically overcoming various ghosts and evil spirits. The fact that the man in front of him showed no reaction to the Heartless Bell indicated that his spirit and body were in harmony, and he was definitely not possessed by an evil spirit. With this thought, Cheng Yi felt a wave of dizziness and blurred vision overcome him. This Heartless Bell is so powerful at draining evil spirits and souls, but its consumption is also severe, requiring a large amount of human blood to activate. Even as a robust man whose daily practice kept his blood circulation vigorous, he had turned pale after only activating the bell twice. The key was that it still had no effect, like he was expending energy against air, with no result! The more he thought, the more he felt lightheaded and weak in the knees. This is no good, no good at all, I need to quickly take some medicine. After placing the Heartless Bell aside, Cheng Yi clumsily left the Ancestral Master Hall. He was afraid he would faint right there. Watching the hastily departing Cheng Yi, Chen Mu couldn''t help but purse his lips. I just asked you to shake the bell a bit, why run? That bell sound was indeed very comfortable. Looking up at the semi-transparent gray wall in front of him. Writing: 135/10000/Second Rank; How come it popped up all on its own like a popup window. Hmm, I gained some more experience. Never mind, let''s hurry up and copy the scriptures. Chapter 4 - 4 Difficult to Reside Four days later, the Scripture Depository. Cheng Yi meticulously examined the transcribed Daoist Scriptures. In front of him, seven copies of the Daoist Scripture were spread out. These were Chen Mu''s labor from the past few days. Two of them had been copied by his predecessor, while he had transcribed the other five. Cheng Yi put down the last Daoist Scripture and picked up the first one again, "Let me flip through it once more, just once more." "Flip through it again, and you''re going to wear out the book," Chen Mu warned expressionlessly. Just a moment ago he said he would only take a quick look, but then he examined it word by word from beginning to end. This guy isn''t trying to weasel out of paying, is he?! Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and silently moved to a corner of the desk, his right hand stealthily touching the inkstone. After a thought, his left hand slowly gripped the brush washer... It was quite a while before Cheng Yi closed the book''s pages reluctantly.@@@@ When he noticed Chen Mu''s subtle movements, his eyelids twitched fiercely. Was this scholar really so fierce?! Although the handwriting had indeed changed, it had been changed to be even more elegant and beautiful. It was on par with the inscriptions on the walls of the Ancestral Master Hall. Moreover, upon closer observation, it was clear that this handwriting continued the vein of the original strokes. He could only admire the other''s exceptional talent; their calligraphy had greatly improved. He had never heard of evil spirits inheriting the original writer''s talents, let alone improving upon them. He really guessed wrong, huh. Just when Chen Mu could hardly restrain himself any longer. Cheng Yi took a small, grey cloth pouch from his sleeve. "A modest token for the brushing of the ink, it''s not much to look at," he said. Chen Mu immediately showed a smile, "It''s not insignificant at all, why don''t you take another look?" "No need, the handwriting is beautiful and generous, and beholding it, one senses the ethereal presence of immortals. It is a rare and excellent script. Young Master Chen''s calligraphy talent is exceptional; you will undoubtedly become a master of this generation," Cheng Yi complimented, though somewhat grudgingly. "You flatter me, Daoist Cheng Yi," Chen Mu replied modestly. The two exchanged pleasantries for a moment longer before Chen Mu took his leave. With the transcription of the scriptures complete, it was time for him to return home. ... At the gate of the observatory, Chen Mu was bidding farewell to Cheng Yi. "Eh?" Cheng Yi suddenly looked up into the distance. Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn to look as well. Qingfeng Observatory was located halfway up the small mountain in the east, and there was a stone stairway that led directly to the foot of the mountain. At that moment, a figure was sprinting up from the base of the mountain. With each step, the figure leaped five or six meters, covering half the mountain trail in just a few bounds. Chen Mu watched, dumbfounded. "How can that person run so fast?!" "Although it''s small, it has everything necessary. Not a bad place," he said. Inside the main hall, directly across from the entrance, was a square table with two long chairs beside it. Chen Mu walked over to the window on the west side. There was a long wooden table with pots, pans, ladles, and basins on it. He poured the white wheat into the black rice jar beside the table and then sat down at the square table to rest. Traveling through time, warding off evil spirits, practicing calligraphy, copying scriptures since coming to this world, he hadn''t had a moment of rest. Now that everything had settled down, he felt somewhat lost. Continue to make a living by writing and drawing just like his former self? He could almost see the end of that kind of life in one glance. Scrimp and save, laboriously accumulate money; when he got older, make do with marrying a wife. Then have a child whose filial piety was uncertain. Afterward, spend the rest of his days amid the bustle and quarrels over daily necessities. You could say that simplicity is the essence of life, but you could also say that this is mediocrity. This was almost a replica of Chen Mu''s past life. But since he had been given the chance to cross over into this life, he no longer wanted to live that monotonous existence! He wanted to make a splash! He wanted to embark on adventures... Bang bang bang! Suddenly, there was a knocking at the door. "Open up!" Who could this be? Chen Mu opened the door, puzzled. A gaunt old man in his fifties stood at the entrance. The visitor said indifferently with a cold face, "Rent." A flicker of memory quickly surged to his mind. Li Enwu, the Wang family''s second steward, the rent collector. Although he had lived in this house from a young age, it did not belong to him. "Steward Li, please come in," Chen Mu said politely. "No need," Steward Li waved dismissively and said coldly, "Pay up." "Just a moment, I''ll go get it," Chen Mu said as he turned back into the house and took out a black clay jar from under the bed. The clay jar had a grey cloth seal and was about the size of two fists. He untied the seal and upended it, and a small pile of copper coins clattered out. This was all the savings of his former life. He quickly counted out three hundred and ten copper coins into a small bag and returned to the door. "Steward Li, here''s the rent for three months. Please take it," Chen Mu said as he handed over the grey cloth bag. Steward Li took it, weighed it with a lift of his hand, and nodded slightly. He then casually tossed it to two strong men behind him and walked away. Chen Mu closed the door, went back inside, sighed, and counted his copper coins. "Including the money from copying scripture, I have a total of two hundred and thirty-two coins left." "Fatty meat costs twenty-four copper coins per jin (catty), with this little money, I can''t even buy ten jins of meat." He wanted to brave the world, but first, he needed to earn money to eat. Chapter 5 - 5 - Retreat Qingshan County East Market, Ink Studio. The Ink Studio mainly sold brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and also printed books. Chen Mu was sitting at the entrance of Ink Studio, on the east side. A table was placed before him, fully equipped with brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone.@@@@ There was also a piece of white paper hanging in front of the table, on which two figures were drawn: one was himself, writing with a brush, and the other was a passerby seen from the back. Next to the drawing, there were eight elegant and flowing characters, "Letters written on behalf, portraits painted." This was the place where his predecessor had written letters and drawn portraits. The table, chairs, and stools all came from the Ink Studio behind him, including the very spot he occupied, for which he paid two copper coins in rent per day. Chen Mu sat behind the desk, idly waiting for business to come his way. In this era, productivity was low, and the standard of living, as well as education, was poor. Poor families would at most have someone relay a verbal message; very few would have letters written. After sitting idly for a day, he had written only three letters. Writing letters, unlike calligraphy and selling words, could not be charged by the character. Within a single piece of letter paper, the charge was uniformly three copper coins. "Three letters amount to nine copper coins." "Two for Ink Studio, four set aside for rent savings, leaving only three. Barely enough for a day''s meals, and that''s the kind where you don''t get full." "Sigh..." ... Four days later, in the evening, Chen Mu arrived near Anle Square to the north of East Market. This area was Hook Lane Street, teeming with a great number of brothels and courtesan houses. As night fell, this place became increasingly lively. Chen Mu stood in the shadows at the corner of the street, watching an elder by the roadside. The elder was dressed in a long robe, with a desk set up before him where he was currently engrossed in boldly executing his brushwork with ink. He had been observing for two days; this old man was a painter, earning a living by painting portraits here. The subjects of the portraits were mostly the Singers from the brothels along the street. The exact amount he earned was unclear, but seeing that he was dressed neatly and dined out every day, it couldn''t be too bad. Stepping out of the corner, Chen Mu slowly approached the old man''s desk, surveyed his paintings for a moment, and pretended to nod in approval. The elder looked up, sized up Chen Mu for a moment, and let out a chuckle, "What, you want to sell paintings too?" Chen Mu was taken aback; the old man had seen through his intentions. As if knowing Chen Mu''s confusion, the elder straightened his back and said with an indifferent smile, "You''ve been watching me for two days now, haven''t you made up your mind yet?" Chen Mu was startled, feeling exposed though he thought he had hidden his intentions well, he had been discovered long ago. "Selling paintings is a dead end! Young man, take my advice, go back and study hard," the elder said with an enigmatic air. "The waters in this profession are deep; you won''t be able to handle them," the elder scoffed lightly. He had seen the paintings by an old man on Hook Lane Street, which were incredibly lifelike. Even with proficiency to aid him, Chen Mu was not confident that he could surpass him in a short time. He planned to carve a different path. In his previous life, he lived in an era of information overload and had seen numerous paintings. Rather than freehand painting, Chen Mu planned to create meticulous, lifelike paintings, aiming for a level of realism comparable to a camera! Picking up a sharpened stick, Chen Mu went to the side of his courtyard''s vegetable patch. There was a flat area about a meter in diameter, evenly covered with fine soil. It was good enough for practicing writing with water, but not suitable for painting, so he decided to use the fine soil for practice, which could be reused. Facing the reflection in the basin of water, Chen Mu used the sharpened stick to carefully outline his image, stroke by stroke. It took a full half hour just to complete a self-portrait. Chen Mu couldn''t wait to call up the grey wall. Writing: 1035/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 3073/10000/First Rank; "One portrait, twelve points of proficiency gained. Not bad..." Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief. Painting took much more time than practicing calligraphy. Fortunately, the experience gained was also greater. Flattening the ground and sifting soil to cover it, Chen Mu continued to paint. This time, however, he only gained nine points of proficiency. While tidying the fine soil, Chen Mu thought about what he learned from the two painting sessions and began to paint again, intentionally trying to improve. The proficiency indeed increased significantly, yielding thirteen points. "It seems I need to be even more engaged!" After each painting session, Chen Mu would take a brief rest, reflect on what he had learned, and even take notes with pen and paper. Time passed slowly as he practiced, improved, and practiced again. Chen Mu''s painting skills were gradually improving as well. ... One and a half months later, in the study. Chen Mu, with disheveled hair and untamed beard, held a brush lightly in his hand, sketching on the white paper. A beautiful, ethereal figure dressed in white took shape under his brush. The beauty had jet-black long hair, a three-dimensional figure, eyes full of life, and even seemed to be alive. Chen Mu put down his brush to take a look, then added a seven-character poem next to the portrait. "Ten miles of flat lake frosted by the sky, inch by inch of black hair mourns the passing years." "Single shadow facing the moon longs for the other, envying the mandarin ducks, not the immortals." Writing: 1035/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 72/10000/Second Rank; "Done!" Chapter 6 - 6 Portraits ``` The skills depicted on the grey wall would undergo a qualitative change as soon as they reached the Second Rank. Take calligraphy for example, just by looking at the structure of the characters, there is no obvious difference between the early Second Rank and the peak of the First Rank. But if you look at an entire piece of writing, the characters of the Second Rank will have a special charm to them. When I first copied scriptures for the Qingfeng Observatory, the later volumes clearly had an ethereal quality. Just by looking at the characters, one would feel that the Daoist Scripture was profound. Similarly, once the painting ability entered the Second Rank, my mind would be filled with a lot more knowledge. When painting faces, the general shapes of different faces would come to mind. When painting eyes, the appearances of phoenix eyes, peach blossom eyes, triangular eyes, watery eyes, and all sorts of eyes would emerge in my thoughts. As I sketched out the bridge of the nose, information on facial proportions and the distribution of features would flood in. If someone described themselves well enough, I could paint a likeness of them that was seventy to eighty percent accurate without even seeing them in person. Not only that, but I also had a thorough understanding of how to mix various pigments. Insect-proofing, preserving, and even magical pigments with hidden color-changing properties had all become somewhat familiar to me. After combing my hair, cleaning up my beard, and changing into clean clothes, I took my brushes, inks, paper, inkstones, and the painting that I had named Little Qian under my arm and headed straight for Anle Square. My rice jar was nearly empty, and if I didn''t start earning, I would have nothing to eat! ... Anle Square, Ruyi Residence. I found the manager and handed over my last three copper coins. I rented a table, chairs, a bench, and the courtyard space for a day.@@@@ Ruyi Residence was one of the top four restaurants in Anle Square. It was known for its elegant vegetarian dishes, especially those for nourishing wellness and detoxifying. Aside from the wealthy patrons, many courtesan singers also often ordered meals there. The Singer''s wouldn''t show up in public casually, but they always had their own servants running errands. Since I had no reputation, I wanted to quickly gain exposure. It was essential to let potential customers see my work as soon as possible. I was targeting these Singer''s servants. As I was arranging the tables and chairs, a familiar figure of an elderly man leisurely walked into Ruyi Residence. He only just entered when he backed out again, looking me over with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Young man, have you thought it through? Are you really going to sell your paintings here?" This was the old painter I had encountered last time. Afterward, I inquired about him. His surname was Yan, and he was quite famous. He had been mingling about in Anle Square his entire life, and many renowned Singers of their time had their portraits done by him. "Just trying to make a living," I replied calmly. "Do you know who I am?" asked Master Yan. "Master Yan, the virtuoso of painting, a guest of honor among the Singers," I responded. "It seems you still don''t know who I am," Master Yan chuckled darkly. "No matter, you will find out soon enough." With that, he entered Ruyi Residence for his meal in a leisurely manner. I was completely baffled. Isn''t he just Master Yan? What other special identity could he have? Seeing the flow of people at Ruyi Residence increasing, I pushed my confusion aside. Having arranged the table, chairs, and bench neatly, I spread out Little Qian on the table, it was held in place at the corners by the weight of an inkstone, and I sat down behind the table, waiting confidently. Normally, I would have framed the painting and hung it up to make it more eye-catching. Master Yan nodded with satisfaction, thinking of the lifelike portrait and snorted coldly. The painting was good, but it was too good! So good that he could not replicate it at all. Such a person joining the guild would be a threat to him. Having spent half his life mingling with the guild, enjoying power and prestige, he had no desire to be overthrown in his old age. "Then I can only cripple you." ... Chen Mu followed Butler Li briskly. As they walked, to his surprise, they left Anle Square. "Not in Anle Square? Could it be the Wang family''s eldest son hiding his love, keeping a mistress outside?" The two boarded a carriage and headed towards the city center along the East Market main street. Sitting in the carriage, Butler Li was taciturn and rested with closed eyes, Chen Mu did not dare to initiate conversation and could only look out the window at the scenery. As the carriage moved, the buildings on both sides of the street became orderly. The attire of the passersby also visibly improved. The ground was paved with blue stone, and the houses transitioned from small homes to large estates with deep courtyards. About a quarter-hour later, they arrived in front of a red-lacquered gate. Chen Mu recognized the place; it was the Wang family estate, the owners of the house he rented. Was a Wang family daughter in need of a portrait? Perhaps she was at marriageable age, and the family prepared a portrait for matchmaking purposes. Butler Li was most likely looking for Master Yan. "Hey, am I stealing that old man''s business?" Chen Mu thought gleefully. He followed Butler Li through a side door. Along the way, the rockery and water features, pavilions and towers made Chen Mu sigh with admiration; truly befitting a wealthy family. Then, Butler Li led him into the inner courtyard, where seven or eight maids and servants were waiting in the patio. Some carried washbasins, others had towels, and some held food containers. As they entered the room, a strong medicinal scent assaulted their nostrils. The young lady of the house was ill? "Young Master, the painter has arrived," Butler Li respectfully said to a middle-aged man in his forties. "Him?" The middle-aged man looked at Chen Mu with puzzlement. Butler Li took the painting from Chen Mu''s hand, unfolded it halfway, and showed it to the middle-aged man for inspection. "Not bad. Let''s go with him," the middle-aged man''s eyes brightened, nodding in approval. "Come with me," Butler Li beckoned Chen Mu and walked into the inner room. "This is our Master; Young Master Li requests a portrait of him," Butler Li motioned to the bed and whispered to Chen Mu, "The Master is gravely ill; in case of any mishap, it would be good to leave his likeness for posterity to admire." Chen Mu stared blankly ahead, where an old man with a pale face and barely perceptible breathing lay unconscious on the bed. "All the finest brushes and ink have been prepared; you may begin," said Butler Li. Chen Mu: "..." This... this is asking me to paint a death portrait! What happened to the beautiful young lady? Chapter 7 - 7 Blocked Off Since the commission is for a painting, I''ll paint it then, earning money isn''t shameful. "Please bring the clothes and accessories that Lord Wang usually wears." "The maid who dresses and grooms Lord Wang should also be called over." "Additionally, fetch a more beautiful chair." Steward Li looked at Chen Mu in surprise and, after going out to seek Young Master Wang''s instructions, arranged everything according to Chen Mu''s requests. Normally, one should have the subject dress up properly before painting them. Unfortunately, given the condition of the person lying in the bed, it''s not just about dressing up for a pose, it''s doubtful whether he can even see tomorrow''s sun. If it weren''t for his Second Rank drawing skills, Chen Mu wouldn''t have dared to accept the task. But now, he was brimming with confidence. As soon as he saw Lord Wang''s clothes, an image of the man dressed neatly appeared in Chen Mu''s mind. After carefully inquiring about the daily grooming routine from the maid, the healthy appearance and hairstyle of Lord Wang were already set in Chen Mu''s heart. With the addition of a chair that was simple and solid. The entire portrait''s effect was vividly clear before his eyes. Chen Mu glanced at Lord Wang again. Then he immediately lowered his head and began to draw. An hour later, Chen Mu put down his brush and stood up. "Young Master Chen is truly skillful!" Even Steward Li, who had been maintaining a stern face, couldn''t help but be moved. The man in the painting had a full face, spirited eyes, and hair combed meticulously; he bore little resemblance to the man on the sickbed. But Steward Li knew, this was what Lord Wang looked like when he was healthy! He hadn''t expected that this poor scholar, who had always gone unnoticed, would possess such a talent. ... On the carriage, Chen Mu clutched a small cloth bag with a delighted expression on his face. Inside was the tip that Steward Li had given him, ten taels of silver. And his rent was waived for a year. In Qingshan County, one tael of silver could be exchanged for approximately twelve hundred copper coins. Three hundred copper coins were enough to cover the monthly expenses of a family of three, and that included being well-fed. Ten taels of silver, if used sparingly, could support a household for three years! For Chen Mu, this was a substantial amount of money! Yet Steward Li had given it just like that. Apart from his own outstanding portrait skills, it was more so because the Wang family was wealthy and did not care about such a small sum. "Now I can finally have some meat!" He had secluded himself for half a month, exerting a lot of energy on practicing painting. Although he ate his fill every meal, it was only vegetables and wheat. Not only had he not gained weight, but he had also lost some. He decided to avert disaster by forfeiting money. He knew these people were like dogskin plasters: once stuck, they could not easily be shaken off. But if he didn''t offer, the other party would surely rob him, and might even beat him up in the process. "That''s not enough. You have to add something else," the short man drawled as he approached, his voice filled with frivolous amusement. Chen Mu furrowed his brows. Apart from this bag of silver, he had nothing else of value. "Add your hands!" the tall, burly man said coldly. Chill shot through Chen Mu''s heart. "Can you tell me who sent you?" This was no simple robbery! The short man looked at Chen Mu with surprise. "Aren''t you afraid?" "Afraid," Chen Mu replied calmly. But fear would not make these men stop. The short man furrowed his brows. Why was this guy so indifferent? Shouldn''t he be panicking, begging for mercy on his knees? "Break off his arms!" the short man ordered coldly. Once I break your hands, let''s see if you can stay so calm. Chen Mu''s scalp tightened, suppressing the instinct to flee, his eyes earnestly studying the two men. He had to memorize their faces, and he could memorize them. "Look at your own damn mother!" The short man, annoyed by Chen Mu''s gaze, kicked him to the ground. "What, you thinking of retaliating against us?" "Once I break your legs, gouge your eyes, let''s see how you retaliate then!" the short man said venomously. They were street thugs, their brutal methods as familiar as daily meals. The tall, burly man took two steps towards Chen Mu, raised his foot, and viciously stomped towards Chen Mu''s hands. Chen Mu couldn''t help but tense up all over. Bang! A shadow flickered before his eyes, and the anticipated pain did not come. Unexpectedly, the tall, burly man was sent flying through the air, crashing down some three or four meters away, twitching like a worm, unable to get up. Bang! Almost simultaneously, another noise followed. The short man, as if part of a painting, uncontrollably plastered against the wall. He soon tumbled to the ground, his face contorted as he gasped for air. Chen Mu turned his head to look, and at some point, a figure in a Black Tight Suit wearing a long blade at his waist had appeared not far behind him. "Captain Lu?!" Chapter 8 - 8 Suspicion "Young Master Chen?" Head Constable Lu looked calmly at Chen Mu. "It''s me." Chen Mu got up from the ground and thanked him with a bow, "Thank you, Head Constable Lu, for the rescue." "It was nothing." Head Constable Lu glanced indifferently at the two men on the ground. The two men groveling on the ground noticed Head Constable Lu''s glance and shivered, their voices becoming much quieter. They seemed to be extremely afraid of Head Constable Lu with the surname of Lu. "May I ask Young Master Chen to move to the County Government Office, there''s something I''d like assistance with," Head Constable Lu politely said. "No problem," Chen Mu agreed without hesitation. "Please!" Head Constable Lu, with his right hand on his saber, stepped aside to clear the way. Chen Mu dusted off the dirt from his body and walked towards the alley entrance. As he passed the shorter man, he ruthlessly stomped on the man''s left hand with his right foot. Ah... The man was caught off guard and immediately let out a pig-like scream. Head Constable Lu''s expression turned odd in an instant. Noticing Head Constable Lu''s gaze, Chen Mu gave a sheepish smile. Then he pressed down harder, grinding his foot in twice. Head Constable Lu''s mouth twitched instantly. Emerging from the alley, the two walked shoulder to shoulder. Chen Mu suddenly asked, "Does Head Constable Lu know the identity of these two men?" "I don''t know them," Head Constable Lu replied subconsciously. Then, he looked at Chen Mu in surprise, as if to say, you want to retaliate? "Being ambushed for no reason, it''s always good to know which deity I have offended, isn''t it?" Chen Mu sighed, "Mainly for future safety considerations, if I can''t afford to offend, at least I can hide." "I truly do not know those two men," Head Constable Lu hesitated for a moment before saying, "But judging by their clothes, they look like they are from the Marvelous Art Shop in East Market." East Market? Marvelous Art Shop? That Master Yan?! I''m just selling a painting, and he actually sent someone to break my hand.@@@@ He really wanted to retaliate then and there. But he was just a poor scholar, relying on selling paintings to survive. The other party, however, had a long-standing presence in Anle Square, could mobilize rogues and gangsters; retaliating by myself would be like throwing an egg against a rock. Chen Mu said with an unwilling face, "I can''t go to East Market anymore, it seems." Head Constable Lu looked at Chen Mu, wanting to say something but hesitated. The two were neither relatives nor close friends; he didn''t know the specifics and it wasn''t appropriate to offer direct help. He could only remain silent, escorting Chen Mu straight to the County Government Office. County Magistrate Du, who had just relaxed, tensed up again. "Perhaps someone is purposely being mysterious," Lu, the head constable, suggested with narrowed eyes. "Impossible! The massacre of the Wang family was definitely the work of an evil spirit!" Du Huai glared at Lu, the head constable, and declared. A family massacre happening under his jurisdiction was one thing if it was caused by evil spirits, but quite another if it was the work of mortals. If the latter, and he, the county magistrate, couldn''t capture the criminal, his year-end evaluation would suffer! The massacre of the Wang family was definitely the work of an evil spirit! "Whether it''s a person or not, this Chen Mu is still a significant suspect," Cheng Yi stated flatly. "It seems we cannot let this Chen Mu go," County Magistrate Du pondered with a thoughtful expression. "If there''s nothing else, I will take my leave first," Cheng Yi said, glancing at Lu, the head constable, before speaking calmly. "Alright, Lu, the head constable, please escort Daoist Priest Cheng Yi for me," County Magistrate Du said with a smile. ... At the main hall, Chen Mu, who was bored waiting, scrutinized the bronze mirror. The mirror was circular, with flame-shaped patterns carved around its edge, covered in a patina of green rust, and set upon a delicate wooden stand. He wondered from which dynasty this ancient item came. As he pondered, two figures emerged from the back hall. "Daoist Priest Cheng Yi?" Chen Mu looked at the middle-aged Daoist priest in surprise. "No matter how well you hide, you will eventually show your true colors!" Cheng Yi glanced at Chen Mu and said coldly. After saying this, he didn''t pay any mind to Chen Mu, who wore a baffled expression, and quickly left the main hall. When did I offend this Daoist priest? Chen Mu wondered, utterly confused. What was with his furious and hostile tone? After a while, Lu, the head constable, returned to the main hall, holding a painting in his hand. He approached Chen Mu and unrolled the scroll, asking, "Young Master Chen, is this your painting?" Chen Mu looked closely and immediately felt a chill on his scalp. It was a fine brushwork technique with a lifelike portrait. This was indeed the memorial portrait he had painted for Master Wang of the Wang family. But eerily, the head of the person in the portrait had vanished, as if someone had erased it out of thin air. "I did paint it, but I painted a full figure with a head," said Chen Mu, sensing the trouble he was in. "Last night, the Wang family was massacred, with all direct relatives dead. Just like this portraitno heads to be found!" Chen Mu felt his scalp tighten. Bad news! They were suspecting him! "If you cannot prove your innocence regarding the Wang family massacre, I will have to keep you in the jail for a few days," Lu, the head constable, said coolly. This... Chapter 9 - 9 Locusts Chen Mu never expected that he''d get entangled in a family annihilation case just by painting a portrait. What terrified him even more was that the Wang family had been exterminated. That was a major family that had been entrenched in Qingshan County for decades. Staring at the headless portrait, thousands of thoughts whirled in Chen Mu''s mind. "Come with me," said Lu, the head of law enforcement, as he turned to take Chen Mu to the back hall. The county magistrate had ordered that Chen Mu should not be let go, so Lu could only lock him up for the time being. Pity arose in Lu''s heart. Getting thrown into jail was easy, but getting out was difficult. The Wang family''s extermination was a vicious case, and the pressure on the county magistrate and magistrate was immense. It wouldn''t be surprising if they ended up looking for a scapegoat to bear the blame. This scholar, who had become entangled with the Wang family... Lu dared not think further. "Wait!" Chen Mu called out to stop Lu. He had no family or friends in his previous life and was all alone. If he were locked up, with no one to come for him, he really would be at the mercy of fate. "The portrait I painted was of a complete person. The disappearance of the head must mean that someone deliberately mystified it, using a special method to erase the head," Chen Mu said gravely. His Second Rank painting skill had bestowed him with an extensive knowledge base. Gazing at the headless portrait, a paint formula began to emerge in his mind. He moved closer to the portrait and discreetly sniffed at it. Amidst the thick fragrance of ink, a faintly pleasant scent drifted from the paper, reinforcing Chen Mu''s conviction. "You can''t prove it," said Lu. "There is a way!" Chen Mu insisted, staring intently at Lu. "This portrait is a memorial for the Wang family patriarch. The paper and pigments are exquisite, and combined with my skill of painting with force through the paper, it should preserve its color for decades," Chen Mu confidently bluffed.@@@@ In reality, the solution that could erase ink and paint was not completely effective, as there was residue left. Of course, he couldn''t directly tell the other party about the solution. That would also increase his suspicion. "Just let the mounting master open up the painting from the middle, and you will definitely find residual pigments. It''s enough to prove that I painted a complete portrait!" "Wait here," said Lu, taking the portrait out of the main hall. In the County Government Office, all six departments'' clerks were scholars, and many veteran clerks knew the craft of mounting. ... Half an hour later, in the back hall of the County Government Office. "This makes it impossible to blame it on evil spirits," Magistrate Du said worriedly as he stared at the lifelike portrait. Evil spirits killing people wouldn''t erase the head from a portrait. Clearly, it was the work of thieves, trying to create an illusion. "It seems that the scholar really was just at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Lu. "Hmm, he''s also quite talented," Magistrate Du now had the leisure to observe the portrait. Although he had been released now, there was no guarantee he wouldn''t be caught again. In a major family annihilation case, if it couldn''t be solved, the County Government Office would surely find a scapegoat for the sake of their achievements. He, a poor scholar with ties to the case, was the perfect candidate! "I have no control over it!" Chen Mu sighed. Today''s experience brought him to a clear realization. This was no longer the stable and prosperous country of his previous life; it was a chaotic ancient world. He had to learn to protect himself! "Practicing martial arts in a short period isn''t feasible, but I need to find something for self-defense." Chen Mu immediately thought of Lime Powder. This substance was cheap and plentiful; a surprise attack could achieve miraculous results. He resolved to prepare some for himself later. "I also need to master some power." He had no understanding of the martial arts in this world, and he dared not practice them recklessly, so he could only recall from his prior life''s memories. In his previous life, information was abundant; he knew a bit about various fighting skills, yet they were all unorganized. After thinking for a long while, a vague memory surfaced in his mind. He seemed to have read about a training method for the Natural Sect''s Flying Locust Stone. The Flying Locust Stone was nothing but the small rocks that were readily available everywhere. They were easy to obtain and simple to practice with, and steadily improving accuracy and striking power would naturally enhance their potency. Chen Mu immediately went to the yard to collect small stones. Then he propped up a wooden basin used for washing his face against the wall. Standing five paces away, he threw the stones into the wooden basin. After all twenty-odd stones in his hand landed in the basin, Chen Mu picked up the stones and retreated to a distance of six paces from the basin and continued throwing. Once he started throwing from a distance of eight meters, finally some stones fell outside the basin. Chen Mu didn''t continue to increase the distance, but persisted in practicing from that position. He kept throwing until his arm became sore and his throwing strength weakened, then a sudden insight appeared in his mind. The throwing technique subconsciously adjusted, and his movements became somewhat more effortless and light. Chen Mu''s mind stirred. The gray wall materialized before his eyes. Writing: 1043/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 157/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 26/10000/First Rank; Chen Mu took a deep breath. What came next was the phase he was familiar with. Practice. Chapter 10 - 10 Formulas By the well, Chen Mu sat on a bamboo stool. He soaked a towel in the icy well water and applied it as a cold compress to his arms. Having trained too vigorously for the first time, his arms ached with a sour pain. He didn''t dare to continue training. In this ancient world, the level of medical care was not high; if he really injured himself, recovery would not be easy. The cool well water stimulated his skin, and Chen Mu shivered, involuntarily thinking of the Wang family. When he had visited yesterday, he was still marvelling at the Wang family''s wealth and vast estate. He hadn''t expected that in just one night, their direct lineage would vanish like smoke. Whoever managed to silently eliminate the entire Wang family must have been a ferocious bandit. "It must have been someone who can move as skillfully as Head Constable Lu," he thought. Someone with small arms and legs like himself would probably not even know how he died if confronted by such a person. "I''ve got to find a way to learn martial arts," Chen Mu silently resolved. "First, I need to earn money. With money paving the road, everything else will follow." "Too bad it''s not easy to make money," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. After secluding himself for a month and a half, he had finally developed a Second Rank drawing skill. He thought he could turn his fortunes around, but on the first day he was targeted by Artist Yan. All I want is to earn some money honestly, but why is it so difficult? That Artist Yan is despicable, even wanting someone to cripple my hands. Although the massacre of the Wang family did cause some trouble for Miaohua Studio, it''s hard to say what the effect will be. "It can only go so far," Chen Mu sighed. He was just a poor scholar without family or connections, how could he dare to oppose someone like Artist Yan, a local snake. "I can''t go to Anle Square anymore," Chen Mu thought frustratingly. I need to think of another way to make money. ... In Qingshan County Government Office.@@@@ Artist Yan walked out of the government office''s main gate, his face ashen. He was upset about the one hundred silver pieces he had just lost. He didn''t understand what got into the county captain, thinking that an old man like him, without the strength to truss a chicken, could possibly eliminate the entire Wang family. "Such insatiably greedy people, let''s see how long they can keep up their arrogance!" Artist Yan huffed indignantly. "Keep it down, Old Yan!" a middle-aged man near him immediately whispered in caution: "This is right in front of the yamen." "If he dares to do it, why should I be afraid to speak about it!" The middle-aged man gave a bitter smile: "I''m just worried they''ll grab onto something and use it to extort us again." Artist Yan''s face turned red with frustration. Those greedy government officials could really pull it off. Artist Yan humphed coldly and strode off with heavy steps. The middle-aged man could only shake his head with a wry smile and follow. At such times, Chen Mu didn''t dare to wander outside and chose to stay behind closed doors. He ate meat and practiced with the Flying Locust Stone every day. Thanks to the silver pieces sent by the painter as a return gift, he could sustain his meat consumption even if he ate it every day. As his proficiency with the Flying Locust Stone improved, Chen Mu noticed that it wasn''t just the accuracy that was increasing, but his power was gradually growing stronger too. The most obvious change was on his arms, where he could now see distinct muscle contours! He used to be skinny as a rail, and now he was growing muscles! "Improvement in proficiency doesn''t just enhance skills!" Chen Mu excitedly pinched his firm forearm muscles. With a thought, a grey wall materialized. Writing: 1043/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 157/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3229/10000/First Rank; "This is only at First Rank, if it reaches the transformative Second Rank..." Chen Mu''s heart surged with excitement. He had underestimated the grey wall! The visible growth in strength made him addicted to training every day, unable to quit. Until someone knocked on his door. "Captain Lu?!" Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. Why have they come after me again? They can''t really be grabbing me as a scapegoat, can they? "The County Government Office has found a clue about the criminal and wants you to draw a wanted portrait," explained Captain Lu with a smile. Chen Mu immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to lock the door and then followed Captain Lu towards the County Government Office. "Captain Lu, how did the County Government Office find the criminal?" Chen Mu asked curiously. With a peculiar look, Captain Lu glanced at Chen Mu: "We have to thank Young Master Chen for the reminder." "The Wonderful Painting Workshop provided the recipe for the solution that removes paint. This led us to focus on the city''s medicine shops and eventually find the criminal''s trail." He had initially thought that Chen Mu was using the government to get back at the Wonderful Painting Workshop. He hadn''t expected that the workshop would actually provide a key clue. Feeling somewhat guilty in his heart, Captain Lu thought he had wronged a good person. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. The workshop actually had the recipe?! I was just trying to give them a hard time! How did it turn into a key clue?! Immediately after, he thought of another critical issue. If the workshop''s recipe was useful, that meant it was authentic. Was their recipe the same version as his? Could the grey proficiency wall be stealing someone else''s recipe?! Chapter 11 - 11 Wanted Chen Mu suddenly had a bit of an understanding. The insights gained from brushing up proficiency weren''t unfounded; all of them were knowledge already existing in the world. The gray wall was like a huge database, from which Chen Mu continuously acquired information as his proficiency increased. Perhaps it even contained knowledge from the world of his previous life. Otherwise, he couldn''t have mastered the technique of three-dimensional realistic painting. Thinking about it was quite magical. ... At the entrance of the County Government Office, Chen Mu followed Head Constable Lu inside.@@@@ An old man with a bruised and swollen face walked towards them. "Master Painter Yan," Head Constable Lu greeted with cupped hands. The old man''s eyes were swollen to slits, and he held his chin up high with arrogance, grunting in acknowledgment as he walked out of the office with a swagger. "Master Painter Yan? He got beaten up?" Chen Mu asked in shock, immediately followed by indignation, "The world is truly degenerating, to strike such a heavy blow on an old man! That''s far too cruel!" Head Constable Lu looked at Chen Mu strangely. He always felt there was something off about the scholar''s expression. The County Government Office had six clerks, with their work spaces located in the rooms on either side of the main hall. Head Constable Lu led Chen Mu into one of these rooms. Ink, brushes, paper, and inkstone were all prepared. There were also five or six completed portraits hanging on the wall. The County Government had hired other painters, as well. In the room, there was also a Pharmacist''s apprentice who described the thief''s physical features to him; he was the only one who had seen the thief face to face. As the apprentice described, the image of the thief quickly took shape in Chen Mu''s mind. Just as he was about to start painting, he suddenly looked up at the portraits hanging on the wall. One of them was so lifelike and resembled the image in his mind by about sixty or seventy percent. Chen Mu recognized the brushwork and confirmed it was painted by Master Painter Yan. Indeed, as an experienced painter, relying on many years of experience in painting portraits, he was able to capture a sixty to seventy percent likeness with just a few words from the Pharmacist''s apprentice. If it weren''t for his own "cheat" at hand, he really couldn''t beat him. But if I were to paint the thief exactly as he looked, wouldn''t I outshine Master Painter Yan? After all, he was a well-respected, veteran painter. It would be quite embarrassing for him to be surpassed by a junior like me. No, no, that wouldn''t do. The man was already so tragically beaten, to then strike at his professional statussuch an act would be most improper! Chen Mu brandished his brush with flair, and a half-body portrait that looked almost like a photograph appeared on the paper. Three-dimensional and lifelike, as if it were a real person; aside from the lack of resemblance, there were no flaws. After comparing it with Master Painter Yan''s portrait, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction and leisurely left the County Government Office. ... Three days later, Chen Mu went to Zheng Tu to buy meat. He passed by a tavern. He saw a wanted poster attached to the door. But taking off his clothes, one could see the clear muscle definition on his body. He felt he could knock down his former self with one punch. "Need to think of a way to make money, otherwise I''ll just be idly watching my resources dwindle away," Chen Mu frowned in thought. He had once thought of saving money to learn martial arts, but he didn''t expect that just practicing the Flying Locust Stone would empty his coffers. It''s a pity that Master Yan hired two strong followers for himself. Otherwise, he would have given him another big gift, whatever it took. ... Two days later, Chen Mu sat in front of a square table, carefully counting the copper coins in the pottery jar. He was considering whether to try his luck in the West Market. The backing of Miao Huafang was powerful, but it only monopolized the painting and calligraphy business in the East Market. The West Market was still outside the range of their influence. He shouldn''t waste the Second Rank drawing ability he had worked so hard to achieve. As for the possibility of being suppressed again, Chen Mu had considered it. But being so poor he was almost unable to eat, he had to give it a try. It was said that the entertainment venues in the West Market were even more upscale, and the Singers there were all of exceptional talent and indescribably beautiful. Chen Mu went back to his room and took out the painting "Xiao Qian" again. When he had some money before, Chen Mu had even had it framed. "With this painting as the sign, I''m not afraid those Singers won''t recognize its value." Full of confidence, Chen Mu carried "Xiao Qian" and headed straight for the West Market. He followed the old routine, found an elegant tavern, and rented a table and chairs outside the entrance to set up his stall. He opened up the painting "Xiao Qian" and started to wait for customers. The three-dimensional and realistic painting technique was so unusual that in no time, the table was surrounded by people. "Young master, my mistress would like to invite you to draw a portrait. I wonder when..." "I have time right now," Chen Mu said happily, looking at the beautiful maid before him. If the beautiful maid''s mistress is also a beautiful young lady... His own Second Rank drawing ability finally had a chance to shine! Chen Mu immediately packed up and followed the beautiful maid. After many twists and turns, the two arrived in front of a large courtyard house. Why did it feel so familiar? Suppressing his doubts, Chen Mu followed the beautiful maid into the mansion. Through the corridors and pavilions, they entered the quiet and secluded backyard garden. The sense of de?ja? vu grew. Chen Mu suddenly felt an uneasy sensation in his heart. As they rounded a rockery, he saw an old man with a white beard and a spirited demeanor smiling at him. "Young Master Chen, my portrait is meant to be admired by my descendants, remember to make me look handsome," the old man grinned, revealing his only three remaining big teeth. Chen Mu: "..." Am I at odds with the ancients now?! ``` Chapter 12 - 12 Shape Cultivation Technique Qingshan County had been at peace for many years. The annihilation of the Wang family was a major incident, casting a malign shadow. For months, the topic had been the talk of every street corner and alley. It was under these circumstances that Chen Mu became known to all. They knew he possessed exquisite painting skills, able to create portraits indistinguishable from the real person. His talent was exploited by thieves who attempted to create illusions and wreak havoc with disguises. Then his business mysteriously began to thrive. It was as if it had all been arranged. Every few days, someone would come to his door asking him to paint a portrait. Well, to paint a memorial portrait... Chen Mu suffered yet reveled in this.@@@@ Initially, he had set out to paint for pretty young ladies. But now, instead, it was either old men or old women! And they demanded that he make them look more attractive. He could only go against his conscience and paint them younger, akin to ancient "Photoshopping". His business flourished more and more, yet the beautiful young ladies seemed farther and farther away. Counting the more than one hundred taels of silver in his pottery jar, Chen Mu felt both satisfaction and regret. They might not be easy on the eyes, but these old men and women were indeed wealthy! Generous with their money, not a single one spent less than ten taels of silver. No wonder Old Mr. Yan wanted to suppress him. High-end portrait painting was truly profitable! "It''s time to find a place to learn Martial Arts," Chen Mu thought to himself. He had never forgotten the image of Head Constable Lu covering five or six meters in a single step. He had also not neglected the Wang family massacre. Whether it was out of personal interest or for self-protection, learning Martial Arts was imperative. ... He first spent three days wandering the martial arts schools in the eastern and western markets. The conclusion he reached was mixed with both joy and concern. The schools indeed taught Martial Arts. After two or three years of training, he could keep three to five people at bay. But such skills would definitely not be enough to contend with Head Constable Lu. To put it specifically, what those schools offered was like going to a modern gym to build muscles and learn boxing. What Head Constable Lu practiced was like the Inner Strength from martial arts novels, capable of astonishing feats. "Seems like I''ll have to ask Head Constable Lu," Chen Mu pondered. The highest-ranking person for whom he had painted was indeed the father of the Prefect of Qingshan County. He had also promised to paint a portrait for the relatives of the Commandant''s family in a couple of days. This connection, albeit slight, had a good chance of compelling Head Constable Lu to tell him the truth. He didn''t intend to learn the Lu family''s signature Martial Arts. He just wanted some guidance. "I will teach you all of it within seven days. Whether or not you learn it, depends on your own fate." Chen Mu could only obediently nod his head. In the afternoon, when he left Sheng Hong''s house, his mind was full of various steps and moves, along with a complex Breathing Method that was making his head spin. All these things were just the Soaring Leap Method of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation. There were still the Sprint and Dive Methods to come. To master it in seven days? Chen Mu felt frustrated just thinking about it. Could he have been swindled?! For six consecutive days, Chen Mu left early and returned late, fully immersing himself in the pit of Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, diligently learning and practicing with Sheng Hong. Today was the seventh day, also the last day. "I''ve told you everything about the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. On this last day, ask if there''s anything you don''t understand. If you can''t remember or practice incorrectly, don''t blame me." Sheng Hong sat in the shade of the trees, leisurely drinking tea. Anything I don''t understand? I don''t understand any of it, okay?! To have a martial arts newcomer like him learn an entire system of magical martial arts in six days was a dream, right?! But there was no other way, the money had been paid, what else could he do? He could only start from the beginning, consulting bit by bit, asking Sheng Hong to demonstrate personally. He didn''t hold out hope of learning it all; he just wanted to remember a bit more, to go back and practice the moves he could recall until he mastered them. At dusk, Chen Mu left Sheng Hong''s house with a face full of annoyance. This hundred taels of silver was a huge loss! After studying hard for seven days, he watched the show, but didn''t gain the entry to even one technique! ... At Sheng Hong''s house, Sheng Hong casually threw a small cloth bag to Captain Lu. "Here''s your fifty taels, take it." Captain Lu naturally stuffed it into the inner pocket of his sleeve, "Are you sure he will come again?" "I told him every part of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique without any omission. Which martial arts school in Qingshan County could teach like this?" "If he truly wishes to learn, he will definitely come again." Sheng Hong was full of confidence. "This scholar is adept at painting and is capable of earning money. You need to manage the pace well, don''t let this money tree slip away," Captain Lu instructed. "Shape Cultivation is not so easy to master. He can''t escape from the palm of my hand." Sheng Hong said lightly. He was not a first-time teacher and knew very well how to guide his students. As long as he gave them a glimpse of the key points each time, letting them see a bit of progress, they would become unable to stop and more addicted to the practice. In the end, they would pour their entire wealth into his pocket. This was not his first time doing this. He glanced at Captain Lu and said, "Don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten your share." Captain Lu was immediately satisfied and nodded. Seeing Chen Mu earning a hefty amount of silver without any effort had long made him envious. He had originally intended to find a way to lure the other party into a gambling addiction. But unexpectedly, the other party wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique. This fitted perfectly into their trap. And it could hardly be called a trap. Paying money to learn martial arts, it was a deal where both parties were willing, and no one could find fault with it. Just honestly handing over the money! Chapter 13 - 13 Making Friends Ping''an Square, Chen Residence. Chen Mu stood in the middle of the courtyard. The next moment, his figure began to sway, darting towards the door, now to the left, now to the right. Suddenly, he stumbled, and with a thud, he fell to the ground. Chen Mu picked himself up, rubbing his knees, grimacing in pain. He was attempting to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. This Leap move was best at quick changes and dodging, incorporating not just movement technique changes but also a matching set of fist techniques. He didn''t dare to hope to master the fist techniques yet; he simply wanted to get the movement technique down first. Staggering back to the center of the courtyard, he took a moment to adjust his breathing and posture before practicing again. He had only run out two or three steps when he suddenly gasped for air, his whole body spasmed, and he fell to the ground stiff as a board, taking a long time to get back up. "What a waste of a hundred silver pieces, without having learned a single move!" Chen Mu''s face was the picture of dejection. A hundred silver pieces could buy only seven days of learning. How many sets of seven days, how many sets of a hundred silver pieces would it take to learn it? It was a money pit! And then there was the Body Training Secret Medicine. Sheng Hong indeed provided the prescription, but he didn''t explain how to process the herbs for the best effect; for all Chen Mu knew, he might have to buy them from Sheng Hong too. Chen Mu had realized that this was all a setup: if he wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, he would have to fall for it! That Government Official Liu wasn''t any better either. Did he not know how difficult it was to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, or how Sheng Hong''s rules were designed to trap people? Yet he had still recommended that Chen Mu learn martial arts. Chen Mu began to suspect that those two were in cahoots. No, they were definitely in cahoots! If he wanted to learn the Shape Cultivation Technique, he would have to go to them. The little money he had managed to save up was being siphoned off by the two of them! Even the money he would make in the future would have to be handed over to them. The more Chen Mu thought about it, the angrier and more frustrated he got, huffing back to his room. As he reached a wall, he glared fiercely at a painting on the wall, examining it closely. On a life-sized piece of paper, there were rows of little figures drawn. The figures, wearing shorts, were depicted so vividly they almost looked like photographs, with every muscle clearly visible. There was also densely packed text beside them. It was indeed the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique! "How embarrassing, Sheng Hong Master''s teachings were just too detailed, and the demonstration of the movements too standard. I simply couldn''t help but feel compelled to draw it out," Chen Mu thought silently, "I''m sure Master Sheng Hong would understand." "I''ll just charge more when I sell the manual." Chen Mu mused, "I wonder if I can get a hundred silver pieces for it." "Or should I sell a few more copies? That should definitely bring in more than a hundred silver pieces." Thinking this, the frustration in Chen Mu''s heart finally eased a bit. Master Sheng himself earned money by selling martial arts; by learning from him and selling manuals, I would be honoring my teacher. Even if he found out, he would surely be filled with pride and satisfaction. Right, first gain experience, master it, then sell it! Chen Mu, satisfied, focused his attention on the drawings. ... A frail scholar had almost crippled his handan intolerable humiliation! "This time, let''s see who can save him." "Don''t worry, big brother, I''ll break his limbs for you." Li Fan laughed heartily, as if he could see the shiny silver calling out to him. Woo... A low, howling sound suddenly rose. Thwack! Blood spattered. The brawny Li Fan turned pale and fell to the ground with a thud. His left calf had been struck by something, blood gushing profusely. He tried to reach out to cover the wound. Woo... The howling resumed. The spot that had been hit was struck again with force. Crack! Bits of white bone, along with mottled blood, splattered into the air. AAH... Li Fan screamed miserably. His left calf bone was inexplicably broken, the bloody white bone protruding through his skin. Zhang Qing''s face changed dramatically: "Hero spare... Aaah!" Woo... Crack! Zhang Qing''s right calf bone abruptly fractured, exposing jagged white bone. Bang, bang! Two clumps of soil almost simultaneously hit the necks of the two men. Amidst their screams, like ducks being strangled, they fell unconscious. Chen Mu emerged from a shadowy corner of the street, his face a complex mix of emotions as he looked at the two ruffians. "People''s hearts have turned evil." Out of respect for Master Yan, Chen Mu made a point to make a round near Master Yan''s house every day. No ulterior motive; he just wanted to find an opportunity to talk to him alone and bring a significant gift or something of the sort. After a pleasant private conversation last time, Chen Mu wanted to talk to him again. He didn''t expect to encounter these two. In the spirit of ''no fight, no friendship,'' Chen Mu initially wanted to have a chat with the brothers. After all, he still had to mix in Qingshan County. If they got along, perhaps they could turn enemies into friends and explore more business opportunities. Of course, it wasn''t good to come empty-handed for a first meeting. Fortunately, there were a few well-shaped rocks on the ground, which would be great to collect, so he picked them up and silently followed... "It''s a shame that people are so sinister." Chen Mu sighed, feeling regretful. "I intended to make friends with you, yet you plotted against me in secret. It''s truly said, ''I turned to the bright moon, but alas...''" Sighing, Chen Mu silently reached into the other''s sleeve pocket. Chapter 14 - 14 Introduction Ping''an Square, Chen Mu''s home. "A couple of paupers," Chen Mu said disappointedly, fiddling with a few silver pieces. The gifts in return from those two were far worse than Master Yan''s! Fortunately, his portrait painting business was thriving recently, and he was not short of this bit of money. The two riff-raffs had broken legs and would not think of troubling him for at least half a year. Packing away the silver pieces, Chen Mu headed to the west side of the courtyard. Under the thatched canopy, there was a small pile of broken stones. He had collected them specifically for practicing the Flying Locust Stone. Whoosh... Bang! Whoosh... Bang! A series of low whistles and explosions rose in the courtyard. An hour later, Chen Mu, rubbing his sore arms, stopped practicing. "I can''t practice at home anymore," Chen Mu frowned and stared at the pitted mud wall. He was afraid of smashing the wall to pieces. With a thought, he summoned the grey wall. Writing: 1132/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 569/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 1331/10000/Second Rank; He had trained the Flying Locust Stone to Second Rank, and its power was gradually emerging. Within ten meters, it had a hundred percent accuracy rate, and the impact force was also incredibly strong, even comparable to small-caliber firearms from his previous life. It was precisely by the power of the Flying Locust Stone that he had managed to break the legs of the two hooligans in a few blows. "And this is only Second Rank..." Chen Mu remarked with anticipation. After resting for a while, Chen Mu continued to ponder the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. According to Sheng Hong''s introduction, the Shape Cultivation Technique was a secret technique that could rejuvenate one''s body. As one practiced deeper, they could gradually break the limits of the human body, obtaining strength, speed, reaction, and other abilities beyond the reach of ordinary people. It was also the reason why Head Constable Lu could travel five or six meters in one step. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique focused on increasing speed. The difficulty lay in the Breathing Method. It had a whole set of requirements for breathing. Sixty breaths were considered one cycle, each breath with specific requirements for depth and pace.@@@@ Moreover, the beginning and end of each breath should connect, forming a cycle. Chen Mu needed to change his breathing habits, keeping himself always within this cycle. Then he had to correctly coordinate the various postures of the Shape Cultivation Technique; only then would he truly have entered the door. These days, he had been working hard to change his breathing habits. Now he had largely ensured his breathing did not become disordered. Today was the perfect time to test the coordination with the Soaring Leap Technique. Chen Mu was completely focused, running and maneuvering around the yard strictly according to the steps taught by Sheng Hong. At one moment, his breathing and overall motion suddenly produced a certain connection. His entire being was like releasing the clutch of a vehicle, power and movement had hooked up. The force throughout his body instantly became fluid. The area around the stone platform was crowded with government officials and catchpoles. To the north of the intersection stood a gray cloth tent, underneath which three officials dressed in official attire sat nonchalantly. The man in the middle was a forty-something-year-old with a square face and slightly dark skin; he wore an impassive expressionit was the Magistrate of Qingshan County. Officer Du, entrusted with the safety and peace of the region, was seated on his left-hand side. On the other side was an elderly man in his fifties or sixties, with graying whiskers Chen Mu guessed he was likely the County Magistrate''s Assistant. Zheng Tu whispered, "That gangster was also formidable; capturing him left Captain Lu heavily injured." To have injured Captain Lu? It seemed he, too, must have been a strong man who practiced the Shape Cultivation Technique! Suddenly, there was a commotion among the crowd, and Chen Mu turned his head to look, just in time to see the hood being removed from the thief''s head. Staring at that face, Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. The man looked exactly like the drawing on the wanted poster. But he was clear that the wanted poster was drawn by Master Yan, and it was still four or five points removed from the thief''s real appearance. "This fellow isn''t the real perpetrator of the household slaughter!" "Was it a case of mistaken identity? Or did the County Government Office find a scapegoat?" No time to think anymore, must hurry on! "Cut ten pounds of meat for me, half loin, half streaky pork. I''ll go buy some white wheat first and will come back later to pick it up," Chen Mu told Zheng Tu, leaving before he could reply. He had barely walked a few steps when a clamor rose behind him. Chen Mu paused for a moment, then strode away quickly. ... In the Anle Square within the East Market, the Ruyi Residence''s private room was filled with seven or eight people drinking and chatting. A round-faced, small-eyed, plump middle-aged man sat at the head of the table. "Recently, a highly-skilled young painter appeared in our city. They say his portraits are as lifelike as the real people. Master Yan, have you heard about him?" the middle-aged man asked with a cheerful smile to the painter beside him. Master Yan''s heart jumped, but he maintained composure, "I''ve heard about it. Is the boss interested in his painting skills?" The plump middle-aged man nodded, "Indeed. Bringing him into our prestigious drawing workshop could enhance our workshop''s influence." Master Yan appeared hesitant. "But I heard he''s got ties with the County Office; he won''t be easy to deal with," he said. "You''re thinking about this the wrong way, Master Yan. We can''t be heavy-handed with such talent," the plump middle-aged man shook his head. "Our workshop has connections; he has the skills. Working together, he gets more clients, and we enhance our influence. It''s a win-win." "Then I''ll give it a try," Master Yan agreed with a nod. "Much appreciated, Master Yan," the plump middle-aged man said, satisfied. Which led to another round of toasting and cheers. After the meal, Master Yan, all smiles, parted ways with everyone. He left Ruyi Residence with two muscular followers in tow. Not far outside, his smile gradually turned ice-cold. "I didn''t expect that kid to make a name for himself!" Master Yan cursed inwardly. "Zhang Qing and Li Fan, two useless louts! If they had dealt with him earlier, none of this would have happened!" Master Yan felt threatened. "Once that kid enters the prestigious drawing workshop, my position will be in jeopardy," Master Yan frowned, lost in thought. "No, I must get rid of that kid!" Master Yan glanced back at his two sturdy followers. "They have connections with the prestigious drawing workshop, so they can''t be used," Master Yan thought to himself. "It seems I have no choice but to take a trip to the Ghost Market. Another expense. Damn that kid!" Master Yan''s face turned iron blue as he hastened away. Chapter 15 - 15 - Ghost Market Ping''an Square Chen Mu sat next to the stove under a thatched shed. On the ground beside the stove was a small furnace, on which sat a sand pot bubbling with hot steam. The rich scent of the medicine spread out. He was simmering the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Secret Medicine. This secret medicine was quite valuable, costing one tael of silver per dose, which indeed made Chen Mu''s heart ache. Had it not been for the fact that his portrait business was relatively stable now, he wouldn''t have dared to practice. Once the secret medicine was ready, he poured it out to cool and Chen Mu drank it in one gulp. After massaging his stomach a few times, he began to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique in the courtyard. Chen Mu''s figure darted back and forth, sprinting around the courtyard at a speed that ripped through the air, making his sleeves rustle loudly, comparable to a hundred-meter dash. After running for a quarter of an hour, Chen Mu stopped and took a deep breath. His heaving chest quickly calmed down. As his proficiency in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique increased, its effects began to show. Chen Mu''s overall physical qualities improved. His strength, speed, and endurance all increased to varying degrees. After sprinting hard for a quarter of an hour, he recovered from his breathlessness rapidly and even had energy to spare.@@@@ "This speed, if it were in the Olympics in my previous life, wouldn''t have won a single sprinting or long-distance championship!" Writing: 1245/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 663/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 2465/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 1050/10000/First Rank; "Gained another 15 points of experience." "It really is better with the secret medicine," Chen Mu sighed. Over twenty some days of practice, each session with the full effort combined with secret medicine could yield between 8 to 15 points of experience. The most experience was gained just after taking the medicine, and then it would decrease. Since each practice session required his full effort, he could only practice six or seven times a day at most. Any more would lead to unbearable soreness throughout his body. Probably reaching the limits of what his body could handle. In this way, he could raise his proficiency by about fifty points a day. "A breakthrough to Second Rank causes a qualitative change, which will likely lead to Muscle Transformation," he thought. Sheng Hong told him that the Shape Cultivation Technique undergoes three transformations: Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, and Marrow Transformation. Each transformation would significantly enhance physical fitness, breaking through the limits of ordinary people. "Based on fifty points of experience a day, it will take about 179 days to achieve Muscle Transformation, which is about half a year," Chen Mu calculated silently. "Half a year''s practice to surpass most ordinary people isn''t so bad. Hehe." As for how long it would take to achieve the other two levels, he could not guarantee. It was said to get increasingly difficult. Luckily, he had the proficiency from the Grey Wall, so with diligence, success was always within reach. Thinking this, Chen Mu felt suddenly at ease. So, he continued to practice. ... The morning passed quickly. Chen Mu lit the fire to cook. He boiled some barley, stir-fried a green vegetable, sliced two jin of braised meat, and ate heartily. Just a few more days, and the scholar would die in an accident, securing his safety completely. "I''ve told you before, this line of work is treacherous, you really can''t handle it," Master Yan sneered. "Good advice is beyond the reach of the damned," he muttered. "If the scholar is dead, so be it. I need to think of a way to bluff my way through with the boss from the east side of the district," Master Yan considered. As he pondered how to deal with the suspicions of the Miao Hua Workshop''s boss, Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through. Master Yan involuntarily opened his eyes and realized that for some unknown reason the carriage had stopped. Just as he was about to ask what was happening, he discovered someone sitting opposite him. Master Yan was suddenly startled. With the chill breeze fluttering the carriage curtains, the moonlight penetrated the interior, illuminating half of the face of the person opposite him. Master Yan immediately felt as if his heart skipped a beat. "You... you are!" Pff! A flash of silver. Master Yan suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, his body stiffened for a moment, then he began to shudder. Before long, he was completely lifeless. The curtain flapped, the moonlight shone, and an indifferent face was revealed. Looking closely, this face resembled seven or eight parts that of the prime suspect in the annihilation of the Wang family, whose head had been chopped off! The figure just coldly watched Master Yan''s face, frozen in fear and pallor. The next moment, as a cool breeze blew, the figure vanished without a trace. ... At the entrance to the County Government Office of Qingshan County, Chen Mu had just stepped out of the office when he ran into Head Constable Lu. "Young Master Chen, it''s been a while," Head Constable Lu greeted with a smile. "Head Constable Lu seems to be in better health," Chen Mu responded with a smile as well. Last time, when they arrested the prime suspect in the Wang family''s annihilation, Head Constable Lu had been injured and had taken some time to recover. "All better now," Head Constable Lu said nonchalantly, waving his hand: "How is your Shape Cultivation Technique coming along, Young Master Chen?" "Forget it, I''m just not cut out for it," Chen Mu said with a look of frustration. Head Constable Lu''s smile faltered; he had been counting on making some money from Chen Mu, and now he was giving up? "If there''s anything you don''t understand, you can come to me," Head Constable Lu offered with sincere looking passion. "Really!" Chen Mu''s face lit up with surprised joy. "Of course!" Head Constable Lu beamed with smiles. As long as he gets a taste of progress, he could always lure people to Sheng Hong. Having spent quite a bit of money on recovering from his injuries recently, he was in need of some income. "Ah, let''s just forget it. Martial arts practice is just... too tiring..." After saying this, Chen Mu walked away with a look of embarrassment. Head Constable Lu, who was about to continue persuading, was suddenly left standing in place, stunned. Too tiring? How am I supposed to convince you then? Which martial arts practice isn''t tiring! He watched Chen Mu''s retreating figure as if he was watching a big lump of long-legged silver slip away. It''s gone... Chapter 16 - 16 Chaos Turning around the street corner and dodging the gazes fixed on him, Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Still trying to cheat me out of my money, no chance!" he became even more convinced that Constable Lu and Sheng Hong were in cahoots. "I used to think this guy was a good person." Chen Mu lamented. Smiling to your face, but stabbing you in the back behind it. The world is a treacherous place! "Not many simple folks like me left in this world..." Chen Mu sighed. ... East Market "Zheng Tu, why has the price of meat gone up again?" Chen Mu asked with a frown. Last time he had come to buy, it had been twenty-six copper coins per jin, but now it had risen to thirty-two. "There''s nothing I can do; the animal traders were attacked by bandits, now I''m selling the ones I raised myself." Despite the higher prices, Zheng Tu didn''t seem too happy.@@@@ "Robbed again? Are you sure the animal traders aren''t just raising prices to scam people?" Chen Mu was suspicious. "I''ve asked around; things are indeed not very peaceful outside lately," said Zheng Tu with a worried tone. Chen Mu''s curiosity was piqued, and he didn''t rush Zheng Tu, instead chatting and taking the opportunity to find out more about the outside world. He had been in this world for three or four months, cooped up in Qingshan County, and his knowledge of the outside world was limited to his predecessor''s vague memories. "We''re still okay here, being in a remote location, relatively peaceful. I heard that some places are already in revolt, with bandits rampant." "Recently, quite a few refugees from war-torn areas have come to our Qingshan County." "I hope our place doesn''t start to get chaotic." Zheng Tu worried as he cut the meat, he could only do business well in peaceful times. "By that reckoning, is Qingshan County actually one of the safe places?" Even in this so-called place of safety, people dared to massacre entire families; how chaotic must the outside world be? Unimaginable! Before, he had thought of wandering around different places. But with the outside world being so dangerous, Chen Mu started to hesitate. "Better to just eat meat and train in peace." Without formidable skills, he shouldn''t think about running around everywhere. With his proficiency cheats, Chen Mu had no doubt about his training speed. "It won''t be too late to make my mark once I''ve mastered the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique." ... At first, Chen Mu thought his life would be full of ups and downs, magnificent and spectacular. After some time, he realized that it wasn''t that different from his previous life. Every day, he would wake up, wash up, eat, train, and every three or four days, he would go out to paint portraits to earn money. Just like going to work and punching the clock every day in his past life. ... Two days later, Chen Mu left Chen Family Village with dozens of qianxu grass stems. In Qingshan County Town, one plant cost half a tael of silver, close to six hundred copper coins. The herbalists bought from villagers, giving only sixty copper coins per plant. Even selling directly to the town''s medicine shops, the most he could get was seventy copper coins. Nearly tenfold profit! "That''s so dark!" Chen Mu shook his head and complained. After leaving Chen Family Village, he didn''t head straight back to town; instead, he took a detour, venturing once more into the forest. He hadn''t forgotten that he came here not only to collect herbs but also to test the Shape Cultivation Technique. Burrowing into the mountains, Chen Mu tightened the bundle on his back and moved forward cautiously. In the mountain, there were not only fierce beasts but also poisonous insects; sometimes a seemingly insignificant bug could take a person''s life. While being mindful of his surroundings, Chen Mu gradually picked up the pace. At first, he merely walked briskly, but soon he was running. A jutting rock, a broken, withered tree trunkanything could serve as a leverage point for him. Chen Mu was like a cheetah, darting rapidly through the woods, his clothes flapping loudly in the wind. He charged up to the top of a small hill in one breath, feeling exhilarated, and couldn''t help but let out a loud roar. "Haha... exhilarating!" His speed, strength, and reaction time had all surpassed that of an ordinary person. This would have been unimaginable in his previous life, and he couldn''t help but feel excited. He was just thinking about roaring again. "Ao..." A fierce beast''s howl suddenly filled the air. Chen Mu involuntarily ducked his head. "Stay low-key, low-key, can''t get carried away!" The deep forests were home to tigers and other fierce beasts! If he were to encounter one with his physique, he might meet his end right there and then. He quickly left the hillock and raced towards a wooden cabin nestled in the forest, where hunters had built a temporary camp. After placing his belongings inside, Chen Mu didn''t wander far but stayed nearby in the woods to practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. The complex environment increased the difficulty but also added to his gains. After six continuous rounds of practice, he had increased his proficiency by more than seventy points. "If combined with the Secret Medicine, my proficiency would increase even more!" Chen Mu was almost tempted to live in the woods permanently. "Can''t rush this, need to plan for the long term," he thought to himself. He still needed to earn money from painting, and if he wanted to practice in the mountains, he needed careful planning. Chapter 17 - 17 Jie Jia West Market, Qingshan County. As the sun rose, the streets gradually filled with people. The quiet West Market started its noisy day. Tianyi Studio antique shop. The white-haired and bearded owner, Jie Jia, opened the doors punctually. He first carefully swept the already clean and tidy ground. Then he meticulously wiped the shiny and new-looking curio shelves. His back hunched, his movements were slow but steady. He exuded a sense of tranquility that contrasted sharply with the noisy crowd outside the door. Chirp chirp! A flash of black light zipped by. A fist-sized, pitch-black bird had unexpectedly landed on Jie Jia''s shoulder at some point. Jie Jia seemed accustomed to this. He ignored the bird on his shoulder until he had wiped every last corner of the curio shelf. Only then did he reach out to grab the black bird, removing the small bamboo tube from its ankle and pulling out the slip of paper inside. It was a string of numbers with an inscrutable meaning. "Chen Mu, Chen Family Village, one hundred taels. Big business," Jie Jia remarked expressionlessly. Pinching the slip of paper between his thumb and forefinger, he rubbed it lightly. Accompanied by a whiff of black ashes swirling in the air, the paper vanished without a trace. A young man in a gray robe entered the shop, nodded respectfully to Jie Jia, and then walked honestly behind the counter. He took out a brand-new piece of gray cloth from his bosom, carefully laid it on the chair, and cautiously sat down. Jie Jia glanced at him and walked out of Tianyi Studio without a change in his expression. The young man in gray breathed a sigh of relief. "Who knows which unlucky soul is so fortunate to deserve the respected Jie Lao''s personal handiwork," the young man in gray clicked his tongue in amazement. His arm subconsciously reached out to rest on the counter, but froze just before touching the surface. "I heard that Jie Lao has a cleanliness obsession. I... I better just sit still," the young man in gray quickly put his hand back on his knees, still shaken. He sat as if he was standing in punishment, meticulously behind the counter, doing his best not to touch anything there. Jie Lao was one of their top assassins at Zhu Yi Building. If he was killed just for dirtying the counter, that would be truly unjust! ... Behind Chen Family Village on the mountain. A red-scaled snake dangled its body from a tree branch, stretching towards a nest on the limb. Whoo whoo... puff! The snake''s head burst open unexpectedly. The next moment, a figure shot out from beneath the tree. Chen Mu ran through the mountains like a leopard. He threw pebbles from his hands from time to time. A palm-sized leaf thirty meters away suddenly had a hole pierced through it. "I am a doctor, here in the mountains to gather herbs," the old man explained with a chuckle. A doctor? Gathering herbs? Then why isn''t he carrying a basket for herbs? Forget it, it''s just a cup of water. "Just a moment." Chen Mu agreed and washed the blood off his hands. He went inside the wooden cabin to dry his hands and returned to Jie Jia''s side with a water flask in hand. "Here you are, sir," Chen Mu said, offering the bulging flask to the old man with both hands. Jie Jia watched Chen Mu approach with a smile, the silver flash in his right hand behind his back disappearing in a moment. He reached out his right hand towards the water flask. Suddenly, a dark shadow descended from the sky. Squeak squeak! A fist-sized black bird landed abruptly on Jie Jia''s shoulder. Jie Jia''s eyes narrowed involuntarily. The dark bird was a messenger bird from Zhu Yilou. Its sudden arrival meant that there must have been a change in the mission. The smile that was feigned on his face immediately disappeared. Reaching out, he took off the bamboo tube and pulled out a paper note. "The employer is dead, the mission is cancelled?" Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu expressionlessly, "You''re very lucky." Chen Mu looked at him, utterly baffled, "What do you mean, elder?" "Don''t play dumb," Jie Jia said expressionlessly, staring at Chen Mu, "You''re hiding Lime Powder in your sleeve, aren''t you?" "You''ve got it all wrong, elder. It''s just a sachet," Chen Mu earnestly said, pulling out a cloth bag from his sleeve. "I was using Lime Powder to kill people before you were even born," Jie Jia snorted coldly. "You''ve really got the wrong idea, elder. If you don''t believe me, I can open it and show you," Chen Mu insisted seriously. "If you dare to open that cloth bag and sprinkle it on me now, I''ll kill you immediately!" Jie Jia said coldly, his gaze fixed on Chen Mu. "Sigh, you have such a deep misunderstanding of me, elder. I''m truly not that kind of vile person," Chen Mu said, his face full of helplessness as he put the cloth bag back into his sleeve. "You''re very lucky, the one who wanted you dead is no more. I don''t do business at a loss. You can rest easy," Jie Jia stated indifferently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia, shocked, "Kill me? Elder, you really have quite the sense of humor. I''m just a straightforward scholar; who would want to kill me?" "Straightforward? What kind of straightforward scholar carries Lime Powder around to harm people?" Jie Jia said, with a disdainful snort. Saying this, he reached out to take Chen Mu''s water flask. He had rushed all the way here, dealing with locating the target and preparing assassination methods, and he was indeed a bit thirsty. "Forget it, a person''s prejudice is like a mountain that can''t be moved. No matter how I explain, you won''t believe me," Chen Mu said dejectedly as he carried the water flask back to the wooden cabin. Jie Jia''s hand came up empty, "Hey... this stubborn scholar." "Could I really have been wrong in my suspicion?" "That smell was Lime Powder, wasn''t it?" "No, not right!" Jie Jia''s face darkened, "This little bastard couldn''t have poisoned the water, could he?" So prejudice is like a mountain? He sure acts the part damn well! Chapter 18 - 18 Chief Inside the hunter''s cabin. Chen Mu stared fixedly through the crack in the window at the white-haired old man outside. Only when he saw the man disappear quickly, as if strolling leisurely, did Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Wiping his forehead, he realized he had broken out in a cold sweat. "An assassin?" "Who wants to kill me?" "What does it mean that the client is dead?" "Could it be a trick to lower my guard, then take the opportunity to kill me?" Chen Mu''s mind was in turmoil. He practiced his calligraphy and painting diligently, earning his money the hard way; and yet someone wanted him dead?! The world is fraught with difficulties, the human heart full of malice! "I must master power as quickly as possible!" The figure of the white-haired man had completely disappeared. Chen Mu strapped a water bladder mixed with several kinds of snake venom around his waist. He adjusted the lime powder hidden in his sleeves. In his right hand, he clenched a handful of dozens of sharp-edged stones. A cleaver for splitting firewood was secured at his lower back. Carrying the prepared rabbit, Chen Mu exerted his full strength in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique and headed straight toward the side of the forest, opposite to where the old man had left. Although it was a longer route, he felt safer. He had no desire to encounter the white-haired man again. ... He proceeded with extreme caution. Chen Mu was like a frightened bird; any rustle of the wind or shake of the grass made his heart jump with fear. It wasn''t until dusk that he sneakily made his way back home to Qingshan County. "If they could find Chen Family Village, they could likely find this place too." "I have to move out as soon as possible!" Today''s ordeal had left Chen Mu severely lacking a sense of security. After putting away his things and hurriedly eating dinner, Chen Mu didn''t rest at home. With his bedding in tow, he climbed over the wall into the adjacent courtyard. Having lived here for so long, Chen Mu had already scoped it out. The courtyard to the west had been vacant for a long time. He decided to make do there for the night. "I need to figure out a way to rent this courtyard too." "No, it''s still too close." Chen Mu looked to the west side. "That residence also seems quite good." ... The next day, Chen Mu went to the East Market broker to rent the two adjoining residences. The annual rent was only a silver tael, which Chen Mu could now easily afford. After locking the door, he began climbing over walls, moving basic living supplies to his new home. He slept in the westernmost courtyard. Practiced martial arts in the middle residence. He didn''t give up the old house either, ready to use it as a decoy to fool others. Afterwards, he made a big purchase of a large amount of medicinal ingredients and buried himself in training. The secret medicine that accompanied the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had the effect of improving physique and healing injuries. Previously, he had only taken it once a day. Now, eager for power, Chen Mu took the secret medicine twice a day, coupled with moderate rest in between, increasing the frequency of his training. In the past, training in the Shape Cultivation Technique six or seven times a day would leave his body sore and weak, unable to continue. Now, with the secret medicine for recovery, he could train eight or nine times a day. His proficiency rapidly increased. Feeling his muscles become firmer, his speed and reflexes faster, Chen Mu became even more devoted. He even purposefully reduced the number of times he went out to paint portraits. ... Lastly, he grabbed a handful of pebbles and put them in his money pouch. ... Anle Square, Ruyi Residence. Chen Mu looked up at the three-story wooden building. It was now high noon and the building was bustling with business, teeming with people coming and going. "Young master, please. The lord is waiting in the third-floor private room," the gaunt middle-aged man led Chen Mu upstairs. Ruyi Residence occupied a vast area, with a constant flow of customers. The lively atmosphere filled the first-floor hall, while the third-floor private rooms were quiet. Chen Mu followed the gaunt middle-aged man to the third floor. A portly middle-aged man was already sitting inside the private room, flanked by two tall and strong bodyguards. Is this the Lord Zhen? Where is Master Yan? "Is this Young Master Chen in person?" Lord Zhen said with a smile. "It is I," Chen Mu replied calmly. "Come, come, please take a seat," said Lord Zhen, his face full of warmth. "I have long heard about Young Master Chen''s remarkable painting skills and always wanted to meet you. Today, I finally see you in person," Lord Zhen complimented. "Lord Zhen overpraises me," Chen Mu responded calmly. As expected of a businessman, Lord Zhen was adept at conversation and quite skilled in socializing. One moment he talked about interesting stories from Anle Square; the next, he praised Chen Mu''s superior painting skills. Chen Mu responded perfunctorily, a sigh of relief in his heart. It seemed that it wasn''t a trap. "I''ll get straight to the point. I would like to invite Young Master Chen to become the chief painter of our Miaohua Workshop," Lord Zhen got down to business. "Miaohua Workshop will be responsible for connecting Young Master Chen with clients, and we will not take a penny from the brush fee. In addition to that, there will also be a monthly salary of ten silver taels," Lord Zhen said earnestly. Become the chief painter? Chen Mu was surprised. What about Master Yan? Helping to attract business and an additional ten silver taels as a monthly salary, it seemed quite good. Such favorable terms couldn''t be a scam, could they? "As the chief painter, Young Master Chen only needs to paint a few portraits for Miaohua Workshop when necessary," Lord Zhen said laughing. Chen Mu understood. His painting skills, combined with modern techniques, were indeed hard for anyone else to imitate at the moment. Miaohua Workshop wanted to use him as a signboard. He could earn money securely, while the other party would boost their influence. "Agreed! I accept," Chen Mu no longer hesitated. As for Master Yan. If he really dares to cause trouble, he would receive another grand gift! After that, there was a feast with eating and drinking, and Chen Mu did not leave Anle Square until evening. ... Inside the private room of Ruyi Residence. Lord Zhen, leaning against the window, enjoyed the view of Anle Square illuminated with the first evening lights, leisurely cracking sunflower seeds: "Is he sent back?" "My lord, he has returned," the gaunt middle-aged man walked in with a cup of ginseng tea in hand to reply. "With Young Master Chen, our Miaohua Workshop is secure. The owner has good strategies," the gaunt middle-aged man said smiling. Lord Zhen spit out the shell of the seeds: "I wonder where old Yan has gone off to. Without our signboard, a lot of business has been snatched by the Western City''s Red Pavilion." "Could it be that the Red Pavilion secretly took out old Yan?" the gaunt middle-aged man said gravely. "That damn woman is indeed capable of such a deed!" Lord Zhen said coldly, flicking away a seed shell. "This is what we''ll do. Tomorrow, find two skilled men to guard Chen Mu well. We can''t afford another lapse." "Yes." ... Outside the window of the wooden building, a dark figure gripped the eaves and hung silently in the air. "So they really wanted to hire me as the chief painter," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He flicked a pebble toward the ginseng tea in the hands of the gaunt middle-aged man. "Since it''s the real owner, I can''t let him be poisoned to death." "What a shame about that bottle of concentrated snake venom." Without heeding the chaos inside the room, he skillfully flipped onto the roof. With a few leaps, he disappeared into an alleyway. Chapter 19 - 19 Employment Ping''an Square@@@@ Chen Mu vaulted over the wall and jumped into the westernmost courtyard. He changed out of his black clothes and mask. Sitting at the square table, he slowly sipped a bowl of cool boiled water, calming his thumping heart. "Luckily, luckily..." he almost killed someone tonight! "It''s all because of this malicious world," Chen Mu thought bitterly. He, who had been a socially anxious shut-in in his previous life, now dared to poison and attempt murder?! "I just want to live an honest life and practice Martial Arts in peace and stability," Chen Mu felt somewhat wronged. "I still need to act low-key. Keeping a steady hand in everything is always right." Just a Second Rank painting skill attracted so much malice in succession. If he exposed his ability to learn Shape Cultivation Technique so quickly, it might bring even more trouble. "I mustn''t let anyone detect my Martial Arts Practice," Chen Mu became even more cautious. ... Half a month later Chen Family at Ping''an Square. A serving of cold mixed vegetables, a serving of crystal pork knuckles, and a serving of brown rice. This was Chen Mu''s lunch. Picking up a piece of crystal pork knuckle and chewing it slowly, Chen Mu showed a satisfied smile. "An unexpected delight." Just recently, Chen Mu discovered a new skill on the gray wallcooking. He felt a tangible change not long after it was listed. Previously, when eating meat, he would just boil it in plain water. It was edible, but in terms of flavor, he could only say it tasted salty. Now, he truly understood what deliciousness meant. With this skill in hand, Chen Mu, of course, would not shortchange himself. Taking out recipes he had heard of or seen in his past life, he began experimentally cooking. The crystal pork knuckle was one of his trials. "Looks like I''ll be enjoying good food from now on." ... After the meal, having cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks, Chen Mu sat at the square table, drinking sour plum soup to help with digestion. He had been a painter at the Wonderful Painting Workshop for half a month. The most obvious change was that his brush money had increased. It doubled, with each portrait earning at least twenty Silver Coins. But the number of portraits had decreased accordingly. Previously, in half a month, he would have to paint three or four portraits. But now, he had only completed two in total. Yet, the pursuit of his artwork by clients had risen instead. "Ancient version of hunger marketing?" The Wonderful Painting Workshop certainly had the capacity, no wonder it occupied half of Qingshan County''s painting and calligraphy industry. "Apart from mandatory labor for the County Government Office, I can earn from eighty to a hundred Silver Coins a month." This was enough to support his current expenses. Well-fed and content, Chen Mu changed into a gray and white long robe. Chen Mu walked over to open it. "Young Master Chen, where should I put the stuff?" A man in his forties with dark features stood at the door, inquiring. He wore patched clothing and had calloused hands, indicating he was a laborer accustomed to hard work. At the moment, he turned slightly, revealing a large bamboo basket on his back filled with more than ten pounds of fresh meat. "Old Li, please help me carry it into the room," Chen Mu said with a smile. This man was a porter from the Xue Family''s East Market cargo depot. After placing the fresh meat properly, Chen Mu handed Old Li ten copper coins. "Thank you, Young Master," Old Li said with a smile as he accepted them. "I heard last time that your cargo depot''s runners are also ranked?" Chen Mu asked. "Right, I''m just a straw sandal. Above me are bronze shoes and iron shoes, and even gold boots and silver boots. Young Master Chen is..." Old Li looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "I want to hire a silver boot, go back and tell your boss. Have him arrange for someone to come and negotiate with me tonight," Chen Mu whispered. He had already found out that the Xue Family''s cargo station specialized in armed escort and courier services. The highest rank was the gold boots, with the best secrecy. They even participated in escorting the County Government Office''s tax silver. But the gold boots operated as a team, deploying more than ten people at a time. The silver boots were next, also offering a high level of security and confidentiality. And they could be hired individually or in groups. He planned to have the Xue Family''s cargo station help him purchase the Shape Cultivation secret medicine. "Alright! Rest assured!" Old Li was immediately overjoyed. Just by passing on this message to his boss, if a contract were signed, he would also receive a lucrative commission. "Have someone come at night; I don''t want too many people to know about this matter," Chen Mu instructed. "Sure thing, you can count on me," Old Li hastily assured in a low voice. After sending off Old Li, Chen Mu closed the door and processed the fresh meat. "Having the cargo station buy the medicinal ingredients isn''t completely confidential, but at least it''s not me personally, it should shield me from the obvious attention," Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at the front door. He didn''t want the Miao Hua Workshop to know that he could practice martial arts. "And there''s that Captain Lu." The man had influence in the area, and if Chen Mu tried to buy the medicine himself, he might be discovered. If Captain Lu found out, then so would Teacher Sheng Hong. The latter was accustomed to earning silver coins by baiting people with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. Having practiced the Shape Cultivation Technique after only one visit, the other party might not be content. Being discontented, he might create obstacles for him. Chen Mu was willing to spend money to avoid potential trouble. "No one knows I practice martial arts; it''s perfect as a trump card," Chen Mu thought gleefully. "I can also shift my practice time to the evening." At night, the two bodyguards at the door would leave, and he could practice to his heart''s content. "Then no one will know that I practice Shape Cultivation!" Chen Mu thought with glee. He washed the fresh pork belly, cut it into cubes, then rubbed and marinated it with salt and spices. Afterward, he cooked the meat until it was seventy percent done using a spice blend he had just mastered, then deep-fried it in vegetable oil. This series of actions greatly extended the fresh meat''s preservation time and enhanced its flavor. After all the work was done, the sky was already darkening. He took two cubes of the cooked meat to the two guards at the door and, amidst their grateful thanks, sent them away ahead of time. Chen Mu then made a cold vegetable salad and boiled a basin of white wheat porridge, sat down at the square table, and began eating the freshly cooked pork cubes, waiting for the Xue Family''s cargo depot to send someone. Chapter 20 - 20 Muscle Transformation The sun set in the west, with clouds burning bright red like fire. A cool breeze began to rise in the courtyard. Chen Mu sat at the square table inside the house, looking through the open door at the distant horizon that was gradually darkening, and slipped a piece of crispy pork belly into his mouth. The outer crunch and inner tenderness of the meat, balanced with salty and savory flavors, made Chen Mu nod uncontrollably in approval. This was merely the skill of a First Rank chef. In his previous life, it was said that fine food should never be wasted, but most people only ate to fill their stomachs. Busy work consumed too much energy. The quick pace of life left no time for people to contemplate anything else.@@@@ "I should really improve my cooking proficiency in the future." Having traveled through time, what''s wrong with taking a moment to appreciate good food? With the help of Miaohua Studio in handling portrait business, income wasn''t an issue. In a little while, I''ll find a Silver Boots errand boy to buy a batch of medicinal herbs, and there will be no more obstacles to practicing martial arts. Thinking about the hard days the original body endured, and then looking at the present situation. Chen Mu leisurely picked up a slice of cold mixed green vegetable, enjoying the chew. Upon looking up, he saw a dark shadow silently flip over the wall. Silver Boots? Because I said I didn''t want others to know, did he sneak in by climbing the wall? Quite professional! Just as Chen Mu was about to get up to welcome him, he caught the eye of the visitor. Silver-white hair and beard, eyes squinted to slits, an expressionless face... Isn''t this the assassin from Chen Family Village?! Like someone had pressed the pause button, Chen Mu froze halfway to standing, stunned in place. Jie Jia: "..." Serendipity! "Ahem, how about we share a bite?" Chen Mu slowly sat down, feigning ease. "I''m afraid of being poisoned to death," Jie Jia replied indifferently without even lifting his eyelids. "Old sir, it seems you have quite a misunderstanding about me," Chen Mu said, shaking his head helplessly. Jie Jia''s eyes slowly rolled, fixating on the sleeve of Chen Mu''s clothing. Misunderstanding? How thick does one''s skin have to be to spread poison while talking about misunderstandings? "What do you need Silver Boots for?" Jie Jia asked, his face expressionless. Silver Boots? This old assassin is a Silver Boots from the Xue Family warehouse? An assassin taking on errand work? Chen Mu''s expression turned peculiar. Is the assassin business that tough to get by? "I want to buy a batch of medicinal herbs." As long as he''s not here to kill me, it''s all good. "The list," Jie Jia said, cutting to the chase. "It''s right here." Chen Mu quickly took out the detailed list of herbs he had prepared in advance. Besides the essential herbs for Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, he added quite a few other items, mainly to throw off any potential prying eyes. "How much is the commission?" asked Chen Mu. "Ten... twenty silver taels," Jie Jia said calmly, without expression. Fine beads of sweat emerged from his forehead, and a sense of pleasure and relaxation spread through his limbs. Exercise stimulated the brain to produce endorphins, creating a sense of joy. In his former life, he had always heard about this, but as an overweight individual, he never experienced it. Now he had, and he was enjoying it immensely. As he was slowly stretching, a sudden epiphany washed over him. Soon after, a surging heat coursed through his body from every direction. His muscles twitched involuntarily, as if there were mice scurrying and crawling just under his skin. A pleasant tingling sensation enveloped him, and a special tissue formed beneath his skin. It took a while for Chen Mu to come back to his senses. Still feeling the afterglow in his mind, Chen Mu couldn''t help but stretch his mouth into a smile, "A breakthrough?!" Writing: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3316/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 8/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 2642/10000/First Rank; He rolled up his left sleeve and pinched his skin. A sensation resembling the toughness of leather came through. "It''s like wearing a layer of thin armor." Swinging his fist through the air, the sound of the wind whistled. "My strength has increased too." With a push from his toes, his power burst forth, and his figure vanished on the spot. The earthy yellow wall of the courtyard loomed rapidly. The next moment, his body came to an abrupt halt, almost against the wall. With another thrust, he blinked back to his original position. "My speed and reactions are faster! I could leave my earlier self two streets behind!" "Defense, strength, speed, reaction timemy physical abilities have improved across the board!" "This is Shape Cultivation!" In that moment, he thought of the head constable Liang, who could leap five or six meters at a time, and suddenly felt that such a feat was no longer out of reach. "It''s all about grinding the proficiency, right?" Thinking it over, Chen Mu bent down and picked up a pebble. Whoosh! Thwack! A finger-sized hole appeared in the adobe wall. Looking through the round hole, one could even see the street outside. "And I''ve also increased the power of the Flying Locust Stone?" "Great!" At that moment, the scent of cooking wafted into his nostrilsthe wheat rice was ready. "With a second-rank breakthrough in Shape Cultivation and having achieved Muscle Transformation, I must treat myself." "Fried squared pork, cold mixed vegetables, and a bit of flavored cured meat. Deliciousness to the extreme!" ``` Chapter 21 - 21 - Reunion Having broken through the Muscle Transformation phase, Chen Mu was in high spirits all day. In addition to the customary practice of Flying Locust Stone and Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu made a special trip to Anle Square''s Ruyi Residence. This was the famous vegetarian restaurant in the whole Qingshan County. In the past, he couldn''t afford to spend money here. He didn''t go for a private room, simply finding a seat in a corner of the main hall and ordering a full table of dishes. While leisurely savoring the food, he listened to the storyteller in the hall spouting tales. "The trend of the world is that after a long union comes a division. The nation of Da Liang has reigned for over six hundred years, and now it is on the verge of decline." "Our place here, lying on the southwestern border, isn''t very prominent. In the Central Plains, various bands of righteous rebels march onto the stage; with camps established everywhere, it''s quickly becoming a complete mess." "Times of chaos reveal heroes. We won''t discuss the nation''s major affairs; today, let me tell you about a hero of these troubled times. This person''s Fist Technique is unparalleled, known as the Iron Fist Saint..." The storyteller''s narrative was engaging, and the people in the hall were listening with boiling enthusiasm. Chen Mu also found it fascinating. He had been burying himself in Martial Arts Practice, cut off from news. Hearing about the chaotic Jianghu for the first time, he was immediately captivated. "Iron Fist Saint? What kind of realm is that? The Marrow Transformation Level of Shape Cultivation Technique when it''s fully mastered?" Chen Mu thought enviously. "No rush, step by step, I''ll achieve Marrow Transformation sooner or later." Proficiency was his greatest asset. "Fortunately, Qingshan County is located in a remote area." At least it won''t be affected by these chaotic times. As long as he can calmly spend a couple of years, he can also master Shape Cultivation Technique. By then, even if it''s a time of chaos, he''ll dare to make a foray into it. ... In the evening. Chen Mu left Ruyi Residence still feeling content. The food was indeed delicious and the storyteller''s tale was captivating enough that, had it not been getting dark, he would have stayed even longer. Unfortunately, the world is not at peace. It is said that at night, mischievous spirits are most active. Since arriving in this world, he never went out at night without a special reason. The nighttime lanterns began to light up in Anle Square, with the faint sounds of joy and merriment drifting over. Chen Mu glanced at the pretty young lady not far away showing off her assets, looked up at the sun about to set, and smirked sheepishly, "Next time, definitely next time." ... At the Chen family residence in Ping''an Square. Upon returning home and securely locking the main door, Chen Mu noticed a person sitting in the dark room. Silver-white hair, eyes squinted into slits, an expressionless and stern face. Chen Mu walked calmly into the room; the old man''s sudden appearances and disappearances had become the norm for him. "The payment," Jie Jia stated succinctly, as always. "Just a moment," Chen Mu said calmly. He then lit the oil lamp, opened up each cloth bag, and carefully checked the medicinal herbs within. Before long, Chen Mu placed a small cloth bag in the middle of the table, staring at Jie Jia with a speechless expression, "This is fake medicine." "Did you notice?" Jie Jia said with an emotionless face, his eyes briefly scanning the herbs before a flash of disappointment crossed his face. Chen Mu: "..." What is there for you to be disappointed about?! "Every time you pass off fake medicine to trick me out of money. Do you find it amusing?" Chen Mu said helplessly. You say you''re a high and mighty assassin, so why skulk around and cheat when running errands? "It seems you have a deep misunderstanding of me," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu: "..." Why does this sound so familiar? Forget it, forget it, I''ll be the bigger person and not hold a grudge against this old man. After discounting the fake medicine, Chen Mu honestly handed the money to Jie Jia. Watching the other party disappear in a whoosh, so fast that Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "Still can''t beat him. Otherwise, I would definitely have given him a thrashing." The joy of breaking through the Muscle Transformation was instantly halved. "Just keep practicing." He was still a novice in Martial Arts Practice; the world was vast, and arrogance was unacceptable. "I need to find some books that record medicinal herbs." He had a deep impression of Chen Mu. Over the years, he had used the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique as bait to cheat countless simpletons. Learning Shape Cultivation Technique was not that easy. Anyone who came to him would have to spend at least three hundred taels of silver to realize the reality. But that scholar came once and never returned. He had missed out on two hundred taels of silver; how could he forget him? "Judging by that man''s movements and posture, it seems he has a hint of Shape Cultivation. Did he really master it?" Sheng Hong wondered. But then he shook his head and chuckled to himself, "How could there be so many geniuses in this world?" "Forget it, I shouldn''t think about him. Focus on fooling the young master in front of me. He''s the real easy mark," Sheng Hong thought, smiling at the clumsy movements of the young master of the Zuo Family, "With a big family and big business, maybe one score could set me up for the second half of my life!" ... Ping''an Square, within the Chen Family residence. "I never expected to run into Sheng Hong." Ever since he mastered the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Chen Mu had subconsciously avoided the areas where Sheng Hong frequented. Sheng Hong cheated people with the Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu had learned it in one go. Would Sheng Hong be content if he knew? Not only did Chen Mu avoid him, but he also avoided Officer Lu. The two were thick as thieves, and Chen Mu feared they would bring unnecessary trouble, which is why he had no choice but to hire someone with Jie Jia to buy medicine on his behalf, even though it was more expensive. "Judging by Sheng Hong''s expression, it seems he didn''t recognize me right away," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "Now that he has become the coach for the young master of the Zuo Family, he''s probably not going to dwell on me." Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan said that the Zuo Family was one of the six major families of Qingshan County. They owned vast lands outside the city and rows of shops within, their wealth astounding. "I heard the young master of the Zuo Family is a rakehell who frequents places of pleasure. He can''t bear hardship or fatigue, and practicing martial arts for half an hour a day is considered diligent." "Teaching such a student is a walk in the park." "Given the difficulty of beginner Shape Cultivation Technique, Sheng Hong could easily spend a year or more with the Zuo Family." "One hundred taels for seven days, half a year... Wow..." I would swap places with him if I could! "Forget it, forget it, the more I think, the more it stings. I''d better just focus on my own practice and eat my own food." Cold mixed vegetables, fragrant pan-fried fish, crystal pork hock, all complemented by a pot of steaming white wheat rice. Chen Mu set up a square table in the courtyard, enjoying the beautiful sunset as he savored the increasingly delicious food. With a considerable income, achievements in martial arts practice, and delicious food to enjoy, this was the life he had dreamt of in his previous life. "Scholar, enjoying yourself, are you?" a voice suddenly rang out from behind. Chen Mu shuddered and spun around abruptly. Unbeknownst to him, a figure had already appeared behind him. Sheng Hong?! The man had sneaked into his house without making a sound, and he hadn''t noticed a thing! "Master Sheng, would you care to join me for a bite?" Chen Mu gestured generously, pointing to the food on the table. "Won''t I be disturbing?" Sheng Hong asked with a teasing smile. "Not at all, it would be my honor to have Master Sheng join me for a meal," Chen Mu replied, as he prepared a fresh set of bowl and chopsticks. "Didn''t expect you to have this skill too," Sheng Hong mused, chewing on a piece of the crystal pork hock and marveling, "I hardly want to lay a hand on it now." Chen Mu''s scalp tightened at once. "Of course, I''m not the kind of person who is unreasonable," Sheng Hong said, leisurely eating the fish. "Six hundred taels, six hundred taels for your life, fair isn''t it?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but tremble all over. "Don''t say you don''t have it, I''ve checked very clearly, your income from painting for people every month is at least over a hundred taels. You''ve been at it for over half a year, how could you not have six hundred taels?" Chen Mu felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over him. He never expected that Sheng Hong had always been keeping an eye on him. "Haven''t you already become the coach for the Zuo Family?" Chen Mu asked incredulously, already making plenty of money, why still bother with me? "Who would complain about having too much silver?" Sheng Hong chuckled. "You''re not afraid of offending the Miao Hua Workshop!" Chen Mu roared in anger. Sheng Hong glanced at Chen Mu, "I advise you to just hand over the money willingly. Those two blockheads outside have already been knocked out by me. No matter how loud you shout, they can''t hear you." Had Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan already been taken care of? Even though Chen Mu had completed Muscle Transformation, Sheng Hong had practiced Shape Cultivation Technique for half his life and was at the very least in the Bone Transformation Realm. "Did you really knock those two out?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but ask. ``` Chapter 22 - 22 Awareness "Why did you have to force me?" "Hey, that''s just the way the world works." Sheng Hong shook his head with an air of resignation, "Everyone does it, running into me was just your bad luck." "Are those two really knocked out by you?" Chen Mu asked, lowering his head. "Getting scared now?" Sheng Hong sneered teasingly, "If you''re scared, then be obedient and..." "Scared? No, I have to thank you." "What..." "Thank you for knocking them out!" Whistle! Slice! Blood splattered as Sheng Hong''s eyes bulged and half of his ear flew off. "You!" Sheng Hong looked at Chen Mu in astonishment. If he hadn''t dodged fast enough just now, his eyes could have been blinded! Whistling sounds ... A series of Flying Locust Stones came hurtling toward him. Sheng Hong''s figure blurred instantly, leaving a series of afterimages in his place. "Scholar, you''ve hidden your skills well!" Sheng Hong growled angrily, "Too bad, I''ve trained in dodging hidden weapons!" He pushed the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique to its limit, the Flying Locust Stones were ferocious, but they couldn''t touch him at all! Sheng Hong laughed viciously, "Wait until you''re in my hands, then we''ll see how I deal with you!" As soon as the words fell, pfft! A Flying Locust Stone grazed his right forearm, taking away a piece of flesh. "How is that possible?!" Sheng Hong''s heart suddenly tightened. "I clearly dodged it?" Thud! A Flying Locust Stone drilled through the left side under his arm, exploding a handful of blood flowers. Sheng Hong suddenly understood. He saw the Flying Locust Stones and made a move to dodge, but his body was gradually unable to keep up with the commands from his mind. He suddenly looked toward the square table. That meal ... Whistling sounds ... pfft, pfft, pfft ... A string of blood flowers burst open behind Sheng Hong. The Flying Locust Stones, still carrying momentum, thudded against the earthy yellow courtyard wall, leaving behind specks of dark red bloodstains. Sheng Hong glared at Chen Mu and fell to the ground with a thud. It took Chen Mu quite a while to come back to his senses, and he staggered to sit at the square table. When he turned to look at Sheng Hong, his head covered in fresh blood and his eyes wide open, his scalp abruptly went numb. He had committed murder... Having practiced martial arts for so long, he had had a premonition. Sooner or later, he would have to strike a deadly blow. He had rehearsed the act more than once. But now that it was really happening, Chen Mu felt his mind go completely blank. The next morning. Chen Mu waited for Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan to arrive. During their conversation, he made sure they hadn''t noticed anything unusual. He sent them away on the pretense of going home to visit relatives, then immediately packed up his things and left home, even loading the five hens from his house into a bamboo basket to carry. After leaving Qingshan County Town''s gates, he headed straight for the Chen Family Village. ... Da Liang, year 639, January 27th. Chen Mu opened his eyes to the chirping of birds. Stepping outside, the refreshing air with a hint of coolness invigorated Chen Mu. The sky was clear, and the distant hills were lush with green. The sounds of dogs barking and chickens crowing rose from everywhere, a peaceful village scene. His previously heavy mood was suddenly lifted. He had been in Chen Family Village for seven days. Today, he had the most restful sleep since he arrived. At first, every time he closed his eyes, he would see the image of Sheng Hong''s face covered in blood. Lying in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and even if he did fall asleep, he would often be woken by nightmares. During the day, he was distracted while practicing martial arts and working, almost hitting the wall a few times because he couldn''t stop his feet in time. It wasn''t until today that he began to calm down. He had thought through everything from beginning to end. Sheng Hong came to his door threatening him, saying that Chen Mu should pay for his life, but in reality, he was after his money and his life. If Chen Mu had obediently given him money, the other party would undoubtedly have silenced him by killing him. A martial artist who had practiced Shape Cultivation Technique and an ordinary person were practically two different species. Stronger and faster, killing an ordinary person would not be harder than swatting a fly. That''s why it was easier for them to take lives, or there wouldn''t have been the case of the Wang family''s destruction. "Sheng Hong dared to kill without restraint for money." "For protecting myself, why can''t I kill in self-defense?!" "Should I beg others to generously spare my life?" Recalling Sheng Hong''s proficient movements and expression, Chen Mu knew that it was not the first time he had plotted for money and murder. Chen Mu had an epiphany. "Sheng Hong was the pest of this world, deserving death! By killing him, I protected myself and many other innocent people." "It''s not me who''s in the wrong, but this world that tolerates the strong bullying the weak! It''s those villains with evil intentions!" "Facing the malice of this world, facing the overwhelming evil intentions of others, what should I do, what can I do? "Compromise and beg for mercy?" "No, no, no, I must respond with thunder!" Chen Mu took a deep breath. Next time... Next time, he would act even more decisively! To eradicate evil completely, one must be thorough! Chapter 23 - 23 Open Source After adjusting his mindset, Chen Mu washed up and prepared a meal. Wheat rice, roasted wild rabbit, and a platter of wild fruits from the forest. This was the first time he had prepared a meal with care since returning to Chen Family Village. For the past few days, he had been in a daze, spending his days throwing stones in the forest to practice the Flying Locust Stone. This skill gave him a sense of security.@@@@ The grasses, trees, insects, and snakes in the forest had brought him no small trouble. He brought up the grey wall. Writing: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 4623/10000/Second Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 216/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 2642/10000/First Rank; He had been slightly negligent in his Shape Cultivation Technique, gaining only about thirty experience a day. Instead, his throwing skill had advanced by more than half. His throwing technique had become more exquisite, and his mind was filled with numerous methods for making unique hidden weapons. Chen Mu couldn''t help but reflect. When he killed Sheng Hong, there was a stone that went straight for the other''s forehead. Sheng Hong''s forehead was cut open, his face covered in blood, but the bones were not broken. "Once Shape Cultivation reaches the Bone Transformation Realm, the bones become hard, and ordinary stones might not be able to damage them even if they shatter." "In a couple of days when I return to town, I''ll have a batch of special hidden weapons made." ... Three days later, Chen Mu had no choice but to return to Qingshan County Town. He needed to go to the Qingshan County Government Office to draw wanted posters. On his way back to town, Chen Mu appeared calm on the surface but was quite nervous inside. He was afraid that a group of Government Officials would jump out of a corner and tie him up tightly. But in reality, nothing happened. Sheng Hong''s disappearance was silent and unnoticed; no one cared. Even when Chen Mu left the County Government Office, no one troubled him. He even went out of his way to probe indirectly, inquiring about major events in the county. Besides the Zuo Family experiencing some evil spirits, resulting in the young master of the Zuo Family displaying great valor by cutting them down, there was nothing fresh to report. "Calm seas and gentle winds are good," Chen Mu reassured himself and headed home. On the way, he also stopped by the blacksmith shop and ordered a bag of Iron Lotus Seeds. He planned to upgrade his Flying Locust Stone. ... After cautiously investigating for a few more days and confirming that indeed no one had discovered Sheng Hong''s death, Chen Mu finally felt completely at ease. As days passed by day after day, the weather grew colder. People on the street wrapped themselves up as if they were zongzi (rice dumplings). Chen Mu also discovered another benefit of Shape Cultivationresistance to cold. After completing the Muscle Transformation, it seemed as though a special kind of tissue had formed under his skin, not only improving his defense but also enhancing his tolerance to temperature. He could feel the cold, but he wasn''t afraid of it. Chen Mu had prepared a full table of food at home. It wasn''t long before Jie Jia appeared, as if by magic, just like always. Even with Chen Mu''s current status at the Muscle Transformation Realm, he could only barely make out the other''s figure. This old man might even be at the Marrow Transformation Realm, a true master of the highest order. "Old Jie, care to join me for a meal?" Chen Mu invited warmly. Jie Jia scrutinized the dishes carefully, his eyes moving around, then fixed on Chen Mu, "Speak." "Speak what?" Chen Mu played dumb. "The payment for the goods," Jie Jia said flatly, throwing down the bag of medicines. If he wouldn''t say it, that was that. Chen Mu gave a sheepish grin; the old man was as blunt and straightforward as ever. "I''m looking to sell a Shape Cultivation Technique. Do you have a channel?" Chen Mu didn''t bother hiding it. Indeed, Chen Mu had his sights set on Jie Jia. The man was a secretive assassin with unique channels. "Twenty percent," Jie Jia stated blandly. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu was confused. Then it dawned on him, was he asking for a twenty percent cut as payment?! The greedy old man! "Fine!" Chen Mu said almost through clenched teeth. The Shape Cultivation Technique was powerful; ordinary people couldn''t afford it, and without a channel, it was indeed hard to sell! "Tomorrow evening, Ghost Market," Jie Jia said with a satisfied nod. This old man actually knew about the Ghost Market; he really did have connections! Having lived in Qingshan County for half a year, Chen Mu had heard plenty of rumors and bits of gossip. The Ghost Market was one of them. It was said that one could buy anything there, and they dared to sell anything! "Hurry up and give me the payment; I''ll go smooth things out for you at the Ghost Market," Jie Jia urged. "Alright," Chen Mu said, his face lighting up with joy. Selling the Shape Cultivation Technique would replenish a tremendous amount of his resources, allowing him to cultivate peacefully for a long time. Just as he was about to hand over the silver, he suddenly felt something was off. Asking for the payment in such a hurry? Chen Mu looked at the bags of medicinal herbs and then at Jie Jia, who seemed completely at ease. Approaching, he opened the bags and started checking them one by one. After a long while, Chen Mu pulled out a handful of herbs from the bottom of a bag and compared them carefully with those on top. They looked almost identical but... Chen Mu sighed, looking helplessly at Jie Jia. Lucky for me, I had been bored recently and read a few medical books, picking up some alchemy skills. Otherwise, you really would have pulled the wool over my eyes! Your counterfeiting technique has even improved, hasn''t it?! "Damn fake drug peddler," Jie Jia said coolly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia. If anyone else said that, they''d be criticizing the drug peddler for selling fakes. But when Jie Jia said it, damn, he was lamenting that the drug peddler''s fakes weren''t fake enough! Chapter 24 - 24 Wholesale Ghost Markets have long existed around Qingshan County. They open on the third of every month. The location changes every time. Before each market opens, a group of carts and horses are specifically hired to transport guests into the Ghost Market. To find out the location of these carts and horses, one would need special channels. Jie Jia just happened to have a way of obtaining an entry ticket.@@@@ As twilight fell, within a desolate village, Chen Mu, cloaked in a hooded cape with a black cloth covering his face, was wrapped up tightly. By his side was Jie Jia, dressed the same. Without speaking a word, the two walked along the village streets. On both sides of the road, many people set up stalls; some squatted down, whispering to each other from time to time. Whether stall owners or customers, everyone was wrapped up tightly, and they instinctively spoke in hushed tones when talking. Their voices blended together, sounding like numerous ghosts and spirits secretly whispering to each other. "This is the place," Jie Jia led Chen Mu to the front of a dilapidated house. Chen Mu nodded at Jie Jia, holding the scroll as he nervously walked into the room. A person wearing a malicious ghost mask sat silently behind a grayish-white square table. "What does the guest want to sell?" the masked person asked softly. By this point, Chen Mu was no longer hesitant; he clenched his teeth and said, "I want to sell a Shape Cultivation Technique." "Please, take a seat," the voice of the masked person couldn''t help but rise in excitement. Shape Cultivation Technique was indeed valuable stuff! "May I take a look?" the masked person asked eagerly. A wave of joy washed over Chen Mu''s heart. The Shape Cultivation Technique was really worth money. Thinking this, Chen Mu placed the scroll on the table and unrolled a third of it. The masked person couldn''t help but stand up, "Excellent drawing skill!" The more detailed and accurate the manual, the higher its value. Chen Mu smirked. This was drawn with Second Rank drawing skills; how could it not be excellent? Compared to those roughly sketched manuals, this manual of his could be considered a collector''s edition! Selling such a precious manual for a thousand or eight hundred silver wasn''t too much, right? With this silver, I could stock up on food and medicine and hole up at home to practice diligently. Once I have mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique, I wouldn''t be afraid even if ten Sheng Hongs came at me! As Chen Mu daydreamed, he suddenly heard the masked person tsk, "It''s a pity..." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "The item is great, it''s just that..." the masked person shook his head and sighed. "What''s wrong?" Chen Mu became increasingly anxious. Chen Mu: "..." Goodness gracious! Now that you''ve mentioned it, damn, I''m not tired anymore! "Let''s get to work!" ... In a corner of the Ghost Market, inside a ruined house without a roof. A young man in his twenties stood quietly in the room. A white paper oil lamp hung on the wall. The dim candlelight flickered, casting an intermittent glow on his fair complexion. Soon, a person in a ghost mask quietly entered the room, full of joy, "Young Master Zuo, sorry to have kept you waiting. This is what you asked for." While speaking, he unrolled a painting scroll. The young man looked at the scroll, his expression changing, "Such skilled brushwork!" "This is the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation manual," the masked man enthusiastically introduced. "My manual isn''t like what the others have, they are all poorly made and shoddy." "Just look at this brushwork, look at these detailed records. With such a manual, how could one fail to master Shape Cultivation?" Young Master Zuo listened to his introduction while examining the scroll, his expression growing more and more odd. "Just give me one thousand silver, and this generation-spanning Shape Cultivation manual can be yours." "Think about it, with this Shape Cultivation manual, couldn''t your Zuo Family establish a legacy through martial arts? The world is becoming more chaotic; those with the bigger fists get to talk, right?" "You''re right," Young Master Zuo said, his face filled with emotion as he withdrew his gaze. "Then the payment for the goods..." the man in the ghost mask was overjoyed. Shape Cultivation is not just any martial Skill; a mistake could cripple someone. A manual that meticulously indicates even the changes in muscle striations is worth a fortune! Lucky for him the fool who sold the manual had no clue about its true value, and fortunately, the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation had been so peddled that he had managed to send the guy away with just a few words. Bought for eighty silver, sold for a thousand, what a profitable business! Young Master Zuo clicked his tongue, "It''s just a pity..." The masked man''s heart skipped a beat. "The item is good, it''s just..." Young Master Zuo shook his head. "What''s the problem..." The man in the ghost mask felt a sense of de?ja? vu and anxiety. Young Master Zuo sighed and took a painting scroll out of a fabric pocket on the wall. That feeling of familiarity became stronger, and a bad feeling washed over the man in the ghost mask. Young Master Zuo silently unrolled the scroll. A row of lifelike figures appeared before their eyes, alongside a column of elegant charactersTrueRed Falcon Shape Cultivation. The man in the ghost mask: "..." Fuck! Is this the respect that Shape Cultivation deserves? Are they all bloody wholesaling it or what?! Chapter 25 - 25 Third Rank The silvery moonlight spilled across the earth. A dark carriage moved slowly through the night. Chen Mu sat leaning against the carriage, holding a small cloth bag. He occasionally took out the silver inside to check if it was real, his face beaming, looking as if he had never seen the world. Opposite him, Jie Jia still sat with his eyes half-closed, expressionless. But his eyeballs under his eyelids kept moving, always subtly sweeping towards the cloth bag in Chen Mu''s hands. "Stop peeking already," Chen Mu glared disdainfully at the old man, "You''re a mighty killer that has seen it all, why are you so petty? Keep your cool!" Unmoved, Jie Jia simply stated, "Twenty percent." Chen Mu immediately felt breathless. They had sold seven copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique altogether. They had earned a total of seven hundred and thirty taels of silver. Twenty percent was one hundred and forty-six taels. Just doing this simple calculation made Chen Mu''s heart ache sharply. "Here, here, here..." Chen Mu counted out the silver grudgingly and threw it to Jie Jia. He had no choice but to give it; without the old man, he wouldn''t have been able to sell so many copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique. After putting away the money bag, he casually took out a book. This was a medical book he had just scavenged from the black market, preparing to use it to enhance the proficiency of his Pharmaceutical Technique. He valued this skill that he had developed unintentionally. The old man Jie Jia''s skills in adulterating medicines were getting better and better. If he didn''t hurry to enhance his proficiency in Pharmaceutical Technique, he feared he might be taken advantage of by the old man and die. ... Five days later, at the Chen Family residence on the west side of Ping''an Square. For safety reasons, including his own original yard, he had rented three residences in a row. At the moment, he was digging a hole in a room in the second residence. The place where the bed used to be was now cleared up. There was a hole in the ground about one meter in diameter. The hole, about four meters deep, connected to an underground space five meters in length and width. The ground was strewn with some sulfur lime for pest control and moisture prevention. Due to rising prices in Qingshan County, he was preparing to stockpile some medicinal materials and grain. These past days, he had been busy digging a cellar to store these supplies. In the following days, he went out several times, changing merchants on each occasion. Accumulating life essentials like wood, rice, oil, and salt in small amounts but frequently, he slowly stockpiled a large quantity. He even had Zheng Tu specifically gather a batch of dried cured meat for him, which was easy to preserve. Once Jie Jia delivered the medicinal herbs he had ordered, his accumulation of supplies was considered complete. Afterward, he stayed at home all the time. He spent his days practicing the Flying Locust Stone and the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. In between, he studied the newly acquired medical books, boosting the proficiency of his Pharmaceutical Technique. Life was monotonous but not without its flavors. "Interesting fellow." ... Inside the Chen Family''s courtyard in Ping''an Square. Chen Mu examined an Iron Lotus Seed he was holding. It was the size of a peanut, oval-shaped, covered in pits and craters as small as grains of sand, and extremely rough in texturethis was even after he had polished it; otherwise, it would have been even rougher. Besides these, there were nine spiral lines on it, each painstakingly carved by himself. These were special patterns he had comprehended through his proficiency. Carved onto the Iron Lotus Seed, they were similar to rifling in a gun barrel, allowing the seed to spin upon release, increasing its power. He flicked his wrist. Whooo... Bang! A chopping board a palm''s thickness on the wall ten meters away was instantly pierced through. "Now, this can actually compare to the bullets of a handgun." Chen Mu carried a bag of Iron Lotus Seeds and kept throwing them relentlessly. In no time, the locust wood chopping board on the wall was riddled with holes like a hornet''s nest. In the past, in order to hide his martial arts abilities, he dared not practice openly. Now, with Boss Zhen away and Miaohua Studio half-shut, Chen Mu''s portrait business had come to a complete halt, and Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan hadn''t turned up since a certain day. Chen Mu found himself delightfully free. He let loose and practiced martial arts at home to his heart''s content. Whoosh! Bang! He threw the last Iron Lotus Seed. The chopping board instantly exploded into a mass of splinters. At that moment, a surge of heat suddenly flowed from all over his body. His arms, chest, back, abdomen, thighsmuscles all over his body undulated rhythmically, swelling up noticeably. Chen Mu quickly pulled out his gray wall. Calligraphy: 1445/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1353/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 3/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 2769/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 3016/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 1143/10000/First Rank; Breaking through to Third Rank in throwing can enhance physical fitness too? This feeling is almost the same as when I did the Muscle Transformation during the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation! Previously, practicing with the Flying Locust Stone, his body had been subtly and continuously strengthening. Now, breaking through to Third Rank, quantitative change had led to a qualitative transformation, and his strength and speed had soared once again. Lifting his shirt, he couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight of his sharply defined six-pack abs. This was the physique he had dreamed of in his past lifenow it had come so easily! Chapter 26 - 26 Chaos Chaos came unexpectedly. One night in April, Chen Mu was sleeping deeply. Screams pierced the air. Chen Mu woke up instantly. Listening carefully, the faint sound of wailing made him realize, something had happened! Hurriedly putting on a garment, he leaped onto the roof. There he saw fires blazing across various parts of the town, with the sounds of fighting and screaming overlapping each other. An army attacking the city?! He dared not wander outside carelessly. In such chaos, one could easily lose their life without caution. He could only sit on the roof, vigilantly observing every movement in the surroundings. Fortunately, the bandits did not raid the common people first. They primarily targeted the big households within the city. The fires were mostly concentrated in the central area of the town. He stared tensely at the surroundings until the sky brightened, and the sounds of battle gradually subsided. Accompanied by the faint sounds of galloping horses, Qingshan County Town fell into a brief calm. As the sun rose, cries and wails rose again. In the chaos of the night, countless people had perished. Chen Mu bolted the main door shut, determined to stay at home and not go out. The bandits had just left, but the chaos had not yet ended. "Thank goodness I had hoarded a batch of food earlier." As grain prices continued to rise and news of the marauding armies spread, he had a bad premonition and decisively hoarded food and medicine. Now with grain in hand, he was not in panic. He barricaded all the doors of his three residences with wooden sticks, sealing them shut. Chen Mu huddled at home, quietly increasing his proficiency. "Just wait, when it''s completely calm, then I''ll go out and explore." ... Two days later, in the evening. Chen Mu ended a day of training, had his meal, and rested. His ears were carefully tuned to the sounds around him. The chaos was still not entirely over. In the middle of the night, sparse screams could still be heard. "What are the soldiers from the County Government Office doing?" Two days had passed, and the officials had yet to come out to sweep away the chaos and restore order. "Could they have been thoroughly slaughtered by the bandits?" The recently rising idea to go out and have a look was immediately dismissed. With his martial arts, he could outrun stronger foes if he couldn''t beat them.@@@@ But if he were to reveal his martial arts skills, it might arouse curiosity, investigation, and ultimately lead to trouble. "I must skulk to live longer." The waters of this world were quite deep. ... Chen Mu had vanished from his original spot. The next moment, he appeared abruptly on the wall. His right hand clamped around Zhou Liang''s neck like an iron vice. A tremendous force allowed no resistance from the other party, grasping Zhou Liang''s neck and, like lifting a little chick, leapt down from the wall, bang, slamming against the opposite wall. Kneeling at the base of the wall, Zheng Huan only felt a blur before him, as Zhou Liang above him disappeared. Instinctively turning his head, He saw a muscular man, bare-chested, lifting Zhou Liang into the air with one hand. Watching Zhou Liang''s face turn red, his feet kicking wildly in the air, Zheng Huan turned and fled. Thwack! A splash of blood burst open at the back of his knee. Before a scream could escape his throat, his neck was seized by a large hand. Whoosh! The short cry flashed and was extinguished. The alley was empty, returning to silence once again. ... Under the cover of night, Chen Mu, carrying two people wrapped in straw mats, leapt and rushed across the rooftops. Two transformations had given his body powerful momentum. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique''s Soaring Leap was utilized to its utmost limit. Carrying two people, he moved so quietly that not a sound was made. Back at that deserted house, Chen Mu dug pits, buried bodies, filled holes, as familiar as the back of his hand. Then he rapidly cleared all traces from the scene and vanished after a few jumps. ... Ping''an Square, within the easternmost number one residence of the Chen Family. A four-sided table was lit by a single oil lamp. Under the dim yellow glow, A pile of assorted items lay scattered on the table. Copper coins, silver pieces, daggers, lime powder, knockout drug, Golden Sun pills... These were items scavenged from the bodies of Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan. Chen Mu, touching his chest, felt his heart still pounding, annoyed, said, "I had no choice but to be ruthless again." "Curse this damned world!" "Wouldn''t it be better to just be a good person like me?" Chen Mu sighed and began to check the copper coins and silver taels on the table one by one. Copper coins with copper coins, silver taels with silver taels, the poor quality knockout drug and lime powder were thrown away. Golden Sun pills? What the hell? Get rid of them! Finally, he picked up the two daggers on the table. Brown wooden handles and scabbards, oval brass guards, just long enough from elbow to fingertips. He drew the blade from the sheath; the bright silver blade still bore traces of blood. "These two really deserved to die." In two days of chaos, these blades had claimed who knows how many innocent souls. He found a cloth to clean the daggers, "In the future, I can only use you to eliminate evil more often, hoping to redeem you." Chen Mu pondered that once the chaos subsided, he would make another trip to the Ghost Market to look for a swordsmanship manual to practice. He couldn''t let the two daggers go to waste. Chapter 27 - 27 Calming Down ``` After the incidents with Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan, Chen Mu was even less inclined to go out. He holed up at home to grind his Proficiency. Three days later, while Chen Mu was having lunch, he faintly heard the sound of gongs from outside. Followed by sporadic shouting. Chen Mu focused and listened attentively. The authorities had finally stepped in to restore order. Even so, he stayed home for another two days before venturing out.@@@@ ... On the streets of East Market. The usual bustling scene was no more. There were few pedestrians, and the shops on both sides of the road had windows and doors in disrepair, suffering great damage. Walking on the street, one could occasionally hear wailing from the alleys. He hadn''t gone far before he encountered two funeral processions. These were the ones who had the means to hold funerals. Who knows how many bodies wrapped in tattered mats were buried in the mass graves outside the city. He had intended to visit Zheng Tu to buy some fresh meat. But from afar, seeing the closed shop, he knew it was a lost cause. So he turned to go to the Eight Directions Building in Anle Square. Many of the windows, doors, and chairs were new, probably also vandalized amidst the chaos. There were quite a few people inside the hall, drinking tea and chatting. Chen Mu wasn''t the only one here to gather information. As usual, he bought a pot of tea and a plate of sunflower seeds, sat in a corner, and listened to the storyteller recount the causes and consequences of the bandit uprising days ago. The defeated Gray Scarves breached the city... The bandits of Ai Mountain took advantage of the chaos... The traitors within opened the gates... Noble families were wiped out... Each explosive piece of news gave Chen Mu a headache. The County Magistrate has vanished? Has he fled or died? Young Master Zuo Sheng of the Zuo Family showed valiant prowess, beheading the second in command of the Ai Mountain bandits. Was this the same frail dandy he remembered? More likely another ''sheep in wolf''s clothing'' pretender. "Will the defeated army and bandits attack the city again?" This was Chen Mu''s main concern. Unfortunately, there were conflicting opinions in the teahouse and, after listening for a long time, he still couldn''t reach a definitive conclusion. "Forget it, better to just stay at home." Chen Mu stood up and left, no longer wishing to listen. As he reached the doorway, he faced a young man in white. "Young Master Zuo Sheng of the Zuo Family?" Chen Mu almost doubted his own eyes. The face was the same, and he looked as tall and thin as before. But now that his body had undergone two transformations, his senses were far beyond those of ordinary people. Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "You can name another price. Jie Jia''s gaze returned, and a flash of disappointment passed, "Two taels." Chen Mu: "..." Is he really that much of a swindler?! Tenfold! "Do I look that much like a sucker to you?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but ask. Jie Jia didn''t speak, only glanced at Chen Mu dismissively. Chen Mu suddenly felt as if he was choking on his breath. ... The year 639 of Da Liang, April 23rd. Chen Mu wrapped himself up tightly and took a carriage alone to the Ghost Market. It was different from what he had imagined. He had thought the Ghost Market would be as desolate as the East Market and West Market within the city. Instead, the flow of customers had surged dramatically, more than doubling since his last visit to the Ghost Market. Even though everyone unconsciously lowered their voices, the whole Ghost Market was still bustling. If it weren''t for the fact that everyone was wrapped up so tightly, Chen Mu would have thought he had arrived at an open-air bazaar. Chen Mu walked silently on the deserted village streets, surreptitiously observing the vendors on both sides of the road. Compared to before, there were many more people selling jade and antiques. Qingshan County had been breached by rebels, ransacked by bandits from Ai Mountain, leading to many deaths and the enrichment of many people. If it weren''t for his certain abilities, Zhou Liang and Zheng Huan might well have appeared here too. Chen Mu no longer wandered and headed straight for a dilapidated house. ... "Are you here to buy or to sell?" a person wearing a smiling fat monk mask asked calmly from behind a square table. "To buy a Manual," Chen Mu replied, sitting down opposite of him. "Do you have any special requests?" the person in the smiling mask asked. A thought crossed Chen Mu''s mind, "Do you have a Shape Cultivation Technique?" "You''re looking for a Shape Cultivation Technique?" The person in the smiling mask couldn''t help but raise his voice. "You actually have one?" Chen Mu looked in surprise at the wooden cabinet behind the other person. Though all Shape Cultivation Techniques could trigger a transformation, they had different focuses. The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique mainly emphasized speed, not strength. If he could master another Shape Cultivation Technique to complement it, he would be able to transform and develop in a well-rounded way! "You''re in luck, guest!" The person with the smiling mask turned around and pulled out a scroll from behind him. "We''ve just acquired a precious Shape Cultivation Chart. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the annotations are detailed, making it extremely easy for beginners," the masked person said eagerly, unfurling the scroll by one-third: "Please have a look," In the center, a row of lifelike little figures. On the right, a dense mass of tiny characters. To the left, a column of flowing large characters "TrueRed Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique" Chen Mu: "..." "Not for a thousand taels, not for five hundred taels, just for one hundred and eighty-eight taels. If you buy it, it''s not a loss, not a cheat; it''s truly, truly worth more than its price!" Chen Mu: "..." Hehe... Chapter 28 - 28 Sleeve Sword Technique The man in the smiling mask went on and on without pause. Chen Mu could only maintain an awkward but polite smile, even though the other party couldn''t see his face. "Does the customer have any difficulty?" Sensing Chen Mu''s discomfort, the man in the smiling mask asked eagerly. "The item is good," Chen Mu first nodded affirmatively. After all, it was my own drawing. "It''s just a bit expensive," Chen Mu pretended to be regretful, "How about you knock off some of the price?" The man in the smiling mask was overjoyed. Finally encountered a big sucker! He couldn''t help but excitedly ask, "Can you accept one hundred eighty taels?" Chen Mu shook his head, "How about eight taels?" The man in the smiling mask: "..." Is this the freaking way to knock off zeros?! From the front end?! Chen Mu forced a laugh. I just couldn''t think of a good reason to refuse. "Eighty-eight taels then," the man in the smiling mask replied. Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be stunned. Is this a Shape Cultivation Technique? Is it so cheap? I''ve only sold seven copies of the Shape Cultivation Technique, can the market be that bad? ... An hour later, Chen Mu walked out of the dilapidated house feeling gloomy. He had replicated a total of seven Shape Cultivation Technique scrolls. But someone had replicated seventy! "Old Man Jie, you''re really ruthless!"@@@@ Aside from that greedy old man, he couldn''t think of anyone else who would do this. It was only him who had the opportunity, the means, the ideas, and freaking action. But what made Chen Mu most gloomy was that he didn''t pay royalties! Go to Jie Jia to ask for it? Thinking of the coffins in Tianyi Studio, Chen Mu immediately shook his head. Forget it, isn''t it good to be alive? That old man was a high-profile top-notch killer. Shaking his head to disperse his gloomy mood, and touching the books in his bosom, Chen Mu finally felt satisfied. With his goals achieved on this trip to the Ghost Market, he had successfully purchased a suitable Sword Manual. After finishing his business, Chen Mu didn''t rush to leave but started strolling through the Ghost Market. With more people around, the Ghost Market became lively and lost its usual mysterious and frightening atmosphere. Chen Mu then dared to wander around. Upon closer inspection, the items sold in the Ghost Market were still very diverse. There were even people selling grain here. Chen Mu curiously went up to ask, and a bag of white wheat actually cost one tael of silver. Over a hundred pounds in one bag, it didn''t cost three hundred copper coins in the early days. After consecutive price increases, it only cost five hundred copper coins. Now it had jumped up to one tael of silver?! "Should I take some of the white wheat out of the cellar to sell?" Chen Mu was very tempted. It would be best combined with various unique hidden weapons. Chen Mu didn''t have the conditions for that. Since the Flying Locust Stone still increased proficiency, he didn''t plan to create any unusual hidden weapons. Chen Mu was very invested in the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique because it could transform his body. Now that his proficiency had surpassed the halfway mark, it would take another two to three months to break through to Third Rank and complete his Bone Transformation. The progress in Pharmaceutical Technique was surprisingly fast. He had only read a few more medical books, and his proficiency quietly passed 6000. First Rank was basic, while Second Rank would bring a qualitative change. He was quite looking forward to Second Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, wondering what special changes would occur. The Sleeve Sword Technique was something he had picked up from the Ghost Market last time. It wasn''t complex, in fact, it was simple. The overall concept was: a sword hidden in the sleeve, suddenly drawn for a lethal strike. The manual detailed how to conceal the sword, how to concentrate power for the strike, and from which angles to secretly draw the sword. Chen Mu had practiced for several days just to get started. After that, with the help of increased proficiency, he practiced every day and made rapid progress. As proficiency improved and the environment of Qingshan County remained relatively calm, Chen Mu was quite satisfied with his life. There was just one thing that gave him a bit of a headache. He was running out of stored meat. Zheng Tu''s shop had been closed for a long time. Chen Mu had specifically gone to ask. Zheng Tu said that even he couldn''t get meat and had lost weight in his cheeks. He even wanted to buy some cured ham back from Chen Mu. Of course, Chen Mu shook his head and refused. With his high-intensity daily training, he needed a substantial intake of protein. If it weren''t for the five hens providing eggs. The little meat he had stored would have been gone long ago. Moreover, meats weren''t easy to store, and he hadn''t bought much in the first place. Now, his stockpile had reached a critical red line. ... May 21, Anle Square Bafang Building. "Doesn''t this make Li County Magistrate almost the same as the County Lord now?" one patron whispered, spitting out a melon seed shell. "The County Lord is gone. All the Government Officials obey Li County Magistrate''s orders. And the Commander-in-chief of the defense troops is from his Li Family. Now, he''s just missing the County Lord''s title." Another person explained. "Did the other two major families agree?" the first person asked, puzzled. "What''s there not to agree about? Just look up the hierarchy. Not to mention the three families, including the Wang, Zhou, and Zheng families that have been exterminated. All six families could claim relations." Another person scoffed. "You''re right." "The times are truly unstable, centuries-old families disappeared just like that. Alas..." another companion chimed in. "Exactly. If it weren''t for the Zuo family''s eldest unleashing his power, who knows, the Zuo family might have vanished too." In a corner, Chen Mu quietly listened to the news spreading all around. "It seems Qingshan County is temporarily stable." "But outside Qingshan County, it''s still not peaceful." Before coming here, he had made his way to Zheng Tu''s, only to find there was still no meat. He could only try his luck later at the East Market street vendors. Sometimes hunters from the villages below would come to sell game. Chapter 29 - 29 Medicinal Baits Evening. Chen Mu frowned as he carried two fish home. He happened to come across a fisherman in the East Market and barely managed to snatch up the two fish for one hundred and forty copper coins. Then a steward from a wealthy household appeared and bought everything, fish and basket included. He couldn''t buy any more even if he wanted to. "Two fish aren''t enough." Chen Mu was distressed. The cured meat he had in his cellar was completely gone. He could only rely on eggs to supplement his protein every day. Shape Cultivation Technique consumed a lot, and eggs alone couldn''t sustain it. "I need to find a way to get some meat to eat." ... The mountains behind Chen Family Village. The dense forest exuded a faint smell of dampness mixed with decaying foliage. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a mottled pattern of light and shadow on the ground. A crystal clear droplet of water fell from a green leaf and landed in a puddle the size of a palm. Plop! A large foot stepped into the puddle, immediately splashing muddy water everywhere. Chen Mu looked around for a path, chopping off branches blocking his way with a machete, and continued to walk deeper into the woods. He had been wandering through the mountains behind Chen Family Village the entire morning, trying to hunt game to supplement his meat intake. The lack of nutrition was starting to limit the number of times he could practice his skills each day. "It''s a pity I don''t know how to track game." Experienced hunters could identify animal trails and knew the approximate areas where various game would roam. Chen Mu knew nothing and was blundering around in the mountains. He''d thought by just going into the mountains, he would quickly encounter game. Unfortunately, he didn''t have the luck of a protagonist. He could only roam the mountain in search of prey. "How great it would be if I could encounter a wild boar." With his current Third Rank Throwing Ability, combined with Screw Iron Lotus Seed, catching a wild boar would be easy. In the evening, Chen Mu returned to the hunter''s cabin, carrying an unidentified bird about the size of two fists. He begrudgingly plucked its feathers and cleaned it. After a bit of hustle, it was eaten up in just a few bites. If he hadn''t brought any dry food, he might have gone hungry! "I refuse to believe this. I''ll continue tomorrow!" ... Two days later. Chen Mu left Chen Family Village with a basket of Qiansu Grass on his back and two wild rabbits in hand. He had come to terms with his situation. After wandering for two days, the game he caught was still not enough to eat. The two wild rabbits he held were actually purchased from a hunter in the village! "Nothing is ever that simple." Chen Mu thought dejectedly. At this moment, there were still plenty of fish on the water''s surface, flipping and thrashing as if they were drunk. "If I had known, I would have brought an extra basket," Chen Mu thought with a look of regret. Fortunately, these fish would not die. After a while, they would regain their strength and start jumping again. Chen Mu packed up, sealed the basket tightly, and happily headed back to the city with it on his back. ... At Ping''an Square, at the Chen Family''s place. Only now did Chen Mu realize he had forgotten something. What was he going to do with so many fish? Even if he wanted to keep them, he didn''t have an aquarium. And the journey back from the riverside was not short; half a basket of fish had already died. If he didn''t deal with them quickly, they would soon start to stink and rot! "Misjudgment, lack of thorough consideration," he thought. Without further ado, Chen Mu immediately emptied the rice bin. He put the still-living fish into water to keep them. The dead ones he quickly gutted, descaled, cleaned, salted, and lit a fire to smoke them. He had to make these fish into smoked fish to extend their preservation time. After a busy round of work, he finally got everything processed. "I wonder if this will work." It was his first time making smoked fish, and he was very unsure about it. ... The next day, Chen Mu, smelling the strong salty fishy odor, looked dejected. "It failed." He had tried his best. Unfortunately, his culinary skills were still at First Rank, which wasn''t enough to assist in smoking the fish. "At least there''s still some live fish." Next to the rice bin, there was now an additional water bin. Both filled bins had plenty of fish swimming around in them. "Seems I need to buy a few more water bins." The smoked fish currently didn''t seem reliable. The best storage method, for now, was to keep them alive. "What to do with these fish now? Throw them away?" Chen Mu looked at the half-finished smoked fish hanging on the wooden rack. "I wonder if anyone at East Market would want them?" Despite some fishy smell, they had been roughly preserved with spices and coarse salt and had not completely spoiled. Even he could say that if they were placed in a spot with enough wind, they would dry quickly and turn into real salted fish. Unfortunately, Chen Mu''s home environment obviously didn''t belong in that category. ... Along the street of stalls in East Market. Chen Mu wore a wide-brimmed hat and was dressed in worn brown clothes. His face was also covered with a cloth. He had stained his hands, neck, and skin with medicinal liquid to appear reddish-brown. The entire disguise made him look like a fisherman weathered by wind and sun. He found a cool corner, opened his fish basket, and shouted at the top of his lungs. "Smoked salt fish, thirty copper coins each, first come first served!" Chapter 30 - 30 Bone Transformation As soon as Chen Mu''s call rang out, a crowd immediately surrounded him. "Can you make it cheaper?" "Right, right, right, your fish are starting to smell..." "Twenty copper coins at most!" "Take it or leave it, if not, scram!" Chen Mu deliberately bellowed in a rough voice. "I''ll take one!" "Three! Here''s the money!" "Line up, line up, one by one! Otherwise, all of you can scram!" Chen Mu waved his hands and shouted loudly. Thirty copper coins could only buy you three jin of white wheat. This was meat that had been preserved with salt, each one weighing nearly two jin. Thirty copper coins were a real bargain. Despite his shouting, the crowd still bustled around him. "Dare to steal!" Chen Mu reached out and grabbed a hand. With a snap, he dislocated the wrist. Ow! A cry of pain startled the people nearby, sending a shiver through them! "Get in line! Cause any more trouble, and don''t blame me for being impolite!" Chen Mu roared fiercely. The man with the dislocated wrist was a skinny middle-aged man with a greasy face. Now, clutching his wrist and howling in pain, his eyes fixed on Chen Mu, he surprisingly didn''t run away?! "What, trying to swindle me?" Chen Mu wouldn''t indulge him. Grabbing his arm, snap, crack, Chen Mu also dislocated his shoulder. The skinny middle-aged man immediately turned pale with pain. Meeting Chen Mu''s fierce gaze, he quickly ducked and bowed, turning to run away. This calmed the surrounding crowd right down. They lined up obediently to buy fish. The half-basket of smoked, salted fish sold out quickly. "Will you sell more tomorrow?" someone couldn''t help but ask. "Depends on my mood," Chen Mu replied nonchalantly. Ignoring everyone''s inquiries, he hoisted the bamboo basket onto his back and strode away. Slipping into an alley, he immediately started running. After zigzagging to ensure no one was following, he quickly headed home. "Half a basket, over thirty fish, more than nine hundred copper coins." "Hey, that''s almost one liang of silver," Chen Mu counted the copper coins with a chuckle. This was also thanks to the soaring prices in Qingshan County.@@@@ Normally, fish wouldn''t sell for this price. "In the future, when catching fish, only keep the live ones; the dead ones can be sold in East Market," Chen Mu pondered. With the fish-drugging bait, he wouldn''t be short of fish to eat for a long time to come. "Need to buy two more water tanks. Store more live ones." ... With grain and meat available, his heart was at ease. Ignoring the chaos of the outside world. Chen Mu once again shut his door to grind proficiency. Calling up the grey wall, Chen Mu reviewed his skills. Writing: 1532/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1402/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 4353/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 8539/10000/Second Rank; By his own estimate, he weighed at least over two hundred thirty pounds. But on the outside, he still appeared to be a slim youth of 177 centimeters. "Is this the Bone Transformation Realm?" With a sudden shake, Chen Mu disappeared from his spot. He didn''t feel like he exerted much effort. He was like a flywheel carrying immense inertia. With a whoosh, he was flung more than ten meters away. Hastily reacting, he nearly crashed headlong into a wall. "I''m at least twice as fast as before!" "At this speed, ordinary people can''t even see me." He recalled his first meeting with Officer Lu. The man moved five to six meters in one step. Now, he could easily do the same and even run faster and longer. "Hey! With my speed and build, I can go to more distant river bends and catch even more fish!" "Half for myself, half to exchange for silver, life''s good!" Fried fish pieces, spicy fried fish maw, chopped chili fish head, plus a special secret fish ball soup. Chen Mu prepared for himself a grand feast of fishes. He savored his lunch slowly until about two in the afternoon. After cleaning up the pots and dishes and resting for a moment, he intended to continue improving his Proficiency. The Sleeve Sword Technique was also on the verge of a breakthrough. Thinking it over, he decided to restrain himself. It wasn''t good to be too obsessed. He changed into clean, gray-white clothes and strolled leisurely towards Anle Square''s Ba?fa?ng Building. It had been seven or eight days since he last left the house. ... Passing East Market, he unexpectedly found many funeral joss papers scattered on the ground. Two months earlier, people killed by the marauding soldiers had to be taken out of town through the eastern gate for burial, so encountering funeral joss papers was normal. However, with the defeated soldiers turning into bandits scattered throughout the area, Qingshan County Town had settled down. Seeing joss papers on the streets of East Market again, Chen Mu had an ominous premonition. Ba?fa?ng Building. As usual, he bought a pot of tea and a plate of sunflower seeds, sat in a corner, and listened for news. "Another disaster last night?" "Yes, their bodies were shriveled and thin, just like dried salted fish!" "Isn''t that too strange?!" "I heard some even strangled themselves!" "It must be the work of evil spirits." "Keep your voice down, what if you bring that thing here?" Chen Mu listlessly cracked sunflower seeds, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, "Evil spirits?!" This matter was truly incomprehensible. From his previous memories dating back to his childhood, he''d heard more or less about such bizarre tales. But he had never encountered them before and thus didn''t pay much attention. "Wrong, maybe I''ve encountered it before." Chen Mu''s expression suddenly turned grave. When he was reborn, his predecessor had already died a mysterious death! That could very well have been the work of evil spirits. Chapter 31 - 31 Ghosts ``` "I''ll have to ask someone about this." Chen Mu''s social network was extremely limited. When it came to inquiring about secretive information, he could only think of Jie Jia. This old man was a great assassin, backed by a mysterious organization with the most well-informed intelligence. ... At West Market, Chen Mu made his way to Tianyi Studio like it was his own backyard. As soon as he entered, he couldn''t help but be taken aback. He stepped back and looked at the signboard again, Tianyi Studio, no mistake. Currently, there were neither coffins nor antiques in the store. Three ropes stretched across the ceiling of the room, and hanging from them were peace charms folded into triangles. On the left were four or five curio stands, with rusty bronze mirrors, wooden swords with black lightning-like cracks, and delicate pagodas with little bells... Each and every one was for warding off evil and protecting homes. The city has just been troubled by evil spirits, and you''ve already started selling evil-warding artifacts? Chen Mu cast a calm glance at Jie Jia, who was squinting behind the counter on the right. "Why am I not surprised at all." "What''s the matter?" Jie Jia asked indifferently. Chen Mu unconsciously looked around. He leaned close to the counter and whispered, "What''s this about the city being troubled by evil spirits?" Jie Jia''s eyes slowly rolled, glancing at Chen Mu, and a flash of surprise passed by. Then his expression returned to being as calm as a still well, and he flicked his right index finger out, pointing into the air. Following the direction of his finger, Chen Mu saw the peace charms slowly drifting in the air. Chen Mu was utterly perplexed. Jie Jia said nothing, his eyes rolling once again, glancing at the sleeve of Chen Mu''s left arm. Chen Mu''s face suddenly darkened. "Why can you always find out where I hide my money bag?" Chen Mu understood. "You want me to buy something? Fine!"@@@@ Chen Mu gritted his teeth and plucked off a peace charm. "Can you talk now?" "Five silver pieces." Jie Jia flipped his right hand and extended it in front of Chen Mu, speaking faintly. Chen Mu: "..." Extortionist! He had no choice but to pay up. After all, who else had a monopoly on information? Jie Jia flipped his right hand over, and the five silver pieces disappeared. "Qingshan County Government Office has an Evil-Repelling Mirror, there''s no problem," Jie Jia said calmly. Chen Mu''s heart relaxed. An Evil-Repelling Mirror? The County Government Office has such a treasure? Immediately, he became suspicious again: "That''s not right, a lot of people have died recently due to the evil spirits in the city." "There are always some that slip through the net," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was momentarily at a loss. "What if I come across one?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Accept your fate." Chen Mu immediately felt a tightness in his chest. "What exactly are these evil spirits?" Chen Mu asked irritably, "Is there a way to counter them?" The existence of evil spirits is not something new. Da Liang had coexisted with evil spirits for countless centuries. There had to be methods of dealing with them. But if it doesn''t work... Could they even come back to return it?! Chen Mu could only return home with a dejected expression. "I''m just an ordinary citizen; as much as I hate it, there''s nothing I can do." "Qingshan County is so big, it''s not possible I''d just happen to encounter an evil spirit, right?" Chen Mu comforted himself. "Forget it, better to stay indoors as much as possible." "Stay away from places crowded with people, avoid places with few people, and steer clear of places known for sinister events." "Sigh, leave it to fate..." ... West Market, Tianyi Studio. Early in the morning, Jie Jia opened the door. As usual, he cleaned and wiped down the shop inside and out until it was spotless. Then he sat up straight behind the counter. These past few days, the city was abuzz with talk of evil spirits. The Evil-warding Treasures he sold here were doing fairly well. As for whether they worked? That would only be known if one actually encountered an evil spirit. A number of customers came in one after the other all morning. There was even a wealthy family who commissioned an Exquisite Pagoda from him. He raked in a full sixty-six silver pieces! The delighted Jie Jia could not help but raise his eyelids a notch higher. Around noon, just as he was preparing to go out for lunch. An enticing aroma wafted into his nostrils. He couldn''t help but salivate at the scent. This kind of delicacy, he had only smelled such soul-stirring deliciousness once before at Da Liang''s capital''s Number One Restaurant. There were no restaurants or eateries in the area. Which household was cooking? They truly had remarkable culinary skills. Shaking his head as he was about to leave. Suddenly, a familiar feeling struck himdidn''t he recognize this aroma? Instinctively, he followed the scent out of Tianyi Studio. He wound around the corner and walked toward the residential area behind Tianyi Studio. The more he walked and smelled, the more familiar the aroma became. Somehow, an image of a familiar figure flashed through his mind. Looking at the house before him, how was it that it adjoined the back wall of Tianyi Studio?! Jie Jia leaped over the wall and into the yard. He looked up to see a familiar figure wearing an apron and carrying a dish. Chen Mu: "..." "What a coincidence, why not share a bite?" Jie Jia: "..." The aroma was indeed becoming more familiar. "Don''t get me wrong, I really didn''t add anything extra to the dish this time," Chen Mu said earnestly. "Why are you here?" Jie Jia asked, his face darkening. Chen Mu explained seriously: "I had someone check it out, this place is a Feng Shui treasure land, living here can avert calamities and prolong life." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu speechlessly. Can''t you come up with a more reliable reason? "You aren''t planning to use me as a deterrent for ghosts, are you?" Jie Jia, recalling the other party''s recent actions, suddenly widened his eyes. Thinking I''m not afraid of ghosts, so he moved in right next to me? What am I, a paperweight?! "Jie Lao, honestly, you really have too many misunderstandings about me!" Chen Mu sighed with an expression of helplessness. Jie Jia''s face instantly turned black. Chapter 32 - 32 Stability ``` Behind Tianyi Studio, only a wall apart. Jie Jia carefully chewed on a piece of crystal pork elbow, the fresh and salty taste continuously assaulting his taste buds, saliva secreted like crazy, making his eyelids involuntarily lift a fraction. He glanced at Chen Mu unexpectedly. The scholar has this skill too? "If you like it, have more!" Chen Mu offered enthusiastically. "I won''t be staying at Tianyi Studio tonight," Jie Jia said indifferently. You think I''ll help you deter the ghosts, you''ve probably miscalculated! "No worries, I won''t be staying here tonight either," Chen Mu replied indifferently. As long as you''re here during the day, that''s fine. Old man Jie Jia talked about ghosts without changing his expression. Chen Mu had long guessed that this old fellow had ways to deal with ghosts. He immediately rented the residence next to Tianyi Studio for a high price. Contrary to popular belief, ghosts aren''t afraid of sunlight, they just dislike it. Thus, there''s still a risk during the day.@@@@ Jie Jia unexpectedly glanced at Chen Mu. So assured and fearless? Forget it, don''t think about it, just eat. You can''t let this deliciousness go to waste. After gulping down the last sip of fish ball soup, Jie Jia burped with satisfaction. It wouldn''t be a bad idea to let this scholar live here. As long as he doesn''t add anything, at least the meals are enjoyable. Since that''s the case, I might as well charge a little less silver, "Ten taels per month." Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with a face full of surprise, "Is this residence yours?" "No, it isn''t," Jie Jia responded, baffled. "Then how can you charge me rent?" Chen Mu asked seriously. Jie Jia: "..." Am I charging you rent? It''s a fee for warding off evil! "Old Jie might not know, but the rent is paid three months in advance, and I''ve already paid it; there''s no need for you to collect it for me," Chen Mu said with a smile. I won''t give it, let''s see if you''ve got the guts to move out. Jie Jia: "..." ... As evening came, the skies darkened. Chen Mu had his dinner early. Locking his home door, he walked unhurriedly toward the north of the town. He tried to stick to the main roads where people could be seen. Soon, he arrived in front of a residence. Pulling out a key, he unlocked the brand-new copper lock and pushed the door open to enter. This was a three-section large residence. All the courtyards he rented previously put together weren''t as big as this one. The rent was also not cheap, costing five taels of silver a month. In comparison, his previous residence cost only one tael of silver for an entire year. It had truly transcended him beyond ordinary humans. Carrying two baskets of fish, Chen Mu, using the Sprinting Style of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, headed straight for Qingshan County. ... East Market "Fresh river fish, thirty copper coins each, first come first served, hurry while stocks last!" A rough voice suddenly exploded in the streets of East Market. "Fishmonger, it''s been a while since you''ve come to sell fish!" "I''m in a good mood today!" Chen Mu, still wearing his bamboo hat and grey clothes, masqueraded with a Yin-Yang face as Yang Zhi. "Well, what''s the good news?" "Are you buying or not? I don''t have time to waste on chit-chat, pay up!" "Hey! This brute..." A basket of fish was quickly sold out. Before noontime, Chen Mu was heading back to his new house in West Market with an empty basket. Ever since he rented this courtyard, he spent his days there practicing and grinding Proficiency. He hadn''t given up his original room. After moving some food and medicine supplies there, he sealed it off to use as a secret storage. With the Ghost crisis temporarily averted, Chen Mu settled down. Though he was curious about the Ghosts, he refrained from inquiring further. With his current strength, actively pursuing them would be courting death. And with the Proficiency cheat he possessed, he would eventually master the Shape Cultivation to the highest level. When he no longer feared the Ghosts, he could investigate without fear and even catch a couple to guard his home. Afterward, he practiced during the day behind Tianyi Studio and slept in the courtyard next to the Zuo Family house at night. Every three or four days, he went to catch fish. Initialy to eat meat and earn money. Lately, he had grown fonder of the feeling of running at extreme speeds in the wilderness. The thrill of speeding was indeed blood-pumping. And the feeling of achieving sixty kilometers an hour on foot was euphoria-inducing! He thus became even more passionate about grinding Proficiency, working day and night without rest. One night, half a month later, Chen Mu successfully progressed the Sleeve Sword Technique to Second Rank. Writing: 1576/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1443/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 5753/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 409/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 6226/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 2152/10000/Second Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 16/10000/Second Rank; Glancing at the data on the grey wall, he flicked his wrist, and a Dagger appeared in his hand. With another flick, the dagger vanished. With a thought, A hole suddenly appeared in the wooden pillar beside him. Secret, swift, a concentrated strike. The Second Rank Sleeve Sword Technique allowed him to instantaneously complete a series of actions: unsheathing the dagger, piercing the wooden pillar, and hiding the weapon again. Chapter 33 - 33 Bailang Chen Mu had been a socially anxious homebody in his previous life. The only bit of passion he had was for anime. Even after arriving in a new world, he felt the desire to look around everywhere, but in reality, he still preferred to stay at home. So, it''s very difficult for people to change. Even after switching worlds, it''s just a change of environment, continuing life as before. But it wasn''t as if there were no changes. In the past, he would never practice a skill so fervently that he would forget to sleep or eat. So actually, it''s not difficult for people to want to change. As long as that change can easily give a sense of achievement. Shape Cultivation Technique, Flying Locust Stone, Sleeve Sword Techniquethese supernatural powers that only existed in novels and anime in his former lifeChen Mu now possessed them all and could clearly feel himself getting stronger little by little. How could he not be addicted to that? ... Besides holing up at home to practice, he had picked up a new hobbyrunning in the wilderness. The feeling of the wind blowing past his ears told Chen Mu that he was no longer the same as an ordinary person. East Gate of Qingshan County. Chen Mu had deliberately taken a detour to arrive at the East Gate from the direction of the South Gate, just so he could have a longer run in the deserted outdoors. It''s incredible to think about. The fatty who in his past life wouldn''t move all day now actually enjoyed running? East Market. Chen Mu, wearing a conical bamboo hat, dressed in grey, his skin dyed suntan brown, and his face painted with birthmarks as a disguise. "Fresh live fish, thirty Copper Coins each, first come first served!" Chen Mu shouted in a rough voice. The servants of various families, who had already been scouting around, immediately gathered. Goods were still scarce in Qingshan County. Fresh live fish was a rare type of meat. The appearance of Chen Mu, the fisherman, had long been noted by the observant. As soon as he showed up, a frenzy of buying would begin. Two baskets of live fish were quickly sold out. Carrying the empty baskets and with a string of Copper Coins in his arms, Chen Mu strode away. But as he was walking, two brawny men in grey tunics blocked his path. On their exposed arms, they bore blue wave-like tattoos. Their dark faces were covered in horizontal creases. At the moment, they were looking at Chen Mu with smiling faces. "Fisherman, you''ve got a good opportunity," one said. "Our Bailang Gang has a big deal to discuss with you!" Chen Mu looked at the two men without any surprise. The third time he sold a large quantity of fish, he had noticed someone discreetly watching. Now they finally couldn''t help but come out. "Alright," Chen Mu said calmly.@@@@ The two members of the Bailang Gang were surprised. This fisherman was just too composed, wasn''t he? "You know what''s good for you!" the two of them snorted coldly, "Come with us." Noticing Chen Mu''s entrance, Jie Jia''s eyes shifted for a glance, then he began to pick up the silver beans from the stone table, one by one, cradling them in his palm. With a flip of his wrist, they swooshed up his sleeve, disappearing without a trace. Chen Mu was used to Jie Jia''s peculiar hobby. He glanced and then proceeded inside to "unload his disguise." ... An hour later Fragrant pan-fried fish cutlets, boiled fish slices, mixed cold vegetables, fishball soup, and plain bread C a full-flavored spread adorned the stone table. "I''d like to inquire about something," Chen Mu said, picking up a slice of boiled fish. "Speak," Jie Jia said, chewing a fishball with squinted eyes. "Do you know of the Bailang Gang?" Chen Mu asked. Jie Jia thought for a moment with narrowed eyes, "Two Silver Pieces." "Agreed," Chen Mu nodded. "I''ll tell you after the meal," Jie Jia said, taking a bite of the refreshingly sour vegetables, nodding in satisfaction. "Run into trouble?" Jie Jia asked tantalizingly, "I could help you take care of them." "No, thanks," Chen Mu waved his hand, "I can''t afford that price." "I could give you a discount," Jie Jia coaxed earnestly. "A ten percent discount?" Chen Mu asked with feigned excitement. Jie Jia: "..." Go cool off wherever it is cool! ... At night, in the residence next to the Zuo Family''s. Chen Mu lit the oil lamp and closely examined the note in his hand. Zhang Ye, the leader of the Bailang Gang, had three hall chiefs under him and was the largest gang in the East Market. Including Anle Square, a majority of the bustling East Market area was under the control of the Bailang Gang. They were rumored to have dubious ties with a major clan inside the city. Xinyou Alley was the gang''s main stronghold. Everyday task assignments, major consultations, and financial distributions were all carried out there. "East Market, Xinyou Alley..." Chen Mu pondered for a long while and heaved a sigh of helplessness. "This world is too unfriendly to ordinary people." All he did was sell fish, yet it had attracted covetous gazes. People approached him with the intention of forcing out his fishing recipe. "Even if I gave it to them, I wouldn''t be left in peace." To ensure the recipe''s confidentiality, his own fate would probably not be a pleasant one. Being coerced into joining the Bailang Gang as an underling might be the best outcome. And if he were to run into someone ruthless, they might well silence him harshly. "Why can''t one simply be a good person?" Chapter 34 - 34 Enigmatic Deity At dawn, Xinyou Alley The Bailang Gang''s minor leader, Miao Bai, entered the alley with a face full of bad luck. Two burly men with sullen faces followed him. "Still haven''t found that fisherman?" Miao Bai asked, his tone unfriendly. "That guy is as slippery as a fish. In the blink of an eye, he''s gone. These past two days, we''ve scoured Qingshan County at least five times, yet haven''t caught a glimpse of him." "Useless!" Miao Bai''s face darkened. He had told the gang leader before that he had found a way to make a fortune. Yet, there were still no results. Lately, the gang leader''s glances at him had turned sour. "Boss Bai, it''s not like we''ve come back empty-handed." "Shun Liu, who mingles at the city gates, said the fisherman lives inside the city. He saw him leaving the city with an empty basket." Miao Bai''s expression softened. If the man was a city dweller, it would be easy to handle. The Bailang Gang had its ways; as long as he continued selling fish, they would surely catch him. "Later, when we see the gang leader, explain everything in detail. We''ll ask the leader to send some more people. I refuse to believe we can''t find one single fisherman!" Miao Bai''s heart bled. If the matter was escalated, even if they eventually succeeded, his credit would be shared. It was supposed to be his achievement. But now... Miao Bai glared fiercely at the two men behind him. The trio headed down Xinyou Alley, a route they knew well. "Boss Bai, why is it so quiet?" A brawny man behind him asked in surprise. Miao Bai''s heart skipped a beat.@@@@ On any normal day, Xinyou Alley would be bustling with activity. In the morning, various leaders and gang heads would gather here to receive their assignments; it was always bustling with noise. Why was it so quiet now? They arrived at the entrance of the Bailang Gang''s base. The gate stood wide open, but there was no gatekeeper to be seen. The expressions on all three men''s faces changed in an instant. "Could our base have been wiped out by another gang?" Cautiously, they entered the gate. "Boss Bai, should we run for it?" the other brawny man suggested quietly. "What''s the panic? Let''s go in and see clearly!" Miao Bai mustered his courage and turned the corner to face the entrance wall. He saw that the large courtyard was strayed with bodies lying askew everywhere! Miao Bai''s heart gave a violent thud: "It''s over!" Just as he thought about fleeing, something didn''t seem right. The fellow lying not far away was a minor leader with whom he had conflicts. That person was lying on the ground, with his mouth askew and eyes crossed, but his eyeballs were still moving. Not dead? Just as he moved forward to check, he suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. All three of them thudded to the ground simultaneously. Before Miao Bai hit the ground, he couldn''t help but glance towards the inner courtyard''s main hall. He barely made out the sight of the gang leader and the three hall masters, all slumped in the main hall on their seats. Their faces were flushed red, their eyes unfocused, looking like drunken cats who had imbibed too much. The Bailang Gang had been caught in a trap, all at once! ... Turning his head, his vision blurred, and the knife handle appeared to have doubled. He instinctively reached out again and once more grabbed at nothing. His head heated up, his eyes bloodshot, tears unconsciously flowed out, as if he were drunk. A bad feeling swept over him. He looked up hazily. The three hall masters, who had moments before been so sure of themselves, were now slumped in their chairs, their mouths askew and their eyes crooked, on the verge of sliding under the table. Hall master Jia Da''s right hand fumbled towards his chest, but his trembling hand couldn''t even grasp the vial of antidote. As he watched the small porcelain bottle roll to the center of the hall, he was utterly helpless to stop it. Zhang Ye: "..." Fuck! We''ve been fucking tricked again! ... Outside the great hall, beneath the window, Chen Mu stood silently in the shadows, putting away his yellow gourd. "This bunch is really hard to please. To invite you all for a drink of the gourd, I had to personally come over." "Ah, what can we do? Isn''t asking for a favor always about humbling oneself?" "Even though I''m just a humble fisherman?" Chen Mu tucked the gourd into his waistband and stealthily followed behind a patrol pair. Everywhere he passed, gang members collapsed like drunkards, thudding to the ground, motionless. In no time at all, the entire Xin You Alley fell silent once more. ... Behind Tianyi Studio in the west of the city. Chen Mu hummed a tune as he stir-fried noisily in the kitchen. Today he made a good sale of two baskets of fish, netting him an extra two taels of silver. On his way, he stopped by Zheng Tu''s place, surprisingly finding it open. Chen Mu couldn''t help but buy two elbow joints to take home, one of which had been stewing in the clay pot for half an hour. Before long, a fragrant braised pork elbow was served at the table. Next to the stone table under the grapevine. Jie Jia was rolling silver balls. Next to him lay a pile of at least two hundred Silver Pieces. "Is the assassination business really that lucrative?" Chen Mu asked enviously. "It depends on the market," Jie Jia said, focused on rolling the balls. "Looks like the market''s been good lately," Chen Mu commented sourly. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said, "I picked these up." Chen Mu''s eyes widened in disbelief. Where can you just pick up so much silver? Why didn''t I ever come across such good fortune? Seeming to know Chen Mu''s question, Jie Jia put away the silver ball he had rolled and packed the Silver Pieces into a cloth bag, tucking it into his waist. Then with an indifferent expression, he said, "I picked it up in Xin You Alley." Why does that place sound so familiar? "In that alley, there was a large house with money bags lying all over the floor, unclaimed, so I simply picked them up," Jie Jia said as he used his chopstick to pinch a bit of tender pigskin and slowly chewed with an air of pleasure. Chen Mu: "..." That should have all been mine! "I''m also curious, you put them all down, why didn''t you go through their pockets?" Jie Jia asked sincerely. "I fucking forgot!" Chapter 35 - 35 Theft ``` At that moment, Chen Mu felt that even the braised pork knuckle wasn''t...well, the knuckle was still very fragrant. But his heartache was genuine. All he had thought about was treating someone to a drink. And they had thoroughly enjoyed it. He, on the other hand, had completely forgotten about the return gift. It had been so long since he gave gifts, he was getting rusty at it. Chen Mu looked enviously at the Jie Jia money pouch. "Take a few more glances, because soon, you won''t be able to see it," Jie Jia said nonchalantly, sipping his fish soup. Chen Mu felt a sudden tightness in his chest. ... Four days later, in a large courtyard house in the East Market''s Blue Armor Lane. Some thirty or forty gang members were sprawled on the ground, sound asleep. In a room of the inner courtyard. Zhang Ye was kneeling on the floor, leaning on the handle of his knife. He shook his head vigorously, trying his best to open his heavy eyelids. But he shook too hard, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, his nose bleeding profusely. After struggling briefly, he quickly fell into a deep slumber. Chen Mu emerged from a small alley behind the house and approached the front gate. "Even if you move, I can still find you!" With a bamboo hat on his head, dressed in gray, and half his face painted blue, he resembled a mighty Liang Mountain outlaw. Standing at the entrance of the room, he glanced in, then carefully shut the door: "Better not go in, they might just be faking it." Moving swiftly to the courtyard, he grinned at the sight of the Bailang Gang members lying all over the ground. If he was to play the role of a Liang Mountain outlaw, he might as well do something they would do. So he began to search each of them. Two quarters of an hour later, Chen Mu weighed the cloth bag in his hand with disappointment. "I came too early." After thoroughly searching, he could only find a little more than twenty taels of silver. It must be because Jie Jia was too ruthless, making these guys too scared to carry money on them lately. He eyed the firmly shut doors, considering the people inside must be quite wealthy. Then he shook his head again. "Forget it, better play it safe," he thought. "After all, these are the gang leaders we''re talking about. Who knows what kind of ace they might have up their sleeve." "I''d better get going and sell my fish." With that in mind, Chen Mu carefully made his way to the back wall and quickly scaled it to leave Blue Armor Lane.@@@@ ... With his Second Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, the power of the Mesmerizing Divine Incense was formidable. No matter how much the Bailang Gang struggled, a single gourd of it was guaranteed to knock them out. Over the next few encounters, the gang leader Zhang Ye came up with various strategies. He tried many antidotes. "How about joining Zhu Yi Pavilion?" Jie Jia beside the stone table couldn''t help but lift his eyelids, "I can help you with a referral." This Sleeve Sword Technique is perfect for assassination. "Half of the referral bonus for me?" Chen Mu said coolly. With a twist of his wrist, the dagger disappeared into his sleeve. "Just eat the melon." Jie Jia picked up a slice of chilled watermelon and began to eat it, utterly avoiding the subject of joining the Zhu Yi Pavilion. This melon was recently bought by Chen Mu. To enjoy a bite of something cold in this scorching heat, he especially labored for a few days on his Pharmaceutical Technique, which led him to find a natural mineral similar to saltpeter from his previous life. He used it to make ice by absorbing heat upon contact with water. "Can you tell me who paid to have me killed?" Chen Mu sat down and slurped a cool bite of watermelon. "I can," said Jie Jia indifferently. "Aren''t assassins supposed to keep their employer''s identity a secret?" Chen Mu asked in surprise. Jie Jia''s eyes moved, casting a glance at Chen Mu. Chen Mu immediately nodded in understanding, "As long as the price is right, right?" "Want to know?" Jie Jia put down the watermelon and stared at Chen Mu. "Not interested," Chen Mu replied immediately, enjoying another mouthful of the chilled watermelon. Jie Jia: "..." If you didn''t want to know, then why mention it? Chen Mu cheerfully continued to eat his melon. After all, they were already dead, and knowing or not made no difference. After finishing the watermelon and tidying up the table, Chen Mu took a short rest before continuing to practice the Sleeve Sword Technique under the shade of a shelter. The Shape Cultivation Technique had made him resistant to extremes of cold and heat, so he could endure this fiery weather as well. But moving swiftly under the sun not only raised his external temperature, his body also generated immense internal heat. Becoming heated inside and out was truly torturous. Practicing the Sleeve Sword Technique under the shade was much more comfortable. He could wait until dusk, when the sun was setting, to resume his hardcore Shape Cultivation. "Lately, there seem to be more incidents of ghosts causing trouble in the city," said Chen Mu, as the dagger in his hand appeared and disappeared, "Do you know the reason?" "There shouldn''t be," Jie Jia paused while playing with his silver beads, a puzzled expression on his face, "With the Evil-Repelling Mirror, there shouldn''t be so many that slip through." But in reality, over these past few months, although the supernatural disturbances had not been continuous, they kept occurring. Chen Mu involuntarily stopped his sword practice. "Could it be that there''s something wrong with the Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu expressed his concern. "Likely," Jie Jia contemplated and nodded, "More than ten years ago, I encountered a similar situation in Jiuyang County of Yanshan Prefecture. The city''s Evil-Repelling Mirror was stolen, and suddenly the number of ghost disturbances increased sharply." "How was it resolved?" Chen Mu eagerly asked. "Simple, the higher authorities sent down another Evil-Repelling Mirror," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu''s brows furrowed deeply. Nowadays, Da Liang was in constant chaos from natural and man-made disasters, and everything was in complete disarray. The fact that Qingshan County''s magistrate had been missing for over half a year hadn''t bothered anyone. To say that Qingshan County belonged to Da Liang was an understatement it was practically owned by the Li Family who held the position of county chief! There was no real higher authority to speak of. Glancing at the unperturbed Jie Jia, Chen Mu became more certain that the old man must have ways to deal with ghosts. Looking at the silver beads in the other man''s hand, Chen Mu shook his head in resignation. He couldn''t afford such a high-level bodyguard. Chapter 36 - 36 Departure Intentions Evil disturbances were frequent, and Chen Mu had no good solutions. During the day, he kept close to Jie Jia, and at night, he took refuge next to the Zuo Family. Both of them were beings capable of dealing with ghosts. At the same time, he also hastened to increase his proficiency in the Shape Cultivation Technique. Jie Jia once said that once the Shape Cultivation Technique was greatly achieved, it would have a slight ability to resist ghosts. ... At night, a sudden scream woke Chen Mu from his deep sleep. The voice was filled with terror as if encountering something extremely horrifying. Chen Mu immediately got up and ran to the window to listen quietly. Yet, outside, it was all quiet, not even the sound of insects on a summer night. Ghosts?! Was it that close?! That scream from just now was not far from his location. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have heard it so clearly. Chen Mu dared not go back to sleep. He dressed and sat by the door, ready to flee at any moment. He stayed nervously vigilant all night long. Only when dawn broke did he cautiously step out of his room. On his way to the house in the west of the city, Chen Mu encountered a group of yamen bailiffs. They had surrounded a small alley, blocking the curious onlookers around. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look over. All he saw was pitch blackness in the alley, as if a large fire had swept through. A tightness gripped Chen Mu''s heart. Yesterday afternoon, when he passed by here, the alley was still in good condition. The entire alley was charred black; the fire must have been intense. But he hadn''t seen any flames from midnight till morning, nor had he heard any noise. The thought made him tense up at once. Could it be the work of ghosts? He didn''t dare to look any longer and hastened away. Before leaving, he also noticed the figure of Zuo Family''s eldest son amid the crowd. The other party had a grave expression, staring intently at the pitch-black alley. Chen Mu grew even more anxious. Even the Zuo Family''s eldest son took it so seriously, this incident must have something to do with the disturbances! Weren''t ghosts only supposed to scare and possess people? How could they also set fires without a sound? ... "Ghosts vary in strength," Jie Jia said indifferently behind Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu smacked his lips, feeling uneasy. He didn''t even know how to deal with ordinary ghosts, and now there was a powerful one. "Wouldn''t the magistrate of Li think of something? After all, this Qingshan County is under the control of the Li Family, right?!" Chen Mu said annoyedly. "The direct descendants of the Li Family have been sent to Nanyang Prefecture," Jie Jia said blandly. "Would he really give up such a big family business?" Chen Mu asked in disbelief. Was he planning to sneak away?! "He hasn''t left himself," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said calmly. Chen Mu shut all the doors and windows tightly. He didn''t dare to light any lamps, and every action was made silently, for fear that any noise might attract ghosts. Groping in the dark, he took out a clay pot from under the bed. Chen Mu sat at the square table in the room, pouring out a pile of silver pieces and copper coins from the clay pot to count. He spoke lightly during the day, but it was mainly to tease Jie Jia. He had no friendship with Cheng Yi. It was good enough that they weren''t enemies. From their few interactions, that snooty priest had never shown any good attitude towards him. In a real crisis, he might indeed need to spend money to have Jie Jia escort him away. One hundred and fifty-six taels of silver, nine hundred and sixty-seven copper coins. "It''s not quite enough," he murmured. Given old man Jie Jia''s greedy nature. He wasn''t sure if this was enough to hire him. "The Bailang Gang is no good either," Chen Mu said with dissatisfaction. Lately, those fellows were getting shrewder. They didn''t carry a single copper coin on them. Last time, that Master Jia of theirs got drunk and was found with only a tael of silver pieces after being searched. Master Jia, the leader of the three gang bosses of the Bailang Gang, only had a tael of silver on himthat was just shamefully low! "Just in time, I''ll be going to sell fish tomorrow. I might as well have a chat with that leader Zhang," Chen Mu thought aloud. As the boss of the gang, he should be wealthier than the gang leaders, right? ... The next day, in a civilian house on the western side of Cheng Jia Alley. A few members of the Bailang Gang were patrolling. "Don''t leave after we disband this afternoon. Big bro here will take you to Anle Square for some fun," declared the youthful leader with a grand gesture. "Did your wife come into some good fortune yesterday? She didn''t take away your monthly salary?" taunted a gang member from behind. "Go away! Why should I give her my salary silver!" the leader retorted, stroking his bald head and sticking his neck out stubbornly. "Big bro''s got backbone!" "Big brother is mighty!" "Haha..." The young leader wasn''t upset being teased by his subordinates, and he just chuckled, "I told her I was going to buy her some rouge from Apricot Blossom House today." "And you still dare to invite us to drink and be merry? Without money for rouge, ain''t you afraid your wife will scratch you?" "Haha..." "A clever man has his own ways," the young leader said, looking self-satisfied. "I''ll just say that I ran into that toxic customer again today, and all my money got snatched awaygone!" The gang members suddenly gaped. "Why didn''t I think of that!" one short, plump gang member immediately started banging his head in frustration. "Hehe!" The young leader smirked with pride, his bald head seeming even shinier for a moment. The next moment, however, he suddenly felt dizzy, and when he looked up at the sky, there seemed to be two suns. A bad premonition suddenly crept into his heart. Turning his head, he saw that his subordinates had already skillfully collapsed under the shade of a large tree. He had just taken two steps when he fell to the ground with a thud. This familiar sensation... Fuck! Chapter 37 - 37 Cost ``` Chen Mu jumped over the courtyard wall and saw a group of people lying on the ground beneath the tree. There was one particularly bald man lying in the sun, his scalp shining brightly. Chen Mu crouched down and searched for a while, actually finding several silver pieces! What a great start! He couldn''t help but look forward to checking the rest of the gang sprawled under the tree. Unfortunately, before long, Chen Mu walked toward the inner courtyard with a face full of gloom. After a few steps, he felt dissatisfied. He turned back and dragged everyone lying under the tree out into the sun. Then he placed the bald guy back in the shade and arranged him in a comfortable position. After all, the man had paid. After that, he strode into the inner courtyard. There were even more gang members lying all over the place. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu, carrying a Ghost Head Greatknife and looking profoundly distressed, left Dengjia Alley. A gang leader without even a copper coin on him?! His lackeys had more than he did! He had sought Jie Jia for information, intentionally heading to the Bailang Gang leader''s headquarters. He had hoped to make a fortune, but after all that busyness, he only ended up with four silver pieces and a few dozen copper coins. "And they dare call themselves people of society?" "I might as well stick to selling fish!" "What a disgrace!" Chen Mu was quite indignant. It seemed that the Bailang Gang spot was finished. A whole gourd of Mesmerizing Divine Incense wasted. "Let''s hope this knife is worth something." Being the personal weapon of a gang leader, it should... perhaps be quite valuable. But a gang leader without a penny doesn''t inspire much confidence. ... Inside the Zuo Family mansion. The patriarch of the Zuo family, Zuo Quan, was sitting in the main hall with a brooding expression. "Fifty thousand silver pieces per household, that Qian Shan is really exploiting our misfortune," Zuo Sheng said with an equally unpleasant expression. "It''s extortion, but if the County Government Office doesn''t have an evil-warding artifact to suppress the unrest, no one will sleep peacefully," Zuo Quan sighed. "Especially since our Zuo family has already been plagued by evil spirits. Didn''t that Qian Shan also say that families like ours are most likely to attract evil spirits again?" "Hmph! I think he has ulterior motives!" Zuo Sheng said coldly. "Will he harm us?" Zuo Quan immediately grew worried. "Father, we need to plan ahead," Zuo Sheng said, narrowing his eyes. "What do you suggest, Sheng Er?" "Let''s move, to Nanyang Prefecture," Zuo Sheng said decisively. "Moving... I''ll think about it, think about it some more," Zuo Quan was a bit hesitant, "Don''t we still have Qingfeng Observatory?" "Qingfeng Observatory..." Zuo Sheng frowned deeply. Qingfeng Observatory had a loud reputation, but it was unclear whether they truly had the capability. He didn''t want to entrust his life to others. "I still recommend moving," Zuo Sheng said after some thought, resolute. "Alright," Zuo Quan frowned and pondered for a moment, finally nodding, "You focus on your martial arts practice, I will arrange everything." "Those who are selected will immediately receive a payment of one silver or one hundred and twenty jin of white wheat as a home establishment fee." "They will be provided with three meals a day and ten copper coins. Those who are willing to work, hurry to the east gate to register." No sooner had the official fallen silent than a large crowd ran toward the east gate. The cost of living was soaring, making life difficult. The home establishment fee of one hundred and twenty jin of white wheat, plus three meals a day, was a very good job for the common folk. Chen Mu stood on the outskirts of the crowd and listened attentively. "A prayer and sacrifice altar?" "Is this Qingfeng Observatory''s method of fighting against ghosts?" "Did the County Government Office finally ask for Qingfeng Observatory''s help?" Chen Mu was quite pleased. Does that mean he doesn''t need to leave? He very much wanted to see the outside world, yet he didn''t wish to leave his familiar environment. This was probably why small characters always remain small characters. Chen Mu shook his head to cast aside these messy thoughts. If he had just arrived in this world, he certainly would have signed up enthusiastically like those commoners. Now... the salary and benefits were a bit too poor for his liking. Dodging the surging crowd on the street, Chen Mu hurried home. He needed to find out more information from Jie Jia. He had to confirm Qingfeng Observatory''s capability. ... "I don''t know," said Jie Jia indifferently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia in surprise. "Using a Magic Artifact comes with a price," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu. "Feng Ren''s strength is passable. But to protect the entire city, no matter the Magic Artifact, he can''t afford the price," said Jie Jia calmly. It wasn''t Chen Mu''s first time hearing about Magic Artifacts but he had not expected that using them came with a cost. "Do all Magic Artifacts require a price?" "Can you go without eating?" Jie Jia counter-asked. Chen Mu immediately understood. Just as fuel cars need petrol, computers need electricity and people need to eat, Magic Artifacts have special abilities, but they require energy to work. "What''s the cost of using the Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu was curious. Such an item belonged to the official distribution of Evil-warding Artifacts in Da Liang, and almost every city at the county level or above had one. "I don''t know. It seems to be related to some kind of sacrifice," Jie Jia said, uncertain. "Different Magic Artifacts have all sorts of bizarre costs. Some need water, some need meat, some require lightning strikes, and others require burning..." Chen Mu listened with great interest. He was extremely curious about these items. Originally, he thought he was in a mere world of martial arts. But with the appearance of ghosts and Magic Artifacts, Chen Mu felt that this world held many more mysteries. "Are they that picky?" Chen Mu said with a chuckle, "What else is there?" Jie Jia clammed up, his eyeballs shifting towards Chen Mu''s money pouch from beneath his eyelids. Chen Mu turned his head and went to practice the Sleeve Sword Technique. After toiling for over two months, his Sleeve Sword Technique was about to reach the Third Rank. As for information about Magic Artifacts, he could find out more when he had the chance. For now, he wouldn''t let the old man take advantage of him. Chapter 38 - 38 Paper Human Sheng Ye Square, inside a large mansion. Bailang Gang leader Zhang Ye had just paid one month''s rent. He didn''t pay more, uncertain if he might have to move next month. The main hall of the inner courtyard. Zhang Ye sat at the head seat. A dark-faced burly man sat on his lower left. Behind him stood two similarly broad-shouldered and stout men. Their temperament and demeanor were quite fierce. "Leader Zhang, let''s stick to the old rules. The grain and goods will leave the city tomorrow morning. My people will take over at the South Gate, here is the deposit." The dark-faced burly man pulled out a grey cloth money bag and handed it to Zhang Ye. You could see hesitation in Zhang Ye''s bearded face as he looked at it without taking it. "What? Leader Zhang wouldn''t be thinking of raising the price again, would you?!" The color on the burly man''s face darkened instantly. Their purchase price for grain was already thirty percent higher than the market rate. Over the past few months, prices had gone up twice in succession. This Zhang Ye still wanted to increase the price, insatiable! Zhang Ye was hesitant in his heart, not knowing whether to speak up or not. Seeing Zhang Ye hemming and hawing, the dark-faced man immediately became furious. The crooks from Ai Mountain were just a band of desperados. Being continuously manipulated and forced, a sense of murderous intent was stirring in their hearts. After all, it was merely a gang of local rogues within the city. Sneaky schemes they could handle, but in a real fight, they could be wiped out with the flip of a hand! "No price hike," Zhang Ye spoke up to quell the other''s anger, "it''s just a change in the payment method." The dark-faced man frowned, "Money upfront, goods exchanged, that was the deal we had. It''s not possible to pay for the goods first." "No need to pay first. Just deposit the deposit and payment for the goods in the Datong Money House," said Zhang Ye. "Doing business on Bailang Gang''s territory, we don''t accept cash," Zhang Ye said in a low voice. The dark-faced man looked at Zhang Ye with puzzlement. Some strange new rule. Suddenly, he thought of a piece of information forwarded by an undercover element in the city. His face immediately took on a mocking tone, "I heard that the Bailang Gang got played and suffered heavy losses. It can''t be true, can it?" Zhang Ye''s complexion darkened, and he said nothing. "Heh..." The dark-faced burly man immediately sneered with disdain. To think they were called the top gang in the city. Nothing but a mob! Zhang Ye''s face looked unpleasant, but he didn''t retort. "Would you like for me to leave some brothers to lend you a hand?" the dark-faced burly man snickered suggestively, pretending to be helpful. Zhang Ye''s face flushed with anger as he reached for the Ghost Head Greatknife. Touching the blade, which he had recovered from the Ghost Market, the fury in Zhang Ye''s heart gradually subsided. If one''s own skills were not as good, they couldn''t blame others for their mockery. In the past few months, this kind of teasing and ridicule wasn''t the first he''d heard. "We don''t accept cash silver," Zhang Ye repeated in a muffled voice. The dark-faced man chuckled derisively and tucked the money bag back into his chest. Indeed, the man was spineless. He didn''t even dare to resist. The hand Zhang Ye had on the knife unconsciously tightened. But instead of feeling the cold, hard sensation of the knife''s handle, his palm felt swollen, akin to the swelling due to increased blood flow when one is drunk. This familiar sensation, it''s happening again?! And for some reason, he felt a sense of kinship with it. Struggling against drowsiness, Zhang Ye smiled meaningfully at the dark-faced man, "Third Head, you didn''t bring any valuables with you, did you?" The dark-faced man frowned at Zhang Ye, instinctively touching his chest where this purchase''s money was stowed. Zhang Ye smiled at that moment, a smile that reveled in others'' misfortune. As evening approached. The gang members of the Bailang Gang''s secret base gradually awoke. Zhang Ye glanced at the table beside him, and as expected, the Ghost Head Greatknife was gone again. "Looks like I need to make another trip to the Ghost Market." The dark-faced man glared at Zhang Ye with an ugly expression on his face. Zhang Ye suppressed his smile, stood up, stretched lazily, and said indifferently, "We don''t accept cash silver. Don''t forget to deposit that advance payment into the Datong Money House later." The dark-faced man reached into his chest and his face darkened even more. ... On the side of the Zuo Family''s large mansion. In a bedroom leaning against the wall of the Zuo Family''s courtyard. Seven or eight grey cloth money bags were placed on the table. Those disciples who had dared to defy him had all disappeared, alive without a trace, dead without a body. Biting his teeth, the white-faced youth pulled out a dagger, unwound the white cloth from his right hand, and savagely slashed across the still-healing wound. Thick blood slowly oozed out. The paper effigy floating in mid-air seemed like a cat smelling blood. It leisurely drifted towards the palm of the white-faced youth. A gulping sound like drinking water could be heard. The white-faced youth grew even paler. After a while, the paper effigy rose from his palm, its pale body now a vivid red. The Thousand Mountains Daoist took out a black elixir pill with a spicy scent from his chest. "You''ve done well, eat it," he said. "Thank you, Master, thank you!" the white-faced youth swallowed the elixir pill in one gulp. His complexion immediately reddened at a speed visible to the naked eye. His eyes shone with renewed energy, and his whole being seemed invigorated. "Master''s Ascension Pill is becoming more and more profound!" the white-faced youth said with a look of enjoyment and flattery. The Thousand Mountains Daoist watched his apprentice with a satisfied smile on his face, but his eyes were coldly devoid of any real emotion. At that moment, the paper figure that had absorbed the blood seemed to come to life, becoming animated. "Gugu gugu..." The little figure floated in mid-air, its small hand pointing behind the two men, making a series of frenzied, clawing noises. The master and apprentice turned around abruptly. Under the dark night, they saw a figure half-crouching, tiptoeing along the wall, moving toward the corner under the eaves. "Who''s there!" the pale-faced young man shouted. Chen Mu''s body stiffened, and with an awkward turn, he looked at the two men: "I was just going to the toilet, continue your business, carry on." "Didn''t you say this is a deserted house? How can there be someone here!" Thousand Mountains Daoist glared fiercely at his disciple. In a panic, the pale-faced young man pressed Chen Mu for answers: "Who are you?!" "Forget it," Thousand Mountains Daoist retracted his anger and indifferently gave Chen Mu a glance: "Go take care of him; don''t delay the important matter." "Yes!" the pale-faced young man sneered, looking towards Chen Mu. "I just happened to come across this, let''s part ways here, each to his own, how about that?" Chen Mu quickly regained his composure. The temperament of the two men was cold and sinister, not seeming like good people. Chen Mu didn''t want to tangle with them any further. "It''s just your bad luck," the pale-faced young man turned a deaf ear, staring coldly at Chen Mu. His right hand swept past his waist, and suddenly he held a soft, fine sword in his hand. As Chen Mu''s mind raced, he tried to reason logically: "It''s quiet at night, and the slightest noise can carry far." "True action might ruin everyone''s plans." "As if you could!" sneered the pale-faced young man, approaching Chen Mu with disdain. He had traveled far and wide with Thousand Mountains Daoist. His mastery of the Mysterious Female Sword Technique was as soft as water and as rigid as a whip; countless so-called heroes had died by his sword. If it weren''t for their secretive ways, they would have already made a great name for themselves. Chen Mu''s heart tightened. Strictly speaking, this was only the second time he had faced someone skilled in martial arts. There was no sensation in teaching the hoodlums a lesson before. When he killed Sheng Hong, there hadn''t been any preparation either; it was all just throwing stones in confusion. Now, as he watched the pale-faced young man with a grim expression approaching, Chen Mu felt apprehensive: "There are two of them, a bit too many." He sneaked a glance at Thousand Mountains Daoist who wasn''t even considering him a threat. Chen Mu felt a bit relieved. As long as he wasn''t being watched. He glanced at the blood-red little figure floating in mid-air, and Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. Watching the pale-faced young man draw nearer, he clenched his teeth and thought: "Throw a dart at him; if it doesn''t work, retreat!" His right hand reached into his sleeve, and an Iron Lotus Seed was clutched in his palm. "Come on," the pale-faced young man beckoned with his sword in his right hand, spreading his arms in front of his chest in a welcoming gesture. "Aren''t we going to fight." "Come at me..." Whoosh! In an instant, a dark shadow flashed by at lightning speed. The Iron Lotus Seed from Chen Mu''s hand shot out like a bullet, instantly piercing through the air between them and passing through the pale-faced young man''s left chest. Thump! A burst of blood exploded from behind the pale-faced young man: "You... you!" Thump thump! Before he could finish his sentence, two more holes appeared in the pale-faced young man''s forehead and mouth corner. Blood dripped down from his chin. Suddenly, the entire courtyard fell silent. Chapter 39 - 39 - Heaven and Earth Chen Mu stood there, stunned on the spot. The pale-faced young man was confident and fearless, originally thinking he was up against a fierce adversary. Little did he expect him to be so easily defeated. The three Iron Lotus Seeds were taken out, and Chen Mu didn''t even have time to react. The Qian Shan Daoist clenched his jaw in anger. His disciple''s Mysterious Female Sword Technique, which he had personally taught, was unparalleled in power. He never would have thought that his disciple would fall to a mere hidden weapon and couldn''t help but feel a surge of rage. "Waste! You even forgot to give it your all when a lion hunts a rabbit," he sneered. Then he cast a cold glance at Chen Mu. "Finally using an Ascension Pill to cultivate a medicinal man, and a mere two days away from maturity. Such a pity, such a shame!" Qian Shan Daoist''s face turned dark as water. "Dead is dead, can''t waste it," he muttered. Immediately, a small red paper figure leisurely flew onto the corpse of the pale-faced young man.@@@@ The thin paper figure, with bowed head and bent waist, seemed to exhale a great breath, then raised its head and leaned back, mimicking the action of a deep breath. As the paper figure inhaled and exhaled, The temperature in the entire estate seemingly dropped by several degrees. The pale-faced young man''s blood rushed from his wounds towards the paper figure in midair, and in the blink of an eye, it was completely absorbed into the paper figure. The pale-faced young man was now truly devoid of any color. Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. Having been in this different world for over a year, he had more than once heard of bizarre and sinister events. But the scene before him, something you''d only see in movies, made his hair stand on end. As if a fierce tiger had fixed its gaze directly on him. Wuu! Almost instinctively, he shot out an Iron Lotus Seed, aiming straight for Qian Shan Daoist''s heart. The black Iron Lotus Seed tore through the air with its rotation, suddenly covering the distance between them. Clang! Sparks flew everywhere. A blood-red figure stood in the way of the Iron Lotus Seed. Under the impact of the tremendous force, the hard Iron Lotus Seed crumbled like a brittle cookie, easily deforming and shattering! The slow-drifting paper figure had, from stillness to motion, bizarrely intercepted it in front of Qian Shan Daoist. Chen Mu''s pupils constricted suddenly. "Maybe, it''s time to run!" he thought. Qian Shan Daoist''s eyelids lifted slightly. "Insignificant skills, dares to show off..." he started to say. Clang clang clang... As if more than ten blacksmiths were working the iron at once. Qian Shan Daoist''s words were drowned out by the continuous clanging of metal. More than ten Iron Lotus Seeds arrived nearly simultaneously in front of him. The paper figure flew wildly in all directions. Sparks scattered throughout the air, creating an effect like lighting fireworks. The sound of clinking filled the air as the battered Iron Lotus Seeds ricocheted to the ground. "Ignorant of life and death!" A flash of anger passed across Qian Shan Daoist''s face. Looking up, he realized Chen Mu had reached the wall, his body crouching slightly, ready to leap over it... "Go!" A soft command was issued. Whoosh! The blood-red paper figure darted out like lightning, instantly arriving at the wall. Chen Mu, just preparing to jump, felt his hairs stand on end. Almost instinctively, his body powered up, moving as if defying the rules of acceleration, going from stillness to extreme speed, and he shifted half a meter to the right in an instant. A streak of red light brushed past his left arm. Without a sound, his sleeve split open, and his left arm immediately turned ice-cold and numb, losing all sensation. The red light didn''t slow down, powerfully stabbing into the wall. The Qian Shan Daoist''s expression changed drastically the moment the straw man was pierced. The dense Iron Lotus Seeds almost instantly reached him. Clang, clang, clang... A series of sparks flew in all directions. With a flurry of hand movements, the Qian Shan Daoist managed to block the bullet-like Iron Lotus Seeds with just his flesh palm! Chen Mu was immediately startled. The Iron Lotus Seeds could pierce through metal and crack stone with ease. Who would have thought they could be blocked by a palm! "You little brat ruined my magic artifact! You''ll pay for this!" the Qian Shan Daoist said fiercely. Upon seeing Chen Mu''s astonishment, he immediately sneered. "Did you really think I was just a prettyface?!" Chen Mu''s scalp went numb all of a sudden. He threw out the Iron Lotus Seeds in rapid succession with both hands. The very next moment, Chen Mu''s left hand violently swung. The Qian Shan Daoist''s right hand almost preemptively moved to block in front of the path of the Iron Lotus Seeds. Thud! A pool of silvery white metal softened in the palm of his hand. Silver Pieces? Not Iron Lotus Seeds? "Let''s see how many more hidden weapons you have to throw!" the Qian Shan Daoist laughed heartily. He strode forward, braving the rain of hidden weapons, stepping towards Chen Mu. At this point, Chen Mu could no longer care for anything else. Copper coins, Silver Pieces, he threw everything at the Qian Shan Daoist all at once. Thud! The Qian Shan Daoist held his right hand in front of his face, clutching a large gourd in his palm. "Now, you''re out of hidden weapons, aren''t you?" the Qian Shan Daoist grimaced with a fierce smile, showing a row of sinister white teeth. Crack! He crushed the gourd to powder in his grip. Suddenly, a burst of blue smoke exploded and swiftly enveloped him. "Poison?!" The Qian Shan Daoist immediately shut his breath tight. But a strong sleepiness irresistibly rushed to his head. He retreated again and again, instinctively trying to increase the distance between them. However, Chen Mu would not miss this opportunity. His whole body turned into a swift falcon, lightning-fast, appearing in front of the Qian Shan Daoist. His right hand suddenly unveiled a dagger as he crouched low. Qiankun Strike! Thud! From below, the dagger skimmed through the Qian Shan Daoist''s chest. Piercing through the jaw and straight into the skull! The Qian Shan Daoist, almost unconsciously, pushed outwards. Even as Chen Mu quickly loosened his grip on the sword to retreat, he was still struck in the chest. He couldn''t help but grunt. Blood flowed from his nose like a stream. Chen Mu flipped back, picking up some broken stones and scattering them as he leaped away. Flying Locust Stone! Whistling... Pff pff pff... The Qian Shan, with blood-red eyes and raving mad, was instantly turned into a sieve. ``` Chapter 40 - 40 - Nourishing the Soul Chen Mu wiped the blood from under his nose, and spit out a mouthful of bloody phlegm with force. If it weren''t for the severe pain in his chest and innards, he would have burst into laughter. "Impervious to swords and spears, yet I still managed to kill you!" At that moment, a white figure caught his eye. Chen Mu abruptly turned his head, a surge of murderous intent in his gaze. Somehow, a person clad in a white coat was standing on the wall opposite him. The person''s hair was disheveled, and their clothes were in disorder, obviously thrown on in a hurry. In their right hand, they held a heavy-backed machete, their eyes bright and penetrating. The eldest son of the Zuo FamilyZuo Sheng! Facing Chen Mu''s lethal gaze, Zuo Sheng''s eyelids twitched, and he immediately raised his machete in a fist-and-palm salute, his voice grave, "Brother Chen!" Chen Mu was startled, then remembered that this person was also one of Sheng Hong''s disciples. Thinking of that cheap teacher of his own, whom he had turned into a sieve, he felt inwardly shaken. Yet his face showed no sign of fear, as he stared expressionlessly at the other. The atmosphere became tense. Zuo Sheng felt a tingling on his scalp under Chen Mu''s stare and glanced at the Qian Shan who had been turned into a sieve, his heart skipping a beat. He immediately softened his tone and, waving his hand, said, "Please feel free, Brother." Chen Mu nodded expressionlessly. Then, under Zuo Sheng''s curious eyes, he went to the eaves, where he suddenly thrust his bloodied dagger into the wall. Thump! He pried a slightly deformed copper coin from within the wall. Zuo Sheng: "..." After that, Chen Mu, under Zuo Sheng''s increasingly strange gaze, began searching all over the courtyard. He picked up every copper coin and silver piece that he had thrown out and that had been scattered by Qian Shan. Watching Chen Mu''s thorough search. Zuo Sheng couldn''t bear to watch any longer. He gave a bowed salute and excused himself, "Brother, take your time with your affairs. I must leave first, as I''m not properly dressed." Chen Mu nodded expressionlessly, not even glancing at the other. After Zuo Sheng had jumped off the wall, Chen Mu acted as if his rear was on fire. He didn''t even bother with the silver pieces at his feet and hastily grabbed the corpses of Qian Shan and the pale-faced young man, leaping to the wall in two strides. He pulled out the dagger stuck in the wall and flipped over the top. Combining the Muscle Transformation and Sprint techniques, he leapt a few times and clumsily disappeared into the night. Almost the instant Chen Mu vanished, Zuo Sheng jumped back onto the wall. He glanced at the smattering of scattered copper coins and silver pieces, then at the disappearing figure in the distance, and couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle, "He even managed to deceive me." "Such a pity for Qian Shan''s treasure..." "Chasing might not guarantee catching up, and it''s uncertain whether he still has any trump cards..." "Forget it." Zuo Sheng shook his head. Looking at the blood on the ground, his expression darkened. Why his cheap Brother Chen was here, he couldn''t fathom. But Qian Shan visiting near their house late at night surely meant no good. "We must move, we absolutely must!" ... Like usual, Jie Jia walked into the backyard of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu was taken aback. Last night was dark, and he hadn''t noticed. Now that he recalled, the palms of the round-faced Taoist did indeed appear black and dark. No wonder a single sweep from him cost me half my life. If it weren''t for the Mesmerizing Divine Incense, the consequences... Was this the power of the Wandering Soul? "Don''t even think about it," Jie Jia said, glancing at Chen Mu in a discouraging manner. "The chances of mastering the Shape Cultivation Technique are one in a thousand." "To cultivate Soul Strength, it''s one in ten thousand." "If your Shape Cultivation Technique''s rank is high enough, it might be possible, but with Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique..." "Tsk, tsk..." Jie Jia shook his head with a look of pity. Chen Mu said unwillingly, "Isn''t there any other way?" Jie Jia''s eyes moved, fixed on the left cuff of Chen Mu''s sleeve. "I have a very advanced Shape Cultivation Technique." "If you switch to it, there''s a good chance you''ll develop Soul Strength," Jie Jia said, subtly tempting. "Really?!" Chen Mu was brimming with excitement. "Guaranteed genuine!" Jie Jia swore confidently. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with hope: "Can I put it on credit?" Jie Jia: "..." Go hang out wherever it''s cool! He had figured it out; this little bastard was mocking him again! Chen Mu happily sipped on his chilled tea. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is lousy? But he had the proficiency cheat! Whether it''s lousy or not, we''ll see when I max it out. ... Having sent away the morose Jie Jia, Chen Mu struggled to return to the shelter of the pavilion. Last night, he was too agitated to feel much. Today, his injuries had fully flared up, and moving even a little bit was painful. "I can''t travel long distances like this," Chen Mu frowned in thought. After killing the round-faced Taoist, he wanted to get away from Qingshan County even more. But with his injuries, he couldn''t possibly make a long journey. "I''ll just have to recover first." With a thought, he called up the proficiency panel for his gray wall technique. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7553/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation: 4009/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 8926/10000/First Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4852/10000/Second Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; "Thank goodness I leveled up the Sleeve Sword Technique to Third Rank ahead of time." "Without the Qiankun Strike, that paper doll would have cost me my old life!" Chapter 41 - 41 - Recuperating "It''s a pity about that Ghost Head Greatknife." "And all those scattered Silver Pieces on the ground." Zuo Family''s young master isn''t easy to deal with, having seen through his ruse, Chen Mu could only make a hasty escape. "I can''t go back to that house anymore." Chen Mu sighed, "Not only have I lost a bodyguard, but I''ve also wasted three months of rent." He had lived there for less than three months, but the rent was paid for half a year. "Let''s not think about it anymore, the more I think about it, the more it hurts." "Let''s take a look at the spoils of war instead." The bodies of the two men had already been buried by him in the deserted house north of the city, keeping Sheng Hong company. He also sprinkled some corrosive powder to accelerate decomposition, soon they would return to dust. "Three and a half Silver Taels, fifty-two copper coins, and two twenty-Silver Tael notes from the Datong Money House." Chen Mu grabbed the shiny Soft Sword and played around with it for a bit. He almost cut the back of his hand and quickly put the sword back on the table. The strange Soft Sword probably required special skills. Not just anyone could handle it. "The material is good; it might sell for a good price." The apprentice had quite the haul on him, and Chen Mu was a bit excited about what the round-faced Taoist had in store. All that was on the other person was a plump, palm-sized, bright red leather pouch. The pouch was made of leather, yet it was as soft and light as fabric. The front side was embroidered with five little figures using gold thread. The figures formed a circle with a small, delicate black mountain in the middle. There was a black cord at the opening of the pouch, passing through several holes, it was pulled tight to narrow the opening and tied into a bow. "It''s quite pretty." Chen Mu examined it for a moment, tugged open the bow, pinched the opening of the pouch and tried to pull it apart... but it wouldn''t budge! After several attempts. The opening seemed to be sealed shut, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn''t pull it open! What the hell? Even though he was seriously injured, he was still a master of the Bone Transformation technique. A normal leather pouch would have been torn apart by him long ago. Yet now, he couldn''t even open a small pouch. Chen Mu fiddled with it for half an hour, but the pouch remained unmoved.@@@@ He stared at the pouch, examining it closely. Suddenly, he realized that one of the figures looked very familiar. On closer inspection, it actually bore a five-point resemblance to the red paper man. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he almost threw it away. That Bloodsucking Paper Man was too weird. He had discovered the previous night when retrieving his Dagger that the Paper Man he had pinned to the wall had disappeared into thin air. He had thought the eerie object had fled. Now it seemed quite likely that it had returned to the pouch. Looking at the leather pouch on the stone table, Chen Mu''s face was uncertain. "This is a treasure." "A dangerous treasure." He studied it for a long while, but discovered nothing. "I''ll put it away for now." Throwing it away was out of the question. He''ll study it more carefully later. ... "Better to keep a good distance from the Qingfeng Observatory, then." He planned to stick with his current strategy, living close by and piggybacking off the Evil-Repelling Halo. ... Five days later, the swelling in Chen Mu''s body had subsided. Though he still had internal injuries, they no longer affected his movement. He quickly packed his belongings and rushed off to explore the small eastern mountain. The situation was simpler than Chen Mu had imagined. The Qingfeng Observatory was recruiting laborers to construct an altar. Thousands of workers needed food and shelter. Erecting tents, setting up camps, and building wooden houses, thousands of people spontaneously formed a sprawling shantytown at the foot of the mountain. Astute merchants even organized a small market there. Chen Mu dressed in coarse gray clothes, donned a bamboo hat, and applied birthmark makeup. Fisherman Yang Zhi blended in effortlessly. He planned to find someone to build a wooden house at the edge of the settlement, close to the Qingfeng Observatory mountain path. From just a glance, he could see the Qingfeng Observatory up the mountain. Jumping on the rooftop also allowed him to overlook the entire shantytown. The construction of the wooden house was fast. All sorts of skilled craftsmen had gathered here. Three people started work in the morning and happily left with a hundred copper coins each by evening. That night, Chen Mu moved into the house, which still smelled of the moist wood. The timber was fresh and prone to rotting and attracting bugs. But Chen Mu didn''t plan to live there for long. The house met his requirements perfectly. ... In the following days, Chen Mu was busy accumulating life necessities. Pots, pans, and ladles were indispensable, as were oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. He carried over four straw bags of white wheat from the second house''s cellar, each weighing over a hundred pounds, the last of the cellar''s provisions. "So it''s really time to leave Qingshan County." The price of food in Qingshan County was getting more and more outrageous; now a straw bag of white wheat even required one and a half Silver Taels. He also bought two large water jars and caught a basket of fish to keep in them, slowly eating them over time. Chen Mu then closed his doors to visitors, staying inside the wooden house to slowly recover from his injuries. ... "Here''s the medical book you wanted." Jie Jia had one hand behind his back and with the other, he dropped the sack in front of Chen Mu with a thud. Under the shade of the trees, Chen Mu lay on a bamboo chair, leisurely rocking back and forth as he read. "Thanks," said Chen Mu, sitting upright and casually flipping through the bag. The yellowed pages emitted a faint ink smell. These were various medical books Chen Mu had Jie Jia help him buy. Unable to practice his abilities while recovering, it was a good time to brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique. Finding that he hadn''t seen most of the medical books before, he tossed a small cloth bag to Jie Jia, nodding his head in satisfaction. "You''re thinking of replicating Three Yang Six Lords Pills?" Jie Jia weighed the bag and slipped it into his sleeve. "Don''t believe me?" Chen Mu didn''t hide his intention. Jie Jia earnestly replied, "I believe." This time, it was Chen Mu who was baffled. I don''t even have confidence in myself, how come you believe in me? "Need any medicinal ingredients? I''ve got connections," Jie Jia stated seriously. Chen Mu: "..." You really have a knack for spotting business opportunities! Chapter 42 - 42 Brush Chen Mu always admired Jie Jia''s mindset for making money. But you can''t just shear me, the only sheep you caught, right? What if you shear me bald?! "Want it?" Jie Jia''s eyes were still half-closed, his face expressionless, utterly calm. "I want it!" Chen Mu said through gritted teeth. He needed to increase his proficiency in the Pharmaceutical Technique and that meant he could not do without buying medicinal herbs. In Qingshan County, resources were scarce, and anything slightly rare was difficult to purchase. "In a few days, I''ll organize a list and then buy," Chen Mu decided to finish reading the medical books he had on hand first and start buying when there was nothing left to read. ... Night had fallen, dinner eaten, and washing up finished. Dressed in a loose robe, Chen Mu sat at a wooden table beneath the window of the wooden hut. He lit an oil lamp and neatly arranged the medical books that Jie Jia had brought on the corner of the table. There were quite a few books, a stack as high as a forearm, and there were three such stacks. If there hadn''t been duplicate books, the little hemp sack would have contained even more. With a thought, he called up the grey wall to check the Pharmaceutical Technique column. Pharmaceutical Technique: 4852/10000/Second Rank; Chen Mu had a plan in mind for how to increase his proficiency in the Pharmaceutical Technique. The three stacks of books before him were the best tools. Pulling out a book called "Herbal Medicine Preparation," Chen Mu turned up the oil lamp and concentrated. As he read, wisps of understanding flowed into his mind like a stream of water. Technical terms that were difficult for ordinary people to understand held no secrets for Chen Mu. His proficiency improved rapidly as he read. Half an hour passed, and a third of the thick medical book had already been read. He checked his proficiency. The Pharmaceutical Technique had gone from 4852 to 4873, an increase of twenty-one points. "Not bad, keep going!" ... An hour later, Chen Mu had finished the last page of the book. His proficiency had reached 4913. It wasn''t just the numbers that had improved; upon closing his eyes and recalling what he had just read, the content of the medical book appeared in his mind like photographs. There was even additional information about the growing environments of the herbs in his head. "Worthy of being a cheat!" If he had this cheat in his previous life, all those top students would have had to stand aside! Chen Mu got up to stretch and prepare for bed. It was a quiet night outside the window. Only his oil lamp was still lit. This otherworldly night lacked entertainment activities. Most of those who lived here were laborers. They were hewing rocks and mining during the day, and as soon as it got dark, they were so tired that they would fall into a deep sleep. Chen Mu blew out the oil lamp and prepared to rest. Just as he turned around, he couldn''t help but look outside through the window. ... Carrying the wild rabbit to a creek not far from the cabin, where the water flowed. The grass and trees along the way were lush; what used to be regarded as weeds, Chen Mu could now identify as many being medicinal plants. After cleaning it, he dug a hole, arranged some stones around it, and set up two wooden poles to create a simple spit. He lit the charcoal prepared for decocting medicine. Chen Mu was ready to roast the plump rabbit. "A pity I don''t have any roast meat sauce." The mere thought triggered a flood of information about various herbs in his mind. "That works?" Chen Mu was astonished. With a little contemplation, a recipe for roast meat seasoning appeared in his head. Many of the needed ingredients grew in the nearby woods, which could be described as making the best of the local resources. "This won''t work, too bitter." "That''s no good either, tasty but causes diarrhea if you eat too much of it." "This combination is good, removes gaminess, stimulates appetite and enhances gastrointestinal motility, and improves absorption." "With a little more adjustment, yes, adds a good amount of trace elements..." As someone who practiced martial arts and needed to heal from injuries, he always kept various medicines on hand. After another round in the nearby forest collecting natural plants, he quickly came up with a seasoning for the meat. ... "Let''s get started!" After sprinkling the seasoning, the sizzling of the fat spread a rich fragrance. Before the meat was fully cooked, a figure appeared in front of the cabin. Chen Mu glanced at Jie Jia, fixated on the roasting rabbit, unfazed. He showed up for dinner the day after Chen Mu moved in. If it weren''t for the distance, he''d be around for all three meals a day. What a cheapskate old man! "It smells great!" Chen Mu slowly savored a leg of rabbit. Jie Jia usually ate slowly and elegantly, but today he sped up the process by threefold. Chen Mu was also surprised. His pharmaceutical technique and cooking skills seemed to have undergone a chemical reaction. "Perhaps I could make some medicinal dishes." Chen Mu subconsciously looked toward the grey wall. To his surprise, his proficiency in alchemical technique had increased by more than ten points? "This is the real unexpected treat!" Just from working out a roast meat seasoning recipe, his proficiency improved! He had been wondering what prescription to practice with. And now he had it. Meat tenderizing and flavor enhancing recipe, medicinal food formulas, preservatives for dried fruits or meatsthe opportunities to practice were plenty! And they required no especially precious medicinal ingredients. Chen Mu looked over at Jie Jia with a smiling face. This time, he most likely wouldn''t need the old geezer''s help to buy medicine. Thinking of swindling me for another sum? Just you wait and see, haha... Chapter 43 - 43 - Treasure "It''s still not right," Chen Mu examined a walnut-sized brown pill. It contained fish, white barley rice, nuts, fats, salt, honey, supplements for the body, and preservative medicines. Chen Mu wanted to make a kind of high-calorie, nutritious, and storable dry food to prepare for the upcoming journey. The inspiration came from the compressed biscuits of his previous life. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts, he still faced failure. It was edible, but the taste was slightly off, the preservability was not very good, and the medicinal effects were minimal. "At least it''s good for improving proficiency." Coming up with a new formula could boost his proficiency by fifty to sixty points, comparable to reading medical texts. After being busy for over half a month, his Pharmaceutical Technique neared nine thousand, and he was on the verge of breaking through to the Third Rank. "I''ll take a day off tomorrow," Chen Mu said as he turned his head to look at a basket full of failures. "I need to dispose of these things." ... At the market area below the eastern hill. Chen Mu, wearing a bamboo hat and a face mask, donned Yang Zhi''s vest again. He arrived at a familiar spot, set up his stall, and displayed the failed rice balls. Then he just sat down on the ground and quietly waited for customers. "Young Brother Yang, selling rice balls again? Two copper coins each, right? Pack ten for me," a lean old man with a goatee approached him as soon as he sat down. The man''s surname was Liu; everyone called him Old Liu, a traveling rural doctor. He sold trauma medicines and Power Pills at the market and often went into the mountains to collect medicinal herbs, also buying from laborers. Chen Mu set up his stall here mainly for his herbs. "Hmm," Chen Mu nodded with a muffled voice, maintaining a reticent demeanor. The birthmark on his face added a touch of coolness to his persona. Old Liu was well accustomed to this and didn''t mind as he handed Chen Mu a package wrapped in oil paper: "Take a look, is it the herb you were talking about?" Chen Mu opened it and glanced briefly, his eyebrows raised slightly. He put down the oil paper package, quickly wrapped ten rice balls, and paused his hands before adding two more. He took out thirty copper coins and handed them over along with the rice balls. Old Liu immediately nodded with satisfaction. While he was looking, a ruckus suddenly erupted at one end of the street. A few Government Officials were carrying a stretcher swiftly away. The crowd gathered at the street corner, chattering and discussing. "What happened?" Chen Mu gestured toward the departing stretcher and asked. "Wild animal injuries," Old Liu replied as if it was routine: "It was pretty gruesome though, I heard it gutted everything, like the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, all plucked out by the beast." "When people clear land in deep mountain areas, encountering ferocious animals is normal. Luckily we have Qingfeng Observatory. Otherwise, encountering evil spirits would be the real misfortune." Chen Mu could only nod in agreement. Qingfeng Observatory indeed had methods. In the wilderness, with thousands of laborers gathered, several months had passed without a single incident of evil spirits. The two chatted sporadically. Chen Mu''s gaze scanned the street''s activities from the corner of his eye. With thousands opening the mountain, game animals, medicinal herbs, minerals, various natural resources were being continuously discovered. While there were no rare finds here, there were plenty of common items, convenient for him to find ingredients for his recipes. Chen Mu punched the boar on its forehead. The previously howling wild pig rolled over and fell to the ground with a thud. Then, reaching out, he grabbed one of the wild pig''s front legs and lifted the 300-pound animal out of the pigpen like it was a little chick. He casually threw it into a large bamboo basket behind him. Tossing ten taels of silver to Zhang Lao Liu, he departed without a word. The eyes of Zhang Lao Liu and the other two bulged out from their sockets. Fuck! Such strength?! ... On the west side of Little Dong Mountain. Chen Mu deliberately kept his distance from the eastern site of the ceremonial building and chose a pit not too close yet not too far from the Qingfeng Observatory. He took out the large wild pig and then dug out a broken wooden basin from the bottom of the basket. The Sleeve Sword Technique flashed, and he made a bloody hole in the pig''s neck. The wild pig, hurt by the cut, woke up and tried to struggle. Hiss! Chen Mu waved his hand calmly. The Sleeve Sword glided along the back of the pig''s neck and into the spine, piercing the hard bone as if it were tofu, severing the spinal cord in an instant. Just like that, he held onto the pig''s hind legs, lifted it with one hand, and let it bleed. Once the wooden basin was filled, Chen Mu put down the pig and retreated ten meters with the bamboo basket. With leather gloves on his hands, he carefully took out a wooden box from under the basket and extracted a bright red leather pouch from inside. This was a strange object he had gotten from a round-faced Taoist. Chen Mu suspected it was a magic artifact. The paper effigy was eerie, and he dared not try it lightly. As for blood binding to claim ownership, forget it; he didn''t consider himself to have the luck of a protagonist. After pondering for a month and testing with different methods, he confirmed that the pouch could absorb blood. This time, Chen Mu planned to feed it well in one go to see what would happen. From a distance of ten meters, he threw the pouch into the basin of pig blood. Gurgle gurgle... The pouch sank to the bottom, bubbling up. The level of blood dropped at a visible rate, and in a short while, it was completely gone. Even the crevices in the wooden basin were left without a trace of blood. Chen Mu approached to examine it, picked up a stick, and poked at the leather pouch. The pouch had no reaction, and the foreboding paper effigy didn''t leap out. However, the mouth of the pouch was pried open by his poking. Yet, he dared not reach in with his hand. Finding another stick, he clamped the pouch like chopsticks and turned it upside down to pour it out. Whoosh... A huge pile of items fell out of the tiny pouch, quickly filling half of the half-meter diameter wooden basin. Chen Mu: "..." Treasures! Before he could react, the black cord on the pouch contracted, and the mouth closed tightly again. Chen Mu, holding the pouch with the stick, put it back into the wooden box he had used earlier. He tossed the wooden basin and the wild pig back into the bamboo basket and quickly left with the basket on his back. Chapter 44 - 44 Five Ghosts ``` Clothes, silver taels, books, medicinal herbs, and bottles and jars. A pile of items messily spread out on the table. Even the small pile of silver and silver notes beside it couldn''t snap him out of his daze. Chen Mu''s eyes were fixed on the red leather pouch inside the wooden box, lost in thought. "I should have thought of this earlier." There were ghosts, magic artifacts; naturally, there was also the pursuit of immortal cultivation. It''s just that the bag was a bit odd, not quite fitting his fantasy of a storage bag or Sumeru Ring. "Sooner or later, I''m going to see what an immortal looks like!" Chen Mu quickly settled his complicated emotions and averted his gaze. He closed the wooden box and carefully stored it. This was a treasure, not to be lost. But it wasn''t a good time to try using it. After all, it could suck blood, which was a bit dangerous. "Let''s check out the spoils of war first!" Chen Mu put on sheepskin gloves. He carefully placed the bottles and jars aside, wary of any poison inside. He grouped the silver taels and silver notes together. After counting, there were more than four hundred and thirty-three taels. "Windfall!" Chen Mu chortled. He threw the clothes into a wooden tub, intending to burn them later. Chen Mu placed several books in front of him. He was interested in these items. Killing for manuals, isn''t this just like a standard feature in novels? "If I could get a Shape Cultivation Technique, that would be great." With that thought, Chen Mu picked up the book on top. Pity Flower Manual. "A manual, huh..." Chen Mu couldn''t wait to flip through the pages. He closed the book with a blank expression after only a page. Then he checked the other few books. Flower Appreciation Biography, Demon Fox Biography... "Using a treasure that hides a Sumeru within a mustard seed to store erotic books... Genius!" He tossed the books into a bamboo basket and casually picked up the last yellow scroll to unravel. If this turns out to be a banner of a beautiful woman... I won''t bother if the art is poor! As soon as he opened it, dense text came into view. Chen Mu quickly looked at the title at the beginningThousand Mountains ScriptureFive Ghosts Moving Mountains. This is... a jackpot! ... "So it''s called the Five Ghosts Bag," Chen Mu muttered as he carefully examined the scroll. The content was all about that red bag. The beginning was a passage of two to three hundred words of scripture. The content was abstruse, incoherent. He recognized every word, but together they formed a jumble of code. The rest mostly described how to make the Five Ghosts Bag. The materials looked quite exotic. "You want something?" Jie Jia said indifferently. He was familiar with this routine. The scholar was only ever so eager when he needed help with something. "Take a look at this," Chen Mu said nonchalantly, tossing a porcelain bottle to Jie Jia. A stir went through Jie Jia''s heart. Opening the porcelain bottle, a familiar scent wafted out. "Did you really replicate it?!" Jie Jia was slightly moved. This product was a monopoly of the Zhu Yi Pavilion, and although many had attempted to imitate and decode it, no one had succeeded. "It was a bit troublesome, but fortunately, I succeeded," Chen Mu said cheerily. The Zhu Yi Pavilion added confusing agents to the medicine, forming an encryption lock. Ordinary Pharmacists couldn''t solve it. Thank goodness for the Third Rank Pharmaceutical Technique. Upon breaking through, his sense of smell and taste were enhanced, which allowed him to detect the flaw. Zhu Yi Pavilion used two useless medicines mixed together to produce a smell incredibly similar to that of another precious medicinal material. The reactions in various tests were almost indistinguishable. Who knew how many imitators had been misled. "Ten pills a bottle, I''ll give you one for eight silver taels. You help me sell them, deal or no deal?" Chen Mu tempted. Jie Jia had the capability and the channels, and he was not afraid of others coveting or probing. Chen Mu would only be in charge of production, letting Jie Jia bear all the risks and ensure a fat profit. "Two taels," Jie Jia proposed, unperturbed. Members of the Zhu Yi Pavilion bought it for eight silver taels a bottle. In the Ghost Market, a bottle would cost at least twelve silver taels! Jie Jia, keen on earning money, drove a hard bargain. "Too little, a minimum of seven and a half taels!" Chen Mu protested, though he was secretly delighted. The Three Yang Six Lords Pills seemed complex, but the complexity was in the process, not the materials, which were cheap. For a bottle, it would cost at most a little more than one silver tael. With mass production, the cost could even be reduced to half a tael. After some back-and-forth, they finally agreed on six taels per bottle. The moment the deal was struck, smiles broke out on both of their faces simultaneously. An old man and a young one, they resembled two foxes who had just stolen some chickens. ... The market in the gathering area. Chen Mu, wearing a conical bamboo hat and draped in Yang Zhi''s vest, carrying a bamboo basket, found Old Liu. "I''ve prepared all the medicinal materials for you, it was quite a bit of effort," Old Liu handed a hemp bag to Chen Mu. Chen Mu said nothing, opened the hemp bag, and took out the small cloth bags inside. He routinely inspected each one. Interactions with Jie Jia had made him cautious. After a while, Chen Mu stood up and threw a cloth bag to Old Liu, "Thanks." With this batch of medicine, not only could he make money, but his recovery from injuries would also speed up. Old Liu pinched the cloth bag and immediately his face lit up with a smile. Chen Mu nodded, tossed the hemp bag into his bamboo basket, and walked away with it on his back. He had barely taken two steps. A few Government Officials carrying a stretcher passed by his side. By their side was a familiar faceCaptain Lu. Ever since Qingshan County changed hands, Chen Mu hadn''t gone to the government office to draw wanted posters. It had been a long time since he had seen Captain Lu. Noticing the grey cloth stained with blood that covered a body, Chen Mu''s brows furrowed slightly. Another wild beast attack? Chapter 45 - 45 - Ritual Refining "Could there be anything strange here?" Chen Mu walked to the side of the street and squatted in front of a bamboo weaver''s stall. He casually picked up a bamboo-woven basket, casting a glance out of the corner of his eye at the approaching government official Lu. "Boss, what kind of beast is this, to go specifically after the viscera?" A government official, lagging half a step behind Lu the head captor, asked quietly. "Wild wolf," Lu the head captor replied indifferently. "But the wounds don''t all seem to be from a wolf," the government official wondered. Lu the head captor glanced at him and said, "We''ll talk when we get back." At those words, the government official shrank his neck and dared not ask any further. Once the group had left, Chen Mu stood up. He paid for a bamboo basket and continued on his way as if nothing had happened. "The smell of blood, the smell of medicine, has Lu the head captor been injured?" Chen Mu wondered. Upon closer reflection, he shook his head, "That''s not right. The ingredients in the medicine seem to be those that stimulate the potential of organs, fierce and aggressive medicinal drugs." His Third Rank Pharmaceutical Technique enhanced his sense of smell, and just a faint whiff of medicine let him detect something fishy. "Forget it. Better stay out of it." This Lu the head captor didn''t seem like a good person. ... Early in the morning, Chen Mu rose from bed feeling clear-headed and refreshed. "It''s been a long time since I''ve felt this good," Chen Mu stretched lazily. Ever since he was injured, he always felt groggy upon waking up each day. Today seemed to offer a glimpse of recovery. His imitation of the Three Yang Six Lords Pills was aimed more at healing than making money. He didn''t have to worry about cost and could increase the dosage. Lately, he had been pondering medicinal diets to assist in the recovery of his injuries. He used charcoal to cook medicinal porridge in a sand pot. Chen Mu sat in a reclining chair, watching the fire while contemplating the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. After a while, Chen Mu sighed, "Still no use." He rearranged the text, but the more he changed it, the more chaotic it became. After reading each word again, he still didn''t understand. About to put it away, a sudden inspiration flashed through his mind. Chen Mu subconsciously pulled up his gray wall. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7597/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 4009/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 806/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 626/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/First Rank; "I''m on the board!" He immediately recited the scripture in silence. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 2/10000/First Rank; A faint realization dawned on him. He felt that the first sentence should be read quicker, and the fifth word should be pronounced with more emphasis. With that thought, he did as he considered. Suddenly, the scripture, which had been difficult to articulate, became slightly smoother to read. His proficiency increased by one point, as expected. Chen Mu was hopelessly addicted to increasing his proficiency. Whenever he had time, he would recite in a low voice. As his proficiency rose, his understanding of the scripture grew. The content of the scripture was meaningless; what mattered was the pronunciation of the words. When the nonsensical scripture was read aloud at a special pace and tone, it formed a different pronunciation. It was like marking English words with Chinese pinyin for pronunciation. Watching his proficiency climb quickly, Chen Mu was obsessed. He''d recite during the day, in the evening, and even ponder over it in his dreams. ... Half a month later. On the west side of the small eastern mountain, within a familiar forested hollow. A large black pig lay unconscious on the ground. Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Second Rank. Chen Mu took out the Five Ghosts Bag and placed it on the ground. He took a deep breath. A deep and rapid incantation came from his mouth. Though he was the only one speaking, it sounded like a thousand whispers at once. A plume of black air rose from the Five Ghosts Bag, gathering mid-air and compressing. A pale paper figure appeared. The little paper figure was full of patterns, with the character "Winter" on its back. "It worked!" Chen Mu looked at the paper figure with curiosity. An odd sensation arose. It was as if he had an extra hand out of nowhere. "So that''s how the round-faced Taoist controlled the paper figure that time!" He thought about making the paper figure move. And the paper figure floated slowly in mid-air, just as he imagined. Thinking of the introduction to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Chen Mu made the paper figure dive under the black pig. "Rise!" ... The black pig didn''t budge an inch! "It''s too heavy," Chen Mu realized. He directed the paper figure to come out and picked a stone about the size of a human head. The little paper figure floated under the rock, bracing it with its hands and head. Chen Mu shouted, "Fly!" ... The rock didn''t move an inch! Chen Mu: "..." He suddenly had an ominous premonition. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu watched the little paper figure softly hovering amidst the drifting tree leaves, speechless. Is this supposed to be the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain? More like the Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain! Chapter 46 - 46 - Moving Mountains "Fortunately, it wasn''t a total loss." Chen Mu held the Five Ghosts Bag in his hand, the previously tightly sealed opening now easily opened. The little paper man turned into black smoke and vanished into thin air.@@@@ When it reappeared, it had entered the Five Ghosts Bag. Suddenly, an image formed in Chen Mu''s mind. It was a pitch-dark space, somewhat oppressive and stuffy. He felt as if he had entered the cellar beneath the number two mansion. The space was void of light, about five meters high, and four meters in length and width, somewhat egg-shaped overall. "A storage space bag!" Chen Mu controlled the black smoke to fly around inside the bag, greedily thinking, "If only it were a bit bigger, that would be even better!" Having understood the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, Chen Mu also grasped the operation method described in the Thousand Mountains Sutra. The black smoke exited the bag, covering the stone the size of a human head which he had seen earlier. Pop! The black smoke and the stone disappeared simultaneously. At the bottom of the pitch-dark space, there was suddenly a stone the size of a human head. "So this is how you move mountains!" The little paper man couldn''t physically move the stone, but by covering it with black smoke, it could be put into the Five Ghosts Bag. He had been misled by the round-faced Taoist previously. Thinking that moving mountains relied solely on paper men. But the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Secret Art never relied on ghost paper men; it was the rainbow pot''s stomach all along. The paper man was merely a connection, the stomach was the key. Shaking the bag in his hand, he found it was not heavy at all! Chen Mu''s interest was immediately piqued. In no time, the entire stone pit was shrouded in black smoke. And beside it stood a figure with an excited Yin-Yang face. A perfect scene of mischief and disorder. ... In the evening, at a square table outside the wooden hut. Jie Jia arrived on time like an alarm clock. "What''s all this for?" Jie Jia glanced at the stone pile about a man''s height not far away. Didn''t he say he was leaving Qingshan County? Piling up so many stones, does he plan to build a house? The escort business isn''t going to fall through, is it?! Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Could it be said that he got carried away and filled a bag with stones to bring back? "For practice," Chen Mu said earnestly. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu skeptically. He had known Chen Mu for almost a year and was aware of what martial arts Chen Mu knew. Which martial art required stones and wood? And practice? "Are you healed?" Jie Jia asked quietly. "Healed. We can leave in another seven or eight days." Seeing that Jie Jia did not pursue the source of the stones any further, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, he felt a flutter of excitement in his heart. His time in Qingshan County had not been all that peaceful. It was as if a sense of crisis was always lurking behind him. "Didn''t you say three months? Leaving one month early is a bit difficult to handle," Jie Jia said with a slight frown. "Is it because we haven''t cleared the route?" Chen Mu asked with concern. "Route? No route." Jie Jia said indifferently, "I am not available until next month." Chen Mu: "..." What does that mean? Within a four-meter radius with him at the center, anything could be taken at will, but beyond that distance, it wasn''t possible. "It seems to be comparable to the inner space of the Five Ghosts Bag," Chen Mu speculated. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag. A pile of fish almost as tall as a person was accumulating at the bottom of the bag. It was as if they had landed on quicksand or sunk into silt. Slowly sinking, they vanished into thin air. "Then how am I supposed to store food?" Chen Mu frowned. He had meat in his Bigu Pills, and he also made a lot of jerked meat. If he put it into the Five Ghosts Bag, wouldn''t that be like throwing a meat bun to a dog, all to be sneakily eaten by the bag? Chen Mu observed with a frown, then suddenly had an idea. A fish from the very bottom was taken out. He inspected it carefully. The part close to the inner wall vanished, with a cut as smooth as a mirror, as if it had been sliced off by an incredibly sharp blade. Chen Mu thoughtfully. Right away, he moved all the fish out of the Five Ghosts Bag. Then he placed the half-fish on a millstone-sized rock by the river and collected both into the bag. The result was that both the rock and the fish remained unharmed. "Only the meat that touches the inner wall gets eaten?" Chen Mu chuckled to himself. He quickly packed up the fish and left. Chen Mu first went to the marketplace to buy a tent. He then bought tree resin from a carpenter. He placed the tent and tree resin into the Five Ghosts Bag, and lined the inside of the Five Ghosts Bag with wallpaper! "Now, there''s no way you can steal my meat, right?" Chen Mu held the Five Ghosts Bag with a smug smile. Five Ghosts Bag: "..." ... Five days later, in front of a wooden cabin. "Are you satisfied?" a man in his forties smiled and said, "If not, we can make further changes." A dull youth in his twenties stood beside him. Behind them stood a giant egg that was five meters high. "Not bad," Chen Mu paid cheerfully, dismissing the two men. Chen Mu examined the egg-shaped rack in front of him, nodding in satisfaction. The giant egg was divided layer by layer by wooden planks from top to bottom. Each layer of wood was further divided into individual storage compartments by vertical boards. The whole thing looked like a honeycomb. ... Deep in the night, when all was quiet, Chen Mu didn''t light a lamp, but pushed open the door and stepped out into the dark. He climbed onto the roof to look around, ensuring there was no one nearby. He quickly recited the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse right away. The giant egg instantly vanished. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag. Wooden racks filled the Five Ghosts Bag to the brim. "With the canvas cover, the meat won''t be stolen." "With wooden racks for support, items won''t pile up on the ground." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction at once. It hadn''t been easy to get a storage bag. He had to maximize its use of space to the fullest. ``` Chapter 47 - 47 - Peace of Mind Qingfeng Observatory''s back mountain. A nest of black-skinned wild boars rolled in the mud. Chen Mu emerged from the forest, startling the family of two adults and three younglings. One of the larger black boars, with fanged teeth protruding and nostrils flaring, stared curiously at Chen Mu. Puff! A fist-sized clod of earth suddenly exploded on the big black boar''s forehead. The big black boar was dazed. Puff! Another clod of earth exploded. Puff puff puff... Now, the family of five was thoroughly covered with dirt, all with dusty faces. This two-legged sheep is too arrogant! Does the Second Brother have no temper? No way this could be tolerated! The family of five charged with snorting and puffing. Wild boars weighing three or four hundred pounds, tough-skinned and meaty, with sharp fanged teeth. When they charged, even lions and tigers had to give way. Five wild boars, like little tanks, rushed towards Chen Mu. Just as the wild boars approached four meters in front of him. Puff! A handful of brilliant red smoke bizarrely appeared, precisely aimed in front of the black pig''s nostrils. Plop! The five black boars'' front legs weakened, and their heads plunged headfirst into the mud. Due to inertia, they flipped over in mid-air, ears and tongues flying messily. After landing, they struggled to stop, rolling right up to Chen Mu''s feet. They lay in a heap, unconscious and snoring heavily. Chen Mu couldn''t help clenching his fist. "Success!" Inside the Five Ghosts Bag, at the very bottom of the egg-shaped shelf, all storage compartments were sealed with waterproof oilcloth and tree resin, ensuring not even a hint of air could escape. At this moment, it was filled with thick red smokeupgraded Mesmerizing Divine Smoke! The original Mesmerizing Divine Smoke was colorless and odorless, highlighting its stealth. But the upgraded Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, not only festive in color, but also rich in scent. However, its power was stronger, its onset swifter, and those affected dropped instantly! Right in front of him, the Second Brother was proof. Chen Mu grinned as he surveyed the family of five. "Should it be braised, or grilled..." ... "Head, we''ve found that scholar!" a government official whispered to Lu Jin. "Finally found him!" Lu Jin said excitedly. His eyes were bloodshot, his face flushed with excitement. It took a while before he regained his composure, tossed a few silver pieces to the official, and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. As the official left with profuse thanks, Lu Jin briskly exited the yamen. ... Towards evening, Lu Jin quietly approached a house. The light inside was dim, and a figure sat in the shadows. Lu Jin''s joy could no longer be contained. This was his hope for cultivating Soul Strength! Shape Cultivation for ten years, soul nourishment for a hundred. Shape Cultivation was difficult enough, but nurturing the soul was even more challenging! But now, a shortcut lay before him! Once he cultivated Soul Strength, he could extend his lifespan, and be impervious to swords, truly able to dominate the world! Caught by surprise earlier, he had already been injured from taking a direct hit. If the fight continued, even attrition could kill me! "I can''t stay in the town, I must find a way to look for Cheng Yi!" Lu Jin steeled his heart. He took out a Five Qi Pill, stuffing it into his mouth with a pained expression. His blood and qi surged instantly, his face flushing with engorged blood. Lifting his waist knife high, he yelled out loud and turned to run! ... Entering December, the weather in Qingshan County cooled down, but it was not as cold as the interior of Da Liang, where evergreens still thrived. On the long stone bridge that spanned the river, Chen Mu stood leisurely. Appreciating the greenery-laden hillsides along the banks of the Bailang River, his wilted spirit was somewhat soothed. He would always stand on the bridge to rest for a moment before returning home each day, easing the tension in his mind. "With such picturesque scenery, if not for the troubles caused by ghosts and human disasters, living in Qingshan County would actually be quite nice." He aspired to be the Sword Deity of the Ten Mile Slope, but alas... Chen Mu turned his head to look toward the eastern side of the bridge. The broad road that extended out led directly to Little East Mountain. Little East Mountain was lush and green, but on the eastern slope, there was a conspicuous yellow patch. That was where the altar stood, with the vegetation around it cleared away. Chen Mu shook his head looking at the yellow spot, "It''s a pity that Qingshan County always hides dangers." "I should start preparing the supplies tomorrow," Chen Mu thought, patting the bridge railing. At that moment, a muscular man approached from afar. The man was carrying another man on his back, whose hair was disheveled and sleeves stained with blood. Apparently not expecting someone on the bridge, the muscular man paused, then resumed his walk as if nothing was amiss. Chen Mu''s face showed a look of curiosity, but he did not speak up. In these unsafe times, kindness did not always lead to good outcomes. Considering their direction, they were probably seeking medical help in the city. Were they laborers who worked on the altar? In an ancient era with undeveloped productivity, constructing a large-scale altar was bound to result in heavy casualties and injuries. Noticing the man''s gaze, Chen Mu, filled with pity, nodded in greeting. The muscular man paused, then responded with a nod and a bitter smile. "Fell off the mountain and nearly lost his life. I''m carrying him back to see his kid for the last time," the muscular man explained with a wry smile. Chen Mu''s heart clenched at the fragility of life, "Condolences." The muscular man sighed and walked past Chen Mu with his burden. Chen Mu watched their retreating figures, shaking his head helplessly. He wanted to help, but was powerless to do so. If he couldn''t ensure his own safety, how could he help others? Chen Mu turned to leave. Sights like these were exactly what he dreaded witnessing in the human world. But after a few steps, he could not help but stop. Compared to those at the bottom, he had an "advantage", didn''t lack for food or drink, had martial arts to practice, and had even acquired a mysterious magic artifact recently. He was far too fortunate! "If I hadn''t seen it, that would be one thing, but having encountered it... It might not be much, but I can still offer some help." "I''m not just helping others; I''m also easing my own heart." With this thought, Chen Mu reached into his sleeve, turned back, and threw something. Woosh! An Iron Lotus Seed broke through the air, carrying a spiral flow, and arrived instantly at the head of the bridge. Clang! Two small arm-length sabers crossed and slashed in midair. The Iron Lotus Seed was shattered by a strike, sending sparks flying. Ha! Chen Mu retracted his hand and burst into loud laughter! Heh! The muscular man slowly lowered his sabers, revealing a fierce grin. ``` Chapter 48 - 48 - Perilous "Misjudged you, a real master," the man in black chuckled grimly. "When two tigers fight, one is bound to get hurt. We share no grudge, so why not cease fighting and leave?" Chen Mu said calmly, his smile fading away. The brawny man''s brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at Dongshan Hill not far away. Just now, Lu Jin had desperately fired a signal arrow. He suspected that this was a secret code for communication with Qingfeng Observatory. "I can''t afford to linger here for too long!" With this in mind, the brawny man took two steps forward, "What if you report me to the authorities afterwards and turn against me? Wouldn''t that be an endless trouble?" Chen Mu, sensing the other''s hesitation, immediately intensified his persuasion, "We don''t know each other. Why make enemies for no reason?" "Even if someone comes to me for information about you later, all I can provide is the direction you''ve left in." Chen Mu stepped closer and whispered, "Once over the bridge, you''ll have countless paths to choose from. The information I give could even lead them astray." The brawny man was visibly moved and slid his knife back into the sheath at his waist with his left hand, gripping the handle of his other knife with his right hand, he stepped aside and pointed at Chen Mu, "A word from a gentleman!" Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief; the brawny man was extremely strong, having disabled Constable Lu and captured him. It was better not to fight if possible. He immediately stepped forward, raising his right hand and swearing to the sky, "As fast as a horse with a single whip!" "Haha, good!" The brawny man exclaimed happily. Chen Mu''s face broke into a smile as he clasped his hands in salute, "May we never meet again!" "So, shall we part ways here?" the brawny man chuckled. "Part ways," Chen Mu echoed with a laugh. "Then let''s go," the brawny man gestured as he turned to leave. "After you," Chen Mu said humbly. "Alright then, I''ll go first," the brawny man smiled broadly. Sacrificial Strike! He suddenly stepped forward, his left hand, kept behind his back, swung forward abruptly. His arm was like a whip, and the dagger was the tip. A great force acted upon the hilt, accelerated by the sheath. Woosh! The dagger seemed to teleport, spanning four meters in an instant, suddenly appearing to Chen Mu''s right side. Clang! A short sword appeared, blocking the path of the dagger. The tip of the sword touched the blade just right. Sleeve Sword Technique! "Haha, I knew it! My heart harbors no harm to others, but others mean to harm me!" the brawny man glared at Chen Mu. "You must be with Lu Jin," the brawny man said, as if he had figured it all out. "You misunderstand..." "Exactly! The world is treacherous, not one good person!" the brawny man bellowed, his face filled with sorrow. "If the world shows me malice, then I shall return it with my sharp dagger!" the brawny man screamed frantically, "Killing to protect life! Slaying karma, not people! Aaaah..." Demon-Sealing Slash! Rolling blades shrouded Chen Mu like a net.@@@@ "You evil doer! Shatter! Break into pieces! Hahaha..." Chen Mu: "..." Splat! Lu Jin''s heart relaxed. "He has taken Five Qi Pills in succession before, and his life potential is almost exhausted. Eating two more could directly squeeze him dry. He might heal from his injuries but won''t live many days." Cheng Yi frowned slightly. Lu Jin''s entire body stiffened. Exhausting life potential, squeezing dry, not living many days... Weren''t Five Qi Pills supposed to supplement life potential with precious medicine?! Lu Jin stared at Feng Ren and his disciple in horror and desperation. "Useless trash can still be exploited," Feng Ren glanced at Lu Jin, "Extract all of his life potential, take out his five organs, and use them to refine the Heartless Bell." "Yes," Cheng Yi suddenly understood. Lu Jin felt as if he had fallen into an icy abyss. ... "Master, could we be exposed?" Cheng Yi asked, looking at the corpse of the brawny man with concern. "It''s not impossible," Feng Ren pondered. "Then..." Cheng Yi grew somewhat restless. "It''s not a big problem," Feng Ren thought for a moment and said, "Lu Jin doesn''t know much anyway." "Right! Even if someone investigates, their focus would be on the murder and alchemy," Cheng Yi immediately calmed down. "But we can''t be careless," Feng Ren said solemnly, "Inform Li Qing tomorrow to urge the workers to speed up the construction of the ritual site." "Okay," Cheng Yi nodded. Feng Ren flicked his foot, and the body of the brawny man was kicked into the Bailang River like a rag doll. He glanced at Lu Jin lying on the ground, his body constantly twisting and writhing, attempting to escape. Feng Ren said indifferently, "Take him, let''s head back to the observatory." "Yes," Cheng Yi stepped forward, grabbed Lu Jin''s belt, and lifted him up. "The fifth person... the fifth..." Lu Jin spoke in a barely audible breath, using all his strength. Cheng Yi stopped in his tracks and looked towards Feng Ren, "Master, we''ve found four of the required human cauldrons, just missing the last one." "Don''t bother with him; I have an alternative candidate," Feng Ren said without looking back. Lu Jin plunged into despair. ... As the sunset descended in the west, Chen Mu sat on a bamboo chair. In front of him sat a black pottery sand pot on a red clay stove. The flames licked the bottom of the pot, while billows of white steam drifted up from the edges of the lid. Chen Mu stared at the fiery red stove, occasionally adjusting the fire. "My heart has grown cold as well," he said. Just over a year ago, he was a timid office worker with a kind heart. He might not have achieved much, but he would not have been much of a threat either. Now, he could end a life with ease, without the slightest ripple in his heart. Thinking of that brawny man, Chen Mu sighed. "Why can''t we live in peace? Why can''t we be good people?" "It''s always forcing my hand to kill." "It is these evildoers that harden my heart more and more, chill it more and more, make me detest this world more and more." Chen Mu lifted the lid off the pot and placed the sliced, deboned fish into it. A tantalizing aroma filled his nostrils. "Mmm... delicious!" Chapter 49 - 49 Third Rank At the foot of Xiao Dong Mountain, the gathering area. Chen Mu''s residence. In front of the wooden house is a wooden platform that is half a meter off the ground and two meters wide. The eaves of the house extend out above it, like the brim of a hat, serving as the roof of the front porch. At the moment, there is a square table on the porch. Two lanterns hang above, and not far away, the flames in the fire pit flicker. The area in front of the square table is bright. "Leave on the twenty-first, start preparing early," Jie Jia said slowly as he put down his chopsticks calmly. Is it still half a month away? There is enough time to prepare the supplies. Chen Mu nodded. "Do you need me to hire a carriage?" "No need," Jie Jia shook his head. "I''ll prepare it." Chen Mu immediately gave him a sideways glance, full of suspicion, "You''re not going to charge me extra for the carriage and horses, are you?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and nodded calmly. Chen Mu stared at Jie Jia, speechless. He actually admitted it?! Are all schemes so blatant? Jie Jia calmly took out a white silk cloth to wipe his mouth and then casually threw it into the fire pit nearby. Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. To save money, Jie Jia economized on everything, but he was never stingy when it came to personal hygiene. Chen Mu could guarantee that the white silk cloth was definitely used no more than twiceif not just once! "The journey is long, make sure to bring enough dry food," Jie Jia reminded emphatically on the words "make sure." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, "That includes yours too, I suppose." Jie Jia wore an expression that said it was only natural. Chen Mu realized that having a proficiency cheat wasn''t entirely good. His culinary skills indeed had improved rapidly, but he couldn''t shake off this freeloader. "Don''t worry, I won''t lack anything else, there''s plenty of Fasting Pills!" Chen Mu declared generously with a wave of his hand. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with an expressionless face. "Rice balls, rice balls with shredded pork should be fine, right?" Chen Mu said with annoyance. Is it just about giving a name? Is there a need for such endless mockery? As long as it''s tasty and fills the stomach, it''s good. ... Early the next morning, after breakfast. Chen Mu carefully put on Yang Zhi''s vest. Carrying a small bamboo basket up to his knees on his back, he followed the familiar path toward the Bailang River. Along the way, the market in the gathering area was still bustling. Old Liu was already hawking his Power Pills early in the morning. Someone actually bought those flour dumplings. Chen Mu nodded as a greeting and strode through the market street, following the laborers prepared to head up the mountain, leaving the gathering area. "Who''s the unlucky fellow that got his guts ripped out by a wolf today?" a laborer asked quietly. "Haven''t heard about it," replied his companion, shaking his head in confusion, "Did those government officials really go to clear out the wild wolves?" "Unless the sun rises from the west!" another companion snorted coldly. "Keep it down, don''t look for trouble," someone warned. "Don''t count on them, just try not to go out at night and be careful," they concluded. Whoosh! Black smoke billowed, and two palm-sized, lifelike paper figures appeared out of thin air. They were covered in blood-red lines, and each had a large black character on its backone "Winter" and the other "Spring." Chen Mu took a deep breath and curiously examined the paper figure with the "Spring" character. It was slimmer than the first paper figure and had more delicate features. Chen Mu commanded the two paper figures to float down to a rock the size of a human head. All four hands and two heads together pushed against the rock. "Rise!" The little paper figures'' legs trembled like sieves, their faces contorted in grimaces, but the rock did not move an inch. Chen Mu: "..." I thought too much, thought too much. Even with two shadow soul paper figures, they couldn''t change their appearance as mere scraps of paper. Chen Mu had been misled by a practitioner from the Thousand Mountains Path. The other could control paper figures to withstand Iron Lotus Seeds and counter the Sleeve Sword Technique. Just when the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse had made some progress, he wanted to try it out. Still, it turned out to be a waste of effort, not even as good as a piece of toilet paper! "Without using a Medicine Cultivator to refine them, paper figures are just paper figures." Maintaining Medicine Cultivators and Sacrificial Shadow Souls. These were secret refining techniques recorded at the end of the Thousand Mountains Sutra. They explained how to enhance the power of a Magic Artifact using human lives. Chen Mu glanced at it and decisively gave up. With his proficiency cheat, he wasn''t worried about increasing his strength. Such a rush for quick results with endless troublesan evil method like that was not worth practicing! Casting the evil method aside, Chen Mu continued to research the Third Rank Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. With a thought, the paper figures turned into black smoke and vanished. Crackling sounds. A fish appeared out of nowhere, five meters away, flipping and flopping on the ground. "Good!" Chen Mu''s heart surged with exhilaration, "The range for deploying the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke has increased by another meter." Being able to poison from five meters away greatly increased the safety factor! With another thought. A fish appeared five meters in front of him, and a Fasting Pill also appeared five meters behind him. "With two paper figures, I can summon two different objects in two directions at the same time," Chen Mu contemplated. Using the shadow soul paper figures felt like having an extra invisible hand. Another paper figure meant another hand. "Deploying the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke has become much more flexible." Put simply, he could poison enemies in two different directions at the same time. "The incantation can now be recited within a single breath." "The teleportation distance has increased to five meters." "I can teleport objects in two directions simultaneously." Adding all three, the Third Rank Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse combined with the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke was no longer just a stealth attack. Even in direct combat, it held considerable power. "A full harvest, time to head home!" With a broad sweep of his hand, all the fish on the river surface disappeared. Chen Mu shouldered his bamboo basket and quickly vanished from the riverbank. Chapter 50 - 50 Daoist Bone Facing the setting sun, Cheng Ming walked into the gathering area, his figure pausing involuntarily. The market street, which had been relatively tidy in the morning, was now in complete chaos. Broken pottery jars, baskets with their bottoms showing, sections of grass mats torn into several pieces. "Is this the aftermath of last night''s events?" Cheng Ming walked noiselessly to the rear of a large tree. His lips moved slightly, and the Five Ghosts Bag opened. He stood in the shade of the tree, stealthily observing the hurried stream of people. The laborers hadn''t come down from the mountain yet. The common small-time street vendors were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a few Government Officials lurked not far away, shouting and driving away anyone they saw. An old man was dragged out from inside a tent by a Government Official. They barged into the tent, smashing and looting everything in sight. In the end, they gave the old man a few kicks and left, cursing and swearing. ... Old Liu felt like his luck had hit rock bottom. His business was just starting to look up, and he''d finally managed to sell three Power Pills. Then at night, the Government Officials came and took all his money, and he beat him up too. Holding a piece of grey cloth to his bruised forehead, Old Liu sighed heavily. "What''s going on?" a detached voice suddenly arose from behind him. Old Liu shuddered with fright, turning his head abruptly, but when he recognized the person, he breathed a sigh of relief. "It''s you, Brother Yang. I thought those black dogs had come back," Old Liu said, still shaken. Cheng Ming nodded without expression, feigning a reticent and dull appearance. "County Magistrate Li Qing is unhappy with the progress of the construction; he sent those black dogs to supervise the work." "Here in the gathering area, all the able-bodied laborers must go and build the altar." "You''re lucky you weren''t here, or else you''d surely have been conscripted," said Old Liu. Cheng Ming''s heart relaxed, but his brow inadvertently furrowed. "It''s not because of the death of the strong men and Lu Jin''s serious injury, but because of the altar." "Conscripting laborers? That''s a bit troublesome." "The gathering area is becoming a place of trouble." Old Liu sighed as he picked up medicinal herbs scattered on the ground. "What are your plans now?" Cheng Ming suddenly asked. "What else can I do, pack up and leave." "I''ve been cleaned out three times in one day, this old frame of mine can''t take much more," Old Liu said despondently, shaking his head. Being of an advanced age, he had hoped to make some money and then find a quiet village to settle down and spend his final days. But suddenly, the Government Officials barged in, and he was looted three times in one day, leaving him with nothing for his funeral. Thinking about his life ahead, he felt lost. Should he continue the life of a traveling quack doctor, possibly meeting his end in a strange place one day? The future was uncertain... Cheng Ming looked thoughtfully at the medicinal herbs on the ground: "I need a batch of medicinal herbs." "You''re not planning to leave?" Old Liu was startled. The gathering area was clearly unfit for living.@@@@ Unless one wanted to go up the mountain to labor. "I need a large quantity; can you get them for me?" Cheng Ming asked calmly. With his current strength, if he chose to hide, it would be difficult for the Government Officials to find him. "Are you serious?!" Old Liu was overjoyed. "The medicinal herbs you collect, deliver them to my cabin, cash on delivery," Cheng Ming said. "Brother Yang, rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I will make sure the goods are delivered," Old Liu promised excitedly, rubbing his hands. The items Cheng Ming wanted included both herbs and unassuming plants from the mountain. Bought cheaply from the laborers, he could sell them at a high price to Cheng Ming. Old Liu had made quite a profit from their last transaction! Cheng Ming didn''t mind this small markup. The anti-corrosion materials for Power Pills, many were local vegetation from the mountain. He needed to collect a large amount quickly, to prepare and stock up on food for the journey. ... Outside the wooden cabin at the foot of Lesser East Mountain, Cheng Ming''s expression was grim. Pots, pans, and ladles were thrown all over the ground, and books on the table were torn up. It looked as though someone, disgruntled, had searched through them page by page. The two air-dried hares that had been hanging under the eaves had also vanished. "Don''t tell anyone at the observatory about me being here," Chen Mu sternly warned. "So can I have some fish slices tomorrow?" Cheng Ming asked, not scared at all, but with sparkling eyes as he looked at Chen Mu. "Yes," Chen Mu said, rolling his eyes. To think such a young kid had learned to drive a hard bargain, that''s quite something. "Deal!" Cheng Ming happily continued to devour his meal. After eating a large bowl of fish, his stomach was still as flat as ever. "Uncle He says I''m a ''bottomless pit,''" the little Daoist acolyte said with pride. Look at you, showing off! "Here, have a couple of good things," Chen Mu said, grinning as he handed over two Fasting Pills. "What are these?" Cheng Ming asked as he took them and popped them into his mouth. So naive, taking anything you''re given and eating it right away. "Fasting Pills," Chen Mu said seriously. Cheng Ming stared at Chen Mu with a tense face, silent. "Rice ball, rice ball, pork floss rice ball!" "If you''re not going to eat them, give them back to me!" "I''ll eat them!" The little Daoist acolyte immediately stuffed another pill into his mouth. After eating three in a row and still wanting more, Chen Mu dared not give anymore, fearing it would be too much for him. Yet Cheng Ming still looked at the Fasting Pills in Chen Mu''s hands with desire, his stomach remaining flat. "You really are a ''bottomless pit.'' With an appetite like that, you''re almost on par with me." ... "It''s normal," Jie Jia said, deftly picking up a piece of fragrant pan-fried fish, "If someone has an Innate Taoist Bone, it''s not unusual for them to eat a lot." Daoist Bone? Chen Mu heard a new term. "Don''t even think about it. Those people are not from the same world as us," Jie Jia said indifferently. "What do you mean?" "Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of Soul Cultivation. Even those with exceptional talent must train tirelessly. To achieve Wandering Soul by thirty and be deemed a genius." "Then, accumulating Vital Energy to strengthen the Wandering Soul, awaiting its transformation into a Shell Soul, often takes a lifetime." "But those born with an Innate Taoist Bone can complete Shape Cultivation in a hundred days and form a Shell Soul in three years." "Can such people be compared with us?" It was the first time Chen Mu saw Jie Jia talk so much. "Is Soul Strength really that hard to cultivate?" He had Proficiency and didn''t find the Shape Cultivation Technique difficult, nor did he regard Soul Strength as a big deal. Seeing Jie Jia so lamenting made Chen Mu somewhat uneasy. He immediately thought of Cheng Ming. Could this kid be one of those born with an Innate Taoist Bone? "Stop thinking about it. Such people would be whisked away the moment they are discovered, you wouldn''t have the chance to meet them," Jie Jia said. "There are plenty with big appetites. Innate Divine Power, possessing Exotic Beast blood, using shapeshifting drugs C these can all cause one to eat a lot," Jie Jia finished speaking in one breath, then slowly took out a white silk handkerchief and wiped his mouth. His emotions quickly packed away, he returned to his usual undisturbed state. ... After the meal, watching Jie Jia disappear into the dense mountain fog, Chen Mu wore a grim expression as he contemplated the concept of a Daoist Bone. The world really was unfair. He''d been getting up early and toiling away diligently at his cultivation for a year and a half, yet he still couldn''t complete his Shape Cultivation. Some people, however, achieved it with ease. A sense of helplessness rose in Chen Mu, and his face grew even darker. And then there was Soul Strength. Jie Jia, with his white hair, only managed to cultivate Soul Strength after much difficulty. People with a Daoist Bone, however, needed only three years. Chen Mu clenched his fist so hard that his nails dug into his flesh, gritting his teeth, "If it''s so difficult for Jie Jia, what about me?" His previous life was just that of an ordinary scholar with an inherently weak constitution. And the cultivation technique he practiced was the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, a dime a dozen. "Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, Marrow Transformation" "Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of Soul Cultivation." "I''ve been tirelessly cultivating for a year and a half, and I haven''t even completed Marrow Transformation!" "For someone like me, with no resources, no mentorship, no backing, a completely ordinary martial artist from the bottom rung, when will my day of success come!" Chen Mu stared fiercely at the grey proficiency wall in front of him, full of grief and anger. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5209/10000/Third Rank; "Hm? I can complete Shape Cultivation in at most three months?!" Chen Mu blinked. "Hmph!" He fiercely put away the grey wall. "These worldly possessions!" "Disturb my Daoist heart!" "Better not to look at them!" ``` Chapter 51 - 51 Leaving Qingshan County, inside a large residence in Anle Square, East of the City. In the living room, the former county magistrate Li Qing leisurely sipped tea. "Uncle, the City Guard Warriors report that the number of evil spirit incidents within the city is gradually decreasing, and they only occur in the West City District," a burly man with dark skin said, sitting across the small tea table from him. "The effect of the sacrificial altar is spreading from Qingfeng Observatory to the west. It won''t be long before it completely covers Qingshan County." "It''s a pity. Despite my efforts in having people search extensively, we still haven''t uncovered what means Feng Ren used," the dark-faced man said with regret. "That old Daoist Feng Ren does have some skills," Li Qing put down his teacup and said. "It''s just a pity that Cheng Yi is so stubborn. He won''t take money that''s being handed to him. If there''s anything slightly wrong with the workers'' food, he comes to trouble us. Despicable!" Li Wenlin said angrily. "Who can get a full meal these days? What''s wrong with hairy wheat? Just cook it, and isn''t it fine then? Mixing in some grass seeds and tree bark is an issue, is it? It''s not like it can''t be eaten!" "Wenlin, you are our Li Family''s auspicious unicorn, the Commander-in-chief of the City Guard Soldiers, and it''s not like your share of silver is small at home. Why bother grudging for food from those peasants?" "Possessions outside the body are nothing. Keeping Qingshan County safe is paramount," Li Qing said deliberately. As long as Qingshan County is kept safe, there will be plenty of ways to make money. "Uncle, but we must have contingency plans, we can''t let Qingfeng Observatory hold us by the throat," Li Wenlin said, his eyes circling with thought. Li Qing nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, we can''t afford to walk with a limp." Seeing Li Qing interested, Li Wenlin excitedly introduced, "Uncle, I''ve found someone, he might..." "It''s not another swindler like that Qian Shan Daoist, is it?" Li Qing, casting a skeptical glance at his nephew. The key is that swindle wasn''t even complete; they fled in the middle of it! His share was already earmarked for use, turning all the effort into a wasted endeavor since Qian Shan vanished. "Uncle, this time it''s not some worthless expert. It''s a magic artifact," Li Wenlin whispered excitedly as he leaned closer. "What fool would sell a magic artifact?" Li Qing immediately disbelieved. Lin Wenlin chuckled and said, "Magic artifacts are treasures, but the price... not everyone can afford it!" "I''ve heard that artifact requires a live human sacrifice." "Others dare not use it." "But we have no shortage of death row inmates in our prisons." Li Qing narrowed his eyes and shook his head: "It''s better not to touch such sinister magic artifacts." "Uncle..." "Enough! We cannot speak of this matter again!" ... The small Dongshan Mountain seemed to be draped in a sheer white veil. Tall trees, engulfed by the mist, only revealed their tops, like sprinkles of green on white gauze, adding an ethereal beauty to the mountain. The light fog spread through the forest, and Chen Mu pushed through the mist, moving silently. Even the blazing sun became gentle in the thin mist, like a daylight lamp emitting a soft glow. In the wooden house on the edge of the settlement. Only seven or eight days away, it looked as if it had been abandoned for several months. The doors and windows hung crookedly on their frames. A faint musty odor spread throughout the room. "Brother Yang, you finally came!" Old man Liu carefully ran out from beneath the window inside. He constantly looked around, afraid of being noticed. "Black-Doggie has been getting fiercer lately," Liu complained. "Brother Yang, you''ve got to give me a good price," Liu urged, pointing to several burlap sacks piled up inside the room. "These goods almost cost me my life." Having not seen him for several days, Chen Mu found that the other''s complexion indeed looked worse. He appeared thinner, and his complexion was somewhat pale and weak.@@@@ Chen Mu, without a word, squat down and began to quietly inspect all the medicinal materials. He wouldn''t forego any part of the inspection simply because of their multiple transactions and familiarity. The biggest unrest in Qingshan County came from ghosts. Didn''t Feng Ren have a way to deal with the ghosts? Even he wasn''t confident about it? Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the problem of cost that Jie Jia had mentioned previously. "No, this place really isn''t suitable to stay in any longer!" ... Three days later, the gathering area. It was long past the bustle it had half a month ago. The entire daytime was silent, and not even a ghost could be seen. It was said that anyone who could walk had been forcibly taken to repair the altar. Within the increasingly dilapidated wooden house, Chen Mu carefully checked the last bit of medicinal materials. He made sure they were of good quality before happily paying the final payment. Liu old man, pale-faced and with dark circles under his eyes, counted the silver pieces with glee, growing more excited with each piece counted. Facing Liu old man''s bloodshot eyes, Chen Mu couldn''t help but speak, "Are you alright?" "Oh, it''s nothing. Just been outwitting that black dog all the time, not sleeping well," Liu old man waved his hand and said. "Is Brother Yang preparing to leave?" Liu old man sighed, "The gathering area is a place of trouble after all." Then he cautiously inquired, "Is Brother Yang planning to settle down in Qingshan County or live in the countryside?" In case they could continue to collaborate in the future, he was a big client. "Nanyang Prefecture," Chen Mu didn''t hide the fact. "That''s a big city," Liu old man said regretfully. "Old man had wanted to go there when I was young, but unfortunately, I didn''t have the capability. Now that I''m old, I can''t be bothered anymore. Buying a small courtyard in Qingshan County to enjoy my twilight years wouldn''t be bad," Liu old man said contentedly, pocketing the money bag. Chen Mu''s bulk purchase had made him a good profit. Plus, with the money he had saved in Da Tong bank for most of his life, he had enough to retire comfortably in Qingshan County. He could marry a concubine, adopt a child to look after him in his old age, and that would be his life. Liu old man indulged in these pleasant thoughts. Not paying any more attention to Liu old man''s future dreams, Chen Mu turned around and slipped silently into the foggy forest. ... Da Liang year 639, December 21. South of Qingshan County Town. As agreed, Chen Mu arrived early at the riverside of Bailang River to the south of the city. But when he got there, there was no one in sight all around. A thick fog shrouded everything. People couldn''t be seen beyond five meters. If he weren''t used to circling Bailang River every day, he could have easily lost direction in the mist. He waited and waited, but no one arrived. Surrounding him, the fog rolled, and all was silence. A chill rose inexplicably in Chen Mu''s heart. Then, a rumbling sound drifted from within the fog, faintly audible. The ground even trembled slightly. It was as if a terrifying giant beast was slowly approaching from afar. Chen Mu''s heart suddenly tightened. Chapter 52 - 52 - Life and Death The prison on the west side of the Qingshan County Government Office. Each cell was crammed with prisoners. Some were petty thieves from the streets, others were gang members, and some were ragged beggars. Almost all of the idle vagrants in Qingshan County had been captured by Li Wenlin and thrown into this place. At this moment, Li Wenlin was walking toward the depths of the cells with a tall and thin old man. "Is this the Longevity Gourd?" Li Wenlin greedily gazed at the yellow-skinned gourd in the hands of the tall and thin old man. The palm-sized yellow-skinned gourd was smooth with silver patterns running across its surface. "Can it really ward off evil and protect the virtuous, and even brew Longevity Wine?" "Longevity is, of course, impossible," chuckled the tall and thin old man. "But to extend one''s life is no problem." Li Wenlin felt somewhat reassured and nodded, "Show me." "As you command," the tall and thin elder slightly bowed, his expression a mix of a smile and not. A string of cumbersome curses spilled out from his mouth. The silver threads on the yellow gourd sparkled, and a puff of white vapor sprayed out from the mouth of the gourd. The vapor circled in mid-air before diving into the pitch-black cell. A short and abrupt scream followed, and the white fog flew back. The tall and thin old man shook the gourd, and the sound of a light liquid swishing could be heard. He took out two jade wine cups from his sleeve and turned the gourd upside down. Drops of pale red liquid flowed out, resembling fine grape wine. He shook vigorously, pouring out every last drop, barely enough to just cover the bottom of the two cups. The tall and thin old man put away the gourd, drank one cup without a word, and with an expression of enjoyment, handed the other cup to Li Wenlin. Li Wenlin took over the cup, half in doubt, and drank it down. Before this, he had already had several servants test the Longevity Wine. Having observed them for several days without noticing any adverse reactions, he now boldly drank it down. A cool sensation spread from his stomach throughout his body. A feeling of refreshment instantly assaulted his brain. His thoughts were now unprecedentedly agile and clear. Details that he had previously overlooked were now obvious, as clear as patterns on his palm. What was more crucial was that he felt his Shape Cultivation Technique, which had been stuck at a bottleneck for many years, was finally showing signs of loosening! "With enough Longevity Wine, absolute success in Marrow Transformation isn''t a dream!" "Excellent!" Li Wenlin couldn''t help but laugh heartily. Li Wenlin scrutinized the cell filled with prisoners, "I''ll leave this place to you." The tall and thin elder smiled and nodded, "Rest assured." "Don''t you play any tricks on me," Li Wenlin stared fiercely at the old man. "Your grandson is still in my hands." "Please take care of him, Commander-in-chief." The tall and thin elder bowed his head in a bow. "My grandson likes to eat beef." "Heh! If you do a good job, I''ll let him eat beef for a lifetime!" Li Wenlin laughed heartily and turned to leave. The tall and thin elder stood straight, smiling broadly as he watched the other''s retreating figure, and called out loudly, "Many thanks, Commander-in-chief!" Once Li Wenlin had completely disappeared, the tall and thin old man gleefully spit out the fresh red liquid that he had hidden in his stomach. "Longevity Wine? Heh..." He spun around on the spot, looking at the cells crowded with prisoners showing faces of terror, his smile growing even more radiant, "What do you say, how should I repay him?" "How about sending him to death, hehe... hahaha!" The yellow-skinned gourd was like a balloon with its surface punctured, white smoke erupted violently, rapidly spreading throughout the entire prison. Shortly followed by a series of short and muted screams, then all that remained was a deathly silence. ... By the Bailang River. Chen Mu gripped an Iron Lotus Seed tightly, staring nervously at the dense fog ahead. The sound was getting closer, and the ground shook more and more violently.@@@@ Chen Mu''s back was drenched in sweat, and just as he could not bear to throw the Iron Lotus Seed. A black horse burst through the fog. A tall, sturdy, bald middle-aged man wearing black clothes with a stern face rode upon the horse, locking his gaze onto Chen Mu. The atmosphere gradually grew tense. "Are you Chen Mu?" the bald strong man asked coldly. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and with a sincere face, he said, "I am not." The bald strong man: "..." Had it not been for the portrait given by Jie Jia which he had seen earlier, he might have almost believed him! "You aren''t Jie''s nephew, Chen Mu?" the bald strong man asked incredulously. You''re a notorious assassin from the underworld, you don''t have any bloody acquaintances! "Not mine, yours," Jie Jia gestured vaguely towards the carriage behind with a nod of his head. "My acquaintances?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes and unbelievingly turned around to lift the carriage''s curtain. A pair of bright, sparkling eyes appeared. "Brother Chen?!" "Hey! Did you bring any rice balls?" Cheng Ming?! Chen Mu looked further inside. An awkward, chubby middle-aged man cupped his hands in greeting, "Young Master Chen, what a coincidence." Du Huai from Qingshan County? He''d been used as free labor by the County Government Office to draw up wanted posters; it was this man''s handiwork. The second-in-command of the County Government Office running away?! Chen Mu looked utterly absurd as he turned to the last burly man. He had a beard around his jaw, eyes as big as copper bells, wore black, tight-fitting clothes, and was tall and sturdy. With a Ghost Head Greatknife strapped to his back, he faced Chen Mu with a forthright expression, "Brother, we''re sharing the road so it must be fate." "My name is Zhang Ye. What''s yours?" The dimwitted gang leader of the Bailang Gang? Chen Mu: "..." So, they really are acquaintances... Pulling down the curtain abruptly, Chen Mu leaned against the carriage and closed his eyes. At this moment, he didn''t want to say a word. ... At the Qingfeng Observatory''s Ancestral Master Hall on Little East Mountain. "Master, the human cauldron has been placed on the altar," Cheng Yi entered the Ancestral Master Hall and said to Feng Ren, who was sitting in front of the carved scriptures. "Blood sacrifice the Heartless Bell, absorb the vital energy of the whole city. Yi''er, do you think I was wrong?" Feng Ren murmured, his voice ethereal and hinting at confusion. Cheng Yi respectfully bowed his head, "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao." "The Dao? Heh..." Feng Ren''s voice carried a note of melancholy, "Is this why you poisoned me?" "You forced me to," Cheng Yi''s eyes showed a trace of resentment, "Otherwise, how could I get the Elixir of Longevity?" "Without the Elixir of Longevity, I can''t cultivate my Shell Soul, can''t open the gate to heaven, and can''t obtain eternal life," Cheng Yi''s emotions grew more agitated. "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao! Master, that''s what you taught, right?" "With Cheng Ming around, you don''t need... you really don''t need it..." Feng Ren let out a long sigh, and blood began to drip from the corners of his mouth. "Cheng Ming again, always Cheng Ming! This Elixir of Longevity was prepared for Cheng Ming, right?" Hate flickered in Cheng Yi''s eyes. "Heh... Elixir of Longevity? It''s Longevity Poison..." As Feng Ren opened his mouth, blood calmly flowed from it, dripping down his chin and saturating the ground beneath him. The blackish-red bloodstain spread from where Feng Ren was sitting, growing larger and larger until it covered half of the Ancestral Master Hall. "Don''t blame me, Master. I just want to see that wonderful world," Cheng Yi''s eyes became bloodshot, and a tear fell from his eye. "To live for the Dao, to die for the Dao..." Only this resolute murmur remained in the Ancestral Master Hall. ... "Brother Chen, just give me some rice balls, I''m really hungry," Cheng Ming peeked out from behind the curtain, pestering Chen Mu by tugging at his shoulder repeatedly. "Here, take it, take it! Stop touching me, I''m irritated!" Chen Mu pretended to rummage in his cloth bag and tossed a fist-sized pouch to Cheng Ming. It contained five Fasting Pills. "Thank you, Brother Chen!" "When my master and senior brother come to fetch me, I''ll ask them to treat you to a feast at the biggest restaurant in Nanyang Prefecture!" Cheng Ming grinned from ear to ear. "Go away, their cooking probably isn''t even as good as mine." "If you want to thank me, ask your master to give me money directly!" "No problem!" Cheng Ming said heartily, "You can scam as much as you want; my senior brother is loaded. Heh heh!" Cough cough! Jie Jia coughed twice and suddenly turned to look at Cheng Ming. "Old man, what''s up?" "Those rice balls, I have some too," Jie Jia said with a grin, "Do you want to buy them?" "I can keep a tab." Looking at Jie Jia with a sense of resignation, Chen Mu thought back to when he had believed Jie Jia had a low benchmark for earning money. But in truth, it seemed he simply didn''t have one at all. You don''t have any damn rice balls! Selling the food you scrounged from me for money?! "No problem! My senior brother treats me really well! He gives me all the money I ask for," Cheng Ming said cheerfully. "Put it on my tab! Put it on my tab!" Chapter 53 - 53 Mist """ In Ping''an Square east of Qingshan County Town, within a modest small courtyard. The courtyard was compact but complete, equipped with a well, cooking stove, vegetable patch, and a pigsty. Early in the morning, old Liu lay in his rocking chair, lazily staring at the sun shrouded in fog that looked just like a fluorescent light. "Old age, it''s ultimately about getting old. But bustling about for half a month, it''s as tiring as if it could cost me my life. I''m getting less and less energetic," he couldn''t help but squint his eyes. "Finally settled down." "Once the fog clears, I''ll go find the matchmaker, Zhang." The dreadful foggy day still couldn''t dampen his good mood. "To find a concubine to warm my bed. That would be enough satisfaction for this lifetime." "Also, I need to go ask around to see if any family has children they can''t afford to keep. They can''t be too old, otherwise, after I raise them, they''ll still belong to someone else." A look of longing and a smile appeared on old Liu''s face. "I''ll go once the fog lifts, I''ll go once the fog lifts..." He murmured softly, filled with hope, slowly drifting into sleep, and slowly passed away. ... In the back courtyard of the County Government Office of Qingshan County. Ever since the county magistrate disappeared, and Li Qing, the chief official, took actual control of Qingshan County, he shamelessly moved into the magistrate''s residence. With great upheaval everywhere, no one would care about a small Qingshan County Town. As dawn slowly broke, Li Qing struggled out of bed. His head throbbed, his eyes swollen, his limbs ached as if he hadn''t slept all night. "Someone," he called weakly with a hoarse voice. But after shouting for a while, no one came to help him out of bed. Li Qing, bearing his whole body''s discomfort, angrily struggled out of the bedroom. "I need to find a doctor." He clearly felt there was something wrong with his body. He burst into the small compartment next to the bedroom, the temporary dwelling of his personal maid. The maid, who should have woken up much earlier, was still curled up in her bed. A maid waking up later than her master?! Damn it! His anger boiling, he ran to the bedside and raised his hand, intent on hitting the maid ruthlessly. But he was met with an extremely pale face. If not for the faint rising and falling of her chest, he would have thought she was a corpse! "Something''s wrong!" Li Qing staggered backward. Could someone have poisoned him? In his panic, he rushed out of the room. Only to see the servants and guards stationed outside his room, all staggering like drunkards. Pale-faced, with weakened qi and blood! "Something''s very wrong!" "Someone!" "Someone help!" ... On the southern official road of Qingshan County Town. A long convoy suddenly stopped, and a commotion could be heard coming from the front. "Something happened?" Chen Mu strained to see ahead. But the thick fog obscured everything, making it impossible to see clearly. "Zhen Fan, go take a look up front!" Zhang Ye called out from behind the window of the carriage to the man on the horse behind him. "Sure thing!" A skinny man jumped off the carriage from the back and quickly disappeared into the mist. Half a quarter of an hour later, the skinny man returned. "Boss, there''s a dead person ahead." "It''s said to be a son born out of wedlock from the Zuo Family." "Silent and without struggle, he just suddenly died." "That son''s mother is causing a scene up front." Chen Mu frowned slightly, wondering how a man could just die all of a sudden. "To have a death right after we set off is not a good omen," Zhang Ye lamented before complaining, "The young master couldn''t have chosen a worse time to die, it''s holding up our journey!" "There''s something not quite right," Chen Mu''s frown deepened. "Brother, don''t be afraid, it''s just a death, I''ve got your back..." Zhang Ye patted Chen Mu''s shoulder and laughed loudly. "Inform the convoy, we''re leaving immediately!" he ordered. "Master Zuo, the young master has met with an accident, we can''t be so hasty. We must first eliminate any threats..." "I said, we''re leaving immediately!" Master Zuo stared intently at the bald strongman. That look clearly said, disobey me, and I''ll replace you! The bald strongman swallowed his response, frustration written all over his face as he said, "Yes!" Master Zuo glanced again at the receding black lacquered carriage. He then coldly glared at the bald strongman, "Pick up the pace and catch up with them!" ... On top of the black lacquered carriage. Cheng Ming held a Fasting Pill in one hand, biting a piece off on one side, then nibbling on the other, eating with relish. The chubby county constable Du Huai shrunk inside the carriage, silent, yet his eyes whirled around, lost in thought. Zhang Ye leaned against the inner wall of the carriage. His back was damp with sweat, uncomfortable and sticky, but he dared not scratch it. His eyes occasionally flicked toward Chen Mu outside the carriage. Was this truly a frail scholar? He had been watching Chen Mu and hadn''t seen how he had drawn and sheathed his sword! As a martial artist, he instinctively imagined himself in the bald strongman''s position. Impossible to guard against! Absolutely impossible to guard against! A master! A master who could take his life! Remembering how he had carelessly patted the man on the shoulder earlier, joking about his fear of death, Zhang Ye felt a chill on his forehead. Hopefully the scholar didn''t hold a grudge... ... The carriage rolled leisurely along. But Chen Mu felt his hackles rising, sensing something was terribly wrong. He grabbed the whip and drove the carriage forward as if it were flying. Ignoring the complaints of the jostling passengers, he raced twenty miles, leaving the thick fog behind, before finally stopping to rest the horses. He stepped off the carriage and looked back the way they came. The white mist was like a clump of cotton, tightly enveloping Qingshan County for ten miles around, unmovable by the wind. From the outside, it was just a white expanse. Before long, there was a rumbling sound from behind. The Zuo family''s convoy also came out of the dense fog in a disheveled state. Seeing Chen Mu and the others resting by the roadside, they slowed down. After the convoy completely escaped the fog, they stopped to rest as well. After that hard run, the large convoy had taken quite a beating. Tallying up the people and their condition was necessary; the cargo was jostled apart and needed to be re-secured. It wasn''t long before the convoy again turned noisy. "Boss, I heard that four more people died. The young and the old, all weak and sickly," Zhen Fan reported as he approached the black lacquered carriage. As soon as the Zuo family''s convoy stopped, he had snuck over to gather information. "Damn! This is cursed! Lucky we ran fast!" Zhang Ye''s back instantly drenched with sweat again. Mysterious deaths made him think of malevolent spirits. Qingshan County had been unsettled recently. Who knows what unclean things might be within that fog? Zhang Ye looked at Chen Mu with surprise. This Scholar Chen was formidable to have sensed something was off in advance. Seeing Chen Mu staring expressionlessly at the mist, Zhang Ye found him even more enigmatic. ... "Are ghosts to blame?" Chen Mu asked Jie Jia. "No," Jie Jia replied, standing with his hands behind his back next to Chen Mu. His eyes were narrowed to slits, his amber pupils intently studying the mist as if deep in thought. "That fog is definitely problematic." "Fog?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the London smog events he''d once heard about in his previous life. In 1952, due to atmospheric conditions, smoke from factories and heating coal failed to disperse, enveloping London in smog for five days. During this time, the city saw a sharp rise in illness and death rates. Subsequent figures estimated that the smog had resulted in as many as 4,000 deaths. But Qingshan County was just an otherworldly ancient city. How could there be that much pollution? The vast Qingshan County Town, tightly enshrouded in white mist. Silent as the grave, without a sound, it appeared as a ghost town. Looking from afar, Chen Mu couldn''t suppress a shiver of dread. "A place of misfortune..." Chapter 54 - 54 - Trim/Pruning The next morning dawned. Within an abandoned village. The sky was overcast, and a fine, continuous drizzle drifted down. A chilly wind blew, cold to the bone. The people scattered in the simple dwellings throughout the village gradually woke from their sleep. After a day of ragged running, they were caught up in this damp and cold weather. Those who were weak felt even weaker, some fell ill. The caravan had no choice but to delay their departure by a day, taking time to recover in this place. ... Inside a still-intact earthen house. A red clay stove was placed at the doorway, where crimson charcoal burned within, constantly radiating heat to the surroundings. Atop the stove, a black pottery crockpot bubbled with noise, white steam spewing from the edges of the lid, occasionally lifting it. Cheng Ming, the young Taoist acolyte, sat beside the stove, his eyes drowsy from sleep, yet his nose continuously sniffed towards the crockpot. No matter how much the squat and plump Heh Taoist coaxed him, he didn''t move an inch. "Young Master Chen, I am so sorry," said Heh Taoist with an embarrassed face as he looked at Chen Mu. Based on their initial encounter, he was still somewhat fearful of Chen Mu. Cheng Yi had once firmly claimed that this young master was possessed by an evil spirit. Although it was later proven to be a misunderstanding, Heh Taoist still harbored a wariness. "It''s no trouble, let him eat with us," said Chen Mu. Whether it''s herding one sheep or two, Chen Mu glanced at Jie Jia, who sat next to Cheng Ming, nonchalant. He had grown accustomed to the two gluttons, the old and the young. ... After the meal, from the cloth bag he was carrying, Chen Mu took out two fist-sized gray cloth bags. They contained finger-sized fruit and meat jerkies. He threw one bag to both Jie Jia and Cheng Ming. Chen Mu then ducked into a dilapidated house on the west side of the courtyard. With nothing to do during a day''s rest, Chen Mu couldn''t help wanting to improve his proficiency. "I should start with the Shape Cultivation Technique first." In the previous three months, he had only focused on recuperation and researching the Pharmaceutical Technique in the first two months. Stay informed at novelhall.Co?m Other abilities had barely been touched, and his proficiency in them all was not high. Only the Shape Cultivation Technique''s proficiency was more than halfway there. "First, I need to improve my physical fitness," he thought. The room wasn''t large, which was just right for practicing the dodging technique. As long as it was combined with the Breathing Method cycle, proficiency could be increased. "After resting for so long, I''ll practice a few more repetitions today to make up for what I''ve missed." ... By evening, the fine rain had stopped, the dark clouds had dispersed, and the setting sun glowed red like blood. The quiet village all day long became lively. After a day''s rest, the disheartened people recovered. Fires blazed in the deserted houses, with smoke curling up and the fragrance of cooking spreading. In the small courtyard where Chen Mu was. Right away, he flipped the dagger, slid his right hand to the side, and then viciously pulled back. The sharp blade fiercely aimed at the soft flesh of the waist. Clang! The sound of metal clashing sent Cheng Yi into a complete panic. It seemed he realized something. He gave up any thought of defense or escape and began stabbing the dagger towards various parts of Wu Yin''s body without stop. Clang, clang, clang... Thump! Finally, the dagger pierced into the right side of Wu Yin''s neck. Sparks flew, and just then, the tip of the dagger broke off! Unbeknownst when, Wu Yin''s neck was covered with a layer of pitch-black film, akin to armor tightly adhered to the skin. The sharp dagger couldn''t inflict the slightest injury on him. Wu Yin just stood there in place, his face always wearing a mocking and enigmatic smile. "Shell Soul?! Is this the Shell Soul?!" Staggering backward, Cheng Yi murmured in complete despair, "But I''ve already drunk the Elixir of Longevity. If it were just two days later, just two more days and I could have..." "The Elixir of Longevity? You drank the Elixir of Longevity?" Wu Yin looked at Cheng Yi in astonishment: "Don''t tell me you poisoned Feng Ren just to seize the Elixir of Longevity?" "I live for the Dao, and I die for the Dao, I am not wrong!" Cheng Yi bellowed with bloodshot eyes. "Ah ha... ah ha... hahaha..." "After drinking the Elixir of Longevity, Essence, Qi, and Spirit become tainted by external matter, and you won''t be able to see immortality ever again," Wu Yin laughed so hard he bent forward and back. "And you still want to seek the Dao? That''s too funny!" Cheng Yi was struck as if by lightning, standing completely frozen. "That''s right, such Evil Path practices, he certainly wouldn''t teach his disciples." "Senior brother actually got poisoned by his own disciple over this? Hahaha... I can laugh at this joke for ten years!" Wu Yin left, laughing uproariously, hand in hand with the little chubby boy. His old-fashioned senior brother was killed because of his own stubborn ways, which was extremely amusing! "Impossible, impossible, absolutely impossible!" In the entire Ancestral Master Hall, only Cheng Yi''s angry and desperate roars remained. ... "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Zhang Ye adamantly shook his head: "What treasure could there be in this poor and remote Qingshan County?" "But those adventurers running towards Qingshan County seem so sure," Zhen Fan hesitated, "They claim that the great fire was sparked by the emergence of the treasure." "And that earthquake." "It is said that the treasure was originally buried beneath the East Minor Hill. It was only disturbed because of Qingfeng Observatory''s founding and the building of the altar." Hearing this, Zhang Ye also began to lose confidence. He could not help but look towards the few people sitting at the table. "Want to check it out?" Chen Mu grinned. Zhang Ye nodded like a pecking chicken. "Go then," Jie Jia said indifferently. Zhang Ye was elated at once. "We won''t wait for you, though," Cheng Ming said with a cheeky grin. Zhang Ye: "..." He had put in so much effort to perform all day long just to coax a group to take a look. At the very least, they could wait for him a bit. Not only did Jie Jia and Chen Mu see through his intentions, but even that little brat dared to tease him. "Get lost, get lost, get lost! Just stay put!" Zhang Ye smacked Zhen Fan''s shoulder without any good temper. He had spent a lot of money in Zhu Yi Pavilion for the sake of safety on the journey to Nanyang Prefecture. He definitely couldn''t waste this expensive ticket just for a bit of curiosity. Chapter 55 - 55 Common Squeak, squeak, creak, creak. The carriage traveled on a road that wasn''t flat, but still reasonably wide. Chen Mu leaned against the compartment, daydreaming. This was their third day since leaving Qingshan County. The novelty of starting the journey had been numbed by the monotony of the long travel. Sitting in the carriage every day, though the scenery kept changing, the physical and mental exhaustion still swept over them after a while. Zhang Ye lifted the curtain of the compartment, resting one hand on it. Five or six spirited horses galloped head-on, with several Jianghu people spurring their horses fiercely, quickly zipping past them. Zhang Ye couldn''t help but say sourly, "Another group off treasure hunting." No one in the carriage paid him any attention, this was no telling how many times he''d expressed his regret. "Uncle Zhang, if you want to go, just go." Cheng Ming said with a giggle. "Go, go, go, what would a kid like you understand!" Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. Chen Mu turned his head to look at the Jianghu people disappearing into the dust. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the Qingshan County refugees following behind the caravan. Some people were desperately fleeing, while others were eagerly trying to push their way in. "Who knows how many will die." Turning his head back, Chen Mu closed his eyes and no longer paid attention. The distance from Qingshan County to Nanyang Prefecture was vast. According to Jie Jia, even if everything went smoothly, it would still take at least one and a half months to travel. "Such a long time can''t be wasted." Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Writing: 1666/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1533/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 7553/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5311/10000/Third Rank; Cooking: 806/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 626/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 816/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 397/10000/Third Rank; Writing and drawing are not worth mentioning. He hadn''t updated those two skills in a long time. Small stones were everywhere, so he could practice throwing using the Flying Locust Stone, but it was too noisy, so he had to give it up. If people saw the Flying Locust Stone, it couldn''t be kept as a trump card. Cooking didn''t need dedicated practice; he could accumulate experience by cooking every day. Pharmaceutical Technique was tricky. He had finished reading the medical books. He could also gain experience by preparing medicines. But, while traveling... He could practice the Sleeve Sword Technique by practicing drawing and sheathing the sword. But like before, if too many people knew about it, it couldn''t be counted as a trump card. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse? Same as above. "The breathing method in the Shape Cultivation Technique can be contemplated though." Chen Mu leaned against the carriage, his body swaying with the motion of the carriage, gradually adjusting his breathing rhythm to align with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. ... The movements of Shape Cultivation stimulated different muscles. The breathing method was effective when matched with it. "If sitting down could engage the corresponding muscles, would it be possible to achieve the combination and get the exercise effect?" In the following days, following this train of thought, Chen Mu contemplated whenever he had the chance. Thanks to the proficiency gray wall. Every time throwing and the Sleeve Sword Technique leveled up, he experienced a qualitative change in his body. Besides improving physical fitness, it also enhanced control over his entire body. Also thanks to the proficiency gray wall. Every attempt brought him a wealth of insights. It gradually took him further down this path. ... "Old fellow, what''s up with Brother Chen?" Zhang Ye curiously looked at Chen Mu, who had a blank expression in his eyes. This state had lasted three or four days. He often daydreamed, occasionally making strange movements. He was skittish, at times elated and at times frustrated. Slow to react, sometimes taking ages just to reply to a question. Jie Jia glanced at him and said indifferently, "Practicing." Every time Wu Yin cut a piece, the boy grabbed it and stuffed it into his mouth, his face gleaming with grease. "I heard you had another junior disciple." Wu Yin casually chatted as he cut meat for his grandson with a relaxed tone. Clang! Read today on novelhall.Co?m Cheng Yi''s fist smashed furiously onto the iron figure, his eyes brimming with hatred. If only the master hadn''t favored his junior disciple. He wouldn''t have killed his own master. Nor would he have drunk the Elixir of Longevity, severing his path to eternal life. Damned Cheng Ming! Wu Yin chuckled with interest, "Actually, there is a way." Cheng Yi suddenly turned around, his face full of excitement. Immediately his expression changed. Wu Yin was his martial uncle, but he was like a sworn enemy to his master, yet they were still brothers in the Dao. He himself had poisoned his master to death. Thinking of his dream, Cheng Yi forced a smile, "Please enlighten me, martial uncle." "Tell me about your junior disciple. He eats quite a lot too?" Wu Yin chuckled, clearly intrigued. Cheng Yi''s face twisted. Yet, he had no choice but to suppress the hatred in his heart, grinding his teeth as he recounted Cheng Ming''s past. "Senior brother, truly worthy of coming from the same sect, we think alike," Wu Yin said with a chuckle after a moment''s silence. Then he looked at Cheng Yi, "As long as you can take your junior disciple to Shouyang Mountain, you can obtain a Thousand Mechanism Token." "With the Thousand Mechanism Token, you can leave this barren land and pursue the path to eternal life." "The adverse effects of the Elixir of Longevity might even be resolved in that unknown land." Cheng Yi was ecstatic. Who could have imagined that the junior disciple would be of such use! "Your master sent away his disciples, leaving only you behind. Obviously planning to take you to Shouyang Mountain." "What a pity that you got smart on your own, murdering your master for the mere Elixir of Longevity. "How wrongful is my senior brother''s death, you tell me?" Wu Yin asked with mockery. Cheng Yi''s face was as calm as an ancient well. With a new hope in mind, he quickly regained his usual composure. "I have been preoccupied with the master''s funeral in recent days and failed to attend properly. Please forgive me, martial uncle," Cheng Yi said apologetically. "My junior disciple is young and alone in the world. I truly cannot rest easy without looking after him," Cheng Yi said sincerely. "I am deeply sorry that I cannot serve in front of you, martial uncle." Wu Yin pointed at Cheng Yi and laughed loudly, "This pretense of yours, tsk tsk..." ... Two days later. On the carriage, Chen Mu''s dilated pupils contracted, and he slowly came to his senses. Whew! He opened his mouth and exhaled a long breath. Then he suddenly began to change his breathing rhythm. Though he was sitting still, his muscles moved rhythmically with his breathing. A wave of heat emanated from his body. In this Southern Country''s cold winter breeze, Chen Mu was like a human furnace. Cheng Ming, the young Taoist boy, couldn''t resist moving to the carriage entrance, closer to Chen Mu. It was simply too warm. A mist rose from the top of Chen Mu''s head, his perspiration steaming. Chen Mu took a deep breath, completing a cycle of the Breathing Method. He checked his inner wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 5352/10000/Third Rank; Proficiency increased by one point. "It turns out I''m just an ordinary person after all." "Ordinary people practice shape cultivation for ten years, nurture their soul for a hundred years. At this rate, when will I ever cultivate Soul Strength?" "Others have an Innate Taoist Bone, practicing shape cultivation for a hundred days and soul cultivation for three years. But when I practice the Breathing Method once, I only gain one point of experience?!" "At most, I can practice twenty times in one hour." "There''s also a limit to the strength of my body." "If I''m lucky enough to gain a hundred fifty-six proficiency points a day, it''s already a stroke of fortune!" "Even if everything goes smoothly, it will still take over a month to achieve great progress in Marrow Transformation?!" "I really am just a disappointing normal person..." "Brother Chen, what are you so happy about?" Cheng Ming curiously asked as he looked at Chen Mu. "Was I happy?" "You must have seen wrong, right?" Jie Jia''s amber eyes slowly rotated, glancing at Chen Mu briefly and speaking indifferently, "Your mouth is almost split to your ears." "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" "This is anguish!" "This is sadness!" "I''m just an ordinary person with average talent, what reason do I have to be happy?" "This is sorrow!" Chapter 56 - 56 On the Way A dilapidated station. A large group of people led their caravan to check in. The desolate and silent station quickly bustled with activity. Jie Jia Cheng Ming and others found a secluded corner to settle their luggage. Ever since the conflict with the bald strongman, Jie Jia had been excluded by the other guards of the Xue family''s warehouses. Cheng Ming and these "relatives" of Jie Jia were also not welcomed. Every day, they rested and stayed separate from the main group. Cheng Ming found the quiet enjoyable. He dug a pit on the spot, surrounded it with stones, tossed in some firewood to ignite it, and a simple fire pit was created. Two wooden stakes as thick as arms were erected on either side, with two wild rabbits suspended above the flames for roasting. Cheng Ming constantly turned the meat, occasionally sprinkling some special seasoning, the fragrance wafting everywhere. By the bonfire, Zhang Ye and Du Huai, who were gnawing on dry food, stared at the sizzling rabbits, their saliva secreted furiously. "Brother Cheng, look, can you share a rabbit leg with me?" Zhang Ye said with a naive smile, moving closer to Cheng Ming. "I''ll pay for it!" Zhang Ye quickly added. Next to him, Du Huai couldn''t help but look toward Cheng Ming. In the wilderness, to eat a delicious barbecue and spend a little money was nothing. "Not for sale," Cheng Ming said indifferently. Zhang Ye wanted to press further. Cheng Ming''s eyes shifted, and he glanced over expressionlessly. Zhang Ye immediately shrank his neck and obediently sat back by the bonfire. Cheng Ming came to his senses and continued roasting the meat. He himself was worried about where to get more food; how could he sell the rabbit meat to others? The new Breathing Method was great, allowing him to practice whether he was walking, sitting, or lying down. But it also consumed a lot, and his stored dry food wasn''t enough. "Why are you so afraid of him?" the plump Du Huai asked curiously. "You don''t know?" Zhang Ye was also puzzled. Scared by the Sleeve Sword Technique? That''s hardly likely. In any case, he didn''t know why, but from the first sight of Cheng Ming, he had instinctively felt intimidated. He had never seen this person before. Strange... Zhang Ye rubbed his head, unable to figure it out. "If you want to eat, that''s fine," Cheng Ming said, looking at Zhang Ye. "No need for money, but you''ll have to hunt all the game." "No problem!" Zhang Ye was overjoyed. "You just wait and see!" After all, he was a Bone Transformation expert; catching some pheasants and wild rabbits was a piece of cake for him. Cheng Ming nodded calmly.@@@@ Good, he had gained a useful ally. That way, he would have more time to increase his Proficiency. ... The next day, a cart in the caravan broke and delayed their journey, forcing them to camp in the wilderness. Cheng Ming prepared the fire pit and got the pots and pans ready, sitting by the bonfire quietly practicing his skills. Ever since he improved his Breathing Method, Cheng Ming took every opportunity to practice. Today, his Proficiency in the Shape Cultivation Technique had already surpassed six thousand, making remarkable progress, and he became increasingly absorbed in it. By a wide river that was seven or eight meters across, the caravan set up camp to rest and repair. After telling Jie Jia, Chen Mu left the caravan. He sprinted up along the river, distancing himself from the caravan. Once far enough away, he found a secluded, calm spot on the river. He took out some bait from his Five Ghosts Bag and scattered it, then he sat patiently by the river and waited. He was mainly fishing to feed his bag. Ever since that White Lady joined the ranks of freeloading off his meals, Chen Mu hadn''t lacked for meat. The hefty maid had a name that was completely opposite to her statureCui Cui. With Cui Cui around, wolves, leopards, wild boars, and mountain bears all became easy meals. Zhang Ye was also busy hunting all day, but after all, he was a newbie. The biggest game he ever caught was just a two-pound wild rabbit. Zhang Ye, the gang leader of the Bailang Gang from Qingshan County, didn''t dare to show off in front of Cui Cui and respectfully called her Sister Cui with his head bowed. Looking at her physique and then at her prey, Zhang Ye couldn''t muster any pride. With Cui Cui''s help, Chen Mu''s food crisis was instantly resolved. Every day he gained at least an extra two hours for training. Like now, while waiting for the fish to bite, he continued to work on his Breathing Method. Half an hour later, the river surface was strewn with fish belly up. Chen Mu filled his Five Ghosts Bag and started walking back. But not long after leaving the cove, Chen Mu suddenly came to a halt. By this time the sunset left only thin threads of afterglow. The riverbanks on both sides were dark and gloomy. The sound of the flowing water was loud, but the chirping of insects and birds was completely absent. In the shallow waters of the riverbank, a figure was bathing in the water. With flowing long hair, the figure''s slender and white back above the water, dotted with water droplets on the shoulders, was enticing to the imagination. Chen Mu silently watched for a while, then turned and entered the woods. But after only a short distance, Chen Mu couldn''t help but stop again. A beautiful, naked silhouette lay across the small path in the woods. Round and slender legs side by side, they were irresistible to behold. But a chilly feeling slowly permeated the forest. Chen Mu stared for a long while again, then changed directions and continued walking. Before he went far, Chen Mu stopped for the third time. Staring at a familiar figure standing not far away, with her back toward him, Chen Mu frowned deeply. In the wild outskirts, bathing in the river with no clothes on the shore. Then quickly moving and blocking the path. And this eerie chill that pervaded the forest. Chen Mu suppressed his turbulent emotions and said with a solemn expression, "This is what you get for carelessly wandering in the wild!" Immediately with concern, he said, "Miss, are you cold?" "Did your clothes fall into the river?" "I have spare clothing. How about I sell you one?" "Just for ten silver, you can''t lose out, you won''t be cheated!" "..." Chapter 57 - 57 Divine Will Whooosh! An openwork iron lotus seed soared into the air with a low whistling sound. "Miss, please wait a moment, my partner will bring your clothes over shortly," Chen Mu explained with a smile on his face. The long-haired woman remained silent. Chen Mu sighed and said, "I''m already prepared to fetch your items for you, please at least tell me whether you are going to buy them or not." A thick fog rapidly spread among the trees. "Or you could just clear the way, that would be fine too," Chen Mu said anxiously, hungry and eager to get back to cooking. The long-haired woman didn''t move an inch. The coldness around became increasingly intense. "The road to heaven is wide, we can each take half. How about this, I''ll go from that side, and you can''t block my way again, alright?" Chen Mu negotiated earnestly. Then, without waiting for the long-haired woman''s reaction, he turned ninety degrees and went on his way. But he had not gone ten meters when Chen Mu stopped in his tracks. Another graceful figure appeared ahead. Except, the snow-white skin was covered in blood, with gaping, festering wounds emerging on the back and thighs, rapidly worsening and expanding. It was enough to make one''s scalp tingle. Chen Mu''s face showed helplessness: "Miss, if you''re going to be so aggressive, then don''t blame me for not being a gentleman in combat!" Chen Mu''s face went stern as he crouched slightly and took in a deep breath. "Jie Jia! If you don''t show up now, I''m going to dock your pay!" Hum! A cluster of pale white light suddenly exploded in mid-air. Dragging a long tail of light, the white orb violently slammed into the long-haired woman. The figure seemed like a wax statue encountering flame, melting, dripping, and deforming rapidly within the white light. Finally, with a piercing, mournful scream, it disappeared in a puff of ash and smoke. The luminescence shattered in place into sparks of light. Jie Jia walked over slowly with his hands clasped behind his back, emerging from the sparkling remnants. He appeared expressionless, his eyes narrowed into slits and fixed on Chen Mu. "Per our agreement, I protected you on the way to Nanyang Prefecture, so you owe me four hundred taels of silver. Not a cent less," Jie Jia said indifferently. "Four hundred taels? Are you out of your mind?!" "Weren''t we agreed on two hundred taels? Raising the price mid-way, you''re even worse than a dishonest tour guide!" Chen Mu was furious. "Such a pity," Jie Jia said disappointingly and turned to leave. Chen Mu, with a dumbfounded look, moved closer to Jie Jia: "What do you mean by that?" "I was testing to see if you were possessed by a ghost," Jie Jia said leisurely. Chen Mu had a moment of clarity. If he had been possessed, he certainly wouldn''t have remembered the agreement with Jie Jia.@@@@ But soon, Chen Mu sensed something amiss: "Then why did you say ''such a pity''?" Jie Jia''s bright yellow eyes shifted, glancing at Chen Mu: "If you had really been possessed, you might have agreed right away, and I could have earned an extra two hundred taels." For some reason, Chen Mu wasn''t surprised in the slightest. That was so very Jie Jia. "So that was a ghostly entity just now? It didn''t seem as terrifying as the stories say," Chen Mu mused, puzzled by the events that had transpired. Besides feeling tense all over and a little fear and discomfort, he hadn''t suffered any actual harm. Jie Jia appraised him from head to toe: "I''m also puzzled. How could you still be alive after encountering a ghostly entity?" Chen Mu: "..." "Why are you all staring at me?" Chen Mu looked at the group with puzzled eyes. Jie Jia: "..." In his lifetime, he had witnessed many Marrow Transformation processes, which at the very least took one Hour. The longer the time, the more extensive the transformation, and the greater the harvest. But for Chen Mu, it only took a quarter of an Hour, at most. "Are you really undergoing Marrow Transformation?" Jie Jia even hesitated. "Um, probably?" Jie Jia: "..." ... He sent the other few onlookers who had come for the spectacle away. Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 1/10000/Fourth Rank; Although the transformation process seemed too rushed, his Proficiency clearly indicated that he had indeed entered a new stage. Chen Mu recalled the transformation process. He felt varying degrees of numb itchiness in his bones and organs. This sensation had always been present during his practice, but this time it was particularly intense. Chen Mu suddenly had a realization. The transformation for others involved a violent change. Chen Mu''s Marrow Transformation, however, was divided into each training session by his Proficiency. Every point of Proficiency contained a bit of transformation, which is why his change wasn''t so obvious. "No pain, quite comfortable," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. The thought of such drastic change made him aware it wouldn''t be pleasant. "Proficiency is reliable after all." "But what should I do next to train?" Chen Mu frowned. Having spent a hundred Silver to learn martial arts, Sheng Hong''s teaching ended here. Chen Mu was unsure if Sheng Hong was holding back or genuinely had nothing more to offer. According to the Proficiency, it seemed he could continue to practice, but he no longer knew how to proceed. ... "Visualize the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia said indifferently. "What is the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked since he didn''t understand. The knowledge blockade in this world was very stringent. It was still manageable at the lower levels, but the higher you went, the harder it was to acquire information. He had been practicing martial arts for over a year and had visited the Ghost Market many times, purposefully collecting information about Shape Cultivation Techniques. Yet, he had no idea what the Divine Intent Diagram was. "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core of the Shape Cultivation Technique. Soul Cultivation relies on the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia explained. "The more exquisite the Shape Cultivation Technique, the more complex its Divine Intent Diagram. The likelier and better the results are in cultivating a Wandering Soul." "Some minor inheritances are pitiful, whether they have a Divine Intent Diagram or not is uncertain," Jie Jia said, casting a meaningful glance at Chen Mu. "What do you mean by looking at me that way?" Chen Mu had a bad feeling. "Do you know what''s called a minor inheritance?" Chen Mu was clueless. "An inheritance has deficiencies, and their numbers are dwindling. A generation only passes it to four or five people, so few practice it, and even fewer know about it," Jie Jia said, looking meaningfully at Chen Mu. Dwindling numbers? Few practitioners? Are you saying that my Red Falcon Shape Cultivation is a minor inheritance? Chen Mu looked askance at Jie Jia."You know how many practice the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation, don''t you?" Chen Mu had only sold seven or eight copies of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique in the Ghost Market, but Jie Jia had sold a full hundred! Jie Jia: "..." Chapter 58 - 58 - Arrival "Do you have a Shape Cultivation Technique for sale?" Chen Mu suddenly asked. "One thousand taels," Jie Jia said indifferently. "Does it include the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu exclaimed with joy. Although it was expensive, he would have to buy it even if it meant scrimping and saving or selling his cooking pots. "No," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu. With the Divine Intent Diagram, it couldn''t possibly be just a thousand taels. Chen Mu was suddenly greatly disappointed. "You can''t afford a legacy that comes with the Divine Intent Diagram," Jie Jia stated calmly. Chen Mu was half-doubtful. Were there times when silver couldn''t get things done? "Is there a Ghost Market in Nanyang Prefecture City?" Chen Mu still wanted to go and see for himself. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and didn''t try to dissuade him, "There is." When you''re disappointed, you''ll naturally come back to buy. "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique really doesn''t come with the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked reluctantly. "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core and the source of the Shape Cultivation Technique," Jie Jia explained. "The original creator might have had it in their mind, but without full comprehension, it couldn''t be recorded, and if it couldn''t be recorded, then it doesn''t exist." "Most small legacies are in this state." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is only passed down within the territory of Nanyang Prefecture. As far as I know, there isn''t one," Jie Jia said calmly. Without the Divine Intent Diagram, Soul Strength can''t be trained. Knowing the limitations of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Chen Mu was very disappointed. But it was not to the point of despair. Ordinary people take ten years to practice Shape Cultivation, a hundred years to cultivate Soul Strength. He had only been practicing martial arts for a year and a half. If the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique wasn''t good enough, he could simply switch to another one. "Where can I learn a Shape Cultivation Technique that includes the Divine Intent Diagram?" Chen Mu asked. "The army, big clans, major gang forces, and some independent practitioners," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu nodded and took note of it in his heart. He might have to think of ways in these areas in the future. Having transmigrated with the added cheat of proficiency, he naturally wanted to attempt climbing to the peak. However, there was no hurry. Ordinary people take ten years; he needed only a little over a year to complete Shape Cultivation. There was plenty of time, so he should be more stable. The urgent task at hand was to settle down in Nanyang first and then inquire around after stabilizing. ... The caravan continued on its way. In a few days, heavy rain descended, and the caravan was forced to stop for repairs. During this time, Chen Mu found a relatively secluded spot to test the changes from the Marrow Transformation. In a grove of trees, Chen Mu''s figure vanished abruptly. In the environment where grass and trees grew in disarray, he was like an agile falcon. Changing direction freely, moving silently, he could stop on a dime and, once moving, was as swift as lightning. Even though the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique was a small legacy without the Divine Intent Diagram, it was still a Shape Cultivation Technique that could transform one''s physique. When he moved at full speed, ordinary people could only see a blur. If not looked at carefully, one might think him a swift bird passing by. "My energy has also become more vigorous," Chen Mu reflected on the changes of the past few days. He only needed to sleep for three hours a day to feel refreshed and energetic. If the situation was urgent, he could even go for two days without sleep and still not feel tired. "And this is only a small legacy Shape Cultivation Technique." Chen Mu observed thoughtfully it seemed that County Commandant Du''s family was doing quite well in the city. "Big Senior Brother! I''m here!" Cheng Ming, who had been peering out the window at the people, suddenly shouted. A middle-aged man in a Daoist robe, steering a horse carriage, quickly approached. "How did you get ahead of us?" Cheng Ming jumped onto the other''s carriage, excitedly hugging Cheng Yi''s neck as he asked. "Because my martial arts practice is good and I run fast," Cheng Yi said with a beaming smile. "Cheng Yi, did the master also come?" the Daoist He, who was at the back, stepped forward to ask. "Uncle He, go back first. I''ll talk after settling in," Cheng Yi said. He immediately hopped down from the carriage and, bowing to Jie Jia, expressed, "Thank you, old sir, for escorting us all the way." Jie Jia nodded calmly. "Goodbye, Brother Chen!" Cheng Ming shouted toward Chen Mu. Chen Mu waved with a smile, at the same time fishing out the last two packs of jerky from his parcel and tossing them over. "Thanks, Brother Chen!" Cheng Ming couldn''t wait to take out a piece of jerky and began to chew with gusto. "Oh right, Brother Chen, once I enter the city, where do I find you? I still want to treat you to a big meal!" Cheng Ming said, his large eyes twinkling cunningly. "Cheng Ming, don''t be rude!" Cheng Yi gently chided. Then turning his head to Daoist He, he asked, "Uncle He?" Daoist He immediately stepped forward and briefly described the journey. "Uncle He, get on the carriage first; I''ll make the arrangements," Cheng Yi said with a nod, indicating he understood, and instructed Cheng Ming and Daoist He to get into the carriage. Cheng Yi walked towards Chen Mu with steady steps, his demeanor calm, "Young Master Chen, here we meet again." Chen Mu returned the gesture with polite cupped hands. He always felt this Daoist didn''t seem to like him much. "My little junior brother is young and ignorant; I appreciate Young Master Chen''s hospitality." With those words, he pulled out a silver note from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mu. "We do not plan to stay in Nanyang for long, hence can''t repay your kindness. Please accept this small token of gratitude." "It''s only a bit of food, there''s no need for this," said Chen Mu as his eyebrows furrowed slightly. "It is better for Young Master Chen to accept it," Cheng Yi said flatly, "I hope Young Master Chen will never appear before my junior brother again." Chen Mu stared at Cheng Yi. Feeling the faint threat and strong rejection emanating from him, Chen Mu truly didn''t understand what he had done to offend the man. Glancing at the silver note in the other''s hand, Chen Mu chuckled softly, reclined back into the carriage, and calmly watched ahead. With a light kick of his toes, the carriage slowly passed in front of Cheng Yi. Cheng Yi''s expression remained unchanged as he withdrew the silver note. "Evil spirits and outsiders..." "Hmph!" Cheng Yi watched the receding carriage with indifference, "I hope you are sensible, otherwise..." "Big Senior Brother, why did Brother Chen leave? He hasn''t told me how to find him yet," Cheng Ming, poking his head out from the carriage, curiously asked. Cheng Yi''s face brightened with a friendly smile as he looked at Cheng Ming, "Little Junior Brother, Young Master Chen is just passing through Nanyang, he will be leaving soon." "We shouldn''t delay others on their way." "Leaving? But Brother Chen said he was going to settle down here, didn''t he?" Cheng Ming asked, puzzled. Cheng Yi mounted the carriage, driving the horses as he said with an unchanged expression, "Can you take seriously something an adult says just to amuse you?" "Brother Chen wouldn''t tease me." "Alright, alright, he''s not teasing you; I''m teasing you," Cheng Yi conceded. "Big Senior Brother, don''t treat me like a child," Cheng Ming protested. "Okay, so I''ll treat you like a little adult then..." "Big Senior Brother..." Chapter 59 - 59 Settling Down Nanyang Prefecture, east of the city, Tao Hua Workshop. Inside a small courtyard with a single entrance. Chen Mu sat next to a stone table under a grapevine trellis. He took out all his money to count it. "Travel expenses 200 silver, rent 12 silver, various purchases about 5 silver." "There''s still 402 silver left, plus 767 copper coins." "Money is never enough," Chen Mu sighed. Nanyang Prefecture City is bustling, and so are the expenses. A silver coin could rent a house for a year in Qingshan County. But a courtyard of the same size could only be rented for a month in Nanyang Prefecture. Food was also expensive. A pound of white wheat cost thirty-five copper coins, and the cheapest fish meat was more than sixty copper coins per pound. "Shape Cultivation Technique must be even more expensive," Chen Mu pondered silently. "What are your plans?" Chen Mu raised his head and asked Jie Jia. The other party was squinting his eyes, staring at the silver in his hand. Chen Mu expressionlessly put the silver into his money pouch and tucked it away.@@@@ "I have affiliated with Zhu Yi Pavilion in Nanyang Prefecture," Jie Jia said indifferently. Qingshan County was shattered; those who died were dead, those who left had gone. It had almost become a deserted city; certainly, there was no going back. Chen Mu envied him. This was the advantage of skilled craftsmen; they wouldn''t go hungry anywhere they went. If it weren''t for the fact that being an assassin was too dangerous, Chen Mu would have been tempted to register at Zhu Yi Pavilion himself. "I have scouted a storefront in South Market and am preparing to open a medicinal business," Jie Jia said, looking over suddenly. "Three Yang Six Lords Pills?" Chen Mu realized; that was a big business. "The medicine shop will only serve as a channel for purchasing raw materials. We''ll have to sell at the Ghost Market," Jie Jia said. "And we''ll need to change the name." After all, it was a replication of Zhu Yi Pavilion''s Secret Medicine; they couldn''t be so blatant about it. "You provide the materials, and I''ll make them. We''ll split the profit fifty-fifty!" Chen Mu proposed immediately. "Seventy-thirty," Jie Jia stated blandly. "I take seventy?!" Chen Mu pretended to be surprised. Jie Jia just looked at Chen Mu calmly without saying a word. Chen Mu lost interest and waved his hand dismissively, "Alright then." It definitely hurt to part with the money. Silver was tempting to anyone. But thinking about only being responsible for production without showing his face, he was quite satisfied. What if someone harboring ill intentions planned a double-cross? With Jie Jia in front to intercept, it felt good to earn his hard-earned share without worry. "Have you found out about the Ghost Market? I want to take a look," Chen Mu asked. Now that everything was settled, it was time to seek information on entirely new Shape Cultivation Techniques. "I''ll come to pick you up in two days," Jie Jia said indifferently. ... Two days later, in the evening, a carriage stopped at Chen Mu''s doorstep. Dressed in black with a conical hat, Chen Mu sprang into the carriage from the shadows. "So..." the shopkeeper grew even more enthusiastic. "Let me take a look at the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu requested. "Certainly," the shopkeeper replied, though disappointed. "The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique originates from Ganzi Prefecture, with a history that spans several hundred years and countless practitioners." "It''s easy to master and achieve success with, truly another extraordinary skill," the shopkeeper explained in detail. "Do you have the Divine Intent Diagram?" asked Chen Mu. "What is that?" the shopkeeper asked in return. Chen Mu was taken aback. The man selling Shape Cultivation techniques didn''t know about the Divine Intent Diagram? Experience the epic saga on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu suddenly understood. The upper echelons in Da Liang had an even tighter monopoly on knowledge than he had imagined. If it weren''t for Jie Jia informing him, he would have never heard of the Divine Intent Diagram. Just like the shopkeeper before him, not knowing that without the Divine Intent Diagram one cannot develop Soul Strength, one would be confined to merely practising the rudimentary stages of Shape Cultivation. "Nothing?" Chen Mu waved his hand dismissively, not daring to probe further, "What''s the price?" "Only six hundred silver." Chen Mu''s lips twitched. Six hundred silver? And that''s just ''only''? Even if he spent all his family''s savings, he''d still be short two hundred silver. "Well, you see, I left something cooking at home, please carry on," Chen Mu left the Red Knotweed Study feeling defeated. The Red Knotweed Study was the largest bookseller aboard the Ghost Market ship. If they didn''t have the Divine Intent Diagram, it was even less likely the other shops would. "Noble families, gangs, armies, should I consider these paths?" The idea of him, a homebody, getting involved in such places was indeed rather distressing. ... At Tao Hua Square, in the Chen Family Estate, under the grapevines. Chen Mu had bought a rocking chair and was now half-reclining in it, reading. The book was titled "Essentials of Decoctions," a pharmacopeia he had picked up from the Ghost Market. Having decided to pursue the path of crafting Healing Precious Medicine with Jie Jia, it wouldn''t do to be without solid skills. Chen Mu had already asked Jie Jia to help collect medical books again, preparing to brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique. While reading, he regulated his breathing. His muscles twitched within a small range. This was a new breathing method for the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. After completing the Marrow Transformation phase, the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had no practices left to follow. But Chen Mu had discovered that as long as he continued to train, his Proficiency could still be enhanced, although the effect had drastically decreased, nearly cut in half. What intrigued him was that, as his Proficiency increased, a red ethereal shadow seemed to flicker in his mind. With the improvement of Proficiency, the shadow was becoming more and more solid. "Could this be the so-called Divine Will Diagram?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow in thought. "No rush in searching for a new Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu decided, "Let''s push the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation to another level first!" "Let''s see what changes occur," Chen Mu suddenly felt a sense of anticipation. Chapter 60 - 60 Soul Strength The sun was setting in the west, painting the clouds a fiery red. Sizzling sounds arose from the small courtyard as hot oil popped and hissed in the frying pan. Chen Mu held a spatula, rhythmically stirring the bright green vegetables to ensure each piece was evenly heated. Under the grape trellis, beside the stone table, sat the old man in Jie Jia armor, looking utterly at ease. In front of him lay a pile of Silver Pieces, which he was rolling into little silver beads. Chen Mu brought the dishes to the table, "Does every top assassin have some weird hobby?" He really couldn''t comprehend the reason behind rolling Silver Pieces into round beads. Jie Jia paid no attention to Chen Mu, speeding up his hands, and concealed all the silver beads into his sleeves. Standing up to wash his hands, he took out a clean handkerchief to dry them and then casually threw it into the fire pit. Chen Mu rolled his eyes and began to divide the food with serving chopsticks. After getting familiar with him, the old man''s demands kept increasing. The utensils had to be clean, ingredients fresh, and communal chopsticks were required to share the meal. What a hassle! He hadn''t been this particular when they traveled from Qingshan County, braving the elements. Moreso, for someone just freeloading a meal, he had an awful lot of demands. Could he tolerate this? "Yours," said a grey cloth bag as it landed on the table in front of Chen Mu. Hmm, Chen Mu felt he could tolerate it. He grabbed the grey cloth bag and weighed it C it must have been at least a hundred taels of silver. "This is your dish!" Chen Mu cheerfully proceeded to divide the meal. The Three Yang Six Lords Pills had been renamed to Divine Intent Pills, and this was the first month''s bonus. In total, he had only produced a little over twenty Divine Intent Pills. The profit was truly high! ... After the meal, Chen Mu handed Jie Jia a gourd the size of a palm. "Yellow Dragon Powder, have someone test it. The effect might be slightly lacking, but our cost is even lower." "Good," Jie Jia''s eyelids twitched involuntarily. Divine Intent Pills, being Healing Precious Medicine, were unnecessary for light injuries and unaffordable for the impoverished. Although profitable, the sales volume was low. Only around twenty-plus pills were sold in a month. But Yellow Dragon Powder was different. What person from Jianghu didn''t carry some antiseptic medicine with them? This high-end antiseptic, while not absurdly priced, was more effective than ordinary medicines and had a much wider market. Before leaving, Jie Jia asked Chen Mu, "Do you still want the Shape Cultivation Technique? You can buy it on credit." Chen Mu gave him a sidelong glance, "Are you really Jie Jia?" Jie Jia just looked at him expressionlessly. "Take it from my share." Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He thought someone had replaced Jie Jia on him. "Not in a hurry," Chen Mu waved his hand. Anyway, without the Divine Intent Diagram, it didn''t matter whether he switched techniques or not. "Although the sophisticated Shape Cultivation Techniques don''t have the Divine Intent Diagram, it''s not impossible to develop Soul Strength," Jie Jia offered some advice.@@@@ "Shape Cultivation itself contains Divine Will. Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years of nurturing the soul." "When Shape Cultivation Technique is fully accomplished, and if you continue to refine it, there''s a chance you will grasp the core essence and develop Soul Strength." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is too rudimentary." Chen Mu pondered, glancing at his Proficiency panel. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: 3601/10000/Fourth Rank; "You think you can develop Soul Strength with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique?" Jie Jia asked calmly. Enjoy stories on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu just smiled without saying a word. "Good luck," Jie Jia said dismissively as he turned to leave. ... Jie Jia''s advice was rather disheartening. "But who said I can''t enjoy trying?" Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, continuing to adjust his breathing. "In such an important city, how could chaos strike so easily." "Relax, live a simple life, and focus on improving proficiency." ... Three days later, Chen Mu wiped the sweat from his forehead. A circular space about three meters high and five meters in diameter had appeared beneath the floor of Chen Mu''s bedroom. Covering it with lime and secret medicines, he made it moisture-proof and insect-proof. Chen Mu recited the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Bag after bag of wheat continuously appeared in the space below. Only when it was completely full did he stop. "It''s always good to be prepared. If we can''t eat it all, I''ll turn it into Fasting Pills." Chen Mu looked at the full cave of food, feeling very secure. ... While hoarding supplies to alleviate the tedium of training, Chen Mu once again immersed himself in increasing his proficiency. In the meantime, he slightly adjusted the Yellow Dragon Powder formula based on the Jie Jia test results. It was now successfully on the market. The monthly profit was considerable, conservatively speaking, at least two hundred Silver Pieces. His savings steadily grew stronger. Two months later, Chen Mu took a deep breath. He had ceaselessly improved the complicated Breathing Method, now rhythmically circulating. In his mind, the red shadow became clearer and clearer. What used to be a tangle was now a series of lines whose intricacies could gradually be discerned. Finally, after Chen Mu exhaled his last breath, his mind suddenly became clear. A distinct image appeared in his consciousness. It was entirely woven from black and red lines, with a structure similar to the flowing edges of a skirt hem. It was roughly symmetrical on both sides and looked like an abstract bird at first glance. The bird was changing constantly. The black and red lines, like living creatures, moved and wove continuously, forming a relatively stable three-dimensional structure. "Divine Intent Diagram?" Just as he had this insight, a stinging pain like needles suddenly struck the soles of his feet. Then a cold sensation spread as if he were standing on ice that had been smeared with oil. He stumbled and nearly fell. Instinctively taking a step, he seemed to vanish from under the grape arbor in a daze, and suddenly found himself face-to-face with the wall. "With such speed... it''s like my feet are really oiled!" Chen Mu took a deep breath and summoned the gray wall. Written: 1756/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 1623/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 9833/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Cooking: 3506/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5126/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 3966/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 4447/10000/Third Rank; "Limit?" "Is the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique maxed out?" Remembering the constantly changing wing structure in his mind. His body, changed just now, was quickly brought under control. Aside from the initial stumble against the wall, he had completely adapted to the change. Chen Mu took off his shoes and socks; a black spot the size of a soybean appeared in the center of his forefoot. Touching it felt slightly cold, flexible, and hard. His heart moved, the black spot disappeared. Recalling the image of the Divine Intent Diagram, the black spot slowly emerged. "Soul Strength..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but be moved to tears. Stumbling and fumbling, bleeding and sweating, it had taken him a year and a half to cultivate Soul Strength. "I really am just an ordinary person," Chen Mu covered his mouth and sighed. Hmm, he covered it because he was afraid to laugh out loud. Chapter 61 - 61 - The Blue-Eyed Golden Monkey "Are you sure that''s not a mole?" Jie Jia stood three meters away, covering his nose with one hand, his face full of disgust. Chen Mu: "..." I washed my feet! This old geezer is definitely jealous of me. He took out several iron needles and jabbed them into the black spot on the sole of his foot. Clang clang clang... "See that!" Chen Mu lifted his head proudly, "Impervious to swords and spears! Soul strength!" Jie Jia glanced at the embroidery needle in Chen Mu''s hand. "Impervious to swords and spears, huh?" Chen Mu: "..." ... South Market''s Fan Tower, the most top-notch tavern in Nanyang Prefecture City. It covered three acres, with seven or eight five-story buildings of wood and stone erected, connected by bridges and galleries in the middle. There were places for dining, lodging, listening to music, gambling, a complete package of entertainment. Fan Tower, Four Directions Pavilion.@@@@ On the third floor, in a private room by the window, Chen Mu and Jie Jia sat in front of a square table drinking tea and chatting. Through the window, one could clearly see the stream of people in the South Market. The continuous sounds of vendors hawking and customers bargaining formed a tapestry of noise. "I''m feeling good today, I came to try the delicacies of Four Directions Pavilion, wonder if they are really as delicious as the rumors suggest," Chen Mu said with a light laugh, leaning against the window. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with confusion: "You don''t happen to have a Daoist Bone, do you?" "I''m just an ordinary person, what Daoist Bone would I have?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Though I do have one cheat up my sleeve. "Are your parents perhaps members of some fallen aristocratic side branch?" Jie Jia continued to speculate. An ordinary person? Using that trash Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique and managing to develop Soul Strength in just a year and a half, and you still dare say you''re just an ordinary person? "Members of aristocratic families can develop Soul Strength quickly?" Chen Mu''s mind stirred. "Ah, slightly worse than you." Jie Jia replied listlessly, his eyelids drooping. Chen Mu thoughtfully: "Is it because they''ve mastered some special methods?" "Just some special bloodlines," Jie Jia said calmly. "Similar to a Daoist Bone? Naturally suited for cultivation?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. "Something like that," Jie Jia said indifferently, not wanting to discuss it further. Chen Mu didn''t probe any further. However, the pride from just having developed his Soul Strength quickly subsided. I have my cheat, but alas, others have their ancestors. They were born more outstanding than others because their ancestors were wealthy. I should just honestly work on increasing my proficiency. "I''ll take that Shape Cultivation Technique of yours," Chen Mu shrugged. "Figured it out?" A hint of amusement flickered in Jie Jia''s eyes. Chen Mu nodded: "There are two Shape Cultivation Techniques on the Ghost Market ship. But since they are listed alongside the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, it''s no loss without them." "The highly effective golden sore medicine from Ghost Market? Weren''t there heavy losses and production halted? Still investigating?" Zuo Sheng reacted with surprise, "What, it''s related to my fellow disciple?" "Most likely." The small-eyed man grinned, "Zhang might not be skilled in martial arts, but he is smart." "A month ago, he scattered a large number of people to closely monitor the medicinal herb transportation routes at the docks." "Now it looks like he''s been tracking down the source by following the trail." If it weren''t for Zuo Sheng''s close proximity and noticing something amiss, thus investigating in reverse, Zhang would have actually managed to settle the matter quietly and successfully. "Hall Master, the White Tiger Hall has always been troubling us. Why don''t we cut them off?" the small-eyed man suggested. "That won''t do," Zuo Sheng squinted, "After all, he''s a brother in the gang. Engaging in internal strife like this goes against gang rules and shall not be mentioned again!" The small-eyed man had an awkward smile on his face. "But after all, he is my beloved friend and fellow disciple," Zuo Sheng sighed, "Arrange for a few people to keep an eye on Zhang Helmsman. The moment they act, have them immediately inform me." "We can''t let my disciple suffer any grievances." "Hehe! Yes!" The small-eyed man suddenly wore a crafty smile. Zuo Sheng, seeing the man''s sincere and proper attitude, nodded in satisfaction. The recent martial arts practice had been quite costly, and the arrival of Qingfeng Powder was timely. Top-grade golden sore medicine, coupled with the formidable influence of the Startling Swan Gang on the Jinshui River, was like a treasure trove. However, adding flowers to brocade was far less valuable than sending charcoal in snowy weather. Only by helping at a critical moment can one truly win people''s hearts! ... At night, at the Chen family residence. The door was firmly shut, with Chen Mu sitting in front of a desk. A lit oil lamp on the desk illuminated the room brightly. The lamp oil, extracted from the fat of some ferocious aquatic beast, burned without producing black smoke and was astonishingly bright. Chen Mu meticulously flipped through the yellowed pages of the book in his hands. "No wonder Jie Jia always says the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is simplistic," Chen Mu sighed as he closed the book. Compared to the "Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique" he held, it indeed was. Take, for example, the breathing method. The most complicated part of the Red Falcon breathing method involved only one hundred and twenty variations per cycle, whereas the Muscle Transformation Stage of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape technique featured one hundred and eighty variations. It offered more delicate and precise stimulation and modification of the body, more comprehensive, and naturally, stronger. "And there''s the complete Divine Intent Diagram." Chen Mu reopened the book and flipped to the last pagea piece of leather paper made from the hide of some animal. On the light brown leather, hundreds of small and large black dots were scattered like stars, with threads as thin as hair intertwining, connecting all the dots. While it may look confusing to others, Chen Mu understood. The black dots were the nodes of the Divine Intent Diagram. If one constantly pondered and observed, in conjunction with a fully developed Shape Cultivation Technique, they could master the Divine Intent Diagram. "So, this ''Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique'' is also just junk," Chen Mu picked up another black-covered book beside him with a look of disdain. To buy this Shape Cultivation Technique, he had even run up a tab with Jie Jia. If it weren''t for the recent hot sales of Qingfeng Powder, Jie Jia wouldn''t have given him the time of day. "Well, bought it I have, might as well try practicing," Chen Mu sighed in disappointment. "Once I''ve saved enough money, I''ll also buy that ''White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique''. It would then pair up with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique to form the ''Mediocre Trio''." Chapter 62 - 62 Gifts ``` It is no wonder that Chen Mu was greedy for more. The process of cultivating Soul Strength was just too protracted. There were Secret Medicines that could accelerate the process, but they were all controlled by the royal families and noble houses of Da Liang. Ordinary people could only rely on consumption to speed up the process. But considering the size of a human stomach, even if one were to eat continuously, how many cows could be consumed in a day? Chen Mu set his sights on the second factor for accumulating Soul Strength, the initial Wandering Soul. The Wandering Soul is the foundation of the Shell Soul; it is the source. Chen Mu decided to dig a few more wells into himself. Experience the adventure on novelhall.Co?m Since he couldn''t use Secret Medicine to increase the source of Soul Strength, he would improve the conversion rate of qi and blood. He looked up at the sky outside, where the moon shone faintly and stars were sparse, the vast Nanyang Prefecture City had fallen into slumber. Chen Mu yawned and glanced at the books on the table. "Hmm, one more read before sleep..." ... "Hallmaster, Zhang''s people have made their move!" said an eager man with small eyes, approaching Zuo Sheng excitedly: "Hallmaster Lin from White Tiger Hall is leading the team personally!" "Ah, isn''t it good to earn money peacefully?" Zuo Sheng said helplessly, "On one side are my own brothers, and on the other is my beloved senior brother. This is too difficult for me." The man with small eyes blinked. Was their hallmaster going to back out? "What do you think I should do?" Zuo Sheng asked the man with small eyes, looking troubled.@@@@ "Perhaps... let the gang leader decide?" suggested the man with small eyes, also unsure of the seriousness. "Foolish!" Zuo Sheng glared at him, "How can we bother master with such trifles!" "It seems I must go and mediate," Zuo Sheng sighed, "Hallmaster Lin will complain about me again." "The hallmaster is thinking for the greater good," the man with small eyes flattered. "Ah, who can understand my painstaking efforts." Zuo Sheng said despondently. "Hallmaster, should I go prepare now?" the man with small eyes asked tentatively. "Yes, take more people with you." The man with small eyes responded with a crisp "Yes!" ... In the night, dozens of fast boats entered the Luo River directly from Jinshui River. Using the river mist for cover, they quickly moved towards the city. At a hidden pier, dozens of men in black leapt off the boats and split into seven or eight groups. Moving along hidden alleys, they silently surged into the city. A quarter of an hour later, the groups reconvened in a small alley. "Brother-in-law, that''s the courtyard," said Helmsman Zhang excitedly. "Our Pharmacist analyzed the Qingfeng Powder and identified a medicinal ingredient called ''Yellow Jade Fungus.'' It''s not produced locally; most of it is purchased from Taizhou Prefecture in the north." "I had people watch all Taizhou cargo ships on Jinshui River." "One-third of the local Yellow Jade Fungus was delivered to that courtyard through a small pharmacy." "They also brought several other types of medicine for stopping bleeding and relieving pain." "That courtyard is nine out of ten chances the production site of Qingfeng Powder!" "Well done!" Lin Que said with a smile. The usually uneven and rough man couldn''t help but flush with pride: "It''s time for our White Tiger Hall to make a fortune." "Old Zhang, Old Zhao, follow me. As soon as we spot that white-haired expert, the three of us will take him down together and kill him first!" "I''ve been thinking, that guy is old, has poor physical strength, but is quick. I specially requested a golden silkworm fishnet from the Startling Swan treasure ship. Once we engage, we''ll trap him first, then beat him mercilessly!" ... Ah! Thud, thud, thud... A series of short, sharp screams suddenly rang out in the night. Boom! A courtyard wall collapsed violently. Lin Que, his face and head covered in a cloud of dust, didn''t look back as he ran toward Luo River Pier. Dozens of his men scrambled out through the breach in the wall and scattered in all directions. As he turned around a street corner, Lin Que glanced to the side while still running, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the street behind him. Seven or eight figures dressed in black with red patterns, suited for night-time activity, leaped soundlessly from the courtyard and faded into the shadows. His men, who were running headlong, had no idea that swords sprung out from the shadows at their feet. Caught off guard, they were swiftly cut down, and in just a few blinks, half of them lay dead on the spot. Lin Que''s pupils contracted sharply. Where did all these Zhu Yi Pavilion assassins come from?! Wasn''t this a pharmaceutical den? How did it turn into an assassin''s lair?! At that moment, the hairs on his neck bristled. Lin Que quickly regained his senses. A glint of cold light stealthily approached him, causing his heart to skip a beat in terror! Damn it, I was careless! ... "Startling Swan Gang, White Tiger Hall, Gentle Breeze Powder..." Chen Mu''s face was grave. It had been over three months since he arrived in Nanyang City. Eating and drinking without worries, he spent his days practicing martial arts joyfully, nearly forgetting this detestable world. "I''m just making medicines properly, earning my hard-earned money." "I haven''t provoked or offended anyone; why must they always cross me?" Chen Mu''s face grew even more unsightly, but after pondering for a while, he couldn''t help but sigh. "Startling Swan Gang, ah..." That was Nanyang''s biggest gang. In their eyes, he was less than an ant. A mere flick of their finger could crush him. "I''ll have to find a way to run." Chen Mu shook his head with a wry smile. It had been tough to cross into another world just to hide and flee all the time: "So embarrassing." Luckily, he had been careful and cautious this time. Upholding the principle of ''a crafty rabbit has three burrows,'' he had secretly rented all seven small courtyards around him. Only then, in one of those courtyard''s walls, had he discovered those two tailing people. Thinking about the potential consequences made Chen Mu shudder with fear. "No, I can''t stay at home anymore." Chen Mu immediately began packing his belongings. "But where can I go in the middle of the night?" Chen Mu frowned. "Those two said, White Tiger Hall has a pier stronghold on Luo River." Chen Mu''s thoughts stirred: "From there, I could take a boat to the main vessel of White Tiger Hall." "The most dangerous place is the safest." Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod. "I''ll have to hide on the White Tiger Hall''s main ship." Chen Mu thought helplessly. Disturbing others late at night was truly inappropriate. Then he''d bring some gifts. "Sleeve Sword Technique, Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, hmm... and Iron Lotus Seeds!" With billowing black smoke, Chen Mu stuffed a large burlap sack from the corner into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu, looking at the brimming Five Ghosts Bag, nodded to himself: "Nobody would object to extra gifts; they shouldn''t mind now." His feet revealed the power of Soul Strength, and in a flash, Chen Mu disappeared soundlessly into the thick night. Chapter 63 - 63 Infiltration Using the cover of darkness, Chen Mu quickly moved along the shadows of the streets. Soul Strength enhanced his steps, gliding swiftly and silently as if on ice. Following the route provided by the man with the black nose, he soon found a warehouse located in Xiuren Square by the Luo River. A hidden dock was concealed in the willow forest behind the warehouse. At this deep hour of the night, the small warehouse was quiet, yet an oil lamp flickered inside. Four bare-chested men were huddled around a square table, eating, drinking, and chatting leisurely. At first glance, they seemed relaxed, but they were actually highly vigilant. Two men stood guard in the shadows by the door, and while they had eaten most of the meat on the table, none of them had touched their cups of wine. Approaching the warehouse, Chen Mu scanned the area expressionlessly and then strode towards the main entrance. "What are you doing!" After just two steps, a man stormed out from the shadows by the door, barking loudly. "Delivering a gift," replied Chen Mu without stopping. "Come back in the daytime! The accounts have gone home for the night; there''s no one to record your offerings," the man said, clearly irritated. Chen Mu: "..." Recording in the accounts? Has gift-giving become part of their business operations now?! "Are you deaf? Get lost!" the man shouted impatiently. Chen Mu glanced at the man and continued with large strides towards the warehouse doors. "Hey?! You''re quite stubborn!" The man moved to confront Chen Mu, raising his fist to smash into Chen Mu''s face. Chen Mu''s figure suddenly vanished, and as he brushed past, the Sleeve Sword Technique struck swiftly and retracted just as quickly. Thud! A spurt of fresh blood sprayed from the man''s throat. He fell to the ground with a couple of twitches and quickly fell silent. "Sigh... another killing." "I just want to live in peace. Why do you evil people have to provoke me!" Chen Mu said coldly, his back to the body as he looked inside the warehouse. The four men at the table, already alerted by the noise at the door, stood up upon seeing one of their own cut down in an instant. The leader was a bald man with slanted eyes, dressed in a brown sweatshirt and short trousers, with leather bracers on his wrists. Read now on novelhall.Co?m Seeing the guard die, not only did he show no fear, but a smile even appeared on his face: "I thought guarding the dock was a miserable job, but I didn''t expect such an unexpected windfall. Truly a blessing from the heavens!" He casually moved his wrists, his calloused fingers flexing and clenching. The friction of skin on skin was like sandpaper rubbing together, sending shivers down the spine. "Those idiots followed the Helmsman on a raid, exhausting themselves. Here we sit, eating meat and drinking, and the credit comes to us. Haha..." The other three laughed heartily, pulling out short blades from behind their waists and twirling them. In the moonlight, the blades glinted ominously. "You''re from the Left Helmsman''s camp, right?" "Trying to sabotage our fast ship, cut off our escape route? Heh. We''ve seen through your little schemes long ago!" the bald man sneered. "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you." "I''ll break your limbs and let the Left Helmsman come to claim you personally. That will be extremely satisfying." "Attack!" The four men charged at Chen Mu with fierce grins. The bald man took the lead, his feet stomping the ground hard as he lunged forward like a cheetah. His palms curved into claws and with a low growl, he struck, aiming for Chen Mu''s throat with deadly intent. The other three circled around rapidly, their blades flashing as they targetted Chen Mu''s legs. Thud! The blades flew off, and the heads of the four men suddenly jerked back, tumbling through the air and landing with heavy thuds on the ground, instantly silenced. Bullet-sized holes appeared in each of their foreheads, from which blood flowed freely.@@@@ Chen Mu turned his head expressionlessly and fixed his gaze on the last remaining guard in the corner. In a flash of insight, Chen Mu figured it all out. Standing up confidently, he waved and called out, "Big Brother, I''m over here!" Lin Que vaguely remembered there was a man in grey clothing on the dock. He thought to himself that this kid was pretty sharp to know to wait on the boat, ready to adapt to the situation. He leaped up at once and sprang onto the other''s fast boat, "Well done! There will be a hefty reward for you when we get back!" Chen Mu: "..." Why did you come aboard, too?! So close, how am I supposed to bluff my way through? Chen Mu took a deep breath: "Don''t panic, don''t panic. Stay calm." "There are more than ten people behind. Wait for the others to board, then stealthily fade into the background." "What''s the big deal about sharing a boat with the Helmsman, no big deal." Chen Mu looked towards the other members with full anticipation. Then, to his dismay, he watched them leap up and fall onto the boat next to his, like dumplings dropping into hot water. They immediately untied the moorings and rowed the oars, shooting their fast boat up the Luo River like an arrow. Chen Mu: "..." ... Lin Que stood at the bow of the boat, dumbfounded as he watched his men speed away, while his own fast boat remained motionless beneath his feet. "What the hell are you waiting for? Set sail!" Lin Que nearly bulged his eyes out in frustration! Chen Mu stammered for a long time, finally managing to say honestly, "Big Brother, I don''t know how." Lin Que: "..." You don''t know how, yet you still called me onto the boat?! Chen Mu forced a sheepish smile. He was in a tough spot, initially planning to pose as a gang member and blend into the larger boat. Who would have thought Lin Que would jump aboard so straightforwardly, and without any followers. He didn''t know the first thing about rowing a boat! This was a complete disaster. His secret infiltration had gone wrong from the start, how could he continue now? Forget it, just act directly. Killing this orange-peel face will have to do! ... Lin Que glanced at the vanished shadows of his men, then turned back to look at the dark figures darting towards them. "Get lost!" He charged to the stern, took up an oar, and paddled fiercely. Chen Mu blinked. Does this mean... I can keep on hiding? If it weren''t for the assassins pursuing him, Lin Que would have wanted to kick this useless piece of trash to death by now. "Who are you with!" Lin Que bellowed, chest full of rage. "With Helmsman Zhang Yun, your brother-in-law," Chen Mu quickly put on a smile, attempting to cozy up. He did not forget to raise his eyebrows suggestively, signaling with a look that they were on the same side. Lin Que''s anger was trapped in his chest, his orange-peel face flushed red with veteran fury. It''s that damn fool again! Both unreliable himself and the subordinates he recruits are good for nothing! Just moments ago, he had doubted this man''s identity. Now there was no need to doubt anymore. With this sort of lackluster spirit, Zhang Yun was the only one along the entire Jinshui River who would dare to take him in! "Hmph! I''m rowing the boat while you sit, you really think you''re something special in our White Tiger Hall!" Chen Mu forced a sheepish laugh: "Ah heh... ah heh... ah heh heh heh..." This infiltration is truly testing my nerves. If only I had known, I would have just greeted him with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke! Chapter 65 - 65 Contribution Realizing the outcome of the murder, Lin Que broke into a wide grin, his legs taking staggered positions as his back arched. His muscles tensed in an instant, transforming his body into a fully drawn bow. He had diligently cultivated the family''s Mystic Panther Shape Cultivation Technique for twenty years, practicing every day without fail. At thirty, he attained mastery of Marrow Transformation, leaping into the ranks of the Startling Swan Gang''s top fighters. His twin blades were sharp and ruthless, striking terror along the Jinshui River. This was why he took charge of a hall in his thirties. "Secret Technique: Fang!" Bang! He shot forward like an arrow off its string, disappearing from the sight of ordinary people. Chen Mu felt a dark shadow flicker before his eyes as two glimmers of bright blade light suddenly appeared in front of him. The crossing blade lights, like a pair of silver shears carrying a chilling breath, aimed straight for his throat. This strike was so fast it far surpassed the ordinary Marrow Transformation, giving Chen Mu no chance to release the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. In the blink of an eye, the fruits of countless grueling Shape Cultivation practice sessions became apparent. The blade lights seemed to slow infinitely as Chen Mu''s figure danced like a piece of paper. His body drifted softly diagonally backward before his left leg powered up, propelling him sharply to the right. Pfft! The wooden cabin door suddenly split in two. Chen Mu''s voice came from the edge of the deck, looking at the ruined door with lingering fear. If he hadn''t dodged just now, his head would have been severed. "Oh? You could dodge that? What a pleasant surprise." "It''s only interesting when there''s resistance..." Lin Que''s hands skillfully twirled a knife flower. "I love sashimi the most, and I''m good at preparing it because my knife is fast enough." "Do you know? I can not only slice transparent pieces of fish but also remove all the tender meat without killing the fish." "My knife is really very fast." Lin Que''s eyes filled with malice as he looked at Chen Mu: "After I''m done, you won''t be dead either." "Secret Technique: Fang!" Lin Que''s figure disappeared abruptly, materializing at Chen Mu''s side. The twin blades, as precise as embroidery needles, targeted the gap between the ribs on the left side of the chest. Once struck, the blades would cut open the flesh, pierce through the ribs, and slice straight to the heart! Chen Mu instinctively executed the Red Falcon Evasion Technique. His body, agile as a swift falcon, drifted back with the slicing wind of the blades. Lin Que laughed heartily as his blades struck like lightning, each aimed to kill. Yet Chen Mu was like a speck of dust in the sunlight, elusively dodging the clutching grasp at every turn. And in these perilous moments, Chen Mu''s mind fell into an eerie calm, as still as a rippleless lake. With Lin Que''s uninhibited laughter bearing down, Chen Mu felt as if someone had seized his heart. This unadorned malice, this utterly vile gaze, sent shivers down his spine. For the first time, he witnessed a true villain in the fullest sense of the word. Those he had faced before were at most ruffians. The man before him was a thoroughly rotten villain through and through! To treat a person like fish, and then slice them alive?! Could such people really exist in the world?! Too horrifying! He must be killed! Like a runner hearing the starter''s gun, Chen Mu''s resolve solidified in a flash. At that moment, all his skills were summoned forth. Soul Strength rose from beneath his feet, adding speed to an already swift figure. With a flash of cold light in his hands, two daggers appeared abruptly. "Qiankun Strike!" "Qiankun Strike!" Imagine the prestige he would command cruising along the Jinshui River! Back in Qingshan County, even though he was a gang leader, life was tough. He was drugged frequently. Someone even managed to steal his Ghost Head Greatknife. It had been quite an embarrassment. Now, things were different, even though adapting to life on a ship was a bit challenging. At least he wouldn''t have to deal with that lunatic who kept drugging him. Just as he was reveling in his choice, a familiar sense of drunkenness swept over him. Zhang Ye: "..." You''ve gotta be kidding me! In his dying moments, Zhang Ye felt aggrieved, "I''ve made it all the way to Nanyang Prefecture... you lunatic!" "What lunatic?" Chen Mu regarded the tightly shut cabin doors with suspicion, "That voice sounds a bit familiar." "Never mind, it was nothing." "How can someone resist the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke?" Chen Mu walked up to the storeroom, heh heh, it was time for the enjoyable harvest. ... Pottery Workshop Within a courtyard of two halls. Zuo Sheng sat in the dark room, squinting at the small-eyed man in the moonlight. "Are you sure the White Tiger Hall made their move?" He had been waiting for half the night and there hadn''t been a peepcould that be right? "Umm... The White Tiger Hall''s large ship did indeed enter the Luo River..." the small-eyed man said with difficulty, "and their skilled fighters all disembarked in secret from a coded spot." Could it be that White Tiger Hall wasn''t after the Qingfeng Powder? That was a thought he dared not voice. Zuo Sheng''s brows tightenedhe also sensed that something was amiss. On reflection. His nominal senior brother did have some strength. But he had never had any dealings with a Pharmacist. Instead, he was renowned for his astonishing painting skills. Qingfeng Powder, an advanced antiseptic medicine, was unlikely to have come from him. He had been so focused on dealing with Lin Que that he hadn''t fully considered the cause and effect. Impulsive! "Let''s go back," Zuo Sheng sighed. He had hoped to benefit from the dispute, but the whole premise had been wrong from the start. White Tiger Hall had brought a large number of men into the city; they were probably up to no good. Too bad his own people misjudged the situation. Otherwise, even without Qingfeng Powder, they could have taken advantage of the situation to catch White Tiger Hall in the act and make them suffer for a while. Zuo Sheng stood, leading the way out of the estate. As he stepped out of the gate, he looked up to see a figure in gray approaching from around the corner. It was deep into the night, with a clear moon and few stars. The stranger''s gait was relaxed, his footsteps silent, his entire presence exuding a chilling, eerie aura. The moonlight illuminated his profile, and in his indifferent expression, a thread of killing intent was revealed. Zuo Sheng''s heart skipped a beat, and he froze in place, promptly clasping his hands in a gesture of respect, "Senior Brother Chen!" Chen Mu: "..." After wiping out a bunch of people, running into an acquaintance was the last thing Chen Mu wanted. He felt a flicker of dread inside, but his face remained expressionless as he stared at Zuo Sheng. The atmosphere grew tense. Noticing the bloodstains on Chen Mu''s shoes, Zuo Sheng''s eyelids twitched. Which unlucky soul had fallen into this master''s hands now? Zuo Sheng coughed softly, "I ate too much for dinner and came out for a walk. If Senior Brother has business, please don''t mind me, carry on." Chen Mu glanced at the bright moon. Out for a walk in the middle of the night with dozens of underlings? Tsk tsk... Without changing his expression, Chen Mu nodded and walked past Zuo Sheng. As Zuo Sheng watched Chen Mu disappear at the end of the street, he let out a breath. He couldn''t help scratching his head, "Why does this scene feel so familiar..." Chapter 66 - 66 Aftertaste Da Liang, Year 640, April 23. On the north bank of the Luo River, amidst a stretch of trees, a gentle breeze wafted through, carrying willow leaves in its drift. Hidden behind the willow grove was a two-story wooden building that could barely be seen. Chen Mu sat by the window on the second floor, silently observing the vast, boundless river shrouded in white mist. In his hands, he cradled a wooden cup filled with a thick brown beverage, emanating a faint milk fragrance laced with a medicinal scent. This was his specialty milk tea, brewed with qi-boosting medicinal herbs. It was rich in flavor and nutrition. Chen Mu sat behind the long desk under the window, sipping tea at ease while enjoying the scenery. It had been five days since he had launched a night attack on the White Tiger Hall''s large ship. That very night, he had abandoned his residence at the pottery workshop. He didn''t even bother getting the rent back as he packed up and moved out overnight. This wooden building was rented on his behalf by Jie Jia. Chen Mu didn''t dare show his face, fearing that it would lead to another unwelcome visit if they traced him through their associates. "Zuo Sheng is from the Startling Swan Gang, right?" Chen Mu mused quietly, "Did he show up at the pottery workshop that night specifically for me?" First, it was Lin Que from the White Tiger Hall, and then came Zuo Sheng. "I can''t sell Qingfeng Powder anymore," Chen Mu sighed. Just when he had found a way to make money, it attracted covetous eyes. If it weren''t for a twist of fate and Zhu Yi Pavilion taking the fall for him, he would have been the one killed by Lin Que and his troop that night! Thinking of what befell Zhu Yi Pavilion, Chen Mu''s expression became odd. Not only had his own Yellow Dragon Powder been counterfeited, but Zhu Yi Pavilion had also been implicated and took the disaster meant for Chen Mu. "Jie Jia, your sins are profound," Chen Mu lamented insincerely. ... "Things should have settled down for now, I guess," Chen Mu thought uncertainly. Over the past days, Chen Mu had stayed put in his new home in Shanglin Neighborhood, worried that the Startling Swan Gang might cause trouble. As the largest gang in Nanyang Prefecture, the Startling Swan Gang lost all its elite members aboard the White Tiger Hall''s ship overnight. The gang''s leader Lin Que, four helmsmen, and dozens of core gang members had all died, leaving only a bunch of low-level henchmen. There was no way the Startling Swan Gang wasn''t furious. Whispers and fright haunted the Jinshui River, and passing ships were subjected to strict inspections and harassment. The prefect of Nanyang Prefecture City had to intervene to appease them, which finally quelled the Startling Swan Gang''s anger. "There must still be some repercussions happening in secret," Chen Mu thought with a touch of worry. "I might as well stay home and work on improving my proficiency." It just meant continuing to stay indoors. "Let''s check out the loot from this time." A string of convoluted curses was recited. Puffs of black smoke enveloped the room, and a black lacquered wooden chest, about half a meter in length and as tall as a forearm, appeared on the table. It was something he had brought from the White Tiger Hall''s large ship five days ago. The chest came from a luxuriously furnished cabin, most likely part of Lin Que''s private collection. He had been busy renting a house and moving these past few days and hadn''t had time to examine it closely. Upon opening the chest, a stack of silver notes immediately caught his eye. "Thirteen thousand and two hundred taels!" Chen Mu gasped at the sight. He had never seen so many silver notes before. Selling Ling Sha Pills and Qingfeng Powder could bring him roughly three hundred taels of silver each month. He would have to save for four years without spending a single coin! It was precisely because of this expert''s presence that the Startling Swan Gang remained in firm control of the Jinshui River. Next to him on a tea table, there was a tray with a dagger on it. Jin Wuduan rubbed his finger over the break, "Good sword technique." "Zhu Yi Pavilion doesn''t admit to having killed Lin Que," said a man over fifty on the left respectfully. "Hmm. Zhu Yi Pavilion doesn''t have such good sword masters," Jin Wuduan nodded. "Zhu Yi Pavilion also claims that Lin Que attacked their stronghold unprovoked and demands an explanation from us," continued the slender old man. "Don''t bother with them," Jin Wuduan said indifferently with a wave of his hand: "I will go and have a good talk with Zhang Qinghe myself." The expressions of the many hall leaders immediately became solemn. Zhang Qinghe was the pavilion master of Zhu Yi Pavilion in Nanyang Prefecture, one of the three great masters in the prefecture. A confrontation between the two could turn into a fierce battle! This conflict could have immeasurable repercussions on both the Startling Swan Gang and Nanyang Prefecture. "Lin Que acted out of personal greed and launched an attack on Zhu Yi Pavilion; he only got what he deserved by dying," Jin Wuduan said with an amused smile. "However, he was after all a hall leader of my Startling Swan Gang." "I''ll clean up the mess for Zhu Yi Pavilion." "In addition, issue a reward: ten thousand taels for information leading to Lin Que''s death, twenty thousand for finding the murderer, and fifty thousand for the murderer''s head," he said. Jin Wuduan''s face turned serious as he looked at the many hall leaders: "Go back and put your house in order, discipline your subordinates, and don''t allow any reckless actions." "An important figure will be arriving soon, Nanyang Prefecture cannot be in chaos!" "Yes!" The hall leaders bowed and complied. Zuo Sheng sat at the end, also raising his fist in agreement. Thinking of the substantial reward just announced, he felt an involuntary stirring of interest. Recalling the tragic scene aboard the White Tiger Hall''s big ship, Zuo Sheng furrowed his brows deeply. Experience the best from novelhall.Co?m Iron Lotus Seeds shot in salvo, dagger thrust to kill. He was all too familiar with this scene. The person from Thousand Mountains Path in Qingshan County had died this very way. He couldn''t help but remember the chance encounter that night. "Older brother, you''ve really stirred up trouble, putting me in a difficult position," he murmured to himself. He desired the generous reward, yet deep down there was a hint of fear. No sooner had Lin Que sent people to tail him than he faced an explosive counterattack. White Tiger Hall was wiped out as if it were nothinga manner of acting without any reservations, which made Zuo Sheng feel apprehensive. "Forget it, better not to provoke this scourge," Zuo Sheng decided, shaking his head: "Rather than that, it''s better to think of how to benefit from White Tiger Hall''s situation." He turned to look at the dark-faced strong man sitting at the other end. Zhang Ye, the former leader of the Bailang Gang from Qingshan County, now the hall leader of White Tiger Hall, was a lucky guy that everyone envied and resented. With the elite of White Tiger Hall dead, by pulling rank, Zhang Ye had somehow become a hall leader. Even Zuo Sheng couldn''t help but feel envious. "He''s from the same Qingshan County as the other party and lacks strength, urgently needing external aid. If I could ally with him at this time..." Zuo Sheng smiled as he narrowed his eyes. Chapter 67 - 67 Difficulty Nanyang Prefecture, Shanglin Neighborhood. A spacious estate to the west housed an octagonal pavilion, surrounded by a man-made pond. The pond was connected to the not-too-distant Luo River by an underground channel, flowing gently. The water quality was excellent, crystal clear to the bottom where one could occasionally see fish darting around. Chen Mu wore a grey long robe and had his hair bound up with a grey cloth. He leaned against a pillar, sitting on a bench at the edge of the pavilion, his right leg draped over his left knee. He then held his right foot and went through a series of gestures. After picking at his right foot, then his left, Chen Mu sighed "Soul Strength is not easy to cultivate." Since he had developed Soul Strength, his daily intake of food was balanced, with continuous nourishment from medicinal meals and he occasionally drank specially prepared dairy products. Moreover, the Divine Intent Diagram combined with the Breathing Method had been unceasing. Yet a month had passed, and the bean-sized Soul Strength had not increased at all. By the stone table under the pavilion, Jie Jia looked disgusted "Soul Strength can travel throughout the body, why do you insist on sticking to watching your feet?!" Chen Mu was startled and said with an embarrassed face, "I forgot!" Jie Jia: "..."@@@@ Casually, Chen Mu put on his shoes and socks, transferred the Soul Strength to his palm, and continued his observation. "Can one really cultivate Soul Strength to completion in a hundred years?" Chen Mu doubted deeply "By that time, you''d be close to death, right?" "You can." Jie Jia said indifferently, looking down, "Whether you die or not, you''ll know once you succeed." "Could Shell Soul actually extend one''s lifespan?" Chen Mu became interested. But Jie Jia did not respond. Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders and didn''t mind. Such thoughts were still too far off. Right now, he was more concerned with how to cultivate his Soul Strength. "Is it only during the early stages of Wandering Soul that the accumulation is so slow? Does it require a lot of accumulation before a breakthrough?" "It''s always this slow." Jie Jia said lazily while rolling a silver bead "Yours is slow on top of slow." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique really isn''t great, is it?" Chen Mu sighed in disappointment. Wandering Soul is the source of Shell Soul. If the Shape Cultivation Technique is poor, so is the Wandering Soul. With low efficacy, the accumulation speed is slow. Without Secret Medicine to shorten the accumulation period, it''s impossible to develop Shell Soul within a century. "There''s another point." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu "The meaning of cultivating Soul Strength in a hundred years is that you must achieve Shell Soul before you turn a hundred years old. It''s not about merely cultivating for a hundred years to achieve Shell Soul." "It''s not a description, it''s a requirement, a condition." Chen Mu suddenly became stunned. He had always thought that this phrase was a summary of cultivation. It takes ten years to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation, and a hundred years for Soul Cultivation. But according to Jie Jia''s words, that meant Martial Artists had to complete Shape Cultivation and achieve Shell Soul before turning a hundred! Even given Jie Jia''s attitude, that only seemed to be the passing mark! Looking at the Soul Strength that showed no progress, Chen Mu had a face of absurdity. That''s too preposterous! "Do you know how long it takes for ordinary Martial Artists to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation?" Jie Jia asked calmly. "In thirty years, two hundred and forty-six people who had achieved great success in Shape Cultivation died by my hand." "Twenty-six years, that''s the average time for achieving great success in Shape Cultivation." "The shortest was five years, a direct descendant of a noble family." "The longest was forty-seven years, a lone wanderer in the Jianghu." "Unless you have a Daoist Bone." Chen Mu was frozen on the spot. Twenty-six years? That long?! And that''s just to achieve great success in Shape Cultivation. After that, there''s a hundred years for Soul Cultivation! No, that should be called cultivation by the age of a hundred. The actual time for Soul Cultivation is at most seventy to eighty years! And even if they knew of the risks, who could resist the temptation of nurturing the soul? Over time, bad money drives out good. All harmless Secret Medicines are concentrated in the hands of the clans. The path for independent fighters in Jianghu to rise is gradually cut off. Chen Mu lamented, "Truly ruthless." Thankfully he had asked Jie Jia. Otherwise, if he blindly bought pills to speed up his cultivation, wouldn''t that mean stepping into the huge trap set by the clans! But without the Secret Medicine to accelerate, when would he be able to cultivate his Shell Soul? Chen Mu was not in a good mood. ... After a while, Chen Mu adjusted his mindset. Watching Jie Jia, who was still kneading a silver pearl, he couldn''t help but exclaim, "Worthy of being a Shell Soul expert, so knowledgeable and experienced." Recalling another unidentified stone, he immediately stood up, went back to his room, and brought it out, "Do you recognize this stone?" Only on novelhall.Co?m "Ebony Wood?" Jie Jia did not even bother to lift his eyelids too much, picked it up, and carefully examined it, "Unfortunately, it''s not the heartwood, no wonder..." "Something good?" Chen Mu''s heart leapt with joy, but he quickly realized and asked in amazement, "This thing is wood?" Regardless of its rough appearance or its weight and texture, it looked exactly like a piece of dusty gray stone. It was astonishing to find out it was actually wood. Incredible! "A type of tree that only sprouts and grows in the crater of a volcano." "Legend has it that mature Ebony Woods penetrate heaven and earth, drinking magma below and basking in thunder above. A single tree is home to hundreds of species." "You believe it?" Chen Mu looked skeptical. Jie Jia stared at the Ebony Wood and shrugged, "Legend, huh..." Chen Mu curled his lips with disbelief; legends are always exaggerated, "What can it be used for?" "Weapon forging," Jie Jia put down the Ebony Wood and said. "It''s not afraid of fire?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "It grew up eating magma," Jie Jia remarked indifferently. "Isn''t that a legend?" Chen Mu was surprised. Jie Jia didn''t bother explaining further. Chen Mu looked suspicious; the old man was not clear in his words. Trees that drink magma and bathe in thunder, do they exist in the world? "Do you want to forge weapons?" Chen Mu snapped back to reality, "Of course!" He had been wanting to forge two new daggers for a long time. The power of the Sleeve Sword Technique was getting stronger, and the previous pair of daggers could no longer withstand a full-force burst. The Sleeve Sword was already damaged after forcibly breaking Lin Que''s dagger last time. Now that he had Ebony Wood, a forging material that even Jie Jia took seriously, of course, he wanted to forge two new blades. "I have a few knives and swords with decent quality at hand, which could be melted down for materials." The items were all taken from the White Tiger Hall''s warehouse, originally intended to be sold for money. "This alone is enough," Jie Jia pointed to the Ebony Wood. Then he glanced at Chen Mu again, "It''s best not to bring out items marked by White Tiger Hall." "What White Tiger Hall?" Chen Mu looked completely clueless. Still not admitting it? Jie Jia pursed his lips and shook his head, "Startling Swan Gang has put out a reward, offering ten thousand taels for information regarding Lin Que''s death, twenty thousand for finding the murderer, and fifty thousand for the culprits'' head." "I''m not a bounty hunter, why are you telling me this?" Chen Mu frowned, looking puzzled. "Wasn''t it you who did it?" Jie Jia eyes rolled as he glanced at Chen Mu. "Old Jie, we''ve known each other for such a long time, do I seem that untrustworthy to you?" Chen Mu''s eyes carried a hint of disappointment, and he then emphasized with a sincere expression, "I''m just an honest scholar keeping to himself; how could I possibly be involved with such a heinous crime?!" "You really misunderstand me deeply," Chen Mu said, his whole body exuding dejection. Jie Jia''s skin twitched at the shamelessness, which was consistently reliable. Chapter 70 - 70 Red Ship Chen Mu, not giving up, flipped through the three books from beginning to end once again. The result was still completely unrelated to the Secret Technique he desired. In the end, Chen Mu spent thirty taels and left with the "Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method." It wasn''t that he was vain and loved to dress up, but he valued the technique for adjusting muscles and lifting skin. In the Secret Method, they were used to improve sagging skin. Chen Mu felt that these subtle physical adjustments were very suitable for the Face-changing Technique. Every time he went out, he had to smear and change his skin color. If he could figure out the Face-changing Technique, disguising himself when going out would be much simpler. Carrying two Manuals, Chen Mu didn''t plan to continue strolling and left straight away. Having been pursued by the White Tiger Hall for the matter of the Gentle Breeze Powder, Chen Mu knew that the Ghost Market was not safe either. It was from the big ship at the Ghost Market that Startling Swan Gang found Jie Jia, leading to a series of events afterward.@@@@ "It''s still safest to stay honestly at home." ... After leaving the cabin, the outside of the big ship was still deadly quiet and pitch-black. A few black-clad and masked guides led Chen Mu towards the stern, where more than a dozen black-canopied boats for picking up and sending off were moored. Just as they reached the middle of the big ship, a chorus of larks and swallows reached them on a river breeze. Chen Mu and the guide turned their heads instinctively to look. A fifty-meter-long red ship emerged from the mist. The ship, adorned with flying eaves and lanterns, was a sight to behold with its beautifully carved beams and painted rafters. The grand red ship was as bright as day, lighting up the entire river surface. Lutes, zithers, and flutes, the sounds of instruments mixed with melodious singing reached them. "So beautiful." The enthralled masked guide was staring at the enchanting figures behind the sheer curtains ten meters away. "It is quite beautiful," Chen Mu remarked, also watching with interest. "She''s mine!" The guide uttered fervently. "She''s yours if you pay," Chen Mu retorted with a chuckle. Then, he watched wide-eyed as the guide plunged into the water with a splash, like a fish leaping out of water, heading straight towards the red ship with a trail of splashes. That''s quite bold, isn''t it? Chen Mu was stunned. Splash, splash... The next moment, all of the masked guides on the big ship of the Ghost Market, like dumplings being dropped into a pot, one by one jumped into the water, hastily climbing onto the red ship. The two ships brushed past each other in only a minute or two. Yet in that short span, the entire dark ship was left with only Chen Mu! Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly constricted. He abruptly turned to look at the gradually distancing red ship. There, beside the windows of several cabins at the stern, stood slim young women dressed in sheer garments. They all stared blankly, without speaking, fixing their gaze on Chen Mu. A sudden impulse to jump into the water surged through him. Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Two paper effigies of ghosts whizzed out from his sleeves. Pressed against his forehead, one on each side. Their cold touch instantly sobered him. Looking intently, the red ship had already sailed into the mist over the river, leaving only faint lights flickering in and out of sight. "That was close!" He looked around thief-like every time, ensuring no boats were on the river and no one was nearby before secretly throwing the soil into the river. He skillfully sprinkled the dugout with anti-humidity and insect repellent Qingfeng Powder, then climbed out to have lunch. In the afternoon, the various supplies he had ordered were also delivered one by one. After paying and sending the delivery workers away, he busied himself with moving supplies underground. Read exciting tales at novelhall.Co?m Thankfully with the Five Ghosts Bag, he was finally done before dinner. ... At dusk, Jie Jia came over on time to freeload a meal. He sniffed a couple of times and couldn''t help but glance at Chen Mu, "Are you a mole or what?" Chen Mu: "..." What''s that supposed to mean? "You love digging holes that much?" He smelled the earthy scent? I even went out of my way to cover it up with Qingfeng Powder, damn dog nose! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Like I enjoy it. It''s only because it''s too dangerous outside. Ignoring Jie Jia''s teasing, Chen Mu quickly asked, "The evil-warding artifacts of Nanyang Prefecture aren''t in trouble, are they?" Jie Jia''s brow furrowed slightly, "You encountered ghosts?" Chen Mu told Jie Jia exactly what had happened the night before. Jie Jia''s bright yellow eyes rolled around, sizing up Chen Mu from left to right, top to bottom, "How are you not dead?" Chen Mu was almost amused into laughter, "Do you believe I''ll cook without washing my hands from now on!" Jie Jia looked at the table full of tempting dishes, his eyebrows twitching. "I washed them this time." Chen Mu''s lips curled into a smirk. "As expected." Jie Jia''s expression remained neutral as he casually sat down by the stone table. "The ghost ship has penetrated Nanyang Prefecture, and you call that normal?" Chen Mu stared incredulously. "Don''t you know the state Da Liang is in right now?" After sitting down, Jie Jia took out a pristine white handkerchief and meticulously started wiping his utensils and chopsticks. "The land is in turmoil, the dynasty''s twilight years," Chen Mu''s complexion looked a bit grim. Although Nanyang Prefecture was peaceful, that was because it was located in the southwest, far from the heartlands of Da Liang. According to information gathered by the Xin Yuan Tea House, rebellions were constant in the heartlands of Da Liang, with people declaring themselves kings every day. Crops destroyed, food shortage, corpses everywhere, there were even tragedies of cannibalism. "The turmoil is real, but the demise of the dynasty is not necessarily so." Jie Jia casually threw his used handkerchief into the trash bin by his feet. "The more people die, the more ghosts appear. It''s normal for a powerful ghost to break through an evil-warding artifact." "In some places, entire cities are occupied by ghosts, turning into realms of specters. That''s what''s truly terrifying." Jie Jia said with a calm demeanor. Chen Mu listened, feeling the chills run down his spine. This world is too damn dangerous. ... After dinner, seeing off Jie Jia, Chen Mu took out the bright red Five Ghosts Bag and stared at it as he placed it on the desk. He used to think about maxing out the three Shape Cultivation Techniques in one go. Now it seemed that had to be put on hold. "Since the Five Ghosts Bag can restrain ghosts, I should first master the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse!" "Two ghost paper figures can keep me awake, but with five, is there a chance I might be able to fight back a little?" "Forget it, forget it, don''t set my expectations too high, as long as it can save my life, everything will be fine." "Five Ghosts Bag, you''ve got to give it your all." Chapter 71 - 71 Preparation To practice the "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse," one must consider the feeding concerns of the "Five Ghosts Bag." If the bag is rarely opened, a single meal can suffice for a long period. But if opened frequently, it requires a steady supply of fresh meat. Back in Qingshan County, to nourish the bag, there was a time when he spent his entire days by the Bailang River pretending to be a fisherman. Now that he''s left for Luo River, he dared not capture any. First came the long-haired woman by the river, followed by the red ghost ship at midnight. Chen Mu now had an allergy to rivers, dare not stay long for fear of encountering ghosts again. Thinking of this, he looked through the window towards the small pond around the gazebo. The reason he chose this residence in the first place was partly because of the pond that connected to the Luo River. The pond was linked to the Luo River through five or six large bamboo poles buried underground. It ensured the circulation of fresh water and allowed some small fish to enter. The fish would suffice for his own meals every now and then, but were hardly enough to feed the "Five Ghosts Bag." ... The next day, Chen Mu disguised himself and went to the North Market. He found a shop selling pottery and ordered a hundred large water jars in one go. The jars were one meter in diameter and about one meter three in height. By evening, as the shop had gathered supplies from various places and delivered them, a hundred water jars were stacked in the courtyard, occupying more than half of it even when piled up on top of each other. After hastily finishing dinner and sending the puzzled Jie Jia away, Chen Mu returned to his room to rest. When the night was quiet and everyone else was asleep, Chen Mu quietly went out to the courtyard. He climbed up to the roof to ensure that no one was around, then went down to the pond beneath the gazebo. "Let''s get to work!" He was to excavate a larger passage for the pond to facilitate the trapping of live fish. He first blocked the bamboo pipes that connected to the Luo River and used the "Five Ghosts Bag" to move the water out of the pond. Then he began to dig slanted from the bottom of the pond towards the Luo River. Billowing black smoke settled at the bottom of the pond as layers of soil vanished into thin air. For every meter dug, he inserted a jar with its bottom cut off to serve as a conduit. After a busy night, he finally completed the channel just before sunrise. The tunnel was four meters underground and stretched over ninety meters in total. As he broke through the last bit of dirt, the Luo River''s water gushed through the tunnel into the pond, quickly filling the dried bed. Staring at the figures of fish faintly visible under the murky water, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, "It''s done." ... South Market''s Fan Tower, Four Seas Building. Within a private room on the third floor, a group of people were toasting and drinking merrily. "Hall Master Zhang truly is a hero of Qingshan County, having taken the seat of hall master not long after arriving in Nanyang Prefecture. Quite impressive!" Zuo Sheng raised his cup with a smile as he offered his flattery. At that moment, Zuo Sheng just happened to turn his head with a smile. Sun Fu''s scalp went numb. Could it be that the hall leader knew about him secretly investigating that scholar?! Doomed! He couldn''t be blamed, that high reward was simply too tempting! "What should I do?" Sun Fu pretended nothing was amiss as he clinked cups with Zhen Fan. ... Chen Residence, Shanglin Neighborhood. Jie Jia walked into the courtyard, frowning at the five or six large jars by the wall, filled with fish. In the shady area beside the wall, several bamboo racks were placed, with layers of flat bamboo baskets on top, drying fish meat and rice balls in the shade. Walking into the gazebo, he saw a table full of dishes, all fish except for a specialty smoked meat, including fried, steamed, and stewed varieties! Find the latest on novelhall.Co?m He felt as though he had returned to Qingshan County. "How did you catch so many fish?" Jie Jia was very curious. Chen Mu waved his hand lethargically, "Trade secret, no disclosure." He had toiled over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse the entire day and was nursing a headache. Here''s your stuff," Jie Jia handed Chen Mu a long wooden box. "Sleeve Sword Technique?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. Opening the wooden box, a pair of short daggers, each the length of a forearm and completely grey, were revealed. "No scabbard is provided, as the Sleeve Sword Technique isn''t suited for scabbards," said Jie Jia. Chen Mu nodded repeatedly, caressing the daggers fondly. The blade, hilt, and the small, oval-shaped sword guard were seamlessly integrated, without the slightest joint or crevice. "Ebony wood is unique, requiring only a special technique to melt. Once cast into shape and refined with careful polishing, it becomes a top-tier weapon." "After removing impurities and the associated loss, your piece of ebony wood was just enough to forge these two daggers." Chen Mu thrust out his hand casually. Poof! A soft sound ensued, and a hole appeared in the stone table in front of him. These were much sharper than the previous two daggers he owned! He tossed a fabric bag filled with silver taels to Jie Jia and contentedly pocketed the daggers. Now equipped with these sharp weapons, Chen Mu felt a slight increase in his sense of security... by a fraction. It couldn''t be more. After all, these things couldn''t kill ghosts. Chapter 72 - 72 Fourth Rank Nanyang Prefecture City is located to the southwest of Da Liang, where the weather is scorching hot. Shanglin Neighborhood, close to Luo River, also gets more humid.@@@@ But if there is wind over the river, the banks of the riverbank become cool and comfortable instead. Chen Mu sat under the pavilion in the breeze, slowly flipping through the book in his hand, occasionally sipping on some brown medicinal tea. After a while, Chen Mu set down the book and looked up. "This ''Golden Wind Jade Dew Technique'' is something else, huh." He tried to adjust the muscles on his face, making the thin parts swell to add bulk, and contracting muscles in the plump areas to make them appear smaller. After a few attempts, he already bore a three-point resemblance to Jie Jia. "Ponder it for a few more days, and maybe it''ll become a skill." "The technique is good, it''s just that its applications are rather unorthodox." Only after careful study did Chen Mu realize that this book might truly be somewhat unorthodox. It was interspersed with the author''s personal experiences. The author claimed he often cross-dressed, mingling in various women''s societies using makeup skills to befriend beautiful women, and offering them his exclusive beauty Secret Medicine. Then, using a type of strange insect to lock onto their souls from thousands of miles away, he would track the Secret Medicine and slip into their boudoirs under the cover of night. At first, Chen Mu thought the author might just be a cross-dressing master. Later on, he found out the guy was actually a philandering thief! Ventriloquism was to make his voice sound more feminine. The sleep manual was for restoring Vital Energy. The makeup techniques were for infiltrating from within and conveniently using the Secret Medicine to locate his target. "What a talent..." Chen Mu felt utterly shaken. ... Packing away the book, Chen Mu moved to the edge of the pavilion. "Might as well continue practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse." For nearly twenty days, he devoted all his energy to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Frequently activating the Five Ghosts Bag put immense strain on his body. Too long a duration would leave him dizzy and unfocused. Even though he hadn''t done any physical labor, he would feel utterly exhausted. Chen Mu had to practice intermittently. He would train the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse for half an hour, rest for half an hour, while continuously drinking tea that replenished his Vital Energy and boosted his spirit. A deep Curse echoed out, as billowing black mist appeared and vanished around Chen Mu. A distinct feeling suddenly emerged. He felt that several sections of the long-winded Curse could be omitted. He also felt as if he had an extra hand. With a thought, he summoned the gray wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Fourth Rank; Three balls of black smoke appeared out of thin air in front of him, and immediately they condensed and shrank into three paper figures. The little paper figures were eerily lifelike, each with a character on their back Spring, Summer, Winter. "With an extra Summer, I''m just missing an Autumn," Chen Mu remarked contentedly as he looked over the three Ghost paper figures. Thinking of their knack for suppressing Ghosts, Chen Mu found the paper figures increasingly adorable the more he looked at them. The bizarre paper figures floated. "What a pity..." Sikou Yu shook his head, "If it were me, I wouldn''t rest until Zhu Yi Pavilion was eradicated." "Yu''er, don''t speak nonsense! Zhu Yi Pavilion belongs to the Zhang Family; it''s not something you can just talk about destroying," Sikou Qing reprimanded with a frown. Sikou Yu pouted but said no more. The crowd surrounded the two and entered the grand hall. Within the crowd, Sun Fu''s small eyes stared at Sikou Yu, his thoughts racing. "This young master''s relationship with Lin Que seems quite unusual..." Then he looked up at Zuo Sheng. For some reason, he always felt that Zuo Sheng''s gaze towards him was strange. "He wouldn''t be planning to silence me, would he?" ... In Nanyang Prefecture City, North Market, the Heart Origin Tea House. Chen Mu sat in a corner of the hall, with a pot of tea and two plates of osmanthus cakes on the table. He had been practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse at home for a month, making his head swell with dizziness. Although he wanted to continue, he was truly exhausted in spirit. It was like staying up all night reading novels in his previous life, wanting to continue but feeling overwhelmingly sleepy. Chen Mu had to take a break for a day and go out for tea and music to relax. He wasn''t particularly impressed with the tea at Heart Origin Tea House, but he was quite interested in the assorted pastries. Each visit, he would order a different kind. With each order, he would try to replicate one. So far, he had mastered five types. "There are still thirteen types left, how nice," Chen Mu mused with pleasure as he looked at the menu and price list on the wall. "I wonder if the tea house owner would kick me out if he knew," Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Big Brother Chen!" A clear childlike voice suddenly sounded from behind him. Chen Mu frowned and turned back, "Which child is this, so impolite to startle someone from behind!" "Big Brother Chen, it''s me, how come your face has changed?" Cheng Ming, the little Daoist boy, was dressed in brand new embroidered clothes, wearing a longevity lock around his neck, and a safety bracelet on his hand. Anybody unaware would think he was the young master of some landowner. Chen Mu was somewhat helpless. He had used a new Face-changing Technique to adjust his facial structure whenever he went out. Even with Jie Jia right in front of him, he might not be recognized. How did this little guy recognize him? "Where are your parents? There are people kidnapping children in the city; you can''t run around carelessly," Chen Mu said, glaring to scare him. "Big Brother Chen, stop pretending," Cheng Ming giggled. "Don''t call out like that, I am not your Big Brother Chen." "You are." "I''m not." "You are!" "I really am not." "I can even smell the Fasting Pill!" Cheng Ming climbed onto the bench across from Chen Mu, propped his arms on the table, and stared at him. Chen Mu: "..." Rice ball, rice ball, that was a rice ball! Can we not bring up the Fasting Pill incident? Chen Mu pushed the osmanthus cakes towards the little Daoist boy, "Dog nose!" "Hehe..." The little Daoist boy, Cheng Ming, grabbed three pieces of osmanthus cakes and crammed them all into his mouth at once. ``` Chapter 73 - 73 Investigation "Where are your senior brothers?" Chen Mu looked around but didn''t see Cheng Ming or the Daoist He. "I sneaked out on my own," Cheng Ming chuckled. "Aren''t you afraid of being kidnapped?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "No one can kidnap me," Cheng Ming said with a smug face. "What if I offer you free food and accommodation, would you come with me then?" Chen Mu smiled mischievously. "Really?" Cheng Ming''s eyes suddenly sparkled. "See, it''s actually pretty easy to kidnap you," Chen Mu laughed. "Even if kidnapping doesn''t work, there''s still the sack, mesmerizing smoke, and little toys. One of them is bound to suit you." Cheng Ming pursed his lips and remained silent. "What are you doing sneaking out anyway?" Chen Mu asked, curious. The little guy was dressed in gold and jade, living a life of luxury. Why would he think about running away from home? "My senior brother is so annoying!" As if opening the floodgate, Cheng Ming started to complain while stuffing osmanthus cakes into his mouth. "He controls what I eat, when I sleep, and forces me to practice every day. Master never controlled me so much when he was alive," he said, his eyes reddening. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. From these words and this scene, it seemed that First Rank Feng Ren might be in a bit of trouble. "Just eat the cakes, eat the cakes." Cheng Ming sniffled, shoved another osmanthus cake into his mouth, and calmed his emotions, a look of grievance on his face: "He even stands at the door when I go to the toilet!" It was hard to tell that Daoist Cheng Ming actually had such a strong desire for control. Imagining the hardships the kid in front of him had to endure, Chen Mu struggled to suppress the smile that was about to break out. "I''m not going to run away. Why doesn''t he just tie a rope around my neck?!" "Heh!" "Cough cough..." "You just ran out," Chen Mu pointed out. "That''s because he forced me!" Cheng Ming said indignantly. "Like ropes? I''ll tie you up when we get back." A voice laced with a faint smile suddenly came from behind Cheng Ming. The face of the formerly indignant Cheng Ming immediately turned into a smile: "Big senior brother! I missed you so much!" Chen Mu: "..." Your face changes faster than a flipped script. ... "How should I address you..." Cheng Yi looked at Chen Mu with a gentle smile. "My surname is Mu," Chen Mu said, rising to his feet with a polite bow. "Thank you, Mr. Mu, for watching over him," Cheng Yi said sincerely. "No thanks needed. We have a similar wild kid at home, always causing a ruckus," Chen Mu smiled, then teasingly glanced at Cheng Ming: "Don''t scold him when you get back." "Just give him a spanking." "He''s got plenty of padding; it won''t hurt his bones or muscles." Cheng Ming: "..." "Hard choices." ... In a side hall of Shangyang Island. "Do you know the clue to Lin Que''s death?" Sikou Yu asked coolly from the head seat. Sun Fu bowed deeply: "I happened to learn a bit of information by chance." "Did that new hall master claim Lin Que''s relics?" Sikou Yu waved his hand and asked another question instead. Sun Wu bent even lower. The master in front of him didn''t seem to care about Lin Que''s death. "That''s not the case, as the gang''s rules do not allow it," Sun Fu hurriedly replied. "Zhang, the hall master, didn''t have time to loot either. By the time the main hall arrived, everyone on the ship was in deep sleep, the boss said they were hit by powerful Mesmerizing Smoke." "Then where did my things go?" Sikou Yu frowned and murmured. "The majority of Lin hall master''s belongings are now in the hands of his widow," Sun Fu cautiously suggested. Yet sweat began to bead on his forehead. This idea would undoubtedly spell disaster for Lin Que''s widow, but he could no longer care about that. By entering this side hall, he was already opposing Zuo Sheng. "I''ve searched; they were not there," Sikou Yu said with some agitation. Sun Fu''s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure: "It''s also possible that they were taken by the person who killed Lin hall master." "According to the scene at the time, the thief seemed to have looted the White Tiger Hall''s large ship to some extent." "Several of the finest blades in the storeroom have disappeared." Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up: "Tell me what you know." "Speak well, and I don''t mind meeting your request. Of course, it can''t be excessive." "Save me, young master!" Sun Fu suddenly knelt on the ground. Sikou Yu looked on with interest: "There''s something going on here." ... After a long while, Sun Fu laid out everything the causes and effects, his own suspicions, and the predicament he faced. "Zuo Sheng?" Sikou Yu tapped his chair armrest with his index finger, deep in thought. "He is Uncle Jin''s closed-door disciple, with a complicated background. I wouldn''t antagonize him for no reason," Sikou Yu stated coolly. "But before I leave, I will ensure your safety." "If you find what I want, I will make sure you get a certain share of the Jade Dew potions." "With the Jade Dew potions to boost your strength, even if I leave, you will be unharmed." Sikou Yu glanced at the ecstatic Sun Fu: "But all of this is predicated on the information you provided being true, and you finding what I want." "All at your command, young master!" Sun Fu''s face beamed. He was an eyewitness to the White Tiger Hall incident and was eighty percent certain there was something wrong with that scholar! "Do you know what the item looks like, young master?" Sun Fu asked. "A grey stone. It''s said to be about the size of two fists." "A stone?" Chapter 74 - 74 Assistance Nanyang Prefecture, Tao Hua Fang, inside the old Chen Residence. Sikou Yu stood beside the wooden bed in the bedroom, holding a hollow bamboo tube as long as a middle finger. Inside the bamboo tube was a tiny golden insect, the size of a soybean. The insect resembled a cricket, with two antennae on its head that were longer than its body. At the moment, the insect''s antennae were poking out of the straight tube, swaying left and right over the bed. "Are you sure this is Chen Mu''s residence?" Sikou Yu looked at the listless insect, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, "The scent is too faint." "It''s probably because no one has lived here for a long time," Sun Fu said nervously, bending down. Chirp chirp chirp... The insect, which had been quietly resting inside the bamboo tube, suddenly started to chirp. Although it was not large, its voice was sharp and piercing, extremely loud. Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up as she spread her palm to support the bamboo tube. Discover what''s next at novelhall.Co?m The insect spread its wings and flew about, constantly hitting the walls of the bamboo tube. It seemed tiny, but its strength was not insignificant. The bamboo tube spun continuously in Sikou Yu''s palm. Finally, it pointed in one direction and stopped moving, and the insect also lay down without fussing anymore. Sikou Yu''s eyes brightened, "Let''s go!"@@@@ A group of people followed Sikou Yu out of the residence in high spirits. They were quickly led to the outside of another residence by the guidance of the insect. Chirp chirp chirp! The insect suddenly issued a sharp series of chirps. "Could it be that this guy didn''t run away and is living nearby?" Sun Fu was overjoyed in his heart. The group barged into the residence, pushing open the door, and a moldy smell rushed out. "He has stayed here," Sikou Yu observed the nearby residence. "Clever like a crafty rabbit with three burrows," she remarked. "Keep searching." The group returned to the streets again. Chirp chirp chirp! Before long, the insect started chirping again. The group once again burst into a residence. It was still an abandoned yard. "He really is like a crafty rabbit with three burrows," Sikou Yu was not annoyed. Beneath the cunning, there must be something wrong with this person! Perhaps the Ebony Wood is truly on him! "Continue the search!" Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp chirp chirp... "How many houses has he rented exactly?" Sikou Yu stood at the street corner, looking back at the path they had taken, completely baffled. "This is the seventh one," Sun Fu was also stunned. So it turned out that you''ve rented almost all the houses on this street! Not only rented, but moved into each one. What a lunatic! ... "My Lord, you go enjoy yourself. Once we find a clue about that person, I''ll immediately notify you!" Sun Fu smiled ingratiatingly. If only he hadn''t been greedy for that silver. ... After Sikou Yu left on his sedan chair, Sun Fu and two other men remained. The trio slowly made their way to Shanglin Neighborhood. The golden beetle suddenly began to chirp loudly, its bamboo tube pointing straight at a particular residence. Sun Fu didn''t even lift his gaze, his expression numb as he walked toward the courtyard next to the willow forest. This wasn''t their first encounter with such circumstances. "Do you think Chen Mu belongs to the rabbit zodiac? Why else would he dig himself so many hideouts?" The strongman to Sun Fu''s left complained with a disgruntled face. "Feels more like a mouse, timid as one!" The man on the right chuckled, making fun. "This residence is probably another empty one," the man on the left said resignedly. After turning circles all day, their patience waned. Right now, Sikou Yu''s gang would undoubtedly be enjoying themselves on the Red Ship. They too yearned to join them for a good time. "Enough. Once we find the man and get our reward, even owning the Red Ship would be possible!" Sun Fu scolded with a vexed expression. "Hmph, ''find him''as if it''s that easy," the strongman on the left scoffed, disdainfully glancing at Sun Fu. This man originally served under Zuo Sheng. Quietly, he had moved to Sikou Yu''s side. A crawling sycophant, not fit for companionship! Grinding his teeth, Sun Fu didn''t speak further. To stay alive, he could no longer consider the opinions of others. Chirp chirp chirp! Just then, the cry of the Soul-Locking Insect suddenly grew more intense. Sun Fu''s heart leapt violently. "Could it be that we''ve really found him?!" He hurriedly took two steps forward, preparing to climb up the willow tree outside the courtyard to take a look. But just as he reached the base of the tree, the Soul-Locking Insect suddenly fell silent. Not only that, but it also started to hit against the bamboo pole, indicating a completely opposite direction. "Let''s go; he''s certainly not here," the man on the left said with a touch of schadenfreude. Sun Fu clenched his teeth, his hands gripping the tree, ready to leap uphaving come all this way, he refused to leave without at least checking. The two strong men shrugged. "Do you smell anything?" the one on the left asked as he sniffed the air. "Stir-fried green onions," the one on the right inhaled deeply, his stomach grumbling, "It''s mealtime, right? Shall we get some food first?" "Let''s go, let''s go," the one on the left agreed with a laugh, hooking arms and heading off into the distance, not bothering to wait for Sun Fu. Sun Fu lifted his hand to stop them but eventually his strength left him and he let his hand fall; he was hungry too: "Damn that smell of green onions!" Looking up at the tree he had halfway climbed: "Forget it, why bother?" He then jumped down from the willow tree, his face filled with dejection, and followed the other two into the distance. ... Inside the cool pavilion, smoke billowed. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. "It seems someone was calling my name?" "Probably just a misconception." "This Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse is really taxing to perform." "Even with Shape Cultivation Technique to restore energy, it''s still so draining, now I''m even hearing things," Chen Mu shook his head with a sigh. He closed his eyes and continued chanting the spell. Chapter 75 - 75 Discovery Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Jie Jia walked into the cooling pavilion and looked at the spirited Chen Mu. He frowned upon seeing the steamed fish on the table and said, "You can bathe three times a day." What does that mean? Chen Mu was puzzled. "Even if you handle fresh fish every day, bathing three times would be enough to get rid of the fishy smell." "Why are you rubbing so much green onion juice on yourself? Do you want to be steamed like the fish?" Jie Jia said, pointing at the fish with its mouth gaping towards the sky. You really dare to think; green onion juice? "I''ve taken Solid Fragrance Pills, which are comparable to the latest incense and high-class goods!" Scallion-scented incense? Or is it fried scallions? Jie Jia said drily, "Your preferences are... quite unique." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, as if it were by choice. It''s all just to change his body odor. According to the "Golden Wind Jade Dew Secret Method," soul-locking bugs hate scallions and garlic the most. Otherwise, he''d be crazy to use the scent of fried scallions as perfume. "These Solid Fragrance Pills can make a person emit a floral fragrance?" After hearing Chen Mu''s explanation, Jie Jia raised an eyebrow and stared at Chen Mu. "Thinking of making money? Forget it. I''m starting to doubt your abilities," Chen Mu firmly rejected. "Getting involved in selling Qingfeng Powder already implicated me. Selling Solid Fragrance Pillswhat if it brings disaster again?" Anyway, now that he had money on hand, he wasn''t worried about food or drink. He just wanted to peacefully increase his proficiency and eliminate any potential hazards.@@@@ Jie Jia fell silent for a while. "So, you''re saying that Lin Que was killed by you." Chen Mu immediately became annoyed: "Nonsense!" "With my feeble strength, who could I possibly kill?" "Don''t you know? I''ve always been kind to others." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and scoffed. ... Three days later, inside the cooling pavilion. Chen Mu stuffed rice balls into his mouth while summoning the grey wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1192/10000/Fourth Rank; "If I had discovered the effects of the Divine Intent Diagram earlier, that would''ve been great," Chen Mu ruefully thought. With the Divine Intent Diagram replenishing his spirit, his daily progress on the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse sped up by at least fifty percent. If he had found out sooner, perhaps he''d already be halfway through the Fourth Rank proficiency! But it made him hungry quickly, consuming more food. After being with Sikou Yu for several days, Zuo Sheng had already considered him a traitor. If an opportunity arose, he would definitely kill him quickly! Chen Mu! Chen Mu! Damn scholar, where on earth are you?! Sun Fu''s mind raced. That''s it! The residence in that willow forest by the river! Throughout all these days of investigation, it was the only place he hadn''t checked! He remembered how the Soul Locking Bug had abruptly changed direction that day. But for five days, there had been no similar behavior from the Soul Locking Bug. There''s something wrong with that residence! He was just about to speak up when Sikou Yu suddenly asked, "Tell me, who were the people who came to Nanyang with the Zuo Family originally?" Sun Fu was caught off guard but quickly responded, "Chen Mu, Zhang Ye, Du Huai, a young Taoist boy, and two other women." "I remember you saying that Du Huai and those two women are locals from Nanyang Prefecture City. Only Zhang Ye, Chen Mu, and that Taoist boy are from Qingshan County?" "Young master has a good memory!" Sun Fu complimented with a smile, and was about to share his recent suspicions, when "Did you ever investigate the background of that Taoist boy?" Sikou Yu interrupted suddenly. Suppressing his eagerness, Sun Fu patiently answered, "That Taoist boy belongs to the Qingfeng Observatory outside Qingshan County. Upon reaching Nanyang Prefecture City, he left with his senior brother and never had contact with Head Zuo." "Young master, five days ago we discovered..." "Did you ever look into what Qingfeng Observatory is all about?" Sikou Yu''s eyes lit up. Sun Fu, interrupted again, struggled to recall, "I''ve sent people to inquire among the refugees from Qingshan County." Stay connected with novelhall.Co?m "I heard Qingfeng Observatory is the top Taoist temple in Qingshan County. The temple master, Feng Ren, is known for expelling evil spirits, his fame spreading far and wide." "That Taoist boy is Feng Ren''s closed-door disciple." "Before the earthquake in Qingshan County, Qingfeng Observatory had also organized labor to build an altar to banish evil spirits and protect locals, earning widespread praise." Sikou Yu suddenly sat up. "Building an altar? Banishing evil spirits? Ha!" He was all too familiar with this ritual. Wasn''t it just part of the essential rites for consecrating certain special Magic Artifacts? If they had Magic Artifacts and knew the rites to consecrate them, then Qingfeng Observatory was no ordinary heritage. That Taoist boy''s senior brother must possess formidable martial prowess! Lin Que had achieved great success in Shape Cultivation. To kill Lin Que, one must at least be at the same level of achievement in Shape Cultivation. And doesn''t that match up perfectly! "Young master, at the Shanglin Neighborhood, we found..." "Why didn''t you tell me such important information before?" Sikou Yu''s expression darkened abruptly as he scolded fiercely. Sun Fu''s body stiffened, and he stood there dumbfounded. This... is important? Chapter 76 - 76 The Eyes "The Daoist boy is not the key here, his senior brother is the main focus," Sikou Yu''s eyes gleamed. "On the night Lin Que was murdered, Zuo Sheng took a group of you to meet that scholar, claiming it was to help him out of a tight spot." "But in my view, Zuo Sheng purposely redirected attention to that scholar!" "Chen Mu had a conflict with Lin Que, and then Lin Que ended up dead. The first reaction of anyone in the know would be to consider Chen Mu a suspect." "But what if the real murderer is someone else?" "Wouldn''t Chen Mu then become an obvious target, the perfect scapegoat?" "If Chen Mu suddenly disappears without explanation, it immediately solidifies the other person''s identity as the culprit." Sikou Yu said this, his entire being unable to contain his excitement. "It''s very possible that Chen Mu has already been silenced by Zuo Sheng." "All to protect his true ally. That senior brother from Qingfeng Observatory!" Sikou Yu laughed heartily, his face filled with satisfaction. The frustration of the past few days from searching without success was swept away in an instant. Right, everything fits now, it must be that senior brother! Qingfeng Observatory has magical artifacts, they must have a legacy, their martial ability is certainly not weak. Only such a person would recognize the value of ebony wood and take it away. And that Chen Mu? A poor scholar from a small place, how could he possibly have the strength to kill Lin Que?! "No wonder we can''t find anyone. They''ve all been silenced, where could we possibly look?!" He clenched his fist and swung it fiercely through the air, his face resolute. "Spread the word immediately, I want that Daoist boy''s senior brother found!" Sun Fu: "..." The house in Shanglin Neighborhood... "Hmm?!" Sikou Yu stared intently at Sun Fu. Sun Fu immediately shut his mouth, his body sweating like rain: "Yes!" ... At this moment, the "silenced" Chen Mu was squatting in front of a small food stall. In his hand, he held a palm-sized charcoal-roasted stuffed bun, taking a bite that engulfed half of it in one go. The steaming hot, slightly reddish meat filling with layers of fat and lean emitted an aroma that immediately filled his nostrils. "Great skills, boss! I''ll take three more!" Chen Mu''s face, adorned with "flank meat," praised loudly as he gulped down the stuffed bun in two bites. "This is a skill that has been passed down through five generations in my family." The owner, a short, plump middle-aged man in his forties, beamed with a smile upon hearing the praise. "I''m not bragging to you. My buns, with their crispy crust and rich filling, have had so many people trying to steal the recipe, yet no one has ever been able to learn it." "In this world, I''m the only one who knows how to make the authentic old Qi family''s stuffed buns. If you want to eat them, you still have to come to me, Qi Laoda!" He pointed a thumb at himself, tossing his head back in pride. Chen Mu responded with a beaming smile, giving a thumbs-up to Qi Laoda. Now, there were two people who knew how to make them... ... Ultimately, Chen Mu couldn''t resist. He stepped out of his home and headed to the North Market''s fresh meat street. Purchasing too much fresh meat might attract prying eyes. But the unsolvable Ghost issue troubled Chen Mu even more. "I wonder what kind of magic artifact that old man wields?" ... Three days later. In Nanyang Prefecture, near the South Market at Yongtai Workshop. Sun Fu entered the Mysterious Painting Workshop with a gloomy expression: "Master Zhen, where is the painting I ordered?" Two days of searching yielded no results. This morning, an irate Sikou Yu had angrily kicked him, leaving his abdomen bruised and in considerable pain. Fortunately, his efforts were not entirely fruitless. This Mysterious Painting Workshop once had a branch in Qingshan County. The workshop owner, Master Zhen, had met the leader of Qingfeng Observatory. "These are the portraits of Daoist Cheng Yi and the young acolyte Cheng Ming," said Master Zhen pointing at the unrolled scroll with a smile. "My skills are a bit rusty, but without boasting, these portraits resemble them by at least seventy percent." "Thanks, Master Zhen," said Sun Fu, breathing a sigh of relief. Resembling the large and the small figures by seven tenths would greatly reduce the difficulty of the search. After paying the fee for the painting, Sun Fu hurriedly found Sikou Yu, who was lounging in Chunfeng Tower. "Master, these are the portraits of those two individuals," Sun Fu said, bowing and fawning. Sikou Yu glanced at them briefly, nodded indifferently, and casually tossed the painting to a strong man beside him: "Go find them." "Yes!" The brawny man saluted respectfully and left. As he passed Sun Fu, the corners of his mouth curled slightly. With his back to Sikou Yu, he gave Sun Fu a clear, scornful smile. Sun Fu''s face turned pale. He had lost Sikou Yu''s trust! He had gone through great pains to locate the individuals, paying out of his own pocket for the portraits. All he needed was to follow the clues in the paintings to earn great merit, yet now someone else would reap the rewards. Dazed, Sun Fu didn''t even realize how he had exited Chunfeng Tower. It wasn''t until the breeze started cooling his sweaty body that he came back to his senses. Noticing a local thug on the street corner, Sun Fu''s expression immediately soured. He had seen that man before; he was one of Zuo Sheng''s subordinates. Having lost Sikou Yu''s confidence, he no longer had protection. If Zuo Sheng came after him, his death was certain! "No, I can''t just sit around and wait to die." "I must regain Sikou Yu''s favor." "What to do, what to do..." "Right, that mansion!" Though seven or eight days had passed, the event was still vivid in his memory. "The Locking Ghost Bug behaved abnormally; there must be something wrong with that mansion!" A ruthless look flashed in Sun Fu''s eyes, resembling a gambler desperate to turn his luck. "I can''t be careless. I need to find a thief to scout it out under cover of night!" "As long as I find clues related to the Ebony Wood, my life will be saved!" Chapter 77 - 77 Investigating The urchin of a cat came from a beggar''s background, taught by an old beggar in the arts of theft since he was young. He helped the old beggar slip through doors, pick locks, and steal people''s belongings. As he grew older, his skills became more refined. After the death of the old beggar, he mixed alone in Jianghu, spending his days either stealing or gambling. Today his luck was down, and he gambled away all his possessions. Just as he was thinking of targeting a prosperous family, Sun Fu found him. He specifically wanted him to steal from a scholar''s home, claiming the man had picked up something of his. He didn''t want to make a fuss and preferred to retrieve it himself. Bullshit about something being picked up. He surely had his eyes on the scholar''s treasure and wanted him to steal it for him. The cat didn''t even think before agreeing. He was getting paid, after all! Once there, he''d search carefully. Who knows, he might even make double! Check for updates on novelhall.Co?m ... In the deep, quiet of the night. The cat climbed the willow by the Upper Court''s wall, just about to jump onto the wall when a streak of moonlight glinted silver. The cat paused in his movements, looking closely. The wall was covered in countless fine needles. "How treacherous!" Pulling out a thick piece of cowhide, he covered the top of the wall and cautiously climbed up. Just as he was about to jump down, he stopped himself. Could there be traps on the ground? Tying a rope around the willow, he descended slowly to the ground, only to find the base of the wall covered in Iron Tribulus. The cat broke out in a cold sweat then and there. "This scholar is no easy mark!" Had it not been for Sun Fu''s repeated assurances that the owner was just a poor scholar, the cat would have turned tail and run. "Whatever, I''m getting paid for this." ... In the Shanglin Neighborhood, west of Yulin Lane. Sun Fu paced back and forth at the entrance of the alley, uneasy. "Nothing could have gone wrong, could it?" If something went wrong, that''d be great! It would mean that estate was no ordinary place! "Must not rush, I''ll wait another quarter of an hour," Sun Fu curbed the impulse to go find Sikou Yu immediately. "This is my last chance; nothing can go wrong." Sun Fu felt as if time was dragging on. Just as he was about to give in to the urge to leave, a petite figure scampered along the base of the wall, crouching down. "You... how did you come out?" Sun Fu deflated like a balloon, a great despair filling his heart. The cat was taken aback and said irritably, "Am I supposed to stay in his house or what?" "I didn''t find the stone you talked about. That scholar is so poor, he has nothing." "I only found these black shiny spheres in a bamboo basket in the kitchen, tasted one, and they were quite good," said the cat, tossing two of the spheres to Sun Fu. "Why hasn''t anyone come yet?!" Sun Fu couldn''t help but glance at the door. Thump! A dull thud sounded. Sun Fu''s scalp exploded, his hair standing on end it was the sound of the muscular man at the door falling down. "Who''s there?! Who''s outside?!" "Hee hee..." A child''s playful laughter echoed, appearing fleetingly by his ear. Sun Fu suddenly froze, a massive wave of fear instantly sweeping over him. He didn''t dare turn his head to look, only cautiously rolling his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, over his shoulder, he saw a vivid paper figure leisurely sitting there. The paper figure was cut and fashioned, covered with red lines, featuring an extremely detailed face, and even its two short legs were kicking and flailing mid-air. Seeming to notice Sun Fu''s gaze, the paper figure suddenly turned its head and gave Sun Fu a big smiling face. Sun Fu felt as if he had plunged into an ice cave! He opened his mouth to shout, but the paper figure instantly turned into a puff of black smoke. A thick red fog spread, covering his entire head and face. Thump! Sun Fu collapsed to the ground without putting up a fight. The black smoke spread quickly, swiftly enveloping his entire body. In the blink of an eye, both the black smoke and Sun Fu had disappeared without a trace. The room was empty, as if no one had ever been there. ... Meanwhile, five or six muscular men, while yawning and slipping into their clothes, hurried upstairs. "That Sun Fu really has some tricks up his sleeve. He found someone so quickly?" "Well, he was once a helmsman under Leader Zuo, of course, he has some skills." "Didn''t that just make things easier for us, brothers?" "Right, right, right. First, we''ll extract the Taoist''s clues through torture. Once he''s poisoned and mute, we''ll hand him over to Leader Zuo." "The young master did say, the worse we beat him up, the better; it will make Leader Zuo feel avenged." "To think he brought such merit to us brothers even at the brink of death, we should treat him well later. Haha..." The leading muscular man laughed heartily. At this moment, a burly man with a face full of flesh, staggering as though drunk, wobbled down the stairs. Hearing the conversation, the burly man imperceptibly paused. Then, as if nothing happened, he brushed past the group. A small paper figure slipped from the side of the leading muscular man, drifted with the wind out of sight, and instantly turned into black smoke, vanishing into thin air. At the entrance of Chunfeng Tower, the fleshy-faced burly man looked back and up. From upstairs came faint words like "escaped," "bastard," "knocked out," "block his home." "I really wish I could take these pests away with me." The man then indifferently turned around and quietly disappeared into the night. Chapter 78 - 78 Secret Technique Sun Fu awoke in a daze, the world before him pitch black. He knew he had been blindfolded. Chen Mu?! What was that bizarre paper figure? How could Chen Mu have such methods. A cold voice suddenly rang out, "Why investigate Chen Mu?" Sun Fu''s heart skipped a beat. As expected, it was because of that scholar. He was just about to deny it when his eyes shifted, "It was Master Zuo who asked me to investigate." Chen Mu and Zuo Sheng were in cahoots, but perhaps he could try to sow discord between them. There might still be a glimmer of hope for survival.@@@@ Crack! Chen Mu indifferently retracted his hand from breaking the other''s neck. "Nonsense." "The people in Chunfeng Tower weren''t Zuo Sheng." This man spoke no truths; asking more would only lead to being misled. "Think carefully before you speak again," Chen Mu turned to look at the thief beside him, whose mouth was gagged, face pale, and trembling with fear. ... Three days later, early morning. Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat in the pavilion, carefully reviewing the actions of the past few days. Sun Fu and the spotted cat had been buried under the large willow tree outside the courtyard. Chen Mu looked up at the willow tree swaying in the wind, as if it were greeting him. "Grow a bit faster and provide more shade for the pavilion." Ever since realizing the marvelous utility of the Wandering Soul Paper Figure, Chen Mu started to use the paper figures as secret scouts. The thief that night was discovered by a Wandering Soul Paper Figure as soon as he climbed the willow tree. He had intended to make it a killing, but he held back. What if it was a master? What if it was a lure to draw him out? What if there were puppet masters behind it? After all, there were no valuables in the house. He even slept in the bedroom of the neighboring house. Let him rummage as he pleased. When the intruder left, he casually tossed out a little paper figure, letting it fly up to take a look. That was when he spotted Sun Fu. "Lucky I played it safe!" "Ebony wood..." A sleeve sword suddenly appeared in Chen Mu''s hand. "It''s also a treasure." He hadn''t been idle these past few days either. Disguising his face, he used the little paper figures to secretly surveil the burly men at Chunfeng Tower. "The Startling Swan Gang is indeed looking for someone. From their conversations, the target seems to be a Taoist." Chen Mu relaxed slightly, "The leader isn''t Zuo Sheng, but a young master whose name I don''t know." "Sun Fu also seems to have been marked as having fled on his own accord." Chen Mu instantly lost interest in delving deeper. Sun Fu was dead and hadn''t caused him any trouble. Continuing to investigate might bring disaster. "Better to keep grinding my Proficiency." Four paper figures of varying sizes stood in a row before Chen Mu. "Spring, summer, autumn, winter, we could even play a game of mahjong now, hehe..." Practice by day, grind at night, a month of burning the midnight oil finally advanced the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to the fifth rank, manifesting the fourth ghost paper figure. "Now there''s another scout," Chen Mu examined the new paper figure with glee. The Autumn paper figure was slightly short and chubby, with a naive and innocent expression on its face, patterned with red lines as usual, and carrying a pitch-black "Autumn" character on its back. With a wave of his hand, The four paper figures turned into black smoke and vanished. The next moment, they appeared out of thin air by the wall. "Eight meters, the distance has increased by another meter." That meant, with Chen Mu at the center, everything within an eight-meter radius fell within the transportation range of the Five Ghosts Bag. He could collect materials from eight meters away, deploy Mesmerizing Divine Smoke at the same distance, and similarly dispatch the little paper figures to scout. "Following this logic, if I cultivate the fifth ghost, will the distance increase to nine meters?" Chen Mu pondered. Within that range, when combined with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke, it would be a powerful tool for clearing the field! Within nine meters, it was even swifter and more secretive than Iron Lotus Seeds! "If only it could reach ninety meters," Chen Mu greedily wished. Besides that, he had another unexpected gain. Continuous use of the Red Falcon Divine Intent Diagram. Proficiency had not improved, but insights kept flowing in. Soul Strength, the size of an ordinary soybean, grew...into that of a comparatively plumper soybean. "Could the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique continue to be practiced?" Chen Mu wondered. ... "Want to know?" Jie Jia swallowed the last bite of Old Qi''s fire-roasted cake. Taking out a white handkerchief and wiping the corners of his mouth, he looked towards Chen Mu''s left sleeve with an indifferent face. Then his amber eyes widened slightly, and he quickly turned to glance at the right corner of Chen Mu''s clothes. His eyelids lifted a fraction as he directed his gaze to the cloth bag around Chen Mu''s waist. After a while, he lifted his head, looking puzzled at Chen Mu, who was grinning with self-satisfaction. "Now you don''t know where I''ve hidden the silver, do you?" Chen Mu chuckled. Then, with an air of smugness, he pulled out two Silver Tael from his left sleeve and handed them to Jie Jia. Jie Jia''s brows furrowed even more tightly. There had clearly been no Silver Tael in the left sleeve just now. Chen Mu''s smirk grew even wider. I have the Five Ghosts Bag! I can hide the silver wherever I want! As the activation curse grew increasingly shorter, the Five Ghosts Bag became ever more convenient to use. "A complete Shape Cultivation Technique will have accompanying secret techniques that can greatly enhance the power of moves," Jie Jia, still puzzled, began as he put away the Silver Tael. "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique is too rudimentary and lacks a secret technique," Jie Jia returned to his indifferent tone. "As for the epiphany you mentioned, well, it''s probably because you''ve been sleeping too deeply..." Jie Jia''s eyes shifted and he briefly glanced at Chen Mu. So you''re saying I''m overthinking it, dreaming? Chen Mu rolled his eyes and didn''t pursue it further. Chen Mu wasn''t too eager for secret techniques. It would be great to have them, but no big deal otherwise. With proficiency in hand, he would know whether they existed as he continued to practice. Chapter 79 - 79 Notice Nanyang Prefecture North Market''s Fan Building. The first-floor hall of Chunfeng Tower was endlessly noisy. Beautiful singers took the stage every so often to present their dances. The hall was divided into dozens of semi-enclosed booths with screens. The screens were low and semi-transparent, strategically placed so one could clearly see the stage performances while vaguely concealing what was inside the booths. Inside the booths were low couches, with long tables in the middle filled with fruit wines, drinks, and delicious dishes. Under the dim lights, songs and dances filled the hazy atmosphere. Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelFire Inside a booth on the left edge, four or five sturdy men sat together. "What the hell is going on with Qingshan County? Are all the people that come out from there damn cowards?" "Do you know how many residences we searched today?" "Five!" "They say even the craftiest rabbit has three burrows. This guy is practically forefather of rabbits! Just like that scholar!" The leader in black clothing gulped down the clear white liquor in his cup, his face filled with anger. "What are we going to do if we can''t find him?" a man beside him frowned worriedly. "How the hell would I know," the leader grumbled, taking another gulp of his drink. They had seen the outcome of Sun Fu''s downfall with their own eyes, and if they didn''t find something soon, they wouldn''t have any good outcomes either. "A scolding is inevitable," sighed the lead strongman. "Should be no threat to our lives." Sun Fu was drowned in the river because he offended the Left Hall Master, but they hadn''t offended anyone.@@@@ "But, it''s likely we''ll get a good beating," the robust man''s eyebrows furrowed tightly. That was fine with them. They were appointed to Sikou Yu by the general hall, and it was a good opportunity to fake an illness and return to the general hall. Sikou Yu wasn''t easy to serve. "Forget about it, let''s just enjoy the food and drinks. We''ve got more work to do tomorrow!" The men continued to clink their cups and drink merrily. No one noticed that there was a little paper figure sticking out from behind the soft couch. After listening to the others boast and chat for a while, the little paper figure fell to the ground and turned into a wisp of black smoke that vanished. ... Seven or eight meters away, in a dimly lit private room near the doorway. Chen Mu transformed into a man with a dark, square face showing no expression and sat alone in the private room, silently eating the food spread across the table. "It''s clearly from the chef of Sihai Tower next door, so why is it more than twice as expensive!" Chen Mu''s face was expressionless, but inside, he couldn''t help but complain. He glanced up at the gorgeous singer on stage, dressed revealingly and striking seductive poses. "Forget it, forget it, so it''s a little expensive, focus on the food!" Every three days, he would come to Chunfeng Tower, pick a corner, and order a table full of dishes to eat voraciously, then release a little paper man to gather news about the Startling Swan Gang. Luckily, the anonymous young master was infatuated with Chunfeng Tower due to his love for beauty, or else Chen Mu wouldn''t know where to gather information. In Nanyang Prefecture, South Market, a street dedicated to fresh produce. Chen Mu once again took on the appearance of the square-faced man, occasionally scanning the surrounding shops. Unfortunately, none had the hereditary delicacy of the Qi Family''s food stand. With his current cooking skills, ordinary snacks were not worth his time to imitate. He randomly chose a meat shop and agreed to have the goods delivered in the afternoon. Chen Mu continued to wander leisurely around the South Market. Staying at home all day without seeing anyone, the bustling crowd always brought him joy. As he walked, he watched the passing crowd, discreetly studying their facial structures, imagining how to adjust his muscle lines to imitate their appearances, seizing the opportunity to enhance his understanding of the shapeshifting technique. At the north gate of the South Market. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction as he withdrew his gaze. The more he observed and pondered, the more he tried, the more rapidly he could increase his proficiency. At that moment, a crowd suddenly gathered around the notice board under the arch at the North Gate. Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by this. It could be a large-scale job recruitment, or someone massively buying up a certain material, or even the Prefectural Government Office issuing a notice. "Startling Swan Gang is recruiting again." "We''re just here for the excitement; they have requirements, only taking skilled Jianghu warriors who can perform great feats." "I''m strong; maybe I have a chance too!" "You wish!" Chen Mu paused momentarily. The Startling Swan Gang is recruiting again? Didn''t they just hire a bunch two months ago? "Look, the Tangshan Army is also recruiting instructors. Generous compensation, they''re asking for martial arts masters from major academies, as well as independent practitioners from Jianghu who have a specialty." "Too bad I don''t know martial arts." Chen Mu''s brow furrowed slightly, and he turned and left. The Startling Swan Gang recruiting, the Tangshan Army looking for instructors outside the city. He had a feeling a storm was coming. "Please, let the chaos within Liang not spread here," prayed Chen Mu. Only now did he suddenly realize the widespread turmoil across Liang. The current peace in Nanyang Prefecture was hard to come by. "I need to find out more about the situation in the hinterlands of Liang when I have time." "If it really reaches Nanyang Prefecture, planning then would be too late." "But this is already the southernmost part of Liang; where else could I hide? Set sail?" Chen Mu shook his head, not dwelling on it any longer. Thinking wouldn''t help, better to go home and grind for experience. After just a couple of steps, Chen Mu stopped again, turned around, and walked back to South Market. "Might as well stock up on some more food supplies." Chapter 80 - 80 Moving Mountains Read the latest on m_v-l''e-NovelFire Accompanying the recruitment notices of the Tangshan Army and Startling Swan Gang, Nanyang Prefecture City buzzed with activity. Wandering martial artists, seldom seen on normal days, flocked to Nanyang in droves. The numerous prominent martial arts guilds in the city saw a surge of apprenticeship applications. After all, weren''t the Tangshan Army and Startling Swan Gang recruiting anyone skilled in martial arts? Chen Mu had thought that once they recruited a certain number of people, both factions would quiet down. But on the contrary, Gossip about a recruitment deadline circulated daily, but whenever someone with talent showed up, both factions took them in without hesitation. It was as if they would take as many as there were available. "Could it really be leading to a war?" Chen Mu muttered to himself. Then he dug a hole in the next-door residence and stored a large amount of living supplies. ... Due to the gathering of a large number of jianghu drifters, brawls and fights became frequent occurrences. Chen Mu once would stroll outside every few days, but now he stayed indoors unless it was necessary to purchase supplies. Even when going out, he would return quickly.@@@@ "With such chaos outside, hiding at home to grind experience points is more comfortable." Chen Mu enjoyed himself in his seclusion. Nevertheless, Nanyang Prefecture City''s recruitment frenzy didn''t show any sign of slowing down. Wealth, power, beauties, cultivation techniques, and secret medicines for training were among the many enticing offers thrown about by both factions. Every time he went shopping, he could hear about some jianghu high roller striking it rich or some martial arts guild master who had made great progress after consuming a Dragon Transformation Pill. Chen Mu observed everything with detached interest. Watching the revelry of jianghu high rollers in the pleasure towers, he would sigh to himself, "Another batch of ripe leeks." Dragon Transformation Pill? There are still twenty of them lying in my Five Ghosts Bag. He wouldn''t touch these pills that could potentially ruin one''s future. ... One month later. In the Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Three peculiar syllables escaped Chen Mu''s lips. Five paper figures appeared out of thin air. "Success!" Writing: 1840/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 1707/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 2133/10000/Fourth Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Maximum; Cooking: 6026/10000/Second Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 6576/10000/Third Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 6356/10000/Third Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 14/10000/Sixth Rank; Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 4140/10000/Second Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 2840/10000/First Rank; ... Gurgle gurgle! Gurgle gurgle! The stone table was completely devoured. Chen Mu, like a child with a new toy, tried it again and again. A large water jar, wooden shelves, flat baskets, and even the dirt on the groundhe didn''t spare any of them, and in a short time, they were all chewed up into a pitted landscape. It wasn''t until he was pale, weak all over, and his stomach growled with hunger that he reluctantly stopped his exciting activity. Despite a splitting headache, Chen Mu still smiled, "This is the joy of grinding to increase proficiency." All five ghosts were out, and there was an extra ability! "Let''s continue with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse!" Chen Mu was eager to continue. Yet, with great willpower, he suppressed this tempting thought. Magic artifacts are indeed amazing. But using them isn''t without cost. At the moment, he felt as drained as if he had been hollowed out. It wasn''t until after consuming five Bigu Rice Balls that his stomach felt a bit better. With his eyes closed, focused on the Red Falcon Divine Intent Diagram, he opened them a quarter of an hour later, feeling somewhat rejuvenated. "Like activating the Five Ghosts Bag, it consumes some sort of mental or soul strength." "And consuming the stone table clearly takes more than the wooden shelves." Currently, the only way to recover or even enhance this kind of strength was through the Shape Cultivation Technique''s Divine Intent Diagram. "Shape Cultivation Technique really is the foundation," Chen Mu mused. "This must be what the true Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is about," Chen Mu had some realization. The Five Ghosts connected, creating a certain cutting and devouring force. The more spent, the stronger the devouring power. It''s just that the sensation of activating it felt a bit strange. "What is this? Five Ghosts... eating mountain, nibbling mountain?" "Thankfully, the bag only gives me the idea of eating, not the actual feedback after eating." Thinking back to his excited actions earliereating stones, wood, and mud. If he had received real feedback, ugh... disgusting! ... Over the next few days, Chen Mu conducted gradual tests with the Five Ghosts Bag. All the ghost paper effigies materialized into five figures. The black smoke could transport up to nine meters. Only three syllables left in the incantation. There was also the addition of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Secret Art, with an extremely powerful devouring ability. Chen Mu had tested it. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke could easily gnaw through a high-quality broadsword. If it were to cut into a person... "I''ve got an extra card up my sleeve to save my life!" Chen Mu thought gleefully. "If only the cutting range were a bit larger," Chen Mu''s greed wasn''t satisfied. "Continue upgrading, and maybe the range could increase." Every time he thought of this, Chen Mu felt the urge to continue with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "I better diligently work on my Shape Cultivation Technique instead." The Blue-eyed Golden Ape has already been delayed for too long. ``` Chapter 81 - 81 Neighbors Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu raised his hands towards the sky, slightly crouched, eyes squinting, breathing inconsistently fast and slow. Under his clothes, his muscles slowly writhed with his breath, as if they had minds of their own, continuously contracting and relaxing. After a good while, Chen Mu, drenched in sweat, stopped his cultivation. "No wonder it''s a high-end Shape Cultivation Technique." The Bone Transformation Stage of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was more complex. Two hundred and seventy breathing rhythms, thirty-six variations of motion and stillness. A single error meant the practice was in vain. An ordinary person, fully focused every time they practiced, could still not guarantee a one hundred percent success rate. "No wonder it takes ten years of Shape Cultivation." Given such a difficult success rate, one could imagine the efficiency of cultivation. Those who could cultivate for ten years, weren''t they all born with exceptional insight and gained through diligent study and practice? As for someone of average aptitude like me, I can only keep trying over and over with sheer effort. Between murmuring complaints, Chen Mu completed another round of practice.@@@@ Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 9390/10000/Second Rank; Proficiency rose again by ten points. "It''s still going to take several days to reach Perfection... so difficult," Chen Mu faked a shake of his head and a sigh. ... Chen Mu thought of a problem. If ordinary Shape Cultivation Techniques are this hard, then the heirloom Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families must be astronomically harder, right? And yet those scions manage to achieve major success in Shape Cultivation within five or six years?! "Ancestral fortunes are really a blessing," Chen Mu sighed helplessly. There''s no comparison! ... "Who told you that the families'' Shape Cultivation Techniques are difficult to practice?" Jie Jia asked coolly. "The bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families are simple and easy to learn," Jie Jia stated indifferently. "Some can be mastered just through breathing." Breathing can cultivate skills? Chen Mu instantly drooled with envy. "Where can one find such techniques?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "You can''t practice them." Chen Mu rolled his eyes, understanding there must be stringent prerequisite conditions. "The bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques of major families focus on tapping into the potential of one''s bloodline." Fine, for a commoner like him, it was probably just something to hear about. "Apart from the bloodline Shape Cultivation Techniques, the higher-end the Shape Cultivation Technique, the more complex it tends to be." "Complexity is necessary for all-around transformation," Jie Jia added. "Where else can one find such high-end Shape Cultivation Technique?" Chen Mu asked eagerly, looking at Jie Jia. "I don''t have it," Jie Jia replied indifferently. "I''ve already cultivated the Shell Soul, what use do I have for Shape Cultivation Techniques?" Chen Mu: "..." He was let down by the old man again. "Startling Swan Gang, Zhu Yi Pavilion, Nanyang Prefecture City yamen have it," Jie Jia finished and gave Chen Mu a look. "Do you want it?" Chen Mu immediately shook his head. "You''re not from Nanyang Prefecture?" Chen Mu asked casually. "No," Kui Tuo replied, swallowing a piece of braised meat. "The Startling Swan Gang is recruiting, right? I went to sign up. I easily became a Helmsman." Kui Tuo boasted proudly about his experience joining the Startling Swan Gang. "I didn''t expect you to be a Helmsman of the Startling Swan Gang. My apologies for any disrespect," Chen Mu said indifferently. Kui Tuo laughed loudly: "Those guys are weak as chickens, I easily took the title." "Is the Startling Swan Gang recruiting virtuous talents to expand its power?" Chen Mu probed without revealing any emotion. "I don''t know. They have us gather every day to practice some sort of formation," Kui Tuo said, puzzled. "But that formation doesn''t seem like a battle formation, we train in a daze." Chen Mu was also perplexed. Recruiting people but not training in combined attack formations, what exactly are they planning to do? Forget it, I shouldn''t worry about this. Let''s get rid of this robust man first. ... "When is the neighbor next to you coming back? I went to visit earlier, but the door was locked, and nobody was there," Kui Tuo asked. No, you have already met. Chen Mu calmly replied, "I''m not sure." "And that house at the corner of the street, right next to mine, is also locked. I don''t know who lives there," Kui Tuo continued. No need to wonder, it''s me. Chen Mu shrugged: "I don''t usually go out much, so I''ve never seen them." Kui Tuo sighed: "I just arrived today, and I wanted to visit the neighbors, but it turns out nobody''s home in the surrounding houses. I guess I''ll have to try again tomorrow." Chen Mu smiled and nodded in encouragement. As long as I''m at home, you won''t meet anyone tomorrow either. "They say a rabbit has three burrows, and being human, it makes sense to prepare seven or eight safe nests," Chen Mu thought to himself. ... Night. Kui Tuo lay sprawled on his bed, mumbling in his dreams. Now talking about drinking, now about fighting, now about good food, now about beauties. At the head of the bed, a small paper man sat straight and proper. Its eyes unwavering as it stared at Kui Tuo. One hour. Two hours. Three hours... Until the break of dawn, when the little paper man turned into black smoke and disappeared. In the adjacent Chen Residence, Chen Mu, sitting up on his bed in Pan Xi, opened his eyes. "Looks like he really is just a rash man who happened to move in," Chen Mu murmured to himself. "Poor judgment." "The tenant of that residence moved away quietly. It would have been great to know earlier, I could have had another safe house." "Now with a stranger around, there''s indeed some risk." Chen Mu silently thought: "I''ll have to keep watch again tonight." Anyway, with the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Bone Transformation, his energy was getting better and better. Losing a little sleep wasn''t a problem. Chapter 84 - 84 Spiritual Light Chen Mu''s right hand conjured the Sleeve Sword Technique, and his body''s muscles instantly contracted and entwined. His right hand that hung by his side vanished into thin air, and the Sleeve Sword suddenly appeared in front of Sikou Yu''s neck. "Qiankun Strike!" Bang! Sikou Yu''s body flew back like a smacked ping pong ball.@@@@ He crashed into the room with a roar and the massive wooden bed was instantly smashed to pieces. The man in black''s face changed drastically, and he hurriedly rushed towards Sikou Yu. Bang! Wood splinters flew, and a figure leaped up from the broken bed. Sikou Yu appeared unharmed. A layer of eggshell-like black translucent aura enveloped his body. "Do you really think I''m an idiot? Can''t you see your malicious intent?" Sikou Yu smiled faintly, "I advise you to surrender willingly. In front of this aura, any resistance is as futile as an egg striking a stone." The man in black was overjoyed. It had been so urgent that he had almost forgotten that their young master had long been granted a Body Protection Aura by the Family Law Instrument. "You must be Chen Mu, right?" Sikou Yu fixed a sinister gaze on Chen Mu, "The people from Qingshan County are truly bizarre." Had it not been for his immediate activation of the Body Protection Aura, that sudden strike would have pierced through his neck! Noticing the dagger in Chen Mu''s hand, Sikou Yu''s eyes became even more overcast, "You actually used my Ebony Wood?!" "A mere dagger? Ha!" Sikou Yu''s forehead veins bulged, "What a waste of a precious resource!" Just as he was about to swear, Chen Mu''s figure suddenly disappeared from the spot. The dagger led the way, followed closely by his body. He shot towards Sikou Yu like an arrow released from a bowstring. Find your next read on Clang clang clang clang... Chen Mu turned into a black shadow, continuously launching Qiankun Strikes around Sikou Yu. "It''s useless," Sikou Yu sneered dismissively, "Your minor Shape Cultivation can never break through my Body Protection Aura!" He then composed himself, with eyes half-closed, indifferently watching Chen Mu, "You will never understand what a noble family is, nor will you ever comprehend the gap between us." "How dare you spoil my Ebony Wood!" "Once I catch you, I will crush your bones inch by inch!" "Secret Technique: Soundless Hand!" His right hand suddenly turned pitch black, as if it were cast from solid iron. A white ring of energy burst out at his wrist. Hum! The air trembled. The black hand thrust out suddenly towards the lower left. Clang! It was like the clash of metal against metal! The pitch-black hand actually caught the tip of the Sleeve Sword precisely?! Chen Mu''s heart tightened abruptly! "Nibble! Damn it, just nibble at him to death!" Buzz! It was as though countless bees suddenly flapped their wings. The five clumps of mist spun and pounced forward violently, an invisible devouring force unleashed. The indestructible black spiritual light trembled violently. Chen Mu''s face turned pale. In that instant, he felt as if half of his vitality had been drained away. Sikou Yu raised an eyebrow. "You have a magic artifact as well?" "It seems I really must take a look at Qingshan County," Sikou Yu murmured. Then he lowered his eyelids indifferently, looking down at Chen Mu. "It''s useless, not all magic artifacts are the same." Cheng Yi also had a Bell Instrument, yet he was defeated and repelled by him. "I thought it might give me a little surprise," Sikou Yu said with disappointment shaking his head. "After all, just a lower-class person. How much ability could he have." "Damn it!" Chen Mu bit down hard. "Your mother''s lower-class!" He suddenly increased the intensity of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. His legs went soft, his mind went blank for an instant. The Five Ghosts Bag almost knocked him unconscious! Buzz, buzz, buzz! The vibrations of the spiritual light surged drastically. Finally, Sikou Yu''s face changed as he poured Soul Strength into his legs, lifting his foot with the intent to rush at Chen Mu. But the five ghosts'' black mist clung stubbornly to the Body Protection Aura, preventing him from moving an inch. His battle with Cheng Yi the previous day had already seriously depleted his Body Protection Aura. Now, being devoured by the Five Ghosts Bag, was it on the verge of collapse?! "Quick! Go kill him!" Sikou Yu shouted to the man in black. However, he found that at some point, the man in black was already unconscious. Chen Mu opened his mouth wide, revealing a row of chillingly white teeth, and burst into laughter. The entire third floor was enveloped by the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. The man in black only focused on the two men fighting and had been poisoned without realizing it. "Nibble! Nibble him to death!" Bang! The black spiritual light suddenly exploded into a sky full of sparkling lights. The five clumps of black smoke charged past Sikou Yu. Like red-hot iron rods piercing through solidified fat. A clear, arcing gap appeared in Sikou Yu''s left chest and abdomen, front to back. A neatly cut half-heart hung inside the chest cavity, quivering continuously. Sikou Yu stared at Chen Mu in disbelief. He was a noble family descendant, of noble bloodline, with secret techniques and medicine, protected by Spiritual Light, his future boundless. Was he about to die here? In the hands of a lower-class person? He bit down hard on his lips, refusing to let out a cry of agony, glaring at Chen Mu with the most venomous look he could muster. But the five clumps of black smoke reappeared above Sikou Yu''s head and pounced down suddenly. Drops of blood splattered. Sikou Yu completely vanished from the spot! Chapter 85 - 85 Taste Clang! The Sleeve Sword fell from mid-air, slanting as it stabbed into the wooden floor. Chen Mu staggered backward, leaning against a column, gasping for air. Fortunately, he had managed to break through the opponent''s Spiritual Light in time. Otherwise, Chen Mu himself would have been drained dry by the Five Ghosts Bag. Looking at Sikou Yu on the ground, with only droplets of blood left, an unexplained chill crept up Chen Mu''s back. Gulp! Chen Mu couldn''t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva, his expression complex. He didn''t want to... But when Five Ghosts Moving Mountain was activated, an intense urge to devour kept assailing him. It was completely different from the feeling of gnawing at stones and earth before. The moment he touched Sikou Yu''s flesh and blood, the Five Ghosts Bag''s urge to devour increased exponentially. If it weren''t for the overwhelming greed from the Five Ghosts Bag, how could Chen Mu have directly devoured Sikou Yu?! Thinking of this, he couldn''t help but feel his stomach churn. At that moment, noise came from the first floor outside. Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. "I can''t stay here any longer." Ignoring his feelings of disgust, he quickly stuffed two Fasting Pills into his mouth. He stumbled to the middle of the room and picked up the Sleeve Sword that had fallen from Sikou Yu''s body to the ground. Noticing a silver-white cicada lying on the ground next to him, Chen Mu crushed it with his foot. This creature could track down Ebony Wood, so he couldn''t allow it to live any longer. Whoosh! An Iron Lotus Seed broke through the air. The person in black lying on the ground shuddered, and suddenly a hole the size of a peanut appeared on their forehead. They soon stopped breathing. Chen Mu hurried to their side and was about to bend down to search the body. Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure. A man in his forties rushed to the door from the third-floor staircase, his face grim. Cheng Yi?! What was he doing here?! And with a look of murderous intent in his eyes. This was definitely not a friendly visit! At that moment, Chen Mu felt utterly weak and unable to confront anyone. He felt extremely vulnerable inside, but maintained a calm exterior, struggling against the impulse to turn his head.@@@@ Chen Mu took out a pair of sheepskin gloves from his chest pocket, their surfaces stained with specks of dry, blackish blood. Gently patting and dusting them off, he then slowly slipped them on, carefully flexing his fingers to ensure his movements were smooth. After that, he leisurely crouched down and efficiently rifled through the belongings on the body of the man in black. His actions flowed as though no one else was present, paying no heed to Cheng Yi standing nearby behind him. Cheng Yi, who had been raging just a moment ago, felt a sudden skip in his heartbeat. The emotionless white mask, the calm and indifferent cold eyes, the skilled and elegant manner of searching the corpse, and those old gloves marked with mottled bloodstains. This man... Broken planks, deformed Iron Lotus Seeds, splattered blood... all the scattered mess in the room was swiftly cleaned up. The room that had just been a mess was now as clean and tidy as if it had been swept and scrubbed dozens of times. Chen Mu, as if his butt was on fire, swiftly crossed over to the window and leapt down. He landed and rolled silently, then his Wandering Soul emerged beneath his feet, turning into a swift sparrow-hawk, disappearing quickly into the dark night. ... In the Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat at his desk, sipping warm milk in small sips, slowly calming his turbulent emotions. Thinking back to the situation earlier, Chen Mu still felt a lingering fear. Sikou Yu''s unexpected Body Protection Aura. Cheng Yi''s surprise visit. If there had been any slight mistake, he wouldn''t have made it back tonight! "When did I become so brave?!" "Not knowing the enemy''s condition, without a detailed plan, not considering an escape route, I actually dared to rush in and kill?" And he still hesitated, not decisive at all. At that time, Sikou Yu was faking stupidity, clearly stalling time to activate his Body Protection Aura. If he had been ruthless at that moment, all those subsequent events would not have occurred. "I got cocky, really cocky!" Chen Mu inwardly regretted. As his Skill Proficiency kept improving, and life was peaceful, it made him impatient. Luckily, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain was powerful. Otherwise, he''d be waiting for Sikou Yu''s torment. Thinking about Sikou Yu''s plan for dealing with him. Crushing his bones inch by inch? Terrifying! The people in this world are too brutal! "I still need to keep accumulating my trump cards," Chen Mu sincerely remarked. "It''s better to use Five Ghosts Moving Mountain sparingly." That greedy impulse was too strong. The first attack was initiated by him. But the second absorption felt a bit passive. It was the Five Ghosts Bag affecting him. When Chen Mu cleaned up the Five Ghosts Bag just now, he found that only the black-clothed man''s corpse was inside. Sikou Yu didn''t enter the bag at all, he was directly consumed by the Five Ghosts Bag! "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is different from Teleportation," Chen Mu had a realization. Teleportation is just an extension of the spatial ability of the Five Ghosts Bag. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is the devouring power of the bag; each activation carries a strong desire for flesh and blood. It was so intense that it could influence Chen Mu''s emotions, making him feel like the bag was alive. "It really is a bit sinister," Chen Mu sighed. Thinking about the Five Ghosts Bag''s method of creation and use, Chen Mu shook his head. Isn''t it just like something alive? Regularly feeding it meat, isn''t that the same as keeping a pet? Only... drooling over people?! This pet''s taste, it''s a bit heavy. Chapter 88 - 88 Spiritual Light ``` "Nobles'' offspring, do they not run amok throughout the world?" Chen Mu sighed helplessly. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain could break through Spiritual Light, but the consumption was too great. Just two exertions last night had left him drained. If Sikou Yu had held on a bit longer, his death would have been certain. Even with a Magic Artifact, it''s like this. What chance would other Jianghu people have against a noble''s son? "It''s nothing special," Jie Jia said indifferently. "It''s not like I haven''t killed one before." Chen Mu: "..." Look at how capable you think you are! So, you''ve killed nobles'' sons, right? Your lord here just killed one last night! Experience tales with Thus, Chen Mu also said with an air of nonchalance, "Indeed, it''s not much." Jie Jia gave Chen Mu a sidelong glance. Chen Mu remained unmoved, feeling incredibly satisfied inside. No explanation necessary! I am not one to boast vainly. Not like this old man, constantly bragging with outdated stories. ... After the meal, Chen Mu hung lanterns in the pavilion, lit the Insect Repellent, and poured two cups of digestion-aiding herbal tea to cut the grease. He handed one cup to Jie Jia and continued to ask for advice, "What should I do if I encounter a Body Protection Aura?" Since I''ve paid the money, I might as well ask everything clearly. Jie Jia took a sip of the tea and glanced at Chen Mu: "Didn''t you say it was nothing special?" Chen Mu said indifferently, "Right. I just want to know how useless they actually are." Jie Jia: "..." After a moment, he simply said, "If you can''t run, then just wait for death." "Isn''t there any way at all?" Chen Mu asked without annoyance. "Not even the Shell Soul?" Jie Jia shook his head. "Spiritual Light is a transformation of Soul Strength, and it''s stronger than Soul Strength." "Can you use a bowl of water to smash a bowl of ice?" "If you encounter it, just run fast. A slight touch and you are done for." "So only a Magic Artifact can break through Spiritual Light?" Chen Mu pondered. Jie Jia''s eyes rolled, and glancing at Chen Mu, he asked, "Can your Ebony Wood Sleeve Sword be the same as the Forged Iron one?" Chen Mu was startled, then realized, Magic Artifacts also have levels of quality. Whether it can break through depends on trying it out. "No wonder," Chen Mu murmured. That Sikou Yu always acted superior, looking at him as if he were an ant, constantly chiding those of lower status. Upon reflection, the offspring of nobles really are like a different species from commoners. Just the protection of a young noble''s Body Protection Aura can wear down an expert with the Shell Soul.@@@@ "Decades of hard practice can''t compare to being born in the right family," Chen Mu lamented. "It''s a world that truly breeds despair..." Every time he went out, he would change his appearance, and he would make slight adjustments even at home. Even the face Jie Jia saw on a daily basis had changed from the original Chen Mu''s. "I still need to refine the Shape-shifting Technique further," Chen Mu glanced at the Proficiency level. Shape-shifting Technique: 4940/10000/First Rank; He never practiced it deliberately, just pondering in his spare time and covertly changing his appearance when meeting people. Unknowingly, the Shape-shifting Technique had already progressed halfway. Considering the extensive search in Nanyang Prefecture City, Chen Mu decided to stay indoors. Jie Jia could disregard the scions of influential families as if they were nothing. Others clearly could not. As for Chen Mu, the virtual nobody, he definitely could not. Otherwise, Sikou Yu wouldn''t have been so arrogant and prideful. Apart from a few individuals like Jie Jia, scions of influential families really could dominate the world. If it weren''t for the internal turmoil in Da Liang, Nanyang Prefecture would be one of the few stable places. Right now, Chen Mu would be fleeing in the middle of the night. "Better to hide at home for a while." "I just won''t be able to see Miss Yu Tao." "Forget it, safety comes first." "Unless the Shape-shifting Technique breaks through to First Rank, I shouldn''t go out." ... Dawn, Da Liu Village. Kui Tuo, his eyes bloodshot and in a wretched state, rushed out of the village entrance. His hair in disarray, his clothes covered with streaks of white salt stainsa result of sweat-soaked garments. He had run around the village for the entire night! No matter how fast he ran, he couldn''t find a way out. Each time, he would end up back at the Land God Temple''s gate. His more than ten subordinates just stood at the entrance, warmly inviting him in for barbecue. If it weren''t for the burning heat on his chest that kept him alert, he would have been dead by now. He reached into his chest and pulled out a brown leather scroll as wide as a palm and as thick as a thumb. He untied the thin hemp rope that bound the scroll and unrolled it. On the brown leather scroll, there were numerous red dots like stars, with silk threads connecting them. At first glance, it seemed like a dynamic pattern. It was something that the gang leader Zhang Ye had given him yesterday morning. At that time, the drawing on the scroll was red as blood, but now it had faded to just a faint watermark. Looking up at Da Liu Village. Without knowing when, five or six old men appeared under the willow tree, fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans and playing chess. Seven or eight bare-bottomed kids were playing nearby. The scene was exactly the same as yesterdayKui Tuo felt a chill up his spine at the sight. Evil spirits! Kui Tuo suddenly noticed a figure. The child he had frightened into tears yesterday was now facing away from him, peeing and playing in the mud. As if sensing his gaze, the child''s head abruptly rotated 180 degrees, continuing to pee while cracking a wide smile at him. Kui Tuo: "..." Fuck! Chapter 90 - 90 Search Time flew by, and more than twenty days passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu stayed at home all day, grinding his proficiency. With the foundation of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique advanced by leaps and bounds. Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 6025/10000/Third Rank; "In just over half a month, I should be able to complete the Marrow Transformation." He casually threw a handful of medicated bait into the small pond, watching with satisfaction as the fish scrambled for it. Previously, for practicing the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, he almost fished the waters dry. The density of live fish in the nearby river sections had drastically decreased due to his baiting. Now, finally, they were recovering. "It''s a pity they''re of no use now." "Maybe I should prepare some more Fasting Pills," Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully. He had stockpiled two cellars'' worth of wheat, unafraid of such a small loss. Fasting Pills are preservative and long-lasting. It''s good to prepare more, and if the day comes when I need to leave Nanyang, I can just up and leave. ... In the pavilion, Jie Jia''s hands, busy rolling silver beads, couldn''t help but stop. He glanced at Chen Mu, who was shaping rice balls, "You''re not thinking of running away again, are you?" "Yeah, yeah," Chen Mu said with a troubled face, "Just look outside, they''re searching all day long, I don''t even dare to step out the door." "Did you kill the person?" Jie Jia asked skeptically. "If I had that ability, would I be hiding at home all day?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes naturally. Jie Jia squinted his eyes, sizing up Chen Mu, and after a long while, he finally looked away, "What are you afraid of then?" "That was a member of a noble family! As you said, they''re always overbearing. What if one day they come to trouble me?" Chen Mu looked worried. "Look at the commotion in the city. The County Government Office, hoodlums, thugs, from top to bottom, everyone''s getting involved. I''m just an ordinary commoner; if such a huge beast comes after me, is there any way to survive?" An ordinary commoner? Jie Jia''s eyes moved, and glancing at Chen Mu, he said indifferently, "They won''t trouble you." "Why?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "You''re not worth it." Chen Mu: "..." Jie Jia glanced sideways: "After all, an ordinary commoner, right..." Chen Mu: "..." Are you still here making sarcastic remarks? Don''t you know how serious the situation is?! Now the whole city is plastered with wanted posters! They''re all about Cheng Yi... hmm, alright, this blame is indeed a bit too big to bear. What else could Chen Mu do? He could only say... well done!@@@@ "Even if you wanted to run, there''s nowhere to run," Jie Jia said calmly. "Da Liang is in chaos with Ghosts rampaging, Nanyang City is one of the few places of peace." "Do you really think about setting sail to the sea?" Chen Mu''s eyes brightened, it didn''t seem too bad to find a deserted island to live on. Maybe he could even play the part of a notorious villain like Huang Laoxie. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and shook his head, "The sea is even more dangerous. If you''re not afraid of death, you can go." Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, alright then, better stay honest and keep to the house. Snap! The man''s neck broke like a cucumber under the burly man''s grip. The skinny man looked at the burly man in disbelief. I clearly wrote it out for you... ... "Really, all sorts of demons and monsters are coming out of the woodwork," a middle-aged man with a complexion white as jade suddenly appeared atop the wall, shaking his head and sighing as he looked at the burly man. "I didn''t expect that while searching house to house for fugitives, I would end up finding you, the demon ape Tu Shan." "It''s you!" Tu Shan glared at the middle-aged man. "Recognized me?" the middle-aged man said with a light smile. "That year, when we were closing in on you, you managed to land a punch on me by chance." "I''ve trained hard for ten years, and I''ve long wanted to return that punch." "I say, let''s do it today," the middle-aged man declared proudly. Tu Shan''s expression turned dark as he stared at the other, "You''re the one who sent that skinny monkey to my place. So... who are you exactly?" The middle-aged man: "..." I''ve been talking to you for so long, and you still don''t know who I am?! "You damn..." Bang! Like a bouncing ball, the middle-aged man was immediately hurled away. Tu Shan shaded his forehead, watching the flying figure and earnestly said, "Cursing is wrong." Then he walked out the gate with ease, looking at the heavily armed hundreds of soldiers with shields, swords, and crossbows, ready for battle in the streets and alleyways. He broke into a wide smile, his white teeth gleaming menacingly. ... Half a quarter hour later. Sikou Qing, swift as an arrow, reached Ningren District. Hundreds of soldiers lay on the ground wailing, limbs and body parts strewn about. The entire street looked as if splashed with a coat of red paint. Broken shields, cracked swords, and snapped bows were everywhere. "It''s the demon ape Tu Shan!" Qi Tingman approached and whispered, "Should we inform the family to capture him?" "With the deadline approaching, these monsters are all coming out," Sikou Qing frowned slightly and shook her head, "No need to bother. That''s a problem for the Zhou family, it doesn''t concern our Sikou Family." "Could it have been him?" Qi Tingman asked hesitantly. "No," Sikou Qing shook her head and pointed at the bloody street, "When Tu Shan strikes, he never bothers to hide it." Qi Tingman''s face twitched. Who would have thought that within Nanyang Prefecture, such a killing god would be hidden? Years ago, he killed several direct descendants of the Zhou family and was hunted by all the great families. It was hard to believe that after so many years, he was still alive and well. "Miss, the waters of Nanyang Prefecture are too deep..." Qi Tingman felt uneasy, thinking that if another fierce person were to emerge, it would be troubling. "Continue the search," Sikou Qing commanded decisively. Cheng Yi must be killed, and that boy must be captured. The search must not only continue, but the efforts must be increased! With so much time having passed, the matter of the Daoist Bone boy might have already reached those with ulterior motives! She must gain the upper hand! Chapter 91 - 91 Guard City Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Early in the morning, Chen Mu was startled awake by the banging on the door. Ghosts in paper form quickly appeared in the large willow tree outside the door. More than a dozen impatient officers stood at the entrance. "Has there been an issue with Sikou Yu?" Chen Mu''s mind tightened. But looking at those few officers, they were just ordinary people who practiced some boxing, not like a team that came to arrest someone. Chen Mu quickly went to open the door. "Gentleman Officials, having to start work so early in the morning must be tough," said Chen Mu with a beaming smile as he slipped the leading officer some silver pieces and warmly welcomed them into his home. In his sleeve, his right hand gripped a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds, subtly glancing over the expressions of the officers. If there was even a hint of trouble, he was ready to take them down immediately. "Stranger from outside? What''s your name? Where are you from? Why did you come here?" the leading government official asked, pinching the silver pieces, his expression now easeful. "I am Chen Jia from Liangpu County. With the chaos of war outside making it unsafe, didn''t I just sell my property and flee to Nanyang?" Chen Mu smoothly recited the new identity Jie Jia had prepared for him. "You''re not hiding anyone in your house, are you?" A few officials stared at Chen Mu. "Hiding people? No, not at all," Chen Mu replied, shaking his head in feigned confusion. "Let''s take a look inside!" commanded the head officer with a nod of his head. Two young officials quickly rushed into the room. They meticulously checked every corner before coming out. The silver had done its job. The officials rummaged through boxes and drawers in their search but did not recklessly destroy or toss the contents around. "Boss, there''s only evidence of one person living here." The head officer nodded, "Come, take a look at these two individuals." As he spoke, he pulled out a double portrait from his chest. The picture depicted two people, a middle-aged daoist and a seven- or eight-year-old daoist boy. "If you see these two, report immediately to the prefecture city''s government office. There will be a substantial reward, understand?" Chen Mu acted as if he was committing the faces to memory, nodding repeatedly. The officers then hurriedly left to check the next household. The ghostly paper figure hid inside the big willow tree, watching the officials knock on every door. Even if a door was locked, someone would jump in to inspect. Chen Mu frowned tightly, "Is the search always this rigorous?" ... Five days later, after waving off another group of unfamiliar officers, a glint of worry flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. More than a month had passed, and the search efforts in Nanyang Prefecture not only hadn''t slowed but seemed to be intensifying. It appeared that even Zhu Yi Pavilion was involved behind the scenes. "Is Sikou Yu that important?" Chen Mu felt there was something amiss. "Muscle Transformation, Bone Transformation, Marrow Transformation, this is true transformation," he said. Chen Mu suspected that his body''s structure was no longer the same as that of an ordinary person. "This is probably the true essence of the Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu had a moment of enlightenment. Humans have their limits. ... In the evening, Chen Mu prepared a large table full of dishes. Jie Jia, holding a white handkerchief, meticulously wiped the utensils, glanced at the table filled with delicacies, and asked confidently, "Something on your mind?" "Just trying to find out which places around here are safer," Chen Mu said with a smile. Since coming to this world, Chen Mu either stayed at home or was on his way to stay at home. He was familiar only with the area where he lived, and everything else was a mystery to him. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu with complicated eyes: "I have never seen anyone as, how should I put it... composed as you." "Not composed enough, still not enough," Chen Mu said modestly. You''re already competing with a tortoise, and you think you''re not composed enough? Jie Jia ignored Chen Mu''s comment. "Da Liang is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation. Nowhere is safe. Even if you run out of the country, out to sea, it''s still not safe." "Right now, Nanyang Prefecture is considered the safest place." "Nanyang Prefecture is the safest?" Chen Mu sneered, "If it''s so safe, why does Qingshan County keep suffering from disasters and calamities?" The fog on the day they left was peculiarly eerie, with those ignorant of it dying. On the way, they even encountered a long-haired woman. If this is what''s considered safe, how do people in the heartland of Da Liang survive? "Head south," Jie Jia finally advised. "About sixty li to the south, there''s a Guard City belonging to Nanyang Prefecture, and it''s reachable in one day by following the river." "If you''re afraid of being swept up in searches and being implicated, you can go there to hide for a while." Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. The Guard City was good. Not far from Nanyang Prefecture City, and if there really was a problem with the Evil-warding Artifact, he could seek help from Nanyang at any time. Plus, there were no search events triggered by Sikou Yu. It was perfect for finding some peace and quiet. ... Having made a decision, Chen Mu began preparations. He hadn''t given up the residences surrounding Shanglin Neighborhood; he still planned to return once the commotion subsided. With the evil spirits causing trouble outside, the evil-warding power of a large city like Nanyang Prefecture City was more reassuring. Food, Silver Coin, and medicinal materials for practice were all in the Five Ghosts Bag, so there was no need to prepare for that. He mainly prepared for the Shape-shifting Technique. Shape-shifting Technique: 6060/10000/First Rank; "When traveling, it''s safer to change my face," he reasoned. Chapter 93 - 93 Recognizing Being stared at by Zuo Sheng, he dared not reveal his true face. He had encountered Zuo Sheng the night he killed Lin Que. It was hard to ensure that Zuo Sheng didn''t have suspicions. The search in Nanyang City was getting stricter, and everyone was on edge. Could Chen Mu appear without Zuo Sheng turning a blind eye? Zuo Sheng seemed to notice Chen Mu''s gaze and immediately turned to look over. Chen Mu raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead, naturally avoiding the other''s gaze. "I can''t expose my true face." The serious, goat-bearded old man ahead was inspecting each person without a smile. As the distance to Chen Mu kept closing in. Return to the city immediately? No, that would be even more conspicuous. Run? Chen Mu glanced at Zuo Sheng out of the corner of his eye and shook his head secretly. Escaping from Zuo Sheng''s pursuit would expose his whereabouts, leading to a chase from multiple parties, which would be even worse. Chen Mu felt anxious, and his gaze towards the goat-bearded old man started to look unfriendly. The old man had a keen eye, able to spot anyone using Face-changing Technique at a glance. In this short time, had he actually identified a habitual thief disguising himself? Watching the man approach within seven or eight meters, Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. "I must not let this old man find me out!" Three low syllables softly spilled from his mouth, and the Five Ghosts Bag was opened. A pellet-sized black smoke silently emerged inside the old man''s sleeve. Within the Five Ghosts Bag, odorless and colorless Mesmerizing Divine Smoke churned ceaselessly. Just as he was about to release it, Chen Mu suddenly stopped. "No good!" "Blatantly knocking this person out, I and the few people nearby will all become suspects, and I might be caught right away!" At this moment, from not too far behind, the voice of Wrench Brother came again. "The Tangshan Camp is filled with rough men, what''s there to have fun with." "Hunting. Let my brother take us hunting!" Bluster Brother said enthusiastically. "As a commander of the army, he''s busy training and commanding troops all day, where does he have time to go hunting with you," Wrench Brother argued. Then he longingly added, "We might as well go to the Peony Pavilion. I heard they got a new type of fragrance. It''s not a powder or granules but a liquid like water. A single drop can make a person smell good all day." "You dare put on makeup? Aren''t you afraid of being beaten to death by your big sister at home?!" Bluster Brother retorted without words. Wrench Brother was full of regret: "She''s a proper lady at home, yet all day she''s dancing with knives and guns, making our family lose all its face!" Bluster Brother laughed, "You, the young master of Bai Family, dress in drag and wear makeup all day, isn''t that a disgrace?" Wrench Brother said with amazement, "But I am a woman, what disgrace is there in that?"@@@@ "The future husband and wife turned out to be sisters? What sin did I commit in my past life," Bluster Brother lamented, "We had an agreement, on the wedding day I must be the one with the red veil. You can''t expect me to marry you, right?" Wrench Brother was silent for a long while, then shyly said, "That''s not exactly impossible." Chen Mu: "..." My ears! If not for Zuo Sheng''s vigilant gaze and the goat-bearded old man''s threatening presence, Chen Mu would have loved nothing more than to run away. These two clowns behind him are just too damned irritating! "Since you are merciless, then don''t blame me for being unjust!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth and stamped his foot. Chen Mu: "..." "What are you dithering for? Come here!" the mountain goat-bearded old man shouted at Chen Mu, blowing his beard and staring. Alas... Lin Que murdered for wealth, Sikou Yu regarded human life as grass. If it weren''t for these two pressing me relentlessly, how would I, a harmless homebody, ever provoke them? With their arrogant and domineering dispositions, who knows how many died by their hands for no reason. I did nothing wrong by killing them; these two deserved to die! Chen Mu exhaled deeply. Under the wide sleeves, a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds appeared in the palm of his left hand. Enjoy new tales from On his right forearm, a Sleeve Sword appeared alongside the black smoke. These people were so eager to search for the criminal, what is this? This is abetting a tyrant! Those two people were the chief culprits harming others; you folks are downright accomplices! Chen Mu took big strides towards the mountain goat-bearded man. "A confrontation is inevitable after all!" "What are you pushing for? What if you let the criminal escape?" "Such a vicious person, if he escapes justice, who knows how many will suffer." "By then you would be an accomplice!" "And you call yourself a scholar!" The mountain goat-bearded old man blew his beard and glared at Chen Mu with rage. "Hurry up and scram! Don''t be an eyesore in front of me!" Chen Mu: "..." "Ahahaha... You''re absolutely right, sir!" Chen Mu nodded and bowed, then turned and walked away. Isn''t it supposed to be a penetrating gaze? Isn''t it supposed to recognize the Face-changing Technique? Is this it? ... With Zuo Sheng maintaining order, the chaos that had come quickly also dispersed quickly. The two young masters and mistresses who had secretly left home were also carried into the wooden shack to be checked. Zuo Sheng frowned as he watched the scholar walk away, always feeling that the figure''s back was somewhat familiar. Especially the way he walked, there was always this sense of de?ja? vu. "Is there something wrong with that scholar?" Zuo Sheng walked over and asked Xing Lao Liu. "No problem." Xing Lao Liu was quite confident, "Unless he reshaped his bones and flesh to completely change his face. If it''s just a simple rearrangement of skin, it absolutely won''t fool my eyes." He then let out a low chuckle, "Just now during the commotion, I singled out someone who looked like an easy target to scare some sense into this crowd, and they settled down." Zuo Sheng nodded noncommittally. As he turned to leave, he couldn''t help but take another glance at the figure shrinking into the distance. Suddenly, he shuddered. "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique?!" No wonder he looked familiar! This figure, this silhouette, and that familiar agile walk... Chen Mu! Chapter 94 - 94 Pursuit Zuo Sheng''s heart skipped a beat as he stared wide-eyed ahead, only to find that the figure had already disappeared. "Never mind, it''s not important anymore." "The urgent matter at hand is to catch Cheng Yi quickly." This was the reason he came to the checkpoint. He knew Cheng Yi. Zhang Ye was also dragged into the mix by him, with Xing Laoliu''s apprentice stationed at the South City''s Anding Gate. "Better not to complicate things unnecessarily." His own cheap senior brother was a tough nut to crack. As he turned around, he suddenly froze, his expression turning sour as he looked at Xing Laoliu, "You said that as long as it isn''t bone shaving and facial modification, you guys can spot any other face-changing technique?" "Yeah," Goat Beard replied, puzzled. Heh... ... "What''s the matter, Hall Master Zuo, did you run into an acquaintance?" Zhuo Rufeng sidled up quietly, a playfully mocking look on his face. Zuo Sheng glared at the bemused Xing Laoliu and then cast a sideways glance at Zhuo Rufeng, "Whether it''s someone I know, don''t you already know that?" To deal with him, the Zhuo father and son had spared no effort in investigating his social connections. "That''s hard to say, what if it''s an old acquaintance from Qingshan County?" Zhuo Rufeng said meaningfully, "Just like that little Taoist boy, Cheng Ming." Zuo Sheng''s complexion changed. Cheng Ming had accompanied Zuo Family''s caravan to Nanyang. Had it not been for his master''s mediation, he would have surely been implicated. "Should I remind the envoy to check on Cheng Ming''s fellow travelers more thoroughly?" Zhuo Rufeng''s eyes gleamed maliciously. Zuo Sheng''s face immediately turned unsightly. He turned and stomped off with a flick of his sleeves.@@@@ "Heh heh..." Zhuo Rufeng couldn''t help but laugh outright. "Was that person just now really no trouble?" Zhuo Rufeng glanced at Xing Laoliu. "No...probably not," Xing Laoliu was made to doubt himself by their exchange. "Is there a problem or not!" Zhuo Rufeng snapped impatiently. "So, there is...no problem?" Xing Laoliu ventured tentatively. "Are you asking me or am I asking you?!" "Then there''s no problem!" "Hmph!" Zhuo Rufeng glared at Xing Laoliu. "Maybe we really should check on Cheng Ming''s companions," Zhuo Rufeng mused thoughtfully. Severe torture can turn no problem into a problem. Just the slightest connection to Zuo Sheng would be enough for this master and apprentice to suffer. Zhuo Rufeng''s eyes suddenly brightened. "Du Huaibai and Bai Miaojin come from a prominent Nanyang family; they can''t be touched." "Zhang Ye? The guy with the dumb luck." "Seems there''s also a horse carriage driver, a silver-booted guard, heh..." "It''s him!" Zhuo Rufeng decided, once again looking mockingly towards Zuo Sheng. When you''re my prisoner, let''s see how I''ll deal with you. "I''m from Liangpu County, not Qingshan..." Chen Mu tried to speak up once again, but was cut off yet again. "And another thing," Zhuo Rufeng placed a hand on his waist and pointed to the sky as he paced back and forth. "Zuo Sheng and Zhang Ye''s sudden defense of the checkpoint wasn''t to capture people, but to secretly let people go!" "You, Chen Mu, who was let out of the city, are the proof!" "I''m really not Chen..." Chen Mu said with a face full of grievance, trying to convince the other party. "I''m downright a genius!" "Jin Wuduan shields the mole, Zuo Sheng secretly releases the criminal, you''re doomed! Both master and apprentice are doomed! Ha ha..." As he spoke, Zhuo Rufeng suddenly stopped, turned his head to look menacingly at Chen Mu, and slowly drew up the corners of his mouth, revealing an excited, sinister smile: "You''ll cooperate with me, won''t you?" Chen Mu opened his mouth. "It''s a pity, you''ve made the wrong decision," Zhuo Rufeng said with a disappointed look on his face. Chen Mu: "..." "I am truly sorry, but I really am Chen Jia," Chen Mu said earnestly, suppressing his impulses. Zhuo Rufeng chuckled lightly: "Who cares?" "Don''t blame me, I only want to catch the culprit." "Is it really good for you to twist right and wrong like this?" Chen Mu sighed. "Not content? Save it for when you meet the King of Hell," Zhuo Rufeng said indifferently. "Someone once told me about the treacherousness of the world, but I didn''t believe them," Chen Mu said, his head drooping in disappointment. "But it turns out, I harbored no ill will towards others, yet others harbored ill intent towards me," he murmured with his head down. "The world is treacherous; not a single good person!" He looked up at Zhuo Rufeng. "If the world only offers me malice, then I can only repay it with a sharp knife," he lifted his foot and walked towards Zhuo Rufeng. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Zhuo Rufeng frowned. "Killing the wicked is the way to protect the good," Chen Mu suddenly had a realization: "To kill to protect life, to cut down karma, not people... I see." Zhuo Rufeng sneered: "I didn''t expect him to be crazy." "Alright, just come along quietly with me. It might spare you some pain..." Pfft! Find your next read on A mist of red fog suddenly exploded from Zhuo Rufeng''s mouth and nose. Zhuo Rufeng''s scalp tingled immediately, and he backpedaled while holding his breath. Yet, he still felt dizzy and disoriented. But he had only taken one step back. Shick! The tip of a grey sword pierced through his chest from the front. Zhuo Rufeng looked down at the sword tip emerging from his chest in disbelief. Struggling, he turned his head only to see that, without knowing when, Chen Mu had already calmly arrived next to him. "You..." "You were right, I am Chen Mu." Zhuo Rufeng: "..." Chapter 95 - 95 Stability Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District east of the city. In a small courtyard with a single entrance, Chen Mu grabbed a wooden stake about four to five meters long and as thick as a bowl with one hand. He gently thrust the sharpened end into the ground, and the stake sank more than a meter into the earth as easily as a plastic fork piercing a cake. Following the same method, he buried four posts. Then he constructed a supporting crossbar on top, laid out straw mats, and securely tied them. A simple wooden and straw cool pavilion was completed. Chen Mu moved the rocking chair and low table he had just bought into the pavilion, comfortably lying on it. "Comfortable." This was after he had been in Lijiang Guard City for half a month. Renting a house, buying furniture, digging an underground chamber, stockpiling suppliesafter a series of busy tasks, today was the first day he had some leisure time. "Good thing I left early." He had met that person on the way, and in order to deal with Zuo Sheng, had resorted to desperate measures. If he had continued to stay in the city, anyone related to Cheng Ming and Zuo Sheng would have been drawn into the maelstrom. "Small cities are better, after all." He had also been familiarizing himself with Lijiang Guard City in the past few days. Lijiang City might seem small, but in reality, it wasn''t much different from Qingshan County. But it wasn''t large either; among the four guard cities in Nanyang Prefecture, Lijiang Guard City was the smallest. Moreover, because it was located at the southernmost tip of Da Liang, far away from the heartland of the Central Plains, it wasn''t very prosperous. "I''ve made it all the way to the southernmost part; this should grant me some peace and quiet, right?" Chen Mu slowly sipped his cool tea.@@@@ Although it was already October, it was still hot here: "I wonder if there''s a magic artifact to cool the air." ... Nanyang Prefecture City was prosperous, but living there didn''t provide peace of mind. With major powers spread throughout, any small action could lead to trouble. It was far more comfortable to stay in a smaller city. "The Blue-eyed Golden Ape has completed the Marrow Transformation. It''s time to consider the Breathing Method." The completion of Marrow Transformation meant the Shape Cultivation Technique had been perfected. The next step was to comprehend the Divine Intent Diagram, engrave it in one''s mind, and then continuously supplement nutrition, hoping for the day when Soul Strength would emerge. Ordinary people, at this stage, couldn''t see any clear path. They might cultivate their soul for decades without any success. That''s why they were desperately seeking the Dragon Transformation Pill, falling right into the traps set by the noble families, making these monstrous powers grow even larger. "Luckily, I have proficiency." He began pondering a brand-new Breathing Method. This was an insight gained from the experience with the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. The Soul Nourishing Stage emphasized the Divine Intent Diagram. But the Divine Intent Diagram was abstruse and difficult to understand. Senior practitioners would have comprehensions recorded in manuals, suggesting repeatedly practicing the Shape Cultivation Technique, gradually experiencing breakthroughs like water dripping on stone, and then one would be able to master the Divine Intent Diagram. However, Shape Cultivation Technique was too physically demanding, limiting the number of practice sessions each day. A brand-new Breathing Method was different. All you needed was a place to sit and practice. Once familiar, it could even be integrated into every movement. And as long as it was slightly matched with whole-body muscle control, the effects were as good as the complete cultivation technique. "Such a commotion, he definitely made a move. Who knows what the outcome was." Chen Mu perked up his ears and listened carefully. "What you''re saying isn''t right; how could a person have such abilities? They say it was evil spirits causing trouble!" "One of the demons was three meters tall, its body like cast iron, with claws bigger than cattail fans, and a breath that could kill a person." "There was another that could emit a strange cry like the striking of a bronze bell, rendering anyone who heard it unconscious immediately." "In the end, a pure and fair fairy descended from the heavens and killed the harmful demons." "Don''t be so skeptical; many people saw that fairy, riding down from the sky on a mighty eagle." "With a wave of her hand, she cast down celestial fire and burnt the demon to death." Chen Mu: "..." Well, street rumors are just that unreliable. Demons? Fairies? Celestial fire? Heh... even more fantastic than the tales told by the storytellers. "If only Jie Jia were here," he thought. This killer who mixed in the underworld always had his ear to the ground. Unfortunately, he always wanted money. ... Back home, Chen Mu analyzed the news he had just heard. "The big search has definitely stopped." Almost three months had passed, and the case of Sikou Yu''s death had finally come to an end. At least, it had apparently ended on the surface. "Cheng Yi''s status is unknown; he might have been killed, or he might have escaped, but with the search stopped, the outcome is probably not good," Chen Mu speculated to himself. The grand families were lofty and untouchable, and to avenge Sikou Yu, they would never let the matter rest so easily. "Nanyang Prefecture City has settled down," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "It''s just rough for Taoist Cheng Yi," Chen Mu said with a look of sympathy. Should he return to Nanyang Prefecture? After pondering for a long while, Chen Mu still shook his head. "Living in Nanyang Prefecture is truly uncomfortable." Too bustling, always filled with a mix of dragons and snakes, you never know when a formidable character might leap out. "Although the Evil-warding Artifact is powerful, warding off natural disasters, the calamities brought by people are more robust and impossible to guard against." Chen Mu decided to stay in Lijiang City for a while longer. "After all, I have the Five Ghosts Bag, and I''m not afraid of the usual evil spirits." Read new chapters at Previously without a Magic Artifact to protect him, it was like walking naked in the icy, snow-covered wilderness, shivering every moment. He always wanted to hide in a safe place, which is why he went to Nanyang Prefecture City. Now that the Five Ghosts were ready, although he did not know their power, self-protection should be decent. "Might as well honestly brush up my Shape Cultivation Technique first." Chapter 96 - 96 Thousand Mechanism Token Nanyang Prefecture, by the Jinshui River, Changrui Pier. Under the cover of night, the flagship of the Startling Swan Gang loomed like a giant island in the water, floating serenely on the surface of the river. Boom! A loud noise erupted as the side of a ship by the pier suddenly burst open, and river water gushed into the hull. The deck shattered violently, and two figures clad in black sprang out, clashing incessantly on the ship. With each impact, it sounded as though metal struck metal, creating a continuous buzzing noise. Jin Wuduan hunched his knees slightly, his right fist thrusting forward, left palm pressing downward slightly. "Secret Technique Returning Yuan Hand" A bulge the size of a fist abruptly protruded from his lower abdomen. It swiftly traveled upwards, through his chest and shoulder, and burrowed into his right arm. Whirr! His entire arm appeared as though it was a red-hot iron, black and red, radiating astonishing heat, and then suddenly expanded. Without hesitation, Jin Wuduan smashed his fist down, like a bronze hammer, the air itself bursting with a boom. Bang! Cheng Yi was like a badminton shuttlecock blasted away, smashing straight into the midst of the flagship. Jin Wuduan''s face was filled with murderous intent, as he bolted towards the cabin right after. Clang! A sound like a bell being struck emanated from the cabin. Jin Wuduan''s running figure momentarily stalled. Shaking his head vigorously to regain clarity, he looked up, only to find Cheng Yi''s figure had vanished. Yet Jin Wuduan did not dare to relax his vigilance, maintaining his Shell Soul covering his entire body, constantly surveying the pitch blackness of the night. "Master, are you alright?" Zuo Sheng quickly arrived at his side. "He should have left." Jin Wuduan breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew the possessed Shell Soul. Hiss! Like boiling water, his right arm suddenly emitted a large amount of steam. Jin Wuduan''s face turned pale. "The envoy hasn''t returned yet?" Zuo Sheng furrowed his brow and complained, "If he doesn''t come back soon, the Startling Swan Gang will be dispersed by Cheng Yi!" Jin Wuduan gave a wry smile and shook his head. Even if the Startling Swan Gang was annihilated, it wouldn''t compare to the loss of that little Daoist boy. That day they found Cheng Yi, Sikou Qing went all out to snatch Cheng Ming away. Cheng Yi was severely injured and fled. Sikou Qing didn''t have time to pursue Cheng Yi. He hurriedly took Cheng Ming and left. Jin Wuduan guessed that Sikou Qing was hiding the Daoist boy, waiting for the right moment. "Soon." Jin Wuduan said reassuringly. He couldn''t tell anyone about the information concerning that Daoist boy. If the news leaked, it would spell utter disaster. And to cover up that news, Sikou Qing would definitely come back to deal with Cheng Yi. They just needed to withstand Cheng Yi''s revenge for the time being. ... In the north of Nanyang Prefecture City, within an abandoned estate. Upon hearing this, Cheng Yi was taken aback, and his expression of resentment vanished immediately. He stood up, bowed respectfully, and said with a face full of embarrassment, "My home is indeed simple and lacks fine offerings for you, Uncle. I am extremely sorry." Watching Cheng Yi''s drastic change in attitude, Wu Yin couldn''t help but let out a light laugh. "Nephew, you should focus on healing. With our relationship, there''s no need for such formality," Wu Yin said cheerfully. "Uncle is magnanimous," Cheng Yi said with a solemn salute. Wu Yin laughed even more joyfully, "No need to be so formal. Every time there''s a centennial upheaval, when the world is in chaos and evil spirits emerge frequently, that''s when the Thousand Mechanism Token appears." "Where evil spirits are numerous, there lies the Thousand Mechanism Token." "That''s why the young mistress of that aristocratic family is taking control of the Startling Swan Gang, constantly recruiting manpower," Wu Yin explained. "She needs people to explore and seek out the Thousand Mechanism Token." "You could also look for it." Thinking of the changes in Nanyang Prefecture City over the past six months, Cheng Yi suddenly realized. It wasn''t just the Startling Swan Gangthe Tangshan Army and Zhu Yi Pavilion were also recruiting. They were all after the Thousand Mechanism Token! "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle!" Cheng Yi''s attitude became ever more sincere and respectful, "I will definitely repay your kindness in the future, Uncle!" Pointing at Cheng Yi, Wu Yin laughed heartily, "I just love this insincerity of yours... Hahaha!" Saying so, he turned, waved his hand dismissively, and left the room with a big laugh. This nephew is far too amusing! ... Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, engrossed in a book titled "Essentials of Orthopedics" that he held in his hands. He had spotted this ancient medical book a few days earlier while out for a walk, in a second-hand bookstore. The book talked about bone and physique correction and the methods and medications for treating bone injuries. Chen Mu found that reading this book not only improved his proficiency in Pharmaceutical Technique, but his Shapeshifting Technique seemed to improve as well. "No wonder it''s called the Shapeshifting Technique, it''s not just about working on the face." As his proficiency increased, he could now adjust his height slightly and also change his build within a certain range. "Starting with facial features, and now body shape, they really want me to become a man of a thousand faces," Chen Mu mused. Unfortunately, the reputation of such a ''man of a thousand faces'' was never good, either a flower-picking bandit or a deceitful villain. "I''m just doing it for self-defense, not anything else, heh heh..." He was just thinking about how he would play with changing his appearance in the future. His breathing paused slightly and a sudden enlightenment surged into his mind. His muscles twitched as if dancing, moving rhythmically with his breath; a light sound like the tinkling of spring water came from within his body. After a while, Chen Mu opened his eyes. He lifted his shirt to reveal his well-defined abdomen. A palm-wide, pitch-black band encircled his waist just below the navel. Chen Mu picked up a cup of herbal tea from beside him and sipped comfortably, "I''ve done it..." With his eyes closed slightly, the image of a vague shadow suddenly appeared in his mind. Bright silver spots floated around, with filaments connecting them, forming the Divine Intent Diagram of the Silver-Eyed Ape. Chapter 97 - 97 Treasured Land Lijiang Guard City, Yongtong District. The sound of sizzling stir-frying echoed in the courtyard, and the tantalizing aroma spread throughout. Chen Mu hummed a tune as he served up a plate of flavorful cured meat from the pot. After five months, he had finally mastered the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique to its peak. "No wonder those in Jianghu are so eager for the Dragon Transformation Pill, a poison that quenches thirst with poison," Chen Mu exclaimed with a sense of emotion, "Shape Cultivation is too difficult!" Bending down, he lifted his shirt. With a look of complex satisfaction from overcoming hardships, he gazed at the Soul Strength that encircled his abdomen like a belt. After affectionately taking another couple of glances, he picked up a shovel and began to stir the fine sand in another iron pot. Within the sand lay peanuts, the scorching fine sand slowly and evenly transferring heat to their interiors. Peanuts prepared this way were roasted so evenly, they were exceptionally fragrant and crisp. Chen Mu stared at the iron spatula in his hand, lost in thought. "Soul Strength... impervious to blades and spears, huh." Tossing aside the spatula, Chen Mu formed his fingers into a blade. He plunged them into the scalding fine sand with a plop. His hands, covered in Jet Black Soul Strength, felt the sand''s searing heat distinctly. Flip, flip, flip... Flip, flip, flip... I flipped vigorously! When he pulled his hands out to look, they were white and tender! "Ha!"@@@@ After stir-frying the peanuts, Chen Mu sat down at a low table beneath the wooden shed. "In the future, I''ll stir-fry without a spatula and barbecue without a grill." "Old Jie probably won''t be able to stomach it." "OCD is so expensive to maintain!" "It''s a pity he''s not here. Haven''t seen him in a long time, kind of miss the old guy." Chen Mu joyfully stuffed a spicy and delicious piece of cured meat into his mouth. He picked up the special milk tea nearby and gulped it down in one go. "Refreshing!" ... The Startling Swan Gang''s flagship. "What conspiracy is Cheng Yi plotting?" Zuo Sheng wondered. Previously, Cheng Yi would come to cause trouble every day, sometimes even twice a day. He would go on a killing spree, incidentally destroy the Startling Swan''s large ship, and then quickly vanish. But for five consecutive days now, there had been not a whisper of activity. The more it was like this, the more Zuo Sheng felt jittery, afraid Cheng Yi would suddenly make a big move. "Has he given up?" Jin Wuduan frowned. "Could he really give up, given he could hide in a secluded Daoist temple in Qingshan County and secretly master Shell Soul without showing off at all? Such a patient nature," Zuo Sheng hesitated. Cheng Yi''s strength with Shell Soul, wielding a Magic Artifact, was almost equal to his master''s, which truly startled Zuo Sheng. Jin Wuduan was also puzzled, but he felt a sense of relief, "Actually, this is more advantageous for us." "When Seventh Miss returns, even if he reappears, we won''t be afraid." "I''ll practice both the Black Tiger and White Ape Shape Cultivation Techniques and see if I can speed up the accumulation of Soul Strength." He wished to develop his Shell Soul early. Jie Jia said that the Shell Soul could restrain Ghosts. Living in this world where evil spirits run rampant, Chen Mu always felt slightly insecure. Having his Shell Soul early would set his mind at ease. Taking out the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique from the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu browsed through it again. He had pondered over it several times before, and the variations in breathing and postures were already clear to him. Reviewing it was just to confirm one more time. "Indeed, it''s garbage." Chen Mu was somewhat disdainful. The Muscle Transformation Stage Breathing Method has only eighteen variations. There are many movements, thirty-six in total. Each one is expansive and requires a lot of effort. "This is the gap." Many of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape''s exercises are static, a slight tremor of the muscles is all you need. "The transformation principle relies more on physical strength training." Chen Mu felt the difference between high-end and low-end Shape Cultivation techniques. Putting away the book, Chen Mu started practicing the stances. With both Shape Cultivation techniques mastered, he was clear about adjusting his breathing and controlling his muscles. It took three attempts to enter the right state. Myriad insights flooded into his mind. Alternating between long and short breaths, the technique for exerting force in a reaching hand, the posture of leaping forward in a stride, the secrets of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique were laid bare. After a good while, Chen Mu halted his movements and brought out the grey wall. At the bottom, indeed, a new entry appeared. Continue reading at White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: 136/10000/Second Rank; Chen Mu: "..." "Indeed, it''s garbage." Just getting started and it''s straight to Muscle Transformation! Feeling his body''s condition, only his arms'' muscles were slightly warm, showing traces of transformation. The increase in strength was minuscule, with just a slight enhancement in the explosive power of his arms. This indicated that the muscles involved in the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had already been covered by the previous two techniques. "Tsk..." "So much for the idea of stacking layers of armor." He had previously thought about stacking Shape Cultivation techniques, turning himself into a muscle-bound monster. "Indeed, there are limits to what a person can achieve." Chen Mu shook his head: "But though I can''t stack armor, I can still stack Soul Strength." Just relying on one Shape Cultivation Technique, who knows how long it would take. It''s just that the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique is too weak, Chen Mu was a bit worried about the size of the Soul Strength. "If the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique is like this, then what about the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique..." Chen Mu thought of that chickpea-sized Soul Strength under his foot. "I hope it''s not really the three lousy brothers." Chapter 98 - 98 Aftermath Atop the Startling Swan Gang''s flagship, Jin Wuduan sat at the head. Zhuo Yinghai''s face grim, sat to the lower left, staring intently at the opposite Zuo Sheng, "Does your conscience really clear regarding Feng Er''s matter?" Zuo Sheng felt he could jump into Jinshui River and still not be able to clear his name. That bastard Zhang Ye had even sneaked to see him, saying he handled the affair too carelessly. "The day Brother Feng disappeared corresponded with an issue at the checkpoint. I was busy mediating and overwhelmed, so..." Zuo Sheng argued earnestly. On the contrary, the cheap senior brother just happened to leave Nanyang. And Zhuo Rufeng even paid special attention to Chen Mu because of his attitude. Heh... "Senior brother, you really are my benefactor! Leaving such a big mess for me to deal with as you departed." Zuo Sheng thought bitterly. "That day, I was first stationed at the checkpoint." "Later, due to knocking out the Shangguan family''s guard, I had no choice but to personally visit and return the young Miss of the Shangguan family and the Young Master of the Bai family to their homes." "After finishing, it was already evening, so I took my men back to the pier without any stops." "Many people were aware of my whereabouts during that period," Zuo Sheng explained with a helpless face. "The Shangguan family? The Nanyang Prefecture''s Shangguan Ji?" Zhuo Yinghai''s pupils shrank. Jin Wuduan showed a surprised expression as well. The matter unexpectedly involved Shangguan Ji, the number one expert of Nanyang Prefecture! "It was him," Zuo Sheng couldn''t help but become solemn. This person had been a dominant figure in Nanyang for twenty years. "Then who exactly poisoned my son?" Zhuo Yinghai''s thoughts were in turmoil. "It should be related to a scholar," Zuo Sheng''s eyes flickered, ultimately not revealing Chen Mu''s identity. Having dropped such a bomb with Cheng Yi was already troublesome enough. Saying more would serve no purpose. "A scholar?!" Zhuo Yinghai stared hard at Zuo Sheng. Zuo Sheng gestured with his hand, and a subordinate behind him quickly left, soon returning with an old man sporting a goat beard. "This man is called Xing Lao Liu, a coroner by family trade, skilled in scrutinizing people and bones, capable of revealing the Face-changing Technique." "That day I enlisted him to guard the checkpoint because a scholar seemed off." "Speak!" Zhuo Yinghai glared fiercely at Xing Lao Liu. The little old man with the goat beard trembled, not daring to hide anything. "Indeed, there was something wrong with the scholar''s face. From my understanding, he definitely underwent bone-cutting and flesh-filling modifications." "Why didn''t you say anything at the time?!" Zhuo Yinghai raged. Xing Lao Liu involuntarily shrank his neck: "To alter one''s appearance through bone-cutting and flesh-filling, the process is cruel and painful, taking at least two years." "And those who dare to use, those who can use such means are all individuals of extreme notoriety and bravery." "The person we were after wouldn''t have the time to undergo such modifications, and he''s much older than that scholar," he cautiously glanced at Zhuo Yinghai and cautiously said. Who would have thought that your curious son would follow him on his own initiative? Encountering such a ruthless figure, it would be strange if he didn''t meet with disaster! The environment was complex, but Chen Mu moved through it with ease, leaving behind afterimages due to his speed. His body contorted into unnatural positions, yet he always maintained his balance, without slowing down as he raced around the circle. After a while, Chen Mu leaped down from within the circle. Looking down at his black clothes, which bore no trace of the white dye, he said, "After a few more runs, I''ll need to add more obstacles." The Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was majorly accomplished, enhancing strength, speed, balance control, among other things, to varying degrees, especially the sense of body balance. With this aid, he could perform many movements that defied common sense, making his movement technique even more unpredictable and elusive. In a battle between masters, a hair''s breadth could mean the difference between life and death. "Only with an unpredictable movement technique can you escape more easily," Chen Mu said with satisfaction on his face. Chen Mu reflected on the hardships he had encountered along the way and was full of emotion, "I practice martial arts not to kill, but to save my own life." "Unfortunately, the world is treacherous, and villains and masters emerge one after another." "The Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique increases speed while the Blue-eyed Golden Ape enhances balance, improving the ability to traverse rough mountain terrains and dense alleyways, which indirectly increases speed." "The faster you run, the longer you live." "Nanyang has many waters; I wonder if there''s a Shape Cultivation Method to improve underwater movement speed," Chen Mu noted to himself. Maybe in the future, I could try to find such a technique. These days, the progress of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique was rapid, and Chen Mu estimated that in a little over twenty days, he could complete the Bone Transformation. "I hope that the Soul Strength that comes forth is a bit stronger," Chen Mu sighed. He no longer held out hope for the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique to transform the strength of his body. ... By the banks of the Jinshui River, at Lanhe Ferry. A middle-aged man in his forties was thrown to the ground, his nose bruised and his face swollen. "Have you seen this man?" Zhuo Yinghai said indifferently, pointing at a portrait. The portrait was corrected based on descriptions by Xing Lao Liu and painted by a well-known artist in the city. He even specially confirmed it with Zuo Sheng. "I have!" the ship''s captain nodded without hesitation. "Do you know the consequences of trying to fool me?" Zhuo Yinghai glanced at the man coldly. The middle-aged man cautiously glanced at the beast pattern on the other''s sleeve, "Tang Leader Zhuo, I''m a peripheral member of the Startling Swan Gang." Zhuo Yinghai looked surprised for a moment, then understood. Most people making a living on the Jinshui River were related to the Startling Swan Gang. "It''s easier if you''re one of us." Zhuo Yinghai nodded indifferently, "Go on." "This person went to Lijiang Guard City," the middle-aged man hesitated not a bit. "Lijiang Guard City..." Zhuo Yinghai''s expression was inscrutable. Chapter 100 - 100 Return ``` The dead of night in Yongtong District was still and quiet. Dozens of dark figures split into five teams, swiftly surging into the alleyways. The people walked with moss ash in their shoe soles, landing silently. They moved without speaking a word, communicating solely through hand gestures. They resembled black ink injected into five twisting, slender glass tubes, with groups of people clad in black rapidly heading toward their target. Soon, they had a residence completely surrounded. Afar, on the rooftops lay five or six archers with strong bows at the ready. Bang! Zhuo Yinghai charged forward, leading the way and thundering towards the courtyard gate. The gray wooden gate instantly shattered. Zhuo Yinghai, not minding the wood chips and dust on his face and head, rushed into the house without hesitation. In no time, he stormed out of the room with a face full of anger. "No one?" Li Jun was surprised. He had made a special inquiry earlier, confirming that there were people coming and going from this residence. "Perhaps we are too late." "Or maybe, as the saying goes, ''the cunning rabbit has three burrows,'' and this place is just a decoy," Zhuo Yinghai suppressed his rage to calmly analyze. "This is troublesome," Li Jun frowned deeply. "Let it be, let''s go back," Zhuo Yinghai sighed heavily, his face filled with dejection. He thought back to the massive search a few months ago. All the forces big and small of Nanyang Prefecture had taken action together, and it was only because someone had tipped them off that they found Cheng Yi. He was just a hall master of the Startling Swan Gang and couldn''t mobilize the entire Lijiang Guard City. "It''s been troubling you recently, Hall Master Li. Let''s go back and have a couple of drinks," Zhuo Yinghai said bitterly. He felt that avenging his son was becoming an unattainable goal. The dozens of people who arrived quickly left just as rapidly, disappearing into the night. In the silence of the deep night, only the broken wooden gate and the messy courtyard remained. Two blocks away, on the roof of another residence, a wisp of black smoke slowly appeared against the night sky, with a little paper figure, looking solemnly at the chaotic residence in the distance. Two more streets away was the Chen Residence. Under the moonlight resembling watery light, Chen Mu picked up a piece of fragrant fried fish and stuffed it into his mouth.@@@@ "There is indeed more trouble to come." He had gotten up in the middle of the night for a snack and, out of habit, sent out ghost paper figures to scout, never expecting to witness this scene. "Forget it, I''m used to it." After killing the small, the big ones come. Isn''t this just the standard routine of Jianghu? "To eradicate the roots?" Chen Mu sighed, "Jianghu really is a big dye vat." "The thought of ''eradicating the roots'' flows so smoothly through my mind, alas..." "The honest and kind me, am I really gone forever?" Chen Mu felt somewhat heavy-hearted. "It''s all this damned world''s fault!" ... In the deep of the night, as the crescent moon hung low in the west, the entire Lijiang Guard City had fallen into a deep slumber. Even the pleasure quarters had gradually lost their noise. Inside a residence with five courtyards, all was pitch black, the maids and servants had all retired to rest, with only one room in the inner house where candlelight flickered Zhuo Yinghai poured drink after drink into his mouth. Li Jun at his side kept comforting and persuading him. Mobilizing so much effort yet finding no one. Plus, he had his own home burglarized by a little thief, what an embarrassment! He had to accomplish something no matter what! "Forget it," Zhuo Yinghai sighed, "The little concubine at home gave birth, twins, two sons." Zhuo Yinghai suppressed the corners of his mouth from turning up. "One gone and here come two. Ah... let it be." "Rufeng was not well instructed by me, causing trouble with people he shouldn''t have messed with." "I have to properly educate these two young sons, cannot let them follow in Rufeng''s footsteps." "Old Li, does Lijiang Guard City have any local specialties? I''ll bring some back for my sons tomorrow." "Um... and also send something to Rufeng," Zhuo Yinghai earnestly looked at Li Jun. Li Jun: "..." Am I really supposed to congratulate you, or am I really supposed to urge you to mourn? You''re making me very confused! ... Hongde Wharf. Chen Mu, with a small bag on his back, boarded the passenger ship returning to Nanyang Prefecture City with light steps. It was the third day after the raid, and he decided to quietly leave Lijiang Guard City. "I am still that honest and kind-hearted good person," Chen Mu was very relieved that his heart hadn''t darkened. He actually went out that night, but his conscience overcome the negative influence of the wicked world. On the road, he encountered a desperate gambler. Seeing the poor man beaten up by debt collectors, he kindly gave him a map of a wealthy family''s residence. Hoping it would relieve the gambler''s urgent need and save his life. As for traps, encirclements, and ambuscades, Chen Mu said he had no clue whatsoever. "Good people really do receive good rewards," Chen Mu was very grateful to the gambler. ... After half a day of travel, the ship finally left Lijiang City well behind. Chen Mu stepped out of his cabin. His room was on the top level of the boat, at the bow, where there was a public observation deck. Chen Mu leisurely made his way to the observation deck, leaning on the railing to enjoy the serene river view. The light and cool breeze of the river made Chen Mu close his eyes in comfort. "The most dangerous place is actually the safest," he thought. "Everyone knows that Chen Jia came to Lijiang Guard City." "They would never expect Chen Jia to return to Nanyang Prefecture City." Chen Mu thought with pleasure. Suddenly, a sigh came from not far away. A sturdy, half-grey-haired old man in his fifties was leaning against the railing, looking out. Chen Mu couldn''t help but turn his head to look. "Young brother, are you also going to Nanyang Prefecture City?" the old man asked amiably. "It seems we''re travelling the same way," Chen Mu responded kindly. "Why do I find young brother somewhat familiar?" the old man wondered. Chen Mu also furrowed his brows slightly: "I have the same feeling." "Maybe you saw me somewhere," the old man thought and then felt relieved. "Maybe it''s because I have a common face," Chen Mu laughed in response. "I''m Zhuo Yinghai. What''s your honorable surname, young brother?" Zhuo Yinghai asked with a smile. "Oh, no need for formalities, my name is Mu Chen," Chen Mu replied with a smile. ``` Chapter 101 - 101 Dark Heart Chen Mu hadn''t expected that, in his preparation to sneak back to Nanyang Prefecture City, he would end up on the same boat as Zhuo Yinghai. "Has he given up on catching me since he can''t find me?" Although Chen Mu wanted to turn around and leave, that would be too conspicuous. Instead, he pretended to be concerned and comforted the older man, "Elder sir, one should always look ahead. The river scenery is so beautiful, we shouldn''t let troubles disturb our good mood." "Thank you for your kind intentions, young brother," Zhuo Yinghai replied, bowing slightly in thanks, but his face remained filled with sorrow. He couldn''t help shaking his head and sighing, "The concubines at home have borne me more sons, and now there''s not enough inheritance to go around." Chen Mu: "..." "You really are a sword that hasn''t dulled with age," Chen Mu said with a forced smile. "Not as energetic as you young people," Zhuo Yinghai said, laughing and waving his hand dismissively. "You''re too modest, old sir. Judging by your attire, you must be extremely wealthy and noble. Even if they inherit a bit less, it''s more than enough for your descendants to live in wealth and honor for their lifetimes." Zhuo Yinghai immediately made a gesture of distress, "You don''t understand." "I have eleven sons and seven daughters, and beneath them, grandsons and granddaughters." "Although my granddaughters do not bear the Zhuo surname, they are still of my bloodline. I have to provide them a dowry as well. But I''ve just calculated and found that I can only give each of them ten shops, a thousand acres of paddy fields, and five small cargo ships that are thirty meters long each." Experience tales at "If I grit my teeth, at the very most I can add two chests of jewelry." "It''s too shabby!" Zhuo Yinghai slammed the railing hard. Chen Mu: "..." My five thousand taels of silver wouldn''t even be enough to fill the gaps in your teeth, would they?! Is it too late for me to turn around and leave now? "It''s my fault for being useless, earning too little for the family," Zhuo Yinghai lamented. "When I become the gang leader, I must raise the dockage and protection fees. We can''t even afford to eat... " "I must take my leave!" Chen Mu immediately said, making a gesture of salute. This place is no longer bearable. "Ah, young brother, please don''t take offense. When people get old, they tend to ramble on," Zhuo Yinghai said with a face full of apologies, stopping Chen Mu. "Do you think I''m showing off my wealth?" Zhuo Yinghai asked with a smile. Chen Mu just smiled and said nothing. Zhuo Yinghai seemed to understand Chen Mu''s silence, "What I mentioned just now might appear to be considerable wealth to the common folk." "But you don''t know. For someone of my stature, earning more also means spending more." "Travel requires luxurious ships and carriages, clothes and jewelry must be exquisite, and even eating and drinking necessitate high standards." "I''m pained spending money on these things too. Wouldn''t it be better to save it and let it multiply? But to earn more money, I need to maintain appearances," Zhuo Yinghai said, his face expressing his feelings. Chen Mu nodded, "Why not rent these luxurious carriages and ships then?" "What do you mean?" Zhuo Yinghai looked puzzled. "Rent someone else''s, no need to buy," Chen Mu hinted meaningfully. "Even if you did buy them, you could still rent them out to others." "Smart thinking, young brother!" Zhuo Yinghai laughed, "I must have a drink with you." "Someone! Bring up the wine and dishes." Below deck on the pleasure boat, a man in a black tight suit acknowledged the command, walking solemnly up to the second floor with a serious face. He was carrying a red food box and strode towards the two men. The air roiled, and Chen Mu''s figure abruptly vanished. Hmm?! Zhuo Yinghai''s face changed as he swiftly lifted his right hand toward the sky. Clang! A sharp pain shot through the palm of his hand. Zhuo Yinghai looked up fiercely, only to find that Chen Mu had somehow ended up slanting on the ceiling, his Sleeve Sword striking out like a venomous snake. If he hadn''t reacted quickly, that strike would have pierced straight through his forehead. "Nice movement technique!" Zhuo Yinghai laughed boisterously. His right leg kicked out suddenly, the muscle-bound limb resembling a python''s tail, violently lashing out at Chen Mu suspended in mid-air. Thump! The wooden ceiling was instantly shattered by that airborne kick. Then his legs spun like wheels, unleashing a flurry of kicks in the air. It took only a few kicks for him to smash a large portion of the second floor of the building. Chen Mu had no choice but to dodge left and right in the narrow corridor, relying on his bizarre movement technique to narrowly avoid his opponent''s attacks. From time to time, he would thrust out the Sleeve Sword, aiming for the enemy''s vital points. The sounds of metal clashing were unending. "Just as I expected, not good enough." Chen Mu''s figure quickly retreated, widening the gap between them. Looking at the tip of the Sleeve Sword, dotted with blood, his face was full of solemnity. "A precious sword?!" Zhuo Yinghai''s eyes brightened as he noticed the dense specks of blood on his body. It was a precious sword capable of piercing through Soul Strength. "Give it to me!" Zhuo Yinghai''s hair and beard stood on end as he ferociously charged at Chen Mu. Chen Mu lowered his head, seemingly petrified, motionless. "I didn''t want to..." Three eerie syllables slipped out. Five tufts of black smoke silently emerged behind Zhuo Yinghai. "Why must you force me?" A surge of intense emotion, like a tidal wave, overwhelmed his mind. Chen Mu suddenly raised his head, thin threads of blood creeping into his eyes, his mouth agape, dribbles of saliva trailing down from the corners: "I''m hungry!" Whoom! The five swirls of black air spiraled and instantly burrowed into Zhuo Yinghai''s back. Zhuo Yinghai''s face still held the frenzy of battle, yet his chest inexplicably lacked a large chunk. With a plop, he fell in two pieces at Chen Mu''s feet. The black smoke, like a swarm of locusts, voraciously descended upon Zhuo Yinghai''s corpse. Chen Mu staggered back, his face pale as he leaned on the railing, murmuring to himself with a lost expression, "I didn''t want to kill." "Sigh...." "It seems he brought quite a few subordinates with him.... Hmm." "...." Chapter 102 - 102 Spiritual Light Spell Nanyang Prefecture City, Shanglin Neighborhood, Chen Residence. Chen Mu walked calmly past the doorway, glancing at the weeping willow not far away which was becoming increasingly lush. After traversing five streets, he pushed open the gates of a two-courtyard residence. He had already been back in Nanyang Prefecture City for three days. New housing and furniture were all neatly arranged. "If only the Five Ghosts Bag were a bit bigger," Chen Mu complained. That way, he could carry his home with him wherever he went. Instead of having to buy a new set of pots and pans every time he moved. ... At dusk, as the sun set, Jie Jia arrived at the new courtyard on time. Chen Mu moved a weathered, paint-peeled square table from his room to the center of the courtyard to serve as the dining table. "You could move back to your previous residence," Jie Jia said, looking around. "What if someone comes looking there?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "You have a new identity," Jie Jia handed Chen Mu a thick envelope. Chen Mu pulled out the letter: "Ningliang County, Chen Yi? Isn''t this name a bit too casual?" Jie Jia, not even sparing Chen Mu a glance, proceeded to wipe the utensils with his customary white handkerchief. "Different name, different face, different height; you can move back there to live," Jie Jia insisted. This residence was spacious, too. But it clearly wasn''t as quaint and comfortable as the wooden loft courtyard. "The big search has stopped," Jie Jia thought for a moment before adding, "Both overtly and covertly, it has stopped." Chen Mu remained silent. Even if it had stopped, he dared not return. After what had happened with Zhuo Yinghai, his feud with the Startling Swan Gang was growing ever deeper. "What have you done now?" Jie Jia''s eyelids involuntarily rose a fraction. "Yeah, what have I done?" Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia, bewildered. Jie Jia''s amber eyes shifted, glancing at Chen Mu: "I see."@@@@ Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be confused. You know what, you know! ... After dinner, Chen Mu diligently brewed tea for Jie Jia, bringing out five types of soft and sticky pastries copied from Xin Yuan Tea House. "Ask," Jie Jia said indifferently, sipping tea and nibbling pastries. "Heh heh!" Chen Mu rubbed his hands together: "I just want to know whether the Divine Intent Diagram of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique has been tampered with by the noble families." "No," Jie Jia replied impassively. "Then why do I feel like it''s incomplete?" Chen Mu did not believe him. "Illusion," Jie Jia remained unfazed. "It''s impossible for me to be mistaken," Chen Mu insisted, staring at Jie Jia. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said calmly, "Failing to cultivate is not the reason you should doubt the Divine Intent Diagram..." Buzz! Chen Mu grinned and waved his pitch-black right hand in front of Jie Jia. "The clans have it," Jie Jia said indifferently. "It''s the damn clans again!" Chen Mu cursed inwardly. These damn bastards have too many good things! He must find a way to get it! Chen Mu was itching with ambition. The Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Spell, ah, the ancestor of all Shape Cultivation Techniques. It must be incredibly precious. "Forget about it, you can''t cultivate it," Jie Jia glanced and knew what Chen Mu was thinking. "How do you know I can''t cultivate it?" Chen Mu was unconvinced. "You said it yourself, you''re just an ordinary person," Jie Jia said lightly. Chen Mu: "..." "Only those who possess Daoist Bone can cultivate it; you should stop dreaming," Jie Jia said calmly, taking a sip of his tea. Damn it, Daoist Bone again? What in the world is this thing? Is it really that powerful? "No use talking more about it, just honestly cultivate your Soul Strength," Jie Jia said as he put down his chopsticks and stood up to leave. ... Chen Mu could only open his mouth in resignation. "I thought I had found a shortcut, but it ended up being a dead end," Chen Mu sighed. "I might as well keep grinding my Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu shrugged. Thinking about it, he had been in this world for two and a half years now. Officially practicing martial arts for almost two years. In two years, he had mastered two Shape Cultivation Techniques, and he was already more than halfway through the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. With nearly eighty years left until he turned one hundred, he could surely master eighty Shape Cultivation Techniques. With these eighty Wandering Souls as his foundation, he simply didn''t believe he couldn''t cultivate a Shell Soul. "I should start thinking about collecting Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. Eighty kinds, that''s not easy to find. The clans might have them, but they won''t just give them away for free. Sell one''s life for a Manual? Forget it... we''ll talk about it later, much later. ... Chen Mu re-entered the familiar and simple life of grinding at the Chen Residence. The White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique smoothly completed the Bone Transformation and entered the Third Rank. This time, he didn''t grow taller, but his joints became more flexible, and his ligaments tougher. It was only his arm bones that seemed to become a bit thicker and harder, informing Chen Mu that he was indeed cultivating the Shape Cultivation Technique. "I really shouldn''t expect too much from these ordinary Shape Cultivation Techniques." The speed of Marrow Transformation was also astonishingly fast. Chen Mu estimated that in just over twenty more days, he would achieve great success in Marrow Transformation and officially begin cultivating the Soul. Altogether, it would be less than two months to reach major achievements in Shape Cultivation. "Such a small fry..." "It''s a pity I can''t cultivate the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Spell," Chen Mu lamented. That was when he realized, compared to the favored children of heaven, he was truly just an ordinary person. Chapter 103 - 103 Turmoil By the Jinshui River, Changrui Dock. The Startling Swan Gang''s large ship was moored steadily at the dock, like a peninsula extending from the riverbank. Within Startling Swan Hall, atop the pavilion. Jin Wuduan listened to his subordinate''s report with an unpleasant expression. "Hall Master Zhuo, along with his entourage of over ten people, has vanished." "The ship they were on is more than half destroyed, docked midway along the riverbank." "The crew scattered, whereabouts unknown."@@@@ Jin Wuduan slammed the table fiercely, "How audacious, to lay hands on a hall master of my Startling Swan Gang!" "Send the order down, search along the river, I must find Hall Master Zhuo. I want to see him alive, or his corpse if he is dead." "Also, notify Li Jun. This happened in his jurisdiction, if he doesn''t give me an explanation, he can forget about being the hall master of Lijiang!" "Yes!" The subordinate shivered as he lefthe had never seen the gang leader so furious. After everyone had left, Zuo Sheng hurriedly consoled, "Master, please calm down." "Whoever dared to lay hands on us, they must come from no ordinary background." "For instance, Zhu Yi Pavilion, or perhaps Cheng Yi..." Zuo Sheng said worriedly, "We must prepare for a full-scale assault from them." Their grudge with Zhu Yi Pavilion was not small. The conflict with Cheng Yi was equally significant. Jin Wuduan looked at Zuo Sheng with a complex expression. "Sheng Er, I truly want to retire and live out my days in peace; you don''t have to go to such lengths for me." Zuo Sheng was completely perplexed. "What have I done?" A look of relief appeared on Jin Wuduan''s face, "Exactly, you haven''t done a thing." "If anyone asks, insist even unto death that it was Zhu Yi Pavilion picking a fight, that it was Cheng Yi''s retaliation." "This matter has nothing to do with you." "Do you understand?" Jin Wuduan emphasized earnestly. Zuo Sheng: "..." It''s another misunderstanding! "I''ve been in seclusion practicing these past few days, I had no time to trouble Hall Master Zhuo." Zuo Sheng explained sincerely. Jin Wuduan''s expression changed, "Keep your voice down! Walls have ears!" He pricked up his ears and listened intently for a moment, confirming there was no one within ten meters, then he relaxed and a smile crossed his face, "Right, that''s the spirit. You haven''t done anything, got it?" Zuo Sheng felt like jumping into the river out of frustration. This really has nothing to do with me! "Right, right, that aggrieved expression is perfect! Keep it up!" Zuo Sheng: "..." ... It was because the old man was ruthless and merciless, better to kill wrongly than let go. It was almost inevitable that he would be retaliated against after death. "This is already the third batch, eh? Tsk tsk..." "The Zhuo family sure hit rock bottom. They lost both people and wealth. If the Startling Swan Gang hadn''t made an effort to catch the murderers, it would have been truly tragic." Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. No matter how great the family wealth or fame, once dead, everything vanishes. The descendants have to suffer along with it. "Staying alive is what''s important," Chen Mu was greatly enlightened. Chen Mu turned his head and walked towards Chunfeng Tower. It had been a long time since he''d seen Miss Yu Tao''s dancing, and he missed her. ... At seven or eight o''clock at night, with the lanterns just lit, the nightlife of Nanyang Prefecture was at its peak. But Chen Mu had already eaten his fill, and, going against the lively stream of people in South Market, ambled home at leisure. Passing by the north gate square, he faintly saw dark bloodstains on the execution platform and shook his head. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly paused, remembering the daytime gossip he''d overheard in the crowd. "Where did so many crazed bandits come from? Disregarding the Nanyang officials, and unafraid of the Startling Swan Gang, they targeted the Zhuo family so brazenly." Enjoy more content from "Hmm... Might there be something more to this affair?" The cool breeze blew, causing Chen Mu to shiver. "Perhaps someone had their eye on Zhuo Yinghai''s vast estate..." "What a dangerous world!" Chen Mu dared not think further and hurried home. ... The death of Zhuo Yinghai truly caused a stir. The Zhuo family suffered consecutive robberies. In the end, it was said that the Startling Swan Gang intervened, sending people for protection, which finally made those brutal bandits hold back, not daring to act rashly. Whether there were any secrets involved, Chen Mu felt it was too big a ''melon'' for him to ''eat,'' so he didn''t dare to inquire further. The incident arose quickly and subsided just as fast. It seemed that both the Startling Swan Gang and the Nanyang officials didn''t want to blow it out of proportion. They announced loud and clear their desire to avenge Zhuo Yinghai, to capture the murderers. But it was only the Startling Swan Gang that quietly gathered information. There wasn''t a massive search like the last time, and quickly everything quieted down. "It''s still the noble offspring who are the most valuable," Chen Mu said with a jolly expression. "The lighter the search, the safer for me." The small courtyard was clearly registered under Chen Jia''s name, yet from beginning to end, no one came to check it. However, it had been visited by burglars twice. One of them didn''t even manage to enter the yard before being paralyzed by fine needles on the wall. The other did manage to climb in, but the yard had already been swept clean by a Five Ghosts Bag, and in the end, he only managed to fish out a palm-sized grass carp from the pond and left with it. Chapter 105 - 105 White Jade Toad Nanyang Prefecture, near Jian''an Gate to the north of the city. In the dead of night, Old Ge hummed a tune, strolling leisurely towards home. Reaching a fork in the road, Old Ge squinted dazedly at the two paths before him. The main road was straight and wide but took him farther from home. The alleyway twisted and turned but promised a quicker arrival. On ordinary days, he spurned the alley for its narrowness and unevenness. Yet in the still of night, his tired eyelids battling, a thought circled his mind, and he turned into the alleyway. Under the bright moonlight, a trail of black smoke, like a ghostly fire, floated in his shadow, silently following him into the alley. ... Quarter of an hour later. Old Ge emerged from the alley and arrived at his front door, shivering involuntarily, his arms breaking out in goosebumps. "Getting old, even a bit of night chill is too much to handle," he muttered, rubbing his arms, then went inside. After a quick wash, he dove into bed and fell into a deep sleep. Just a street away, in a large tree, Chen Mu sighed in frustration, "The Shape Cultivation Technique is so crucial, and you don''t even glance at it before sleep?" "Be grateful, you''re lucky you encountered me," Chen Mu huffed. If it were any other transmigrator, you wouldn''t have made it out of that dark alley! "Never mind, there''s plenty of time ahead to find an opportunity," Chen Mu sighed and left his perch. ... An hour later, Old Ge, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly jolted awake. Without a sound, he got out of bed, crept out the door, and stealthily surveyed his surroundings from the rooftop. It took him a while to return to his room, exhaling deeply, "Perhaps I''m just seeing ghosts where there are none." On his way home, he couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. This intuition had kept him alive through many years in Jianghu, helping him amass his considerable fortune. "The older you get in Jianghu, the more cowardly you become... sigh," Old Ge shook his head, half in amusement. "Better safe than sorry." He went back inside, lit the oil lamp, and pried a green brick from the wall. Concealed within its hollow interior lay a cloth scroll no longer than a palm and as thick as an egg. Old Ge took the scroll to his long desk, unfolding it beneath the dim light to study intently. "Alas... If I had practiced the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, I would have mastered it a decade ago." "Such bad luck!" Old Ge grimaced silently. He himself was once considered extremely talented. Yet his life was squandered, stuck in the Marrow Transformation Stage due to limited Cultivation Technique resources.@@@@ "Thankfully, my grandson has been given a higher starting point," Old Ge consoled himself. His son had mediocre talent and was a disappointment. But his grandson had inherited the familial aptitude for martial arts every other generation, coupled with the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique. As long as he patiently got through the accumulation phase, he would surely bring prosperity to the Ge family. Ge Elder: "..." "Fuck!" ... It took a while for Ge Elder to come to his senses. With a dejected expression, he prepared to pack up the Shape Cultivation Technique. Luckily, the person he ran into this time had some sense of morality. They didn''t kill him and didn''t directly take the Shape Cultivation Technique away. "Don''t think I''ll be grateful to you!" Ge Elder thought, grinding his teeth. This was the biggest loss he had ever suffered, his face red with anger. "I can''t stay here," Ge Elder decided, walking to the writing desk. If someone could steal from his house, continuing to live here was like courting death. "What''s this?" A chicken egg-sized porcelain bottle next to the scroll caught his attention. Discover hidden content at Carefully pulling out the stopper, he used chopsticks to cautiously tip the contents out from a distance. Two scarlet pills the size of peanuts rolled out. "Why do these look so familiar? Can it be?! No way!" Ge Elder couldn''t care whether they were poisonous or not, and immediately picked them up to sniff. Dragon Transformation Pills?! No mistake! Were they left by the person who stole his Shape Cultivation Technique? "What''s this supposed to be? A handout? An insult? I will definitely not be grateful to you!" Ge Elder roared, his eyes bloodshot with fury. Without any obvious movement, he put the Dragon Transformation Pills back into the porcelain bottle and tucked it quietly into his chest. ... On the street ten meters away from Ge Elder''s home, there was a breakfast snack stall. Chen Mu leisurely savored some refreshing wontons, occasionally picking up a piece of crispy scallion pancake. "It''s unlikely that he''ll make a big deal out of it." Chen Mu noticed Ge Elder''s honest right hand. Chen Mu sighed in relief. After all, keeping the Dragon Transformation Pills served no purpose for him. Trading two of them for a well-crafted Shape Cultivation Technique was a very good deal. "I wonder if I could trade it with someone else," Chen Mu''s eyes brightened at the thought. Chen knew the Dragon Transformation Pills were harmful, but those people of Jianghu didn''t know they were a trap. He was suddenly tempted. But after some thought, he decided against it. "Jianghu is a dangerous place, fair trading isn''t easy," Chen Mu reluctantly shook his head. He indeed wished to trade the Dragon Transformation Pills for a Manual. But those ruthless Jianghu people might want more. For example... his life. "Now that I have another Shape Cultivation Technique, I might as well just focus on practicing," Chen Mu concluded. Chapter 106 - 106 Essence Two days later, at night. Explore more adventures at novelhall.Co?m In Nanyang Prefecture, Tongyun Square. Old Ge hurriedly had his dinner, bathed and changed clothes, then sat cross-legged on his bed. He took out a porcelain bottle, poured out a Dragon Transformation Pill, and looked at the crimson pill with a complex expression. "To eat, or to leave it for the family," Old Ge struggled with his thoughts. He was seventy-five years old, and had taken the risk to join the Startling Swan Gang for the welfare of his family. The Secret Medicine, the Dragon Transformation Pill, should be left to the family, left for the grandson. But... "What if I could cultivate Soul Strength?" Old Ges expression changed. "One pill!" Old Ges expression was resolute, "Just one pill!" Having made up his mind, Old Ge swallowed the crimson pill without hesitation. Before long, a stream of heat rose from his stomach and quickly spread throughout his body. As time passed, the heat did not subside, but instead grew stronger and stronger. His entire body began to emit white steam. Excruciating pain and an insane itch attacked his brain simultaneously. It was as if countless tiny hands were penetrating his body, constantly tearing apart his muscles and bones, and then healing them instantaneously. Thinking of the introduction to taking the Dragon Transformation Pill, Old Ge forced back a roar of pain, immediately jumped out of the bed and started to practice the Shape Cultivation Technique. Movements he could perform fluidly even when drunk now felt incredibly difficult. Every movement was like torture. An hour later, Old Ge collapsed on the ground, his eyes bloodshot, drool flowing unconsciously from the corner of his mouth, but his face was filled with a feverish smile, "Ha... ha ha... Ive fully mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique!" ... Eight or nine meters away, inside a small courtyard. Chen Mu frowned and withdrew the paper ghost. "It seems to instantly complete the destruction and healing of the entire bodys tissues, and during the process, strengthen and transform the body." "Too bad, I still dont understand why it has this effect." "Sigh... such loneliness watching." "I still have to ponder it." Chen Mu disappeared into the night. He had been observing the man for two days, finally sure that Old Ge had no intention of reporting to the Startling Swan Gang or of seeking revenge against him. "Seems like theres no need to continue watching... huh... never mind, Ill watch him for three more days." ... Time flies, and half a month passes in a blink. Chen Mu stayed at home as usual, grinding for proficiency. Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique: 9044/10000/Second Rank; "It wont be long before I can cultivate the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu looked forward in anticipation. In order to increase proficiency faster, Chen Mu put off starting on the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique and focused solely on racking up the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique. "Taking Zhaodian Hong pollutes a persons Essence, Qi, and Spirit, leading to muddled Soul Strength. It affects subsequent cultivation." "Living beings?" Chen Mu felt a sense of foreboding. Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Its exactly what youre thinking." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, "Humans?" "Close enough." Zhaodian Hong is refined from the living essence absorbed from a person? Chen Mu suddenly felt nauseated, thankful he hadnt ingested any Zhaodian Hong. "The aristocratic families are that crazy?" Chen Mus heart was in turmoil. These damn bastards really do the unthinkable. The Dragon Transformation Pills were all supplied by them. Zhaodian Hong was refined by them. They truly didnt value human life at all. Chen Mu couldnt help but recall Sikou Yus superior attitude back then. They deserved to die! "Its not just the aristocratic families involved in this," Jie Jia tucked into the sliced marinated beef, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. "Remember the great fog in Qingshan County?" "Dont tell me..." Chen Mu suddenly felt chills run down his spine. Thank goodness for escaping in time. So the so-called earthquakes and fires that followed were someones doing. "Who was it?" "Qingfeng Observatory." Chen Mu: "..." Cheng Mings little daoist disciple and his sect had such ruthless people?! Did Cheng Yi know? "Too terrifying?" Chen Mu couldnt help but shudder, "So the altar they were building back then was just a ruse?" Jie Jia nodded. "If Qingfeng Observatory has such a secret technique, it seems theyre no ordinary sect," Chen Mu mused. Jie Jias eyes danced as he glanced at Chen Mu, "If you wanted to, you could do it too." What does he mean? Chen Mu looked bewildered. "Many side-door magic artifacts have the function of extracting the essence of the Three Treasures Essence," Jie Jia said meaningfully, glancing at Chen Mus right arm. The Five Ghosts Bag?! Chen Mu was startled. He immediately thought of the devouring power of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. This was indeed possible! Wait, Jie Jia knew about the Five Ghosts Bag?! This old man wasnt thinking of stealing it, was he? If it really came down to a fight, should I give it to him, or to him? "Quit making that face," Jie Jia snorted, "Its just a Five Ghosts Bag." Chen Mu: "..." The old man really did know! Chapter 107 - 107 Going North "You recognize the Five Ghosts Bag?" Chen Mu asked in surprise. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra is widely circulated," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was skeptical. "How come Ive never heard of it?" Jie Jia gave Chen Mu a glance. "Just focus on nurturing your Soul Strength." Chen Mu had an embarrassed smile on his face; he was being dismissed for his lack of strength. However, his heart couldnt help but stir. Could it be that behind this Jianghu, there existed some secret circles? Just as he was about to ask out of curiosity, he suddenly stopped himself. "Whats the use of knowing it? I havent cultivated my Shell Soul anyway," Chen Mu shook his head privately. Knowing too much made it easy for one to aim too high; it was better to practice diligently. ... After sending Jie Jia away, Chen Mu took out the Five Ghosts Bag and pondered. "The Five Ghosts Bag can refine the Three Treasures Essence?" Chen Mu wasnt surprised in the slightest. The Five Ghosts Bag had always been somewhat sinister. Consuming flesh, swallowing people, billowing black smokeit was obviously not an item for the righteous. "Another malicious use doesnt seem like a big deal," Chen Mu was very open-minded about it. If its useful and not harmful to oneself, whats there to fear! "Id better stick to practicing my Shape Cultivation Technique." After understanding the nature of the Dragon Transformation Pill and the Red Essence from the Hall of Reflection, Chen Mu lost interest in both. He didnt plan on consuming them. "Better think about where to acquire more Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mus mind began to race. The appearance of Elder Ge had given Chen Mu some ideas. Those Jianghu hermits who, due to old age, began to consider the younger members of their clans, there must be more than one. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Ill have to investigate quietly." "So, I have to keep going to Chunfeng Tower." "Sigh... Its all for the Shape Cultivation Technique. Necessary socializing and networking, cant be helped." ... Half a month later, in the evening at Chunfeng Tower. Tangerine-yellow lanterns hung high and low, intermingled with red and green ribbons. Under the hazy luminescence, behind gauzy screens, laughter was endless. Chen Mu sauntered into the main hall on the first floor, as usual, took a seat in a corner booth, and adeptly ordered a table full of delicious food. Chen Mu took a big gulp of milk, wincingly waved away a beautiful lady who wanted to freeload a meal. Black smoke billowed at his feet, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man appeared, scattering through the shadows under the dim light. In the private rooms where the members of the Startling Swan Gang were dining, every one was under surveillance by the paper men. "Helmsman Kui, since you followed the envoy up north, could you tell us what were going to do there?" a skinny man with a little mole on his nose asked with a sycophantic smile. The men around him immediately chimed in. "I heard that there was quite a bit of death and injury last timedid we encounter a large band of strong bandits?" Kui Tuo raised his glass of wine and gulped it down. "Dont even think about running," Kui Tuo said with a dark face hidden by his sideburns. "You cant run away." "Can the Zuming Talisman really restrain evil spirits?" "Its not the same sort of thing as the Evil-warding Talisman, is it?" "I need to ask Jie Jia about it." "If its real, no matter how expensive, I must buy it!" He already had the Five Ghosts Bag, but having one more trump card against Ghosts would give him more peace of mind. The news was useful to him. Unfortunately, it wasnt what he was looking for. He still hadnt found the right kind of client like Ge Lao. "No rush, keep looking." The Startling Swan Gangs recruitment was still ongoing; the right candidate would come along eventually. ... Chen Mu had his fill of food and drink while the small teams of the Startling Swan Gang were still playing drinking games. The chat gradually shifted to the second and third floors of Chunfeng Tower. Finding the conversation uninteresting, Chen Mu stood up and left. The crescent moon hung in the sky, around 7 or 8 oclock in his previous life. The night market near the Fanzu Tower in the North Market was bustling. The streetside restaurants and teahouses were brightly lit with storytelling, singing, chatting, and bantering. Experience more tales on novelhall.Co?m Street vendors set up their stalls in the light of the shops. Chen Mu also saw a scholar writing letters under the light of a lantern. More than two years ago, he had done this job for a few days. Seeing the simple attire and slightly troubled expression on his face, business seemed tough. Just like his predecessor when waiting for business, the memory seemed like yesterday, yet also so far in the past. His arrival had completely altered the life trajectory of this body. Though somewhat timid, it was still quite exciting. "My predecessor is probably satisfied," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. At least for now, he had no worries about food and drink and enjoyed life quite comfortably. He slipped into an alley, changed his appearance several times, and switched his clothes. Like a ghost, he walked comfortably yet solitary among the crowds, gradually disappearing into the night. ... Thinking of his future life plans, Chen Mu unwittingly arrived at Tongyun Fang. Looking up, he saw a narrow alley appear before him. On both sides were brick walls and gray-tiled houses; the ground was a dirt path full of pits, with green and yellow weeds growing at the foot of the walls. In the moonlight, at the end of the alley, a large banyan tree stood silently. "How did I end up at old Ges place again?" Chen Mu slapped his forehead in annoyance. "Must be habit," he thought. "Anyway, Ive been keeping an intermittent watch on him for a month. Since Im here, I might as well take another look." "Hmm... today should really be the last day. The old man is probably heading north as well." "I wonder if Ill ever see him again," Chen Mu thought with regret. For ordinary people, facing Ghosts is truly not an easy life. Chapter 110 - 109: Surprise On the banks of the Jinshui River, at the Changrui Dock. Next to the Startling Swan ship, dozens of fifty-meter ships were lined up in rows, docked at the harbor. Under the lead of a colossal tower ship, they orderly departed from the dock and slowly headed upstream along the river. The leading tower ship, spanning more than a hundred meters, had five or six-meter diameter paddle wheels on both sides. At this moment, the giant wheels were spinning steadily and rapidly, and the heavy dragon ship immediately cut through the waves. Chen Mu stood on the second floor of the Yue Lai Tavern, watching the giant ship with a reflective expression. "Quite an eye-opener." Your next read is at In his previous life, he had never seen such a large tower ship with his own eyes. And listening to the discussion in the tavern, those gigantic water-dividing wooden wheels were all powered by human strength! "The Shape Cultivation Technique is truly freaking magical," Chen Mu couldn''t help but curse. Such massive wheels, powered entirely by martial artists, and they still moved so fast! Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of Lin Que, the hall master who had died long ago, who had an excellent skill in steering boats and could make a small wooden boat travel at the speed of a motorboat. "If I tried... I probably could too." Chen Mu took another glance at the departing ship and turned away. "I wonder if I''ll ever see Old Ge again," Chen Mu sighed. Such a good seller. What a pity he had to follow the Startling Swan Gang up north to fight evil spirits. It''s a life-or-death situation. ... At the An Ding Gate, in the southern area of Nanyang Prefecture City. A troop of several hundred cavalry rode out of the city. Dressed in black leather armor, each with a long saber hung on their horse and a short knife at their waist, their faces were expressionless, the air around them murderous. At a glance, they were battle-hardened elite soldiers. Passers-by by the gate quickly scurried to the sides of the road, not daring to collide. "Which batch is this? The Tangshan Army stationed in the city keeps being drawn back to camp; we''re not heading into battle, are we?" "No, it''s said that they''re heading north to suppress bandits, preventing rogue armies from invading the south." "Thank goodness for the protection of the Tangshan Army. I heard the north is in chaos, with homes abandoned everywhere." Hiding among the crowd, Chen Mu watched the hundreds of riders kick up billowing dust as they disappeared into the distance. "Suppressing bandits? No, they''re probably going to train their troops against ghosts and spirits." "Why bother with those things when life is good? Is what they''re looking for that precious?" Chen Mu frowned, genuinely curious now. "Forget it, let them roam themselves; I''ll continue to stay home," he thought. After all, he had the proficiency cheat. Sooner or later, he would develop formidable strength. With his Shell Soul, he could roam wherever he wanted. ... The year 649 of the Da Liang reign, February 19th. In the Chen Residence at Shanglin Neighborhood. Chen Mu''s muscles swelled again, especially in his forearms. At the peak of his burst, they were almost as thick as a cantaloupe. Chen Mu stood calmly in the middle of the courtyard, maintaining his breathing method from the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique. A quarter of an hour later, his body returned to a lean and muscular state. He had undergone Marrow Transformation for the fourth time. "Seems it''s gotten a bit faster." Practicing the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique, it had taken him twenty full days to complete the transformation. During his practice of the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, he had monitored Old Ge and even went out to watch the departure of the Startling Swan Gang. Remarkably, it only took him nineteen days to complete the Marrow Transformation. "Can''t stack the armor anymore," Chen Mu lamented. The more Shape Cultivation Techniques he practiced, the more comprehensive the body enhancements, which made his subsequent cultivation faster. But it also dashed his dreams of becoming a muscle-bound freak. ... At dinner, Chen Mu, thinking of the recent commotion in Nanyang, couldn''t contain his curiosity and asked, "What exactly are the Startling Swan Gang and Tangshan Army looking for?" "It''s of no use to you," Jie Jia replied slowly, eating his meal without even looking at Chen Mu. "They''re attracting trouble with evil spirits without any fear; I''m worried about getting caught up in it," Chen Mu expressed his concern. "You sure are bold," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said. "I get it, I get it," Chen Mu chuckled and casually handed over ten taels of silver he had prepared in advance. A few hooligans burst into unrestrained laughter. Just then, a melodious and pleasant singing voice came from the river. The men couldn''t help but look over. A large red-painted boat silently sliced through the white fog, heading straight for the pier. The boat was brightly lit, and through the thin veils of its windows, dancers wearing little more than a few pieces of cloth danced gracefully to the music. The dancers'' figures varied; some were petite and exquisite, others mature and voluptuous, every shape and size was enticing. "Mine... all mine!" The rowdy hooligans suddenly stared at the Red Ship, murmuring mindlessly. Their eyes were vacant, their faces infatuated. "All mine!" Splash... One by one, like dumplings, they jumped into the water, desperately swimming towards the Red Ship. Shortly after, the large ship disappeared back into the white mist, leaving only faint yellow lights flickering uncertainly in the haze. ... "Is this the Zuming Talisman?" Chen Mu examined the palm-sized, brown leathery talisman paper. He had thought it would be a Yellow Paper Talisman just like the Evil-warding Talisman. The power is different, so the carriers are different, too," Jie Jia explained briefly. "Where can I learn the skill to draw such talismans?" Chen Mu eagerly looked at Jie Jia. He had Proficiency; if he could master the technique of drawing talismans, then he wouldn''t be afraid of any ghosts or monsters, with his pockets full of Zuming Talismans! Jie Jia didn''t even look at Chen Mu and turned to leave. Chen Mu was immediately frustrated. It was still a matter of insufficient strength. Even if he knew, he wouldn''t be able to learn, and even if he learned, he probably couldn''t use it. If there was the slightest possibility, Jie Jia wouldn''t pass up the opportunity to make money. Chen Mu clenched his teeth and secluded himself, not stepping foot outside as he feverishly practiced Shape Cultivation Techniques. For an entire month he didn''t leave the house. Although he hadn''t developed any Soul Strength from the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, he received an unexpected blessing. Under the eaves, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a rocking chair, took off his shoes and socks, and started to fiddle with his feet. On the soles of his feet where there used to be Soul Strength the size of a plump soybean, there were now two the size of plump soybeans. The Soul Strength from the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique had grown larger! Chen Mu couldn''t help looking at the gray wall. Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; The entry information was still at the limit, but the Soul Strength had genuinely doubled in size. And that''s not all. Chen Mu took off his shirt to reveal his arms. That''s where the Wandering Soul of the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had been. Now, the Soul Strength, which was initially the size of a quail egg, had also grown bigger! "The enhancement of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique''s Wandering Soul can also increase other Soul Strengths?" Chen Mu''s eyes immediately lit up. With a thought, several Divine Intent Diagrams appeared in his mind. The previously blurry Divine Intent Diagram of the Red Falcon had become slightly clearer. It had been like looking through frosted glass before, now it was like looking through a layer of mist, finally being able to see a bit of brilliant light. "I was expecting to comprehend a secret technique; I didn''t expect it to increase Soul Strength multiplicatively!" He never gave up on the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. When he had time, he''d give it a few tries. And that had given him a huge surprise. "Not only does it strengthen oneself, it also improves other Wandering Souls!" Chen Mu then turned his gaze to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Soul Strength that encircled his waist. If this were to level up, with connections down the line, wouldn''t the area covered by Soul Strength drastically increase?! "Be patient, don''t rush!" Chen Mu suppressed the excitement in his heart. "We must maximize the benefits," Chen Mu said, looking at the two scrolls on the low table. If the Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique, White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, and Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique could all develop Wandering Souls. And then amplified by the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Polarity... Chen Mu''s face turned red with excitement! Chapter 112 - 111: Sudden Change "We can''t stay by this river anymore!" Chen Mu squatted on the roof all night without sleeping. The next day as soon as the sun rose, he rushed to the tooth trader''s. Near the Inner City, he rented a two-entry courtyard house. The Prefectural Government Office was in the Inner City, and so were the evil-warding treasures; living closer meant more safety. Then, he spent another day moving furniture and belongings from the old house into the new one. He didn''t ask for help but instead used the Five Ghosts Bag, moving everything himself trip by trip. His four Shape Cultivation Techniques were highly advanced, giving him frightening endurance, and with the help of the Five Ghosts Bag, such tasks hardly tired him at all. ... In the evening, Chen Mu cooked a large table of dishes. It wasn''t until dusk that Jie Jia walked into his new home with an expressionless face. "What have you encountered this time?" Jie Jia was exasperated. "You''re more vigilant than a rabbit. Any little disturbance and you move house." "Nothing much, just been living in one place for too long, so I wanted a change of environment," Chen Mu chuckled. "Besides, I haven''t given up the old residence; cunning rabbits have three burrows, right?" "Aren''t you afraid of being suspected by the neighbors with such secretive movements?" Jie Jia countered. Chen Mu calmly replied, "I don''t have any neighbors." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu speechlessly, "You... rented the surrounding properties, too?" Chen Mu just smiled and didn''t speak. Jie Jia: "..." ... After dinner, the two sat in the new home''s pavilion. The courtyard had been neglected for some time and was strewn with dry yellow leaves. Under the octagonal pavilion, green bricks showed cracks through which tender grass shoots even emerged.@@@@ Next to the stone table, Chen Mu handed two porcelain vials to Jie Jia. "How much are these worth?" asked Chen Mu. "Dragon Transformation Pills?" Jie Jia opened a vial to take a glance, "There''s been a recent price drop, around one thousand taels each." "Exchange them all for Zuming Talismans for me," said Chen Mu decisively. Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu in surprise, then paused, "You haven''t encountered ghosts again, have you?" Chen Mu nodded reluctantly. "Could it be some kind of special constitution?" Jie Jia eyed Chen Mu up and down. Chen Mu rolled his eyes, "I''m just an ordinary person, what special constitution could I have?" But Jie Jia shook his head, "It''s hard to say; ghosts don''t always go after the same person." "What do you mean?" Chen Mu couldn''t help frowning. Continue reading on "Some special constitutions are suitable for possession, so..." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu with his pale yellow eyes. Chen Mu suddenly felt his scalp tingle. He thought of his own ''borrowing a corpse to resurrect''. "It shouldn''t be the case, otherwise you wouldn''t have survived until now," Jie Jia reassured after some thought. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing he wanted was to be constantly troubled by ghosts. ... The next day. Chen Mu woke up early; he actually hadn''t slept well the night before. It wasn''t a big deal, but Jie Jia''s words kept him tossing and turning, unable to stop imagining ghosts popping out from under the bed. He practiced the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique three times to warm up his body. Chen Mu glanced at the courtyard, littered with dead leaves. Three syllables were uttered, and five big clumps of black smoke appeared beside him, swirling around him continuously. The black smoke brushed over the ground, making the dry leaves, sprinkled pebbles, and dirt rapidly vanish. The temperature in Nanyang Prefecture, which hadn''t been cool for a few days, began to rise rapidly. The White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique also smoothly completed the Bone Transformation over the past month, and even the Marrow Transformation had progressed by more than half. "As expected, the more overlays there are, the faster the three transformations are completed." His leg bones had become more resilient, and the hip, knee, and ankle joints had become more flexible. "It''s probably designed to enhance the explosive power of the lower limbs," Chen Mu speculated. With more experience in the Shape Cultivation Technique, he gradually gained insights. Once a technique was mastered, he could roughly discern its orientation. "Soul Strength will probably manifest in the legs." ... Shape Cultivation was progressing smoothly, and the business of imitation pharmaceuticals was becoming well established. With an income of over three hundred silver a month, as long as he didn''t buy expensive items like Zuming Talismans in large quantities, even if he visited Chunfeng Tower three to five times a month to gather information, it was still more than enough to indulge himself. After all... he was only eating, and he wasn''t even scrounging for meals. And as time went by, more and more people came to Nanyang Prefecture seeking refuge. Chen Mu went out once and noticed the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, so he stopped going out. He also heard that the bizarre Red Ship seemed to have appeared on the Luo River again. Chen Mu tensed up but then breathed a sigh of relief. "It seems like it wasn''t targeting me." He just happened to live by the river and had stumbled upon it. "Emerging at intervals to snatch a batch of people, these ghosts are using humans as food," Chen Mu recalled the memories of the haunting. Possession, dried corpses, horrific deaths. Random selection without cause, sudden attacks. It all seemed like a hunt to him. "When you think about it, aren''t evil-warding artifacts just another kind of fence or wall?" "They block the attacks of wild beast-ghosts from beyond." ... Chen Mu thought he would live this peaceful life until he had gone through all the Shape Cultivation Techniques he had. But things did not go as he wished. In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the fifth day of April. Late at night, as Chen Mu lay in bed sound asleep, he suddenly felt a warmth on his chest. Half-asleep, he opened his eyes and noticed that his chest and back were getting hotter and hotter. He reached in and saw a Zuming Talisman emitting a faint red light. Chen Mu was startled awake at once. He looked up. The Zuming Talismans on the walls and beams were glowing continuously. Creak creak creak... Cringing scraping sounds came from the wooden door. Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly contracted. Whoosh! The Zuming Talismans on the walls almost simultaneously emitted white smoke, and the room was filled with the stench of something burning. Chen Mu dared not move and stiffly watched the figure in front of the bed. Long hair, a naked body, a rotten back. It was the first ghost he had encountered, the long-haired woman by the river. A great fear instantly filled his spirit, enveloping him as if he were slowly being encased by the crushing depths of the sea. His body became progressively rigid, and his thoughts grew increasingly sluggish. Borrowing the last bit of clarity from the warmth of the Zuming Talisman on his chest, Chen Mu struggled to utter three bizarre syllables. Five little paper figures, whirring, covered his face and head, and a sudden cold sensation struck him. As his thoughts, nearly frozen by fear, began to slowly churn, "I''m truly being targeted!" Chapter 113 - 112 Ghosts "She was supposed to be killed by Jie Jia, wasn''t she?!" Chen Mu exclaimed in frustration. "They couldn''t be planning to double charge by intentionally holding something back, could they?!" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. In his previous life, when he''d get his scooter''s tires patched, he had encountered such swindlers. They would fix the inner tube but leave the steel wire that punctured the outer tire. A few days later, it would be punctured again, and he would have to go back to them! The possibility made Chen Mu''s forehead almost explode with rage! Suppressing the anger in his heart, he tried to remain calm and watched the long-haired woman closely, saying cautiously and quietly, "We have no past grievances nor recent enmities, you have no need to target me." "How about I go my way, and you cross your bridgewhat do you think..." A gush of foul and frigid air suddenly assaulted Chen Mu. The little paper man on his forehead fluttered loudly. Chen Mu''s face turned awful in an instant. "I''ve moved frequently and cautiously, glancing back three times with every step on night walks, all to avoid encountering things like you. I''ve clearly been avoiding you..." "My former self was an honest scholar, and I''m just a homebody." "We''re both good people!" Chen Mu glared at the ghost before him. "Aren''t all you ghosts and evil spirits supposed to seek revenge only against those who have wronged you?" "Scions of great families commit countless evils, yet you don''t go after them!" "But me, a mere average good person, you won''t let go of!" "I get it, you''re not really the kind of ghosts that follow the rules of retribution. You''re just a group of bullies, taking advantage of the weak and helping the cruel." A look of dejection appeared on Chen Mu''s face. "It''s you who have made me recognize once again the cruel loathsomeness of this dog-eat-dog world." Chen Mu looked up emotionlessly. "My life is here, if you have the guts, come and take it!" Wuu wuu wuu... Countless Iron Lotus Seeds were suddenly fired. The long-haired woman''s figure, however, vanished into thin air. The Iron Lotus Seeds pierced through the air, all hitting the opposite wall, leaving a dense patch of holes. The next moment, a cloud of black smoke suddenly appeared before Chen Mu like a cannonball emerging from its chamber, carrying a massive impact that slammed heavily into Chen Mu''s chest. Caught off guard, Chen Mu was immediately flung backward, crashing into the wall behind him. Bang! The green brick wall immediately cracked with a large web-like pattern. Ugh! Chen Mu let out a muffled grunt as droplets of blood involuntarily sprayed from his nostrils. The black smoke dissipated abruptly and streamed quickly from both sides under his ribs, disappearing into the wall behind him in a flash. Before Chen Mu could recover, an equally strong force suddenly hammered into his back. The crescent moon hung high, with moonlight like water spreading across the courtyard. There was silence all around, the hissing of insects was nowhere to be heard. The air, which should have been muggy, was unusually filled with a chilling coolness. After a long while, Chen Mu finally confirmed that the sudden ghost entity had indeed disappeared. Still, Chen Mu didn''t let his guard down, fearing there might be other ghosts lurking in the yard. He dared not enter the room. After swallowing two Iron Lotus Seeds Pills, he sat in the pavilion in the yard, enduring until the sun rose the next day before he finally breathed a sigh of relief. ... "Ghosts dislike sunlight and emerge at night. The sun''s out, so there should be no more trouble," Chen Mu said as he lifted his shirt to reveal a bruise on his chest. Just moving his arms caused his back to ache as if pricked by needles. His left arm was equally swollen and sore, also covered in bruises. It was his upper left arm that had been hit when he was knocked out of the room last night. "Lucky for the Shape Cultivation," Chen Mu felt a shiver run down his spine. Without the robust physical quality provided by the Shape Cultivation, the blow from the ghost could have killed him. "No wonder only Shell Soul experts can barely save their lives in the presence of evil spirits." Soul Strength can touch ghosts. Without the impervious Shell Soul covering the entire body, one simply can''t withstand the physical impact of a ghost entity. "Not to mention the most tricky issue of Possession." Chen Mu spread out his hand, and a wisp of black smoke tumbled as the little paper man emerged. Last night, the five paper men stuck to his head, and it was they who successfully prevented the ghost from possessing him. This was also the reason why Chen Mu initially dared not use the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. The moment the paper men left his body, he might have been possessed and died immediately. It wasn''t until he had firmly grasped the ghost with his Soul Strength that he dared to use the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to devour the ghosts. Chen Mu looked at the small paper men bound with red threads with mixed emotions, "No wonder they are called Five Ghosts Paper Men." The tumbled black smoke, alternating between tangible and intangible, converging and dispersing unpredictably. The performance of the Five Ghosts Paper Man mirrored that of the ghost entity. The Thousand Mountains Sutra also noted that Ghosts are needed to make a Five Ghosts Bag. "I should have thought of this earlier." He took out the blood-circulating, bruise-healing ointment from the Five Ghosts Bag and applied it all over his body. He then took another Iron Lotus Seeds Pill to treat the injuries to his internal organs. Chen Mu sat quietly in the pavilion, recuperating until noon when the sun was at its fiercest, before he stood up, went inside the house, and tidied up the disordered room. Looking at the walls covered in spiderweb-like cracks, Chen Mu felt lucky to be alive. If he had been slightly negligent last night, he wouldn''t have lived to see today. "Jie Jia, you have committed grave sins!" If it wasn''t for that old man holding back, would he be in this sorry state now? Chapter 114 - 113 Secret Technique Dusk. Outside the Inner City of Nanyang Prefecture, Lin Heng Alley. Chen Mu stood at the door, seeing off the carpenter who had come to repair the windows and doors. He looked up to see Jie Jia walking leisurely towards him from the end of the street. Chen Mu didn''t bother to acknowledge him and turned back into his house without expression. Under the pavilion, Jie Jia narrowed his eyes as he observed the brand-new windows and then looked Chen Mu up and downthe latter seeming swollen all over. A glint of green light flashed and disappeared in his eyes, and he frowned, "Ghosts?" "Thanks to you!" Chen Mu said with a face full of scorn. Jie Jia narrowed his eyes at Chen Mu. "It was that long-haired woman from last time." Chen Mu''s face was dark as water. "Impossible," Jie Jia replied indifferently without even lifting his eyelids. "I nearly died here last night! And you tell me it''s impossible!" Chen Mu was furious. Jie Jia was slowly and methodically wiping his eating utensils. Upon hearing Chen Mu''s yell, he thought for a moment, put down his chopsticks, and pulled out a Zuming Talisman from his sleeve to hand to Chen Mu. What for? Compensation? My life was almost gone! What use is your compensation now! Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia with a face full of annoyance, "Two of them!" Jie Jia, expressionless, pulled out another Talisman and handed it over to Chen Mu. "Ah! Now that''s more like it." Chen Mu immediately grinned from ear to ear, cheerfully stowing the two Zuming Talismans snugly in his bosom. "Five thousand taels," Jie Jia said indifferently. Chen Mu was startled and immediately became irate, "Isn''t that the compensation for my emotional distress? Why the charge!" Jie Jia''s yellow eyes moved, glancing at Chen Mu. "Ghosts have substance yet no form, adept in transforming into what terrifies." "In most cases, whatever the target fears, the ghosts transform into that." "If your fear remains unchanged, facing a hundred ghosts, transforming into the long-haired woman will still be their preferred choice." Jie Jia paused slightly, looking sideways at Chen Mu, "I''m quite curious, why are you so afraid of that long-haired woman?" Chen Mu''s lips twitched, "I''m afraid she''ll crawl out of the TV." Jie Jia: "..." "I''m also afraid she''ll lunge at me, rotten and decaying, to take a bite." Jie Jia looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. Chen Mu had no intention of explaining; he just wore a wistful expression... it seemed his attempt at extortion was foiled. Yet, he felt unwilling to let it go. "I was at home having a beautiful dream, snoring away, when suddenly a ghost collided with me." "I was bruised all over, with internal bleeding." "Look at how swollen my body is; can''t you show a little sympathy?" Jie Jia was the picture of calm, "I already gave you a discount." A discount? From you? But given his special constitution, it wasn''t quite safe regardless of where he moved. It was better to stay in Lin Heng Alley, closer to the Inner City. Chances of encountering Ghosts might be higher elsewhere. ... Five days later, the swelling on Chen Mu''s body had subsided. The pain in his back and chest had also vanished. Practicing the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique in the yard three times, he felt no discomfort. "After all, I''m not the weakling I used to be," he mused. Last time he had only been brushed by a palm strike from Qian Shan Daoist and was forced to recuperate for two or three months before fully recovering. Now he faced even fiercer Ghosts, yet he had recovered in just five days. Only that he got hungrier quicker, eating five meals a day. Each meal was two to three times that of an average person. Now that his body had recovered, his appetite hadn''t, and he still ate a lot without ever putting on weight. "I wonder how those Shell Soul experts manage," Chen Mu said with a complicated expression as he stepped out of the restroom. Eating a lot meant, well... dealing with the consequences a lot too. "They must have high-energy food," Chen Mu concluded firmly. Like... Fasting Pills, for instance. Chen Mu now somewhat understood why Jie Jia despised that name so much. He had seen it! "Perhaps I could find a way to get some to study," Chen Mu''s eyes brightened with the thought. But before that, he needed to think about how to make money. ... Under the eaves, Chen Mu toyed with a Dragon Transformation Pill in his hand. This was the last one he had. He had initially obtained twenty. He had given four to old man Ge in exchange for the Shape Cultivation Technique and sold fifteen for Zuming Talismans. This one was the only pill he had kept. "I wonder if there''s anything that can replace the palace lantern red," Chen Mu thought to himself. Although the Dragon Transformation Pill was a risk, it was very valuable in Da Liang''s Jianghu. It could be exchanged for Shape Cultivation Techniques and buy Zuming Talismans, making it as good as cash! A scroll as long as a small forearm appeared in his hand amidst rolling black smoke. A Scripture Scroll he hadn''t looked at in a long timeThousand Mountains Sutra. Chen Mu untied the black binding rope and spread it out on a long table, immediately looking at the last part. The handwriting in this section was slightly different from the rest, as if added by later generations. "Medicine Cultivators, Sacrificial Shadow Souls. It turns out it''s not just about sacrificing Ghosts, but also about refining the Three Treasures Essence," Chen Mu noted with a complex expression. The so-called secret technique of extracting essences, he had owned it for a long time already.@@@@ Chapter 115 - 114 Soul Locking Curse "Alchemy with human lives..." Chen Mu''s expression shifted between clear and dark. "In the end, I''m still too soft-hearted!" Chen Mu let out a sigh. But thinking of the Ghosts that might appear at any moment, Chen Mu once again found himself in a dilemma. "Replicate a few more Secret Medicines from Zhu Yi Pavilion?" An idea sparked in Chen Mu''s mind. The income from Spirit Sand Pills and Gentle Breeze Powder could earn him more than three hundred Silver a month. To use this income to buy the exorbitantly priced Zuming Talismans was truly a drop in the bucket. "While expensive Secret Medicines have high profits, they''re rarely used." Chen Mu sighed. It was only Elixirs like the Dragon Transformation Pill, which could enhance one''s strength, that would sell out regardless of the price. "Can''t other creatures replace living humans?" Chen Mu stared at the last paragraph of the Thousand Mountains Sutra, unwilling to give up. At the very end, there was a section of text several hundred characters long. Although he recognized every character, when combined they became meaningless gibberish. He was familiar with such texts; hidden within them were the Curse Commands to activate Magic Artifacts. "Soul Locking Curse?" Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly: "Why not start practicing this Curse first?" ... Da Liang 641st year, April 16. Chen Residence, Lin Heng Lane. Beneath the octagonal pavilion, black smoke billowed, and a dark iron ingot the size of a watermelon appeared on the stone table. Chen Mu took a deep breath and a Dagger materialized in his right hand. Hisss! With an almost inaudible swoosh, nine holes silently appeared on the iron ingot. The edges of the holes were crimson, and the nearby air was slightly distorted by the high temperature. Chen Mu bent down to find that the nine holes went all the way through, perfectly pierced by the Sleeve Sword Technique. Chen Mu looked towards the grey wall. Sleeve Sword Technique: 178/10000/Fourth Rank;@@@@ "I wonder if the current Sleeve Sword Technique could pierce through Shell Soul." Chen Mu looked at the Ebony Dagger with a bit of eagerness. The last time he encountered Zhuo Yinghai. He had to go all out to execute Qiankun Strike, and he could only slightly puncture the opponent''s Soul Strength. Now that he had broken through to the Third Rank and acquired a Secret Technique called Cloud Piercer. It enabled him to induce high-frequency vibrations at the sword tip upon striking, thereby delivering tremendous piercing force. Combined with the inherent hardness and sharpness of the Ebony Sword, Chen Mu''s excitement surged. His left hand was quickly covered by Jet Black Soul Strength. Right hand holding the sword, he aimed the tip at the palm of his left hand, and then... Chen Mu put the Sleeve Sword Technique away. "That hurts quite a bit... Better try it on a Wandering Soul expert next time." After staying at home for five or six days, his injuries had completely healed. The White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique, which he had devoted a lot of energy to, had yet to break through to the Fourth Rank. Yet the long-neglected Sleeve Sword Technique quietly reached the Fourth Rank. The muscles and bones of his whole body transformed once again, to an extent similar to the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. Chen Mu emphasized with an expressionless face, "I want to make one thing clear, when I first figured it out, it was purely for practicing Pharmaceutical Technique." "Besides, what would I need this thing for? It''s completely useless to me!" Jie Jia''s mouth twitched into a sincere nod, "Right, you just did it for practice." Chen Mu: "..." "Let''s eat, let''s eat!" Chen Mu quickly got up and went to the kitchen to serve dishes. Today, he had specially stewed a pot of braised pork in an earthen jar. Slowly simmered on a low heat all afternoon, the meat was shiny and reddish-brown, tender and soft, easily breaking apart with the touch of chopsticks. Walking out of the kitchen, Chen Mu was once again composed. Ignoring the undisguised mockery in Jie Jia''s eyes It was just a slightly peculiar gaze. Making money, after all, is nothing to be ashamed of. ... After the meal, Chen Mu brought out sesame cakes and served warm herbal tea. More than halfway through April, the weather in Nanyang was getting steadily hotter. Drinking a cooling herbal tea was just right for the season. Holding a wooden cup, Chen Mu took an easy sip of the slightly bitter, sweet herbal tea and casually asked, "Does the Zuming Talisman definitely come from a living person?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu: "Living creatures." "Humans can be used, so can spirits and beasts, and even ordinary domestic animals will do." Spirits? Chen Mu held back his curiosity and continued to inquire, "Then why do the great families insist on using humans?" "Efficiency," Jie Jia said flatly. "A choice between ten thousand cows and a hundred people, which would you pick?" A chill suddenly ran through Chen Mu''s heart. "Moreover, some Magic Artifacts require a Human Soul during their consecration," Jie Jia added calmly. Chen Mu was silent. In this world of strict hierarchy, the children of great families stood high above, never caring for the lives of common folk. To them, commoners were merely slaves, cattle. In their eyes, a hundred people certainly couldn''t compare to ten thousand cows. Thinking about the Dragon Transformation Pills, Huang Ya Pills, and all the other elixirs circulating in the Jianghu, Chen Mu felt his whole body tense. Whether they knew it or not, those in the Jianghu who consumed the elixirs all seemed repugnant. And as for the members of the families at the Origin of Elixirs, labeling them as demons in human skin would be no exaggeration. It was always the ordinary people who were the passive victims. "The tragedy of the weak..." Chen Mu sighed. He couldn''t help but think of the fog in Qingshan County. "I certainly don''t want to die without understanding why." After seeing off Jie Jia, Chen Mu took out the Thousand Mountains Sutra and began to recite the Soul Locking Curse. Since domestic animals could be used as substitutes, there was no reason for him to give up on replicating the Dragon Transformation Pill. The sudden onslaught of Ghosts hung over his heart like dark clouds, always leaving Chen Mu feeling uneasy. He urgently needed a large number of Zuming Talismans. ``` Chapter 116 - 115 Undercurrents Da Liang, year 641, April 19th. Late at night, Chongde District south of the city. The Li Residence, a large estate that covered five acres. The yard was scattered with artificial mountains and ponds, and the spacious houses were arrayed in hedged rows of green tiles and bricks. Protectors moved in groups of three, carrying lanterns, patrolling the vast estate in an orderly fashion. In every concealed nook near the walls, black-furred watchdogs lay prone. Under the moonlight, their eyes occasionally reflected a faint red glow. At this moment, a group of people in black abruptly scaled the wall and entered. They landed without a sound, as if they were already familiar with the patrol arrangements within the estate. Without delay, they shot darts as they landed, and the watchdogs that had just stood up silently fell to the ground.@@@@ They promptly hid themselves and, when the patrolling Protectors passed by, they suddenly attacked. After delivering deadly blows, they swiftly moved to the next patrol point. From above the estate, seven or eight teams of people in black simultaneously burst in, systematically shrinking their circle of attack toward the inner residence. Wherever they passed, the guards patrolling the yard, the watchmen, and the sleeping maids and servants in the rooms were all silently killed. Bang! A door in the inner residence suddenly shattered. A man in his forties with a prosperous bearing crashed through the door, tumbling into the courtyard. A Ghost Head Greatknife was plunged into his belly, his face smeared with blood, glaring viciously at the figure emerging from the room behind him. "Shangguan Tong! How dare you?!" As the stench of blood grew stronger, thick veins bulged on the neck of the prosperous man. "Why shouldn''t I dare," Shangguan Tong, in his forties with a complexion as white as jade, said in a measured tone. "Li Shentong, since you dared to provoke the Shangguan Family, you should have been prepared to have your entire family eradicated." "Since when have I provoked the Shangguan Family!" Li Shentong couldn''t help but spew out a mouthful of blood, his eyes bulging with rage. Shangguan Tong looked somberly at him: "You''ve actually forgotten." "Eight years ago today, at Chunfeng Tower during the selection of the Oiran." "I was careless and didn''t bring enough money." "Unexpectedly, you outbid me, stealing the limelight." "How dare you?!" "Over the years, I''ve practiced my martial arts diligently, always wanting to avenge that humiliation!" "I think today is a good day for that." Li Shentong: "..." "Back then, I spent money to get the Oiran, wasn''t it to give to you?!" "You just remember me stealing your limelight?!" Shangguan Tong: "..." "Shentong brother, I... I might have remembered wrong." At that moment, a person in black appeared in front of Shangguan Tong with a swish, kneeling on one knee: "Second Master, they''re all cleaned up." Li Shentong: "..." Shangguan Tong with a resigned face: "Forget it, let''s make the whole family leave together." "By the way, remember not to forget to take their valuables, especially the land and house deeds." "Is this the effect of the Soul Locking Curse? To limit the Five Ghosts? Or rather, to control the Five Ghosts more forcefully." "We''ll see once I start to level up the skill." Chen Mu took a sip of throat-soothing medicinal tea and, using his rest time, spread out the Thousand Mountains Sutra. Among the Yin Soul Secret Techniques, apart from the Soul Locking Curse, there was also a prescription called Ascension Pill for cultivating medicine people. "This has nothing to do with the term ''cultivate''," Chen Mu remarked as he read, "It''s a ruthless medicine that forcibly stimulates vital energy, with no regard for life!" "It seems to be for strengthening the qi and blood of a medicine person..." "Perhaps, this could also be used on livestock," Chen Mu mused, squinting his eyes. ... Nanyang Prefecture, Luo River. A fifty-meter cargo ship slowly drifted on the wide river surface. At the bow, a man in his forties with a square face sat cross-legged on the deck. In front of him, there was a low square table. On the table was a black porcelain jar, from which a rich aroma of wine wafted out. There were also two side dishes on the table, a plate of sliced pig''s head meat and a plate of fried peanuts. The middle-aged man was enjoying the riverside breeze, leisurely pouring and sipping his own wine. "Big brother, there''s news from the third," a round-faced man came up behind the middle-aged man and said with a fist salute. "Last night, outside the city, seven families, big and small, were massacred." "The Prefectural Government Office is claiming that the chaos in the north caused evil spirits to run rampant." "Nonsense," the square-faced middle-aged man laughed. "Indeed, nonsense," the round-faced man said with sarcasm, "I''ve never heard of an evil spirit that would dig three feet into the ground to steal wealth." "The third brother has become quite capable, managing to deceive seven families into testing Shangguan Ji for us," the square-faced middle-aged man chuckled. The round-faced man muttered hesitantly, "Two families." The square-faced middle-aged man turned with a puzzled look. "Third brother only managed to persuade two families." "What about the other five?" The round-faced man shrugged, "The leader of the team that carried out the massacre was Shangguan Tong." "Wow! He''s after the money!" The square-faced middle-aged man laughed. "Isn''t Shangguan Ji worried that Shangguan Tong will ruin his plans?" the round-faced man wondered. "He''s doing it on purpose," the square-faced man said with a faint smile, "to intimidate the petty criminals." "With just a rumor, he immediately slaughters to warn the others." "I bet that Evil-Repelling Mirror must have been taken by Shangguan Yu!" "Keep probing." "And try to leave some evidence that connects to a few major families in the Inner City." "Let them start the fight!" "Alright," the round-faced man said respectfully with a salute. "Find some unoccupied houses in the city to slowly move our people in," the square-faced man continued with instructions, "Go." "Yes!" Chapter 117 - 116 Safety The next whole day. Chen Mu, apart from eating and resting as usual, spent all his time reciting the Soul Locking Curse. By evening, his proficiency had increased to 792 points. "The subsequent Curse Commands can still be shortened. Overall, it should definitely be done within ten days," Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. "Second Rank should be usable," Chen Mu guessed.@@@@ The Qian Shan Daoist from before could only control one ghost paper man. The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was probably Second Rank. The opponent''s Soul Locking Curse was estimated to be at Second Rank as well. It might even only be First Rank. The Qian Shan Daoist did not have the proficiency cheat. "Perhaps he just used it to refine ghosts and enhance the paper man''s power," Chen Mu considered a possibility. A Second Rank Soul Locking Curse was not necessarily able to successfully absorb the Three Treasures Essence. "Need to give it a try," Chen Mu thought deeply. ... After a short rest, Chen Mu went to the kitchen to prepare the meal. As his cooking skills improved, making meals became more and more effortless. In each round, black pottery dish, various ingredients washed and chopped cleanly were placed. Added scallions and garlic to stir-fry until fragrant. Chen Mu picked up a plate of leafy greens and poured it into the hot wok. Instantly, a piece of data flashed through his mind: "The main dish weighs about a pound and five taels." After stir-frying for a while and waiting for the leaves to soften, he reached into the brown pottery jar and pinched out snowy white salt grains: "Hmm, a qian of salt, just right." "Old Man Jie seems to prefer a stronger taste," Chen Mu looked toward the salt jar. "Forget it, he''s just freeloading, why should I accommodate him?!" Chen Mu huffed twice, stir-frying with a sizzling sound, evenly distributing the salt and other ingredients, and then swiftly dished it out of the wok. "At worst, I''ll add half a salted duck egg for him." Explore stories at novelhall.Co?m In the clean white porcelain dish, the verdant vegetables looked as though they were freshly picked. The rich aroma spread, Chen Mu sniffed carefully, discerning the proportions of various ingredients. He nodded with satisfaction: "Practicing the Shape Cultivation Technique often really has its benefits." Although not in armor, his fine control over his body was unrivaled. This allowed him to precisely control the proportions of main ingredients and seasonings when cooking. The meals he made were complete in color, fragrance, and taste. ... By the time he served up six dishes and one soup, three meat and three vegetarian on the dining table, Jie Jia had been waiting in the pavilion for a while. "This is unlike you," Chen Mu said, surprised at the sight of Jie Jia. The man used to time his arrival perfectly for mealtimes. Why come so early today? Jie Jia didn''t speak, just silently handed Chen Mu two hundred tael silver notes. Chen Mu looked at him in surprise. It was very rare to see return money from this miser. "Are Blue Medicine Pills that easy to sell?" Chen Mu realized. Just yesterday, he gave Jie Jia twenty-five Blue Medicine Pills. To think all of them were sold already?! "You can make more," Jie Jia said calmly. He had truly not anticipated the Blue Medicine Pills selling so well. Jie Jia, that money-grubber, even dared to give him credit. Safe at last... ... On the Luo River, a fifty-meter merchant ship smoothly passed through the inspection at the checkpoint and drifted into Nanyang Prefecture once again. The ship docked at the small wharf in Cihui Fang on the southern bank. A group of laborers in brown short vests climbed aboard to unload the cargo. In the midst of this, a few people in grey clothes disembarked and quietly disappeared among the crowd on the wharf. In the afternoon, the laborers loaded new goods onto the ship, and the grey-clothed individuals quietly boarded again. The merchant ship left the small wharf, slowly drifting towards the outskirts of the city. The square-faced middle-aged man still sat cross-legged on the bow deck. "Big brother, your prediction was spot-on, Shangguan Ji has started to trouble the Zhang Family," said the round-faced man with a hint of excitement. The square-faced middle-aged man playfully tossed a peanut into his mouth: "The grudge between the Shangguan Family and the Zhang Family dates back to the previous generation." "With just a little guidance from us, conflict is sure to arise." "Let''s go, we leave the city immediately to meet with the demonic Tu Shan." The round-faced man said with concern: "Tu Shan is odd and ruthless, I''m afraid that seeking him out might be dangerous..." The square-faced middle-aged man smiled faintly: "Everyone has their own desires. As long as we know what he wants, there is nothing we can''t discuss." "The Zhang Family is weak; we need to find them some assistance." "A battle where forces are evenly matched is worth watching." ... In Lin Heng Fang, at the Chen Residence. Chen Mu woke up naturally from his sleep. After breakfast, he spent half an hour refining Blue Medicine Pills. Each batch could yield about twenty-five to thirty pills, just enough for Jie Jia to sell in a day. Then, he started to practice the White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique. With seventeen Zuming Talismans in his pocket, Chen Mu''s sense of security greatly increased. Since the need for the Soul Locking Curse wasn''t as urgent, he picked up the Shape Cultivation Technique again. "After all, perfume is just perfume." "Without insecticide, even a fly swatter will do." At the moment, he only knew that Soul Strength could touch Ghosts. He would set aside time in the afternoon to cast the Soul Locking Curse. "I wonder what the effect of a higher-level Soul Locking Curse would be." "If only it could give me full control over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse." The current Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was easy to release but hard to withdraw. If it encountered flesh and could not consume it completely, intense cravings to devour would continuously assault Chen Mu''s brain. And once started, it''s impossible to stop. ``` Chapter 118 - 117 Patch Outside Nanyang Prefecture City, Qingluo Mountain. A small mountain completely covered by lush vegetation. At the waist of the mountain, there was a small mountain spring waterfall. Not far away, hidden among the dense banyan forest, was an abandoned small Taoist temple. Inside the main hall of the temple stood a damaged and headless statue of a deity. On the mottled and faded walls around, divine demon colored painting patterns could still be vaguely seen. A strong man over two meters tall, his muscles knotted, and his skin stretched into bizarre lines from the bulge, sat inside the main hall. In front of him burned a bonfire. Beside it was a smashed offering table. At this moment, the strong man used the wood from the offering table to light the fire, leisurely roasting a two-hundred-pound boar. He didn''t use a knife; with just his fingers, he easily sliced through skin and flesh, evenly sprinkling on the seasoning. As the surface cooked, paying no mind to the scorching heat, he casually grabbed chunks of the cooked meat from the outside and stuffed them into his mouth, chewing and swallowing in just a couple of bites. "Tu Shan, help me deal with Shangguan Ji." "After the deed is done, I''ll lead my troops north to search for the Thousand Mechanism Token. The first one will be given to you." The square-faced middle-aged man entered the main hall, speaking succinctly. "Chao Fang? Want some meat?" Tu Shan reached out and handed a clump of bloody, semi-cooked meat to the square-faced middle-aged man, Chao Fang. Chao Fang shook his head with a smile, "I''d rather not have my head crushed by you." "Pity..." Tu Shan eyed Chao Fang''s head and stuffed the meat with blood streaks into his mouth. "When do we make a move." A smile curved the corners of Chao Fang''s mouth, "Wait for my signal." ... In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the third day of May, the weather was becoming increasingly hot. Chen Mu wore a sleeveless undershirt, sitting under an octagonal pavilion. Around the corners were seven or eight wooden barrels filled with glistening ice blocks, bringing down the temperature of the entire pavilion a few degrees. On the stone table lay a wooden basin, in which a small arm-length live fish continuously thrashed about. Three odd syllables were uttered. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Five paper ghosts appeared in front of him, instantly turning into five curls of black smoke. Chen Mu''s mouth immediately started salivating as he watched the lively fish, his eyes beginning to gleam. Hum! The black smoke flashed past, and the fish''s head instantly disappeared. The cut was clean, as if sliced by a sharp blade. The black smoke churned above the wooden basin, continuously attempting to charge at the remaining half of the fish. But Chen Mu clenched his teeth and intently stared at the black smoke. Hum! Suddenly, the black smoke vanished. Chen Mu gasped heavily, "I really can control the Five Ghosts." Soul Locking Curse, soul locking, locks the Five Ghosts'' Yin Spirit. "It''s like putting a chain on the paper ghosts." ... On the Luo River, Chao Fang once again entered Nanyang Prefecture aboard a cargo ship. "Zong Tai, how many of our men have infiltrated?" Experience more content on novelhall.Co?m "Twelve of our brothers are all in position. Grouped in threes, they''ve found places to hide near the four corners of the Inner City," responded Zong Tai with a respectful bow. "Each has brought ten elites, all in the Marrow Transformation Realm," Zong Tai reported with a salute. "Have all twelve soul-seizing stakes been installed?" Chao Fang asked with solemnity. "Nine have been put down," Zong Tai replied. "The remaining locations have inhabitants. Our men have already made contact with these three families, preparing to buy their estates at a high price." "Good. Spend more money if necessary, but don''t arouse suspicion," Chao Fang nodded in satisfaction. "When do we act?" asked Zong Tai, eager. "Wait, wait until Shangguan Ji deals with the Zhang Family." "Wait until Tu Shan severely injures Shangguan Ji," said Chao Fang calmly. "Right, find me a place to stay." "The time is drawing near; I need to be close to keep watch." "Understood!" ... Eleven days later. In Nanyang Prefecture, at the Chen Residence of Lin Heng Avenue. Chen Mu successfully advanced the level of the Soul Locking Curse to the Third Rank. While grinding for proficiency, he specifically crafted a batch of Secret Medicine for Medicine Cultivators. The old tanks by the river were once again put to use. Seven large tanks brimmed with live fish. Besides normal feeding, the Medicine Cultivator Secret Medicine was also added in proportion. The live fish grew at a visibly quick pace, becoming more aggressive with tremendous strength and vigorous vital energy. Chen Mu did not immediately proceed with experiments; instead, he continued to accumulate experience for the Ghost Locking Curse. Twelve days later, the Ghost Locking Curse broke through to the Fourth Rank. His control over the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse greatly improved. Suppressing the urge to test, Chen Mu continued to push his limits. In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the sixth day of the sixth month. The Ghost Locking Curse finally reached Perfection at the Fourth Rank. Chen Mu summoned the grey walls and searched top to bottom twice, yet he could not find the Ghost Locking Curse. A thought struck him, and the Divine Intent Diagram of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse emerged in his mind. "It seems to have grown a bit larger." "Have they merged into one?" Chen Mu was filled with surprise. What was this? An add-on or a patch? Chen Mu couldn''t help but greatly admire the creator of this Secret Technique. "Truly daring in thought and action." "It seems the Soul Locking Curse is not only for refining essence but also for controlling the Five Ghosts and perfecting the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse," Chen Mu reflected." "Impressive!" Chapter 119 - 118 Rent Da Liang Year 641, the 7th day of the 6th month. Nanyang Prefecture, Shanglin Neighborhood. An old wooden house by the river. A mass of constantly swirling black smoke was churning in mid-air. The next moment, it plunged into a water jar by the wall, then immediately flew out and dove into another jar nearby. The fish, rendered fierce from the nourishing of Secret Medicine, seemed to sense danger and frantically jumped about. The slapping against the water jars made a banging sound. One even leapt two meters high with ease, escaping the water jar. The black smoke, like a greedy snake, deftly reached into the air, and the high-jumping fish vanished without a trace. In just five breaths, all the fish in the seven big jars had disappeared. Chen Mu fixated his gaze on the Ghostly black smoke. However, his attention concentrated on the Five Ghosts Bag. A mass of red mist, the size of a mung bean, emerged. "This time it''s much easier," Chen Mu sighed in relief and dispersed the black smoke. Feeding with Secret Medicine, the fish had abundant qi and blood, which refined more essence. With Ghost Locking Curse perfected, Chen Mu''s ability to snatch food with his ghostly mouth had grown stronger. "Finally, they''re no longer the size of sesame seeds." Though they were still mist, far from condensing into liquid, they had grown to the size of mung beans at least. "After several... a dozen more times, I should be able to refine a drop of ''Palace-illuminating Red,''" Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Time to catch more fish." Chen Mu brought out the bait of inebriation, followed the usual routine of casting bait, waiting, and catching fish. He filled the seven water jars and half the vertical shaft until the pool was nearly depleted of fish before he stopped. "Let''s nourish them for a bit." Chen Mu stared at the large water jar, contemplating, "Should I buy some live pigs?" "Forget it, let''s first clear the debt to Jie Jia," Chen Mu shrugged. With Soul Locking Curse perfected and Palace-illuminating Red close to achievement, feeling cheerful today, he headed to Chunfeng Tower... Hmm, to inquire about the latest news in the world. ... North Market, Chunfeng Tower. In a secluded compartment, Chen Mu disdainfully ate the full table of dishes. With his cooking skills improving and his sense of taste becoming more sensitive, the dishes at Fan Tower that used to taste alright now revealed all sorts of flaws. Continue your adventure at novelhall.Co?m Though not as delicious as the ones he made, Chen Mu nevertheless cleaned out the dishes one by one. Not wasting food was a habit cultivated by his parents in his previous life. No matter how much rice was in his bowl, he had to finish it unless he couldn''t stomach it. His parents always felt he hadn''t eaten enough, piling his plate high and even tamping it down, so... He naturally went from being a chubby kid to a fat adult. "It''s better now, no matter how much I eat, I don''t gain weight," Chen Mu chuckled as he watched the enchanting figure of Yu Tao on stage. Five paper ghosts scurried around the hall. In the dim light, amidst laughter and joyful chatter, the paper ghosts lurked in the shadows, creating a sense of a wild dance of demons. Chen Mu, however, reveled in this, effortlessly controlling the paper ghosts to eavesdrop on conversations he was interested in. "Nanyang Prefecture City isn''t peaceful either," Chen Mu sighed inwardly. "Why did I have to end up in such chaotic times." He changed his appearance along the way, switched his clothes, altered his route, and strolled leisurely towards his home in the Shanglin Neighborhood. ... Just as he entered his own alley, the swaying Chen Mu couldn''t help but be startled. What was once a pitch-black street now had a dim yellow glow. In the mansion across from his house, there were two large lanterns hanging on either side of the door. A carriage stopped in the middle of the road, filled to the brim with wooden boxes, big and small. Little lanterns hung on all four corners of the carriage, lighting up the dark alleyway. Four or five sturdy men dressed like servants were continuously moving wooden boxes down from the carriage. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately thought to turn around and run. But the man who seemed to be the master, standing at the doorway, had already turned his head and looked over. The sturdy men moving the boxes instantly stopped in their tracks and turned their heads, silently placing the wooden boxes down and reaching their hands into the gaps between the boxes on the carriage. Their forearms bulged with muscle, as if they were gripping something. A glint of black light flashed across their arms in the shadow of the lantern light. Then they all stared at Chen Mu expressionlessly. The alleyway fell into silence for a moment. Chen Mu''s face involuntarily twitched. Wandering Souls?! Is it still possible to run now? "May I ask, young brother, where are you coming from and where are you headed?" Chao Fang asked with narrowed eyes and a cheerful smile as he looked at Chen Mu. Don''t panic, and definitely don''t run! Feeling the Five Ghosts Bag tied to his chest, Chen Mu suppressed his shock. Bluff my way through first. Don''t be too enthusiastic, it can arouse suspicion. Nor too cold, as it can also raise suspicion. Right, act like an introverted, antisocial homebody? Having made up his mind, he pointed indifferently at the gate across from him and said with a touch of impatience, "From Chunfeng Tower, going home to sleep." Chao Fang''s eyebrows rose slightly, glanced at the round-faced man next to him, and immediately responded with a laugh, "Then we''ll be neighbors." Chen Mu''s brows furrowed slightly, seemingly not too welcoming, "I like it quiet, just to be clear. Don''t cause any disturbances normally." Chao Fang laughed, "What a coincidence, I like it quiet too." Chen Mu nodded noncommittally and continued to his door to take out his keys and unlock it. "Renting this house isn''t cheap, right?" Chen Mu glanced at the other party and casually asked. "Indeed, not at all. The landlord is greedy, charged me quite a lot," Chao Fang agreed. Chen Mu paused in the motion of opening the door, giving the other party a deep look... You haven''t given me a cent though. Chapter 120 - 119 riots Bang! As Chen Mu closed his door, Chao Fang immediately gave a look to the round-faced man beside him. Explore new worlds at novelhall.Co?m The man instantly put down the lantern in his hand and darted into the courtyard next to Chen Mu''s. Under the cover of moonlight and shadow, he hid and kept a close watch on Chen Mu. ... In the courtyard, Chen Mu felt an annoying itch on his scalp but didn''t dare to scratch it. With a sidelong glance, he peeked at the shadow on the neighboring rooftop. "Careless! I actually forgot to use the paper figures to scout ahead." "Staying in a place for too long indeed makes one lose their vigilance." Like any ordinary person, Chen Mu fumbled in the dark to light a lamp, hummed a tune while fetching water to wash up, and even poured himself a cup of iced tea to cool off. "They''ve taken over my courtyard, and now they''re watching me..." Outrageous! Totally unacceptable! The more Chen Mu thought about it, the angrier he becamebut he took a deep breath... and blew out the light to sleep. Can''t provoke four or five Wandering Soul masters. ... "Big Brother, that guy''s asleep," said the man from across the courtyard, his voice filled with unease.@@@@ "Zong Tai, be more careful the next time you do something," Chao Fang sighed. The round-faced man stiffened. Chao Fang waved his hand: "Let it be. Looking at that person, he probably has a solitary nature and rarely goes out." "I urged you too urgently, and it''s understandable that you didn''t notice him, given the circumstances." Zong Tai was still worried: "Big Brother, with a major event impending, shouldn''t we..." Chao Fang narrowed his eyes, thinking: "Don''t act just yet." "But he lives right across, and in the long run, if he finds our movements suspicious, I''m afraid..." Chao Fang glanced at Zong Tai: "Do you know his surname or name? Do you know who he is friends with? Do you know who he meets with most often on a daily basis?" Zong Tai faltered and did not dare to speak. "Killing someone is the most basic method," Chao Fang sighed. "We have to catch them all at once!" Chao Fang spoke earnestly. "To eradicate a problem completely, that is the superior approach." Lying on his bed with his eyes open, Chen Mu, who had been eavesdropping and spying with paper figures: "..." "Ruthless people indeed," Chen Mu sighed. Being all secretive and moving house in the middle of the night, then immediately being surveilled by a neighbornothing good comes of this. And that major event they mentioned sounds ominous. What to do? Should I... wait for them to fall asleep and then take them down? A plan of action quickly formed in his mind. After thinking it over, Chen Mu gently slapped his face. "I''m getting carried away," he said. "Dare to kill and silence people!" "Against four or five Wandering Soul experts and at least one unknown powerhouse likely to be the head of the household, where did I get such courage? From the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke or the Sleeve Sword Technique?" Chen Mu reflected with annoyance. "Better to run," he sighed. A pleasant surprise! The gloominess of being forced to leave home dissolved into nothing. "Just you wait, when I have cultivated Shell Soul, I''ll see if I don''t come after you for rent!" Chen Mu thought joyously. Upon careful inventory, he found that he had quite a few Wandering Souls on his body. Together, they covered almost one-twentieth of his entire body. "It may be a little small, but... the prospects for Shell Soul look promising," Chen Mu thought with satisfaction. ... On the square table, two large platters with diameters as long as a forearm were placed in the center. One platter contained marinated beef and pork head, the other blanched Chinese broccoli, with a small bowl of chili dipping sauce in between. At the side was a flat bamboo basket, piled up like a small mountain with charcoal-grilled fresh meat pastries. Jie Jia, following the covert signs left by Chen Mu, arrived and looked at the hearty dinner laid out on the table, a bit stunned. "I wanted to prepare something nice. Unfortunately, circumstances didn''t allow it, so we''ll have to make do," Chen Mu shrugged. "A bunch of tough guys moved in across the street, so I have no choice but to leave." Jie Jia nodded: "Indeed, you can''t beat them." Chen Mu rolled his eyes in response and remained silent. "Let''s eat!" The room immediately fell silent. Both men had physical constitutions akin to monsters. The amount of food was enough to satisfy five or six ordinary people, but the two of them consumed it as if slowly yet quickly, and it wasn''t long before it was all gone. "Give me a few more Zuming Talismans," Chen Mu hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "You really don''t need to run," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said reluctantly. Chen Mu shook his head and spoke cautiously: "Better to hide in Lijiang City." There was no need to seek out danger unnecessarily. He had Proficiency, and sooner or later, he would cultivate Shell Soul. Beyond that lay the unexplored vistas of opening the heavenly gate and achieving immortality. But before that, survival came first. "I''ll give you the recipes for Gentle Breeze Powder and Blue Medicine Pills. Tell me how many Daoist Talismans you can give me at once." Jie Jia''s eyebrows raised: "Do you not plan on coming back?" "The situation doesn''t seem right; I suspect that Nanyang Prefecture City might descend into chaos soon," Chen Mu expressed his concern. Jie Jia was about to speak when he suddenly turned his head toward the Inner City. Then, he got up and walked out the door. Chen Mu couldn''t help but follow him out to the courtyard and looked in the direction Jie Jia was staring. They could only see distant flickering flames along the walls of the Inner City. "What are you looking at?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled by the dim, distant walls. With an impassive face, Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu with his bright yellow eyes: "It''s already begun." Chen Mu was taken aback, his face a picture of astonishment: "You''re kidding?!" "They''ve started already?" He immediately jumped onto the roof beam, widened his eyes to look toward the Inner City: "I can''t see anything." Jie Jia stood beside him, looking up at the distant sky, then suddenly pulled a stack of Daoist Talismans from his sleeve and handed them to Chen Mu. The Daoist Talismans felt heavy in hand, certainly no fewer than twenty. "Keep the Zuming Talismans close and don''t go out tonight," he said. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu, clutching the Zuming Talismans, suddenly had a bad premonition. "Don''t think about running," Jie Jia said indifferently: "There are more outside the city." Chen Mu: "..." Chapter 121 - 120 Conscription Chen Mu sat on the rooftop, clutching the forty-one Zuming Talismans, restlessly uneasy until dawn. He stared at the Inner City all night and did not see a single ghost. But that faint, chilling sensation couldn''t fool anyone. Not until the sun was high overhead, and the scorching heat of noon dispersed the coldness. Only then did Chen Mu jump down from the rooftop. As he walked to the door, his figure paused, and the hand reaching to open it drew back. "Wait a bit longer," he murmured. The entire Nanyang Prefecture City was unsettlingly quiet. For three consecutive days, Chen Mu hid at home and focused solely on increasing his proficiency. The Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique improved rapidly. His Shape-shifting Technique also broke through to Second Rank, allowing him to adjust his height and build. But none of this could keep Chen Mu happy for long. No matter how he changed his appearance or height, the ghosts didn''t recognize faces. They dared to gnaw on anyone alive. ... Experience new tales on novelhall.Co?m At noon on the fourth day. A sound of gongs reverberated from the streets. A sense of relief washed over Chen Mu. The paper effigy immediately floated up to the wall, and he saw two soldiers in black tight suits. The men carried long swords at their waists and held copper gongs, striking them and calling out. The gist was that Shangguan Ji had lost all humanity, summoning evil spirits to wreak havoc in Nanyang Prefecture City, leading to the fall of the Inner City. Chao Tianwang of Liangyue Prefecture happened to pass by, couldn''t stand the injustice, drew his sword to assist, drove away Shangguan Ji, and saved the city''s populace. Now Chao Tianwang was conscripting troops, offering Salary Silver and generous resettlement fees to anyone who joined, first come, first served. Chen Mu listened intently, the rest were praises for Chao Tianwang''s martial arts and character, and various derogations of Shangguan Ji. "Is that the Chao Tianwang who slaughtered Liangyue Prefecture City?" "Shangguan Ji? Heh... This Chao Tianwang is probably the real one who lured the ghosts into the city," Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "Doesn''t the Inner City have an Evil-Repelling Mirror?" Chen Mu wondered. "Liangyue Prefecture couldn''t have fallen just like that, could it?" Chen Mu felt a surge of terror. Only one in ten remained in the Inner City, now food for the ghosts. Goosebumps couldn''t help springing up on him. "So ruthless!" ... As evening arrived at the Jian''an Gate in the south, Chen Mu stood in the shadows of the city wall. Looking up, the sunset stained the sky, blood-red like blood. Not a single patrolling soldier was on the city walls, the city gates wide open, yet no one dared to leave. The usually bustling gateway was now eerily silent. Chen Mu looked down through the crenels of the city wall. Within a few hundred meters outside the city lay hundreds of scattered corpses. These dead bodies were withered, their faces frozen in horror, terribly gruesome. At that moment, the Zuming Talisman in his chest warmed slightly, sending shivers down Chen Mu''s spine. "How dare he?!" South Market, Chunfeng Pavilion. Within the main hall of the first floor, the lighting was dim, the fragrance of wine overflowed, and the sounds of joy and laughter were endless. In Nanyang Prefecture''s Inner City, one out of ten remained alive, bodies piling up like mountains. Those who went to help deal with the corpses had frightened several to madness. Outside the city, Ghosts posed a threat. Bigger families and wealthy gentry were in a state of panic. But for ordinary people in the Outer City, it didn''t have much impact. Ghosts only wreaked havoc in the Inner City, with almost none in the Outer City. The city had not been closed for long, and with the merchants relying on stock, business in both the South and North Markets was booming. The entertainment industry, like Chunfeng Tower, was also thriving. Chen Mu sat in a corner, with a little paper figure busily working in the shadows. The dancer on the stage was a dancer named Qiu Ying, with a curvaceous figure, each good in their own right, just like Yu Tao from the North Market. Chen Mu appreciated the performance while trying to gather information. Those who came here to indulge themselves included not only wealthy heirs but also many whom they didn''t typically see in the past. These people had dark and rough skin, not born into high status. But each was tall and strong, prime candidates for military service. In the past, they could only drool at the entrance, deterred by the high spending. Now, after aligning themselves with Chao Tianwang and having received a substantial amount of Salary Silver, they immediately came to Chunfeng Tower to indulge. For three consecutive days, Chen Mu visited Chunfeng Tower every night to listen for news. During the day, he would walk through the streets and alleys, seeking out those who had enlisted to gather information. "Anyone with Bone Transformation gets to be an instructor upon entry." "Each person first receives a settling-in fee of two thousand silver." "Then there are five Dragon Transformation Pills. Alternatively, you can choose one Dragon Transformation Pill and one Shape Cultivation Technique." "If you''re of the Marrow Transformation Realm, aside from the limitation to choose one Shape Cultivation Technique, every other benefit is doubled!" "Those of the Wandering Soul Realm even get to directly negotiate with Chao Tianwang, with even higher terms." Chen Mu remarked to Jie Jia with a contemplative face, "He''s really splurging." Jie Jia nodded calmly. "Looking at this pattern, it''s not much different from the Startling Swan Gang''s Tangshan Camp." "Looks like they''re also recruiting people to head north to find the Thousand Mechanism Token." "His rewards are not easy to take," Chen Mu still couldn''t make up his mind. At that moment, there were soft footsteps outside the door. Chen Mu and Jie Jia exchanged a glance. "I''ll go stay for a few days," Chen Mu said, picking up his plate and running off. Jie Jia followed right behind, hands each holding two plates of food as he climbed over the wall to leave. As they leaped and dodged, not a drop of soup was spilled! Bang! The wooden door was kicked open with a single blow. "Search!" Chapter 122 - 121 Choice The following morning, at the southeastern corner of the street by Tao Hua Alley, there used to be a tea house. At the moment, the tea house had been requisitioned. In front of the door, two long queues were arranged, with one burly man after another in brown clothes lining up to register. More than twenty soldiers in black tight suits, wearing brown leather armor on the upper body, were patrolling back and forth to maintain order. Despite their constant shouting for silence, the noise could not be stopped. Chen Mu, now standing at 1.8 meters, had a robust build and a face rugged with flesh. Dressed in a gray tight suit, his wrists fitted with black leather braces, his hair was casually tied into a ponytail at the back of his head as he strutted towards the tea house. The soldiers at the door, seeing Chen Mu''s appearance, knew that he most likely was a martial artist from Jianghu; they immediately stepped aside to let Chen Mu into the tea house. ... Inside the tea house, there was a row of long tables by the entrance of the main hall. Five or six scholars were seated behind the long tables handling the registration. Chen Mu was led by the accompanying soldiers to the center of the hall. There was a separate long table there, with a goateed elder lazily sipping tea behind it. A middle-aged man resembling a government clerk stood beside him. Upon seeing Chen Mu, he casually asked, "What''s your name? Where do you live?" "Chen Mu, I live in Tao Hua Alley, the third house on Ding You Street." Chen Mu quietly adjusted his throat muscles to make his voice rough and sonorous. "What skills do you have?" continued the goateed elder. "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, Bone Transformation," stated Chen Mu simply. The goatee''s eyebrows raised, "Some skills you''ve got!" What followed was a string of questions, including ancestral home, when he arrived in Nanyang, and his usual social interactions, among others. The adjacent middle-aged clerk immediately pulled out a stack of files for cross-checking. Chen Mu even saw a copy of a deed with a red seal on it, the duplicate of the rental contract for his house. Fortunately, he had come prepared and fluently answered all the questions. The elder''s expression grew increasingly pleased, "Come on, follow me to the backyard for testing." Chen Mu nodded indifferently and followed the old man into the backyard. ... Under the eaves in the yard, a burly man around 1.8 meters tall sat in the shade, drinking tea. He was dressed in a black tight suit, with brown leather armor, a jade belt around his waist, and black boots on his feet, while a long sword rested beside a short table. Chen Mu had just stepped into the courtyard when he paused in his tracks. He had seen this man before; he was there moving wooden boxes on the night when Chen Mu''s new neighbors were moving in. "That neighbor must also be one of Chao Tianwang''s men." "Lucky I ran fast!" "Master Jia, a fine fellow has arrived," the goateed man said obsequiously. "Go test him." Master Jia didn''t stand up, merely gesturing with his chin towards six huge stone spheres in the yard, "Lift one up and walk a circle." Chen Mu, composed, made his way to the stone spheres. He easily lifted the first stone sphere and walked a circle around the yard, about ten meters in length and width. Then he picked up the second one, his expression still easy.@@@@ By the third, his breathing had become slightly more rapid. Then he gritted his teeth and lifted the fourth one, his face turning beet red, but he still managed to complete a circle. When he tried the fifth, he could lift it off the ground but was unable to walk, so he immediately shook his head and gave up. "Bone Transformation is adequate," Master Jia said with satisfaction, "Old Ding, take him to the Inner City to receive his reward." ... Within Nanyang Prefecture''s Inner City. This was Chen Mu''s first visit to the Inner City. Sitting in a carriage, he couldn''t help but lift the curtain, peering out through the window. The roads were smooth, paved with blue stones, spacious and clean, with enough room for five or six carriages to pass side by side. The surrounding buildings were magnificent and exquisite; looking around, everything had white walls and green tiles, set in grand and deep courtyards. However, the typical luxury was gone now. On both sides of the streets, within the grand courtyards, soldiers were everywhere creating chaos. The Inner City had turned into Chao Tianwang''s military camp. The original residents had long been devoured by ghosts. ... Compared to the first floor, the second floor had significantly fewer bookshelves. Just three five-meter-long bookshelves stood there, isolated. The items placed on them were sparsely arranged, with one book occupying its own spot. A round-faced man was sitting by the second-floor window, drinking tea and enjoying the breeze. "The Shape Cultivation Arts are in the first row, third compartment. Choose one to copy by hand." "You''re free to look at other items as well but can''t take or copy them unless you give up the Shape Cultivation Art." Zong Tai glanced at Chen Mu and said indifferently. Chen Mu''s eyes squinted as he observed the man. Wasn''t this the same person who had monitored him that night and later tried to silence him? If it weren''t for this man, he wouldn''t have had to skulk around in hiding! It was these very people who ruthlessly summoned Ghosts to destroy the Inner City and committed countless murders! Utterly unforgivable! Chen Mu''s mind churned with thoughts, but he strove to keep his face calm, politely greeting Zong Tai with a fist and palm salute. He immediately walked to the shelves, looking at the dozen or so Shape Cultivation books inside the compartment. Chen Mu took a deep breath and slowly browsed through them. After quite a while, Chen Mu frowned and looked up. "Is it that the noble clans have too tight a grip on Shape Cultivation, or is Chao Tianwang deliberately hiding something?" Among the dozen or so Shape Cultivation books, only three seemed appealing. The rest were mostly in the vein of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique. "Too bad I can only choose one." Chen Mu calmly picked up a Seven-horned Black Deer Shape Cultivation Art and headed to the desk. Half an hour later, he left the Scripture Pavilion. Chen Mu turned to look at Zong Tai by the second-floor window and politely nodded in greeting. Zong Tai also nodded back, yet his eyes flickered with a trace of confusion. Why does this man look somewhat familiar? "Xing Lao Liu!" Zong Tai called out to the entrance below. "Coming, Second Master!" Xing Lao Liu ran up the stairs excitedly. "Is there a problem with that man?" the Second Master asked casually. Xing Lao Liu''s heart thumped, yet his ingratiating smile didn''t waver. A problem? What problem could there be? The man was just a ruthless character who had undergone Bone Transformation. He assured emphatically, "Absolutely no problem!" "Hmm, keep up the good work. You won''t miss out on your reward," Zong Tai waved off carelessly. "Thank you, Second Master!" Xing Lao Liu chuckled as he went back downstairs. Once seated back at the entrance desk, he cautiously wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Best not to provoke such ruthless characters," he thought. "What if he suddenly starts killing people? Ding Lao? Hah..." ... Chen Mu stood before a large house at the entrance to the Inner East City. "That''s it, go on in. This is where the instructor of the Wu Character Camp resides." Ding Lao poked his head out from the carriage window, lazily pointing at a red lacquered gate. Chen Mu watched Ding Lao with an expressionless face. He touched the Seven-horned Black Deer Shape Cultivation Art in his bosom and thought of the other two books still lying in the Scripture Pavilion. Suddenly, with a grin, he spoke, "Mr. Ding, I have a cousin, his name is Chen Jia, with the same Bone Transformation skills. He also wishes to serve under Chao Tianwang. Could you possibly recommend him?" "Where is he?" Ding Lao perked up immediately. "Unfortunately, he lives in Shanglin Neighborhood, which isn''t in your jurisdiction." Ding Lao''s brow furrowed tightly; he had a beef with the person in charge of Shanglin Neighborhood. After thinking for a while, he gritted his teethbetter to fall out even more! Why let someone else eat the meat by his mouth?! "I will find him tomorrow! I''ll personally take him through the process!" Ding Lao said excitedly, another silver note soon to be in his account! Chen Mu was just as cheerful, another Shape Cultivation book soon within his grab! Watching Ding Lao drive away excitedly, Chen Mu''s smile faded, and he turned away, leaving the Wu Character Camp indifferently. "I hope on the day my identity is revealed, you can be just as happy." Chapter 123 - 122 Agreed ``` In the old wooden building of Shanglin Neighborhood. Three peculiar syllables escaped Chen Mu''s mouth. Black smoke appeared in mid-air, twisting and rolling like a long serpent, then suddenly plunged downward. The live fish in the filled tank disappeared without a trace. This process was repeated six times, and all the fish in seven large tanks were devoured. Chen Mu introspected the space within the Five Ghosts Bag, and that cluster of Three Treasures Essence hovering in mid-air finally underwent some change. The original light red mist, the size of a mung bean, had now turned into... a less light red mist, still the size of a mung bean. "No wonder they set their sights on living humans." He had swallowed no fewer than thirty-five tanks of live fish, but up to now, he hadn''t managed to refine a single drop of Diandan red. "If I keep fishing like this, the Dragon King of Luo River is going to come looking for trouble with me." The black smoke in his hand rolled, and a bright red Elixir Pill appeared in his palm. Chen Mu looked up in the direction of the Inner City, "The people of this world live such miserable lives." He had every reason to suspect that this thing was refined from the countless lives of the people in the Inner City. "With such turmoil, it''s a miracle that Da Liang hasn''t fallen yet." Chen Mu indifferently put away the Dragon Transformation Pill in his hand. "Seems like there''s no need to rush the refining of Diandan red." Carrying forty-one Zuming Talismans... though burdened with debt, Continue reading on His need for money was no longer so urgent. The income from the three replicated Elixir Pills was enough to support him in paying off the debt, even though it might take some time. There was also no need to think about exchanging the Dragon Transformation Pill for the Shape Cultivation Technique, as he had already found a way to obtain the Shape Cultivation Technique. "It''s just a little bit dangerous." ... Under the pavilion, Chen Mu placed a wooden basin on a stone table. The basin was filled with clear water, and Chen Mu looked down at the surface of the water. He watched as the muscles of his face slowly writhed, transforming into a handsome young scholar.@@@@ "Young Master Duan Yu." Chen Mu then shook his head, "This poor little brother is too miserable, all the girls he likes... are his actual sisters." "Cousin sisters are still sisters." He quickly adjusted his facial muscles, turning into a refined middle-aged man in his thirties or forties, "I am Duan Zhengchun!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, then shook his head again, "This old chap''s luck with women, tsk tsk... what a shame he''s got a cuckold''s green hat." Suddenly his face changed again, "Still, Yan Zu is more pleasing to the eye." "Mmm, Guan Xi is passable too." Chen Mu chuckled, continuously altering his facial contours. Limited by his facial features, he couldn''t achieve a perfect match. But deceiving Old Master Ding would be a piece of cake! ... Early in the morning, Xing Lao Liu got up and had a bowl of wontons at the street corner, then leisurely headed towards the Prefectural Government Office in the Inner City. The office had changed its master, but it did not affect him much. As long as he kept his skills, he could make a living anywhere. It was secure! Even Second Rank shapeshifting technique he couldn''t see through, let alone Third Rank! Immediately, he confidently smiled at Xing Lao Liu. Xing Lao Liu stiffened all over, his facial skin shivering as if it had cramps. "He smiled? And smiled so cruelly?!" "Is he threatening me?" "He dares to threaten me?!" "Your... What might your honored surname be?" Xing Lao Liu forced a difficult smile and asked cautiously. "There''s no need for ''honored,'' I am Chen Jia, please proceed with the registration, Mr. Xing," Chen Mu replied leisurely. He kept smiling amiably the whole time. This old man is indeed useless! "Mr. Xing... It''s over! He remembered my name now!" Xing Lao Liu''s calves even began to tremble? He daringly didn''t look Chen Mu in the eye, quickly jotting down the information, then promptly stood up to invite Chen Mu inside the building. ... "Xing Lao Liu, your place is not up to scratch. At the Prefectural Government Office, how can you make your coffin funds?" Ding Lao Tou said with a look of disdain. Ding Lao Tou cautiously glanced at Chen Mu''s figure inside the Scripture Pavilion, noticed that Chen Mu had already gone up to the second floor, and immediately started to shake three fingers proudly, saying, "Today, I made this much again!" Xing Lao Liu glared at him, wishing he could strangle the old man. Making money! Making money! It''s all he knows! Do you know whose money you''re making?! People who dare to go through extreme modifications, you actually dare to provoke them?! "Scram!" Ding Lao Tou: "..." ... In the evening, a donkey pulling a black-lacquered carriage slowly stopped in front of a red-painted large gate. "This is Wu Character Camp. Your cousin is inside. I won''t go in." Two days in a row, six hundred taels of silver in hand. If he went to a nearby Guard City and spent it frugally, it would be enough to last him until he''s buried! Thinking this, his gaze towards Chen Mu became even kinder. What a naive target, why did only two come? At that moment, Chen Mu suddenly said, "Ding Lao, I have a friend named Yang Zhi, known in Jianghu as ''Green-faced Beast''." "He looks a bit scary, but he has extraordinary skills. It''s just that his background is a bit poor, so during the review..." Ding Lao Tou was so excited he almost passed out: "Let him come!" It''s another three hundred taels! No, wait, it seems... He restrained his smile and hesitantly said, "Regarding the... gratuity..." "You decide everything!" Chen Mu smiled gleefully. "I''ll take responsibility for any problems!" Ding Lao Tou declared, full of boldness. "So we are agreed then?" Chen Mu continued to smile. Ding Lao Tou firmly affirmed, "Agreed, no going back!" Chapter 124 - 123 Friends The next afternoon, Xing Lao Liu looked at the overly cheerful Ding Lao Tou with a face of despair, too lazy to even speak. Raising his head to look at the tall figure with a blue birthmark covering half his face, he felt the hair on his scalp stand on end. Had Ding Lao Tou stirred up a hornet''s nest? Every single one of them was the kind of ruthless person who dared to mar their own face?! Life no longer held any appeal for him, yet he had no choice but to handle things cautiously. Xing Lao Liu slouched in the recliner, finding himself unable to focus on the book in his hands. "I can''t stay in this Scripture Pavilion anymore!" ... As evening approached, at the residence of the Wu Character Camp instructor in the Inner City East of the City, Chen Mu hopped down from the carriage, brushed his hand over the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest, which now contained an additional all-new Shape Cultivation Technique, and couldn''t help but reveal a satisfied smile on his face. In the Scripture Pavilion, there were only three high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques in total. The rest were at the level of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique, some even worse. "I can''t take off the ''green-faced beast''s'' vest yet," Chen Mu sized up the vermilion-painted gate before him. He had to hang around with Chao Tianwang until the one-month deadline arrived. Otherwise, with people constantly coming to press-gang him, even eating would not be peaceful. Chen Mu turned his head to look at Ding Lao Tou inside the carriage. The old man had been a lot of help today. The identity of Yang Zhi was made up on a whim, easy to expose upon any scrutiny. Thanks to the old man''s wheeling and dealing, no one had suspected a thing. Noticing Chen Mu''s gaze, Ding Lao Tou immediately responded with an eager smile. This man might be unsightly, but he had made him a full five hundred taels of silver!@@@@ Upon closer inspection, that face was actually quite... endearing, haha. Chen Mu gave him an equally terrifying smile, his eyes occasionally wandering over the old man''s arms and legs: "Since he''s gone to such lengths, let''s give him a little gift." "Two Iron Lotus Seeds? No more than that." As Chen Mu pondered whether to ambush the carriage on the road later or sneak in at night to deliver, Ding Lao Tou suddenly leaned forward with a broad grin: "Young Warrior Yang, don''t you also have a friend?" "Hmm? Can I even have friends?" "Why not!" "As long as the money is right, friends can be found everywhere!" Ding Lao Tou said excitedly! He leaned forward and whispered to Chen Mu, "You''re one of the tough guys from up north, aren''t you?" "Where did you used to hang out before this?" "You couldn''t mix in there anymore because of the chaos in the north, could you?" "Now you''re thinking of joining Chao Tianwang?" "Tell me about it, don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone." Chen Mu: "..." How did a decent person like me end up being seen as a gangster?! What the hell did you imagine, you bastard! And asking where I used to hang out?! Chen Mu glared at Ding Lao Tou: "I hung out on Liang Mountain!" "See! I guessed right!" Ding Lao Tou said proudly. "I''ve seen quite a few of your kind recently!" "Let me tell you, as long as the silver is forthcoming, there''s no problem with your identity!" "Come on, tell me, how many more of you want to join Chao Tianwang." Ding Lao Tou smiled warmly. "He shattered my Body Protection Aura with nothing but his Shell Soul." "That person might very well be an illegitimate child of a noble family." "With a rich bloodline, his Shell Soul is as hard as Spiritual Light. Endowed with enduring strength, far surpassing that of ordinary people." "If we encounter him on our way back to the city..." Shangguan Yu was clearly worried. Shangguan Ji waved his hand dismissively, "It''s alright, I was careless this time." "If we were to fight face to face, I might not kill him, but he would also not be able to kill me." Shangguan Yu let out a sigh of relief, "The Evil-Repelling Mirror is ready. When are we going back to the city?" "What does the Startling Swan Gang have to say?" asked Shangguan Ji. "Jin Wuduan said they suffered heavy losses due to a demonic attack and can''t afford to help," Shangguan Yu frowned deeply. "Cunning old fox," Shangguan Ji curled his lip. "Don''t rush, just wait," he said. Shangguan Yu puzzled, "Wait for what?" Shangguan Ji chuckled lightly, "Wait for Chao Fang to clean up Nanyang Prefecture City for us." Shangguan Yu''s eyes lit up, "Are we using Chao Fang to clear out all the disobedient forces and families?" "It''s easier to draw on a blank canvas," remarked Shangguan Ji meaningfully. "Father is truly wise!" ... The next day, Chen Mu arrived at the Scripture Pavilion of the Inner City, his face painted black in disguise as Xiaoyi Heilang. The usual register at the door, Lao Liu, was not present, replaced by a simple and honest-looking middle-aged man. After signing in his name, affiliated unit, and visit time just like the past three days, Chen Mu familiarly stepped into the Library. This time, he did not rush to the second floor to copy Shape Cultivation techniques. After all, the best three books were already in his Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu walked over to the row that contained medical and poison compendia. Due to his interest in Pharmaceutical Techniques, he found these kinds of books quite fascinating. Previously preoccupied with acquiring Shape Cultivation techniques, he had no mind to bother with them. Now was a good time to browse through. He had asked before; books from the first floor of the library could also be taken out, as long as enough silver was paid. "Decisive Treatments of Broths and Decoctions"? I''ve seen that. "Essential Categories of True Forms"? It''s in the Five Ghosts Bag. "Bone Reading for Physiognomy"? I''m not going around telling fortunes for people. "Author, Xing Ming. Xing?" Could that be the ancestor of that thin and dark old man? Chen Mu couldn''t help but take a closer look. "For every human bone, born innate, shaped through experience, its form logical, flesh and skin relative..." Chen Mu found himself engrossed in reading. "Lao Liu really can judge a person''s character by their bones," Chen Mu reflected. The book also introduced several drugs for facial disguise and transformation. With his Fourth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, he understood them at a glance. "Shaving bones, adding flesh? Cutting open the facial skin, insects gnawing at the bones; applying a medicinal paste, skin and flesh regenerating? That''s harsh!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but look closely. The more he read, the more familiar it seemed. "How come this effect is almost the same as my Second Rank Shape-shifting Technique?" As he thought more about it, he couldn''t help but laugh, "It really is similar!" But as he laughed, he suddenly stopped laughing, "Lao Liu can judge... bones?!" This is bad! How the hell am I supposed to impersonate one of the Hundred and Eight Generals! Chapter 125 - 124: Exposure ``` "The plan has gone down the drain," Chen Mu sighed. "I''m really not cut out for undercover work." Black smoke tumbled in his palm as the "Bone Reading for Physiognomy" manual disappeared without a trace. He glanced back at the two men at the door, chatting away. Then he looked up toward the direction of the spiral staircase. Chen Mu silently placed his hand on the bookshelf, and a billowing black smoke quietly spread out. An hour later, Chen Mu, with a darkened face, hurriedly left. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag, there were now dozens more medical and poison compendiums, as well as swordsmanship secret manuals. At the entrance of Wu Character Camp. "Brother Song, call your brothers over, let''s go have a good time at Chunfeng Tower," Old Ding said with a beaming smile. "I wouldn''t want to disturb your fun, you go enjoy yourself." After all, if he didn''t enjoy himself now, he might not have the chance to ever again. Chen Mu sent the overly happy Old Ding on his way, then turned to look at the vermilion gate. "It seems we''re destined but not fated," he mused. With what had happened with Xing Lao Liu, he dared not stay in the Inner City military camp any longer. It was all quiet now, but what if someone were to spill the beans? "Third Rank Shape-shifting Technique is still not enough," he thought. ... As evening approached, at the Prefectural Government Office of the Inner City, inside a small compartment next to the storeroom where the clerk worked. The plump Chen Zhushi, who should have been off work and resting, stood in the room with a troubled look on his face. Candles as thick as a child''s arm were lit all around, and the room which had been somewhat dim was now brightly illuminated. Zong Tai sat at the head seat with a grim face. He stared at Old Ding, who was kneeling in the middle of the room: "What''s the background of that Song Jiang?" "He''s a tough guy from Liang Mountain in the north," said Old Ding with a swollen face, not daring to conceal anything, dressed only in a thin layer of clothes. He had been having a good time at Chunfeng Tower when someone had knocked him out with a punch just as he had climbed into bed. Dragged out of bed stark naked, he barely had time to grab some clothes to cover himself before he was brought here. "Where is Liang Mountain?" Zong Tai took a deep breath. The loss of dozens of medical and poison compendiums and swordsmanship secret manuals from the Scripture Pavilion was trivial. They could simply demand their return. And with enough money offered, they could even allow the other party to transcribe a copy to keep. But he had searched high and low and couldn''t find this Song Jiang! "You mean to tell me he''s a hero from Liang Mountain, and you didn''t know?" Old Ding looked amazed. Zong Tai was clueless: "Hero of Liang Mountain? Is that famous?" "Eating big chunks of meat, drinking from large bowls, and sharing out gold with big scales - the one hundred and eight heroes of Liang Mountain. You don''t know?" Old Ding couldn''t believe it. Zong Tai looked at Chen Zhushi, bewildered: "Do you know about this?" ... Nightfall On the edge of the Inner City, Lin Heng Neighborhood. "We can''t go back to TaoHua Neighborhood and Shanglin Neighborhood anymore." Chen Mu and Chen Jia''s identities were recorded. If someone were to investigate, following the records of these two identities, they could track it down. "Having more than one hideout is useful after all." The residence he was now living in was three streets away from the old house in Lin Heng Neighborhood. He had also used a paper effigy to check the house across from the old one, and it was already empty. Your adventure continues at novelhall.Co?m "Having stayed in the luxurious residence of the Prefectural Government, I wouldn''t want to live in these small houses either," Chen Mu mused as he sipped his tea. Muttering three syllables, he initiated the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Black smoke billowed, and instantly, a stack of dozens of books appeared on the desk. Chen Mu sorted through and picked out books one by one. "Twenty-seven medical and Poison Compendiums; I can continue grinding the Pharmaceutical Technique. Just set it for an hour before sleep." Chen Mu continued flipping through. "Three Swordsmanship Secret Manuals, two manuals on hidden weapons. They can only help to broaden my knowledge a bit." The items were not bad, but for a Fourth Rank Iron Lotus Seed and Sleeve Sword Technique, they were of little use. At most, they could help broaden his horizons. "The first floor is ultimately a bit lacking." He had taken these two books simply to make up numbers. After all, having so many Martial Arts manuals laid out, it felt like a loss not to take a couple. Chen Mu tucked them away, "I''ll look at them if I have time, and never mind if I don''t." "Seven volumes of records on the secrets of Jianghu. That''s good, something to pass the time with." If it weren''t for fear of leaving too many gaps on the bookshelf causing the caretaker to notice something amiss, he would''ve taken even more secrets. "I need to see what Da Liang''s Jianghu is like." In this world for over three years, he was either holed up at home or busy moving to a new hiding place. He truly lacked understanding of this strange world. "These four are the main event," Chen Mu said gleefully, pulling out four Shape Cultivation Technique books and couldn''t help but browse through them again. The last one was called Cloudy Mist Shape Cultivation Technique, with one hundred and eight variations in the Breathing Method, which was also quite good. Compared to the three high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques before it, it was a bit inferior. But if compared to the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation... Forget it, let''s not compare; a small fry will always be a small fry. "To think that I''ve actually amassed ten Shape Cultivation Technique books?!" Half of them were even high-end Shape Cultivation Techniques. Chen Mu was somewhat surprised himself. On such a happy day, why not... Chunfeng Tower? Chapter 126 - 125 Retreat ``` In the year 641 of Da Liang, on the 28th of June, in the morning. In Lin Heng Lane, Chen Residence. Chen Mu savored some pastries and tea as he leisurely browsed through "Bone Reading for Physiognomy". After a good while, Chen Mu closed the book and turned his gaze to the gray wall. Shape-shifting Technique: 697/10000/Third Rank; "Gained thirty points?!" Xing Lao Liu could use it to inspect corpses and read fortunes. Chen Mu could use it to boost the Proficiency of his Shape-shifting Technique. "A fine book!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. More than ten days had passed since he abandoned the plan to impersonate a character from Outlaws of the Marsh. Chen Mu had diligently stayed within Lin Heng Lane, not setting foot outside. The twenty-day lockdown was starting to reveal its dire consequences. Shortages of supplies gradually led to chaos, and vicious brawls broke out from time to time. Chao Tianwang allowed things to take their own course, yet his recruitment drive was in full swing. Experience tales with Because only by joining Chao Tianwang could one earn money and have food to eat. He slaughtered rich families and plundered wealth, recruiting soldiers and buying horses, yet he paid no heed to the common people''s livelihood. "This Chao Tianwang, planning to slip away?" "Hurry and go!" "If you all leave, I''ll leave too." Nanyang Prefecture City was nearly ruined by disaster. "Once I get to Lijiang City, I''ll stay at home to practice my skills, and I won''t step outside no matter what," he vowed. The world was in far too much chaos. Massacring cities and annihilating clans was commonplace. ... Chen Mu put away the book and stepped into the center of the courtyard. He crossed his hands and gently pressed them against his lower abdomen. His breathing rhythm abruptly changed, becoming urgent. He began to practice the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique. Although he had been hiding lately, he had never neglected his Shape Cultivation. With his breathing changing, Chen Mu started to twist his waist and swing his hips, contorting his body into an inconceivable angle. That was the hallmark of the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique, which could greatly enhance bodily flexibility. Following the usual rhythm, Chen Mu practiced slowly and rhythmically. After one repetition, Chen Mu let out a long breath. He glanced at the gray wall. Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique: 9536/10000/Third Rank; "Almost there!" ... In the afternoon, as the sun was setting, the sky was awash with blood-red hues of dusk. The dazzling red and yellow light cast upon Chen Mu''s cheeks. Whoosh... A long breath was released.@@@@ Chen Mu''s muscles started to rapidly undulate. Instead of bulging, they contracted inward. The large muscles became fine and dense, flexible yet firm, and like a spring, filled with explosive power. Zong Tai clenched his fists and bowed, feeling the weight of the looks behind him, and couldn''t help biting down hard on his back teeth! "Damn you, Song Jiang!" ... Linheng Lane, Chen Residence. Next to the brick stove at the base of the eastern wall. Two swirls of black smoke floated at the top of the chimney. The smoke from the burning wood was first swallowed by the black smoke below, then spewed from the upper smoke cluster. In and out, the unburnt carbon particulates were completely filtered out. A ball of clear water hovered in mid-air as the Five Ghosts Bag was fed into the vertical shaft. The smoke from the stove, washed over and over by the drifting water, quickly lost its color. "Think you can catch my strength with cooking smoke? If you find me, I''ll consider it a loss!" Chen Mu held a spatula, humming an unknown ditty, sizzling and stir-frying the flavorful cured meat. "Having mastered the Shape Cultivation Technique today, I must add an extra dish no matter what!" Had time permitted, he would have certainly prepared a jar of braised pork for himself. "Can''t delay the performance by Yu Tao." "Tomorrow, for sure, I''ll make up for it!" ... Zong Tai walked out of the inner courtyard of the Prefectural Government Office, passing by the six departments of the yamen''s office. Glancing up at the emaciated figure hanging from the flagpole, his fists clenched involuntarily. Thinking about his other brothers, thriving and increasing their wealth and soldiers, while he remained nothing more than a bare pole commander. His resentment towards Old Ding grew stronger. "Getting the Soul-Calming Stake is what''s important." "Let you, that old thing, live another night!" "Setting out early tomorrow morning... Hmph!" Zong Tai changed his clothes, put on a hat, and after leaving the Prefectural Government Office, he rode a horse-drawn carriage and dashed towards the South Gate of the Inner City. The roads of the Inner City were wide and sparsely populated by the evening, allowing him to leave the Inner City in just a quarter of an hour. After making several turns here and there, another quarter of an hour later, the carriage arrived at Linheng Lane. Zong Tai jumped down from the carriage and looked around attentively. His continued mistakes made him all the more cautious in his actions. A faint yet tantalizing spicy aroma wafted into his nostrils. "What''s this delightful smell? Is it dinnertime?" Zong Tai looked up at the gradually darkening sky. "I''ll finish this quickly and then head to the banquet with Big Brother." Zong Tai stepped forward to leave, but suddenly halted. "Hang on. Wasn''t this street always unoccupied? Where is that smell coming from?" To ensure the safety of the Soul-Calming Stake, he had once checked personally; the surrounding houses were all vacant. But somehow, a scholar appeared and disturbed his plans, and because of that, he ended up being ostracized and neglected. Later on, he speculated that the man might have been an escaping criminal, like them, deliberately seeking out deserted houses to hide in. Their encounter might have merely been a coincidence. Zong Tai carefully recalled the scholar, and suddenly, his brow furrowed. He remembered that the scholar''s pan-fried dumplings also had an alluring fragrance. Just like this spicy scent, irresistible, making one salivate. In the same Linheng Lane. On the same deserted street. Also able to cook incredibly delicious food. Could it be... Zong Tai abruptly turned his head, looking solemnly toward the nearby street corner. "Could another escaped criminal have shown up?!" Chapter 127 - 126: Soul-Calming Stake Zong Tai stood at the entrance of the street, deep in thought with furrowed brows. Had the criminal come here by accident, or was it intentional? Could it be they knew that a Soul-Calming Stake was buried here?! Zong Tai lifted his foot intending to go over and take a look, but after just two steps, he suddenly stopped. "Forget it." "There can''t be any more mistakes," Zong Tai thought, shaking his head. Before the attack on Nanyang, he ran around busily, but when success was near, an error occurred. Chao Fang began to distance himself, and his brothers teased him; he had always been holding back a surge of frustration. The most urgent task was to extract the Soul-Calming Stake and send it back to the Inner City. "There can be no complications!" With this thought, he turned his head and walked into an alley. ... Standing in front of a residence with two yellow lanterns hanging at the gate. Zong Tai leaped up and vaulted into the courtyard. Reaching the main house''s entrance, he carefully examined the small mechanism on the copper lock, making sure no one had sneaked in, and breathed a sigh of relief. He unlocked the door and entered. In the dim main house, by the faint light, Zong Tai looked at the familiar room with complexity. Annoyance and unwillingness filled his heart again, and it took a long while before he sighed. "One must look forward." "If I don''t have soldiers under my command, then I''ll just lead without an army." "As long as I do what big brother has assigned me to do and continue to receive the cultivation of the hall''s red, there will come a day when I rise." He took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and pulled out the stopper to pour into his palm. The sticky, bright red of the hall''s red flowed out. Its shape resembled jelly, yet it had good fluidity. Poured into the palm, it automatically shrank into a quail egg-sized translucent sphere. "First, extract the Soul-Calming Stake." Holding the hall''s red in one hand, Zong Tai uttered a string of convoluted and obscure characters. The words seemed disjointed and incomprehensible, a jumble of three to four hundred characters with no apparent meaning. Zong Tai paid no attention and continued the incantation. Once. Ten times. A hundred times... This continued for a quarter of an hour until there was a change. The surface of the sphere of hall''s red in his hand started to bulge with small lumps before they disappeared and retracted. Zong Tai felt a sense of relief inside: "Finally..." As he continued to recite, his voice began to sound strange.@@@@ At first, it was a single voice, but slowly it seemed like two voices overlapping, and after a while, as if countless people were chanting at the same time. Zong Tai endured the dryness in his mouth and throat, continuing the incantation non-stop. Reciting for nearly three-quarters of an hour, the sky had turned completely dark. The small sphere of hall''s red suddenly emitted a bright red glow and with a swoosh dispersed, quickly seeping through the gaps between his fingers and down to the ground. Falling to the floor, it spread out mottled red dots, moving like living creatures, wriggling and squirming through the crevices of the green brick floor and disappearing underground. The ground suddenly shook. The green brick floor was pushed up, and the soil beneath it bubbled and spilled out rapidly, piling into a half-meter-tall mound of dirt in just a few breaths. "Tsk... missing some entertainment here." "Sleep, sleep, I''ll just find what I need in my dreams." Feeling the forty-one Zuming Talismans in his pocket, Chen Mu fell asleep peacefully. ... Whoosh! A gentle breeze whispered. A stocky man dressed in black, carrying a long black staff, crept over the wall with his back bent, resembling a thief. After Zong Tai landed, just as he was about to move, he couldn''t help but smile bitterly. "I must be crazy." He was just a fugitive hiding and evading the law. How could he possibly be that man from the past? Shaking his head, he prepared to leave. With the Soul-Calming Stake on him, he couldn''t afford any mishaps. But... since he was already here. Zong Tai landed silently like a ghost, glided to the window on the west side of the main house in two steps. The window had a single openwork shutter, pasted with ochre oil paper and could be flipped open by rolling it up on the upper wooden axis. It was currently propped open slightly by a horizontal stick. Zong Tai took out a porcelain bottle from his chest, placed it below the half-open window, and slowly waved his hand. A wisp of green smoke entered the room through the open window. With the help of faint moonlight filtering through the window gaps, one could vaguely see the bed not far from the window. At that moment, a figure was lying on the bed, sound asleep. Zong Tai paused and waited. A quarter of an hour later, he suddenly flung the window open and darted into the room. The instant he landed, he lunged toward the bed. His Shell Soul shifted, and his right fist turned pitch black as ink. Like a massive sledgehammer, it brought a whistling wind and ferociously smashed down! Zong Tai''s expression was cold: "With the Soul-Calming Stake, there must be no accidents..." Bang! The solid walnut bed shattered in an instant. Something wasn''t right! The next moment, his scalp prickled with sudden pain. Your next read awaits at Without thinking, Zong Tai instinctively crouched, raising his left hand clutching the Soul-Calming Stake. The dark Soul-Calming Stake pierced the air, thrusting up towards the space above his head. Clang! It was like a hammer smashing down on an anvil. A thunderous roar erupted beside his ear. A powerful force transmitted from the tip of the Soul-Calming Stake. His left hand, covered with Soul Strength, felt like it was grasping a slick, massive serpent. Sss! It sounded like a knife scraping glass. The Soul-Calming Stake, gripped by a hand as tight as an iron hoop, suddenly slipped downwards. With a soft thud, it effortlessly penetrated the green brick floor. Zong Tai''s heart pounded ruthlessly, his pupils sharply contracting. ``` Chapter 128 - 127: Rearing Dark Schemes ``` Bang! The window shattered. Zong Tai burst forth with splinters of broken wood, breaking through the window. Midair, he tapped the ground with his Soul-Calming Stake. In an instant, he twisted his waist, turning his body while still in the air. Pfft! His feet, like iron nails, plunged into the soil. Bang! The solid, hard ground, like a crushed biscuit, burst apart, dirt flying everywhere. Zong Tai solemnly stared at the figure following closely behind, holding a dagger, with long hair cascading over their shoulders. Damn! He had found the wrong person! "Friend, hold on, don''t make a movethere''s been a misunderstanding!" Zong Tai hastily called out. Chen Mu''s eyebrows furrowed deeply. A librarian? A misunderstanding? They haven''t discovered my affair yet?! Luckily! He needed to mislead this person first, but he couldn''t compromise too soon. Chen Mu pretended to be grim, "You don''t look like you''re acting on a misunderstanding!" Zong Tai took a deep breath, knowing that if the other party was still talking, there was room for negotiation. "It really is a misunderstanding!" "I still have two drops of Hall-illuminating Red on me as compensation, how about that?" "Friend, you might not know, but Hall-illuminating Red is the essence of the Dragon Transformation Pill, one drop is worth thirty pills!" Hall-illuminating Red? Chen Mu''s brow quirked, feigning desire and hesitation, then greedily spoke, "Not enough!" "I also have a silver note worth three thousand Silver Pieces. If you''re still unsatisfied, I will go back and get you more," Zong Tai hurriedly said. "Forget it, let''s just leave it at that!" Chen Mu pretended to be reluctantly agreeable. "Thank you for your understanding, my friend!" Zong Tai sighed in relief and slowly straightened up. He gestured with his hand for Chen Mu to be patient, then slowly took out a white porcelain bottle from his bosom and threw it to Chen Mu.@@@@ "Friend, catch." Chen Mu couldn''t help but fix his gaze on the porcelain bottle. Was that where the Hall-illuminating Red was? He had never seen Hall-illuminating Red in its complete form before. Woo... Suddenly, a low whooshing sound rushed into his ears. The Soul-Calming Stake, wrapped in a fierce wind, smashed harshly toward Chen Mu''s head. Zong Tai was midair, unable to contain his laughter. Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m Was there such a naive person in the Jianghu?! Negotiate peace? "Ha!" The Soul-Calming Stake, though late to start, almost instantly appeared above Chen Mu''s head. In the blink of an eye, as if time stood still, Chen Mu slowly looked up, indifferently watching Zong Tai. Then, he quietly stepped back. The Soul-Calming Stake brushed past the tip of Chen Mu''s nose. Hisss! The gust of wind tore a small cut across the tip of his nose. "What a disappointing world." "The most basic trust between people has completely vanished." With a forlorn expression, Chen Mu tightened his left hand, silently hiding away the Iron Lotus Seeds he had been about to throw a moment before. "I truly wanted to reconcile with this world. Really!" "But the world keeps repaying me with malice!" Chen Mu''s expression contorted with resentment. "I can only fight evil with evil!" Hum! A net-like Soul Strength quickly surfaced on his right arm. The mighty power bestowed by the six types of Shape Cultivation Technique surged forth. Underneath the skin, the muscles writhed as if a dragon was turning over, rapidly bulging and rising. "Something hasn''t happened to him, has it?" Jia Xiang couldn''t help but turn pale. Lately, Second Brother''s luck hadn''t been very good. "Big Brother, I''ll go have a look!" Jia Xiang suddenly stood up. Chao Fang gave a somber nod. The others set down their wine cups, daring not to say more, and the atmosphere sank into a lull. A quarter of an hour later, Jia Xiang stormed back into the room. "Big Brother, the item was taken, but... there''s no one!" Chao Fang''s expression turned grim in an instant. He immediately took out a bright yellow scroll, about the length of a forearm, from his chest. The scroll was neither paper nor silk, but soft and resilient. Chao Fang pulled it open fiercely, and a line of quail egg-sized, archaic characters jumped into viewThousand Mountains Scripture: Cultivating Dark Tactic. Behind the title was a blank space, large enough for two palms, with symmetrical borders drawn around it, comprising straight lines, cloud patterns, and flame designs. Chao Fang hurriedly took out a white porcelain bottle. He uncorked it and poured all of the bright red liquid inside onto the blank area, then quickly began muttering a Curse. In just fifteen breaths, the walnut-sized bright red liquid boiled and frothed, seeping into the bright yellow fabric. Thirteen spots quickly materialized in the blank space. One black spot the size of a peanut sat in the center, with eleven red spots the size of soybeans clustered around it. Another red spot stood isolated, slowly moving to the right. Chao Fang released a sigh of relief, then said grimly, "Follow me! I want to see what Second Brother is up to in the North Market right now..." Crack! The porcelain bottle in Chao Fang''s hand was suddenly crushed, and he glared at the bright yellow fabric, his complexion extremely ugly. The moving red spot that had just been there was gone! The Soul-Calming Stake... one was missing! ... North Market, a street full of medicinal shops. At the end of the street lay an inconspicuous little pharmacy named Hesheng Hall. The night was deep and quiet, the apprentices and clerks in the front hall had gone home. However, the room in the back courtyard was still brightly lit. Jie Jia was wiping down the tables and chairs meticulously with a white handkerchief. Having just brewed some tea, Jie Jia placed it at hand and solemnly took out a bulky fist-sized cloth bag from his bosom. Gingerly loosening the bag''s drawstring, he poured out a heap of Silver Pieces with a clatter. He then started to roll the silver into beads, one by one. While rolling, his hands suddenly paused, and then as if nothing happened, he continued rolling before speaking in an indifferent tone, "Are you coming down yourself, or should I knock you down?" The rooftiles gently clinked. Creak. The door opened, and Chen Mu walked into the room with a cheeky grin. "I reckon you didn''t get your fill this afternoon, how about we grab a midnight snack?" Jie Jia''s bright yellow pupils moved as he stared at Chen Mu without saying a word. Chen Mu: "..." "How about this? I''ll stay here for a while, what do you say?" "Who have you offended now?!" Jie Jia''s eyelids involuntarily lifted slightly. "I''m as honest and upright as they come, who could I have possibly offended?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Jie Jia watched Chen Mu, his eyelids rising even further: "Okay." Chen Mu immediately let out a long sigh of relief. "Twenty silver notes... a day." Jie Jia stretched out two fingers. "Why don''t you just rob me!" The old man was taking advantage! "Robbing isn''t as profitable as taking your money." Jie Jia replied languidly. "Aren''t you afraid I''ll just turn around and leave?" Chen Mu argued back. Suddenly, a messy sound of horses'' neighing emerged from outside. Calls and hollers could faintly be heard, seemingly in search of someone. Chen Mu''s face twitched. Jie Jia grinned: "Heh heh..." Chen Mu: "..." Chapter 129 - 128: Evacuation ``` Nanyang Prefecture City, inside the Prefectural Government Office. In the dead of night, the government office, which should have sunk into deep sleep, was brightly lit. Old Ding, dazed atop a flagpole, opened his eyes. He looked down at his colleagues from days past, pacing back and forth in fear and trepidation. In the distance, squads of soldiers, led by Team Leaders, carried torches and rode fast horses, dashing out the gate. After hanging up there for so many days, he had never seen such a lively scene. Listening carefully, he could faintly hear that it seemed they were looking for someone. Zong Tai? That bastard went missing?! Ha... ... The main hall in the inner courtyard. Chao Fang sat in the highest seat, looking somber. The long meeting table had been removed earlier. "Big brother, I followed the tracks of the carriage and found an empty residence in the nearby alleys." "There were signs of a struggle, and several holes smashed by sticks and clubs, very likely from a Soul-Calming Stake." "There were droplets of blood on the ground, not sure if they''re from second brother or someone else."@@@@ Chao Fang''s brows furrowed tightly, "Who exactly is opposing us?" "Could it be Shangguan Ji?" Jia Xiang hesitated, "After all, he was Nanyang''s number one for twenty years. If there were any contingencies within the city..." "It''s not him," Chao Fang shook his head, "Forget it, you go have a look at North Market too." "The Soul-Calming Stake last appeared there." "Do whatever it takes to find Zong Tai. I want to see him alive, or his body if he''s dead!" "As you command!" Jia Xiang bowed with a fist, then turned and left. Chao Fang watched Jia Xiang''s retreating figure. His fist clenched tight beneath his sleeve. "Such a mistake at a crucial moment." "Not contributing enough in success, but always in excess when it comes to failure!" Chao Fang''s expression was cold. "Need to figure out a way to refine another Soul-Calming Stake..." ... North Market was sealed off by Chao Tianwang''s forces, house by house they searched, creating chaos throughout the night. But Chen Mu wasn''t afraid at all. With the Five Ghosts Bag, he casually dug out an underground space five meters below. Four oil lamps illuminated the cellar brightly. The Five Ghosts Bag quickly cycled fresh air from outside. Lit the incense to mask the earthy smell. Used two or three buckets of ice to cool it down. The dark, stuffy cellar was instantly transformed into a bright and comfortable large bedroom. Then he quietly spread the excavated soil out into the surrounding muddy alleys. Done! Hesheng Hall was searched several times for an open door, but no one noticed Chen Mu. He then settled down, no longer caring about the turmoil outside, sleeping soundly until dawn. Continue your journey on novelhall.Co?m ... The next day, Jie Jia gave the apprentices and workers the day off early. After they left, Chen Mu jumped out of the cellar and went into the kitchen to cook. At the dining table, eating pan-fried dumplings, Chen Mu asked, "What were those people looking for last night?" "It does seem quite useful, haha!" ... "Chao Tianwang has withdrawn his troops. When do we leave?" Chen Mu asked. Just this morning, Chao Tianwang''s men had begun to leave the city in stages. Chen Mu even went to watch the procession of that Chao Tianwang... well, he watched from afar using a small paper figure. The core group, Chao Tianwang and the twelve... eleven Heavenly Generals, had left the city early. By tomorrow evening at the latest, the rear supply and porter teams would also depart. Moreover, someone discovered that three days ago, there were no traces of evil spirits outside the city. Many have sneaked out of Nanyang already. "No rush," Jie Jia said, completely composed. The evil spirits might be gone, but that didn''t guarantee they wouldn''t come back. Zuming Talismans were selling like hotcakes. Chen Mu nodded. With the evil spirits gone and Chao Tianwang having fled, he feared nothing. If he hadn''t felt Nanyang was unstable, he wouldn''t have even needed to leave. "It seems that the positioning of that stick isn''t very accurate," Chen Mu had also come to his senses. "Maybe the Five Ghosts Bag blocked the detection," Chen Mu realized somewhat. "Then let it lie in the bag for now." In the following days, Chen Mu stayed inside Hesheng Hall. He maintained the Heavenly Serpent Breathing Technique daily to advance his proficiency. He slowly flipped through the dozens of books he had swindled out of the Prefectural Government Office. Especially the book "Bone Reading for Physiognomy." The more he read, the more he felt that the old, thin man, Xing Lao Liu, had definitely seen something. "No wonder he slipped away so quickly. A clever man indeed." "When I searched the Jian''an Gate before, did he also sense something was off?" Chen Mu chuckled and shook his head. Quite a sly old fox. ... As Chao Tianwang left and there were no more evil spirits guarding the city, many people from Nanyang Prefecture began to flee to the outskirts. Many also took advantage of this gap to wreak havoc. But just five days later, order was restored to the marketplace. Because Shangguan Ji had returned. Along with him, eight thousand armored elites of Tangshan Camp also returned. The wolf-like and tiger-like army quickly took control of Nanyang, methodically suppressing chaos and restoring order. They opened the granaries to distribute grain, issued notices to soothe the civilians, exempted all industries from a year''s tax, and hired laborers at high wages to repair the Inner City. Nanyang Prefecture City was swiftly reviving. ... In the private room on the third floor of the Fanlou Four Seas Building in North Market, Tu Shan was chewing on a roasted lamb leg, his hands and face covered in grease. Chao Fang toyed with his wine cup, looking at the red dots on the bright yellow cloth before him, and couldn''t help but sigh, "It seems it''s indeed gone." "Let''s hurry up and leave." Tu Shan was indifferent. "With this effort, you could have re-crafted a new one by now." "Alright then," Chao Fang nodded in resignation. "We''ll just have to look for a suitable town along the way." "What about the Stake?" Tu Shan asked. "I found a Taoist priest in his forties, in the Wandering Soul Realm, just the right fit." "What a pity, I wanted to be the Stake myself, stage a coup, and successfully turn the tables on you," Tu Shan said with regret. "That''s how the stories in the novellas go. It''s quite interesting." "Heh..." Chao Fang''s lips curled up in an unconcerned chuckle. Chapter 130 - 129 Luck At dusk, the alluring scent of food once again wafted from the backyard of Hesheng Hall. Chen Mu, clad in Jie Jia armor, ate his meal in silence and with great speed. Both men had hearty appetites, and the spread of dishes before them was swiftly devoured. Soon, black smoke billowed, and the bowls and utensils were left spotlessly clean. In the corner, black smoke enveloped the wooden trash bin. A pile of bones and vegetable juice fell into it. Jie Jia gazed at Chen Mu with a complex expression. "What''s wrong?" Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia, spreading his hands. "Isn''t this very convenient?" Jie Jia couldn''t help but nod in agreement. But still, using a Magic Artifact like this... the feeling was truly... indescribable! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "The ghosts outside the city are gone now, aren''t they?" "They''ve dispersed." Jie Jia nodded as he took the tea cup Chen Mu handed him. "The waterway from here to Lijiang Guard City is also safe now, right?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "The ghosts were only around Nanyang Prefecture City before. There weren''t any on the Lijiang River..." As Jie Jia spoke, his hand holding the tea cup suddenly froze. This guy doesn''t want to run now, does he? "Then I''ll leave tomorrow!" Chen Mu said excitedly. Although Nanyang Prefecture was temporarily safe, what if someone like Li Tianwang came after Chao Tianwang had left? The less he stayed, the better. Jie Jia put down his tea cup, his eyelids drooping. Without the evil spirits, he wasn''t needed to personally escort Chen Mu. There went a business deal... "Right, do you recognize this thing?" Chen Mu suddenly said, as though something had occurred to him. A black staff, accompanied by black smoke, appeared. Jie Jia glanced at the black staff on the table, a glint of recognition in his eyes. "This is..." He began, but suddenly stopped midsentence. His eyes narrowed, glancing toward Chen Mu''s left arm. "Here, here, here!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes and took out ten silvers to give to Jie Jia. Jie Jia slowly lowered his head to look at the silver, then gradually extended his right hand, opening it wide. "Fifty... fifty silvers?!" "Hey! You''re getting greedier, huh?! "You used to open your mouth for two silvers, now why the price hike?!" Chen Mu glared at Jie Jia. Jie Jia calmly looked at Chen Mu without uttering a word. "Speak up!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth and took out another forty silvers. Carrying a massive debt on his back, he wished he could stretch a single silver to serve as two, but Jie Jia had just conned him out of fifty silvers, wiping the smile off his face. Jie Jia leisurely rolled the silver beads. The fee for escorting him was gone, but here came the fee for information consultation! ... "Soul-Calming Stake." "Take the heartwood of a locust tree that is over a hundred years old, and refine it with Secret Techniques." "This one..." Jie Jia''s fingers gently brushed the black staff: "At least three hundred years old." "This thing is made of locust wood? You''re kidding me, right?" Chen Mu caressed the black staff, which felt more like jade or glass, in disbelief. Can the heartwood of a locust be black? And so hard? "Help me sell them." "To make it worth your while, I''ll give you a commission of one hundred silvers for each." Jie Jia: "..." I sell them to you for two thousand, five hundred each, and you want me to sell them for three thousand, five hundred each? Do I look like I need those extra one hundred silvers?! What I''m missing is a thousand silvers! Jie Jia''s eyelids abruptly lifted another notch. The silver beads he was rolling in his hands almost got crushed! ... The next day, after eating breakfast, Chen Mu was in high spirits as he counted his silver notes. After selling the thirty-one Zuming Talismans and deducting Jie Jia''s commission, he profited twenty-seven thousand, nine hundred silvers. Subtracting the debt remaining for the last ten, he was left with two thousand, nine hundred silvers. This month he also sold quite a few Blue Medicine Pills. All told, Chen Mu''s net worth had skyrocketed to thirteen thousand, two hundred silvers. His personal wealth had surged! "With this money, I could reside in leisure at the Lijiang Guard City until the end of time!" Chen Mu thought cheerfully. In the front courtyard of the Hesheng Hall. Chen Mu walked in carrying a small cloth bag, purely for symbolic reasons. Jie Jia sat behind the spotless counter as usual, rolling his silver beads. "I''m off." "Don''t forget to have someone come for the medicines." Lijiang Guard City wasn''t far, and Chen Mu could still carry on with his remote drug-peddling business. Jie Jia looked up, his bright yellow pupils calmly gazing at Chen Mu as he nodded slightly. Chen Mu chuckled lightly, then swiftly turned and strode away. ... East of the City at the Jian''an Gate. After a chaotic month, the area near Jian''an Gate was bustling as usual. Chen Mu, altering his facial features and clad in a grey outfit with a black cloth tied around his hair, walked briskly carrying a small pack. Following the crowd, he quickly passed the routine inspection and once again left Nanyang Prefecture City. Looking back, Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Who knew when he would return next? Just as he was about to depart, a long family convoy caught his attention. The line of vehicles was extensive, the carriages sumptuous, and the guards all looked strong and formidable. "Which large family''s convoy is that?" Chen Mu followed the outgoing civilians to the roadside to evade the procession. "Isn''t that the Zhou family from the Inner City?" "They actually survived that disaster." "The Bai family is safe too. Rumor has it they all went to the Lijiang Guard City for ancestral rituals, and thus fortuitously escaped." "What good luck..." Find adventures on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu observed the lengthy caravan, feeling an inexplicable chill inside. The Bai family, the Zhou family, the Shangguan family... Luck? Luck so great that the whole clan survived? Heh... Chapter 131 - 130 Lijiang City, East of the City, Yongtong District, outside the gate of a small courtyard. Chen Mu unlocked the brass lock and pushed the door open. The thatched shed and practice racks quietly stood in the courtyard. Various weeds whose names he couldn''t call to mind haphazardly covered the ground. "I''ll clean up bit by bit," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, his attitude relaxed. Nanyang Prefecture City was vast and bustling, but Chen Mu always felt stifled. An endless stream of affairs left him breathless. "Small towns are definitely more comfortable," he remarked. Black smoke swiftly spread throughout the yard, and where it passed, swathes of weeds disappeared. He removed the weeds, replaced the leaky thatched roof of the shed with new thatching. He took down the practice racks that were weathered and spotted with grey and black mold. He cleaned the rooms covered with spider webs. He cleared the pots and pans that were filled with dust. Chen Mu spent the entire morning tidying up the small courtyard. By midday, a pile of moldy bedding and bamboo mats were thrown into the middle of the yard by him. "I need to buy new ones." Lijiang was located to the south of Da Liang, with a humid climate all year round. Despite his moisture-proof measures when he last left, the bedding still got moldy. ... Midday, at Lijiang Guard City, East Lijiang Tower. Chen Mu sat in a corner of the ground floor hall, leisurely enjoying his meal. "The cost of living is indeed lower in a small city," he mused. He just went to the East Market of Lijiang City to buy bedding, bamboo mats, and other daily necessities. The whole set cost only about a tael of silver, and he even got a wooden footbath basin for free. Chen Mu gave an extra three hundred copper coins and acquired a large bathing tub. "This would cost at least three taels of silver in Nanyang Prefecture City," he thought. Thinking of the more than thirteen thousand taels of silver he had on hand, Chen Mu was suddenly filled with high spirits. "I must visit Ruyi Square tonight no matter what." "Not for anything else, but to see how it compares to Chunfeng Tower!" ... The year 641 of Da Liang, the sixth day of the seventh month. Lijiang City, Tongyun District. Under the thatched shed of the Chen Residence. Chen Mu lay in a hollowed-out bamboo rocking chair, squinting his eyes as he admired the evening sky. This was his third day in Lijiang City, and tasks such as tidying up the cellar, stocking up on grains, and scouting the surroundings had all been properly seen to. Currently at leisure, he was preparing to ponder over his future plans. On the low table beside his left hand, there was a copper incense burner the size of a fist, from which wafts of insect-repellent incense carrying a medicinal scent drifted out. To the right, there stood a half-human-tall dark stickthe Soul-Calming Stake he had obtained from Nanyang Prefecture City. With Chao Tianwang heading north and he himself heading south, they were long beyond each other''s reach. Even with his Shade-Rearing Strategy, Chao Tianwang couldn''t sense him anymore. "It''s just that cultivation beyond the limit isn''t too friendly," Chen Mu frowned slightly. The breakthrough for the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique last time was quite abrupt. Before the breakthrough, he could feel the progress, but there was no indication of proficiency. This kind of practice without proficiency visibility made him feel a loss of control. "Limit..." Chen Mu pondered. "Perhaps that was the limit once reached by practitioners of the Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique." "Since they reached the peak with no reference point, it was impossible to further divide proficiency," Chen Mu felt a surge of inspiration. To measure a skill with proficiency, one must have upper and lower limits, in order to divide and quantify evenly. "So that''s how proficiency came about!" Chen Mu felt the surprise of clearing the fog. "Impressive!" Chen Mu exclaimed. Then he came back to his senses, "So the historical limits for these Shape Cultivation Techniques were just the Wandering Soul?" This also meant that historically, not a single cultivator of these Shape Cultivation Techniques ever managed to cultivate the Shell Soul! He had practiced five different Shape Cultivation Techniques, and at best, all only reached the Wandering Soul stage. Where had all the Shape Cultivation Techniques capable of cultivating the Shell Soul gone? "Clans..." Chen Mu held back the urge to curse. They were surely hoarded and kept secret by those scroundels. "I''ll just have to accumulate slowly," Chen Mu shook his head. Fortunately, he had an external proficiency cheat. "Isn''t it just practising blindly?" "It''s not as if there''s no progress." Although it couldn''t be reflected in proficiency, every practice session still brought enlightenment and a clear sense of progress. "At least I don''t need a hundred years to cultivate the soul," Chen Mu suddenly laughed: "Maybe fifty will be enough." Fifty is still... em, not old. By then, he would have to find Jie Jia to inquire about the matters of opening the heavens. "Just don''t know if old man Jie can still be alive in twenty or thirty years," Chen Mu thought amusedly. Thinking of the old man''s ways, Chen Mu laughed again. So old, yet thriving in the assassin business and selling Blue Medicine Pills like hotcakes. Forget twenty or thirty years, living another fifty or sixty wouldn''t be too hard. "Shell Soul is supposed to extend life." ... In the subsequent days, Chen Mu maintained daily practice of the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique. In his spare time, he would flip through the books borrowed from Chao Tianwang. He also kept brushing up the progress of his Pharmaceutical Technique. In one corner of the yard, he set up a two-meter-tall stake as thick as a thigh, occasionally throwing Iron Lotus Seeds at it. Each throw was precise, skimming past the very top, shaving off specks of wood. The stake now stood a palm''s height shorter, and wood shavings covered the ground, yet the top remained as smooth as if it had just been sawn. The proficiency of his throwing skill also gradually improved. Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m Under the thatched pavilion, Chen Mu sat leisurely in a rocking chair: "Indeed, small cities are stable." Chapter 132 - 131 Cloud Mirage Early in the morning, at the Chen Residence in Yongtong District. After breakfast, Chen Mu carried a pile of herbs into the thatched shed and began to sort and process them one by one. Some were ground into powder, some soaked for their juice, others boiled over a high flame. Then, in a specific order, he mixed the processed herbs and poured them into a large pottery jar. He heated it over a small charcoal fire, stirring all the while. He continued until the jar of viscous liquid turned into a rubbery clay texture, only then did he stop heating and let it cool naturally. Later, he poured the brown medicinal clay into smooth, polished hardwood molds, flattened and compacted it, pressing it into small cylindrical shapes the height of a mung bean and the size of a soybean. He immediately set them aside in a shady place to dry. After a busy morning, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the molds lined up on the drying rack. "These Blue Medicine Pills are enough for Jie Jia to sell for a month." The business of Blue Medicine Pills must continue. Although he was now carrying a substantial amount of money, it would run out eventually. He couldn''t wait until he urgently needed money to start thinking of a solution. He certainly did not want to shoulder a huge debt again. ... Five days later. Lijiang Tower, east of the city. Chen Mu arrived just in time for the lunch rush. As usual, he chose a corner in the first floor hall where he waited for Jie Jia''s people to pick up the goods while surveying the flow of people in the hall and eavesdropping for news of the world. Soon, his attention was caught by a small chubby figure. The child, about six or seven years old, was also sitting in a corner of the hall, near the passageway to the kitchen. Next to him sat a tall, thin, elderly man. The old man was currently using a small knife to slice roast duck for the little chub. For every slice the elder cut, the chubby kid would grab one and stuff it into his mouth, eating to the point of greasy lips, which made Chen Mu''s appetite grow. He immediately ordered one for himself. The waiter brought the sliced roast duck and set up various dipping sauces. Unable to wait, Chen Mu tasted a piece and his eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he gave a thumbs-up, "Delicious!" The waiter beamed with pride, "This is one of the top ten signature dishes of our Lijiang Tower." "It boasts a hundred years of tradition, with exquisite ingredients and unique techniques." Chen Mu, tucking into another piece of duck, nodded in approval, "Both the raw ingredients and the condiments are indeed elegant, and the technique is delicate."@@@@ The waiter''s face was full of pride, "That''s right! Only our Lijiang Tower in all of Nanyang knows how to make this! Even Fan Tower in Guard City does not have it." "Now there are two places," a nonchalant voice suddenly sounded from behind them. Chen Mu turned in surprise, "Why have you come yourself?" He then turned his head, sending away the waiter who hesitated to speak. Jie Jia said nothing, looking silently at Chen Mu, "You''re so brazenly filching techniques?" "Just wait until I make it myself, then see if you can resist eating it," Chen Mu rolled his eyes; you''ve never missed a meal. He kept up with the Heavenly Serpent Breathing Method and constantly pushed forward with the progress of the Shape Cultivation Technique. The Shape Cultivation Technique''s breathing method doesn''t require large movements. Once familiar, it doesn''t even require full concentration. This left him ample time to read and brush up on his Pharmaceutical Technique, and tinker with the Fasting Pill. Half a month later. Under the thatched shed, Chen Mu lifted the top half of the square wooden mold to reveal several ping-pong-sized white balls lying quietly inside the bottom half of the mold. He picked one up and popped it into his mouth. It still tasted of rice ballssalty with a hint of sweetness. It was a bit hard when chewed but quickly dissolved after being broken down. "The texture is somewhat like chocolate," Chen Mu nodded, satisfied. In fact, it was a high-calorie, high-protein concentrated protein ball. He had devised this nutritional supplement using his Third Rank culinary arts and Fourth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique. "Rice balls can finally be retired." Your next chapter is on novelhall.Co?m "Next time, I must invite Jie Jia to taste itthis should definitely qualify as a Fasting Pill now." ... The year 641 in the Da Liang era, July 29th. At the Chen Residence in Yongtong District. The Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique achieved a breakthrough to the Fourth Rank without much ado. A palm-sized Soul Strength appeared at the position of the chest. The breaths became smoother and the body''s stamina increased to a certain extent. "Fairly standard," Chen Mu felt neither too disappointed nor overly excited. "Another Shape Cultivation Technique without a developed Shell Soul," Chen Mu sighed as he looked at the ''limit'' text appearing on the screen in front of him. He took out the four Shape Cultivation Technique books he had borrowed, with considerably less expectation. "At most, it might just be a Wandering Soul." "Well, let''s train," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. He chose the last and simplest book of the Shape Cultivation Technique "Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique." This was a Shape Cultivation Technique borrowed from Chao Tianwang by "Song Jiang." The variations in breathing numbered only one hundred and eight. Quite a bit less than the other three books. But this Shape Cultivation book required very few Active Cultivation postures, with only thirty-six variations in total. "This should be quick to master." With fewer Active Cultivation movements, there''s less physical transformation, shortening the time needed to master it. Having already layered six kinds of Shape Cultivation Techniques, his progress in Shape Cultivation was even faster. Cloud Mirage, a kind of formless cloud-like creature. That''s how the book introduced it. Chen Mu was curious; it was the first time he had heard of such a creature. After carefully reading through it, Chen Mu stood up to practice, smoothly entering the state he was familiar with. Chapter 133 - 132 Troubles ``` Lijiang City, Yongtong District, Chen Residence. Chen Mu slept until he naturally awoke, flipped off the thin blanket from his body, glanced at the Soul-Calming Stake standing by the window, and felt extremely satisfied in his heart. Ever since he discovered the wondrous use of the Soul-Calming Stake, Chen Mu had his own refrigerator and air conditioner. Making iced herbal tea didn''t require the hassle of making ice anymore. At night, placing it beside the bed not only kept it cool all night, but it also came with the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes. "Chao Tianwang is such a good person," Chen Mu beamed with joy. For a moment, he suddenly felt that the Thousand Mountains Sutra wasn''t so sinister after all. Using the cultivation strategy of bearing Yin aligned with twelve Soul-Calming Stakes, wouldn''t it be great as a large central air conditioning unit? "It''s the way of thinking of these locals that''s flawed!" "Each one of them so deeply steeped in resentment." Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh, "Good people like me are truly too few!" Once again feeling sorrow for the people of this world, Chen Mu got up, washed up, and ate. After the meal, he didn''t rush to increase his proficiency, but instead started preliminary processing on the medicinal herbs he had bought on the way home yesterday. The Blue Medicine Pill required some herbs to have a long preparation time, which needed to be started in advance. "In a little over twenty days, they should be just about ready to use," said Chen Mu as he sealed the fermentation jar and placed it in a cool corner of the room. ... Having stored everything away, Chen Mu returned to the thatched shed. He didn''t like staying in the room much during the day. The house, designed to keep out rain and wind, had small windows. Moreover, they were latticed and covered with oiled paper, making poor lighting conditions. Even with all the windows open, the room still felt somewhat dim. The east side of the courtyard, under the thatched shed, had thus become the main area of activity. The original thatched shed had been dismantled and rebuilt by Chen Mu. The whole shed now hugged the east wall, stretching five to six meters in length from north to south. The shed was divided into two parts. On the side close to the room, the floor was paved with green bricks and furnished with a dining table, small tables, rocking chairs, and a wooden storage cabinet for teapots, bowls, and spoons. Near the gate, the ground was also paved with green bricks, but Chen Mu had added a layer of polished wood on top as his regular practice area. Under the thatched shed, black smoke and water flowed over the ground. The mess left from processing the medicinal herbs quickly disappeared. At the same time, garbage began to fall pitter-patter into a wooden barrel behind the courtyard gate. Once the cleaning was done, Chen Mu took a short break before walking to the wooden floor area on the south side of the shed. He took off his shoes, sat on the wooden planks, bent his left knee, draped his right leg over his left, and touched the ground with the tip of his big toe. His left hand pressed on the right side of his body, while his right hand wrapped around from behind to press on the left side of his body, rotating his head nearly one hundred and twenty degrees backward. "If it weren''t for mastering the Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique, this pose for the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique would be pretty hard to achieve!" There were up to one hundred and eight variations of the breathing method for the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. However, there were only thirty-six poses. He then immediately used the excuse of a ruined reputation to quickly leave Nanyang Prefecture City and settle down in Lijiang Guard City for retirement. Thinking about this, old man Ding couldn''t help but smile smugly, "Old Ding is still one step ahead!" "Raid my house?" "Don''t you know the saying about the crafty rabbit having three burrows?" "The bit of property in Nanyang Prefecture was just a shell!" He had long since quietly transferred his assets, even purchasing a bookstore and a small two-entry courtyard in Lijiang Guard City. The silver he had amassed during Chao Tianwang''s recruitment was also stashed away throughout Nanyang Prefecture City. He had now taken all of it out and brought it to Lijiang City. "Now I can live out my old age in peace!" Thinking of the beautiful young concubine he had just taken into his house, old man Ding''s face glowed red. "I need to find that silver-booted errand boy and get some more Jinyang Pills." "The Xue Family goods station really does have divine reach, being able to buy the secret medicine famous in Nanyang Prefecture even in the small Lijiang City. Heh heh..." ... Three days later. Chen Mu stared in disbelief at the gray wall. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 892/10000/Third Rank; "This isn''t another weak sauce technique, is it?" Chen Mu wondered. Muscle Transformation in just three days?! "Or is it that the accumulation of numerous Shape Cultivation Techniques has pushed my body to its limits?" Chen Mu speculated. If that were true, then the time required to practice the other three Shape Cultivation Techniques would decrease. "There''s only one way to find out." Chen Mu immediately buried himself in training again. ... Five days later. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the wooden floor under the wooden shed. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 15/10000/Fourth Rank; "It''s indeed due to too much stacking," Chen Mu concluded. In just a total of nine days, he completed the Muscle Transformation with the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. "Perhaps I don''t even need fifty Shell Souls, maybe just forty will do," Chen Mu said, invigorated. "But where am I supposed to find so many Shape Cultivation Techniques?" The faster he trained, the quicker the stacking, which meant shorter time needed to cultivate Shell Souls. But too quick, and he''d find himself without any Shape Cultivation Techniques to practice. "It seems I can only feel my way through this, piling up the Limit Shape Cultivation Techniques," Chen Mu said resignedly. It was a dilemma of happiness. "Forget it, I still have three other techniques to learn, no use worrying about these troubling matters." "On a day of great joy, to Ruyi Tower, here we come!" Chapter 134 - 133 Slowly It was seven or eight in the evening. Chen Mu wandered out of the Ruyi Tower in East Market. "Just so-so," Chen Mu smacked his lips dismissively. The food was not as good as in Sihai Tower. In terms of environment and layout, except for being smaller, it was almost a carbon copy of Chunfeng Tower. However, the dancing girls were bolder in their attire and dance moves. It seemed somewhat vulgar, flamboyantly vulgar, but... but quite appealing to the eye. "Although they can''t compare with Yu Tao and Qiu Ying in grace, they each have their own charm. Hehe..." The only downside was probably the overly enthusiastic waitress girls trying to freeload a meal, coming wave after wave. Trying to score a free meal without paying?! Who do they think I am?! He had sent them all away in one fell swoop. Humming an unknown tune proudly, Chen Mu strolled towards Yongtong District. Bang! A loud noise suddenly erupted from not far away, coming from the surface of the Lijiang River. The little paper man in his sleeve whooshed up into the air. Instantly, a bird''s-eye view of the riverside appeared in his mind. Two dark figures kept flickering and colliding on a boat. Every collision resonated like a huge bell, creating a thunderous roar. The boat more than fifty meters beneath their feet seemed as fragile as a pile of sand. It would snap at a touch and crumble on impact; in just a few movements, a large boat was cut in half by the continuous clashing of the two figures. Bang! Another loud noise, one of the figures was blasted into the water by the other. The water''s surface exploded into a seven or eight-meter-high splash. This sight made Chen Mu''s scalp tingle! Even though the dock''s light was dim, Chen Mu still made out the black light shining off the two small figures'' skin. "Shell Soul?!" Where did these two Shell Soul masters come from? He knew of only a handful of Shell Soul masters, and the one he had met was Jie Jia. He had thought that Shell Soul masters were either local tyrants or hidden away in Jianghu, both rarely seen. But what was this all about?! Many people were attracted by the noise and rushed towards the dock. A martial artist with good skills ran fast and was the first to reach the dock. Unfortunately, that person was hit by the Shell Soul master emerging from the water. With a splat, the martial artist was split into pieces and scattered on the ground. Chen Mu shivered on the spot. He turned and ran home. "That''s damn dangerous!" One must be cautious when watching a fight! ... After returning home, Chen Mu''s heart was still pounding vigorously. It was the first time he had seen Shell Soul masters fight. The destructive power was simply terrifying. Such a large wooden boat was treated like a toy, easily dismantled. Running into a person was worse than getting hit by a truck in his previous life; they were smashed to pieces in an instant. "How come there are so many masters in Lijiang Guard City?" Not long ago there had been a master whose strength far exceeded estimates, making Jie Jia give up the mission. And today, he encountered two Shell Soul masters fighting. "Wasn''t it said that Lijiang Guard City, south of Da Liang and away from war, was very safe?" The string in Chen Mu''s head, urging him to flee, immediately began to buzz. "Don''t panic, the situation in Nanyang Prefecture is worse." "Let''s stay for a few more days and see." A small smile curled at the corner of Chen Mu''s mouth, Ah, fate! ... Old Ding left Ruyi Tower, staggering all the way home. He didn''t dare sleep in Ruyi Tower anymore; he had his reservations. What if he was knocked out and abducted again? Besides, the gentle embraces of his concubines at home were far more alluring than the girls here in Ruyi Tower. The more he thought about it, the warmer his desires grew; the alcohol effect receded, and he hurried home. Once at home, he rinsed off briefly and then slipped into his concubine''s bed. The next day, Old Ding didn''t wake up until the sun was high in the sky. After lunch, he walked into his study, massaging his sore back. He didn''t even plan on visiting his shop. "I don''t rely on that little shop to make a living, why bother!" He closed the door of the east side study and carefully removed a book from the middle compartment of the bookshelf. He took out a brown-red square wooden box from behind a green brick in the back wall of the shelf. Discover exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m Gently removing the dust from the precious box with his sleeve, Old Ding brought it to the desk. Rubbing his hands together, he opened the box with an excited expression. It was time to count his money, one of his few enjoyments. Old Ding''s eyes sparkled as he took out the thick stack of silver notes. "My nest egg." "A hundred taels." "Two hundred taels." "Five hundred taels!" "Haha..." Counting the silver notes with glee, his vision suddenly blurred. Thump! He slumped over the desk, falling into a deep sleep. The next moment, a wisp of black smoke slowly materialized on the desk... ... After an unknown stretch of time, Old Ding''s eyes fluttered open. "I''m getting old. I was only slightly busy last night, and now I''m falling asleep while counting money?" "I need to get some tonics..." "Hold on, where is my money... how come there''s so much missing?!" Old Ding felt like he was going crazy. His thick stack of money had shrunk by more than half! He hurriedly began to count again. "Seven thousand six hundred taels!" "A full seven thousand six hundred taels are gone!" "Which son of a thousand..." He hadn''t finished cursing when he spotted a small note on the desk. "I''ve taken the settlement money for the four brothers. Not a fen more, not a fen less. Chao Old Flea of Liang Mountain, Shi Qian." Old Ding: "..." "But I''ve only embezzled one thousand six hundred taels from you four." "Why don''t you go after Chen the Fatty?" Old Ding cursed, nearly popping his eyes out in rage! "My nest egg!" Chen Mu, hiding outside the courtyard wall: "..." Took too much?! Impossible, absolutely impossible! If it''s said to be seven thousand six hundred taels, then it must be seven thousand six hundred taels! Chen Mu nodded confidently, humming a tune as he made his way home. The frustration stirred up by the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique instantly vanished without a trace. Chapter 135 - 134 Fifth Rank Back home, Chen Mu was in high spirits. It wasn''t in vain that he had staked out the place after breakfast.@@@@ He had intended to observe the old man''s movements and deliver two Iron Lotus Seeds to him on the way. Who would have expected there would also be unexpected gains? Chen Mu counted the silver notes with glee. Having successfully obtained the funds to settle down, his overall wealth skyrocketed to more than twenty thousand taels. "I guess I''m a rich man now!" "No worries about food and drink, and some spare money to enjoy the opera and take things slow with my cultivation," reflected Chen Mu contentedly. With proficiency on his side, achieving Shell Soul was only a matter of time. So what''s there to rush! "People take a hundred years to nurture their souls and still train step by step." "So what if it takes me until forty to achieve Shell Soul, why the hurry!" ... With a settled heart, Chen Mu''s life returned to tranquillity. Lijiang Guard City was south of Da Liang, too remote. Not far from Nanyang Prefecture City but still far from bustling. That is precisely why the atmosphere in the city was relatively peaceful. There was no way to avoid the hardships of the human world, but compared to the deep turmoil of the northern war-torn areas, here was much more fortunate. Chen Mu lived a quiet life in the small city, brushing up his proficiency, his days passing by calmly and leisurely. He even made time to turn the eastern side of his yard into a vegetable garden, sowing four or five rows of seasonal vegetables. His lifestyle was regular, and before he knew it, a month had swiftly passed by. That evening, after a day of cultivation, he was sitting in a thatched pavilion drinking tea and stargazing. In his previous life, he didn''t know much about astronomy; besides the sun and the moon, the Big Dipper was all he recognized. "There seem to be more stars in this world, densely packed," he noted. "No industrial pollution, so they''re clearer?" Chen Mu wondered aimlessly, then shook his head. The Big Dipper was certainly gone. "This is ultimately not the original world." "I wonder if the earth beneath my feet is still a sphere," Chen Mu muttered. In his previous life, he had always heard a statement, stating that when watching ships coming from afar at the sea, the first thing one noticed was the top of their sails. As the ships drew closer, one would gradually see the bodies of the ships from top to bottom. That was because the earth is a sphere, with a curved surface. He had known about this in his previous life but never had a chance to see it for himself. "When I achieve Shell Soul someday and travel the world, I''ll make a trip to the sea first," Chen Mu set a little goal for himself. He was planning his exciting future life. Boom! A loud noise erupted from within the city. The little paper man on the roof immediately shot up into the sky. In the dim night, nothing could be seen. One could only faintly hear that the loud noise came from the direction of Lijiang, east of the city. "Another fight?" "Is it the same two from a month ago?" "Or have other experts arrived?" All four little paper men flew into the sky, monitoring the movements in all directions. Within Lijiang City, only the dishes at Lijiang Tower were to his taste. Looking up and observing the attire of everyone in the lobby, Chen Mu couldn''t help but be startled. "The weather has turned cold, huh," he realized suddenly. Having used the Soul-Calming Stake air-conditioning for a long time, he was never too hot or too cold, and wasn''t very sensitive to changes in the outside temperature. With his strong physical constitution, he didn''t feel even a slight chill. "Unknowingly, more than four months have passed," Chen Mu lamented. As he was lost in thought, a few voices nearby suddenly piqued his interest. "Those families south of the city are really unlucky, just sitting at home when their house collapsed." "An undeserved disaster, it''s unknown which powerful martial artist it was." "Has something valuable appeared in Lijiang City?" "Hard to say..." "It''s already affecting the inside of the city?" Chen Mu couldn''t help frowning. For months, there had always been powerful martial artists dueling in the surroundings of Lijiang City. The power unleashed was tremendous. Chen Mu had even sneakily gone to the outskirts to see for himself. A small hillock had been pockmarked and cratered, as if it had been subjected to a mortar shelling, and had been significantly lowered. "Shell Soul experts gathering in Lijiang City, it''s probably not a good sign." "Does Lijiang City really have some treasure?" Chen Mu began to think about leaving. After listening to the crowd''s discussions a while longer, Chen Mu paid the bill and shook his head as he left. Most of these people were just parroting others and didn''t know the real situation. "I need to meet with Jie Jia." That old man had vast divine skills; he definitely knew the reason. ... Back at home, Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, deep in thought. He brought up the gray wall and looked toward the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 9783/10000/Fourth Rank; "No rush, wait another three days." After more than four months, the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was finally close to perfection. Three days later, the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique broke through without any disturbance. His mind felt refreshingly cool and comfortable, and at the back of his head, near the occipital bone, there appeared a quail egg-sized Wandering Soul. "It really is an incomplete version," Chen Mu frowned. The breathing method was so complex, yet the Wandering Soul was so small, it was even inferior to the White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique. A cultivation technique that was originally high-end had been weakened to the point of mediocrity. "Incompetent bastards," Chen Mu composedly completed his daily curse at the nobility. He planned to set off for Nanyang Prefecture City the next day. He had to find out what was going on with the gathering of experts in Lijiang City. As he was speculating, his eyes inadvertently swept over the gray wall, and Chen Mu stood frozen in place. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 3/10000/Fifth Rank; Find your next read on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu: "..." The Wandering Soul hadn''t reached its limit yet?! Was the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique actually a top-tier technique leading directly to Shell Soul?! "Did I... curse wrongly?" Chapter 136 - 135: Ferry Ticket "No, I didn''t curse wrongly!" Chen Mu quickly recovered his senses. Not reaching the limit only means that the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique has a high upper bound. It doesn''t mean that the clan hasn''t tampered with it. "No wonder cultivation has been so difficult." Chen Mu realized suddenly. "Exactly, because of its great potential, the modifications are substantial!" Damn them for changing it beyond recognition! If he didn''t have the proficiency cheat, who knows how long he would have to practice. "To achieve Shell Soul within thirty...?!" "Ha!" "I''m not staying in Lijiang City anymore!" With Shell Soul within reach, he needed to hurry and ask Jie Jia about the Thousand Mechanism Token. Maybe he would have to seek out the Thousand Mechanism Token very soon! "Could these Shell Soul masters that have come to Lijiang City have something to do with the Thousand Mechanism Token?" ... Chen Mu often seemed hesitant. But when it came to fleeing, he was more decisive than anyone else. The next day in the afternoon, he was outside the Ji''an Gate of Nanyang Prefecture City. In the evening, in the backyard of Hesheng Hall in the North Market, Chen Mu personally cooked a large table of delicious dishes. He also took time and effort to roast a Lijiang Tower duck. Its strong aroma made the clerks in the front hall of Hesheng Hall swallow their saliva greedily. Chen Mu happily tossed a duck leg to one of them to send him away. He knew this clerk in his twenties. For the past three months, every delivery of the Blue Medicine Pill had been completed by this man heading to Lijiang City. "Ask." Jie Jia was very familiar with Chen Mu''s routine. "Several Shell Soul masters appeared in Lijiang City; it''s not quite normal," Chen Mu expressed his confusion. "Their target is Shouyang Mountain," Jie Jia said indifferently. "The Shouyang Mountain eighty li east of the city in Lijiang?" Chen Mu was surprised. Living in Lijiang City, he could see it from a distance. The mountain wasn''t particularly tall but was always shrouded in mist and surrounded by verdant greenery. From afar, it resembled a dwelling of immortals. "Hmm," Jie Jia nodded. "Does it have something to do with the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chen Mu stated his guess. "Yes." "What''s the connection?" Chen Mu asked eagerly. "You haven''t cultivated Shell Soul yet; what''s the point of asking so much?" Jie Jia said softly. Find exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m I''ll be able to cultivate Shell Soul very soon! But I can''t say that... Others take a hundred years to develop their Shell Soul. With my talents, my perception, if I suddenly cultivate Shell Soul, wouldn''t that just scream suspicion? "How can I get you to tell me?!" Chen Mu said, feeling frustrated. Jie Jia put down his chopsticks, lifted his eyelids a fraction, and his bright yellow eyes solemnly looked towards Chen Mu. Then... he slowly made a scissor gesture with his hand. Chen Mu: "..." Two hundred taels?! This price hike is just ridiculously excessive! Thinking of the Shell Soul experts battling in Lijiang City, Chen Mu immediately shook his head. He was no match for those old coins. Chen Mu''s eyes lit up: "How about I hire you to snatch one for me?" "Name your price!" Chen Mu said with a grand gesture. "You can''t afford me," Jie Jia said without even looking at Chen Mu. "Looking down on me?" Chen Mu was not convinced. Right now, he was a wealthy man with more than twenty thousand silver notes! "The Thousand Mechanism Token appears once every hundred years." "One hundred and seven tokens in total across the thirteen states of Da Liang." "Tell me, how little would it be appropriate for me to take from you?" Jie Jia stated flatly. Chen Mu: "..." Is it... that rare?! Can''t afford it... "Guess I''ll have to find it myself," Chen Mu suddenly felt overwhelmed. Thinking about those densely packed, dark and ghostly figures, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shiver. If he encountered them, it would be deadly! "Do the Startling Swan Gang and Tangshan Camp have ways to deal with the ghosts?" he remembered what his neighbor Kui Tuo had told him about his experiences traveling north. "Hiring so many people just to send them to their deaths? That doesn''t seem reasonable." "There are special devices that can gather a person''s Vital Energy." "Although ghosts can devour Vital Energy..." "If there is too much of it..." Jie Jia said evenly. "They''ll burst! They''ll drown!" Chen Mu was struck by a thought. He narrowed his eyes, "Looks like I need to hire a Liang Mountain hero to come out of retirement. Either go to the Tangshan Camp or blend in with the Startling Swan Gang for a while." ... In Nanyang Prefecture City, near the South Gate of Jingxing Alley in the North Market. Chen Mu rented a small, two-section courtyard to settle down. He had wanted to have more than one hideout, but unfortunately, all the surrounding places were already rented out. "Luckily, I hadn''t planned to stay long." He wasn''t in a hurry to apply for a job at the Tangshan Camp or the Startling Swan Gang. "First, I need to try out the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique." After breaking through to the Fifth Rank, the effect of the Shape Cultivation Breathing Method weakened. Fortunately, as his Proficiency slowly increased, insights came continuously. The original Breathing Method of one hundred and eight variations had now expanded to one hundred and sixty-nine, and it was still increasing. "I''ll stay here for a while, wait until I fully understand the new Breathing Method before making a move," Chen Mu planned silently. "No rush to apply for a job either; who knows what kind of tricks those two families might have." Listening to Kui Tuo, it seemed that those who joined the Startling Swan Gang were somehow controlled by a mysterious method and turned into mummies if they tried to escape. Without a clear understanding, Chen Mu dared not dive in headfirst. Chapter 137 - 136 Fasting Pill A month later In the Chen Residence of Jingxing Alley, Nanyang Prefecture City. Chen Mu followed his usual practice by setting up a thatched shed on the east side of the courtyard, with green bricks laid on the ground. Under the shed, there was a rocking chair in a row, and beside it on a low table, incense, milk tea, and an assortment of snacks and candied fruits were all available. He squinted his eyes, nestled in the rocking chair. His breathing alternated between rapid and slow, changing quickly yet unexpectedly maintaining a rhythm akin to flowing clouds and water. In his mind, through a haze as if behind frosted glass, a three-dimensional pattern connected by dots and silk threads flickered and shifted along with Chen Mu''s breathing. After a long while, Chen Mu''s body shuddered, and he opened his eyes. "Three hundred and sixty changes in one breathing cycle, this is probably the limit," he mused. Sense of understanding brought about by proficiency slowly faded into the recesses of his mind. "The Breathing Method is the index, the doorway, the starting thread." "The Divine Intent Diagram is the core," Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully, "The Breathing Method tunes the body and soul, all to usher one into a certain special state!" In his previous life, some theories held that different breathing frequencies could place one in varying states. Some might bring calmness and focus, while others could make one''s thoughts lively and more creative. The Breathing Method was probably of a similar nature but more mystical. "If one day I could directly enter that state, then perhaps I could abandon the Breathing Method," Chen Mu had an epiphany. With a thought, the grey wall in front of him came into view. Chen Mu looked toward the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 1955/10000/Fifth Rank; "At the current pace, in a little over four months, I''ll likely master Shell Soul." "Over a month and not even one-fifth of the way there? Tch... the progress is really slow!" Chen Mu fought to suppress the curl of his lips and shook his head in lament. With a thought, a stream of jet black substance burst forward from the back of his head like dark water. It was as though a helmet that clung to the skin formed in an instant, covering Chen Mu''s head entirely, not sparing even a single hair. It continued to spread downward along his neck. Chen Mu opened his robes to check. The Wandering Soul only managed to cover up to his shoulders before its advance faltered. "If the other six strands of Wandering Souls were added..." Whoosh! The Jet Black Soul Strength surged downwards, stopping just below the ribs. "It seems I might achieve Shell Soul in less than four months..." "Ha!" Chen Mu quickly covered his mouth. He couldn''t laugh, he absolutely couldn''t let himself laugh! What am I bragging about? Those scions of noble families have bloodline enhancements, making their cultivation speed even faster! And they also have Body Protection Aura!@@@@ I''m just an ordinary person, what do I have to be proud of! I must stay humble, contain my impatience, and learn to control my emotions and desires! "Hmm, let''s go to Chunfeng Tower tonight. I haven''t seen Yu Tao in a long time; I really miss her." ... Lost in his daydreams. Gurgle... "Then one thousand!" Jie Jia said bluntly. Chen Mu looked at Jie Jia with mixed feelings. Why was he not surprised at all?! "No, you have to create a fake identity for me." Without getting something extra, he always felt like he was losing out. "That''s possible," Jie Jia put away the silver note, a faint smile appearing on his face. Good marks are hard to find, after all. Chen Mu was so frustrated he didn''t want to talk. This old guy always took the chance to scam him! But who could replace what he had? "You can''t eat it all at once," Jie Jia reminded as he passed a white porcelain bottle to Chen Mu. "What? Is it poisonous?" Chen Mu still wanted to taste it. "It''ll bloat you to death," Jie Jia stated plainly. Chen Mu: "..." ... After dinner, having sent Jie Jia away, Chen Mu sat at the desk in his room and lit the oil lamp. He took out the porcelain bottle Jie Jia had given him and poured it out. "This thing is a Fasting Pill." Chen Mu pinched an Elixir Pill the size of a longan, white as jade, incredulity filling his eyes. "Old man Jie isn''t just palming off a jade bead to trick me, is he?" The old guy had a history of selling fake medicines! The Fasting Pill was round and smooth, white jade in color, heavy in his palm. Chen Mu squeezed with both hands, but it didn''t budge. His Seven Types of Shape Cultivation were complete, his strength unimaginable, and that squeeze could have crushed a stone bead. "Interesting!" Chen Mu set the little porcelain dish on the desk. Soul Strength covered his right hand, the jet black fingernail of his index finger scraping slightly. Screech screech screech... A series of enamel-eroding scraping sounds filled the air. Droplets of white jade powder fell, and a faint scent of grass and wood wafted through the air. "It''s not a stone then." He tasted a bit of the powder. It was like cotton candy, melting instantly in his mouth. A sweet, cool sensation rushed to his heart and then went down his throat to his belly. A sense of fullness instantly came over him. "Really filling!" "If I could replicate it, I wouldn''t have to worry about the cost of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. Explore stories on novelhall.Co?m "No rush, take it slowly in the future." With a puff of black smoke, the Fasting Pill was put into the Five Ghosts Bag. "Now there are more important things to do." Chen Mu straightened his clothes, changed his appearance, and looked left and right in the mirror. Completely unrecognizable, very good! Then he went out at ease, heading straight for Chunfeng Tower in the North Market. Chapter 138 - 137: Infiltration North Market Chunfeng Tower. In a tiny partition at the corner of the first-floor hall. Sun Enqi, with his portly belly, sat carelessly in the middle of the soft couch. Reaching out to pick up a slice of braised beef, he chewed with a face full of enjoyment. "The food and drinks at Chunfeng Tower are always so flavorful," he said as he picked up the wine cup beside him and drained it in one gulp. He immediately raised his head and stared at the enchanting figure on the distant stage. Stay tuned to "Uncle Seven, Dawang is honest and not good with words, but he''s strong and obedient," Sun Enwu said in a low voice with a smile as he poured wine into an empty cup. "You mentioned last time that the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp is short on people..." Sun Enqi glanced at the mute young man in the corner, who didn''t dare to raise his head, and shook his head. "There was a kitchen helper who got his leg broken by a bag of grain." "That can be arranged. But that old clerk is greedy and sly, it''s quite troublesome," he added. The wrinkled forehead of Sun Enwu furrowed even deeper. Setting down the wine pot, he gritted his teeth and took out a small cloth pouch from his chest, handing it to Sun Enqi. "Uncle Seven, I''m asking a favor of you." Sun Enwu squeezed it. Ten taels? A subtle smile surfaced on his face. "I''ll take Dawang with me tomorrow to see." "Let''s hope the old man isn''t too greedy." A smile immediately spilled across Sun Enwu''s face, "Dawang, quickly thank your Uncle Seven! This boy is just too shy!" The gaunt and wooden young man softly muttered a thank you to Uncle Seven. Sun Enqi, with his large belly, waved his hand dismissively, "We are brothers of the same family, no need for formalities." Sun Enwu kept thanking him while constantly pouring and urging wine. In the corner, Chen Mu squinted his eyes, admiring Yu Tao''s figure. "Sun Dawang? Tsk tsk..." "That''s a really prosperous name." ... Opposite the South Gate at the north end of Nanyang Prefecture City is Jingxing Alley. Because it''s close to the North Market, the alley is always bustling with people. Facing the North Market, a row of buildings in Jingxing Alley consists of various shops. Directly across from the South Gate of the North Market is Mingyi Tea House. At the moment, many strong men are queuing up at the entrance to register.@@@@ This is the recruitment office for the Tangshan Army. A few long tables are set up on the first floor of the tea house, with personnel behind them responsible for scrutinizing and registering candidates. The Tangshan Camp pays well and offers good conditions, attracting a crowd of applicants. Secretly slipping silver to the registration clerks happens from time to time. Xing Lao Liu sat in a corner of the tea house, and couldn''t help shaking his head as he glanced at his colleague accepting silver. He had been assigned to work as a clerk in the Dingyou Camp of laborers. It was the kind of job that paid little for hard work. There were few applicants, and not a single one offering a bribe. "One must be alive to make money and even more so to spend it," Xing Lao Liu thought somberly. Chen Mu watched Sun Dawang and his son leave, then turned back into the city. "The Tangshan Army Laborer Camp is also inside the Tangshan Army," a hint of a smile flickered across Chen Mu''s face. He was seeking the Thousand Mechanism Token but didn''t want to be controlled by others. The Startling Swan Gang had means, and Tangshan Camp was no exception. It might as well assume the role of a cook and hitch a smooth ride. "No more flaws on Sun Family''s end." "Elder Xing Lao..." Chen Mu thought of a certain crafty old man. "Need to keep an eye on him for a while." ... The next day, at dusk. Jingxing Alley, Chen Residence. Chen Mu sat under the pavilion, a small porcelain dish laid out on a low table before him. It was covered with a thin layer of jade-colored powder. Chen Mu dipped a bit with his chopsticks and tasted it cautiously, closing his eyes. "Unfamiliar?!" Facing the Fasting Pill, his Third Rank culinary skills failed to identify the nutritive substances within the Fasting Pill. "Is it a medicinal ingredient?" He held up the porcelain dish with his left hand and fanned lightly above it with his right, towards himself. "It''s not among any known medicinal herbs," Chen Mu shook his head. Is it a special ingredient from overseas? "I''ve told you, you can''t replicate it," Jie Jia walked into the courtyard leisurely with his hands behind his back. Chen Mu exhaled, he had underestimated this thing. "Give me a discount!" Chen Mu demanded fiercely. "No problem," Jie Jia smiled agreeably. ... Two days later, early in the morning, Jingxing Alley. With the sky just beginning to light up, Chen Mu rose early from bed. After a brief wash, he headed over to a row of three-legged wooden racks on the east side of the courtyard. The racks had five layers, and each layer held a flat bamboo basket. Inside each basket lay Fasting Pills the size of ping-pong balls, colored white. Chen Mu picked one up, squeezing it slightly, "It''s still a bit soft but now storable long-term." He was about to enter the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp, and would soon be heading north with the army, looking for an opportunity to probe for the Thousand Mechanism Token. "With this 3.0 version of the Fasting Pill for nourishment, I won''t have to fear the halt of my Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique''s progress." This was also why Chen Mu grudgingly spent a fortune on twelve Fasting Pills. The Fasting Pill 3.0 contained ingredients from the Fasting Pills. Each pill had about one-twentieth of its content. This would not only satisfy his hunger but also prevent him from overeating. It indeed took considerable effort. Black smoke billowed and spread. The Fasting Pills that had been sitting overnight suddenly vanished from sight. "It''s time to leave." Chapter 139 - 138 Iron Ring Thirty li to the northeast of Nanyang Prefecture City, there was a small mountain called Tangshan. At the foot of the mountain ran a river known as the Fenxi River, which wound its way around the mountain. The Tangshan Army was stationed to the south of Tangshan and north of the Fenxi River. On the official road, more than ten ox carts, loaded with heavy goods, moved slowly towards the small Tangshan. Chen Mu sat on the right side of an ox cart, behind him the cart was filled with bamboo baskets holding all sorts of seasonal vegetables, oil, salt, and condiments. The journey went smoothly, and even though the ox carts were slow, by morning, the convoy had arrived at the Tangshan Army''s camp. "Dawang, don''t wander around once you''re in the camp, just keep your head down and work," "Even though we are part of the Laborer Camp, the rules are still strict." "If you break military law, I can''t protect you either," Sun Enqi said seriously. "I understand, Uncle Qi," Chen Mu replied, his head slightly lowered as if he didn''t dare to look directly at the other, answering in a dull tone. Pleased, Sun Enqi nodded, sizing up his nephew. He couldn''t help but shake his head in self-mockery: "I''m worrying over nothing." "This nephew of mine looks like an honest person; how could he possibly cause trouble?" His expression softened, and he patted Chen Mu on the shoulder, "Come on, I''ll take you to register and settle in. Otherwise, we can''t make your iron bracelet." "Iron bracelet?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "Hmmph, like this one." Sun Enqi raised his left hand. Chen Mu looked and saw a dark iron ring, an inch wide, wrapped around the other''s wrist. "This has our identity number engraved on it. Without this, you can''t get your pay." Chen Mu suddenly understood. "It must be the identity tag inside the camp." "Alive, it''s convenient to distribute pay by name; dead, it''s convenient to build a tombstone and bury the person." Chen Mu pretended not to fully understand, nodding honestly. He was now just an honest kid from the mountains, not understanding but also not daring to ask. The two entered the camp, and as far as the eye could see, there were dense, grey-white tents everywhere. "Uncle Qi, where is the Tangshan Army located?" Chen Mu asked curiously. Sun Enqi shook his head with a smile, "The Tangshan Army is not here; they are located halfway up the mountain." This place... all laborers? So many people? But... It''s good that there are many people! Makes it easier to hide. ... Two days later. At an open area by the Fenxi River, in the logistics area of the Dingyou Camp. Thud, thud, thud... A series of heavy sounds like a knife chopping on a wooden stump echoed. Chen Mu, holding a thick-backed kitchen knife, was chopping root vegetables on a stump, quickly cutting them into walnut-sized pieces. Thanks to Sun Enqi''s care, Chen Mu successfully blended into the logistics unit of the Dingyou Camp, becoming a vegetable chopping laborer. Glancing at the short, chubby guy next to him sweating profusely, Chen Mu quietly adjusted his muscles, also causing sweat to form on his forehead. "Can''t stand out from the crowd." Observing the other''s chopping speed, Chen Mu slightly adjusted his own. Noticing the gaze from the side, Chen Mu turned to look and saw Zheng Yuan''s stunned expression and his two full baskets of vegetables. "Finished! Ah..." This definitely blows my cover! "Ahem... Back in the village, I used to chop for the chefs at the banquet. You wouldn''t know, but for such a large banquet, there were only two of us chopping." Zheng Yuan''s face remained expressionless: "Oh, I used to chop at the Four Seas Tower, too. You wouldn''t know, but for such a large establishment, even with three master chefs, there were only two of us chopping." Chen Mu: "..." ... In the end, the problem was perfectly solved after Chen Mu helped chop another basket of vegetables. Short and stocky Zheng Yuan looked at Chen Mu with complete satisfaction. He even secretly advised Chen Mu not to chop so fast and to learn to take a proper "rest," supposedly a secret of the Four Seas Tower. Chen Mu accepted the advice gladly, imitated it, and then truly integrated into the Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army. ... Two days later, at the entrance of the Dingyou Camp. A group gathered, forming a long line of forty or fifty people that slowly inched forward. Chen Mu, with his head slightly lowered and looking meek and timid, blended into the middle of the queue. Today was the day they were scheduled to be fitted with the Iron Bracelets. Passing laborers paid no particular attention, giving the scene a glance before moving on. "Are they still inscribing it on the spot?" Chen Mu looked in surprise at the tent at the front of the line. There was a long table set up. Behind the table sat two people, one an old man with a goat beard checking ledgers, and the other, a man in a grey outfit, was responsible for fitting the Iron Bracelets. Next to the middle-aged man was a bronze box, from which he occasionally took out an Iron Ring. He would write something on the interior of the Iron Ring with a brush before fitting it onto someone. Read new chapters at "Is it etched with special corrosive liquid?" Chen Mu realized. He had previously thought it was engraved manually. "At this point, the alias of laborer Sun Dawang was successfully adopted," Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. There were considerable risks involved with his disguise and infiltration. "Being here to wear the Iron Bracelet means the identity verification had passed." Now it was good, he would be able to go north with the army while looking for a chance to get a hold of the Thousand Mechanism Token and avoid the control of the Tangshan Army. "Turning people into mummies, tsk tsk... The methods of these natives are truly terrifying." "It must be some special Magic Artifact." Chen Mu remembered Kui Tuo''s description. "Being a laborer is better." "Those haughty big shots definitely won''t care about the identity of a laborer." As he was thinking, the middle-aged man finished preparing an Iron Ring and pulled up the laborer''s left hand to fit it on. Inadvertently, a faint black line flashed out from the inside of the bracelet. If not for Chen Mu''s seven Shape Cultivation transformations and his extraordinary vision, he might not have noticed it at all. Then he just watched as that black line darted into the laborer''s arm in a flash. Chen Mu: "..." "Fuck!" Chapter 140 - 139: Parasitism He then observed another laborer wearing the Iron Bracelet, and indeed, a black thread seemed to drill into the other''s body. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "Being a laborer is no longer an option." "I''ll have to think of another way." Chen Mu surveyed the surrounding environment. Only now did he notice that around the middle-aged man, there were subtly distributed five or six burly men dressed in black leather armor. He had initially thought they were soldiers of the Tangshan Army maintaining order. Now, seeing how they were positioned, it was clear they were there to protect the middle-aged man. "Must be an important figure," Chen Mu shook his head. The Iron Bracelet might just be a method the Tangshan Army used to control people, and only high-ranking individuals would have access to such core secrets. "I can only run." He could see clearly that although this place was deep within the encampment, just four or five hundred meters to the south was the Fenxi River. If he could dash into the Fenxi River before others could react, he would be able to escape successfully. The laborer camp was mostly untrained laborers; they wouldn''t be able to catch up to him. With that in mind, he took a half step to the side with his right foot. Soul Strength surfaced under his foot and his thighsince he had decided to run, he would give it his all. Just as he was about to exert force, he suddenly felt the sharp focus of a gaze upon him. Chen Mu pretended to glance up casually, only to meet the middle-aged man''s expressionless face. For no apparent reason, Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart as if he were being stared down by a fierce tiger. He quickly lifted his head and stretched his hands as if stretching lazily to move his limbs. "Who is he?!" Chen Mu had a feeling that if he crossed paths with that man, he would die! Even though his Wandering Soul was almost covering half his body, he still felt a fatal sense of danger. "Shell Soul?!" Chen Mu felt his teeth ache. For a matter so central as controlling the entire army, it would make sense to send a Shell Soul!@@@@ "This is troublesome!" ... Chen Mu wasn''t sure if it was a misconception, but he kept feeling that the middle-aged man was staring at him. He dared not make any rash moves even more so. "Do I really have to wear the Iron Bracelet and be controlled by others?" Chen Mu gritted his teeth unwillingly. "I should have let Jie Jia find out more before I came here to infiltrate," Chen Mu regretted. At this point, he was completely out of ideas. The middle-aged man posed too great a threat. Merely looking at him gave Chen Mu a sense of fatal danger. "With someone like that in charge, how am I supposed to find the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chen Mu felt utterly disheartened. If he ran, he would die; if he didn''t run, he would be controlled. "Forget it, I''ll continue to be a laborer, at least I won''t die for now," Chen Mu thought with a grim expression. "Everybody in the laborer camp wears an Iron Bracelet, and I haven''t heard of any unusual deaths. It seems that the Iron Bracelet is safe for now," Chen Mu comforted himself. "After getting through this, I''ll have to find Jie Jia and grill him to see if he can remove this control measure," Chen Mu sighed. What is this? Am I digging my own grave? The moment the black thread drilled into the sleeve, he transferred it into the space. "That was dangerous!" Chen Mu felt a lingering fear in his heart. "What a pity I can''t go to Chunfeng Tower," Chen Mu lamented. "I must reward myself properly." Chen Mu turned his head to look towards the nearby Fenxi River. "Let''s quietly make some poached fish." This is a military camp, and even more so, the neglected Laborer Camp. There''s only one requirement for cooking: make sure it''s cooked through. After eating three days of Dingyou Camp''s working meals, Chen Mu almost vomited. ... The year 642 of Liang, early February seventh. At the foot of Tangshan, the site of Dingyou Camp of the laborers. Chen Mu''s eyes were slightly narrowed, his hands moving automatically with the knife. Dodo dodo... The rhythmic sound of the knife chopping on the wooden stump resonated unceasingly. After a good while, Chen Mu snapped out of it, his bewildered eyes gradually focusing. Taking advantage of the short and round Zheng Yuan''s inattention, he stealthily popped a Bigu Pill into his mouth. The rumbling in his belly immediately quieted down. Since the day he put on the iron ring, he had been at Tangshan Army for half a month. Chopping vegetables and practicing the Breathing Method became his whole life. Moved by a thought, a gray wall appeared in his mind, and Chen Mu looked towards the item at the very bottom. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 3185/10000/Fifth Rank; "It''s a long journey bearing heavy responsibilities," Chen Mu sighed. He was now urgently hoping to increase his strength. To get the Thousand Mechanism Token, without Shell Soul strength, he couldn''t even participate. That middle-aged man had given Chen Mu a great sense of crisis. Silently sensing the coverage area of his Wandering Soul, he realized it now covered up to his belly button and finally let out a sigh of relief. Although the progress on the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was only one-third, the other six Shape Cultivation techniques had been correspondingly improved. "Finally nearing halfway." He focused his attention on the Five Ghosts Bag. The small paper figure was still squatting there, guarding the hair-like black thread. Stay tuned to novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu discovered that this thing seemed to be a living creature, adept at burrowing into flesh and blood. Because of this, he had wasted several fish. Once it enters a living body, it absorbs the nutrients from the host and lies dormant, growing. "Could this be some kind of parasitic worm?" Lucky it didn''t burrow into his body. He looked at Zheng Yuan beside him with pity. Inside the other laborers, there was one of these things. Chapter 141 - 140: Chance Encounter At the foot of small Tangshan, Fenxi River winds around the mountain. Although its name contains "creek," Fenxi River is actually a wide river that spans over ten meters. The river flows slowly, is crystal clear, and is formed by the convergence of mountain springs. The fish in the river are particularly fresh with firm and delicious flesh. As evening approached, the sunset hung on the edge of the sky, making the clouds as red as fire. Near a bend in Fenxi River, faint wisps of blue smoke drifted upward. Chen Mu sat on a low bamboo stool, pondering over a medical book. In front of him was a large, irregular stone with a rectangular groove scooped out in the middle. A wire mesh covered the top of the groove. The breeze from the river made the charcoal inside flicker with scarlet light, and wispy blue smoke escaped from the mesh, drifting toward the sky. "It''s about time," Chen Mu turned his head to look at the river bend not far away. Innumerable fish with their white bellies up floated on the water surface, occasionally flipping twice, resembling drunken revelers. The next moment, billowing black smoke wafted, and the fish suddenly vanished from sight. The inside of the Five Ghosts Bag was immediately filled to half with fish tossed inside in the straight pit. Chen Mu picked and chose, selecting eight fish with black backs and white lines. This type of fish was a specialty of Fenxi River known as Silver Thread Fish. Commonly called Wu Libai by locals, they had few bones, tender flesh, and a remarkably delicious taste. The other fish were all fed into the Five Ghosts Bag. The following moment, two billows of black smoke appeared, one above the other, floating in front of him. Chen Mu reached out and grabbed, and a Silver Thread Fish fell into the palm of his left hand. A flash of dark light briefly appeared and was gone. Sleeve Sword Technique! Hisss! Bright fish scales showered down, disappearing into the black smoke below. The dark light flashed again. Snap! A cluster of bright red innards followed the scales into the black smoke. On the river surface not far away, black smoke churned as scales and innards plopped into the water and scattered. Immediately after, clear river water poured from the black smoke above, washing over the Silver Thread Fish, taking the bloody water with it into the black smoke below. In less than twenty breaths, a Silver Thread Fish was completely cleaned, and the ground beneath was not contaminated at all. Chen Mu proceeded in the same manner, and the eight Silver Thread Fish were quickly processed. "Using the Five Ghosts Bag this way really fills one with happiness," Chen Mu said with a proud smile. Following the Five Ghosts Bag brand cleaning machine, range hood, and dishwasher. Chen Mu had now developed a self-operating tap water system and kitchen waste bin. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain devours humans, Medicine Cultivator sacrifices Ghosts?" "Tsk tsk... look at these local natives." "Their malice is too heavy!" "Unlike me, a good person who''s keen on life, not easy to find!" ... Sizzling... With the meaty fragrance and white smoke rising, the honey glaze for roasted fish was sprinkled on, and the aroma suddenly spread. "Let''s eat!" The fresh and slightly salty flesh of the fish melted in the mouth, causing saliva to be secreted frantically. Unlike her former composed and polite demeanor, her eyes now twinkled playfully and mischievously. How could these two appear in the Tangshan Army camp? Without time to think further, Chen Mu immediately put on a panicked expression of being caught red-handed and was quivering, too scared to speak. "Young man, don''t be afraid, we''re not from the Tangshan Army," Bai Miaojin teased with a look of playful revelation, smiling brightly, "Can you sell us two fish?" Chen Mu tensed his muscles, letting his face turn red, then with a flicker in his eyes, he put on the shy look of a country boy who had just seen a beautiful girl: "No... No need for money." "Hehe..." Her crisp laughter echoed at the edge of the woods. ... An hour later, Chen Mu tidied up the leftovers, grabbed his bamboo stool and iron net, wooden chopsticks and plate, and turned to run. "Sun Dawang from the Logistics Army in Dingyou Camp, don''t forget to come for grilled fish tomorrow," the crisp voice called out from behind, making Chen Mu run even faster. "Hehe..." The bell-like laughter filled the woods again. Chen Mu''s face darkened, and he felt utterly dejected. All I wanted was to cook a special meal. I was already so cautious to hide here, how could I still be discovered? Being discovered is one thing, but how the heck did I get tangled up with them?! After leaving the woods, Chen Mu put away the little paper figure. "I was careless!" He had only been keeping an eye on the camp''s direction, but forgot about Tangshan. Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui had come down from the mountain. "These two seem to be no ordinary people either," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Having practiced Shape Cultivation seven times, his physical condition was extraordinary, and his senses extremely sharp. Yet, he had only detected them when they spoke, which spoke volumes about their strength. At least their movement technique was extremely formidable. Thinking of the robust body of the maid Cui Cui, Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. Such a strong body combined with great movement technique? Wouldn''t that be like a high-speed iron ball? A simple collision could kill a person! "Trouble!" Run? The thought jumped into Chen Mu''s head. But then he shook his head: "It''s impossible to run now." After narrowly escaping the Iron Ring calamity and successfully infiltrating the Tangshan Army, He hadn''t even moved north with the army yet, how could he run? "Forget it, it''s just a couple more mooching a meal." It wasn''t the first time he had had his meal sponged off. ... "Cui Cui, is there anything special about him?" the two-meter-tall muscular figure asked in an androgynous voice, devoid of emotion. "He''s not annoying," the petite and lovely girl grinned. The muscular figure frowned slightly, "He''s wearing an iron ring." The petite and lovely girl still smiled, "He''s not annoying." The muscular figure turned away indifferently to look toward the woods at the figure stumbling in flight, seeming just like a naive country boy who hadn''t seen the world. "Hmph, playing the pig to catch the tiger, acting pretty well!" "Fun, right? Hehe..." Chapter 142 - 141: Heading North Late at night. At the foot of Tangshan, within the tent of the Logistics Army of Dingyou Camp, snoring thundered. Chen Mu lay on the ground mat at the entrance, eyes fixed and staring into space at the top of the tent. Having practiced Shape Cultivation seven times, his senses were sharp; to him, the snoring was no different from thunder. "How I desire a tent of my own." Unfortunately, that was a privilege reserved for Qu Zhang, the highest-ranking official in Dingyou Camp; everyone else had to squeeze inside the tents. All ten members of the Logistics Army were crammed into this tent, including his Seventh Uncle. Buzz buzz buzz...@@@@ Annoying insects were buzzing near his ears again. Hiss! A streak of black light flashed and was gone. Sleeve Sword Technique! "Silence at last..." Chen Mus eyes narrowed slightly as he carefully felt the iron ring on his left hand. The inside of the iron ring had a pinhole, and the impression could be distinctly felt on the pad of his finger. He had probed it with Five Ghosts Black Smoke, finding a small space encircling the iron ring. He thought of the middle-aged mans operation of etching the iron ring. It wasnt just etching identity numbers; he was also opening a nest and releasing black filament. Chen Mus gaze fell on the Five Ghosts Bag. In a sealed compartment, a black silky thread as long as a foot and as thick as a strand of hair lay still on a wooden board. A tiny paper figure with the character "Xia" was squatting beside it, staring unmoving at the filament. Swish! A live fish appeared. Whoosh! The thread, like an arrow leaving the string, instantly pierced the body of the live fish. The fish struggled violently. The next moment, a black iron ring materialized beside the fish. The fish that had been convulsing ceased struggling and calmed down immediately. "The iron ring indeed can restrict the black filament," Chen Mu realized. In previous tests, the black filament penetrated live fish, drying them up like jerky in the blink of an eye. Initially as long as the index finger, the black filament had now grown to the length of a foot after sapping dry dozens of fish! "The iron ring is both a nest and a shackle," Chen Mu understood. "If the iron ring were lost, wouldnt a living person be rapidly desiccated?" Just thinking about how this thing almost penetrated his own body made Chen Mu shiver involuntarily. "No, that cant be right! Its impossible for people to wear the iron ring without interruption, there must be times when its accidentally taken off. Why havent there been any bizarre deaths?" Chen Mu wondered, puzzled. "Theres likely another control mechanism," Chen Mu shook his head and stopped thinking further. If the Tangshan Army dared to use such a dangerous thing as a means of control, They must already have a comprehensive plan. "Enough thinking, time to sleep." Chen Mu opened his eyes. Smoke pervaded, a colorless and odorless version of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke spread within the tent. Then, in an instant, she appeared twenty meters away. The girl in the emerald green dress immediately stood up, waving her hand and said cheerfully, "Dingyou Camps Logistics Armys Sun Dawang, see you!" Damn, she remembered me... Chen Mu waved his hand, looking flattered. "See... see you." The girl in the emerald green dress had a beaming smile, took a step, and instantly appeared beside the robust figure. Chen Mu: "..." None of them are simple! Wait a minute, Cui Cui? So that strong and formidable brother... is actually Bai Miaojin? Heh... ... The year 642 of the Da Liang era, February 11th. The grand Tangshan Camp army begins its march. Chen Mu, blending in with the Logistics Army, followed the Dingyou Camp to the Fenxi Crossing. Massive fifty-meter-long ships were already docked at the bank. The Laborer Camp queued up in an orderly fashion to board the ships, based on their sequence numbers. At one end of a pier stretching into the river, a lean man in his fifties sat calmly behind a long table. He checked and verified the Iron Bracelets of each person boarding the ship. "I wonder what the situation with the Ghosts up north is like," Chen Mu thought anxiously. Thinking of the Zuming Talisman in his cuff, the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest, and the Soul-Calming Stake in the bag, Chen Mu felt somewhat reassured. Then thinking about the Soul Strength that had almost reached his thighs, Chen Mu finally eased his mind. "Even if I encounter Ghosts, I wont be afraid. With all these trump cards ready, Ill be able to kill... um, I can definitely run away," he thought. Enjoy exclusive content from novelhall.Co?m "Stay low-key and undercover, dont act rashly," Chen Mu reminded himself. Clang! A clear clinking sound echoed. Bang! A dull thud followed, and a dark figure was thrown out like a rag doll. Four elite soldiers in black leather armor leapt into the air and swiftly subdued and bound the figure. "Take him away," the lean old man behind the long table ordered calmly, as he retracted his fisted right hand. Whats going on? Chen Mu hastily looked over. The guy has an Iron Bracelet, right? "Heh! Someone must have bought someone elses Iron Bracelet and tried to sneak in," Zheng Yuan in front of him said schadenfreude. "Just you watch, both the buyer and seller are going to be in trouble." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat: "Isnt it the bracelet that matters, not the person?" Zheng Yuan chuckled: "Its both the bracelet and the person; the bracelet must be on the right individual." The bracelet must be on the right individual? If you dont have an Iron Bracelet, the black line could drain you dry! Thats quite The bracelet must be on the right individual, isnt it? Wait a minute! The bracelet and the person are both recognized? How do they identify the person? Can that old man detect the black line?! Chen Mu: "..." Well, isnt this just great! Chapter 143 - 142 Crescent Lake Fenxi Crossing. On the vacant land beside the wooden trestle bridge, a gigantic oil-paper umbrella stood erect to provide shade. Underneath it, there was a long brown-lacquered table. A small frame the height of a forearm with four legs, shaped like a doorway, rested on the table surface. A round white jade ring with gold threads inlaid was hanging in the middle of the frame. Below it dangled five teardrop-shaped jade pendants, each the size of a peanut, suspended by silver threads. "Stretch out your hand," commanded a thin, sullen old man over fifty in a cold voice. Chen Mu extended his left hand shakily, very nervous. The old man took off the huge iron bracelet, examined the inner wall of the bracelet, and then squinted at the jade pendants. A breeze blew by, causing the pendants to sway, but they never once clinked together. "You may go," the old man said indifferently. "Youre too weak. Eat more." Chen Mu immediately nodded like he was pounding garlic, his face full of gratitude as he walked onto the wooden trestle bridge. "Phew! Finally passed the test!" Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Then his chest suddenly heaved beneath his clothes. Smack!@@@@ It was as if someone had slapped him in the chest; a crisp sound came from under his robe. "What was that noise?" Zheng Yuan, walking ahead, turned back with suspicion. Chen Mu forcefully slapped his chest, rendering unconscious the river fish that was parasitized by a black thread and hidden under his clothes, and said cheerfully, "Just a little itch." "Why do I smell a fishy odor?" Zheng Yuan sniffed a couple of times, his face full of confusion. "Must be the smell of the river water..." Chen Mu bluffed. "No, it definitely smells fishy!" Zheng Yuan glared at Chen Mu with a meaningful look. "Youre not being honest." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, and his eyes involuntarily narrowed. Could this fatso have noticed something? After all the trouble of hiding it, having escaped the Iron Ring trials twice, could this fatso really see through the ruse? "Are you suggesting we should reach an understanding?" Zheng Yuan approached with a sly grin. Extorting me? Heh... Chen Mu glanced emotionlessly at Zheng Yuan. So, Ive been found out... "Youre digging your own grave..." Inside his sleeve, dark smoke immediately began to churn. Zheng Yuan, unpretentiously inching closer to Chen Mu, whispered firmly, "You dared to sneak a treat? Ive smelled the roasted fish on you for a while now!" Then, with his pair of intelligent, beady eyes, he stared at Chen Mu, his face resolute: "Next time, if you dont call me to join you, Ill tell your Uncle Qi!" Chen Mu: "..." Is that... is that all? "Fine," Chen Mu complexly regarded the short, smug figure. He had already prepared the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke in his sleeve, just a little more! Just a little more, and this shorty would have been performing a public act of accidentally falling into the water. Zheng Yuan became even prouder, "You hid it well, I didnt notice where you chose, but my nose sniffed it out. As soon as I thought about it, I knew you were cooking on the side." "Im smart, right?" the little shorty chuckled. Smart! You really are a great genius! Chen Mu was speechless and then sighed with an ugly expression on his face. Chen Mu held a kitchen knife and chopped vegetables nervously. Since arriving by Crescent Lake, he had been dutifully playing the role of a common laborer in the Logistics Army. The Tangshan Army was stationed here, and there was a high likelihood of Ghosts in the vicinity. He dared not wander off. "Dawang, why arent you sneaking out to cook up something special anymore?" Short and stocky Zheng Yuan asked with a look of resentment. Sneak out to cook something special? You must be joking! What if he encounters a Ghost? Chen Mu looked at Zheng Yuan with a baffled expression: "Me? I havent been cooking anything special. Why should I do that?" Before achieving Shell Soul, he had no plans to stir up trouble. Zheng Yuans eyes bulged roundly: "Didnt you say last time youd take me to have barbecued fish together?! Are you planning to go back on your word?!" Experience more on novelhall.Co?m You guessed it! Chen Mu thought gleefully, then his face feigned surprise: "With such strict rules in the army, how dare I sneak off to cook something special?" "Ive never slipped away nor would I ever make anything special!" Chen Mu stated righteously. Zheng Yuan: "..." Ill be damned if I believe you! ... At night, snoring still filled the tent. Chen Mu lay with his eyes open, staring at the tent ceiling. A gray wall appeared before him, and Chen Mu carefully checked his skills. Writing: 3230/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5787/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 8141/10000/Fourth Rank; Cooking: 2090/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4965/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 3038/10000/Fourth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 9813/10000/Sixth Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 2057/10000/Third Rank; Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; White Ape Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Black Tiger Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; White Jade Toad Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit Heavenly Serpent Shape Cultivation Technique: Limit; Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 5135/10000/Fifth Rank; While abroad and lying low in the army camp, many skills were inconvenient to practice, and their proficiency had almost come to a standstill. Only the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse were still progressing. Especially the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "This is what it means to wear away a stone with water droplets!" He had never been able to practice it, yet eventually brushed up to the verge of advancement. "Anyway, I cant sleep, so I might as well finish leveling it up tonight!" Chapter 144 - 143 Netherworld Thread By the banks of Crescent Lake, Laborer Camp Dingyou. Apart from the occasional footsteps of patrolling soldiers, silence pervaded everywhere else. Inside the tent of the Logistics Army. A wisp of black smoke silently appeared and vanished beside Chen Mu''s hand. His eyes were slightly closed as he continuously uttered strange syllables. In front of his eyes floated a semi-transparent grey wall, and Chen Mu watched as the proficiency slowly climbed. He didn''t know how long he had chanted when suddenly a flood of insights surfaced in his mind. It took a while for Chen Mu to snap back to his senses. He couldn''t help but look towards the grey wall. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 1/10000/Seventh Rank; "I''ve made a breakthrough..." He lifted his hand and placed it before his eyes. With a thought, black smoke materialized out of thin air. "Have I completely freed myself from the Curse Command?" In his mind, amid the hazy mist, a cluster of light connected by points of silver thread shone brightly, like a flame burning behind frosted glass. Unclear, yet conspicuous. As long as he focused his attention on the dazzling cluster of light, he could easily open and close the Five Ghosts Bag and instantly activate Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! But this was just a side effect. Chen Mu looked at the empty air with complexity: "Ghosts..." The laughing paper man marked with the character "Spring" appeared out of thin air. The next moment, black smoke spewed out from it. In an instant, a black smoke ball with a diameter of one meter tumbled into existence in mid-air. The sweltering tent suddenly felt chillingly cold. Chen Mu reached out towards the air, the cold and slippery touch sending shivers down his spine. "So this is the true form of the Ghosts Paper Man." The Ghosts transformed into a paper man and then vanished without a trace. "It''s a pity I''m not in Nanyang City, otherwise I''d celebrate at Chunfeng Tower no matter what." ... At dawn, the vast military camp slowly awoke from its slumber. The lively personnel of the Logistics Army Section Dingyou began to prepare lunch. Chen Mu stuffed a Bigu Pill into his mouth, took a deep breath, and slowly adjusted his breathing, starting the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. He diced vegetables while sizing up his comrades. This bunch had eaten their fill and slept well, each growing plumper! Even the short and stocky Zheng Yuan beside him was becoming increasingly round. At the moment, the other man was vigorously chopping radishes. Without speaking, he chopped the wooden chopping block with a clang as if he had a grudge against it. Chen Mu smiled wryly at this rancorous little fellow. Is it just because I didn''t bring him special rations? He''s been ignoring me for days now. With a thought, a radish from the basket beside him disappeared into thin air. The next moment, an extra radish silently appeared in the short fellow''s bamboo basket. The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse advanced, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man acquired a Ghosts form. The Ghosts could transform and become invisible; opening and closing the Five Ghosts Bag was no longer accompanied by rolling black smoke. Chen Mu watched the oblivious short fellow and chuckled softly, "No need to thank me." Then he sent another radish the plump man''s way. Half an hour later. Whoo! A sudden whooshing sound came piercing through the air. The short and stocky figure suddenly did a fish-flop, agilely leaping into the air. Bang! The Ghost paper man, caught off guard, was sent flying with a strike. Chen Mu''s eyes widened in astonishment: "Did I use too much Mesmerizing Divine Smoke?" The next moment, Zheng Yuan, who had been rebounded to the ground, popped back up with another fish-flop. Chen Mu then realized that out of ten people in the tent, nine had, like zombies, sprung to their feet. Something''s not right! He quickly got up and stood like the others. In the darkness, Chen Mu stared intently at the nine men. All of them had their eyes tightly shut, breathing steadily, still deep in slumber. Nine arms-length, hair-like black threads fell from the position of the Iron Bracelet as light as a feather. The moment they touched the ground, they abruptly sprang up, shooting out of the tent like arrows. Chen Mu quickly took out the live fish that had black threads attached to it. The Tangshan Army had finally triggered the black threads! As if answering a summons, the moment the live fish appeared, a section of black thread as long as a fingertip drilled out from within the fish. Upon touching the ground, it abruptly sprang up and shot out a meter and two before landing. Then it sprang up again and shot out another meter and two before landing again. Chen Mu: "..." Short and feeble?! With such distinctive behavior, it would be hard not to be noticed! Isn''t this just asking for trouble! Indeed, it wasn''t long after it had bounced out of the tent for a meter and two that a thin, elderly man barged in. "The same old man who checked the boat?" Chen Mu realized suddenly. This old man was the designated person responsible for the black thread matters of the Dingyou Camp. In his left hand, he carried a fist-sized three-legged bronze incense burner. Inside it, there was a pale green liquid emitting a faint glow. The green luminosity cast upon the old man''s cheek, making it look eerily sinister. He walked around the tent with the bronze incense burner and stopped in front of Chen Mu. Using the light from within the burner, the old man seemed startled by Chen Mu''s appearance: "Trash!" "Such poor potential, no matter how much he eats, he won''t grow big Netherworld Threads," the old man squinted his eyes. He raised his right hand, revealing a gold-threaded white jade bracelet around his wrist. With a slight shake, the jade pendants on the bracelet made a clear clinking sound. "After draining him, just consider it using trash. It''s just one more deserter," he said. The next moment, a shadow suddenly flew out from within Chen Mu''s sleeve, heading straight for the bronze incense burner. But halfway there, it vanished abruptly. The thin, old man''s pupils contracted sharply. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Pfft! Drops of blood splattered. The thin, old man disappeared into thin air. Chen Mu opened his eyes indifferently, looking at the bloodstains on the ground, he couldn''t help but sigh. "You weren''t satisfied even with a meter and two." "It wasn''t me who killed you, it was your greed!" Chapter 145 - 114 Trouble ``` He caught the Three-legged Incense Burner with his left hand, and grabbed the gold-threaded White Jade Bracelet with his right. Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh, "This is troublesome." The person had died but was still able to come into contact with core members of the Netherworld Thread. It would definitely stir up trouble. Chen Mu looked at the items in his hands, "Two troublesome things." The Jade Bracelet appeared ordinary, just like any common accessory. Inside the Incense Burner, a green fluorescent liquid was stored, and a cluster of black Netherworld Thread slowly drifted within. Chen Mu watched for a long time, but couldn''t find that exceptional meter-twenty. "It can actually merge into one?!" It can grow, it can split, and it can also merge. "The Netherworld Thread is the leeks, and the Laborer Camp is the leek field," Chen Mu realized but couldn''t help feeling sobered by the thought. "It won''t be able to see the light of day in a short time." With a flick of his hand, both the Incense Burner and the Jade Bracelet disappeared. The nine men standing upright inside the tent immediately collapsed to the ground with a thud. ... Chen Mu also lay back down on his cot. But five paper figures of Ghosts crawled out of the tent. Once they flew up into the air, they immediately transformed into the form of Ghosts, scattering and flying into the camp. "Luckily, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse has broken through to Seventh Rank." The Ghost-formed Five Ghosts, breaking free from the paper figure''s limitations and paired with the Soul Locking Curse, greatly extended the surveillance distance. By Crescent Lake''s shore, the bright moonlight sprinkled over the camp, and the vast Laborer Camp was quiet. The personnel who usually patrolled at fixed points, were nowhere to be seen. The invisible Five Ghosts hovered in midair. It didn''t take long for them to discover several emaciated elderly figures in black. Black hoods and cloaks sparkling with green fluorescent light from the Three-legged Incense Burner, along with the occasional tinkling sound of the gold-threaded White Jade Bracelet. "Does each person have a fixed district?" Chen Mu carefully discerned. He noticed that each black-clothed person was in charge of a not-so-small area. Moreover, they all acted alone, without companions. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief, "A large area means I won''t be pinpointed directly." "Acting alone means no one knows the old man''s movement trajectory." After some thought, Chen Mu recalled one of the Ghosts marked with the character ''Qiu''. He commanded it to hold the copper Incense Burner, the White Jade Bracelet, and a piece of the old man''s fallen cloak, and to roam around the camp. It also occasionally sneaked into certain tents. And whenever the Incense Burner approached a Laborer''s tent, Netherworld Thread would dart into it. Before long, it had made its way around the emaciated old man''s district. At the same time, it collected a string of Netherworld Thread dozens of meters long. "With this, even if someone tracks by smell, they will definitely not find my location," Chen Mu sighed with relief. The more one does, the more mistakes one makes, and Chen Mu didn''t dare to act further. He recalled the paper figures, leaving only one attached to the top of the tent, secretly monitoring the surroundings. ...@@@@ Deep into the night, past midnight, a dozen or more shadows rushed into the Laborer Camp. Chen Mu''s eyelid twitched. I don''t want this either. Who knew Netherworld Thread would be so overbearing. The dying Silver Thread Fish, once parasitized, immediately became lively. "Why is there a fishy smell?" Shortie''s glance at Chen Mu was full of suspicion. "Did you sneak out again?!" Zheng Yuan exclaimed in astonishment. With daily checks and constant patrols, the supervision of the Dingyou sector was almost unbreakable! And yet, this guy still managed to sneak out to catch fish? Dawang is really skilled! "No way, we are together all day, and I have never seen you go out," Shortie doubted. Of course, I didn''t go out; it was the ghost paper figure that went out. "I will treat you to dried fish tonight," Chen Mu said indifferently. "Alright!" Shortie immediately grinned from ear to ear, asking no further questions. ... For five consecutive days, the search continued, even showing signs of becoming routine. The Dingyou Camp was quiet at night. Inside the Logistics Army tent, it was silent. Chen Mu stared at the top of the tent, puzzled, "That doesn''t make sense." "Why are they so certain that the culprit is still in the Ding sector?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but look at the Five Ghosts Bag. "Isolation not thorough?" Chen Mu began to suspect. "Then these things can''t stay," Chen Mu regretted. He had intended to keep them to show Jie Jia, to ask what they were. Too bad... "Finding the Thousand Mechanism Token is more important." "What should be discarded must be discarded; we can''t leave hidden dangers." His gaze settled on the Five Ghosts Bag. The incense burner, jade bracelets, and iron ring all lay quietly in a little compartment. Next to them was a Silver Thread Fish, which was currently flipping and flopping about. Fished out last night, and still not dead now! "Gotta say, this Netherworld Thread really has something to it." With a thought, the incense burner, jade bracelets, and his own iron ring were all taken out. Without the suppression, the Netherworld Thread instantly flew out. Whoosh! The fish that had just been lively instantly turned into dried fish. "The texture is soft and hasn''t changed, the body fluids have had most of their water drawn out and evaporated. So it looks like it''s been drained," Chen Mu manipulated the Silver Thread Fish. "It didn''t die from dehydration, nor from any physical injuries." "It''s the loss of something that instantly removed the characteristics of life." Chen Mu thought of the lean old man''s method and shivered, "If it can suck out a fish''s life, could it also suck out a person''s life?" "Tens of thousands of laborers, their lives in someone else''s hands?!" "That''s truly ruthless..." Chapter 146 - 145 Peers Outside the Ding section of the civilian workers, there was a rocky beach by the shore of Crescent Lake. Five or six people in black were either sitting or standing. A brazier was placed in the middle of them. The faint scent of insect repellent spread with the flames. Slap! Shangguan Yu slapped his own face, killing an insolent mosquito. The flickering firelight cast a gloomy shadow on his face. He had been feeding mosquitoes here for six days. "Damn rat!" "Young Master, that person might have already run away," suggested one of the people in black cautiously, "Shall we, perhaps, let it go?" Being on edge during the day and dealing with evil spirits, and then feeding mosquitoes at night, it wasn''t easy for them either. Shangguan Yu nodded slightly; he had wanted to withdraw long ago. But he couldn''t be the one to suggest actively pulling out. Otherwise, his father Shangguan Ji would certainly scold him for his lack of patience. Thinking this, he couldn''t help but look up at the robust figure opposite him. He saw the other''s face and hands darkened, completely covered with Soul Strength! A mosquito landed on the back of the other''s hand, raised its head to sting fiercely, and its mouth broke upon impact! Shangguan Yu: "..." So, it''s just you who has Soul Strength, huh? Always causing trouble! Shangguan Yu struggled to adjust his expression, saying warmly and amicably, "Bai... Miss, what do you think?" That was close! He almost called her Bai Brother! Cui Cui, sitting next to Bai Miaojin, giggled, "He wants you to carry the can for him." Despite her blatant words, Shangguan Yu acted as if he didn''t hear a thing. Bai Miaojin gave Shangguan Yu an expressionless glance, "Hmm, he''s gone." "Right?" Shangguan Yu''s face lit up with excitement. "So, shall we withdraw?" Shangguan Yu asked with a smile. "Fine," Bai Miaojin nodded indifferently. "Since Bai... Miss has spoken, then let''s pull out. It''s not worth it for a rat, making Miss Bai suffer mosquito bites," Shangguan Yu chuckled. "Mosquitoes can''t bite me," Bai Miaojin said flatly. Shangguan Yu: "..."@@@@ No need to emphasize, I freaking saw it! Shangguan Yu pretended not to hear, continuing on his own, "I''ll try one last time, if the resonance is still faint, then we''ll withdraw!" The other few people in black echoed enthusiastically with beaming faces. Now they could leave. He raised his right hand as he spoke, revealing a golden silk White Jade Bracelet on his wrist. Like the past six days, he sent out the Curse Command without much thought. Buzz! Like a swarm of bees taking flight, the White Jade Bracelet suddenly buzzed loudly. Shangguan Yu looked astonished: "It... It really worked?!" Immediately afterward, his face beamed with joy: "Chase!" Shangguan Yu instantly dashed out following the direction of the bracelet''s vibrations, with the other people in black closely following him. ... Chen Mu was manipulating paper ghosts to fly into Crescent Lake when he suddenly noticed a group of people rapidly approaching from behind. "Aren''t these the people who check the Iron Ring every day?" Jet black Soul Strength gushed out recklessly. Hum! His muscles suddenly swelled throughout his body. In just a moment, he transformed from a thin young man of 1.75 meters to a muscular giant of nearly 1.9 meters. "Want to kill me? I''ll finish you off first!" Sleeve Sword Technique! Clang clang clang clang... The constant collisions between fist and dagger generated an intense clashing noise that shot upwards in an instant. In just three breaths, the two had collided at their limits ninety-three times. A fierce look flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. Risking a breakthrough in his defense, a sliver of his spirit diverted. "Five Ghosts..." "Stop!" A crisp voice rang out between the two. Bai Miaojin''s majestic figure suddenly retreated. You say stop and I should stop? "Five Ghosts Moving..." But in the next moment, the Ghosts, which he had summoned, were unexpectedly seized by Cui Cui from her invisibility?! Chen Mu was so shocked that he instinctively stopped the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain and instead stared at Cui Cui, dumbfounded, "You..." "Me? Aren''t we the same kind?" Cui Cui blinked and smiled cheerfully. "Good strength," Bai Miaojin said calmly, as if her frenzied state had never occurred. Catching ninety-three strikes of the ebony dagger with bare hands and having unharmed hands like a normal person?! "How strange." Cui Cui released her grip, prodding the floating cloud of black smoke in the air. Without Chen Mu''s control, the Ghost simply hovered foolishly mid-air, allowing Cui Cui to manipulate it. "This guy has only a survival instinct. How did you achieve symbiosis?" "When it possessed you, how did it not consume you?" Symbiosis? Possession? What the hell are you talking about! "Cui Cui, let''s go," Bai Miaojin glanced at Chen Mu. She turned around and left the tent. "I won''t tell if you don''t, and nobody will know what happened tonight," Cui Cui said with a cheerful smile as she walked backward. "It''s not easy to come across someone of our kind; don''t die on us." Chen Mu stood there, dazed. If not for his ragged sleeve as a reminder, he would have thought the whole encounter had been a dream! Weren''t these two here to capture me? Why did they leave so abruptly after an inexplicable fight? Same kind? Did they mistake something? And that Cui Cui, with her unreal figure and ability to grab Ghosts at will, she... she isn''t human, right?! Having encountered her several times, how had he not noticed at all?! Chen Mu looked around; nothing in the tent had changed. Their fierce combat had taken place within a very confined space. The nine comrades affected by the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke were still sleeping peacefully, unaware of anything. Chen Mu was completely baffled, "Should I run, or run, or just run..." Chapter 147 - 146 Shell Soul ``` Early in the morning, the Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army got up bright and early. They went to the storeroom to collect the day''s supplies and then began washing vegetables and rinsing rice to prepare lunch, just like any other day. The ten of them had to cook for over two hundred people in the Dingyou Camp. They had to start working from dawn. Chen Mu chopped vegetables absentmindedly, not even bothering to maintain the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method. "Cui Cui is a Ghost?" Chen Mu still couldn''t believe it. After the last encounter with Ghosts, and considering the Five Ghosts Paper Man''s form, Chen Mu had thought that Ghosts were just a mass of black smoke monsters. They only knew to possess bodies and devour Vital Energy, incapable of communication, utterly devoid of intelligence. But...@@@@ "Is my understanding of Ghosts too limited?" Possession, symbiosis... Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui seemed to have misunderstood something. They took the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit for a symbiotic Ghost. "However, could my previous life really have been possessed by a Ghost?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but shudder. His previous life might have ended that way. "Qingfeng Observatory..." "Cheng Yi might know something," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Forget it." After a long while, Chen Mu let out a long breath. No matter what his previous life had encountered, it doesn''t affect him now. In fact, Chen Mu even owed a debt of gratitude to his former life''s experiences, otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to return in another''s body. "Dwelling on the past is pointless. Living well in the present is my duty," Chen Mu resolved in his mind. "Symbiosis..." Chen Mu searched his memory. Jie Jia seemed to have mentioned this state of symbiosis with Ghosts. Back then, he didn''t believe it and thought it was more like parasitism. It was his lack of knowledge. "Two beings... one human, one Ghost, seemed to have regarded me as their kind, a being coexisting with a Ghost." "Although their intentions are unclear, they are probably not malicious," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. At least the other party hadn''t exposed him. The Tangshan Army''s search for personnel had been led astray by him using the gold-threaded white jade bracelet. "Then I''ll continue to hide in the Laborer Camp." Chen Mu thought to himself. "Even if Bai Miaojin harbors malice, I am not afraid!" Bai Miaojin may be strong and powerful, but he is no slouch either! Last night, the two of them exchanged blows ninety-three times in a very short period of time... ending in a draw! Not only that, but Chen Mu checked his Proficiency. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 5655/10000/Fifth Rank; The Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique indeed hadn''t resulted in a Shell Soul. But... he had layered six shells! He was only a pair of lower legs away from having Soul Strength form a Shell! Thinking of this, Chen Mu snapped out of his daze. He stealthily popped a Bigu Pill into his mouth and slowly spread open the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method. "Let''s train." ... Two days later. The strict scrutiny of the laborers in the Ding region was lifted. Otherwise, he would have knocked him out with Mesmerizing Divine Smoke long ago. Zheng Yuan was instantly overjoyed, reaching out to grab the plate and start shoveling it into his mouth. "Cough cough... Wang ah, I also kept watch for you for half the night; shouldn''t you show some appreciation?" Chen Mu looked up, completely baffled. There, lying in the innermost part of the sleeping area, was Sun Enqi, propping himself up on his bedroll and looking at Chen Mu with a grin. Chen Mu stiffened all over. Just now, you were the one snoring the loudest. So you were pretending to be asleep?! Before Chen Mu could say a word, the fellow soldiers who had just been sound asleep suddenly rolled over and looked up. One by one, they propped themselves up on their bedrolls, grinning cheekily at Chen Mu. "Wang ah, we were keeping an eye out for you too." Chen Mu: "..." He had not anticipated this; the Logistics Army had actually pretended to sleep. This shorty was unreliable! Chen Mu looked at Zheng Yuan expressionlessly, "You watched out for half the night, huh?" "No one discovered anything, huh?" Zheng Yuan looked incredulous at all his laughing and joking comrades. You''re actually playing me! ... Days passed by, one after another. At the Tangshan Camp, halfway up Yunzhan Mountain, the news of deaths would occasionally emerge. There were even deserters turned into mummies hung on flagpoles. Yet the Laborer Camp remained stable. Every day was bustling with activity: eating heartily, cutting timber, building military camps, repairing logistics tools, gleefully busy. Chen Mu hid inside the Logistics Army in Dingyou Camp. Morning and evening, he took a Bigu Pill, maintaining the Cloud Mirage Breathing Method all day without change. As his proficiency increased, Soul Strength began to flow from the back of his skull, continuous and unending. "No wonder they say the Wandering Soul is the source of Soul Strength." The previous six Shape Cultivation Techniques had all been castrated versions. Now that he had encountered the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique, he finally experienced the so-called source. Hum! Chen Mu, who was chopping vegetables, suddenly trembled. The Cloud Mirage Breathing Method, which had nearly blended into his daily routine, was abruptly interrupted. A cool sensation spread across his skin all at once. His mind instantly became several degrees clearer. He felt a sense of safety bubbling up from within, as if walking from the frigid arctic into a warm room. "Shell Soul..." Chen Mu''s lips curled up, unable not to smile. Nearly four years since arriving in this strange world. Finally... he had finally cultivated the Shell Soul. A tremendous sense of fulfillment instantly filled Chen Mu''s heart. It''s a pity that Jie Jia was not there. "Ten years for Shape Cultivation, a hundred years to nurture the soul?" "Ha!" Chapter 148 - 147 Green Hills Deep into the night, by the banks of Crescent Lake. A gentle breeze blew, chasing away the dry heat. Chen Mu, as usual, cast his drunken bait into the lake, sitting on a large rock, patiently waiting. "At this rate, the Dragon King might really come looking for me," Chen Mu thought mirthfully. Ever since he concocted the drunken bait, countless fish had died by his hand, whether eaten, sold, or used to feed his Five Ghosts Bag. "I''ve cultivated Shell Soul, if the Dragon King really comes... then I''ll just have to grab my bucket and run." "Hmm, dealing with a couple of shrimp soldiers and crab generals shouldn''t be a problem." With a thought, seven Divine Intent Diagrams emerged in his mind. Chen Mu''s whole body was immediately enveloped in jet black Soul Strength. A sense of security and comfort instantly filled his entire body. In just a short while, it was as if he had enjoyed a good sleep. "No wonder they say Shell Soul can prolong life." "Probably because it blocks the leakage of Vital Energy, indirectly extending one''s life." Ten years of Shape Cultivation, a hundred years nurturing the soul. As long as one develops Shell Soul before the age of a hundred, it''s not too late. That means Shell Soul can allow a centenarian to live an extra two to three decades at least. "Doesn''t that mean I could jump around lively for another hundred years?!" Chen Mu''s face was filled with joy. That way, he would have much more time to increase his Proficiency and explore the unknown world! With a flick of his wrist, a handful of Iron Lotus Seeds appeared in the palm of his hand. Covered in Soul Strength, Chen Mu slowly clenched his fist. Squeak squeak squeak... The grating sound of metal friction made one''s teeth ache. Chen Mu opened his hand, the dozens of Iron Lotus Seeds had been squeezed into one mass. The twisted shape, glowing with a faint red light, made the humid air slightly twist with the heat. "Turning iron into clay!" He reached out and pinched his dark skin, which felt like pinching tough leather. But should he wish, this thin black membrane could immediately become indestructible. At the very least, common weapons would not be able to destroy it. In front of this layer of Soul Strength Armor, the attacks of ordinary martial artists were useless. He pulled out a Sleeve Sword, gently stabbed it towards the center of his palm, slowly increasing his force to the maximum. A slight pain emanated from his palm. "If it were a little thicker, it probably wouldn''t be pierced," Chen Mu thought of Bai Miaojin. She had caught ninety-three strikes from his Sleeve Sword with her bare hands, unscathed, due to her robust Soul Strength. Chen Mu looked at his Proficiency. Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique: 6110/10000/Fifth Rank; "Once my Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique is perfected and I simultaneously overlay the seven types of Soul Strength, my Soul Strength should also be quite decent," Chen Mu mused happily. ... The Tangshan Army would occasionally venture into the mountains, but this had nothing to do with the Laborer Camp. Cui Cui is a powerful ghost. But I have the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. I also have the Soul-Calming Stake. If I suddenly make a move, catching them off guard... Forget it, forget it, how can I have such dangerous thoughts. Chen Mu admonished himself repeatedly. Such things with no absolute certainty should not be entertained. "Are you thinking of something bad?" Cui Cui suddenly leaned down, her dainty face drawing close, gazing at Chen Mu with suspicion. "I was thinking about what to add for tonight''s meal, whether to roast a mountain deer or a wild boar," Chen Mu said evenly without changing his expression. "Is that so..." Cui Cui frowned: "Then why do I feel a hint of malice?" Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately collected his spirit. "It''s probably people from the Shangguan Family plotting something," Chen Mu stirred without betraying any emotion. "Impossible." Cui Cui was certain: "They still need to ask Little Bai to help find the Thousand Mechanism Token." "To honor a promise is because the cost of breaking it isn''t high enough." "What if they appear to collaborate on the surface but actually intend to monopolize the Thousand Mechanism Token..." Chen Mu implied, continuing to fan the flames. "Monopolize it? We were finding it for them in the first place, why would they need to monopolize it?" Cui Cui was puzzled. As if thinking of something, her pretty face turned cold: "Do they intend to go back on their word!" Go back on their word? Did I misunderstand something? Chen Mu was taken aback: "Miss Bai doesn''t want the Thousand Mechanism Token?" That was a precious ticket to travel overseas. All over the world, there were barely a hundred such tokens. Cui Cui was pondering all the possible ways the Shangguan Family might go back on their word, and she glanced at Chen Mu irritably: "Little Bai has an Innate Taoist Bone, what would she need that thing for?" Chen Mu: "..." So she''s another child of Providence? That towering general of a man? Chen Mu felt stifled, as if there was a breath he couldn''t release. He had altered his appearance, had been hiding cautiously, living in constant anxiety, and still had no clue about how to obtain the Thousand Mechanism Token. Yet that general was born with a Daoist Bone?! Wasn''t that like being born with a Thousand Mechanism Token in his mouth?! Chen Mu''s face twitched with jealousy, almost revealing his true form! "Do you also want the Thousand Mechanism Token?" Cui Cui suddenly came back to her senses, smiling slyly at Chen Mu. "What do I need that thing for?" Chen Mu said indifferently, "How much silver would it fetch?" "Ha! You really are not honest!" Cui Cui laughed heartily. "Silver? Little Bai''s family has so much of it that it rusts," Cui Cui smiled: "We want White Jade Money." "Shangguan Ji promised to give us ten pieces of White Jade Money." White Jade Money? What''s that? Chen Mu''s eyes revealed a trace of cluelessness. "How about it? As long as you give us eleven pieces, we will help you find a Thousand Mechanism Token first," Cui Cui said with a teasing look at Chen Mu. Chen Mu frowned and pondered: "How about it... let''s stick with roast deer for tonight, the meat is tender." "Haha..." Chapter 149 - 148: Fate Da Liang, the year 642, April 12. Outside Qingshan County, at the base of the little eastern mountain, beside the Bailang River. Chen Mu could hardly recognize the appearance of the little eastern mountain anymore. Looking from afar, the western side of the mountain had collapsed, forming a cliff mid-way up the mountain. Chen Mu remembered, that was where the Qingfeng Observatory had built its sacrificial altar in the past. "Could the earthquake really be related to the Qingfeng Observatory?" "And what about the great fire?" Two years prior, a major disaster struck on the day Chen Mu left. According to the relocated refugees, an earthquake struck outside the city while a great fire raged within, leading to heavy casualties. The reigning county magistrate and the city''s defending soldiers all perished, and malicious spirit incidents broke out from time to time. At that time, everyone in the city was panic-stricken; no one dared to stay in Qingshan County any longer, and they fled in droves. "But how did it then become a ghost city?" "Could it have been man-made again?" First, there was the Qingfeng Observatory, then there was Chao Tianwang; it was no surprise that Chen Mu''s thoughts ran wild with reports of various disasters constantly coming from the north of Da Liang. "This detestable world forces one''s hand indeed." He sighed heavily and stopped thinking about it. He followed the others from the Logistics Army in preparing the meal. ... At night, Chen Mu left the secret river bend in the reed marsh, with Netherworld Thread that had regrown to the length of his arm. The Dingyou Camp site of the Logistics Army. Chen Mu walked into the tent with a large roasted pig leg, casually tossing it to the chubby Zheng Yuan. Then, the Logistics Army men, who had been sound asleep moments before, suddenly rolled over and scrambled to their feet. Some brought out wooden chopping blocks for cutting meat, some laid out felt mats on the ground, some arranged wood bowls and chopsticks, and one even pulled out a bag of dry roasted peanuts from his coat. The most astounding was his "Uncle Seven," who took out a small flask of liquor. As the Tangshan Army increased the frequency of Netherworld Thread collection, everyone else in camp was getting thinner, but this group from the Logistics Army wasn''t losing weight, and Zheng Yuan, rotund as ever, had even put on several pounds! Chen Mu rolled his eyes and lay back down on his bedroll. "Perhaps, should I take a look at Qingshan County?" Chen Mu quickly dismissed the thought. There might be the Thousand Mechanism Token there, but there were also ghosts. "No rush, let''s max out the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique first." As the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique improved, the seven types of Soul Strength increased simultaneously. "This could be considered a kind of stacking, right?" If he couldn''t become a muscle-bound brute, wearing a few more layers of body armor was still a good thing. He made up his mind. He wouldn''t enter Qingshan County until he had layered his Shell Soul properly. He threw out two little paper figures to act as scouts. Chen Mu''s mind moved, and he conjured a grey wall. Writing: 3400/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Throwing: 9461/10000/Fourth Rank; Cooking: 3980/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5265/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 4359/10000/Fourth Rank; "It''s truancy! Sideways! Haha..." Cui Cui laughed teasingly. Chen Mu didn''t react, but casually probed, "Does Shangguan Ji plan to just push through bit by bit?" "What else can he do?" said Cui Cui with a shrug. "Isn''t there a secret technique that can quickly scout things out?" Chen Mu asked, continuing his subtle probing. "Not a chance," Cui Cui blurted carelessly. "We still have to fight our way through." "Ha! This can also be considered a different type of cleansing of evil spirits," Chen Mu couldn''t help shaking his head. "Just trick others into piling up their lives," Cui Cui said dismissively. "White Jade Spirit Money isn''t easy to earn," Cui Cui sighed. "At this rate, don''t expect any results for three to five months," Cui Cui said with impatience. "And if others come to trip us up, it''s even more troublesome." "Is that so," Chen Mu said with a look of sympathy... Well then, I''m relieved! ... It was late at night by the Bailang River. "Did you really used to hang out here?" Kui Tuo''s skepticism couldn''t be hidden even by his bushy beard. "Don''t doubt it, I used to be the leader of the biggest gang in Qingshan County, the Bailang Gang." Zhang Ye said proudly, "Don''t believe me? Ask Zhen Fan when you get back." "I''m more familiar with the nearby environment of Bailang River than anyone. Secret routes, I know them like the back of my hand." "For us, scouting the Tangshan Army''s encampment is as easy as reaching into a bag to take what we want!" At that moment, the two of them, dressed in black, were followed by five or six men in similar attire. The group barged through the reeds, seemingly lost, but kept heading towards Xiao Dong Mountain. "Last time at Da Liu Village''s mission, you also said it would be as easy as reaching into a bag. How did that turn out... You almost became a bare pole commander!" Kui Tuo retorted, rolling his eyes. "What are you saying! Am I still not your gang leader!" Zhang Ye''s bearded face turned dark with anger. "Don''t bite the hand that feeds you. Coming out with me this time is like collecting merit without effort." "Gathering intelligence comfortably without putting your life on the line. That''s much better than dealing with those unseen entities, isn''t it!" Kui Tuo pursed his lips, about to argue back. Zhang Ye suddenly covered his mouth excitedly. "Look ahead!" "Everyone around here is dead, and this guy''s out here fishing in the middle of the night, he must be with the Tangshan Army!" "As long as we capture and bring him back, won''t we have our merit!" Zhang Ye said, trembling with excitement. Times have been tough lately. Without enough strength, he couldn''t keep his subordinates in line. He was being targeted by superiors and assigned to dangerous tasks. The powerless ones under his command died, and the capable ones ran away. If he didn''t make some achievements to attract folllwers, he''d truly become a bare pole commander. "Fortune comes after hardship! Isn''t this my change in luck?!" Zhang Ye''s eyes gleamed as he, followed by an equally eager Kui Tuo, cauctiously approached the small river bay. Zhang Ye? Kui Tuo? They wanted to capture him for merit? As Chen Mu, who was washing scales to prepare for cooking fish, laughed at the situation, this... must be a special kind of fate! Chapter 150 - 149: Dare Not Under the moonlight, the reeds in the marsh swayed with the breeze. Zhang Ye, Kui Tuo, and several sturdy men were hunched over, crawling on their bellies, sneaking around like thieves. Kui Tuo walked and walked but suddenly stopped, "Old Zhang, am I seeing things, or has one person split into two?" Zhang Ye felt the familiar soreness and weakness in his limbs, his face numb. What on earth did I do in my last life? How come I bump into that lunatic wherever I go?! Suddenly, he turned his head to look at Kui Tuo, who was clearly confused, and asked without changing his expression, "Kui, you didn''t bring any money with you, did you?" Kui Tuo: "What... what''s wrong?" Zhang Ye couldn''t help but take pleasure in another''s misfortune, "Ignored my advice, didn''t you?" "Hah! Every man for himself now..." Then he struggled to fight off his sleepiness, and in Kui Tuo''s shocked gaze, he twisted his body a few times to adjust his posture, and lay back comfortably on a thick layer of reeds nearby. Chen Mu: "..." Is he that skilled at this? Looking at the line of people in black, fallen all over the place, Chen Mu sighed. "From so far away, to come and bring me gifts, how awkward." Then Chen Mu skillfully began to loot the bodies. Chen Mu suddenly remembered. The skill of looting corpses, it seemed that it was the leader of these ruffians here who had personally helped him practice it. After a long while, Chen Mu gave up with a face full of gloom. Aside from a couple of Gold Cakes on Kui Tuo, the others at most had a few Silver Pieces.@@@@ Zhang Ye didn''t even have a single copper coin on him! "A bunch of paupers!" Looking at Zhang Ye, who was comfortably lying on the thick reeds, Chen Mu''s agitation grew the more he looked. "Trying to sleep on a deluxe bed without any money? Dream on!" He casually dragged Zhang Ye onto the muddy riverbank sand and threw Kui Tuo on top of him. After all... there were two Gold Cakes. ... By the Bailang River, another peaceful curve in the river. Bubbling sounds of frying from the stone stove broke the silence. The tantalizing aroma began to spread. Chen Mu said anxiously, "The Startling Swan Gang people are here." "That''s normal," Cui Cui sat on a long flat rock, seemingly unconcerned. "In the whole Nanyang Prefecture, only Qingshan County is known for a convergence of Ghosts." "The Thousand Mechanism Token could only be here." With her hands propped by her sides, she swung her legs cheerfully, "Knowing this, wouldn''t all those with a bit of skill come here?" "Are there others?" Chen Mu felt extremely worried, "What if they start fighting?" The more forces that arrive, the more chaotic it will be. All he wanted was to stably harvest the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and then sneakily get his hands on a Thousand Mechanism Token. But if things really got chaotic, he wouldn''t be able to focus on his practices in the first place. Moreover, with more strong players, getting the Thousand Mechanism Token would be even more difficult. Seeing Chen Mu lost in thought, Cui Cui couldn''t help but roll her eyes and said mockingly, "You sure are brave!" Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. "If you had heard a saying, you would understand why I am so afraid." "What saying?" Cui Cui was curious. Even Bai Miaojin, who was usually indifferent, couldn''t help but look towards Chen Mu. Chen Mu said earnestly, "Good people don''t live long, disasters last for a thousand years!" ... "Boss, why do you think that lunatic won''t leave us alone?" Zhen Fan asked with confusion. "I freaking want to know too," Zhang Ye said, feeling hopeless. "Is that lunatic''s Mesmerizing Smoke really that powerful?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. He thought they just weren''t careful enough last time. "Using Mesmerizing Smoke, such a lowly trick, you can tell it''s from a nobody." "As long as we''re prepared with Detoxification Pills, we have nothing to fear." "And if we set up an ambush well, we can definitely capture them in one go!" Kui Tuo said confidently. "Why don''t we hit him back this time." Kui Tuo was excited. Then he looked up to see Zhang Ye smiling at him: "Feeling a bit dizzy, aren''t we?" Kui Tuo was bewildered: "A little." Zhang Ye quickly twisted his body to adjust his posture, then grabbed the Zuming Talisman from his forehead and stuffed it into his crotch, looking at Kui Tuo with an experienced face: "You''re still a little lacking in experience." Having said that, he tilted his neck and fell into a deep sleep. Kui Tuo, fighting against his sleepiness, looked towards Zhen Fan. He discovered that the other had already laid out flat on the ground earlier on. Kui Tuo: "..." "Damn!" I freaking don''t want this experience! ... A puff of black smoke mysteriously appeared inside the tent. Chen Mu, looking at the soundly sleeping Zhang Ye in awe, remarked. He was actually able to quickly detect the Mesmerizing Divine Smoke. Had he been drugged so frequently that he developed a tolerance? Forget it, I''ll adjust the formula when I have time. Controlling a paper ghost, he dropped a cloth bag. Then he transformed into a paper figure, plucked the Zuming Talisman from Kui Tuo''s forehead, and whooshed out of the tent, vanishing from sight. ... The next day, Zhang Ye woke up feeling refreshed. The first thing he did was to feel for the Zuming Talisman. Good, it''s here! Then he noticed a gray cloth bag on his body. "Given by that lunatic?" He hesitated for a moment, but eventually opened it. A grand white paper was meticulously drawn to depict a landscape, Populated with numerous figures of varying expressions. "This valiant fellow has such developed pectoral muscles, his face is as handsome as a woman''s?" "I''m truly envious." "Big brother, this seems to be the defensive layout map of the Tangshan Army camp." Zhen Fan excitedly pronounced with bloodshot eyes. "Hurry up and report it!" Kui Tuo, having just woken up, was also excited. He didn''t even care about the missing Zuming Talisman on his forehead. "Would that lunatic be so kind-hearted?" Zhang Ye, who had been tricked before, was naturally suspicious. "Big brother, he''s given it to us, do you dare not to report it?" Zhen Fan cautiously reminded. Aren''t you afraid that lunatic might come back for another strike? Zhang Ye, with a squeezed face: "I don''t dare." Chapter 151 - 150 Opportunity ``` In the Startling Swan Gang''s camp to the south of Qingshan County Town, near the city gate, inside a tent. "Old Zhang, I didn''t expect you to have such skills," Zuo Sheng looked at the detailed encampment defense map in surprise. It just feels vaguely familiar. "Last time I was careless, went out in the middle of the night, in the pitch darkness, and ended up getting lost in the reed marshes, messing up the job," Zhang Ye''s eyelids hung low in shame. "After that, I reflected deeply and carefully investigated many times." "I even used the secret paths that were once used for smuggling food to the bandits on Ai Mountain. That''s how I got this map," Zhang Ye''s face filled with sorrow. "These past few days, I''ve been working from dawn till dusk, it really hasn''t been easy." Zuo Sheng looked at Zhang Ye with mixed emotions. If it weren''t for our tents being close to each other, I damn well would have believed you! You''re in your tent every day munching on peanuts and drinking wine, you think I don''t know?! "To be honest," Zuo Sheng said indifferently. "The truth is, I also don''t know how this thing came into my possession," Zhang Ye said frankly. This was also the reason he came to Zuo Sheng. The encampment map came out of nowhere, and if he submitted it himself, he would inevitably be questioned. But with Zuo Sheng as a disciple of Jin Wuduan, that wouldn''t be a problem. Thinking this, he told Zuo Sheng everything from start to finish. "Last time you went to the reed marshes, were you also knocked out by someone?" Zuo Sheng asked in surprise, "Why didn''t the person who could take you down kill you then?" Zhang Ye hesitated for a long while, "Probably... out of habit." Zuo Sheng: "..." "That nutcase isn''t doing this for the first time," Zhang Ye spoke of his string of misfortunes starting from Qingshan County with a bitter face. "You mentioned you noticed similar mesmerizing smoke the night Lin Que of the White Tiger Hall died?" Zuo Sheng''s eyes narrowed. "Yeah," Zhang Ye nodded with a complex expression, "At first, I was quite grateful to him. He made me a hall master. But who would have thought, that was just the beginning of a series of misfortunes." "Looking back, ever since I encountered this madman, my life has been going downhill." "I couldn''t become the leader of the Bailang Gang, nor the master of the White Tiger Hall, now I''m almost left with nothing." As he spoke, the tall man with the bushy beard couldn''t help feeling depressed, "Do you know what they call me behind my back?" "The Gang Terminator!" "The Catastrophic Pathfinder!" "Brother Zuo, my heart is heavy!" Zuo Sheng: "..."@@@@ Brother, look at the mess you''re making! "Or will they deploy some mysterious magic artifact?!" At this thought, Chen Mu couldn''t help but become solemn. It''s just that his own strength wasn''t enough. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be here anxiously waiting. "At this moment, the upper echelons of the Startling Swan Gang must have received the defense map." "They''re definitely gathering their leaders now, uniting their efforts to discuss offensive strategies," Although uneasy, the thought of merely making a few moves with his pen and thus involving the Startling Swan Gang''s experts brought him a slight thrill of satisfaction. "My so-called younger apprentice brother, might even have to exert a bit of effort on my behalf now," ... Chen Mu''s worthy apprentice brother, at this moment, was dressed in all black, standing in the dense forest near the northern gate of Qingshan County Town. "Cheng Yi, do you really just hand over the defense map of the Jinghong Association to me like this?" Zuo Sheng, full of scorn, asked, "Blatantly betraying your sect and selling out the interests of the Jinghong Association, is this all Jin Wuduan taught you these years?" "That''s not the case," Zuo Sheng shook his head, "My senior brother taught me this." Cheng Yi was stunned. He wasn''t aware that Zuo Sheng had such an unreliable senior brother. Soon he laughed at himself. It''s like the pot calling the kettle black; he wasn''t a good person either. He wasn''t concerned about whether the other party had betrayed their sect. "How can I trust you? What if the map is fake?" Cheng Yi said expressionlessly, "If I fall into a trap set by the Jinghong Association, won''t I be at a huge disadvantage?" "Suit yourself. We will take action in five days," "By that time, the campsites of the Jinghong Association will be empty. Whether or not you can persuade Chao Tianwang to lend his help and earn this great merit is none of my business," Zuo Sheng said with a shrug. "Using another''s hand to do your dirty work?" Cheng Yi frowned slightly, then a hint of a smile appeared on his face, "You want to deal with that lady from the aristocratic family. To weaken her power." "Don''t you want to?" Zuo Sheng glanced at Cheng Yi and said lightly. "Heh..." Cheng Yi''s lips curled with a chilling coldness. "It seems she wants to monopolize all the Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "The greed of noble families." Zuo Sheng glanced at Cheng Yi, "Doesn''t Chao Fang want to monopolize them too?" "I don''t believe he would share the Thousand Mechanism Token with you." "Letting Chao Fang attack Sikou Qing, both sides suffering losses, is to everyone''s advantage," "That''s the situation. How you deal with it is up to you," Zuo Sheng said as he turned to leave, "This is my opportunity, perhaps also your chance for revenge against Sikou Qing." Cheng Yi stood expressionlessly in place. "It indeed is a good opportunity!" Under the night sky, a leaf fluttered down, Cheng Yi''s figure vanished, leaving only the swaying shadows of the trees. Chapter 152 - 151: Hold Steady Not far from the Laborer Camp, by the Bailang River. Chen Mu didn''t know when the Startling Swan Gang would attack. He had not dared to stray far these past few days when he went out to catch fish and nurture Netherworld Thread. Humming an unknown tune, he carried a Silver Thread Fish in his hand while the Sleeve Sword Technique flickered in and out of visibility. Scaling, gutting, cleaning, picklingthe Silver Thread Fish were swiftly processed one by one. Chen Mu skipped a stone across the water idly during his spare time. Swish! Plop plop plop plop plop... plop! The small pebble skimmed across the water''s surface and raced towards the opposite bank over ten meters away. With a plop, it chopped off a section of reed. "I''ve hit the other side! Ha!" Then he grabbed a handful of pebbles and scattered them with a throw. "A handful of stones in my hand, ten li of reeds all bow their heads!" He was getting into the rhythm of throwing when suddenly a wave of insight passed through his mind. It took a while for Chen Mu to come back to his senses. On the grey wall, the Proficiency values for the throwing disappeared. This technique, which originated from the ordinary Flying Locust Stone, had finally reached its historical limit. And with that came an additional effectLock-On. Chen Mu picked up a pebble and looked across the river. Under the moonlight, a reed stood tall, swaying in the wind. The moment he locked onto the target, all the information his eyes saw, his nose smelled, his ears heard, and his skin felt, flooded into the depths of his mind. The Lock-On ability worked in places beyond his perception. In the blink of an eye, it completed the integration and calculation of the information, and swiftly fed back an impulse to Chen Mu. He simply followed this faint impulse and instinctively threw the pebble. The next moment, the stone appeared next to the standout reed. The rapidly approaching stone only grazed the reed, causing it to tremble slightly before speeding away. "I really can hit wherever I point." Chen Mu exclaimed. Thought activated, stone thrownhis intention was perfectly realized. "Little Chen with the Flying Knife, never misses his mark?" Chen Mu sighed helplessly, "It''s a nice ability, but a pity it can''t penetrate armor." After all, it was merely an ordinary Throwing Ability, and initial velocity dictated the power, range, and direction of the throw. It couldn''t penetrate armor, nor could it turn corners. Chen Mu felt a bit of regret. And so-called Lock-On was nothing more than the best possible calculation and prediction. The farther the distance, the less accurate it became. But he soon cheered up. After all, another Skill had reached its limit. Grinding out Skills, gathering experience, it was only the instant of reaching the peak that brought him such a strong sense of satisfaction. Now Cheng Yi is inviting the Tangshan Army to raid Chao Tianwang... What a perfect circle... A perfect egg my foot! Chen Mu felt completely numb. How did my simple distribution of a defense map turn into this situation?! This world is truly goddamn magical! All three parties circling and picking fights, how chaotic will it be at that time? Isn''t this just courting disaster! ... The Startling Swan Gang''s base. Jin Wuduan admired the defense map. "I didn''t expect Sect Master Zhang to have such skill." Zhang Ye, his face alight with excitement, cupped his hands in salute: "It''s just a small trick, embarrassing, truly embarrassing." "This is no small trick," Jin Wuduan examined the map from different angles. "The strokes are delicate, the figures lifelike, and the key thing is that it''s realistic. " "With such drawing skill, not even the number one painter in Nanyang Prefecture has your ability." "Sect Master Zhang must not be stingy with your brushwork. You must paint a portrait for me when you have the time!" "Certainly, certainly," Zhang Ye''s face was full of sheepish laughter. You ask me to wield a large knife, and I can do that, but to paint portraits, isn''t that making it hard for me? Yet he couldn''t say it. If he did, he wouldn''t be able to explain the defense map. "Sect Master Zhang''s contribution, I will remember it. Do you have any requests?" Jin Wuduan asked with a chuckle. Zhang Ye immediately snapped back to his senses. He had already thought about this, and his face was filled with fervor, "It''s my duty to exert effort for the gang. I''m not picky." Jin Wuduan nodded with a smile in his eyes. "It''s just that I, as a Sect Master, have only just recovered my position. The brothers newly assigned to me have uneven martial skills and poor coordination. I''m afraid it might affect the operation tomorrow night." "I wonder if Gang Leader could be accommodating and allow me to take these brothers to the Laborer Camp to guard the prisoners and transport the supplies?" The smile on Jin Wuduan''s face deepened: "That''s a good idea, go with Sheng Er. He''s just about to head to the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp." Zhang Ye was instantly overjoyed. The Laborer Camp was just a bunch of laborers. Even though they were numerous, they were not strong in martial power. A mere intimidation would immediately prompt them to surrender. They were going there, wasn''t it just to help with guarding prisoners and transporting supplies? "Having regained the position of Sect Master with great difficulty, I cannot be wasteful again!" "This round, I''ve finally steadied the ship." Chapter 153 - 152 Taking Things with Ease ``` The night at Dingyou Camp. Inside the Logistics Armys tent, the snores were thunderous. Chen Mu stared at the tent ceiling, unable to sleep with worry.@@@@ "How did things get to this point?" Chen Mu couldnt figure it out. I only threw a pebble, so why did it trigger a landslide? "Dont panic, its not that bad yet," Chen Mu tried to remain calm. "Even in a three-way melee, the first targets should be each sides elite forces." "Theres no need for them to trouble us laborers, right?" Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Moreover, night raids are different from frontal assaults. To maintain secrecy, the number of troops cant be large, and all must be elites. "Decapitation strikes are the best option," Chen Mus eyes lit up. "And the most detailed part of the map I gave them is of the Tangshan Armys camp." "Its like throwing a bone right next to a dog. They cant not bite," he said. "Thats a relief, thats a relief..." Chen Mu sighed with relief. "Even if someone does come, theyd probably just start a fire, create a little chaos," Chen Mu finally put his mind at ease. ... "Let me tell you. I chose to attack the Laborer Camp for good reason," Zhang Ye said with a self-satisfied face. He was the gang leader again! "The Tangshan Armys elites are well-trained; we ragtag bunch cant handle them." "But the Laborer Camp is just a group of suffering laborers." "What are we? Ruffians, hoodlums, gang leaders." "Bullying these laborers is our main business," Zhang Ye chattered away happily to Kui Tuo. "We dont even have to fight. Just set a couple of fires, brandish our big knives and shout loudly, scatter the people, and theyll collapse on their own." "Then we grab a few examples, beat them up badly, and well easily control that group of laborers," Zhang Ye was very familiar with this kind of procedure. "Is it really that simple?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. He used to run errands. How could he understand the operations of a gang leader? "Believe me, I used to be the boss of a gang," Zhang Ye said confidently. "But your gang is gone," Kui Tuo said dimly. Zhang Ye: "..." "How are you talking to me! Am I not your leader anymore!" Zhang Ye fumed. "Fine then," Kui Tuo smacked his lips, not arguing further. "Let me tell you, this mission is a piece of cake. For us, its as easy as reaching into a bag and taking what we want," Zhang Ye laughed heartily. Kui Tuo: "..." Reaching into a bag for it again? This is asking for trouble! ... Boom! "Lets go, lets hide down there for a bit." Zheng Yuan stared at Chen Mu, dumbfounded. "When did you dig this? I sleep right next to you, how come I didnt hear a thing?!" "Ive just dug it." Chen Mu said indifferently. "Youre lying to a ghost!" Zheng Yuans face showed disbelief. Chen Mu gave him a glance: "So, are you coming down or not?" "Down, down, down..." The many Logistics Army soldiers immediately beamed with smiles. "Dawang is quite capable." Sun Enqi said, full of emotion. "Hurry up, otherwise, theyll be blocking our door soon." Chen Mu rolled his eyes. With his current strength, he could escape easily. But wouldnt that be too conspicuous? Better to hide in the hole. After tonight, he could continue being a member of the Logistics Army. ... "See, isnt it just like I said, very simple." Zhang Ye held a torch in one hand and a large saber in the other, smugly triumphant. "Once we get these laborers under control, cant we just make a fortune easily?!" The numerous subordinates around him could not help but break into joyful laughter. Zhang Ye bumped Kui Tuo with his shoulder: "You believe me now, right?" "A hundred percent!" A gang member next to him shouted excitedly. "Im going in!" "Go ahead." Zhang Ye waved his hand nonchalantly, looking very pleased with himself. Dozens of men around him immediately rushed into the camp like a swarm of bees. Then they were thrown back out at even greater speed. A figure clad in a black cloak slowly emerged from a nearby tent. He held an Incense Burner in his left hand and wore a White Jade Bracelet on his right. Noticing the laborers around him who had been injured or killed by the great fire, the man in black said coldly, "Now that theyre dead, youll stay to replace them." Suddenly, he lifted his right hand and made a grabbing motion towards the crowd. Whoosh! A gang member, as if held by an invisible hand, was instantly crushed into a spray of blood. "What do we do now, boss?!" The gang members who were just excited became panic-stricken. Zhang Ye kept his composure and looked at the crowd: "As they say, wealth is up to fate, life and death are predestined, take a chance..." "Chance my ass! Run now!" Kui Tuo cut off Zhang Yes rambling and, together with Zhen Fan, picked up Zhang Ye and ran. While running, they couldnt help but curse bitterly. "This is what you called picking up an easy win?" Zhang Ye, held head and foot by the two men, had his face full of contemplation: "Perhaps my pockets are too deep to reach." "Yeah, deep up to your neck!" Kui Tuo couldnt help but curse loudly. "What kind of karma did you create?" "Ever since I met you, I havent had a single good day." Zhang Ye looked resigned: "I wish I knew..." Chapter 154 - 153 Ordinary Deep within the underground cavern, Chen Mu leaned against the wall, feigning meditation. Yet his spirit was ever vigilant over the entire camp. "Fortunately, the Tangshan Army was not completely unprepared." The Laborer Camp was the foundation of the Tangshan Armys combat prowess. Through the perspective of a small paper figure, Chen Mu had already seen several figures in black cloaks appear. They held incense burners, muttering under their breath, and with a shake of their right hand, adorned with a gold-threaded white jade bracelet, they could control an invisible giant hand to crush or fling their opponents through the air. "What a fine Magic Artifact," Chen Mu mused with some envy. "Youd better put in some effort," Chen Mu said, focusing on the black-cloaked figures wandering in the Ding Character Camp. As long as they could withstand the initial chaos, a turning point would soon emerge. The Startling Swan Gang had come to raid the camp, but Chao Tianwang was not idly standing by either. "Alas, theres no helping it when ones strength is insufficient. Just wait and see," Chen Mu thought reluctantly. ... "Are you their leader?" Inside the Ding Character Laborer Camp, the black-cloaked figure asked Zuo Sheng calmly, ignoring the minions who were howling and setting fires to kill around them. "The heritage of our Shangguan Family is beyond your imagination." "Now that you have killed and set fires, you will have something to report when you go back." "Moreover, now that Im here, theres no longer any point for you to stay," persuaded the cloaked figure methodically. "Alright, Ill be leaving soon," Zuo Sheng nodded. The cloaked figure: "..." So youre saying you wont be leaving now? "Do you believe I can make you die a terrible death?" said the cloaked figure, indifferent. "I dont believe it," Zuo Sheng responded earnestly. The cloaked figure: "..." "Courting death!" He suddenly shook his right hand, which was adorned with the gold-threaded white jade bracelet, reaching out to grab Zuo Sheng. A sense of grasping something solid came to him, and the cloaked figures lips curled into a cruel smile. "Do you feel it? This is the heritage of our Shangguan Family." "Stop!" An immense force, all-encompassing and without a single blind spot, suddenly descended upon Zuo Sheng. Whoosh! A soft sound and Zuo Shengs clothes suddenly collapsed inward as if vacuum-sealed. Yet the invisible force, which could easily crush the ordinary person, was effortlessly withstood by Zuo Sheng. Covered with Soul Strength, he felt the force coming from all directions, causing Zuo Sheng to frown: "Be serious." The pupils of the cloaked figure abruptly contracted, and he shook the white jade bracelet again. "Stop!" Whoosh! Zuo Sheng was pushed several inches into the ground where he stood. After landing, he shook the Wuding Ring again, following the same technique. In two leaps, he had covered seven or eight hundred meters. The cloaked person, hanging in the air, stared intently at Zuo Sheng in the distance. He raised his right hand, ready to activate the Wuding Ring the moment he landed. "The Shangguan Family will never let you go!" the cloaked person said menacingly. Zuo Shengs face darkened instantly; even in such a state, the other still dared to talk tough, "You wont get away! I said so!" Then Zuo Sheng could only watch as the other party puff disappeared into a pitch-black patch on the ground, vanishing in an instant. Zuo Sheng was dumbfounded. Why didnt you use that trick earlier if you had it? Ive already made my threats, and you pull a vanishing act on me?! Below ground, Chen Mu helplessly put away the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. Of all the places you could run to, why head towards Dingyou Camp of the Logistics Army? If he had truly landed just now, a mere flick of his wrist would have drained the nine soldiers of the Logistics Army underground into dried husks. He wouldnt have died. But if he was the only one to survive in a ten-person unit of the Logistics Army, wouldnt that be too conspicuous? How could he continue to stay undercover then? ... Zuo Sheng gazed at the blood droplets on the ground, frowning slightly. Dead? He pondered with a furrowed brow for a moment, then a smile spread across his face as he clasped his hands towards all directions and said, "Thank you, senior brother!" On that strategic map, only the area near the Ding Character Camp was blurry. He had guessed that Chen Mu was somewhere here, which was why he had come to meet this kindred senior brother. "Senior brother, Ive acted as your sword; its not too much to ask for a meeting, right?" "This is Qingshan County, our rightful turf as brothers." "Working together to secure the Thousand Mechanism Token is the best course of action!" While speaking, Zuo Sheng slowly turned around, surveying the surroundings. "Senior brother, havent you realized it yet?" "This world is too unfriendly to ordinary people like us!" "The major families hoard resources, cutting off our paths to advancement." "If we dont fight, how can we have a tomorrow!" Zuo Sheng lamented passionately. "Senior brother, Ive already connected with Daoist Cheng Yi." "Hes currently with Chao Fangs forces." "Plus you, senior brother, hiding here." "With the three of us exchanging information and cooperating sincerely, this is our best chance at an uprising for the common man!" Zuo Sheng said fervently, his face full of excitement. "Tsk, tsk..." Chen Mu curled his lips in disdain, "This Zuo Sheng is not being sincere!" Do you have some misunderstanding about ordinary people? Ordinary people? With all that Body Protection Aura on you, do you dare to say youre an ordinary person? Someone like me is the real ordinary person, alright! Chapter 155 - 154 Spiritual Armor Woo... Boom! A huge firework exploded in the southern sky. Zuo Sheng turned his head to look. That was the Startling Swan Gang''s call for help. It was like a chain reaction. To the north of the city, Chao Tianwang and the nearby Tangshan Army each set off their own distress flares. Zuo Sheng looked towards the north in surprise, then chuckled and shook his head. Cheng Yi the Taoist wasn''t playing it straight, either. Immediately feeling regretful, he turned back to look at the surroundings which remained quiet. "Older brother, stop hoping for luck, only by joining forces do we three stand a chance." "When older brother figures it out, come find me." "My door is always open for older brother." Having said that, he turned and quickly left. The underground space was silent. The voice of Zuo Sheng faintly carried over. A few soldiers from the Logistics Army listened closely, then looked at each other in confusion. "What''s this guy rambling about for so long, what''s the meaning?" Zheng Yuan was puzzled. Chen Mu shook his head dumbly, "Don''t know, probably a lunatic." "Definitely a lunatic!" the rest of the Logistics Army agreed. "We owe Dawang big time, otherwise who knows what kind of trouble this madman would''ve stirred up." "Right? I also think he''s quite mad..." Chen Mu nodded, still shaken. ... For three continuous days, the entire camp was tense. The Tangshan Army sent a large number of soldiers to either soothe or suppress, striving to maintain stability at the Laborer Camp. The Tangshan Army suffered a great loss of laborers. It is said that the initial target, the ''A'' Barracks, had more than half its people dead, injured or escaped. The Startling Swan Gang and Chao Tianwang also suffered heavy casualties. All three parties were clever, targeting the most inconspicuous yet most important common people first. As a result, all three succeeded, and all three failed. Chen Mu sighed deeply. "Who could have imagined that all this was due to a mere defense map?" "All because of Zuo Sheng and Cheng Yi, without their stirring of the pot, how could such a ruckus have arisen?" Thinking of the heavy casualties in the Laborer Camp, Chen Mu furrowed his brows, feeling a sense of guilt. He too was one of the hidden hands behind these casualties. Originally, according to his plan, even if the Tangshan Army was attacked by surprise, their strong power meant that while they would suffer losses, they wouldn''t be too great. Most importantly, it was supposed to create a rift between the Tangshan Army and the Startling Swan Gang. But Zuo Sheng and Cheng Yi''s manipulation resulted in a vulnerability within the Tangshan Army, allowing the Startling Swan Gang''s surprise attack to succeed, instantly doubling the injuries. "In times of chaos, it''s always the common people who get hurt," sighed Chen Mu. "Better to diligently practice my skill and find the Thousand Mechanism Token sooner." He wasn''t planning on causing more trouble. What if he stirred up more problems? ... Da Liang, year 642, May 23 Like usual, Chen Mu came to a secluded bend by the Bailang River. He threw down the lure, but didn''t rush to prepare extra food. Instead, he found a large rock to sit on. Black smoke churned in his hands as a white jade-colored Bigu Pill appeared. "The last one." He popped it into his mouth and swallowed it, then began to adjust his breathing. He maintained a rhythm that had almost become instinct for five months, just starting up. In his mind, the Divine Intent Diagram of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique began to emerge. By the time he reached the Divine Intent Diagram phase, the Breathing Method had become more like a switch. Its effect was to resonate with the Divine Intent Diagram in the mist, keeping it manifested. Wisps of coolness continuously emerged from the base of his skull. Black Soul Strength began to slowly spread downward. At a certain moment, Chen Mu suddenly felt a moment of clarity in his brain. The once-obscured Divine Intent Diagram suddenly shone brightly. It was like a flame behind frosted glassblurry, but dazzling and bright. A familiar, warm and moist sensation spread throughout his body, filling his heart with a sense of comfort and safety reminiscent of when he was in the womb. Chen Mu opened his eyes. After more than five months, he finally brought forth the Shell Soul of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. "If I can''t master it this time, I''ll run out of food." The Bigu Pill 3.0 was completely consumed. He had even prepared a little extra at the beginning, and it was just barely enough. "Fortunately, I succeeded!" Not only that, but the Soul Strength of the other six Shape Cultivation Techniques surged simultaneously. With a thought, Chen Mu made the seven Divine Intent Diagrams appear in his mind... Like water released from a sluice, black Soul Strength crazily surged from the soles of his feet, thighs, waist, chest, arms, and hands. He was quickly enveloped in black Soul Strength. From a distance, he even looked like he had put on weight! Chen Mu grabbed a thick layer of Soul Strength covering the back of his hand. "Indeed, it''s a special substance." Before it was too thin, clinging to the skin as if it was the skin itself. Now that the Soul Strength was substantial, forming at least a finger''s thickness, its true nature was evident. "Now I have the courage to explore Qingshan County," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. In this short period, the Tangshan Army and other factions had been advancing steadily and systematically. If they found the Thousand Mechanism Token before him, then he would really stand no chance at all. Chen Mu, in a good mood, pulled up the gray wall, but when he saw the lowest entry, he froze on the spot. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 3/10000/Sixth Rank; Spiritual Armor? This... can still be practiced?! He suddenly understood that he had vastly underestimated the potential of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique! Chapter 156 - 155: Inquiring ``` Qingshan County, East Market, Anle Square. Suddenly, a large hole exploded on one side of a two-story wooden building. Splinters and stone fragments flew in all directions. An invisible force shot out from the hole in the wooden building. The ridge of the house opposite was struck, creating a gaping hole instantaneously. It was as if some monster had viciously bitten into it. At the broken hole of the wooden building, a figure in a black cloak violently shook a white jade bracelet in his right hand. Then, he forcefully grabbed towards the damaged ridge across from him in mid-air. "Stop!" Squeak, squeak, squeak... A piercing screech suddenly rang out. A massive cloud of black smoke, about four to five meters in diameter, suddenly appeared in mid-air. The cloaked figure clenched his teeth and exerted all his strength. The screeching of the black smoke became even more piercing, as it switched between invisibility and visibility without ceasing. At the same time, it resembled a blot of ink dropped into water, constantly rolling and spreading in all directions. Regrettably, an invisible force enveloped it from all sides, and no matter how much it struggled, it could not break free. The person in the cloak grew pale, knowing that a critical moment had arrived. His right hand trembled fiercely once more, and the teardrop-shaped jade pendant emitted a crisp sound. "Unfixed!" Squeak! A sharp cry soared into the sky. On the cloud of black smoke, faces showing pain, laughter, terror, and screams flashed rapidly. Bang! An explosive sound. The cloud of black smoke, like a balloon that had been popped, instantly burst into pieces. Wisps of black smoke drifted in mid-air, and as they drifted, they turned into specks of black light that dissipated into nothingness. The figure in the cloak thudded to the ground on one knee, his complexion pallid and drenched in sweat. Below the wooden building, around forty or fifty men in black leather armor lay sprawled on the ground, equally pale and exhausted. Some had even lost consciousness. ... At the top floor of Ruyi Residence in Anle Square. Chen Mu stood amidst swirling black smoke on the overhanging eaves of the building, his expression grave as he watched the distant melee, "Truly hard to kill." Recalling the encounter with the ghosts he had stumbled upon last time, Chen Mu broke out in a cold sweat. If it weren''t for Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, he would have undoubtedly perished that night. This was already his fifth day since reaching the Perfection of his Shell Soul. He had begun secretly following the Tangshan Army to observe their operation of cleansing the evil spirits. Cui Cui immediately rolled her eyes. "Aren''t they afraid of missing some with such piecemeal cleaning?" Chen Mu didn''t understand. "Once these little darlings gather together, they will spontaneously converge towards the center," Cui Cui explained. "Cleaning up bit by bit will eventually get the job done," Cui Cui said, sitting on the edge of the roof, swinging her legs nonchalantly. "Don''t you feel anything?" Chen Mu asked Cui Cui, his expression complex. This was essentially the slaughter of her own kind. "What feeling?" Cui Cui looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "Species empathy?" Cui Cui shook her head indifferently, "We can''t understand the complex emotions of you humans." "How to describe it... it''s like hundreds of books on a shelf. Take away some and burn them, or insert new ones. The comings and goings have no effect on the other books on the shelf," Cui Cui said lightly, swinging her legs. This emotionless, machine-like cold description sent a chill down Chen Mu''s spine. Cui Cui''s cheerful demeanor always gave him the false impression that she was human. Chen Mu shook his head, letting go of the thought. The species were different; there was no need to measure her...or rather, the ghost, by his own standards. "The Tangshan Army plans to clear out all the Ghosts, like draining the pond to get all the fish?" "It''s time-consuming and laborious but simple," Cui Cui shrugged. "Sometimes they don''t even need to clear them all to luck out and find it." "When the time is ripe, the Thousand Mechanism Token will emerge by itself." Chen Mu nodded in understanding. "How can I make you ignore me?" Chen Mu suddenly asked. Shangguan Ji hiring Bai Miaojin certainly valued her martial prowess, but he valued even more Cui Cui''s ability to see through the Ghosts'' invisibility and transformations, which helped them to quickly locate the Ghosts without blundering around like headless flies. "You really are after the Thousand Mechanism Token," Cui Cui laughed as she turned back. "You''ve misunderstood," Chen Mu flatly denied. "Then there''s nothing I can do. I''ve taken the money," Cui Cui said, noticing the black smoke around Chen Mu and guessing that he intended to meddle using the Ghosts'' invisibility. "Unless you also have some White Jade Spirit Money." "That''s a pity," Chen Mu shook his head. If he had so-called White Jade Spirit Money, hiring Jie Jia directly would be much simpler. "The other two families, they don''t have one of your kind, do they?" Chen Mu inquired quietly. "What are you thinking? I''ve lived so many years and only encountered a weirdo like you," Cui Cui sneered. "But honestly, I''m curious, how do you and this guy, who only knows instinct, manage to coexist?" Cui Cui stared at the autumn-character paper figure and the black smoke on Chen Mu. "Do you have some kind of Innate Bloodline?" If I had an Innate Bloodline, would I still be worrying about the Thousand Mechanism Token here? Cui Cui looked Chen Mu up and down with keen interest: "Do you have anything special that is different from ordinary people?" Chen Mu glanced at her, "Actually, I do?" "I can eat a lot, does that count?" Cui Cui: "..." Chapter 157 - 156: Seeing through South District of Qingshan County Town. Black smoke swirled around Chen Mu, who lightly touched the rooftop as if he were a black lightning, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Soon, he had climbed up to the southern watchtower. In the past, this place was manned all day, on the lookout for fires within the town, and the stealth fire soldiers would be quickly dispatched to extinguish thema version of an ancient fire brigade. Chen Mu stepped on the bucket arches and vaulted eaves, leaping to the top. He looked around and saw rows of houses that exuded an ancient and desolate air. The silence around was so deep it made one''s heart panic. The vast Qingshan County had become a ghost town, with countless invisible ghosts wandering within.@@@@ If this was the state here, what would the heartland of Da Liang look like? Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu stopped dwelling on these thoughts and quickly located an area of disturbance. With Cui Cui and Bai Miaojin in the Tangshan Army, he couldn''t fish in troubled waters. "Hopefully, there''s a chance over here," Chen Mu looked towards the distance with some trepidation. Bang! A loud noise suddenly came from the area of disturbance. Looking over, a cluster of residential buildings had collapsed abruptly. Dozens of people wearing earthy yellow armor spread out in a circle, charging headfirst like bulls into the center again and again. A large mass of black smoke sometimes appeared and sometimes disappeared, sending the charging people flying. But the armor, seemingly sculpted from stone, was indestructible. The people who were sent flying would quickly jump back up, lively as before, and charge forward again. Dozens of soldiers coordinating together, a succession of collisions and resistance lasting one hour, finally culminated with a muffled explosion like thunder. The ghosts disappeared into specks of black luminescence. "Similar to the Tangshan Army''s Wuding Ring, a complete set of magic artifacts?" Chen Mu thoughtfully observed the earthy yellow armor. It probably also focused on concentrating vital energy to enhance the wearer''s special powers. Once the battle was over, the group continued to push deeper into the town. Occasionally attacking the surrounding buildings, they were like bulldozers, leaving only ruins and leveled grounds in their wake. "Slow advancement, scaring the snakes in the grass?" Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. "The opportunity has come!" "As soon as the Thousand Mechanism Token appears, use the ghost''s invisibility to get close." "Then, use Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to teleport within nine meters." "Finally, cautiously flee using the ghosts'' invisibility ability." "As long as my figure isn''t exposed, the deed is done!" Unseen and unheard, grab and run, safe and secretive! "It''s just getting too close for comfort," Chen Mu hesitated for a moment, then reassured himself, "What''s this risk compared to the Thousand Mechanism Token?" "Plus, I have the Paper Ghost''s invisibility." "Catching me? Let''s see if they can discern my trail first," Chen Mu chuckled as he watched the Startling Swan Gang wreaking havoc in the distance. "With these headless flies as opponents, they wouldn''t be able to spot me even if I was standing in front of them!" Chen Mu felt completely at ease. Not everyone has Cui Cui''s abilities. "Isn''t that just perfect? Just wait for them to find the Thousand Mechanism Token for me. Heh heh..." With these thoughts, Chen Mu looked at the distant crowd with dissatisfaction, "It took them an hour to kill just one ghosta lack of work enthusiasm indeed!" Then he noticed that the team, which had just been running around headlessly, suddenly assembled. If there was one noticeable change, it was that he could eat more! "Lucky I stocked up on plenty of Bigu Pills 2.0." The version 3.0 pills were all gone, so he could only make do with the old ones for now. "I have to compete with the Five Ghosts Bag for food. Really..." Chen Mu''s face showed his distress, "If I truly provoke the Dragon King, then what should I do?" ... Dingyou Camp''s Logistics Army. Chen Mu stealthily entered the tent, taking out two wild rabbits he had casually caught. After stowing away the Autumn Ghost, he tied on an apron and stepped out of the tent. "Did you catch them?" Short and stout Zheng Yuan waved a large ladle, asking eagerly with his small eyes. "Hmm, two wild rabbits," Chen Mu replied, feigning simplicity. This was his excuse for sneaking out of the military camp during the day, to catch wild game. "Big Dawang really has the skill!" A group of fellow Logistics Army soldiers immediately beamed with joy. "I''ll go serve the food," Chen Mu said, taking up the ladle with keen understanding, ready to go to the nearby queue to dish out food. "Big Dawang," Sun Enqi called out to Chen Mu, "you go out every day, but what if something happens? You''d better not..." He hadn''t finished his sentence when he met the tranquil eyes on Chen Mu''s simple face. "Don''t be careless, you have to be safe!" Sun Enqi said with concern, feeling extremely anxious inside. "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Qi," Chen Mu said cheerfully, "I''ll go help serve food." "Sigh, alright then, just don''t wear yourself out..." Sun Enqi said earnestly. Only after Chen Mu had walked away did Sun Enqi mutter with a gloomy expression, "What if something happens?" "Are you scared? Why don''t you give me your portion of the meat to eat then, I''m not afraid," Zheng Yuan chuckled. "Get lost!" Sun Enqi instantly rolled his eyes. "Even if you wanted to stop him, you couldn''t, right?" Zheng Yuan chuckled, "Your nephew is not simple." Sun Enqi looked up at the laughing Logistics Army soldiers around him and couldn''t help but sigh, "Could you guys help me talk to him?" The Logistics Army soldiers who had been eager for the drama scattered in an instant. Zheng Yuan tried to run, but Sun Enqi caught him, "You two are the closest, why don''t you talk to him?" Zheng Yuan hesitated for a long time, "I don''t dare!" Zheng Yuan himself was puzzled, finding that whenever he looked directly into the other''s eyes, he felt as if he had been knocked down by him many times. It was an instinctual fear. "You''re afraid of him with that tiny frame?" Sun Enqi frowned. "If you are not afraid, then you go," Zheng Yuan retorted, standing his ground. Sun Enqi fell silent for a while, "I don''t dare either..." Oh, brother, the ''honest child'' you speak of is indeed too honest. So honest that he''s become a mini-tyrant! He hasn''t even done anything, yet nine out of ten people are already terrified. Not far away, Chen Mu paused while serving food, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly. "One can''t underestimate anyone." He thought he was well concealed, but he hadn''t realized that these Logistics Army soldiers had spotted the flaw. And rightly so, ten Logistics Army men living together day and night were well aware of each other''s every habit, even knowing who grinds their teeth or farts in their sleep. It''s only normal they spotted something off. "Living together in harmony, that''s also good..." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. Chapter 158 - 157: The Wheel of Fortune Turns Every early morning, as the sky began to brighten, Chen Mu would rise to freshen up, then stealthily infiltrate the town to stake out Chao Tianwang. He had already confirmed that Tianwang Chao Fang had no means to detect Ghosts. Capturing Ghosts often employed methods of lure and trap. This gave Chen Mu room to operate. And so, every day he went to the city to keep an eye on Chao Fang. ... Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu, as usual, got up early, ready to sneak off, and just happened to bump into Sun Enqi who was getting up to use the toilet. On seeing Chen Mu, Sun Enqi instantly became clear-headed and carefully exhorted, "Be careful, kid, don''t get caught." Chen Mu smiled and nodded. Yet, as he turned around, he couldn''t help but squint his eyes. "This so-called Uncle Seven seems to have aged a bit. An illusion?" Chen Mu paused, "I''m afraid it''s not an illusion." The Netherworld Thread was mysterious, daily drawing Vital Energy, leading to the depletion of the laborer''s essential vigor. "Has it started to deplete life span already..." Chen Mu''s heart sank, but he could only shake his head and leave. In these troubled times, he couldn''t care about so much. Ensuring his own survival according to his wishes was already quite difficult. ... North of Qingshan County Town. The twelve Heavenly Generals were dispersed in various places, sitting cross-legged on rooftops with dark-colored Soul-Calming Stakes resting across their legs. Three large clusters of black smoke flickered in and out of existence mid-air, yet never managing to fly out of the circle formed by the twelve. The shadow seemed like a balloon, getting bigger as time passed. At a certain threshold, it burst with a pop into strands of black smoke. "Is your method really effective?" Tu Shan sat on a rooftop, frowning at Chao Fang by his side. "You need to have patience," Chao Fang said calmly. "I''ve heard that the Startling Swan Gang has found a Thousand Mechanism Token," Tu Shan looked towards the south of the town.@@@@ Chao Fang glanced at Tu Shan, "Got any ideas?" Tu Shan seriously said to Chao Fang, "There must be a problem with the fengshui in the north of the city." "You talk to them, let''s change the location," Tu Shan sincerely suggested. Chao Fang: "..." "You just want to snatch their Thousand Mechanism Token," Chao Fang snickered, retracting his gaze. "Why would you think that?" Tu Shan frowned, his displeasure evident as he looked at Chao Fang: "When do we act?" "Ha... It''s not the right time yet," Chao Fang said, laughing while shaking his head. "You''re not scared, are you?" Tu Shan was skeptical. Chao Fang narrowed his eyes, "What''s the benefit of snatching one when you can snatch two?" "Let them find some more, then we''ll make our move." "Your heart is truly dark!" Tu Shan looked at Chao Fang with heartfelt distress: "Just don''t let the Tangshan Army slip through." "Ha!" Chao Fang laughed and shook his head. ... He also deliberately adjusted his breathing and heartbeat, striving to match them with the Heavenly General on the roof. With the invisibility of the Ghosts, nobody could discover him. It wasn''t easy. After such a long time planning, he finally got his hands on a Thousand Mechanism Token. Who would have thought that the Thousand Mechanism Token wasn''t a token, but an emerald jade gourd? "Magical." Chen Mu stood still, breathing as lightly as he could. He watched with glee as Tu Shan rampaged, tearing down demolitions. The other party seemed convinced that someone was hiding nearby and wanted to completely destroy all the houses. "Haha, keep demolishing; I''m not playing anymore!" said Chen Mu, as he lightly lifted his foot to leave. But after thinking about it, he still didn''t set his foot down. The Shape Cultivation Technique could greatly remodel and strengthen a person, including all senses. Even the slightest footstep could possibly be detected. After pondering, an idea struck Chen Mu. If he could use the Five Ghosts to wrap himself in invisibility, could he also use them to achieve flight? "Five Ghosts Moving People? Ha!" The swirling black smoke quickly became denser, wrapping Chen Mu up into an airtight cocoon. "Rise!" He let out a soft shout in his mind, and then he began to float. Chen Mu was instantly overjoyed. Flight, the dream etched deep into his bones, was now realized by him! "Fly! Show me your limit! Haha..." Chen Mu controlled the Ghosts to exert force fiercely, and suddenly he was lifted off the ground... by five centimeters?! Chen Mu: "..." This isn''t right! He really thought he could fly, but is this what I get to see? Worthless paper effigies, ruining my youth! "Forget it, running away is what''s important. I''ll deal with you later!" Chen Mu thought begrudgingly. Without meaning to, he looked up and saw the dejected demolition duo. With this comparison, his frustration immediately evaporated! "These two poor fools! Haha..." As he spoke, he controlled the Yin-filled Ghosts to slowly drift away into the distance. "Play by yourselves, my lords; I''m no longer at your service!" Chen Mu smirked silently, laughing without sound as he even turned back to wave at the two men. Then he suddenly hit an invisible wall with a ''bang''. Chen Mu looked ahead, his face full of confusion. What''s going on? A flash of inspiration struck his mind, and Chen Mu abruptly looked up at the twelve Heavenly Generals. They still held the Soul-Calming Stakes, standing like poles on the rooftops. Was the Yin Cultivating Strategic Formation still active? "Can''t you guys be any less professional?!" Chen Mu was instantly resigned. Chapter 159 - 158 Pursuit Chen Mu looked dissatisfied at the twelve Heavenly Generals, "Everything''s gone, and you''re just standing there like a post, hurry up and go find it!" "With underlings of this level, Chao Tianwang, I truly feel sorry for you," Chen Mu lamented deeply. But no matter how much Chen Mu prayed, the twelve Heavenly Generals still hugged the Soul-Calming Stake and stood motionless in their original spot. It was precisely because these people stood in place that the formation remained active. If he wanted to conceal himself using Ghosts, he wouldn''t be able to escape the encircling trap of the Yin Spirit Strategy. "Just wait a moment," Chen Mu sighed. He controlled his Ghost to drift to a corner and quietly watched Tu Shan frantically tear through the place. "Perhaps it''s not a person," Chao Fang was the first to regain his composure. The fervent Tu Shan abruptly appeared before Chao Fang and asked calmly, "What do you mean?" "There might still be a Ghost within the formation," Chao Fang thought of the black smoke he had seen just now, clearly in the shape of a Ghost. "Continue to increase the transmission of Vital Energy," Chao Fang''s eyes lit up. The twelve Heavenly Generals began chanting in unison. "But why can''t I feel any loss of Vital Energy?" Chao Fang stared at the Yin Spirit Strategy, puzzled. "I''ll go demolish it!" Tu Shan said gruffly and jumped into the encirclement of the Yin Spirit Strategy with a boom. Covered in Soul Strength, he was like a mighty beast forged of iron, rampaging within the circle in an attempt to force the hiding Ghost to show itself. "That''s fierce," Chen Mu, hiding not far from Cheng Yi, clicked his tongue in amazement. But as long as there was no Perceptive observation of the Ghost''s techniques, Chen Mu, hiding beside the Heavenly General, could not possibly be discovered. "Let''s see who can outlast the other!" And so the ruckus continued on until the sun set and darkness fell. Only then did Tu Shan and Chao Fang leave Qingshan County with faces full of reluctance as they dismantled the formation. Chen Mu forcefully suppressed the urge to take off running. He still let the Ghost carry him, slowly drifting towards the East of the City. If Chao Fang and Tu Shan were to double back, he''d be done for. "Better safe than sorry!" ... It was only when he left the East City Gate and arrived at the banks of the Bailang River that Chen Mu finally took a deep breath. "It''s safe now..." Looking at the luminescent green gourd in the Five Ghosts Bag, a look of joy appeared on Chen Mu''s face. After nearly half a year of plotting, he had finally gotten the Thousand Mechanism Token. An immense feeling of satisfaction instantly filled his heart. It felt just as if he had leveled a Skill to its peak. "It''s a shame we''re not in Nanyang Prefecture City, or I''d definitely visit Chunfeng Tower no matter what," he thought. "I haven''t seen Yu Tao for a long time; I really miss her." Chen Mu merrily floated toward the Tangshan Army station. "Jie Jia, that money-grubber, isn''t here either; otherwise, I would''ve shown him the Thousand Mechanism Token no matter what." "It''s worth a good sum! He''d be drooling with envy!" "Hand it over." Chao Fang retracted his smile and said flatly. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed involuntarily. Chao Fang, who could control twelve Shell Souls to work for him, must be extremely powerful. But having waited so long just to obtain the Thousand Mechanism Token, how could he possibly hand it over so easily, Chen Mu pondered for a moment and said earnestly, "Didn''t you want to recruit me? I agree. How about using this item as my Salary Silver?" Chao Fang fell silent for a long while, "I''ve changed my mind." Chen Mu: "..." "Heh..." Chao Fang chuckled lightly, slowly waving his right hand. A chill air suddenly permeated the atmosphere. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. This aura, ghosts?! To command ghosts? Yin Spirit Strategy! Chao Fang sighed, "People are often blinded by greed." Hum! Suddenly, clusters of cold white mist appeared in the air. That was the river mist suddenly condensing upon encountering a cold object. Chen Mu looked at over ten invisible objects dragging white mist behind them and suddenly got goosebumps all over. Over ten ghosts?! Chao Fang slightly lowered his head, his lips curving into a low chuckle, "Actually, I should thank you." "If you hadn''t stolen it, how would I have had the chance to make it my own?" "You want to monopolize it? Aren''t you afraid that burly man will come after you?!" Chen Mu said gravely. "Tu Shan?" "Heh... In a desolate wilderness, where no one is around. If I kill you, who else could bother me, huh." Chao Fang surveyed his surroundings, nodding with a mocking smile, "You''ve chosen a good place. Being buried here might just let you Ascend to Immortality." "Huff..." Chen Mu let out a long breath, "If it pleases you." Chao Fang was taken aback, suddenly feeling that something was amiss. "It would have been so good if you had agreed to cooperate." Chen Mu sighed. Helping Chao Fang find a new Thousand Mechanism Token would also have been a win-win cooperation. It''s a pity that what Chao Fang had in mind was to secretly possess it without Tu Shan''s knowledge. "Then there''s no other way." Chen Mu raised his head and stared intently at Chao Fang. Ever since he came to this world, he had always felt oppressed. Dangers lurked everywhere, and a slight misstep could mean the loss of his life. He constantly pushed himself without a moment''s rest, working hard to improve his Proficiency. All to take control of his own fate. Jet Black Soul Strength slowly surfaced, muscles across his body rapidly bulging. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed from a frail youth of one meter seventy-five to a muscular giant of one meter ninety. Chen Mu glared fiercely at Chao Fang, as if staring down a world full of malicious intent. "Come, let me kill you!" Chapter 160 - One Hundred and Fifty-Nine: Differences "Stubborn and ignorant!" Chao Fang suddenly snapped back to his senses, his face turning gloomy at once. He spread out the bright yellow scroll, rapidly reciting the Curse Command. More than ten groups of ghosts fiercely charged at Chen Mu. The pale mist was blown away by the wind. The ghosts became completely invisible. Chen Mus entire body was covered in Soul Strength, his eyes constantly moving, trying to observe his surroundings as much as possible. Bang! A massive force suddenly struck his back. Before he could react, a powerful force also came from his left side. It was like flipping a switch. The immense power of a battering ram struck from all directions like raindrops. "Overestimating yourself!" Chao Fang coldly stared at Chen Mu, who was being knocked around haphazardly. The ghosts might seem formless, but their power was immense. Upon a physical collision, an ordinary person could be shattered instantly. Even a Shell Soul expert, taking the hit head-on, could have their internal organs shattered and die. A smug smile appeared on Chao Fangs face as he watched leisurely. Since he had come and even utilized the Yin Spirit Strategy, the outcome was already predetermined. This wasnt arrogance, but confidence gained from countless battles. "Even the Spiritual Light of Body Protection from prestigious families cant stop them, let alone you? Hmph!" He lazily looked at Chen Mu, "Stop struggling. Surrender, and youll suffer less." As if attracted by his voice, Chen Mu looked at Chao Fang listlessly. Noticing the smugness on the others face and feeling the impacts from all around, Chen Mu glanced at the Soul Strength covering his body, his face incredulous, "Thats it?" Arent ghosts supposed to be terrifying? How could they be so weak? Could it be that this guy is performing for me?! Chen Mu tentatively punched the air in front of him. Squeak, squeak, squeak... A cloud of black smoke suddenly emerged in front of him, with ear-piercing screams that startled him into continuously stepping back. Upon closer inspection, he saw that one of the ghosts had been punched out of invisibility! "I got it! These are ghosts reared by the Yin Spirit Strategy; how could domesticated ones be as fierce as the wild ones? They must have been weakened!" "And I, am no longer the same I as before!" The overlay of seven Shape Cultivation Techniques had indeed caused a transformation. Strength, speed, robust Soul Strength, had all long surpassed ordinary peoples imagination. Chen Mu immediately grinned at Chao Tianwang. He focused hard on capturing the changes in the air around him, looking for the moment a ghost would materialize. He had never noticed before, but now settling down, he finally discovered. Ghosts could appear out of thin air, but before launching a physical attack, they would stir the air slightly. This was the flaw! "Found it!" His fists hammered down like mallets, smashing fiercely into the air. Squeak, squeak, squeak... The piercing shrieks shot up towards the sky. The ghosts around Chen Mu were immediately hit into shifting between visibility and invisibility. Whoosh! Accompanied by a low muffled roar, the Soul-Calming Stake, like an arrow released from a bowstring, pierced through the air and instantly appeared behind Chao Fang. Chao Fang only had time to fling the Yin Spirit Strategy behind him before the Soul-Calming Stake nailed him in the back. Crack! The sound of breaking bones echoed. Chao Fangs heart clenched, and his complexion instantly turned pale. Yet he did not dare to stop; after a few bounds, he disappeared from view. Chen Mu punched and kicked, hammering away at the Ghosts around him. At one moment, his punch suddenly hit nothing. Chen Mu stopped his attacks and immediately sighed: "He still got away, huh." "Forget it, the Thousand Mechanism Token is now securely mine." He turned his head to look at the chaotic riverbank: "Cant stay here any longer." A shadow emerged, enveloping and lifting him, cloaking and hiding him, and in the blink of an eye he disappeared without a trace. ... In Dingyou Camp, inside the Logistics Armys tent. Nine people sat cross-legged on the ground, looking at each other. "Dawang, did he run away?" a Logistics Army soldier asked cautiously. "If he wanted to run, he wouldve done it long ago, no need to wait until today," another man shook his head. "Im just scared he got caught," Sun Enqi said, his face filled with bitterness. I just told them to be careful this morning, and by afternoon hes caught. Have I become a jinx? "No way," Zheng Yuan said, squinting his small eyes. "We spend every day together, and no one knows when he dug that tunnel." "Maybe hes been using an underground passageway to move in and out of camp." "Its so secretive, no one could catch him." The Logistics Army soldiers could not help but nod in agreement. Zheng Yuan suddenly laughed: "Maybe he caught a big fish and couldnt make it back." "All you think about is eating!" Sun Enqi scolded. "Im just trying to look on the bright side," Zheng Yuan defended with a chuckle. "The key issue is when Dawang comes back, how are we going to cover for him?" Sun Enqi said anxiously. "Whats there to worry about?" Zheng Yuan said nonchalantly. "Were just a bunch of civilians, and even if Dawang is labeled a deserter, at worst, we would only get a few strokes of the military baton." "When that time comes, everyone can chip in some money to send over; a token gesture will smooth things over." "Dawang has treated us to so much game, and we havent even had the chance to pay him. Lets pool our money; itll be like Dawangs treating," Zheng Yuan said cheerfully. "That wont do," one of the Logistics Army soldiers objected: "You ate the most, so you should double what you pay!" "Right, right, right... Zheng Fatty, you have to pay double!" "Ha ha..." Outside the tent, Chen Mu couldnt help but smile wryly. Carrying a roast pig leg, he lifted the tent flap and walked in. "I hear someone wants to give me money?" All the Logistics Army soldiers turned toward Chen Mu in unison: "You heard wrong!" "Hey..."@@@@ Chapter 161 - 160 Backlash Chao Fang endured the excruciating pain in his back, staggering toward the north gate of the city, not daring to pause for a single moment. "Miscalculated..." If it werent for the Soul Strength he had gathered at the back of his heart, and the Yin Spirit Strategy he used for defense, that blow would have surely gone straight through him, leaving him chillingly cold inside. Even so, his ribs were still broken, and his heart ached painfully from the impact. "With such formidable power, who couldnt he ally with to obtain a Thousand Mechanism Token?" Chao Fang couldnt help but complain. These hidden powers, these old coins, were too despicable. "This isnt over!" Chao Fang thought bitterly. "As long as they dont notice the mark made by my Ghosts, the advantage is still mine." Chao Fang was full of confidence. That person was indeed powerful, young yet practicing Soul Strength to a profound and robust extent. But no matter how strong that person was, Tu Shan was stronger. Even the Spiritual Light of noble families could not withstand Tu Shans fists, Chao Fang didnt believe that person could either. "Once Ive healed, Ill gather the twelve Heavenly Generals, join forces with Tu Shan, and then Ill see if you wont die!" Chao Fangs face was filled with dark clouds. As he fled, he plotted. Before he knew it, the silhouette of the camp was in sight, and Chao Fang finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Heavenly King, youve returned," a voice suddenly rang out from ahead. Chao Fangs heart skipped a beat. Suppressing the pain in his chest, he looked up nonchalantly, and upon seeing the person, quickly donned a warm, friendly expression, "Ah, its Cheng Yi the Daoist." "Have you had your dinner?" Ignoring the question, Cheng Yi instead asked with a smile, "Heavenly King, venturing out at night requires caution." Chao Fangs heart tensed, but his face remained composed, "Dont worry, I have my Yin Spirit Strategy to protect me. Who could harm me?" "Is that so." Cheng Yi smiled, then suddenly said, "Your ribs are broken, arent they?" Chao Fangs pupils dilated sharply, then his face grew stern, "You dare to track me?" "I was merely concerned for the Heavenly Kings safety, please forgive me," Cheng Yi bowed and said earnestly. Chao Fang exhaled, his face once again adopting a warm, friendly smile, "Thank you for your concern, Daoist Cheng Yi. It was indeed dangerous earlier, but that person underestimated the power of the Yin Spirit Strategy. Here I am, safely back, arent I?" "Heavenly King, were you planning to use your Ghosts to harm me?" Cheng Yi asked incredulously, staring at the increasingly cold aura enveloping Chao Fang. "What nonsense are you talking about?" Chao Fang frowned unhappily, "You are my cherished friend and sworn brother, why would I harm you?" Yet the cold aura in the air grew more intense. "I just wanted you to get familiar with the aura of the Ghosts, to facilitate future combat," Chao Fang said earnestly. "Heavenly King, Ive been utterly loyal to you, always concerned for your safety, and yet you consider killing me!" Cheng Yi glared darkly at Chao Fang. "You found out and still deny it!" "Heavenly King, have you been true to my trust?" "You dont deserve it!" Cheng Yi roared furiously. He quickly took out a Bronze Bell from his bosom. Clang! The sound, akin to a temples bronze bell, exploded abruptly. Eleven Ghosts were instantly shocked out of their invisible state. "Its not too late to ask when I get back." Chen Mu regretfully put away the Thousand Mechanism Token and began to ponder his departure. He had not dared to travel alone before. But now, a single fight had proven that his strength was far beyond any ordinary Shell Soul. The Ghosts, which once terrified him, could now be captured and killed by him. It seemed he might... not need to be so afraid of Ghosts anymore. Of course, he would still need to sneak around when traveling; he couldnt be reckless. "Wild ones are fiercer; one cannot judge by the domesticated ones," Chen Mu admonished himself. "But as long as I dont run into a nest of Ghosts, I should be able to escape," Chen Mu thought to himself. With caution, it shouldnt be difficult to make it back to Nanyang Prefecture City... well, assuming he didnt get lost. Without navigation, and as a man who usually stayed at home, it was already a rare feat for him to tell directions when outside. How to accurately find the way and successfully reach Nanyang Prefecture City was indeed a problem. Chen Mu turned his head towards the Logistics Army men. Having spent a long time with them, they were quite to his liking. If he left abruptly, these people would be implicated. Sun Enqi, as his nominally "Uncle Seven," would likely be implicated and face severe punishment. "I need to think of a way to avoid implicating these people," Chen Mu pondered. "No rush, after all, the Thousand Mechanism Token has been found," Chen Mu smiled, contentedly stretching and preparing to sleep. "Its just a pity about that Soul-Calming Stake." Since the Yin Spirit Strategy could still perceive it, it couldnt be used any further. "My air conditioning and refrigerator, oh..." ... "Chao Fang is dead?" Tu Shan stared incredulously at Cheng Yi. "I killed him," Cheng Yi said flatly. "Youve got some nerve!" Tu Shans hair and beard stood on end as he grabbed Cheng Yi by his chest, effortlessly lifting him. His entire body was tense like a fierce beast, his cold gaze pinned on Cheng Yi. "I have successfully taken control of the Yin Spirit Strategy," Cheng Yi said calmly, looking down at Tu Shans hand, large as a fan. Narrowing his eyes, Tu Shan slowly set Cheng Yi down, "Chao Fang died quite unjustly." "I want a Thousand Mechanism Token," Cheng Yi said, looking up calmly at the intimidating Tu Shan. Tu Shans eyes bulged, his right fist clenched as he raised his hand to smash the Taoists head. "I only want one," Cheng Yi stated, staring at Tu Shan calmly. Tu Shan raised an eyebrow, "Just one?" Cheng Yi nodded, "You must give it to me first." Tu Shan came back to his senses, his face breaking into a smile as he smoothed out the fabric on Cheng Yis chest, "Alright, Ill give you one first. All the rest are mine thereafter." "Tomorrow, well attack the Startling Swan Gang," Cheng Yi nodded, "to seize their Thousand Mechanism Token first." "Splendid!" Tu Shan said with a satisfied smile. "After succeeding, I will immediately prepare for the blood sacrifice," Cheng Yi continued, "and all the gains will be yours." Tu Shan paused, then burst into hearty laughter, "Chao Fang died at the right time!" Chapter 162 - 161: Treasure Land ``` The next day. Logistics Army of Dingyou Camp. Chen Mu didnt leap out anymore, he honestly stayed in the camp, chopping vegetables and doling out rice. "Why didnt you go?" Hesitating for a long time, Zheng Yuan finally couldnt resist coming over and asking quietly. Chen Mu glanced at the stocky short man whose face had rounded out a bit more: "Theres no lack of meat for you to eat!" Zheng Yuan nodded smilingly: "Right, right, you snagged a wild boar yesterday, definitely didnt finish eating it!" Then he worried: "Did you hide it well? Dont let those meat-eaters in the mountains dig it out." Chen Mu couldnt be bothered with this gluttonous fatso, chop chop chopping the vegetables. In front of his eyes, the grey wall materialized, and Chen Mu thoughtfully looked at the item at the very bottom. "As expected, it increases by one point every hour." He had previously noticed that while inside the camp, the proficiency of Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique would increase by one point every hour.@@@@ But upon entering Qingshan County, there would be fluctuations. Chen Mu couldnt help but look towards the direction of the city: "Ghosts can also affect the cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique?" "Do I have to crawl into a nest of ghosts in the future?" The thought alone made him shudder. "There wont be any hidden dangers with the Spirit Armor Technique, right?" Chen Mu subconsciously disrupted his breathing rhythm. But after thinking it over, since the proficiency was recognized and he hadnt experienced any adverse changes, it should be fine. He stopped controlling his breath, and the Spirit Armor Technique operated smoothly. Not long after, a burst of comfort suddenly came from his back. It felt like the tingling sensation that spread through the body when waking up from sleep. Starting from the back, it rapidly spread and then slowly faded away. "Strange." Chen Mu didnt understand why, as he had never felt this sensation before. After waiting a long time without it happening again, he could only let it go. "Before leaving, perhaps I can take a look in the city to probe whats affecting the cultivation of the Spirit Armor Technique." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. ... Bang! Jin Wuduans hefty body was smashed away by a punch from Tu Shan, just like a broken doll. Splat! Mid-air, Jin Wuduan couldnt help but spit out fresh blood. Zuo Shengs face drastically changed, as he leapt into the air, catching Jin Wuduan. But, as if dragged by a massive force, they both crashed into the ground. Dirt splattered, and a large pit with a diameter of three meters instantly formed on the ground. Glancing at the situation on the field, Zuo Sheng narrowed his eyes, bit the tip of his tongue, and spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood. Then his eyes rolled back, and he "fell unconscious". In the center of the camp. Cheng Yi, leading another eleven Heavenly Generals, surrounded Sikou Qing. Clouds of black smoke appeared and disappeared intermittently, continuously rushing toward Sikou Qing. Sikou Qing wore pitch-black armor that flickered with dark light, which could only ensure she wasnt being attacked by ghosts for the time being. Her face was pale, with a trace of blood on her lips, and her eyes stared at Cheng Yi: "Its you!" Her subordinates had just been dispatched into the city, unable to form a formation. Tu Shan took the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, damaging her magic artifact. That was how she fell into this passive state. "Its me." Cheng Yi said calmly: "Hand over the Thousand Mechanism Token, and Ill leave right away." "Just you!" Sikou Qing almost snapped her silver teeth. She was a highborn scion, unaccustomed to such a huge loss. "This is what you owe me." Cheng Yi said indifferently. "You should understand that killing you is not difficult for us." Cheng Yi shifted his gaze slightly and gestured towards Tu Shan with his chin. Thats how he had fooled Jie Jia at first. To think he had stumbled upon the truth by accident. "I always said he was a mysterious expert, whats he doing hiding in Qingshan County for no reason?" "And theres Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui." "Thinking further, theres also Qingfeng Observatory to consider." Chen Mus expression grew complex: "No wonder Qingshan County has become a nest for ghosts." It was different from the start. But its that very difference that led to the current tragic state of Ghost City. "Feng shui treasure land? Ha..." Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. ... At night, the Logistics Armys camp tent, everyone sat on the ground. The informal evening gatherings grew increasingly lively. There was alcohol, meat, peanuts, and green wild vegetables. Even the main officers of Dingyou Camp didnt eat as well as these cooks. Chen Mu wore a wooden smile on his face, calmly watching everyone. Despite eating and drinking like this every day, the men strangely grew thinner. The oldest, Sun Enqi, even started showing a strand of white hair amongst the black. As the Tangshan Army advanced, they encountered more ghosts, the intensity of the battles rose, and the demand for Netherworld Thread climbed. The laborers almost all fell into a state of pale weakness. If this continued, deaths were likely imminent. "Uncle Seven, do you know anyone familiar with the road back to Nanyang Prefecture?" Chen Mu asked softly, watching the lively eating and drinking crowd. He didnt plan to stay in Qingshan County anymore. "This..." Sun Enqi looked at Chen Mu in surprise. The rest of the Logistics Army members couldnt help but pause their eating. "Dawang, you want to leave," Sun Enqi asked with difficulty. "I plan to follow the laborers up the mountain to chop wood, then fall off the cliff in full view of everyone. It wont have any impact on you," Chen Mu said calmly. The Logistics Army members fell silent at once. Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. Even in harmonious company, personal safety would still evoke different thoughts in people. He had to speak up to reassure them: "Ill leave some money. Even if someone uses the opportunity to cause trouble, you can bluff your way through." "Whatevers left, consider it my compensation to you all." The men looked at each other, still not speaking. Chen Mus eyebrows knitted slightly. Did he have to resort to force? At that moment, the squat Zheng Yuan came over and quietly asked, "Can you also make me fall off the cliff?" What does he mean? Chen Mu was momentarily puzzled. The Logistics Army members stared eagerly at Chen Mu: "Us too!" Chen Mu: "..." Was there a queue to die? "Ha!" These shrewd Logistics Army guys also realized something was amiss. Im not the only one wanting to run away. Chen Mu couldnt help but chuckle: "Truly, one should never underestimate anyone." Chapter 163 - 162 Leaving To the north of Qingshan County Town stood the Beacon Tower. Cheng Yi gazed out the window at the pitch-black town. A long table was set before him, on which lay a bright yellow charm for suppressing spirits, spread out flat on the surface.@@@@ Upon it were twelve red dots, each in its place, arranged in a circle. Cheng Yi pulled out a large bottle of Palace Red and poured it onto the table. The Palace Red automatically contracted and bunched together to form a huge, fist-sized red sphere resembling a glass bead. Cheng Yi took a deep breath and began to chant lengthy Curse Words. At first, it was a low humming by one person; gradually, it seemed as though two voices overlapped, and if continued, it sounded as though a thousand people were chanting at once. In the end, it became a bizarre and indescribable Curse Command. The crystal ball-like Palace Red instantly turned into a puddle, swiftly seeping into the bright yellow scroll. Hum! An invisible fluctuation radiated from Cheng Yi as the origin point and rapidly spread along the circle defined by the twelve Soul-Calming Stakes. "Its done," Cheng Yi breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Tu Shan, "I have temporarily suppressed the ghosts in the town, making them unable to manifest. We can send someone into the town tonight." "I heard that the rebels to the north slaughtered the city, with tens of thousands dead," Tu Shan squinted. "We indeed dont have enough people, but with the other two families, we will," said Cheng Yi indifferently. "Will they be that obedient?" Tu Shan was skeptical. "As long as we make a move, they will have to follow," Cheng Yi sneered, "Do you think they would be content to stand by and watch us reap the benefits?" "Not content," Tu Shan chuckled. "Once the blood sacrifice is initiated, the Thousand Mechanism Token will appear," said Cheng Yi calmly. "How much you can grab depends on your skills," Tu Shan hinted at taking him away. "Why dont you go with them? Without you in charge, those eleven guys are no good," Tu Shan said with a look of difficulty. Cheng Yi calmly said, "Im afraid youll kill the donkey after the grinding is done and steal my Thousand Mechanism Token." Tu Shan chuckled, "How could that be possible." Cheng Yi glanced at him but didnt speak. If I werent still useful to you, you would have made your move by now, wouldnt you? The incitement and discord sown by Sikou Qing were effective after all. ... The next morning, Chen Mu continued to wash and chop vegetables with the Logistics Army. The group appeared normal, but everyones eyes darted around furtively. The short and stout Zheng Yuan was especially keen on sidling up to Chen Mu, looking like he had something to say but hesitating. "Why dont you just shout it out loud, saying you want to desert, that you want to run?" Chen Mu teased him when he saw Zheng Yuans hesitant look once again. "Keep your voice down!" The short and stout mans face turned white with fear. "You sure have some nerve!" Usually, others teased him with that line; this was the first time he used it to tease someone else. "Who isnt scared!" Zheng Yuan glared at Chen Mu, "Look at your uncle Seven, his calves are trembling!" "The unclean things have all been driven away by the Tangshan Army." "Our time to strike it rich has come!" "Later, we will follow the Tangshan Army to clean up Qingshan County Town. The loot we gather will be split in half, with the rest being ours!" A wave of excited chatter immediately rippled through the group. "Dont be skeptical," the fat officer continued, "the two dozen people beside me quietly went into town to scout this afternoon. Look at their gains." Everyones attention shifted to the twenty or so beaming men in front of the platform. These men wore ill-fitting, odd clothes of extravagance, their hands full of copper coins, Silver Pieces, pearls, and gold hairpins. The already noisy crowd became even more boisterous. "Line up, march!" the fat officer waved his hand grandly and took the lead out of the military camp. "I never expected such a chance to strike it rich!" Zheng Yuans beady eyes instantly bulged out round with excitement. "Somethings not right," Chen Mu had a bad premonition, "Why cant the fortune-making wait until tomorrow? You cant see anything in the dark." "Didnt Qu Zhang just say were going now to beat the clock?" one of the Logistics Army hastily retorted, "If we wait till tomorrow, wouldnt the loot be snatched away by those other two groups?" Chen Mu glanced at the man and then discreetly surveyed a few others. "Wealth tempts the heart." Civil laborers are just like a field of leeks; if you dont let the leeks grow properly and suddenly let them strike it rich, then this Qingshan County is off-limits! Without speaking further, he quietly retreated to the end of the line. Taking advantage of the others distraction, he quickly left the formation and arrived at the tent of the Firehead Camp. He lifted the ground cover, revealing a dark, large hole. "Its chaotic outside with too many people; its safer to travel through the tunnel." With his skills, he could naturally become invisible with the Ghosts. But in this chaotic scene, Bai Miaojin and Cui Cui were definitely outside too. If the two caught him, they would easily guess that he wanted to leave. If they dug deeper, they might speculate that he had obtained the Thousand Mechanism Token. If they turned hostile, he would be caught between a rock and a hard place. Just as he was about to jump down, footsteps reached his ears. It wasnt long before a short, sly-looking fat man burrowed into the tent first. Following him were Sun Enqi and a slim member of the Logistics Army. "Why arent you going to get rich?" Chen Mu asked the three in surprise. With an awkward stammer, Zheng Yuan responded, "If you, with all your courage, dont dare to go, I am even less daring." The logic was clear and sound. Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh. This little fellow was quite clever. "You gotta be alive to spend money," Sun Enqi shook his head and wryly smiled, "With the dark night and strong winds stirring greed, what if someone gets stabbed?" "Uncle Seven is a sensible man," Chen Mu nodded in agreement. "I...I miss my wife," the last slim Firehead Army soldier spoke, "If we follow them into town, we wont be able to leave for a short time. Besides, Ive saved enough military pay." Heh! Chen Mu instantly laughed, "You are a good man indeed." Chapter 164 - 163 Lost Bailang River bank, a hidden bend in the river. A patch of turf was suddenly flipped open. Chen Mu leapt up, followed closely by Zheng Yuan and Sun Enqi, who crawled out of the tunnel. "No wonder you can escape from the camp every day." Zheng Yuan looked back and could vaguely see the outline of the camp through the reeds. "Stop the crap, lets move!" Chen Mus face was looking none too good. It was already dusk, with only a sliver of light remaining. Chen Mu quickly noticed a faint white mist beginning to spread in the air. He was all too familiar with this life-draining mist. "Cheng Yi!" ... Bang! A muffled sound, and the roof of the fire watchtower to the north of the city blew up instantly. Cheng Yi, like a rock launched from a trebuchet, crashed into the ground a short distance away, bringing tiles, splinters, mud, and bricks with him. Dirt splattered, and Cheng Yi, covered in black, lay sprawled with his arms open in a large crater about three meters in diameter. A trickle of fresh blood hung from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes were calmly gazing at the emotionless and demon-like Tu Shan. "Do you take me for a fool?" Tu Shan spoke indifferently, "This white mist, its your doing, isnt it?" But Cheng Yi responded unhurriedly, tilting his head slightly with a smile on his face, "Without enough benefits, why should I help you kill for a blood sacrifice, just because your fists are hard enough?" "Since were going to kill, I might as well refine my Magic Artifact on the side, thats not too much, is it? Ha... hahaha... hahahaha." Cheng Yi grinned, laughing crazily, and shook his right hand. A Bronze Bell suddenly fell from his sleeve into his hand. The bell was ancient and substantial, with threads of black and red stripes like lightning streaking across it. A single glance was enough to unsettle ones spirit. Jet Black Soul Strength slowly covered Tu Shans entire body, his eyes coldly fixed on the bell, his aura filled with murderous intent. "You want to kill me?" Cheng Yis smile didnt fade, "Then youll have to wait." "At least wait until midnight tonight, when I help you activate the Yin Spirit Blood Sacrifice formation." "I just dont know whether by that time, you, Tu Shan, will choose to kill me first or go after the Thousand Mechanism Token first," said Cheng Yi with a smirking smile. Tu Shan was silent for a long moment, then looked calmly at Cheng Yi, "Chao Fang didnt die in vain at your hands." "I live for the path, he died for the path, of course its not in vain!" Cheng Yis smile broadened even more. ... To the south of Qingshan County Town, a swarm of Startling Swan Gang members burst into the city. Each one carried a torch, smashing and looting everywhere. A hidden alleyway, where three men in black, carrying a dim lantern, tread carefully towards the west, one step deep, the next shallow. "Is that cellar reliable, is there really treasure inside?" Kui Tuo was skeptical. "You can doubt anything else, but you can certainly trust me on this," Zhang Ye, the former leader of White Tiger Hall, said with confidence. He had regained his former status, becoming the leader of White Tiger Hall once again, after his men were annihilated attacking the Tangshan Army Laborer Camp. Now, he was leading his right-hand men into the city to make a fortune. Two quarters of an hour later, Chen Mu stopped walking with a grim face. He was lost! The fog was still as silent as ever, with a white expanse in all directions. The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit emerged, but as soon as they assumed their spectral form, they dissolved into black smoke and turned back into paper effigies. "The Ghosts are suppressed? The Yin Cultivating Tactic!" "Cheng Yi! Chao Fang!" "With a gray wall, any skill can be honed sooner or later. I really shouldnt have been greedy for Proficiency in the Spirit Armor Technique," Chen Mu regretted. "I should have left the night I got the Thousand Mechanism Token!" While he was feeling aggravated, the fog beside him suddenly churned. A man in a gray short tunic burst out of the mist. In his right hand, he held a waist blade, and in his left, he protected a bloody black bundle at his chest. Upon seeing Chen Mu, a look of terror immediately surfaced on his face. He took two steps back instinctively, then stopped abruptly. His eyes were densely bloodshot as he glared fiercely at Chen Mu, "I could kill you while you were alive, and I can still kill you after youre dead!" With that, he raised his waist blade and rushed towards Chen Mu. Bang! He came quickly and left just as fast, bent over and flying backward like a shrimp, only to crash to the ground and fall into unconsciousness. The bundle he had protected at his chest scattered open, with copper coins, Silver Pieces, jade bracelets, and pearl necklaces strewn all over the ground. Chen Mu frowned at the burly man, "Ran out here after robbing treasures? Blinded by killing rage?" But as he looked on, he suddenly saw the burly mans head loll, and he stopped breathing altogether. A chill ran down Chen Mus spine. He had held back in his attack, merely knocking the man out. It was the fog! "I must leave quickly!" "The direction this man came from must be Qingshan County Town. I cant go there." Chen Mu turned and headed in the direction from which the man had come running. But after sprinting only a few hundred meters, another man covered in blood ran towards him. Upon seeing Chen Mu, the man screamed in terror as if he had seen some frightful ghost, turned tail, and ran. Chen Mu immediately froze. "If the direction that man came from was the county town, then where is this man running from?" Waves of terrified screams suddenly came from all directions. Chen Mu looked around blankly. He was completely lost in the dense fog. Chapter 165 - 164 A trip down memory lane Dense white fog enveloped the area, and Chen Mu slowly walked through it. Fear-filled screams and roars came from within the fog from time to time. Occasionally, a few sturdy men would burst out of the thick fog, appearing before Chen Mu with their bodies covered in fresh wounds and blood, frantically attacking in terror and confusion. Covered in Shell Soul, Chen Mu was unaffected by the life-draining dense fog, nor by the crazed men. Yet, he was somewhat at a loss for a moment. Running was futile. Walking lacked direction. "Where am I right now?" Chen Mus face turned ugly.@@@@ He didnt know how long he had walked when suddenly the fog ahead began to thin. His surroundings grew familiar, and Chen Mu abruptly looked up. Tianyi Studio?! "Since when?!" Chen Mus pupils constricted suddenly. He had clearly been outside at Bailang River, east of the city; he didnt know when he entered the town or how he arrived at this place. Unnoticed, he had been misled by some unnamed force that confused his senses and muddled his direction! He turned to run. An invisible force suddenly enveloped his entire body. It felt as though he had been thrown into the depths of the sea. Tremendous pressure from all sides pinned him in place, unable to move even an inch. Immediately after, the force gradually intensified, lifting him into the air and spinning him around. "Sun Dawang, long time no see," a charming figure dressed in a green-crossed collar dress appeared in front of Chen Mu. "Cui Cui?!" Indeed, only Cui Cui, the powerful Ghost with intelligence, could affect his spirit so silently. She disoriented his direction, leading him here without notice. She made those who entered Qingshan County fall into terror and engage in frenzied combat. A sense of enlightenment arose in Chen Mus heart. Creating illusions of terror, assaulting the spiritwasnt this the method of Ghosts?! And Cui Cuis power enveloped the entire Qingshan County! ... Qingshan County Town, East Gate. Bang! Shangguan Ji was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing into the city wall with a loud bang. With disbelief written all over his face, he stared at the figure below him: "You?!" It seemed familiar; had he seen it somewhere before? Before he could figure it out, Cui Cui straightened him up, standing him on the ground. A square stone platform, at least four meters in length and width, came into view. The platform was waist-high, its surface a matted black, with clear-cut edges. Above it floated a two-meter diameter ball of thread, woven from black thread hovering in mid-air. Chen Mu looked closely and saw that the black thread had no jointsit was clearly made of an immeasurable length of Netherworld Thread! "How many lives were taken to nourish such a mass of Netherworld Thread?" Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. Around the ball of thread, there were four jade gourds rotating slowly like satellites, emitting a green luminescent glow. "What is this?" Chen Mus heart was greatly shocked. Why was there a Thousand Mechanism Token here? "Surprised?" Cui Cui smiled mischievously, "This is the place where the Thousand Mechanism Token is condensed." "Do you know what the raw materials to make it are?" Cui Cui smiled meaningfully. Chen Mu immediately felt goosebumps all over his head. He thought of those people overhead, trapped in terror and insane slaughter. Was he supposed to know such information?! "We bear no grudges from the past, nor worries from recent days, and I also made you so much barbecued meat," Chen Mu looked sincerely at Cui Cui, "Can you spare my life?" Cui Cui looked at Chen Mu with an expression of surprise, "What nonsense are you talking about?" "I had no plans to kill you; I just wanted that adorable little being youre symbiotically linked with." Chen Mu suddenly realized. So this was the reason Cui Cui approached him? But... I dont have any symbiotic Ghosts, do I? Thats just a Five Ghosts Paper Man! He hesitated for a long time, not rushing to mention the Five Ghosts Bag, but instead discreetly probed, "If you extract my symbiotic Ghost, what will happen to me?" Cui Cui sat on the edge of the stone platform, propping herself up with her hands on either side, legs swinging leisurely. Upon hearing Chen Mus question, she tilted her head to think for a moment, then smiled and said, "You wont die." However, Chen Mu showed no trace of relief. Just not dying? "How about this? Ill hand over the symbiotic Ghost voluntarily to you, and you let me go." Cui Cui shook her head smilingly, "Youre speaking nonsense again. Were already symbiotic; how could I possibly just take it out myself?" "Only with a Soul Dispersing, Essence Seizing Magic Artifact can it be extracted." Soul Dispersing, Essence Seizing? A chill ran through Chen Mus heart. Whos soul will be dispersed, and whose essence seized?! Even if I survive, surely Id be left crippled, wouldnt I! Chapter 166 - 165: The Substitute In a dimly lit underground space. The ground suddenly loosened and then, with a roar, collapsed downward. Zhang Ye and his two companions were instantly covered in dust and dirt. Brushing the dirt off their heads, they groped their way out of the pit in darkness.@@@@ "Ptooey! Zhen Fan, quick! Light a lamp!" Zhang Ye, unconcerned about the dust on his face, spat out the dirt from his mouth, and loudly clamored. A quarter of an hour later, Kui Tuo looked at Zhang Ye with a sidelong glance. "Just like taking something out of a bag, huh..." "Shut up!" Zhang Yes face turned beet red, his bushy beard unable to hide it. He glared at the chests full of swords, shields, and armor, fuming with anger. "The audacious Li Wenlin, hiding so many weapons, is he actually planning a rebellion?!" Zhang Ye was so angry that his liver hurt. The dream of wealth, just like that, shattered unexpectedly. "Brother, come take a look," Zhen Fan suddenly shouted. "Treasure?!" Zhang Ye, who had just been despondent, was instantly excited and rushed towards the corner. Kui Tuo followed closely behind. The three of them looked at the stone floor beneath their feet, adorned with patterns, and then at the scattered tools nearby, exchanging glances in confusion. Tools of various sorts lay about: grappling hooks, candles, shovels, crowbars, bronze mirrors, red string, and a small chest of black gunpowder. Zhang Yes face lit up with astonishment. "Not only is Li Wenlin thinking of rebellion, but hes also tomb-raiding?" Suddenly, he couldnt help but smile, "Isnt this our chance to strike it rich?" "The great tomb found, tools all ready, even chests to hold the treasure are prepared." "Isnt this buried fortune just like takingmmph... mmphmm!" Before he could finish, Kui Tuo covered his mouth. "Would you just shut up!" ... Inside the Underground Secret Chamber of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu fell silent. He narrowed his eyes, and Soul Strength gushed forth. His muscles quickly swelled, and in the blink of an eye, he transformed into a burly man of one meter ninety. Cui Cui looked on in amazement. "Your strength is incredible!" But Chen Mu ignored her and suddenly unleashed all his strength, trying desperately to lift his hands, only to be suppressed once more by the omnipresent force around him. Cui Cui breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Chen Mu with even more surprise. "Theres no use struggling unless you cultivate Spiritual Light." He thought to try again when he suddenly felt a wave of comfort beneath his skin, much like the itchiness upon waking from sleep. At the same time, his skin began to rapidly change, with a cool sensation spreading throughout. It was as though a net of silk threads was swiftly converging and weaving together. With these changes, the invisible pressure around him began to slowly lessen! Instead of feeling like he was trapped in ice, it now felt more like a soft, viscous gel. "Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique!" Chen Mus heart soared with joy. He quickly contained his expressions, feigning a gloomy demeanor. ... Inside the underground space. Chen Mu, expressionless, silently activated the Spirit Armor Technique, hoping to make the binding force around him a bit weaker. Seeing Cui Cui constantly sizing him up, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel a pang in his heart. He immediately looked back calmly, "Why do you want to coexist with ghosts?" Still swinging her legs, Cui Cui said with a smile, "Have you heard the folk tale about the water demons?" "To break free from the shackles, you need a substitute," she said. Cui Cui shrugged her shoulders and looked up at the group of black threads behind her, her usually cheerful and cute face showing a rare hint of gloom, "Ive been here too long." Chen Mu turned his attention to the bundle of Netherworld Thread. Through tiny gaps, a faint black and red light could be seen shining through. Looking closely, he saw a basketball-sized sphere of black and red smoke expanding and contracting inside, pulsing tirelessly like a heart. Was that Cui Cuis true form?! Was he trapped here by the Netherworld Thread and the four sacrificial altars?! "I wasnt originally part of your plan, was I?" Chen Mu asked with narrowed eyes. With a giggly smile, Cui Cui said, "Running into you was an unexpected delight." "I need a counterpart of the same level." "Ordinary cuties dont have that potential." "Even though I have specifically cultivated them, theyre still domesticated, not as potentially powerful as you, a wild one," Cui Cui said with a laugh. "What if you cant extract the coexisting ghost from my body?" Chen Mu probed. He truly didnt have one! "Thats impossible, the Heartless Bell is the best at cleansing the soul and capturing spirits, especially effective against ghosts. It wont go wrong," Cui Cui said nonchalantly. The Heartless Bell?! Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. A long-lost memory suddenly surfaced in his mind. "Not recognizing the chaos in the profundity, how can one know the lotus grows best in fire. Lead the White Tiger home to raise, and produce a pearl as round as the moon..." Qingfeng Observatory, Ancestral Master Hall! So thats how it is! "But originally, wasnt Cheng Yi the one who secretly used the Heartless Bell on me? And yet..." "Ha!" At that moment, two figures suddenly jumped down from the hole above. "Is that him?" Cheng Yi asked with a troubled look on his face. Looking at Cheng Yi, dressed as a Taoist priest and holding a familiar bell in his hand, Chen Mu couldnt help but curl the corners of his mouth. Hey! Isnt this serendipity?! Chapter 167 - 166 Breakthrough Clang! The sound of striking a bronze bell suddenly filled the underground space. Cheng Yi stared at Chen Mu, his face slowly showing a look of surprise. He abruptly turned his head to look at Bai Miaojin. "Whats going on?" Just now they said that ordinary people cant withstand the Heartless Bell? Bai Miaojin frowned, her eyes fixed intently on Chen Mu. "Try again." Without hesitation, Cheng Yi shook the Heartless Bell. The massive sound of the bell once again pervaded the underground space, yet Chen Mu remained unmoved. Chen Mu slightly lowered his head, the corners of his mouth lifting on both sides as he looked at Cheng Yi with a smile, "Why dont you try again?" Somehow, Cheng Yi felt as though someone had violently seized his heart. A familiar feeling welled up inside him, and he couldnt help but shout, "Who the hell are you?!" Chen Mus smile faded as he looked indifferently at the other party. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" A puff of black smoke suddenly appeared in front of Cheng Yi, swiftly enveloping him. At the same moment, Chen Mus Soul Strength burst forth once more, with silver filaments flickering beneath his skin. Ha! With a roar, he violently shook his body. Rustle! The invisible force that had firmly enveloped him was now like the sea churned by the Seas Calming Divine Needle, swirling chaotically, unable to affect him in the slightest. The next moment, Chen Mu, to Cui Cuis astounded expression, aggressively charged at Bai Miaojin. Clang! Like metal clashing. Two pairs of dark fists collided fiercely in mid-air. A circle of shock waves radiated out violently from the point of impact. "Impossible!" Cui Cui could no longer keep her composure, staring incredulously at Chen Mu. "How can you resist my Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles?!" Bai Miaojin, however, showed an unexpected reaction, "Has your strength increased again?!" Chen Mu was also inwardly shocked. Now that his Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and Shell Soul had reached Perfection, and with the addition of six other Shape Cultivation techniques Soul Strength, Bai Miaojin was actually able to hold on! "You can actually compete with me in strength?!" For the first time, excitement flickered over Bai Miaojins usually calm face, "Come on! Have a good fight with me!" No sooner had her words fallen than her fists, like raindrops, pummeled Chen Mu relentlessly. Chen Mu, unwilling to show weakness, used the Sleeve Sword Technique to gather strength in his fists. His already robust arms swelled even more. His fists buzzed through the air like the wings of a bee. Clang clang clang... The continuous resonating sounds suddenly dominated the underground space. With a face full of fervor, Chen Mu looked at Bai Miaojin, "Ive practiced martial arts for thirteen years, and never before has anyone matched me in strength!" He cracked a wide grin, revealing his gleaming white teeth, and glared fiercely at Bai Miaojin, "Today well see who is superior, and decide life or death. Lets see whose strength is greater, whose fists are stronger!" "Delightful!" Bai Miaojin laughed heartily. Her fists, like sledgehammers, pounded out faster and heavier! "Little Bai, dont mess up whats important!" Cui Cui urged anxiously from the side. "Ha!" The secret technique of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles instantly became shaky and on the verge of collapsing. Bai Miaojins face changed drastically, her hands exerted force, but she could not break free. Her legs lashed out repeatedly without hesitation. Chen Mu, however, laughed heartily, staring intently at his opponent, his legs spinning like wheels, fighting for his life! Who the hell wants to harm me, Ill fight to the death and bite off a piece of flesh! "Cheng Yi!" Cui Cui yelled anxiously. Cheng Yi stood in the corner, his face pale, his right arm completely severed at the shoulder. If he hadnt dodged in time, half of his body would have been sliced off! Hearing the shout, Cheng Yis face suddenly tightened, and he looked up at the dark clouds overhead with a gloomy expression. "Cheng Yi!" Cui Cui called out again. Chen Mus eyes suddenly spun, his icy gaze fixating on Cheng Yi. That crazy look mixed with indifference, reminiscent of someone he knew, made Cheng Yis heart tremble. He looked at Chen Mu, grinding his teeth viciously. His figure vanished instantly, and the next moment appeared beside the Four Directions Altar. Jumping up to pluck two jade gourds, Cheng Yi gritted his teeth and looked at Bai Miaojin, "This is what I deserve!" Immediately disregarding the standoff between the two, he darted into the hole above, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Chen Mus laughter grew even heartier! Bang! Chen Mu and Bai Miaojins legs collided once again. Bai Miaojin took a deep breath, her arms radiating with Soul Strength, glowing as red hot as a branding iron. A sharp pain suddenly shot through Chen Mus palms. Bai Miaojin seized the opportunity, exerting strength rapidly to break free. She immediately retreated to create some distance, her face no longer holding the previous frenzy, "Cease fire!" Cui Cui was equally irritated, "If you dont want to get trapped here, you better look up!" Chen Mu withdrew the Five Ghosts, letting five clumps of black smoke spread around him. His eyes fixed on the two opposite him, with a sidelong glance upwards. The entrance, originally more than three meters in diameter, had now shrunk to two meters. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat; no wonder Cheng Yi ran off so fast! "The restriction of the secret chamber has been triggered, and the entrance will soon disappear." "Continuing to fight would do neither of us any good, how about we stop?" Bai Miaojin spoke calmly. Chen Mu looked at the entrance, then at Cui Cui, who was feigning composure. "Hah..." Chen Mus lips curled into a smirk, "You want to capture me when the odds are in your favor and now, facing a bad situation, you want to call a truce and make peace? Do you think Im made of clay?" Chen Mu glared coldly at the duo, "Do you really think Im afraid to die?!" Bai Miaojin stared at Chen Mu without a word. Cui Cui glared fiercely at Chen Mu. "Cui Cui," Bai Miaojin said indifferently. The last two Thousand Mechanism Tokens of the Four Directions Altar floated up from nowhere, slowly flying in front of Chen Mu. Cui Cui, with a furious face, stared at Chen Mu, "Get out of here!" Chen Mu snorted, and black smoke filled the air; the Thousand Mechanism Tokens immediately disappeared through teleportation. The next moment, rolling black smoke concentrated under Chen Mus feet, lifting him up slowly. Chen Mu looked down indifferently at the two, "The next time we meet, itll be life or death!" Soon after, the black smoke roiled, carrying Chen Mu into the entrance, swiftly vanishing from sight. Chapter 168 - 167 Return West of Qingshan County Town, at the gate of Tianyi Studio. Chen Mu, who had just uttered harsh words, was kneeling on one knee, his face pale as paper, gasping for breath. He quickly surveyed his surroundings; the dense fog that once enveloped the entire town had thinned somewhat. The exotic force that had muddled his sense of direction had vanished, and he could barely make out which way to go. "I must leave immediately!" Just as he thought about getting up, a wave of weakness swept over him from the inside out, making him long for sleep at that very moment. "The Five Ghosts Moving Mountain does indeed enhance my strength, but the consumption has also increased manifold," Chen Mu said with a wry smile. "Too bad I dont have Bigu Pill 3.0." Chen Mu immediately took out the old version of Bigu Pill and stuffed three pills into his mouth, trying to quell the overwhelming hunger that filled his mind. "The side effects are stronger too!" Chen Mu shook his head, "Fortunately, I have the Soul Locking Curse." "I cant stay here any longer." At this moment, the vast Qingshan County was still shrouded in fog. A faint, chilly breath permeated the sky. Screams and the sounds of combat were intermittent. "The suppression has lifted, Qingshan County is once again covered by ghosts." An Autumn paper effigy emerged, rapidly transforming into a ghostly presence. Chen Mu was enveloped in black mist, and with a punch, he lifted about a foot off the ground. Then he thrust out his right leg, covered in Soul Strength, and fiercely kicked off the ground. Like a black bolt of lightning, he dashed straight towards the east of the city. "I must quickly break free from Cui Cuis controlled area." ... The next day, on Bailang River. As the sun rose, Zheng Yuan felt a blur of light and shadow before his eyes and opened them, slightly dazed. The glaring sunlight made him squint and raise his hand to block the light. It took a good while for his vision to recover. The sound of rushing water reached his ears from nearby. Zheng Yuan turned his head to look and realized he was sleeping on a black-awning boat. "Isnt this boat moving a bit too fast?" he thought. The scenery on both banks was speeding backward! "Now that youre awake, come over and row!" Chen Mu, standing at the stern of the boat, said with no good humor. "Oh, Oh, Oh..." Zheng Yuan responded instinctively, quickly got up, and started rowing. The speed of the boat immediately slowed to half.@@@@ Only then did Chen Mu have the chance to crawl under the black awning to rest. "They shouldnt be able to catch up now." Last night, after leaving Qingshan County and rushing to the Bailang Rivers mooring spot, he rowed away as soon as he got on the boat. With the enhancement of seven Shape Cultivation Techniques, his explosive power and endurance were off the charts; he rowed the black-awning boat as fast as a speedboat! Even Lin Que, the former White Tiger Halls front hall master, couldnt row as fast as he did. "Such a geomantic treasure spot..." He had no desire to come back. ... On the spacious streets, dead bodies with faces full of terror lay everywhere. Patches of black bloodstains covered the streets. "What in the world happened here?" Zhang Ye and the other two were at a loss as they surveyed the scene. Last night, they had fled the cellar in panic but were scared back by the terrifying screams outside. Huddling in the tunnels, trembling with fear throughout the night, they dared to crawl out from underground only when it was bright outside and all had gone silent. "Boss... theyre all dead!" Zhen Fans face was pale, and he shook uncontrollably. The burly Kui Tuo was also terrified. Zhang Ye looked around the eerily quiet Qingshan County, so familiar yet now strangely alien, leaving him bewildered. In just one night, a large group of living people had bizarrely perished. As the sun shone brightly overhead, Zhang Ye couldnt help feeling a chill all over. "An empty city, a ghost city, once again..." "What on earth happened to Qingshan County?" For a moment, Zhang Ye felt an inexplicable sorrow amid his fear. ... Outside the Jianan Gate to the east of Nanyang Prefecture City, Chen Mu looked at the familiar city walls and felt as if he were in a different world. "Now that we are here, its time for us to part ways," Chen Mu said, turning to the three who were travel-worn. "Your vital energies have been greatly depleted on this trip north." "After you return, eat more tonic medicines." The Netherworld Thread remained within the three of them, but it was as if in slumber, lacking the frenzied growth it had shown in Qingshan County. "This is probably the normal state," Over the past month or so of traveling together, Chen Mu had observed their condition many times. The dormant Netherworld Thread was slow-growing, and it did help enhance their constitution. "As long as it isnt extracted, its a blessing in disguise." However, the lifespan lost due to the extraction of their vital energy probably could not be restored. "Dawang, what plans do you have for the future?" Sun Enqi asked hesitantly after hemming and hawing for a while. Chen Mu looked at his nominal uncle and smiled. After such a long time of traveling together, his uncle must have noticed something. On the journey south, his behavior became increasingly cautious. Chen Mu gave a suggestion after pondering, "Find a place where no one knows you and live incognito." "After all, so many of us traveled north, and yet we are the few returning. The Shangguan family probably wont let it go easily." "Everyone who went to Qingshan County... Are they really all dead?" Zheng Yuan asked with lingering fear. "Not sure, but the likelihood of survivors is low," Chen Mu shrugged. "Take care, everyone." Chen Mu smiled, then turned and walked through the city gate. His face and height changed with each step, and he soon vanished into the crowd. "Im not seeing things, am I?" the scrawny logistics soldier Zheng Liu, pining for his wife, rubbed his eyes in confusion. Zheng Yuan and Sun Enqi exchanged a smile, "You saw it wrong." Chapter 169 - 168 workers Nanyang Prefecture City, Jingxing Alley, Chen Residence. The sun had climbed high, and Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. A good nights sleep had left him feeling refreshed and comfortable from head to toe! In the yard, under the newly repaired thatched canopy, Chen Mu laid out his brunch on the square table one by one. Rice noodle rolls, spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings, Old Qis meat pies, braised beef, pickled green beans, cold mixed vegetables, medicinal congee the table was packed full. Chen Mu bit off half of a meat pie in one go, the subtly salty and fresh filling spreading through his mouth, the rich flavors making him squint his eyes with pleasure. Then with another bite, he stuffed the entire pie into his mouth. "Delicious!" He had been back in Nanyang Prefecture City for eight days. During those days, he hadnt done much. Every day, if he wasnt pondering over gourmet food, he was indulging in tunes at the brothel. He even neglected his Jie Jia and rarely checked his proficiency. After months of travel northward, encountering numerous events, returning to Nanyang Prefecture gave him a sensation like he was returning from another world. "Im still not quite accustomed to that kind of exciting life." Full from eating and drinking, and with smoke swirling around, the Five Ghosts Bags online gambling house started up. It wasnt long before he finished cleaning up. Chen Mu lay back contentedly in a rocking chair under the pavilion. Next to him stood a Soul-Calming Stake. "Be cautious, Chao Tianwang probably wont come looking again." Just as once you start using an air conditioner, whether it rains or the temperature drops outside, you cant stop using it all summer long, Chen Mu was reluctant to throw away the stake. Its too hot in the southern part of Da Liang. Although he was immune to cold and heat, immunity just meant he could withstand it when it was hot, it was still hot. "Even if he comes, Im not afraid of him." Chen Mu was no longer the timid scholar from before. Seven forms of the Shape Cultivation Technique, Seventh Rank of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, this granted him enough courage to face Chao Fang. "Ill use it first, and figure out a way to shield it later," Chen Mu made up his mind. ... "Thousand Mechanism Token." Chen Mus gaze rested on the contents of the Five Ghosts Bag. Since obtaining the jade gourd, he rarely took it out. "There likely exists a special method to sense it." Previously in Lijiang Guard City, he encountered several Armor Spirit warriors fighting over the Thousand Mechanism Token. Chen Mu looked at the lustrous jade gourd complicatedly; its origin hardly brought him joy. Da Liang had stood for over six hundred years, with uprisings every century or so. Every time there was an uprising, the Thousand Mechanism Token appeared. The connection between these events was terrifying upon careful thought! "Is it only Da Liang thats chaotic, or is the whole world like this?" All of a sudden, he lost the desire to go overseas. With his current strength, though not at the very top, he could easily enjoy a carefree life in Da Liang. But... A comfortable and leisurely life, if lived for too long, inevitably leads to restlessness. Even if he liked a comfortable life, he would grow tired of it sooner or later. It might be another century or more before the Thousand Mechanism Token appeared again. "If it werent for the proficiency cheat, I might have let it be." "Im afraid of death," said Jie Jia calmly. Bullshit! Chen Mu didnt believe a word of it. "Can you tell me about the overseas?" A grey cloth bag puffed up replaced the jade gourd, now shrouded in black smoke. In the end, he decided to set sail and see the wider world for himself. ... "What do you want to know?" Jie Jias sleeve brushed over the cloth bag, making it disappear. "When is that boat coming?" Chen Mu asked. "It should be in November here, but the exact day is uncertain," Jie Jia pondered. Which means there are about three or four months left. "Is it safe on the boat?" This was the point of greatest concern to Chen Mu. The other party might be the builders of the Thousand Mechanism Token altar. Reaping lives and condensing Thousand Mechanism Tokenssuch forces are hardly benevolent. "Usually, there wont be problems." "Those people mainly come here to collect Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "In the past, they would take Daoist Bones naturally born, especially children." "I dont know from when, they began to also collect Armor Spirit Warriors." "But youd have to work for them as your passage fee, with an indeterminate period." Chen Mu immediately frowned, "Havent I already paid for the ticket?" Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu, "Without their asking, the powerful families will help them find the Thousand Mechanism Tokens." "Thats just a qualification to get on board." Chen Mus face looked troubled. Why did it feel like they were selling people off?! "Overseas, due to environmental and geographical constraints, ordinary people cant do many things." "Armor Spirit Warriors, having undergone physical modifications with Soul Strength for protection, make for the best labor force." "But recruiting locals would mean having to pay them. You guys..." Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu sideways. Chen Mu immediately understood. This was just an otherworldly version of foreign labor recruitment, wasnt it? From underdeveloped areas, they recruit massive amounts of labor at low remunerations. Here it was probably even worse. Lots of work for little pay, or even no pay at all! "Those high and mighty Armor Spirit Warriors, are they really content to be manual labor?" Couldnt anyone resist? "Of course not," Jie Jia stated blandly. "So, are you going?" Chen Mu shook his head and gave a bitter smile. He really had to go! Even with all the power and influence one might have in Da Liang, theres still a ceiling to reach. Only by going out to sea could one witness a broader world. "Shell Soul is not easy to cultivate, and theres also the chance of breakthroughs in Perceptive abilities. "So youre quite valuable, those people wont let you be in danger," Jie Jia offered reassurance. However, Chen Mu wasnt in the mood to accept this consolation. Chapter 170 - 169 White Jade After dinner, Chen Mu poured a cup of sour plum juice for Jie Jia. Sitting back in the rocking chair, he picked up the wooden cup from the low table and took a sip, heaving a sigh. "To think Ive transmigrated, and yet I still have to be a wage worker." Even though he might not get paid, even though it might be tiring, in the end, he still had to go. Just like all those predecessors of Shell Soul who went one after another over the years. Before boarding the ship, could they have refrained from inquiring about the situation, could they not know what treatment to expect? "In the end, they still wanted to see the view from a higher place." Chen Mus mind stirred, and he turned his head to tentatively ask Jie Jia, "Do you know how to practice in the Perceptive Stage?" "I know," Jie Jia nodded. Chen Mu immediately became interested, "Can you tell me about it?" "Meditate and recite scriptures." "Thats it?" Chen Mu exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Thats it," Jie Jia said indifferently. Youre freaking kidding me! No, wait, Chen Mu thought of the Curse Command text for the Five Ghosts Bag, "Is it something like Magical Instrument Curse Command?" Jie Jia nodded, "Stop thinking about it, youre far from that step." "What do you mean?" Isnt Perceptive the step after Shell Soul? "You dont have a Daoist Bone," Jie Jia glanced at Chen Mu and said. Okay, its that same old spiel about the Heavenly Fathers favorite child. "Those who cultivate Soul Strength must first master the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method, and only then can they attempt to perceive." "Do you have it?" Chen Mu asked with a face full of hope. There were still three or four months before departure, and he didnt know how long the sea voyage would take. If he could obtain the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method before leaving, maybe by the time he arrived there, he would have maxed out this skill! "I dont," Jie Jia shook his head. Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. Thats right, Jie Jia might be well-informed, but he was only fully accomplished in Shell Soul. If there were such a secret technique, wouldnt he have trained in it himself? "Old Jie, thats no good!" Chen Mu teased cheerfully, "You dont have a wide enough variety of goods!" "Why didnt you go collect a few?" "If they cant sell, you could still train in them yourself!" "Oh, I was born with an Innate Daoist Bone. I dont need it," Jie Jia said with an impassive face. Chen Mu: "..." Once again, this elder had the chance to show off! ... Da Liang year 642, the fifth day of the eighth month. The weather was clear, and Chen Mu got up early. "I cant keep being this lazy." After breakfast and preparing some iced tea, Chen Mu sat in the pavilion and opened the grey wall interface. There were still three or four months until departure. Apart from preparing various items for the long journey, he couldnt waste this time either. Writing: 3745/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank;@@@@ Cooking: 6395/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 5515/10000/Fourth Rank; Sleeve Sword Technique: 5876/10000/Fourth Rank; This kind of White Jade Spirit Money definitely wasnt meant for ordinary people. Gold and silver currency were still useful. All of a sudden, a thought struck Chen Mu, "Whats the price of a Fasting Pill?" Jie Jia held up a finger. "One pill for one White Jade Coin?" Thats just over a thousand taels of silver? "One bottle," Jie Jia said calmly. Thats over ten thousand taels of silver, now thats valuable. He guessed it probably could only be exchanged one way. It was unlikely one could use silver to buy White Jade Spirit Money. "From which prestigious family did you exchange it?" Such objects were likely only to be held by such families. "Zhu Yi Pavilion of the Zhang Family." Chen Mu understood. Zhu Yi Pavilion was an assassin organization spread throughout the whole of Da Liang. Without the backing of a prestigious family, it couldnt operate. "Are you really not going?" Chen Mu couldnt help asking. "Not the time yet," Jie Jia said blandly. Alright then. Chen Mu shrugged. Jie Jia had always been so secretive. "What do you want to eat? You pick todays dish," Chen Mu said with a smile. Chen Mu had already decided he would head to Lijiang Guard City tomorrow morning to live in seclusion and wait. This was probably their last meal together. ... At night, Chen Mu staggered out of Chunfeng Tower. He had just extravagantly tipped Miss Yu Tao a hundred taels of silver. After watching her for so long, it was the first time he had paid. "Wonder what the Chunfeng Tower is like overseas. If the girls there arent as graceful as Yu Tao, I wont bother watching," Chen Mu mumbled, shaking his head. At that moment, a couple of large carriages stopped at the street corner not far away. Three men jumped down, arm in arm, heading towards Chunfeng Tower. Zhang Ye? And Kui Tuo and Zhen Fan. "These three lucky guys, they actually came back alive." "Not just back, theyve probably struck it rich," Chen Mu observed, eyeing the three mens attire. "Struck it rich with the deceased fortunes of Qingshan County?" "Should we send them a gift to celebrate?" Chen Mu was tempted. "Forget it, after all, we knew each other once." Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling, and walked away. "What are you looking at?" Kui Tuo noticed Zhang Yes strange gaze. "That guy looks familiar, like Ive seen him somewhere before," Zhang Ye said, puzzled, standing still. "An enemy?" Kui Tuos eyebrows tightened. "Dont know," Zhang Ye scratched his head: "Its vague, but he seems familiar." "Never mind, dont think about it, todays our treat. Having fun is what matters!" He put his arms around Kui Tuo and Zhen Fans necks, turning toward the entrance of Chunfeng Tower. But after only a few steps, a sudden weakness spread through his limbs. With a baffled face, Zhang Ye turned to look at Kui Tuo, then at Zhen Fan: "I might know who that person was." Kui Tuo rolled his eyes: "I ****ing know too." Then the three of them expertly rolled on the spot, arranging themselves into a big spreadeagled shape. Just as they lay down, Kui Tuo suddenly laughed: "Old Zhang, did you bring any money..." Zhang Ye: "..." Chapter 171 - 170: Discovery Lijiang City, east of the city, Lijiang Tower. Chen Mu sat in a corner of the first-floor hall. While waiting for his meal to be served, Chen Mu looked up and surveyed the flow of people on the first floor. This was already his third day in Lijiang City. There was a dining table next to the passageway from the kitchen where the food was served. A lean old man in black clothes was using a small curved knife to slice duck for his grandson. "This pair of grandfather and grandson..." After thinking for a moment, Chen Mu remembered. He had seen them the last time he had come to Lijiang Tower to live incognito. Back then, the old man was also cutting meat for his grandson to eat. Chen Mu smiled and turned his head to look at the crowd near the port outside the doorway.@@@@ "It seems there are more outsiders than before." "And all of these outsiders are martial artists dressed in fancy tight suits." "World clans?" Chen Mus brows furrowed slightly. Lijiang City is the closest to Shouyang Mountain. Those who managed to get a Thousand Mechanism Token would usually come to Lijiang City to live incognito until the day they leave. Anyone strong enough to snatch a Thousand Mechanism Token is no weakling. These bigshots, being used to living freely, would not condescend to hide in the wilderness. "This gives world clans an opportunity," Chen Mus brows furrowed tighter. "They better not stir up any trouble." "No, its certain they will cause trouble!" Chen Mu sighed, "No peace wherever I go." "After this meal, I should stock up on more supplies." He did not want to get involved in unnecessary hassles. "The Five Ghosts Bag can conceal the Thousand Mechanism Token, and although it cant block it completely, it generally wont be detected unless someone is very close." In the past, the Wuding Ring and Soul-Calming Stake were only perceived when someone was nearby. "Ill stay safely at home. As long as world clans are not searching every inch thoroughly, I am safe." ... Five days later, east of the city in Yongtong District, Jiazi Alley, Chen Residence. Chen Mu was sitting under the pavilion on the east side of the courtyard. The house had been unoccupied for more than half a year, and when he first arrived, the pavilions pillars were moldy, the thatched roof had rotted, and the wooden floor near the courtyard gate was waterlogged and swollen. It took three to four days to gradually renovate and repair everything. He then bought completely new pots, pans, ladles, sleeping mats, and quilts. Coupled with the Soul-Calming Stake, the small courtyard instantly felt comfortable and livable. "If Im to live here for three months, I cant allow myself any discomfort." Nestled in a rocking chair, Chen Mu was immersed in reading a medicine book. What was once arcane text now became fascinating with the insights brought by increased proficiency. After glancing at his Pharmaceutical Technique, which had increased by another five points, Chen Mu put away the medicine book with satisfaction. "I dont need a high rank, as long as I can distinguish the components of the Fasting Pill." "I still have to keep up with the counterfeit business," Chen Mu thought regretfully. "Please allow me, Elder, to personally lead a team of skilled men to investigate." Sikou Yang sighed, "Its a pity about the Thousand Mechanism Token." "Nanyang Prefecture is so vast, finding him is like searching for a needle in the ocean." "Its just Qingers bad luck." "Let those people go and search. We wont mobilize anyone here." "Searching inside Lijiang City for the owner of the Thousand Mechanism Token is more important." Zuo Shengs heart skipped a beat, did Elder Sikou consider the Thousand Mechanism Token even more important than his own disciples? He certainly couldnt let the old man know he had a Thousand Mechanism Token! Just at this moment, a man in a black tight suit suddenly barged in. "Leader, theres news about Cheng Yi!" Zuo Shengs eyelids twitched! Sikou Qing was someone he had ambushed and captured. If someone really caught Cheng Yi, wouldnt the lie he spun be exposed! "Where?" Sikou Yang, who had been calm just a moment ago, got excited instantly. "East of the City, in Yongtong District, Jiazi Alley!" "Is the information accurate?" Sikou Yang stared at the man in black. Feeling his scalp tingle under the scrutiny, the man hastily handed over a piece of paper. "Someone sent a secret message via a throwing dart, the paper was nailed to the doorfront." Sikou Yangs brows instantly furrowed, he asked suspiciously, "They didnt claim the reward? Who would be so kind-hearted?" An idea struck Zuo Sheng, and frowning as if in deep thought, he said, "Could it be the other families trying to muddle the waters?" "Thats possible," Sikou Yang pondered, unable to help but sigh. Who doesnt covet wealth? Not claiming a bounty, they must have another purpose, exactly as Zuo Sheng said, its very likely the other great families creating a smokescreen. "Are they testing the strength of my men?" Sikou Yang had a moment of realization. "It seems they want to scheme against my Thousand Mechanism Token. Hah..." Sikou Yang sneered. Zuo Sheng nodded with an equally unsightly expression, but at the same time, he breathed an internal sigh of relief. Luckily, luckily, he had hoodwinked the old man. Just as he was thinking this, he suddenly saw his master Jin Wuduan step forward, "Last time we captured Cheng Yi, there was also a message sent by throwing dart." "Ive seen the handwriting; its identical." "Cheng Yi might really be in Yongtong District!" Jin Wuduan said, his face alive with excitement. Zuo Sheng: "..." Looking at the surprisingly revived interest on Sikou Yangs face, Zuo Sheng felt his teeth itch with hatred. If this fat man werent his master, he would want nothing more than to strangle him! Chapter 172 - 171 Extorting Money Lijiang City, Yongtong District. Deep into the night, when all was silent. Twelve figures, dressed in black, glided into an alley like specters, without making a sound. Without speaking a word, ten of them dispersed, silently encircling a courtyard. The next moment, the remaining two swiftly scaled the wall and landed soundlessly within. Immediately, like cheetahs, they explosively pushed off the ground, charging towards the room. Bang! The doors and windows shattered in an instant. A cacophony of crashing and smashing echoed around. Not long after, Jin Wuduan and Sikou Yang emerged from the room with ugly expressions on their faces. "Weve been fooled!" Sikou Yang lamented. "Seems like he ran away," mused Jin Wuduan thoughtfully. "The window is open, but the air in the room is slightly stale." "It shows he hasnt been gone long." Sikou Yang immediately frowned. "Could it be that someone leaked the information?" Zuo Shengs scalp tingled, and without losing his composure, he said, "Cheng Yi is cunning and ruthless. Once sold out, it is unlikely hed be betrayed by the same person a second time." "Perhaps hes come up with some countermeasures." Sikou Yang nodded in sudden realization. "To harm Yuer and Qinger, he must indeed be treacherous and vicious. Its only logical that hed be on guard."@@@@ "What a pity to lose a Thousand Mechanism Token." "Leave two people to watch this place, the rest of you go back. We cant delay tomorrows investigation." Zuo Sheng sighed in relief and acknowledged with a bow. The group arrived quickly and left just as fast, disappearing into the night. ... On the rooftop, Chen Mu crouched in a puff of black smoke, holding a small piece of paper, watching the line of men depart. "What kind of undeserved disaster is this?!" "How did the search for Cheng Yi end up at my place?" And this little piece of paper. Just now, someone had thrown it into his room, warning him to escape. "Zuo Sheng?" He remembered that back in Qingshan County, Zuo Sheng had allied with Cheng Yi. "I cant stay here any longer." ... Two hours later, a figure in black crushed the neck of a surveillant with a mere grasp, and vaulted into Chen Mus courtyard. "Ran away earlier? What a shame," Wu Yin shook his head dispassionately. After some thought, he shook his head and chuckled to himself: "Then lets play this game slowly!" Wu Yin produced a thumb-sized, water droplet-shaped bronze object from his sleeve and held it in his palm, sensing it carefully. "The Heartless Bell is still here?" Wu Yin raised an eyebrow. "Is he coming to take revenge on me?" Wu Yin laughed bitterly. "Grandpa, a man came just a while ago and invited us to go eat at the Lijiang House, are we going?" the chubby boy asked, his mouth full of bun, speaking indistinctly. Wu Yins heart gave a sharp lurch. He felt an impulse to grab his grandson and run. But he forced himself to remain calm and said with a bitter smile, "Lets go." He probably had already been targeted by Cheng Yi, and had no choice but to go. "Senior brother, you really taught a good disciple," Wu Yin thought resentfully. ... Around noon, at Lijiang House. At a square table next to the kitchen corridor, a full spread of dishes was laid out. A little chubby boy was holding a shiny red pork hock, gnawing at it and dripping oil all over his mouth. Chen Mu looked on at the little chubby boy with a smile. The boys way of eating reminded him involuntarily of Cheng Ming, the little Daoist acolyte he hadnt seen for a long time. Ignoring the gaunt, dark-faced old man staring intently at him from across the table, Chen Mu kept picking out dishes for the little chubby boy. "Cheng Yi my nephew, your face-changing technique is really interesting," Wu Yin sneered coldly. "But using my grandson to threaten me, thats not very funny, is it?" Chen Mu was taken aback. Was he being mistaken for Cheng Yi? His nephew? So this old man was Cheng Yis senior uncle? He didnt argue, but said cheerily, "I think its funny." Wu Yins face darkened. "Out with it, what do you really want?" "I almost got caught last night. A consolation of five thousand taels of silver isnt too much to ask, right?" "Fine!" Wu Yin replied calmly. Chen Mus heart jumped. That was too little! "I misspoke. Its fifty thousand taels," Chen Mu said indifferently. Wu Yins face turned dark immediately. After a deep breath, he nodded grudgingly. "Give me that Bronze Water Droplet then, no problem, right?" Chen Mu continued. That thing could sense the Heartless Bell; he had to get a hold of it. Wu Yins expression changed, but after glancing at his grandson, he clenched his teeth and said, "Fine!" "And another thing..." Chen Mu looked thoughtfully at the little chubby boy. "Dont be too excessive!" Wu Yins neck immediately flushed red. Oh ho! Chen Mu glanced at Wu Yin, then at the little chubby boy. "This... isnt he also a Daoist Bone?" The Qingfeng Observatory really had something going. It was so hard to find a Daoist Bone, and this pair of brothers had found two! Chen Mus lips curled up slightly. "Senior uncle, I almost lost my life. A few pieces of White Jade Spirit Money shouldnt be a problem, right?" Wu Yin immediately felt a lump in his chest. Do you think those are cabbages? Chapter 173 - 172 Shouyang Mountain Shouyang Mountain was located about a hundred li to the east of Lijiang City, being a part of the southeastern Yi Ridge Mountain Range of Da Liang. The Yi Ridge Mountain Range stretched long and narrow, starting from the southwest, skirting the East Sea, and extending toward the northeast. Shouyang Mountain was at the very southern end of this mountain range. The western slope of the mountain was gentle, with lush greenery everywhere. The eastern side was adjacent to the great sea and featured a sheer cliff face. Chen Mu stood on the edge of the precipice, surveying his surroundings. The cliff face was smooth as a mirror, as if cut by a knife and chiseled by an axe, with only a few tufts of green grass poking out from the crevices. "Could it have been carved out by man?" Chen Mu exclaimed. He looked down. The sea surface was a calm and deep shade of blue, its depth unknowable. "A natural harbor?" Chen Mu realized. The cliff paired with the deep sea was suitable for large ships to dock: "No wonder they chose Shouyang Mountain." After observing for a moment, Chen Mu turned and walked into the dense, verdant forest. There was a sloping rock wall about five meters in length and at an angle of approximately sixty degrees in the midst of the forest. A large grayish-white tent was set up beneath it. "This might as well be a case of having many skills does not burden one," Chen Mu was satisfied with the tent he had built. This was a skill he had learned while traveling north to Qingshan County, taught to him by comrades of the Logistics Army. Chen Mu had been here for five days. After resolving the Wu Yin incident, he left Lijiang City immediately. With his supplies and equipment in tow, he secluded himself on Shouyang Mountain. "You fight your fights, Ill live my life peacefully," Chen Mu thought leisurely. The noble clans had occupied Da Liang for who knows how many years. Relying on their bloodlines and a monopoly on knowledge, they had been plundering the worlds resources, growing monstrous in their power. The Thousand Mechanism Token appearing once every hundred yearsChen Mu didnt believe the noble clans would remain indifferent.@@@@ "Conflict is inevitable," Chen Mu sighed. Fortunately, the conflicts were largely concentrated in Lijiang City and Nanyang Prefecture City. Out in the wilds, these places were blind spots for those people. "All I need to do is wait peacefully for the arrival of the large ship, and everything will fall into place," he thought. Not only could he avoid trouble, but he could also improve his proficiency in peace. "Isnt this perfect!" Chen Mu felt a surge of excitement within. ... On the southern side of the sloping boulder, Chen Mu had cut down trees to clear an open area. Several wooden racks were placed under the sunlight. Rows of wooden molds with ball-shaped indentations were neatly arranged. Inside, there were Bigu Pills the size of ping pong balls, version 3.0, glistening in the light. "Two hundred and forty pills, if I consume them frugally and ensure basic nutrition, these should last me a year," Chen Mu calculated as he touched them. On his journey north, his skill at cooking meat had greatly improved. He had mastered the depth of the stove, the size of the grills mesh, and the control of the charcoal fires temperature. Coupled with his secret seasoning, the fragrance wafted for miles. Chen Mu sniffed appreciatively and nodded in satisfaction. "The meats roasted nicely," Tu Shan commented as he approached, drawn by the scent. "The tents been set up well too," Tu Shan surveyed the campsite, growing increasingly pleased with what he saw. "Do you know why Ive come?" Tu Shan asked, his face breaking into a delighted smile. "I have a rough idea," Chen Mu replied, watching Tu Shan calmly. "The tent is mine now, and youll stay and cook for me. Any objections?" Tu Shans smile grew even wider. "Not afraid Ill poison you to death," Chen Mu said indifferently. Tu Shan: "..." "Youve enlightened me," Tu Shan said with a sudden realization, looking at Chen Mu with gratitude: "Its better to eradicate the roots and leave no threats behind." Almost the next instant, Tu Shan, wrapped in a white stream of air, suddenly appeared right in front of Chen Mu. He clenched his right hand into a fist and twisted his body backward, his muscles intertwined and bulging, looking like a statue cast in bronze and iron. Whoosh! His fist smashed down ferociously, like a dark iron hammer aiming directly at Chen Mus head. Just as the fist was about to crush Chen Mus skull, an ebony dagger silently appeared in front of Tu Shans chest. Tu Shans face twisted into a hideous snarl, his right fist unstoppable, while his left hands fingers came together like an eagles claw, lashing out at the snake-like dagger. He was gifted by nature and had once been relentlessly hunted by the clans in his youth; his martial arts were seamless and impeccable. Splashing a basin of water at him, he could slap it all away with both hands! Truly impervious to water! "Divine weapons? Ive grasped handfuls of divine weapons, not one hundred then at least eighty!" But in the next moment, what should have been a sure grab, unexpectedly missed. The trajectory of the dagger was beautifully natural, perfectly evading the eagle claws grip and easily piercing into Tu Shans chest along the underside of the wrist. Whoo! The gust of wind howled past, and Chen Mus long hair was blown up and then fell back down as Tu Shans fist suddenly stopped right in front of his forehead. Chen Mu tilted his head slightly, revealing his face beside the massive fist, and looked at Tu Shan with a smile: "Whose tent is it?" "Yours!" Tu Shan gritted his teeth. "Whose roasted meat is it?" "Yours!" Tu Shans forehead glistened with sweat. The ebony sword gently touched his heart: "No hidden dangers? Eradicate the root?" Tu Shans eyes widened like copper bells, and he burst into rage: "I surrender!" Chen Mu: "..." I actually thought you were going to fight to the death with me! Chapter 174 - 173 Prediction Inside the camp nestled against the mountain wall. Tu Shan, carrying a wild boar from the forest, came walking and threw it down in front of Chen Mu with a thud. "Why didnt you run?" Chen Mu looked at the two-meter tall, burly man in surprise. "Im afraid you poisoned me, and if I ran off and the poison took effect, what would happen if I died?" Tu Shan said earnestly. Chen Mu: "..." "You have enlightened me!" Chen Mus face lit up with realization, as he looked at Tu Shan with gratitude, "Its always good to have some measures of restraint." Tu Shan: "..." Chen Mu chuckled lightly, taking his time to enjoy the meat. Despite the burly mans quick surrender, as if truly under his control, he definitely had unknown cards up his sleeve. He simply didnt want a fight to the death. If Chen Mu had actually dared to stab at his heart, the burly man would have really dared to blow his head off. Chen Mu similarly did not want a fight to the death. Thus, the two of them reached an impasse. "How about I hunt for you and you cook for me?" Tu Shan suggested, smiling. He just wanted a decent place to eat and sleep, and this campsite was just right. "Not so good," Chen Mu shook his head. Staying in was much more comfortable for him. "I can help you fend off unnecessary troubles, especially those from noble families," Tu Shan pointed towards the main peak of Shouyang Mountain in the distance. "If I could find this place, those people in the palace over there probably can too." "My reputation as a Magic Ape still carries weight with the noble families," Tu Shan said confidently. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, "That might not be too bad." With Tu Shans help to ward off external troubles, he could peacefully remain in seclusion for the next two or three months. "Then its settled!" Tu Shan laughed heartily. "Weve forged a relationship through a fight," Tu Shan said unabashedly, as he pinched a large piece of meat from the grill and threw it into his mouth, "Great culinary skills!" As he chewed heartily, he scrutinized Chen Mu. He had felt a lethal threat in just one exchange, but the threat had not come from the dagger; there had to be a follow-up move! This was a master whose skill was no less than his, yet so much younger! Where did he spring from? With curiosity, Tu Shan asked, "My name is Tu Shan, and yours?" "I am called Cheng Yi," Chen Mu lied with a deadpan face. Tu Shans face darkened on the spot, almost believing him for a second. "I know Cheng Yi!" Chen Mu: "..." Now this was awkward. After a moment of thought, Chen Mu said unfazedly, "Sorry, I misspoke, my name is Cheng Ming." In just three breaths, the sea surface returned to its tranquil blue. Chen Mu stopped the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, took a deep breath, and glared at the black smoke irritably, "If it werent for preparing food for you, would I suffer this much?" Sailing on the sea without knowing the situation, he needed to prepare food for the Five Ghosts Bag in advance. The palace lantern red that concentrated the essence of the Three Treasures was energy-rich and took up little space. A single droplet was sufficient to sustain the Five Ghosts Bag for quite some time. ... Inside the camp on the mountain wall. "Do you know anything about overseas matters?" Chen Mu inquired casually during mealtime. Tu Shan had been domineering in Da Liang for decades, making even prestigious families dare not speak out against him; perhaps he knew some exclusive information. "Its just another place, nothing different," Tu Shan said indifferently. "Just some additional methods for later-stage cultivation." "No matter where you are, its the fist that does the talking." Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. This brute saw things quite clearly. "There is a bit of a difference though," Tu Shan thought for a moment before saying. "Ive heard that some places are extremely chaotic. The strong act without restraint, and some, in order to refine magic artifacts, wouldnt hesitate to kill tens of thousands." Chen Mu furrowed his brows. If he really went to such places where human life was regarded as grass, one never knew when disaster might strike. "Isnt there a safer place?" "Of course there is," Tu Shan shrugged his shoulders. "Da Liang is so chaotic, yet Shen Jing remains stable." "But we dont have Daoist Bone, so we cant go to many good places," Tu Shan added with a smirk. "Ive heard that those of us with Shell Soul have to work for others once we get there?" Chen Mu asked, his brow slightly furrowed. He was not averse to being a worker, but if he ended up in a land of chaos, that might not be an easy job. "Yes, and its a full twenty years of unpaid labor at that!" Tu Shan said with a sense of frustration. He had been unfettered in Da Liang, but going overseas, hed end up as a long-term laborer. "Its all set before you even board the ship. Once you go, theres no escaping it." Tu Shan narrowed his eyes, his fists cracking as he clenched them: "And I dont even know how hard my future employers bones will be." "Youd really dare to strike? I dont believe they dont have any countermeasures?" Chen Mu retorted. "Supposedly, you have to be stamped," Tu Shan scratched his head. Stamped? "I guess it must be some kind of magic artifact. Something that marks you, so that even if you run, you can be tracked," he speculated. Chen Mu came to a realization. Isnt it just like using the Soul-Calming Stake to search for a Water Droplet Copper Piece or the Heartless Bell for tracking? They were planning to fit people with a magic artifact tracker? Tsk tsk... Life overseas doesnt seem easy at all. Chapter 175 - 174: Heartless Bell The weather was still hot, but no longer as sweltering. The sea breeze, laden with the scent of brine, felt even cooler. The hidden crevice at the sea cliff was not small, stretching for a hundred or two hundred meters and eighteen or eighty meters wide. But it was shaped like the character for "eight," narrower at the top, making the sky look like a thin line when you looked up. The seabed within the fissure was uncommonly deep and was just like the waters outside the sea cliff, not at all resembling a natural coastline. Chen Mu sat cross-legged, floating on the sea surface with support from black smoke beneath him. It was another day of routine fishing. Looking at the cluster of brilliant red resembling peanuts in the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Fishing in the sea is indeed gratifying!" With the lure of drunken bait, it was very easy to attract a large school of fish. Plentiful in number and large in size, the accumulation of the brilliant red was rapidly increasing. "With this cluster of brilliance, its enough to sustain the Five Ghosts Bag for a year," Chen Mu silently estimated. The Five Ghosts Bag was easy to sustain; if it was just for maintenance, its appetite was comparable to that of three large dogs. Of course, the more you fed it, the more spirited it became, and Five Ghosts Moving became even more second nature. "I need to reduce the frequency of fishing," Chen Mu thought to himself as the month of November approached and the large overseas ships were imminent. Hordes of people were increasingly flocking to Shouyang Mountain. Carelessly using the Five Ghosts Bag could easily lead to being seen. ... In his right hand, the black smoke whirled as a Bronze Bell materialized. Chen Mu looked at it for a long while before shaking his head with a sigh, "Without the corresponding Curse Command, its just decor, what a pity." Ask Cheng Yi for it? As long as he doesnt fight me to the death, that would be fine. The Wu Yin? Forget it, I just duped the old man; what if he were to turn around and con me. Thinking of Wu Yin, Chen Mu took out the Bronze Water Droplets. "Could it be the clapper of the Heartless Bell? But theres no structure for hanging a clapper either," he mused. The inside of the Heartless Bell was smooth, with no hooks. The Bronze Water Droplets were round and seamless, without hanging rings. He had previously speculated but decided not to experiment because of this. With that thought, Chen Mu turned the bell upside down and placed the Bronze Water Droplets inside the bell. Hum! A soft sound resonated, and the Bronze Water Droplets unexpectedly floated in mid-air inside the bell! "Like magnetic levitation?" Chen Mu was instantly pleasantly surprised. He shook it subconsciously. Hum! The deep and heavy sound, reminiscent of a bell toll, suddenly echoed within the crevice. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, "That actually sounds quite nice!" He struck it another two times, then pursed his lips in disappointment, "Pity its not really useful." He knew the Heartless Bell was capable of capturing souls, but it definitely required a Curse Command to activate. Simply striking it was not very effective. "A chicken rib," he muttered. Just as he was about to put away the bell, Chen Mu abruptly noticed that, unbeknownst to him, the waters below were now filled with fish, their white bellies turned skyward. "This isnt the right timing, is it?" Chen Mu frowned. He had just put down the drunken bait; the fish couldnt be intoxicated that quickly. Chen Mu glanced at the bell in his hand. Hum! The resonance of the copper bell suddenly sounded again. What the heck is this noise! Tu Shans face was full of spring fever, his rough and dark complexion flushed red. "Awesome!" "Do it again!" Chen Mu: "..." This isnt right, is it?! Wasnt it supposed to captivate souls? Why does it sound so indecent? It took Chen Mu a while to understand its effect. "The bells sound can slightly vibrate qi and blood, relieving fatigue. Listening to it for a long time can even strengthen the body?" Chen Mu looked at the Heartless Bell oddly. It was probably akin to the tingling sensation after ones legs wake up from being numb. Taoists meditating for extended periods inevitably stiffen up, suffering from sore limbs. A ring of this bell could revitalize them. The effect was actually quite respectable. Then he heard Tu Shan, with an excited face, shouting, "Oho...!" Chen Mu: "..." What the heck did I loot?! Its so darn indecent! The most annoying part is... its useless on me! ... Da Liang, year 642, October 25th. Chen Mu floated as usual in the crevice of the cliff. Holding a bronze bell, he gently swayed it. Hum! The calm sea surface immediately rippled. Gurgle... a string of white bubbles appeared from the depths of the sea. Soon, fish started flopping weakly on the surface of the water, in slow motion. Chen Mu watched with envy. Even a group of fish were enjoying more than him! Chen Mu, supported by the dark clouds, slowly moved from inside to outside along the crevice, ringing the bell every time he changed positions. From the innermost part to the outside, it only took five or six rings to stun and catch all the fish in the crevice. Combined with a weaker version of the drunken bait set in advance for attraction. In less than a quarter of an hour, he could harvest a large pile of fish. Chen Mu, carrying the Heartless Bell, floated to the mouth of the crevice and gave one last shake of the bronze bell. Hum! The ripples spread out from the mouth of the crevice. Chen Mu couldnt help but look towards the sea. Then, he saw a myriad of bubbles starting to emerge from beneath the dark blue sea outside the cliff. One, three, five... Soon countless bubbles came up from the sea bottom, frothing like boiling water. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. Just how many fish had he stunned with that last ring? Casting a glance at the distant Shouyang Palace atop the mountain, Chen Mu felt frustrated, "The more fish there are, the more attention they attract, and the less I dare to catch them." Then, he just watched as the bubbles became more and more numerous, even bubbling like boiling water. "This isnt right, is it?" Before he could figure it out, a huge shadow appeared on the dark blue sea and rapidly expanded underneath it. Boom! With a loud noise, a series of more than ten meter high sprays burst forth from the sea. A massive creature covered in ferocious spikes suddenly surged out of the water. Chapter 176 - 175: Bai Guisuo Chen Mu, floating at the mouth of the narrow crevice, stared in shock. The entire view outside the crevice was obscured by a pale white shell. He climbed up along the cliff wall, stood at the edge of the precipice, and his face immediately changed.@@@@ A gigantic pale white turtle shell, over five hundred meters long and three hundred meters wide, suddenly came into view. Rock-like shells adorned with coral and seaweed, ravines patterned like twisted chessboards, irregularly arranged spikes. "Heartless Bell... is it that powerful?!" He quickly realized the truth. This was not a giant turtle summoned by the Heartless Bell; it was a ship bound for overseas. "I thought it was a big ship, but it turned out to be a submarine!" ... Nighttime. Within the camp on the cliff wall. Chen Mu sat by the campfire, gazing through the gaps in the trees at the colossal object below the distant cliff, lost in thought. Under the moonlight, tiny luminescent spots on the white turtle shell could vaguely be seen twinkling. "Truly marvelous." Shape Cultivation Technique, Soul Strength, Ghosts, Magic ArtifactChen Mu had always known this world was no simple place. But seeing this gigantic turtle shell still shocked him. "How on earth was this thing made?" The world overseas must be incredibly magical. Thinking this, those harsh requirements didnt seem so unacceptable anymore. A dark shadow suddenly appeared beside the campfire. Tu Shan, with an excited face, said, "Ive got it figured out, we leave on the fifth of November." "Boarding the ship tomorrow?" Chen Mu fought the urge to nod immediately, "Lets wait and see." "A problem?" Tu Shans eyes narrowed in suspicion instantly. Chen Mu shook his head, "Noble families arent that enthusiastic for nothing, its not likely a trap." "True." Tu Shan sneered, "One beauty after another sent to Shouyang Palace, all for a bit of blood lineage, tsk tsk..." "The more bloodlines, the stronger the noble families. To consolidate their position, its not strange." Chen Mu said calmly. "Let others test the waters first before we go." Chen Mu stated composedly. "Then lets wait a couple of days." Tu Shan nodded. ... The year 642 of Da Liang, the first of November. Chen Mu packed up the camp on the cliff wall, gathered various supplies, and arrived at the summit at Shouyang Palace. The entire mountaintop had been artificially flattened, and a large complex of buildings was situated upon it. Red walls and yellow tiles, artificial mountains and waters, galleries and pavilions, flowers and trees, a different view at every step. Inside a brightly lit hall, a gaunt elder, over fifty years old, sat behind a long desk leisurely sipping tea. The desk was fully equipped with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone; in front of the elder was a booklet about an inch thick. There was also a square wooden box to the right. After being stamped, would he be controlled until death? "Having second thoughts?" The old man looked at Chen Mu calmly. He had seen this kind of thing many times before. "Lets do it." Yet, Chen Mu resolutely rolled up his sleeve. The old man looked at Chen Mu in surprise. "Not afraid of being controlled by others?" Chen Mu said calmly, "Im more afraid of dying a mediocre death." Getting the stamp might mean being controlled, but it allowed him to see more of the world. Without it, he might indeed live a carefree life, but he could never leave the pond that is Da Liang. According to his usually cautious nature, he wouldnt trust his life to someone else. But to die of old age in Da Liang was even less acceptable to him. Besides, compared to the mysterious gray wall, what was this little mark? "Okay." The gaunt old man smiled, stamped the circular seal onto the forearm of Chen Mus left hand. A sensation of coolness spread, and a circular pattern connected by black star-point filaments appeared on his arm. Chen Mu subconsciously tried to rub it off, but it didnt fade in the slightest. It was as though it had grown on the skin. "Dont be scared, its just a precaution. When the time limit is up, or if you break through to Perceptive, it will naturally disappear." The old man shrugged casually. Chen Mu nodded. In his previous life, didnt finding a job and joining a company also require signing a contract? Since it was already stamped, there was no need to dwell on it. The old man then took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mu. "Take good care of this, its your proof." "You can board the submarine known as the white gudgeon shuttle now, or you can go back to say your goodbyes." "But remember, we leave early morning in four days, dont be late." A submarine called the white gudgeon shuttle? It doesnt look like a shuttle at all. "Ill go to the white gudgeon shuttle." He had wanted to take a look at it for a while. ... Two days later. Inside the white gudgeon shuttle, it was as bright as day. Two rows of sixteen-story cabin buildings extended to the ends along the inner walls. There was an open area in the middle, with snow-white pillars rising from the middle, connecting the ceiling and the floor. On the lowest level, a bustling street had people coming and going, and the cabins on both sides had been converted into all sorts of shops for clothing, food, accommodation, and travel necessities. People set up stalls on both sides of the street, selling all kinds of bizarre items. There was even an establishment for listening to music, as well as two tea houses for drinking tea and storytelling. If it werent for the fact that none of these people had made any efforts to disguise themselves, Chen Mu would have thought he had come to a Ghost Market. "It doesnt seem as bad as I imagined." He had thought it would be pitch-black cabins with dozens of people crammed together in all sorts of unfavorable conditions. But in reality, the white gudgeon shuttle was as luxurious as a yacht from his previous life. "This shows that we are quite valuable." Chen Mu gave a wry smile. Twenty years of unpaid labor just for the travel costs, indeed valuable. Just then, a muscular figure abruptly caught Chen Mus eye, and his scalp tightened. "Bai Miaojin?!" Chapter 177 - 176 Setting Sail Looking at Bai Miaojin, Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "Hes finally escaped." Seemingly feeling Chen Mus gaze, Bai Miaojin turned to look back. Chen Mu controlled his expression, meeting the others eyes like any ordinary passerby. Then he showed a slight surprise at the others figure before indifferently shifting his gaze away. After that, he followed the crowd, browsing the streets within the white glyptodon shuttle with feigned nonchalance. "If hes escaped, hes escaped. Its none of my business anymore." Although he wanted to avenge his previous capture, he was helpless to do so. Bai Miaojin was one thing, but Cui Cui, who had recovered her original form, was not someone he could easily handle. "After all, it was Sun Dawang who made those harsh statements, not me." Chen Mu thought leisurely to himself. He wasnt worried about any trouble either. Shape-shifting Technique: 27/10000/Fourth Rank; Chen Mu looked at the grey wall with a chuckle: "Find me first, then well talk." "Fourth Rank Shape-shifting Technique, if you can still find me, Ill consider it a loss!" ... The year 642 in Da Liang, the fifth day of the eleventh month. The departure date for the white glyptodon shuttle had arrived. Over a hundred people were scattered around the very front of the white glyptodon shuttle. There, a giant transparent screen wall allowed a clear view of the sea outside the white glyptodon shuttle. The white glyptodon is a rare kind of spirit turtle with a snow-white shell and a head as red as fire, innately able to manipulate water and fire. The white glyptodon shuttle was forged from its shell. The very front used to be the area of the white glyptodons forelimbs and head. The flesh and blood were removed and sealed with a special transparent material, forming a large transparent viewing window resembling a glass curtain wall. "How come youre missing an arm!" Tu Shan stood in front of Cheng Yi, wearing a face full of heartache: "What a pity I wasnt there; otherwise..." Cheng Yis face was cold: "Otherwise, you could have taken the opportunity to kill me and steal my Thousand Mechanism Token, right?" Tu Shan looked at Cheng Yi with an incredulous face: "Youre way too suspicious of me!" Cheng Yi glanced at Tu Shan: "Your skin has gotten thicker!" Tu Shan bared a grin: "Learned it from your junior brother." Cheng Yi was taken aback: "Youve met Cheng Ming?" "Indeed, his abilities far surpass yours," Tu Shan clicked his tongue in wonder: "Can you believe he actually fought me to a draw?" Cheng Yis brows furrowed tightly, a teenager more than ten years old? "That person is not my junior brother!" Cheng Yi affirmed with certainty. "Thats impossible," Tu Shan shook his head in disbelief: "He has a bell identical to yours, how could he not be your junior brother!" Cheng Yis pupils suddenly contracted, and his complexion instantly became as dark as water: "Where did you see him." Tu Shan looked at Cheng Yi from top to bottom with a tilt of his head: "Tsk tsk... Somethings off about you..." "That bell, could it be that he stole it from you?" Cheng Yis eyes narrowed, and he remained silent. "Oho! That arm of yours, it wasnt chopped off by him, was it?" Tu Shans eyes widened in shock. Cheng Yis face turned pitch black. Tu Shan immediately broke into schadenfreude laughter. "It seems that person really isnt your junior brother," Tu Shan then proposed with a grin: "How about we join forces to deal with him?" this enclosed space had no escape if someone was determined to cause trouble. "The key is to safely reach Jilong Mountain." Glancing once more at the increasingly dark waters, Chen Mu turned and went back to his room. "I should think about how to pass these next three to five months." ... Three days later, inside the Bai Geng Shuttle, at the Envious Immortal Tea House. The tea house was spacious, with its ground floor hall as big as two basketball courts, and it even had three storytelling stages. The tea house was open all day, each time I came in, the occupancy rate was never less than half. Chen Mu found a secluded corner to sit down, casually ordering a pot of tea and a plate of pastries. These items cost him twelve taels of silver. "Really expensive!" Chen Mu clicked his tongue. Since boarding the ship, other than the impressiveness of the Bai Geng Shuttles massive luxury, his most direct experience was the expensiveness; everything was expensive. To have a meal without spending twenty or thirty taels of silver was to go hungry. To eat well was even more exorbitantly priced. "Luckily, I prepared the Bigu Pill well in advance," Chen Mu felt relieved. "I should also thank Wu Yin," Chen Mu thought happily. Without the tens of thousands of taels of silver he contributed, I wouldnt have the confidence to be strolling around here. ... Pouring a cup of tea to savor slowly, Chen Mu pricked up his ears, attentively listening to the conversations around him. At a table nearby, two men dressed in brown tight-fitted clothes caught his attention. One of them had a scar from the corner of his eye to his jaw on the left side of his face, making him look particularly fierce. He frowned at his companion, "How much longer do we have to drift at sea?" His companion, a man with small eyes and a large nose, rested one foot on the ground and the other on the chair, casually listening to the storytellers while leisurely cracking melon seeds. "No rush, I heard there are still a couple of places left to visit before we reach Yunzhou in another three to five months." "Not in a hurry? Weve been drifting for a year, and our silver is almost spent, how can I not be anxious?" "If we dont land soon, Ill have to earn money by fighting in the arena," the scar-faced man said with annoyance. "Then you should go," the small-eyed man looked sideways at his companion. Scar-face grew despondent, "I dont dare!" "This ship is filled with what kinds of monsters... Each one heartlessly cruel, with formidable strength." The small-eyed man rattled the melon seeds, "Every island only takes about a hundred people. If they werent monsters, could they have boarded the ship?" Scar-face became even more morose. "I wish I had a Daoist Bone too," Scar-face said with full-blown envy, "Free food, drinks, and fun, all in one package. Alas..." "Go to bed early when you get back, you can have everything in your dreams." "Get lost!" Chen Mus eyebrows raised, "Is consumption this high on the Bai Geng Shuttle?" "It seems Ive underestimated the cost of living here." Anyone who could board must be wealthy. With over forty thousand taels of silver in hand, Chen Mu thought he was quite rich, "Looks like I need to plan my spending." "Moreover, Da Liang is an... island?!" Chen Mu was surprised to hear. In the four years he spent in Da Liang, he hadnt even ventured out of Nanyang Prefecture. To think such a vast place was referred to as an island. "How much bigger must Yunzhou be?" Chen Mu thought with anticipation. Chapter 178 - 177: True Sun Scripture In the Envy Immortals Teahouse. After sipping a pot of tea, he listened to strange tales for half an hour. The man with scarred face let out a sigh for no reason. "Whats wrong now?" the small-eyed man glanced at his companion. "Im thinking about the True Sun Scripture," the scarred face said with a troubled look. "Without White Jade Spirit Money, whats the point of thinking about it?" the small-eyed man rolled his eyes. "Dont you want to advance further?" the scarred face retorted, unwilling to give up. To board the Bai Shuo Shuttle, there were always some treasured items hidden away. But the small-eyed man just laughed, "This ships dealings are shady; stop dreaming. Lets see when we get to Yunzhou." From a distance, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "True Sun Scripture?" "Advance further?" "Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method?!" Chen Mu became excited all at once. He hadnt been on the Bai Shuo Shuttle for long, yet he already knew of a secret technique to advance further! "White Jade Spirit Money?" "I have it!" ... The Bai Shuo Shuttle was gliding smoothly through the deep sea. Apart from the occasional flashes of light emitted by the sea creatures, the two transparent screens at the front and rear had turned pitch black. Without external light, the interior of the Bai Shuo Shuttle was still bright as day. The pale column that connected heaven and earth began to emit a soft white glow. The shops on both sides of the street hung elliptical crystals the size of rugby balls. With a slight shake, the crystals emitted a gentle light. Chen Mu had seen them before, but he still found them fascinating. He leaned closer to one of the elliptical crystals and noticed its hollow interior filled with a liquid substance. Small, ant-sized, semi-transparent elliptical creatures were moving and drifting inside it. It was they who glowed from the inside out. "These are called bioluminescent algae. As long as you feed them a little every day and let them eat their fill, they can shine all day," said a fat old man in his fifties with a goatee. "First time on the Bai Shuo Shuttle?" the fat old man asked with a smile. "Good eye, boss," Chen Mu greeted with a clasped fist. "Those who have stayed long enough get used to the bioluminescent algae and wont be as curious as you," the fat old man said with a smile. "I heard you have the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method here?" Chen Mu asked directly. The fat old mans eyes suddenly lit up, "Are you looking for the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method?" His gaze towards Chen Mu became fervent. "I do have a copy of the True Sun Scripture here." "This scripture is said to come from the Pure Yang Dao Sect." In the year 642 of Da Liang, on the nineteenth of November, The White Worm Shuttle had left Da Liang more than ten days ago. They were below the sea, where luminescent algae glowed day and night, obliterating the distinction between day and night. Inside cabin number left, six yi mao. Chen Mu sat at a small desk, slowly flipping through the "Yunzhou Geographic Records." The booklet was only as thick as an index finger, with concise text that summarily described the famous mountains and great rivers of Yunzhou. Yet Chen Mu found it utterly fascinating. "A single Yunzhou has eleven countries." "If theyre all as large as Da Liang, then Yunzhou is indeed not small." Chen Mu reminisced the descriptions in the book and couldnt help but aspire to see it for himself. The legendary Sky-Scraping Cliff that pierces the clouds. The rumored Tongtian River with its waters that defy gravity. Of course, there is also the perilous Jilong Mountain. "Jilong Mountain has a Jilong Road; am I going there to plant Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu mused. After all, it was just a geographic record, which mentioned the Jilong Road only in passing. Places like the Sky-Scraping Cliff and Clear River Lake all have similar Dao Sect organizations. "So, have we actually been sold by the master of the White Worm Shuttle?" Chen Mu said with a complicated expression. If the treatment they received along the way werent fairly decent, Chen Mu would truly think they had been sold off as slaves. "Most of the one to two thousand staff members on the White Worm Shuttle merely possess Shell Soul capabilities." "If they dared to scam people so blatantly, the four to five thousand people from various islands on board would have revolted long ago." But it wasnt much better, either. Their wages had been prepaid by the owner of the White Worm Shuttle. Going there would mean working for nothing. "Black-hearted intermediaries!" Chen Mu shook his head and decided not to dwell on these bothersome matters anymore. "How can I get my hands on the True Sun Scripture?" That was the major concern he cared about. "Even after reaching Yunzhou, I expect it wont be cheap," Chen Mu sighed. It definitely wouldnt be something that could be solved with just a dozen or so White Jade Coins. "I need to find a quick way to make money," Chen Mu frowned in contemplation. Unfortunately, despite thinking for a long time, he couldnt come up with any good ideas. After all, he was unfamiliar with the environment in Yunzhou and didnt know which industries might earn him White Jade Coins. "Looks like I might have to imitate making Fasting Pills," Chen Mu glanced at his Proficiency. Pharmaceutical Technique: 5915/10000/Fourth Rank; "Keep grinding." "First, max out the fourth rank to see if I can analyze the components of the Fasting Pill." "If thats not enough, just keep grinding higher." Grinding proficiency, thats something hes familiar with. Chapter 179 - 178 Calming Pill Da Liang, the year 642, November 29. The mysterious vessel surfaced once again. Chen Mu stood in front of the transparent screen, staring at the vertical mountain wall that greatly resembled Shouyang Mountain, and had a sudden realization in his heart. "Another region akin to Da Liang." It was unknown how many years the mysterious vessel had been taking and sending people. "Its a pity I cant go up there to have a look." The vessels rules stated that unless it was a staff member, no one was allowed to leave. It was said to be to prevent conflicts with the inhabitants of unfamiliar regions. To protect the people inside the vessel, as well as those from the unfamiliar regions. "They are probably worried about losing this batch of free labor," Chen Mu hummed lightly. Leaving the transparent screen, he didnt hurry back. For seven or eight days in a row, he had hidden in his cabin and pored over medicinal studies until his head swam. It was a good opportunity to go out and clear his mind. Walking along, he came across the silver moon pavilion at the tail end of the mysterious vessel. The largest entertainment venue on the vessel, it offered food, drink, and all forms of amusement. Chen Mu looked at the entrance for a moment and then indifferently turned away. It was not because of the two hundred silver admission fee. It was purely because I am a clean-living good young man. It was for the best not to go to such a foul and murky place! Then Chen Mu strolled over to the Envying Immortals Tea House and spent two hundred and twelve silver to order ten dishes completely different from those in Da Liang and carefully tasted each one. In the process, he selected two that suited his palate to figure out in detail. By the time he finished eating, his menu had grown by two new dishes. Outside the tea house, Chen Mu looked back uncomfortably. "If only they allowed open-air food stalls here, Id definitely run you out of business." The price gouging was too ruthless. ... Half a month later, Chen Mu raised his head. He stared blankly at the oval crystal ball lights on the wall for a long while before snapping back to reality. For over ten days, aside from going out to eat, he would hide in his cabin practicing pharmaceutical technique every day. With a thought, he brought up the grey wall. Pharmaceutical Technique: 7812/10000/Fourth Rank; The Fifth Rank was not far away. If progress continued at the normal pace, he could advance in another month or so. "Its a pity there are no experience monsters," Chen Mu smiled wryly. Before leaving Da Liang, he had made a point of gathering medicine books, but it still wasnt enough. ... Half a day later, Chen Mu walked out of the Mo Xiang Book Forest with a gloomy face. He was carrying a small cloth bundle with seven or eight medicinal books he had not read before inside. For these few books, that greedy fat shopkeeper had charged him one thousand three hundred silver. Having been on the ship for a month, even with the use of fasting pills to save expenses, he had still spent over four thousand silver. His assets had shrunk by nearly one-tenth. "I need to find a way to increase income!" Chen Mu frowned in thought. ... Chen Mu took out a fist-sized porcelain bottle from his Five Ghosts Bag and poured a peanut-sized brown pill from it, giving it a light sniff at the tip of his nose. "Seven kinds!" In just an instant, he was certain of seven ingredients in the pill. "The Fasting Pill is indeed different." He had been looking in the wrong direction before! "Time to read the medicine book and ponder over the Calming Pill formulation, time for hard work!" ... The year 642 in Da Liang, December 27th. Inside the Enviable Immortal Tea House. Chen Mu held a Calming Pill in his hand. A series of dosages, processing techniques, and blending methods for the medicine surfaced in his mind. He subconsciously picked up a piece of mung bean cake and put it in his mouth. In the flash of inspiration, a formula containing ingredient amounts and production methods rapidly formed in his mind. With a thought, a gray wall appeared. Writing: 4270/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Culinary Arts: 8145/10000/Third Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 37/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 4371/10000/Seventh Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 987/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 5069/10000/Sixth Rank; In the past two months, he spent every day waking up to flip through books, and when tired, he would ponder over the elixir formulas. He had finally advanced his Alchemical Technique to the Fifth Rank. His sense of smell became increasingly acute. The Calming Pill, which had some insurmountable issues before, didnt take long for him to strip down to the formula. "Its a pity..." Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. "The main ingredient is nowhere to be found!" "Hundred Herbs Pavilion must have done this on purpose!" Chen Mu thought with resentment. "Has someone audaciously produced counterfeits before?" Otherwise, why would the main ingredient, the Nightshade Herb, specifically be missing? "Thats right, those on the Bai Yang Shuttle are the cream of the crop from various countries." "Being ruthless and cunning is only the basics, having a special skill is the norm." "If there are one or two who are experts in pharmacology, they might indeed have replicated the Calming Pill." "The True Sun Scripture is getting further and further away from me," lamented Chen Mu. "I can only wait until I get to Yunzhou to figure out a solution," Chen Mu sighed. Half-heartedly listening to the storyteller narrate legendary tales of Yunzhou, he absent-mindedly browsed the gray wall. "This Proficiency for the Spirit Armor Technique, isnt right!" Chen Mu suddenly startled. Ever since he had mastered the Spirit Armor Technique, his breathing had changed completely, and the proficiency automatically increased. Unless he was in a special treasure land, such as Qingshan County, otherwise, he would unfailingly gain twenty-four points every day. Since yesterday, hadnt it increased by more than thirty points?! Chapter 180 - 179 Yunzhou In the left sixth Yi Mao cabin, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the ship, doing his best to keep his breathing natural. An hour later, Chen Mu opened his eyes. "Two points!" "It really increased!" "Is it because Bai Gongsuo entered a special region?" Chen Mu speculated. Two months had passed, according to the news heard in the tea house. Bai Gongsuo had completed its set route and was now heading back to Yunzhou at full speed. "Is this what makes overseas different?" Chen Mus eyes shone with excitement. "It must be a treasure site similar to the Tianyi Studio in Qingshan County, otherwise the proficiency of the Spirit Armor Technique wouldnt have changed." "No wonder Ive been feeling hungrier lately, eating more and more." Ever since he began practicing Spirit Armor Technique, his skin had become tougher, his appetite had increased, and he had gained more strength. On his skin, you could occasionally see silver lines, like the blue veins under the skin. But these changes were all subtle and silent, appearing without notice. ... Chen Mu carefully examined his whole body, and finally focused on the Divine Intent Diagram. The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Techniques Divine Intent Diagram had become clearer! What used to look as if seen through frosted glass now only appeared to be separated by a thin veil. "Should I brush for a few days?" The Pharmaceutical Technique had advanced, he shouldnt even think about the Fasting Pill for a short time, and he would have to go back to Yunzhou to copy and monetize the Calming Pill. "Then I shall brush for a few days!" The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique can be practiced passively or actively. Investing all ones spirit can also speed up the accumulation of experience. There used to be regional restrictions, only in Qingshan County could he do so. Now, approaching Yunzhou, he could finally cultivate on his own. ... Three days later. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the cabin bed. In his mind, the barrier that stood before the Divine Intent Diagram had become almost imperceptible. The next moment, as proficiency increased once again, A bright star suddenly pierced the thin veil. It was like a firefly, or the myriad stars in the sky, Chen Mu saw the stars within the Divine Intent Diagram so clearly for the first time. The next moment, the stars rushed towards him, as if the fireflies were heading straight for his face. Chen Mu was startled and suddenly opened his eyes, only to find that everything seemed like an illusion. But when he calmed his spirit, he discovered a sudden cool sensation at the base of his skull, as if a piece of ice had been placed there. Chen Mu instinctively roused his Soul Strength. However, he unexpectedly found that the Jet Black Soul Strength at the base of his skull had vanished. When he reached out to touch, an invisible barrier clung tightly to the surface of his skin. "Similar to the Shape Cultivation Technique, continue to transform the body." Chen Mu touched the back of his head. Starting from there, the Soul Strength cultivated through the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique was gradually disappearing and transforming. Merging with the Divine Intent Diagram, it infiltrated the skin and flesh, remodeled the bodys structure, leaving only faint silver threads. With a flip of his right hand, an Ebony Dagger appeared. He gently jabbed his shoulder, then gradually increased the force. The Ebony Sword that could pierce Soul Strength was blocked outside the skin. "Has the body tissue gained the unbreakable nature of Soul Strength?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. In the past, it was equivalent to wearing external armor. Now the entire bodys structure has become unbreakable. Even if the Ebony Sword could pierce the skin, it would be stopped by the muscles! "Now I truly am impervious to swords and spears." "It just feels like Im becoming less and less human." ... Even though the White Clam Shuttle was spacious and bright, with plenty to eat, drink, and entertain oneself, it was still a closed space. If one stayed long enough, one would invariably feel bored and suffocated. Chen Mu, however, was completely indifferent to this. Being a hermit, he had his own ways to pass the time. Incremental improvements in proficiency always filled him with a sense of achievement. In the time that followed, Chen Mu would take two 3.0 version Bigu Pills every morning and evening, only going out for lunch at noon. The rest of the time, he would hide in his cabin to cultivate. He had originally wanted to make a batch of Calming Pill 2.0 and exchange it for some White Jade Spirit Money. But as soon as the thought occurred to him, he dismissed it. All stores within the White Clam Shuttle belonged to the owner of the White Clam Shuttle. Market disrupting with his own imitation elixir pills, what if someone found out and threw him into the sea? Now, with the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, his desire for the True Sun Scripture had dwindled. With safety as his top priority, he had even less motivation to hustle for money. Of course, he didnt spend all his days in seclusion. Every five days, he would go out for a walk. He especially liked to go to the transparent curtain wall in front of the White Clam Shuttle to watch the underwater scenery. Once, he even saw an eye bigger than the entire curtain wall itself! Fortunately, the White Clam Shuttle was sufficiently hidden and safe. The terrifying leviathan merely glanced once before vanishing. But this left Chen Mu profoundly shocked, and amidst the fear, an unspeakable excitement surged within him. Such a sight would have been impossible to see even if he had stayed in Da Liang for a hundred years. "When Im strong enough one day, I must travel the world and witness all its wonders," he thought. Then he became even more engrossed in his cultivation. ... Chen Mu, living a life that appeared to others as austere as that of an ascetic practitioner, was thoroughly enjoying himself. More than half a month later, according to the Da Liang Era, on the fifteenth day of February. The White Clam Shuttle finally docked. In front of the transparent curtain wall, land finally appeared again. A thronging crowd gathered in front of the curtain wall to watch. Several hundred people, under the gaze of thousands, slowly ascended the departure stairs and exited the White Clam Shuttles interior space. Chen Mu stood in a corner, finally letting out a sigh of relief in his heart. Yunzhou, Ive arrived! Chapter 181 - 180 Envy Immortal Teahouse. Chen Mu stared inexplicably at the small bowl in his hands. The bowl contained a fist-sized clump of rice. This rice was extremely heavy, holding the small bowl felt like holding a stone! The grains were crystalline yellow, as thick as rice from his previous life, but as long as peanuts, slender and sharp. Chen Mu picked up a grain and slowly chewed. A sweet and sticky fragrance spread in his mouth. Swallowing it, a gentle warmth emanated from his stomach. "Delicious!" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise, "Yellow Bud Rice is truly extraordinary." Then he shook his head and wryly smiled, "But its also extraordinarily expensive." Just a fist-sized portion had cost him five hundred Silver Taels! "Yunzhou cant possibly have these prices, right?" Chen Mu worried deeply about future living expenses. "How come after Spirit and Soul Unification Ive ended up with such a huge appetite?" Chen Mu said helplessly. The Fasting Pills were all eaten. The Silver was nearly all spent. If he continued to stay, hed have to use those seventeen White Jade Coins. "I shouldve extorted more from that old shaman!" Chen Mu thought, annoyed. As the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique improved, his bodys transformation accelerated and his appetite greatly increased. Ordinary food was no longer enough to satisfy him. "Is Yellow Bud Rice the main dish after Spirit and Soul Unification?" "This taste is somewhat familiar," Chen Mu puzzlingly frowned. "Fasting Pills?" He suddenly realized. Although still unable to discern the ingredients, the Fasting Pills must be related to Yellow Bud Rice.@@@@ "I wonder if this stuff is easy to grow." Chen Mu sighed. For the next twenty years, hed have to live with this stuff. ... Within the Zuo Liuyi Mao cabin. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the bed. The table still had the version 1.0 Calming Spirit Pills smoldering. In his mind, silvery strands pierced through a veil-like fog, rushing towards his eyes. Chen Mu was gradually getting used to these assaults. "The Divine Intent Diagram clears the fog, achieving Spirit and Soul Unification. Is this what they call opening the Heavenly Gate?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked toward the gray wall. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 7757/10000/Sixth Rank; "Once all the Soul Strength undergoes a quality transformation, I can begin perceptive cultivation." "I cant outdo Daoist Bone, but I am still one step ahead of the majority," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. ... "Director Song also came here riding on the White Scroll Shuttle." "Through diligent labor and dedicated cultivation, step by step, he Joined Jade Seed, gathered the Gathering Talisman, Condensed Spirit Orifice, and finally became the Elder Inspector." "If you work steadfastly without causing trouble or adding chaos, maybe you could become the second Director Song!" The chubby Daoist encouraged them sincerely. The crowd, which had just a moment ago wore hesitant expressions and eyes filled with disappointment, suddenly boiled with enthusiasm. It wasnt that these people were easily deceived, but rather, they were the cream of the crop from their respective countries. They all had an air of confidence that they too could make it. Even Chen Mu, the lazy homebody, couldnt help but feel excited. Fly! That was actual flying! Not the floating of Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, but real, off-the-ground flying! And it was so fast! Even knowing the chubby Daoist was just luring them with possibilities, Chen Mu couldnt help but be moved by the ups and downs of his emotions. "A true man should be like this!" Heat rushed to Chen Mus head in the moment. ... Three days later. The food store of the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. "Yellow Bud Rice is limited to ten jin, totaling two thousand Silver Taels." "Silver Bead Rice two hundred jin, totaling twenty-four Taels." "Sir, the total comes to two thousand and twenty-four Silver Taels. What do you think..." A shop assistant in his thirties clad in gray clothes looked at Chen Mu with a smiling face. The corner of Chen Mus mouth twitched. The enthusiasm from three days before evaporated instantly in the face of day-to-day necessities. Although the prices were significantly lower than on the White Scroll Shuttle, they were still outrageously high. He had a total of four thousand two hundred and fifty-six Silver Taels on him. This purchase would take away almost half, which really hurt. And this was only enough for one months worth of rice! Not to mention the cost of all kinds of meat and vegetables! Life is not easy... ... Carrying two sacks and holding a gray cloth bag, Chen Mu silently left the food store. He walked down the dockside street, heading eastward. Passing through the Market District, residential areas, and leaving behind the stone archway marked with Tongtian Square, he turned around the slope of Low Mountain. A vast basin plain that seemed limitless appeared before his eyes. Well-ordered fields lay on the ground. Scattered houses were barely visible among the fields. "Looks like Ill be muddling through here for the next twenty years." Despite the visible hardships, he felt somewhat at ease. Jilong Road was no fringe sect or evil cult, at least there was no immediate danger to life. Chen Mu tightened the sacks on his shoulder, quickened his pace, and with clouds of dust swirling behind him, he bounded off energetically. Chapter 182 - 181 Earth Spirit Vital Energy Chen Mu rushed all the way and finally reached the foot of Low Mountain after half an hour. Up the slope, a square courtyard entirely made of stone piled up caught his eye. That was the residence assigned to him by Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. "I wonder if Yellow Bud Rice is hard to grow," Chen Mu mused as he unlocked the brass lock and pushed the door open. The courtyard faced the north and to the south, and it was about half the size of a basketball court. On the east side, near the entrance, there was a well, with its stone well platform edges covered in green moss. However, at the opening of the well was a concave worn by the bottom of the water bucket, smooth to the touch as he ran his hand over it. To the north of the well platform was a small vegetable patch, now abandoned. On the west side of the yard, there was a wooden shed with a stove underneath. "Its passable," shrugged Chen Mu. "If anything, I can slowly remodel it later." ... After arranging the rice, meat, oil, and salt, Chen Mu pulled out a square table and put it in the middle of the courtyard to start preparing dinner. By the time the sun slanted west, he had prepared four vegetarian and four meat dishes, totalling eight dishes, and cooked a pot of rice using a mix of Silver Bead Rice and Yellow Bud Rice. Just as he had laid out the food, there was a noise at the entrance. Chen Mu turned to look, and a man in his fifties with his hands clasped behind his back, was standing by the door with a chuckle. His nostrils flaring, his eyes brightened: "Brother Chen, you have some impressive culinary skills." "Old Hao, please come in," Chen Mu immediately stood up to greet him.@@@@ This elder was his neighbor, living on the other side of Low Mountain. He was also the mentor assigned to him by the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. Hmm... a mentor to teach him farming. ... Halfway through the meal, Old Hao put down his bowl. Taking advantage of the moment Chen Mu was serving rice, he pulled out his pipe from behind his waist, lit the tobacco, and took a puff. "Your cooking is truly extraordinary," Old Hao sincerely admired. Laughing, he said, "You must be baffled by many things as a newcomer, right?" "In light of this meal, go ahead, ask me," Old Hao leisurely exhaled a fragrant puff of white smoke. Chen Mu hesitated, unaccustomed to not having to pay for information for the first time! That old man could be quite harmful! "Is Yellow Bud Rice easy to grow?" Chen Mu hurriedly asked. "The Lower Courtyard demands three hundred catties of Yellow Bud Rice per acre; with such a vast land, thats three hundred catties. What do you think?" countered Old Hao. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "You need to prepare in advance," Old Hao spoke earnestly. "Be ready to be in debt for a few years." Chen Mu felt a jolt in his heart. "In debt..." He hadnt realized until he did the math, but once he did, a cloud of gloom instantly settled over Chen Mus heart. A huge pressure suddenly weighed down on him. "Be honest and hardworking, strive in cultivation?" Chen Mu couldnt help but sneer. "Dont cause trouble, become another Director Song?" Anger quickly filled his heart. "The folks on Jilong Road have already written us off!" "Apart from burying our heads in hard labor, dont even think about doing anything else!" Chen Mu felt as though an invisible net was descending on him. The tighter it bound him, the less room he had to maneuver! "All in all, its because Im penniless!" Chen Mu couldnt help but feel despondent, "Could I, a transmigrator, really be thwarted by money?" Chen Mu managed a wry smile, but then sadness flooded in. "Heaven really is unfair!" Chen Mu thought bitterly. Those born with a Daoist Bone inherently started ahead in the race. Gifted and not needing to put in any effort, they had people eagerly giving them money. Compared to them, what did I have? Im just an ordinary person with mediocre talent. I have nothing! Chen Mus heart was full of sorrow and indignation. With a face of discontent, he picked up a basket of sun-dried Calming Pills. "All my toil and effort, and in the end, thirty pills only sell for one White Jade Coin?!" "This whole basket is, at most, worth five White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu turned to look at the corner shelf, where seven flat bamboo baskets were layered, each brimming with Calming Pills. Chen Mu silently withdrew his gaze, filled with sadness and frustration, "Life is too hard for me!" ... The next day, in a fan-shaped field at the base of Low Mountain. "This plot of land isnt great, with mountains on both sidestheyre not high, but the lighting is inevitably poor," Old Hao stood in the black soil, looking around. "The terrain is also irregular, too long and narrow, making planting and irrigation too time-consuming." "Right, you must only use water from the well in the courtyard for irrigation, understand?" Old Hao turned to remind Chen Mu. Chen Mus mind stirred, recalling the worn well rim, "Is there something special about that well?" Old Hao smiled mysteriously, "You think that courtyard was built just anywhere?" "Where the well is, thats where the courtyard is." "All the wells across the entire basin were specifically opened by the experts of the Upper Court, after delineating the water veins." "The water source originates from Jilong Mountain and contains the Earth Spirit Element." "Without it, Yellow Bud Rice cant germinate and grow." Chen Mus eyes narrowed involuntarily. "Earth Spirit Element?" Chapter 183 - 182 Difficulties "Plant one every two steps," "When watering, you must use a wooden spoon to water each plant individually, neither too much nor too little, just a level spoonful." "Pay attention to weeding, and when you spot small weeds, you must pull them out promptly." "The most important thing is to defend against exotic beasts," Old Hao solemnly admonished. "You must make a patrol at regular intervals during the night. It would be troublesome if beasts from the mountains come and cause destruction." Chen Mu was astonished, "Exotic beasts? The same kind used for the Exotic Beast Bone Powder?" "Thats right, exotic beasts are not the wild beasts you imagine," Old Hao carefully instructed, "Those that can live near the Earth Spirit Vital Energy usually have tough skin and flesh." "Ordinary swords and sabers cant even break their defenses." Chen Mu couldnt help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Impervious to swords and guns? Theyre almost on par with an Armor Spirit Warrior, arent they?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with a meaningful glance, "Disciples of the Lower Courtyard must meet the standard of the Armor Spirit, its not something to take lightly." "Earth Spirit Vital Energy can drown a person." "Exotic beasts can also bite a person to death." "Without the protection of Shell Soul, one wont last long in the Lower Courtyard." Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "This seemingly peaceful Low Hill Courtyard of Jilong Mountain doesnt seem very safe." ... "Yellow Bud Rice has harsh growth conditions, making it complicated and difficult to plant." "Add to that the stealing of the crop by exotic beasts, and it becomes no easy task to protect." "When it ripens, its fragrance can waft for dozens of miles, attracting herbivorous birds and exotic beasts that come to snatch the rice, making the harvest even more troublesome." "Be prepared mentally, you are definitely going to be in debt for the first couple of years," Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with sympathy. "Forget the nonsense that Prefect Ge Fatso used to fool you guys." "Buying the Unity Secret Technique costs money, and practicing it costs even more." "You need to see the reality and not aim too high!" "Start by settling down to farm, get the hang of Yellow Bud Rice," Old Hao earnestly advised. "Once youve met the grain delivery target, then slowly save up any extra Yellow Bud Rice." "By that time, having money on hand, you wont panic, and it will only be logical to then practice the Unity Secret Technique." Chen Mu nodded in agreement, "Old Hao is right!" "Without money in hand, one has no confidence in anything they do," Old Hao lamented, "Saving up an emergency fund is very important, as it gives you more opportunities to make errors." The small-eyed fat man immediately beamed with joy, "Hell be dissatisfied, hell be anxious, hell think about making a large sum of money, and want to start cultivating immediately!" "Old Hao is wise!" Old Haos face broke into a smile as he smoked, "In a while, Ill casually mention that some of his companions have already obtained the Unity Secret Technique and started cultivating." "What do you think..." "Hell definitely sell his personal treasures in exchange for White Jade Spirit Money!" the small-eyed fat man said excitedly. "Precisely!" Old Hao laughed as he exhaled a puff of smoke. "Tomorrow, Ill go find out some news about those strangers. If were going to provoke him, we have to be convincing," said the small-eyed fat man shrewdly. "Dont worry, Old Hao, by tomorrow afternoon, Ill definitely deliver the information to you." "No rush," Old Hao said leisurely. "Ill wait another ten days or half a month before going over." The small-eyed fat man looked puzzled at Old Hao. "Dont you know how hard it is to grow Yellow Bud Rice?" Old Hao gave the fat man a sidelong glance. "Of course, I know," the small-eyed fat man replied with a bitter smile. "If it werent difficult, I wouldnt be secretly making money off this buy-low sell-high business." "So we have to wait a few days. Let him try his hand at it and experience the trouble firsthand." "If after busying himself for half a month, he cant manage to grow three acres of fields..." Old Hao raised his eyebrows, "by then, when I present him with the news youve gathered, well talk." "Hell definitely need to sell his treasures for money!" The small-eyed fat man had a sudden realization, "Old Hao has thought of everything!" Suddenly he worried, "But what if he learns how to do it?" Old Hao rolled his eyes, "I really havent held back this week, explaining the tricks clearly, but most of the time, its me doing the work." "I talk a lot, I do a lot." "He listens a lot, but practices little." "He thinks he knows, but once he truly gets to work, heh..." Old Haos laugh was full of meaning. The small-eyed fat man immediately gave a thumbs-up, "Impressive!" Old Hao looked complacent. "You think Ive lived this age for nothing?" The small-eyed fat man smiled broadly, "Dont worry, Old Hao. After this deal is done, Ill definitely hand over a ten percent commission." Old Hao immediately nodded in satisfaction. After thinking it over, he couldnt help but instruct, "The price you offer cant be too outrageous. We have to think long-term; trade must be done with the future in mind." "Subsequent purchases of elixirs and magic artifacts could bring in a few more profits." The fat man nodded with a smile, "Dont worry, Old Hao, Ill remember that." "We cant cut the leek by its roots." "Besides, were not planning to swindle him. At most, well just press down the price a bit." "Compared to what Dong Cheng and his gang are doing, our actions arent pressure, theyre outright robbery!" Chapter 184 - 183 Seventh Rank Half a month later at noon, Old Hao, holding his smoking pipe, casually strolled over the Low Hill with each step covering more than ten meters.@@@@ "After half a month of hard labor, you must have had your fill of suffering." "The acre I helped to plant should have already sprouted by now." "Those he planted himself, at least half must be dead!" "At noon, after toiling all morning. The heat, exhaustion, and agitation." "All I need is to provoke him with my words, and hell definitely feel resentful." Thinking this, Old Haos demeanor was leisurely, yet he swiftly arrived at the edge of the field like the wind. He immediately saw the acre he had helped plant, with young seedlings as long as an index finger, green like iron needles, breaking through the soil, pointing straight towards the sky. "Without comparison, there can be no hurt feelings. See, its all stable!" He had already seen the hard-working figure under the sun and immediately approached. "Brother Chen, the Yellow Bud Rice you planted isnt... hmm?!" Before he finished speaking, Old Hao was shocked into silence by the sight before him in the field. The Yellow Bud Rice fields, which should have had a high death rate, were neatly lined with seedlings as tall as peanuts, like yellow needles of pine. "Old Hao, what were you saying just now?" Chen Mu arrived at the field with a smile. A twitch tugged at Old Haos mouth: "I was saying your Yellow Bud Rice is planted quite well!" Chen Mu, looking at the planting skill on the grey wall that had progressed more than First Rank, gratefully said, "Its all thanks to your excellent guidance, Old Hao!" Old Hao: "..." He really wanted to strangle his half-month-ago self. Why the hell did you teach him so well! Ten percent commission, at least twenty White Jade Coins, all gone just like that! ... It took a good while before Old Hao adjusted his mood, looking at the vast swathes of Yellow Bud Rice seedlings emerging, he couldnt help but click his tongue in wonder: "How many acres did you plant?" "Aside from the acre you helped me with, I planted another five." Chen Mu said cheerfully. Old Hao looked impressed: "Half a month, even for me, getting up early and going to bed late, would only get four acres planted. Your speed, tsk tsk..." He had to admit, the people who came from the Eight Desolate Islands, each and every one of them were really tough. Former jianghu heroes, masters of their own domains, they put aside their pride when they said they would. And then they could get down to business and work hard in farming. "You must have planted through the night, right?" Old Hao asked. Chen Mu scratched his head, looking simple and honest: "You have good eyes, Old Man, I indeed stayed up a bit." ... At night, under the crescent moon. Below the Low Hill, in the Yellow Bud Rice fields, five clouds of black smoke appeared. With a thought from Chen Mu, the paper ghosts began to work. The Spring Ghost carried Yellow Bud Rice seeds, precisely placing them five fingers deep in the ground. The Summer Ghost, carrying a bag, buried a palm-sized piece of Bone Powder a palms depth below the seeds, evenly distributed. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. In his mind, the Divine Intent Diagram for the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had completely vanished. On the back of his hand, a flash of silver light flickered and disappeared. He grasped his skin, feeling a toughness laced with a slight chill. It was like flexible iron skin, maintaining both hardness and softness. The Soul Strength developed by the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique and the Divine Intent Diagram had fully integrated. "What about the rest of this?" Chen Mu scratched his head looking at the patchwork Soul Strength on his body. He pulled up the grey wall. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 7/10000/Seventh Rank; "Can I continue to practice?" Chen Mu felt a surge of unexpected joy. After Spirit and Soul Unification comes the Perceptive cultivation. After so many events, time spent, and traveling the vast seas from Da Liang, wasnt it all for this day? "Its a pity theres no Chunfeng Tower here," Chen Mu felt somewhat regretful. "Forget it, Ill make myself a feast tomorrow." "By the way, my cooking skill is about to advance too, double happiness." ... The next day, Chen Mu sat at a square table gorging himself, but his expression was ugly. He realized that after the Spirit and Soul Unification, not only did his appetite not decrease, but it had increased again. "Others dont have this issue," Chen Mu finally noticed something was amiss. "I need to find time to inquire about the details of Spirit and Soul Unification." He couldnt just keep on cultivating blindly. "I also need to convert the Calming Pills into cash quickly." After buying the materials for Calming Pills, Yellow Bud Rice, and Exotic Beast meat, he was left with only nine White Jade Coins. "Should I sell them to Hundred Herbs Pavilion?" Chen Mu hesitated. Hundred Herbs Pavilion was affiliated with Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard. They offered fair deals, and the disciples of the Lower Courtyard could even get credit for Exotic Beast Bone Powder, making it a conscientious shop. But being a newcomer whod only been around for just over a month, suddenly producing such a large batch of Calming Pills could attract unwanted attention, couldnt it? What Hundred Herbs Pavilion knew, Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard would also know. Once exposed, there might be advantages, but disadvantages were certain to come! After all, wealth moves the heart! "I wonder if theres a place like the Ghost Market," Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. With thousands of disciples in the entire Lower Courtyard planting basin, there had to be a black market. "Old Hao should know." His family had been living here for three generations; they must be privy to many secrets. Chen Mu made up his mind. Chapter 185 - 184: Gathering Intelligence "We need to inquire, but not too directly," Chen Mu pondered. The Underground Market is quite covert, and the goods traded there often have a gray area. One must be cautious when probing, to avoid inviting trouble. "Lets start with discussing the tricks of planting Yellow Bud Rice for a few days. Once Ive blended in, then I can begin to indirectly inquire," Chen Mu had a plan in mind. The cost of achieving Spirit and Soul Unification indeed increased significantly, but in the end, he still had nine White Jade Coins. There was no need to exchange them for money right away. "Keep calm," Chen Mu reminded himself. In an unfamiliar place, stability is the most important. "I also need to gather details about the cultivation of Spirit and Soul Unification," Chen Mu said as he kneaded his skin that emitted a faint chill. He always felt that his practice was somehow off. ... "Lets wait another three to five months," Old Hao put down his bowl, which he had wiped clean of Yellow Bud Rice, on the square table. He took out his pipe from behind his waist and lit it, squinting his eyes as he thought and said, "The Scripture Transmission Institute of the Lower Courtyard holds a big sermon every six months." "Each sermon lasts for half a month, and everyone can listen for free." "It starts from Spirit and Soul Unification and goes all the way to Perceptive Spirit Light." "Although its only a general explanation, it should solve most of your doubts." "If youre lucky, you might even get a chance to ask questions individually," Old Hao said, exhaling a fragrant white smoke. Chen Mu couldnt help but squint his eyes. Such a good opportunity; he definitely had to go and see it when the time came. Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu and hinted without showing much emotion, "Of course, if you have the money, you can go to the Scripture Transmission Institute at any time." "You can purchase Secret Techniques, pay for personal instruction on cultivation bottlenecks, all of that can be handled there." Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow C a different worlds version of knowledge payment? "Whats the price? Is it reliable?" "The Scripture Transmission Institute does these things all year round. Whats there not to trust?" Old Hao rolled his eyes. "As for the price, it varies. The Secret Technique Jade Scrolls have a clear price tag, but for personal instruction on cultivation issues, it depends on the main instructor, the content, and the teaching methods C all the prices are different," Old Hao told him. He further gave Chen Mu several examples. Chen Mu listened, puzzled. The educational philosophy is so... trendy? Thats quite similar to the training institutions of the previous world. He had thought it would be a master-disciple teaching model. "Even for master-disciple teaching, dont you have to present a gift to the master?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu strangely: "Who would impart cultivation experience for nothing?" "Like how I teach you to plant Yellow Bud Rice, if I teach well, the Scripture Transmission Institute has to pay me." "This is equivalent to the Lower Courtyard spending money to hire a teacher for you." Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with a face that said, How do you not understand this? Chen Mu felt uncomfortable all over. He felt like a country bumpkin with no worldly experience. Then he thought of his own origins, an island suspended in the sea C although the island was overly large C it did indeed belong to the remote outskirts of the overseas lands. Wasnt he precisely an unsophisticated country bumpkin? Your journey continues at empire Chen Mu couldnt help but smile bitterly. "The Scripture Transmission Institute of the Lower Courtyard is indeed very serious and responsible," Old Hao said with narrowed eyes: "Of course, all this presupposes that you have enough White Jade Coins." The reward from the Scripture Transmission Institute might be within reach, but the commission from selling treasures was probably gone. In the past two or three months, all of the outsiders who had arrived with Chen Mu had sold some of their personal treasures. In a region, the top-tier individuals invariably had rare items in their possession. Even on remote overseas islands, the treasures accumulated by the elite were still valuable. Those who traded them had made a pretty penny, making him and the fat monk drool with envy. Unfortunately... Old Hao looked helplessly at Chen Mu. This man was too earnest, spending all day just farming. Seeing others cultivation rise rapidly, wasnt he anxious at all? No, thats not right! How did such an honest man cultivate a Shell Soul, and how did he even traverse the vast ocean? Old Haos heart skipped a beat. There must be something off here! Old Haos brows furrowed tightly as he stared intently at Chen Mu from head to toe! Recalling their interactions over the past few months and observing Chen Mus behavior, Old Haos face suddenly darkened. "This man..." "This man is truly damn lucky!" "It must be so!" Old Hao affirmed. Otherwise, an honest, uncontentious person without top-notch luck could never have come this far! Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with mixed feelings. "Maybe, next time I go to the gambling ship, Ill take him along for the ride? Maybe I can rub off some of his luck?" Old Haos eyes lit up. "Forget it, we dont have many honest people like him anymore, cant lead him astray," Old Hao sighed. The honest man, Chen Mu, felt uneasy under Old Haos intense gaze. What was the old man thinking? Never mind that, weve gotten familiar over this period; its time to inquire about the Underground Market District. Thinking this, Chen Mu casually mentioned, "I heard theres a market district here besides Tongtian Square?" "There is one," Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu, "Tongtian Square sells genuine goods, but the prices..." Old Hao made a face at Chen Mu. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. The buying prices were low, and selling prices were high. "Theres also an Underground Market District. They have a gathering every half month. But the place is a mix of good and bad; it can easily lead to trouble." Chen Mu nodded. This was consistent with the norm for a Ghost Market. If there werent problems, who would go to such a place for trading? "Why are you asking about this?" Old Hao looked at Chen Mu curiously. "I just have some items I cant use; Im wondering where I could exchange them for some money?" Chen Mu looked at the Calming Pills inside the Five Ghosts Bag. The Hundred Herbs Pavilion was selling them at thirty for one White Jade Coin. The purchase price would definitely not be that high. So, it was better to sell them in the Underground Market District. In the entire plains of the Lower Courtyard, there were several thousand Armor Spirit Warriors. Just by giving out three to five pills, he could quickly monetize them. Chen Mu pondered how to sell them securely while making money. However, Old Hao was staring at Chen Mu, his face filled with unspeakable delight. "After all the twists and turns, is the commission coming back to me?!" What an unexpected joy! Chapter 186 - 185: Honest Man "Do you really have things you dont need that you intend to sell?" Old Hao asked, his face filled with surprise. Of course not. I just wanted to sell some extra Calming Pills. Chen Mu, not knowing what to say, ambiguously replied, "I do intend to sell some stuff." "Then you must be careful," Old Hao quickly composed himself, frowning in thought. "Tongtian Square is known for buying low and selling high. Unless its a really good item, its not worth selling there." "But the Underground Market is not safe, with all sorts mixing together, its easy to run into trouble," Old Hao said earnestly. "Youve just arrived. Its better to first get a handle on things for about half a year to a year, get to know the surroundings. Then go to the Underground Market, that way its safer."@@@@ Chen Mu looked at Old Hao with gratitude. Such a sincere man, always thinking ahead for others. As a stranger here, if I rashly ventured into the Underground Market to sell Calming Pills, it would certainly invite malicious scrutiny. "I wonder, Old Hao, could you possibly take me there?" Chen Mu sincerely asked. Waiting a bit wasnt a problem, but getting a look first wouldnt hurt. Old Hao had been mixing about in the Lower Courtyard at the foot of Jilong Mountain his whole life, he knew the place inside out. Having him as a guide to get acquainted with the Underground Market would be beneficial. "Why are you so stubborn!" Old Hao pursed his lips tight, his brows knitted. You must not laugh, definitely must not laugh! It was so close, just a hair away from failing to control that urge to curl the corners of his mouth! "Alright then, Ill go back and find you a connection, Ill take you to an acquaintance to have a look first," said Old Hao, shaking his head as he got up and walked away with his hands behind his back. Explore more at empire Chen Mu saw him to the door and watched his swiftly disappearing figure, filled with emotion: "What a good man!" ... In a field of intermingling yellow and green, overrun with weeds, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields lay before a stone house situated at the edge of the land. Old Hao glanced at the declining fields and his eyelids twitched hard. Without even bothering to curse, he hurried forward and knocked on the door: "Shang Huan, Shang Huan! Open up, I bring good news!" "Uncle Hao, whats this..." the small-eyed, chubby Shang Huan said in surprise, seeing Old Hao. "That Brother Chen has finally come to his senses!" Old Hao said with an expression of indescribable complexity. It wasnt easy. He had been dropping hints for months, openly and covertly prodding, and finally persuaded this fellow. "Hes planning to sell treasures?" Shang Huans small eyes suddenly went round. "Thats right, Uncle Hao. I was about to give up already. Come in," Shang Huan couldnt help but laugh heartily. It wasnt that he couldnt stay calm; it was just that these outsiders really had some treasures, one way or another. If he could get his hands on them and resell them on the Ghost Ship on the Tongtian River at a higher price, the profit, tsk tsk... Its said that someone had earned three times the amount of White Jade Coins! "So what treasures does Brother Chen have?" Shang Huan couldnt contain his excitement. "I havent seen the item yet, but hes already thinking of selling," Old Hao said with a laugh. Shang Huan: "This is obviously... Ouch, darn, why are there three fingers now!" The two looked at each other, perplexed, and suddenly felt weak in their limbs. Their eyes rolled back, and they slumped to the ground with a thud. A cloud of black smoke appeared in the room and slowly spread around, filling the whole room in the blink of an eye. The bag of Yellow Bud Rice in the corner, the air-dried Exotic Beast Meat hanging from the beams, a string of White Jade Coins hidden in the crevices of the wall, as well as the precious items on Old Hao and Shang Huans bodies, all vanished in a blink of an eye. Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu had a pained expression on his face as he turned his back to the rooms door. "I have no intention to harm others, yet others intend to swindle me." "I didnt want this." Chen Mu looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with profound disappointment. "I farm earnestly, yet behind my back, you plot to deceive me." "This is too much to bear!" "Since its come to this, I will give you a lesson!" "Let you see for yourself the treachery of this world!" ... The next morning, Old Hao appeared in front of Chen Mus place with a dark expression. Looking at Chen Mu slowly inspecting the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and occasionally bending over to pull out weeds, Old Hao tried hard to compose his facial expression. "I hope Brother Chen can bring out some good stuff." "To make up for last nights losses quickly." "Otherwise, this year is going to be tight." He instinctively pulled out his smoking pipe but eventually refrained from lighting it. "Need to save it." Old Hao steadied his mood and leisurely walked into the fields. "Brother Chen, the task is done. Lets meet tonight," he said. "If you want to sell anything, you can prepare it in advance." Chen Mus face beamed with a smile, "I thought about it carefully and feel what Old Hao said makes sense." What do you mean? When did I talk sense? Old Hao was a bit confused. "Im new here, best to settle in for half a year or a year first." Dont do that! Old Hao panicked, if you get settled, then I cant settle down. Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, he coughed and said in a feigned gentle tone, "But if you dont exchange for some White Jade Money, youll end up in debt this year." Chen Mus face was the picture of innocence, "No worries, Old Hao mentioned before, my talent for farming is pretty decent." Chen Mu smiled cheerily, "Old Hao, I trust you!" Old Hao: "..." Can you not trust me? After all this back and forth, theres no cut left? Darn! Chapter 187 - 186 Exotic Beast In the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu watched Old Haos slightly disheveled retreating figure and couldnt help but sigh. "I didnt want to." Chen Mu shook his head, "There is no such thing as an unprovoked kindness." "This world that crushes ones hopes..." Looking at the items snatched within the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu sighed again. The loss of these items could be a heavy blow to Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan. It might leave them without food, unable to pay their dues, unsuccessful in their practices. "But if I dont teach them a lesson, what will they do when they encounter someone more ruthless in the future?" "Whats at stake then might not just be possessions, but their very lives!" Chen Mu let out a breath, "Im doing this for their own good!" "I hope you can become kind and solid individuals!" Thinking that he may have shaped two good people in this world, Chen Mus mood instantly brightened. After Old Haos figure disappeared over Low Mountain, Chen Mu didnt bother to pretend to weed any longer. He straightened up and thick black smoke spread across the fields. Chen Mu strolled leisurely through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and with a casual roundabout walk, all the weeds vanished without a trace. "Planting Yellow Bud Rice isnt that difficult, is it?" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. According to his estimate, as long as he could hold on until the autumn harvest, he would definitely meet the target for paying his dues. "Time to go home and make a feast!" ... In the stone courtyard on the east side, the previously abandoned vegetable patch was cleaned and leveled by Chen Mu, who laid down a floor of green stone slabs. Using round logs as pillars and wooden planks for the roof, Chen Mu routinely built a wooden shed. Under the shed, rocking chairs and a low tea table were neatly arranged. After eating, Chen Mu comfortably nestled into a rocking chair. Black smoke swirled as items began to materialize out of thin air. "A half bag of Yellow Bud Rice, thats enough for five or six days of eating," Chen Mu said with a twist of his lip. "Dried Exotic Beast Meat with sinewy muscles, I wonder what the full appearance of this beast is, it looks a bit strange." Chen Mu pressed the cured meat and nodded in satisfaction. "Ill wash it and try making stir-fried flavored cured meat tonight." Next, he took out three small cloth bags and dumped them onto the low table. "A total of seventeen White Jade Coins, this is good!" Chen Mu heaved a sigh of relief, the money was enough for him to eat for four or five months and solved an urgent need. "This way, theres no rush to sell the Calming Pills." His experience with Old Hao made him distrustful of the new environment. "Ill wait until Ive listened to teachings at the Scripture Transmission Institute," Chen Mu thought to himself. He needed to confirm that his Spirit and Soul Unification had no issues. Chen Mu took out a copper mirror and looked at his face. In the middle of his forehead, silver threads like waves were faintly visible. "Old Haos face and arms havent changed, and his appetite is still normal. Whats with my Spirit Armor Technique?" Chen Mu wondered with confusion. "Since I cant make the original Fasting Pill, should I try making a 4.0 version of it?" Chen Mu pondered. He didnt know how to turn Yellow Bud Rice into the Fasting Pill. But the idea of transforming Yellow Bud Rice into a 4.0 version of the Fasting Pill was still within his reach. "Mixing in Exotic Beast Meat, that just might work." As he was contemplating, a sudden realization flashed through his mind. Chen Mus action of chewing the Fasting Pills abruptly paused. He called up the grey wall. Culinary Skills: 5/10000/Fourth Rank; As he was musing over the Fasting Pill, his Culinary Skills naturally broke through to Fourth Rank. He finally understood the ingredients of the Fasting Pill. "Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle. "Alchemical Technique didnt make it clear, but Culinary Skills did. Heh..." "A misunderstanding indeed." In the end, the Fasting Pill was simply a type of food. "Its a pity I still cant extract it," Chen Mu shook his head. Fourth Rank Culinary Skills only enabled him to identify the ingredients, but not the extraction methods. "Perhaps the Scripture Transmission Institute might have the answer," Chen Mu contemplated. "No point thinking about it now, first I need to take good care of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." As he was thinking this, Chen Mu suddenly paused, turning his head towards the direction of the courtyard gate. "An Exotic Beast?" The paper Ghosts floating over the field transmitted back a bizarre image. A group of uninvited guests had barged into the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. With bodies the size of calves, shiny black fur, branching antler-like horns, and muscles more inflated and exaggerated than those of a past-world bodybuilder. "Is this... a sheep?" ... "Black Sheep with Antlers, they eat a lot and grow fast," Old Hao remarked with amazement as he looked at the black sheep lying in a row in the field. "Youre lucky to have found out in time; otherwise, they would have ruined two mu of your Yellow Bud Rice in just one night." "Two adults and three young, they can sell for two White Jade Coins, youre really fortunate," Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with envy. Chen Mu chuckled, "Can these be eaten?" "Youre not planning to exchange them for money?" Old Hao looked surprisedly at Chen Mu. "They can be eaten; some people specifically raise this kind of Exotic Beast to slaughter and sell for money." "But... but thats two White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu smiled broadly, "No worries, Id like to try something new." After all, he would have to spend money to buy Exotic Beast Meat, so why not just eat this one. To spend two White Jade Coins to try something new? I wish I could do that! Old Hao looked at Chen Mu with mixed feelings. "This guys luck is really damn good!" Discover hidden stories at empire Chapter 188 - 187 Mustard Seed Talisman "Keep the meat for food." "Hides, bones, horns can all be sold for money," Old Hao reminded. "Does Old Hao have a way?" Chen Mus heart stirred, his face showing difficulty: "Im new here, and I dont know how to deal with them." "For such small things, its not worth the trip to Tongtian Square." "What if another Exotic Beast comes and ruins the Yellow Bud Rice Fields? Then these past few months will have been a waste." Old Haos eyebrows rose, a flicker of pleasure passing through his eyes: "If you trust me, you can leave it to me." "Old Hao, I trust you!" Chen Mu smiled brightly. Old Hao hesitated and nodded, feeling something off about that statement. Forget it, making money is whats important. Now that Im strapped for cash, I can only resell some Exotic Beast Materials. ... Three days later, in the evening, Old Hao folded the preliminarily processed hides and packed them together with the cleaned Exotic Beast bones. He donned a black cloak and a piece of black cloth over his face, and carrying the bundle, he quickly vanished into the night. In the mountains to the north of the basin plain. Old Hao moved quickly through the dense jungle and soon stopped in front of a natural cave entrance. A person in a similarly hooded cloak appeared abruptly. "Who referred you here?" the cloaked person asked coldly. "Shang Huan," replied Old Hao cautiously. The cloaked person scrutinized Old Hao, paying close attention to the bundle behind him, and then slowly nodded: "Go on in." Old Hao breathed a sigh of relief and slipped into the cave entrance, disappearing from sight. ... Before long, another person with a gray cloth bag appeared. The cloaked figure that was hiding somewhere reappeared. "Who referred you here," the cloaked person asked coldly. "Shang Huan," Chen Mu replied calmly. The cloaked person immediately became suspicious, eyeing Chen Mu. Two referrals from Shang Huan in a rowcould there be a problem? Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, wasnt that what Old Hao had just said? He casually asked as though it was nothing: "That chubby guy with the small eyes didnt come today?" The cloaked persons tension eased. Being able to accurately describe Shang Huans appearance and stature indicated he indeed knew Shang Huan. "Go on in," said the cloaked person indifferently. Chen Mu nodded calmly and slipped into the cave entrance. "The entrance check isnt as strict as I imagined." Otherwise, how could someone get through just by asking casually? "Someones behind this? Not afraid of trouble?" Chen Mu understood. Upon entering the cave, there was immediately a downhill slope. After descending for seventy or eighty meters, he arrived at the bottom of the cave, which grew more spacious the further down he went. Standing at the entrance at the bottom of the cave, Chen Mu looked ahead. Inside the underground cavern was a large square lit by Glowing Algae Lamps scattered around, illuminating the interior as if it were daylight. "The Underground Market really is underground." "People coming and going, lights shining brightlyso brazen?" Chen Mu was surprised. It seemed that the people behind this were no small fries. "Could some big shots from the Lower Courtyard be involved too?" Chen Mu speculated. ... He soon began to wander the Underground Market. At one vendors stall. "Whats the price for Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu asked. "One hundred twenty for a pound," the short, thin shopkeeper said cheerfully. One White Jade Coin? Indeed, cheaper than inside Tongtian Square. "May I have a look?" Chen Mu said skeptically, hoping it wasnt a sub-par imitation. "Be my guest," the short, thin shopkeeper opened up the burlap bag. Chen Mu grabbed a handful to inspect, full kernels of good-quality Yellow Bud Rice. He was about to buy, but something crossed his mind, and he reached to the bottom of the burlap bag. The almost complacent shopkeeper immediately tensed up. Chen Mu wordlessly withdrew his hand and turned to leave. Good stuff on top, inferior goods at the bottom. If it hadnt looked different, Chen Mu would have thought Jie Jia was here. "This Underground Market really is full of all sorts." Chen Mu lost interest in buying anything and merely treated it as a chance to broaden his horizons. ... At another street stall, several familiar items caught Chen Mus attention. "Isnt this the same type of leather wrist guard that Shang Huan had?" "How much is this?" Chen Mu leaned forward unobtrusively and asked. ``` "Thirty-six White Jade Coins," said the shop owner, an old man with a demon mask and grizzled hair and beard. ``` ``` Chen Mu shook his head slightly, saying indifferently, "Too expensive." ``` ``` The grizzled-haired old man looked up at Chen Mu and said calmly, "Scram." ``` ``` Chen Mu: "..." ``` ``` How is this cursing people? ``` ``` Just then, a burly man suddenly approached, giving Chen Mu a sidelong glance. He then deftly handed a cloth bag to the old man, "Give me a Mustard Seed Talisman." ``` ``` ``` ``` ... ``` ``` Below Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, beetles the size of a fingernail and vibrant green in color flew up unexpectedly. ``` ``` They landed on the leaves of the Yellow Bud Rice and began to gnaw voraciously. ``` ``` The tough, rubber-like Yellow Bud Rice leaves were quickly punctured with big holes. ``` ``` And once the beetle ate through a palm-sized leaf, ``` ``` it suddenly split in two, creating two beetles. ``` ``` One became two, two became four, and four became eight; a patch of beetles as big as a flat basket in no time became as large as a double bed. ``` ``` Chen Mus face turned grim as he observed the Yellow Bud Rice leaves riddled with holes. ``` ``` It seemed they could only morph three times, but their feeding never ceased. ``` ``` He reached out to grab a green beetle, which, infuriated, turned and fiercely bit at Chen Mu. ``` ``` Chen Mus neck and scalp tensed as he instinctively contracted his muscles, preparing to bear the pain. ``` ``` Crack! ``` ``` The mouthparts, shimmering with a cold light and resembling that of a weapon, shattered. ``` ``` Chen Mu looked at his fingers, now laced with silver threads, in amazement. ``` ``` He hadnt felt the slightest thing from that bite, powerful enough to crush stone. ``` ``` "Spirit Armor Technique is indeed no trivial matter," he thought. His skin had been transformed long ago to be impenetrable to blades and spears. ``` ``` Even without Gather Strength, his skin was already tougher than Shell Souls defenses. ``` ``` "We cant let these bugs continue to wreak havoc on the Yellow Bud Rice," he resolved. ``` ``` Clang! ``` ``` A sound like that of a giant bell being struck suddenly filled the air. ``` ``` Chen Mu suddenly rang the Heartless Bell. ``` ``` The sound wave swiftly spread through the area. ``` ``` The bold beetles, just moments ago, shuddered and fell like drunks to the ground. ``` ``` Black smoke billowed within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. ``` ``` And the green beetles vanished instantly. ``` ``` "Good thing I returned just in time," Chen Mu exhaled in relief. ``` ``` If left unchecked, these pests could have completely devastated his ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice overnight! ``` Chapter 189 - 188 Bai Yang Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu pinched an oval-shaped emerald insect and examined it. The insect was the size of a fingernail and entirely a lustrous green, looking as if it were carved from jade. When motionless, it appeared quite exquisite. But Chen Mu wouldnt forget how irritable they were last night. "Thank goodness they have a limit to how many times they can split." Just thinking about that overwhelming scenario made Chen Mu shiver uncontrollably. "One must not underestimate exotic beasts," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. The previous encounter with the antlered black sheep, which he could knock down with a single punch each, had led him to believe that exotic beasts were of little concern. But the strange beetles had taught Chen Mu a lesson. "They might have some bizarre abilities." ... "Ive never seen it before," Old Hao, holding the insect, shook his head in confusion. "Rice stem borers, thrips, leafhoppers, planthoppersthese are the usual pests in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "This green jade-like insect is the first Ive ever seen," frowned Old Hao. The emergence of a new pest could be devastating to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields if insecticide measures were not identified swiftly. "Have you tried using insecticides? Do they kill?" Old Hao asked. Chen Mu shook his head, "Havent tried, dont know." The insect was stunned by the Heartless Bell, and except for a few samples, the rest were fed to the Five Ghosts Bag. He had assumed they were common pests, but it turned out to be a different kind. "Keep an eye out these next few days," Old Hao sighed. Chen Mu nodded. He wasnt really scared. Last night, he had discovered that the Heartless Bell was incredibly effective against small flying insects. With its wide range and ability to stun, there was no need to buy insecticide. ... "This is what you earned from the antlered black sheeps hide and bones." Old Hao handed Chen Mu two White Jade Coins. "So much?" Chen Mu was surprised. "If you sell the entire thing, youll get even more than this," Old Hao rolled his eyes. After a thought, Chen Mu put away the White Jade Coins and went to his room to fetch a preserved and air-dried leg of the antlered black sheep that he was preparing as cured meat and handed it to Old Hao. "I made this myself; you should take it home and try it." "Brother Chen is generous," laughed Old Hao as he naturally accepted the forty-something pounds of exotic beast meat. All the hard work he did was for a bit of commission, wasnt it? The exotic beast meat would save him a lot of Yellow Bud Rice money. Even if he didnt eat it, he could sell it. While it couldnt be exchanged for White Jade Coins, a few thousand Silver was easily obtainable. He went through them one by one, not giving up, but didnt find the treasured books of secret techniques he had long anticipated. "I really dont have the protagonists halo," Chen Mu shook his head. After critically going through them several times, Chen Mu found that it wasnt just imperial erotica in there; he also found Shang Huans ledgers. They recorded the number of items he bought and sold in reverse, as well as the prices at different delivery locations. "Theres a Ghost Ship on the Tongtian River?" Chen Mu was somewhat surprised. "And it can go to other gathering places on Jilong Road?" "The basin plain is just one of the gathering places of the Lower Courtyard," Chen Mu realized. However... "Why does the True Sun Scripture cost only one White Jade Coin?!" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise as he looked at one item on the list. Somethings not right here. ... "You didnt buy it, did you?" Old Hao burped, glancing at Chen Mu sideways. Having held back for three days, Chen Mu finally found an excuse to invite Old Hao for a meal and by the way ask about the price of the True Sun Scripture. "Im not stupid," Chen Mu rolled his eyes. It was clearly problematic. "Other people arent stupid either, but they still pay money for it," Old Hao shrugged his shoulders. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow: "So this cheap True Sun Scripture could actually be genuine?" Otherwise, why would people spend money to buy it? "Its genuine, but not complete," Old Hao took a drag of his cigarette. "Even though the Scripture Transmission Institute keeps preaching about how chanting Scriptures over and over reveals its wonders naturally. But...," Old Hao pursed his lips. "Without the Secret Technique Jade Scroll imparting the True Intent of the Jade Seed, trying to comprehend the mysteries from a piece of obscure scripture is as difficult as ascending to the heavens." "But there are always those who think themselves exceptional." He glanced at Chen Mu. "Especially you outsiders." "True Intent?" This touched on an area unknown to him. Old Hao leisurely exhaled a puff of white smoke and said indifferently, "Thats the core foundation of a Secret Technique." "Forget it, even if I tell you, you wouldnt understand." "Wait until when youve saved enough money, go to the Scripture Transmission Institute, buy a copy of the True Sun Scripture, and study the Secret Technique Jade Scroll, then youll understand everything." The core foundation? Could it be something like the Divine Intent Diagram? Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and suddenly spoke up, "Old Hao, you mentioned that by chanting the Scripture a myriad of times, the wonders would reveal themselves?" "Why, you dont believe it?" Old Hao looked askance at Chen Mu. "Old Hao, you know I believe you," Chen Mu said earnestly. Old Hao nodded in satisfaction, glad this wasnt some stubborn youth who wouldnt take advice. "So, how much for one book?" Chen Mu smiled. Old Hao: "..." ``` Chapter 190 - 189: Open Source Low Hill Courtyard, under the wooden shed. Chen Mu moved his rocking chair to the south, getting as close to the well as he could. Recently, as his proficiency with the Spirit Armor Technique increased, the silver strand at his forehead became clearer and clearer, and he often felt a cool touch. It was as if a fine misty rain occasionally landed on his forehead. These past few days, he discovered the closer he was to the well, the more frequent this cool sensation appeared. "Earth Spirit Vital Energy?" The Sixth Rank Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique involved the unification of soul and spirit. The Seventh Rank most likely corresponded to perception. Chen Mu guessed that this stage was about perceiving Earth Spirit Vital Energy.@@@@ Remembering his cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, Chen Mus face was full of emotion. Without needing to cultivate, one could simply eat, drink, and breathe to earn experience, just as one grows normally. "Its practically a fantasy-like Cultivation Technique." Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "The only fear is that there might be some problems." Tongtian Squares Scripture Transmission Institute was two months away. Going there alone, without enough White Jade Coins, wouldnt work. The appearance of the True Sun Scripture provided Chen Mu with a new plan. To master the True Sun Scripture and compare it directly with the Spirit Armor Technique to see if there were any issuesit would be immediately evident. "Reciting scriptures offers endless changes, and the essence will reveal itself?" "Heh..." "To others, this would be deceit." "But to me, its the true teaching." He immediately unrolled a grey scroll about the length of a palm and as thick as a wrist. The densely packed, seemingly disjointed text came into view. Chen Mus lips curled into a smile, his heart leaping with excitement. "Another new challenge." ... Below Low Hill, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Chen Mu strolled casually among the metre-tall Yellow Bud Rice stalks. Invisible black smoke spread across the ground, and the weeds that had just sprouted vanished in an instant. Chen Mu mumbled non-stop, reciting the thousands of characters that made up the curse words of the True Sun Scripture. At a certain moment, a sudden enlightenment sprang up in Chen Mus mind. The curse words he was reciting were interrupted halfway through. Chen Mu couldnt help but look at the main stalk of a Yellow Bud Rice plant beside him. Curious, he walked over and snapped the main stalk. Inside was a fat white caterpillar, wriggling and eating away at the stalk. "I didnt expect my planting abilities to advance to the Second Rank first," Chen Mu chuckled. With a flood of insights pouring into his mind, he looked over the verdant Yellow Bud Rice Fields and immediately noticed several areas needing improvement. ... Three days later, as Chen Mu was in the midst of reciting scriptures until his head was swimming, Dong Fang looked at him with a smirk: "Buy his life." "Buy his own life." The bald strongman: "..." ... Advancing his Planting Skill to the Second Rank had made Chen Mus care for the Yellow Bud Rice Fields even more proficient. With the help of the Five Ghosts, he only needed one hour a day to complete the care of the Yellow Bud Rice. The rest of the time, he used it all to recite the True Sun Scripture. He didnt know if it was because he had mastered the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique or because the fog outside the Divine Intent Diagram had been previously broken through. Every time he recited the Curse Words, it would bring Chen Mu four to six points of experience. In one hour, he could gain sixty to seventy experience points. As his proficiency increased, the Divine Intent Diagram of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape and his Soul Strength began to shake, adjust, and resonate in unison. Two days later, this resonance reached its peak. A strand of Jet Black Soul Strength suddenly appeared in front of him. Then, following a small breach in the fog, it swiftly drilled into the middle of the fog. Next, it headed straight for the Blue-eyed Golden Apes Divine Intent Diagram and disappeared into it in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu looked helplessly at the Divine Intent Diagram, which had immediately brightened slightly, his face full of chagrin. "One Divine Intent Diagram running away, one Soul Strength burrowing in," he lamented. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique really is making me do the splits." ... Five days later, inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Black smoke billowed as Chen Mu held a fist-sized white porcelain bottle in his hand. "Tongtian Squares prices truly are expensive," Chen Mu sighed. One White Jade Coin only got him ten Fasting Pills. Previously, Jie Jia had said that one White Jade Coin could usually buy about twelve pills. Dumping out one pill, Chen Mu carefully divided it into ten parts. Picking up one piece, he placed it in his mouth. The Fasting Pill, with its faint fragrance, melted as soon as it hit his tongue, traveling down his throat into his stomach and quickly assimilating throughout his body. "Given my current physical condition, eating a Fasting Pill is unlikely to burst me," Chen Mu shrugged. "Still, I should eat only half," he decided, to be safe. With the entry-level mastery of the True Sun Scripture, his Spirit Soul began to merge. His appetite increased once again. Chen Mu could only buy a bottle of Fasting Pills as a supplement. "Its just too expensive." Now his monthly living expenses had reached an astonishing five White Jade Coins. And as he continued his cultivation, this number would only go up. "I cant just sit around and wait for the supplies to run out." "I need to find a way to sell some Calming Pills." Chapter 191 - 190: Middleman At night, in the abandoned Yellow Bud Rice fields, within the Shang Huan estate. Old Hao mixed homemade bone powder into a pile of True Bone Powder, while anxiously looking at Shang Huan, "Are we really doing this?" The small-eyed, chubby Shang Huan wielded an iron shovel, turning and stirring relentlessly. "Hundred Herbs Pavilion sells bone powder, five White Jade Coins can only buy five hundred catties." "We, for the same five White Jade Coins, provide five hundred and fifty catties." "If we dont adulterate it, how can we make any profit!" Old Hao muttered for a while before sighing, "Arent you afraid of getting caught?!" Shang Huan chuckled slyly, "Im only mixing in eighty catties into the five hundred and fifty; I havent added that much." "As long as the entire batch of fertilizer is used over ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice fields." "Thats merely two catties less True Bone Powder per acre, how could that change anything for the Yellow Bud Rice fields." "Rest assured, the buyers wont have any reduced yield due to the fertilizer." "Even if theres a slight decrease in yield, it wouldnt fall below the fluctuation limit for Yellow Bud Rice harvest."@@@@ "If someone complains, then its their farming techniques to blame!" Old Hao looked at Shang Huan with a complex expression. "You swindler..." Yet Shang Huan was full of pride, "So tell me, are you in or out?" Old Hao sighed and shook his head, "Im in!" Chen Mu, hovering outside over the Yellow Bud Rice fields, "..." "Is this the fraudulent practice of those fertilizer workshops in my previous life, mixing inferior products with good ones?" "Different world, same greed," Chen Mu lamented. "Sure enough, one cant expect much change from these guys." Just yesterday, Old Hao was still recommending a cheap bone powder to him. Now, it was clear it must have been this very product. Chen Mu almost couldnt restrain himself from storming in and giving them a good thrashing! Some people just never learn! Inside the room, the two men worked with fervor. "Will we make any money?" Old Hao was still somewhat worried. "Relax, this bone powder was sourced from a Ghost Ship," Shang Huan confidently declared, "one hundred and twenty catties for just one White Jade Coin." "Add in the bone powder we mix, roughly five hundred and fifty catties cost around four White Jade Coins." "We earn one White Jade Coin per batch sold." "Sell a hundred batches, and we make a hundred White Jade Coins!" Shang Huan exclaimed excitedly. "Also, for every batch you sell, Ill give you half of a White Jade Coin," Shang Huan eyed Old Hao eagerly. The old man had been farming Yellow Bud Rice all his life, and he knew a lot of farmers; if sales channels could be opened, it would mean a massive order! "Are you sure the Ghost Ships bone powder is fine?" Old Hao hesitated. "Of course!" Shang Huan confirmed vehemently. Immediately, Old Hao clenched his teeth, "Its just a slight reduction in yield." "You... what do you want to do?" Shang Huans voice sounded dry and hoarse. "Straight to the point, I like that," Chen Mu said with a smile. Bang! A sudden collision sounded. Startled, Shang Huan trembled and then realized that a grey wooden cabinet had appeared out of nowhere, crashing to the ground. "I have some stuff I no longer need, can you help me sell them?" "This is mine!" Recognizing the familiar cabinet, Shang Huan couldnt help but shout out loud. In the next moment, a cold breath suddenly enveloped him. A sense of fatal danger took over his heart. I will die! If I move, I will die! Shang Huan instantly froze in place, daring not to move. But he felt indescribably aggrieved in his heart. Stealing my things and then asking me to sell them for money, youre really bullying people too much! The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit surrounded Shang Huan, as Chen Mu tried his best to control the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. But his crazed desire to devour was blatantly evident in his eyes. Chen Mu slightly turned his head, revealing his left ear, and continued in a gentle voice, slowly saying, "Yours?" Shang Huan almost instinctively shouted out loud, "Yours, yours, yours..." "Very well," Chen Mu nodded leisurely. "Also, help me sell these Elixir Pills." Six vials of Calming Spirit Pill abruptly appeared above the wooden cabinet. Shang Huan immediately nodded vigorously as if pounding garlic. Chen Mu, satisfied, withdrew the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Turning around, he pushed the door and left, his figure slowly vanishing amidst faint whiffs of black smoke. Shang Huan, intently watching Chen Mus retreating figure, couldnt help but bug out his eyes. ... At night, after sending the restless Old Hao away, Shang Huan closed the door and silently stared at the cabinet in the corner. "Find a protector?" Shang Huan narrowed his eyes: "I heard that Dong Cheng has a Prefect backing him." "But would such a character really stand up for me?" He looked up at the wooden cabinet, contemplating the six porcelain vials. "It seems, this is the key point!" Shang Huans eyes lit up. "The crazy Daoist himself knows how to make medicine and practice Alchemy?" "Or has he got someone under his control to do it for him?" "This is an opportunity!" Shang Huans eyes sparkled. Having no talent for farming, the small profits from the buying and selling werent much, but if he could connect with this crazy Daoist for a long time... "Fortune favors the bold, lets do this!" Chapter 192 - 191 Planning Shang Huan immediately got up, wrapped the porcelain bottles in a cloth bundle, and disappeared into the night. Today was unfortunate, as the Underground Market was not open. However, with years of buying and selling under his belt, he had regular customers. "I need to find those steadfast farmers who can endure the solitude," Shang Huan contemplated. Elixir Pills have always been an essential aid for cultivation. Greed moves the heart. Once people find out he has a channel for Elixir Pills, it will definitely attract covetous glances and probing. These honest folk have a narrow social circle, which makes exposure less likely. "First, Ill sell off the Calming Pills in hand." If he could keep this up long term, as long as that mad Taoist gave him a little profit, his earnings would far exceed those of the past. "In the future, I could also purchase Elixir Pills from the Ghost Ship to resell." He hadnt done this before because the profit was too low. But now, it could serve as a perfect cover. And for now, it was only Calming Pills, but who knows what other Elixir Pills there might be later! High-end Elixir Pills would yield even more profit! "I must establish a connection with that mad Taoist!" Late at night, Shang Huan was buzzing with excitement. Clutching six porcelain bottles, he quickly made his way through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The Calming Pill was a sought-after commodity at the Spirit and Soul Unification stage. Before long, Shang Huan had sold all of the Calming Pills. With a satisfied smile on his face, he headed straight back to his home. He didnt notice that a wisp of black smoke was following him from not far behind. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the black smoke, eyes fixed on Shang Huan. "Hes taken to it quickly." "And he doesnt seem to have any other schemes in mind." "Perhaps this business can go on for a long time," Chen Mu sighed with relief. With someone to handle the sales for him, he could concentrate on his cultivation. "This is only the first cooperation, though." "Lets observe for three... maybe five more times." "If this fatty doesnt harbor other intentions, Ill have him continue to sell my Elixir Pills." ... Seven days later, Chen Mu reappeared silently at Shang Huans residence. On a square table inside the room, there were two piles of White Jade Coins. One pile had nine White Jade Coins, plus a pile of silver. The other pile had seven White Jade Coins, with a small porcelain bottle beside it.@@@@ "This is the money from selling the stuff in the cabinet, and there are some magic artifact shards that cant easily be converted to cash right now," Shang Huan said with a twitch in his skin, a look of heartache on his face, as these were originally his life savings. Chen Mu neither confirmed nor denied and simply swept up the pile of White Jade Coins. "This is the money from selling the Calming Pills." "You gave me six bottles, each with forty Calming Pills." "To speed up the selling, I put thirty-two pills in each bottle." "In total, I got seven White Jade Coins and there are eighteen pills remaining," Shang Huan pointed to the other pile of White Jade Coins and said, steeling himself. Chen Mu moved a rocking chair next to the well, inhaled the subtle fragrance, and closed his eyes to recite the True Sun Scripture Scroll. After half an hour of recitation, Chen Mu stopped to rest. He checked his proficiency in the grey wall. True Sun Scripture: 553/10000/First Rank; "Still a long journey ahead," Chen Mu shrugged. "How wonderful it would be if the True Sun Scripture could cultivate automatically like the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique," "Gaining experience just by breathing." "Unfortunately..." He took a sip of cool tea, then went out for a stroll in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. While relieving his mind, he also took the opportunity to tidy up the Yellow Bud Rice using his Second Rank Planting Technique. Now that he had an income from the Calming Pills, Chen Mu still didnt give up planting Yellow Bud Rice. Being an outsider, compared to the identity of Gongsun Sheng, the persona of Chen Mu, a capable farmer, was more secure and stable. "If the harvest goes well, I can rent even more fields." "Later on, when I go to the Scripture Transmission Institute to buy Secret Technique Jade Scrolls, I will also have a legitimate source of income." And with the help of the Five Ghosts Bag, cultivating the land was easy and effortless, and he could continuously gain planting experience. Chen Mu didnt find it tiresome; on the contrary, he thoroughly enjoyed it. "This is a sense of accomplishment that no virtual farm can bring!" With everything going smoothly, Chen Mu planned to meditate and grind for experience as he usually did. ... "Big brother, that guy really has the temperament of a tortoise!" the bald and burly man said angrily. "A month has passed, and he hasnt left Low Hill once!" Sitting at the head of the room, Dong Cheng looked at the bald man with a chuckle, "Dont worry. He will leave one day." "To do great things, one must have patience." The bald burly man looked frustrated: "But he never goes out, thats not a solution either." Dong Cheng glanced at the bald man and said indifferently, "You must not act rashly." "If you startle the snake by hitting the grass, youll have to answer to me!" The bald man immediately shrank his neck and dared not say more; he indeed had the impulse to forcibly take action. Now that the bald man had calmed down, Dong Cheng continued with earnest advice, "We used to have nothing and could afford to take risks." "But now that we have the opportunity to advance further, we cant be so reckless." "That could ruin the future for both of us." "I hope you can join me officially in the Lower Courtyard instead of, as now, being confined to this basin." The burly man immediately became excited: "Ill listen to big brother!" Dong Cheng nodded in satisfaction: "Dont be in a rush." "Judging by that mans behavior, hes most likely an ascetic practitioner." "Such people have great patience and excel at dedicated practice. Staying at home to practice hard is normal for them." "But in a month and a half, the annual Scripture Preaching Ceremony will take place." "As an ascetic practitioner, that man is certain to go to the Scripture Transmission Institute!" The bald mans eyes lit up immediately: "Big brother is truly wise!" Chapter 193 - 192: Take Action Clang! A deep tolling of a bronze bell echoed through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Hidden leaf insects, twisted and shaking, fell rustling from beneath the leaves. A thin layer of dark smoke clung to the ground and spread outwards. Freshly sprung weeds and stunned pests that came into contact with the smoke vanished immediately. Chen Mu strolled leisurely through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, finishing his daily care and improvement of the Yellow Bud Rice. ... He returned to the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu approached a well-ventilated spot under the wooden shed. A long wooden rack stood on the north side of the sheds floor. Seven or eight flat bamboo baskets were arranged in order, all filled with Calming Pills. The Soul-Calming Stake leaned against the rack, cooling and ventilating, helping the Calming Pills to solidify and dry. "Over a thousand pills, that should be enough to sell for three months," Chen Mu speculated, carefully turning over the elixir pills. "Buying materials from Hundred Herbs Pavilion is ultimately not safe." "Next time, I could check out the Underground Market District." Even though he intentionally changed his appearance and clothing when making purchases, there was still the possibility of being spied upon by those with ulterior motives. A person capable of pharmaceutical craft and alchemy was like a money tree, and those with even slight power would not leave it be. Shang Huans increasingly eager attitude made Chen Mu fully realize just how valuable the Alchemical Technique was. "There were people who dared to cause trouble for Jie Jia over a mere Gentle Breeze Powder." "Now dealing with Calming Pills which can be used as sustenance for cultivation, the risk is even greater." "When I have the time, Ill need to press Shang Huan again, to act more covertly for safetys sake." ... After tending to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields and sorting through the Calming Pills, Chen Mu took a seat in a rocking chair near the well, lit a Calming Pill, and quietly recited from the True Sun Scripture Scroll. For the past two months, whenever he had the time, he would recite the Curse Words. Belonging to the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique Soul Strength, it continuously penetrated the fog and merged into the center of the Divine Intent Diagram. What was once a frosted glass-like Divine Intent Diagram became increasingly clear and bright, constantly emitting a luminescent white light. With just a faint thought, it would appear in his mind immediately. And the shape that was maintained in constant dynamic change was also coming closer to being a circle. "The embryo of the Jade Seed?" Chen Mu realized with a start. There was a description in the True Sun Scripture Scroll. The product of Spirit and Soul Unification was called the Jade Seed. It was the foundation for subsequent cultivation, a necessary measure for ordinary people to catch up to those with innate Daoist Bone. Without the Jade Seed, it was impossible to continue further cultivation! ... After reciting for half an hour, Chen Mu opened his eyes, picked up the cool throat-soothing tea from the low table next to him, and relieved his dry mouth. Looking at the neat rows of lush Yellow Bud Rice, the bald strong man snickers, "Hes quite the good farmer." "Release the line-back earth spirits!" he commands with a sweep of his hand. His subordinates immediately take off the bamboo baskets strapped to their backs. They open the lids and violently dump out the contents. A wave of fist-sized rats quickly swarm into the Yellow Bud Rice field. The black-furred rats have three white lines on their backs and are swift as the wind with sharp teeth; they can bite through half of the main stem of a wrist-thick Yellow Bud Rice in one bite. Watching the Yellow Bud Rice plants topple one after another, the bald strong man grins, feeling an immense relief over his pent-up frustration from the past three months. "Haha! Lets go!" ... On the east side of Tongtian Square resides a three-section mansion. Dong Cheng sits in the inner courtyards living room, resting with closed eyes. Not long after, the bald strong man bursts in, flushed with excitement. "Elder brother, its done!" "I did as you said. The line-back earth spirits were starved for three days." "Then, starting from the south of Low Mountain, I released earth spirits along the way and scattered a lot of their droppings." "Even if someone investigates, they will only think the earth spirits came from the mountains north of Low Mountain." A smile appears on Dong Chengs round face, "Well done." "Did you release earth spirits in the nearby households as well?" The bald strong man nods, "Yes!" "I remembered your words, we cant only have one household affected, else there would be flaws." Dong Cheng nods, "Man-made disasters might attract the Lower Courtyards scrutiny, but a natural disaster wont interest anyone." "Elder brother, shall we wrap things up tomorrow?" the bald strong man asks eagerly, already imagining the anxious and disheartened expression on the others face. "No rush," Dong Cheng squints his eyes. "We need to let things ferment for a couple of days." "Its also a good time to see if this Chen Mu really has a large amount of White Jade Coins." He looks towards the bald strong man, "Keep an eye on Shang Huan, dont let this fellow get ahead of us." "He probably wont." The strong man scratches his head. "Hes been busy dealing with Calming Pills from the Ghost Ship lately." Dong Chengs interest piques immediately, "He dares to take such a risk with the Lower Courtyard breathing down his neck for that tiny profit?" "Heard he got swindled and is tight on money, so hes grasping at any profit he can." Dong Chengs eyes narrow, "With the risk being high and the profit low, thats precisely why he shouldnt be taking such deals!" "He has a problem?" the bald strong mans eyes light up. "Keep a close watch on him," Dong Cheng says coldly. "Once were done with this Chen Mu, well go find Shang Huan!" Chapter 194 - 193: Taking the Lead "Big brother, that Chen Mu might really have quite a few White Jade Coins," the bald strongman suddenly said. "So you want to make a move directly?" Dong Cheng glanced at the bald man, "Fed up with watching for three months? Want to vent your frustration personally?" The bald strongman scratched his head and chuckled. Dong Cheng shook his head, "We cant be as reckless as we used to be." The bald strongman hurriedly defended, "What I said is true!" "Chen Mu visits Tongtian Square every month." "But he always comes back empty-handed, thats not normal!" "He might have a Mustard Seed Talisman!" The bald strongmans eyes gleamed. "Other outsiders hustle here and there, hoping to save up White Jade Coins as soon as possible to buy the Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method." "But this guy is neither hurried nor slow, full of confidence." With a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Dong Cheng looked at the bald strongman, "So you think he definitely has White Jade Coins?" "Right!" the bald strongman exclaimed, punching his right fist into his left palm, face full of excitement. "Not bad," Dong Cheng grinned, "I didnt expect you to figure it out too." The strongmans eyes widened, "Big brother noticed too?" "Then..." "Why go through so much trouble to ruin his Yellow Bud Rice Fields?" Dong Cheng continued. The bald man looked puzzled. "The focus isnt on the Yellow Bud Rice, but on the Earth Spirit Mice," Dong Cheng said, narrowing his eyes. "If a large number of Earth Spirit Mice can run out of the mountains, then its also not too hard for people to accept that one or two fierce Exotic Beasts might escape." Dong Chengs mouth curled up ever so slightly, "At that time, an outsider with only Shell Soul Cultivation Level encountering a strange and formidable Exotic Beast. Due to a lack of preparation and insufficient understanding, is it not inevitable that he would die horribly in the maw of the beast!" ... Below the Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. A fist-sized white-striped Earth Spirit Mouse quickly scurried up to a stalk of Yellow Bud Rice. Its nose sniffed lightly, confirming that the stalk in front of it was crisp, tender, and sweet. The mouses red-eyed, mung bean-sized pupils involuntarily bulged round with hunger! With its two pink front paws, it lunged to hug the Yellow Bud Rice, its mouth full of fine, sharp teeth like a saw, viciously biting into the stalk! Pop! An invisible vast maw seemed to abruptly materialize out of nowhere. The Earth Spirit Mouse, with its mouth agape, had its head suddenly gnawed off by half. The severed edge was even, as if it had been sliced by a sharp blade. Before even a drop of blood could spray out. Pop! Another soft noise. The entire Earth Spirit Mouse disappeared without a trace. ... "It must consume quite a bit, right?" "Since its someone I could possibly offend, then you definitely havent sensed the Earth Spirit Vital Energy." "So to activate the magic artifact, you can only draw from all the Vital Energy in your body." Dong Cheng said with a smile, "Want to fight to the death with me? But how many more times can you activate this artifact?" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng indifferently, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Clang clang clang clang... A series of intense collisions resounded throughout the room. The glowing white light shield couldnt help but ripple continuously. Dong Cheng himself was also confined to the spot by the constant barrage of impacts. But he was calm, and his gaze upon Chen Mu held a mocking amusement, "Its useless, I told you already." "Do you feel weak all over and sleepy from continuously activating the artifact?" Chen Mus gaze flickered, but he maintained the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain without pause. "Hit the nail on the head, didnt I? Heh..." A grin split Dong Chengs face, revealing a ferocious smirk. He crouched slightly to gather strength, hands forming claw shapes, looming over Chen Mus entire body, "Thinking of backing out? Too late!" "You made me waste a Spiritual Light Talisman; dont think you can leave here unscathed!" Clang clang clang clang... The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit continued to strike one after another relentlessly. Gradually, the smile on Dong Chengs face began to fade, and his expression slowly changed. He discovered that the spiritual light around him was actually dimming! Impossible! He stared intently at Chen Mu, "How can you still activate the artifact?!" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng impassively. "We really dont need to fight to the death!" Dong Cheng quickly began to plead. If the Spiritual Light Shield were to shatter, there would be no doubt about his death! Thinking of the potential consequences, his forehead was immediately covered in fine cold sweat. "Whatever you want, I can give it to you!" "White Jade Coins, elixirs, secret techniques, I can give you all of them!" As the Spiritual Light Shield grew increasingly dim, Dong Cheng could no longer remain composed; his eyes began to redden and bulge with blood: "Stop it!" Chen Mu looked at Dong Cheng coldly, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Boom! The Spiritual Light shattered, and the Four Yin Spirit Paper Men simultaneously launched Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Dong Chengs Soul Strength barely blocked it twice before he was completely consumed and devoured. "Why did you have to force my hand," Chen Mu said wistfully. "Clearly, the purpose of staying at the Lower Courtyard is for cultivation. So why do you still provoke disputes without cause?" Chen Mus eyes were cold as he stared at the spot where Dong Cheng had stood before disappearing, "I was once an honest and kind-hearted homebody." "And yet youve driven me to kill repeatedly." "Such heavy sins!" Chen Mu looked around the room with hatred, surrounded by swirling black smoke, and suddenly vanished. Chapter 195 - 194 Listening to the Lecture North of Tongtian Square, Low Mountain. A cluster of archaic structures made of green brick and black tiles was beautifully scattered across the hillside. In a spacious courtyard to the west, the interior was filled with lush bamboo. The bamboo stood as tall as two men and had the thickness of a finger, with a jade-like vibrant green main stem and leaves. In the midst of the bamboo forest, stood a pavilion with a gray wooden pillar for support and a roof covered in dark green tiles. Around the open area, the ground was laid with black and white pebbles. At this moment, within the quiet bamboo court, hundreds of people, some standing, some sitting, were gathered. A middle-aged man in his thirties, tall and slim, with a complexion as white as jade, was sitting cross-legged on a meditation mat under the pavilion, his eyes closed in rest. In front of him was a long low table, on the left of which was an archaic incense burner sending up tendrils of blue smoke, on the right was a white jade chime engraved with cloud patterns. Ding! The jade chime sounded with a clear, crisp ring automatically. The crowd that had just been whispering suddenly felt a chill in their minds, and their thoughts instantly quieted. Everyone immediately closed their mouths and looked at the middle-aged man with curiosity, reverence, inquiry, and eagerness. "Soul Strength is the surface, Divine Will is the root." "Both are like mirrors, representing different forms of the essence, Qi, and spiritthe three treasures of the human body." "Those born with Daoist Bone have the three treasures concealed within. In the fog of the Sea of Consciousness, Divine Will naturally converges into a cluster." "Ordinary people who want to go further must practice Shape Cultivation to gather soul, achieving Spirit and Soul Unification to create the postnatal Jade Seed Daoist Bone." "Only then can they use this as a foundation to perceive the Earth Spirit Vital Energy and complete the cultivation of the Spiritual Light..." The middle-aged mans face remained undisturbed, completely ignoring the hundreds of meaningful glances below.@@@@ He started to explain various phenomena related to Spirit and Soul Unification and the achievement of the Jade Seed on his own. Chen Mu, hidden in a corner of the crowd, was listening with a focused expression, an epiphany dawning on his face. He had been silently grinding experience from "Red Falcon Shape Cultivation Technique" all on his own since he started. No one had ever systematically explained cultivation to him. Now, hearing the middle-aged man teach about the scriptures and Divine Will, combined with the insights provided by his proficiency, he felt as though his eyes had been wiped clean, allowing him to see everything clearly. This made Chen Mu immerse himself in the teachings, losing track of time. ... Low Mountain. Carrying his head full of perceptions, Chen Mu approached the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Seeing the widespread fallen rice, covered with bite marks, he slowly came back to his senses. "Damn baldy!" Chen Mu exclaimed with distress. Although he had controlled the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to devour the white-lined Earth Spirit Mice. But to avoid startling the enemy, he could only act after the bald strongman left. By imprinting it into consciousness, through repeated visualizations, imitations, and corrections, the structure of the Divine Intent Diagram is gradually adjusted. The Curse Words in the annex of the Secret Technique also have the same effect, without which Chen Mu couldnt have begun practicing the True Sun Scripture. But the former is like printing a copy, convenient and fast. Whereas the latter is like drawing with meticulous detail, slow and difficult. ... Under the cool pavilion, Zhuang Fu had an expressionless face and almost no interaction with the listening crowd. Regardless of whether people understood or not, he continued to explain in a fixed sequence and rhythm, moving swiftly on. "The process of Spirit and Soul Unification will cause both the Soul Strength and Divine Will to transform, becoming easier to manipulate." "For this reason, countless Jade Seed Secret Methods were created to achieve compression, extension, and transformation of the Soul Strength among various changes." "Learning one of them, strengthening the manipulation of Soul Strength, can accelerate the Spirit and Soul Unification." "If one is greedy for their power, practicing multiple techniques, its putting the cart before the horse, a waste of time." Chen Mus eyebrows twitched as he listened. "Back in Da Liang, I heard Jie Jia talking about so-called Soul Strength Secret Techniques." "At their strongest, they can even break through a noble familys Body Protection Aura." "Are the Jade Seed Secret Methods here an advanced version of the Soul Strength Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu had a flash of enlightenment. "This is probably the normal offensive method during the Spirit and Soul Unification phase!" "Then... How about I find a Secret Technique to practice?" ... After the lecture, Chen Mu blended into the crowd and slowly left Tongtian Square. He noticed many familiar figures. They were all newcomers who had arrived this year on the white lozenge shuttle. The rest were also farmers from the basin plains, mostly from the Da Qian dynasty in Yunzhou. Through the scattered conversations within the crowd, Chen Mu guessed that Da Qian was the secular nation controlled by Jilong Road, and also the main source of persons for the Lower Courtyard. As he passed through the residential area, Chen Mu subconsciously looked towards a three-part mansion in the distance. A Daoist in his forties with thick eyebrows and a stern face was standing quietly at the entrance. Several other loiterers stood beside him in twos and threes. Chen Mu recognized the Daoist as a Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, in charge of dozens of patrolling members. Like any ordinary onlooker, Chen Mu peeked a couple of times, then quickly left with an expression that said he wanted to avoid trouble. "Any traces I left entering the mansion have been cleaned up." "All clothes and masks have been destroyed." "All those who knew have been taken care of by me." "And I even made sure to disguise and cover up the Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "Well... After I return, I should still consume a couple more Solid Fragrance Pills." "After changing my scent five times in a row, it should be nearly impossible to detect anything from the smell." Chapter 196 - 195 Secret Technique Tongtian Square, a courtyard surrounded by bamboo. Zhuang Fu sat emotionless under the pavilion, calmly explaining the practice of each aspect during the Perceptive Stage. In a corner, Chen Mu was utterly baffled. By this point, he no longer had any real sense of what Zhuang Fu was expounding. He hadnt even successfully cultivated the Jade Seed, so he lacked any experience with the Perceptive Stages cultivation practices. Looking around, he observed that everyone seemed just as perplexed, yet they all furrowed their brows in deep thought, evidently trying to memorize the information by rote. Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head. "Without practical experience, memorizing it is pointless," he thought to himself. After attempting to listen for a while longer, he found he truly couldnt grasp the intricacies involved. Chen Mu stopped listening altogether: "Anyway, theres always next years Scripture Transmission lectures." He narrowed his eyes slightly, beginning to recall and sort through the content of the past fifteen days lectures. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique... just as expected, its a complete mess," Chen Mu sighed. As Zhuang Fu had introduced, Soul Strength merged into the Divine Intent Diagram to form the Jade Seed. Then one would use the Jade Seed to stimulate the Earth Spirit Vital Energy and, in turn, cultivate the Spiritual Light. In the first step, the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had taken an entirely opposite direction! "But then again... no big deal," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. If the grey wall acknowledged the Spirit Armor Technique, it meant someone must have successfully cultivated it before, so there was nothing to fear. "Its just some extra food," Chen Mu curled his lips dismissively. He had figured out that the main culprit behind his increased appetite was the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. "Fortunately, its not without its benefits." The Spirit Armor Technique was demanding on resources, but it also awarded him a robust physique beyond ordinary understanding. "Otherwise, I might not have managed to defeat Dong Cheng." Chen Mu felt relieved. With the physique transformed by the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, he was able to frequently trigger the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, grind down the Spiritual Light Talisman, and rapidly eliminate Dong Cheng. "Spiritual Light Talisman... is it similar to the aristocratic families Body Protection Aura?" "Using Talisman Paper to imitate the Spiritual Light of the Perceptive Realm, obtaining powerful defenses in advance?" Chen Mu pondered silently, unable to help but sigh, "I still know too little about this world." He even began to miss Jie Jia, If the old man were here, he might have been able to resolve his doubts. Ding! A clear sound interrupted Chen Mus thoughts. Zhuang Fu, who had been talking incessantly just moments ago, suddenly stopped speaking, calmly stood up, and strode away from the bamboo courtyard. The fifteen days of lectures at the Scripture Transmission Institute officially came to an end. ... On the North Hillside of Tongtian Square, on the east side of the lower courtyards cluster of buildings, there sat a double-entry mansion. Lin Su, a Taoist with bushy eyebrows, sat emotionless in the main hall, resting with his eyes closed. In his right hand, he toyed with a White Jade Coin, continuously flipping it through his fingers. "Unfortunately..." "Thankfully, I have a proficiency cheat." "Once I grind enough cultivation experience, maybe I could really mingle in the Upper Court for a couple of days!" Chen Mu thought cheerfully. "I need to get a Jade Seed Secret Technique to practice." To enhance the attraction of the Divine Intent Diagram, he had the Calming Pill. To enhance external pressure, he had the well containing Earth Spirit Vital Energy. What he lacked was a Jade Seed Secret Technique to quicken the fusion of the Spirit Soul. ... After lunch, Chen Mu took out all his White Jade Coins and started counting them one by one. "To have as many as fifty-four?!" Chen Mu was pleasantly surprised. Shang Huan had been wheeling and dealing for so long, and his entire fortune amounted to less than thirty coins. Yet, in half a year since Chen Mu arrived at Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard, his savings had already surpassed that of Shang Huan. "If I increase the output of Calming Pills, I could earn another five to ten coins every month." Chen Mu thought with a hint of excitement. "Forget it, what if it attracts unwanted attention!" Chen Mu quickly sobered. Safety first! Certainly, Shang Huan and the bald strong man had also contributed a fair amount of White Jade Coins. "I havent even counted Dong Chengs Mustard Seed Talisman." Chen Mu grinned as he fished out a brown wrist guard. Not to mention the treasures hidden within the Mustard Seed Talisman. Just this one talisman was worth fifty-three White Jade Coins. Thump! A wooden cabinet, half the height of a man, suddenly appeared. Just like the rack he had made for the Five Ghosts Bag. Did all the users of the Mustard Seed Talisman like to build such a categorized drawer cabinet? Shang Huan did the same previously, and now Dong Cheng was no different. It was probably a compulsion caused by the characteristics of the Mustard Seed Talisman. "Higher-grade Mustard Seed Talismans can probably solve the problem of categorized storage." Chen Mu guessed. He casually pulled open the first drawer. Clatter... A small pile of round White Jade appeared before his eyes. Chen Mus lips couldnt help but curl up as he began to count them one by one. "Sixty-two coins? Good!" "I must visit Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow no matter what." Chen Mu was brimming with confidence, feeling tall and strong. "With these hundred-plus White Jade Coins, Im not afraid of how expensive the Jade Seed Secret Methods are." "The True Sun Scripture was only sixty White Jade Coins. How much more could the Jade Seed Secret Techniques cost?" "Lets go!" "I must visit the Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow!" Chapter 197 - 196 Scripture Transmission Institute Tongtian Square to the north, Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. With a total of one hundred and sixteen White Jade Coins in his pocket, Chen Mu strode confidently into the Scripture Transmission Institute. The courtyard was spacious, surrounded by a long corridor with green tiles, while three sides were adorned with black tiles and white walls, each with its own intricately carved small window. There was no wall to the west; instead, a towering cliff over ten meters high stood there, right beside the Tongtian River. A massive three-story octagonal wooden tower was erected in the middle of the courtyard. Standing beneath the wooden tower, Chen Mu turned his head to gaze upon the endless expanse of the Tongtian River, and he felt an involuntary sense of relief wash over him. Back in Da Liang, secret techniques could not be bought, regardless of wealth. But on Jilong Road, as long as one was willing to spend money, one could practice any Secret Technique. Looking up at the three-story wooden tower, feeling the heavy White Jade Coins in his possession, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel his blood boiling. At this moment, looking at the wooden tower of the Scripture Transmission Institute, he felt as if he were staring at a giant golden egg shimmering with light! "If I could learn all the Secrets of the Scripture Transmission Institute..." Chen Mus eyes sparkled as he took large strides into the wooden tower. ... "One White Jade Coin." At the entrance counter, a man in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair but a face as smooth and rosy as a babys, spoke softly. The newly entered Chen Mu was momentarily stunned. What does that mean? The older man glanced at Chen Mu, "New here?" "To browse the scriptures in the Scripture Transmission Institute, one hour, one White Jade Coin." "Oh, oh, oh..." Chen Mu hastily took out the coin. They charge by the hour in the Scripture Transmission Institute? Thats truly befitting of a place dedicated to the transmission of scripturesmeticulous! Chen Mus expectations for the Secret Techniques inside grew. "Soul and Spirit Unification Secret Method is on the first floor." "Perceptive Spirit Light is on the second floor." "First pick out the Secret Technique scrolls, then come to me for the True Meaning Jade Slip." After taking the White Jade Coin, the old man spoke with a practiced calm. Chen Mu gave thanks with a cupped fist salute, then hurriedly walked into the first floors hall. ...@@@@ The hall was octagonal, with a connected corridor circling around it. The middle was open and airy, with clear sightlines between the floors, allowing one to look up and see all the way to the top of the wooden tower. Embedded there was a transparent crystal orb, casting down a natural light that resembled heavenly glow at all times. Chen Mu approached a bookshelf where a brown wooden board was hanging beside it. "Unity Secret Technique?" Chen Mu, intrigued, walked over to take a closer look. He immediately spotted the scripture scroll of the True Sun Scripture. Next to the scroll hung a thin wooden tag, inscribed with two lines of vertical text True Sun Scripture, sixty White Jade Coins. Turning his head to look at the rows of scripture scrolls on the shelf, each adorned with a wooden tag, Chen Mus expression was a mixture of amusement and surprise. "Why does this feel like Im browsing in a supermarket in my past life?" He quickly became excited, for these were secret techniques laid out before him, just waiting to be chosen. He couldnt wait to empty the entire hall! To master all the Secret Techniques was simply harder than reaching heaven. He wasnt afraid of hard practice, but he was afraid of not having money! He turned back to look at the three-story wooden building. It wasnt some shining golden egg but a black hole that devoured White Jade Coins, never to be filled! "And this is only for buying Secret Technique manuals." "To ask for lessons afterwards..." "Just when I manage to save a little money, it all goes to the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road!" ... Low Hill Courtyard. After the daily chores in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu sat by the well to cultivate. With curse words quietly recited in his mouth, he practiced for half an hour. During his tea break, Chen Mu looked at the Calming Pills drying under the shed, calculating how much money he could make. But as he calculated, his face couldnt help but turn ugly. This was the third day since coming back from the Scripture Transmission Institute. Thinking of each and every expensive Secret Technique scroll, frustration involuntarily welled up in Chen Mus heart. To buy manuals, he had to give money to the Lower Courtyard. To listen to lectures or ask for guidance, he also had to pay the Lower Courtyard. All the shops in Tongtian Square belonged to the Lower Courtyard, and every transaction meant the Lower Courtyard profited. Even if he could sell Calming Pills, no matter how much he earned... all of it would go to the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road! "Exploitation at every level, they are trying to bleed us dry!" Chen Mu was filled with sorrow and anger. Previously, when the Scripture Transmission Institute preached, he thought the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road wasnt bad. They even provided free lectures and teachings to their disciples. Now he understood. It was just a demo class, coated in a tempting sugar shell. The process of cultivation was explained so clearly, would you not buy Secret Techniques, not seek guidance for cultivation experience? The Scripture Transmission Institute held the Secret Techniques and controlled the teachers. If Lower Courtyard disciples wanted to advance further, they had no choice but to obediently pay up. "Youre already making me work for free for twenty years, and yet you still want to bleed me dry?" Chen Mu felt an unspeakable frustration in his heart. For three days in a row, whatever he did was done listlessly. "I honestly cultivate. Spend money on Secret Techniques, ask for cultivation guidance." "But you guys lay down hurdle after hurdle. Not intending to pass on knowledge or teach, only thinking about raising the price, scamming my money!" "Fine! Very good! This is you forcing my hand!" Chen Mus face was full of sorrow and rage, his hands enveloped in swirling black smoke. Puff! Seven or eight secret scripture scrolls appeared. These were all supplementary volumes of the Jade Seed Secret Techniques. They were what he had Shang Huan collect, costing him a total of three White Jade Coins. He had a proficiency cheat, as long as he had the supplementary volumes, he could cultivate! Chen Mu glared fiercely in the direction of Tongtian Square. "Scripture Transmission Institute?" "Humph!" "Dont think you can swindle a single coin from me!" Chapter 198 - 197 Secret Technique with Sand Five days later, on the north side of Low Mountain, there was a small hollow. Rocks in disarray and spiny shrubs dominated the hollow. On a gigantic stone platform, Chen Mu sat cross-legged. He opened his right hand, pushing it upward. Along with the deep and lengthy Curse Command, a black Soul Strength swirled upwards from his right palm, forming a sphere. Chen Mu felt as if a vacuum cleaner had been stuffed into his head. A tremendous suction force continued to pull something outwards. He stared at the pitch-black sphere hovering above his palm with an odd expression on his face, "Sand Containing Technique? This sphere doesnt look at all like sand?" Whoo! The sphere, as if propelled by an exploding cannonball, suddenly broke free from his hand, trailing a deep whoosh as it tore through the air. Boom! A dull thud resonated, and dirt and stones flew into the air, creating a large pit about three to four meters in diameter in the hollow. Chen Mu looked it over, then continued to close his eyes and recite the Curse Words. Whoo, whoo, whoo... Boom, boom, boom... More pits appeared as small creatures of the hollow were startled into scurrying everywhere. It took quite some time before Chen Mu finally stopped, surveying the scarred hollow and silently summing up his calculations. "The attack range is about sixty steps." "Power..." Chen Mu nodded while looking at the unrecognizable hollow, "Not bad." "Maximum number of consecutive uses... twenty-one." With a thought, Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Sand Containing Technique: 339/10000/First Rank; "With future rank advancements, the power and number of uses will likely increase," Chen Mu thought to himself, "Perhaps it can replace Iron Lotus Seeds as the primary means of mid-range attack." "Its just this activation time..." Chen Mus face didnt look too good. From incantation to activation, nearly an hour of preparation time was needed. In that time, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain would have already swallowed the enemy whole! "And this is the secret technique with the shortest activation time," Chen Mu couldnt help shaking his head. Just as Instructor Zhuang Fu had said: Secret Techniques are varied and strange, but not suitable for extensive practice. Long activation time, long cultivation time, practicing too much, spending money and timethis will definitely affect the Spirit and Soul Unification cultivation. "First, I will focus on practicing the Sand Containing Technique. Lets see if I can shorten the time for Spirit and Soul Unification." "Other Secret Techniques will wait until after the jade seed synthesis for cultivation," Chen Mu decided. ... Three days later. In the Low Hill Courtyard, under a wooden shed, by the water well. Chen Mu finished a training session of the True Sun Scripture. The muscular mans eyebrow raised but he didnt resist, letting Chen Mu pull him under the wooden canopy. With a flip of his hand, the White Jade Coins disappeared. He took the cool tea handed over by Chen Mu and nodded slightly to the others, "Go on, search carefully." A solemn expression softened on the faces of his subordinates. After bursting into Chen Mus room, although they searched around, they were careful to handle everything gently. The two White Jade Coins had their effect. The courtyard was not large, and the main house only had three rooms which were quickly inspected. "Patrolling Inspector, theres nothing suspicious," a square-faced man in black reported with clasped fists. The muscular man nodded, then turned to look at Chen Mu, "Do you know Dong Cheng?" Chen Mu shook his head blankly. "Then, have you met any peddlers engaging in buy-low, sell-high?" the well-dressed man continued to press Chen Mu. Chen Mu hesitated for a moment and said, "I know one." "Who?" "I dont know his name, but hes a small-eyed, chubby fellow who seems to go by the surname Shang," Chen Mu tried to recall. The square-faced man nodded to the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector. After scrutinizing Chen Mu from head to toe, the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector calmly warned, "No matter what status you held on the Border Wilderness Island, here, you are just a disciple of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. "Keep tending to the fields earnestly and stay out of trouble, or else the Lower Courtyard patrolling officers will not let you off." "Yes, yes, yes..." Chen Mu quickly agreed with clasped hands. The black-clothed Patrolling Inspector nodded, satisfied, and departed swiftly with his subordinates. Chen Mu stood at the doorway, smilingly seeing them off, watching the departing figures, deep in thought. "The disturbance with Dong Cheng seems to be far from over." ... Evening, under the wooden canopy at the square table. Chen Mu had finished preparing dinner, with two meat dishes, two vegetarian dishes, and a large bowl of Silver Pearl Rice mixed with Yellow Bud Rice. "You newcomers are really unlucky," Old Hao said with a chuckle while eating. "Dong Cheng was about to go to the Lower Courtyard to take on a master. Then he suddenly disappeared. If you ask me, the guy is probably gone for good," Old Hao gesticulated with his chopsticks into the air. "He always cheated the newcomers before, and there were even rumors that he caused someones death." "So the patrollers suspect that the person who killed him is among you newcomers," Old Hao gave Chen Mu a look that clearly enjoyed the drama. "You came from the Border Wilderness, and the hardest hit by Dong Chengs schemes were people like you." "Being questioned closely is only to be expected." Chen Mus face showed anger, "All I want is to tend to the fields peacefully." "How could I get involved in such an incident." "When the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer," he said, facing Old Haos teasing demeanor and sighing helplessly. "Alas..." "An unwarranted disaster!" Chapter 199 - 198: Jade Plate Tongtian Square, grain store. Chen Mu changed his appearance and bought two hundred catties of Yellow Bud Rice, which was his food for a month. After leaving the grain store, he walked toward the east gate of Tongtian Square while casually looking around. He quickly noticed that there were many more patrollers in gray clothing on the streets. "Whats so special about Dong Cheng?" "Worthy of the Inspection Courtyard to investigate like this?" On the surface, he appeared nonchalant, but his peripheral vision kept stealing glances at the gray-clothed patrollers. "Such a wide-ranging search by the Inspection Courtyard means they havent grasped any clear clues," Chen Mu thought, feeling somewhat relieved. He couldnt help but blame Dong Cheng, "Why did you have to provoke me?" "Now look whats happened, youve gone missing and made everyone anxious." "Cant even rest in peace when youre dead," Chen Mu sighed. "I better stay at home and focus on farming and cultivating these days." Just as he was contemplating a low-profile cultivation plan for the future, he saw two patrollers suddenly stop a burly man over two meters tall. "Song Wei?" "Me?" The burly man was baffled. "Do you know Dong Cheng?" The burly mans face instantly turned to rage, "Id recognize that bastard even if he turned to ash!" "Are you patrollers?" "Has he committed a crime?" "Thats great! I want to report him! He set me up!" "What are you saying?! You want to turn Dong Cheng into ash? How damn cruel!" one of the patrollers said, looking at the burly man with a surprised expression. "No, did you actually hear what I said?" the burly man said, completely baffled. "Dont move!" The two patrollers restrained the burly mans hands, one on each side. "Dong Chengs disappearance must be related to you!" Without waiting for the burly man to struggle, the two patrollers firmly controlled him and quickly dragged him into a side alley. Chen Mu: "..." Has the situation gotten this serious? The patrollers have started arresting people at random?! He immediately found a dim alley and stored the Yellow Bud Rice in the Five Ghosts Bag. After changing his appearance and clothes again, he returned to the grain store and bought four hundred catties of Yellow Bud Rice in one go. "For the next three months, I better not go out as much as possible." What if some patroller got lucky and caught him? Just then, he saw the burly man reappear, looking indignant and as gloomy as if his face could drip water. Did he clear his suspicion that quickly? Before he could understand the situation, the two patrollers also appeared at the entrance of the alley, each fiddling with a White Jade Coin. "Seizing the opportunity to extort?" Chen Mu realized at once. Hmph! Such rotten tricks are inescapable no matter where you go! ... Low Hill Courtyard White Jade was merely the carrier; Earth Spirit Vital Energy was the key to the value of White Jade Coins! The Jade Plate could extract the Vital Energy within the White Jade Coins, artificially creating an area with an extremely high concentration of Vital Energy. "Absolutely cannot let anyone find out about this thing!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. As long as he had the plate in hand and White Jade Coins on him, he could cultivate rapidly anytime, anywhere. "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard spent so much capital!" Chen Mus heart chilled as he once again recalled the process before and after he took action. Thinking about how he even used the Five Ghosts Bag like a vacuum cleaner to sweep through Dong Chengs entire household. Only then did he let go of his worries and looked eagerly at the Jade Plate. ... A month later. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard, under the wooden shelter. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair and slowly opened his eyes. With a thought, a gray wall appeared. Writing: 5560/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 3395/10000/Fourth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 2867/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 6951/10000/Seventh Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 3947/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 5673/10000/Seventh Rank; Planting: 5270/10000/Second Rank; True Sun Scripture: 1/10000/Second Rank; With the assistance of the Jade Plate and practicing the Sand Containing Technique. The True Sun Scripture had finally made a breakthrough in the first stage. In his mind, a spherical web connected by starry threads lay beyond the mists, radiating faint points of light. The once dense fog had become increasingly thin and translucent. The Soul Strength of the Blue-eyed Golden Ape Shape Cultivation Technique had completely merged into the center of the Divine Intent Diagram. "Zhuang Fu said, for the Jade Seed to achieve greatness, it must form into a Primordial Pearl, lustrous and as clear as jade." "Mine is at best a net-like sphere." "Clearly, I need to keep practicing," Chen Mu realized as he looked at the indicator for the second phase after the True Sun Scripture, his heart becoming clear. "So the unification of Spirit and Soul is not the endpoint; the three treasures, Essence, Qi, and Spirit, need continued investment." It was just a matter of grinding for more experience, Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders.. In another three to five days, the Sand Containing Technique could also reach the next stage. The proficiency of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was also more than halfway there. "The experience indeed rises quickly, its just a little pricey." Chen Mu looked at the White Jade Plate helplessly. Over the past month, the plate had consumed two White Jade Coins every single day. His assets had already been halved! This wasnt cultivation; it was burning money! "I better not burn through all my wealth before I even master the Jade Seed." Chapter 200 - 199: Exceptional Talent ``` Evening. The residence of Shang Huan. Old Hao hugged a medicine pounding jar, huffing and puffing as he ground the medicine with great effort. "Are we really going to add fake Calming Pills?" he asked, somewhat hesitant. It was one thing to sell fake Bone Powder, which was used to feed the Yellow Bud Rice. But the Calming Pill was intended for human consumption. If something went wrong... "Dont you want to make money?" Shang Huan rolled his eyes. "What if someone finds out?" Old Hao asked, his face full of conflict. Shang Huan chuckled, "Do you think Im just mixing this medicine carelessly?" "I spent a fortune figuring out this recipe!" "As long as you make the pills according to my formula and roast them in the Incense Burner, the scent is hundred percent like that of a real Calming Pill!" Old Hao shook his head, "It may smell similar, but fake is fake after all, and it cant help with cultivation one bit." Shang Huan became even more proud, "The Calming Pill isnt as effective as the Soul Condensing Pills anyway." "Its not the kind of Elixir Pill that shows immediate results." "Unless used in large quantities over a long period of time, only then can its effectiveness become apparent." "For regular cultivation, its impossible to notice any change, so how can they be sure whether these are real Calming Pills?"@@@@ "Besides, at least three-quarters of the Elixir Pills I sell are real Calming Pills." "Using them over a long time, even though the effect is slightly worse, who can judge that precisely?" "Dont worry, nobody will find out!" Old Hao listened, dumbfounded, looking at the wily-grinning Shang Huan, he couldnt help but exclaim, "Youre really a talent!" "You flatter me!" Shang Huans eyes narrowed into slits, his face beaming with joy. Thinking about the honest business practices he had followed in the past, Shang Huan felt a deep regret that was hard to express; making money had truly been an arduous task. He had to thank that masked person, Shang Huan sighed. If it hadnt been for that person robbing him blind, he would never have discovered his extraordinary talent for counterfeiting. Chen Mu outside the courtyard: "..." Some habits never die! ... Plop! Old Hao, who had been pounding medicine just moments ago, suddenly collapsed, still clutching the jar. Shang Huans face changed. Had his counterfeiting been discovered?! The rooms door opened on its own without a breeze, and around Chen Mu black smoke swirled, as he appeared slowly from nothingness. "Mr. Gongsun!" Shang Huan quickly stood up, bowed, and subtly used his body to block the Fake Pills on the table. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan indifferently. Only after seeing Shang Huans forehead break out in a sweat did he retract his gaze, casually placing eighteen porcelain bottles on the table. He then spoke gently, "Ill need your help in the future to sell twenty-four bottles of Calming Pills for me every month." His life obviously meant nothing to Gongsun Sheng! A surge of rage rose in Shang Huans heart. He might be a small fry, but does that mean his life is worthless? "It seems you have a deep misunderstanding of me," Chen Mu said indifferently, glancing at Shang Huan. Shang Huans face changed color immediately. Damn, if this madman blows his top, my life is over tonight! As he hesitated over whether to make a run for the window, Chen Mus gentle voice rang out again, "If youre not afraid of being killed by the customers buying the medicine, you can continue to mix fake elixir pills." Shang Huan was puzzled. Im only mixing in a quarter. The customers wont notice, how could they kill me? "Because the pills I gave you already had half of them as fake pills," Chen Mu said calmly. Shang Huan: "..." ... In the north of Tongtian Square, in the Lower Courtyard residence. Lin Su sat with his eyes closed at the head of the main hall, listening to a black-clad Patrolling Inspector report on the search results of the past two months. "All new personnel have been thoroughly investigated." "No findings related to Dong Chengs disappearance were discovered." "On the contrary, two covert operatives from Zhongshan Path were found." Lin Su opened his eyes, "Zhongshan Path?" "Yes!" "According to the interrogation results, they should be the collateral disciples of some minor family from Zhongshan Paths Lower Courtyard." "They themselves do not know why they are here, just that they were to infiltrate our Lower Courtyard first," the black-clad Patrolling Inspectors eyes shone. "I feel that Zhongshan Path definitely has some conspiracy or trickery afoot, and we should report to the Oversight Courtyard early." Lin Su nodded slightly, "You have done well. Make sure those three people are well guarded, with no accidents. I will inform the Oversight Courtyard." "Yes!" the black-clad Patrolling Inspector said with a glowing face. Thinking of Dong Chengs disappearance, he restrained his smile and cautiously glanced at Lin Su, "Prefect, its been too long since Dong Cheng disappeared. The perpetrator is also very cautious. Ordinary methods are now futile in the search." Lin Su glanced at the black-clad Patrolling Inspector, "What, you find it bothersome and dont want to search anymore?" The black-clad Patrolling Inspector hurriedly bowed, "I wouldnt dare!" He stepped forward and whispered, "Prefect, Ive heard that in the Lower Courtyard, theres a Magic Artifact that can track and record the past movements of Daoist Seals." "I wonder..." Lin Su narrowed his eyes, "This matter should not be brought up again." "The case of Dong Chengs disappearance will be closed for now. "Leave the rest to others." "I will follow the Prefects orders to the letter," the black-clad Patrolling Inspector exhaled in relief. These laborious and profitable tasks had been worrisome without any results. Now that he was freed from the responsibility, he didnt have to worry about it anymore. Looking at Lin Sus expression, the black-clad Patrolling Inspector had an epiphany. Peers in the Inspection Courtyard always mentioned that Daoist Seals of the Lower Courtyards disciples could be recorded and tracked. Now it seemed, these were not just rumors. ``` Chapter 201 - 200: Addiction Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mus face showed deep pain as he rubbed the Calming Pills. It was said to be adulterated medicine, but in actuality, he had used the 1.0 version of the Calming Pills. The difference lay in his use of the main component of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke to replace the Guanqie Night Grass, which saved him a considerable amount of money. "In the end, I was still changed by this damned world." But to advance further, he needed more White Jade Coins. "Besides, I just used the slightly weaker 1.0 version." "Shang Huan, that fatso, is even worse. He wants to use incense that smells the same but has absolutely no effect as a substitute." "At least I still have a conscience." "Hmm... so I cant be considered a black-hearted merchant, at most a gray-hearted one." With that thought, Chen Mu felt instantly better. "Using too much Guanqie Night Grass might even lead to drug resistance." "Using my 1.0 version to change things up might actually yield better overall results!" Chen Mus mind brightened. "Exactly, Im doing this for the good of everyone!" Chen Mu convinced himself successfully and continued to roll the pills with joy. ... Behind Low Mountain, in a small mountain hollow. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a large rock. With his right hand held out in front of him, a low chant resonating like the recitation of a thousand people spilled forth. A ping-pong-ball-sized black pellet appeared in the palm of his right hand. Whiz! A low buzzing sound, like that of a baton cutting through the air, arose. The black pellet suddenly vanished. Pop! A soft noise. Sixty steps away, on a millstone-sized rock, a quail egg-sized round hole appeared suddenly. Chen Mu appeared beside the rock, looking down to examine it. The rock, nearly a meter thick, had been effortlessly pierced by the Sand Containing Technique. Behind the rock, on the ground, there was also a dark hole of unknown depth. "Faster speed, stronger penetrative power!" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. Compared to the initial blast that wrecked everything around, this focused penetrative power was actually much stronger. "I thought the power was decent before," Chen Mu curled his lips, "but it was really just good for scaring people."@@@@ Though it could shatter rocks, here in the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, every individual was a Shell Soul expert. Rocks? Sorry, there isnt a single person here softer than rock! "Sigh..." Chen Mu replaced the battery in the Jade Plate with the White Jade Spirit Money Plate to better automate his cultivation of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. Then, excitedly, he began to grind experience for the Sand Containing Technique. ... North of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. At the top of a cliff several dozen meters high. Lin Su, light as a swallow, touched the cliff face with the tip of his toe. He darted up the wooden walkways of the cliffside Taoist temple as lightly and rapidly as a feather. "Brother Liang, is Director Song around?" Lin Su asked, saluting a young man in his twenties at the entrance. "The master has gone to the Upper Court and has not yet returned," replied the young man with a simple and honest smile. "Does Prefect Lin have urgent business?" Brother Liang asked curiously. "If it concerns the safety of the Lower Courtyard, I can use the Sound Transmission Magical Instrument left by the master to urge him to return as soon as possible." Lin Su shook his head helplessly: "No need, its just a small personal matter of mine, I cant disturb the Oversight Courtyards cultivation for that." The young man nodded in understanding. Suddenly, Lin Su approached and handed the young man a gray cloth bag: "Brother Liang, I have a favor to ask." Brother Liang took the cloth bag blankly, feeling the heavy White Jade Coins inside, and immediately fumbled to stuff it back. But Lin Su held him back. "Dont panic, Brother Liang." "I just want to ask you to use the Round Light Mirror to help me track someones Daoist Seal." Brother Liang looked troubled. "You dont know, Brother Liang. This person is my blood relative from the secular world." "He studied and trained diligently since childhood and finally made it to the Lower Courtyard." "He has just become a Jade Seed and was about to be apprenticed to me, then mysteriously disappeared." "My heart is heavy with sorrow!" Saying this, Lin Su could not help tearing up. Brother Liangs face was full of compassion: "Although it goes against the rules of the Lower Courtyard, this is ultimately about your blood relative. Ill help if I can." "But the Round Light Mirror has been taken by the master, its not in the Lower Courtyard." "I would like to help, but Im afraid I cant, Prefect Lin." Brother Liang said, scratching his head awkwardly. As he spoke, he pushed the gray cloth bag back towards Lin Su. "Just for your kind intentions, Im deeply grateful," Lin Su said with a joyful expression, again pushing the cloth bag to Brother Liang. "Take it. Consider it a meeting gift from me!" Lin Su pushed it back forcefully and then inquired with concern, "Do you know when the Director might return?" Brother Liang thought for a moment and said, "In another two months, the Yellow Bud Rice should be harvested. At that time, the master will probably come back to take charge of the situation." "Thank you for letting me know, Brother Liang." Lin Su expressed his gratitude with a bow and then took his leave. By the edge of the cliff, Brother Liang watched with a simple and honest expression as Lin Su disappeared between the cliffs. Grasping the gray cloth bag in his right hand, he felt the White Jade Coins inside. "Prefect Lin is truly a good person," he remarked to himself with admiration. Then, he took out a large copper mirror, the size of a human face, and carefully wiped it, "I didnt expect this old mirror to help me make money." "Direct bloodline, huh." "Prefect Lin certainly wont mind spending a little more money. Haha..." Chapter 202 - 201 Heavenly River Water Mansion Sizzle... A burst of stir-frying sounds arose. Chen Mus left foot continuously stepped on the bellows, blowing the flame at the bottom of the pot until it glowed fiery red. The rich aroma was roasted out by the high temperature, rapidly filling the entire courtyard. Using the spatula, he flicked a slice of cured meat into his mouth and chewed carefully to savor it. "Salty and spicy in just the right amounts, the texture soft yet firm. I truly outdid myself," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Exotic Beast meat is tough; even cutting it requires an Ebony Sword. Before stir-frying, one must apply special tenderization techniques. "If this is just a common Exotic Beast, what about stronger ones? How would I manage that?" "Even if culinary skills can tenderize Exotic Beast meat, cooking it properly would inevitably require hotter flames. How would I achieve that?" Chen Mu scratched his head as he looked at the red-hot blaze. Find wood rich in oils and use the bellows to burn it fully. That was the limit to what he could improve for now. Should he make a pressure cooker himself, or learn a Secret Technique that produces high-temperature flames? There are Secret Techniques that enable one to fly. There surely must be ones involving flames as well. However... "Learn a fire-making Secret Technique just to cook?" "Haha! Now, thats a promising idea!" Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh at himself. ... Soon, a three-course meal with two meat dishes, two vegetables, and a bowl of rice were set on the square table under the wooden shed. Just as he thought to start eating, knocking sounds came from the door, prompting Chen Mu to roll his eyes. Upon opening the door, he indeed saw that familiar old face: "Old Hao, please come in." Old Hao entered the courtyard with his hands clasped behind him, smiling cheerfully. "Dont think of me as a nuisance." "With twenty-four White Jade Coins dangling before your eyes, youre the one whos more agitated than I am." "As long as you properly grow this seasons Yellow Bud Rice, Ill vanish from your sight immediately." Chen Mu helplessly shook his head: "Havent you already said that I have a knack for farming? So, why the worry?" "I think you should be more concerned about whether someone dares to withhold the bonus and not give you the money." Old Hao glared at Chen Mu irritably. "This rule in the Lower Courtyard has been established for who knows how many years. Our Director Song came from the ranks of those who grew crops in the Lower Courtyard too." "Dare to withhold the bonus? That would be asking for trouble!" Also, dont freaking talk to me about any farming talent. If it werent for your talent, I could have made some extra money! "Having talent doesnt ensure a good harvest," Old Hao puffed out his beard and glared: "Natural disasters and man-made calamities, any mishandling can ruin your Yellow Bud Rice Fields." ... After the meal, Old Hao contentedly smoked his pipe. "Your cooking really is beyond reproach. I think even the chefs at the Heavenly River Water Mansions Eight Treasure Restaurant are not as skilled as you." Chen Mu rolled his eyes involuntarily. "So thats why you time your visits precisely when its mealtime?"@@@@ Old Hao stiffened for a moment, then nonchalantly continued to smoke as if nothing happened. "Arent you happy?!" Chen Mu: "..." Happy my grandmothers leg! Youre even peddling fakes to me now?! "Just one White Jade Coin, and you can get thirty-two Calming Pills." "One White Jade Coin, you wont get short-changed or deceived!" "Want to try a bottle?" Old Hao raised his eyebrows, his face full of eagerness. Chen Mu: "..." Scram! ... One month later, in the small depression behind Low Mountain. Woo! An almost inaudible sound quickly dashed through the air above the hollow. A pellet the size of a peanut, its surface covered with dark red patterns, ripped through the air, leaving only a dark line on the retina. Thud! A transparent round hole the size of a peanut suddenly appeared in a two-meter-thick boulder. Chen Mu looked at the round hole with mixed feelings. "I just couldnt resist, could I?" Chen Mu sighed. He brought up the gray wall. Sand Containing Technique: 90/10000/Third Rank; Chen Mu felt he had been quite restrained. Returning from tilling the fields, physically and mentally exhausted, playing around with the Sand Containing Technique wasnt too much, right? After practicing the True Sun Scripture, with a throbbing headache, playing with the Sand Containing Technique wasnt only helpful for the Spirit and Soul Unification but also relaxed the mindso that wasnt excessive either, right? At the start of sleep, struggling to fall asleep, toying a bit with the Sand Containing Technique was understandable. After waking up, feeling dispirited, wasnt it just natural to use the Sand Containing Technique for an energy boost? "I didnt play with it that much. I didnt even pull an all-nighter! How did you advance so quickly?!" "This is making the True Sun Scripture quite awkward." True Sun Scripture: 4753/10000/Second Rank; "A month has passed, and I havent even reached halfway?!" "Sigh..." "At least the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique has been strong." Chen Mu looked at the experience over eight thousand for Spirit Armor Technique, feeling slightly less guilty. "This shows that I have been diligently practicing!" Chen Mu said with a face full of satisfaction. "Its just a bit expensive," Chen Mu scratched his head. A month had passed. Sixty White Jade Coins had gone ablaze on the Jade Plate. He only had twenty-seven White Jade Coins left on him. "Im broke!" Chapter 203 - 202 Attempt Should I have Shang Huan increase the merchandise volume? "The risk is too great," Chen Mu shook his head. If he wanted the jade plate to maintain consumption, Shang Huan would have to sell seventy-two bottles of Calming Spirit Pills each month to at least eighty customers. If even one person got any odd ideas, the consequences... "We can at most increase to thirty-six bottles," Chen Mu set a limit. Find another partner? Chen Mu was somewhat indecisive. ... The night. At the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road, within the mountains in the northern part of the basin plain.@@@@ Under the moonlight, a shadow flashed past the woods, a few palm-sized leaves gently swaying in the breeze. The shadow rushed all the way, familiar with the paths, and arrived at the Underground Market District. It was none other than Chen Mu, who had disguised his appearance. He was now 1.82 meters tall, draped in a black cloak, with a robust and powerful figure, his face also covered with a bronze beast head mask, exuding a rugged and fierce aura. In the market district, not far from the exit, Chen Mu casually found an empty spot to lay down a felt cloth and displayed twelve bottles of Calming Pills. Then, he set up a brown wooden sign with two lines of elegant big characters written on it. "For one White Jade Coin, thirty-two Calming Pills." After pondering for two days, Chen Mu decided to test the waters in the underground market by selling a batch of Calming Pills. Though he appeared cool and composed, the Five Ghosts Paper Man was always lingering nearby, worried someone might suddenly cause him trouble. Before long, a skinny man with a black cloth covering his face approached the stall. "May I open it to take a look?" "Look all you want," Chen Mu said in a gruff voice. The man poured out one Calming Pill, examined it carefully against the light, then sniffed it lightly at the tip of his nose. "This elixir pill of yours..." he looked it over, then hesitated with a sigh and a shake of his head towards Chen Mu. Chen Mu rolled his eyes and snatched back the Calming Pill. "Buy it if you want, otherwise get lost!" Return my elixir pill? My elixir pill indeed has issues! But you definitely cant tell! Do you think I am messing around with my Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique? "Why are you getting angry now?" "I didnt say I wasnt going to buy it." "Give me two bottles!" The skinny man smiled sheepishly and took out two White Jade Coins. Chen Mu casually accepted them and put them away. "Pick them yourself!" "And scram as soon as youre done!" The man smiled apologetically, compared the bottles, picked two, and hurried off. It was as if a switch had been flipped. After the skinny man left, people started coming to buy the Calming Pills one after another. Chen Mu had prepared twelve bottles of Calming Pills to test the waters, and they were sold out in no time. He immediately stood up, rolled up the felt cloth, and left. Groups of cold well water, large and small, emerged out of thin air, poured onto the earth near the different stalks of Yellow Bud Rice. Looking at the palm-length, lush and yellow heads of the Yellow Bud Rice, Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. Perhaps because of the Jade Plate, the well water in Low Hill Courtyard contained more Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Combined with Chen Mus increasingly refined planting skills, the Yellow Bud Rice was growing splendidly. Every time Old Hao came over, he envied Chen Mu so much that his face twitched. The land that this mentor planted was not as good as what his disciple, Chen Mu, could produce. Pop! With a soft sound, a black and red elixir pill the size of a peanut zoomed through the air. A fist-sized, unknown brown beetle was pierced clean through. "These annoying insects are becoming more numerous." According to Old Hao, the closer to maturity the Yellow Bud Rice got, the more insects and beasts coveted it. These past few days, Chen Mu had had to assign two Five Ghosts Paper Men to patrol non-stop. He wasnt too concerned about the yield, but the hard-grown crops were about to mature; he couldnt just stand by and let them be destroyed by pests, right? Just as he was thinking, a flash of green caught his eye from the corner. Whizz! Green doubled, then quadrupled, and almost in the blink of an eye, a large swarm of green beetles had appeared in the Yellow Bud Rice sky. Clang! The Heartless Bell tolled, followed by billowing black smoke. In the blink of an eye, the green beetles were completely devoured by the Five Ghosts Bag. "These insects..." Chen Mu frowned. Jie Jia had mentioned before that this was a new type of pest. He had encountered it once before, and now that the Yellow Bud Rice was about to mature, these pests had returned. "Thank goodness for the Heartless Bell." Otherwise, there was really no way to quickly eliminate these rapidly multiplying pests. ... Three days later, deep into the night, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Clang! The sound of a bronze bell spread throughout the fields. A swath of green beetles fell rustling to the ground. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat under a wooden canopy, observing the Yellow Bud Rice Fields through the perspective of the Five Ghosts, frowning. "Still coming?" If he hadnt had the Five Ghosts patrol and watch tonight, at least a couple acres of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields would have been ruined. "Is it just my field thats having an outbreak, or is there a problem across the entire basin plain?" Chen Mu felt something was off. Could it be a pest calamity?! "I have the Five Ghosts patrolling and the Heartless Bell for pest control." "But what about Old Hao?" "What about the other farmers?" Chapter 204 - 203 Pest Infestation The pest infestation came without warning. Three nights later, at the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Those emerald green beetles that could rapidly multiply suddenly appeared. Nearly ten acres were almost completely ravaged. Standing at the edge of the field, Chen Mu could distinctly hear the spine-chilling, grating crunch crunch sounds. The swathes of Yellow Bud Rice, like collapsing sand castles, broke, tilted, plunged, and before they could hit the ground, they were devoured into nothingness. Chen Mu quickly rang the Heartless Bell, working in concert with the Ghosts and the Five Ghosts to swiftly eradicate the pest. Even so, nearly a tenth of the Yellow Bud Rice was lost. As he was busy, a sudden blaze rose in the distance, quickly turning half the sky a blazing red. Chen Mus heart chilled, and the paper spirit figures immediately flew into the sky. Unfortunately, the distance was too great, and he could only make out vaguely that it was one of the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. "Setting fire to kill the insects?" "And what about the Yellow Bud Rice? Are they abandoning it?" He didnt understand what was happening there, but it was impossible for him to go and check. "This pest infestation seems no small matter." "And who knows how the Lower Courtyard will handle it?" ... By the banks of the Tongtian River. "Junior Brother Liang!" Lin Su arrived at the cliffside wood tower temple with a face full of anxiety: "Has Director Song returned yet?" "Could it be because of last nights pest infestation?" Junior Brother Liang did not dare dawdle: "Ive already notified Master. He should be back soon."@@@@ Lin Su immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Does Senior Brother Lin know the specifics of the pest infestation?" Junior Brother Liang asked curiously. He spent most of his time cultivating in the wooden tower and wasnt very familiar with the basins situation. "A few experienced disciples said it was a completely new Exotic Insect that could split and multiply, hiding during the day and coming out at night, skilled at burrowing," Lin Su shook his head helplessly: "Ordinary methods are useless. We have no choice but to disturb Director Song." "Is it that serious?" Junior Brother Liang did not understand. "Its severe!" Lin Su spoke gravely: "If we cant kill the insects quickly, we might face a complete crop failure this year!" "I didnt expect it to be this serious," Junior Brother Liang became solemn. "Now we can only wait for Director Song to return," Lin Su said helplessly. Junior Brother Liang couldnt help but nod. Director Song Wujie came from the Lower Court of Jilong Road, and his best skill was raising and controlling various Exotic Insects. The two stood beside the wooden tower, looking out at the Tongtian River, silent for a moment. After a long while, Lin Su lightly coughed: "When Director Song returns, concerning the Round Light Mirror, Ill need Junior Brother to take extra care." As he spoke, he took out a weighty cloth bag and handed it to Junior Brother Liang. Junior Brother Liang accepted it with a naive smile, slipping it into his sleeve: "Dont worry, once Master returns, I will certainly help Senior Brother Lin obtain the Round Light Mirror." Lin Su exhaled in relief, his face full of gratitude: "Many thanks, Junior Brother." "Senior Brother has taken good care of me, this is but a small effort, no need for thanks," Junior Brother Liang waved his hand nonchalantly. "Fifteen mu of his crops were stripped clean!" Chen Mu suddenly felt alarmed. The damage done by these insects to the Yellow Bud Rice was truly severe! "Did the Lower Courtyard just stand by and watch?" Chen Mu frowned. "The old insecticides dont work. Hundred Herbs Pavilion doesnt know when theyll be able to produce a new one," Old Hao shook his head. "The Inspection Courtyard is clueless too. They usually deal with large Exotic Beasts and those from the Evil Path. They have no experience with these kinds of insects," Old Hao said helplessly. "Actually, our Oversight Courtyard has the means. If only Director Song hadnt gone to the Upper Court and not returned yet," Old Haos face once again took on the look of a wronged little wife filled with grievance. "No, I cant just sit here and wait for death," Old Hao suddenly stood up: "I have to go back and fight those insects to the death!" "Even if I have to squash them one by one, Ill kill them all!" With those words, he ran off. Chen Mu stood at the doorway, watching Old Hao as he quickly climbed over the hillside, deep in thought. "With the pestilence wreaking havoc and Hundred Herbs Pavilions medicines ineffective..." "If I could develop an insecticide..." "Forget it, forget it; I cant stick my neck out for this!" "While its great to show saintliness before others, the next step could lead to the abyss." "I should just protect my nine mu of land and quietly farm experience at home." ... In Shang Huans residence. Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan covered their mouths and noses with wet cloth. They wielded shovels, constantly stirring a pile of reddish-brown, pungent powder before them. "Is this stuff really effective?" Shang Huans eyes were so irritated with tears streaming down. "How the heck would I know!" Old Hao snorted with eyes wide: "At any rate, I cant stand it!" Shang Huan chuckled, "Doesnt matter at this point. With the current crisis, if you hold up a lump of cow dung claiming it can kill pests, people will buy it." "Not to mention... Ah-choo! This kind of nose-tickling stuff!" Shang Huan continued while sneezing. "Uncle Hao, be sure youve thought this through." "Theres a high chance this wont work. If it doesnt effect after we sell it, were likely going to face a violent backlash," Shang Huan said seriously. He had seen the opportunity to make money from the pestilence but didnt want to gamble with his life. "No worries. My neighbor Old Li has lost everything. We give him half the profit, and hes bound to sell it even if it kills him!" Old Hao chuckled: "Theres definitely more than one Old Li out there." Shang Huan burst into loud laughter: "Uncle Hao, thats brilliant!" Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu, carrying a bag of modified Mesmerizing Divine Smoke for beetles: "..." I often feel out of place with you because Im not ruthless enough. Whats all that stuff, chili powder? Black pepper? Could you at least try a bit harder! Even mixing a little bit of insecticide in there would do! Chen Mu sighed deeply. Making a fortune out of disaster and even thinking ahead to find a scapegoat? What sort of characters have I gotten to know?! Chapter 205 - 204: Resolving Old Li was a gaunt old man over fifty years of age. His scalp was shiny and glowing with only a few sparse hairs clinging on. The tip of his nose was slightly red, and his eyes were perpetually blurry from years of straining. Anyone who saw Old Li would think hed nearly been submerged head first in a barrel of liquor. While usually befuddled, at this moment Old Li was anything but; his eyes were bloodshot, and his face was flushed with excitement. "Old Niu, believe me, this stuff is the absolute nemesis of those damned green caterpillars!" "Have you gone mad with greed, thinking you can deceive me into spending money with just some chili powder?" Old Niu was a bald, potbellied man. His eyes were wide open, glaring at Old Li with displeasure. "Dont think for a second I dont know." "If this thing really worked, your fifteen acres wouldnt have been ravaged empty!" Far from irritated, Old Li chuckled mysteriously: "They ate it all right!" Old Nius expression changed instantly. Had Old Li lost so much that hed gone insane? "Im not insane!" Old Li didnt mind. "If it werent for those bugs eating all my Yellow Bud Rice," "Id never have stumbled upon this secret!" With that, Old Li became visibly more animated. He leaned in and whispered, "I actually had just under half an acre left." "In that field, I found something incredible." "Its a special kind of weed." "Any green caterpillar near it stumbled around as if drunk, completely unable to dodge being captured and killed!" "Really or not?" Old Niu was half-believing, half-doubting. "If you dont believe me, come back with me and take a look." Old Li swore confidently, "If Im lying, may I be struck by lightning!" "How much?" Old Niu couldnt help being tempted. The green beetles were proliferating too fast; he had been busy all night and still lost three to four acres. "For such a high-end Insecticide Smoke, just four White Jade Coins," Old Li extended four fingers. "You want to sell me a heap of chili powder for four White Jade Coins? Are you crazy or am I?" Old Niu said gruffly. "To tell you the truth, the powder isnt just chili. It contains black pepper as well, but its all to disguise the specific details of the weed," Old Li said, smugly. "Besides, its only two months of wages to safeguard twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice. Is that too expensive?" "Not at all expensive!" "Four White Jade Coins, you cant get a loss, cant be deceived." "How about it, want to try?" Old Li raised an eyebrow, his face eager. "I need to see that surviving patch of Yellow Bud Rice in your field first," Old Niu was still skeptical. The two of them were instantly overjoyed. "We got it!" ... Two nights later. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard. Dark smoke roiled as a mixture of gray-brown powder poured down from mid-air, flowing like water, and then disappearing into the black smoke below. Chen Mu controlled the Five Ghosts, intermittently adding ground-up medicinal herbs into the cycle, constantly mixing and stirring. "There must be about fifty pounds by now," he mused, estimating, "That should be worth..." "Ptui, ptui, ptui! Whats all this talk about selling? Its not like Im in this for the money!" Chen Mu was dead serious. "Its just that the destructive power of the emerald beetles is too strong." "Making more of the Insecticide Smoke would save more Yellow Bud Rice Fields." "I simply want to do good within my capabilities." Chen Mus face was a picture of righteousness, "Its certainly not for those piles of White Jade Coins!" Thinking of his actions, Chen Mu looked impressed with himself, "There arent many good people like me left." His thoughts drifted to the afflicted Yellow Bud Rice Fields, and he couldnt help but pray sincerely, "I really hope the pest problem lasts... ah, no, I mean ends quickly!" ... Suddenly, a sound like bees buzzing could be heard high in the sky. Chen Mus heart went cold. A new type of bug? The Ghosts Paper Man swiftly took to the sky. Under the bright moonlight, a mass of red clouds rolled in from the direction of Tongtian Square, like a breached river surging forward. Accompanying the annoying buzz, clusters of fiery red spheres split from the red cloud, diving toward the Yellow Bud Rice Fields below. Before Chen Mu could fully understand what was happening, he faintly heard numerous disciples from the Lower Courtyard shouting and cheering. "The Oversight Courtyard? Director Song Wujie has returned?" The rolling red clouds, seemingly slow but actually quick, arrived in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu quickly retracted the Five Ghosts. He then saw the red cloud plummet down, rapidly invading his Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The pests in the field were swiftly exterminated; even the dozen or so green beetles hed left as a decoy didnt escape fate. Chen Mu scrutinized the red clouds. What looked like clouds were actually a massive swarm of red bugs obscuring the sky! "Manipulation of swarms? Is this Oversight Courtyard Songs method?" Suddenly, something caught Chen Mus eye at the edge of his vision. He focused and immediately saw a short figure. The figure was enveloped in a clear white glow, flickering on and off above the swarm of insects. "I wonder when Ill acquire such a skill?" Chen Mu said, full of admiration. Chapter 206 - 205: Harvest For three consecutive days, red clouds sporadically appeared in the sky over the Lower Courtyard. The crazily proliferating emerald beetles were swiftly exterminated by Oversight Courtyards Song Wujie. Although the harvest of Yellow Bud Rice unavoidably suffered a reduction, this rapidly emerging pest outbreak was altogether and thoroughly eradicated in the end. Shang Huans residence. Accompanied by the thud of Old Hao falling to the ground. Chen Mu, dressed in a black Daoist robe with a white mask on his face, slowly emerged amidst a cloud of black smoke. Shang Huan glanced at Old Hao who had a face-plant, with a twitch at the corner of his mouth. He didnt know where Old Hao had offended Mr. Gongsun. Every time they met, he would have to knock the old man down, always making him land on his face. If it werent for the Armor Spirit Warriors thick skin and flesh, he would have long been flattened into a pancake face. "Mr. Gongsun, here are all the White Jade Coins earned this time," Shang Huan respectfully presented a small wooden box. "In total, two hundred thirteen batches of Insecticide Smoke were sold, yielding eight hundred fifty-two White Jade Coins." "To expedite the sales, I promised the sales staff one White Jade Coin for each batch," Shang Huan said nervously. "What do you think..." Chen Mu gently touched the blackwood box, then suddenly leaned into Shang Huans ear. "Why dont you run away?" "With so many White Jade Coins." Sweat instantly started to bead on Shang Huans forehead, and he forcefully swallowed saliva: "I want to earn even more White Jade Coins." Chen Mu stood up, his gaze indifferent as he looked at Shang Huan. "Hundred Herbs Pavilion was at wits end with the emerald beetles, yet you were able to produce Insecticide Smoke in no time." "I think that by following you, I could earn even more White Jade Coins in the future," Shang Huan explained, plucking up the courage. Chen Mu remained noncommittal on the surface but couldnt help feeling surprised inwardly. This little-eyed fat man sure thinks far ahead. Black smoke swirled around his right hand as an old, yellow paper with writing appeared. The paper looked ancient, as though it would crumble upon touch. "If someone inquires about the Insecticide Smoke, give them this to look at." "Just say this recipe is a family heirloom of yours." He indeed disliked public exposure; he needed someone like Shang Huan to stand in front of him. After a few collaborations, this fat mans talent for selling counterfeits left him speechless. But he had indeed helped mitigate some of the risks associated with selling elixir pills. The recipe for the Insecticide Smoke had been aged by Chen Mu on purpose, intended to ward off the covetous gazes of others.@@@@ It was just a rudimentary version of Mesmerizing Divine Smoke for beetles, perfect for keeping Shang Huan safe. The black smoke then burrowed into the wooden box, and half of the White Jade Coins vanished into thin air. Without further words, he turned and left Shang Huans residence, accompanied by the black smoke. Shang Huan checked the recipe and then carefully opened the wooden box. Seeing that half of the White Jade Coins were left inside, he almost jumped with excitement. Quite a pleasant surprise! But he didnt hold much anticipation. Since one could train just by breathing, the level of active participation was low. Moreover, the most noticeable change from the last advancement was the addition of two silver threads above his eyebrows. "Anyway, I dont need to spend time on training. In a couple of days, I should know if there will be any changes." "I dont even know if this already bifurcated path can continue to be cultivated." Chen Mu then turned his attention to the True Sun Scripture. At the same time, the state of the Divine Intent Diagram surfaced in his mind. As he cultivated the True Sun Scripture, the Soul Strength and Divine Intent Diagram of the remaining five Shape Cultivation Techniques had been captured and fused into the silk-ball shaped Jade Seed. "Once fully fused, Ill probably be able to cultivate the Jade Seed," Chen Mu guessed. Back then, cultivating so many seemingly useless Shape Cultivation Techniques finally proved to be useful. Others would take a long time to cultivate a Jade Seed, filling it with the three treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit to fix the holes on the silk-ball shaped Jade Seed. Chen Mu had many Divine Intent Diagrams and not a small amount of Soul Strength, which were exactly the three treasures of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, perfect for use as filler material. "Ever since leaving Da Liang, spending over a year and a bit more than two months, Im finally touching the edges of the Perceptive Stage. It wasnt easy," Chen Mu reflected. ... In the wooden Daoist temple on the cliff above Jilong Road to the north of Tongtian Square, Song Wujie sat cross-legged on a soft, low couch. With dark skin, a large face, a short neck, and thick fingers like small radishes, he didnt even reach one meter sixty in height, making him appear short and stocky. A jewel-green beetle floated in front of him. Song Wujies thumb, index, and middle fingers flickered imperceptibly. Fine silver-white threads flitted in and out of visibility in mid-air. One end connected to his fingers, the other end pierced into the body of the beetle. The beetles wings and short legs were bound and tugged by an invisible force, its entire body trembling and contorting continuously, as though it were experiencing extreme pain. The beetles hissing cries were sharp and piercing, making ones teeth ache just by listening. "Whats going on with Lin Su?" Song Wujie asked as he studied the beetle. Liang Yi, who was sitting on a cushion beside him, scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, "He wants to use the Round Light Mirror to find someone. Claims its his direct blood relative." "Do you believe him?" Song Wujie sneered. "Dont believe him," Liang Yi continued with his sheepish grin, "Its nothing but him taking a fancy to some treasure." "A new batch of students from the borderlands joined this year; there might be some ancient relic magic artifact among them," Liang Yi shrugged. "Knowing hes up to no good, why are you still helping him?" Song Wujie spoke flatly. Liang Yi scratched his head, "After all, hes the Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, not an outsider." "Then why did you take his money?" Song Wujie glanced at his own disciple. Liang Yi shrugged, "But hes just the Prefect of the Lower Courtyard, not really one of our own." Song Wujie nodded, "Then scam him out of a bit more." With his trademark sheepish smile, Liang Yi said, "Thats what I was thinking too." Chapter 207 - 206 Perceptive Tongtian Square to the north, cliffside Daoist temple. The day after the insect disaster had passed, Lin Su arrived here early in the morning. "Liang Junior Brother, is the Oversight Courtyard available to see me?" Liang Yi wore a guilty expression, "Master got a Jade Green Beetle, a rare and unusual insect. Hes planning to decline visitors and shut himself in to study it, you see..." Lin Sus expression darkened. Ive waited for more than a month, only to be met with a decline of visitors? He quickly took out a cloth bag and handed it to Liang Yi. "It concerns the bloodline of my family, please put in the effort, Liang Junior Brother!" Liang Yis face showed difficulty, "You know Masters temperament. Once he immerses himself in the study of strange insects, he really hates to be disturbed by others. I... I really cant..." Before he could finish his sentence, Lin Su stuffed another weighty cloth bag into his hands. "Dont worry, Senior Brother, even if Master kicks me out, I must do this for you!" Liang Yi declared with a big wave of his hand, and with a turn of his palm, he tucked the cloth bag into his sleeve and walked into the temple. Watching the decisive Liang Yi, Lin Su had a bad premonition. Did this kid just play me? Damn! A heart black as coal! ... After a good while, Liang Yi finally reappeared beside the wooden building. He had a discouraged look that filled Lin Su with dread. This bastard, is he planning to swindle another sum of money from me?! "Senior Brother, as per your request, Ive found the records of the day your direct kin disappeared," Liang Yi handed Lin Su a palm-sized white jade plate. Like an insect in amber, silvery filament patterns were inlaid within the jade plate. "On the day that member of your clan disappeared, besides the people who were already in the residence, there was another stranger." "He left after Dong Cheng disappeared." Liang Yi pointed to a mung-bean-sized ink spot on the white jade plate, "Within an hour, the jade plate can temporarily connect to the Round Light Mirror. "If you follow it, youll be able to locate the person from that day, at their current location." Lin Su was overjoyed, barely managing a bow before he turned and hurried off the wooden structure, quickly disappearing from sight. "Why run so fast?" A look of regret crossed Liang Yis face. Hed just wanted to put on a pitiful act, to stir up some sympathy. But Lin Su was only focused on the treasure and didnt give a glance to his performance. "Such a waste of my emotional buildup," Liang Yi muttered to himself. Watching the others retreating figure, curiosity arose in Liang Yi, "What on earth is so valuable that Prefect Lin would spend so much?" "With all this effort, wouldnt it be better to concentrate on refining the Divine Orifice?" Liang Yi shook his head disdainfully. He glanced at the proficiency. Sand Containing Technique: 3951/10000/Third Rank; "If it reaches Fourth Rank, maybe I could activate it instantly!" He was pondering whether to devote more effort to the Sand Containing Technique. Suddenly, a flash of enlightenment came to his mind. A cold sensation suddenly struck between his eyebrows. It took a good while for Chen Mu to come to his senses. He abruptly reached out, and a touch of icy black smoke emerged in his palm. But this black smoke was not the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall in front of him. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: 1/10000/Eighth Rank; A Cloud Mirage is a kind of cloud-like creature. "But you didnt tell me it was a bunch of dark clouds!" Chen Mu couldnt help but chuckle and shake his head. Just now, his Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had naturally progressed to Eighth Rank. With a thought, his whole body was enveloped in black smoke. "This is great, next time Gongsun Sheng makes an appearance, theres no need for the Five Ghosts Bag gimmick." "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique comes with its own special effects! Heh..." "I wonder what use this thing has." Just as he was enjoying himself, a sudden sharp pain came from his right arm. It was as if someone was pressing a hot iron against his arm. Chen Mu was so frightened that he quickly shook his hand and pulled up his sleeve to look. The mark of the Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard, which was previously black, had now changed to red. It looked like flowing magma, burning so intensely that veins on Chen Mus forehead bulged. The next moment, a wisp of black smoke emerged around the bright red mark. It was like charcoal sprayed with freeze spray; the red mark rapidly cooled and turned black. Chen Mu subconsciously wiped it with his hand, and the Daoist Seal, which had already shown cracks, immediately turned into a pile of black ash and disappeared. Chen Mu was left standing there in shock. The Daoist Seal mark... was gone?! The mark that bound the Lower Courtyard disciples, forcing him to do unpaid labor, it was gone! In his memory, to get rid of that thing, one had to serve Jilong Road for twenty years or achieve Perception. "I... Ive achieved Perception?!" "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique achieved Perfection at Seventh Rank, which corresponds to Perception?!" A huge surge of elation instantly filled Chen Mus heart. Chapter 208 - 207: Jade Seed ``` "Perceptive?" "A newly promoted Lower Courtyard disciple?" "This quickly?" Liang Yis face was filled with shock. The Daoist Seal disappeared, either because it was wiped out with a Round Light Mirror or because the host had cultivated Perceptive Spirit Light. "This guy, hes not simple," Liang Yi said with a playful look on his face. "Less than a year to cultivate Perceptive Spirit Light?" Liang Yi shook his head. Those who enter the Lower Courtyard are at most at the Jade Seed stage. Ordinary people cant cultivate Perceptive Spirit Light in one year. "Is it an overlooked Innate Taoist Bone or a special bloodline?" "Lin Sus going to be scratching his head over this one," Liang Yi chuckled with schadenfreude. But as he laughed, his smile faded. With the Daoist Seal gone, the Jade Plate he gave to Lin Su was useless. "That guy wont suspect it was my doing, will he?" Liang Yi suddenly had a bad premonition. "Is this blame going to be pinned on me?" This was getting awkward indeed. ... Lin Su moved like lightning, turning into a wisp of black smoke. "As long as I find the Exquisite Jade Plate..." he clenched his fists involuntarily. The Exquisite Jade Plate could gather Earth Spirit Vitality, forming a small Daoist training ground. This would allow him to break free from environmental dependency during his Condensing Aperture cultivation. And shatter Jilong Roads Upper Court monopoly on Earth Spirit Vitality. "Once my Condensing Aperture reaches perfection, what of Song Wujie, what of Jilong Roads Upper Court, huh!" Lin Su trembled with excitement! "And that little thief who stole the Exquisite Jade Plate," Lin Su said hatefully. If not for that person, he would have obtained the Exquisite Jade Plate two months earlier! "Ill see how Ill deal with you!" Lin Sus face twisted into a sinister smile. For the past two months, he had imagined more than once how to torture the thief who stole the treasure.@@@@ "No rush, well play it slow!" He looked at the White Jade in his hand with malice. Then he discovered, to his horror, that the ink spot which had just been clearly visible, had now disappeared. Lin Su: "..." My Exquisite Jade Plate, where is it? Liang Yi? This son of a bitch still wanted to cheat me out of my money?! Damn! ... Behind Low Mountain, in a small valley. Chen Mu held a millstone-sized rock in his right hand, tossing it as if it were an egg. He raised his hand and threw it into the sky. Chen Mu stood there, looking up at the rock as it climbed more than ten meters above his head. "The difficult part is being perceptive," sighed Old Hao. "I unified my spirit and soul twenty years ago, brought my Jade Seed to Perfection, and tried to be perceptive of Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate the Body Protection Aura." "Now..." Old Hao said with a dismissive twist of his mouth. Twenty years? Is Perceptive Spirit Light that hard to cultivate? What about this black smoke? "Is it because of the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy?" Chen Mu thought of the Exquisite Jade Plate and asked tentatively. Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu, "Pretty smart, huh." "It cant be that everyone just wastes away, right?" Chen Mu frowned. "One hundred White Jade Coins, and you can cultivate in the Upper Courts Daoist Halls for a month," Old Hao took a drag on his pipe and shrugged nonchalantly, "Ive been there five times..." Chen Mu looked at him with sympathy. After more than twenty years of trying and having gone five times without success in cultivating the Aura, who knew how many more years it would take. Glancing at Old Haos face, Chen Mu couldnt help asking, "At your age, why are you still enduring this?" "With the power of your Spirit and Soul Unification, wouldnt you have a more carefree and joyful life as a wealthy man in the secular world?" Old Hao gave Chen Mu a sidelong glance, "Im seventy-five." "Thats quite young, okay!" "Hold on for another fifty or sixty years, and maybe it will be perfected, right?" "Even if it really doesnt work out, Ill only be a hundred and twenty or thirty then." "Its still not too late to go to the secular world and take twenty or thirty concubines to enjoy life." Chen Mu: "..." Seventy-five? Young? Over a hundred years old and taking twenty or thirty concubines? What kind of outrageous and wild talk is this! Chen Mu then came to a realization. Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard disciples were at least at the perfection of Shell Soul. After achieving Spirit and Soul Unification, as long as they were not killed, they could still be hopping around lively when they died at the age of one hundred fifty to sixty. After all, those who had undergone Shape Cultivation were already somewhat less than human. ... "With so many people in the Perceptive Stage, how come Ive never seen a copy of the Perceptive Secret Technique?" After some idle chat, Chen Mu finally voiced his confusion. "Who has copies after perceiving?" Old Hao rolled his eyes, "Copies are only for those who havent completed the Jade Seed." No copies? So, he couldnt fleece the Scripture Transmission Institute after all. "Why are you asking about this when you havent even completed the Jade Seed?" Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu. "Just curious, purely curious," Chen Mu smiled knowingly. He narrowed his eyes toward the dim wall ahead, focusing on one particular section. True Sun Scripture: Limit; In his mind, the six Divine Intent Diagrams of the Shape Cultivation Technique disappeared completely. A peanut-sized White Jade sphere broke through the fog, clearly emerging before his eyes. During the harvest of the Yellow Bud Rice, the True Sun Scripture was officially pushed to its limit by him. Chapter 209 - 208 Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique At the foot of Low Mountain, Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Even though the harvest had been completed, the yellow bud rice plants remained lush and green. At this moment, accompanied by a buzzing sound like a swarm of bees flapping their wings, a grey cloud of insects descended into the yellow bud rice fields. Wherever they passed, the tough stalks, which were almost as hard as sticks, instantly turned into a green, moist powder that fell to the ground. The scent of fresh grass spread all around the fields. In the middle of the insect swarm, a man in his fifties, draped in a black cloak, was slowly moving forward. He carried a black ceramic urn almost as tall as a man on his back; wherever he went, the grey cloud of insects followed. "Havent seen this before, have you?" Old Hao squatted at the end of the field, puffing on a cigarette. "Tsk tsk, quite the eye-opener." Chen Mu, also squatting at the fields edge, observed the insect swarm at work with great interest. After the harvest of the yellow bud rice, the plants also needed to be dealt with. The man carrying the black ceramic urn was the professional responsible for handling the plants in the Lower Courtyard. All the tough plants were pulverized by the grey insect cloud and recycled back into the field. In the past world, large agricultural machinery accomplished this, while in this alternate world, they developed a method using insects. "We have Director Song to thank for this," Old Hao said with a smile. Chen Mu understood and thought back to the red insect cloud from that night. He thought to himself that the director was truly an expert in manipulating insects. "How were they dealt with in the past?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "You cant burn them; that would damage the Earth Spirit Vital Energy. What else could you do but plane them?" said Old Hao, exhaling a puff of white smoke casually. "Plane?" "Yes, with knives and swords," said Old Hao with an inexplicable expression. Chen Mu squinted his eyes and couldnt help but laugh. Most of the farmers here were from elsewhere, with Shell Souls. In the past, they were all significant figures in Jianghu, their blade and sword arts having cut down countless people.@@@@ But here... using supreme swordsmanship to chop for the landowners? The feeling was quite peculiar. ... Two quarters of an hour later. Chen Mu handed the elder a cloth bag: "Elder Zhang, please keep this safe, its fifteen jin of yellow bud rice." The elder opened the bag, took a handful to check, and smiled, nodding at Chen Mu. After chatting briefly with Old Hao, he hurried away. "The works not easy this year," Old Hao said, smoking a cigarette as he walked with Chen Mu towards Low Mountain. "Quite a bit of the yellow bud rice was nibbled by green beetles, so to make this money, they had to travel further and to more places than in previous years." "How much does the Lower Courtyard give them?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "It seems to be one White Jade Coin for two hundred mu of land," Old Hao thought for a moment before answering, "This job is only available for a short period. Working tirelessly for five or six days, they can make roughly four or five White Jade Coins." "But you need to know how to raise insects." "If they die or get injured, you have to compensate." "A novice taking on this task will essentially end up working for nothing." "With such difficulty, how long would it take to save enough to buy a Secret Technique?" Chen Mu couldnt help but wonder. Moreover, for later cultivation, the Jade Plate would consume White Jade Coins, and auxiliary elixirs would also require White Jade Coins. He hesitated for a long time, then looked at the elder with grizzled hair. "Old sir, do you think you could possibly..." He hadnt finished speaking when the elder with graying hair interrupted him expressionlessly. "If you dare to haggle with me again, Ill throw you out!" Chen Mu felt embarrassed in an instant. It was just about last time I haggled so hard, how did this old man remember it. Seeing the old mans gaze growing colder, Chen Mu could only reluctantly part with his money. The elder was accustomed to Chen Mus pained expression. With a wave of his hand, the strands of White Jade Coins on the counter disappeared. In their place was a brown, wooden flat box as wide as a palm and as long as a forearm. Chen Mus face brightened, and he reached out to take it. However, the gray-haired elder held down the wooden box, staring at Chen Mu. "Remember, you can only view it when your Jade Seed has reached Perfection." "If you dont heed the warning and your head explodes, dont have any complaints in the Underworld." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "My... my head could explode?!" The elder with graying hair looked at Chen Mu askance: "Did you think cultivating Perceptive Spirit Light was easy?" "If success could be guaranteed with just a Secret Technique, why would so many people be desperate to come to Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard?" Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. "On the path of cultivation, every step is a challenge, and any small mistake can potentially end your life and your pursuit of the Dao!" the elder with graying hair said with a sigh. "You should be grateful that you became a member of Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard." "Here we have the Scripture Transmission Institute." "A well-established system of lecture and teaching that can help you avoid many troubles in cultivation." "Unlike those Wild Cultivators out there, always secretive and never fully disclosing their methods." "Who knows how many naturally talented Daoist Bones have been killed or crippled by these deceptive Wild Cultivators!" the elder with graying hair exclaimed sadly. Chen Mu listened with a pounding heart. Indeed, he had an external advantage that could grind for experience. But before climbing the wall, he had none whatsoever. A minor mistake could completely block his path to the Dao! "Afraid?" the elder with graying hair asked, concerned. Chen Mu looked terrified: "Afraid!" "Dont be scared. Since youve come to Jilong Road, thats your fortune," the elder with graying hair said more kindly. "The Perceptive Spiritual Light cultivation class, taught by the veteran cultivators of the Scripture Transmission Institute, is thoughtful and meticulous, with one-on-one teaching that guarantees learningfor just fifty White Jade Coins." "Not afraid anymore, are you? Want to give it a try?" Chen Mu: "..." I was wondering why it all seemed so familiar just now. Isnt this just like the anxiety-selling soft articles from peddling courses in my previous life?! Fuck! Chapter 210 - 209: Entry Level ``` Two days later. Low Hill Courtyard. By the western stove, Chen Mu moved a millstone-sized rock from a little hollow, hollowed out a round pit in the middle, covered it with a wire mesh, and thus, a fine grill was made. He spread a finger-thick slice of marinated meat across the wire mesh.@@@@ A ball of black smoke appeared out of nowhere, slowly enveloping the slices of meat. Three breaths later, Chen Mu dispelled the black smoke of the Spirit Armor Technique. Without sound or scent, a charred layer formed on the surface of the meat. The delicious aroma was overwhelming, and it was thoroughly cooked. Chen Mu pinched a slice and tossed it into his mouth. The taste exploded in his mouth, the crispy exterior giving way to the tender inside, with a spicy saltiness assaulting his taste buds. "Delicious!" Chen Mus eyes lit up. "The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Techniques splitting method is fantastic!" Chen Mu thought happily. "The black smoke feels cool to the touch, but its actual effect is high-temperature scorching." "With this effect, I wont have to worry about Exotic Beast Meat being difficult to cook." ... Not long after the meal was served, Old Hao arrived, hands clasped behind his back, sauntering over. Seeing the neatly arranged large plate of roast meat, Old Hao couldnt help but frown: "Eating like this every day, youre going to pass away!" "Wasteful!" Saying so, he pinched a piece of roast meat and threw it into his mouth. Chen Mu rolled his eyes: "Then dont eat it." "That I cannot do, why wouldnt I eat a meal thats offered for free," Old Hao squinted his eyes and savored it slowly. "Spit it out, what do you want to know by coming to me?" Chen Mu cleared his throat: "You misunderstand, I mainly wanted to express my gratitude for your guidance." Old Hao wore a look of disbelief: "For someone as honest as you to invite me over for a meal, there must be something you need." Me? Honest? Chen Mu nodded with a face full of agreement: "You really know how to read people!" ... After the meal, the two of them lay in their rocking chairs, drinking tea to aid digestion. "I just heard that the Scripture Transmission Institute has some old cultivators teaching for years; I was wondering what these lessons are like." Those anxiety-inducing ads may be small, but they sure are mighty. In his past life, hed been swayed into buying quite a few classes. Fooled by that old man with flower-like hair, he didnt dare look at the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique for two days after buying it! What if it blew his head off? "Theyre useful," Old Hao nodded: "They teach the principles of Secret Techniques, cultivating skills that can reasonably speed up ones cultivation time." "You dont need to listen to them now." "First practice for a year and a half, attempt Spirit and Soul Unification several times, then go seek advice from those old cultivators. The combination of the two will yield better results." Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. Its the combination of theory and practice, after all. Ill definitely get scolded by the master later! Seeing that the guy was about to shout his throat hoarse, Liang Yis mind raced. I need to get this guy out of here quickly! "Brother Lin, why not go to the Scripture Transmission Institute and find the Talisman Oversight?" "He has all the records of those who purchased Perceptive Secret Techniques." "If you follow this clue, combined with the direction the Round Light Mirror previously pointed you, you might be able to find traces of that person!" Lin Sus heart stirred, and he immediately dropped the sorrow from his face, thanking Liang Yi with a grateful fist and palm salute. "Thank you for the reminder, junior brother." With that, he leapt out of the wooden pagoda-like Daoist temple and disappeared between the cliffs in the blink of an eye. ... Five days later. Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu was nestled in a rocking chair. In his right hand, he held a white jade tablet as long as a forearm and as wide as four fingers. The edges of the jade tablet were adorned with gold silk clouds. In the middle, there was a complex pattern of starry silver threads inside. A faint voice seemed to emerge in his mind. Gradually, the complex pattern also began to appear and disappear around the Jade Seed. Chen Mu stared at the increasingly clear starry silver thread pattern, and a sudden sense of enlightenment surged in his heart. It took him a good while to come back to his senses. After recalling slightly, a strange, low chant that seemed like a thousand people reciting curse words spilled out. At the same time, around the Jade Seed, a half-transparent mesh ball made of starry silver threads the size of an egg, encapsulated the Jade Seed at its center. Chen Mu projected the gray wall. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 19/10000; "Only First Rank?" Chen Mu squinted his eyes. "The Scripture Transmission Institute breaks it down and separates cultivation practice into stages, charging for each level?" Chen Mu sighed. They really dont miss any opportunity to squeeze you for money. This is still in Jilong Road. I dont even want to know how harsh the living conditions for the wild cultivators outside are. Chen Mu looked at the pattern on the jade tablet, which was becoming more and more blurred: "Useless?" No wonder they were so generous in allowing him to take the secret technique out from the Scripture Transmission Institute. So theres a limit on the number of times it can be used, no fear of people making secret trades. He suddenly realized a problem: "If the pattern disappears and I cant even begin to cultivate the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, then what should I do?" Chen Mu couldnt help but think of the meaningful look on the face of the Talisman Supervision Institute official. "You can only buy another and continue to cultivate!" "And perhaps youll even be coaxed into buying a cultivation guidance lesson!" Chen Mu: "..." Truly a masterful method! Chapter 211 - 210: Colleagues Tongtian Square Lower Courtyard residence. Inspection Courtyard, Lin Sus compound. The sturdy man in black, Wu Lie, strode into the main hall, presenting a scroll the thickness of a wrist in bright yellow fabric with both hands, "Prefect, this is the list of secret technique exchanges from the Scripture Transmission Institute over the last twenty years." "They say the Talismanic Inspector is unsociable. Unexpectedly, this time he was so forthcoming," Wu Lie remarked with surprise. "He just asked about the Zhongshan Path traitor incident, and he gave me the list outright." Lin Su gave Wu Lie a blank look. Forthcoming? Thats because I gave him money! "Does the Prefect suspect that Zhongshan Path has been plotting for a long time and has already infiltrated the Lower Courtyard?" Wu Lie inquired. "Hmm," Lin Su nodded slightly but didnt say anything. Zhongshan Path was just a pretext; he was actually looking for the thief who stole the Exquisite Jade Plate! "Thats right, I was mistaken before," Lin Su suddenly realized. "Its not the first time Dong Cheng has swindled and deceived." "And its the old disciples who have been fooled the most." "Such individuals have the power to turn the tables on Dong Cheng!" Thinking of the disappearing black dot on the Round Light Mirror, Lin Sus certainty grew. "Check all the people in the past twenty years who have exchanged for the Perceptive Secret Technique." "Those famous prodigies require even more attention." A cold glint flashed in Lin Sus eyes. "Prefect is wise!" Wu Lie expressed his admiration. "Such people, once they break through, are most likely to seek apprenticeship and blend into the Lower Courtyard!" "Zhongshan Path was actually planning to sabotage our Lower Courtyard!" "Rest assured, Prefect, I will definitely root out all these people!" Wu Lie promised earnestly. Lin Sus eyelids twitched. Could it really be explained this way? Well, as long as you understand, thats fine. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Sizzle, sizzle... A burst of stir-frying noise echoed within the small courtyard. A thin layer of black smoke enveloped the bottom of the pot as Chen Mu, holding the spatula, stirred quickly. In just over thirty breaths time, he swiftly dissipated the black smoke from the Spirit Armor Technique, lifting a slice of cured meat for tasting. "Finally succeeded," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. The scorching effect of the black smoke far surpassed that of the fierce stoves in his previous life. In his initial uses, he had even charred the dishes, which was rather shameful for a Fourth Rank chef.@@@@ Chen Mu carried the dish to the wooden pavilion. The square table was covered with a large spread: fragrant pan-fried fish slices, boiled fish balls, braised pork chunks, spicy marinated cold meat, quickly saute?ed vegetables, a small pot of Yellow Bud Rice, and a flat bamboo basket filled with the Qi Familys old pies. With the black smoke from the Spiritual Armor serving as a fierce stove, Exotic Beast meat was no longer difficult to handle. Paired with a tenderizing secret recipe, many of the previous dishes could be slowly realized. "According to the Da Liang Calendar, today is the first day of the New Year," Chen Mu declared after snatching up a pie and biting it in half. "Of course!" Angry? Want to curse? Feel like getting physical? Bring it on! Shang Huan glared at Zhang Tuan, "Deal!" A fake incense formula and hes willing to spend forty-six White Jade Coins?! Is he an idiot? Zhang Tuan: "..." Thats not the response I was expecting. "Changed your mind?" Shang Huan glowered at Zhang Tuan. Zhang Tuan opened his mouth and found himself at a loss for words. "Tight on cash? I can make it cheaper." Zhang Tuan: "..." ... Underground Market District. Chen Mu, dressed in black and wearing a beast head mask, set up his stall to sell medicine like usual. "Excluding the time for rest and tending to the fields, the White Jade Plate requires roughly seventy-two White Jade Coins a month." "I have a total of one hundred thirty-nine on me, which is just enough for two months." "Ive got to keep selling Calming Pills," Chen Mu sighed, "Damn Scripture Transmission Institute always cost a fortune!" If they didnt set such high prices, he wouldnt be in a financial crisis so soon. "Selling ten more bottles of Calming Pills should be enough to break even," Chen Mu conceded helplessly. As the Elixir Pills sold more and more, he feared they might attract unwanted attention. "Ill just have to change my appearance and be more careful," Chen Mu decided. He took out ten bottles of Calming Pills and laid them on the felt pad, placing the price sign in a conspicuous place. Calming Pills are the most cost-effective consumable Elixir Pills for the Spirit and Soul Unification phase. As long as theyre for sale, there will be buyers. "Lucky for me that I have this Calming Pill business. Otherwise, Id have to save money like others by farming," Chen Mu felt fortunate. He was resting with his eyes closed when he suddenly felt a scrutinizing gaze. Chen Mu opened his eyes discreetly to see a middle-aged man setting up shop diagonally across from him, looking at Chen Mu with a mixture of confusion and vigilance. Chen Mu was curious and glanced at the mans pricing sign. One White Jade Coin for thirty-two Calming Pills. Ive encountered a fellow trader... Chen Mu sighed, as the Hundred Herbs Pavilion couldnt completely monopolize the Elixir Pill trade after all. In the Underground Market District, aside from him, many people sold Elixir Pills. Unfortunately, this time he ran into a competitor who was also selling Calming Pills. Fortunately, Calming Pills were in high demand. One or two additional traders really didnt matter. Chen Mu didnt mind and was about to look away. Then he saw the middle-aged man glaring at him fiercely, taking out a brush and drawing a line on the sign. One White Jade Coin for thirty-three Calming Pills. Chen Mu: "..." Do we really have to compete like this? Its not necessary! Chapter 212 - 211 Roll The moon was high in the sky. Chen Mu changed his appearance and figure, had the Five Ghosts Pathfinding for him, and took a circuitous route back to rest in the cellar in the hollow. He didnt care about the newcomers in the Underground Market. Profit margins were already low from buying and selling on the Ghost Ship. And now, he had to increase the amounts being sent out... Ha! "Probably some greenhorn just starting out," Chen Mu shook his head. Looking at the other partys crude disguise, it was clear they were inexperienced. It wouldnt take long for the increasingly poor profits to teach them a lesson. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Next to him on a short table was a White Jade Plate, and above a fist-sized bronze incense burner, the air twisted with heat carrying a faint sweet fragrance rising up. Chen Mus lips moved, his voice low as if coming from deep within his abdomen. It was like a thousand overlapping voices chanting strange Curse Commands, continuously spilling from his mouth. In his mind, a spider-web-like sphere the size of an egg gently vibrated. At the center, a round Jade Seed also trembled at a certain rhythm. After a good while, a sudden cool sensation came from the Life Gate at his lower back. It was as if, in the midst of summer, someone was gently touching his back with two cold metal rods. Fine, hair-like wisps of white mist appeared in his mind and swiftly burrowed into the Jade Seed, disappearing within. Chen Mu observed carefully, but saw no change in the Jade Seed. After a long while, Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked at the semi-translucent grey wall in front of him. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 529/10000; "An hour for just five or six points of experience, this is far worse than the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique!" Chen Mu sighed. Others could gain experience just by breathing, even earning progress in their sleep. And then theres the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, sigh... "No wonder its priced the lowest." Now, Chen Mu understood. The cultivation time for the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique was indeed long. He had the proficiency cheat, gaining enlightenment every time he practiced. With the White Jade Plate, the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy was comparable to that of the Upper Courts cultivation arenas. Even with such advantageous circumstances, he calculated that he would still need over seven months of intense effort every day. Looking at Old Hao, who had bought a top-tier Spiritual Light Secret Technique, he only cultivated for twenty years and... well, lets not mention Old Hao anymore. The greatest pain in life is to compare with others. The right attitude should be to compare with oneself. So... seven months, huh! Chen Mu curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a grin, squinting his eyes and shaking his leg. "Seven months for just one Perceptive Spirit Light!" "How many seven months does one have in life!" ... "What are you showing off for!" Old Hao, who walked in with his hands behind his back, looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "Exploitation is everywhere," Chen Mu sighed. Fortunately, he had the White Jade Plate. "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard was conducting a massive search back then," Chen Mu squinted his eyes slightly. "Its not necessarily true that theyve stopped now." "Its more likely theyve shifted from overt to covert investigations." "Ill have to be even more cautious when using it in the future." ... Ten nights later, shortly after nightfall. On the west side of Low Mountain, within a broad expanse of Yellow Bud Rice Fields, three black clouds appeared in mid-air. Then, they suddenly plummeted as if they were torrents of dark water, rapidly rolling and spreading across the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Wherever they passed, the compacted soil instantly turned over and crumbled, becoming loose and friable. At the edge of the field, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. This was the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields he had just rented. Taking advantage of the night, he used the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to till the field and didnt even go home. Putting on his Beast Head Mask and draping a black cloak over himself, his figure and appearance changed. With a few leaps, he sprang onto Low Mountain. Then, he crossed the ridge and hurried northward at top speed. The Underground Market was open tonight, and he was going to sell Calming Pills. ... The more times he went, although he was still cautious, he also felt more relaxed and composed. "After selling todays batch, Ill have enough for the month," Chen Mu calculated as he walked. With twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields and a steady outlet for Calming Pills, he would no longer worry about White Jade Coins for his cultivation at the Perceptive Spirit Light Stage. Entering the Underground Market, he leisurely made his way to a familiar spot. However, he discovered that his space was already occupied by someone else. "Is this newcomer still trying?" Chen Mu was surprised to see his fellow trader occupying his spot. "Could it be that hes been adulterating the product?" Buying and selling on the Ghost Ship, one couldnt make money without doing that. "Isnt he afraid of getting killed?" Chen Mus own Calming Pills 1.0 were substandard at best, but others were truly adulterating their products! Chen Mu shook his head and decided not to concern himself with it any further. But just as he had gone a short distance further in, he noticed another stall selling Calming Pills. Chen Mu looked towards the wooden placard for the price. "One White Jade Coin, thirty-four White Jade Coins." Chen Mu: "..." He suddenly had a bad feeling. He hurried deeper into the Underground Market. The third shop, the fourth shop... Before he even entered the core of the Underground Market, he had already seen seven stalls selling Calming Pills, and each was more egregious than the last. The stall with the biggest discount was selling thirty-seven Calming Pills for one White Jade Coin! What the hell was going on?! Chapter 213 - 212 Origin In the dead of night, Chen Mu returned to his cellar in the mountain hollow with a face full of helplessness. In the underground market, many stalls were selling Calming Pills. Each one offered discounts, each one had counterfeit pills. His relatively authentic Calming Pills actually attracted no buyers?! "Bad money drives out good," Chen Mu shook his head. It was always him using inferior products to snatch business from the genuine goods of Hundred Herbs Hall. Now... it was retribution. "This way, I wont be able to break even," Chen Mu frowned. Originally, he could have earned money and gathered experience calmly. But unexpectedly, so many sellers of fake medicine sprang up out of nowhere. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Under a wooden shed, on a square table, lay a feast of roasted skewers, boiled meat slices, fishball soup, Yellow Bud Rice balls, and lots of delicious pies from Old Qis family.@@@@ "Your cooking skills are too good for just farming," Old Hao praised as he bit off half a pie with audible relish. "Whatever you want to know, just ask," Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu and cheerfully said. After being acquainted for some time, he was all too familiar with this routine. "When is the Ghost Ship coming next?" Chen Mu asked directly. "Thats the spirit!" Old Hao laughed, "You cant just stay here farming all day, like an old man." "Youre young; you should be full of curiosity, ready to go out and see the world!" Curiosity? Going out to see the world? I wouldnt dare! The world is so dangerous; a small mistake could be fatal! "Going by the schedule, the Ghost Ship should arrive in another seven or eight days," Old Hao contemplated and then said, "When the time comes, you can follow me, and Ill show you around." "Thank you, Old Hao," Chen Mu smiled. Unable to sell Calming Pills at the underground market, he had no choice but to try his luck aboard the Ghost Ship. If that wasnt secure enough, he would have to resort to Heavenly River Water Mansion, as mentioned by Old Hao. "Damn those counterfeit medicine sellers!" Chen Mu seethed internally. The stable life he enjoyed had been disrupted. ... The next day, Chen Mu got up early in the morning. After breakfast, he began processing the medicinal herbs. He took a handful of root-like herbs cut into small sections and placed them on his palm, then rotated and rubbed them slowly and firmly with both hands. Puff puff puff! Accompanied by a series of muffled sounds, the tough wooden herbs instantly became a small pile of fine powder. Following the same method, Chen Mu ground all the herbs into powder with his hands. After mixing them in proportion and sifting them through a fine mesh, he poured them into a dark ceramic basin. Then he added a binder, mixed it evenly, and finally squeezed it into pills using a wooden mold. This process was repeated continuously, and under the wooden shed, baskets of Calming Pills were slowly produced. In the Shang Huan residence. A simple and honest man sat opposite Shang Huan. "Can it be a little cheaper?" Shang Huan raised an eyebrow, incredulous, "Brother Zhang, think about it, are ten White Jade Coins really that expensive?" "This is a formula that can perfectly mimic the taste of Calming Pills, it could easily pass off as the real thing!" "With it, how many White Jade Coins cant you earn?" "But... after all, this is a counterfeit medicine," the honest man hesitated. Shang Huan said earnestly, "Brother Zhang, did you know that using Calming Pills consecutively can lead to resistance?" "We mix in some incense to ease the mind and reduce the pill usage frequency. Isnt this for their own good?!" "You must remember, we who add counterfeits are not doing it for money, but to help them cultivate better!" Shang Huan waved his right fist, full of conviction. "Ill buy it!" said the honest Brother Zhang, resolutely. "Thats the spirit!" Shang Huan immediately beamed with joy. Old Hao, who had been listening on the side, was dumbfounded. After sending the honest man away, he was still trying to process it all, "Arent you afraid of trouble selling this way?" "Im only selling an incense formula; if others want to sell it as Calming Pills, what does that have to do with me?" Shang Huan retorted confidently. "Such a profiteer!" Old Hao shook his head, sighing. "Then you shouldnt take a cut of this profiteers earnings," teased Shang Huan cheerily. "Ahem... I know someone else, should I get in touch?" Old Hao pretended not to hear the teasing. "Of course!" Shang Huans eyes gleamed, "Ive only made twenty-three sales so far. Thats hardly anything!" "Once I sell fifty, Ill go buy the best Spiritual Light Method there is!" Shang Huan confidently declared. Outside the courtyard, Chen Mu, who had just arrived to deliver goods to Shang Huan, was speechless... A whole half-days turmoil, this counterfeit medicine scandal, was actually stirred up by this damn fatty?! Was this guy at odds with fraud or what? How long had it been since they last met? He was like a mad dog, rushing headlong down this no-return path. Staring at that slyly grinning fat face, Chen Mu felt an overwhelming urge to strangle the bastard! It was this son of a gun who had shattered his peaceful life! Thud! With a muffled sound, the two people in the room immediately hit the floor with their faces. Fatty, just you wait! ... Seven days later, at noon, on the docks of Tongtian Square. A bruised and swollen Old Hao led Chen Mu to the banks of the Tongtian River. Alongside them was Shang Huan, his face as swollen as a pigs head. Chen Mu glanced at the others eyes, swollen to slits, and felt as sweet as if hed drunk honey. There was plenty of time; they would settle this score slowly! Soon, a ghastly pale and hideous creature emerged from the bottom of the Tongtian River. "A Ghost Ship? It must be the work of Bai Lu," Chen Mu realized. In his understanding, a Ghost Ship meant the black market, all sneaky and undercover. He had been puzzled why Old Hao had brought him here at noon. But now everything became clear to him. Chapter 214 - 213: The Outsider The Ling Boat was more than two hundred meters long, half the size of the one Chen Mu had boarded before, yet it was still a colossal entity. Snow-white pillars, transparent curtain walls, glowing fluorescent algae. On both sides were multilayered cabins attached to the inner walls, most of which were various shops and storefronts. Dressed in gray, with a brown cloth bag on his back, Chen Mu wandered about the cabins on the Ling Boat. He was looking for a suitable buyer for the Calming Pills. "It cant be too small." Shops that were too small and desperate for growth might resort to any means to control this source of wealth. "Nor can it be too big." Shops that were too big and powerful could easily investigate him if anyone became slightly interested. "Imperial Goods Pavilion is just right," Chen Mu said, standing in front of a shop. After wandering around the Ling Boat for two Hours and examining nine elixir shops, he finally chose Imperial Goods Pavilion. It was neither too big nor too small, not overly interested in the profits from the Calming Pills, nor willing to spend the resources to investigate them. After looking around to make sure there were no customers, Chen Mu adjusted his face and walked into Imperial Goods Pavilion on his third pass by the entrance. The owner, a gentle-looking man in his forties, greeted him, "Welcome, what do you need?" Chen Mu, expressionless, placed the package from behind him onto the counter and feigned expertise as he said, "Help me sell a batch of Calming Pills." "Sure," the pale-faced middle-aged man answered nonchalantly, "Forty pills per White Jade Coin." Chen Mu opened the package and pushed it towards the middle-aged man, "Okay." The man only sniffed the bottle cap and casually took out twenty White Jade Coins. His casual demeanor was not like someone who had just bought twenty bottles of Calming Pills, but rather like someone who had bought two jin of Yellow Bud Rice. Is that it? Not checking each bottle, not inquiring about the origins of the elixir pills, not even trying to haggle the price? "Anything else you need?" the middle-aged man asked, still maintaining his mild manner. "No, thats all," Chen Mu nodded in acknowledgement and turned to leave. It wasnt until he was far from Imperial Goods Pavilion that Chen Mu let out a wry smile and came back to his senses. "I was so cautious, but it turns out that they dont even care for Calming Pills." "After all, theyre just mundane Elixir Pills," Chen Mu realized. "Compared to Fasting Pills and Soul Condensing Pills, which require special refining spells, theyre simply not on the same level." Its better that they dont care! Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Selling elixir pills on the Ling Boat, this had indeed worked out, and it was even safer and more convenient than the Underground Market. "Then...should I sell more?" After considering it, Chen Mu shook his head to reject the idea. The Ling Boat docked once mid-month and at months end; selling twenty bottles of Calming Pills each time was just the right amount. "A steady trickle lasts long; better to play it safe." ... "They dont look very human, hmm... at least not pure." "I heard there are Elixir Pills that can grant special bloodlines." "This is quite enlightening." Chen Mu exclaimed. "Old Hao was right. Always holed up here farming, Im out of touch with the world, its easy to fall behind." Chen Mu shook his head helplessly, "It seems Ill have to visit Red Sleeve Square several more times." "Not to watch whatever show since I cant even tell if its good or bad." "Simply to gather information and broaden my horizons." "Ill have to spend these White Jade Coins." Thinking about seeing the new performances in just over ten days... no, the headlines of the Yunzhou Cultivation World, his heart couldnt help but thrill. Then, one by one, soybean-sized black and red Elixir Pills began to materialize in his palm. Hisss hisss hisss... A series of sharp cries rang out. That innocent watermelon-sized rock ultimately turned into fragments with much reluctance. "Did I advance?" Chen Mu looked at the soybean-sized black and red Elixir Pills in his palm in surprise. Sand Containing Technique: 3/10000/Fourth Rank; "Faster speed, shorter activation time, finally looking decent." Chen Mu was pleased. He was about to continue testing his newly improved Sand Containing Technique. But his lifted hand suddenly came to an abrupt stop. "Whos that?" Through the perspective of Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, two figures appeared beside his Yellow Bud Rice Fields. The pair stopped to look at the soft, fluffy soil and then headed straight toward his courtyard. "Are they looking for me?" Chen Mu frowned. He didnt recognize either of them. "Forget it, better hide for now." Quickly cleaning up the messy ground in the small hollow. He placed one of the Five Ghosts in the tree forest on top of Low Mountain to keep watch. Then Chen Mu slipped into the underground space beneath the hollow. ... Three days later, through the vision of Five Ghosts, Chen Mu helplessly watched as two figures climbed up the hill toward his courtyard. This was their third time visiting the Low Hill Courtyard. If he continued to hide, he would start to raise their suspicions. How could someone who usually stayed at home be away every day? It was clear he was avoiding them. If it caused the two to spy on him secretly... Chen Mu found the thought troublesome. "I have to see what kind of trouble these two are up to." Chapter 215 - 214: Purple Bamboo "I hate to disturb Brother Chens peace," Zhang Tuan said with a gentle smile on his face. "Not at all, not at all," Chen Mu scratched his head, wearing a nai?ve smile. "Brother, you might not know, but I am a disciple of the Lower Courtyard from the same group as you." "Really?" Chen Mu expressed his surprise, a trace of recognition shining in his eyes. Zhang Tuans smile grew even warmer, then he began to recount, with a humorous twist, the funny mishaps he had when he first arrived here. In a silent and swift manner, he quickly narrowed the gap between them. After a conversation that went from superficial to deep, he naturally let out a melancholic sigh, "For us newcomers, life is truly difficult." "No wages, no elixirs, no secret techniques. And were bullied and cheated by the senior disciples," Zhang Tuan said with a sorrowful expression, "Mastering Perceptive skills is bound to take a long, arduous time, making the difficult even more difficult." Chen Mu glanced at the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, which was about to one-fifth completed. Then he looked at a wooden cabinet filled with Calming Pills, and finally, he peered into the Five Ghosts Bag, where nearly two hundred White Jade Coins lay. Suddenly, with a face full of difficulty, he echoed the sentiment, "Indeed, its hard." ... "Moved by this, I have specially founded the Purple Bamboo Society," "We aim to let our fellow newcomers band together for mutual warmth and support through these tough times." "Recently, with collective wisdom and effort, weve finally achieved some progressive developments," Zhang Tuan sighed with a sense of relieved accomplishment. "You know about the Calming Pills?" Zhang Tuan asked with an indefinable smile on his face. "Ive heard from Master Zhuang Fu that they can calm the mind and speed up Spirit and Soul Unification," Chen Mu replied honestly. I know about it alright. And I can make it. The real deal, the fakes, the half-true half-fakes, I can make all of them! "Its not just for Spirit and Soul Unification. In the Upper Courts dojo, Calming Pills are burned all year round," "This shows that they still have an exceptional performance in assisting the training of Perceptive abilities," Zhang Tuan praised heartily. Suddenly he leaned in and said in a low, mysterious voice, "And our Purple Bamboo Society has spent a great deal of money to buy the recipe, which means we can produce Calming Pills ourselves!" Chen Mu: "..." Could it be the recipe that Im thinking of? "Hundred Herbs Pavilion gives thirty pills for one White Jade," "But for Purple Bamboo Society members, one White Jade can fetch thirty-five pills!" Zhang Tuan puffed out his chest proudly, "Come on, join us." "As long as we work together, we will surely grow stronger!" Zhang Tuan spoke with fervent passion. Zhang Tuan waved his hand, "Old Five, this is a new disciple who naturally stands on our side. We cant use the same methods as we do with the old disciples." "We must learn to treat them sincerely, to think from their perspective," Zhang Tuan sighed, "You know how miserably many new disciples are bullied. We need to unite every bit of strength." "This Brother Chen is from our batch, which makes him a potential member of the Purple Bamboo Society. As long as we are sincere, there will come a day when he becomes one of our own." "Even if he doesnt join, we still need to consider the feelings of our current members." "If we mistreat Brother Chen, the existing members will inevitably have grievances." "Our attitude towards new disciples must be genuine and equal. Thats how we can increase the cohesion among members and attract more new ones." "Such a hassle," Ding Wu scratched his head indifferently, "Ill just follow what the boss says." "You..." Zhang Tuan chuckled. ... Chen Mu, ten meters away and invisible under the cover of Ghosts, slowly clenched his right hand, snuffing out the Sand Containing Technique pellet that hovered in his palm. "This Zhang Tuan is quite impressive, with a clear train of thought," Chen Mu marveled. "Whether its to attract new members or to set an example for the current ones, I wont have any trouble for a while." That was good. It allowed him to focus on farming and cultivation. "If the Purple Bamboo Society gains a foothold, perhaps we can even cooperate," Chen Mu pondered. "Having another sales channel for the Calming Pills wouldnt be bad at all." "Hmm... thats something to look into later." Chen Mu glanced again at the backs of the two men, then let the Five Ghosts carry him away slowly. He hadnt finished his quota of experience for the day. ... At the Purple Bamboo Society in the Xinchou District. "Is that Brother Chen a good hand at farming?" Zhang Tuan, just back, thought of the weedless fields. "Hes quite good," Ding Wu thought for a moment and said, "There was a pest outbreak this year, and he still managed to pay enough land rent. His skills are even better than those of previous generations of disciples." "A real talent," Zhang Tuan exclaimed. "I heard theres a group of former disciples in the Xinyou District who like to collect good farmers, forcing them to farm for them?" Zhang Tuan turned his head and asked. "There is such a group," Ding Wu said, puzzled. "Then lets sell them a piece of information; tell them theres a talented farmer in the Gengyin District. Theyll surely like it," Zhang Tuan squinted and said. "First, let this Brother Chen experience the hardships of the world," Zhang Tuan glanced at Ding Wu and continued, "And then..." "Got it!" Ding Wu suddenly grinned widely. Chapter 216 - 215 Meeting Jilong Road Lower Courtyard, at the boundary of Gengyin District. Ding Wu, alone, arrived early at a roadside pavilion. The pavilion was supported by gray wooden pillars, topped with green tiles, and the ground was paved with stone slabs. Every year, the Lower Courtyard arranged for the storeroom disciples to come here to collect the land tax from Gengyin District. In the grassy area next to the pavilion, one or two sickly Yellow Bud Rice plants could faintly be seen, about half a person tall. Before long, a figure over two meters tall with dark skin and bulging muscles approached leisurely, yet swiftly. The oppressive aura that came with him made Ding Wus heart tighten.@@@@ "Could it be Brother Zheng?" Ding Wu hurriedly bowed and saluted. The muscular Brother Zheng looked at Ding Wu coldly without a word. Ding Wu felt his scalp tingle under the scrutiny. Zheng Jin, the second of the seven brothers from Wu Mountain, was an uncompromising cultivation fanatic. And he had a volatile temper, ready to fight at the slightest provocation. If it werent for the rules of the Lower Courtyard holding him back, and the fear of being held accountable by the Inspection Courtyard, who knows how many would have died by his hand. Even so, there were still rumors that a good number of disciples disappearances were related to him. "I have a piece of news. Its about a newly promoted disciple who is especially skilled at planting Yellow Bud Rice," Ding Wu eagerly stated his purpose for being there. "This year, the pest infestation was rampant, and his fields were damaged as well, yet he still managed to pay the full land tax, which clearly shows his outstanding technique." "I dont ask for much, only ten White Jade Coins," Ding Wu said with a smile on his face. The seven brothers from Wu Mountain were often collecting various skilled farmers, exploiting their labor to earn White Jade Coins. Knowing about Chen Mu, especially that he was a newly promoted disciple without any power, they were sure to make a move! By that time... He was pondering what he would do then, but noticed that Zheng Jin was still saying nothing, just calmly looking at him. Ten White Jade Coins isnt that expensive, is it? Ding Wu couldnt help scratching his head. The seven brothers from Wu Mountain forced others to help them farm, becoming exceedingly wealthy. Every year, two or three of them were able to go cultivate at the dojo. Surely, they could afford ten White Jade Coins, right? Thinking of his task, Ding Wu hesitated for a moment then resolutely said, "Five White Jade Coins will do." This should be enough to pass on the message. But Zheng Jin still remained silent, looking at Ding Wu without uttering a word. Ding Wu was filled with helplessness. Indeed, the richer people are, the stingier they become. "Fine, Ill tell Brother Zheng for free." After all, the money didnt matter much; what was important was to deliver the message. At last, the ever-calm Zheng Jin made a move. He faced Ding Wus beaming smile, slightly parted his lips, and then suddenly exerted force from his abdomen. "Tui!" Ding Wu: "..." ... "The mans name is Chen Mu, in Xinxu District. I hope this helps Brother Zheng," said Ding Wu, clenching his teeth after a prolonged confrontation, then turned and walked away. If he didnt leave now, he feared he wouldnt be able to resist starting a fight. Under the pavilion, watching Ding Wu closely, veins on his forehead exposed, angrily storming away until he disappeared at the end of the road. Zheng Jins formidable figure shrank like a deflated ball. And he was likely to be among them. A surge of sorrow and anger couldnt help rising in his heart. Wouldnt living in peace be good? Why always strive for self-benefit at the expense of others? He had honestly engaged in pharmaceuticals and farming, steadily cultivating at home. And yet trouble had still found him. He couldnt help feeling resigned. This world... Hiss! A sharp cry suddenly arose. A fine thread of black and red light pierced through the air and abruptly arrived in front of Zheng Jins forehead. Puh! A drop of blood splattered. Zheng Jin withdrew his jet-black hands that had been crossed in front of his forehead. Even as he covered them with Soul Strength at extreme speed, the center of his palms still bore a bloody, mangled puncture wound. A depression deep enough to expose bone appeared on his forehead. Blood oozed from the depression, gathered, and slid down one side of the bridge of his nose. "That really hurts." Zheng Jin, looking at Chen Mu, involuntarily stretched a smile revealing a row of finely pointed teeth gleaming coldly. "Its been a long time since someone dared to take a swing at me." "Hancha Secret Technique? Youre quite skilled at it." "Rakshasa!" Whirr! Zheng Jins figure suddenly vanished from the spot. Almost instantly, he reappeared in the air in front of Chen Mu. His right hand, transformed into a claw, was raised high, with Jet Black Soul Strength swirling, enveloping, and reshaping. In a blink, it turned into a monstrous claw the size of a human head, with wickedly curved fingers. Zheng Jin split open his mouth wide, excitement filling his eyes as he looked at Chen Mu. It was as if an eagle swooping down from the sky was staring intently at a startled rabbit. "Ha!" The next moment, black smoke suddenly materialized in mid-air, and like a python whipping its tail, it slammed down on Zheng Jins head. Bang! With a muffled sound, Zheng Jin, as if struck by a whip, was forcefully smashed into the pavilions floor. The stone slabs shattered, dirt flew, and Zheng Jins entire body was involuntarily buried in the ground. He stared at the swirling black smoke in front of Chen Mu, his eyes filled with disbelief. Hiss! A sharp sound suddenly rose again. Puh! A hole abruptly burst open in the depression on Zheng Jins forehead. Without uttering a sound, he immediately fell to the ground. Chen Mu gave the opponent a cold glance, carefully confirming that Zheng Jin was dead. "You dont want me to live a peaceful life? Then you all can start the commotion first!" Then the black smoke rolled over, quickly gathering the spoils of war. Afterward, the figure flashed and swiftly vanished. Chapter 217 - 216 Chaos At night, in the Purple Bamboo Society of Xinchou District. "Are the seven brothers of Wu Mountain so arrogant?" Zhang Tuans eyebrows furrowed tightly. "Extremely arrogant!" Ding Wu was still furious. "Send someone to collect their information." Zhang Tuan thought for a moment and calmly said, "Especially the data of those Lower Courtyard disciples they control." "Boss, are we going after them?!" Ding Wu asked excitedly. "Can you take them on?" Zhang Tuan asked indifferently. Recalling Zheng Jins formidable aura, Ding Wus face turned unsightly as he shook his head. "See if they have any enemies. Lets keep them busy first." Zhang Tuan said calmly. "We need time to build up strength," Zhang Tuan glanced at Ding Wu. "With enough strength, we can uproot them completely." "Understood!" Ding Wus mouth curled up. It was good as long as these people were on the bosss list. Sooner or later, all of them could be taken down! The two were discussing how to make the Purple Bamboo Society profitable. A short man in gray clothes rushed into the main hall. "Boss, Zheng Jin of the seven Wu Mountain brothers is dead. They say... they say it was Brother Ding Wu who killed him!" "Someone from their side came to deliver a message, asking to meet with the boss to discuss this matter." Ding Wu was taken aback, "Impossible!" But Zhang Tuans face changed. Ding Wu had been framed! Was this against the Purple Bamboo Society or the Wu Mountain brothers? His mind racing, Zhang Tuan quickly composed himself, "Dont panic!" "Since they want to meet to discuss, it shows theres still room for maneuver." Saying so, he also breathed a sigh of relief. Were they also suspecting a trap? "Let them set the time and place, and I will certainly attend," Zhang Tuan waved to dismiss the messenger. "Boss!" Ding Wu looked anxious. "No rush," Zhang Tuan said thoughtfully, "This might not necessarily be a bad thing." "They havent rushed to retaliate, and we really havent done this thing." "Meeting them might not only be safe but could possibly become an opportunity for us to collaborate." Zhang Tuan pondered carefully, a spark of Spiritual Light suddenly flashing through his mind. "They are eyeing the members of the Purple Bamboo Society." "Just now we were thinking about how to make the Purple Bamboo Society profitable, and here comes the opportunity!" "Does the boss mean that we should do the same as the Wu Mountain brothers?" Ding Wu whispered. "No, well rent people directly to the Wu Mountain brothers and make money while lying down," Zhang Tuans mouth curved into a smirk. "Will those below agree?" Ding Wu didnt understand. "Let the Wu Mountain brothers intimidate them, then we step in and symbolically negotiate a bit of benefit." "In fact, well be collaborating with the Wu Mountain brothers to put on a show." "One plays the good cop, the other the bad cop, leading these people by the nose. They cant go west if we tell them to go east!" A sensation of cutting and tightening came, but it was conspicuously devoid of pain. There was not even a hint of Soul Strength on the surface of his palm. Thump thump thump... It was as if tightly stretched ropes were snapping. Chen Mu grabbed the silk net with both hands, easily tearing it apart. Looking at his unscathed, pale palm, a thread of silver was faintly discernible under the skin. "Is this the true manifestation of the Spirit Armor Technique?!" Chen Mu suddenly realized. The Soul Strength of the Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique integrated into his body had not vanished but had subtly transformed his physique. Mere skin defense had already surpassed the limits of the Jade Seed Secret Techniques. Could someone actually tear the Five Yin Black Evil Net apart with bare hands? Escape! Zhang Tuans pupils abruptly contracted, and he immediately ran towards a side window, but he had just lifted his foot. Bang bang bang... A series of Sand Containing Pellets rained down like droplets. The Body Protection Aura was struck, causing ripples to spread. Zhang Tuan himself was shaken by the immense impact, retreating step by step. What shocked him the most was. With the impact of the pellets shattering, the once impregnable Light Shield faintly began to show traces of black hue. Like a drop of ink spilling into netted water. As the ink spread, the Light Shield that seemed indestructible became increasingly pliable, much like a plastic shell softened by high heat. The continuous black-and-red pellets tugged at the Light Shield, making it cave inward, forming long, thin spikes that were about to reach Zhang Tuan. "Stop! I will give you whatever you want!" He could no longer maintain his composure, crying out in panic. Soul Strength surged throughout his body, forming a thick layer in front of him. The next moment. At the tips of the spikes pushed to their limits, a hint of black and red could be faintly seen. Pop! Like bursting bubbles, the series of Sand Containing Pellets broke through the Light Shield. Puff puff puff... In an instant, Zhang Tuan was riddled with holes. The Soul Strength defense he had mustered with all his might was like paper, easily pierced. "I only wanted your life," Chen Mu said calmly, looking at Zhang Tuan. It is only your fault for troubling me. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Zhang Tuan and Ding Wu were instantly consumed into nothingness. Chen Mus figure flickered, disappearing without a trace. With Zheng Jin dead, Zhang Tuan and Ding Wu missing, conflict between the Purple Bamboo Society and the Wu Mountain seven brothers was inevitable, and a small-scale chaos was almost unavoidable. But all this had nothing to do with Chen Mu. No one would believe that this matter was related to a humble farmer. Chapter 218 - 217 Inventory Half a month later. At the foot of Low Mountain, in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, the soil was dry and fluffy. Two palm depths underground, a slender and translucent grain of Yellow Bud Rice abruptly appeared. Then, centered on the Yellow Bud Rice, a circular area with the diameter of a forearm emerged, where a handful of Bone Powder materialized out of thin air and evenly filled the gaps in the soil. In the void, a cluster of chilly spring water was gulped out, moistening the soil around the Yellow Bud Rice. The Five Ghosts Bag was used to feed the vertical well filled with spring water. Two storage compartments contained seeds and Bone Powder, respectively. As Chen Mu strolled through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, these scenes occurred in succession. Walking and planting along the way, it didnt take much time before the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields were successfully planted. Chen Mu stood at the head of the field, silently calculating, "Including the newly rented ten acres next door, after paying the land rent, I could get around three thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice." "Hmm... thats enough for me to eat for a year," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "It would be best to have a source of Exotic Beast Meat as well." Always buying it to eat was too uneconomical. "Try the Tongtian River?" Chen Mu was tempted. "Or better not. The waters of the Tongtian River are deep and the waves are strong. What if theres a Dragon King?" Chen Mu sighed. Then, he subconsciously started to ponder the formula for a Drunken Bait, just in case it was needed. ... At noon, two meat and two vegetarian dishes were laid out on a square table. Old Hao sat opposite, and the two talked as they ate. "You really are quite diligent. You managed to get those twenty acres in order so quickly," Old Hao admired. "If theres a good harvest this year, perhaps you could spend some money to learn how to grow medicinal herbs," Old Hao suggested after thinking: "Its more challenging, but the yield is relatively higher as well." Medicinal herbs? Chen Mus interest was piqued; the return on Yellow Bud Rice was ultimately not that great. Growing medicinal herbs might be a good way out. "Here in the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, farming is ultimately not the way out," Old Hao suddenly lamented. "Ive farmed all my life, saved up money to buy the Jade Seed Secret Method, the Perceptive Secret Technique, and even went to the cultivation retreats five times." "It sounds good, but when compared to others...," Old Hao shook his head and sighed. "Do you know about the Wu Mountains seven brothers?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and shook his head feigning ignorance. "A bunch of bullies," Old Hao said with contempt on his face. "They set up schemes to trick others, force people to help them farm, and enjoy the fruits of others labor." "Such evildoers can actually go to the cultivation retreats every year?!" Old Hao was both angry and envious. "Heh, those guys have met their match," Old Hao took malicious pleasure in their misfortune. "Old Second Zheng Jin, its said that he was directly killed by the leader of the Purple Bamboo Society." "Evil begets evil!" Old Hao exclaimed with delight. Chen Mu looked at the brand new Mustard Seed Talisman with thirty-five opening permissions with mixed feelings. People are indeed different from one another. "People like me who staunchly maintain their moral bottom line and are amiable are becoming rare," Chen Mu sighed helplessly. Its good to be self-sufficient, but some just think about harming others for their own gain. "This must be your compensation for disturbing my peaceful life," Chen Mu said helplessly as he opened the Mustard Seed Talisman. He really was not that interested in such unexpected wealth. "Ah..." "Eh... this wooden cabinets material isnt bad at all!" He cheerfully opened every drawer to check them one by one. The first thing that caught his attention was the various Jade Slip scrolls. "The Five Yin Black Evil Net, not a bad secret technique," Chen Mu browsed through the supplementary volume of the secret technique. The silken net could wrap around to control, cut to attack, and also be used for defense. Able to fight, defend, and control, it was a rare Secret Technique. "Too bad..." Chen Mu shook his head and put the booklet aside. He had seven or eight similar supplementary volumes of the Jade Seed Secret Method. Currently, his spare time was largely taken up by Spiritual Light Technique, he really had no energy to practice another secret technique. "The Three Elements Secret Seal? It would be a bit useful if I hadnt mastered the Jade Seed yet." Chen Mu kept flipping through. "The Lesser Zhou Heavenly Spiritual Light Method?!" "Wow!" "Youre really damn rich!" Chen Mu held a piece of Jade Slip, gritting his teeth in envy. This thing was the most expensive Spiritual Light Secret Technique in the Scripture Transmission Institute, a full five hundred White Jade Coins! He flipped over the Jade Slip to check the front. The silver threads representing the True Intent of the secret technique had already dimmed and lost their shine. Only the backside, engraved with an outline and precautions, indicated how valuable this item had once been. "It would have been so good if you had bought it a few days later!" "Five hundred..." Despite such a huge expense, Chen Mu still found two hundred and thirty-seven White Jade Coins in the wooden cabinet. "Wealth sways hearts." Chen Mu realized suddenly. No wonder Zhang Tuan was so busy recruiting people into the Purple Bamboo Society. "Could it be youre making money by selling fake medicine to the members?" Chen Mu thought back to Zhang Tuans sales pitch when he was selling Calming Pills. And that recipe that seemed to come from Shang Huan. Chen Mu glanced toward the middle and bottom drawers, which were filled with rows of neatly arranged white porcelain bottles. He casually opened a bottle and took a light sniff, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh, "Even if you mixed in just half of the real stuff, it would be better." "Thirty-five pills per bottle, and there are only five that are real Calming Pills!" "Compared to this, Shang Huan, that fat guy who thinks about faking and adulterating all day, actually seems to have a moral bottom line?!" "Heh..." Chapter 219 - 218 Price Increase About seventy or eighty porcelain bottles were picked over, ultimately yielding just over a dozen true Calming Pills. "Heartless." The rest of the items were mostly precious medicinal herbs and a small amount of unknown minerals. There was also a three-legged, two-eared lid cauldron with a dull black finish. The three-legged cauldron was overall flat and round, with a smooth and warm surface that looked like black pottery. Cloud patterns were carved around the brim of the lid while the midsection featured unknown exotic beasts, elegant in form and coherently sequenced, quite beautiful to look at. There was a spherical knob on the cover, which Chen Mu tried to lift by pinching it, yet he couldnt open it. The black pottery cauldron was placed in the bottom drawer, next to it a thick arm primitive jade slip with dense golden characters etched into every strip of jade. "Mixed Element Five Qi Furnace?" "This is an alchemy furnace!" Chen Mus eyes lit up. "This is an education." He had never seen such a thing before. "Too bad my Pharmaceutical Technique level isnt high enough," Chen Mu shook his head. Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique was still only for refining mundane medicines. He couldnt even analyze the composition and refine the technique of the simplest Fasting Pills. "Just keep it, Ill definitely be able to use it later," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. ... Five days later, at Tongtian Square pier. Chen Mu followed Old Hao with a swollen nose and a bruised face and Shang Huan, who was equally battered, towards the Ling Boat. "What happened to you two?" Chen Mu asked knowingly, struggling to suppress his laughter. "We fell!" The two said in unison. Heh... "Look at that crowd!" Unable to withstand Chen Mus strange gaze, Old Hao quickly pointed to a group of people who had just disembarked and changed the subject.@@@@ "Why do they all look so downhearted? What happened?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "Pure heartache," Old Hao teased with a chuckle. "You also came back empty-handed the first time you went to the dojo. Your expression was even worse than theirs," Shang Huan likewise chuckled. "Dont you laugh. When its your turn, watching a hundred White Jade Coins go down the drain, Ill see if it pinches your heart," Old Hao said irritably. "Why should it? If I can earn the first hundred, I can earn the second," Shang Huan said nonchalantly. Old Hao suddenly fell silent. The chubby fellow wasnt just boasting. Even a fake medicine formula had already made this fat man a fortune. Chen Mu gave Shang Huan a sidelong glance, this chubby guy, quite the show-off... "I heard a genius emerged this year, broke through to Perceptive in the dojo, cultivated Spiritual Light, and was directly admitted to the Upper Court," Shang Huan said enviously, "If only I could do the same." "That will never happen, not even in your dreams," Old Hao rolled his eyes, "Among the thousands of Lower Courtyard disciples, how many can be like Mo Wuzhou, Brother Mo?" "You know him?" Shang Huan asked, surprised. "You think Ive been mingling around the Lower Courtyard for these decades for nothing?" Old Hao said proudly. "Mo Wuzhou?" Interest piqued, Chen Mu asked. The next day, after having dinner, Chen Mu, wearing a new face and a Beast Head Mask, arrived early at the Underground Market. However, after scouring the entire Underground Market, he didnt find a single stall selling Nightshade Grass. "Has someone been bulk buying to hoard?" Chen Mus brows puckered slightly. He refrained from searching intentionally and bypassed the increasing number of stalls selling fake Calming Pills. Chen Mu started to purchase other materials for the Calming Pills. He noticed that although the increase wasnt much, these materials were also rising in price. "Something doesnt feel right." ... Three days later, Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu had prepared a large table with dishes early. Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan arrived as promised. "Brother Chen really has some impressive culinary skills!" Shang Huan exclaimed with surprise on his freshly de-swollen face: "The food in the Heavenly River Water Mansions Eight Delicacies Building couldnt be better than this!" "Now you believe it, right." Old Hao said proudly. "I have a mere appetite for food, which is of no benefit to cultivation and not worth mentioning," Chen Mu said cheerfully. "Thats not necessarily true," Shang Huan shook his head. "Its a pity you cant leave the Lower Courtyard." "Otherwise, you could become a chef at the Eight Delicacies Building, which would pay better than growing Yellow Bud Rice." Chen Mu just smiled without saying a word. "Brother Chen, if you have any questions, just ask," Old Hao puffed and puffed on his pipe, with an expression that said he saw right through him. Chen Mu scratched his head: "Its the rising price of Calming Pills." "So, you want to buy our Calming Pills?!" Shang Huan exclaimed with joy. Damn you! Your fake elixirs are the ones I gave you! "No, I bought some extra from the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, worried about potential issues, so I wanted to inquire about the reason," Chen Mu explained with a scratch of his head and a naive smile. Shang Huans face immediately fell with disappointment: "How much did you buy?" "Six bottles," Chen Mu replied with a grin. "Not bad at all," Old Hao chuckled: "But youd best buy a few more." Chen Mu squinted, sensing that there was indeed something amiss. "Rumor has it that the Exotic Beasts are agitated, and some have breached the Lower Courtyard defenses." "The Bingchen District was mostly destroyed; all sorts of medicinal materials are in short supply." "Coupled with a pest infestation nearby, the price of imported medicinal herbs is sky-high." "So..." Old Hao shrugged, smiling. "I reckon the prices wont go down for the whole year," Shang Huan said, looking at Old Hao with an excited face: "The higher the prices, the more we stand to make!" If I cant produce Elixir Pills, you wont make a damn penny! Chen Mu glanced at the fat man without saying a word. Exotic Beasts agitated? Attacking the Lower Courtyards Medicinal Fields? If the scarcity of medicinal materials continues for a year, the impact on him would be too great. Chapter 220 - 219: Attempt "Have you heard that the chefs at the Eight Treasures Tower can make vegetarian dishes taste like meat? Is there really such a skill?" Shang Huan asked. "It can be done," Chen Mu nodded. "Provided there are the right spices and sufficiently exquisite culinary skills." Chen Mu could do it himself. "These chefs are indeed amazing, being able to freely change the taste of ingredients," Shang Huan said with a look of surprise on his face. The three of them talked while they ate. Before long, they turned to the topic of exotic beasts invading the medicinal fields and the rise in the price of medicinal herbs. "If I had known, I would have stocked up on some," Shang Huan said ruefully. "The price of some key herbs has at least doubled!" What a great opportunity to make money. "The Lower Courtyard isnt stupid; the Hundred Herbs Pavilion reacted much faster than you," Old Hao smoked and chatted. Chen Mu realized; no wonder the Underground Market had run out of Nightshade Grass. "Is it easy to grow medicinal herbs?" Chen Mu asked quietly. Herbs grown in the Lower Courtyard were different from ordinary worldly herbs. Just like Yellow Bud Rice, you couldnt grow it outside. "Anyway, our land here isnt suitable," Old Hao shook his head. "Does growing medicine also depend on Feng Shui?" Shang Huan, who knew nothing about farming, teased with a giggly smile. Old Hao snorted softly and gave the farming novice Shang Huan a sidelong glance: "It doesnt concern wind, but it does concern water!" Water?@@@@ Its Earth Spirit Vital Energy! Does growing medicinal herbs require more Earth Spirit Vital Energy? "You thinking about growing medicine?" Old Hao saw through Chen Mus plan in a glance. "Just learning for now. Didnt you also say that theres no future in growing Yellow Bud Rice?" Chen Mu said with a smile and a nod. "Its a waste of effort; our water here just wont sustain it," Old Hao shook his head. The water may not be good enough, but I have the White Jade Plate. Chen Mu smiled and said nothing. ... Tongtian Square, the Lower Courtyard residence. Chen Mu walked out of the Scripture Transmission Institute and glanced back at the octagonal wooden tower with the Bronze Wind Chime hanging: "So expensive." Reading for an hour cost one White Jade Coin. Thereupon Chen Mu just shrugged his shoulders, "Its a bit expensive, but its better than not having anything to read." The Lower Courtyard was the resource production base of Jilong Road; in addition to the Secret Technique Jade Scrolls, the Scripture Transmission Institute also held a variety of miscellaneous books and scrolls. He had come here looking for information on cultivating medicine. After leaving the Scripture Transmission Institute, he went to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and spent one White Jade Coin to buy thirty Nightshade Grass seeds. He got home and used a wooden strip to make a cultivation trough, one meter long, half a meter wide, with a height roughly up to the knee. He prepared the planting soil, sowed the seeds, and watered and fertilized them. In the end, he placed the cultivation trough next to the White Jade Plate to ensure a sufficient concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Even if he did, he wouldnt dare to come. What if someone took notice of him? He had a proficiency cheat, he would eventually farm enough experience. He would even cultivate to perfection faster and better than others. "No rush." "First, I should plant the Tubenight Herb." This matter was related to whether he could have a stable source of income in the future. ... As he was about to leave the Lower Courtyard residence, a crowd of people gathered in front of the Inspection Courtyard drew Chen Mus attention. He walked to a distant shade and, along with a few people under the tree, stopped to watch. "Not filled up yet?" Chen Mu asked with surprise, casually striking up a conversation with the people under the tree. Before his frequent visits to the Scripture Transmission Institute to read, the Inspection Courtyard had already been recruiting people. Six days had passed, and the recruiting spot was still packed. "They say the exotic beasts in the mountains are restless, and theyre short on hands," replied an old farmer-looking man in his fifties. "Its a pity my secret technique isnt perfected, otherwise Id definitely sign up," said another burly man in his forties with a bristly beard in a deep, resonant voice. "Five White Jade Coins for the stipend each month." "And you can get a share of the money for killing exotic beasts." "You can easily earn ten White Jade Coins a month!" "You have to be alive to get that money," the old man glanced at the other, "Exotic beasts are not sheep or pigs on the chopping block." Chen Mu nodded silently. Because the Lower Courtyard was rich in Earth Spirit Vital Energy and resources, it was often attacked by exotic beasts. Hunting and killing these beasts was one of the duties of the Inspection Courtyard. The job paid well, but it was indeed dangerous. "Didnt we come here to advance further?" "But you need White Jade for food, White Jade for secret techniques, White Jade for auxiliary elixir pills, White Jade for practicing at the Dao Field!" "Without White Jade Coins, how can you advance." "Planting Yellow Bud Rice gets you only two coins a month, just enough to buy a bag of Yellow Bud Rice and a bottle of Calming Pill." "Renting twenty acres of land, even with the best harvest, only gets you twenty to thirty White Jade Coins a year." "With this little money, what can you do!" the bearded man resentfully stared at the Inspection Courtyard, "Fortune comes with risks, but pity..." Chen Mu couldnt help but echo, "Its tough for us farmers!" The old mans face also looked grim, "With the pest outbreak, everyones losses this year have been substantial." "In the coming years, we may have to work for nothing." "Indeed substantial," Chen Mu empathized. The green beetles had damaged several acres of land. He had yet to see a trace of the Tubenight Herb, but had already spent eight White Jade Coins. "Itll probably take quite some time to recoup these losses," Chen Mu mused and couldnt help but sigh. It would take at least three days! He had to wait until he delivered the newest batch of Calming Pills to Shang Huan. Chapter 221 - 220: Exotic Beast Twenty-one days later, at the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu squatted in front of a small ridge under the western wall, his face full of joy as he looked at the delicate seedlings the size of his index finger. In his hand, he held a fist-sized wooden spoon, evenly sprinkling the special well water from the bucket beside him around the seedlings. "Finally succeeded," Chen Mu said, his face brimming with smiles. The well water was mixed with Hundred Herbs Pavilions fertilizer and had been left to settle next to the White Jade Plate for five half hours. After numerous experiments, such treated well water was found to be most conducive for the growth of the Nightshade Tubocapsicum. "Thirty seeds, and in total twenty-six seedlings were successfully nurtured and transplanted." "Those old hands in the Bingchen District couldnt do much better, huh. Hehe..." Just standing at the end of the field, admiring the Nightshade Tubocapsicum seedlings, pondering how much money they would fetch once mature. Two familiar figures entered the Five Ghosts Yin Spirits line of sight. "For no reason at all, why are they here?" "And theyre carrying Exotic Beast meat..." Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. ... "Brother Chen, I got a piece of Black Phosphorus Snapper meat at the dock, and I didnt know how to deal with it, so I had to trouble you," Shang Huan said with a chubby face full of smiles. Just eating fish? "Leave it to me," Chen Mu said, determined to see what trick this fatty was up to. He carried the piece of Black Phosphorus Snapper meat, as big as a watermelon, to the stove for processing. "This shell is quite hard." Chen Mu tapped the dark scales, and the sound was so solid it could almost compare with swords and knives. The fish meat was also tight and tough, but it smelled particularly fishy. "Was it just slaughtered?" It looked really fresh, but the smell was indeed a bit overpowering. "Black Phosphorus Snapper is very nourishing but has a strong flavor, we couldnt deal with it, so we came to you," Shang Huan said with a chuckle. Chen Mu nodded and got to work on cooking. ... An hour later, at the dining table. "The roasted fish slices not only lack any fishy odor, but they also have a pine nut fragrance, impressive!" Shang Huans eyes lit up, and without chewing much, he swallowed the fish slice, then eagerly reached for another. Old Hao couldnt resist either and gobbled it greedily. Not until he finished a whole plate of roasted meat did Shang Huan contentedly pick up some vegetables to change the flavor. "Brother Chen truly excels at spice blending?!" Shang Huans face was full of admiration. "Ive taken an interest in barbecuing recently and wanted to try different flavors." "I dont suppose Brother Chen could supply me with some of your special spices." Shang Huans face was hopeful. "Ill pay." "No problem." Chen Mu glanced at Shang Huan, thinking this fatty was indeed a foodie. Thats right, if he wasnt greedy, he wouldnt have gotten fat. "What flavor do you want?" Shell Soul, Jade Seed, Spiritual Light, Illusion Breakingthese were the Jilong Road Secret Techniques Chen Mu knew of. The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique also advanced step by step, gradually, and could even automatically farm experience, naturally growing stronger as if it were breathing. Now it seemed to be absorbing Earth Spirit Vital Energy into his body as well. "Indeed, its like a proper secret transmission, orderly in its progression." It was unclear what changes would occur upon the next breakthrough. ... As days and months passed by, the climate within the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road remained as warm as spring, and Chen Mu felt as if time was standing still. A month hurried by. That day, Chen Mu handed over a whole bag of pseudo-Tube Eggplant Night Herb to a bruised and swollen Shang Huan with a smile on his face. And feigned concern, "Be careful when you walk, dont fall again!" I dont want to! Shang Huans mouth twitched. He had no idea what had gotten into Gongsun Sheng to send him face-first into the ground every time. Despite being a Shell Soul expert, how had his skin become so thin? Shang Huan nodded ambiguously, shifting the topic to ease the awkwardness, "Lately, you should pay more attention to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields at night." "The incidents of Exotic Beasts breaking in are becoming more frequent." "Hasnt the Inspection Courtyard already recruited people?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "Theyre still recruiting," Shang Huan shrugged his shoulders. "I heard they encountered a powerful Exotic Beast in the mountains and suffered heavy losses." "Why cant they let people farm in peace?" Chen Mu lamented. "Its been restless for years." Shang Huan shook his head helplessly. "With constant natural disasters and beast calamities." "We here in the Lower Courtyard are still better off." "Its said that resources are becoming scarce outside, and things are already a bit chaotic." "Its unstable out there." Chen Mu sighed. ... With Shang Huans reminder, Chen Mu was more vigilant. He specially sought out Old Hao for news and learned that indeed Exotic Beasts had breached the Lower Courtyard. Especially the planting areas near the edge, like his, were more susceptible to Exotic Beast attacks. After being on alert for half a month, just as Chen Mu thought the Inspection Courtyard had stepped up and cleared the restless Exotic Beasts, one night, a group of fist-sized red-haired rabbits suddenly emerged from the fields. These rabbits, like fleas, had astonishing jumping power. One leap covered over ten meters, and a kick could even shatter a stone. And being invulnerable to blades and spears, they were quite troublesome. If it werent for the Heartless Bell that could knock out a large group with a single ring, who knows how much time it would have taken. Looking at the dozens of destroyed Yellow Bud Rice plants, Chen Mus face wasnt very pretty. If there was one, there could be a second, and possibly more Exotic Beasts could break through the Inspection Courtyards defenses. Chapter 222 - 221 Enigmatic Divine Miasma In the Low Hill Courtyard, Chen Mu sought out Old Hao to gather information. "Its never been this busy in previous years." Old Hao frowned as he took puffs of his pipe. "This year somethings not quite right. Even the carefully tended medicinal fields werent spared." Old Hao was also deeply concerned. "How did you deal with it in the past?" Chen Mu asked. "We had beast repellent medicine powder and intimidating magic artifacts, we could also domesticate exotic beasts to combat and hunt them." "Like Director Song?" "Right," Old Hao nodded, "Its said that back in the day, Director Song would domesticate exotic insects to aid in planting and cultivating." "Even now, Director Song often collects exotic insects to domesticate." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. The red insect cloud that once obscured the sky truly broadened his horizons. "Our little patch of land isnt worth using a magic artifact on." "Lets just buy some beast repellent powder to use in combination, and patrol, drive away, and hunt them ourselves," Old Hao said helplessly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Luckily, all the ones that came in are ordinary herbivorous exotic beasts." "Otherwise, wed only be able to run." It had only been a few days of peace. Chen Mus complexion didnt look too good either. "Looks like we need to patrol a few more times at night." ... Three days later, deep into the night. On the west side of Low Hill, in the newly leased ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice fields. A copper bell tolled with a deep clang. Dozens of fist-sized red rabbits immediately became as if they were drunk, staggering and tumbling about. Puff puff puff... Bead-sized black and red pellets flew through the air. The rabbits, with their fur as hard as metal, were pierced straight through. "With just this little bit of meat, not even enough for one bite, and its such a hassle to deal with," said Chen Mu as he held up a rabbit by its ear to inspect it. Suddenly, black smoke billowed, and the red rabbits scattered throughout the field were devoured and cleaned up by the Five Ghosts in an instant. Just as he finished dealing with them, within the sight of the Five Ghosts another group of red rabbits appeared, forcing him to leap towards the other side of the Yellow Bud Rice fields on Low Hill. "Did I stir up a rabbits nest or something?" It wasnt until after midnight, when all was silent, that Chen Mu left two Five Ghosts Yin Spirits to stand guard in each of the two fields. Only then did he yawn and head back to rest in the Low Hill Courtyard, "If this continues, itll be too exhausting." For the past five days, with exotic beasts appearing now and then at night, he didnt get a wink of good sleep. Old Haos Yellow Bud Rice field next door was also suffering from attacks by the red rabbits, and to be able to discover and deal with them promptly, Old Hao had started living right in the fields. "Sleeping poorly every night, carrying on like this, even a Shell Soul master would end up with a sleep disorder," Chen Mu shook his head. ... The next day, after breakfast, Chen Mu watered, fertilized, and weeded the Yellow Bud Rice fields as usual. After asking Old Hao to help watch over the fields for a bit, he rushed straight to the Scripture Transmission Institute in Tongtian Square. He stayed there the whole day, only hurrying back to the Low Hill Courtyard as evening approached. "If you hadnt come back, I wouldve stopped caring," Old Hao glared at Chen Mu. "Thank you, Old Hao!" Chen Mu smiled in thanks, "Come on, lets go eat." Old Hao looked tempted, then sighed and shook his head, "Lets wait until this storm passes." Sand Containing Technique: 9449/10000/Fourth Rank; Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 5578/10000; "Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique is really slow," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. No wonder the Scripture Transmission Institute sold it so cheaply. "Lucky for me, Im diligent. If it were anyone else, who knows how many years it would take." The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was still reassuringly trouble-free. Unobtrusively, it was once again nearing a breakthrough. The old friend, Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, did not disappoint him either. Sand Containing Technique also advanced rapidly. "Still, I should focus on the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique," Chen Mu thought to himself. After all, thats the fundamental one. After estimating the advancement time for each skill, Chen Mu stood up to cook. ... Smoked black meat, chilled marinated meat, blanched seasonal vegetables, flavored cured meat, fish ball soup, and a basket piled into a small mountain of the Qi Familys old-fashioned stuffed pies. The table was brimming with food. Before long, Old Hao and Shang Huan arrived together. "Brother Chen, heres your thirty percent," Shang Huan said as he entered, handing Chen Mu a small gray cloth bag. Chen Mu shook it and felt there were about fifteen or sixteen White Jade Coins inside. "Not a bad deal, huh?" Shang Huan said with a grin, looking very pleased with himself. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with mixed feelings. He had provided Shang Huan with over a hundred pounds of "secret roast meat seasoning," and Shang Huan turned around and sold it for forty to fifty White Jade Coins. Thats one White Jade Coin for every two pounds. And that was real roast meat seasoning! "Arent you afraid of getting beaten to death?" "Its the bold who get rich, and the timid who starve," Shang Huan laughed, unconcerned. Chen Mu silently shook his head. He didnt know what strange attribute Shang Huan had awakened. Whenever it came to counterfeit or adulteration, this fatty always came up with all sorts of wild ideas, and he was incredibly bold. It might be better to control the quantity of goods a bit. With the way this fatty was playing, it was likely to draw investigation. "Lets eat." ... After meals, the three of them chatted casually over chilled tea. "Been really tired lately? You look like you havent fully woken up," Shang Huan asked, noticing Old Haos weary complexion. "How could I not be tired!" Old Hao complained through a puff of smoke: "Its all because of those crazy beasts." "In the first few days, I dozed off briefly, and an acre of land was gnawed on by a group of black rats." "After that, how could I dare close my eyes! I wandered the fields all night." "Farming is truly difficult," Old Hao sighed. "No offense to me, but look at Brother Chen. Hes as young and strong as I am; just ask him if hes tired." Chen Mu sighed with a bitter expression: "How could I not be tired?!" Every night, I have to set up the Copper Basin Formation in the fields before I can come back to sleep. More than half a month has passed, and Ive lost several hours of sleep! Im exhausted! Chapter 223 - 222: Assault "Its even harder for medicine farmers; not only is it laborious, but its dangerous too." Shang Huan sighed, "Those powerful Exotic Beasts all run off towards the medicinal fields." "Not only were the fields destroyed, several people died too!" Shang Huan shook his head in lament. "Luckily I sent them my secret grilled meat seasoning, which helped mitigate some of their losses. Otherwise, this year would have been even tougher!" Chen Mu couldnt help but glance at Shang Huan. From the sound of it, youre still a good guy, huh? "To help them, we dont know what risks well have to take." "Xiao Shang, youre just too soft-hearted!" Old Hao wore an expression of tough love. "Im not stopping you from being kind, but we have to eat too. It wouldnt be too much to raise the prices a bit," Old Hao earnestly advised. "Alright then," Shang Huan said with a troubled face; "After all, were not having it easy either." Chen Mu: "..." I often feel like I dont fit in with you guys because Im not shameless enough. Do you even want to keep your face?! "Brother Chen, just go ahead and build without worry." "The good days are still to come!" Shang Huan proclaimed, waving his hand grandly. Im afraid Ill make the money but not live to spend it! ... Chen Mu watched with vacant eyes as Shang Huan and his companion heatedly discussed raising prices. "Next time I deliver the Calming Pills, I should hammer on them a bit more." It took quite a while before the two of them took a sip of their cool tea and finally ceased their endless discussion. "In the past, we were all envious of the medicine farmers, but this year its the other way around," Old Hao chuckled. "Its because they occupied land with good feng shui," Shang Huan also laughed. Is it because of the Earth Spirit Vitality? So thats why the powerful Exotic Beasts all ran off to the medicinal fields? Chen Mu suddenly understood. "If Brother Chen is thinking of learning medicine farming, I think its better to wait for a couple of years," Old Hao suggested. "No one knows if next year there will still be Exotic Beasts causing trouble." "Besides, that skill isnt easy to learn." "Its costly, and without one or two years of study and trial, dont even think about making money from the medicinal fields," Old Hao said earnestly. Chen Mu glanced at the increasingly thriving Nightshade and sighed, "The expenses are indeed not small." But making money really is possible. Those little more than twenty plants are enough for him to recover all his investments. Still, Old Hao wasnt wrong.@@@@ These next two years, its indeed inadvisable to go to the medicinal cultivation area. If he were to come across Exotic Beasts causing trouble again, it wouldnt matter if the fields were ruined, but it would be terrible if his life were at risk. "Its safer to plant Yellow Bud Rice." "Yeah. Its exhausting, sure, but at least theres no need to face the strong Exotic Beasts," Old Hao agreed, exhaling puffs of white smoke. ... Nighttime, at the base of Low Mountain, Yellow Bud Rice fields. Chen Mu walked leisurely among the Yellow Bud Rice. Seemingly noticing Chen Mus figure, the white-scaled giant snake abruptly twisted its head, its golden vertical pupils filled with cold scrutiny. Almost instantly, it enveloped itself in a green mist and suddenly appeared beside Chen Mu. In the blink of an eye, a black shadow as quick as lightning slashed through the air, accompanied by a low whistling sound, and violently struck Chen Mu. Boom! It was like two balls violently colliding. Black smoke flickered around Chen Mu, and he was instantly sent flying. The hard mountain seemed like a sandbox, and Chen Mu, like a massive lead ball, was smashed into the dirt. Bang! Soil scattered as Chen Mu suddenly sprang out from within the mountain. Midair, his body rapidly grew taller and expanded. His skin rippled with bulging muscles, where even thread-like muscle fibers could be seen. Then, turning into a black lightning bolt, he almost instantly arrived in front of the white-scaled giant snake. His right fist clenched, silver threads flickering intermittently over his skin, as the muscles in his arm swelled even further. Bang! The giant snakes head reeled as if struck by a heavy truck, involuntarily snapping backward. White scales rippled and rolled like waves from the impact. "Haha, exhilarating!" The Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique had been transforming his body, giving him strength that could match that of the white-scaled giant snake! Bang Bang Bang... Chen Mus fists pummeled like bee wings, striking at the snakes head repeatedly. Yet the giant snakes scales rhythmically opened and closed, completely absorbing Chen Mus hard hits. Even the tail, sweeping unexpectedly, sent Chen Mu crashing back into the ground once again. When he sprang from the mountain again, he saw the white-scaled giant snake preparing to burrow into the ground and escape. Even Five Ghosts Moving Mountain struggled to hinder it. Chen Mu couldnt let it escape! With a low shout, Soul Strength rapidly gathered in his right hand. The icy sensation absorbed by the Spirit Armor Technique at the position of his kidneys was also drawn into the palm of his right hand. A fist-sized, magma-like black and red orb materialized. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" The orb nearly appeared out of thin air in front of the white-scaled giant snake. The next moment, the orb exploded. Countless sesame-sized fragments instantly smeared a large part of the white-scaled giant snake. Hiss hiss hiss... A piercing chorus of agonized shrieks rang out abruptly. The entire snake convulsed and twisted in frenzy. The area hit by Sand Shooting Shadow immediately turned black and began to rot. The tough white scales were stained with black and red, becoming brittle and fragile. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Five strands of black smoke, like five smoky black snakes, rushed into the white-scaled giant snakes body through the decaying wounds. In just two breaths, the white-scaled giant snake, which had seemed invincible just moments before, became like a rubber hose scorched by high heat. Limp and collapsed on the ground, it could no longer get up! Chapter 224 - 223 The Fright Afterward Behind Low Mountain, within a hollow. Watching the giant white-scaled serpent over twenty meters in length, as thick as a water tank, Chen Mu was left with a lingering fear. "That was close." "So close to letting this creature escape!" If it had actually taken the White Jade Plate, he wouldve regretted it so much he might have torn his own hair out! Chen Mu immediately commanded the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to enter the belly of the exotic beast, rapidly locating the Jade Plate. Then, enveloped in black smoke, the Five Ghosts "Dishwasher" came online. With repeated infiltration and teleportation, they cleaned off the serpents stomach acid that had adhered to the plate. "Thankfully..." Chen Mu gripped the Jade Plate and let out a sigh of relief. Without time to examine it closely, he quickly put away the White Jade Plate. The commotion just now wasnt small; he needed to quickly handle the chaos at the hollows site. The ghosts once again entered the body of the exotic serpent beast. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain." The entire serpent rapidly deflated, as though it were a section of hose that had run out of water. Chen Mu rolled it up from head to tail in a few swift movements. He then went to the large hole where the white-scaled serpent had emerged and controlled the Five Ghosts to continue digging downward for over ten meters. They then veered away multiple times as if the serpent had fled underground. Finally, the Five Ghosts turned into a solid form and stirred the messy pile of stones in the small hollow even more to destroy as much evidence as possible of the battle. After quickly returning to the courtyard at Low Mountain, he proceeded to tidy up the area. Not long after he finished, Old Hao had already appeared over the ridge. ... "A big guy came here?!" Old Hao exclaimed in surprise at the chaotic courtyard.@@@@ "It was a greedy snake, as thick as a water bucket," Chen Mu complained with a pained expression. "I just bought three antler black sheep legs, and it swallowed them all." "Not only was its hide thick and flesh tough, but it also knew how to burrow." "I put in a lot of effort, but in the end, it still escaped," Chen Mu said with an annoyed face. "Such a large snake, that could have been worth quite a bit of money," Old Hao lamented in sympathy. "If only I had come a bit earlier." If you had come earlier, maybe you would have been the one it swallowed! Chen Mu dissed inwardly. That the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain couldnt penetrate its armor in such a short time indicated that the serpents defenses were on par with Perceptive Spiritual Light. Old Hao wouldnt be enough to withstand even a single tail slap from the white-scaled serpent! If it werent for the breakthrough of the Sand Containing Technique and the newly acquired Sand Shooting Shadow ability, who knows how much effort it would have taken to breach the serpents scale armor. "Should we report this to the Inspection Courtyard?" Chen Mu pretended to be clueless as he asked nonchalantly. "If you think you have too much White Jade Money weighing you down, you can give it to me," Old Hao rolled his eyes. "If you really bring in the Inspection Courtyard, after they go through the trouble of investigating for you, arent you obliged to give them a tip?" "Its just an exotic snake beast, and it only ate three of your sheep legs. Why bother with the Inspection Courtyard?" "Is this the so-called Purple Mansion Mud Pill?" Chen Mu couldnt help but be astonished. He wondered who had created such a Secret Technique, allowing mere mortals of flesh and blood to absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy and gradually undergo transformation. "Earth Spirit Vital Energy is the key," Chen Mu realized. "No wonder Director Song from the Scripture Transmission Institute does not recommend extensively practicing Jade Seed Secret Techniques." Because the Jade Seed Secret Techniques are just a simplified version of the real Secret Techniques. Just like the advanced Sand Containing Technique. The Sand Shooting Shadow could instantly break through the tough scale armor of the white-scaled serpent with its immense power. But without the Earth Spirit Vital Energy absorbed into the body by the Spirit Armor Technique, he would not be able to execute it. "I must protect the White Jade Plate at all costs!" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. He now realized that his future cultivation would almost all revolve around Earth Spirit Vital Energy. The White Jade Plate was like a movable Daoist sanctuary, akin to a fuel station that follows the vehicle. A treasure! A great treasure! "No wonder the Inspection Courtyard took great efforts to investigate Dong Chengs death," Chen Mu tensed up. Now he was one hundred percent certain that there were definitely people in the Inspection Courtyard still searching for the White Jade Plate! "What if they detect it?" Chen Mu worried. The white-scaled serpent had found its way here by following the scent of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Then certainly other Exotic Beasts or Magic Artifacts might also be able to locate places rich in Earth Spirit Vital Energy. "The arrival of the white-scaled serpent was indeed timely!" Chen Mu couldnt help breaking out in a cold sweat. His previous careless use of the White Jade Plate was akin to being a glaring beacon. "I cant use this thing for the time being..." Chen Mu gave a wry smile. He had to find a way to block Earth Spirit Vital Energy. ... Two days later, Chen Mu left the Scripture Transmission Institute, disappointed for not finding the information he wanted. "I suppose its to be expected," Chen Mu shook his head. The eight-sided wooden tower of the Scripture Transmission Institute had three floors. The first floor corresponded to Jade Seed Integration, the second to Perceptive Spiritual Light, and the third to Perceptive Illusion Breaking. Some were dedicated to the main cultivation of Secret Techniques, while others were used to apply Secret Techniques, also storing a vast assortment of books related to planting, taming, and other resource production. However, there was a lack of materials related to concocting Elixirs and crafting Magic Artifacts. Blocking Earth Spirit Vital Energy was most likely related to crafting Magic Artifacts. "Such secret knowledge is probably only in the hands of Director Song Wujie," Chen Mu sighed. As a mere junior worker of the external courtyard, he had no way to get in touch with Director Song. "Guess Ill have to make some inquiries on the Ling Boat." Chapter 225 - 224: Isolating Vital Energy At the entrance of the Inspection Courtyard. Although it was not as busy as before, there were still many people queuing to be tested. Only those who passed the secret technique cultivation could enter the Inspection Courtyard. Under the nearby shade of the trees, there was still a gathering of many people. As soon as Chen Mu approached, he heard a short and frail man sigh and say, "I dont know if I can make it." "I heard that the Inspection Courtyard has suffered a lot of damage recently and is short of hands. The chances of getting through should be pretty good," a bald fat man said hopefully. "I practice the Void Cloak Technique, and I can just run fast, so its hard to say," the small man shook his head. "If you really can run fast enough, it would actually be easier for you to get through," said an old man in his fifties. "Scouting, messaging, and transporting materials, fast runners are indispensable." The frail man was immediately overjoyed. "Dont get too happy too soon," the old man continued, "Messaging or transporting materials is okay. Scout work, on the other hand, is extremely dangerous." "Because you might encounter exotic beasts first." "One moment of carelessness could mean death or injury." However, the frail man didnt care, "Danger is everywhere; even staying in the Lower Courtyard is not safe." "Not only have people been devoured by exotic beasts in the medicinal field area, but on the outskirts of the Lower Courtyard, some have also been attacked and killed." "Rather than waiting to die, I might as well join the Inspection Courtyard and take a chance!" The people under the shade of the trees all couldnt help but nod in agreement. So brave? Chen Mu quietly backed away and left. These people were at most at Jade Seed Perfection, having cultivated one or two secret techniques. If they encountered a white-scaled strange snake, a single sweep of its tail would leave none of them alive! Cannon fodder... ... Three days later. On the Ling Boat, at the Imperial Goods Pavilion. Chen Mu, carrying a large wrapped bundle and wearing a disguised face, sold the Calming Pills as usual, but he didnt hurry to leave. The fair-faced middle-aged man looked at Chen Mu with surprise. For three months, Chen Mu had always sold the Calming Pills and then immediately left. Whats different this time... The middle-aged man, curious, asked, "Is there anything else the customer requires?" "Boss Le, I have a piece of exotic beast skin that I would like to deal with," Chen Mu placed the large bundle on the counter and pushed it towards the other party. "Earth Stripper?" The fair-faced boss, Le Yangan, raised his eyebrows, "Quite intact." "Is the tongue still there?" Le Yangan asked. The tongue? Is that thing valuable? "Gone." The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit had eaten it. "What a pity," Le Yangan said regretfully, "the Earth Strippers tongue can detect Earth Spirit Vital Energy." Under the wooden shed. Chen Mu set a half-meter-thick square stone slab into the entrance and arranged a rocking chair on top. He stretched lazily and lay comfortably in the chair, holding a cup of cold tea in his hand, letting his thoughts drift. "Yin Sha Forbidden Qi Talisman, I guess its also in Director Songs hands," he muttered. "Forget it, my Spiritual Light Technique is not yet mastered. Even with the Talisman Jade Slip, its highly unlikely I could use it." The Spirit Armor Technique can also absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy. But it is different from the Spiritual Light Technique after all. It may not be possible to use it for casting talismans, or a unique method might be required. Suddenly catching a glimpse of the well out of the corner of his eye, a flash of inspiration struck him. "The well water itself contains Earth Spirit Vital Energy, so why did the Earth Stripper surface to attack the White Jade Plate first?" "Shouldnt it have discovered the underground water veins and spirit springs first?" "This well... theres something about it!" Chen Mus eyes suddenly shone brightly. "Can the well, or the entire underground water vein, block the Earth Spirit Vital Energy?!" "If I cultivate within the water vein, wouldnt that be even safer!" "Or perhaps, discover the secret of how the well blocks Earth Spirit Vital Energy!" ... An hour later. Chen Mu sat under the wooden shed, holding a palm-sized brown Vine Net. The mesh was about as thick as a finger, the twine about the diameter of a pen refill, and it was quite sturdy and solid. Poked twice with a finger, the vine tendrils would slowly contract and twitch like an animal! Just now he had dug down through the well. He found that the exterior wall of the underground well and the surrounding rock of the water vein were all covered with this rootlike vine. "Jilong Road would never cover the water vein with this stuff for no reason," Chen Mus eyes lit up. "It must be used to block the Earth Spirit Vital Energy!" "If I can cultivate it successfully..." Chen Mus mouth curled up at the thought of his Third Rank Planting Skill on the grey wall. ... Half a month later. Chen Mu pulled out a stone the size of a human head from a rectangular cultivation tank under the wooden shed. At this moment, the stone was completely enveloped by brown, rootlike Vine Net. "Success!" He just needed to smear a special trait-guiding medicine on the outside of the underground secret chamber and transplant a piece of the Vine Net after activation. It would then follow the trail of the medicine, slowly enveloping the target. "With the Vine Net wrapping it and being deep underground, I can finally use the White Jade Plate with peace of mind," he said to himself. Glimpsing the well again, Chen Mus mind raced: "Perhaps I can even connect the entrance of the secret chamber to the well!" Since he had mastered the cultivation method for the Vine Net, he wasnt afraid of disrupting the state of the well. It would make entry and exit even more discreet and safe. Chapter 226 - 225: Hidden Qi Powder Early in the morning, a sliver of light crested over the Low Hill, casting its glow on the slopes of Low Mountain. Chen Mu got out of bed, washed up, and made breakfast. After devouring ten grilled meat roll cakes and gulping down two cups of secretly brewed chilled tea, he leisurely walked down to the field, gnawing on a crisp goat horn cucumber. Within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, the enchanting mist that resembled cotton appeared with the sunlight and gradually faded away. As Chen Mu strolled through the Yellow Bud Rice fields, he was accompanied by the Five Ghosts. From time to time, clusters of well water or bone powder would appear out of thin air. The newly sprouted weeds on the ground vanished right away whenever Chen Mu laid his eyes on them. After making a few trips along the long, narrow fields, the ten acres of Yellow Bud Rice had been taken care of. He then went to another side of Low Mountain to a newly rented ten acres and repeated the process. By the time he returned to the Low Hill Courtyard, all of this had taken no more than half an hour. In another fifteen minutes, he had taken care of the nightshade grass on the west side of the courtyard. The days work was largely done. Then Chen Mu comfortably lay in his rocking chair, humming a tune and sipping tea, "How satisfying..." ... On the smooth surface of the western stone wall, an Iron Lotus Seed stood unmoving, like a tightly bound prisoner waiting to be shot. The next moment, a flash of black and red light passed, and with a pop, the Iron Lotus Seed disintegrated, leaving only a few tiny, glowing red-hot fragments. And to its right, another row of identical Iron Lotus Seeds awaited their execution. With his left hand holding a teacup and a black and red pellet the size of a soybean appearing in his right palm, Chen Mus face bore a smile like a deranged executioner. Biu! Then another Iron Lotus Seed turned into iron dust and vanished. After a while, Chen Mu reluctantly stopped. He habitually glanced at the gray wall and remembered that the Sand Containing Technique had long been practiced to its limit when he noticed a column that had lost its experience progression. "Sand Shooting Shadow is like a cannon, blasting everything in its path." "In the shooting game, the sand containing pellets that are like small handguns are indeed more fun," Chen Mu thought with glee. "Hmm... the description of a small handgun isnt quite accurate." "After all, the ultimate version of the sand containing pellets can occasionally take the role of a sniper rifle." A shuttle-shaped pellet as long as a thumb, with a black surface covered in red, lava-like indentations, appeared in the palm of his right hand. Whoosh! The last Iron Lotus Seed on the wall vanished instantly. A handful of crimson iron filings sparkled midair, then turned into a fine dust, falling softly. In the air lingered a faint scent of iron dissipating slowly. Chen Mu set down his teacup and, with a flash, jumped into the well. Through a hole chiseled into the wall of the well, he darted into the Underground Secret Chamber to begin a new days cultivation. ... In the evening, at the Low Hill Courtyard. The square table was filled with assorted meat and vegetarian dishes. "This is for you," Shang Huan said, handing Chen Mu a cloth bag. He had researched the vines in detail. Using the Fifth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique, he devised a powder. The working principle was unknown, but through experiments on a White Jade Plate and sensing with Spirit Armor Technique, it was confirmed that this powder could block Earth Spirit Vital Energy to some extent. Shang Huan suddenly slammed his chopsticks down on the table, "Great! This flavor is friggin awesome!" Business opportunity! A huge business opportunity! "No kidding around, if it doesnt work, the buyers will definitely come knocking for a refund," Old Hao worriedly furrowed his brow. "There should be no refunds," Chen Mu said with a grin, quite proud of his Alchemical Technique. "Of course no refunds!" Shang Huan couldnt hold back his laughter. Old Hao, utterly confused, "What do you mean?" "If they dont encounter a powerful exotic beast, the buyer wont return it." "If they do encounter a powerful exotic beast and lose their lives, who will come to me for a refund? Haha..." "Brother Chen is brilliant!" Old Hao stared at Chen Mu in disbelief. Is this still the same honest and straightforward Brother Chen? A corner of Chen Mus mouth twitched, and he quickly clarified, "This is an ancestral formula handed down in my family, not fake!" "Right, right, right! Ancestral formula! Tell anyone who asks its an ancestral formula!" Shang Huan said, holding his thumb up excitedly. Chen Mus face involuntarily twitched again. How on earth did this get so twisted! The damn fatsos leading me astray! ... In the deep mountains northwest of the Lower Courtyard below Jilong Mountain, more than ten grey tents stood on a cleared area made by cutting trees. Wu Lie hurried into the main tent in the center, "Prefect, news from the Lower Courtyard, another dead." "Several parts of the herbal garden were destroyed too, not a small loss." Lin Su nodded calmly, "No movements from the Upper Court?" "It was not mentioned in the message," Wu Lie hesitated, "I guess it should be soon." Lin Su calmly waved his hand for Wu Lie to leave. "Looks like I need to release some more exotic beasts in there," Lin Su thought silently. "Only when enough of the medicinal fields are destroyed will the Upper Court send people to repair them." "Mo Wuzhou, youd better hurry up and come," a sharp light flashed in Lin Sus eyes. A genius who made a breakthrough in the dojo? Ha... Just a Lower Courtyard farmer, a genius? It must be because of the Exquisite Jade Plate! ``` Chapter 227 - 226 Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles ``` After sending off a delighted Shang Huan and Old Hao, Chen Mu sat on the rocking chair, moving the small table in front of him. With a rustling sound, a pile of White Jade Coins appeared, which he began to count one by one. "Four hundred and sixty-six," Chen Mus heart leaped with joy. Unintentionally, he had saved up so many White Jade Coins. "Its a pity its still a little short." Thinking of the Scripture Transmission Institutes price list, Chen Mu shook his head, "Even the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique costs six hundred White Jade Coins." The matter of Shang Huan purchasing the Spiritual Light Method had given Chen Mu a wake-up call. This year, he would be able to cultivate Spiritual Light, and he needed to plan for his subsequent cultivation. "I still have three Mustard Seed Talismans, which could also sell for over a hundred White Jade Coins," Chen Mu thought to himself. "Ill have Shang Huan sell some Hidden Qi Powder as well, that should be nearly enough." He had no intention of emulating Shang Huan, insisting on choosing a top-grade secret technique for cultivation. Instead, he was fond of the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique. This secret technique had minimal requirements in terms of natural talent, was of a neutral and gentle nature, but it was extremely slow to cultivate, requiring diligent, day-and-night practice. "To have created such a secret technique," "This Mr. Hundred Intentions must have been just like me, a person of ordinary talent but a diligent and hardworking good man." He glanced at the progress of proficiency on the gray wall. Chen Mu couldnt help but mull over, "Should I start cultivating a new secret technique now?" After all, one cant always grind the same experience; its good to change things up occasionally. ... Two days later, under the wooden shed in the Low Mountain Courtyard, Chen Mu held two copies of secret techniques, undecided. One was the Mechanical Thread Technique, which could refine Soul Strength into threads that could be easily manipulated. It could be used for defense, attack, and also act like invisible hands to assist in many tasks. With a little thought, many scenarios came to mind where it could be used. The other was the Void Cloak Technique, an art that allowed one to walk away from the ground and move at extreme speeds.@@@@ After much hesitation, Chen Mu ultimately chose the Void Cloak Technique. Running fast was key to survival. "Ill cultivate the Mechanical Thread Technique next," Chen Mu put away the Mechanical Thread Technique reluctantly. He opened the Void Cloak Technique. First, there was a long passage of meaningless text hiding the curse words of the secret technique. The back side briefly introduced the capabilities of the Void Cloak Technique. It said that once the Void Cloak Technique was cultivated, some Soul Strength beneath the soles of the feet would transform and generate a strong repulsion force, greatly enhancing movement speed. After flipping through the pages briefly, Chen Mu began to recite the gibberish-like scripture. Before long, a sense of understanding struck him. The chaotic text gradually merged into a long curse word. A new entry appeared on the gray wall. Void Cloak Technique: 3/10000/First Rank; "Success." ... In the courtyard next to a Yellow Bud Rice field at the edge of Xinchou District, beneath Jilong Road, But if it advances to the Perceptive Stage, the Repulsion Force will increase, and the effect is unimaginable. He was playing with great enjoyment. Suddenly, his whole body shook, and a surge of cold air was abruptly drawn into the vital point at his back. Then, this cold air quickly converged with the one already roaming freely within his body, gathering at the center of his forehead. Chen Mu felt a tingling on his scalp, and his mind instantly became three times clearer than usual. "Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique?" He quickly called up the gray wall. Written: 6556/10000/Second Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 8370/10000/Fourth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 4857/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 9721/10000/Seventh Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 5937/10000/Fourth Rank; Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique: Limit; Planting: 1203/10000/Third Rank; Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 6598/10000; Void Cloak Technique: 1800/10000/First Rank; "Limit?!" Chen Mu couldnt hide his disappointment. This skill was too easy to master. He could gain experience just by breathing. He didnt even have to manage it himself. And now, it had finally reached its limit. "It seems that Ive also awoken a special ability," Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. He raised his hand towards the low table beside him. Pop! A brown wooden teacup levitated out of thin air and flew swiftly into Chen Mus hand. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles?!" No way... Feeling the name of the ability that came to his mind, Chen Mu wore a complex and indescribable expression. Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique? I think its more like a Ghosts Spirit Armor Technique! Black cloud-like creatures, arent they just Ghosts? He wasnt that surprised by this truth. "Bloodline secret technique..." Jie Jia had suspected that Chen Mu had a special bloodline when he discovered Chen Mu cultivating Spirit Armor Technique. Its imaginable that Spirit Armor Technique must require a bloodline to cultivate. Now it seems, his ability to cultivate Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique is likely related to his former body being possessed by Ghosts. "Its good that Ive trained it to its peak," Chen Mu felt relieved. He had been on Jilong Road for not a short time and had seen many strange Exotic Beasts with thick skins and enormous strength. He had also seen green beetles that could continuously split and rapidly form groups. He even killed an Exotic Beast comparable to the Perceptive Stage, the Earth Stripper. But Ghosts are not like ordinary Exotic Beasts; these creatures are still too bizarre. Chapter 228 - 227 Ten Meters Phew! The wooden lid of the iron pot on the stove was pulled by a whistling wind, swiftly crossing the courtyard, and suddenly appeared in front of Chen Mu. With a casual flick, the lid spun towards the top of the opposite wall, striking off an Iron Lotus Seed with a bang, then arced through the air, and flew back in front of Chen Mu once more. Chen Mus eyes couldnt help but shine with excitement. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles? No, this is telekinesis, this is controlling objects through space! With a thought, the lid whirred back to the stove again. A jet-black Dagger materialized in his hands. Then, slowly floating in the air, it zipped away and vanished. The next moment, a series of shadows revolved and soared around Chen Mu. "Ha!" "This is freaking Sword Control Technique!" Chen Mu trembled with excitement. The thought of Flying Swords and Taking Lives from a Thousand Miles away swamped his mind. Unable to hold back any longer, he shouted, "Go!" Bang! A puff of white smoke exploded in the air as the Ebony Dagger swiftly flew ten meters away, and then... and then it stopped moving. Chen Mu: "..." At that speed, shouldnt it have disappeared over the horizon? He had already braced himself for the possibility of not finding it if it flew too far. But... "Lets try again!" Chen Mu was not ready to give up. His dream of a Flying Sword couldnt end here! "Go!" Bang! The Ebony Dagger shot out. Then Chen Mu felt like he heard a series of urgent braking noises. Screech! It stopped again, just ten meters away.@@@@ Chen Mu: "..." ... After a while, he reluctantly accepted the reality. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles? Ha! More like Qi Forbidden Ten Meters! Chen Mu was annoyed. The dream of the Flying Sword, gone... Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles seemed like an all-encompassing, invisible palm. Anything within a ten-meter radius could give him a clear tactile feedback. He could pick them up whenever he wanted to. But beyond ten meters, there was no way. It was like his hand could quickly thrust the Ebony Dagger forward. But once it reached the limit of his arms length, the Ebony Dagger had no choice but to stop. Ai Ji looked at the courtyard on the mountain in the distance: "Should we go take a look?" Xu Raos steps were steady, his thin lips slightly parted: "This is the Gengyin District." "So what?" Ai Ji frowned, staring at Xu Rao, not understanding. "So, youre right." "So, that person is very likely a new disciple." "So, he might also live in the nearby courtyard." "Then what are we waiting for?" Ai Jis eyes lit up. Xu Raos eyes moved slightly, glancing at Ai Ji: "Can you beat Zheng Jin?" "Give me time to gather strength, and I could punch him into mush, the mushiest mush!" Ai Ji said proudly. "But Zheng Jin would have turned you into mush before you finished gathering strength, the mushiest mush!" "So what!" Ai Ji said, his face flushed with chagrin. "So, Zheng Jin is dead," Xu Rao said calmly, continuing to walk. Then, without paying any more attention to Ai Ji, he walked away. Ai Ji stood still for a moment, shrugged his shoulders, and followed: "Forget it, I want to live a few more years." ... Three days later, on the Ling Boat. Chen Mu, as usual, came to the Imperial Goods Pavilion and sold twenty bottles of Calming Pills. Because of the continuous shortage of tube night grass, the price of Calming Pills had risen again. He sold twenty bottles for twenty-four Calming Pills. Pleased, Chen Mu turned and entered the Red Sleeve Square. "Im mainly here to gather information, absolutely not to watch the beautiful dancers," Chen Mu swore earnestly. ... The first floor of the Red Sleeve Square was a square hall with a circular stage over ten meters in diameter at the center. Around this stage, booths of various sizes were arranged. "Utterly unoriginal." Chen Mu sneered, unimpressed by the layout of the Red Sleeve Square. Apart from the venue being larger, the lighting more dazzling, and the layout somewhat novel, everything else was no different from an ordinary brothel. "Its just these sisters... no, its this big ball thats kind of interesting," Chen Mu looked up into the air. Above the stage, a huge transparent ball formed by a secret technique floated out of thin air. The surface of the ball occasionally rippled gently, and at a glance, it looked like a massive water bubble. At that moment, the ball was displaying an image. It showed a group of sultry dancers with pointy ears, fiery red hair, tall figures, scantily clad, constantly moving their bodies. They were dancing right below the ball, their figures magnified several times by it, ensuring that customers in all directions could clearly see every strand of their hair. "Theyre beautiful... cough cough, I mean this ball is," said Chen Mu. "What secret technique is being used, I wonder?" "I should take a closer look!" Chapter 229 - 228 Losing Out Ling Boat, inside the Red Sleeve Square. Chen Mu sat alone in a compartment, eating his meal. A small paper figure drifted into the compartment on his left. A pudgy young man with pale and tender skin, in his twenties, entered the sightline of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Beside him was a lady with a petite frame, sporting a pair of fluffy cat ears, looking quite beautiful. "To choose this line of work, you must have been driven by desperate circumstances," the white fatso said, holding the ladys hand, full of pity. "Isnt that the truth," the cat-eared lady replied with a melancholy look, "Life is tough, every step is a struggle." "For these cat ears, I spent all my White Jade Coins to buy a single Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "But to advance further, I need to continue taking pills." "Ive mined disgust iron, grown Yellow Bud Rice, and raised Golden Pearl Clams, yet the little money I earned is still not enough to buy a Heavenly Demon Pill." "With no other choice, I could only come here, sigh..." her meek and gentle voice let out a soft sigh that was enough to bring listeners to tears and wrench their hearts. "How pitiful!" the chubby man said, his face brimming with sympathy. "If Brother truly pities me, why not order a Through-the-Heavens set meal, so we can drink and chat merrily," the cat-eared lady suggested with her delicate voice. Hearing that he could have a candid chat with the lady, the chubby man gripped her hand tightly, his face full of excitement, "Why dont we talk first, if we come to an agreement, then well order." Chen Mu: "..." Is this a booze peddler encountering a freeloader? Tsk tsk... Chen Mu felt profoundly shocked. But, the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill? Is this the source of the exotic beings? Chen Mu, observing the dancers on stage sporting various non-human parts, suddenly understood. They use special pills to acquire Exotic Beast bloodlines, thus easily achieving a change in their physique. But to advance further, it seems one must continuously take the pills. Hmm... it is indeed quite expensive. The cat-eared ladys life was so inspirational, yet she couldnt even save enough money to buy the pills, which shows just how extraordinarily pricey those pills must be. ... Listening to the fierce exchange between the two, Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. Appearances can be deceiving indeed. That seemingly shy and honest fatso was actually a shameless scoundrel, how the world has declined... Chen Mu, once again engrossed in listening to their conversation for a while, shifted his attention to the compartment behind him. There, five robust men were each embracing a lady with small horns on her forehead, engaged in animated discussions. "Zhuo Brother is truly formidable. Following Prefect Wang to guard the borders and hunt Exotic Beasts, making a fortune in White Jade Money," one short and stocky man expressed his envy. "Not like us, just patrolling the Lower Courtyard, tracking down rampaging Exotic Beasts." "But the Exotic Beasts that run in here are all slippery." "But I can get my hands on items like Calming Pills and Yellow Bud Rice." "But what Id really like to recommend to you two is the Hidden Qi Powder." "Im sure you know, recently, Exotic Beasts have been wreaking havoc, and many people have been eaten." "But if you use my Hidden Qi Powder and sprinkle it around your house, the Exotic Beasts will treat you as invisible, guaranteeing your safety 100%." "How about it? Want some?" "Can it really fend off Exotic Beasts?" Ai Ji asked, his smile almost a smirk. Shang Huan, with all sincerity, replied, "If its fake, Ill pay back tenfold, no lies." "Hehe..." Ai Ji chuckled, "Come with us; your scams been exposed." Shang Huans brows furrowed tightly, and he looked at Ai Ji displeased, "Are you two here to make fun of me?" Whoosh! Xu Raos right hand formed a knife, scraping by Shang Huans neck and easily penetrating the stone wall behind as if a hot knife through butter. Shang Huan turned his head for a glance and looked seriously at Ai Ji: "Can you tell me which incident it is Im being busted for?" "Calming Pills? Yellow Bud Rice?" "Probably the Hidden Qi Powder, right?" "The inherited family recipe indeed isnt reliable," Shang Huan said with a bitter face. "Had I known, I would have sold less." "Mixed in too much sawdust, didnt I." Ai Ji: "..." So all these things you sold, not a single one was real, huh! "Who made these things?" Xu Rao, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. "What kind of nonsense are you talking? Of course, I made them myself. With something like counterfeiting, how dare I entrust others and risk being sold out?" Shang Huan glanced sideways at Xu Rao. "You made them? Heh..." Xu Raos lips curled slightly. "You dont even know if things are real or fake; how could you make them?" "What do you mean?" Ai Ji asked, clearly confused, "Isnt Lu Ku impressed with this guys skills in faking and selling fake goods?" "Were the things he sold actually real?" "Not real, but not fake either," Xu Rao said indifferently, looking at Shang Huan, "It can only be considered a slightly less effective knock-off." "What Lu Ku is after is not just this unscrupulous merchant, but also the Pharmacist behind him." The look Ai Ji gave Shang Huan suddenly became eerie. This fatty isnt being honest at all. Shang Huan was also utterly baffled. It turns out the grilled meat seasoning and Hidden Qi Powder Brother Chen gave me were actually all real goods?! Shang Huan: "..." Ive sold them at a loss! Chapter 230 - 229 Ambush "My name is Xu Rao. I am one of the seven brothers of Wu Mountain," Xu Rao said indifferently. "Each of us seven excels in different abilities." "And Im best at interrogation." "You have only one chance." "So... who is the Pharmacist?" Xu Raos eyeballs remained motionless as he stared silently at Shang Huan. The cold gaze was so piercing that Shang Huans scalp tingled. How did I come across these devils!? All the disciples in the Lower Courtyard knew that the seven brothers of Wu Mountain were ruthless and forced lower court disciples to farm and make money. Many rebellious disciples disappeared without a trace! Whats key is, they not only did this but also got away with it for so many years! "Looks like we have a tough guy here," Ai Ji said impatiently. "You better start soon, I hate wasting time." "Youve made the wrong choice," Xu Rao said, his expression neutral. He made his fingers into a knife shape.@@@@ Swipe! "Ill talk!" Shang Huan shouted at the top of his lungs. A bead of blood emerged from Shang Huans neck on the right side and trickled down. His scalp exploded with fear, and his eyes filled with blood vessels; he felt like he was about to say goodbye to this world in that fleeting moment. Ive made so much money and bought the most expensive Secret Techniques. I havent even started training! I cant die, I must not die! Shang Huans face turned pale, and he clenched his teeth tightly. "Who is the Pharmacist?" Xu Raos voice was still even-toned. Shang Huan opened his mouth, feeling his throat dry and difficult to speak, as he clenched his fist hard. How did I end up in this situation? "Speak!" shouted Ai Ji, losing his patience. Xu Raos right hand lifted slightly, and the Jet Black Soul Strength suddenly transformed into a sharp knife edge. Shang Huans face showed struggle as he faced the increasingly dangerous gazes of the two men. Im sorry... I didnt want to... "Its Mo Wuzhou!" Shang Huans face contorted, "The Pharmacist is brother Mo Wuzhou." "Im just a salesperson working for him." "He always has his confidants deliver the medicine to me, then they take away the money earned that month." "No wonder," Ai Ji raised an eyebrow, "I had heard long ago that this young brother Mo is proficient in various skills. Now that hes apprenticed in the Upper Court, its said that he is also learning Alchemy." "Thats not right," Xu Rao stared blankly at Shang Huan. "Mo Wuzhou is at the central Medicinal Field of the Lower Courtyard; youre just a small-time vendor from the outskirts." "With your status, how could you possibly get close to him?" Shang Huan showed a bitter smile, "Indeed, Im not capable of being in contact with brother Mo." "But I have an elder who helped brother Mo when he first arrived at the Lower Courtyard," Shang Huan added. "When he started planting Yellow Bud Rice, it was my elder who taught him hands-on." "So..." "Seems that the old man was telling the truth," Ai Ji glanced at Xu Rao and smiled. "What a pity for my twenty acres of Yellow Bud Rice Fields..." ... Inside the Shang Huan estate. Time passed bit by bit, and the sky grew darker. The young man in the black bodysuit with White Jade tied in his hair, had a gentle complexion. He stood up and gently tapped the hanging oval crystal ball. Immediately, the bioluminescent algae inside emitted a gentle, pearly white light. "It seems youve been abandoned," the gentle young man Lu Ku said softly. "Wait a bit longer, please wait! Maybe something has delayed them!" Shang Huans pupils involuntarily contracted. "Maybe..." Lu Ku was noncommittal. Then he said with a gentle smile, "Can you tell me how much White Jade Money you make in a month?" "Dont worry, Im just purely curious." Shang Huans heart skipped a beat. He was about to speak, but then held back. Facing the others smiling gaze, Shang Huan couldnt help but feel his scalp tighten. He understood that if he didnt say the right thing, his life would surely be over! But what to say to satisfy the other party? "Last month I just bought the Small Celestial Milky Way Spiritual Light Method." "Give me two more months, and I can buy another!" "Not bad," Lu Ku nodded with a smile. "But what if you dont have the Medicinal Powders and Pills provided by Gongsun Sheng?" Shang Huans forehead suddenly broke out in a sweat. Thinking carefully, he realized that the substantial money he had made over the past few months all depended on those medicinal powders and pills that seemed fake but were actually just substandard products. That was the reason he was able to sell them and not have anyone trouble him! "It seems you cant." As soon as the words fell, the door panel-like brawny man suddenly appeared behind Shang Huan and Old Hao. Palms like fan leaves, he quietly reached for the necks of the two men. "How about we do a test?" Lu Ku sat down again, smiling and looking at the two. "Lets see if that Mr. Gongsun cares at all about your wellbeing." Bang! The two men were suddenly grabbed by the neck by the door panel brawny man and lifted into the air. The Soul Strength that automatically emerged in defense from the two men was crushed by the brawny man. "I was hoping to invite that Pharmacist to become one of our seven brothers," Lu Ku sighed and shook his head: "The lead has gone cold, what a pity... Hm?" "Yu Lin? Whats happening to you..." Holding up Shang Huan and the others, the door panel-like brawny man Yu Lin suddenly became as still as a mosquito in amber, his entire body static, as if the pause button had been hit. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" a detached voice suddenly rang out. Crack! The door panel brawny mans arms, thick as thighs, suddenly snapped. Forearm bones pierced through the thick muscles, and strands of blood clung to the white bone, looking particularly gruesome. ``` Chapter 231 - 230: The Seven United Heart Gu Hum! A layer of translucent white light suddenly enveloped Lu Ku. "Gongsun Sheng!" Lu Kus complexion changed. Since the other party had come here, that meant Xu Rao and Ai Ji among others... He immediately stood up and charged toward Shang Huan, who was lying on the ground. Hum hum hum! The Spiritual Light enveloping his body suddenly trembled. Lu Ku felt as if he had entered a quagmire, a huge and sticky pressure surrounding him. And it was growing stronger, allowing him only to take one step before he was fixed in place. Lu Kus brows furrowed tightly as he stood within the Light Shield, constantly looking around. If it werent for this layer of Spiritual Light, he would have been like the burly Yu Lin, turned into a mosquito in amber, unable to move at all. His complexion changed, and with a flip of his right hand, a palm-sized black gourd appeared. He drew his right index finger across the palm of his left hand, and blood immediately flowed out. He then pressed the gourd onto his left palm. The blood that should have dripped from the edge of his hand was suddenly sucked back in, and with a hiss, it vanished into the black gourd. The next moment, accompanied by a set of difficult Curse Words, the top of the gourd suddenly burst into a crimson light. Puff! A mass of deep blue flames shot out from the gourd, spreading out like a whirlpool centered around Lu Ku. The air twisted with the scorching heat, and wooden tables and chairs, upon even the slightest contact, immediately turned to ash. The flames, as if sentient, bypassed Yu Lin and split off a portion that headed straight for Shang Huan. The rest of the flames spread out violently, seemingly about to break through the room. Whoo whoo whoo! A deep, whistling sound suddenly arose. A cloud of black and red sand materialized out of nowhere in front of Lu Ku, and in the blink of an eye, it contaminated the Spiritual Light Shield. The translucent white circle was almost instantaneously softened, corroded, and pierced through. Lu Ku immediately felt a pain in his head as if it were being pierced by a needle, a severe pain striking instantaneously, turning his face pale. Just as he was about to grit his teeth and forcefully activate the black gourd regardless of the consequences, a wave of invisible force, like gates opening for concrete, surged in through the hole in the Spiritual Light, rapidly enveloping and solidifying him, sealing him in place. His hands were pulled apart with a snap into a straight line, and the black gourd thudded to the ground. Two sparks were spewed out, but it no longer had the strength to emit the blue flames. The fiery whirlpool in mid-air kept spinning, but without the black gourds supply, it didnt rotate much before disappearing reluctantly with a faint cry. Creak... The wooden door slowly opened, the grating noise of the hinges making ones teeth sour. A figure wearing a white mask and a cloak appeared at the door. Chen Mu was surrounded by black smoke, his eyes calm and indifferent. Behind him, four unconscious figures lay suspended in mid-air. Their clothes clung tightly to their bodies, their cheeks sunken, as if they were sealed in vacuum bags with the air sucked out. Shang Huans face suddenly filled with joy. He crawled and rolled over to Chen Mus side. "Youve finally come!" The limbs of the six men twisted and broke instantly. Intense pain struck, but Lu Ku revealed a smile. Then a fragrant scent entered his nostrils, and his consciousness quickly blurred, yet he didnt mind at all. Fortunately... ... "Mr. Gongsun, these people..." Shang Huan began cautiously. But Old Hao tugged at his clothes and stopped him from continuing. Chen Mu glanced at them. These people are untrustworthy? Theres a problem with these people? Of course, he thought of the possible hidden dangers. But if he killed them outright... Chen Mu thought of Lin Su, the Prefect Lu Ku had mentioned. In the Inspection Courtyard, people were already looking for the White Jade Plate. If the attention brought by the seven brothers led to its discovery, it would be problematic. Of course, what Lu Ku said could also be lies to save his own life. But... what if? "Lets hope that so-called Secret Technique is useful," Chen Mu sighed. He extended his right hand, and the Mustard Seed Talisman that was on Lu Kus wrist flew into his hand. He adeptly read the Curse Command to activate it. Plop! A wooden cabinet appeared and crashed to the ground. Chen Mu pulled out the drawers to check each one. When he opened a flat drawer in the middle, a familiar Bright Yellow Scroll appeared before him. Chen Mus heart leaped. He unfurled the scroll, and a few ancient characters came into viewThousand Mountains Sutra: United Heart Gu. Indeed... ... Five days later. The six brothers of Wu Mountain filed out of Shang Huans residence, their twisted limbs now restored as before. Even the burly Yu Lin, whose head had been twisted onto his back, emerged completely whole. Chen Mu, still wearing his white mask, stood quietly in the courtyard, watching Shang Huan exchanging pleasantries with the men. Despite having seen it before, the almost non-human vitality these men displayed still made him marvel. "The past few days have been extraordinary, and the hospitality lacking. I ask for the forgiveness of my older brothers and sisters," "I have a friend whose culinary skills can compare to the chefs of the Heavenly River Water Mansions Eight Treasures Tower." "In a while, I will invite him over to treat my older brothers and sisters to a good meal," Shang Huans small eyes squinted into slits, his large round face blooming like a flower as he smiled. Watching Shang Huans smugness, pretending to ride on the tigers back. Even the calm Lu Ku could not help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. The expressions on the faces of the other five were even uglier. They were originally here to subdue this fat man, but unexpectedly, they fell into a trap, allowing him to become one of the seven brothers. If it werent for the restraint of the United Heart Gu, they would have wished to strangle him on the spot! Sensing the intense malice emanating from the six, Shang Huans smile grew even more brilliant. "Safe travels to my older brothers and sisters!" Ha ha... Chapter 232 - 231 Backlash ``` Shang Huan laughed heartily as he watched the six figures walking away, feeling a surge of satisfaction. The shadow of fear that had loomed over him due to the other partys threats had dissipated in an instant. But his joy was short-lived, as he felt a chill run down his spine. When he turned around, he saw Mr. Gongsun, the man in the white mask, standing silently behind him. Instinctively, Shang Huan shrank his neck and said with a sycophantic smile, "Thank you, Mr. Gongsun, for saving my life!" "I heard youve been selling a lot of Hidden Qi Powder. Who made it for you?" Chen Mu asked in an even tone. Shang Huan scratched his head in an embarrassed manner, "I made it myself." "Ive mixed Insect Repellent Powder with sawdust and called it Hidden Qi Powder, claiming it can ward off exotic beasts." "I didnt expect it to sell so well." "As a result, it attracted these troublemakers." "Thanks to Mr. Gongsuns rescue, otherwise..." Shang Huan shuddered. He immediately swore, "Mr. Gongsun, rest assured, from now on my life is yours. If you tell me to go east, Ill never go west!"@@@@ Ha... Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan out of the corner of his eye, "So, did you also make up that Thorn Night Herb?" "Isnt it that profit stirs the heart?" Shang Huan said with a look of shame. "Plus, I happened to be buying the Spiritual Light Method and was short on money." "Hearing that there was a shortage of medicinal herbs, I had the wrong idea. I thought up a batch of spices with a similar scent and passed them off as the real thing." Made it yourself? Very good! "This fat fool didnt sell me out. He kept the maker of Hidden Qi Powder and Thorn Night Herb a secret." "But that doesnt mean I can just let him off the hook," Chen Mus lips curled slightly. He looked at Shang Huan with a gentle yet chilling gaze, "Youre quite tight-lipped." "Then why, when you betrayed me, did you do it so readily? The Wu Mountain Seven Brothers pressured you slightly and you spat out my name." "Were you thinking of using them to kill someone?" "Were you hoping to kill them or me?" "You werent thinking of us dying together, were you?" Shang Huans scalp tingled instantly, his face turning pale. Before he could open his mouth to explain, Chen Mu said with a light laugh, "Next time you open your mouth, remember to think about the United Heart Gu." "You wouldnt want me to activate it, right? Heh..." Seeing Shang Huan sweating profusely, Chen Mu under his mask couldnt help but smile. This fat man was too clever for his own good. The quantity of Hidden Qi Powder he sold was far greater than what he had supplied. Anyone could have guessed with their toes that this fat man had included another fake batch, increasing the volume of shipments. Fortunately, this fatty was tight-lipped, pushing all the blame onto Gongsuns shoulders. Seeing Shang Huan frightened, Chen Mu casually threw him twenty bottles of Calming Pills, then disappeared into the drifting smoke in front of him. ... Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu then thought of Shang Huan. "I cant sell the Hidden Qi Powder anymore." "The counterfeit Nightshade products must also be stopped." If it hadnt been for the huge profits, this trouble wouldnt have been brought about. "There are still several months until Spiritual Light Perfection, and the demand for the Illusion Breaking Secret Technique isnt urgent." "At worst, Ill just have to sell an extra batch of Calming Pills." "The Imperial Goods Pavilion channel remains relatively safe." "If I save up slowly, I should eventually gather enough money to buy the secret technique." Having made up his mind, he got up to deal with the Yellow Bud Rice fields. To control the Wu Mountain brothers, he had been running to Shang Huans place these past few days, and weeds had sprouted in the fields! The Nightshade was also somewhat wilted. His comfortable life had been disrupted for several days. All because of that damn fatso Shang Huan! ... In the Xinyou District, in front of a vast expanse of Yellow Bud Rice fields. Seven stone courtyards were built side by side. In the central residence, the six Wu Mountain siblings were gathered together. "Wu Ruo, would you mind making a trip to the Heavenly River Water Mansion? We need to collect enough Netherworld Dust," Lu Ku sat at the head, calmly saying to the gentle woman on the left. "Okay." Wu Ruo, dressed in a cyan crossover-collar ruqun with long hair to her waist, nodded gently. "Does big brother have a way to counter it?" Ai Ji asked excitedly. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra records a secret technique at the end." "It can make use of Netherworld Dust to accelerate the growth of the United Heart Gu." "The secret technique also mentions that if it grows too quickly and the United Heart Rope isnt well controlled, there will be risks of backlash." "Gongsun Sheng just obtained the United Heart Rope, and his proficiency at using the United Heart Curse is not high." "And having control over our lives, having the power of life and death, he must be complacent." "This gives us a chance to break free." "Ive already washed away the records of the secret technique with a potion, Gongsun Sheng will not know this." "And how to quickly cultivate the United Heart Gu has become key!" The people in the living room suddenly shone with keen light in their eyes. "Wu Ruo, dont worry about the cost. Have Yu Lin accompany you to the Heavenly River Water Mansion and buy back all the Netherworld Dust you can find!" "Okay!" Wu Ruo squinted her eyes, her expression suddenly stern. "Everyone, put aside whatever you are doing." "The urgent matter at hand is the rapid growth of the United Heart Gu." "The day we break free from the shackles of the United Heart Rope is the day we kill Gongsun Sheng." "Mo Wuzhous confidant, ha..." "Im sure Lin Su will be very pleased!" The six of them suddenly revealed smiling faces. Chapter 233 - 232 Volume Half a month later, Wu Ruo and Yu Lin, covered in dust, returned from Heavenly River Water Mansion. In the Xinyou District, inside Lu Kus residence. "Yin Sha Dust," Wu Ruo handed a fist-sized clay jar to Lu Ku. Yu Lin followed closely behind, his gray-white robe still stained with dots of black and red blood. Clearly, spending a great deal of money to buy Yin Sha Dust had attracted some trouble. "You two have worked hard," Lu Ku said solemnly. Both nodded slightly and took their seats. The other few also looked at the clay jar with delight in their eyes. "Gongsun Sheng can only use the United Heart Rope to connect to one person at a time. His control over it is still very shallow." "If we use only half of these Yin Sha Dust, the off-control target might just be achievable." "The pain of bone-eroding heart-drilling in this cultivation is inevitable. But all we need to do is endure this period." "The scales of victory have already tilted towards our side," Lu Ku said confidently. "Thats great!" Ai Ji slapped the armrest of his chair and couldnt help but burst into laughter. "If Gongsun Sheng knew we slipped from his control and even brought Lin Su before him, his expression would be very interesting to see," Wu Ruo said. "Haha..." The others also eased their expressions. Hum! A sound similar to a buzzing of a bees wings suddenly resonated in the room. The few looked towards the door simultaneously, where a cold and expressionless girl sat. Ai Jis eyes bulged in surprise: "Shi Xian, you..." The indifferent girl with a bun suddenly spoke, "Ah, I seem to have seen a black rope." "Is it the United Heart Rope?" "Quite suitable for tying hair." The faces of the people in the room turned ugly at once. "Gongsun Sheng has become more proficient with the United Heart Curse!" Xu Raos face was gloomy. "He can now connect two people at the same time!"@@@@ "We need to work faster," Lu Kus eyes flashed with a sharp glint. "From now on, put aside all other matters. "For eating, take the Fasting Pill, and for sleeping, you may only sleep for two hours max." "Go all out to cultivate the United Heart Gu!" ... Ten days later, six haggard-looking people once again gathered in Lu Kus residence. "My United Heart Gu has grown one chi three inches," Ai Ji reported loudly, barely able to contain himself. "One chi one inch," Shi Xian said without expression. "One chi six inches," Xu Rao said, his face still gloomy. "One chi five inches," Yu Lin murmured. "One chi nine inches," Wu Ruo said calmly. ... Another ten days passed. It was still the living room of Lu Kus residence. The six people sat expressionlessly in the hall, the atmosphere somewhat stiff. Hum! The vibrating sound would come earlier or later, slow but sure. "Forget it, resign to fate..." Ai Ji finally couldnt keep his composure and collapsed. Lu Ku also had a moment of a blank look. He had used the United Heart Gu with great determination to accelerate his cultivation. Even though he knew he might be controlled, he wasnt afraid because he believed in his Secret Technique that could counteract it. But now... "Gongsun is cold, ruthless, and unpredictable. Our days ahead might be tough," Wu Ruo said softly. "Better adjust our mindsets sooner rather than later," Yu Lin sighed. "Worst comes to worst, well go down together!" Xu Rao had a look of cold irritation. Thinking of a life that would definitely be dominated by others, their faces immediately turned extremely unsightly. ... At this moment, Gongsun Sheng, who was cold, ruthless, and moved in unpredictable ways, was carefully scratching at the soil, his butt poked up in the air. After four and a half months, the Gua-Qie Ye Grass was ripe! He carefully applied the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to clean the soil around the roots bit by bit. The Gua-Qie Ye Grass was peculiar; it required the leaves and roots to be crushed and integrated together to fully exert its power. If even a little of the roots or leaves were missing, it would affect the quality. After busy work for a long while, he finally finished harvesting nineteen plants. "This is enough to make Calming Pills for half a year," Chen Mu said with a face full of joy. After placing each one on the wooden rack to dry in the air, he lay down comfortably in the rocking chair. With a thought, a gray wall appeared in front of him. United Heart Curse: 6/10000/Seventh Rank; "Its not that hard..." Chen Mu chuckled. He had originally planned to cultivate just the First Rank. But for some reason, the Proficiency of the United Heart Curse was especially easy to increase. It would give him forty or fifty experience points per hour. Chen Mus desire to gain experience immediately stirred. He became like a gaming addict, cultivating without sleep, night and day. "Maybe I should just give it up." "After cultivating to the Sixth Rank, I still havent seen any special abilities." "I might as well work on my Void Cloak Technique, maybe then Ill be able to fly sooner." "Hmm... just one more Rank, just one more Rank then," he thought. "Regardless of whether there are special abilities, I must stop here!" Chapter 234 - 233 Five Ghosts Possession ``` Ten days later. In Xinyou District, within the Lu Ku family courtyard. The six siblings of Wu Mountain sat silently in the living room, expressionless, the atmosphere frozen. To varying degrees, their eyes all showed a trace of impatience, like prisoners awaiting their sentence. It wasnt until the sun set behind the mountains that they finally let out a long sigh of relief. "Ha... hes finally stuck!" Ai Ji couldnt help but laugh. "Even if hes stuck, he has long been able to control six people at the same time," Shi Xian said somberly. Ai Ji, as if someone had squeezed his neck, suddenly stiffened on the spot with a gagging sound. "We have no room to resist anymore," Yu Lin said in a tone as if he was speaking from a jar. "Worst comes to worst, well just die together!" Ai Ji shouted. Xu Rao didnt speak, but his face was dark and gloomy. "With the United Heart Ropes restrictions on us, its almost impossible to die together," Wu Ruo said, shaking her head lightly. "What if we use someone else to do the killing?" Xu Rao said coldly. "We dont know his real identity," Yu Lin said. "Plus, he seems to be able to sense an ambush in advance." "This is the end of us!" Ai Ji said with a defeatist look: "We still dont know what hes going to make us do." "Its nothing but murder and arson," Shi Xian said coolly. "But what if he sends us to our deaths?" "He also knows how to make pills and cultivate pills. What if he makes us test drugs?" "Our lives are completely in his hands; he could do any sick and twisted thing!" Thinking of all the terrible consequences that could be coming. The room instantly fell silent. ... In the hollow behind the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat cross-legged atop a black cloud formed by the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Muttering incantations, a strong repulsion force came from the earth. The next instant, Chen Mus figure shot out at a height half a meter off the ground. The wind whistled in his face, his gray short jacket flapped loudly, and his hair was blown into undulating waves. Chen Mu couldnt help but feel exhilarated: "Wuhu!" He let the Five Ghosts carry him, flying in circles around the small hollow. Now stopping abruptly, now ascending quickly, now turning sharply, now tumbling and rushing forward. After flying for almost half an hour, he finally stopped, still not having had enough. "I guess this counts as flying," Chen Mu chuckled.@@@@ Although he could only fly up to five meters high and the speed was just a bit faster than a galloping horse, still slower than he could run himself. But... he could fly! The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit helped him take to the air. The repulsion force from the Void Cloak Technique acted on the ground, replacing the force from his feet, pushing him forward. "I wonder what secret technique Director Song uses," Chen Mu couldnt help but recall. He had seen Song Wujie twice, and both times the other man was standing in the sky. His muscles surged and swelled, even drawing lines like steel cables beneath his skin. His skin quickly turned indigo, with wisps of silver thread faintly visible beneath. An invisible force began to manifest, causing his hair to flutter involuntarily, as though drifting in water. Chen Mu tentatively waved at a long boulder a hundred meters away. Bang! The stone was instantly shattered by the invisible force. Feeling a superhuman strength coursing through him, Chen Mu felt he could easily tear apart the Perceptive Spirit Light. He had to resist the urge to roar skyward, to release this surge of power. At the same time, a mad desire for destruction and devouring rose wildly in his mind. "Ha!" With a low shout, Chen Mu dispersed the secret technique. The Five Ghosts reemerged as he deflated like a leaking balloon, shrinking back to the robust young man of one meter eighty. "Huff... that was really freaky, huh..." Chen Mu supported himself on his knees, panting heavily. His body suddenly felt extremely weak, as if with the departure of the Five Ghosts, they had taken away his vital energy as well. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 21/10000/Eighth Rank; With intentional focus on the cultivation time, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse quickly advanced. Five Ghosts Possession is the secret technique comprehended after the breakthrough to the Eighth Rank. It allows the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to merge into the body, exponentially amplifying physical strength. He had already felt that power, thinking one punch could kill his current self. And he could also execute an enhanced version of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. But the side effects... Chen Mu gave a wry smile. Just looking at his current weakened state made it obvious. "The key is that it easily drives one mad." He wouldnt forget the crazy desire to destroy just a moment ago. Even stronger than the devouring desire when using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. "Its another trump card anyway," Chen Mu shook his head. This was all because he had cultivated the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, and his physique had transformed towards that of the Ghosts. If a common person were to use the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, Chen Mu wasnt sure if they would survive. Even when he used it, lasting for two minutes was the limit. Any longer, and even if his body held up, he felt he might go insane. "When I reach perfection at the Eighth Rank, I wonder if I can extend the duration," Chen Mu pondered silently. Allocate a bit more time to Five Ghosts Moving Mountain? Chen Mu immediately shook his head. Its good enough to gain experience through daily usage. Just like this time, without purposely cultivating it, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain gradually filled up. It always gave him the unexpected delight of finding a hundred bucks in a jacket he never wore. "Tomorrow, it seems the Ling Boat will arrive." "This upgrade to Five Ghosts Moving Mountain is inseparable from my daily accumulated hard work and diligent practice." "Rewarding myself by listening to a tune wouldnt be too excessive, right?" "Hmm! Thats settled then!" Chapter 235 - 234: Understood A month later. Xinyou District, Lu Kus estate. The six siblings of Wu Mountain were gathered together once again. This was already their fifth meeting in a month. Their mood fluctuated with each gathering, never the same. Somber, anxious, doubtful, perplexed, until this times blankness. "Is Shang Huan still selling medicine?" Lu Ku frowned slightly. "Hes only selling Calming Pills now. Hes stopped everything else," Yu Lin responded in his deep voice. "Are you sure Shang Huan knows our address?" Ai Ji couldnt help but ask. "Even if he doesnt, Mr. Gongsun can summon us through the United Heart Rope," Yu Lin replied. "What on earth does he mean!" "Three whole months without a peep, if he wants to kill or slash, at least give us a clear message!" Ai Ji was impatient. "Is it possible that he just doesnt want to deal with us?" Shi Xian spoke in a cold tone. "Thats impossible!" Ai Ji couldnt help but retort, "Leaving us six capable hands aside, is he really counting on that fat corpse?" No sooner had he spoken than he noticed that the other few were all looking at him. "He might indeed be counting on that fat corpse," Lu Ku said with a strange expression. Three months went by. Shang Huans selling of medicine remained the same as ever. Yet the six of them were like they had been completely forgotten. Or to say, really forgotten? The group suddenly exchanged glances. "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Ai Ji shook his head vehemently. Could they have been battling wits with thin air all this time? I dont accept it! "That matter regarding Mo Wuzhou, should we inform him?" Yu Lin scratched his head. Lu Ku sighed, "We have no choice but to inform him." According to what Shang Huan said, Mr. Gongsun was Mo Wuzhous close confidant! They were employed by Lin Su and were going to make a move against Mo Wuzhous close friend; they couldnt bypass Mr. Gongsun no matter what. ... Low Mountain courtyard. "Brother Chen, Im here to see you again, look what Ive brought you!" Shang Huan, with a bruised face, dragged the equally bruised Old Hao. He carried a slab of black dory fish, entering the courtyard with a sycophantic smile. Chen Mu couldnt help but roll his eyes. "Even if you brought me a piece of dragon meat, I couldnt make counterfeit medicine for you." "Dragon meat obviously wont do, but what about real moray dragon meat?" "The Heavenly River Water Mansion just caught a two-hundred-year-old real moray dragon." "That thing is said to be able to turn into a dragon. Eating it, were consuming the flesh of a dragons precursor. Hmm... dragon egg meat!" Dragon egg meat my ass! Chen Mu was almost amused to anger by this fat man. Last time although this guy was tight-lipped, not revealing his existence, But what if they ran into someone cruel who could probe into ones consciousness? When that time comes, it wont matter if he wants to tell or not, they will see for themselves. "Its not that I wont make it for you, there really are no ingredients," Chen Mu said helplessly. "Tell me what the ingredients are, and Ill find them for you," Shang Huan showed no intention of giving up. "Are you looking for me for something?" After hesitating for a moment, Chen Mu still entered Shang Huans residence. "Mr. Gongsun," Lu Ku stood up and bowed with his hands clasped. "Lin Su is planning to deal with Brother Mo Wuzhou soon." "He hired us to kidnap Brother Mos close friends, intending to use them as his trump card against Brother Mo." "I thought it was necessary to report this to you," Lu Ku said. Chen Mu: "..." He was a bit stunned. No, are you sure this is something I should be involved in? The Prefect from the Inspection Courtyard is going to target a disciple of the Upper Court? How could I, an honest farmer, get tangled in such malicious conspiracies? Seeing Chen Mus silence, Lu Ku had trouble making a decision. Is it because we didnt inform him earlier? It seems we must do something to make up for this. Letting this slight dissatisfaction ferment could very well breed a bigger disaster! Lu Kus mind raced. "You are Brother Mos right-hand man, so naturally, we are on Brother Mos side," he reasoned. "But Lin Su doesnt know about our relationship with you." "Maybe you can notify Brother Mos friends in advance, and we can all put on a show together." "When the ambush is set, we can turn on him and kill Lin Su together!" Lu Ku squinted his eyes, which gleamed with cunning. Though this plan may be cliche?, if executed well, it can have an unexpectedly powerful effect! Chen Mu: "..." What the hell are you talking about?! Since when did I become Mo Wuzhous right-hand man? Chen Mu looked toward Shang Huan. At that moment, the chubby guy was shrinking his neck like a quail, hiding to one side. Shit! It must be this damn fattys fault! Chen Mu managed to suppress his agitation, slowed his speech, and pretended indifference: "Dont do anything." He didnt even know Mo Wuzhou. Why would he possibly get involved in such a troublesome matter? Lu Ku was startled. Do nothing? Does it mean to pretend to agree with Lin Sus plan and then do nothing? "Got it!" said Lu Ku, nodding as if he had suddenly understood. Chen Mu: "..." Understood? What did he understand? Could you explain it to me too? "If Mr. Gongsun has no other orders, well be leaving now," Lu Ku said as he prepared to take his leave. This encounter confirmed something for him C that Mr. Gongsun really didnt seem to care for them. Could Mr. Gongsun have bigger plans? It was perplexing. Before Chen Mu could figure out what to say, he watched in dismay as the six oddly shaped figures left one after another. Could you at least explain things clearly! Dont mess around, hey!@@@@ Chapter 236 - 235 Absent Shang Huans residence was deathly silent. Old Hao hid in the corner of the shadows, wishing he could squeeze himself into the wall. Shang Huan, with his head lowered, seemed captivated by the patterns on the surface of his shoes. Chen Mu stared intently at Shang Huan. "Mo Wuzhou haha..." "I can explain!" The chubby Shang Huan immediately began. "Last time, the six Wu Mountain brothers cornered me, insisting on knowing the source of the Calming Pills." "I thought Id invent a powerful figure to intimidate them, so..." So I became Mo Wuzhous confidant?! "Actually, its pretty good like this. Those who buy Elixir Pills, when they hear the supply comes from Brother Mos channels, they give money much more willingly." "If the quantity can keep up, we might even be able to expand by taking advantage of the situation..." "Shut up!" Instantly, Shang Huans neck shrank and he looked down at his shoes, acting like a quail. Casually tossing twenty bottles of Calming Pill to Shang Huan, Chen Mu disappeared quickly. He had to keep an eye on the six Wu Mountain siblings and couldnt let them cause any trouble. The Lower Courtyard prefect dealing with Upper Court disciples? How could such a big event, which had nothing to do with me, involve me?! That damn Shang Huan, causing serious harm! In the room, Shang Huan felt relieved after successfully dodging trouble and showed Old Hao in the corner a smile, as if he had survived a catastrophe, "This time I didnt get slapped, its really..." Bang! Before he could finish his sentence, his face collided with an invisible wall, and in an instant, his nose, eyes, and cheeks were squashed flat. "Ow..." ... Following the Wu Mountain siblings, he found their home. Chen Mu left a Ghost concealed in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields to watch over the six peoples actions at all times. For five consecutive days, Chen Mu kept his attention on the Wu Mountain siblings while eating and drinking. Seeing that the group spent their days at home cultivating without any plans to go out, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "It appears they really took my advice." That was good.@@@@ No matter whether Mo Wuzhou was dead or alive, he, the inadvertently involved confidant of Mo Wuzhou, didnt want to care! ... In the Yichou District of Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard, within a ruined Medicinal Field at the foot of a small hillock. Mo Wuzhou was squatting on the ground, carefully inspecting it. He appeared to be in his twenties, with a stiff and wooden face, as if wearing a mask, but his eyes were alert, occasionally flashing with brilliance. "This doesnt seem like the damage done by an Exotic Beast..." Mo Wuzhous heart tightened. Looking up at the silent surroundings, he suddenly had a bad feeling. When he last visited here, there were several Lower Courtyard patrols following him, but now there wasnt a single one! "Just hand over the Exquisite Jade Plate to me, and I will let them go." Kidnapping friends and relatives as hostages, although cliche?, is effective. Mo Wuzhous darkened eyes said it all. "Youve already become a disciple of the Upper Court after all." "Even if cultivation in the training ground costs money, its definitely much cheaper for us." "Having the Exquisite Jade Plate in your possession is like a redundant rib to you." "Give it to me in exchange for the safety of your loved ones. This is a profitable deal," Lin Su coaxed. "I really dont know what the Exquisite Jade Plate is," Mo Wuzhou expressed his frustration and anger. Whoever actually has that thing is a dog! I definitely dont have it! "Stubborn fool!" Lin Sus face darkened instantly. "Where are the seven Wu Mountain brothers? Throw up a head!" he bellowed right then. He had already arranged through secret channels with the seven Wu Mountain brothers. They must be hiding nearby with their men by now. "Whose head do you think it will be? Old Hao, dear big senior brother, or perhaps the lovely junior sister..." Lin Su said with malice on his face. Mo Wuzhous face went pale, "Stop! Call off those damned brothers right now!" "You want the Exquisite Jade Plate, but you need to tell me what that is!" "Ill give you the Mustard Seed Talisman; search with it yourself, just call off your men!" "Scared now? Too late!" Lin Su laughed heartily. "Keep the heads, just send over an arm!" "You!" Mo Wuzhou was immediately frantic, his body cloaked in Spiritual Light, ready to rush forward and fight to the death. "If you dare to make a move, I will have their heads chopped off!" Lin Su warned leisurely as he retreated three meters. Mo Wuzhou was immediately frozen in place. After ten breaths. A breeze blew between the two, picking up fragments of withered grass. After thirty breaths, the surroundings were still dead quiet. After one hundred and twenty breaths, a noisy black bird flew over their heads. Lin Su was dumbfounded. Wheres the arm? Mo Wuzhou was equally perplexed. Yeah, wheres the arm? "Where are the seven Wu Mountain brothers!" All was silent around them. Mo surveyed the surroundings. "The seven Wu Mountain brothers, not here?" "Ha!" Lin Sus expression suddenly turned grim. Trouble! Chapter 237 - 236 Change Target A month later, one morning. At Low Mountain courtyard. Chen Mu had just finished inspecting the twenty mu of Yellow Bud Rice Fields and returned. Crouching beneath the west wall, he started to pack up the tube eggplants one by one. With the experience from last time, sixty seeds had been successfully raised and fifty-two plants transplanted. Currently they were as tall as a forearm and the palm-wide, verdant leaves were thick and full. Without any surprises, this cultivation would definitely be a grand harvest.@@@@ After watering, he casually glanced over at the six siblings from Wu Mountain. He discovered they were still at home cultivating in peace and he couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief. "As long as they dont meddle in others affairs, all is good." After observing them for over a month, he unexpectedly found that these six infamous brutes were actually a bunch of cultivation fanatics. In the past month, apart from occasionally sparring with each other and dealing with some disputes among their subordinates who were farming, they had actually been cooped up at home practicing their martial skills. "Their diligence is nearly catching up with mine!" Chen Mu pursed his lips. So hardworking, they must want to reach the skies! Seizing the opportunity to withdraw the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, Chen Mu continued packing up the tube eggplants. Each side mind their own business, cultivating peacefully, which was exactly what he wanted! ... That evening, at a small depression behind Low Mountain. Chen Mu was flying close to the ground, making random noises as he shouted. Compared to moping in an underground secret chamber reciting scriptures, using the Void Cloak Technique to glide through mid-air was his favorite way to earn experience throughout the day. In just one month, he had already completed half of the Second Rank Void Cloak Technique. After a fierce skim over the ground, Chen Mu, riding the wind that flattened the grass, suddenly soared to the mountaintop. Standing atop Low Mountain, Chen Mu looked down on his lush and orderly Yellow Bud Rice Fields with a satisfied expression. Void Cloak Technique: 5255/10000/Second Rank; "With the next rank, I should be able to discard the Curse Command." By then, activation will be faster, connections smoother, and flying more fluid. He took another glance at the gray wall and realized that his Spiritual Light Technique was also progressing fast. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: 9403/10000; In his mind, the Jade Seed had swelled to the size of an egg. The surface was still lustrous as jade and appeared even more solid and stable. Inside, the tangle of silver threads was growing more complex, as if faint lights were circulating endlessly. "In at most half a month, it will reach perfection," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. "Why is this fatso here again?!" Chen Mu looked on, speechless, as Old Hao and Shang Huan, who had just climbed over the hill, approached. That probably wasnt it; it was more likely the result of the Netherworld Thread strengthening his body. Chen Mu withdrew his gaze, musing silently. The United Heart Gu really could accelerate cultivation. Shang Huans physique had become more robust, with his three treasures fully formed and his Jade Seed progressing toward perfection. Cultivating the Perceptive Spiritual Light Secret Technique would probably be even more effortless. The Netherworld Thread might even be able to absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy. This was probably why Lu Ku was able to master the Spiritual Light Technique in his twenties. Thinking of Lu Ku, Chen Mus mind stirred, "Has the Lower Courtyard been as chaotic recently?" If Lin Su took action and something happened to Mo Wuzhou, there would definitely be news. "Its even more chaotic than before!" Old Hao sighed. "Exotic Beast disturbances are frequent, and a major incident occurred." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. Here it comes! "Inspection Courtyards Prefect Lin Su, blinded by greed, wanted to kill and seize treasures, unjustly attacking Brother Mo Wuzhou." "He was seriously injured and fled." "Brother Mo was also not lightly wounded and has been recuperating inside the wooden building of the Lower Courtyard ever since." "Director Song was furious and ordered the Inspection Courtyard to conduct a thorough investigation, arresting many who were stirring up trouble and killing for treasure." Chen Mus eyes narrowed. Luckily, Wu Mountains six siblings hadnt been involved. "Thats not bad, at least the Lower Courtyard is safer," Chen Mu put his mind at ease, picked up a piece of green leafy vegetable, and chewed leisurely. "Whats good about it!" "The Inspection Courtyard pulled back its people to the Lower Courtyard. As a result, more Exotic Beasts breached the nodes." "Many people suffered disasters." "An old neighbor of mine, too tired in the middle of the night, nodded off for a moment, and half of his ten mu of Yellow Bud Rice fields were ruined," Old Hao said with an ugly expression on his face. "Just as the growing season was halfway done and the flowering and grain shooting were about to start, the Exotic Beasts caused havoc." "It was already very tiring to stay up all night to guard the fields, but now to watch the harvest diminish before our eyes, tell me, isnt that miserable?" Old Hao lamented. Chen Mu thought about the Bewildering Miasma in the fields. He glanced at the Five Ghosts Black Smoke Group diligently perched in the Yellow Bud Rice fields. He also recalled the wonderful dream he had last night, dancing with the ladies at Red Sleeve Square. He couldnt help but sigh with a pained expression, "That is truly miserable!" "Miserable, right?" "So could you sell me a bit of that smokey stuff you have in your fields?" Old Hao asked, eyes gleaming and fixed on Chen Mu. "Me too, I want to buy some as well," Shang Huan also said with a smile, "Hmm... many a bits." Chen Mu: "..." So thats why these two stopped pestering me to make Hidden Qi Powder. Theyve switched targets and are now eyeing my Bewildering Miasma! Chapter 238 - 237 Our Own People Want to sell the God-Confounding Miasma? This isnt trying to trap me, is it?! "That wont do," Chen Mu flatly shook his head; he definitely couldnt sell it. What if he let Shang Huan sell it and caused a fire again? "I bought it from someone else," Chen Mus mind turned, and he had an idea. "Who sold it? How come I havent heard about it?" Shang Huan didnt believe him. "Someone wearing a white mask, all secretive. I even thought it was a fake," Chen Mu smirked inwardly. "White mask? Was there also a black cloak?" Shang Huans mouth twitched, his scalp tingling. "You know them?" Chen Mu feigned confusion. "Gongsun Sheng, ah..." Shang Huan sighed dejectedly. "They dont go by Gongsun Sheng," Chen Mu chuckled, continuing to tease Shang Huan. "Not Gongsun Sheng?" Shang Huans heart leapt with joy. Not that lunatic? Then I can copy it, right! Haha! "They said their name was Heavenly Lone Star Lu Zhishen, really odd," Chen Mu said. Shang Huan was suddenly stunned. Another Star? They must be in cahoots. Then theres no point copying it! Chen Mu watched gleefully as Shang Huans expression changed. Want to sell the God-Confounding Miasma? I think you are daydreaming! ... After sending Shang Huan away, Chen Mu was in no hurry to dive into the underground secret chamber to cultivate. Sitting in a rocking chair, he gleefully counted the White Jade Coins in his possession. Bang! A wooden cabinet appeared, and Chen Mu began to check the drawers one by one. The cabinet came from Lu Kus Mustard Seed Talisman. Lu Ku hadnt asked for it back then; Chen Mu thought he meant to gift it, so he politely accepted it. He had been absorbed in the United Heart Curse lately and hadnt had the chance to look through it. "Only one hundred and twenty-six White Jade Coins? That doesnt quite match the prestige of being the eldest of the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers," Chen Mu mockingly said to himself. Then he poured out his own White Jade Coins to count them together. "Five hundred and ninety-two? Not bad!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. He was only a few White Jade Coins short of acquiring the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique. He still had four Mustard Seed Talismans, which he could sell for another hundred plus. Moreover, the Spiritual Light Technique was about to reach Perfection. Double happiness was knocking at his door! ... He carefully stowed everything away. Chen Mu continued to check the lower drawers. Ores, medicinal materials, books, scripture scrolls- generally these were the items, nothing new. It was a pity that his rank in the Pharmaceutical Technique wasnt high enough; he only recognized a small portion of the precious medicinal materials he had acquired. "Need to keep grinding the Pharmaceutical Technique." This skill was too useful. It was his main moneymaking method for now. Bang! Lu Ku was interrupted before he could finish. A figure suddenly crashed into the yard, kicking up a cloud of dust that rolled and spread in all directions. Mo Wuzhou was clad in grey clothes, his face stiff and his eyes calm. He still felt shaken when he recalled the incident that had occurred a month ago. If his loved ones had actually been tortured and killed, Mo Wuzhou felt he would go insane! "Are you the seven brothers of Wu Mountain?" he asked. Although he didnt understand why they had turned against him halfway, these people were clear about his relationships. This time they had turned against him, what about next time... Killing intent rose in Mo Wuzhous heart. "You were involved in Lin Sus affair, werent you?" he asked. Lu Ku stood up and bowed: "Is that Brother Mo in person?" "We were indeed involved," came the reply. "Very well!" Mo Wuzhou said calmly. Beneath his clothes, his skin glowed faintly golden as a torrent of powerful energy surged within him. "I dont deserve Brother Mos praise," Lu Ku said modestly. Mo Wuzhou: "..." Am I praising you? "Its our duty to do tasks for Brother Mo," Lu Ku said with a composed smile. "Whats more, we didnt do anything. We simply informed Mr. Gongsun of Lin Sus plan ahead of time." "Had it not been for Mr. Gongsuns timely notification and Brother Mos strategic planning, Lin Sus conspiracy would not have been unveiled, leading to his downfall and disgrace." Mo Wuzhou: "..." Wait a minute, what are you talking about? Who is Mr. Gongsun? Strategic planning? Do I have such capabilities?! ... After a good while and several probing conversations, Mo Wuzhou finally had a rough idea of what had happened. He looked at the six siblings from Wu Mountain in bewilderment. After all this, they were "on his side"? And there was Gongsun Sheng. How did he suddenly become such a "right-hand man"? "This is really..." "Go find Gongsun Sheng, I want to see him," Mo Wuzhou said, coughing lightly. Lu Ku looked peculiarly at Mo Wuzhou. Your confidant, why dont you just find him yourself? "Um... hes recently moved, and I cant find him!" Mo Wuzhou could hardly help admiring his own quick-wittedness. "We dont know where he is either," Lu Ku said helplessly. Mo Wuzhou: "..." Your "confidant" is harder to find than yourself? "However, Mr. Gongsun visits a certain... friend every month to deliver Calming Pills," Lu Ku said cautiously. "Which day is that? I havent seen him in a long time either; itd be good to visit," Mo Wuzhou chuckled. This Gongsun Sheng dared to use his name. What if he was plotting something? And these seven siblings from Wu Mountain were indeed part of the incident with Lin Su. Without meeting this person, he would not be at ease. ``` Chapter 239 - 238 Fire Cloud Gourd ``` Four days later in the afternoon Behind Low Mountain, in a small mountain hollow. Chen Mu stood on the mountaintop, looking down at the hollow, his right hand holding the Black Gourd, muttering words under his breath. As the Curse Command was uttered, Chen Mu suddenly felt his brow chakra open, a coolness rushing out. Boom! Like a flamethrower, a stream of blue flame erupted from the mouth of the Black Gourd. The flames surged, quickly forming a three-meter-diameter fireball in mid-air. The air itself twisted from the intensity of the heat. The next moment, the fireball thundered forth, crashing into the hollow. Pfft! A muffled sound. The ground in the hollow instantly blasted open, leaving a five to six-meter-wide crater. Chunks of black-red semi-melted rocks soared into the air, scattering in all directions. Hum! Amidst billowing black smoke, Chen Mu appeared at the edge of the crater. The Spiritual Armor around him automatically activated, resisting the still-unquenched scorching flames. "So powerful!" Chen Mus heart shrank. Thankfully, he had interrupted Lu Kus spellcasting in time. Otherwise, it would have been hard to say who would have emerged the victor! However, it seemed the flames he had unleashed were slightly stronger. After some thought, Chen Mu had a moment of clarity, "It must be related to the method of activation." Lu Ku could only use his own blood as the energy source. But he could use the Spiritual Armor Technique to absorb and refine the Earth Spirit Vital Energy for casting spells. Is this the correct way to use a Magic Artifact?@@@@ Chen Mu suddenly realized. "I have another ace up my sleeve!" Chen Mu joyfully let the illusion of a gray wall appear before his eyes. Fire Cloud Curse: 563/10000/First Rank; Lets get to work! With such power, it definitely needs to be leveled up! ... Two days later. Chen Mu, as usual, rode the Ghosts Yin Cloud to deliver medicine to Shang Huan and collect payment. Long before reaching the estate, he stopped as usual and released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to scout. But no sooner had the ghosts drifted into the estate, than they saw a man in his twenties with a wooden expression staring coldly in their direction. The mans eyes flashed golden, and then he leaped onto the estate wall, instantly locking onto Chen Mus location. Chen Mus pupils constricted. Without pausing to consider the mans identity, he turned and ran. More than that, he began muttering words, activating the Void Cloak Technique. With an extra boost of repulsion force on his feet, his speed instantly doubled. He was like an arrow shot from a bow, streaking across the Yellow Bud Rice Fields in a straight line and disappearing beside the estate in an instant. All he could hear was the rushing wind, but Chen Mu didnt dare to slow down. That man could see the invisible Five Ghosts Yin Spirit?! Who is it? What does he want with me? Its surely another mess stirred up by the seven brothers of Wu Mountain! In his hurried glance just now, he had seen several people in Shang Huans estate, all looking... Hmm? They seemed to be conversing amicably? With that dark smoky face and pale complexion, arent you the dangerous one? Mo Wuzhou didnt speak; at this point, he was somewhat undecided. Previously, after a conversation with Old Hao, he found that this person seemed truly unrelated to Lin Sus attack. "It seems to be a misunderstanding," Mo Wuzhou said calmly. However, this mans aura was cold and his secret technique exuded a malevolent air; I wonder what his intentions were... Forget it, it has nothing to do with me. Ill just inform Brother Liang. Moreover, this persons strength was formidable, and it was uncertain what the outcome of a confrontation would be. Thinking this, his expression softened, and he dispelled the golden Light Secret Technique. "Mr. Gongsun, let us meet again in the future." As he spoke, his right hand gestured, and a swallow-shaped paper kite suddenly descended from the sky. Mo Wuzhou leaped up from the ground and jumped onto the paper kite. Before leaving, he pondered and then added, "Mr. Gongsun, the Secret Technique you cultivate is imbued with a forbidding chill. If you practice it for too long, you will inevitably damage your vital foundation." "For the sake of your Daoist path, it would be best to use and practice it less." Without waiting for Chen Mus response, the paper kite spiraled up and then quickly tore through the air, disappearing into the horizon. Not until the other party had vanished did Chen Mu finally sigh with relief. He quietly dispelled the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain he was about to cast. If he hadnt been concerned about the mans status, he would have swallowed him whole earlier. Suppressing the weakness in his body, Chen Mu quickly made his way to Shang Huans residence. He casually handed over twenty Calming Pills as if everything was normal. Then he gestured to the six siblings of Wu Mountain, "Go back to cultivate and stay out of trouble." Soon after, he vanished under a cloud of black smoke. ... Five days later, at the summit of Low Mountain, a distance of about two miles from Old Hao. A gnarled old tree with peeling bark stood silently at the peak. A mass of black smoke earnestly condensed into a ball, crouching obediently among the dense foliage. It wasnt until a giant swallow-shaped paper kite with a wingspan of five meters spiraled upwards and disappeared into the sky that it quietly slipped out of the tree and returned to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Inside the Low Hill Courtyard, Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair, unable to resist letting out a long sigh of relief: "Hes finally gone." Although Mo Wuzhou had left at the time, he had later sought out Old Hao for a detailed talk. He must have been confirming whether I truly had no connection to Lin Sus incident. "There should be no more trouble now," "But, can that guy actually see Ghosts?" It might have been some secret technique, Chen Mu remembered the golden light in his eyes at the time. "I wont be able to use the Five Ghosts so recklessly in the future." "And that Daoist cultivation." Chen Mu tapped the arm of the rocking chair lazily with his finger. To practice perception following the secret technique, it seems it required more than just the White Jade Coins. "Ah well, Ill deal with it when the time comes," shrugged Chen Mu. He was still days away from attaining the Spiritual Light, And cultivating Illusion Breaking would have to wait until next year. There was no rush. Suddenly, he thought of Mo Wuzhous vehicle, the large black and white paper kite mixed with colors. "Upper Court disciples sure have it good," Chen Mu said with envy on his face. A Magic Artifact that can fly! Save money, save money, I must save money! Chapter 240 - 239 Spiritual Light Three days later, in the underground secret chamber of the Low Hill Courtyard. Around the ceiling circled a ring of transparent crystal conduits, with tiny branches connecting them to the center, where a watermelon-sized crystal lay. The glowing algae languidly flowed within, their warm and lustrous white light illuminating the entire underground secret chamber as if it were broad daylight. In the depths of the secret chamber, there was a plush couch, with a low square table in the middle, and a fist-sized bronze incense burner sitting at the center, wisps of nearly imperceptible smoke drifting upwards. Chen Mu sat cross-legged to the left of the low table, hands cradling a white jade disk, murmuring incantations. After a good while, Chen Mu suddenly stopped reciting the spell. Hum! A layer of glowing white light suddenly appeared at the surface of Chen Mus body. It was as though he had donned a set of light-emitting, gossamer-thin clothes. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked at the layer of light covering his palm. With a thought, the layer of light swiftly expanded, inflating like a balloon. In the blink of an eye, it became a light sphere two meters in diameter. "I did it!" With a shift of his mind, a grey wall appeared. Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique: Limit; ... Behind Low Hill, in a small valley. Chen Mu reached out to lift a stone as large as a millstone and flung it into the sky with a whoosh. Then he looked up, eyes trained on the stone as it rapidly ascended, shrinking as it climbed higher, until it reached its zenith. Then, it began to fall slowly, its speed increasing as it descended. Chen Mu sidestepped, positioning himself directly under the stones falling path. Bang! The pearly white spiritual light and black smoke appeared almost simultaneously. The stone three meters above his head was instantly shattered. Chen Mu couldnt help but scratch his head. "Which actually shattered the stone, the spiritual light or the Spirit Armors black smoke?" After several more throws, Chen Mu discovered something interesting. If he actively paid attention to the stone, the spiritual light appeared first. But if he tossed the stone and then ignored it, allowing it to free fall while he crouched down and counted ants, the Spirit Armors black smoke would manifest first. "No matter what, Ive gained a defensive skill that can be both actively invoked and passively triggered," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Most importantly, he had cultivated the Perceptive Spirit Light. "It wasnt easy..." Chen Mu sighed. From encountering the Shape Cultivation Technique to now having cultivated the Perceptive Spirit Light, it had taken him five or six years! "And this is just the beginning." Compared to the unknown path of pursuing the Dao, he had only just set out. "I really envy those naturally gifted with Daoist Bone!" Chen Mu felt a pang of jealousy. Those individuals never went through the phases of Shape Cultivation, Shell Soul, or Jade Seed. They could directly cultivate Spiritual Light, winning at the starting line. He was of average talent, not particularly gifted. Five or six years of hard training had truly consumed a great deal of his energy and brought much hardship. "Luckily, Ive caught up to the starting line," Chen Mu thought with relief. Among the thousands of disciples in the Lower Courtyard, very few succeeded in cultivating the Spiritual Light. Over the past two years, openly there had been only Mo Wuzhou who had done so. It was the first time he had heard information about the Spirit Armor Technique. Chen Mu had cultivated Spiritual Armor in a rather confused state and didnt know if there was any problem with it. "I need to inquire about the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." Afterward, Chen Mu ate and watched the dance while eavesdropping on conversations around him. Unfortunately, most people came here for leisure. Getting one or two pieces of useful information would be good enough. Chen Mu wasnt disappointed, he had his fill of food and enjoyable sights. Then he leisurely left the Ling Boat and returned to Low Mountain. ... "Zhongshan Path? What made you think of inquiring about that?" Shang Huan asked while gnawing on a fire-feather chicken wing. "Didnt you hear that place has become chaotic? I hope it doesnt spread to us," Chen Mu said casually as he tossed a crispy peanut into his mouth. "They say its the chaos caused by Exotic Beasts," Old Hao added. "You know about it?" Shang Huan looked at Old Hao in surprise. "Little Mo told me," Old Hao put down his chopsticks and lit his smoking pipe. "There was a problem with the soil over there. The Yellow Bud Rice wont grow." "On top of that, with Exotic Beasts stirring in the deep mountains, theyre attacking many of Zhongshan Paths Lower Courtyards." "Zhongshan Path had to retract its influence and abandon several productive planting and breeding Lower Courtyards." "Wild Cultivators depending on the Lower Courtyards dispersed, and of course, it became chaotic." Chen Mus brow immediately furrowed, "Arent we having an Exotic Beast disaster here too?" Is it going to be chaotic here as well? "It shouldnt come to that. What were experiencing is just an aftermath." "Little Mo said that the defense enchantment nodes of the Lower Courtyard are still stable." "The Upper Court has dispatched experts to clear the mountains. It wont be long until were safe again." Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. He had been living comfortably here and didnt want this tranquility to be disturbed. ... "I heard that the secret technique practiced by Zhongshan Path is different from ours?" Chen Mu probed nonchalantly. That was what he was actually interested in. "Thats just a minor, deviant method, not worth mentioning," Shang Huan said dismissively as he snubbed the idea. How could it not be worth mentioning? Your face got beaten up by that not worth mentioning thing! Chen Mu glanced at Shang Huan and silently continued to eat. "Dont listen to his nonsense," Old Hao exhaled a puff of smoke. "They cultivate the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique over there, which is different from ours." "Its said that as long as you keep taking the pills, your strength can rise swiftly. Their cultivation speed is much faster than ours," Old Hao said with envy. "Then why dont you go?" Shang Huan teased cheerfully. Old Hao rolled his eyes, "I dont want to turn into something weird and grotesque." Weird and grotesque? "You know the exotic folks at Red Sleeve Square on the Ling Boat?" Shang Huan chuckled slyly, "Those are the good-looking transformations." "But if the people who practice Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique mess up, even turning into something with green faces and fanged teeth would be considered normal." "Many end up as a blob of rotting flesh, losing their human form and nature, no different from wild beasts." Chen Mus heart jumped. That dangerous?! Chapter 241 - 240 Illusion Breaking "Scared now, huh?" Shang Huan said with a grin, his right foot on the bench. "Indeed, its quite frightening," Chen Mu nodded. In the past, he smoothly cultivated the Spirit Armor Technique, hoping to find the subsequent methods. Who would have thought it was like walking a tightrope! "Thats why I said they are nothing but heretical paths," Shang Huan said with a shrug, appearing unconcerned, "Fast to train, fast to go mad, and fast to die." "Not like our orthodox Daoist practices, advancing methodically, safely, and reliably." Chen Mu silently nodded in agreement. Shape Cultivation, Shell Soul, Spirit and Soul Unification into Jade Seed, chanting to cultivate Spiritual Lighthed progressed step by step. Although it was tough, the path was clear and free of dangers. Demons reincarnating, non-human mutations, fast to go mad, fast to dieone could tell it wasnt any righteous secret technique. Someone like me is better suited to be the heir of the orthodox Daoist ways. ... Two days later, the Scripture Transmission Institute. Chen Mu walked out of the octagonal wooden tower with a pained expression. Six hundred White Jade Coins, gone! "And that was just for the cheapest Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique," Chen Mu lamented. "The seven brothers of Wu Mountain are truly wealthy!" Chen Mu exclaimed with envy. He also looked at the "Minor Floating Cloud Daoists Illusion Breaking Method" bought by Lu Ku766 White Jade Coins. Tsk, tsk... "I really want to pay them a visit..." ... Under the wooden shelter of Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, not looking at the newly purchased Illusion Breaking Technique, but instead carefully counting his White Jade Coins. "One hundred and nineteen..." Start a side business? With so little money in hand, he felt uneasy. Just like in his previous life, with no savings in his account, he didnt dare to do anything. Otherwise, why would he resign himself to being a homebody? Hed have been out enjoying life long ago. Cultivate Eggplant Night Grass? No, selling fake medicine is not a long-term solution. Hidden Qi Powder? Also not good, this matter involves the secretive waterways of the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road. If discovered, it could lead to big trouble. Miasma that confuses the gods? This is troublesome, too. Too concentrated, it could knock down Exotic Beasts and insects, and also the people who farm the land. I can use it to fend off Exotic Beasts, and the merit of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit accounts for at least half of that. Too diluted, and the effect isnt good enough. It wont work on slightly larger Exotic Beasts. "Better sell a few more sets of Calming Pills." This plan was the safest and most secure. Add one set of six bottles each for Shang Huan and the Ling Boat. By the end of the month, there should be a surplus of at least ten White Jade Coins. "Cant be living from paycheck to paycheck." ... This wouldnt remove the Daoist Seal but would only change the identity information, allowing free entry and exit from Jilong Road. "Whichever way you look at it, it seems like a money-making scheme devised by those at the lower levels." Chen Mu thought to himself. However, this strategy was actually quite suitable for him. His Daoist Seal had already dissipated; once he changed his information, he would be truly free. "Money..." Chen Mu sighed. Having come to Jilong Road, his only impression was one thingmoney! Everywhere demanded White Jade Coins. "Now theres also this gold-eating beast of the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique." Chen Mu gave a wry smile as he looked in front of him. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 783/10000; With seven or eight hours of practice every day, he could earn a little over fifty points of experience. As expected of a secret technique passed down from the Hundred Intentions Spirit Light Technique, its slow! "And its expensive to boot!" Now to cultivate the Illusion Breaking Technique, he would spend about two and a half White Jade Coins a day. "One step at a time," Chen Mu repressed his frustration for a while, soon regaining his composure. "After mixing in for a few more years and getting the lay of the Lower Courtyard, it wont be too late to slowly find a way to wealth." He had the Pharmaceutical Technique and wasnt worried about making money. What concerned him was how to hold on to the White Jade Coins. ... Life in the Lower Courtyard was tranquil. Chen Mu worked and practiced his cultivation every day, and occasionally, when the mood struck, hed prepare himself a lavish feast. He couldnt yet pilfer the recipes from the eight delicacies of the Heavenly River Water Mansion. Yet, he had already learned several dishes from Red Sleeve Square. This evening, Chen Mu sat at the square table. A circular depression had been carved out of the middle of the square stone. Covered with an iron mesh, it had become a natural barbecue stove. Chen Mu held the Fire Cloud Gourd in his right hand, muttering incantations under his breath. Whoosh whoosh whoosh... A streak of blue flame the thickness of a thumb jetted out. With a Black Gourd in hand, Chen Mu was carefully roasting slices of meat. A tempting aroma instantly filled the courtyard. After putting away the Black Gourd, Chen Mu couldnt wait to grab a slice. Boom! A muffled sound suddenly erupted in the sky. A slight tremor passed rapidly underfoot. An earthquake? No, thats not it! Chen Mus expression changed. He leaped atop the wall and strained his eyes to the south, but he saw nothing. Boom boom boom... The consecutive muffled sounds came again, the pebbles on the ground quivering slightly. Crack... It was as though thunder was ripping through the skya massive cracking noise suddenly echoed. Chen Mu faintly saw a black rift appear in the southern sky, which then disappeared in an instant. "Whats going on?!" Chen Mu suddenly had an ominous premonition. Chapter 242 - 241: The Hunt Ah... A distant roar could be heard. Standing atop the wall, Chen Mus face changed. "Are there really Exotic Beasts rampaging and charging?" Hadnt they said they sent people into the mountains to clear them out? In just a moments time, the Ghosts among the Five Ghosts in the sky had already spotted black dots appearing on the horizon. They were all flying Exotic Beasts! To the south, there seemed to be an opening from which black dots continuously emerged and quickly spread in all directions. Piercing shrieks resounded, and Chen Mus expression grew even uglier. His figure flashed, and he leaped into the residence, shrouded in Five Ghosts Black Smoke, quickly packing up various living supplies before diving into the well and burrowing into the Underground Secret Chamber. Fighting was out of the question. A swarm of Exotic Beasts was too dangerous. Hiding underground was safer. The Underground Secret Chamber had a total of three exits: one in the residences well, one in a depression beneath a small mountain, and another in a small mountain ten miles to the north. He placed a Ghost at each tunnel entrance to prevent the Exotic Beasts from sneaking in. Another Ghost was hidden in the crown of an old tree with peeling bark atop Low Hill, used to monitor the surroundings. He kept one with him, so that if the situation turned dire, he could continue to burrow deeper underground using the Five Ghosts Bag. "Safe for now," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Five meters beneath the courtyard there was already a cellar, stocked with Yellow Bud Rice and some homemade cured meat. Taking stock of the living supplies in the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu felt reassured. "With these things, staying for three to five months wont be a problem." Switching to the perspective of the Five Ghost on the mountain top, he noticed that the black dots in the sky were flying increasingly apart, and Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh.@@@@ "Just wait." After all, when the sky falls, there are tall ones to hold it up. Director Song, Song Wujie, is very impressive. "Lets see how the Lower Courtyard deals with defending against and dispersing the Exotic Beasts." ... Exotic Beasts were fast, especially the flying ones. In just a quarter of an hour, a flying Exotic Beast streaked across Low Mountain. The beast had black feathers all over and a wingspan of seven to eight meters. Its tail dragged strands of black smoke behind it, and only after its figure had disappeared did the thundering sound of an air wave come from midair. Chen Mu, hiding in the Secret Chamber, watched with a pounding heart. That flying bird seemed more powerful than the Earth Stripper he had encountered before. At the very least, it was equivalent to the Perceptive Spiritual Light stage, if not the powerful Exotic Beast of the Perceptive Illusion Breaking Realm. There were thousands of disciples in the Lower Courtyard, but most were at the Shell Soul Cultivation Level, with only a few having achieved Spirit and Soul Unification to cultivate the Jade Seed. Up against such a formidable Exotic Beast, they were but lambs to the slaughter. It wasnt long before Chen Mu heard the faint sounds of combat and agonized cries, coming from both Exotic Beasts and humans alike. Thick black smoke rose from several locations. This made Chen Mu even less daring to leave the Underground Secret Chamber. For two days in a row, he hid underground without showing his face. ... At night, all was silent. But on Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard, beast roars could still occasionally be heard. Chen Mu, cloaked in black, wore a pure white mask and sat cross-legged on the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, drifting over the endless Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Two of the Five Ghosts flew through the sky, vigilantly scanning the surroundings. He was searching for isolated Exotic Beasts. "As long as they dont exceed the Perceptive Illusion Breaking, I should be able to handle them," Chen Mu mused silently. Unfortunately, after wandering around half the night, he didnt encounter a single Exotic Beast and had to return empty-handed. "Just a little further south, or near the medicinal herb cultivation zone, there should be some." The next day, he adjusted his strategy. He roamed around the Low Hill area before carefully moving south. After half an hour, the faint sound of agonizing cries reached him, and Chen Mus heart leapt with excitement. He immediately sent the Five Ghosts to investigate. An Exotic Beast measuring five or six meters in length entered Chen Mus view. With glossy black fur, deep blue eyes, and snowy white fanged teeth, it resembled an oversized cat. Seeing the prey it was gnawing at, Chen Mus expression suddenly changed. Not far away, a courtyard lay in ruins, its walls collapsed and roof overturned. Its owner had been torn open and devoured by the large cat. Chen Mu took a deep breath, ignoring the mangled body, and moved closer to the large cat stealthily. But as he approached within sixty to seventy meters of it, the large cat suddenly paused mid-chew, then abruptly turned its head, focusing its deep blue eyes intently on Chen Mu, who was rendered invisible by Ghosts. Was he discovered?! Chen Mus scalp went numb in an instant. Before he could react, the large cat had already leaped into action, halving the distance between them with a pounce. "Five Ghosts Possession Technique!" Chen Mu nearly instinctively deployed his strongest Secret Technique. He suddenly grew to two and a half meters tall, his muscles swelled and stretched, his skin turned indigo, and silver light coursed across his forehead. Then, a cool breath flowed out as his brow opened up. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" The large cat that was lunging toward him suddenly stopped in its tracks. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" Thump! A fist-sized hole suddenly appeared on the forehead of the large cat. Its deep blue eyes still held the fierceness of a predator, but its muscles had involuntarily relaxed and lost their strength. Chen Mu released the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Thump! The black-furred large cat immediately collapsed to the ground. Just... like that? Chen Mu had been so terrified by the cats counterattack that his hair had almost stood on end. Who would have thought it would go down in two moves! "I seem to be, quite formidable, haha..." "Haha!" Chapter 243 - 242: Quelling the Situation "Its a shame about this chunk of meat," Chen Mu rested for a moment before quickly moving to the big cats side. Having eaten a person, the thought alone was discomfiting, "Might as well feed it to the Five Ghosts Bag." The black smoke billowed, seeping into the holes created by the Sand Shooting Shadow. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" The enormous body, over five or six meters long, deflated like a punctured balloon, sagging onto the ground in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu picked it up and stroked it, the fur smooth and soft. Then he grabbed and tugged with both hands, the hide tough and pliable. "It should be quite valuable!" He thought back to the last time he used the Earth Stripper. How much did he sell it for, sixty White Jade Coins? Ha ha, carry on, carry on! ... Five days later, within a cluster of Low Mountains. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" Puff! An Exotic Beast, three meters long with crimson fur and a sharp mouth and four ears, fell to the ground, its head completely blown off. Phew! Chen Mu let out a long breath, shrinking from two and a half meters back to one meter eighty. His exaggerated muscles quickly receded, returning to his strong build. Feeling a slight weakness in his body, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, "I can still use it twice more." The Five Ghosts Possession Technique was his strongest state, but it severely drained his Vital Energy and could only be maintained for two minutes at most. However, through continuous hunting of Exotic Beasts, he had discovered a technique. If he used it for no more than ten breaths at a time and no more than three times a day, the side effects would be minimal, similar to the fatigue after pulling an all-nighter. And this method could be used up to five times. "Can others Five Ghosts Possession also be used in this way?" Chen Mu shook his head inwardly. "Most likely, its because of the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique." "Luck played a part as well," he mused. Cloud Mirage refers to Ghosts; having developed the Spiritual Armor, his physique had already started transforming toward that of a Ghost. That was why he could withstand the Five Ghosts Possession. Snap back to reality, and the three-meter-long Exotic Beast was reduced to just a skin. Its flesh, bones, and brains had all been devoured by the Five Ghosts. "That was the last one," Chen Mu thought regretfully. He planned to cease his hunting operation.@@@@ On the first day, he hunted three Exotic Beasts, the second day two, and on the third day, he roamed all night without encountering a single one. Yesterday and today, he had each killed one, both of which were smaller, faster Exotic Beasts. "Theres also the competition from the Inspection Courtyard," Chen Mu said helplessly. Earlier today, he had encountered an Exotic Beast more than five meters long. But he had only made it halfway there when a team from the Inspection Courtyard rushed past to begin their hunt. Chen Mu could only quietly retreat and leave. "These arent too few," Chen Mu glanced at the seven lumps of beast skin in the Five Ghosts Bag, nodding in satisfaction. When I get back, Ill go to the Scripture Transmission Institute to buy the books, no matter how expensive they are! ... The aggrieved Chen Mu didnt even bother going to Red Sleeve Square. He disembarked the Ling Boat shortly after completing the sale. At the ferry dock, after returning his temporary pass, Chen Mu walked into the bustling Tongtian Square. Due to the exotic beast incursion, the Lower Courtyard production areas were unsafe. Many, valuing their lives, converged on Tongtian Square. There was the Lower Courtyard garrison to the north, on the wooden structures of the cliffside lookout, and Oversight Courtyards Song Wujie. Quite a few had even pitched tents on the wasteland south of Tongtian Square, waiting for the crisis to fully abate. Tongtian Square housed a tavern known as Heavenly River Tavern. Infamous for its terrible-tasting dishes and high prices. On average days, it scarcely hosted two or three guests. Chen Mu had never set foot in it before. Yet at this moment, it was packed with patrons, bustling with activity. "Should I also stay in Tongtian Square for a couple of days?" After pondering, he shook his head and decided against it. The southern protective enchantments had been repaired, and the Lower Courtyards exotic beasts were almost completely cleared out. And every day, he hid twenty meters underground, which was exceedingly safe. Setting up a tent here would require him to be on guard against other disaster-stricken disciples. With their fields destroyed and reserves running low, desperate and red-eyed, some might not hesitate to resort to murder for money. ... Under the wooden shelter in the Low Hill Courtyard. "Four hundred and five White Jade Coins!" Chen Mus heart soared with excitement. After purchasing the Illusion Breaking Technique, his wealth had considerably dwindled. This time, through hunting and selling exotic beasts, combined with the earnings from the Calming Pills, his total White Jade Coin count rose swiftly. "With money in the pocket, the heart wont panic." With this money on hand, he dared to boldly use the White Jade Plate. "It truly is easier to make money with higher cultivation." Just like this time. Using Spirit Armor Technique, which was comparable to the Perceptive Illusion Breaking phase, to control the Five Ghosts Bag, along with the Sand Containing Technique, he easily hunted exotic beasts. In five days, he had earned two hundred and sixty White Jade Coins. "Its just the soaring prices that cause alarm," sighed Chen Mu. Previously, one White Jade Coin could buy a hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice, but now it could only buy eighty. In a few days, it might even become more expensive. "Luckily, I started hoarding Yellow Bud Rice last year." "Plus the more than three hundred jin Ive just purchased." "I wont have to worry about food for half a year." "Hmm... its just that the recent exotic beast meat is a bit problematic." With the mass slaughter of exotic beasts in the Lower Courtyard recently, the price of their meat dropped significantly. Yet Chen Mu was hesitant to buy any. It was off-puttingwho knew if they had consumed humans before their deaths. "Ill stick to cured meat for now; if thats not enough, Ill supplement it with some Heavenly River seafood." Chapter 244 - 243 Bottom Fishing Half a month later, in the afternoon. Having just emerged from the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat under a wooden canopy sipping tea. In his hand was a copy of the "Exotic Beast Anatomy Manual" which he read leisurely. Peace had gradually been restored to the Lower Courtyard. Aside from a few small and stealthy exotic beasts, most had been cleared out. A couple of days ago, when he went to the Scripture Transmission Institute to buy books, Tongtian Square had already become deserted. The disciples of the Lower Courtyard had returned to their respective areas to tidy up the aftermath. Due to the severe damage, the Lower Courtyard even notified tenants of an adjustment in the land rent, declaring that after reporting losses, they might be appropriately relieved of some of the burden. "Pity I dont have a share in that," Chen Mu shrugged, unconcerned. After all, the Yellow Bud Rice Fields werent his main source of income. He continued reading the book at a leisurely pace.@@@@ A sudden insight surged into his mind. Knowledge on how to handle different exotic beast meats, which parts were easier to cut, and the appropriate strength to use for effortless work flooded his thoughts. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall with an odd expression on his face. Culinary Skills: 20/10000/Fifth Rank; Increasing knowledge of exotic beasts by looking at a butchers manual, but ended up leveling up my culinary skill? "At least now I have some methods of handling exotic beast meat," Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling. Well... at least I can make braised meat now! Because exotic beast meat was too tough, boiling it took too much time and effort, yielding unsatisfactory results. Now with a brand new method to tenderize the meat, he could finally attempt a whole new range of dishes. "If only I had a pressure cooker," he mused. ... In the evening, at the Low Hill Courtyard. A large pot of braised meat sat on a square table. "Nice cooking skills!" Old Hao, sitting opposite, gave a thumbs up. "You really shouldnt be farming here," remarked Shang Huan, resting his foot on a long bench with a face full of regret. "You would earn much more at the Eight Treasures Tower in the Heavenly River Water Mansion." Chen Mu just smiled, not responding. Become a chef at the Heavenly River Water Mansion? Too many people and disputes there. How could it compare to the safety and comfort of Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard? "I saw a paper kite that could carry people flying the other day, what kind of magic artifact is that?" Chen Mu asked Old Hao, feigning nonchalance. Ever since seeing Mo Wuzhous flying artifact, Chen Mu had been obsessed with it. "Thats called a Flying Kite," Shang Huan laughed. "Paper ones cant really carry people." "It needs to be made from the skin of flying exotic beasts." "Thats enlightening," Chen Mu smiled and nodded, then with a look of longing, he asked, "Not cheap, right?" "The cheapest costs six hundred White Jade Coins. Forget about it," Old Hao shook his head. "Save your money to buy secret techniques." "Perceptive Spirit Light, Perceptive Illusion Breaking, both realms secret techniques will cost you a fortune." Chen Mu could not help but be taken aback. "So expensive!" Even counting all his possessions, he was still short by more than two hundred. Evening, Low Hill Courtyard. After dinner, Chen Mu lay back in a rocking chair to rest. "A hundred acres, yielding 300 to 400 jin of grain per acre." "Minus one White Jade Coin for land rent, each acre could net two to three White Jade Coins." "One hundred acres..." "My flying kites destined place has come!" He lay there chuckling in the rocking chair, not even bothering to practice cultivation in the underground secret chamber. Not until the sky was completely dark did Chen Mu finally stand up and stretch languidly. "The night is dark and the wind is high, the perfect time for tending the fields," he said. He was planning to use the Five Ghosts to assist with farming, and nightfall served as the best camouflage. He immediately donned a black robe, put on a hood, and used the Ghost Invisibility to cloak his body while muttering the Void Cloak Technique curse words, quickly darting out of the courtyard. ... Over the following month, Chen Mu would patrol by day and work by night. He added special bone powder fertilizer, irrigated with well water mixed in the White Jade Plate, and uprooted all kinds of weeds from the fields. When it came time to harvest, the yield of the Yellow Bud Rice was nearly indistinguishable from a normal plantation. "Youre really lucky," said the chubby Steward Wu enviously. "And your skills are not bad either." "These twenty acres will earn you at least fifty White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu quietly handed the man two White Jade Coins: "Ill be counting on Steward Wus help so I can get more good fields like this one." Steward Wu looked surprised. The young man seemed slow-witted, but he sure knew how to do things right! Not bad. ... Evening, in the Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair with a small table in front of him; the tabletop was covered with White Jade Coins that he counted one by one. Three hundred and two? Ive struck it rich! Including his previous savings, his wealth had suddenly reached seven hundred and five White Jade Coins! Chen Mu was overjoyed. He had made a rough estimate earlier, knowing he would make a profit, but he hadnt expected to earn quite this much! If another wave of Exotic Beasts were to invade next year... Forget it, its better to be safe. His gaze then shifted to the gray wall. Void Cloak Technique: 105/10000/Third Rank; Over the past month, as he traveled back and forth among the various planting areas, using the Void Cloak Technique continuously, he had advanced unnoticeably, without deliberate effort. The Third Rank Void Cloak Technique was not only more resilient, stepping on it felt like jumping on a super trampoline. Moreover, the need for incantations was discarded, allowing for instant activation. "Fortune comes in pairs, I must take a trip to Red Sleeve Square!" ``` Chapter 245 - 244 White Tower Ling Boat Pearl Light Pavilion. The largest magic artifact shop on the boat. Its said that even in the Heavenly River Water Mansion, it ranks among the top. Chen Mu approached the Pearl Light Pavilion with an indifferent expression. The shop was narrow and long, about four to five meters deep and seven to eight meters long. Shelves lined the walls, each filled with items. Swords, gourds, three-legged cauldrons, seals, Dharma bells, Talismans, and all kinds of other magic artifacts and Talismans filled the space. The most left side of the wall caught Chen Mus attention. There stood cylinder scrolls, as thick as sea bowls and as tall as a man. "Are you looking to buy a flying kite?" a woman in her thirties asked with a charming smile in a soft voice. Chen Mu nodded slightly, "Just looking." The womans lips curled into a light smile, "Are you interested in the better ones, or the slightly inferior ones?" Inferior ones? Do you think Im carrying these seven hundred plus White Jade Coins just for fun? "The better ones," Chen Mu replied with a calm face. The woman turned around, took a brown scroll as tall as a person and placed it on the counter. "Thousand Mechanisms Sects Yan-model boneless flying kite, easy to store and simple to manipulate." "Its wingspan is a full eight meters, its flight is swift yet its postures are stable, and it comes with a secret Talisman that can break through the wind." "Sitting on it feels just like sitting on a meditation cushion, with not the slightest discomfort."@@@@ Chen Mus eyes shone bright, "Whats the price?" "For only one thousand one hundred ninety-eight, you can take home this top-level flying kite artifact." Chen Mu: "..." "Ahem, let me see the slightly inferior ones," Chen Mu said without changing his expression. The woman smiled in disappointment, then quickly took a two-meter-long object from the corner, resembling a large folding umbrella. "Peregrine falcon-type folding flying kite, not difficult to control, with versatile postures and decent speed, just five hundred sixty-nine White Jade Coins." Chen Mus heart couldnt help but clench, that wasnt cheap either. ... Ling Boat, Cabin Number Right Seven Bingchen. Lin Su sat cross-legged on a soft couch. In front of him on a low table, there was a fist-sized three-legged incense burner from which a thin wisp of white smoke rose. Lin Su stared at the incense burner, his eyes shifting before settling to calmness, though tinged with a gloomy light. "If one does not act for oneself, heaven and earth will obliterate them!" He pulled a square piece of silk from his sleeve, densely packed with tiny characters. Lin Su looked at the scripture, which he had pondered countless times, with a complicated gaze. Then, without hesitation, he uttered the Curse Words. As a result, the Ling Boat wobbled briefly before plummeting toward the ground. Chen Mu quickly crouched down, grasping the connecting rod between the wings, trying to control the flying posture. No matter how he manipulated it, the Ling Boat kept spiraling down toward the ground. Chen Mus face was filled with distress as he was forced to swiftly sever the mana supply from his third eye. The force pulling the Ling Boat down with him disappeared. The Five Ghosts black cloud that always hovered around him emerged. Whoosh! After slowing down several times, he finally stopped falling about half a meter above the ground. "That was close!" Chen Mu looked down at the pocked and uneven ground, sighing with relief. "Though it doesnt hurt, its quite embarrassing," Chen Mu said with a wry smile, his face dusty and disheveled. This wasnt the first time he had fallen. The patch-like pits on the ground were all his doing. Looking at the six-meter-long Ling Boat he was holding over his head, Chen Mus face showed a trace of helplessness. Not hard to control? Versatile in posture? Not slow in speed? Ha! "The salespersons mouth, a lying ghost!" The wingspan of the Ling Boat was roughly four meters. On the side facing the sky, it still had grey fluff, looking like a small hawk or falcon-like Exotic Beast. On the side facing the ground was tanned brown leather, covered in black spots and threaded patterns. White bones of unknown origin connected the head and tail wings, forming the frame of the Ling Boat. The skeleton could be folded and contracted, and once halved and closed, it became a two-meter-long cylinder, convenient for transport. "Would that boneless version be easier to control?" Chen Mu wondered enviously. Looking at the item he had almost gone broke purchasing, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh, "Im having some regrets." "Well, its a Flying Artifact, after all. Its bought now." "Ill just have to keep practicing..." ... Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu turned over the tube eggplants drying on the rack, ensuring they were ventilated from all sides to dry quickly. Entering December, the harvest of Yellow Bud Rice was complete, and the tube eggplants were also ripe for picking. For the next two months, he would have plenty of spare time. "Its a pity I cant go to the Heavenly River Water Mansion," Chen Mu shook his head. He had been in the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road for almost two years. More than once, he had heard of the large congregation spot called Heavenly River Water Mansion and longed to visit. Unfortunately, his status was that of a long-term laborer in the Lower Courtyard. He could only board ships temporarily but couldnt go to the Heavenly River Water Mansion. "If I hadnt bought the Ling Boat..." "Forget it, forget it, one cannot have both the fish and bears paw." Chapter 246 - 245 Manipulation A month later, in a small mountain hollow. The setting sun cast the ground in a blaze of golden yellow. A shadow swiftly streaked across this golden canvas. In the sky, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a flying kite, his hands gripping the connecting rods that linked to the wings. Leaning slightly to the right, the flying kite immediately traced a graceful arc, as natural as a hawk or falcon changing direction. After circling above the small hollow for over ten minutes, feeling a sense of emptiness emerge from between his eyebrows, Chen Mu adjusted the angle of the flying kite, making it glide downward slowly until it hovered a meter above the ground. "Done," Chen Mu chuckled, looking at the brand-new entries on the gray wall. Manipulation: 1236/10000/First Rank; He had been practicing flying every afternoon for the past few days. The time he was supposed to be practicing the Void Cloak Technique, he had temporarily set aside. After all, this was real flying. "If only I had a bit more mana," Chen Mu lamented. After he mastered the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, a core formed between his eyebrows, where he could store mana. But it was ultimately limited. After half an hour of continuous manipulation of the kite, his mana would be exhausted. "Once I master the Illusion Breaking Technique, I should be able to increase the time a bit," Chen Mu looked forward to it. ... Deep within the unfathomable Tongtian River, a few rays of sunlight penetrated underwater. They shone on the pale and fierce shell of the Ling Boat, creating mottled patches of light. Whirlpools appeared and disappeared around the Ling Boat, smoothing out the undercurrents and pushing the boat steadily forward. In the cabin of Right Qi Bing Chen Number. Lin Su sat cross-legged on the left side of the soft couch, with a bright yellow silk scroll placed on the low table in front of him. The scroll was a map of the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, with place names labeled in black lettering, along with dozens of names distributed around the map, each marked especially with a cinnabar pen. "The Daoist Seal disappeared here," Lin Su pointed a red dot on the map. "With the Daoist Seal gone, the Round Light Mirror cant indicate the exact location, but it can still point out the direction." He carefully remembered and drew an arrow, pointing in the direction indicated by the Daoist Seal before it vanished. "Mo Wuzhou isnt exactly on this line; his actual position is a bit further south," Lin Su fixed his gaze on Mo Wuzhous name encircled in red. Their last encounter convinced him that Mo Wuzhou truly knew nothing about the Exquisite Jade Plate. "If its not him, then..." Lin Sus eyes moved to the end of the line. "Chen Mu?" "A newly initiated disciple? A person from the Border Wilderness Island?" "Heh..." Lin Su let out a cold laugh. "Killing and seizing treasures without restraint in the Lower Courtyard really fits the behavior of someone from the Border Wilderness Island," Lin Su thought resentfully. "Being able to dispel the Daoist Seal doesnt necessarily mean Perceptive Spirit Light." "It could also be a Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique," Lin Su realized. "Those who come from the Border Wilderness Island most likely have some inferior bloodline." "Practicing Spirit Armor Technique is not uncommon." "The Manipulation skill has made the list, and piloting the flying kite is sufficient, it can be put aside for now," Chen Mu plotted secretly, "I need to reschedule the Void Cloak Technique." His previous training of flying kites was at the expense of the cultivation time for the Void Cloak Technique. "The rest are still far from leveling up, just keep practicing," Chen Mu calmly closed the grey wall. He sipped his straw, draining the warm milk tea in one gulp, and Chen Mu got up to wash. Before going to sleep, Chen Mu recited the United Heart Curse. After a few rounds, a special understanding surged into his mind. His grasp on the United Heart Rope became clearer, and he even vaguely perceived where the United Heart Gu were located. "Seems like it has some new features." "Forget it, better not to get involved with those six siblings." "Its good enough to tie my hair, who needs a bicycle." "Sleep. Time to sleep!" ... In the Xinyou District, at Lu Kus residence. While flipping through the ledger, Lu Kus body shook violently, and a deep hum suddenly emanated from within him. "Finally, its here." Lu Ku felt somewhat relieved, now he could give up completely. Then Lu Ku continued with his bookkeeping, without giving it another thought. Almost half a year had passed, and he had come to understand that Gongsun Sheng really didnt care for them. "This is good, too. No dealings with either side, more carefree," Lu Ku thought calmly. ... Half a month later. Chen Mu carefully moved a seedling of the night grass from the wooden cultivation tank. After a long while, Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair, contentedly watching the neatly planted night grass under the west wall. "About ninety plants should survive," Chen Mu said with a smile on his face, "Even if I increase the number of Calming Pills, it should be enough to last half a year." Thinking this, Chen Mu cast a glance at the White Jade Plate inside the Five Ghosts Bag. Three days before, Chen Mu had discovered that the White Jade Plate was quietly using up three White Jade Coins a day. "I should have thought of this earlier," Chen Mu sighed. Perceptive Illusion Breaking is training to develop mana. Its only natural that the consumption of Earth Spirit Vital Energy increases. "One hundred and eight bottles of Calming Pills, subtracting the cost, should net about ninety-one White Jade Coins. That would just about break even with the expenses," Chen Mu calculated silently. "Sell fifty to Shang Huan, the rest Ill hand over to Le Yangan of the Imperial Goods Pavilion." Two years on, Chen Mu confirmed that these two channels were basically safe. "If it werent for Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, this job would really be difficult!" Chen Mu calculated briefly and couldnt help but be astounded. Over a hundred bottles, that meant more than four thousand Calming Pills, and the raw materials mixed together would need a large vat. Each pill had to be pressed individually, a monotonous and time-consuming task. "When I have time, I need to pay attention to alchemy." "Work with a high technological content is more profitable." Chapter 247 - 246 Plotting The next day, as the sun rose, the biological clock promptly woke Chen Mu. After washing up, he felt refreshed. "How good it would have been to have this spirit in my previous life." Back then, he would surely wake up groggy in the morning, his brain not working before ten oclock. Having finished breakfast, Chen Mu didnt go to the Yellow Bud Rice Fields. Sitting inside a pavilion below a wooden shed, he sipped tea while flipping through a Medicine Book called "Pharmaceutical Strategy". The twenty-acre Yellow Bud Rice had already been harvested, with branches and leaves crushed and backfilled, and the ground also cleared of weeds and loosened. This gave Chen Mu an hour of free time. "The United Heart Curse seems to have gained some new abilities." He thought of the Dharma Curse that had been unexpectedly cultivated. "The Wu Mountain brothers seem to have been quite well-behaved lately," Chen Mu wondered. He always obtained various news from Old Hao and Shang Huan about the Lower Courtyard. In recent months, they had hardly stirred up any trouble, nor had he heard of them setting up a trap for anyone. "Scared by Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu guessed. "Lin Su must have completely cooled down by now," he suddenly recalled. The connections of the Wu Mountain brothers in the Inspection Courtyard seemed to be with Prefect Lin Su. Initially, he had let the six go for fear of investigation by the Inspection Courtyard. "Now..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. After a while, Chen Mu shook his head and sighed, "Well, Ill keep this gift for now." With the six being so well-behaved, Chen Mu found no reason to pay them a visit. Thinking thus, Chen Mu silently activated the United Heart Curse. A strange perspective abruptly emerged in his mind. "Shared senses? Similar to Ghosts and the Five Ghosts?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Paired with the United Heart Gus ability to snatch lives at any moment... Cannon fodder for scouting, meat shields for disaster, and thanks to the United Heart Gus ability, quickly transferring to cultivate brand new Taoist soldiers. "Expendables?" Chen Mu couldnt help but lament, "Such cold-hearted cruelty, tsk tsk..." "Worthy of the Thousand Mountains Sutra!" The Dharma always carried a hint of wickedness. "Discussing the difficulties of cultivation?" Chen Mus attention shifted to Lu Ku. Apart from Lu Ku, the other five were cultivating Perceptive Spirit Light, preparing for the Jade Seed transformation. Having cultivated the Spiritual Light himself, Chen Mu found their issues simple upon reflection. After listening for a while, he lost interest and voluntarily cut off the connection. ... Lin Su stood in front of the transparent screen wall, looking at the Heavenly River Water Mansion before him. "No matter how many times you see it, its always awe-inspiring," Lin Su sighed. The gigantic Ling Boat appeared, before this massive structure, as tiny as a horse carriage in front of a mountain. The Ling Boat made a turn, flying through an entrance that emitted a soft, white glow. Once the Ling Boat came to a stable halt, Lin Su dodged the vendors hawking their wares and quickly left the ferry dock. Gazing out, the Water Mansion was dotted with grey-white buildings tens of meters high, flanked by wide, crisscrossed paths, resembling a well-planned, enormous city. Lin Su glanced once, then immediately identified the direction and hastened away. ... "So you are Lin Su," boomed a tall man over two and a half meters, with a big belly, grinning from ear to ear. Four sharp fangs gleamed coldly from between his lips. Seeing this physique and set of teeth, clearly not of an ordinary person, Lin Sus scalp tightened, and he quickly bowed his hands in greeting, "I pay my respects to Elder Yang." Those who cultivated the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique were said to have bad tempers. Before obtaining the Condensing Aperture Technique, it was wise to be cautious and respectful. "This is the distribution of the Forbidden Node of the Lower Court; it also records the cyclical changes," Lin Su said, producing a Bright Yellow Scroll from his bosom and handing it to Elder Yang Huan. "Very good," Yang Huan nodded, pleased. "You have made the right choice." "This is beneficial for both you and me." "Being a Rebel isnt so bad; you shouldnt take it too much to heart." "How can you get the Condensing Aperture Technique if you dont turn your coat?" "Without your inside help, we would have no assurance of taking down Jilong Road." "Having just joined Zhongshan Path, its natural that some might gossip. Dont be afraid or take it to heart," Yang Huan spoke with deep meaning, "They are just jealous of you." "If those others were offering more, I would have become a Rebel long ago!" Lin Sus mouth twitched. He knew Yang Huan was trying to persuade him. But hearing turncoat here and mole there, it was a bit too much to stomach. "What do you think is the best time to attack the Lower Courtyard?" Yang Huan abruptly changed the subject. "The timing will be perfect in two months," Lin Su replied seriously, composing himself. "The disciples of the Lower Court will be returning from the Dao Field, and the typically occupied Dao Fields will have vacancies. "The inspectors and the Scripture Transmission Institute will use the opportunity to proceed to the Upper Court Dao Fields." "At that time, the Lower Court will have the weakest defensive forces." After pondering, Lin Su hesitantly said, "While its possible that Song Wujie has run into trouble," "Hes still a Condensing Aperture expert. If he resists desperately..." Yang Huans eyes flashed a crimson red and he grinned, "Dont worry, just leave him to me." Chapter 248 - 247 Growth Low Hill Courtyard. Chen Mu stood in front of a waist-high water vat. The vat was filled with grey-brown viscous mud. The secret technique Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, invisible exotic force surged into the mud, causing it to slowly rotate. Threads of black smoke from spiritual armor infiltrated the vat, slowly evaporating the moisture, turning the mud into a play-doh-like consistency. He then controlled it to fly up, drilling into wooden molds, compressed into pills. After busying himself for an hour, looking at nearly two thousand Calming Pills lined up on three wooden racks, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel grateful, "Thank goodness for Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, otherwise, this would have been really difficult to handle." "Its a pity that the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique can easily drive one mad," Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. "Besides, even if I wanted to practice it, I couldnt find a Heavenly Demon Pill tailored with Ghosts." He had asked the owner of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yangan. Different Heavenly Demon Pills required different types of Heavenly Demon Refined Blood to concoct. Creatures of legend like dragons and phoenixes existed, but he had never heard of a Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill made with Ghosts. "Bai Miaojin?" Chen Mu had some speculations. "Probably only by coexisting with Ghosts is it possible to practice the Ghost-version of Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." The condition was truly harsh.@@@@ "Five Ghosts Yin Spirit is probably difficult to achieve." Chen Mu thought of the Five Ghosts Possession Technique. Once it was deployed, he would turn into a fierce little blue figure, which wasnt a normal manifestation of coexisting with Ghosts. Moreover, the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique had its limits. If the refined blood within the Heavenly Demon Pill was of poor quality, the cultivator would hit a bottleneck and could progress no further. "Cant cut off my own path just for a momentary boost in speed," Chen Mu shook his head. "Id better diligently practice my Illusion Breaking Technique," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Black smoke shrouded the area, the Five Ghosts Bag doubling as a dishwasher and vacuum cleaner came online. The residues inside the vat were swept clean in the blink of an eye. The scattered bits of medicinal powder on the ground were also swept clean. Then he put the remaining Tubegen Night Grass into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu dusted off his hands, preparing to make lunch. But just as he stepped out of the wooden shed, he suddenly froze. "The Five Ghosts Bag... has gotten bigger?!" He hastily focused his attention inside the bag. The egg-shaped wooden frame fit snugly within the Five Ghosts Bag, which should have been very stable. But when he put the Tubegen Night Grass in just now, the frame swayed slightly. Chen Mu examined it closely. On the edge of the wooden frame, a gap as wide as a palm appeared between the frame and the Five Ghosts Bag. "When did this happen?!" Chen Mu was both surprised and delighted. If he hadnt noticed the anomaly with the wooden frame today, he would never have known the Five Ghosts Bag had grown. "Is it because of the Exotic Beast Meat?" It was indeed mentioned in the Thousand Mountains Sutra that feeding blood and vital energy to the Five Ghosts Bag would allow it to grow and expand. Turning his head, he saw many others like him manipulating fish bone boats to depart. Everyone was pedaling vigorously, splashing water all around the stern. The seven to eight meters long fish bone boat seemed to ride like a motorboat. This is... really fun! Eager to join in, Chen Mu seated himself and stamped down forcefully, accompanied by the whoosh of the water. The fish bone boat carved an arc, and with a whoosh, it shot out onto the boundless surface of the Tongtian River. In the blink of an eye, it became a mere speck. ... After zipping across the water for half an hour and thoroughly enjoying himself, Chen Mu finally turned the boat around, heading toward the bank of the Tongtian River. Away from the Tongtian Square dock, he found a recessed bay along the southern section of the Tongtian River. Chen Mu anchored near the edge and stopped the fish bone boat. Black smoke billowed as the improved drunk bait was scattered into the bay. With the Heartless Bell in hand, the Five Ghosts Yin Spirits appeared. Chen Mu slowly rose and flew toward the bay. Knowing that the Five Ghosts Bag could grow, Chen Mu naturally took care of it. This excursion was specifically to catch exotic beast fish to feed the Five Ghosts Bag. "Just wait." ... Two quarters of an hour later. Dark shapes began to emerge under the calm water, and Chen Mu timely shook the Heartless Bell. Hum! It sounded like the deep tolling of a bronze bell. Light ripples emanated in circles from where Chen Mu was at the center of the now undisturbed water surface. Gurgle. With a soft noise, a fish half a meter long with silver scales surfaced. As if someone had pressed the start button, one after another, large river fish quickly filled the waters surface. Chen Mus mouth turned up slightly, "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Black smoke soared as five dragon-like figures violently burst into the water. ... "Seems like theres no change." At noon, Chen Mu, having prepared roasted meat wraps in advance, closely inspected the Five Ghosts Bag. "Fed too little?" "Then lets feed it more for a few days and see." After lunch, he captured another batch of fish, filling five large bamboo baskets in the cabin as a disguise. Chen Mu then started the boat for his return trip. There was plenty of time; he had no plans to spend the entire day on the Tongtian River. Chapter 249 - 248 Extortion Tongtian Square pier. "Five baskets of assorted fish, how does one White Jade Coin sound?" a skinny man fiddled with Chen Mus catch and said. That... thats one White Jade Coin? Thinking of how many baskets of fish the Five Ghosts Bag had devoured, Chen Mus face twitched. What it ate wasnt fish, it ate White Jade Coins! "Fine," Chen Mu said wearily. He returned the boat and went straight back to Low Mountain courtyard. "Theres no rush to get the deposit back, since Ill have to rent a boat again tomorrow anyway." "Actually, this is a pretty good source of income," Chen Mu perked up. He had the magical bait, along with the Heartless Bell and the Five Ghosts Bag, making fishing ridiculously easy. "No need to go after those large and fearsome Exotic Beasts, too dangerous." "Just focus on small fry like the ones today." "Its so easy to make money!" Chen Mus eyes inadvertently lit up. "I can totally do this!" ... For seven or eight consecutive days, Chen Mu practiced the Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique in the mornings, and around three in the afternoon, he went fishing on the Tongtian River. Improved magical bait to stupefy, the Heartless Bell to finish off, the Five Ghosts Bag to capture. Just find a calm water bay, and in less than an hour, five or six baskets of fish could be caught. The rest were all fed to the Five Ghosts Bag. Although the Five Ghosts Bag still showed no signs of growth, Chen Mu didnt mind. "One a day, thirty a month, an unexpected windfall!" That was enough to cover a third of his expenses. "If it werent for the worry of attracting attention from the people at the pier, I could earn even more!" Chen Mu lamented. Where there are people, there is the Jianghu. And there were a few small organizations at the pier that exploited the fishermen. "Lucky that I only catch small mixed fish about half a meter long," Chen Mu commented, quite proud of his own wisdom. Just catch the small fish, a maximum of six baskets each time, and safely and securely make money! He was thinking about how to balance his cultivation and fishing time. Suddenly, a fishbone boat rushed towards him. "Are you Chen Mu?" Ai Ji asked with impatience on his face. Chen Mu glanced at the reckless Ai Ji, then at Xu Rao gripping the steering wheel, face gloomy. Hmm, Gongsun Shengs cover probably hasnt been blown yet. So Chen Mu earnestly looked at the two and said, "No, Im not!" Ai Ji paused, then turned to look at Xu Rao. "Ding Si, the No. 9 boat, thats him," Xu Rao said, his face growing colder. Ai Ji almost laughed in anger: "Trying to fool your uncle, huh!" I finally caught on to the conversation! "Were all so familiar, why sign a sales contract, Ill take all your fish catches from now on!" Ai Ji waved his hand grandly and said with relief. "The folks on the dock will fleece you; youll earn more selling to me." "Well trade in cash, no monthly accounts." "Such generous terms, only the Wu Mountain seven brothers can offer." "Selling to me wont leave you at a loss, and Ill make money too, its the best of both worlds!" Ai Ji, afraid that Chen Mu would speak up, rambled on incoherently. Chen Mu: "..." Something was definitely off here. "The price is negotiable, youll be satisfied!" Ai Ji continued on solemnly. Chen Mu glanced at the babbling Ai Ji and then at the extremely nervous Xu Rao. The price... is negotiable? "Then... ten White Jade Coins?" Ai Ji: "..." Extorting me?! You actually dare to extort me?! "Fine!" Chen Mu: "..." Did he sense the perceptual connection of the United Heart Rope? It seems like they are really scared that I saw their wrongdoing... Watching Ai Ji, who clearly looked ready to devour him, yet reluctantly handed over ten White Jade Coins through gritted teeth. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and curled the corner of his mouth. Oh roar, seems like Ive discovered a new source of wealth, haha... ... For three days in a row, Chen Mu had been using the United Heart Rope to keep tabs on the Wu Mountain seven brothers. He found that this bunch really was up to no good. Just like they used to trick people into farming for them. This time they were duping people into fishing for them. With the threat of force, contracts for proof, they even seemed to have bribed the dock managers. And they targeted those who were small fry, catching miscellaneous fish, not strong, with no backing. They were actually thriving for a while. And as soon as he connected with them through the United Heart Rope, these guys would immediately change their tune, turning from fearsome thugs to gentlemen in an instant. Their expressions sincere, their words earnest, their voices gentle. If he hadnt encountered Ai Ji and Xu Rao in person and known what they were up to. Just by perceptual connection, he would have never spotted anything amiss! They can act this well? Has the threshold for being a bad guy gotten this high? "Talents indeed!" Chapter 250 - 249: Spoiling the Plan "You guys seriously never do anything proper!" Chen Mu was speechless. For five or six consecutive days, whenever he had time, he opened his clairvoyance to enjoy the rapid change of faces in their performances. In the meantime, he foiled their fishy contract schemes. Forced to stop their current actions, they had no choice but to stay home and sulkily practice their skills. "Always scheming, always conning people." "What if you mess with a protagonist with great fortune? Wouldnt it be game over in an instant?" "I dont care if you guys are finished, but what if I get dragged into it?" Seeing that they were honestly practicing at home, Chen Mu finally nodded in satisfaction. "Practicing honestly is so much better." "Hmm... I need to keep a watch for a few more days." "I cant let these guys cause me any trouble." Chen Mu closed his clairvoyance, stepping onto the fishbone boat and slowly approaching a bay. After anchoring the fishbone boat, Chen Mu once again inspected the Five Ghosts Bag. "This factory overstates its capabilities..." Chen Mu shook his head. More than ten days had passed and judging by the fish prices at the docks, the fish consumed by the Five Ghosts Bag would be worth at least fifty or sixty White Jade Coins. Yet there was not even a hint of growth. "Its a long road ahead." Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. It was simply a matter of slowly raising it. Currently, the Five Ghosts Bag was sufficient for his use; there was no need to rush its growth. With that in mind, Chen Mu controlled the Five Ghosts Bag to spread bait in the bay. "Whether the Five Ghosts Bag grows or not is not the immediate concern, the fishing must continue." Chen Mu pulled out a rocking chair, lit a Calming Pill, silently recited the Void Cloak Technique, and leisurely farmed experience. "Making money and cultivating simultaneously, how comfortable." ... In the Xinyou District, Lu Kus residence. Six people gathered in the living room, silent. After a long while, Lu Ku looked up at the sky. "Alright, at this time, Gongsun Sheng is most likely busy." All of them let out a sigh of relief at the same time. "Ah..." Ai Ji couldnt help but sigh. "Being watched all the time, having to be careful with every move." "When will this kind of life end!" "Theres no need to be anxious." Lu Ku comforted them with a smile. "Gongsun Shengs clairvoyance has a pattern that can be followed." Lu Ku narrowed his eyes. "It was hard to tell at first, but in the past few days, the pattern has become more and more obvious." Chen Mu looked at the Heartless Bell with increasing fondness, "What a wonderful thing." "It would be even better if I had a Curse Command." Five Ghosts Black Smoke spread over the water surface, quickly gathering up the aquatic products. Chen Mu stood up and stretched lazily, glancing at the experience points on the grey wall. Fire Cloud Curse: 6455/10000/First Rank; "Not bad. Without any accidents, in just over three months, I should be able to reach the next rank," Chen Mu silently calculated. ... On the dock, after selling the fish caught and returning the fishbone boat, Chen Mu strolled leisurely, casting envious glances at various massive and odd aquatic catches. A two-meter-tall, earthy yellow toad caught Chen Mus attention mainly because it was too ugly, except for the golden threads beside its eyes, which appeared somewhat eye-catching. Two groups of people were talking beside the toads corpse. In not too long, a merchant-looking fellow handed a bulging cloth bag to the lead fisherman. "Thats gotta be at least fifty White Jade Coins!" "Thats almost what I make in two months of fishing," Chen Mu thought enviously, wondering if he should catch more miscellaneous fish. After a moments thought, he shook his head, "Forget it, earning a White Jade Coin a day is already not too shabby." Just as he was about to leave, he noticed a large seventy or eighty-meter ship entering the harbor from the north. "Old Hao?" "Has it been over a month?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. He wasnt in a hurry to leave, waiting for the other party to disembark. ... "How come youre free to pick me up?" Old Hao asked with a surprised face. "You sure have a big face," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Oh, are you capitalizing on the farming slack season to fish for some extra cash?" Old Hao realized after observing for a moment. "Thats not an easy job, is it?" Old Hao chuckled, "Ive tried my hand at it before." "The Tongtian River is abundant with aquatic products, but those working solo can only catch miscellaneous fish at best." "Toiling away all day, one might not even be able to make a White Jade Coin." "After a month of being battered by the wind and baked by the sun, youd only end up with four or five White Jade Coins." "When you really do the math, its not much more than what we make from farming." "Take my advice, stick to honest farming," Old Hao advised while puffing away on his cigarette. Earning less than a White Jade Coin a day? Only four or five White Jade Coins in a month? I can make thirty White Jade Coins in a month, thank you very much! "Ill listen to Old Hao!" Chen Mu agreed cheerfully. Chapter 251 - 250: Not Good "Wheres Shang Huan?" "That fat guy wouldnt listen to advice and renewed for another months worth of fees," Old Hao said, curling his lip in disapproval, "He hasnt mastered the secret technique; staying at the dojo for a year is just a waste of money!" "Maybe hell succeed this time," Chen Mu chuckled. It was unclear whether the distance was too great or if the Upper Court had special restrictions that blocked transmission. The United Heart Rope could connect, but the information received was always blurred. "Forget about him, lets go. Well go back to farming and save money, and try again next year," Old Hao said, waving his hand indifferently. "You have a really good attitude, sir. At your age, youre not discouraged by failure and still have the courage to try again; admirable!" Chen Mu gave a thumbs up in admiration. "If you cant speak properly, then dont speak at all!" Old Hao rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Im young with plenty of time. Why should I be discouraged?" Chen Mu: "..." Did I just judge someone by their appearance again? Fine... Although the old man had lived over sixty years, who could blame him if he could live another sixty? Indeed... his age was not considered much. ... Days passed and the moon phased, time kept flowing. One month later, in the Xinyou District, at Lu Kus residence. "Another one gone?" Lu Ku frowned deeply. "This is the third one," Yu Lin said with a resonance to his voice. "The individuals chosen were indeed capable." "Once given enough benefit, they were more active than anyone else." "And they were well-informed, always able to find good fishermen for catching assorted fish. Using a mix of both carrot and stick, they managed to bring in more than twenty people." "But for some reason, they always seem to disappear mysteriously." "Is someone picking a fight?!" Ai Ji asked fiercely. "That shouldnt be the case. The groups at the dock are only eyeing the exotic beast materials and dont care about the meager profits from miscellaneous fish," Wu Ruo said with narrowed eyes. "Did they run off?" Xu Raos face clouded over. "Impossible," Yu Lin shook his head. "Working for us, they earn five times more in a month than before. Why would they run away?" The group lapsed into deep thought. What exactly was going on? "Could it be..." Shi Xian suddenly spoke up, furrowing her brow tightly. The others turned to look. "What have you thought of?" Ai Ji asked eagerly. Shi Xian wore a serious expression, "Could they have fallen into the water and drowned!" Ai Ji: "..." "You might as well say the fish ate them!" Ai Ji rolled his eyes, "At least thats somewhat plausible." "Makes sense!" Shi Xian looked at Ai Ji admiringly. The rest: "..." They should have known better than to rely on this scatterbrain! "Tell them to stop," Lu Ku massaged his temples. Lately, he felt that things were not going smoothly, as if they had offended some deity or spirit... ... At Tongtian River, in an unnamed river bend. "This time Ive got to catch a big one," Chen Mu was determined. He wasnt going for proficiency anymore. He scattered large amounts of intoxicating bait, repeatedly ringing the Heartless Bell. More than ten bamboo baskets were quickly filled. Chen Mu continued, tossing the catches directly into the Five Ghosts Bag. Since he might not come back for several months, he might as well feed the Five Ghosts Bag its fill all at once. At evening, the setting sun cast a golden red sheen on the surface of the river. Squinting against the glinting light, Chen Mu finally stopped, still feeling unsatisfied, "Thats enough." Looking at the murky water bay, Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. He thought back to the days in Qingshan County, where he practiced the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse from dawn to dusk, never leaving until it was dark. "From now on, you cant eat that much," Chen Mu patted the Five Ghosts Bag on his chest with a laugh. "Theres said to be a dragon here." "What if you actually attract the Dragon King? Haha..." Roar! A deafening roar suddenly erupted from the horizon. Chen Mu, like a duck whose neck was squeezed, had his mocking laughter abruptly stuck in his throat. The roar was long and deep, as if it resounded in the depths of his heart. The entire Tongtian River fell silent. Even the sound of the flowing water mysteriously disappeared! Chen Mus scalp tightened instantaneously. Could it be?! Boom! An explosive sound burst forth north of the river bend. Chen Mu quickly turned his head. He saw a huge figure hundreds of meters long burst from the water. With a serpents body, crocodiles head, lizards legs, eagles claws, deers antlers, black scales, whiskers at the corners of its mouth, and clouds swirling around it. A dragon?! Chen Mu was frozen on the spot. All I did was catch some fish, and now Ive really drawn a dragon?! Crack! The black dragon opened its mouth, and a scarlet lightning bolt suddenly flew towards the ground. Boom! The earth shattered! Even from a great distance, the rocks on the nearby bank were shattered to pieces by the shock. The sky stirred as clouds billowed, and the Tongtian River suddenly surged with waves. "Dong Li!" A voice roared like thunder. The dragon bent its body, like a spring compressed to the extreme, and with a sonic boom, it shot out into the air. As if teleporting, it vanished on the spot! It took Chen Mu a good while to come to his senses. Dong Li? The Sect Master of Jilong Road, Dong Li the Daoist? This dragon is targeting Jilong Road! This is bad! Chapter 252 - 251 The End ``` Chaos had come without warning. Chen Mus expression looked ugly as he watched the direction in which the black dragon had disappeared. Jilong Road must have been attacked. He stood on the fishbone boat, moving slightly closer to the dock. Then, he released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to scout the area. Looking down from the sky, the scene of destruction and chaos came into view. Half of Low Mountain on the north side of Tongtian Square had been leveled. The wooden Taoist temple that stood on the cliff had also completely vanished. The dock and Tongtian Square were in complete disarray. A group of over two-meter-tall burly men, each with distinctive exotic traits, were engaged in a fierce battle with people from the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. Among them was Director Song Song Wujie. His opponent was a huge hulking man two and a half meters tall, with external fanged teeth and arms covered in black hair, his muscular build more akin to an ape than a human. Shrouded in swirling black smoke, the man was enduring Song Wujies insect swarm attacks and pounding away at Song Wujies Body Protection Aura with his fists. "Are these people all cultivating the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique?" "Zhongshan Path, maybe?" At that moment, Song Wujies Body Protection Aura was shaking violently, and it seemed he was completely powerless to fight back. "Director Song is in danger!" Chen Mus expression grew even uglier. Is Jilong Road about to fall? Without delay, he urged the fishbone boat to move, distancing himself from the Lower Courtyard by more than ten miles, before finding a secluded river bend to drop anchor and stop. "Lets wait and see," Chen Mu sighed. In such chaotic battles, one could lose their life if not careful, and he did not want to get involved. "It remains to be seen whether Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard will survive the disaster or if Zhongshan Path will break through." "It was finally peaceful for two years, sigh..." ... The attack occurred at dusk. Soon, the sky was completely darkened. From the sky, battles erupted throughout the Lower Courtyard. In the distant mountains, occasional flashes of fire and muffled thunder-like sounds could be heard. The defensive enchantments nodes in the Lower Courtyard were clearly also under attack. Not until the moon was high in the sky, did a loud boom explode over the Lower Courtyard. Even Chen Mu, floating on the Tongtian River, could feel the tremors of the land. At the same time, several thunderous cracks resounded in the sky. Chen Mu looked up and saw, under the moonlight, black rifts emerging in the sky. He had seen this sight before; a similar scene had happened in the southern sky when the exotic beast had invaded. "Enchantment?" Chen Mus face changed. Is Jilong Road finished?! "Cultivating oneself towards a Heavenly Demons direction?" "That dragon..." A terrifying thought suddenly dawned on Chen Mu. Could that dragon actually be the result of human cultivation?! To turn oneself into a dragon? Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique... Marvelous! If only I could... It took a while for the excited Chen Mu to come back to his senses. "Secret Techniques of that level are not within my reach," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed, looking at the man in the grey ragged outfit with complexity. A simple farmer, yet met with unexpected disaster. The dream of pursuing the Dao shattered in an instant. "Thankfully, I was hiding on the Tongtian River," Chen Mu was still frightened. This man in the grey ragged outfit certainly wasnt the only one. It was unknown how many Lower Courtyard disciples perished in the attack. "You are pitiful too," Chen Mu couldnt help but feel empathy for the underdog. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles kicked in, and a large pit was dug out of the ground. "Dust to dust, earth to earth," Chen Mu sighed. He glanced at the horned person once more. "Although an invader, to be brave and fight ruthlessly wasnt your true intention, everything was just for the pursuit of the Dao," Chen Mu didnt condone such barbaric acts, but he understood. "Forget it, no matter the grudges in life, theyre all erased after death," Chen Mu also dug a grave for the horned person and buried them. Looking at the two mounds of earth, he sighed, "You should be thankful that you met me, otherwise no one would have taken care of your bodies." After a moment of silence, Chen Mu turned away with a look of compassion towards the faintly burning lights of Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard in the distance. "The chaos came so unexpectedly." "Who knows how many innocents lost their lives." "Their paths to longevity abruptly ceased." "Whether simple farmers or invading Zhongshan Path disciples, they all just wanted to move forward." "Resources are scarce, Secret Techniques monopolized, hardship strikes, and the pursuit of dreams turns out to be so luxurious and difficult!" Thinking about the hardships he had faced all the way from Da Liang, Chen Mu was filled with sorrow. "This damned world always deals a sudden, crushing blow, smoothing out peoples edges, making them mediocre." A great courage surged within Chen Mu. "Dreams should not remain silent!" So he hooked his right hand, and the grey coin pouch he had just taken from the two bodies lifted into the air. Throwing it into the Five Ghosts Bag with a serious and determined face, he addressed the two graves, "I will carry on your dreams of pursuing the Dao, step by step, unwaveringly!" Then he reached the ruins of the buildings, smoke billowing and seeping into the crevices, and collected all the valuables. "Not just these two, but all of them!" Chen Mu turned, looking determinedly at the entire Lower Courtyard. "Rest assured, from today onwards, I will bear your dreams!" "No matter how heavy or secret those dreams may be, I will definitely unearth them, carry them on me at all times, continuously move forward, and never stop!" ``` Chapter 253 - 252 Fulfilling the Dream On the peak of Low Mountain, Lin Su stood grim-faced upon an old tree with peeling bark, intensely staring at the dark courtyard below. "What on earth is Yang Huan doing?!" "Such a good situation, how could he just give it up like that!" "The Condense Aperture Secret Method..." Thinking of the possible outcomes, Lin Su felt inward frustration but was powerless. It took a long while to regain his composure. "Could Chen Mu have been affected by the earlier chaos?" He was now worried that Chen Mu had been killed by the disciples of Zhongshan Path in the attack, allowing someone else to reap the benefits. "Most likely not," Lin Su thought of the others cultivation at the Spirit Armor Realm. As long as one didnt get too close to the center of the fight, there shouldnt be any problems. "He must be hiding," Lin Su felt somewhat relieved. "With the Condense Aperture Secret Method in trouble, the White Jade Plate absolutely cannot have any issues!" Lin Sus right hand clenched into a fist suddenly. ... At the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, in the Yihai District. The six siblings of Wu Mountain stood in front of a gazebo. This was the gathering point of the Yihai District. Every year, the Lower Courtyard collected land rent, traded Yellow Bud Rice, and issued collective notices here at this gazebo, which was the central location for each district. Shi Xian held up her right hand, leveling it in front of her eyes. A pitch-black sphere the size of a fist emerged in the palm of her hand. "Truthful Listening!" The Soul Strength black sphere swelled rapidly like an air-filled balloon, sweeping past the group and expanding towards the distant horizon. As it spread, its color grew fainter until it became invisible in the far distance and suddenly dispersed. "There have been conflicts at five locations with bodies present." "The closest is five li to the southwest, two people," said Shi Xian with a cool tone. "Thats..." "Somethings wrong?" Lu Ku turned his head to ask. "Theres a bald bear still alive," said Shi Xian coolly. "Bald bear? What kind of nonsense is that!" Ai Ji frowned and grumbled. "Its probably someone from Zhongshan Path," Wu Ruo realized and then asked softly, "Standing or lying down?" "Lying down," replied Shi Xian calmly. An injured disciple from Zhongshan Path? The groups eyes lit up. One dead, one injured C their belongings were likely still on them, perhaps a large bounty was at hand! "Lets go!" ... The six moved swiftly, covering the five or six li distance in no time. Two and a half of the three surrounding walls had collapsed and the roof of the building was blown off, with thick smoke billowing from within the courtyard and flames soaring into the sky. The group eagerly turned the corner of the wall. There, they saw a bald man, his arms covered in fine brown hair and built like a bear, barely alive on the ground. At that moment, a towering figure cloaked in a black robe with a white mask on his face was squatting in front of the man. "Save me," begged the bald man. With the morning mist still light, Chen Mu slowly approached Low Mountain, sending the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit into the sky to scout. After confirming there were no disciples of Zhongshan Path hiding, he then entered the courtyard of Low Mountain. Pouring a cup of cool tea, Chen Mu took a seat in the rocking chair under the wooden arbor, not resting but waiting for dawn to head to the gathering spot at the pavilion in Gengyin District. "Who knows how this calamity will end up," Chen Mu mused silently. Sadly, he could only passively accept, with no ability to influence the outcome. "If even one of Yunzhous seven paths, Jilong Road, cannot ensure safety and stability," "where else can I survive?" Chen Mu felt lost for a moment. It took a good while before he sighed and looked at the treasures inside the Five Ghosts Bag. "With these gifts from my fellow practitioners, even if a disaster strikes, Ill have enough to hold on for a while," Chen Mu comforted himself. "If it gets too bad, Ill just take refuge in the Heavenly River Water Mansion." "Just six hundred White Jade Coins for a free status!" "Buy!" He was gleefully planning for the future. Suddenly, a faint mist enveloped the courtyard. "The mist is this thick?" As he wondered, the Spiritual Armor black smoke suddenly appeared two meters behind him, followed immediately by a flash of Spiritual Light. Almost simultaneously as they appeared, a series of black arrows burst from the shadows of the corner wall. They pierced through the mist in an instant, striking the Spiritual Armor black smoke fiercely. Thud, thud, thud... The Spiritual Armor black smoke was nearly penetrated in an instant! Pop, pop, pop... Sounds of bursting like popping beans exploded. The Spiritual Light shook violently, quickly filled with cracks, becoming extremely fragile! "Five Ghosts Possession!" Chen Mu suddenly transformed into a two-and-a-half-meter-tall, indigo-colored, muscular man. His muscles swell as strands stretched out, and a silver light flowed between his brows. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" Buzz! As countless black arrows shattered the Spiritual Light, nearing him, they suddenly slowed down drastically, as if falling into a quagmire. Eventually, they stopped a palms distance from his back, unable to move forward any further! "Whos there?!" Chen Mu darted forward suddenly, distancing himself from the black arrows. With Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, the scenery within a hundred meters instantly came to mind. Mist! Dense fog everywhere, so thick that not even five fingers could be seen! "Spiritual Armor, Spiritual Light, Chen Mu, youve hidden your abilities quite deeply, havent you!" a deep voice suddenly echoed from all directions. "The Exquisite Jade Plate is quite useful, right?" White Jade Plate? Chen Mus face suddenly changed. What was bound to come had still come! Chapter 254 - 253 Full Force "The Exquisite Jade Plate? Whats that?" Chen Mus body tensed, his face filled with nervousness, and his eyes brimmed with doubts, "Senior, could you have made a mistake?" From within the mist, the hidden Lin Su couldnt help but chuckle lightly. "Youre acting quite convincingly." "If I had my doubts before, now I believe them without question." Lin Su squinted through the mist, staring at Chen Mu. "Cultivating the Spirit Armor Technique could be attributed to your exceptional lineage." "But to cultivate the Perceptive Spirit Light within just a year, heh..." "You have been shut away all year and couldnt possibly have gone to the Upper Courts dojo." "Where did you get so much Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate?!" "It must be the Exquisite Jade Plate!" Chen Mu listened intently, pondered seriously, and then, with a solemn face, said to the mist, "Is there a possibility that..." "Actually, I am extraordinarily talented, so my cultivation efficiency is extremely high. I dont need that much Earth Spirit Vital Energy to cultivate quickly." Lin Su: "..." Do you have no shame? "If you were truly so gifted, why would you be stuck in the Lower Courtyard!" Lin Su snorted coldly. "You havent forgotten Dong Cheng, have you?" "Ive looked into it thoroughly; he once sold a batch of black ram horns to swindle others." "And it just so happens that during that period, you sold the materials of five black ram skins and horns. Tsk tsk... what a coincidence!" "You made enemies, had a conflict, and murdered to silence them, then took the opportunity to steal wealth. With such a cause and effect, do you still deny it?" Lin Su said calmly, "Dong Cheng did evil first, I dont intend to pursue your crime of murder." "But you must hand over the Exquisite Jade Plate obediently, thats mine, and you need to return it." Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. It seemed there was no escaping it. This person was most likely Dong Chengs superior, the prefect from the Inspection Courtyard. Chen Mus expression turned grave. Since thats the case... To escape through the earth, or to take flight?@@@@ Chen Mu glanced at the well beneath the eastern wall, then took a look at the flying kites in the Five Ghosts Bag. Fighting was out of the question. As a prefect of the Inspection Courtyard, he must possess the Illusion Breaking Cultivation, along with powerful Secret Techniques. He was not an opponent one could afford to confront; flight was the only option. "Whats the matter?" Lin Su suddenly arched an eyebrow and said menacingly, "Thinking of running away?" "Fog Spirit!" The thick mist that had been slowly drifting suddenly boiled like heated water, surging tumultuously. A massive force abruptly pressed upon him. Chen Mu felt as if he had been thrown into the deep sea, surrounded by crushing pressure! His face instantly changed color. "Yin Sha Secret Arrow!" Lin Su declared indifferently. From the shadows around him, a series of small, pitch-black short arrows shot out, aiming straight at Chen Mu. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" The short arrows that had blinked before his eyes suddenly slowed down, as if stuck in a quagmire, and were successfully blocked in front of him. Chen Mus heart eased slightly. But Lin Su snorted coldly, unconcerned, "Lets see how many Yin Sha Arrows your secret technique can block!" Divine Orifice Mana burst forth. Please dont unleash your full power just yet, build up my confidence, and then when hope rises within me, you effortlessly shatter my attack? Are you aiming to strike both my spirit and body simultaneously?! To kill a man and also crush his heart?! Evil person! Without a doubt, an evil person! ... Lin Su was indulging in the elation of his gains, his smile not yet fully formed when Chen Mus sudden loud shout interrupted him. He felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. It was like holding a giant python in his hands that suddenly exerted its strength, not only powerful but also slippery, and no matter how hard he tried, he could only watch helplessly as it broke free! Impossible! Absolutely impossible! "Fog Giant Spirit!" A loud shout. The mist rolled and soared as a massive foggy hand suddenly burst out from the thick fog. It grabbed Chen Mu and squeezed him fiercely. Chen Mu couldnt help but tense his face. Here it comes, finally! Is it getting serious now? I knew it, he was damn well playing me! Damn it! He immediately tensed all the muscles in his body, ready to withstand the pressure of the foggy giant hand. But feeling the touch as light as cotton on his body, Chen Mus face turned extremely unsightly! Were at this point and youre still damn well acting?! "If youre going to hit, then hit me. If not, then leave. Why torment me over and over again!" Chen Mu yelled furiously into the mist. Lin Sus pupils suddenly contracted. Could he actually withstand the Fog Giant Spirit?! He immediately clenched his teeth and fiercely squeezed the Jade Seed within him, containing mostly dark Divine Orifice Mana: "Yin Sha Armor Break!" A pitch-black short arrow, only as long as a finger, appeared in front of him. Then its tail end suddenly dissipated, turning into a mist, and with a puff, it sprayed backwards. A tremendous counter-thrust erupted. Woosh! The short arrow pierced through the air with a deep whistling sound, and in nearly an instant, it arrived in front of Chen Mu. Lin Su looked on indifferently at Chen Mu. The Armor Break Secret Arrow was the strongest strike in his secret techniques, having once shattered the skull of a Divine Orifice-level demon with this very attack. But the secret technique came at a cost; using it once required half a month of recovery. Originally, he hadnt planned on using it, but unfortunately... "I originally wanted to keep a living mouth to interrogate about the secret techniques." "Oh well..." He looked at Chen Mu with pity, as the scene of Chen Mus head exploding had already formed in his mind. Then he saw Chen Mu suddenly push outward with both hands. With a bang, he burst the foggy giant hand open. He followed with a fierce slap, sending the Armor Break Secret Arrow, humming oddly, flying off course with one hit. This deadly strike flew past his ear towards the distance, without having any effect whatsoever. Chen Mu, filled with sorrow and anger, yelled into the thick fog. "Have you had enough?!" "If you have the guts, use your full strength on me!" Lin Su: "..." What the hell are you talking about! Im already using all my strength, damn it! Chapter 255 - 254 Abandonment ``` Chen Mus eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of red, "Very well, very well... Since you want to act, I will play along to the end!" "This dense fog is so annoying!" He immediately pulled out the Fire Cloud Gourd and quickly chanted a spell. Puff! Blue flames burst forth like a breached dam from the mouth of the Black Gourd. Centered around Chen Mu, they spiraled outwards in all directions. The mana within the thick fog was instantly ravaged by the scorching temperature, and the fog evaporated in the blink of an eye. The surroundings instantly became clear. The Low Hill Courtyard was riddled with countless holes, and the giant boulder wall to the east was also smashed to pieces. Under a broad-leafed tree two hundred meters outside the compound, Lin Sus figure was involuntarily revealed. Chen Mu roared, his legs slightly bent, as he boosted his feet with the Void Cloak Technique. Bang! The ground suddenly exploded, creating a two-meter-wide pit. Chen Mu burst through the lingering broken fog and slammed fiercely toward Lin Su. Lin Su nearly instinctively activated the Yin Sha Secret Arrow. A series of black arrows shot out from the shadows, raining down on Chen Mu like droplets. Chen Mu didnt bother to defend. He had realized, there was no point in holding back, might as well go for broke! He just wanted to land a heavy punch on this bastard before he was riddled with holes! So, he raised his left hand to shield his eyes, letting his own black smoke and Spiritual Light be shattered, while fiercely activating the Void Cloak Technique again, charging forward despite the black arrows. Clang, clang, clang... Like nails falling to the ground, the black arrows struck Chen Mus body with a metallic ring, managing only to break the skin, leaving a series of small marks. "I knew it! Even at this moment, youre still bloody acting!" Chen Mu was beyond furious. He took two steps and was now in front of Lin Su. "Sand Shooting Shadow!" A ball of black and red suddenly appeared in the palm of Chen Mus right hand. Then, he pulled his right hand back to gather strength and pushed the black and red ball, slamming it forcefully against Lin Sus front. Lin Sus defensive Spiritual Light blocked it only for a moment before it was corroded by Sand Shooting Shadow and shattered by the overwhelming force. All of Chen Mus strength suddenly converged into his fists. The sinewy muscles were nearly bursting out of his indigo skin. "Wasnt it just to trick me into attacking first and then suddenly strike to kill me and mock me?" "Well, make your move then!" "Ha!" Hum hum hum... His fists were like the buzzing wings of a bee, relentlessly pounding Lin Su without pause. Crack! Lin Sus right arm, raised subconsciously to protect himself, snapped immediately. "What the hell are you even talking about?!" That question flashed through Lin Sus mind, but then it was utterly silenced by the unending barrage of punches. Gengyin District, the gathering point at the pavilion. Chen Mu deliberately took a detour, and by the time he arrived, four or fifty people had already assembled. "Why is your face so pale?" Shang Huan teased as he sidled up to Chen Mu. "Scared," Chen Mu said calmly. "I was scared stiff too, hid in a cellar all night without daring to show my face," Shang Huan said, empathizing. "You stayed on the Tongtian River the whole night?" Old Hao asked as he looked at the direction from which Chen Mu had come. "When I saw that soaring black dragon, I didnt dare to move, only approached the dock to check at daybreak," Chen Mu "truthfully" said. "Lucky you didnt come back," Old Hao sighed. "Your place got hit by someones actions, half-collapsed, and then they set it on fire." "By now, I reckon even the wooden shed has been reduced to ash." Chen Mus face changed dramatically as he pretended to be shocked and angry, "How could I be so unlucky!" "You should feel lucky. If you were in the yard last night..." Old Hao said meaningfully. Chen Mu immediately shivered appropriately, "I indeed should feel lucky." Then he shifted the topic, steering the conversation towards last nights events. Sure enough, the two no longer discussed his burned-down residence. ... The group of forty or fifty people clustered together, buzzing with noise, all discussing the chaos of the previous night. Some were fearful, others excited. Chen Mu hid within the crowd, silently observing. Fear was normal, excitement was somewhat more curious. Last night, while receiving dream visions from his peers, he had discovered that not only Zhongshan Path was killing and robbing; disciples from Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard were also taking advantage of the chaos. Chen Mu silently noted the faces of several individuals. "Its better to keep my distance from these people in the future." He didnt want to return their gifts. Troublesome! ... As the day progressed to when the sun was three poles high, the crowd grew increasingly irritable waiting. Finally, a team from the Inspection Courtyard arrived, looking haggard and rushed. Among them, two posted a white paper with black lettering on the pavilions pillar. The leading Prefect in black spoke beside the pillar with a serious face. "The Oversight Courtyard decrees" "To prevent another attack from Zhongshan Path and avoid further losses, the Oversight Courtyard has decided to abandon the Lower Courtyard and collectively retreat into the mountains to seek refuge." "The decision to follow into the mountains is left to you." "Those who follow will receive certain benefits." "Those who leave will be regarded as having voluntarily renounced their status as disciples of Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard." "Details are in the notice." "Those willing to follow can gather in Bing Zi District tomorrow morning to depart." Almost the instant the Prefect in black finished speaking, the crowd exploded into an uproar. Chen Mus expression turned solemn. Abandon the Lower Courtyard? Had the situation become so dire? Chapter 256 - 255 Journey Gengyin District, outside the pavilion. As the black-robed Prefect announced the abandonment of the Lower Courtyard, about forty or fifty people immediately burst into a cacophony of discussion, causing an uproar. "Can we still plant Yellow Bud Rice in the mountains?" An elderly man with a straightforward face worried. "Didnt they say we have to clear new land?" A companion interjected. "Doesnt that mean we have to start all over again?" The elderly mans face turned ugly. Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard had been slowly reformed and built up over hundreds of years. Starting anew in an unfamiliar place and trying to return to the current state was as difficult as reaching the heavens! "Whats happening in the Upper Court?" someone shouted out of nowhere. The noisy crowd instantly fell silent, and Chen Mu couldnt help but perk up his ears. "Before I came here, we still hadnt made contact with the Upper Court." "All we know is that an intense conflict is going on in the direction of the Upper Court. As for the outcome..." the black-robed Prefect shook his head. Thinking of that awe-inspiring black dragon, which merely flying overhead had made everyone tremble with fear, a shadow of worry fell over everyones hearts.@@@@ The safety of the Upper Court was unknown, and if Jilong Road were to collapse, then Jilong Roads Lower Courtyard would be nothing more than a sinking ship! Following the move into the mountains to seek refuge, the final outcome... The surroundings fell into silence for a moment. "Zhongshan Path has already left, right? Why do we still need to go into the mountains? What if we run into exotic beasts?" someone whispered in the crowd. The black-robed Prefect regained his calm, "This is an order from the Oversight Courtyard, you may make your own decisions." "If we stay, does that mean we dont have to pay land taxes anymore?" someone suddenly asked quietly with excitement. The crowd fell silent, then discussed even more fervently. The black-robed Prefect, with an expressionless face, glanced over the crowd and then led the grey-robed inspector towards the next division. "Are you going?" Shang Huan nudged Chen Mu with his shoulder. "Going. I havent bought the Perceptive secret technique yet," Chen Mu pretended to say. "Not paying land taxes and keeping whatever we grow actually seems quite good to stay here," Old Hao said, somewhat indecisive. Chen Mu remained silent. Without the protection of the Lower Courtyard, chaos was inevitable. Indeed, there were no land taxes to pay, but whether or not the harvest could be protected was uncertain. After all, farming for oneself was never as quick as seizing the harvest from others! ... One month later. In the continuous mountain range, a faint mist drifted, with the sound of birds and beasts echoing continuously. The lush vegetation appeared like a thick carpet firmly covering the land and rocks. Through the mist, a dirt-yellow fissure was slowly and steadily extending towards the south through the mountains. It was as if someone had taken a pair of scissors and cut through the green carpet to reveal the ground underneath. A procession of people lined up in a long queue, moving along the fissure. At the very front of the queue, some fifty or sixty people carrying choppers as tall as a man kept hacking away. They cleaved through the underbrush, shrubs, and towering ancient trees, clearing a path over ten meters wide. "You know?" Chen Mu glanced at him skeptically. "Dont underestimate me," Shang Huan said, proud of himself. "I heard that the underground water vein of the Lower Courtyard was cut off." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. The water vein, flowing with Earth Spirit Vital Energy, was the foundation of the Lower Courtyards production and planting. If the water vein was cut off... "What about those who stayed back in the Lower Courtyard..." Shang Huan chuckled slyly but didnt speak. Chen Mu fell silent. No wonder Zhongshan Path had abandoned the fat prize. Without the water vein, the Lower Courtyard on Jilong Road was finished - who would bother to claim a worthless piece of land? He couldnt help but think of the black ape mans roar. Could it be that Director Song was responsible for destroying the water vein?! Thinking of the latters short and chubby, yet somewhat amiable figure, Chen Mus mouth twitched. Decades of foundation, scrapped just like that? Cruel man indeed... Hmm, or perhaps a prodigal son who doesnt care if the fields sold belonged to his ancestors? ... An hour later, the troop from Gengyin District was replaced. They hadnt encountered an attack from any exotic beasts, nor had they come across any strange dangers. It was just that the trees and vines along the way were so tough and hard to chop that it took quite a bit of effort. Chen Mu followed the group, falling back from the front to their original position. He chatted with Old Hao for a moment and then hid within the crowd, silent once again. "Safety isnt much of an issue, but its impossible to properly gain experience," Chen Mu thought with a sigh. Everyone around was a disciple from the Lower Courtyard; any ability that made a lot of noise was hard to use. The only technique that could be practiced quietly was the Void Cloak Technique. Repulsion Force slowly appeared under his feet, and Chen Mu carefully controlled the force, letting it replace his leg muscles to propel him forward, step by step. To control the strength properly, he had to move cautiously. Each step was solid and firm, as if driving in a nail, before moving on to the next one. Although it was a bit strange, fortunately no one paid much attention to the oddity of a mere Lower Courtyard disciple. "Once the Void Cloak Technique advances to the next level, it should get a lot better," Chen Mu practiced while checking his experience. Void Cloak Technique: 9705/10000/Third Rank; "It would be best to reduce the time spent on the Illusion Breaking Technique a little," Chen Mu thought to himself as he looked at his experience with the Illusion Breaking Technique. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 7383/10000; Without the Exquisite Jade Plate, and lacking Earth Spirit Element, the progress of the Illusion Breaking Technique was as slow as a crawl. In a month, he had only scraped together a little over three hundred experience points, investing a lot but yielding little return. ``` Chapter 257 - 256 Holding the Moon Two days later, Chen Mu suddenly felt a surge of clarity, and his mind brimmed with new insights. The repulsion force beneath his feet suddenly strengthened. In the fog of his mind, the Divine Will Talisman of the Void Cloak Technique shone even brighter. Chen Mu looked at the gray walls. Void Cloak Technique: 2/10000/Fourth Rank; "Can I briefly hover in the air?" Chen Mu tried a couple of times and nodded in satisfaction. After reaching the Fourth Rank, the Void Cloak Technique became easier and more delicate to control. Walking no longer required him to move as though hammering nails with a stop at every step. Glancing at Shang Huan, who was trudging along, one step deep and the next shallow, clothes soaked with sweat, Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. Crossing mountains and ridges was too draining. Even with everyone possessing a Shell Soul and enduring vitality, a long journey through complex terrain was still exhausting. With the Fourth Rank Void Cloak Technique, Chen Mu moved with even more ease. ... The team traveled daily, and the only sights were forests and mountains.@@@@ At first, it was somewhat novel, but after spending over a month drilling through the mountains, even the most beautiful scenery lost its appeal. In the evening, the entire team stopped to rest. Around a campfire, five or six people gathered in a circle. An elk-like animal was skinned and gutted, then placed over the flames to roast, accompanied by the sizzling and crackling sounds as drops of fat continuously fell. Chen Mu stood by, sprinkling seasonings and turning the meat while occasionally making a few cuts. Feeling the feedback of his knife slicing through skin and flesh, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes: "This elk, its not considered an Exotic Beast anymore, is it?" "Weaker ones are likely to follow." Old Hao smacked his lips as he puffed on his cigarette: "Were too far from the Lower Courtyard here." "Theres less Earth Spirit Vital Energy, so Exotic Beasts wont appear in a place like this." Chen Mu had a sudden realization. Just as their group pursued Earth Spirit Vital Energy for cultivation, Exotic Beasts did the same. "Still no idea where the destination is." By the campfire, an elder with the surname Li sighed, "If we dont arrive soon, well miss the best planting season for the Yellow Bud Rice." "Why worry so much, the Oversight Courtyard must have already chosen a good location," Shang Huan said with casual indifference. "Even if we miss the season, theres no need to fret. Didnt the Oversight Courtyard say so? All disciples who came with us will get double wages." "Every month, we each get four White Jade Coins." The others also showed smiles. Chen Mus lips curled slightly as well. Because he was now free. He not only saved six hundred White Jade worth of freedom money, but he would also receive an additional two White Jade Coins as monthly wages. "At last, Im no longer a mere servant," Chen Mu said as he sliced off a piece of crispy skin and popped it into his mouth. "Dinners ready!" ... The team continued southward, trekking through the mountains for another month. It was said that when exotic beasts gained sentience, they could cultivate demonic energy, giving birth to divine skills and manipulation of winds and waves, with the more powerful ones even capable of escaping earth and achieving flight. He felt some fear in his heart, yet he also longed to witness it with his own eyes. "Once my strength improves, I must find a sentient demon to see for myself," Chen Mu thought to himself. ... They felled trees, opened mountains, constructed water channels, and built terraced fields. The people from Jilong Road labored for two months in the South Mountain area of Peng Yue Mountain before the initial construction was completed and they gradually settled down. At the foothill. A wooden hut stood at the head of a long strip of terraced fields. The hut was six meters long and four meters wide, divided inside into a bedroom and a living room. In front of the hut was a two-meter-wide wooden corridor. A rocking chair was placed on the east side of the corridor. At the moment, Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, sipping tea and looking at the lush Yellow Bud Rice Fields beside the hut. "Finally, weve settled down," Chen Mu sighed with relief. After nearly half a year, the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road had finally completed the relocation and reconstruction. He had once again become a mere farmer for the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road. "I still dont understand the distribution principle of the Earth Spirit Element," Chen Mu marveled, looking at a small two-meter in diameter pond in front of the wooden corridor. The pond was man-made, with water flowing from the mid-mountain Cold Moon Pond; it contained a trace amount of Earth Spirit Element, suitable for planting Yellow Bud Rice. It was said that the concentration of Earth Spirit Element was higher further up the mountain. Near the Cold Moon Pond, it was even comparable to the practice arenas of the Upper Court. "What a great place!" ... Nighttime, with the full moon hanging high. The sounds of insects and beasts came in waves. Inside the hut, Chen Mu lay in bed with his eyes closed, sleeping soundly. At midnight, he slowly opened his eyes. The Five Ghosts Yin Spirit flew out of the hut to patrol; Chen Mu quietly got up. He lifted the wooden floorboard beneath the bed to reveal a dark hole one meter in diameter. Surrounded by billowing black smoke, Chen Mu jumped into the hole without hesitation. Ten meters underground, a secret chamber about the size of the wooden hut was quietly nestled among the soil. Chen Mu jumped into the secret chamber and began to install fluorescent algae crystal balls on the walls. After illuminating the chamber, he started assembling a soft couch and only finished his busy work after a good while. The stone walls had crystal lights, the couch ends were made from sea-heart pine, and on a short table by his side, Calming Pills were being roasted. During the days spent opening up the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, Chen Mu had also been busy creating his own underground secret chamber. Here, he could rest, as well as use the Exquisite Jade Plate to cultivate. Lying back on the soft couch, Chen Mu sank into the soft bedding. "Comfortable..." Chapter 258 - 257: Divine Movement Peng Yue Mountains midsection boasted a platform. Spanning nearly three hundred meters east to west and over a hundred meters north to south, it was larger than two football fields. A straight cliff face, five or six meters high, bordered the platforms north side. The southern boundary blended into the mountainside with a slight curve. Seven stone stairways extended from the boundary in various directions down the slope, passing through terraced fields and covering the entirety of South Mountain, all the way to the foot of Peng Yue Mountain. Chen Mu stepped upon the two-meter-wide stone stairs and approached the platforms entrance. A two-meter-tall boulder sat beside the steps. The south-facing side had been neatly flattened, etched with three bold characters"Cold Moon Market." Due to the rush of construction, the Cold Moon Market was somewhat imperfect.@@@@ The earthen ground was still uneven in places. The wooden houses within the market still emitted the fresh scent of chopped lumber and grass. On the exterior walls of some houses, one could still see branches and leaves that remained lush and green. Chen Mu followed a path straight to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and handed a list of medicinal ingredients to the attendant. The attendant, a man in his thirties dressed in simple grey, greeted him with a smile, but after perusing Chen Mus list, his face fell into a look of distress. "Sir, Im very sorry. Other materials might be manageable, but we dont have Purple Leaf Fragrance or Snakegrass Whiskers." "How long until you have stock?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "If we cant trade with the outside world anytime soon, well only have them after the Medicinal Field harvest." "For these two ingredients, youll have to wait at least six months." Chen Mu, not ready to give up, said, "Dont you have any inventory? Im willing to pay a little extra." "Id love to earn your money, but..." The grey-clad attendant offered a bitter smile and spread his hands helplessly. Chen Mus expression soured, without those two herbs, he couldnt make the Calming Pills. "Sir, would you like the rest of the materials?" the attendant asked softly. "Wrap them up," Chen Mu sighed. The Lower Courtyard had moved hastily, and Peng Yue Mountains resources were scarce; what was available now might be gone in a few days. It wasnt long before the grey-clad attendant handed Chen Mu a large parcel. "Sir, that will be four White Jade Coins in total." The price has gone up? Chen Mu opened his mouth as if to protest, but in the end, he paid without complaint. In times of scarcity, it was only natural for prices to rise. Before leaving, the attendant suggested, "You might want to have a look on the east side. There are many people setting up stalls there." "You might find the two ingredients." Chen Mu thanked him with a bow and left with his parcel. ... In the southeast corner at the foot of Peng Yue Mountain, in the Yiyou District. Chen Mu arranged his things and sat on a rocking chair on the east side of the corridor. "Looks like the trade for Calming Pills cant be done." Hed also visited the east side stalls at the Cold Moon Market, but unfortunately, he didnt find the needed ingredients. The list he gave to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion was only part of the recipe. In reality, there werent two missing ingredients, but five. In the evening, under the wooden corridor. The Fire Cloud Gourd spat out blue flames from time to time. Grilling unknown Exotic Beast Meat Slices to be crispy on the outside and tender inside, combined with a secret grilled meat seasoning, the aroma was enticing. It wasnt long before three dishes and one soup were arranged on the square table. Aside from the secret grilled meat, there was also a plate of pork with garlic sauce, a bowl of cold mixed wild vegetables, a meatball soup, and a small wooden bucket of Yellow Bud Rice. Chen Mu sipped some sweet and sour hawthorn tea to cut the greasiness, then stuffed a slice of grilled meat into his mouth. "Delicious!" ... After dinner, a puff of black smoke appeared outside the wooden corridor. The food scraps dropped from the smoke and landed right into a barrel outside of the corridor. The square table that was earlier a mess was now spotlessly clean. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair and waved his hand, the tableware vanished, and then reappeared on its own in the wall cabinet. "Its a pity I cant go to the Ling Boat." I havent seen the pretty Exotic girls for a long time. I miss them... "Forget it, forget it, watching girls isnt as good as leveling up." Chen Mu rubbed his hands together, pulled up the grey wall, and checked his experience. "Tsk tsk, another limit, haha..." Gazing at the Void Cloak Technique entry, Chen Mu couldnt hold back his beaming smile. It had been over two months since he arrived at Peng Yue Mountain. Every day he was ordered to chop wood and clear mountainsides. With people all around, he could only practice the Void Cloak Technique. He stood up, glanced at the wooden houses not far away, and noticed that no one was paying any attention. Five Ghosts Black Smoke swirled around him, concealing his figure. Chen Mus thoughts moved, and mana poured out from his brow. "Divine Steps Thousand Miles!" A Repulsion Force quickly enveloped his whole body. Chen Mu shot forward like a projectile. In the blink of an eye, he darted into the dense forest at the foot of the mountain. The forest was full of towering ancient trees, over ten meters tall. Hovering one meter above the ground, Chen Mu was like a nimble swallow, sprinting, stopping suddenly, turning, making consecutive turns; he shuttled through the complex forest like lightning. The sound of the wind whistling by his ears was all he could hear, and he was going so fast that his skin was flapping. If he wasnt afraid of being discovered, he would certainly have let out a loud howl! ... Two quarters of an hour later. Chen Mu was drifting through the air in an arc when suddenly he felt emptiness under his feet. The power covering his body disappeared, and he uncontrollably flew out straight. He crashed into a small tree, thick enough for one person to embrace, snapping it in half with a crack. "Ptooey!" Chen Mu spat out the bits of grass from his mouth and climbed up from the bush with a disgruntled expression. "Just this tiny bit of mana, its not nearly durable enough for play!" Chapter 259 - 258: Addiction After brushing the mud and grass off his body, Chen Mu settled back into the rocking chair. "Though it only hovers a meter off the ground, not truly flying, it really is fast!" Chen Mu thought about his recent experience. Comparing it to car speeds from his previous life, it was definitely around one hundred forty or fifty kilometers per hour. "Just that the endurance is a bit short," Chen Mu grimaced. Chen Mu glanced at the barely-changed Illusion Breaking Technique over the past two months. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: 7893/10000; Maybe I should practice more at night? ... Half a month later, with the full moon high in the sky. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged, holding the Exquisite Jade Plate. A deep chant echoed continuously within the chamber. The black sphere in the middle of the Jade Seed had grown to the size of a soybean. On closer inspection, it didnt seem like a solid sphere, but rather like an unfathomably deep hole. And it had some strange attraction, making one feel an urge to jump into it. After a good while, Chen Mu snapped back to reality and turned to look at the small copper water clock beside him. At some point, all the water in the quaint copper pot had trickled away. "At least half an hour!" Chen Mus scalp tingled. "Im not practicing this wrong, am I?" As the Illusion Breaking Technique neared its end, hed often find himself lost in it without realizing. Sometimes, hed stare at the black sphere inside the Jade Seed, and an hour would pass just like that. "What if I get stuck in there and cant get out..." Chen Mu shivered. "No, I mustnt rush this, I need to take it easy..." Although the insights brought by proficiency indicated everything was normal, he still didnt dare to practice too quickly. Its like how one instinctively closes their eyes when swimming or diving. Faced with the Illusion Breaking Technique inching towards perfection, Chen Mu felt an instinctual sense of panic. "Is this what Mo Wuzhou called piercing through the illusion? What if I cant pierce through it..." "Will I never be able to master it? Or will I be trapped and lose consciousness?" "I wonder if theres any way to help get through this." He thought hard but couldnt figure it out. He lacked the basic knowledge in this area. When he advanced his Spirit Armor Technique, it didnt seem to have so many issues. He achieved it quite naturally. "Ill go to the Scripture Transmission Institute tomorrow," Chen Mu scratched his head. As he pondered his schedule for the next day, he habitually glanced through the perspective of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. Then he noticed that in the Yellow Bud Rice Fields, a dozen or so white-striped black rats were crazily gnawing at the Yellow Bud Rice. "Its these damned things again!" A wooden bridge extended from beneath the building into the pond, connecting to an octagonal pavilion. Inside the pavilion, Song Wujie, with a pair of dark circles under his eyes and a pale face, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Small bumps, the size of peanuts, kept surfacing on his skin. As soon as they appeared, they would split into two, then four, and move in different directions, as if insects were boring underneath his skin. After a good while, his face regained calm, and Song Wujie opened his eyes, his pallor finally showing a hint of improvement. "Why sit so far away? Come here!" Song Wujie looked at Liang Yi in the distance. Liang Yi shook his head repeatedly, his honest face full of aversion: "Creeps me out!" "Whats with that look! Insects are so cute, how can they be creepy!" Song Wujie frowned and scolded. Liang Yis mouth twitched: "Your taste... is very unique!" "Thats because you dont understand appreciation!" Song Wujie pouted: "Whats the situation in the mountains?" "Without the deterrent of the Cold Moon Toad, Exotic Beasts are continuously migrating towards Peng Yue Mountain," Liang Yi said with a grave expression. "How did the Upper Court respond?" Song Wujie asked, frowning. "The Sect Master and the sage from White Tower clashed, and both are currently missing. The Upper Court can only hold its ground, not daring to act rashly." "We cannot expect effective reinforcement," Liang Yi said with an ugly expression. After pondering for a long time, Song Wujie narrowed his eyes: "Send people into the mountain, scatter them before they form into groups." "The hunting teams are already doing that, but the effectiveness..." Liang Yi shook his head. Song Wujie glanced at Liang Yi: "Force all disciples from the Lower Courtyard to enter the mountain in batches, clear the Exotic Beasts in every direction without dead angles." Liang Yis expression changed: "The disciples from the Lower Courtyard lack strength, such an arrangement might result in significant casualties." "There will be even greater casualties once the Exotic Beasts form groups," Song Wujie said calmly. "If they are destined to die, then let them die with a bit more value." ... Two days later, under the wooden corridor. A square table was filled with dishes. Roasted, boiled, cold mixed C there were four large plates of just Exotic Beast Meat. Shang Huan cradled a bone from an unknown Exotic Beast, sucking the marrow. "Peng Yue Mountain lacks everything but Exotic Beast Meat." "Eating meat here is much cheaper than at Tongtian Square." Upon hearing this, Old Hao shook his head and sighed: "I would rather that they could be a bit more expensive." "There are always Exotic Beasts charging at the Yellow Bud Rice Fields in the middle of the night." "Look at these dark circles under my eyes." "I havent slept for two days straight!" Old Hao put down his chopsticks, his face filled with sorrow: "You dont understand, Old Li was just taking a..." "He just dozed off, and then ten acres were completely ravaged by the Exotic Beasts," Chen Mu interjected calmly. "Ah, right..." Old Hao nodded vigorously. Shang Huans face also showed a hint of melancholy: "Farming in the wilderness is really tough." "So youre eyeing my Bewildering Miasma again?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Ive barely used it for two days! Chapter 260 - 259: Kidnapping Selling Bewildering Divine Miasma was out of the question. Even if it were to be sold, it would have to be through Lu Zhishen. Chen Mus identity was that of an ordinary small-time farmer. Besides, Bewildering Divine Miasma wasnt user-friendly. If the concentration was high, it could easily knock a farmer off their feet. If too low, not even the white-striped black rats would succumb. Having crisply dismissed Shang Huan, Chen Mu tidied up the messy cups and plates while lost in thought. "This is a good opportunity," he mused. The farmers of the Lower Courtyard needed something to help them fight against the Exotic Beasts. Figuring it out could lead to a big profit. "What a pity..." Chen Mu shook his head, discarding the thought. The pressing matter was to resolve the bottleneck in cultivating the Illusion Breaking Technique. "The Administrative Affairs Institute and the Inspection Courtyard also have a good number of disciples at the Perceptive Spirit Light stage," he squinted his eyes contemplatively. ... Ten miles below Peng Yue Mountain. A dense forest had been cleared to make an open space. A bonfire blazed at the center, crackling and popping. "The leaders surname is Zheng, originally a Team Leader of a ten-man squad in the Inspection Courtyard," said Wu Ruo calmly, sitting beside the fire. "His cultivation level is Perceptive Spirit Light." "He has a total of fifteen people under him, only five of whom have achieved Spirit and Soul Unification and mastered the Jade Seed Secret Techniques." "They have hunted five Exotic Beasts so far, with total gains ranging from four to five hundred White Jade Coins." Xu Rao followed with a calm voice, "The baited prey has already been sent over." "It was a wild boar from nearby that accidentally fell into their trap, quite naturally. The drug is also hidden well enough to avoid detection." Lu Ku nodded with a smile, "Very good." "Lets eat first. After the meal, well make our move." The others nodded silently. Suddenly, Ai Ji sitting by the bonfire spoke up, "Gongsun Sheng hasnt paid attention to us in what, half a year?" "Nearly half a year without contact, its possible that something unexpected has happened," Yu Lin said hesitantly. "Or he may have left Jilong Road," Wu Ruo said with a smile, clearly in a good mood. "Or hes staying in the Lower Courtyard by the Tongtian River, fishing in troubled waters," Xu Rao narrowed his eyes. "Do you think theres a possibility that hes dead!" Ai Ji chuckled maliciously. The other five were taken aback. "Half a year, you know. If he were still alive, it wouldnt be hard for him to just glance our way, right?" "It feels like theyre scoping out victims to kidnap just like bandits," he muttered. "This is professionalism at its finest," Chen Mu couldnt help shaking his head. This group of people was always up to no good, either causing trouble for others or on their way to do so. Chen Mu wouldnt have contacted them if he hadnt been in need of a reliable source of information. "Better reduce contact in the future," Chen Mu resolved secretly. Its said that one takes on the color of ones company; he was a good man and couldnt let them lead him astray. Pulling out a piece of paper from a stack of white sheets, Chen Mus face showed satisfaction: "Liang Cheng, regular habits, diligent at work, simple-natured and timid, simple social relations, a truly honest person." "Hes the one!" ... Liang Cheng was not tall and had a thin body. Even after undergoing Shape Cultivation, he still did not possess a strong physique. Due to his introverted and simple nature, he was often bullied by his peers when he was young. Fortunately, he had an open mind. He would avoid confrontations if possible, keep out of trouble, and be kind to others, all the while studying hard in secret. The day he succeeded in practicing Spiritual Light, those who had bullied him in the past one by one became kindwell, they had no choice but to be kind. Because he was reserved and looked easy to bully, his current colleagues would still pick on him. Yet, he did not take it to heart; it was just a rerun of the previous years. He still avoided trouble, continued to be kind to others, and persevered in his training in secret. When the day came for him to master Illusion Breaking Technique, the expressions on his colleagues faces would surely be priceless. Of course, first, he had to get past todays challenge. Liang Cheng was restrained by an invisible force in midair. A voice appeared abruptly behind him. "Liang Cheng?" Chen Mu altered his voice and spoke indifferently. He was dressed in black, with a white mask on his face, and swirling black mist surrounding his body. He had also adjusted his body shape and posture to appear like a cold, indifferent killer. In a moment, he would drop a couple of seemingly calm but actually crazy hard lines, fearing that this simple and timid fellow would not comply. "Theres a loose brick near the east wall; you can take it out. All my White Jade Coins are inside." "My primary job in the Administrative Affairs Institute is document registration. Basic information about disciples from the Lower Courtyard is mostly in my head." "You dont have to tell me who youre looking for, just tell me which sections, and I will write down all the information I know." "Im somewhat ostracized in the Administrative Affairs Institute, so I dont know much about Director Song." "However, the one who has been in charge of Cold Moon Pond recently has always been Liang Yi, the Minor Supervision Court. The fact that the Directors injuries havent healed seems to be true." "And please, rest assured. Since a moment ago, I have kept my eyes closed and will definitely not see any information about you." Chen Mu: "..." Is he this cooperative? Is the life of a kidnapper this easy now? Chapter 261 - 260 Illusion Breaking ``` "Who is your master?" Chen Mu asked calmly. "Im of mediocre talent, I dont have a master," Liang Cheng said honestly. No master? "Who is instructing you in your cultivation?" "This time its Mr. Zhuang Fu," Liang Cheng replied. "This time?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "I had just broken through to Perceptive Spirit Light and went to the Scripture Transmission Institute for guidance," Liang Cheng explained. "The main speaker that time was Mr. Xin Yi." Private tutoring classes that charge a fee at the Scripture Transmission Institute? Chen Mu suddenly realized. In the private classes, it seems no one teaches how to cultivate the Perceptive Illusion Breaking, right? He had inquired about this during his previous visit to the Scripture Transmission Institute. "So, the cultivation materials for after achieving the Perceptive state are only open to true disciples of the Lower Courtyard?" Chen Mu suddenly had an epiphany. He couldnt help but look up at Liang Cheng, who was half-suspended in mid-air. This guy seems to have just bought a class from Zhuang Fu... ... The next day. Beneath Cold Moon Pond, Scripture Transmission Institute. In a two-story wooden building built against the mountain. "The key to cultivating during the Illusion Breaking stage lies in condensing the Primordial Talisman and connecting the abstract with the concrete." "Only then can one draw upon the Earth Spirit Vitality to enter the Jade Seed, merging Essence, Qi, and Spirit into Three Elements Unification and cultivating mana." "While cultivating, one must have a heart of valiant progress, hesitation is a major taboo in cultivation..." Dressed in white, Zhuang Fu sat cross-legged behind a long, low table, speaking fluently. Seven people of various ages and attire sat on the straw mats in front of the table, listening intently with respect. Chen Mu, wearing Liang Chengs face, listened just as carefully and attentively. "Not as insightful as my understanding; the Scripture Transmission Institute is just so-so." "Liang Chengs hundred-plus White Jade is wasted." He mocked inwardly but appeared enchanted on the surface. And from time to time, he feigned sudden enlightenment along with the others. After a good while, Zhuang Fu finally finished the scheduled lesson and moved on to the Q&A session. Patiently waiting for the others to finish their questions, Chen Mu then carefully asked in Liang Chengs voice and tone. "Mr. Zhuang, when cultivating the Illusion Breaking Technique, I faintly feel a sense of addiction, is this normal?" "Youre making quick progress," Zhuang Fu raised his eyebrow. Chen Mu gave a shy smile, saying nothing. "What did I just say? The Illusion Breaking stage requires valiant progress, just listen to me, and keep cultivating with ease," Zhuang Fu said with a smile. You just taught less than what I know, and you want me to be at ease listening to you? "What should one do if they are so addicted that they cannot extricate themselves?" Chen Mu asked with a hesitant face. "Is it as if a moments distraction makes time pass very long?" Zhuang Fu asked, smiling back. "Twelfth place, it cant be any lower than this." ... In Yiyou District, at Chen Mus wooden hut. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu was awakened by the growling of his stomach. "Can hunger really wake someone up?" Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He really couldnt afford to be unconscious for such a long time. "The experience provided by the Grey Wall is indeed reliable." After some struggle, Chen Mu found that he actually didnt need to do anything special, he just needed to cultivate step by step. "At least it wasnt a wasted effort, now I know that hunger is one of the conditions to wake myself up," Chen Mu shrugged. And then there was that instinctual fear. "To penetrate illusion, must I also see through this fear?" Chen Mu had some clarity. Without overcoming this fear, it was indeed possible to make no further progress! He had tested it. As long as he overcame the fear and focused intently on the black sphere at the center of the Jade Seed, he could earn more experience. ... Half a month later, in the underground secret chamber. Chen Mus eyes were shut tight, his face showing a struggle. In his mind, he stared at the black sphere, striving to overcome the innate fear. At a certain moment, he felt a pull coming from inside the sphere. His consciousness was drawn in, continuously descending. The Jade Seed grew larger and larger before his eyes, he approached it, penetrated it, entered, and then whooshhe was actually sucked into the middle of the black sphere. The very next moment, Chen Mu abruptly opened his eyes. Streams of silver threads, like swirling mist, weaved around his body. "Spiritual Vitality?!" He looked up to survey his surroundings. "Passing through the black sphere, consciousness returns to the body. To connect the virtual with the real, is it to connect the space where the brain is located with the body in the real world?" He glanced at the panel subconsciously. Hundred Intentions Illusion Breaking Technique: Maximum; "I did it." He immediately closed his eyes again. His consciousness returned to the space of the brain, and his view shifted back to an aerial perspective. In the center of the Jade Seed, the black sphere seemed unchanged. But on closer inspection, it appeared as if it was nailed in the void, becoming one with the Jade Seed. Solid, eternal, forever... Around the black sphere within the Jade Seed, there were now several glistening spheres of white light. Looking closely, they were clusters of nodes entangled like balls of yarn. "Divine Will Talisman?!" Chen Mu looked at the grey fog that still lingered all around. The points of light that had shone through the fog were now nowhere to be seen. Chapter 262 - 261 Lying Flat The next day, in the morning. Chen Mu went about his usual routine of tending to the Yellow Bud Rice fields. Around ten oclock, he returned to the wooden porch and settled into the rocking chair to drink tea. His hands held a wooden teacup, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused as he pondered the Illusion Breaking Technique. "The body and the Jade Seed exist in two separate worlds." "One is the tangible world that we can see and touch." "The other can only be observed through the perception of consciousnessa virtual world." "And the purpose of the Black Orb Talisman is to bridge these two worlds, both virtual and real!" The understanding brought by Proficiency gave him a deeper insight into the Perceptive Illusion Breaking phase. "So the Divine Will Talismans of the Secret Technique Dharma Curses are not in the mist but in the body on the other side of the mist." His previous observations of the Divine Will Talismans were as if looking through frosted glass, and this feeling was not incorrect. Chen Mu had an epiphany. The mana cultivated from the Spirit Armor Technique resided in the space between his eyebrows, within the body. He was able to initiate Dharma Curses like the Five Ghosts Possession because the Divine Will Talismans were originally within the body too. Now that the Divine Will Talisman had been absorbed into the Jade Seed... "The Dharma Curses wont become unusable, right?!" "Five Ghosts Possession Technique!" Chen Mu quickly activated his most powerful secret technique. Accompanied by the turning of his thoughts. Inside the Jade Seed, the Divine Will Talisman belonging to the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was instantly pulled into the Black Orb Talisman. The next moment. His body inflated as if filled with air, morphing into a two and a half meter tall burly man in the blink of an eye. His skin turned indigo, his muscles bulged and rippled, and silver light swirled at his brow. Feeling the constant onslaught on his consciousness, his voracious desire to consume and destroy remained nearly unchanged. Chen Mu quickly canceled the Five Ghosts Possession Technique and couldnt help but heave a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, thank goodness..."@@@@ Without this trump card, he wouldnt be able to sleep at ease. Next, Chen Mu tested various Secret Technique Talismans such as the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, United Heart Curse, Fire Cloud Curse, Void Cloak Technique, and Sand Containing Technique by pulling them into the Primordial Talisman one by one, experimenting with the changes and having a great time doing so. ... For three consecutive days, he didnt practice anything. Every day after tidying up the Yellow Bud Rice, hed return to the wooden porch, collapse into the rocking chair to enjoy the breeze and tea, and when mealtime came, hed busily experiment with new dishes. With Fifth Rank culinary skills, his sense of taste became increasingly sharp, and he discovered many more methods to prepare ingredients. The declining price of Exotic Beast Meat from Peng Yue Mountain allowed him to attempt various recipes without worry. If it tasted bad, it went to the Five Ghosts Bag; if it was delicious, he kept it for himself. After loafing around for a couple of days, Chen Mu picked up the Fire Cloud Curse again. And that Daoist Cultivation. Contribution to the Dao? Does it mean making contributions to Jilong Road? "That Secret Technique must be expensive, right?" "Tsk tsk... its not just expensive, its very expensive." Shang Huan said with eyes shining, "Its said to cost over a hundred Red Jade Money!" Red Jade? The kind thats worth a thousand White Jade Coins each? Hiss... so damn expensive! Cant afford it, cant afford it. I better just keep my head down for a few years before considering it. ... "This Insect Repellent Incense of yours works pretty well." Shang Huan, having lain down for a while, noticed the spiral incense hanging under the eaves and his eyes lit up. "Ill give you the formula later," Chen Mu said nonchalantly, knowing that this fatso was trying to get something from him again. But for those who do Planting in the Lower Courtyard, who doesnt have some insect repellent formula? Even if made, nobody buys. "Thats a deal then!" Shang Huans eyes sparkled. "Is this thing really profitable?" Chen Mu didnt understand. "Not on the mountain, of course." Shang Huan chuckled, "But out in the wild, powerful Insect Repellent Incense becomes very useful." "Those wealthy guys in the hunting teams, they dont care about spending a piece or two of White Jade Money just to be more comfortable in the wilderness." That actually made sense. Chen Mu nodded involuntarily. Just like in his previous life. Those players who loved going outdoors wouldnt blink an eye when spending money on equipment. "Alright then, Ill modify the process and formula for you later to cater to the outdoor environment." Having an extra source of income was certainly good. ... Time passed. Perhaps because the Earth Spirit Element at Cold Moon Pond was abundant, Yellow Bud Rice grew very quickly. Although they missed the optimal Planting time, in just over a month, it had already shot up to a persons height. The once barren and bald Peng Yue Mountain, due to logging and mountain-clearing, suddenly donned a layer of green foliage. Chen Mu sat under the wooden shed, retracting his gaze from inspecting the Yellow Bud Rice. He looked at a piece of Jade Slip in his hand, lost in thought. This item was his gain from the chaotic night at the Tongtian River Lower Courtyard. The original owner was a sharp-mouthed, monkey-cheeked disciple from Zhongshan Path. The Jade Slip recorded the method to create a Magic Artifact, the "Wood Spirit Boy," used for surveillance and alerting. "The cost isnt high." "If it can be made to help guard the fields..." Chen Mu felt this was doable. After all, its over a hundred Red Jade. Although he needed to keep a low profile for a few years, it was time to start slowly saving up. Chapter 263 - 262: Founding the Mountain The Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road was generally stable. "But we cant let our guard down," Chen Mu warned himself. He pondered, waiting another year, and then revealing his Spiritual Light Cultivation in the Administrative Affairs Institute around this time next year. "I still need to make a few trips to the Daoist training grounds as a cover." A disguise was still necessary. "It can be said that I achieved the Jade Seed before I joined the Lower Courtyard." "And indeed I didnt purchase the Spirit and Soul Unification Secret Method from the Scripture Transmission Institute." "This way, the logic holds up." Four years to attain Spiritual Light, although still somewhat conspicuous, was not unheard of. "Hmm, Ill send Lu Ku first when the time comes," Chen Mus lips curled up slightly. Two people breaking through to the Spiritual Light is better than one. "Then, after enduring for another two to three years, go and buy a few private lessons at the Scripture Transmission Institute, and advancing to the Illusion Breaking stage will follow naturally." Lying low for three to four years... actually seems quite alright. Back in Da Liang, he had planned to spend forty years cultivating his spirit. "Old Hao is in his sixties or seventies and still talks about his youth all the time." "Im only twenty-five, no rush." First, join Jilong Road step by step. At the same time, slowly save money and accumulate Daoist cultivation. By planning carefully and taking it slow, I will eventually get my hands on the Condensing Aperture Technique. ... The sun rose and set, and time flowed on. The weather on Peng Yue Mountain became increasingly hot. For unknown reasons, the Lower Courtyard by the Tongtian River was like spring all year round. Peng Yue Mountain was different. Having just been developed, everything was in its infancy. The prohibitions or Magic Artifacts that affected the weather had not been set up yet. In the underground secret chamber. Chen Mu placed the Soul-Calming Stake against the wall. The originally stuffy space suddenly became cool. Chen Mu closed his eyes, his consciousness immersed in the Jade Seed. "Looking at the Secret Technique Talisman in the space of the Jade Seed, it really is more intuitive," Chen Mu said as he inspected the Talisman for the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse, continuously zooming in and enhancing the view. He then saw thread-like specks arranged in a mysterious structure, stably clustered together. Streaks of light raced through them like lightning. "All thanks to the Primordial Talisman linking the ethereal and the real." Before, obscured by fog, one couldnt see so comprehensively and in detail. As he contemplated the talisman, a strand of luminescent white thread floated by beside the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse. "It turns out that the actual basis of the Secret Technique Talisman is Mana." Chen Mu understood. Before, he could only rely on Curse Commands to passively gather talismans. But now things had improved. The Illusion Breaking Talisman acted as a medium, allowing the Earth Spirit Vital Energy to pass between the ethereal and the real realms, automatically entering the Jade Seed Mud Pill. In this process, the physical body, consciousness spirit, and Vital EnergyThree Elements Unificationnaturally cultivated Mana. Chen Mu watched the strands of fluorescent white threads within the Jade Seed. Hiss! It was like a branding iron pressed on pigskin. Chen Mu felt a heat in his right index finger. Thump! The pitch-black little wooden horse was suddenly sent flying by an invisible force. Chen Mu opened his eyes and, looking at the shattered little black horse outside the wooden corridor, shook his head and sighed. "As expected, it failed." The talisman belonging to the Wood Spirit Boy had vanished from his mind. "A one-time use?" Chen Mu sneered. To use it again, he would have to refine it once more. Although somewhat annoyed, he wasnt too bothered. This failure in crafting had given him an overall understanding of how to craft magic artifacts. "Lets try again!" ... Just as he was determined to finish the Wood Spirit Boy in one go, a familiar stranger suddenly appeared. "Is this Chen Mu, Brother Chen, in person?" Liang Cheng held a name list and spoke with a gentle face. Chen Mu: "..." Exposed? In his mind, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse immediately burrowed into the Black Orb Talisman. Liang Cheng shivered suddenly, feeling as if someone was staring at him fiercely. "The Oversight Courtyard issued a mountain opening order yesterday." "In three days, all disciples from the Lower Courtyard are to take part in the mountain opening." "During the mountain opening, wages will be doubled." "If injured, the Lower Courtyard will compensate tenfold." "But one cannot be absent or lazy. Violators will be directly expelled from the Lower Courtyard!" Not discovered? Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned again. Another mountain opening? The land South of the Mountain wasnt even properly cultivated yet, and now they had to continue opening mountains? "Do you know if theres a deadline for the mountain opening?" Chen Mu looked troubled and habitually passed a piece of White Jade to the other party: "The Yellow Bud Rice is in a critical growth phase and needs care." Liang Cheng smiled shyly, deftly pocketing the White Jade Coins into his sleeve. "Im afraid it wont be a short time," Liang Cheng sighed. He had been asked this question countless times before. As he squeezed the White Jade Money in his sleeve, Liang Cheng thought for a moment and then offered a suggestion. "This mountain opening is mainly to methodically clear the Exotic Beasts beneath Peng Yue Mountain." "If you have money, its best to buy two Spiritual Light Talismans to keep on you." A danger? Chen Mus brow furrowed at once. This was not good news. Chapter 264 - 263: Unexpected Wealth Thump! A large tree, thick enough to require five or six people to encircle it with their arms, fell straight to the ground. An elderly man with greying hair and a hunched back approached the fallen tree. His body trembled, as if a gust of wind could knock him over. The old man stooped to squat slightly. Pff! With one thrust, the old mans right hand penetrated the trunk. The tree, which had grown for hundreds of years, was as soft as tofu. Then, with an understated motion, he lifted the tree single-handedly above his head and walked eastward. About five hundred meters to the east, a pile of wood had accumulated into a small hill. Reaching the pile of wood, the old man casually tossed it. The massive trunk, seven or eight meters in length, carrying its enormous crown, whooshed through the air and landed neatly onto the five-meter-high wood stack at the top with a swish. Ignoring the people who were trimming the treetop with a door-sized chopping knife, the old man, still hunched over and trembling, moved towards another fallen tree. Tch, tch... Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head. Ive judged by appearances again. In his past life, if a driver happened to hit such a fragile old man, the driver would be devastated, because the person would be finished. But if the old man happened to be from the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, the driver would still be devastated, because the accident could be fatalfor the driver. The driver would be doomed! Chen Mu had joined the reclamation team nearly a month ago. He grabbed the door-sized chopping knife with his right hand and casually swung it at the base of a tree.@@@@ Swish! The trunk, with a diameter of a meter, was easily chopped through. "Why dont you join the hunting team?" Old Hao casually stuck the large knife into the ground and took out a pipe from his waist to light it. "I wish I could. Unfortunately, my strength isnt up to par. I wasnt selected," Chen Mu replied with a look of regret. "Then why dont you give some gifts to the team leader?" Old Hao chided with a look of disappointment. Why would I give him gifts if he hasnt offended me in any way? "All my money went to buying secret techniques, Im broke," Chen Mu sighed, feigning distress. "Its for the best that you didnt go. With your level of strength, it would be quite dangerous," Old Hao consoled. "I also feel its dangerous," Chen Mu agreed with a nod. The leader is only at the Perceptive Spirit Light realm. If we provoke a powerful Exotic Beast that cant be subdued, wouldnt that be very dangerous? "Deep within the mountains, the Exotic Beasts are many and strong. Just a couple of days ago, an Exotic Beast broke through our encirclement, causing over a dozen deaths and injuries," Old Hao lamented, knocking the finished ash from his pipe with a reflective expression. "At least our work, while less rewarding, is safe and stable." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. Unfortunately, while its stable, I cant properly grind for experience. With many people in the reclamation team, doing anything feels uncomfortable. ... "Its your share of the Insect Repellent Incense profits." Shang Huans face glowed with joy. "This much?!" Chen Mu was shocked to see the jar full of White Jade Coins. There had to be at least four or five hundred! "You dont understand, do you? Its these everyday consumables that really make money!" Shang Huan said with pride. "There wont be any trouble, will there?" Chen Mus scalp tingled. This much money could attract envy... "Who would dare to trouble Master Mos brother?" Shang Huan raised an eyebrow and chuckled. What does that mean? Chen Mu was baffled. "Ive kept twenty percent of the profits for Master Mo. Ill send it to him in a few days." Chen Mu suddenly realized. Waving a tigers skin, hoisting a big flag. With Mo Wuzhous Illusion Breaking Cultivation, the identity of an elder disciple of the Upper Court, and the close relationship with Liang Yi from the Minor Supervision Court. There truly werent many in the Lower Courtyard who would dare to provoke him. "What if Master Mo troubles you?" Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. Shang Huans act first and report later approach couldnt guarantee that Mo Wuzhou had no other intentions. After all, wealth moves hearts! "Master Mo is a man who values relationships. He definitely wont trouble me." Shang Huan said nonchalantly. A man who values relationships? "I trust Master Mo," Chen Mu said calmly as he handed the pottery jar to Shang Huan. "But what if Master Mo happens to be short of money?" Chen Mu hinted subtly. If Mo Wuzhou really wanted more profits, Shang Huan would have no way to refuse. "If Master Mo is really short of money, Ill just give it to him. Dont worry, I still have some assets." Shang Huan pushed the pottery jar back with a grin. "Giving away your own savings? That generous?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. It seemed the rotund man had considered the worst-case scenario. "After all, its your medicine recipe. Even if theres a problem, we cant let you earn nothing, right?" Shang Huan shrugged. Chen Mu couldnt help but glance at the rotund man, "If that happens, wont you have been busy for nothing?" "Money can always be made," Shang Huan said unconcernedly. "Besides, things arent as pessimistic as you think." Suddenly, he chuckled slyly, looking like the cat that got the cream. "Do you know who helped me make the Insect Repellent Incense?" Did these people have some special significance? "On the surface, theyre just ordinary disciples of the Lower Courtyard." "But, theyre all old acquaintances of Master Mo!" "The better they know Master Mo, the more money I give them." "What do you think Master Mo will do when he learns of this arrangement? Would he really disdainfully take advantage through crafty means?" Shang Huan leaned in close to Chen Mu, whispering in a cunning tone. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with mixed emotions. Using someone elses reputation to intimidate others into doing business. And getting all their friends and family on board, roped together with him on this shady venture. Youre not afraid Mo Wuzhou will kill you for this! Chapter 265 - 264 Wood Spirit Boy After seeing Shang Huan off, Chen Mu tidied up the pots and pans, finished his washing up, and then crawled into the tent. Inside the tent, the ground was covered with dry straw, on top of which lay a simple bed made from bedding and pillows. Chen Mu sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. The Illusion Breaking Talisman was activated, and strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy were drawn in, passing through the skin, through the Primordial Talisman, piercing the barrier between reality and illusion, entering the Jade Seed space, and naturally achieving the Three Elements Unification to transform into Mana. During the period of clearing the land and cutting trees, Chen Mu worked during the day, and every night he made sure to set aside time to accumulate Mana. At this moment, the Mana within the Jade Seed formed clusters like schools of fish in the ocean. "I wonder when it will be full," Chen Mu sighed as he looked at the Mana occupying one-tenth of the Jade Seed space. "Without the Exquisite Jade Plate to assist, the accumulation of Mana is indeed slow." He complained out of habit. Then immediately he focused his attention and continued to draw in the Earth Spirit Vital Energy from the air. After cultivating for an hour straight, Chen Mu stopped. He fell backward, half-reclining on the soft bedding, stretching his legs out and resting his spirit mindlessly. "I wonder when the reclamation will finally be over." Due to Cold Moon Pond, there was Earth Spirit Vital Energy around Peng Yue Mountain. But the concentration was about the same as at the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River. It was fine for growing Yellow Bud Rice, but far from sufficient for condensing Mana. And the further away from Peng Yue Mountain, the lower the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy became. "Could it be that Exotic Beasts are also chasing Mana, which is why they keep converging towards Peng Yue Mountain?" Chen Mu guessed, which was the reason for this reclamation and Exotic Beast hunting expedition. Unlike Jilong Road, which had measures to block Exotic Beasts. Here, one could only rely on manpower to kill them in advance. ... After mulling over the Mana cultivation for a while, Chen Mu put it aside for the moment. Black smoke filled his hands, and a little black wooden horse emerged. He summoned the gray wall.@@@@ Artifact Refining (Wood Spirit Boy): 6539/10000; He had seen and used many Magic Artifacts. But this was the first time he had seen a method of refining them, and he was quite interested. It was all in one piece, with no moving joints, alternating its front and back legs to bounce off the ground clumsily but swiftly disappearing into the trees. In the camp, inside the tent. Chen Mus eyes were closed. The Wood Spirit Talisman within the Jade Seed shone brightly, and a low-angle view appeared in Chen Mus mind. Having long been accustomed to the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, he easily accepted this external viewpoint and effortlessly manipulated it. "A remote-controlled moveable surveillance device?" Chen Mu realized. "Just dont know how far the control range is." Likely not beyond that of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. So far, he hadnt tested the limit of the Five Ghosts Soul Summoning. But in this wilderness, it was more than enough for scouting and guarding. "During logging and hunting Exotic Beasts, without good scouting methods, accidents are likely to happen, causing injury or death." "With the Wood Spirit Boys assistance, scouting and guarding would become much safer and simpler," Chen Mus mouth curled into a smile. "Such a good item, selling it for a hundred White Jade wouldnt be too much, right?" The cost? Centuries-old Wood Hearts were everywhere, what cost to worry about? The medicine for treating the Wood Heart? One vat of medical solution could process thirty to fifty little wooden horses, and the total value wasnt more than five White Jade Coins. "If I could sell hundreds, even thousands... Sheesh!" The money to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method wasnt that hard to gather after all, hehe! "Too bad..." After indulging in this fantasy for a while, Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head and sigh. The profit was visible to the naked eye, but he dared not sell in large quantitiesit was too dangerous! If only Shang Huan could strike up an association with Mo Wuzhou... that was something to consider! A thought struck Chen Mu. Even if he gave up half the profits, he would still be making a fortune. "Mo Wuzhou seems to be saving up money, too." The other party also needed to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Chen Mus eyes narrowed. This could actually work! "Go and find Shang Huan." With that thought, Chen Mu controlled the little black horse and headed straight for Shang Huans location. Chapter 266 - 264 Wood Spirit Boy_2 ... By the time Shang Huan returned to his pioneering squad, the moon was already suspended in the middle of the sky. By the bonfire, two people were on night watch. The others had long since crawled into their tents to sleep soundly. "You are Shang Huan." A voice arose in the darkness. The two night watchers glanced over upon hearing the noise, then turned their heads away, no longer concerned. Shang Huans eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at the three unfamiliar personnel from the Inspection Courtyard before him. "Yes, I am. And who might the three of you be?" Shang Huans heart skipped a beat. "Do not be afraid," Wu Lie said soothingly. "We are here to solve a problem for you." "Your Insect Repellent Incense is selling so well, it might attract unwanted attention. You should take precautions early on." Wu Lies face was full of smiles. "Although we at the Inspection Courtyard do our utmost to maintain order and stability," "the scale is so large that some oversights are inevitable." "If someone were to take advantage of a loophole, losing money is one thing, but losing lives... thats when it gets dangerous." Wu Lie spoke earnestly. Shang Huans scalp tightened instantly. This man had his eye on the profits of the Insect Repellent Incense! He had been careless! He should have gone to consult with Brother Mo earlier! His mind raced. He had to bluff his way through this first! "I never expected the Insect Repellent Incense to be so popular," Shang Huan sighed, feigning distress. "The source of this business is Brother Mo Wuzhou." "Born in the Lower Courtyard, Brother Mo has a group of old friends. In order to repay their past help, he gave us this job." "My friends produce it, and I sell it. We just want to give a little support to our old friends." Wu Lies heart skipped a beat. The people involved in production were all friends of Mo Wuzhou?! He glared fiercely at the strong man beside him. This detail was not in the intelligence these two had gathered! Noticing Wu Lies expression, Shang Huan was inwardly assured! "Brother Mo is so righteous!" Shang Huan said, clenching his fists and bowing into the void. "Brother Mo is righteous, and we cannot be greedy." "Just yesterday, several old friends discussed with me, saying we cant let Brother Mo suffer a loss. We have to give him some dividends." "You probably dont know, Brother Mo is currently preparing the Condense Aperture Secret Method and needs money," Shang Huan sighed. "I was thinking of making a trip there after a while." "To discuss this matter with him as well." "If it comes to it, we can just hand over this business to the Hundred Herbs Pavilion in the Lower Courtyard. Brother Mo can earn money in peace, and we wont be in any danger." Shang Huan spoke seriously about his plan. Then he looked at Wu Lie with gratitude: "I also have to thank the three of you for the advice." "It seems this matter cannot be delayed; tomorrow, I will make a trip to Cold Moon Pond." "Its just that Im worried about the journey..." His face couldnt help but show a look of concern. Glancing at the three men, his eyes suddenly brightened: "Perhaps the three of you would join me on a trip to Peng Yue Mountain tomorrow." "Indeed! With the three of you accompanying me, Id like to see some good-for-nothing dare to trouble me!" Wu Lie: "..." Is this fatso insulting me?! "Fortunately, I bluffed that person." "As long as I meet Brother Mo tonight and lay out the whole story, only then I can truly be under Brother Mos protection, and this deal will be safe!" Shang Huan thought about how to phrase everything when he saw him later. A figure suddenly appeared in his field of vision, blocking the way. Shang Huan stopped abruptly. Hisst! The inertia was so great, and the grass so slippery, that he couldnt help but slide forward several meters before stopping. Upon seeing who it was, large beads of sweat instantly formed on his forehead. "Shang Huan, running around in the middle of the night, where are you headed?" Wu Lie said with a smile. The waning moonlight illuminated half of his face. His gentle smile caused Shang Huan an uncontrollable shiver. "Great, is Big Brother Wu agreeing to escort me to see Brother Mo?" Shang Huan feigned composure, pretending to be pleasantly surprised. "Rest assured, I will definitely report to Brother Mo and have him thank you properly." "No need to trouble Brother Mo," Wu Lie laughed softly, his eyes drifting toward the large bundle on Shang Huans back: "Wouldnt it be better for you to thank me in person?" Since he couldnt take over this business. Cashing in on a windfall wasnt bad either. Wu Lies smile grew even more radiant. Shang Huans face twitched. Damn it! In the wilderness, all alone, this bastard was thinking of killing him and taking his possessions! ... "Arent you afraid Brother Mo will hold you accountable?" Shang Huans face was tense. "You running around in the middle of the night getting eaten by an Exotic Beast, whos going to hold anyone accountable?" Wu Lie said, unfazed. "I just met you, and then something happened; Brother Mo will definitely suspect you," Shang Huans mind raced. "Stop talking nonsense; havent we never met before?" Wu Lie was leisurely. "Dont deny it, someone saw..." Shang Huan paused: "Those two Night Watchers..." Wu Lies mouth corners lifted slightly: "Unfortunately, they also encountered an Exotic Beast. Heh..." Shang Huans face changed dramatically. Theyve been silenced?! He tried to run but suddenly felt a chill at his back. An ice-cold hand, unbeknownst to him, had already been placed on his neck. Just as he was about to beg for mercy. Crack! A sharp snap suddenly resonated in Shang Huans ears. "Is this what a broken neck sounds like?" "Hmm... it doesnt hurt much." Suddenly, the hand on his neck slid off powerlessly. Shang Huan instinctively turned his head, meeting Wu Lies shocked eyes. His head slumped weakly to one side, his necks skin wrinkled and twisted like a pretzel. At this moment, Wu Lies cervical spine was broken, but due to his formidable physique, the skin of his neck, engorged and purple, had not yet broken, hanging like a limp hose, weakly holding his head from falling off. Shang Huan was so scared his hair stood on end! He stepped back repeatedly, and finally saw a figure not far away. A white mask, a black cloak, swirls of black smoke. "Mr. Gongsun!" Chapter 267 - 265 Danger "Meet with Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu kept his voice calm and gentle, yet the tone carried a hint of bone-chilling amusement. Shang Huan felt a chill in his heart and obediently replied, "Yes!" "Because of the Insect Repellent Incense?" Chen Mu continued, his voice still gentle. Shang Huans scalp tightened, "Yes!" How did Gongsun Sheng become so... clear...? "Curious how I know so clearly?" Chen Mu suddenly spoke with a playful tone. Shang Huans body stiffened on the spot.@@@@ Chen Mu silently controlled the United Heart Rope to activate mutual sensation. Hum! A weird, heavy feeling suddenly emerged in Shang Huans mind. It felt as if someone had suddenly climbed onto his back, and that person was now looking down at him with a pair of eyes. "Hehe..." Chen Mu chuckled lightly. Shang Huans sweat poured down like rain. United Heart Gu?! I knew theres no such thing as a free lunch. No wonder the seven brothers of Wu Mountain were so well-behaved. Turns out this thing not only greatly increases the hosts strength but also completely surrenders oneself to another person. Someone who can control your life at will and monitor everything you see and hear through the United Heart Gu. This... Realizing that his every move might have been under Gongsun Shengs surveillance, Shang Huans sweat poured down like rain! The times I secretly cursed him as a pervert... wont be discovered, will they?! Damn it! ... Seeing Shang Huans pale face and his tense body, Chen Mu was satisfied and withdrew the United Heart Curse. This should ensure that the fat man no longer doubted my identity. Not many people know the details of the incident with the Insect Repellent Incense. I cant let this fat man make any connection to me. Glancing at the black-clothed Patrolling Inspector lying on the ground, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. Wealth can seduce hearts; such greedy people are everywhere. And this is just Insect Repellent Incense. If it was the more profitable Wood Spirit Boy... it wont be easy. Black smoke swirled, and the body of the dead Wu Lie on the ground was suddenly swallowed up by the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. Lost in his thoughts, Shang Huans heart clenched, and he suddenly snapped back to reality. Looking up, he saw a palm-sized scroll floating in front of him out of thin air. Clatter clatter... A series of strange noises followed, as a small black wooden horse hopped in front of him. The little black horse had a white spot on its brow, eerily calm like an eye, staring at him. "Youre going to see Mo Wuzhou? It just so happens I have a good deal to offer him." "Wood Spirit Boy, a Magic Artifact scout, one hundred White Jade Coins each." "Tell Mo Wuzhou, Ill give him a twenty-percent profit, I want to borrow his reputation for a bit." Chen Mu watched Shang Huan calmly. "You can do it, cant you?" Do what, my ass! Shang Huan couldnt help but curse inwardly. What if it draws covetous eyes? What then? This action was, after all, somewhat risky. But thinking about the exorbitant price of the Condensing Aperture Technique, Chen Mu knew he had to plan early. "Hmm, maybe I can sell less." "If I only sell ten or eight, it wont attract too much trouble." ... The second pioneer squad of Yiyou District. Chen Mu, in a gray short robe and with a yellow gourd hung at his waist, carried a door-sized Chopping Knife in his right hand. With a wave of his hand, whoosh, he chopped down a large tree. He didnt rush to find Shang Huan and didnt use the United Heart Rope to connect; honestly, he just stayed with the pioneer team cutting trees. Not far from him, Old Hao leaned against a fallen tree, skilfully slacking off. Next to him, two or three other elders also leaned against tree trunks, smoking and chatting at their leisure. Old Hao exhaled a puff of white smoke and waved to Chen Mu, "Xiao Mu, come take a break. Let the bugs nibble on the grass, then well continue working." Chen Mu, easy-going as ever, shouldered his door-sized Chopping Knife and joined them. When it came to cutting trees and pioneering, Peng Yue Mountain did not set a clear target. As long as there was daily progress, it was fine. This group of old pros naturally did the bare minimum. After all, no matter how fast and how much you chopped, Peng Yue Mountain just paid that fixed monthly salary. If you wanted to earn more, you had to venture forth, but that money was not easily earned. Chen Mu approached the group, nodded a greeting, and leaned against the tree trunk to rest. He untied the yellow gourd from around his waist. Giving the others a glance, he sneakily teleported chilled tea from the Five Ghosts Bag, which had been chilled by the Soul-Calming Stake, into the gourd while no one was looking. After taking a pleasant sip of the refreshing tea, Chen Mus attention was caught by the conversation of the group. "I heard theres another fatality," an old man with white-speckled hair said with a frown as he fanned himself with a door-sized knife. "Exotic Beasts arent so easy to kill. Its quite normal for people to die," countered another tall, lean elder. "But havent you noticed? More people have been dying recently," the white-speckled old man said worriedly. "With dozens of miles cleared, I reckon most of the nearby Exotic Beasts should have been killed, right?" Old Hao puffed on his cigarette. "Its said that without the deterrence of the Cold Moon Toad, Exotic Beasts from far away are swarming here." "We might be facing a beast tide," the muscular elder whispered. "Arent you thinking too much?" another retorted. "Hard to say..." "A beast tide?" Chen Mus expression abruptly changed. He couldnt help but think of his time at the Lower Courtyard beneath Tongtian River. Back then, a beast tide had also surged against the Lower Courtyard. The danger was no small matter. Hummm... A low buzzing interrupted Chen Mus reflections. A swarm of gray insects, like a tidal wave, surged across the ground. Everything they passed was eaten to the ground. Low shrubs, tall weeds, and twining vines were all munched and chewed up. The dense forest, previously choked by thick undergrowth, now felt spacious, leaving only towering trees reaching into the sky. Chen Mu took another sip of the tea and secured the yellow gourd at his waist. "I need to make some preparations." Chapter 268 - 266: Return to the Mountain ``` Peng Yue Mountain, Cold Moon Pond. On both sides of the Cold Pond, Twin Peaks Mountain had been hollowed out into hive-like caves. One of the caves at the lowest level, closest to the Cold Pond. Mo Wuzhou sat cross-legged on a soft couch, with two wooden boxes placed on a low table in front of him. He reached into the left-hand box and pulled out a circular Jade Disk. With the disk cradled in his right hand, he slowly closed his eyes. Hiss hiss hiss... A series of sounds, like acid corroding material, began to echo. Within the white disk, silver-grey threads rapidly grew, spreading throughout the jade like lightning tearing through the sky, swift and decisive. Hum! A low vibration emanated from the jade. Mo Wuzhou opened his eyes and nodded in satisfaction, "The thirty-second one." "Its a pity it still needs to be nurtured in an Earth Vein." Mo Wuzhou looked toward the right-hand wooden box. Inside were seventy or eighty White Jade Coins. Unlike regular White Jade Coins, the silver threads inside these circular white jades were a silvery-grey color, making them appear somewhat dull. Only after being placed in an Earth Vein to absorb enough Earth Spirit Vital Energy, lighting up all the silvery thread stars, would they become real White Jade Coins. "What a pity only one-fifth of them are mine." Mo Wuzhou sighed. Im short of money! "Over twenty a day, just over seven thousand a year." "It wouldnt be enough even in ten years!" The Condensing Aperture Technique is simply too expensive. "I wonder when I can return to the Upper Court." He had barely begun his apprenticeship, not having had the chance to learn his masters alchemy skills, when he was sent down to the Lower Courtyard. Immediately afterwards, the Zhongshan Path invasion happened. The Upper Court was sealed, the Lower Courtyard scattered. Luckily he had learned the Golden Bead Talisman, enabling him to refine White Jade Coins, otherwise he could only risk adventuring in the mountains and forests. "Hopefully, Sect Master Dong Li returns soon." Just as he thought to continue refining White Jade Coins, he suddenly remembered an earlier notification about an old acquaintance visiting. Mo Wuzhous face was expressionless, but inside he felt a touch of irritation, "Since when do I have so many old acquaintances!" Ever since he became adept in Spiritual Light and returned to the Lower Courtyard, he seemed to have gotten many old friends out of nowhere. "Forget it, lets see who it is." With a sigh, Mo Wuzhou got up and walked back. ... Beneath Cold Moon Pond, above Cold Moon Lodge. A two-story wooden residential area had been built alongside the mountain amidst the trees. In one of the wooden buildings, on the first floor of the living room. Mo Wuzhou sat at the head of the table, his face stiff and expressionless, but his eyes full of surprise, "These two hundred White Jade, youre really just giving them to me?" "You didnt use my name for anything bad, did you?" Suspicion flashed in his eyes. Two hundred White Jade. He had been nestled in Cold Moon Pond refining White Jade Coins, only earning five to six hundred a month. "Its Gongsun Sheng, isnt it?" Mo Wuzhou narrowed his eyes at Shang Huan. The insect repellent incense is one thing, a mere common pharmaceutical fabrication. But the Wood Spirit Boy is a Magic Artifact. How can someone without mana craft a Magic Artifact? Having dealt with Shang Huan and possessing mana, Gongsun Sheng was the first person he thought of. "Yes," Shang Huan didnt intend to hide it. "Mr. Gongsun wants to use your name to sell the Wood Spirit Boy, offering you a twenty percent share of the profits." "Twenty percent of the profits?" Mo Wuzhou snorted coldly. "Do you know the cost of creating a Wood Spirit Boy?" Shang Huan looked blank. He really didnt know. "You dont know, I dont knowonly Gongsun Sheng knows." "And yet, twenty percent of the profits." "If he says the profits are only ten White Jade Coins, is twenty percent a lot?" Mo Wuzhou retorted. "Im okay with using my name, but I want to negotiate with him personally," Mo Wuzhou snorted coldly. Think you can deceive me? No chance! Without satisfying my price, dont even think about using my name! ... At night, under the moonlit sky. In the dense forest, a whirlwind suddenly swept through. A mass of dark clouds soared into the air, penetrated the half-space, and vanished abruptly. Chen Mu clutched the gliders control bar, his body shrouded in invisible swirling black smoke. Breaking through the faint mist above the forest and dragging a roaring current, he flew rapidly toward Peng Yue Mountain. In Yiyou District. Chen Mu descended from the sky, retracted his glider, and glanced at the overgrown, yellowing leaves of the Yellow Bud Rice fields, shaking his head. "What a waste..." This seasons Yellow Bud Rice wont yield much of a harvest now. He was about to command the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to clean up when he suddenly stopped. "Cant become a target." After more than a month away, the floor of his wooden hut was covered with a thin layer of dust. The musty, moldy smell filled his nostrils. The black smoke billowed, rapidly cleaning the room. Chen Mu then lifted a corner of the floorboard and dove into the secret chamber below. ... An hour later, in the secret chamber. Chen Mu opened his eyes. Switching to the perspective of the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, he checked on the condition of the team clearing the wilds. Apart from two night watchers dozing by the campfire, everything was normal. Looking again at his mana, which had increased by nearly a tenth, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. This was much faster than cultivating in the wilderness. No wonder everyone flocked to the Upper Court training groundsthe high concentration of Earth Spirit Element truly accelerated cultivation. "Even considering the consumption, it will take at most half a month to fill the Jade Seed," Chen Mu calculated briefly and immediately felt elated. "Time to sleep, time to sleep!" "I still have to get up early for work tomorrow!" Chapter 269 - 267 Negotiation For three consecutive days. Chen Mu slackened off chopping trees by day, and at night, he flew back to Peng Yue Mountain to sleep and cultivate. After dinner in the evening, Chen Mu burrowed into his tent early. "Ive transmigrated, yet I still have to keep to a work schedule? This is really..." Arriving at five in the morning, leaving at nine at night with no days off, this was even tougher than the life of a salaried worker in his previous life! "Forget it, itll be fine once the wasteland is developed," sighed Chen Mu. He did actually desire to be a wild cultivator unfettered by restrictions. But being a wild cultivator meant not only were you unlikely to find a secret technique inheritance, but it was also dangerous. Glancing at his mana that was filled up more than halfway with jade seeds, Chen Mu felt a little joy in his heart. Though flying back and forth every day was troublesome and depleted his mana, being able to use the Exquisite Jade Plate unrestrainedly, and quickly condense mana, made it well worth the trouble. It also allowed him to avoid the danger of exotic beast attacks at night. "So its just commuting, right? Didnt I do the same in my previous life?" "Besides, now Im commuting by plane. Such treatment, tsk tsk..." "The key is, I can also increase my proficiency," Chen Mu chuckled to himself as he looked at the grey wall in front of him. Manipulation: 2036/10000/First Rank; Since joining the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, his skill in manipulation had barely improved. Now, flying back and forth to commute actually gave him time to grind experience. "Its just a bit costly in white jade." Since accumulating mana with the Exquisite Jade Plate, the speed at which white jade coins were being consumed had increased! "I wonder how Shang Huans negotiations are going?" Chen Mu invoked the United Heart Rope to feel for Shang Huans presence and contacted him. Soon after, he came back to his senses. "Dissatisfied with the profits, and wants to negotiate with me personally?" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. The cost of producing Wood Spirit Boys was low. The tree core could be found almost anywhere, and the spiritual pulp wouldnt cost more than a few white jade coins. It was really just the Wood Spirit Talisman and the refining technique that were worth a bit of money. So by these calculations, a twenty percent profit margin on a Wood Spirit Boy was nearly equivalent to nineteen white jade coins!@@@@ Merely for lending his name, and yet still unsatisfied?! Greed! Too greedy! Old Hao had said Mo Wuzhou was a decent person, but how come when it comes to me, hes like... The problem was, it was hard for Chen Mu to refuse. Now that Mo Wuzhou was aware of the Wood Spirit Boys, even if Chen Mu chose not to sell, Mo Wuzhou might coerce him to do so. He might even take things into his own hands and attempt to seize the refining secret formula! Chen Mu couldnt help but squint his eyes. "Condensing Aperture Secret Method..." If it wasnt for the need to buy the Condensing Aperture Technique, he wouldnt have even thought of saving money. But now he had drawn big trouble onto himself without even knowing exactly what the Condensing Aperture Technique was. "All I wanted was to save up some white jade." "It would have been fine to just live in peace." Is there really such good fortune?! Chen Mu suddenly looked up, staring at Mo Wuzhou. "What? You think its too much? Let me tell you, its not too much at all!" "Dont think I dont know how much your costs are! I understand artifact refining," Mo Wuzhou said confidently, raising his head. You know nothing about artifact refining! Twelve White Jade Coins arent even as good as a twenty percent profit! Chen Mu looked oddly at Mo Wuzhou. Could this guy be a fool to actually reduce his own asking price? "Dont try to fool me with your talk of a twenty percent profit! I want twelve White Jade Coins!" Sure, sure, whatever you say. Chen Mu was inwardly overjoyed. But he couldnt just readily agree, so he calmly watched the other party without speaking. Under the moonlight, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a sound that filled the air. The atmosphere became somewhat tense. Mo Wuzhou unconsciously clenched his hands behind his back. This gloomy fellow, he wouldnt actually resort to violence, would he?! Is twelve White Jade Coins perhaps too high a demand? That Magic Artifact was indeed exquisite. The cost couldnt be less than fifty White Jade Coins. Im asking for twelve White Jade Coins straight off the bat, maybe... I should lower it a bit more? "Deal!" Chen Mu said with a feigned grimness. Mo Wuzhou instantly relaxed, thankful the deal was done. Lucky I held back from lowering the price, otherwise, I would have suffered a big loss! Looks like... I do have some talent for business, huh? Ha ha... Glancing at Chen Mu, who remained silent and exuded a somber aura, Mo Wuzhou felt a bit guilty. "Am I being too greedy?" "Its all for the sake of the Condense Aperture Secret Method, sigh..." After mumbling to himself for a while, feeling bad, he hesitantly spoke up, "How about this, Ill talk to Liang from the Minor Supervision Court." "See if I can get the court to fund and buy a batch for the pioneering teams?" "Hes told me before that eradicating Exotic Beasts is of utmost importance." "Wood Spirit Boys are beneficial for pioneering and hunting; perhaps hell be tempted." Mo Wuzhou said uncertainly. An internal purchasing channel? If the hundreds of pioneering teams are all equipped with Wood Spirit Boys... Must not laugh! Absolutely cannot laugh! Those twelve White Jade Coins are unbelievably well spent! He almost loses his grim expression! "You get in touch with Shang Huan. Hell act as the intermediary," Chen Mu said, softening his gaze slightly, though his tone remained colder than before. After speaking, he turned and walked away. He feared that if he stayed any longer, he would not be able to withhold his laughter. Old Hao is right! This Brother Mos character is indeed top-notch! Ha ha... Chapter 270 - 268 100 Night. Underground Secret Chamber, along with a deep Curse Command, blue flames flickered ceaselessly. After a good while, Chen Mu stopped practicing. Fire Cloud Curse: 9930/10000/First Rank; "Pioneering hunts really hold things up." Ever since he left the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, he was either traveling or clearing land, greatly slowing down his experience grinding progress. During the day when there were many people around, he could only mutter the United Heart Curse a few times for amusement. Only at night did he have a bit of free time, but he also had to condense his Mana. "Theres really no good solution," Chen Mu sighed after thinking for a long time. Even revealing his Illusion Breaking Cultivation was useless. Those who faced Exotic Beasts at the very front were those Lower Courtyard disciples with Illusion Breaking Cultivation. "Everyones in the same boat, endure it for a few years." He wouldnt get the Condense Aperture Secret Method in the short term, so there was no need to rush into taking risks. "First, get the Secret Technique at hand to the top." "Then pick a few more suitable Secret Techniques to increase survival methods." "Take advantage of the years of turmoil to see if I can save up a bit more money." Peng Yue Mountain was newly established, lacking everything, and with the right eye for discovery, one could always make money. Just like this time with the Wood Spirit Boy. "Cant get carried away, need to consider safety more," Chen Mu warned himself. On his journey, he had seen far too many incidents of murder for wealth. "Its a good thing Mo Wuzhou doesnt know my identity." Each time, he appeared as Gongsun Sheng. His height, weight, face shape, and attire would all be altered. "One is a mysteriously powerful Illusion Breaking expert." "The other is an utterly ordinary Lower Courtyard farmer." "Ordinary people would never associate the two." Even if the identity of Gongsun Sheng attracted trouble, the identity of Chen Mu would remain absolutely safe. ... Three days later, the second pioneering squad in Yiyou District. Chen Mu, Old Hao, and others were leaning in a row against the tree trunks. Some chatted, some smoked, all leisurely watched a few people carrying big clay jars, driving waves of gray worms to sweep the path ahead. Chen Mu reached out to pick up a yellow-skinned gourd, took a sip of cool tea, and the stuffy heat brought by the dense forest began to ease. In his mind, he habitually recited the United Heart Curse. Inside the Jade Seed, the talisman of the United Heart Curse flickered with a faint light, and the Mana drifting around as if receiving orders, quickly surged to its perimeter. Gathering, condensing, linking, twisting. The already complex talisman was suddenly adorned with a few more offshoots. Chen Mu was accustomed to this phenomenon. These offshoots were part of the United Heart Curse talisman, and with each practice session, they could be completed. But due to insufficient Proficiency, they would soon start to disperse on their own. However, they wouldnt vanish completely, with each session leaving behind something, like the experience progression that he gained every time, making the talisman more and more perfect. A sudden insight emerged in his heart. Chen Mus heart stirred, and he glanced subconsciously at the grey wall. United Heart Curse: 9976/10000/Eighth Rank; The materials were fairly common, so their value as strategic reserves wasnt that high. Hmm... Directly selling the attracting Spiritual Pulp? After pondering, he shook his head again, "There are risks." Selling attracting Spiritual Pulp is like selling gasoline, involving a huge supply chain that cant be operated efficiently with too few people. Yet, with too many people involved, things get complicated and troublesome. He simply wanted to make a tidy sum of quick, trouble-free profit. "Lets go meet Shang Huan," Chen Mu decided without further deliberation. In three days time, there should be some news from Mo Wuzhou. ... "One hundred?" "The first batch?" In the dense forest outside the campsite of the Yiyou Districts fourth reclamation team. Chen Mu struggled to control his emotions, to keep his voice as calm and gentle as it always sounded. But... One hundred Wood Spirit Boysthat was ten thousand pieces of White Jade! Even after deducting the costs and the shares for Mo Wuzhou and Shang Huan, there were still over eight thousand pieces of White Jade! One deal, nearly one-tenth of the Condense Aperture Secret Methods earnings?! And this was only the first batch. There were definitely more than a hundred reclamation teams! This... If only there were a Red Sleeve Square here! "Indeed," Chen Mus voice was as placid as water. With a wave of his right hand, five Wood Spirit Boys appeared on the ground. "Four for Mo Wuzhou to examine the goods." "One for you to keep for scouting." "Tell me, this business wont encounter any glitches, right?" Chen Mu asked with a meaningful tone. To establish the persona of Gongsun Sheng, he had intentionally adjusted his inflection. To make his words sound gentle yet tinged with a creepiness that sent shivers down ones spine. The effect was exceptional! At that moment, Shang Huan stiffened. His eyes darted around, and soon after, he trembled as he assured, "Please, Mr. Gongsun, rest assured, I will execute your plan to the letter!" "I wont cause you any trouble!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. It seemed the chubby man had understood his intent. Finish the order quickly and cleanly, make a quick profit, and then get out. Making money without any trouble C how wonderful. He nodded slowly at Shang Huan and continued with that unsettlingly mild voice as he took his leave. He then drifted away amidst swirling black smoke. He still had materials to prepare. One hundred Wood Spirit Boys. The wood hearts he had prepared earlier were hardly enough. ``` Chapter 271 - 269 energy-consuming ``` Shang Huan stood in the dense forest, his small eyes fixated on the five Wood Spirit Boys on the ground. He immediately pulled out a palm-sized scroll from his sleeve. He skimmed over the awkward Curse Words and carefully read the detailed introduction that followed. "To be used continuously for three days, one must soak them in Spiritual Pulp?"@@@@ "Even if used sparingly, five days is the limit." "If you want the horse to run, you must feed the horse, right?" "Spiritual Pulp!" Shang Huan trembled with excitement. "No wonder Mr. Gongsun agreed to Mo Wuzhous extortion." "So that was his plan!" Shang Huans eyes shone with excitement. Mo Wuzhou was greedy and shrewd, but in the end, Mr. Gongsun was still one step ahead! Having bought the Wood Spirit Boys, one would need to come and buy Spiritual Pulp to use them! Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! No, I must quickly stockpile a batch of Spiritual Pulp. A hundred Wood Spirit Boys, how much Spiritual Pulp would that require?! Im going to be rich! Haha... ... A kite tore through the night sky, heading straight for Peng Yue Mountain. In the Yiyou District, within the Underground Secret Chamber below Chen Mus residence. "First, cultivate Mana." He took out the Exquisite Jade Plate and placed White Jade Coins into it. Wisps of fog-like Earth Spirit Vital Energy began to appear in mid-air. "Amazing." He had assumed that the Earth Spirit Vital Energy would emanate from within the Exquisite Jade Plate. But in reality, Earth Spirit Vital Energy appeared abruptly from the surrounding space. "I need to gather information about the Exquisite Jade Plate in the future. This item, I suspect it has quite a history." An Hour later, Chen Mu opened his eyes. It lacked only about one-tenth before the Jade Seed would be completely filled. "Its a pity, this goal, I estimate, will take quite a long time to reach." He was about to mass-produce Wood Spirit Boys, which would definitely consume Mana, making it difficult to fill the Jade Seed. With a thought, a small-armed-length heart of wood flew in from across the wall. There, neatly stacked against the wall, were more than a hundred similar pieces of wood. He called up the gray wall and looked at the Artifact Refining Technique entry. Artifact Refining Technique (Wood Spirit Boy): 7629/10000; His understanding of refining Wood Spirit Boys had far surpassed that of ordinary people. He was also becoming increasingly familiar with the control required to infuse Talismans into the wooden horse bodies. "But without reaching the limit, there will inevitably be mistakes, and who knows how much wood will be wasted." The heart of the wood varied, and differences in their processing could accumulate little by little, causing him to make errors during refining. Hiss Hiss Hiss... Bang! Bang! Wood shavings flew in all directions. Another jet-black wooden horse exploded into pieces. Chen Mu scratched his head in annoyance. The small wooden horse had a hard spot on its leg. He applied too much force during the Talismans insertion process, losing balance, and the whole wooden horse shattered. "So close," he said. Busy all night, after refining ten times in a row, he only managed to make one. "The Success Rate is cause for concern." At this rate, when will he ever complete the order? Seeing a large sum of money right before his eyes, yet unable to deliver the goods and get paid. He glanced at the experience marked on the grey wall. Artifact Refining Technique (Wood Spirit Boy): 7829/10000; "Keep grinding," he muttered to himself. A series of explosive shattering sounds immediately filled the Secret Chamber. ... For three consecutive days, Chen Mu played hooky and chopped trees by day. By night, he returned to Peng Yue Mountains Secret Chamber, where after exhausting his mana, he would tirelessly grind the Artifact Refining Technique experience. That day, a fine drizzle began to fall around Peng Yue Mountain. The pioneer team stayed put. The Second Pioneer Squad in the Yiyou District. The group chopped down thick tree trunks and inserted them side by side into the soft, muddy soil, then laid out some freshly split wooden planks to create a platform elevated a meter and a half above the ground. Tents were pitched on the temporary wooden platforms. As the sky darkened and the drizzle persisted, everyone lounged at the tent entrances, chatting leisurely. "Little Mu, you havent been bitten by any poisonous bugs, have you?" Old Hao asked with furrowed brows and worry. "Whats wrong?" Chen Mu didnt understand. "Go find a puddle and take a look at your face?" Chen Mu was perplexed. He reached out of his single-person tent and with one hand carved out a hole the size of a face on a wooden stake. The pit quickly filled with rainwater. Chen Mu peered into it. "So pale," he observed. He had already used the Five Ghosts viewpoint to check as soon as Old Hao finished speaking. "Artifact Refining takes a bit out of you," he admitted. His body was robust, his appetite hearty, but his spirits were sapped. "A minor mishap in practice, no big deal," Chen Mu said with a smile, trying to gloss over it. "You cant afford to be impatient for success," Old Hao exhorted, puffing out a cloud of white smoke. "Alright," Chen Mu agreed with a smile. Indeed, he couldnt rush things. If his foundation got damaged due to Artifact Refining and affected his path, that would be a serious loss. "These eight thousand White Jade Coins are not easy to earn," Chen Mu sighed. Chapter 272 - 270 Two days later, the Underground Secret Chamber. Bang! Yet another pitch-black wooden horse exploded into pieces in front of Chen Mu. "Headache!" Chen Mu furrowed his brows tightly and pressed his temples forcefully with both hands. He really had a headache. "Cant train anymore today." He feared his brain would burst. Black smoke filled the air, clearing the cluttered Underground Secret Chamber. He didnt stay in the Secret Chamber any longer. He sprang to the surface, arriving at the long porch in front of the wooden house, collapsing into a rocking chair, clutching a cup of Spirit Nourishing Medicine Tea, his eyes lifelessly staring at the stars, his whole being exuding laziness. It was already around two or three in the morning, and other than the occasional chirping of insects and birds, all around Peng Yue Mountain was tranquil. "I considered it too simply," Chen Mu sighed. For five consecutive days, he had only managed to make eleven Wood Spirit Boys. This had already caused him headaches to the point of unbearable pain. "Im not a determined protagonist with great resentment. Why struggle so hard?" "If I could make this money, I would be happy." "If I cant make it, theres no need to get upset." Chen Mu comforted himself. "Whatever amount I can do, thats what Ill sell. Just this little ability, nothing I can do about it!" Chen Mu drank a big gulp of medicine tea in resignation, just two words, give up! In his previous life, he was a Buddhist office worker; how about being a flat fish in this life? This is called staying true to ones original aspiration! "But... several thousand White Jade Coins, oh man..." ... The second pioneering team in Yiyou District. "Xiao Mu, isnt your injury healed yet?" Old Hao glanced at Chen Mu curiously. "Illness comes on like a landslide, but goes away slowly like pulling silk. If its bad, it may take a month or two to recover," Chen Mu sighed. Even though he had reduced the intensity of Artifact Refining Technique practice, he still had to use a large amount of spirit each day. "No wonder there are so few people who practice Artifact Refining and Alchemy." Its not just because the inheritance is secretive and precious. Ordinary people cant manage it either. "How about I give you a secret recipe to try?" Old Hao passed Chen Mu a piece of paper. "Thank you so much," Chen Mu smiled and accepted with thanks. Hmm... this was the third secret recipe he had received. It wasnt that he had good social skills, but purely because the Fifth Rank cooking was too wonderful. As for the effectiveness of the secret recipes... heh. He effortlessly chopped down a big tree and counted its annual rings to confirm that it only had an eighty-two-year life span, Chen Mu sneered and ignored it. He then took down the yellow gourd and, leaning on the Chopping Knife, stood beside the large tree to slack off. After swallowing the cool Spirit Nourishing Tea, his spirit slightly lifted, and Chen Mu habitually recited the United Heart Curse in his mind. Hum! Suddenly, a cool current rushed into his brain. The irritability in his brain caused by the high-intensity Artifact Refining, as if scorched by flames, was instantly quenched. Inside his head, it was as if the buzzing sound of the air conditioners fan had suddenly stopped. "Boss, come on, its time for you to step in as the referee," Ai Ji turned his head and urged impatiently. "Youve taken the money, after all!" "Im on my way," Lu Ku said with a smile, stepping forward to check the handgrip of the two men, making sure both were ready. "Start!" Crack! The large stump, over a meter in diameter, could not withstand the force of the two men and suddenly snapped in the middle. Whir! A layer of faint white light instantly enveloped the stump. The wood that was about to shatter suddenly became hard. Lu Ku withdrew his fingers, smilingly said, "My referee fee of one White Jade Coin wasnt taken in vain, right?" "Ha-ha! Watch me!" Ai Ji laughed heartily as his right hand was suddenly covered with black Soul Strength rings. A quarter of an hour later. Bang! Ai Ji slammed Xu Raos right arm fiercely onto the stump. "Victory!" Ai Ji laughed once again. Ignoring Xu Raos gloomy face, he urged the others, "Quick, quick, come on..." Two quarters of an hour later. Ai Ji successfully eliminated Yu Lin and faced the rested Shi Xian. "Are you sure you want to compete against me?" Ai Ji said, full of pride: "Didnt you see that even the big guy, Yu Lin, was put down by me?" Shi Xian was expressionless, his voice cold: "What if you fart?" Its you who farts! Ai Ji dumbfoundedly stared at Shi Xian: "What nonsense are you talking about? What does arm-wrestling have to do with farting?!" "Youve been building up your strength, what if you cant hold it in and fart, your strength might leak, and maybe Id win," Shi Xian seriously explained. "Even if I fart, my strength wont leak!" Ai Ji glared at Shi Xian with annoyance. "Come on then, these eighty White Jade Coins are going to be mine!" Half a quarter of an hour later. Bang! Ai Ji looked dumbfounded at his right hand pressed on the stump. He looked up in shock at Shi Xian: "You..." "Did you really fart?" Shi Xian withdrew his hand with disdain. Ai Jis face suddenly flushed red. "You didnt get diarrhea, did you?" Shi Xians eyes bulged round. Ai Ji, veins bulging with anger in his neck, was about to curse when suddenly he collapsed to the ground with a thump. The others couldnt help but exchange glances. Such a temper! Thats not possible... "Somethings wrong!" Lu Ku suddenly came over to Ai Ji. In panic, Ai Ji weakly said, "I just felt so weak all over. I swear I didnt have diarrhea!" The next moment, an unnoticeable sensation suddenly emerged in everyones minds. It was as if someone was gently brushing the bottom of their feet with a feather. Soft, slightly ticklish. "Gongsun Sheng!" Lu Kus expression suddenly darkened. Chapter 273 - 271: The Trade Late at night, Yiyou District, the underground secret chamber beneath Chen Mus wooden house.@@@@ Bang! A pitch-black wooden horse exploded into pieces. Chen Mu, seemingly unconcerned, activated the Five Ghosts Bag like a vacuum cleaner, quickly cleaning up the room. Then, brimming with energy, he picked up another tree heart again. Black smoke enveloped the space as Five Ghosts Moving Mountain swiftly corroded and carved the tree heart into the shape of a wooden horse. The hardness of tree hearts varies from one tree species to another. Even within the same tree, the tree hearts have different hardness at different locations, with the one near the roots being slightly harder than the one in the trunk. "Therefore, when the talisman invades and fuses, the force must be adapted to the situation," he muttered. Threads of understanding emerged in Chen Mus mind. He glanced at the grey wall displaying his proficiency. Artifact Refining Technique (Wood Spirit Boy): 8623/10000; A smile spread across Chen Mus face, "Almost there." As his experience increased, the crafting of Wood Spirit Boys became more and more second nature to him. With Seven Souls Return to Origin replenishing his divine energy, his daily crafting attempts multiplied by several times! "This is like having seven power banks!" Chen Mu thought joyfully. A pleasant surprise! "So about this business deal for eight thousand White Jade Coins..." "Haha! Keep it going!" The underground secret chamber was once again filled with a series of consecutive bangs. ... Ten days later, deep into the night. Outside in the thick woods of Yiyou Districts fourth pioneering teams campsite. Chen Mu, wearing a white mask and draped in a black cloak with billowing black smoke around him, slowly emerged from the darkness. Behind him, a huge wooden box, two meters in length, width, and height, floated in mid-air. Following Chen Mus steady steps, it obediently floated over to Shang Huan. Chen Mus eerily calm gaze swept over Shang Huan, who grew increasingly tense at each moment. Bang! The wooden box suddenly crashed down in front of Shang Huan. Shang Huans chubby face instantly quivered. Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction inside, pleased with his dramatic entrance. "There are fifty Wood Spirit Boys inside this box. Later, youll hand them over to Mo Wuzhou," he commanded. "Yes!" Shang Huan nodded respectfully. Chen Mu thought for a moment and then added, "Once the White Jade is in hand, keep it with you for the time being." What if Mo Wuzhou had left a trick inside such a sum of money? Dont all the movies from my past life depict it this way? The villain goes through great pains to get some money, only to find a tracker hidden inside. Before long, Shang Huan, carrying a square wooden box, came running over. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Brother Mo!" Shang Huan arrived, squinting and all smiles. "No need to worry." Shang Huan gestured dismissively. "How many?" He approached the wooden box. "Fifty," Shang Huan hurriedly responded with a smile. "Gongsun Sheng really knows how to calculate." Mo Wuzhou snorted. Last time, he provided him with four samples, each accompanied by four servings of Spiritual Pulp. He guessed then that the other party definitely wanted to keep earning money from the Spiritual Pulp. "Isnt he afraid of making others jealous?" Mo Wuzhou frowned, unable to help himself from giving a warning. Just the Wood Spirit Boys themselves have attracted quite a bit of attention lately. If you add Spiritual Pulp to the mix... Shang Huans smile didnt falter, the corners of his mouth slightly lifted. Jealous? No problem! We have an organization backing us! Mo Wuzhou raised an eyebrow, "It seems Gongsun Sheng still has a backup plan!" A chill ran through him. Gongsun Sheng, with his aura of ghostly qi, might indeed have some insidious methods up his sleeve! "I hope you wont cause me any trouble," Mo Wuzhou huffed. He tapped the Mustard Seed Talisman on his wrist. Puff! A small wooden box landed on top of the large square box. Opening the wooden box, the sight of the full White Jade Coins made Shang Huans eyes gleam. Mo Wuzhou counted out a small pile, stuffing it into a small cloth bag he carried. "Taking into account the four samples from last time, minus my share, the total is four thousand nine hundred forty-two White Jade Coins. Count them," Mo Wuzhou said as he pushed the small box towards Shang Huan. Shang Huan took a glance, hugged the box, weighed it casually, and then, chanting a Curse Command, tucked it into the empty Mustard Seed Talisman on his wrist. With a smile on his face, he said, "I trust Brother Mos character." Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes immediately. Trust my character, yet you still weigh it! The deal was accomplished, and the atmosphere between them was harmonious. Mo Wuzhou held the wooden box in his arms, testing its weight. Then, he glanced at Shang Huans wrist and couldnt help but look around, his eyes faintly flickering with golden light. "Gongsun Sheng really didnt come?!" He was somewhat surprised. During previous encounters, Gongsun Sheng would always lurk around with that eerie black smoke. This time, with such a large transaction involved, he doesnt even bother to look? On my way here, the slightest rustling would make it hard for me to not take extra glances. Gongsun Sheng, so cautious, would actually allow the transaction to proceed without any concern?! "What courage!" Mo Wuzhou couldnt help but admire. Then he saw a wisp of black smoke drifting out of the square box. It looked like a big head slowly peeking halfway out of the box. Mo Wuzhou: "..." Praised him too soon! The man was still as crafty as ever! Chapter 274 - 272 Reaction About five or six miles away from Shang Huan and Mo Wuzhous trading spot. Inside a dense forest roughly the size of four soccer fields, the underbrush was cleared, leaving only towering trees over thirty feet tall. Seen from Peng Yue Mountain, there were many similar forests all around, all the work of pioneer teams. It was said that after being surveyed by the experts of the Lower Courtyard, it could hide wind and gather qi. There were also rumors that it was for setting up the Mountain Protection Magical Barriers. Read exclusive content at empire In the heart of the dense forest, about six or seven meters underground, there was a secret chamber as large as two living rooms with a five-meter-high ceiling. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a cushion, holding the Fire Cloud Gourd in his right hand. Glowing algae lamps shaped like water droplets floated above his head, radiating a soft white and gentle light. The mouth of the Black Gourd emitted a flash of pale blue fire, turning the originally damp secret chamber extremely dry. A Soul-Calming Stake stood beside Chen Mu to cool down the area. Repeatedly, he chanted the Fire Cloud Curse Words. Suddenly, a glimmer of enlightenment flashed through his mind. The Fire Cloud Curse Talisman suddenly grew three times more complex, and the lengthy curse words were abruptly streamlined by half. Chen Mu called up the gray wall. Fire Cloud Curse: 1/10000/Second Rank; "Ive finally progressed." The Fire Cloud Gourd had been in his possession for a while now. Unfortunately, due to various incidents, he hadnt had much chance to cultivate it. "The flame temperature is higher, the attack range is larger, and its lethality is stronger," Chen Mu sighed while fiddling with the Black Gourd, "It doesnt quite match my kind and upright nature." "Forget it, Ill make do."@@@@ "Its also excellent for roasting meat." Packing away the Fire Cloud Gourd, he glanced at the perspective of the Five Ghosts. Watching Mo Wuzhou carrying a square wooden box, sprinting towards Peng Yue Mountain. Shang Huan, too, was sneaking away quickly along the moonlit shadows of the forest. Controlling the Five Ghosts, he circled around the trading spot for a three-mile radius twice. Only then did Chen Mu heave a sigh of relief. He couldnt help being cautious, after all, it was a transaction involving nearly five thousand White Jade. "Five thousand White Jade Coins!" The mere thought made Chen Mus hands tremble with excitement. "Get a grip!" Chen Mu slapped his right hand with his left. "Wait a bit longer." "Let the White Jade Coins stay with Shang Huan for some more time." "Mitigate the risk." And this was only half the payment; there was still another half to come! "Lets go, go, go! Time to go home and continue grinding experience!" Shortly after, a flying vehicle soared into the sky, stirring up the moist mist above the dense forest, and then suddenly vanished into the sky. ... Two days later, at midnight. "Pfft!" Shi Xian, who was usually reserved, suddenly chuckled. The corners of the others mouths couldnt help but twitch into a smile. "I guess Ai Ji must have encountered Gongsun Sheng before," said Wu Ruo thoughtfully, "without his mask on." "I dont remember offending anyone special?" Ai Ji frowned in deep thought. "Stop thinking about it. Without his mask, Gongsun Sheng is probably just an ordinary, unremarkable Lower Courtyard disciple," Yu Lin said with a smile. "Maybe he even farmed the land for us once," Shi Xian suddenly added. The few exchanged looks, their faces betraying wry smiles. "Its possible..." "We need to plan ahead," Xu Raos eyes narrowed. "Its fine when were resting at night, but if this happens during a critical moment in battle..." Xu Rao stared at Ai Ji, who lay on the ground like a salted fish, and said ominously. The others fell silent too. "In the short term, there shouldnt be much of a problem," Lu Ku spoke up. He sat quietly to the side, the flickering flames casting an uncertain light on his face. "Our current situation has gone beyond whats recorded in the Thousand Mountains Sutra." "Gongsun Shengs control over the United Heart Gu has reached a height that we, or rather most people, cannot comprehend." "There may be some secrets within, only known to the creator of United Heart Gu or a specific group with secret teachings." "But thats irrelevant to us." "We only need to focus on Gongsun Sheng himself." The others turned their gazes to Lu Ku. "Based on Ai Jis reactions, it seems like he can draw some sort of energy from us through the United Heart Gu." "The loss of this energy leaves Ai Ji mentally exhausted." "From this, we can surmise that Gongsun Sheng needs this energy to reinforce his spirit." "He is doing something that consumes a great deal of spirit." "Whether its practicing secret techniques, alchemy, or refining artifacts. And theres a pattern to it." "According to the statistics of the past few days, during the daytime he should also be pioneering the land, only at night when its quiet does he have time for this unknown activity." "Hence, our actions in future should take place in the early morning and during the day. At night we must stick together to rest," Lu Ku said, his eyes narrowing. "But being at someone elses mercy is ultimately risky." The others nodded in agreement at once. Ai Ji also sat up. He was mentally fatigued, but he was not actually powerless. "Two directions," Lu Ku held up two fingers. "First, leave Peng Yue Mountain, get away from the United Heart Rope." "Second..." Lu Ku glanced at everyone. "Find Gongsun Sheng, brave the risk of being sensed by him, and attempt to use anothers hand to get back the United Heart Rope!" By the campfire, the group fell silent once more. Only the loud pops of damp branches burning in the fire remained. Chapter 275 - 273 Completed Five days later.@@@@ In the same dense forest, in the same underground secret chamber, Chen Mu watched Shang Huan and Mo Wuzhou complete the trade with Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. He then commanded the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to drill out of the wooden box and fly into the sky. "Finally got it done," Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief. Once Shang Huan had isolated the risks, he could go get the huge payment. "Making artifacts is really profitable," Chen Mu felt the joy of having a unique skill. "Alchemy probably isnt bad either," Chen Mu pondered. He still had an alchemy furnace in his hands. "I should find some alchemy methods when I get a chance." ... Five or six miles away from the trading location. Mo Wuzhou wordlessly watched the black smokescreen fly away. "Why is he still hiding in the box?" Mo Wuzhou glared at Shang Huan. "Ive seen this trick last time already!" I want to know too. Shang Huan just smiled and said nothing. "I get it," Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes. "If the trade didnt go well, you planned to destroy this batch of Wood Spirit Boys, right?" So thats it! Shang Huan still smiled without speaking. "The final payment, take a look." Bang! A wooden box the size of a computer tower case smashed onto the square cargo box. Shang Huan skillfully picked it up to weigh it, chanted a curse, and put it into his left wrists Mustard Seed Talisman. Then, under Mo Wuzhous puzzled gaze, he chanted the Mustard Seed Talismans curse command again. Bang! A half-human-tall wooden frame appeared between the two men. The wood frame was divided into five layers, stuffed full with bamboo tubes as long as a forearm and as thick as a fist. "One hundred portions of Spiritual Pulp as a gift," Shang Huan smiled beamingly. He also pointed to a pile of papers covered in small characters on the top of the wood frame. "Instructions for use, please make sure to distribute them to every user of the Wood Spirit Boy." Mo Wuzhou, out of curiosity, picked up a paper to inspect. The beginning explained the Wood Spirit Boy curse command. Followed by the method and precautions for using Spiritual Pulp. The end listed the names of several dozen people. "These people?" Mo Wuzhou looked puzzled at Shang Huan. "Merchants. Theyre merchants selling Spiritual Pulp," Shang Huan smiled beamingly. They were also the merchants selling Insect Repellent Incense. Any disciple from the Lower Courtyard, as soon as they see this list, would know where to find these people. "Earning money through commerce really is a matter of knowledge," Mo Wuzhou sighed. Just thinking about connecting with those dozens of people made his head ache. I better stick to refining my White Jade Coins. A look of strangeness crossed Chen Mus face. Wood Spirit Boy?! Good grief, so in the end, its my fault? "Who knows which son of a turtle came up with this damn Magic Artifact," muttered an old man with a white beard and a red nose, unable to refrain himself. "For just that little bit of money, whats the rush!" Chen Mus eyes narrowed to slits, his gaze subtly shifting toward the man. "If I find out who that son of a turtle... ay, ouch!" the red-nosed old man exclaimed, leaping three meters high with his hand on his backside! "Old Yang! You didnt clear them out properly! The venomous bugs are crawling up my crotch!" But Old Yang just laughed heartily, "Then you better strip and let us have a look, eh!" The others joined in with loud laughter. It wasnt the first time something like this had happened. The forest was so vast, it was inevitable that one or two venomous ants would be missed. Those creatures bit painfully. Hidden in the crowd, Chen Mu felt that he couldnt waste everyones enthusiasm. So he gathered Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles into a needle and pricked! Ouch! Ouch! Oi ow ow ow... ... In one corner of the Bingchen Districts third development team camp. "Are you saying that Wood Spirit Boy is a creation of Mr. Gongsun?" Lu Ku glanced at Ai Ji, understanding the situation. "Yes," Shang Huan replied, feeling that the atmosphere was a bit odd. "You want us to help you sell the Spiritual Pulp; is this Mr. Gongsuns idea?" Lu Ku asked with a smile. "This is my idea," Shang Huan said, with a big smile plastered on his face. "But this is Mr. Gongsuns business." "I need trustworthy people to help me." "And naturally, I thought of you all, brothers, and sisters," Shang Huan said cheerfully. He was looking for a reliable group to scout the area when he made deliveries, to keep watch for him, to prevent falling into traps or being followed. The Wu Mountain seven brothers came to his mind first. Like him, each of them had a United Heart Gu in their bodies. Their lives and deaths were in Mr. Gongsuns hands; what better helpers could there be?! Ai Ji, already frustrated with recent events, couldnt help but start ranting when he heard this plump fellow daring to take liberties with their patron: "Your idea? You..." "What you said, we agree!" Lu Ku interjected, cutting off Ai Ji. "We can help!" Shang Huan was overjoyed. Explore hidden tales at empire "Dont worry, Mr. Gongsun is very generous and will not let everyone work for nothing." "Just look at me. If the payment were too low, would I care so much, right?" He could sense their dissatisfaction. But with their lives in Mr. Gongsuns hands, what difference did their discontent make? Add to that a high reward. They might be dissatisfied now, but later on, they might even be more eager than he was. Lu Ku smiled genially, "Please notify us in advance when you need us." "We also have our own work to handle." "So..." "Lu Brother is straightforward!" Shang Huan clasped his hands in salute, his face beaming with happiness: "Advance notice is no problem!" "Thank you, all my brothers and sisters!" Chapter 276 - 274 Perfection "Do we really have to deal with Gongsun Sheng?" Yu Lin voiced his concerns. Lu Ku squinted his eyes towards the direction where Shang Huan had vanished. Explore hidden tales at empire "Not for now, but this is an opportunity." "Its an opportunity for us to further our understanding of Gongsun Sheng." Everyone fell silent. "Once we decide to make a move, the more we know now, the greater our chances of winning will be," said Lu Ku in a soft voice. ... Thirty li to the north of Peng Yue Mountain, beside a pond as big as a basketball court. Plop plop... A little black wooden horse, with springs beneath its hooves it seemed. Its front and hind legs taking turns hitting the ground, it clumsily yet rapidly circled the pond. Boom! The surface of the pond suddenly exploded. A blood-red shadow shot towards the wooden horse but was deftly dodged by the little horse. The red shadow unwillingly contracted back into the pond. The next moment, an even larger splash erupted. A red-skinned toad as tall as a basketball hoop abruptly leaped out of the pond. Splat! The red shadow appeared again, this time as the toads blood-red tongue. A tree thick enough to be embraced by three or four people was pierced through by the toads tongue, almost hitting the hopping wooden horse behind it. Suddenly, the sky went dark. A mass of black arrows rained down from the sky abruptly. Pupupu... The toad, with red skin and brown nodules all over its body, was instantly turned into a sieve. Croak! The toad let out a thunderous roar, and the trees within a five-meter radius were shattered by the shockwave. The little wooden horse was also blown away by the powerful wind. The next moment, the red-skinned toad could no longer resist its injuries and lay trembling on the ground. Soon it ceased to breathe completely. Plop plop... The little black horse hopped around the red-skinned toad several times before being picked up by a large hand. "With this thing, investigating exotic beasts is indeed much simpler," said Zhang Jin in a complex tone as he looked at Wood Spirit Boy before him. With this, their plan to lure exotic beasts was bound to undergo an unexpected change. "A monthly rent of twenty white jade pieces, the Administrative Affairs Institute really knows how to make a good deal!" Zhang Jin snorted coldly. He immediately furrowed his brow. The Administrative Affairs Institute plans to start renting and will probably hoard a batch of Wood Spirit Boys. Individual buyers will likely find it difficult to purchase. "Looking for that Artifact Refiner through Wood Spirit Boy, not so easy now." Zhang Jin pulled out a folded square piece of paper from his sleeve. Unfolding it, he ignored the indigo cloud patterns at the corners, disregarded the curse commands and introductions at the front, and looked at the list of more than thirty names at the bottom. "Drawing spiritual pulp, this might also be a direction," Zhang Jing, staring silently at the corpse of the red-skinned toad, said to himself. "Giant Spirit Divine? A charged blow with immense power? This is not bad either!" ... Two days later. Chen Mu was in the Underground Secret Chamber, conflicted about which secret technique to choose. A slight vibration suddenly came from the United Heart Rope above him. "Shang Huan?" Why would this fatty contact me out of the blue? It couldnt be that theres an issue with my payment! He immediately initiated sympathetic resonance. ... Inside the fourth pioneering teams camp in the Yiyou District, Shang Huan sat cross-legged in his tent. An illuminating algal crystal lamp, the size of a fist, hung from the top of the tent. "Mr. Gongsun!" Shang Huan called out cautiously. "Speak!" A flat voice suddenly resounded in his mind. The voice reached straight to the core, abrupt and direct, startling Shang Huan so much that he couldnt help but shiver. "Elder Brother Mo sent me a message saying that the Lower Courtyard wants another batch of Wood Spirit Boys." Chen Mu was mildly surprised; they wanted a second batch so soon? Thinking of the accelerated pace of land development these past few days, Chen Mu was somewhat relieved. It seems the Wood Spirit Boys really are effective against Exotic Beasts. "How many?" asked Chen Mu calmly. "Two hundred!" Shang Huan said excitedly. That many?! Two hundred Wood Spirit Boys? Thats a profit of 16,000 White Jade! Chen Mu trembled with excitement. Dont panic! Stay composed! He struggled to suppress his fluctuating emotions, trying to sound as calm and breezy as possible, "Understood." And then he quickly severed the sympathetic connection. Shang Huan opened his mouth but sighed helplessly. He had also wanted to report on the reserve situation of the Spiritual Pulp. "Mr. Gongsun really has great composure," Shang Huan thought admiringly. Spending four to five thousand White Jade without even a question! "Should I stock up on more?" Shang Huan contemplated eagerly. After all, with the increasing number of Wood Spirit Boys, the consumption of Spiritual Pulp would visibly grow. ... In the Underground Secret Chamber, it took Chen Mu quite some time to regain his composure, his eyes slightly glazed. If this deal went through, his assets would soar to over 24,000 White Jade! Thats almost one-fourth of whats needed for the Condensing Aperture Technique! But when he thought about the torment of consuming his spirit while refining artifacts, Chen Mu couldnt help but look distressed. "Two hundred, eh!" "Dear power banks, youd better give me some strength!" Chapter 277 - 275 Plunder The moon reached its zenith. Twenty li to the south of Peng Yue Mountain, within a strip of dense forest purposely left intact by a reclamation group. A skinny old man with a grey robe and a goatee rested against a large tree, eyes closed in meditation. Stay updated through empire After a long while, a faint sound of footsteps arose. Under the shadowy moonlit trees, a figure wearing a white mask and a black cloak, holding a wooden box in his left hand, approached briskly. The black cloak billowed, and the figures eyes were cold and aloof, bearing down like a terrifying giant bat. "Did you bring the White Jade?" Shang Huan, behind the mask, lowered his voice and spoke slowly, trying his best to sound calm, indifferent, and oppressive. "Here, here!" The old man with the goatee hurriedly took out a bulging cloth bag from his sleeve and tossed it to Shang Huan. Shang Huan caught it with his right hand, which was gloved in brown fur, and weighed it. Clap! The wooden box slipped from his left hand and landed on his shin. Shang Huan then turned around to leave, making a swift and decisive exit. ... A quarter of an hour later. Twenty-three li southeast of Peng Yue Mountain, in a similar dense forest. Shang Huan, with the white mask in hand, squinted his small eyes into slits, his face brimming with a fawning smile as he looked at the six siblings of Wu Mountain. "Troubling all the older brothers and sisters!" "This is the last deal!" "After tonight, we can rest for five days." "No trouble," Lu Ku replied with a smile.@@@@ He then looked admiringly and asked cautiously, "I didnt expect Mr. Gongsun to also refine artifacts. I thought sir was more skilled in alchemy." "Sirs abilities are not for us to speculate," Shang Huan said with great admiration. I didnt expect it either. "Have you found him, the target is a middle-aged man in his forties with a crooked mouth?" Wu Ruo, standing by his side, asked as he opened his eyes. "Thats him." Shang Huan raised his hand to fit the mask onto his face, ready to go and deliver the Spiritual Pulp. "There seems to be someone behind him, two li away," Shi Xian said coldly. Shang Huan, who was just bending over to pick up the box, suddenly stiffened. "Are you sure?" Lu Kus eyes narrowed involuntarily. "The Wood Spirit Boy cant see him," Wu Ruo said as his eyebrows furrowed. "Lets go!" Lu Kus face became stern. "Have the Wood Spirit Boy run in another direction, and well leave here immediately," Lu Ku instructed Wu Ruo calmly. Without a word, Shang Huan ran off with the six siblings of Wu Mountain. His heart couldnt help but pound with fear. Thank goodness... Thank goodness I found these helpers, or I would have been in danger tonight! Someone is definitely envious of this business! ... The group sprinted away, changing directions multiple times and running for half an hour, until Shi Xian used the Truthful Listening secret technique several times to confirm there was no one within ten li. Only then did they stop. "Thanks to the older brothers and sisters!" said Shang Huan, still shaken. With a small smile playing on his lips, Lu Ku waved his hands, "Were here for this purpose." In front of him, chunks of tree core as long as a forearm and as thick as a bowls opening were neatly stacked, filling an entire wall. Chen Mu took a deep breath, "Time to cultivate!" With a scoop and lift, a piece of the tree core flew into his hand. Within the Jade Seed, a small cloud of mana began to churn as a sesame-sized Primordial Talisman rapidly condensed into form. The moment the talisman materialized, it was pulled into the Primordial Talisman. The piece of tree core in Chen Mus hands had already become a little wooden horse with a cylindrical body and a cylindrical face. His right index finger pressed on the wooden horses forehead. Hisss! A flash of silver light disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Removing his finger, a teardrop-shaped white spot instantly appeared on the wooden horses forehead. As black smoke filled the air, Chen Mu, unfazed, collected the little wooden horse into his Five Ghosts Bag and then started on the next one. After making six of them, Chen Mu began to feel irritable. "Power bank, its your turn now." "Seven Souls Return to Origin!" ... In the Bingchen District, within the third pioneer team. Ai Ji lay on the grass, feeling utterly defeated, and stared at the sky listlessly. "Ah... two hundred of them!" "When will this ever end!" "Based on the last calculations, at most its just a month," Lu Ku said with a smile, trying to console. "Its only a month, just bear with it and it will pass," Xu Rao said with a smile at the corner of his mouth. "Dont you feel smug!" Ai Ji snapped petulantly, "If he wants to speed up the progress, he might end up draining your spirit too!" The others, who were just recently cheerful, suddenly became tense. That could happen! The men exchanged meaningful glances. Suddenly, a gentle sensation brushed through their minds. Thump! Xu Raos face turned pale, and he couldnt help but collapse to one side. Ai Ji was startled at first, but then he burst into laughter, "Looks like its not just my own bad luck!" "Congratulations!" Xu Raos expression immediately darkened like gloomy waters! He shrugged off Yu Lin holding his arm and struggled to get up, carefully feeling the changes in his body. But suddenly, his eyes bulged, and a chilling killing intent rose abruptly from him. "Whats wrong?" Lu Ku noticed something was amiss. "My Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is gone!" What did he mean? The men looked at Xu Rao in confusion. "The secret technique Ive painstakingly cultivated over many years, the Divine Will Talisman of the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, just disappeared."" Gongsun Sheng?! The men suddenly felt a chill run down their spines! The United Heart Gu could even snatch away Secret Technique Talismans?! Had their hard work and cultivation been all for someone else to benefit? "We cant wait any longer!" Xu Raos expression was as dark as water: "Lets take action!" Chapter 278 - 276: Replication "What is this thing?" Chen Mu curiously looked at the Divine Will Talisman that had appeared in the Jade Seed. He glanced at the grey walls. A new entry appeared out of nowhere. Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: 9976/10000/Second Rank; A vast epiphany instantly flooded into his mind. It took a while for Chen Mu to regain his clarity. "Seven Souls Return to Origin can actually snatch the secret technique talisman of a magical weapon?" Chen Mu was astonished. He glanced again at the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, which was about to advance, and his lips curled up involuntarily. "This is not just a power bank, its an experience pack!" He didnt act as the Wood Spirit Boy anymore, he scrambled to the surface, piloted the flying kite, and arrived at a dense forest at the foot of the mountain. "Triple Yin Slaying Demon!" Hum! Stay updated with empire Eighteen semi-transparent, ghastly green blades of cold light suddenly materialized in front of him. Crescent-shaped Qi Blades formed a Blade Net, covering a tall tree over ten meters high. Schlick! A light sound followed as the Blade Net tumbled. A thick, sturdy tree instantly got chopped into fist-sized chunks. A human-head-sized rock at the base of the tree was scraped by the Blade Net and suddenly split in half. "Such sharp blade light!" Chen Mu was startled, then immediately overjoyed. He had been thinking of finding a new secret technique to learn. Now, however, he had gotten a nearly Second Rank Perfection offensive killing secret technique for free. How could Chen Mu be anything but happy? Looking at the secret technique about to advance, Chen Mus enthusiasm for grinding experience surged. He released the Five Ghosts to monitor the surrounding environment. He immediately began to release the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique repeatedly. Half an hour later. Hum! Thirty-six blades of light materialized out of thin air in front of him, forming a Blade Net two men tall in diameter. The blades roared and tumbled forward. Approaching a large rock protruding from the ground and about one person tall, the Blade Net suddenly contracted. Zing, zing, zing... A series of sounds like swords being drawn rang out. The whole rock was instantly sliced up! Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: 6/10000/Third Rank; "Good!" ... Three days later. In a dense forest thirty miles southwest of Peng Yue Mountain. "I still need to trouble the brothers and sisters to scout," said Shang Huan, wearing a black cloak and holding a white mask, his small eyes squinted with a flattering smile. "Its part of our duty," Lu Ku said with a smile, looking at Shi Xian. A pitch-black sphere rapidly expanded from Shi Xians hands, spreading like a light breeze in all directions. After a good while, Shi Xian opened his eyes. "Theres an ambush." Shang Huans face turned bitter. "Looks like well need to change people again." As time passed, the effects of the Wood Spirit Boy became apparent. The complementary Spiritual Pulp began to attract attention; this was the third ambush discovered tonight. "Money moves hearts." Lu Ku laughed in agreement. "Its that person from last time. Theyve brought the Wood Spirit Boy with them again," Wu Ruo suddenly spoke. A dense mass of pitch-black arrows materialized from thin air, piercing the red-skinned toad through. Zhang Jins face was extremely grim. "Good! Very good!" Whizz! Another thick swarm of Yin Sha Secret Arrows appeared. The already-dead toad was instantly turned into mush! ... Outside the camp of the Third Pioneering Team in the Bingchen District. "Why suddenly stop us?" Lu Ku looked at Xu Rao, puzzled. Xu Raos face, usually gloomy, was filled with a strange expression. Worry, excitement, gain, and loss. "See for yourself!" He didnt explain and simply gestured towards a spot not far away. "Three Yin Slaying Demon!" Whizz! Thirty-six Qi Blades materialized and a rolling Blade Net surged forward, shattering grass, wood, and stone into bits wherever it passed. "The Slaying Demon Technique has returned." "And Ive broken through the bottleneck Ive been stuck at for a year!" "Not only did Gongsun Sheng not plunder your secret technique," Yu Lin said incredulously, his honest face filled with disbelief: "He actually helped you upgrade?" Is there such good luck?! The other five exchanged glances. It seemed that following Gongsun Sheng was indeed very promising! "This isnt fair!" Ai Jis eyes bulged round with indignation. "Why is it always my spirit that is drained, yet Xu Rao is upgraded first!" The five others looked at Ai Ji with a strange expression. Such an unlucky fellow... ... In the Yiyou District, in front of the long corridor outside Chen Mus wooden house. A rocking chair was placed under the east side window. Chen Mu slumped in it, leisurely swaying as he gazed at the sky. "Wood Spirit Boy really does make money." "But its also truly bothersome!" A power bank could replenish the spirit, but Wood Spirit Boys Artifact Refining Technique had reached its peak. Although there were still faint insights, he couldnt see the experience points, which annoyed him. "Endure it." "Making money, what isnt difficult?" He switched to the gray wall. Looking at the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique still obediently sitting atop it, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Inside the Jade Seed, a brand-new Talisman floated and drifted amidst the smoky mana fog. "Still, my own Talismans are more pleasing to the eye." The essence of a Talisman is mana, and the essence of mana is the Three Elements Unification of Vital Energy, Divine Energy, and Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Plundered Talismans, though usable, ultimately bear anothers imprint. If someone else used the Seven Souls Return to Origin, they could probably only plunder, like cutting and pasting a file. "But I have a cheat!" Chen Mu chuckled. The gray wall helped him record the structure of the Secret Technique Talisman. Even if the plundered Talismans were returned, he could quickly reconstruct them using mana. "Like copy and paste." This is the real experience pack! Chen Mu eagerly stared at the seven bright pearls in the mist outside the Jade Seed, as if looking at a collection of exquisite blind boxes. Although he didnt know what was inside, there was definitely something, and it was from high-quality blind boxes. "You better cultivate some good secret techniques!" Chapter 279 - 277: Discovery Twelve days later. Chen Mu climbed out of the underground secret chamber, his face haggard, and collapsed into the rocking chair without wanting to move. After grueling away for more than twenty days, he had finally finished crafting all two hundred Wood Spirit Boys. "Once I deliver this batch of goods, I have to rest for a while no matter what." After a good while, as his spirit slightly recovered, Chen Mus mind finally started to function. "After such a long time, I can go and retrieve the payment from last time." Shang Huan even came by last night to deliver his share of the Insect Repellent Incense dividends, indicating he hadnt run into any trouble. The batch of White Jade was also very likely to be problem-free. "Over eight thousand pieces of White Jade!" Even the listless Chen Mu couldnt help but perk up at the thought. "I wouldnt be able to spend it all even if I lounged around Red Sleeve Square for a year!" "Haha..." ... Three days later. A dense forest eighteen miles south of Peng Yue Mountain. A white mask, black cloak, swirls of black smoke all around, two square wooden boxes floating behind. Chen Mu, disguised in Gongsun Shengs attire, appeared in front of Shang Huan. "There was no problem with that batch of White Jade, right?" Chen Mu confirmed again. "No problem at all!" Shang Huans face blossomed into a flower-like smile. The materials for attracting Spiritual Pulp werent expensive, and with such a big pile of White Jade as base, stockpiling as much as he wanted wasnt an issue. Could there be any problems?! "Take me to see it." Chen Mu suppressed his excitement, calmly said. The most White Jade he had ever held was nearly a thousand. Now, he was about to take possession of eight thousand, exhilarating! Therefore, an excited Chen Mu, following an equally excited Shang Huan, arrived at a cellar. The cellar, as large as five or six living rooms, was densely packed with wooden racks filling the underground space. Each rack held bamboo tubes as thick as a forearm. The strong scent of medicinal herbs filled the nostrils. Chen Mu stared dumbfounded at the cellar full of Spiritual Pulp, shaking with anger. Youre showing me this? I wanted to see the White Jade Coins! My money, where is it?! What have you done with my money?! If it werent for maintaining his persona, Chen Mu would have thrown off his mask and strangled the fat man on the spot! "This Spiritual Pulp is just a part of it." "There are five more cellars like this." Shang Huan said, beaming with pride, expecting praise. Chen Mus eyes moved slightly as he watched Shang Huans fat neck. It took a while to suppress the impulse to kill the man, then in a soft voice, he asked, "How much White Jade has been used?" What else could he do? The materials had already been bought and obviously couldnt be returned. He dared not leave the remaining money with Shang Huan. What if the fat man mishandled it again? "I spent it all!" Shang Huan declared with pride: "For the short term, even if others get the Spiritual Pulp formula, they wont be able to buy the raw materials!" Chen Mu: "..." I really might as well strangle you! My eight thousand White Jade Coins! ... Outside the cellar, Chen Mu took a deep breath. He felt that if he stayed in the cellar one more minute, he was certain to kill Shang Huan. Only when a sliver of moonlight pierced through the skys white mist and shone on his face did Chen Mu finally accept a painful reality. His money was gone! All of it had been changed into Spiritual Pulp by the fat Shang Huan, and even the raw materials had been purchased in bulk! All he needed to do was focus on refining artifacts. All troubles would be blocked by the other party. Not to mention a half of the profits, giving them seventy percent would be okay! Thinking this, Chen Mu couldnt help but slightly nod. The smile on Zhang Jins face became even brighter. The atmosphere all at once became much more relaxed. "I heard just now that the task of attracting the Spiritual Pulp was all handled by this young brother," Zhang Jin asked curiously, looking at Shang Huan. Shang Huan stood carefully behind Chen Mu, not uttering a word. Zhang Jin didnt mind and smiled, "The young brother is cautious enough, but there were still some oversights." "I found that the peddler selling the Spiritual Pulp was also selling Insect Repellent Incense." "So, I followed the scent of the Insect Repellent Incense and found the place of production, which also led me to notice this young brother," Zhang Jin chuckled, explaining the reason he appeared here. "In the future, Ill take care of this matter. With the Inspection Courtyard backing us, you wont have to be so nervous." After saying that, he once again looked at Chen Mu with a smile. "What do you think?" Chen Mu frowned slightly, thought for a while, and couldnt help but sigh. It was helpless to be cornered. And indeed, the other party showed a lot of sincerity. "Alright then," Chen Mu felt a bit stifled, but he helplessly nodded. Though there would be more constraints, at least he could be safer. "Excellent!" Zhang Jin was overjoyed. "Why not let the young brother deliver the goods first?" "You come with me to Peng Yue Mountain, to meet our boss behind the scenes," Zhang Jin said enthusiastically. "Whatever," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders, placing the two large wooden boxes beside Shang Huan. Zhang Jins face brimmed with a smile, "Please!" Chen Mu also wore a smile, "After you!" "Well, in that case, I wont be polite!" Zhang Jin laughed heartily. "Yin Sha Secret Arrow!" Whizz! A dense mass of black short arrows suddenly appeared in front of him. Whooo... The black crystal-like short arrows pierced through the air, carrying an invisible wave, and abruptly shot towards Chen Mu. Clash! An eerie green Qi Blade emerged out of nowhere. The sharp blade qi precisely targeted the black arrow tips. In an instant, it rolled over, chopping the pitch-black short arrows into sparkling fragments. "Three Yin Slaying Demon!" The Blade Net surged forward suddenly, pouncing on the rain-like black arrows. Ding ding ding... The short arrows shattered, and the Qi Blades dispersed. Boom! A huge wave of air burst forth from the point of collision. Shang Huan, who had just lifted the two boxes, was immediately toppled by this wave. "You actually want to kill me?" Chen Mu was astonished. "Youre not being honest either," Zhang Jins face turned grim. "Bringing you back would only earn me a small amount of money." "But if I killed you, those two hundred Wood Spirit Boys and countless Spiritual Pulp would all be my own treasures!" "Your own treasures?" Chen Mus expression turned shocked, "You mean to say, others are unaware of my information?" Chen Mu, beneath the mask, couldnt help but grin, revealing a row of eerily white teeth. Thats just perfect! Read latest chapters at empire Ha! ``` Chapter 280 - 278 Yin and Yang "Sand Shooting Shadow!" a low shout. A large black and red spherical object suddenly appeared in front of him. Bang! The black sphere burst open, turning into a mass of black sand that rushed toward Zhang Jin with a roar. Zhang Jins face was indifferent as he lightly uttered, "Yang Errand." A flash of white light, and a huge spherical object suddenly enveloped Zhang Jin. The sphere was full of openings, pale in color like withered bone, and when the black sand struck the White Bone Sphere, it hissed upon contact but failed to damage it, not even in the slightest! Just like falling on a smooth glass sphere, the sand slid off the bone sphere and evaporated into thin air within the blink of an eye. Chen Mus face changed. Sand Shooting Shadow was designed to break through Spiritual Light Armor. How could it be completely ineffective against this persons perforated bone sphere?! "Seven Souls Return to Origin!" Chen Mu shouted loudly, directly drawing two parts of his spirit into his mind. "Five Ghosts Possession Technique!" Five plumes of black smoke appeared out of nowhere and rushed into Chen Mus body. A massive destructive desire hit his consciousness, but it was firmly suppressed by his strengthened spirit. The Five Ghosts Possession Technique seemed to lift some kind of restriction. Hum! Chen Mus body suddenly inflated like a balloon and transformed into a three-meter-tall man! Boom! A burst of vigorous qi suddenly exploded from his body. His clothes fluttered loudly, and half of the white mask was shattered. His skin was indigo, his muscles knotted and veined, and silver light flowed between his brows. "What a secret technique!" exclaimed Zhang Jin, astonished. But he quickly regained his indifference. "Pity..." "Yang Cuo!" Another light shout. A jet-black crescent blade with no light, half a mans height, suddenly appeared at his side. Woo woo woo... Accompanied by the howling of a yin wind. The jet-black moon blade appeared out of thin air to Chen Mus left, silently slashing toward his neck. Zing! Like a blade slicing through tofu, The Spiritual Armor and Spiritual Light Barrier were easily breached. The sharp crescent blade almost instantaneously arrived beside Chen Mus neck. Even before it touched him, intense pain was already emanating from the skin on the left side of his neck!@@@@ Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! The black blade paused for a moment before thunderously breaking through the restraint and piercing through Chen Mus neck! "Impressive speed," Zhang Jin remarked, raising an eyebrow. Not far away, Chen Mu, who had been sliced by the black blade, slowly dissipated. Five meters behind the original spot, Chen Mus figure reappeared, staring at the black blade with lingering fear. That was close! Just a hairs breadth away! He had almost been done for by the blade just now! He must not allow that black blade to touch him again! He took a deep breath. He didnt even care as the Jet-black Moon Blade broke through his defenses and stabbed into his back. Crackling... Experience more content on empire Zhang Jins mana was nearly depleted, and the Yang Cuo Bone Sphere finally couldnt withstand the proximity and shattered into a myriad of glowing particles that vanished. "You cant kill me!" "I am from the Lower Courtyard..." Bang! Before he could finish speaking, Chen Mus indigo fist had already smashed into Zhang Jins right cheek. Immediately afterwards, his fists poured down like rain, buzzing like a bee flapping its wings, hammering at the opponents head and face. For a long while. The Yin Cuo blade stuck in Chen Mus back suddenly shrank to the size of a palm, fell to the ground, and clattered against the broken stones. Only then did Chen Mu stop and come back to his senses, feeling an unbearable sharp pain all over his body, and even more so a burning sensation on his back. With a thought, blood on his torn clothes began to coagulate and wounds started to close up. Chen Mu looked down to find Zhang Jin was already dead beyond dead. His head had nearly deflated into a piece of skin, resembling a deflated basketball that had been stepped on. Crack! A faint sound of a tree branch breaking echoed. Chen Mu turned his head abruptly. Underneath the broken half-mask, his indigo face was filled with a ghastly chill. Shang Huan, who had just snapped the tree branch, stood frozen on the spot, his face tense with fear as he stared at Chen Mu. "Mr... Mr. Gongsun..." Chen Mu finally snapped out of it. He struggled to suppress the destructive desires surging in his mind and released the Five Ghosts Possession. Black smoke billowed, and his body shrank. Reaching into the black smoke, he pulled out a new mask to cover his face, ignoring the terrified Shang Huan beside him. With the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, he devoured Zhang Jin entirely. Soon after, black smoke swept all around, gathering up all the blood and torn clothing scattered during the fight. "Abandon the underground cellar in this dense forest, and never come back here," Chen Mu said to Shang Huan, his voice hoarse. "You continue with the delivery. Pretend you never saw anything here." After instructing Shang Huan, Chen Mu was engulfed in black smoke and quickly disappeared from sight. ... For five consecutive days, Chen Mu was honestly clearing land and cutting trees. Day and night, he released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirits to hide and keep watch in the surroundings. "Little Mu, do you want to go to the Administrative Affairs Institute to have someone take a look?" Old Hao approached Chen Mu, frowning as he looked at Chen Mus swollen face and suggested. "Its nothing. Just a few bug bites while sleeping at night, no big deal," Chen Mu explained, his swollen, slightly shiny face attempting a smile. He didnt know what kind of Magic Artifact that black Crescent Blade was. The cut locations were healing very slowly. The huge wound on his back, even after using the best golden sore medicine in his possession, wasnt regenerating flesh quickly. "Luckily, it seems theres no poison." Despite the swelling, intense pain, and slow recovery, he was, after all, recovering. "Practicing a few more Shape Cultivation Techniques is somewhat useful," Chen Mu felt relieved. After contacting Shang Huan once more to ensure he was fine, Chen Mu finally let out a breath of relief. "It seems that man was truly acting alone." For the short term, it should still be relatively safe. Chapter 281 - 279 Inventory Five days later. In the dense woods where the trade of the Wood Spirit Boy occurred. "Mr. Gongsun is really bold. He even dares to monopolize all the materials for the Spiritual Pulp?!" Mo Wuzhou exclaimed with a look of admiration. "To give away such a profitable exclusive deal, is he really willing to let me take it?" Mo Wuzhou was doubtful. "How dare we compete with the Lower Courtyard for money," Shang Huan said with a big, ingratiating smile on his face. Its not like they could do anything about it anyway. The surprise attack from the last time still made him shudder. Thank goodness his boss was reliable. Otherwise, he would have surely died that night! "You dont dare, but do you think I do?" Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes. It was only because he had a good master. Otherwise, he reckoned hed have been assigned to a hunting team and not be able to cultivate in peace on the mountain as he was now. "I can go and make contact with the Administrative Affairs Institute for you." "Thank you, Elder Brother Mo," Shang Huan smiled and squinted, "Once the deed is done, there will be a handsome reward for sure." "You werent planning on giving me the deal in the first place, were you?" Mo Wuzhou glared at Shang Huan. "You just wanted me to act as the middleman?" "Youre overthinking it, Elder Brother Mo," Shang Huan chuckled. Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes: "Just you wait." ... Three days later. In the dense forest outside the fourth campsite in the Yiyou District. "Mr. Gongsun, Ive completed all the handovers with the Administrative Affairs Institute," Shang Huan respectfully handed Chen Mu a Mustard Seed Talisman. Behind the mask, Chen Mus still slightly swollen face could not help but reveal a smile. "Youve kept your share, right?" Chen Mu took it and asked. "We did!" Shang Huan said, eyes filled with excitement. Although the past two months had been tough and hair-raising, the money made was indeed substantial! Just as Chen Mu was about to leave, he paused, then couldnt help but offer some advice, "The person who died had backers, so theres always a risk." "Stay quiet for a while, and focus on your cultivation." "Your strength is, quite frankly, not up to par." When using the Seven Souls Return to Origin, it was his Jade Seed that was the smallest. "Yes!" Shang Huan bowed respectfully. He had similar plans. Although the fight that night was short, it was so intense that it scared him terribly, and even the residual force of the battle was enough to knock him over. Seeing Shang Huans earnest agreement, Chen Mu nodded slightly. He couldnt let this fat man cause any more trouble. After thinking it over, Chen Mu didnt continue to nag. At worst, he could activate Seven Souls Return to Origin and directly extract the spirit of this fat man. Even if it meant he would be listless for several days, he couldnt let him stir up any more trouble. ... At Peng Yue Mountain, Cold Moon Pond, at the Scripture Transmission Institutes residence. Fu Zi sat behind the counter at the entrance of the Scripture Cave, engrossed in a scroll of Jade Slips. The Lower Courtyard ordered the clearing of the mountains, and indeed they provided more money. But because of the shortage of supplies, except for Exotic Beast Meat, everything in Peng Yue Mountain was getting more expensive. "Isnt the little bit of wage they pay just going straight back into the Lower Courtyards pocket?" "The Administrative Affairs Institute has some real talent," Chen Mu sighed. Thinking of making a fortune by working for the Lower Courtyard, tough luck! "Thankfully, I have a special skill." A cloud of black smoke swirled, and a brown square wooden box appeared before him. This was all the earnings from the past three months of trading with the Wood Spirit Boy and selling Spiritual Pulp. Even though hed counted it several times already, Chen Mu still couldnt resist counting it again. "27,125 coins! Heh heh..." The feeling of counting money was so satisfying! Although the process was dangerous, the profit was indeed substantial! The Wood Spirit Boy earned 24,000, Shang Huan monopolized the Spiritual Pulp trade, turning 8,000 White Jade into 12,000. Chen Mu left 2,000 for Shang Huan and the six siblings from Wu Mountain, keeping 2,000 for himself. Plus the dividends from the Insect Repellent Incense, Chen Mus fortune had truly skyrocketed. If he were still in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, he would definitely spend the whole day at Red Sleeve Square. Maybe hed even follow a Ling Boat to visit the Heavenly River Water Mansion and see the world. "What a pity." Stuck in the poor mountain ravines of Peng Yue Mountain, he could only spice up his meals with different preparations of Exotic Beast Meat. ... A cool, refreshing breeze blew by, making Chen Mu take a deep breath involuntarily. The long-missed scent of autumn cleared his head. Over a month passed, and seeing a box of savings still thrilled him. But that urge to splurge came to a gradual halt. "Its also a good thing this place isnt the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River. Otherwise, Id be regretting it right about now." After all, he needed to save money to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Thinking of that Condense Aperture Secret Method starting at a hundred thousand, Chen Mu felt immense pressure. Black smoke billowed. A fist-sized, ghastly white bone sphere appeared in his right hand. A palm-sized, jet-black moon blade appeared in his left hand. "A stroke of serendipity?" "Nice items here!" Whether it was the sharpness of the jet-black moon blade, which easily sliced through Spiritual Armor and the Spiritual Light Barrier, or the sturdy defense of the hollow bone sphere, which held up against his heavy strikes, he coveted them both. "These are no ordinary items; probably a lot of people know about them," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "But I still need to cultivate them. Ill master them first before anything else." Deadly in attack, formidable in defense. At critical moments, they could save his life. Chapter 282 - 280: Shock Early morning.@@@@ Chen Mu crawled out of the tent and stretched lazily. He had flown in at a little after five and then fell back asleep. He felt utterly relaxed. Daylight shone brightly, and people from the pioneering team gradually emerged from their tents one by one. In the center of the campsite. Old Yang stood in front of a large black vat that was half his height. He picked up a basin of semi-coagulated Exotic Beast Blood and poured it in. Then he took a scorched clay pot from the bonfire nearby and poured boiling hot water over the rim of the vat. It was said that with the cooler weather, the insects became lazy and sleepy. Hot water was needed to heat up the vat to wake the insects up. Chen Mu was curious and wanted to take a look, but he hesitated before stepping forward. Having seen it once before, the sight of the vat full of wriggling insects was indeed quite unsettling. "Better hurry up and wash up, then have breakfast," he mumbled to himself. ... In a corner of the campsite, there were three large stone tubs about half a persons height, filled with clear mountain spring water. Chen Mu brought a wooden bucket to the side of a tub. A dark-faced man in his forties with a big belly was also at the tub. He scooped up a ladle of water with a gourd dipper and gulped it down noisily. Finally, he poured a little water into his hand, wiped it across his face, and considered his wash-up complete. A corner of Chen Mus mouth twitched involuntarily. "Even if it is clear, its still mountain spring water. Arent you afraid of upsetting your stomach by drinking it directly like that?" he thought critically but kept silent. The people in the campsite were all robust, able to endure even if the water wasnt clean. Chen Mu shook his head, filled his wooden bucket with water. On his way back to the tent, while no one was looking, he teleported the water into his Five Ghosts Bag. Inside it, he had a specially made filter. Fine sand, charcoal, disinfectant powderafter five or six layers of filtration, the water even had a faint medicinal taste. He didnt have the carefree attitude of these natives; he had no desire to catch a disease for no reason. After finding a spot to wash his face and rinse his mouth, Chen Mu returned to his tent. As usual, he took out the roast meat wrapped in flatbread he had prepared the night before, covered it with the Spiritual Armor Black Smoke brand microwave to heat it, and then started to devour his meal. ... Just after finishing his meal, Old Haos urging voice came from outside the tent: "Xiao Mu, lets go." "Old Yang said were pushing forward three miles today." "Theyre increasing the tasks again? Did the hunting group take some sort of drug to move that fast?" Chen Mu crawled out of the tent, full of surprise. Even with the help of the Wood Spirit Boy, that pace was a bit too fast. "The Exotic Beasts are becoming fewer," Old Hao said with a smile all over his face. "We might be returning to the mountain very soon." He led Old Hao and dashed towards Peng Yue Mountain with utmost speed. A quarter of an hour later. The two of them arrived at a campsite where they had previously stayed. The Five Ghosts left behind were now hearing louder and more intense roars and screams. "Why have you stopped running?" Old Hao asked, panting and pale after a sprint. Explore more at empire The faint sound of screams was already audible, which made Old Haos face even paler. Chen Mu didnt respond and quickly approached a dry, old tree. He crouched down and gently reached into the ground with his right hand, his whole arm disappearing into the earth. Boom! He flipped a stone as large as a millstone out of the ground, revealing a bottomless hole. Nodding at Old Hao, Chen Mu leaped into it. Delighted, Old Hao hurriedly followed by jumping in after him. Then the stone that had just been flipped up floated back into place and landed with a bang on the hole, once again sealing the cave. ... "Didnt we almost clear them all out? Where did so many Exotic Beasts come from?" In the Underground Secret Chamber, Old Hao was still walking back and forth, his soul seemingly not quite settled yet. At the end of the Secret Chamber, Chen Mu, who was sitting on a soft couch, had finished his communal sensing and opened his eyes. During the escape, he had informed Wu Mountains six siblings and Shang Huan via the United Heart Curse. At this moment, they were still running towards Peng Yue Mountain. Thanks to their quick reactions and earlier start than others, they were temporarily out of danger. He took off the yellow gourd from his waist and, retrieving a wooden cup from the cabinet next to the couch, poured a full cup of Concentration Cooling Tea and handed it to Old Hao. "If you keep wandering around and attract an Exotic Beast, you dont need it to eat you; Ill throw you into the beasts mouth myself." Old Hao stiffened. Immediately, he sat obediently on the right side of the couch, clutching the wooden cup without moving. Even his breathing became cautious. Chen Mu took a sip of the Cooling Tea, also puzzled. How could a large-scale Exotic Beast assault happen with the Wood Spirit Boys assistance in scouting? It was normal for one or two to go unnoticed, but so many hunting parties had failed to detect them? Were they blind? Noticing Old Haos panic, Chen Mu softened his tone to reassure him, "We are deep underground, seven or eight meters down. Its safe for now, so lets just wait." Old Hao took a sip of the Cooling Tea and gradually regained his composure, "Arent you scared?" "Scared, yes," said Chen Mu calmly. Old Hao looked incredulous. With Chen Mus leisurely and composed demeanor, he didnt seem the least bit frightened. Chen Mu did not bother to explain. If he werent scared, why would he have this cellar? From Peng Yue Mountain, he had blazed a trail and dug not just one cellar along the way. He was just not panicking, that was all. Chapter 283 - 281 Spirit Nourishing Curse "Its okay, it should be okay." "Director Song wont just sit by and do nothing," Old Hao said as he took a sip of cool tea, calming himself slightly. He couldnt help but mutter quietly. "Then what are you afraid of?" Chen Mu inserted a straw into the yellow gourd and slurped on the Spirit Nourishing Tea. "When did you prepare this cellar?" Old Hao finally settled his spirit and looked at Chen Mu with suspicion, "Did you already know there was danger?" "I didnt know," "But I know its always good to be prepared," Chen Mu shrugged. From Da Liang to Peng Yue Mountain. He didnt know how many cellars like this he had dug. He had even developed a proficiency in doing so. "It would be interesting if it turned into an entry on the gray wall," Chen Mu couldnt help shaking his head and chuckling. "Who knows how long it will take to calm things down," Old Hao sighed, finally at ease. "The sky wont fall as long as the tall ones are there to hold it up, what are you afraid of?" Chen Mu didnt care much. Song Wujie was after all a High Cultivator with a Condensing Aperture, and a horde of Exotic Beasts would only cause him a bit of trouble. But the hunting teams would be in for some bad luck. "Just wait and see." ... Half a day later. A swath of verdant clouds rose from the direction of Peng Yue Mountain. They first drove away the swarms of poisonous insects and birds from the skies. Then, as if duplicating and pasting, one swarm became two, diving towards the ground to ravage the Exotic Beasts. Chen Mu didnt rush to leave. He honestly hid underground. In the meantime, some Exotic Beasts with keen noses tried to dig open the entrance. They were restrained by Chen Mu using the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and devoured by the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, becoming nourishment for the Five Ghosts Bag. Explore more stories at empire He waited underground for three days until Peng Yue Mountain began organizing manpower to clean up the aftermath of the Exotic Beasts rampage, then Chen Mu and Old Hao emerged from the ground.@@@@ ... Half a month later. In Yiyou District, on the wooden porch in front of Chen Mus house. "Bad luck has hit us. Why does Jilong Road have to face so many disasters?" Shang Huan stepped onto the long bench, gnawing on some unknown bird wings while lamenting. "This attack again caused several hundred injuries and deaths." "Dozens of Team Leaders from the Inspection Courtyard and Administrative Affairs Institute who had achieved Spiritual Light have died!" "I heard even five or six Prefects in the Illusion Breaking Realm had perished." Chen Mus action of chewing vegetables paused involuntarily. Prefects with Illusion Breaking Cultivation level died? Was it that dangerous?! Turns out he was so calm and relaxed in that cellar. It was like taking a stroll in front of the Ghost Gate! "Even such high cultivators can meet with accidents?" Chen Mu couldnt believe it. "Thats what you dont know," Shang Huan chuckled with a sly smile. Black smoke clung to the right wall, rapidly corroding and shifting inward, quickly forming a two-person-wide arch-shaped passage. ... Once the spare space inside the Five Ghosts Bag was filled with soil, Chen Mu left the underground and jumped up to the first secret chamber. He sat cross-legged on the soft couch and took out the Black Orb Talisman and White Bone Sphere. Originally, he should have focused on maxing out the Fire Cloud Curse and the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique first. But then... "This magic artifact is just too cool!" With its sharp attacks and strong defenses, one black as ink and the other ghastly white, having menacing appearances that match the Five Ghosts Bag, it perfectly suited his aesthetic taste. "Ill practice this first!" "I have a cheat; Im not afraid of distractions!" Mana coursed into the Primordial Talisman and then surged into the White Bone Sphere and Jet-black Moon Blade through his palm. Then, a force feedbacked from the Black Orb Talisman to him and transmitted into his mind. Within the Jade Seed, mana mist gently drifted, slowly condensing. A loose and unfamiliar talisman slowly emerged. Chen Mu maintained the output of mana, and the talisman became increasingly vivid and discernible. The Black Orb Talisman was different from all the other magic artifacts he had before; it had its own Jade Slip function. The incantations needed to activate the magic artifact were within the artifact itself, manifesting when mana was infused. After a good while, Chen Mu stopped. The talisman became loose again, the edges crumbling slowly with silver sparkles, until only a core thread with two sparkles remained. Watching the thread waver on the brink of dissolution, yet ultimately remaining intact, Chen Mu heaved a sigh of relief. A new entry also appeared on the gray wall. Spirit Nourishing Curse: 12/10000/First Rank; "I did it!" "But what does Spirit Nourishing mean?" Chen Mu pondered briefly but didnt dwell on it. As long as he increased his proficiency, he would know everything he needed to know. "Since its done, hehe..." He immediately directed the spark-thread into the Black Orb Talisman with his thoughts. Hum! A flash of white light, and a phantom white bone sphere suddenly appeared in front of him. He raised his right hand. Whoosh! The Jet-black Moon Blade instantly began to circulate around him. A peculiar pulling force wrapped around his palm, as though he was holding a whip. With a slight flick of his wrist, the Moon Blade swept through the air like a whips lash, effortlessly boring into the stone wall opposite and vanishing from sight. A flick of the wrist brought the Moon Blade back to his side. After directing the Moon Blade to fly around the secret chamber for a while, Chen Mu withdrew his mana and held the Bone Sphere and Moon Blade before his eyes. "What treasures!" Chapter 284 - 282: Layered Armor Time passed, and the weather turned colder. After ten days, the Yellow Bud Rice was harvested, Chen Mu sighed as he looked at the five sacks of Yellow Bud Rice in front of the wooden hut. "If this were in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, these five acres could yield at least seventeen hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice." "Look at it now, we should be grateful if its even six hundred pounds!" Old Man Yang, whom Chen Mu hadnt seen in a while, put down the half-person-tall black pottery jar: "You should be content." Saying so, he glanced around, then pointed with his chin toward the hillside behind Chen Mu. "Your neighbor over there, with more than eight acres, harvested less than five hundred pounds!" Chen Mu couldnt help but click his tongue: "Doesnt that mean he has to give nearly twenty White Jade Coins to the Lower Courtyard just to cover the land rent?" "Thats right. Half the money earned from half a year of reclaiming wasteland, just gone like that, tsk tsk..." Old Man Yang shook his head as he lifted the cotton cloth from the black pottery jar. The rustling sound of insects crawling could be heard. Chen Mu immediately stepped back two steps in disgust. "Youve seen these before, whats there to fear?" Old Man Yang said irritably: "These little darlings are so adorable!" Chen Mu shivered: "Not everyone has your strange fondness." Humming... The grey swarm of insects, like shallow wave foam, rolled tumultuously towards the Yellow Bud Rice fields. The withered yellow leaves and branches were quickly crushed and returned to fill the soil. "The harvest isnt good this year. If you have some spare money, better stock up on some more Yellow Bud Rice," Old Man Yang advised.@@@@ After some thought, he added softly: "You could also reroute a bit more of what youve grown yourself." Chen Mu nodded to himself, finding the advice sensible. After returning from reclaiming the wasteland, he had specifically irrigated the fields with enriched spring water to rescue the crop, yielding just over a hundred pounds per acre. Those completely left untended would fare even worse, no doubt. A shortfall in Yellow Bud Rice was inevitable. Shortfalls lead to price increases. ... Evening. Chen Mu sat under the window on the east side of the wooden hut, with five grey cloth bags, each as tall as a knee and containing a hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice, in front of him. "Saved too little." After sending Old Man Yang away, Chen Mu immediately went to the Lengyue Fang grain store. The price of Yellow Bud Rice was still a White Jade Coin for a hundred pounds, but each person could only buy two hundred pounds. Together with the three hundred pounds he had diverted, he only had five hundred pounds on hand. It was enough to last him at most three months. "I dont feel secure about this." ... The next day, Chen Mu returned to the Lengyue Fang grain store. "One hundred pounds for two White Jade Coins?" Chen Mus eyebrows raised; prices had gone up so quickly?! "Give me two hundred pounds!" He didnt dare hesitate, who knew if the price would continue to rise tomorrow. "You cant buy anymore, youve already reached your purchase limit for the month," the grey-clothed shop assistant said casually as he handed the identification plaque back to Chen Mu and waved him away. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, covered with a soft beast hide blanket on his knees. In his left hand was a cup of hot tea that kept steaming, and in his right hand, he played with a hollow white bone sphere, his eyes fixed on a gray wall in the void. "Its nice not having to clear the land." Holed up at home for a month, Chen Mu, apart from eating and resting, would stare at the gray wall to grind for experience whenever he had free time. There was no activity in the other items, but the Spirit Nourishing Curse, on which he had placed great hopes, had successfully advanced. Spirit Nourishing Curse: 103/10000/Second Rank; With a thought, he activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Ten meters away, a fist-sized stone floated out of nowhere. The next moment, like a bullet leaving its chamber, it tore through the air with a sharp whistling, charging straight toward Chen Mus forehead. In almost the blink of an eye, it arrived three meters in front of him. A wisp of black smoke appeared out of the void, but Chen Mu actively suppressed it. The glowing white Spiritual Light had just emerged but was also dispersed by Chen Mu. The Bone Sphere in the palm of his hand suddenly disappeared. Inside the Jade Seed, the Spirit Nourishing Talisman, now a small tangle of threads, actively burrowed into the Primordial Talisman. Bang! A semi-transparent hemispherical White Bone Shield suddenly blocked in front of him. The stone coming at great speed was instantly repelled. "Spirit Nourishing Curse enhances the spirit of Magic Artifacts, so it allows the Yang Cuo to autonomously protect the body?" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. Other secret techniques originally required the chanting of Curse Words to form a temporary Talisman, which is then used to activate the secret technique or Magic Artifact. Yang Cuo itself has the effect of a Jade Slip, and once infused with Mana, it can replace the function of Curse Words, forming a temporary Talisman. Its essentially replacing the chanting of Curse Words with the simple act of transferring Mana. After entering the Second Rank, Yang Cuo gained sentience. It could now actively detect attacks and automatically draw Mana into the Bone Sphere. The steps involved in casting spells were further reduced. The process was completely automated. It even saved Chen Mu the trouble. "Isnt this just like a Magic Artifact version of the Spiritual Light Armor?" Chen Mu chuckled. Upon careful examination, Chen Mu realized that, unbeknownst to him, he had equipped himself with several layers of defense. First, there was the black smoke that came with the Spiritual Armor, followed by the Jade Seed Spiritual Light, then came the Yang Cuo White Bone Shield, and finally a layer of hardened muscles and bones cultivated through the Spirit Armor Technique. Occasionally, he could also use Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles as a defensive force field. "This layered defense... Haha!" In the past, when he cultivated various Shape Cultivation Techniques, he wanted to layer armor upon armor, turning himself into a muscular hulk that could take hits and keep on fighting, but it never panned out. Now, however, he had inadvertently created a different kind of layered armor. Whether it could attack was another matter, but it certainly could take a beating. "I guess this is a dream come true." Chapter 285 - 283 Underground Half a month later. Underground, beneath the wooden cabin. Chen Mu stood at the end of the tunnel, facing a dark crevice about half the height of a man. Blasts of cool air hit his face, and he could faintly hear the sound of flowing water. Chen Mu was surprised, "Could this gap be connected to an underground Yin River?" Chen Mus heart leapt with joy, "If I can find a route along the Yin River, I wouldnt need to go to the trouble of digging a tunnel." Despite this idea, he did not hurry to crawl down. The Earth Spirit Vital Energy nourished all sorts of Exotic Beasts and Monsters, and there could be some strange fierce beast lurking below. Chen Mu promptly dug a large rock from the nearby stone and blocked the entrance to the crevice. "Since Ive dug this far, theres no rush. Ill use the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to explore slowly ahead." Experience exclusive tales on empire ... Five days later, Chen Mu slowly widened the crevice, digging bit by bit downwards, until he finally came to a pitch-dark space. The sound of water grew louder and louder. Chen Mu activated the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, and a Glowing Algae Lamp, large as a human head, gently floated up. The pale white light illuminated the underground cavern that had existed for untold years. The cavern was elongated, oriented mainly north to south. It had an area about the size of two basketball courts, and the ceiling was about two to three stories high. Strange stalactites were scattered around, and below was a stream over two meters wide that resembled more a creek than a river. The water flowed from a crack in the rocks at the northern end and disappeared into a man-height crevice at the southern end. "If I follow the water and widen the rock fissure, I can quickly dig out a tunnel." Chen Mu made up his mind that if the Cold Moon Toad really came for revenge and started a great battle, he would just burrow underground. The sense of crisis brought by the Cold Moon Toad suddenly dissipated by half. ... As the days and months passed, the weather grew increasingly cold. According to the Liang Calendar, it was now January. Overnight, Peng Yue Mountain was suddenly covered in heavy snow. While cold winds howled outside, inside Chen Mus wooden cabin, it was as warm as spring. A stone stove was placed beneath the window on the east side, with slivers of flame flickering in the gaps of the stove cover. Next to the stove, Shang Huan looked around curiously. The exceptionally thick cylindrical stone chimney, two transparent tubes leading to the floor below, and the occasional burble of boiling water in the chimney all made Shang Huan endlessly curious. He also stepped on the warm floor and couldnt help but exclaim, "You can do this too?" "The Mechanical Worm is an ancient Exotic Beast, not so easy to master." "I suspect that Song Wujies cultivation ran into trouble as early as at the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles at Tongtian River Lower Courtyard. Otherwise, he wouldnt have been defeated so quickly by Yang Huan of Zhongshan Path." Fu Zi narrowed his eyes, "We need to help Director Song, help him find that Cold Moon Toad." "Does the dean want them to both suffer damage, or even perish together?!" the round-faced mans eyes lit up. "But that Cold Moon Toad is hard to find," the middle-aged man frowned. But Fu Zi couldnt help but curl his lips upward, "Being the dean of Scripture Transmission Institute for decades has its uses." "Once I refine a batch of Monster Attracting Incense and combine it with the Earth Spirit Element of Cold Moon Pond, theres no worry that the Cold Moon Toad wont come." "Congratulations, Dean!" the round-faced middle-aged man complimented with a smile, "The position of director of Peng Yue Mountain Lower Courtyard is undoubtedly yours." Fu Zi smiled and waved his hand dismissively, sending the round-faced man away and sitting alone behind the counter to watch the snow. "Director? A useless thing." "What I want is the Cold Moon Pond!" Fu Zi couldnt help clenching his fist. "As long as I absorb the Yin-Yang Primordial Earth Spirit Element above the Cold Moon Pond, I will definitely reach the Perfection of the Condensing Aperture, smoothly entering the Yin-Yang Refinement phase!" "Its a pity that Cold Moon Pond is too small, only enough for one person to cultivate," Fu Zis expression returned to impassiveness, "which means Ill have to ask Brother Wujie to die." ... Clang! Like the deep tolling of a bronze bell, the sound abruptly echoed within a massive underground cavern. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the Five Ghosts dark cloud, floating in mid-air, staring at the calm water beneath. Before long, accompanied by a series of snapping and splashing sounds, All sorts of odd and bizarre aquatic creatures began to surface from the endless underwater lake. "There really are fish?!" Half a month had passed since the discovery of the first underground cavern. Following the current, drilling through rock crevices, Chen Mu finally found this massive underground lake. This place was fifty to sixty li from Peng Yue Mountain, well beyond the distance covered in the previous land reclamation. "As long as I find a rock fissure similar to the one we came through and drill upstream against the current, an exit would be swiftly opened." "With that, this underground escape tunnel will truly be complete!" Chen Mu sighed with relief. "Time to catch fish!" He watched with glee as more and more upside-down bellies of underwater creatures appeared. The Fifth Rank culinary skills learned from the Exotic Beast Anatomy Manual allowed him easily to identify edible aquatic Exotic Beasts. The inedible, unrecognized ones were all fed to the Five Ghosts Bag. "No worries about high prices." "This entire underground lakes bounty is waiting for me. Ha ha..." Chapter 286 - 284: Daoist Training Ground ``` One could not say whether it was due to the climate of Peng Yue Mountain or the cold aura of Cold Moon Pond, but once the heavy snow began, it never stopped. Intermittently falling every day, the snow was not heavy, yet it persistently blanketed Peng Yue Mountain in white. There was also the howling bone-piercing cold wind, so chilly that even splashed water would freeze instantly. Chen Mu was wrapped in a gray animal skin cloak, with his head and face covered by a scarf. He had a strong physique, capable of withstanding the biting cold. But enduring did not mean comfort, otherwise, he wouldnt have bothered with a water-heating stove. It was for this reason that trails of smoke rose from the burning of firewood for warmth on Peng Yue Mountain. With the concealed augmentation of Divine Steps Thousand Miles beneath his feet, Chen Mu stepped on the thick snow, deliberately leaving footprints two fingers deep as he climbed the stone steps towards the peak at a seemingly slow but actually swift pace. In the guise of a common practitioner seeking Spirit and Soul Unification, he arrived at the Administrative Affairs Institute on the west side below Cold Moon Pond. Acting on the information he had gathered from Old Hao and Shang Huan, he went straight toward a two-story wooden building. ... The first floor of the wooden building had a counter that was half a person high, spanning to the walls on either side of the room. A portly middle-aged man, apparently in his forties, sat leisurely behind the counter, holding a fist-sized bronze hand warmer. Seeing Chen Mu lift the curtain and enter, the middle-aged man slowly stood up, smiling before speaking. "Brother, are you here for the cultivation chambers?" the portly middle-aged man asked with a grin, "Do you have a familiar cave? Let me help you arrange it." As he spoke, he even gave Chen Mu a suggestive eyebrow raise, as if to imply he was privy to some insider knowledge. Chen Mu: "..." Why do I feel like something is off here? It was as if he had walked into Red Sleeve Square. "Its my first time. Just find me a decent one," Chen Mu said casually. "You cant be so casual about it!" The portly mans smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Do you know the key to cultivating the Spiritual Light Spell?" Chen Mu was somewhat bewildered: "Is there some particular technique to it?" From his own experience with cultivating the skill, wasnt it something that just happened as you practiced? "Of course, theres a technique!" The portly middle-aged man frowned at Chen Mu, his face conveying a mix of surprise and chagrin that Chen Mu was oblivious to this fact. "The essence of the Spiritual Light Spell is to borrow from the Earth Spirit Vital Energy to transform the Jade Seed." "This process can be very lengthy. Even for those innately gifted with Daoist Bone, it takes at least half a year!" "Brother Mo, a genius of the Lower Courtyard, also took ten months even with intermittent practice." "And your first encounter with high concentrations of Earth Spirit Vital Energy becomes extremely crucial!" "If that experience is too harsh, it will affect your cultivation for your entire life!" the portly man said with a grave face. "So, should I seek a place with denser Earth Spirit Vital Energy?" Chen Mu asked, half-believing and half-doubtful. Is this guy trying to sell me an expensive cultivation chamber? "No, no, no, no, no!" The portly man shook his head solemnly. "If its too rich, although your progress might be quick, it can make you addicted, even lead to degeneration." ... To the west side of Cold Moon Pond was Twin Peaks Mountain. Numerous caves dotted the sheer cliffs like a honeycomb. Below, Cold Moon Pond was tranquil, with a faint mist hovering above. Walking along a narrow circular mountain path, wide enough for only two people, Chen Mu arrived at the entrance of a cave. "Wu character, number eleven, one month time," said the portly middle-aged man, expressionless. "You cant wander around other training grounds, there will be spot checks. If caught, youll be expelled immediately, and there will be a fine." "This is your token of proof. Show it to them when youre inspected." After explaining everything in an official manner, the portly middle-aged man casually tossed Chen Mu a palm-sized copper token and walked away, not giving him the time of day. Chen Mu shrugged indifferently. He was here to lay the groundwork for revealing his cultivation level. So he spent only sixty-five White Jade coins to buy an entry ticket to the worst training ground. And because he didnt care about the concentration of Vital Energy, he didnt tip the fatty at all. For that man to give Chen Mu a good face would be a day in hell. "The worst training ground is great," Chen Mu was pleased rather than annoyed. Those who came here to cultivate were all aiming to break through in Spiritual Light, scrambling over each other to get into the better training grounds. These worst-grade training grounds were overlooked by everybody. "Doesnt that mean I can have it all to myself?!" Chen Mu laughed slyly. This way, he could boldly grind various skill experiences without any restraint. "Its always more comfortable to be alone!" A two-life homebody, he stepped into the spacious and bright cave with light footsteps. Then he looked up to meet six cold gazes. The Wu Mountain siblings? What were these cultivation freaks doing in this training ground?! Shouldnt they be in the most expensive and best one? With these people watching, how can I freely grind experience?! "Find somewhere quiet to sit by yourself," Ai Ji said arrogantly, "Disturb our cultivation and well kill you!" Chen Mu: "..." Alright, alright... Youre tough! Chen Mu touched the United Heart Rope hidden under his hood, then with a smile and a polite bow, he said, "Sorry for the interruption, we will share this place for cultivation over the next month." "If theres any inconvenience, I hope you all will be accommodating." Then he added with a sincere face, "Please rest assured, Im very easy to get along with, really!" The Wu Mountain siblings: "..." Why do I feel a tingling at the back of my head? Chapter 287 - 285 Below Cold Moon Pond, Scripture Transmission Institute. "Director, somethings not quite right." Guo Xiatings round face was full of confusion. "Previously, we could still faintly detect the trail of the Cold Moon Toad. But now..." Fu Zi frowned as he looked at the snowflakes outside the Scripture Cave: "Weve miscalculated." "The Cold Moon Toad is a Condensing Aperture Great Demon, but its still just a toad." Fu Zi gave Guo Xiating a strange look. "Toads need to hibernate." "This..." Guo Xiating couldnt help but falter. This reason was truly unexpected. "After opening its aperture and cultivating demonic power, it should no longer fear seasonal changes." "But in this kind of icy and snowy weather, it definitely dislikes it." Fu Zi sighed, "To combat the severe cold, it might even use extra mana. To some extent, this weakens its strength." "Although many great demons whove opened their apertures lack experience due to living in the wild for years..." "They ultimately have wisdom no less than ours." "It certainly longs for the Cold Moon Pond and enjoys the summoning incense." "But wisdom makes it understand that with its strength limited, not only can it not defeat Song Wujie, but it could also very likely perish." "Hence, it restrains its instincts and no longer shows itself." "This Song Wujies luck is really good!" Guo Xiating said resentfully. "Yeah, truly good luck." Fu Zis eyelids drooped down involuntarily. It seemed they would have to wait until next spring. Guo Xiating looked at Fu Zi with doubt, wanting to speak but holding back. Fu Zi glanced at him, didnt speak, and dismissively waved him away. ... "You want me to take action?" Fu Zi sighed: "What a pity, I cant." He had been consolidating his Condensing Aperture to Perfection for decades. Beating two Song Wujies would probably be difficult, but one and a half was surely manageable. But what if Song Wujie usually pretended to be a pig to eat a tiger? That short fatty had a look of slyness about him. Although last time he deliberately used a beast tide to interrupt his breakthrough, it seemed as if he was injured and not yet recovered. But what if Song Wujie was turning the tables, feigning injury? And there was Song Wujies disciple, Liang Yi. What if he was an exceptional genius, even more formidable than Song Wujie? If I act rashly, wouldnt I be doomed? "Still have to use that big toad to test Song Wujie again," Fu Zi seriously thought: "After all, a 99% chance of success isnt the same as a sure thing." ... Five days later, the Wu letter initiate field. "Damn!" A strange shout suddenly resonated within the field. Your journey continues with empire Ai Ji, sitting on a gray linen meditation mat, sprung up like a shot skyward. "Are you freaking asking to die?" Xu Raos face darkened as he stared down Ai Ji. Today, Ai Ji had already disturbed him three times in the same way! "This damn cave definitely has something tricky!" Ai Ji said tensely, scanning the uneven rock walls of the cave. "That things squatting behind me; I can feel its gaze, sharp as needles, as if its about to unsheath a knife and kill me any moment!" Yet, the cave, half the size of a basketball court, lay bare before them. Six of them scanned the area but found nothing. "Ive been watching out of the corner of my eye the whole time, and there was nothing behind you," said Yu Lin in a deep voice. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" said Ai Ji, his face red with conviction. The chubby man stiffened. "So... sorry to intrude!" he exclaimed. After a loud yell, he turned and fled. It took a good while before he cautiously returned and stood behind the brown latticed screen at the entrance, peering into the cave. "Not to check on the plates, I just came to tell you something," said the chubby middle-aged man with an obedient expression. "If any of you decide to leave on your own, remember not to forget to turn in your bronze plates." "Is something the matter?" Chen Mu asked curiously. The chubby man glanced at the group again, sighed with relief, cleared his throat, and slowly moved out from behind the screen. "Yesterday, during the plate check, we found two people missing." "We thought they sneaked off to some other cave, but we didnt find them." "They must have left early without turning in their plates, hoping to come back again next time." "The institute says, people can leave, but the bronze plates must stay; you have to complete a full month before you can leave." "Those who leave midway wont get a refund or an extension, and not turning in their plates results in a fine!" "So if any of you want to leave, you must not forget to return the bronze plate." "Leave before the time is up?" Chen Mu said, surprised. In this freezing weather, theres nothing to do even if you go back home. Having paid the money, why would they leave early?! "Exactly, just like fools," the chubby middle-aged man complained. Because of those two, they had to check each cave one by one in the snow. "Probably couldnt stand the solitude of harsh cultivation," Chen Mu mentioned offhand. Without the proficiency cheat, even he couldnt endure such intense training for long. ... After sending away the middle-aged man named Sun, Chen Mu took a good look around the spacious and simple cave. Fist-sized glowing algae lamps were embedded in the three-meter-high cave ceiling, twinkling like stars in the sky. The walls were of grey rock, and the floor was tamped earth. The Lower Courtyard had provided only one large grey meditation cushion. If you wanted to sleep at night, you had to make do with a makeshift bed on the ground. Most people, however, chose to rest on the cushion in meditation instead of sleeping. To make full use of the Earth Spirit Vital Energy, they cultivated without wasting a second. With their spirits constantly on edge, it was inevitable to feel restless after a while. It was not surprising that some people quit halfway. "Next time I come, Ill bring my own bedding," Chen Mu quietly decided. "Cant have decent food, and cant even get a good nights sleep?" In cultivation retreats, every second counts. Eating leads to excretion, wasting time on both ends. And preparing a months worth of food in advance is not feasible. Therefore, most people just drink water and take Fasting Pills to minimize their trips to the restroom and the time spent there. "I have to come here at least another eleven times. It cant always be this difficult, right?" "After all, its just for laying the groundwork." "Its not worth paying money and suffering for nothing," he thought. "Since I cant eat properly, I should at least sleep comfortably." "Hmm... I cant eat regular meals, but bringing some durable jerky and snacks is still feasible." Chen Mu glanced over at the six siblings from Wu Mountain, shaking his head and sighing. He had jerky and dried fruit in his Five Ghosts Bag. If it wasnt for these six siblings, he would have already taken them out to eat. Unfortunately... Chapter 288 - 286: Disappearance Three days later. Chen Mu was closing his eyes, sensing the Spirit Nourishing Talisman. Suddenly, a middle-aged man surnamed Sun peeked out from behind the screen, glanced at a few people, then turned to leave. "Stop right there!" Ai Ji glared at him, "What are you looking at!" The middle-aged man surnamed Sun walked out from behind the screen, a sheepish smile on his face: "I just wanted to see if anyone here had sneaked away." Had someone left the practice field halfway again? Chen Mu couldnt help but open his eyes. "Has this happened before?" Lu Ku spoke out. "In the past year, everyone has been busy with pioneering work; there was no one in the practice field, so there were no incidents," the middle-aged man surnamed Sun said with a bitter smile. "How many left?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "Seven." ... After sending the middle-aged man away, silence fell inside the cave. "Have similar issues occurred in the Upper Courts practice field?" Chen Mu solemnly looked at Lu Ku. This guy had already cultivated Spiritual Light. He must have been to the Upper Courts practice field. Lu Kus eyes narrowed slightly: "I havent heard of any." "What is the environment like in the Upper Courts practice field?" Chen Mu continued to ask, his brows already furrowed. "Not much better than here," Lu Ku replied, his expression also turning serious. That meant the issue wasnt much related to the practice field itself. Chen Mu stood up from his cushion, walked around the screen, and came to the entrance of the practice cave. Through the wind and snow, he looked down at the round Cold Moon Pond below. A wooden plank bridge extended from the shore inward, ending at an octagonal pavilion standing alone in the middle of Cold Moon Pond. Looking closely, one could vaguely see a figure. "Director Song is still at Cold Moon Pond. There shouldnt be any problem, right?" Yu Lin said hesitantly. The six siblings from Wu Mountain also came to the edge of the cave entrance. "Hard to say," Chen Mu shook his head. Could it be that the giant toad had stealthily returned? Chen Mus heart chilled. Leave the mountain? No way! Without Director Songs deterrence below the mountain, it was even more dangerous. But staying in the practice field didnt seem safe either. "This is the tragedy of the weak," Chen Mu sighed to himself. If he had the cultivation of Song Wujie, he wouldnt be afraid of anything! Unfortunately... Chen Mu glanced at the pavilion once more, then walked back into the cave and sat down on his cushion. He might have sat down, but his heart was restless. This uncertainty made him incredibly agitated. "With so many people in Cold Moon Ponds practice field, its not possible for me to be the only unlucky one, right?" Chen Mu murmured with lifeless eyes.@@@@ "And there are the seven brothers from Wu Mountain in this cave, if theres a problem, it couldnt possibly start with me, could it?" Chen Mu tried to comfort himself. "Even if Im not willing, theres nothing I can do." Despondency began to spread in his heart. "Forget it, let fate decide," he concluded. After struggling for a long time, Chen Mu had no choice but to close his eyes in resignation. ... In the middle of Cold Moon Pond. The octagonal pavilion was covered with white snow, looking like a white hat. "I saw nothing either!" Discover stories at empire Chen Mu earnestly explained, trying hard not to look into the others eyes. Fu Zi: "..." You might as well not have explained at all! His eyelids drooped instantaneously, and he looked at Chen Mu with a dangerous gaze. "Who are you? Why are you lingering here and not leaving!" Fu Zi said expressionlessly. Chen Mus expression turned serious. Stepping out of the cave, he clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully, "Lower Courtyard disciple Shang Huan, Ive seen the great Director Fu." "The scripture was just too profound, I was entranced and completely lost track of time." Fu Zi expressionlessly glanced at the scripture in Chen Mus hand. "A Cookbook for Frogs?" Cough cough! Chen Mu quickly shut the book and rolled it up in an attempt to cover the cover. "Yan Jies Cookbook?" Fu Zis face darkened. Youre here at night, looking at this?! Chen Mu kept his composure and said earnestly, "Sorry for disturbing Director Fu, please be forgiving." "Do you know that experience of being so engrossed in a scripture that you cant extricate yourself from it?" "Thats the state Im in right now!" Fu Zis eyelid twitched. Id believe in ghosts before you! "If I cant finish this scripture in one go, I definitely wont be able to sleep tonight," Chen Mu sighed, then immediately praised, "The system of our Scripture Transmission Institute is really good." "As long as you pay enough, you could stay here till the end of time and no one would mind." "And if you stay overnight, its even half price!" "I wont be going back tonight. I feel like enlightenment is right in front of me." Chen Mu said solemnly, "Please, Director Fu, grant me this favor!" While saying this, he took out three prepared White Jade coins and presented them to Fu Zi. Fu Zi: "..." Enlightenment? Enlightenment on how to cook a toad? Overnight? Who was the damn fool who suggested this rule? Did I add it myself? Crap! Ill go cross it out later; first, I need to get rid of this troublesome fellow in front of me! The way I lost my composure cant be known by anyone! Thats why I like the Scripture Cave at night, I had my reasons. Empty, no people... Fu Zis right hand clenched into a fist again. Then he saw Chen Mu turn and shout towards another part of the cave. "Do you guys even know the rules?!" "If you want to read here, you have to pay!" "Hurry up and come out with the money!" Fu Zi incredulously turned his head to look. And he saw six figures of varying heights obediently walk out from the cave entrance, appearing before him. Its over! My reputation is utterly ruined! Chapter 289 - 287 Snow Scripture Transmission Institute, within the Scripture Cave. "Shang Huan?" The six Wu Mountain siblings looked at Chen Mu with disbelief. "Is there a problem?" Chen Mus face was the picture of nonchalance. Changing identities was something he had grown accustomed to. "Is this place really safe?" Ai Ji looked at Chen Mu skeptically. They had avoided the possibly non-existent Cold Moon Toad, but had actually managed to offend the Oversight Courtyard. "Then dont come," Chen Mu said indifferently. "If you hadnt instigated, how would we have come?!" Ai Ji glared at Chen Mu. "You are just following the idea that theres safety in numbers, wanting us to share the risk with you!" Chen Mus eyes moved subtly as he glanced calmly at Ai Ji. You got that right! "Then dont come," Chen Mu repeated indifferently. Continue reading stories on empire Ai Ji was about to retort with his neck outstretched when Lu Ku interrupted with a wave of his hand, "The Oversight Courtyard is one of the three top masters of the Lower Courtyard. With him standing guard, we wont have to fear unexplained attacks." "As long as we keep our mouths shut, there wont be any trouble. We are just ordinary disciples of the Lower Courtyard, not worth the Oversight Courtyards attention." Chen Mus lips twitched slightly as he scanned the group. This Lu Ku is quite clear-headed, huh. The situation in the practice arena was mysterious, and there were hidden dangers at the foot of the mountain. His strength was insufficient, and he lacked a sense of security. Chen Mu was all too familiar with this kind of situation! It was not just about taking advantage of the Evil-Repelling Halo. Back in the day, to dodge Ghosts, he had used Jie Jias Evil-Repelling home protection. Now, planning to repeat the trick, he intended to use the power of the Oversight Courtyard to ward off monsters. Unfortunately, Director Song was not as easy to deal with as old man Jie. Jie Jia was content with three meals a day, but Director Song demanded three White Jade Coins daily. ... Five days later. Practice arena number 11 with the character "Wu." Chen Mu silently stimulated the Illusion Breaking Talisman, refining mana, replenishing what was spent. After finishing, he did not rush to open his eyes; instead, his spirit slowly sank into the talisman. Suddenly, a burst of bizarre lights flashed, and Chen Mu abruptly opened his eyes. With the special vision activated, the distribution of Vital Energy within the arena was laid out before him. "Tsk tsk... its concentration is only half that of the Exquisite Jade Plate at best." "And for this, they dare to charge sixty-five White Jade Coins a month?" "What a rip-off!" Chen Mu looked around. Halfway up the air, strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, like moving fish, meandered leisurely. Not far away, the six Wu Mountain siblings were like empty boxes with bait, attracting Earth Spirit Vital Energy to enter their bodies. "No wonder they chose the worst arena," Chen Mu realized. Just then, a cold chill suddenly enveloped his entire body. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, as if someone was blowing cold air on his back. Schwing! The pouch at his waist trembled violently. The Mana inside the Jade Seed churned. A white hollowed-out Bone Sphere suddenly appeared. Then, black light flashed rapidly in mid-air, and black moon blades appeared out of nowhere without Chen Mus command. Right after that, with a wooshing cold whistle, they fiercely slashed towards the caves entrance screen. Spurt! The screen exploded with a bang. Wuuwaa... A shrill scream resounded in the cave, painfully piercing Chen Mus eardrums. He stared intently at the cave entrance, only to see a flurry of wind and snow blasting apart into fragments. For a moment, a pair of red crystal-like indifferent eyes fleetingly appeared amid the snowflakes. By the time he looked carefully, they had disappeared again. Black light flickered, and the moon blades reappeared, circling like fish, guarding his side. Chen Mu came back to his senses, his face immediately turning grim. Even with his limited experience, he knew that whatever was hidden in the wind and snow was definitely not the Cold Moon Toad! The others, who had been confused just moments ago, suddenly snapped back to alertness. Ai Ji, who was standing not far from Chen Mu, also shivered all over, his previously rolled-back eyes returning to normal. He instinctively surveyed his surroundings, then turned his head to see a person-high moon blade spinning past him. The sharp, icy aura made him scream in fright, and he leaped back violently. "Shut up!" Chen Mu snapped. Without even glancing at him, he gently touched the moon blade with his hand, his eyes, however, were firmly fixed on the outside of the cave. ... After a long while, Chen Mu cautiously approached the mouth of the cave. At some point, the sky above Peng Yue Mountain had turned oppressively dark. Making the already dim daylight even darker. The bone-chilling wind howled, and snowflakes whirled and raged, barely revealing the pavilion at the center of Cold Moon Pond. At the cave entrance, Chen Mu stood with the White Bone Shield, darkly watching Cold Moon Pond. "Director Song is missing!" Lu Kus face also turned ugly. "Nobodys next door." Wu Ruo and Yu Lin quickly walked over from the adjacent cave. "The snowstorm is too heavy, the Truthful Listening Secret Technique cant hear anything." Shi Xian frowned deeply. Chen Mus heart sank, and he looked up at the sky. "Have you ever seen such a snowstorm around this time of year before?" "Within three hundred li around the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, there has never been such a thing." Wu Ruo said. "According to the records in the books, only the Zhongshan Path thousands of li to the north could have this kind of weather," Lu Ku added. "We were supposed to be migrating south!" Xu Raos face was extremely grim. This snow, its not right! "Lets go find the Oversight Courtyard!" Chen Mu no longer hesitated, turning around to leave. Chapter 290 - 288: Like Reality, Like Illusion In the wind and snow, Chen Mu led the charge, mounted on his horse. With each stride covering seven or eight meters, he sprinted down Twin Peaks Mountain at extreme speed. As he passed by the entrance of a dojo cave, Chen Mu glanced inside with his peripheral vision. Suddenly, he discovered seven or eight disciples from the Lower Courtyard, all in various short garments, standing right at the doorway. Their eyes were pale white, staring at him indifferently with their ghastly eyes. Chen Mu felt the hair on his head nearly stand on end. He urged on his Divine Steps Thousand Miles, fleeing as if flying! The six siblings of Wu Mountain did not utter a word, exerting all their strength to follow Chen Mus pace, running headlong. By the time they reached the last layer, Chen Mu didnt even take the mountain path; he led the six siblings to jump straight down from the seven or eight-meter-high trail, just like dumplings. Boom! The rolling white snow was overturned by the landing force of the several people. Without waiting for it to disperse, it was once again broken through by the seven people, carrying them straight toward the Scripture Transmission Institute. ... "Director Fu Zi!" Just as he leapt into the Scripture Cave, Chen Mu shouted loudly. However, the aloof figure that usually sat behind the counter was nowhere to be seen. The entire Scripture Cave was eerily quiet. Only the sound of Chen Mus voice, reflecting off the cave walls, faintly echoed back to his ears. "Ill go in and look!" Ai Ji lifted his foot to walk further inside. But he was grabbed by Chen Mu. A black crescent blade suddenly appeared five meters in front of them. Boom! A fistful of white snow burst open suddenly. Woo-ah... Accompanied by a miserable scream, the exploded snowflakes slowly dissipated in midair like fireworks. Only a barely perceivable black powder was left sprinkled on the ground. Chen Mus heart sank suddenly. Director Song was missing, and Director Fu Zi was nowhere to be seen. The last person with the Condense Aperture Cultivation, Minor Director Liang, was also missing. And this unknown threat seemed to loom nearby. "Leave the mountain!" They must leave Peng Yue Mountain as soon as possible! ... Not long after Chen Mu left, a series of gentle footsteps suddenly started in the quiet Scripture Cave. A black boot stepped out from the shadow of a corridor and onto the black dust. "Seems someone was calling me?" Fu Zi looked towards the cave entrance with a puzzled expression. To the south of Peng Yue Mountain, as far as the eye could see, everything was covered in thick snow, a vast expanse of whiteness. "The snow has finally stopped," Fu Zi remarked with his hands behind his back. "Having been in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River for dozens of years, Ive hardly ever seen it snow." "Well, now Ive had enough all at once," Fu Zi thought with glee. Whether it was an illusion or not, he always felt that under the dim yellow sky, the snow carried a slight dull blue hue. He glanced at the flickering Glowing Algae Lamps of Cold Moon Workshop down below. Fu Zi could almost immediately imagine the scene of many disciples from the Lower Courtyard gathering in the pub, listening to storytellers and chatting away, a bustling scene. "Alas... the bustle is for others," "Only the tranquility of the Scripture Cave belongs to me," Fu Zi shook his head slightly, a satisfied smile crossing his face, then he turned and walked back into the Scripture Cave. The faint sounds of wind and snow started to envelope the entrance of the cave lightly, masking all other noises. And unknown to them, the patch of black ash on the ground also disappeared without a trace. ... "Three Yin Slaying Demon!" Accompanied by a chilling low growl, Ai Ji and Xu Rao appeared behind the group with faces full of disbelief. "Impossible!" Ai Ji bellowed. Xu Rao cursed in local dialects that Chen Mu didnt understand, then raised his hand and waved it towards the boundary monument. "Three Yin Slaying Demon!" Bang! The two-meter-tall boundary monument was instantly shattered. "Have you heard of it?" Lu Ku looked at Wu Ruo. "The folk tale about ghost hitting the wall?" Wu Ruo frowned. "Or some kind of large Forbidden Law." Lu Ku pondered deeply, "But Peng Yue Mountain definitely doesnt have any Forbidden Laws." "Are we still befuddled, never having woken up?" not help but bloken up he looked to Chen Mu. Just now in the training hall, it was Chen Mu who had slain the invisible monster and awakened them. Was that fake? But Chen Mus eyes suddenly brightened. This wasnt an infinite space, nor a crack in time-space. They might have just been misled in their minds and senses! Even if the real person from the White Tower could transform into a black dragon and ride the clouds and mists, he still left traces and could not travel through space. How could there be a demon more formidable than the White Towers true person in the wilds of Peng Yue Mountain?! "Seven Souls Return to Origin!" Hum! Ai Ji, who had been pacing back and forth agitatedly, suddenly slumped to the ground. Chen Mus eyes were wide open, intensely observing the surroundings. "Its not enough!" With a thought, he connected once more to a star within the mist. Xu Rao immediately followed Ai Jis lead, falling to the ground with a thud. A faint ripple of water flashed by the corner of Chen Mus eyes. "Still not enough!" The next moment, Shi Xian also slumped to the ground. Hum! The scene in front of him was flickering as if a video was buffering in a bad internet connection, with the blizzard unexpectedly causing stuttering and flickers?! "Ha!" Yu Lins body suddenly shook, and he kneeled on the ground weakly. Chen Mu felt his spirit stronger than ever before. His eyes even began to flicker with a faint silver glow. Pfft! The blizzard abruptly stopped, and where Chen Mu gazed, it was like watching a movie screen being ignited, the invisible flames burning the screen and obliterating the images. The blizzard was gone, the howling wind was gone, and the brightly-lit Cold Moon Lodge turned dim. The entire Peng Yue Mountain was covered with white snow as usual, quiet up and down the mountain, as if no living thing existed. Lu Ku hesitantly spoke, "Mr. Gongsun?" "Tell me, is it still snowing above us?" Chen Mu asked, not directly answering. "Yes!" Lu Kus expression shifted, respectfully responding. What an amazing Exotic Force! "Follow me, and no matter what you see, dont pay any attention to it!" "Yes!" Lu Kus face immediately lit up with joy. ... A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu looked at the familiar log cabin in front of him with relief. "Is it still snowing above?" Chen Mu asked Lu Ku behind him. "No more!" Lu Ku, drenched in sweat, had his eyes filled with joy. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Finally... finally managed to get down the mountain! Chapter 291 - 289 Encounter Under the wooden house. In the first cavern. Listening to the constant sound of water, feeling the moist air within the cavern, Chen Mu finally let out a sigh of relief. "Are we out?" Wu Ruo supported Shi Xian with her left hand and carried Ai Ji around his waist with her right hand as if she was carrying a chick. "For the time being," Chen Mu maintained the Seven Souls Return to Origin. He took out two Mustard Seed Talismans and quickly gathered the dried fish and jerky stored within the cavern. Ever since he penetrated the underground Yin River, he had been stockpiling food. "Pack, pack as much as you can," Chen Mu instructed Wu Mountains six siblings. Peng Yue Mountain was no place to stay, and after leaving, they would certainly have to trek through the deep forests and mountains for some time.@@@@ These provisions would come in handy. The six siblings exchanged glances and immediately sprang into action. Even the weakened foursome of Ai Ji mustered their strength to help. "Mr. Gongsun, were you planning to leave all along?" Lu Ku asked doubtfully, looking at the large recesses carved into the walls of the cavern, each filled with bottles, jars, boxes, and bundles. "Not at all," Chen Mu replied, as he pulled two neatly folded leather tents from one of the holes. If it were not for this weird snowstorm, he wouldnt be leaving at all. Hoping to survive a decade or more, to become an old disciple, one of their own, perhaps he might even have obtained the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Now, once he fled, all the Trust Value he had accumulated on Jilong Road would be gone. "Then what is this..." Lu Ku was at a loss for words as he looked at the small brown wooden box in his hands. With just a glance, he saw over ten kinds of ready-to-use emergency medicines, including insect and beast repellents, detoxifiers, and blood coolers. If the preparations were so thorough, wasnt it meant for a long journey? "The world is such a dangerous place; I was only storing some disaster supplies like everyone else," Chen Mu stated matter-of-factly, then strangely countered, "Dont you all store some, too?" Store, yes, but the scale of yours... Lu Ku glanced at the waist-high bags that were becoming increasingly full, and he exchanged looks with the others. This Mr. Gongsun, perhaps his preparations were a bit too sufficient. Chen Mu did not care what the others thought. He filled the several blank Mustard Seed Talismans in his hand and continued to sneak items into the Five Ghosts Bag as they packed. A quarter of an hour later. In front of each of the seven people stood a waist-high leather bag. Chen Mu looked regretfully at the remaining small amount of dried fish. "Lets go." ... In a dim, subterranean space, the sound of rushing water was constant. A five-meter-high cave wall had an arched entrance, large enough for one person. From this entrance poured a palm-deep stream of water, hitting the rock below and splashing snow-white droplets everywhere. A fist-sized spherical crystal ball drifted out from the entrance. Inside the sphere, glowing algae swayed, emitting a soft, glowing white light. Chen Mu stood silently at the entrance. After a good while, once the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit had made a round and confirmed there were no abnormalities, Chen Mu signaled those behind him to jump down the entrance. ... "Director, Im a Lower Courtyard disciple, how could I harm you? You really dont need to be so guarded against me." Chen Mu sighed. "This is just an ordinary side-door Magic Artifact. It can scout ahead, turn invisible, carry people and fly..." "And also perform Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, devouring and eating people," Song Wujie interjected indifferently. Chen Mu: "..." Tsk, hes run into someone who knows his stuff. "Enough talk, do you have any White Jade Coins? Lend me some," Song Wujie snorted. "You, being a dignified Oversight Courtyard director, asking to borrow money from a mere Lower Courtyard disciple like me, is that really appropriate?" Chen Mu asked incredulously. This person was the Oversight Courtyard director, a Condensing Aperture expert. If he borrowed money, could it ever be returned? "You know Im the director and you still dare not to lend? Do you think thats appropriate?" Song Wujie glared menacingly. "Lend... how could I not lend," Chen Mu sighed, "But lets make it clear, nine lent for thirteen returned, not a coin less!" "You little brat, hurry up and bring it to me!" Song Wujie was fuming. "Right away!" Chen Mu chuckled and floated forward. He began to draw out boxes of White Jade Coins. Behind him, the six siblings of Wu Mountain watched with mouths agape at Chen Mus actions. Giving high-interest loans to their own Oversight Courtyard director? Typical of Mr. Gongsun. A hardcore man indeed! ... Read new chapters at empire The box filled with White Jade Coins had just been taken out when it was pulled into the air by an invisible force. Then with a bang, the wooden box burst open, and a shower of White Jade Coins rained down. After several boxes were emptied, Song Wujie was covered with White Jade, his face buried among them. Chen Mu clicked his tongue in amazement. "Director, your hobby... quite unique!" "Get lost!" An invisible Exotic Force erupted. The White Jade piled on Song Wujie immediately flickered with a glowing white light. Chen Mus spirit delved into the Primordial Talisman, activating a special vision, and he saw strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy being forcibly extracted from the White Jade. It was like kitchen smoke being sucked into an exhaust hood. Whizzing as it was absorbed into Song Wujies body. The seven or eight thousand White Jade Coins that Chen Mu had scattered were soon drained. And due to the violent manipulation, The White Jade pieces cracked and exploded one after another. Bang! Song Wujie leaped up, scattering the White Jade shards from his body. A mass of emerald insect cloud abruptly appeared beneath his feet, lifting him up into the air. The Song Wujie who had looked like a dead man floating just before suddenly seemed... not so much like a dead man. Though his face remained as pale as paper, it now had a touch of vitality. Chapter 292 - 290 Snow Demon Qing Liu ``` "How did you all come to be here?" Song Wujie frowned as he looked at Chen Mu and his companions. "I only left for seven days, has something happened to Peng Yue Mountain?" Seven days? A lift of Chen Mus eyebrow. He only discovered Song Wujies disappearance this very afternoon. Then who was the Song Wujie that had been standing in the Cold Moon Ponds pavilion for the past seven days? A chill ran through Chen Mus heart. Had they been trapped all along?! He immediately recounted the recent changes. Upon hearing the story, Song Wujies face showed a strange expression. Snowstorms? Red eyes? "That must be the snow demon Qing Liu." Qing Liu? "Such a powerful demon should only exist in the north," Song Wujie frowned. "Could it have followed along with the Zhongshan Path?" Chen Mu remained silent. He hadnt expected the influence of the Zhongshan Path to persist, even as he ventured deep into the mountains. "Director, should we head back?" Chen Mu asked, with a hint of hope. If this person could slay that Qing Liu snow demon, then he could continue staying in Peng Yue Mountain to accumulate Trust Value. "Im afraid thats not possible," Song Wujie shook his head. "Qing Liu is adept at Bewitching Divine and can craft snow puppets." "At first, its quite weak. If discovered, it can be easily chased away." "But the longer it stays, the more snow puppets it assimilates, the harder it becomes to deal with." "Unless all the snow puppets are killed at once, and at the same time, the ley lines are destroyed, eradicating the source of the Earth Spirit Vitality." With a sigh, Song Wujie said, "Peng Yue Mountain is ruined." Chen Mu sighed along. Peng Yue Mountain was such a good place. Just established, with so much to be done, lots of opportunities to earn White Jade. What a pity... ... "Director, the underground environment is damp and stuffy, shall we leave this place first?" Chen Mu cautiously suggested. Song Wujie glanced at Chen Mu, "Theres no need to be afraid, theres no danger here." No danger? If theres no danger, then why do you look like a ghost? "With the Director here, theres certainly no danger," Chen Mu complimented in a perfunctory manner. Song Wujie laughed it off in annoyance. "My injuries are the result of an entanglement with the Cold Moon Toad." "Now that the little toad has been subdued by me, what danger could there be?" Song Wujie glared at Chen Mu. Subdued? Chen Mu couldnt help but feel relieved. He had previously guessed that Song Wujies descent underground might relate to the Cold Moon Toad. Perhaps theres an unknown Yin River connecting the Cold Moon Pond. The toad, hiding in the Yin River, tried to sneak back to the Cold Moon Pond and was discovered by Song Wujie, hence the chase down here. After the big toad scraped at its mouth for a while, and nudged Song Wujie a couple of times, it silently sank back into the water. Then Chen Mu controlled the Ghosts to float in front of Song Wujie. Looking at the pallid-faced, eyes tightly shut pretending to be dead Song Wujie, Chen Mu held back his laughter. "Director Song, as we agreed, huh, What goes out in nine comes back in thirteen." Saying so, he started sprinkling White Jade Coins on Song Wujies body. It was like a scene replay. Sprinkle White Jade Coins, absorb Earth Spirit Vital Energy, then with a bang, spring up. This time, Song Wujie did not ride on the swarm of insects, but instead his entire body formed into a glowing white orb that enveloped him. With an expressionless face, he glanced at the seven people and said indifferently, as if nothing had happened, "Lets go!" ... The next morning. Sixty miles south of Peng Yue Mountain, on the northern side of a Low Mountain. Halfway up the mountain was a small cliff about three stories high. A gentle stream fell from the cliffs edge, splashing into a pool below, making a lively sound as it hit the water. Not far from the pool, grass and trees had been flattened, revealing a man-made clearing. Eight single-person tents were set up in a circle. A fire pit with grey-white ash and traces of scarlet embers was in the middle. Chen Mu and the six siblings from Wu Mountain were gathered in front of the fire pit, with Chen Mu saying nothing. Before long, a figure descended from the sky. "Peng Yue Mountain has completely become the domain of the Snow Demon Qing Liu," said Song Wujie, his face looking grim. After finally finding a place to settle down, they didnt expect it to be occupied by a snow demon. Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. He really didnt like moving around and being troubled. "Director, where should we go?" Since they couldnt return to Peng Yue Mountain, they might as well leave quickly. The snow demon Qing Lius Bewitching Divine ability was too strong. He didnt want to be confused and inadvertently fall under its spell again. "No rush," Song Wujie gestured. "Give me some time to recover, then I will go and test the waters," he said. "Even if we cant take back Peng Yue Mountain, we have to save the person." "Director, you are truly noble," Chen Mu said with an admiring face. "But the snow demon is powerful, and you havent recovered from your serious injuries. You mustnt take risks lightly." "You think I cant beat that Qing Liu snow demon?" Song Wujie looked at Chen Mu sideways. No, Im just afraid youll die and wont be able to repay the debt! "Not afraid," Song Wujie waved his hand. "The longer Qing Liu takes to build its nest, the stronger it becomes." "Previously because of my deterrence, this Qing Liu only dared to attack stealthily." "It has only been building the nest in full force for seven days." "Dealing with it, very simple," Song Wujie said confidently. Chen Mu feigned contemplation. If youre so confident, then I have some doubts. "Dont you trust me?" Song Wujie looked at Chen Mu sideways. "I do trust you!" Chen Mu quickly responded. "No need to say it, I know you dont trust me," Song Wujie waved his hand. "Just wait, Im going to beat up that Qing Liu right now, to open your eyes!" he said and whooshed away. Chen Mu: "..." Maybe I should run away first... Chapter 293 - 291 Rescue After a few faint sounds of explosions from the direction of Peng Yue Mountain, a streak of emerald green light flew over from the horizon. Song Wujie landed in the camp, sitting in front of the bonfire with a strange look on his face. He didnt pay any attention to the others and just frowned, muttering a series of "shouldnt be," "impossible," "this isnt the Qing Liu I know," and the like. Chen Mu didnt dare to ask for details. Seeing this behavior, it was clear that Director Song didnt win in the fight he picked. Asking now would be rubbing salt in the wound, wouldnt it? What if he decided not to repay the debt? Resting for one day, Song Wujie flew back to Peng Yue Mountain for another fight. After returning again, his face still bore that peculiar, disbelieving look. Chen Mu, on the other hand, wasnt worried anymore. Even though Director Song couldnt beat the snow demon Qing Liu, at least he could save his own life. As long as the creditor was alive and well, Chen Mu would just let him be. He only activated the Seven Souls Return to Origin every night, carefully observing his surroundings, afraid of being deceived again. The Wu siblings didnt complain at all. In fact, they were quite cooperative. They too were scared by the experience of falling into the Illusion Realm before. ... Two days later. Director Song seemed to have found a solution. Taking the Cold Moon Toad, which had always been hiding underground sleeping, he set out for Peng Yue Mountain. Before long, they heard resonant croaking sounds. His plan was very effective. By that afternoon, more than a dozen people had arrived at Low Mountain. All wore gray, with short tunics and gaunt faces. Chen Mu didnt recognize them. But from their attire and appearance, he could tell they were disciples who worked the fields in the Lower Courtyard. "I heard theyre all disciples from the foot of the mountain." In the evening, by the bonfire, Wu Ruo shared the information she gathered. "Because they were short on resources, they didnt go to the daoist hall." Because they were far from Cold Moon Pond, were they the first to break free from the Illusion Realm due to less influence? Chen Mu understood in his mind. ... In the following days, accompanied by the thunderous croaking sounds, more people gradually arrived near Low Mountain. They even saw Shang Huan and Old Hao. They appeared together with Mo Wuzhou. "Chen Mu, youve escaped too, how wonderful!" Old Hao had grown much thinner, his eyes bloodshot with excitement as he looked at Chen Mu. "Fortunately, I escaped." Chen Mu also looked moved. He had thought he wouldnt see his old neighbor again. "Its thanks to Xiao Mo," Old Hao said with relief. "Hes the one who spotted the problem and saved us. Otherwise, we wouldnt have lasted until Director Song took action; we would have already perished on Peng Yue Mountain." Chen Mu couldnt help but look towards Mo Wuzhou, who wasnt far away. Around him were dozens of Lower Courtyard disciples, all of whom had been saved by him. Chen Mu couldnt help but admire him. To be able to preserve oneself and save so many others within the snow demons Illusion Realm truly required some skill. Looking at those around him, who all regarded Mo Wuzhou with a gaze full of respect, following his lead unquestionably. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "No wonder hes been the number one talent of the Lower Courtyard for decades, a real main character indeed." ... In the evening, clusters of bonfires were kindled on the waist of Low Mountain. This... this is kind of difficult now. Shang Huan laughed sheepishly, extending three fingers, "Three White Jade Coins!" Chen Mu immediately gave Shang Huan a sidelong look. It seems you really want to be taken for a fool! Im charging thousands to tens of thousands of White Jade now, and youre trying to fob me off with just three White Jade Coins? "Were really not hungry!" Ai Ji cried out in terror. If they really ate this meal, would he be drained of his spirit to the point of death? "Three coins each!" Shang Huan said through clenched teeth. Chen Mu turned his head and gave Ai Ji an expressionless look. "No, youre hungry!" Ai Ji: "..." "You go hunting, slaughtering, and cleaning, Im only responsible for roasting the meat," Chen Mu said, turning back to Shang Huan. It wasnt for the sake of those few White Jade Coins, mainly because I had achieved Perfection in the Spirit Nourishing Curse today, so I must celebrate with a good meal! "Okay!" ... Night fell. By the bonfire, Chen Mu held up a roasted deer leg, carving off a whole wooden plate of roast slices for himself. While he ate methodically, he reached out to take the grey cloth bag handed over by Shang Huan. "Youre three short," Chen Mu said flatly. "Eight people, twenty-four coins, thats right," Shang Huan said, confused. "Nine people," Chen Mu stated flatly. "Youre including yourself too?" Shang Huan couldnt believe it. "What do you think?" Shang Huan had no choice but to pull out three more White Jade Coins with a pained expression on his face. Three years ago, his entire net worth wasnt even twenty-seven coins. Now one meal had brought disaster upon him. His heart ached. Chen Mu pocketed them with satisfaction. Even a mosquito is still meat. Last year when I sold Calming Pills, I only made sixty White Jade Coins in a month. Now Ive earned almost half a months income from one meal; not bad. And lately, Id just lent out about fifteen or sixteen thousand White Jade Coins, so I was really feeling a bit anxious. I wonder if Director Song will try to weasel out of paying... ... The Wu Mountain siblings were devouring their meat without daring to look up. After a long while, Wu Ruo gathered the courage to speak, sharing the intel she had gathered just like the previous days. "Theres a snowstorm on Peng Yue Mountain, it has passed Cold Moon Pond and is starting to spread down the mountain." "Theres still no news about Prefect Song. Some say he fell into the storm, others say he ran off ahead of time." "The disciple of Oversight Courtyard, Liang Yi, still hasnt come out." "Maybe..." Chen Mus expression turned less pleasant. Two Condensing Aperture... Could this Qing Liu be that formidable? He looked up again at the camp of nearly a hundred people and couldnt help sighing. Looks like its over for the Lower Courtyard of Peng Yue Mountain, I dont know if it will disband now. "There are rumors that Director Song plans to dismantle the Lower Courtyard," Wu Ruo said softly. "The only reason its still here is to save his disciple," she murmured. Chen Mu frowned. If Song Wujie truly just drops everything and leaves. These hundred plus people, it would be difficult even to get out of these deep woods alive! "Stock up more supplies, and prepare for the worst," he said. Chapter 294 - 292 Secret Technique ``` Three days later. Liang Yi finally arrived at Low Mountain. He also brought out a team of seventy to eighty people. The members included Prefects and Team Leaders from the Lower Courtyard, the Patrolling Inspector from the Inspection Courtyard, and clerks from the Administrative Affairs Institute. It was equivalent to bringing out nearly half of the core personnel of the Lower Courtyard. "Now there should be no need to dissolve the Lower Courtyard," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. The ordinary disciples below Jade Seed could be abandoned at any time. But those above Jade Seed, those with Spiritual Light or Illusion Breaking Cultivation, were all excellent human resources. As long as a piece of territory was found, with these people, a new Lower Courtyard could be rebuilt at any time. Naturally, they would not be casually dissolved and discarded. ... In the following three days, Song Wujie went to Peng Yue Mountain every day to attempt, all ending in failure. No one else came to Low Mountain. Chen Mu raised the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit and looked out at the snow-white Peng Yue Mountain from afar. Out of the thousands of Lower Courtyard disciples, fewer than three hundred came out. The rest would become snow puppets, a fate worse than death. Chen Mu couldnt help but think back to his time in Da Liang. To gather the Thousand Mechanism Tokens, the high echelons of Da Liang let war rage, with city slaughters happening frequently, leaving nothing but death in their wake. "Nowhere in this world is safe!" Chen Mu sighed. "I must continue to cultivate." Only with greater strength could one survive in this tumultuous, chaotic world. Suddenly, a pair of huge red crystal-like eyes appeared and disappeared in the wind and snow. Chen Mus spirit was startled, his scalp exploded instantaneously, and he immediately withdrew the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit. The snow demon Qing Liu had grown stronger! Chen Mu dared not look any further and immediately began to gather supplies, ready to flee at any moment. Another two days passed, and the temperature near the Low Mountain camp began to drop. The crowd, joyful and noisy after being rescued, suddenly quieted down, fear and unease appearing in everyones eyes. Obviously, the influence of the snow demon Qing Liu had expanded. That day, after Song Wujie returned without success again, he finally decided to lead the people away. ... Nighttime, at the edge of the camp. Chen Mu sat silently by the bonfire. Mo Wuzhou suddenly came to visit. "Junior Brother Gongsun, youve kept yourself well hidden," Mo Wuzhou said with a rigid face that showed no emotion, but his voice was full of playfulness. Chen Mus expression did not change. When he encountered Song Wujie, his Cultivation couldnt be hidden. Seeing Wu Mountains six siblings and others around him, Mo Wuzhou could immediately guess that he was Gongsun Sheng. "Its just some minor techniques to save my life," Chen Mu admitted openly, extending his hand and gesturing for Mo Wuzhou to sit down across from him. "Did Brother Mo come here for..." "Im here on behalf of Brother Liang," Mo Wuzhou sat opposite Chen Mu and said, "Brother Liang knows you dislike attracting attention, and if he came in person to find you, it would draw everyones gaze."@@@@ "Brother Liang is very considerate," Chen Mu said with thanks. Indeed, he did not wish to become the center of attention. "Brother said, thank you for your help, youve done a big favor for the Oversight Courtyard. He asked me to thank you," as he spoke, he threw a Mustard Seed Talisman to Chen Mu. "Impossible!" Song Wujie glared at Chen Mu, "Youve got fish, not dragon meat!" Secret Techniques for Alchemy, Artifact Refining? These were the Secret Techniques many would break their heads over to get. And he wants to exchange a pile of Exotic Beast fish for it? Daydreaming! "What if I solve the food problem for the whole team?" Chen Mu smiled slyly. "You can solve the eating problem for over three hundred people?" Song Wujie was incredulous. "Just answer whether youll exchange it or not," Chen Mu echoed Song Wujies earlier words, putting on a tough face. "Exchange!" Song Wujie gritted his teeth. If Jilong Road could overpower Zhongshan Path, he could return to Jilong Mountain and get his fair share of resources. If things on Jilong Road didnt go well, these disciples in his hands were his capital for a comeback. As long as he found a new Earth Spirit Vital Energy node, he could rebuild the Lower Courtyard with these disciples. After developing for ten or eight years, they could bring him a huge amount of resources. So, the first thing was to ensure these people could survive the Primitive Jungle. ... Your next journey awaits at novelhall.Co?m Having sent Song Wujie away, Chen Mu called over the six siblings of Wu Mountain. "Teacher, do you want Shi Xians Truthful Listening Secret Technique?" Lu Ku immediately guessed what Chen Mu intended. Over three hundred fugitives, none of them weak individually, hunting Exotic Beasts wasnt difficult, the hard part was finding the prey. The Truthful Listening Secret Technique, with its detailed and wide-ranging detection, was ideal for locating targets. Such exploration secret techniques were already rare for anyone to cultivate. And those who cultivated similar techniques had all perished on Peng Yue Mountain. Song Wujies bugs could also scout, but he had never made a move. Chen Mu guessed, perhaps because the other party had been gravely injured and not yet recovered. Wasnt this the perfect opportunity? "Itll be quick, I just need to borrow and make a copy," Chen Mu told Shi Xian. "No problem," Shi Xian nodded promptly. Then, hesitating for a moment, her usually reserved face couldnt help but show eagerness, "You can take the Secret Technique to use as you like, but could you return it to me a bit later?" Chen Mu looked at Shi Xian in surprise. He then turned to look at the six Wu Mountain siblings who all seemed quite agitated. A thought flashed through Chen Mus mind, and he incredulously looked at Xu Rao, "The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique Ive cultivated to the Third Rank, you can use it too?" "I dont know the specific rank of the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique," Xu Rao pursed her lips, trying to suppress her mirth for a long time, but couldnt keep the smile off her face, "After you borrow it, Ive broken through the bottleneck I had before." Chen Mu: "..." Its over! Ive become an external plug-in! It took a while for Chen Mu to come back to his senses, envy and resentment apparent as he looked at the six Wu Mountain siblings. You six must be the real protagonists! I toil away earning experience points, and you guys can use it right away. You level up faster than I can add skill points! Chen Mu extracted the Truthful Listening Secret Technique Talisman from Shi Xian with a face full of grief and indignation. Shi Xian immediately went limp and leaned on Wu Ruo beside her, yet a smile couldnt help but surface on her face. "Roll, roll, roll, roll, roll..." "Dont let me see you guys!" My mindset is collapsing. Chapter 295 - 293: On the Banks of the Tongtian River By the bonfire. Chen Mu held up his right hand before his eyes. Truthful Listening! Hum! A fist-sized black sphere emerged in the palm of his hand. With a thought, the black sphere suddenly expanded and dispersed. Centering on Chen Mu, it swept through the dense forest like a breeze. At the same time, an image in black and white appeared in his mind. In the heart of the camp, Song Wujie rested with closed eyes; Liang Yi fiddled with some unknown potion; Mo Wuzhou cultivated with closed eyes. Two miles east, a slowly writhing snake on a big tree. Five miles south, a pig rabbit with more than half its body buried in the mud, only its legs kicking on the outside. Above in the sky, an owl glided silently with a wingspan of one meter. Even the Cold Moon Toad hidden underground could be faintly discerned. After ten breaths, the image shattered and vanished. "What a great Secret Technique," Chen Mu marvelled. Discover hidden content at novelhall.Co?m "Just a bit taxing on the spirit." Handling so much information at once left his brain with a feeling of swelling and pain after overload. Moreover, because of the overload of information, the memory gleaned from the exploration became somewhat jumbled after the image collapsed. "It seems Shi Xian has a special talent, particularly suited for the Truthful Listening Secret Technique." Chen Mu glanced at the experience on his gray wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 9653/10000/Second Rank; "Yet another Secret Technique about to advance," Chen Mu sighed. The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique was the same last time. It was evident that the siblings of Wu Mountain had put in hard work on their respective secret techniques. "A five-mile range is still a bit too small." To feed more than three hundred hungry men, this hunting ground wasnt quite sufficient. "No chance of sleep tonight," Chen Mu shrugged. "Time to grind." ... Two days later, in the evening. Chen Mu sat with closed eyes by the bonfire. In his palm, a fist-sized black sphere suddenly appeared and then vanished just as quickly. Not far away, Lu Ku watched Chen Mu thoughtfully. "No wonder he is so quick with his United Heart Curse," Yu Lin said in admiration, standing beside Lu Ku. "This kind of mechanical, tedious repetition is something that ordinary people absolutely cannot endure." "Do you think our defeat was unjust?" Lu Ku tilted his head slightly, his expression inscrutable.@@@@ "Yesterday he only rested for two hours, and today he hasnt even started to rest." "With such perseverance, we cant compare," Wu Ruo said softly from the other side. Lu Ku fell silent. All the while, Chen Mu, whom the siblings of Wu Mountain thought to possess astonishing perseverance to endure the drudgery, was currently staring at the virtual gray wall with bloodshot eyes. Rest? To hell with rest! "Junior Brothers secret techniques are becoming more and more exquisite," Mo Wuzhou unfolded the scroll, admiring the ever-broadening range and finer details of the map, his words full of admiration. "Its just some little tricks," Chen Mu smiled. "Theyre nothing compared to Brother Mos divine secret techniques." "We dont know how long we will have to stay here." "The prey within the dense jungle nearby wont be enough to support us for too long." "However, Tongtian River is abundant with aquatic products that can be caught for food." "Ive made some medicinal bait here, which is suitable for luring various fish. Brother, you can send someone to try it out." While speaking, he passed a Mustard Seed Talisman to Mo Wuzhou. "Junior Brother is thoughtful," Mo Wuzhou took it. Chen Mu hesitated slightly, then voiced his doubt. "How do we plan to go to the Heavenly River Water Mansion? Surely were not going to build our own boat?" Mo Wuzhous face was expressionless, but his words carried a hint of humor, "Junior Brother need not worry. The Oversight Courtyard has a way to summon the Ling Boat." Chen Mus eyebrows rose in surprise. There was such a method? "The Lingboats of the Heavenly River Water Mansion are meant to ferry people to the mansion." "Ordinary people can only wait at fixed locations." "But if one gives sufficient White Jade Coins, they can also obtain a token to summon the Ling Boat." "Our Oversight Courtyard possesses the highly cultivated Condensing Aperture masters, who receive several such tokens from the Heavenly River Water Mansion every year." Chen Mu understood. To ordinary people, the Ling Boat is like a public bus. But as long as one pays enough, the Ling Boat can also be a taxi. To someone like Director Song, a Condensing Aperture master, the Ling Boat is essentially a free private car. Heh! Interesting. "Its just that the Tongtian River is so vast, its unknown how long the Ling Boat will take to arrive," "I was previously concerned about the food supply. But with Junior Brothers medicinal bait, thats no longer an issue," Mo Wuzhou thanked him with cupped hands. Chen Mu waved his hand, "Its part of my duty." How well he did was related to what secret techniques he could acquire, so how could Chen Mu not be diligent? ... They had thought the Ling Boat would arrive soon. But the wait turned out to be more than twenty days. That morning, the motionless surface of the Tongtian River suddenly exploded with a burst of water. A spiked white behemoth with a fierce appearance burst out of the water. Everyone in the camp couldnt help but stop and watch. They then cheered and leaped with joy. Chen Mu too looked over at the Ling Boat eagerly, resting on the handle of the chopping knife he had put down from cutting firewood. Even though the camp lacked nothing in terms of food and drink. It was just that - only food and drink were ample. Despite Chen Mus thorough preparations, after nearly two months of wilderness survival, they had not been able to replenish various living supplies, and the quality of life had plummeted swiftly. Some people in the camp were even dressed like beggars. "Whatever we say, weve got to check out Red Sleeve Square... hmm, no, we need to have a good meal!" Chen Mu gazed at the Ling Boat, his eyes shimmering with anticipation. Chapter 296 - 294 Arrival Ling Boat, Red Sleeve Square. Chen Mu sat in a secluded corner booth. Before him, a wide, solid wood dinner table was filled with a colorful array of dishes, predominately fish. Chen Mu picked up a slice of tender white fish and put it into his mouth, teeth lightly biting down... and failing to break through. Then, applying a bit more force, a salty taste with a hint of sweetness assaulted his taste buds. "The flavor is alright, but the softening of the meats texture is poorly done, affecting the taste," Chen Mu shook his head and lamented. The meat of Exotic Beasts was mostly tough. Some were chewy to the point of comparing to rubber. Though those who ate meat were strong and had powerful biting forces. But if all the ingredients in a meal were too tough, it would be too tiring for the teeth, wouldnt it? While Chen Mu silently analyzed the ingredients to steal cooking methods, his gaze was fixed unblinkingly on the enchanting figure above the giant transparent water sphere in mid-air. "Tsk tsk, that fish meat does look good." ... He twitched his ears slightly. The buzzing of voices within the hall slowly unraveled, becoming clear and distinct. "Do you think if we sell the information about those Jilong Road disciples to the Zhongshan Path, we could earn a large sum of White Jade Coins?" "If you want to die, go ahead." "Who knows if the Sect Master of East Fence Path is dead or not." "If the real person of White Tower is dead, now that would be interesting." "I guess they dare to show up because they see Zhongshan Paths people retracting their power." Listening to this idle gossip, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. What he feared the most was his group being surrounded by Zhongshan Path as soon as they showed their faces. It seemed Zhongshan Path and Jilong Road were in a delicate balance. Unfortunately, this was only temporary. Once either the real person of White Tower or the Sect Master of East Fence Path made an appearance, either Zhongshan Path or Jilong Road would certainly be finished. And if neither appeared for a prolonged period, it could attract the covetous glances of other forces and trigger chaos. "Its out of my hands," Chen Mu sighed. Even with his concerns, there was nothing he could do. Leave Jilong Road to become a Wild Cultivator? It carried risks, but he wouldnt need to be involved in the visible turmoil. However, it was already difficult for disciples of Jilong Road to obtain the Condensing Aperture secret method, let alone a solitary Wild Cultivator with no support or connections... "Ill wait and see at the Heavenly River Water Mansion," Chen Mu made a decision: "If things go south, Ill make a run for it immediately." The more than three hundred surviving disciples actually all shared this thought. This was also why Chen Mu was willing to continue following Jilong Road. ... "No, no, cant be so petty. Ive crossed over, how can I remain a small-minded commoner from the previous life! I need to be magnanimous! I have to learn to share!" Chen Mu chuckled as he teased himself. Then he suppressed the laughter in his heart and put on a fake expression of regret, "What a pity." "Ive already mastered Fourth Rank Truthful Listening." "By using mana, it can passively perceive information at short distances, and its already somewhat like the legendary Hearing the Wind." "If you could have fully inherited it, that would have been great." Chen Mu let out a long sigh, putting on a very regretful look. "I guess theres loss during the talisman transfer." "Such a pity!" He wanted to say a few more pleasantries. But then he heard Shi Xian say with a realization, "No wonder I couldnt activate it, it turns out Im lacking mana!" Chen Mu: "..." What does that mean? Did you really learn everything completely?! Chen Mu suddenly felt a tightness in his chest. If it werent for maintaining his image, he would have already glared with frustration. Just then, Ai Ji stepped forward with a worried look and spoke, "Mr. Gongsun, our departure from the mountains has already exposed our movements." "Zhongshan Path will definitely not sit idly by in regards to us disciples from Jilong Road." "Once we clash, I fear it will be a tough battle." "A chaotic situation is nearly upon us." Ai Jis face was stern. Chen Mu looked at him in surprise. This brash man could actually have such clear awareness? "If something happens to you, we wont be spared either." "My Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique specializes in amplifying strength, directly enhancing combat power," "So please, start practicing. Dont worry about my feelings. Quickly master more Secret Techniques to ensure your safety," Ai Ji said with righteousness. Chen Mu: "..." "Get lost!" ... After confirming multiple times that he could cultivate secret techniques with the help of Seven Souls Return to Origin for the six siblings of Wu Mountain, and that the secret techniques he had practiced could also be inherited by the siblings, Chen Mus mentality collapsed. It took five continuous trips to Red Sleeve Square for him to slightly improve his mood. "Always watching these performances here is still too depressing." "Should I find a Miss to chat with while bumming a meal?" "Forget it, forget it, the food at Red Sleeve Square is so expensive, I barely have enough for myself, let alone someone else!" "In that case, I can only visit a few more times to ease my gloomy mood," Chen Mu thought helplessly. Misses on stage, could you please be a bit bolder in your performances? After staying another seven days and grinding out over two thousand experience points for Truthful Listening, Chen Mu reluctantly left Red Sleeve Square. It wasnt that he didnt want to stay longer, but the Heavenly River Water Mansion had arrived. Chapter 297 - 295 Secret Technique ``` At the very front of the Ling Boat, there was a position with a transparent light screen. Having spent over three years on Jilong Road, Chen Mu now knew that the glass-like substance before him was called qiongyu. It was a man-made material used in Artifact Refining, tough and pressure-resistant, unafraid of falling. The most common use for it was in the Glowing Algae Lamps. But to use it here to resist the immense water pressure seemed somewhat inadequate. "Intriguing Talismans," Chen Mu looked towards the edge of the screen wall. A ring of intricate black patterns that looked like lace. Secret Techniques, Artifact Refining, all were closely related to these special symbols. He hadnt looked for long before his attention was drawn to a huge object in the distance. "The Heavenly River Water Mansion is this big?" Chen Mu was shocked in his heart. The entire Water Mansion looked like half a salted duck egg lying on the sea floor. On the surface were patterned rings of bright spots. From afar, it resembled a towering mountain. In front of the Water Mansion, the Ling Boat, which seemed quite large in Chen Mus eyes, looked like a ping pong ball placed under a basketball hoop. "You absolutely cant imagine it," Shang Huan leaned forward to Chen Mu with a grin, "The entire Water Mansion is actually the remains of a Golden Pearl Clam demon." Chen Mus pupils suddenly shrank. This massive object used to be a living monster?! If they ever encountered a live one, likely just a slight breath from it could blow people away! "Of the twenty-one Water Mansions in the Heavenly River, its said this isnt even the largest," Shang Huan remarked with a sigh. "There are twenty-one of these Water Mansions?" Chen Mu couldnt believe it. Twenty-one Water Mansions meant there were as many enormous monster corpses. Did they die naturally, or were they hunted down?! If they were hunted, what kind of powerful beings had hunted down such great demons?! "Not just that, it has been said that in Ancient Times there were seventy-two, built by true dragons and managed by the Heavenly River Dragon Palace. Alas, as time passed, the Dragon Palace left no trace, and only twenty-one Water Mansions remain. The legends are just that, legends." Dragon Palace? True dragons? Seventy-two Water Mansions? Chen Mu was speechless for a moment. ... "Although the Water Mansion is nice, wanting to live here is no easy feat," Shang Huan said with a squint, a hint of lament in his voice. Is it because of high expenses? Not to worry. After all, he was a wealthy man carrying thirty thousand White Jade Coins! Chen Mu appeared nonchalant. But, this fattys sudden lament seemed a bit off. "They say even the most ordinary accommodation here costs four White Jade Coins a month." "Weve arrived at the Water Mansion this time, but its clear that the Lower Courtyard wont continue to pay us." "Its necessary to think about money-making opportunities early," Shang Huan said earnestly. Chen Mu glanced at the fatty but said nothing. Continue your performance. Along with the Heavenly River Dojo at the northernmost point, the entire Heavenly River Water Mansion was divided into seven districts. He was currently staying in the ninth Tongtian Tower of the outermost Geng District, inside a three-story wooden inn. "Four White Jade Coins for a months lodging," "Director Song only covered one month; after that, everyone will have to figure it out on their own," "Its fine for disciples of the Spiritual Light Illusion Breaking Realm, but ordinary disciples below the Jade Seed level from the Lower Courtyard are in trouble," "This is forcing them to find other means." "It seems the situation on Jilong Road wont be resolved any time soon," Chen Mu frowned. "I should think about how to save up money," Chen Mu shook his head, letting go of further thoughts. If there werent any major changes, he still wanted to wait. Staying on Jilong Road allowed him to better obtain Secret Techniques. ... That evening, Chen Mu left the inns hall and returned to his room. He had spent the day in the hall sipping tea and listening to storytellers, ears pricked for any news. Being his first time at the Heavenly River Water Mansion, he dared not wander recklessly. After dinner, just when he planned to continue leveling up his Truthful Listening Technique, an unexpected visitor arrived. "Junior Brother Chen, this is the Secret Technique Jade Scroll that Director Song asked me to give you," Mo Wuzhou handed Chen Mu a wooden box that was as wide as a palm and as long as a forearm, his face expressionless. Chen Mus eyes lit up. "Finally, its here!" Discover more stories at novelhall.Co?m He had been away from the mountains for so many days that he thought Song Wujie was going to default on his promise! "Inside are the basic Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique and Five Qi Primordial Technique, both suitable for refining Fasting Pills," Mo Wuzhou explained. A look of joy immediately spread across Chen Mus face. Director Song really is a man of his word! He had imagined many times what Secret Technique Song Wujie would give. The one thing he didnt anticipate was that it would be an Alchemy Method. Fasting Pills. His connection with this item was no small matter. "Junior Brother, you really are lucky," Mo Wuzhous face remained expressionless, but his voice was filled with envy. Having a master who practiced alchemy, he had only learned half of the method to make Fasting Pills. Yet Chen Mu, who had not taken a master, was the first to receive the complete method for Fasting Pills from Director Song. However, as good as this Secret Technique is, its not easy to master. Having a master guiding him, he could only use the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique to extract the Essence of the Five Grains. Seeing the joy on Chen Mus face, Mo Wuzhou still couldnt help but say, "Junior Brother, its best not to blindly attempt it." "The Alchemy Secret Technique is quite challenging. Rash practice will only waste energy and White Jade Coins." "Thank you, Senior Brother," Chen Mu thanked him with a bow. I have an external assistance, nothing to fear! Ha ha! Chapter 298 - 296 The Reason Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique Inside the inn. Chen Mu, deep in thought, set down the Jade Slip. The Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique is a common secret technique for absorbing all kinds of essences.@@@@ However, different essences require different talismans. A Fasting Pill only needs the Essence of the Five Grains, so only one Five Grains Talisman is required. But some complex elixirs contain dozens or even tens of essences. To refine such elixirs successfully, one must learn the corresponding talisman for each essence. "This is just the extraction of essences," Chen Mu felt overwhelmed as he looked at the Five Qi Primordial Technique. The blending and refining also had corresponding unique talismans for various requirements. "No wonder there are so few alchemists." "Its not only because the heritage is precious." "Its really too difficult to practice," Chen Mu suddenly realized. Not only does it waste White Jade Coins, but learning so many talismans inevitably consumes a great deal of time. "Just for a simple Fasting Pill, you need to condense the talismans for the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique, the Five Grains Talisman, the Five Qi Primordial Technique Talisman, and the Golden Bead Talismanthats four talismans in total." "With the same amount of effort, you could learn four different secret techniques!" Of course, the huge expense is balanced by the alchemists strong earning abilities. However... "Is this thing a little too precious?" Chen Mu frowned. He was merely helping to track down game. Even without him, although it would be difficult, the survivors from the Lower Courtyard wouldnt starve to death. He had thought that receiving the cultivation technique for the Zuming Talisman would be quite good, or at most he might be given a more generous gift like the cultivation technique for the Spiritual Light Talisman. But this Alchemy Secret Technique "Feels like a hot potato." ... Tongtian Tower, Building J, Number 9. Chen Mu stood inside a cylindrical container with a perplexed expression. The container wasnt very large; it could at most accommodate ten or eleven people simultaneously. Its boundaries were transparent, resembling a layer of flexible, thin film. On the outside was a transparent jade tube slightly larger than the container, in which clear, transparent river water was filled. The container, like a bubble within this transparent tube, carried its passengers and floated rapidly upwards. "Alien version of an elevator? A bubble lift? Heh..." Chen Mu reached the sixty-second floor of the Tongtian Tower and, mimicking the passengers below, directly collided towards the exit. Passing through a curtain of water in an instant, Chen Mu emerged in the elevator hall of the sixty-second floor feeling a cool sensation. The hall was bright and octagonal, with sixteen evenly spaced corridors leading off it. There were six elevators in the center, with transparent tubes going through the ceiling, arranged in a circular pattern around the center. Chen Mu looked down at himself, dry as a bone. He then turned back just in time to see the bubble lift whizz away upwards. "Isnt this elevator quite magical?" Mo Wuzhou approached Chen Mu and commented, "Its said to be made from the swim bladder of some exotic fish." Chen Mu nodded and then respectfully cupped his hands saying, "Ill trouble Brother Mo to lead the way." Your next chapter is on "Come with me; Elder Song is already waiting for you," Mo Wuzhou waved his hand and led Chen Mu deeper inside. Along the way, Chen Mu saw many familiar faces. They were people who had come out of the mountains together, mostly Prefects with Illusion Breaking Cultivation from the Lower Courtyard. Upon seeing Mo Wuzhou, some nodded and smiled as a greeting, while others just glanced and ignored him, seemingly not very fond of Mo Wuzhou. "Dont mind them," Mo Wuzhou suddenly spoke, sensing Chen Mus puzzled look. "These Prefects from the Lower Courtyard, most of whom are from the Upper Court and have Daoist Bone talent, are rightfully a bit proud," Mo Wuzhous face was stiff and expressionless, but his voice was casual and even carried a hint of mockery. Chen Mu came to a realization. As for obtaining it from outside, Chen Mu hadnt ruled that out. Moreover, it was rumored that the Heavenly River Water Mansion had once auctioned off the Condense Aperture Secret Method. But as for the price, well... "Dont look so gloomy." "If you practice alchemy for me for ten years, you can accumulate Daoist Cultivation." "By then, as long as you have enough White Jade Coins, you can come to me to exchange for the Condense Aperture Secret Method," Song Wujie said, waving his hand generously. "Really?" Chen Mu eyed him suspiciously. "Ive already given you a high-interest loan with excess returns, and my credit is that low?" "Believe it or not, just get lost!" Song Wujie rolled his eyes and immediately began to shoo him away. Chen Mu immediately backed out with a smile. ... In the corridor, Chen Mus face bore a smile of joy, but his mind was filled with racing thoughts. Who could say what the situation would be in ten years? What if Song Wujie died? And what if I also died... No, no, no, I wont die. What if he refuses to acknowledge the debt? Chen Mu sighed. The Alchemy Secret Technique still needed to be cultivated regardless. Although it might just be the other party drawing a pie in the sky, that pie was simply too tempting! "Besides, if I learn the Art of Alchemy, I can also make money by refining elixirs." "If things dont work out with Song Wujie, the White Jade Coins Ive saved up could also be used to attempt to purchase it from elsewhere." ... "Has Master found out whether he can learn Alchemy?" Liang Yi asked doubtfully. "At least mastering the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique wouldnt be a problem," Song Wujie said. "Among those who have come out, quite a few have noticed the peculiarities of the Qingliu Illusion Realm." "But only you three were unaffected and even managed to escape from it." "You, due to your unique Secret Technique, which unites body and spirit." "As for Chen Mu and Mo Wuzhou, they belong to those who are innately perceptive to the spirit, which is sensitive." "Such people can perceive subtle changes in Talismans, especially suited for refining elixirs and artifacts." Liang Yi had an epiphany. "Three years to master Illusion Breaking, his talent is not low," Liang Yi pondered and then hesitantly added. "Are you afraid theres a problem with him?" Song Wujie inquired. "Little Mo mentioned before... this persons Secret Technique is brimming with ghostly qi, and his actions are always shady..." Liang Yi narrowed his eyes as he spoke. "Of course, hes no good guy," Song Wujie sneered. "Could a good guy propose such an aggressive profit scheme?" "Besides, this man is from the border wilderness overseas. How many good people can you expect to emerge from there?" Liang Yi nodded in agreement. "As long as he can learn the Qi Absorbing Technique, we can just consider him a talented disciple," Song Wujie said unconcernedly. "The new Lower Courtyard needs such talents." The new Lower Courtyard? "Has there been news from the East Fence Path Sect Master?" Liang Yi asked joyfully. "I only know that he is still alive, other than that, not much is clear," Song Wujie shook his head. "But there has been news from the group that went east." "Is it Liu Ling, the Elder who went towards Yunzhous East Ridge?" Liang Yi was overjoyed. "Exactly!" Song Wujie smiled. "She has found a new Earth Vein Spiritual Spring." "Even better than the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring of Peng Yue Mountain." "But with the crisis of Zhongshan Path not yet resolved, if they too get greedy..." Liang Yi worried. "Thats why we need to wait here for a while," Song Wujie sighed. "Without a formidable figure in command, even with the discovery of an Earth Vein Spiritual Spring, its impossible to sustain long-term operations." Chapter 299 - 297: Introduction Inns main hall on the first floor. Chen Mu leisurely sipped tea in a corner. His ears were perked up, silently operating the Truthful Listening Technique to gather various bits of information. Beside him sat a frowning, smoking Old Hao and an increasingly portly Shang Huan. "Four White Jade Coins a month for rent, and thats just for lodging. Adding food and cultivation, its at least nine White Jade Coins a month," Old Hao complained with a bitter expression. "The expenses are really too high!" Chen Mu sighed outwardly, nodding with a troubled face, but he didnt really care much in his heart. Back in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, the cost of cultivating with the Exquisite Jade Plate every month was a whopping ninety White Jade Coins. Now that his Jade Seed was full of Mana, as long as he didnt consume much, he basically didnt need to use the Exquisite Jade Plate, and expenses were suddenly reduced. The cost of lodging and food wasnt even a tenth of what he used to spend. "Although I earned a bit from clearing land at Peng Yue Mountain, it cant sustain this kind of expenditure," Old Hao said. "I heard that Geng District has several Ling Boats hiring labor for unloading goods and also recruiting people to hunt aquatic beasts in the river." "Shall we go take a look?" Old Hao asked Chen Mu, puffing on his smoke. Unload goods? Fish? Forget it. Better to ponder over Alchemy Secret Techniques with that time. "Forget about it." Before Chen Mu could refuse, Shang Huan spoke up in objection. "Theyll only pay you three to five White Jade Coins a month, barely enough for anything," Shang Huan said, as he pinched open a roasted pine nut and tossed it into his mouth. "At least it can cover something, help us hold out a little longer," Old Hao sighed. "Several old buddies are planning to leave once the inns monthly rent period is over." Shang Huan was startled, "Leave for where? Become wild cultivators?" "Not exactly," Old Hao shook his head. "Go somewhere with lower living costs for a while, come back every so often to check in, and if Director Song is leading people away, then follow along." Shang Huan shook his head, "Leaving is easy, but coming back is hard. Once people leave, Director Song might not even recognize them. And what if they miss the opportunity?" "We have no choice, do we?" said Old Hao, spreading his hands. "You dont plan to do the same, do you?" Chen Mu couldnt help but ask. "With no idea how long well stay here, these expenses..." Old Hao spoke with a troubled face. He stopped mid-sentence, shaking his head silently. Chen Mu finally realized. This state of financial distress was probably the norm for disciples of the Lower Courtyard. The nearly three hundred people who escaped this time, more than half of them were regular disciples of the Lower Courtyard. Their eventual path might well be like what Old Hao mentioned. Chen Mu thought of Song Wujies arrangements for him regarding the Alchemy Secret Techniques. The other party seemed confident about rebuilding the Lower Courtyard. But as for how long theyd have to wait here, even Chen Mu could not guarantee. After thinking it through, he still gave a veiled reminder, "Although Director Song has only paid our room rent for one month," "hes providing food and lodging for those disciples with Illusion Breaking Cultivation in Spiritual Light," "If the future was uncertain and hope dim, he wouldnt spend this money," "Rather than depleting savings, better to wait a bit longer," "And if it really isnt enough..." Chen Mu considered his savings of over thirty thousand, then looked gravely at Old Hao, "you can borrow some from Shang Huan to tide over for a while." Shang Huan: "..." Why borrow from me?! Arent you the one with money! Shang Huan glared at Chen Mu. A lotus-shaped glowing algae lamp was placed in the middle of a square table, casting a warm white light all around. Chen Mu sat in front of the table, holding a jade slip in hand. Beside his right foot, there was a three-legged, two-eared black pottery-like alchemy furnace. "Alchemy is really hard." Chen Mu set down the jade slip. It contained the controls for the Primordial Five-Element Alchemy Furnace. Together with the Qi Absorbing Technique for extracting essences and the Primordial Technique for condensing the elixir pills, even a basic Fasting Pill required mastering five talismans. "Difficult!" However... "Definitely profitable, though." He had quietly inquired over the past few days. One hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice could extract one portion of the Essence of the Five Grains. One portion of the Essence of the Five Grains sold for two White Jade Coins, doubling the price of the raw material. And one portion of the Essence of the Five Grains could be transformed into forty to fifty Fasting Pills, with prices immediately rising to four to five White Jade Coins each. The finished products price was four to five times that of the raw material. "If I turn all my savings of over thirty thousand into Fasting Pills..." Chen Mu did some quick calculations and couldnt help chuckling. "Id have the money to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method." "I could even earn some Daoist Cultivation." Daoist Cultivation represented the contribution points for Jilong Road. Only after meeting the required amount could he exchange for the Condense Aperture Secret Method. "Ten years isnt long, but its not short either," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. If it were as stable as the previous environment in the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River. Twenty years, fifty years, he could wait just the same. But now, unrest was visibly starting to rise in the world. He urgently needed more power for self-protection. Ten years was a bit too long. "If I learn how to make Fasting Pills, perhaps I wouldnt need ten years; five years might be enough to accumulate enough Daoist Cultivation," Chen Mu mused with narrowed eyes. "I have to learn this Alchemy Secret Technique no matter how difficult it is!" Chen Mu made up his mind. He relied on his gray wall for proficiency. What he feared least was practicing Secret Technique Talismans. Back in Da Liang, he had mastered seven Shape Cultivation Techniques in one go. "Just five Secret Techniques." Chen Mu immediately put away the pill furnace; he still had no use for it. Taking out a palm-wide jade slip, Chen Mu began to carefully study the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique. Mana was injected into the jade slip, and a shiny, brand-new talisman appeared inside the Jade Seed. With a thought, a new entry naturally appeared on the gray wall. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 1/10000/First Rank; Just perfect for staying idle in the Water Mansion. Find your next adventure on Time for some hard work! ``` Chapter 300 - 298: Linglong Path Arena Heavenly River Water Mansion, at the edge of the Jia Character District. Chen Mu stood in front of a white jade archway as tall as a five-story building. The pillars of the archway were carved with exotic beasts amidst cloud patterns, and the top was inscribed with four big charactersJinzhu Dojo. Through the gates of the archway, one could see neat rows of exquisite two-story wooden buildings close to the edge near the archway. Further inside were red walls and green tiles belonging to sprawling gardens and separate courtyards. At the very back was a square-shaped complex of connected buildings, resembling a dynastys imperial palace of the mortal world. Chen Mus spirit sank into the Primordial Talisman, and he activated a unique perspective. He then saw that the entire Jia Character District seemed to be enshrouded in a transparent bubble. Threads and strands of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, like swimming fish, hurried from all directions into the bubble. Chen Mu blinked and withdrew his unique perspective, and the Jiazi District returned to being that neat and pretty place, but without anything peculiar about it. "Jinzhu Dojos outer wooden buildings, ten White Jade Coins per person per day, are you going?" a tall, thin middle-aged man in his forties, with long black sideburns and an expressionless face, said. "Let me have a look first," Chen Mu shook his head. The middle-aged man said indifferently, "If youre not going, dont block the way." Hey! Such a snob! Who does he think he is looking down on? Believe it or not, I could crush you with thirty thousand White Jade Coins! Chen Mu glared fiercely at the other man. Before he could open his mouth to speak, a streak of light flew across the sky. A small cloth bag thudded onto the long table in front of the middle-aged man. "Jia Number Eleven, one year," a voice came from mid-air, and then, without showing ones face, the speaker flew into the depths of the Jia Character District and disappeared. The middle-aged man who had been indifferent just a moment ago immediately started bowing and scraping toward the direction where the light had disappeared. Once the streak of light was gone, the middle-aged man straightened up and resumed his impassive face.@@@@ He then overturned the cloth bag, pouring out a small pile of Red Jade Money. He glanced at Chen Mu briefly, then nonchalantly counted the coins one by one. Red Jade Money? That had to be at least fifty or sixty coins, didnt it?! Chen Mu couldnt help but be astounded. The others rent for one year was double all his savings. Such a damn rich fella! Reluctantly looking at the Red Jade on the table, Chen Mu turned around and left. The concentration of Vital Energy on the outskirts was equivalent to that of the Exquisite Jade Plate, but how could it be as convenient as the Exquisite Jade Plate? With such steep fees, what a lousy dojo. I dont want it! ... In an inn near the Gengzi Districts Number Nine Tongtian Tower. Chen Mu toyed with a White Jade Coin in his hand. Through the Primordial Talisman, he drew in threads and strands of Vital Energy into his body. Before long, the silver star points on the White Jade Coin dimmed, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy within having been drained. "Its far inferior to the Exquisite Jade Plate," Chen Mu assessed privately. "Seems like the Exquisite Jade Plate does more than just release the Vital Energy within White Jade Coins," Chen Mu realized. It could consume Earth Spirit Vital Energy and, through a special talisman, produce Vital Energy, much like a portable Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. "What a treasure!" "Its a shame that its so easily discovered by others," Chen Mu shook his head. He stared closely at the double-layered hemisphere and realized indeed no Vital Energy was escaping, but also that the concentration inside wasnt increasing unlimitedly. "The Exquisite Jade Plate itself has a limit." Chen Mu understood abruptly. "If it doesnt work, it doesnt work, it doesnt matter since it doesnt affect my current practice." "With this foldable Ying Fish swim bladder shielding device, the compact portable Linglong Jade Plate dojo is now complete." Chen Mu called up the grey wall. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 2593/10000/First Rank; "With Mana restoration unrestrained, I can gain experience even faster." He immediately opened the entrance, reserved beforehand, like lifting the flap of a tent, and crawled into the portable version of the Linglong Path dojo. He sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, muttering scriptures with closed eyes, and continually rebuilt Vital Energy Talismans within the Jade Seed. ... As usual in the evening, Chen Mu appeared in the inns ground floor lobby. "The usual for you?" asked the grey-clothed waiter familiarly. Seeing Chen Mu nod, he turned to enter the kitchen and, before long, brought him a pot of tea and a plate of roasted pine nuts. Chen Mu smiled his thanks, then leisurely drank tea and cracked pine nuts, invariably fitting his ears with the Truthful Listening Technique, and began quietly gathering rumors. But not long after he started listening, the United Heart Rope above his head trembled slightly. "Shang Huan?" Chen Mu realized. The fatty had already contacted him about the drunken bait matter before. Now he not only convinced Mo Wuzhou but had also contacted Liang Yi, and hed even prepared the storefront and customer network. Contacting him again was for the recipe. "Hes quite efficient." Chen Mu immediately transmitted the formula he had specifically organized and modified over the past few days to Shang Huan. The effects had been appropriately diminished to avoid trouble. At the same time, he made the materials and processes cheaper and simpler, suitable for mass production. "Lets see how the fatty handles it." Chen Mu shook his head and let it be. After listening to some rumors about the Heavenly River Water Mansion. He hastily finished dinner, then returned to his room to continue grinding for experience. ... With money in hand, paying rent was no concern. Chen Mu spent all day inside the inn, not stepping out the front door or the second door. Eating, practicing, and eavesdropping on information, half a month quickly passed. In the ground floor lobby of the inn, Chen Mu pinched open a pine nut and tossed it into his mouth, calling up the grey wall to take a close look. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 15/10000/Second Rank; "Although its only First Rank, its enough. I can split my efforts into practicing the Five Grains Talisman." Insight comprehension came along with Proficiency. The Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique at First Rank Perfection now possessed the ability to extract essences. As long as he learned the Five Grains Talisman, he could specifically extract the essence of grains. His relationship with the Fasting Pill was not shallow. Initially, he had successively modified three versions of the Bigu Pill. Now, he was finally starting to officially decode the secret technique for crafting the Fasting Pill, and Chen Mu couldnt wait to try. "Ill start practicing the Five Grains Talisman tonight!" Chapter 301 - 299: Cultivation Complete ``` Geng District, Inn beside the number nine Tongtian Tower. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. The Five Grains Talisman within the Jade Seed was becoming increasingly complex. His understanding of the Essence of the Five Grains also strengthened as his proficiency increased. The Essence of the Five Grains is a special substance, widely present within various plants. It contains stable Earth Spirit Vital Energy that has undergone qualitative change. Cultivators who have thrice undergone Shape Cultivation and perfected their Shell Soul possess monstrously strong bodies after transformation. With strong bodies come great appetites; eating an entire cow in one meal is no exaggeration. Yet a hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice could keep such a glutton satiated for a month, precisely because it is rich in the Essence of the Five Grains. "Similar to the starch in food from my previous life, but this has clearly transcended the mundane due to the presence of Earth Spirit Vital Energy," Chen Mu realized. He pulled up a grey wall. Five Grains Talisman: 1233/10000; "Shall we try?" Chen Mu eyed the proficiency number, eager to test it.@@@@ The Five Ghosts Black Smoke spread out, and he immediately took out a bag of Yellow Bud Rice, full of excitement. Within the Jade Seed. The Five Elements Vital Energy Talisman was the size of a soybean, disc-shaped, hovering up and down in the smoky mana fog. Silver threads connected like stars to form a vortex, spiraling around; at first glance, Chen Mu thought he saw a miniature version of the Milky Way. The Five Grains Talisman was generally spindle-shaped, with interior threads also filled with silver star points. It was very small, not even as large as a sesame seed. With a thought from Chen Mu, the spindle-shaped Five Grains Talisman drilled into the center of the starry river, then was pulled into the Black Orb Talisman. An absorption force emerged out of nowhere in front of him. Chen Mu felt as if he had suddenly obtained a vacuum cleaner in his hand. He immediately directed this Exotic Force towards the grey bag in front of him. Hum! The Yellow Bud Rice inside the bag immediately began to vibrate and undulate. A stream of whitish-yellow powder spun into Chen Mus palm, quickly amassing into two fist-sized clumps. "Is this the Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. According to the Jade Slips records, it should be pure white, not this mix of yellow and white... "Its a failure," Chen Mu shook his head. The Five Grains Talisman is a description of the Essence of the Five Grains; the more detailed it is, the more precise the absorption. The purer the extracted Essence of the Five Grains will be, with fewer impurities. His proficiency with the Five Grains Talisman wasnt enough, resulting in impure Essence of the Five Grains. He reached into the grey bag; the once clearly defined, crystal-clear Yellow Bud Rice had turned into a pile of dark yellow powder. It was edible, but tasteless and not filling. Dispelling the Qi Absorbing Techniques Exotic Force, Chen Mu packed the yellow-white powder into a brown wooden box and scratched his head. "This stuff could still be made into a version 3.0 Bigu Pill," he thought. After this attempt, he discarded any wishful thinking. "I should just continue to work hard." ... Heavenly River Water Mansion, Ding District. Jinxiu Pavilion. "That puts me in a difficult position, dear guest," said an old man over fifty with graying hair, shaking his head with a wry smile. Yet the people around him didnt seem to think anything of it, at most giving a couple of looks at the persons chest muscles, obviously accustomed to such strange sights. As he strolled, a vast structure that was as wide as a football field came into view. Before getting close, threads of melodious music reached his ears. Through the gaps in the doors and windows, figures danced enchantingly. "Red Sleeve Square headquarters?" "How did I end up here without realizing it?" "Could it be fate calling?" "Ah well, if fate decrees it, what can I do? Might as well take a look..." ... In the evening, Chen Mu left Red Sleeve Square in a daze. As he walked, he smacked his lips. "The headquarters meals are definitely tastier than those at the Ling Boat branch." "Its just that there are more sisters wanting to freeload, so annoying!" Chen Mu left with an impatient expression. ... The glowing ceiling at the top of the Heavenly River Water Mansion seemed to be connected to the outdoors; although there was no sun, moon, or stars, it simulated day and night. At the moment, with the light at the top dim and hazy, the market district streets lit up with specks of light. Neat three-story wooden buildings lined the spacious streets. Various signboards hung at the doors, too many for him to keep up with, barely remembering what they sold after walking past. But as he walked, a familiar signboard caught Chen Mus attention. "Imperial Goods Pavilion?" He curiously stepped up to the entrance. He immediately saw the elegantly dressed middle-aged man in his forties sitting behind the counter. "Customer, long time no see." Le Yangans face wore the same gentle smile as always. Chen Mu couldnt help but smile as well. Indeed, it had been a long time. This man was actually the owner of the Ling Boat branch of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yangan. "What does the customer need?" Le Yangan inquired gently, just like the first time he met Chen Mu. "Ah, I do have some items that need handling," Chen Mus mouth curled up. ... One month later. Geng District inn. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in the Linglong training ground. His right hand faced a black pottery bowl in front of him. Absorb! Hum! A heap of Yellow Bud Rice grains suddenly trembled and rolled. A stream of white powder swirled out of the bowl and quickly gathered into a bead in the palm of Chen Mus hand. At the same time, the grains in the bowl, as if the powder had been compacted, lost their binder and abruptly turned back into a pile of powder. Chen Mu turned his wrist and lifted it to eye level. Looking at the peanut-sized, pure white and flawless bead in his palm, a smile appeared on his face. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 1593/10000/Second Rank; Five Grains Talisman: limit; "Done!" Chapter 302 - 300 Accident Heavenly River Water Mansion, Geng District, Imperial Goods Pavilion. "You want Yellow Bud Rice?" Le Yangan looked at Chen Mu with some difficulty. "As you can see, my Imperial Goods Pavilion mainly deals in Elixir Pills and Exotic Beast Materials. They dont take up space and have high value." "Although Yellow Bud Rice is a necessity, it takes up too much space, so..." Le Yangan shrugged. Chen Mu felt somewhat disappointed. He had mastered the Qi Absorbing Technique, and just like mastering the Dragon Slaying Skill, he couldnt help but itch to get his hands on some Yellow Bud Rice to refine the Essence of the Five Grains. He didnt plan to sell it for money, he just wanted to store about a hundred and eighty pounds of it in his Five Ghosts Bag. This stuff could almost be seen as a semi-finished Fasting Pill, small in size, high in energy, and very suitable as a reserve food to carry with him. "There are three large grain stores in the Geng District, why dont you go there to buy some?" Le Yangan looked at Chen Mu, puzzled. "I need quite a bit, afraid that I might get ripped off." A hundred and eighty pounds of the Essence of the Five Grains would require at least seven or eight thousand pounds of Yellow Bud Rice as raw material. If someone got curious and checked it out, finding out that he could refine the Essence of the Five Grains, it might just cause a minor stir. He hated trouble! Le Yangans eyebrow rose, "If its a bulk purchase, I might be able to help and procure some." Chen Mus spirits immediately lifted. "Then procure some." "I will have to charge a fee for acting as an intermediary," Le Yangan clarified in advance. "No problem!" Chen Mu was full of confidence. Possessing over thirty thousand White Jade Coins, he wasnt worried about his cut. "Then, would five hundred thousand pounds be enough?" Le Yangan asked. "Cough, cough, cough... less, less." "Oh, I was worried it might not be enough. Fine, you name the amount," Le Yangan said. Chen Mu thought seriously, "How about five thousand pounds?" Le Yangan just looked at him gently without speaking. Chen Mu also felt embarrassed. The main problem was that his idea of bulk and others ideas of bulk were measured differently. "Id better go buy it at the grain store." Chen Mu smiled sheepishly and ran off dejectedly. ... "Is it just because the amount of goods I want is small?" Chen Mu muttered to himself as he walked down the bustling main street of the Geng District. "Wait until I produce the Essence of the Five Grains, and show it off to scare you!" "If only Jie Jia was here," Chen Mu thought fondly. That old man didnt care about the amount of money; as long as there was profit, he would do it. "Le bosss business sense is really lacking." Idly strolling, Chen Mu arrived at the Baizhen Tower. Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m By the window on the second floor, Chen Mu sat behind a square table, casually observing the hustle and bustle on the Geng District streets through the window while slowly chewing on the boiled fish slices. "The chef at Baizhen Tower is indeed more skilled than those at Red Sleeve Square." "The texture is just right, the flavors are well balanced, nicely done!" As he was secretly analyzing the ingredients used in the dish, a sudden loud noise erupted from the south side of the Water Mansion. Rumbling... A continuous tremor came through, causing ripples in the dishes and soup on the table. Whats happening?! Chen Mu abruptly got up and went to the window, straining his eyes towards the direction of the explosion. Sounds of chaos reached him faintly, indicating that the commotion was coming from the southeast part of the Geng District. Some impatient onlookers had already jumped out of the windows, flipping up to the top of the Baizhen Tower. On the street below, many people also climbed onto the high buildings on both sides of the street to watch. "But what if?" Chen Mu wasnt reassured. "If Junior Brother continues to worry, you can go buy a Water Avoidance Bead," suggested Mo Wuzhou. A Water Avoidance Bead? A magic artifact for water avoidance? I will check out the Imperial Goods Pavilion later. "I still would like to practice the Water Avoidance Technique," Chen Mu insisted, handing Mo Wuzhou a small gray cloth bag, "Here is one hundred White Jade Coins. If its not enough, just let me know, Senior Brother." Magic artifacts are good, but what if you lose them? It is better to have more skills than be caught unprepared, so its best to learn more spells. "Alright," Mo Wuzhou shrugged, "Ill ask for you when our mentor comes out of seclusion." Chen Mu immediately breathed a sigh of relief and hastily thanked him with a bow. Peng Yue Mountain was occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu; even the master of the Scripture Transmission Institute, Fu Zi, was captured. Fortunately, Song Wujie in the Oversight Courtyard had duplicates. "Ones energy is limited, learning too many secret techniques can dilute ones focus," Mo Wuzhou couldnt help but say in the end. "Compared to the Daoist Bone geniuses of the Upper Court, our starting point is already lower." "So its best not to be distracted." "You need to find one path, and then practice it diligently. Only then can you make rapid and vigorous progress!" "Senior Brother is absolutely right!" Chen Mu said with a face full of emotion. Reflecting on his journey so far, his heart resonated with the sentiments. "I owe my current level of cultivation to a focused goal and diligent practice," Chen Mu said earnestly. "Is... is that so?" Mo Wuzhou looked at him with a strange expression. He couldnt help feeling that something was slightly amiss. ... Returning to the inn. Chen Mu immediately ran into a few familiar figures carrying large and small packages. The people nodded slightly at Chen Mu and then hurried off. "Whats going on?" Chen Mu approached the corner and joined Old Hao Shang Huan at their table. "The rent has gone up, cant afford to stay anymore," Old Hao said, shaking his head with a look of misery. Price hikes? Whats this about? "I dont know what Lord Jiao is thinking, raising the price is one thing, but doubling it all at once! Who can bear that?" Shang Huan also shook his head. "And they..." Chen Mu pointed towards the retreating figures. "They plan to live in Heavenly River District above here." "Although it lacks Earth Spirit Vital Energy, the cost of living is lower there." "Its not far from the Water Mansion, and there are regular Ling Boats back and forth, with a monthly pass costing only one White Jade Coin." "After all, its just a place to sleep. They can still come here to work during the day," explained Old Hao Shang Huan, word by word. Chen Mu had a moment of realization. This is just like the commuters of a metropolis in a previous lifetime. Rents too expensive, so one could only rent or buy a place in a neighboring city and commute to work every day. "Does this have something to do with the collapse of the Dragon Gate yesterday?" Chen Mu wondered. "They say theres a need for major repairs in the Water Mansion, hence the tax increase. And then we are the unfortunate ones," sighed Old Hao. "At this rate, Im considering moving to Heavenly River District myself." "What a fine Dragon Gate of the Water Mansion it was; how could it just break like that." "Indeed," Chen Mu couldnt help but nod his head. He thought Yunzhou would be more stable than Da Liang. Yet over these three years, it has been constantly troubled. Times are tough indeed. Chapter 303 - 301 Absorption ``` Heavenly River Water Mansion, Geng District, the ninth entrance on the east side of Dragon Gate, a series of continuous warehouses was located here. An old man in his fifties, short and plump, strolled along with his hands clasped behind him, casually glancing at Chen Mu, "What goods are you storing that require protection from the light?" "A batch of medicinal herbs," Chen Mu replied calmly, his appearance altered. "Ah, there are indeed some herbs that need to be kept in cool places," the fat old man nodded in realization. Chatting casually, it didnt take long before they arrived at a small warehouse in the southeast corner. After unlocking the copper lock and removing the chain, the old man pushed open the grey wooden door, revealing a warehouse the size of a basketball court. A strong musty scent gushed out.@@@@ "I need to be clear with you. This place is indeed cool but also damp. If your herbs get ruined, you cant come back and blame me," the fat old man said. "This place is very good," Chen Mu, looking at the five or six small translucent windows on both sides of the warehouse, nodded in satisfaction. As long as these few windows were sealed and the Five Ghosts kept watch outside, it would block almost ninety percent of prying eyes. It was exactly suitable for hoarding Yellow Bud Rice and refining the Essence of the Five Grains. "Warehouse number sixty-seven, this will do." "The fee is honest, twelve White Jade Coins a month," the fat old man immediately said with a smile. Chen Mu couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. "Dont think its too expensive. Prices are going up all over the Water Mansion, I cant help it," the fat old man shrugged his shoulders. Alright then. ... Two days later, warehouse number sixty-seven. Black smoke, like a flood tide, billowed within the warehouse, and wherever it passed, the soil and moss instantly vanished. Then the black smoke surged up the walls to the roof. The accumulated dust and cobwebs on the wooden triangular roof beams also disappeared without a trace. In just over twenty breaths, the warehouse was spotlessly clean. After scattering quicklime to absorb moisture and lighting insect repellent incense to eliminate bugs and ants, the dilapidated warehouse was instantly transformed. Chen Mu, taking out several Glowing Algae Lamps, hung them on the roof beams and habitually released the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit, then stood quietly inside, waiting. Before long, the six siblings from Wu Mountain and Shang Huan each carrying a huge hemp sack, walked into the warehouse. "Mr. Gongsun, a total of eight thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice." "As per your instructions, we bought them from separate shops, and no one followed or investigated," Lu Ku said with a bowed fist. "Very good," Chen Mu, wearing a white mask, nodded calmly. He then waved his hand, signaling for the group to leave. Shang Huan, however, was in a hurry and did not leave. Instead, he stepped forward, took out a small wooden box from a Mustard Seed Talisman, and presented it to Chen Mu with a sycophantic smile. "Mr. Gongsun, these are the earnings from the baiting operation, totaling three hundred and thirty-seven White Jade Coins," he said. Chen Mus brows rose involuntarily. It hadnt been long, less than two months, and yet they had managed to divide over three hundred White Jade Coins?! "You didnt mix in anything fake with the bait, did you?" Chen Mu asked suspiciously, looking at Shang Huan. "Absolutely not!" Shang Huan affirmed confidently. He had once inquired with Mo Wuzhou. A hundred pounds of Yellow Bud Rice could yield at most fifty Fasting Pills. An Elixir Pill weighed about two taels, fifty pills would be roughly ten pounds. "The extraction efficiency is only half?" Chen Mu looked at the gray wall and realized, "The Qi Absorbing Technique at Second Rank is still somewhat lacking." The Five Grains Talisman determined the purity of the absorption of the Essence of the Five Grains. The Proficiency of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique, on the other hand, determined the efficiency of the extraction. With only a tenth of his Mana expended, recovery would take a day and a half. To maintain full Mana, its best to process about seven or eight hundred pounds each day. With a batch of eight thousand pounds, processing three batches a month, even with just half the extraction efficiency, one could profit nearly four hundred White Jade Coins each month. If the extraction efficiency could be improved even further, not hesitating to use more Mana to refine more, up to nearly a thousand White Jade Coins could be harvested monthly! "Alchemy really does make money!" Chen Mus eyes sparkled. With this skill, once he followed Song Wujie to a new territory, just staying put for a decade, with Daoist Jade at his fingertips, one could obtain the Condense Aperture Secret Method without fighting or scrambling, living peacefully. "The future looks promising!" Chen Mu thought to himself, feeling pleased. ... The Heavenly River District is located right next to the banks closest to the Heavenly River Water Mansion. Its a market district, as well as a large city without city walls. Nine broad streets crisscrossing the entire district section it off like a checkerboard. Due to the soaring prices at the Heavenly River Water Mansion, many people had to reside here, making the already bustling Heavenly River District even livelier. East of the City, within a residential complex with five entrances, Zhongshan Path Elder Yang Huan sat at the head of the inner hall. A robust man with a height of two meters, dark skin, a round face framed by thick facial hair, bowed and said respectfully, "Under the watchful eyes of Song Wujie, its not good for us to make a move." "This turbulence at the Heavenly River Water Mansion forced many disciples from the Jilong Road Lower Courtyard to come to the Heavenly River District. It gives us an opportunity." The robust man chuckled. "What? Have you found something?" Yang Huan glanced at the strong man. "Found something! A big discovery!" the dark-faced strong man said, grinning: "An Earth Vein Spiritual Spring, and its one occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu." "Snow demon Qing Liu?!" Yang Huan was startled, then elated: "Are you sure of the information?" "After interrogating five Lower Courtyard disciples consecutively, Im at least ninety percent sure!" "The exact location!" "Its roughly to the south of the original Jilong Road Lower Courtyard. Those disciples couldnt give a precise location," said the robust man, scratching his head. "Keep capturing people!" Yang Huan said earnestly. "If you can find that snow demon Qing Liu, I guarantee you will get the Condense Aperture Secret Method!" "Just you watch!" The robust man grinned, turned and left the hall. Yang Huan watched the mans retreating figure with an expression that changed. A Qing Liu Demon Puppet could be used to extract bloodlines and refine the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill. But that wasnt the most important thing. If they could capture Qing Liu and employ the Six Desires Primordial Spirit Secret Technique to seize the demons body... Yang Huan clenched his fist: "Then I will become the next True Person of the White Tower!" Chapter 304 - 302 Surveillance Early morning. Hundreds of meters above, the ceiling of Heavenly River Water Mansion began to slowly light up. Tower after tower on Tongtian Tower was illuminated, and the entire Water Mansion buzzed to life. Chen Mu withdrew his gaze from the ceiling. "No matter how many times I see it, it still feels magical." He used to think it was bioluminescent algae, but after living here for a while, he realized the light was emanating from the Water Mansion itself. Chen Mu guessed that this might be an innate ability of the Golden Pearl Clams. "Once things settle down, Ill raise a Golden Pearl and see." According to the information he heard, cultivating Golden Pearl Clams seemed to be a very mature industry. Jilong Road seemed to have its own cultivation farms, just not in the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River. "When I first came to Yunzhou and was choosing a profession, there seemed to be an option to cultivate Golden Pearl Clams." ... Regaining his focus, Chen Mu, as usual, strolled over to Warehouse District Number Nine in Geng District. Entering small Warehouse Number Sixty-Seven, he separated out six to seven hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice, took a quarter of an hour to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, then replaced some of the lime powder to absorb the moisture in the warehouse. With the door locked, Chen Mu left the warehouse district. This was one of his daily routines lately. "After two more batches, Ill stop," Chen Mu planned in secret. The Proficiency of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique wasnt high enough, doing too much was just wasteful. The essence he was absorbing now was mainly being stockpiled as a reserve supply of food. ... Geng District was the gateway to the Heavenly River Water Mansion, with Ling Boats coming and going frequently and a dense flow of people, which in turn spawned a plethora of stores. Compared to the refined and bustling shops in District Ding where even minor purchases required payment in White Jade Coins, the marketplace here was rougher and more down-to-earth, where transactions could be made with gold, silver, or White Jade. He found a Fish Ball shop and ordered a bowl of fish balls.@@@@ The mixed fish meat was skinned, deboned, mashed, seasoned, and molded into walnut-sized balls. Once boiled in a big fire until cooked, a basin-sized black pottery bowl was filled to the brim, garnished with a few verdant greenssavory and satisfying. Having eaten his fill, he left behind two soybean-sized Golden Pearls as payment and stood up to enter a shop just diagonally across. Behind the counter, a little-eyed fat man was dozing off out of sheer boredom. ... "Insect Repellent Incense?" Chen Mu, looking at the shelf to the right of the store, raised an eyebrow. Shang Huan stood up with a smile, "Thats right, Insect Repellent Incense." "Wild Cultivators who roam the mountains and forests hunting Exotic Beasts cant do without this stuff." He said as he took out a gray cloth bag from below the counter and winked as he handed it to Chen Mu, "Here, this is yours." Chen Mu reached out to take it, his eyebrow involuntarily arching. This bag contained at least a hundred White Jade Coins. "Back at Peng Yue Mountain, you had to conceal your identity to deliver goods, and now you brazenly sell it..." This also involved the Wood Spirit Boy. Anyone interested would know that it was Shang Huan who sold the Wood Spirit Boy and the Spiritual Pulp back then. "Not afraid," Shang Huan chuckled, "Now, havent I got a connection with Liang from the Minor Supervision Court?" "In the eyes of others, I am now a trusted confidant of Brother Mo, and Brother Mo is a close friend of Liang from the Minor Supervision Court. So that makes me one of Liangs people too," Shang Huan said proudly. As long as they jumped out the window, they would have a chance to escape. The next moment, black and white dense fur sprouted simultaneously on both of their cheeks, and the muscles in their legs rapidly became engorged and swelled, tearing through their trousers. They just needed to land to instantly flee in different directions. Just as their toes were about to touch the second floors blue-tiled eaves. An invisible force descended from above. It was as if a pause button was pressed the two rapidly falling men suddenly stopped mid-air. Whoosh! The next moment, they were sucked back into the third-floor room, even faster than when they had leaped out. Bang! The wooden windows bamboo pole fell to the floor, and the heavily pasted paper window suddenly slammed shut. Instant silence fell within the three-story wooden building. ... "That was close..." Chen Mu sighed with relief inside the wooden building. Lucky for him, he had a habit of using the Truthful Listening Technique when roaming the streets. Initially, it was to gather as much information about the Heavenly River Water Mansion as possible. Who would have thought that he would overhear people surveilling Shang Huan? He had assumed it was local forces coveting wealth and goods. But these two men... Chen Mu looked at the two figures with thick thighs and slender calves, both with dense black and white hair growing on their hands and faces. "Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique? Zhongshan Path?!" "So the previous peace was indeed fake!" How could Zhongshan Path easily allow their three hundred people to stay comfortably in the Heavenly River Water Mansion! Capture them, interrogate... Those who went to live in the Heavenly River District earlier... Chen Mu suddenly had an ominous premonition. "Collecting information? Divide and conquer?" "How sinister!" ... Back at Shang Huans small shop, Chen Mu returned. "Mr. Gongsun?" Shang Huan asked, surprised. Why would this patron come to his little shop? Bang! Two figures appeared out of nowhere, crashing to the ground. "What is this..." Shang Huan looked at the two half-dead strongmen, immediately stood up, and closed the door. "Youve been targeted by people from Zhongshan Path!" Chen Mu said calmly. Shang Huans complexion changed instantly. "Hand him over to Mo Wuzhou, tell him that Zhongshan Paths ambitions are not dead, and to go find Liang Yi." Detain the mastermind, daringly infiltrating enemy territory? No no no, thats something for the hot-blooded protagonists to do. Im just an ordinary person. Faced with this kind of situation, in my past life, of course, I would call the police. Now, I have to find someone powerful for help. "Having taken the money, its time they did some work," said Chen Mu with an even expression. "Yes!" Chapter 305 - 303 Response Geng District, No. 9 Tongtian Tower, the sixty-second floor. "Yang Huan?" Song Wujie frowned. The conflict between the Sect Master of East Fence Path and the sage of White Tower hasnt been resolved. Both Jilong Road and Zhongshan Path are consolidating their forces. Why would Yang Huan pick this time to cause trouble? "The two have confessed; they said its for Peng Yue Mountain," Liang Yi was also puzzled. Without the sage of White Tower to stand guard, this Yang Huan still dares to hop around everywhere? Isnt he afraid that someone will take advantage of his absence and snatch his territory? "That place has already been occupied by the snow demon Qing Liu. Whats he doing there?" Song Wujies brow tightened. "Perhaps, Yang Huan has a way to deal with the snow demon," Liang Yis mind raced. "The snow demon is a creature from the frigid northern reaches of Yunzhou." "Zhongshan Path has dealt with them for years; they understand the snow demon Qing Liu better than we do." "It seems theres a profit to be made!" Song Wujie let out a cold snort. "Do we kill him?" Liang Yi squinted. Having such a sly fellow wandering around the neighborhood is always disconcerting. "No," Song Wujie seemed contemplative. "Later, youll go and notify everyone. Its imperative that those disciples who have left return to the Water Mansion, with food and lodging taken care of." "Such passive defense might lead Yang Huan to overstep," Liang Yi didnt understand. "Not afraid," Song Wujie didnt seem concerned. "I want to see Yang Huan make his move. I need to see just how much he wants Peng Yue Mountain." "Master is thinking of selling it at a high price?" Liang Yi suddenly realized. "If we kill Yang Huan now and later the sage of White Tower wins, what will we do then?" Song Wujie narrowed his eyes. "Better to be safe." "First, lets cheat him out of some resources." ... Geng District, No. 9 Dragon Gate Storage Area, Warehouse No. 67. Chen Mu placed the remaining two thousand plus jin of Yellow Bud Rice before him. The Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique Exotic Force enveloped him. Hum hum hum... Sounds of bees flapping their wings immediately filled the warehouse. An hour later. Chen Mu retracted the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique and rubbed his aching temples. "I cant come here anymore," Chen Mu sighed. With the incident stirred by Zhongshan Path, he didnt dare hop around carelessly anymore. According to the confessions of the two captives, the Condensing Aperture expert Yang Huan was in the Heavenly River District. "What if that guy has no sportsmanship and personally comes to catch me? My arms and legs are no match for a Condensing Aperture expert." Originally, he had wanted to spend a month refining three batches of Yellow Bud Rice. But now, he had only refined one batch and had to stop. Black smoke billowed as Chen Mu activated Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. The residues from refining the Essence of the Five Grains out of Yellow Bud Rice were immediately consumed.@@@@ The entire warehouse was once again left empty. Whether in his identity as Chen Mu or as Gongsun Sheng, it was not ideal for him to ask directly. Influencing Shang Huan and then having Old Hao inquire was the perfect solution. "Asking is fine, but we should have a pretext, right?" Old Hao exhaled a fragrant puff of smoke. The two exchanged a glance, and both instinctively looked towards Chen Mu. "Brother Chen, its time to show off your culinary skills!" Shang Huan said earnestly. Chen Mu: "..." Alright then. ... In Old Haos room on the second floor of the inn. "The details, I cant say." "It wont take long, the matter will be over soon." "All you need to do is to stay put in the inn, and youll be fine," Mo Wuzhou said emotionlessly at the dining table. Old Hao and Shang Huan immediately showed joy on their faces and enthusiastically invited Mo Wuzhou to drink with them. The meal took half an hour. After seeing off Mo Wuzhou, the three stood at the entrance of the inn, chatting. "Mo said itd be safe as long as we dont leave the inn," Old Hao whispered shrewdly, "which means someone must be protecting the vicinity." "Brother Mo also said that the issue would be resolved soon," Shang Huan chuckled. "Perhaps Director Song has gone to Heavenly River District to settle things with that Yang Huan from Zhongshan Path." "Now everything is fine, we just need to sleep for a few days in the inn, and when we wake up, everything will be back to normal," said Shang Huan, grinning. The two were chatting enthusiastically. But Chen Mu was squinting his eyes and suddenly said, "Thats not necessarily the case." "Indeed, there could be someone watching over this area." "Director Song might indeed be planning to settle accounts with Yang Huan." "But what if Director Song has his people guarding this place, waiting for people from Zhongshan Path to come, and then decides to deal with Zhongshan Path right here?" Shang Huan and Old Hao both stiffened immediately. "Are we bait?" "Thats not possible, is it?" "Of course not," Chen Mu said with a smile, "I was just kidding." "Lets go, its time to sleep," he said without waiting for their reactions, and turned back to the inn. Then in less than two hours. Chen Mu arrived at the ninth Tongtian Tower wearing a black cloak and a changed appearance. He chose a room on the sixty-third floor and rented it for three months in one go. After verifying that the room ten meters below him to the left was Minor Supervision Court Liangs room and the one fifteen meters to his front left was Director Songs room, Chen Mu finally sighed in relief. "Regardless of the possibility that were bait, I cant stay near the inn any longer." "I cant take the risk." "Actually, going to Jinzhu Dojo would work too," Chen Mu muttered, smacking his lips. There, with the guards of Heavenly River Water Mansion, Yang Huan would definitely not dare to stir trouble. But the rent there was really too expensive. It would cost over six hundred White Jade a month, not cost-effective. "I can only reluctantly bask in the protection of the Evil-Repelling Halo of two high-level Condensing Aperture experts then." Chapter 306 - 304 Conspiracy ``` Geng District Number 9, Tongtian Tower, the sixty-third floor, Chen Mus room. The white walls radiated a warm luster, clearly not jade or stone, but some kind of bone or keratin. The corners were rounded, not like they were pieced together but rather as if they were one whole. Chen Mu took a meditation cushion out of the Five Ghosts Bag and placed it in front of the large floor-to-ceiling window, then sat down cross-legged and looked down over the entire Water Mansion. The glittering ceiling of the sky, the yellow and white Tongtian Tower, the wide crisscrossing streets, the bustling crowd, and the occasional streaks of light and various flying kites that cut across the sky. "What a wondrous world." Watching a streak of emerald light zip over his head and straight into the distant Jinzhu Dojo. Chen Mus face showed envy, "Although flying kites can also fly, compared to this Flying Escape Technique, they still lack a bit of flair." "One day, I will be able to fly on my own!" Chen Mu called up the grey wall, full of longing. Writing: 8521/10000/Second Rank; Drawing: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Cooking: 8145/10000/Fifth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 7217/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 7136/10000/Eighth Rank; Shape-shifting Technique: 8372/10000/Fourth Rank; Planting: 6933/10000/Third Rank; United Heart Curse: 4502/10000/Ninth Rank; Fire Cloud Curse: 4386/10000/Second Rank; Manipulation: 6736/10000/First Rank; Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: 4228/10000/Third Rank;@@@@ Truthful Listening Technique: 9006/10000/Fourth Rank; Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 9181/10000/Second Rank; "The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is too noisy, cant cultivate that." "Manipulation requires going out to fly, cant practice that either." "If I could just slightly control the temperature, perhaps I could practice the Fire Cloud Curse." "I just dont know if there is any equipment in Tongtian Tower designed for flames," Chen Mu looked around the room. In a former life, hotel apartments had fire alarm systems, "Better to ask later just to be safe." Chen Mu stared at the grey wall, plotting. "First max out the Second Rank of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique." "Then start learning the Five Qi Primordial Technique while simultaneously cultivating the Truthful Listening Technique." "Once the Truthful Listening Technique reaches the limit of Fourth Rank Perfection, Ill start on the Fire Cloud Curse." With a plan in place, Chen Mu completely closed himself in. He closed his eyes and began to cultivate the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique. ... Four days later. Chen Mu opened his eyes, staring blankly out of the floor-to-ceiling window. He absentmindedly watched the flying kites in the sky for a while before snapping back to reality. "Getting too immersed isnt good either," Chen Mu clicked his tongue. Watching the experience points slowly increase, that feeling was truly joyful. But over time, its easy to develop a sense of unreality about time slipping away. "This place is ultimately the domain of Heavenly River Water Mansion, we cant let him make a noise." The tall man sighed, "This guy is such a nuisance, how did he end up staying just above Mo Wuzhous room." "Isnt that perfect," Prefect Zhang chuckled, "We want to catch Mo Wuzhou by surprise, so we need to destroy the floors." "The Water Mansions strongmen and Song Wujie will definitely come to investigate, and this guy can take the fall for us." The tall, muscular man shook his head, "If Heavenly River Water Mansion gets involved, they will surely see through it." Prefect Zhangs eyes narrowed with a smile, "Of course, they will figure it out. But all we need is for him to delay them for a bit." "Just enough to allow me to leave the Water Mansions Dragon Gate at leisure." "The Prefect has considered everything," the tall man suddenly realized. ... Inside Chen Mus room, after enjoying a full meal, he was in no rush to cultivate. Instead, he took out the Heartless Bell that he hadnt used in a long time. A thread of mana followed the Primordial Talisman into his palm, and then into the Heartless Bell. Clang! A sound like that of a bronze bell echoed. The blood in his body suddenly vibrated gently. The relief of taking a brisk 3-kilometer walk and lightly sweating spread swiftly through his body. Then, looking at the distant view through the floor-to-ceiling window, he felt refreshed and carefree. "What a fine thing," Chen Mu said, fondly fidgeting with it. With the intervention of mana, the Heartless Bells soul-stirring and spirit-capturing capabilities were still ineffective on him. But its ability to vibrate the blood and relieve fatigue from long sitting began to take effect. "This is way more reliable than any massage chair." Chen Mu chuckled and put it away. ... In the following days, Chen Mu began to attempt to understand the Five Qi Primordial Technique. Similar to the Qi Absorbing Technique, this too was a foundational talisman. Different elixirs, due to their need for various aggregation methods, gave rise to different aggregation techniques, such as the Golden Bead Talisman required for the Fasting Pill. "No wonder alchemy makes money, the barriers are truly high!" To absorb the components of elixir pills, one needs the component talisman. To aggregate raw materials into an elixir pill, one needs the aggregation talisman. To control the alchemy furnace, you also need different talismans corresponding to the different states. A simple Fasting Pill involves five kinds of talismans, what about other, more complex elixirs? And even if one mastered them all, the success rate of alchemy still remains an issue. "To grasp a variety of talismans requires exceptional talent." "To increase the success rate of alchemy, one needs a lot of financial resources to practice." "I lack talent and resources." "Can an ordinary person like me really perform alchemy?" Thinking of this dim future, Chen Mu couldnt help feeling disheartened. "Three months of hard training and Ive only mastered two talismans." "Look at Mo Wuzhou; he only took half a year!" "Even though Ive worked so hard..." Chen Mu shook his head with a wide grin, "I cant compare, just cant compare." "Ha ha!" Chapter 307 - 305: Dealing Several days later. Chen Mus cultivation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Looking up at the window, the world outside had darkened. Unknowingly, he had immersed himself in grinding for experience all day again. Of course, the results were very satisfying. Chen Mu looked at the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 6/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 196/10000/First Rank; The Primordial Technique had already reached the beginner level. What surprised him was that the Truthful Listening Technique was not just Fourth Rank. The skills he had trained before, such as the Void Cloak Technique and the Sand Containing Technique, were mostly only Fourth Rank. "Seems like Ive struck gold," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. The seven Wu brothers sure had a knack for choosing secret techniques.@@@@ "Then the other secret techniques..." Chen Mu couldnt help but feel excited about the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique. He got up and opened the door, and it was the young man with the melon-seed face bringing the meal again. The burly man with the dark face across the corridor had already gotten his meal box and was now opening the lid, tearing off a piece of roast chicken the size of half a watermelon and chewing it with the bones. While eating, he complained to the melon-seed face, "Youre charging more and more money, but the stuff you give gets less and less." "Last months roast chicken was much bigger than this!" The melon-seed face youth had a fully smiling face, "All sorts of materials at the Water Mansion have gone up in price, we cant do anything about it." The dark-faced burly man glared and sneered contemptuously, "What do you mean cant do anything? Tongtian Tower is already operated by the Water Mansion; you guys get your materials directly from outside the Water Mansion, and prices havent gone up out there!" The melon-seed face could only reply with a helpless smile. "I think the Water Mansion is just crazy about White Jade Coins. This young fellow, wouldnt you agree?" The dark-faced burly man looked at Chen Mu for support with his argument. Chen Mu smiled and nodded in agreement but didnt want to say much, preparing to turn around and close the door. But the man with the dark face suddenly spoke with a mysterious air, "Young fellow, do you know why the Water Mansion raised prices?" Chen Mu paused mid-movement. "Isnt it to repair the Dragon Gate at the Water Mansion?" Could there be another reason? The dark-faced burly man stepped out of his room, approaching Chen Mus doorway. "Repair the Dragon Gate? Heh! Thats just an excuse to fool people." He waved his hand to dismiss the eavesdropping melon-seed face youth, leaned in closer to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard theres a problem with the Jinzhu Dojo." Chen Mu took the food box to the French window. "Or maybe... listen in on their conversations?" That... that wouldnt be ethical, right? Chen Mus face twisted with conflict as he activated the passive Truthful Listening Technique. "Im just testing a new Fifth Rank skill, definitely not eavesdropping! Yes, thats it!" Hum! A hum buzzed in his ears. The sounds of his stomach rumbling, the friction of the glowing algae sliding along the jade pipes on the walls making a rustling noise, the plink of water drops in the washroom. Sounds from all directions slowly flowed into his mind. Initially, it was just within Chen Mus room. The next moment, all Chen Mu had to do was think about the hallway outside his room, and the sound of the wind passing through it reached his ears. This sensation of being able to adjust his hearing range at will was quite marvelous. It was like looking at a particular scene with the eyes - just naturally looking over there allowed him to see it. Chen Mu focused on a direction he wanted to hear sounds from, and then he could hear them. Chen Mu held firm onto his spirit, carefully inching the Truthful Listening skill toward the dark-faced strong mans room. He was wary lest the other man hit him with a sudden thunderbolt of revelation. The next moment, the crunch of chewing on a chicken bone came through. Chen Mu immediately let out a sigh of relief. Yet, he couldnt repress a feeling of disappointment welling up inside him. Obviously, they were eating dinner at this moment; what else could be happening? Chen Mu immediately scolded himself. What was I looking forward to! Ptui, ptui, ptui! My minds too dirty! Hmm... Maybe I should listen in when theyre about to sleep. ... "That young man with the pale face has a room layout similar to ours, with a French window at the very back." Chapter 308 - 305 Handling_2 ``` "In front of the window, theres a big straw meditation cushion, nine and a half steps from the door." "Looking at the bed and soft couch, there arent too many sitting or lying marks, but the meditation cushion has crease marks." "I bet that pretty boy spends most of his time meditating on that cushion," Prefect Zhang said in a low voice as he chewed roasted partridge. "When we burst through the door, Ill head straight for the meditation cushion." "Ill break through his Body Protection Aura in no time, grab his throat, and snap his neck." "He wont make a sound." Prefect Zhang carefully planned with a caution that didnt match his rugged appearance. "No!" Prefect Zhang shook his head and narrowed his eyes. "Better to use a Soul-Searching Talisman first to make sure hes actually by the meditation cushion near the floor-to-ceiling windows." "And dont be stingy with your mana, use your Natural Secret Art right away, just to be safe." "Also, we should both wear a Spiritual Light Talisman and have double insurance with the Spiritual Armor and Spiritual Light," Prefect Zhang said somberly. "Prefect Zhangs planning is impeccable, that pretty boy is as good as dead!" the long-armed strongman said, impressed and admiring. "Haha!" "Hes nothing but a stumbling block, tonights focus is Mo Wuzhou." ... A certain pretty boy stumbling block who was testing the Truthful Listening Technique: "..." "The world isnt what it used to be!" "I thought you were an ill-tempered yet kind-hearted man with some eccentric hobbies, not a criminal with evil intentions plotting behind peoples backs." "Your every word is about plotting, and every action is about murder!" Chen Mu looked utterly dejected. He often faced the world with an optimistic and kind-hearted spirit. Yet the world always greeted him with sudden malice. Chen Mu also understood that not everyone in the world could be good. But shouldnt the majority be ordinary people who were neither good nor bad? Why were there so many evil people appearing before him? "The world is out of balance!" Chen Mu had a moment of enlightenment. The bell curve describing good and evil peoplethe one thats heightened in the middle and slopes down at both endsit was off balance! The end that belonged to evil people was trying to rise! "To kill is to protect life; to sever karma is not to sever peopleits true!" In that moment, Chen Mu gained a whole new understanding of this profound statement from a novel in his past life. It wasnt nonsense! Flowing Gold Fire Claw! Clang! Like the clash of gold and iron, a ghastly pale, hollow half-sphere of bone abruptly appeared. Sparks flew! Yang Cha! Chen Mu got up, nearly hitting the ceiling with his towering height of over three meters. He turned and looked down. Although his movements were swift as the wind, to the dark-faced Prefect Zhang, there was a striking contrast of slow deliberateness. Meeting his opponents narrowed pupils, Chen Mu grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth. His indigo right hand suddenly reached towards the opponents neck. Sand Shooting Shadow! A black and red sphere flashed in the palm of his hand. The Spiritual Light and Spiritual Smoke flickered twice and was instantly corroded to pieces. His hand, as large as a fan, seemed to grasp a mop handle, ferociously seizing Prefect Zhangs neck in the center of his palm. Crack! Prefect Zhang did not even get a word out. before his neck was already twisted and broken by Chen Mu. "You said not to make a sound," Chen Mu said with a chilling smile. His eyes moved, noticing the burly man with long arms at the door, Chen Mus expression remained indifferent. Yin Cuo! At the entryway, the brawny man who had just applied a Spiritual Light Talisman to himself, suddenly saw a flash of darkness before his eyes. Then the world spun around, and his head slid off his back down to the ground. But before it touched the floor, an invisible Exotic Force materialized out of thin air. Grabbing the head and body, it swiftly pulled them into the room. The room door closed slowly, and silence fell upon the corridor. Only a single drop of blood remained suspended in the air, falling onto the yellow and white floor of the hallway, making a sound barely audible, and splattering droplets of blood. ... Geng District, Number Nine Tongtian Tower, sixty-second floor. Mo Wuzhou was sitting cross-legged on a soft couch. The snow-white Cold Moon Toad sat quietly by his side, like a jade sculpture. "Master Song and Senior Brother Liang have shown up near a street close to the inn." "Yang Huan is very likely to come here to kidnap someone." "If you really come up against this Condensing Aperture expert, can you catch him?" ``` Chapter 309 - 305 Croak! "Youre saying you can eat three in one bite? Blowing smoke!" Mo Wuzhou stared at the snow-white giant toad. Croak! "Youve even swallowed Song Wujie before?" "And you even ate Elder Song? Why dont I believe it!" Mo Wuzhous face was full of skepticism. Croak! "What? Wait for Song Wujie to come back and demonstrate for me?" "No, no, no! You dont need to demonstrate for me!" Mo Wuzhou was suddenly sweating bullets. Croak? "Believe, believe, believe! I believe you, alright?" Mo Wuzhou said speechlessly. Although this giant toad was a big demon with an opened aperture, comparable to a human Condesing Aperture expert, its nature was quite simple and honest because it had been living in the wild for many years. If he dared not to believe, the toad would really dare to eat in front of him! "The one coming might not necessarily be Yang Hu.@@@@ He might directly entangle himself with Elder Song, lure the tiger away from the mountain, and then let someone else come here to catch people." "After all, as long as you can capture more core disciples from the Lower Courtyard in the Spiritual Light Illusion Breaking Realm, youll always try to find Peng Yue Mountain," Mo Wuzhou said. "Yuanbao, Ive made it clear to you. If the visitor is Yang Huan, feel free to take action. But if the visitor is an undistilled disciple from Zhongshan Path, you mustnt swallow them in one bite. Beating them half to death is good enough. These people are to be used as negotiation leverage." Croak? "What does half dead mean? Thats not so easy to say," Mo Wuzhou scratched his head. Croak? "Does it count as half dead if the neck is twisted under the armpit?" "If its twisted under the armpit, that definitely means its broken, thats already dead. "Then why not live on the sixty-second floor?" "How could I, I cant disturb Oversight Courtyard and Elder Brother," Chen Mu said earnestly. Mo Wuzhou was speechless. Youre just afraid of dying. Daring not to stay in an inn, nor on the sixty-second floor, just afraid of being affected by Zhongshan Paths attacks! Heh! What a pity, you still got involved in it anyway! Chen Mu couldnt help but smile bitterly. He hadnt expected Zhongshan Path to plan an attack on Mo Wuzhou from above. Living right above Mo Wuzhou, he became a fish caught in the net. Discover exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m "Although I twisted that persons neck and shattered his internal organs, that was a barbarian who practiced the Heavenly Cultivation Demon Rebirth Technique. His vitality is extremely strong," Chen Mu explained. "Taking him for interrogation might reveal some secret information, and if that leads Director Song to strike directly at the heart of the matter and capture the mastermind behind the attack, then this Zhongshan Path crisis might just be resolved!" Chen Mu said hopefully. "I wish," Mo Wuzhou turned his head to look behind him, his heart filled with disappointment. By now, the body would have dissolved, so theres nothing left to interrogate! He had already searched upstairs and downstairs. Zhongshan Path seemed to have sent only those two people. He had still hoped to capture a Zhongshan Path disciple and use them for reverse intimidation. Now that plan was ruined too. Chen Mu followed Mo Wuzhous gaze. In the previously empty, spacious room, with a shift of light and shadow, a snow-white giant toad suddenly appeared. Chen Mu twitched his faceit was that black-faced strong man who had been eaten by the toad. Croak! Chen Mu: "..." "Alright, alright, youre good too!" Chen Mu said with a forced smile, raising his hand awkwardlythis toad was quite polite, after all. Chapter 310 - 306 Ambush Five days later. Geng District, Tower Nine, sixty-fourth floor. Chen Mu sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, fitting a Fifth Rank Truthful Listening Talisman over his ears. Ignoring the occasional strange groans and moans that came through, and after confirming there was no danger nearby, Chen Mus face showed relief, "Theyre all decent people here." "I should have moved to the sixty-fourth floor to begin with; the sixty-third floor is still too close to the sixty-second." "I wonder if the matter has been resolved." After handing over the dark-faced strong man to Mo Wuzhou, Chen Mu didnt meddle in the affair any further. Had it not been for the fear of being caught outside, and the relative safety offered by the Tongtian Tower, he would have run away long ago.@@@@ "Cant be too close to the sixty-second floor; its easy to get involved in trouble." "Cant be too far from the sixty-second floor either; if its too far, I wont be able to benefit from the Cold Moon Toads protective aura." "The sixty-fourth floor is just right." ... Chen Mu perked up his ears once again to assure the surrounding rooms were safe, then he looked down at the ground in front of the meditation cushion. There lay three items. A black leather bag thick as a wrist and as long as a forearm. Your next read is at novelhall.Co?m A Mustard Seed Talisman scroll the thickness of a carrot. A snow-white fanged tooth the size of a thumb. The first two came from the long-armed strong man. The fanged tooth was plucked from the neck of the dark-faced man. "I didnt want to," Chen Mu sighed. He preferred to earn his wealth and resources diligently with his own hands. He detested easy gains because they diminished his sense of achievement. "If you insist on giving them to me, I have no choice but to accept," Chen Mu said helplessly as he picked up the black leather bag and untied the drawstring at one end. Two palm-sized leather talismans; one goose egg-sized black bottle of indeterminate material; and a palm-sized cloth pouch containing about twenty or thirty soybean-sized gold fragments. He shook the black bottle, and it rattled. "Most likely some kind of elixir." He then unfolded the two folded leather talismans. "Spiritual Light Talisman?" Chen Mu had noticed that the long-armed strong man, just before being killed, was sticking similar leather talismans on his body to add Spiritual Light. Chen Mu observed with interest. "Could there be three separate spaces?" "Three reusable spaces?!" What a great item! "This seems to be an upgraded version of the Mustard Seed Talisman," Chen Mu realized. A Mustard Seed Talisman made from Exotic Beast Skin was like a battery-operated device, being unusable once Mana was exhausted. A fanged tooth Mustard Seed Talisman kept a power cord, always usable as long as there was Mana. "This thing must be quite valuable, right?" He then turned his attention to the two reddish-brown wooden chests. Chen Mu suddenly had a bad feeling. Opening the chests, one was filled with bottles and jars of various elixirs. The other was full to the brim with White Jade Coins. "Can you not give me so many White Jade Coins?" Chen Mu looked at the full chest of gently glowing jade with a resistant expression. As money came in too fast, at one point, the notion of taking the six siblings of Wu Mountain to raid homes and rob them flickered through Chen Mus mind. "Dare you disturb my Taoist heart?!" "That dark-faced man was cunning indeed!" "To leave behind such troubles even in death." Chen Mu became furious, waved his hand, and locked all these White Jade Coins inside the Five Ghosts Bag. "Hoo..." "What a relief!" ... Another five days passed. Chen Mu used the Truthful Listening Secret Technique. An odd sensation emerged. Inside the sixty-second floor, three obstructed areas appeared. It felt like looking out the window to see the sky but having the view partially blocked by the building across the way. Those obstructed areas also blocked the reach of the Truthful Listening Technique. "Song Wujie is back!" Chen Mu realized. Before, there was only one such sensation, which he confirmed to be the Cold Moon Toad. Now that there were two more similar obstructions, they had to be Song Wujie and Liang Yi. "Has the matter with the Zhongshan Path been settled?" Chen Mu wondered. "I need to find out whats happening." Being secluded in cultivation all the time has this downside. Information is too isolated. Chapter 311 - 306: Surprise Attack_2 ... Two days later. At the inn district under the Ninth Tongtian Tower, in Old Haos room. Mo Wuzhous face stiffly surveyed the table full of delicious dishes, involuntarily casting a glance at Chen Mu. "You want to know if the threat from Zhongshan Path is still there, right?" As he said "you," he looked pointedly at Chen Mu. He was familiar with this routine by now. He was certain that this meal was mostly orchestrated by Chen Mu. "Not knowing for sure, always being anxious, is no way to live," Old Hao sighed. "If everythings clear, we can reopen our business soon," Shang Huan said, winking at Mo Wuzhou. After all, Mo Wuzhou had a stake in the business of insect repellent incense. "You can rest assured and reopen now," Mo Wuzhou said. "The eminent person from Zhongshan Path was mainly looking for the snow demon Qing Liu." "Director Song has already concluded negotiations with the other party." "That Silver Ringed Magic Monkey, Yang Huan, has already headed to Peng Yue Mountain." The three of them let out sighs of relief. Constantly having a threat hanging over their heads, afraid to make a move, was truly uncomfortable. "Just stay here honestly. The Oversight Courtyard will still provide food and accommodation," Mo Wuzhou said, glancing at the three. So generous? Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. The so-called negotiation, was it that they sold Peng Yue Mountains location to Yang Huan? Its possible! "Dont wander off lately. Make sure to be findable when someone wants to locate you," Mo Wuzhou suddenly added.@@@@ Chen Mus eyes narrowed. Be findable at any moment? Does that mean theyre leaving the Water Mansion? "Has there been news from Sect Master Dong Li?" Shang Huan asked, beaming with joy. "No," Mo Wuzhou shook his head. "But the Water Mansion is ultimately not a place to stay for long." "Indeed, the cost of living here is too high," Old Hao concurred with a grimace. Chen Mu couldnt help but think of the information revealed to him by the stern-faced burly man when they first met. Could the Heavenly River Water Mansion really be in trouble? Shang Huan wanted to ask more, but Mo Wuzhou no longer disclosed any information, only saying it was good news and to wait patiently. ... Half a month later. On the sixty-fourth floor of Number Nine in the Geng District Tongtian Tower. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. The grey wall in front of him displayed the proficiency of various skills. The Five Qi Primordial Technique had successfully entered the First Rank. "Based on the experience with the Qi Absorbing Technique, First Rank is sufficient. I can start working on the construction of the Golden Bead Talisman," Chen Mu took out a jade slip and read it closely. "Its related to the Golden Pearl Clam?" Chen Mu was surprised. According to the jade slip, Golden Pearl Clams are prolific producers of golden pearls. Golden pearls contain Earth Spirit Vital Energy and can replace White Jade Coins. They can be used in medicine, as well as alleviate hunger, acting as natural Fasting Pills. The Golden Bead Talisman was conceived by alchemist sages in ancient times from the essence within the golden pearls. It allows the Essence of the Five Grains to congeal into pills similar to the structure of a golden pearl, making the essence compact, durable for storage, and easy to absorb. Chen Mu infused the jade slip with mana; the slip responded with an Exotic Force. A temporary talisman formed inside the Jade Seed and then dissipated. "Those who buy drunken bait and Insect Repellent Incense are mostly penniless wild cultivators; if we increase prices, no one will buy." Shang Huans face showed shrewdness, and then he laughed softly, "Besides, even without raising prices, I can still make more money." Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan speechlessly. "Just like how you mixed in tobacco night grass flavoring in barbeque seasoning before, is this time Insect Repellent Incense flavored barbeque seasoning?" "Nothing of the sort, nothing of the sort." Shang Huan chuckled, "I just added a third of the pearl rice powder." Chen Mu: "..." Youre truly a ruthless and cunning merchant! ... Chen Mu glanced at Shang Huan, then nonchalantly said, "Business is good, but who knows until when it can be done." "Brother Mo mentioned last time that he might have to leave; after over a month, the time may come soon." Shang Huans brows immediately furrowed. "Ive just ordered a batch of raw materials." Chen Mus heart rejoiced, and he continued to subtly stir Shang Huans emotions, "If we leave soon, wont those materials be stuck in your hands!" "Can the materials be returned?" Old Hao immediately asked with concern. "Too late." Shang Huans brow furrowed even more. "How about rushing to finish production and then selling at a discount?" Chen Mu gave Shang Huan an idea that he would definitely not accept. "That would be a huge loss." Shang Huan, as expected, was not pleased. Success! Chen Mu squinted his eyes, as if inadvertently saying, "It would be good to know when we are leaving." That way, you should go see Mo Wuzhou to inquire about news, right? "So you want us to see Brother Mo for news, right?" Shang Huan suddenly gazed at Chen Mu with a smile. Chen Mu: "..." Was it that obvious? "Ive figured it out; the last two times we went to see Brother Mo, it was your doing!" Shang Huan glared at Chen Mu. Caught out, huh. "So are you going or not!" Chen Mu stopped pretending. "Go! How could we not go! Otherwise, what to do with that batch of goods stuck on our hands." Shang Huan wore a bitter smile. ... The next evening, in Old Haos room. Chen Mu displayed Fifth Rank culinary skills, preparing a table full of fish dishes. The savory dishes that made Shang Huans throat roll were ready, but Mo Wuzhou did not appear. "Little Mo had matters to attend to and couldnt come." Old Haos face looked serious. "What happened?" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "Just last night, Director Song joined forces with a high-ranking individual from Jilong Roads Upper Court to launch a surprise attack on Zhongshan Paths stronghold." This... No wonder Liang Yi and the Cold Moon Toad left together. Chen Mu suddenly realized. "Is Sect Master Dong Li back safely?" Otherwise, how could Song Wujie and the others dare to counterattack Zhongshan Path. "Not yet." "But a message has been received." "Whats certain, though, is that the real person of White Tower will never return." Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Sect Master Dong Li was safe. Then the situation in Jilong Road would stabilize. And they, the disciples of the Lower Courtyard, would no longer be like driftwood at the mercy of the tides! Chapter 312 - 307 Cloud Bat ``` Several days later. Near the No. 9 Tongtian Tower in Geng District, on the third floor of an inn. Chen Mu leaned against a pillow, half-reclining on a soft couch. His fifth-rank Truthful Listening Techniques passive eavesdropping ability was activated. The noisy clamor from the lobby on the first floor kept reaching his ears. "Zhongshan Path is as good as finished, its said that several Condensing Aperture experts have died." "Alas... they shouldnt have been so heavy-handed. Just driving them out would have been enough. If the real person from White Tower seeks revenge, itll be another mess." "The people from the Oversight Courtyard dared to do this because they probably have news from the East Fence Paths Sect Master. Thats their backing." "Im only concerned about what were supposed to do now." "The territories we snatched back definitely need people to run them, and with more land than people, you can plant as much Yellow Bud Rice as you want." "Its a pity its not Peng Yue Mountain, the monthly salary here is likely just two White Jade Coins." "Be content, look at those wild cultivators mingling in the Water Mansion, are they not worse off?" "Wild Cultivators arent that bad, right? No one controls them." "Then you go be a Wild Cultivator..." Wild Cultivators cannot exchange for Secret Techniques and secret techniques. Having not heard any definite news about leaving the Water Mansion, Chen Mu shook his head and stopped listening to the meaningless discussions in the lobby. "Dont believe in rumors, dont spread rumors."@@@@ "Id rather gain more experience than waste time on those gossipy pieces of information." He sat up straight and looked at the black Alchemy Furnace on the low table before him. The Pill Furnace was about the size of a rice cooker from his previous life. It had three sets of double ears and its entire body was in a matte black finish, with cloud and Exotic Beast patterns engraved on the surface. He tapped it with his finger, producing a clear and melodious ding-dong sound. On top of the Pill Furnace was a lid with a spherical knob. He had tried several times before to open it, but to no avail, until he flipped through the accompanying jade slip for the Pill Furnace and realized it required a special Dharma Curse. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm, controlling opening and closing, heat and cold, thunder sound, and Qi Forbidden, four capabilities. Its the key Dharma Curse for operating the Mixed Yuan Five Qi Furnace. Each Elixir requires a different environment for pill formation. Some need fire burning, some need to be chilled with ice, some need Qi Forbidden to be kneaded, some need the booming of thunder sound. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm could control the Pill Furnace, creating the necessary conditions to complete Alchemy. "The five Dharma Curses needed for the Fasting Pill, Ive mastered four, just missing the Wind Fire Pivot Charm." For the following days, he holed up inside the inn. Daily, he would occasionally use the Truthful Listening Technique to eavesdrop on information, spending more time contemplating the Pivot Charm. ... Three days later. Near Dragon Gate in Geng District. More than two hundred people crowded together, preparing to board a Ling Boat to the Heavenly River District. Chen Mu, carrying a grey cloth bundle, stood with Old Hao, Shang Huan, and others on the edge of the crowd. "Do you know where were going?" Chen Mu withdrew his Truthful Listening Technique and asked. "Its probably one of the Lower Courtyards we took back," guessed Old Hao. Chen Mu silently nodded. Most of the people in the crowd held the same opinion. "Thats not necessarily the case." Shang Huan shook his head. "Do you have any inside information?" Old Hao looked at him in surprise. "No inside information." Shang Huan laughed softly, "But Liang, the Minor Supervision Court, bought a large batch of Insect Repellent Incense from me." Insect Repellent Incense? "Psh..." Shang Huan looked unconvinced, "I thought there was something to it." "You think getting a wife is easy?" Old Hao glared at Shang Huan with a sidelong glance. "Is it... very difficult?" Shang Huan sounded uncertain. "To find a wife, you either need to have looks or wealth, and also be good with words." "Not just that, we cultivators hardly meet anyone because were always training, so how would you know which families have eligible daughters for marriage?" Old Hao said with a touch of exasperation. Chen Mu suddenly found this very reasonable. It seems that finding a partner isnt easy anywhere. In his past life, countless homebodies were plagued by the Dharma Curse of being hectored to marry. Its too hard! "Those Noble Clans are engaged in matchmaking activities." "Sending wives to male cultivators." "And husbands to female cultivators." "If you have special tastes, its not that they cant send a young man to you." Chen Mu: "..." What in the world is this mess! ... Whoo... As they were chatting, a long, mournful cry suddenly came from somewhere. The chaotic crowd on the riverbank quieted down and looked up at the sky together. A black and white streak of light suddenly burst from within a cloud in the sky, and with a loud crash, it landed on the riverbank. It turned out to be Director Song from the Minor Supervision Court. Somehow, he employed a method to make his voice resonate loud and clear. "Everyone pack up your belongings and prepare to board the Ling Boat." No sooner had his voice faded than another long cry echoed from the horizon. The cloud from which Director Song had just emerged started to descend, spreading outwards as it fell. In no time, the clouds thinned and vanished from sight. A huge shadow, resembling a greenish-brown bat, appeared before everyone. Is this the Ling Boat? Chen Mus scalp tingled involuntarily. A massive object, comparable in size to a football field, slowly descended onto the surface of the Tongtian River, stirring up gusts of air that fluttered the clothes of all around. If it were not for Liang Yi standing in the front, perhaps some might have already run away! Even so, Chen Mu himself still felt his legs go weak. Upon close observation, noticing many signs of modification, he was sure this was something like the Ling Boat, a gigantic Flying Artifact crafted from the body of an Exotic Beast or monster. Thankfully, it was dead. Chen Mu felt a sense of relief. If this creature were alive, it could probably finish him off with a single breath! Amidst his shock, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel thrilled. He had strived in his cultivation, endured hardships, and made it step by step to this day, wasnt it to witness the wonders of this world? Having seen such a peculiar aspect of the world today, he was convinced that there would be more to witness in the future. With this thought, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel a surge of excitement. Chapter 313 - 308: Jade Spring Annex Yun Bat, originally an exotic beast of the sea, could both dive into the water and soar the skies. Beneath its pair of bluish-grey flesh wings were countless air holes, which allowed it to control cloud energy and ride upon mist and rosy clouds. After it was captured and killed, its abdomen was hollowed out and imbued with talismans, allowing it to carry both people and objects as it flew through the sky and dived into water. The Yun Bat flying vessel that Chen Mu boarded had cost Jilong Road a great amount of money to purchase from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The flying vessel had three layers. The bottom layer held cargo. The middle layer was divided into small compartments by screens, each equipped with two or three soft couches, enough for seven or eight people. The top layer was refined and luxurious, reserved only for those who had broken through illusions and had cultivated mana. Wuu... Accompanied by a prolonged cry, white clouds of smoke suddenly burst forth from rows of black holes located beneath the wings of the Yun Bat. After a slight vibration, the massive Yun Bat flying vessel slowly floated up into midair. On the second layer, in a compartment by the window. Chen Mu and Old Hao leaned against the round jade window, gazing at the smooth bluestone ground that was becoming increasingly distant below them. This was already their fourth day away from Heavenly River District. The Yun Bat flying vessel had reached the Upper Court of Jilong Road, reportedly to pick up passengers. Before long, Shang Huan hurried into the compartment. "Ive found out, theyre picking up an elder with the surname Sun." "Hes also brought hundreds of Upper Court disciples aboard." "Now our Director Song cant play the role of director anymore," Shang Huan whispered close to them. "Who becomes the director has nothing to do with small folks like us," said Old Hao leisurely, puffing on a cigarette. "Whoever we farm for, its all the same." Chen Mu strongly agreed. "Its a shame Brother Mo has returned to the Upper Court," Shang Huan sighed. "There goes my business." "But isnt there still Liang Yi of the Minor Supervision Court?" asked Old Hao, puzzled. "He was merely giving face to Brother Mo. A Condensing Aperture expert doesnt care about a mere thousand or so White Jade Coins a month," explained Shang Huan, shaking his head. "But finding a new backer is hard," Shang Huan sighed. "Didnt you say there were hundreds of Upper Court disciples arriving? Among them, there must be some skilled in Perceptive Illusion Breaking. If you look carefully, youll surely find a new backer," Chen Mu casually suggested. "Im just afraid theyll make exorbitant demands, swallowing us whole, skin and bones," Shang Huan said anxiously.@@@@ "Why didnt you ask Brother Mo to recommend someone?" Chen Mu inquired. "I did," Shang Huan replied, looking dejected. "He told me to find Mr. Gongsun." "But this Mr. Gongsun is like a mouse, always hiding and showing only bits of himself. How am I supposed to find him?" Hiding and showing bits of himself? A mouse? Chen Mu looked blankly at Shang Huan. Fatso, Ill remember you! ... "Oh right, Brother Chen, Brother Mo had a message for you before he left," Shang Huan suddenly said, slapping his forehead. "He said if your matter is successful, you can go directly to Liang Yi of the Minor Supervision Court." Chen Mu couldnt help but push open the window to look out. An old man in his fifties with a goat beard was holding a book, knocking on the doors of each hut in turn to ask questions, while occasionally making some notes. Many people stepped out of their huts, leaning against their doorframes with great interest to watch. "It looks like theres no need to wait; I have to go today." The old man was documenting the ranks of the Lower Courtyards disciples to facilitate coordinated deployment. I have already mastered Perceptive Illusion Breaking, which isnt suitable to be revealed in front of a large crowd. It would be better to change my status through Liang Yi instead. Apart from a few acquaintances, it wouldnt cause too much of a stir. ... Jade Spring Mountain towered into the clouds, with pavilions lining its summit continuously, as if reclining on the clouds. The golden sun bathed the sea of clouds, making the mountains summit seem like a fairyland. To the west side of the mountain top was a pine forest, hiding two wooden buildings, one large and one small, in its midst. Inside the living room of the smaller wooden building, Chen Mus right hand was directed toward a grey cloth bag on the ground. Five Elements Qi Absorption! Humm! The Yellow Bud Rice inside the bag trembled, as wisps of white powder rose like steam, gathering into a ball in the palm of Chen Mus hand. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu stopped the Qi Absorbing Technique and placed a fist-sized ball of Essence of the Five Grains into the brown wooden box on the side table next to him. Then, with a face full of shame, he clasped his hands together in respect and said, "Minor Supervision Court, my skills are not refined. Out of a hundred pounds, I can only extract six or seven pounds. I am ashamed." "The master was not mistaken; you do have a talent for alchemy," Liang Yi exclaimed and then shook his head, "What a pity..." Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "I will arrange for you to join the Administrative Affairs Institutes Pill Treasure Pavilion to work in alchemy." "But as for the Daoist Cultivation accumulation plan, youll have to comply with arrangements from other sectors. Even the master cant make much change," Liang Yi spoke calmly. Chen Mus heart sank all at once. An unexpected turn had occurred with the alchemy cultivation plan?! "You must have seen it; Jade Spring Mountain is dense with Vital Energy, the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring here is just too good," Liang Yi lamented. "This place is no longer the Lower Courtyard, it has become a branch of Jilong Road for Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu came to a realization. To be called a branch meant that the environment here, even if not quite on par with the Upper Court, was not far behind. Jade Spring Mountain was too big a pie for Song Wujie to eat alone; it required the collective effort of many. With more people involved, the affairs of the branch would need to be deliberated collectively. Chen Mus expression turned grim. He had wanted to quietly cultivate alchemy and accumulate Daoist Cultivation without expecting such a sudden change. "But as the Minor Supervision Court arranges," Chen Mu said respectfully, clasping his hands together. He understood that being placed into the Pill Treasure Pavilion was compensation for the previous Daoist Cultivation matter. No matter whether he accepted it or not, the situation had become unchangeable. Chapter 314 - 309 Alchemist Apprentice On the southeastern mid-mountain slope of Jade Spring Mountain, there is a cliff with a vertical drop of seventy to eighty meters. At the open space below, a group of men in grey short-sleeved clothes were bustling around. Some were digging foundations, others erecting wooden stakes, carving doors and windows, or building walls. On the cliffside, about five to six meters above the ground, caves of various sizes had been hewn, connected by stone steps a meter wide. Within the widest cave at the topmost layer. "Junior Brother Chen?" Zhu Yi looked Chen Mu up and down. He was in his forties, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and an air of sternness about him. He was the new Pavilion Master of the Administrative Affairs Institute of Jade Spring Mountain, Chen Mus future boss. "Ive seen Pavilion Master Zhu." Chen Mu greeted him with a respectful fist clasped. "Which Alchemy Jade Slip are you studying?" Zhu Yi asked. Alchemy Jade Slip? Was he asking about the origins of his alchemy skills? "I have a summary of the Fasting Pill." Chen Mu replied truthfully: "It was bestowed by Elder Song Wujie." After all, his background was clean, and he wasnt afraid of investigation. "How many spells have you... never mind." Zhu Yi shook his head: "Since its through Uncle Liangs connection, I wont ask." What does he mean? Chen Mu was puzzled. "Its okay if you cant refine pills; just stay in the Pill Treasure Pavilion and learn slowly," Zhu Yi said to himself. Is he treating me as an unskilled nepotism hire? Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh bitterly.@@@@ "Pavilion Master Zhu, I..." "I know," Zhu Yi said with a knowing look: "There must be people in the pavilion talking behind your back." "But as long as you ignore them and dont cause trouble, they cant do anything to you." "No, I really..." Chen Mu hurriedly started to explain. "I know," Zhu Yi sighed: "There might still be people in the pavilion who will try to sabotage you." "Dont look at the alchemy apprentices receiving only thirty White Jade Coins a month. But to have this status is not easy." "All of them are alchemy apprentices like you, but which one of them hasnt spent years toiling with all their might?" "Theyre inevitably resentful towards someone who cant refine pills but can easily enter the Pill Treasure Pavilion." Are you freaking insulting me?! "If they really dare to sabotage you, come to me," Zhu Yi said earnestly: "With me here, they wont dare to mess around!" "But I..." "No need to say, I know!" Zhu Yi waved his hand and spoke with gravity: "In the Pill Treasure Pavilion, you need skills to survive, and its indeed stressful to be a slacker." "But its safe here." "With Jade Spring Mountains branch being newly constructed, this is a time for expansion, and there are constant threats from heretical paths, exotic beasts, and monsters." "What if you were sent out to fight? Being so young, you might meet a tough opponent, and that would be tragic." "Its safer to stay under me in the Pill Treasure Pavilion as a slacker." You know jack shit! Chen Mu nearly laughed out of sheer frustration. "Pavilion Master Zhu, I can refine the Essence of the Five Grains!" Chen Mu explained earnestly, quickening his pace. He couldnt let this man with dense eyebrows continue to guess wildly. If he let the mans imagination run wild any longer, he would really become the useless one he was talking about! Zhu Yi paused upon hearing that and gave Chen Mu a closer look, then suddenly had a realization. "So thats how it is!" Chen Mu finally let out a sigh of relief; the misunderstanding seemed to be cleared up at last. But then, he heard Zhu Yi continue with what sounded like praise: "Even if you cant do it, you have to pretend you can! Thats the right attitude!" "This can prevent certain unnecessary troubles from the root." Chen Mu: "..." No... why dont you believe me now? "Let me think, hmm... you have a summary of the Fasting Pill, so the basic task you need to choose is obviously the refinement of the Essence of the Five Grains." "Youre planning to buy the Essence of the Five Grains to complete your tasks, to muddle through and shut the mouths inside the pavilion, arent you?!" Zhu Yi nodded to himself. "Good idea!" "In the first year as an alchemy apprentice, you only need to hand in two hundred kilograms of the Essence of the Five Grains each month to pass." "The market price is two White Jade Coins for ten kilograms, but you can get a staff discount from metwenty kilograms for three White Jade Coins." "You have a monthly stipend of thirty, so at the end of the month it works out perfectly, no need to spend your own money!" "See how good that is!" Thank you so much! ... Chen Mu looked around, bewildered, as Zhu Yi escorted him out of the cave. I really can absorb the Essence of the Five Grains. In a few days, I might even be able to refine the Fasting Pill! Unfortunately, Zhu Yi had pegged him as someone who got in through connections. He made up his mind. Once the alchemy business was on track, he would copy each siblings Secret Technique in turn. "Perhaps there will be unexpected surprises." While mulling over the United Heart Curse, the United Heart Rope suddenly quivered above his head, causing Chen Mu to raise an eyebrow. "Shang Huan?" ... Chen Mu closed his eyes and activated the United Heart Curse. In the haze, Shang Huans Jade Seed became increasingly polished. "It seems his Jade Seed is complete." Then, he was drawn to another pearl shining brightly. "Wu Ruo has actually achieved Spiritual Light?" Chen Mu was astonished. Were the Wu Mountain siblings truly gifted, or was it the effect of the United Heart Gu? It was likely a combination of both. "Mr. Gongsun, Im sorry for the intrusion!" Shang Huans voice arose cautiously. "What is it!" Chen Mu made his voice sound indifferent and calm, adopting the role of Gongsun Sheng. "Ive discovered a lucrative business opportunity and wish to offer it to you," Shang Huans voice was filled with a mixture of excitement, respect, and flattery. Lucrative business opportunity? For me? Bullshit! If Chen Mu didnt know what was really going on, he might have believed it! "Insect Repellent Incense?" Chen Mu remarked indifferently, "Without the backing of Mo Wuzhous name, are you scared?" "Exactly, the Insect Repellent Incense!" Shang Huan was not embarrassed at being called out. His voice became even more spirited, "Before, it was just a small matter that could be handled by just about anyone, I really didnt want to bother you." "Now, Jade Spring Mountain is flourishing once again, with common Martial Artists coming from Da Qian every day to help clear the wilds." "At the foot of the mountain, there are five camps, with at least five or six thousand people." "If every person gets one piece, thats about five or six thousand White Jade Coins a month!" Shang Huan was enthusiastic, "Such a large transaction must have you overseeing it!" Chen Mu was also taken aback. He had been at the foot of the mountain for half a month and indeed saw Cloud Bat Flying Boats bringing people. But he never expected it to be on such a scale. It seemed that the number of people was still on the rise. Shang Huan was exaggerating; not all those people would need Insect Repellent Incense. But even if only half of them bought it, the unassuming insect repellent would indeed become a sizable business. With a monthly total nearing two thousand White Jade Coins, deducting the cost of labor and materials, there would be a profit of approximately a thousand. "Not bad, but for Jade Spring Mountain where opportunities are everywhere and one can almost make White Jade Coins anywhere, it isnt much." "The identity of Chen Mu seems to be usable." A Chen Mu of the Pill Treasure Pavilion, with Illusion Breaking Cultivation, could still hold his own in this business. Of course, there was still risk involved. Even a mosquito, as small as it is, is still meat, and greedy people are capable of anything. But thinking of the base price of one hundred thousand for the Condense Aperture Secret Method, Chen Mu no longer hesitated. "I cant come forward myself, but I can find someone to back you up," Chen Mu said indifferently. "Thats great!" Shang Huan rejoiced. "Dont worry, Ill definitely set aside your share!" Work one job, get paid twice? Chen Mu opened his mouth but eventually said nothing. After all, since the offer was made voluntarily, it would be rude not to accept! "Mr. Gongsun, may I inquire about the capabilities of the gentleman you will recommend?" "Its not that I dont trust you, its just that the Lower Courtyard is a bit chaotic." "I have a friend named Chen Mu, who disappeared without a trace!" "Ive been searching for him for three days, to no avail!" Shang Huans voice carried a hint of sadness. "These past few days, I have had no appetite for tea or food!" Chen Mu felt a warmth in his heart. He had left in a hurry and hadnt had the chance to say goodbye. He didnt expect this chubby fellow to actually look for him. That was nice. "You dont know, but his cooking is really delicious." "Without him, I cant even eat, how am I going to live in the future!" Chen Mu: "..." So after all this fuss, you were missing my cooking? Damn, all that emotion was wasted! "Dont worry, once you meet him, youll know. Itll be a big surprise," Chen Mu said with narrowed eyes and an ominous tone. Chapter 315 - 310: Meeting The next day, Chen Mus cave abode. The alchemist cultivation room was situated near the cliffs outer side, spanning forty to fifty square meters C nearly as large as three bedrooms in an ordinary family home from his previous life. To the south, there were two windows with hard Qing jade embedded above, allowing the light to shine through and making the room exceptionally bright. Chen Mu hadnt yet furnished the room with cabinets or furniture. The only thing there, near the windows, was a long, cushioned couch. Sitting cross-legged beside the couch, Chen Mu focused on his practice. On a low table next to him, a fist-sized bronze incense burner stood in the center, its barely visible Calming Pill smoke slowly wafting through the air. Chen Mu held the Five Qi Primordial Furnace in one hand and activated the Wind Fire Pivot Charm, sending a strand of mana into the pill furnace. Clank! A faint ring of light flashed over the seam where the round lid met the furnace. The lid, which had appeared fused with the furnace, separated, and Chen Mu effortlessly lifted it by its round twist. "Open and close to control the lid," he muttered. "Cold and heat for regulating temperature," he continued. "Qi Forbidden to control internal pressure," he added. "Ignoring its last ability, to emit thunderous sounds isnt this just an otherworldly magic artifact version of a pressure cooker?" Chen Mu wore an odd expression. "Tsk tsk... this will make stewing meat much more convenient." He glanced at the gray wall, noting his experience. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 2493/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 1696/10000/Second Rank; Wind Fire Pivot Charm: 6627/10000; Golden Bead Talisman: Limit; Five Grains Talisman: Limit; Chen Mu felt an itch to try something new. "Refine a furnace?" he pondered. After some thought, Chen Mu shook his head. "Better play it safe. In at most half a month, the Wind Fire Pivot Charm should reach Perfection." "By then, Ill be more adept at the Five Qi Primordial Technique, and the success rate for trying will be a bit higher." "Cant just bury myself in diligent practice either. I need to find out more about the exchange mechanism for Daoist cultivation," Chen Mu mused to himself. He had come to Jade Spring Mountain precisely to accrue Daoist cultivation points in exchange for Secret Techniques. His meeting with Pavilion Master Zhu was just a brief introduction. As for the operation rules of the Pill Treasure Pavilion, he was completely in the dark. "Its a shame Mo Wuzhou has returned to the Upper Court." Without this acquaintance, gathering information would be somewhat troublesome. "Should I go to Pavilion Master Zhu?" Chen Mu shook his head. Being granted an audience with him was probably only due to Liang Yis influence. "Maybe I could seek out that old servant of Pavilion Master Zhu." That man, always by Zhu Yis side, had seen and heard much and surely knew a lot. Moreover, with his low cultivation, there was no fear of him causing any trouble. As he was wondering when to visit, his ears, bolstered by the Truthful Listening Technique, suddenly heard footsteps that were drawing closer. Chen Mu looked down through the window. On the five-meter-high stone staircase leading to the entrance of the cave, a two-meter-tall portly figure was laboriously climbing step by step. The corners of Chen Mus mouth instantly curled up. "Not enough," Chen Mus voice remained flat. Disaster! Shang Huans heart suddenly clenched. This guy seemed somewhat greedy! He quickly calculated the increase in the number of Lower Courtyard disciples and the distribution of benefits: If this person could guarantee the safety of the business, letting me expand with peace of mind, even giving him half wouldnt matter! After realizing this, Shang Huan gritted his teeth and said, "Senior Brother, fifty percent of the profits, at least eight hundred White Jade Coins a month, how about that?" "Not enough," Chen Mus voice was still flat. This... "Eighty percent?" "Still not enough!" Shang Huans pupils suddenly shrank! This bastard wants it all?! He couldnt help but think of some unsavory rumors. It was said that some Lower Courtyard enforcers, relying on their Perceptive Illusion Breaking Cultivation, would brazenly plunder the assets of the lowest-ranked disciples, greedy and ruthless. The persecuted disciples lost not just their wealth, but their lives were also at risk! Ive walked right into the tigers den! But what could he do? He had only just managed to cultivate the Jade Seed. Maybe this bastard could snuff out his life with just a breath. Damn Gongsun Sheng! "Whatever Senior Brother deems fit, I will follow," Shang Huan said respectfully. "Are you sincere?" Damn right, Im not! Shang Huan cursed inwardly but had to maintain a serious and sincere expression. "My heart is as clear as the sun and the moon, at Senior Brothers disposal!" "Hmm... then do the splits for me," Chen Mu replied. Shang Huan: "..." What the hell kind of request is this?! "What, youre not willing?" Chen Mu feigned discontent. Shang Huan instantly tensed up, "Willing willing willing!" He immediately spread his legs and with a snap, did the splits right in the doorway. A sharp pain immediately shot up from the inside of his thighs, causing Shang Huans large round face to turn beet red. Although he had achieved Perfection with the Jade Seed and had even started cultivating the Spiritual Light, his body had been transformed into something monstrous through secret techniques. But no matter how strong or fast he was, doing the splits still hurt! This bastard is definitely a pervert! "Senior Brother, how is my performance?" Creak. The tightly shut door slowly opened. Shang Huan quickly managed his expression, showing a sycophantic smile on his face. But that smile had only risen halfway when he saw a familiar figure on the soft couch inside the room, looking at him with a seemingly amused gaze. Shang Huan immediately stiffened, his eyes bulging and his mouth wide open. "Holy shit!" ``` Chapter 316 - 311: Daoist Cultivation ``` Continue reading on "Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Shang Huans eyes were lifeless as he muttered incessantly.@@@@ "Dont believe me? Want me to show you a thing or two?" Chen Mu glanced sidelong at Shang Huan. "Believe, believe, believe, believe, believe, I believe!" Shang Huan quickly waved his hands. "Three-tenths of the Insect Repellent Incense business for me will do," Chen Mu said with a light chuckle. After all, Gongsun Sheng could still collect another payment. "But you have to disguise it well." "Its best to change the style and name, creating brands similar to those of the Zhang Family and Li Familys Insect Repellent Incense. Sell it in all the families, but not too much in each." "If its all concentrated in one place, the stall would be too big, and my newfound identity as an alchemist apprentice of the Pill Treasure Pavilion wouldnt be very useful." "Understood!" Shang Huan had slowly regained his composure by now. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan, making sure he really took it in before feeling reassured. After some idle chatter, Shang Huan surveyed the sparse room, his eyes suddenly lit up and he said, "This is too plain, let me help you bring some furniture up tomorrow." Chen Mu regarded Shang Huan with suspicion. When had this fat man become so considerate? "Would that be trouble?" "No trouble," Shang Huan waved his hand. "Theyve started planning to build Jade Spring Courtyard at the foot of the mountain, so buying various supplies is very convenient." He then chuckled, "Ill get a few people to deliver things for you and use their mouths to spread the word. Let people know that we also have a backing!" I knew it! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. Already starting to ride on coattails? But in truth, this was a good strategy, and he wouldnt have to show his face. "Alright then," Chen Mu shrugged. It saved him the trouble of going down the mountain to buy and move things, a joyfully lazy solution. ... Shang Huan was very efficient. By the next afternoon, he had brought seven or eight people, carrying brand-new tables, chairs, benches, cabinets, and other furniture for another visit. "You really cultivated it?" Old Hao said incredulously, staring at Chen Mu. "If it were fake, I wouldnt be living here," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Uncle Hao, do you have any secret tricks that allow cultivation through planting Yellow Bud Rice?" Shang Huan teased with a chuckle. "First there was Brother Mo, now Brother Chen, tsk tsk..." Old Hao rolled his eyes: "If I had such secrets, how come you still couldnt reach perfection with the Perceptive Spirit Light?" "I taught you how to farm too." Chen Mus face, however, was a picture of strangeness. Through the United Heart Curse, he could clearly see Shang Huans Jade Seed shone brilliantly. Perhaps in a year or so, he would have completed the cultivation of the Perceptive Spirit Light. Afterwards, as long as the Earth Spirit Vitality could keep up, he would eventually cultivate mana and break through illusion. To teach three people the Perceptive Illusion Breaking? Heh... Although it was only about planting Yellow Bud Rice, his luck really was unmatched. ... Originally, Chen Mu wanted to keep two of them for dinner, but Old Monk Hao and Shang Huan politely declined. Chen Mu could only see the two off. On the mountain trail, a group of people chatted as they walked along the stone steps. "Shang Fatty, why didnt you let us know in advance? What if we offended Brother Chen?" "Exactly, exactly, Brother Chen is an Illusion Breaking High Cultivator and a future alchemist of the Pill Treasure Pavilion!" The more Chen Mu thought, the tighter his frown became. If the branch is using Daoist Cultivation as an incentive for Alchemist Apprentices to learn new talismans, then there must be an exchange channel. Direct exchange with Jade Money? Chen Mu shook his head inwardly. Techniques like Alchemy Tool Refining definitely wouldnt be like those lesser secret techniques that are below Illusion Breaking. He estimated, it wouldnt only require a large amount of Jade Money, but also Daoist Cultivation. But he didnt have any Daoist Cultivation. Now he was stuck in a dead end. "Being an Alchemist is great." Bai Xiuwen lamented. "No matter the branchs needs, as long as you succeed in making Elixir Pills, youll get plenty of Daoist Jade Money." Chen Mus eyes suddenly brightened. "What about the Fasting Pill?" "Just produce two bottles of twenty Fasting Pills each, and thats worth a bit of Daoist Cultivation, nine White Jade Coins." Bai Xiuwens face was full of envy. Chen Mu glanced at the experience on the grey wall and let out a sigh of relief. In at most half a month, he would be able to try making the Fasting Pills. Hey! Isnt this a stroke of luck! ... "Becoming an Alchemist is too difficult!" Bai Xiuwen suddenly said in a low voice. "You need to have a Secret Technique. And even if you have one, mastering the Condensing Talisman is a big obstacle." "And thats not even the end of it." Bai Xiuwen stood with his neck stiff and eyes bulging. "The Pill Furnace has warm and cold cycles throughout the year." "But the Alchemy Secret Technique only tells you a range." "Without someones guidance and not knowing the tricks, out of a hundred batches of materials, you might only manage to make three to five batches of Elixir Pills." "Keep going, and it can bankrupt you!" Bai Xiuwens face was full of bitter memories. Chen Mus heart also skipped a beat. The Alchemy Secret Technique he had only gave vague instructions for the warm and cold cycles and the Qi Forbidden requirements. If he blindly proceeded, the consequences... "Theres no one in the pavilion to teach?" Chen Mu couldnt help thinking of the Lower Courtyards Scripture Transmission Institute. This private tutoring model that charged money for lessons, surely it wasnt unique to the Lower Courtyard? "There is, but do you have Daoist Cultivation?" Bai Xiuwen glanced at Chen Mu. Chen Mus heart sank. This is troublesome. "Fortunately, heaven doesnt leave one without a path." Bai Xiuwen suddenly smiled. "Do you have a way, senior brother?" Chen Mus eyes lit up. "Hey! I cant help but mention our senior brother Qi Hui." "Hes one of the six Alchemists of Pill Treasure Pavilion, especially skilled in the Fasting Pill." "Casually giving us a few pointers can greatly benefit us." Bai Xiuwei shook his head and swaggered, full of pride, indicating he had received such guidance. "Of course, pie doesnt just fall from the sky." "Fortunately, senior brother is kind. He doesnt ask for Daoist Cultivation or money, just that we help him absorb the Essence of the Five Grains to assist his alchemy." "How about that, isnt it a good deal?" Chen Mus heart jumped. Helping to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, assisting in alchemy? That means no pay, right? They want us to work hard as laborers, for free! His look towards Bai Xiuwen suddenly became amused. Chapter 317 - 312: Attempt ``` "Junior brother, dont think we are working for nothing," Bai Xiuwen said, as if he had read Chen Mus mind. "In the mundane world, whether one learns medicine or blacksmithing, doesnt one have to serve as an apprentice for several years?" "Just think about the treatment one receives once they become an alchemist." "This little sacrifice is nothing!" Bai Xiuwen consoled with a tone filled with profound sentiment. It made sense! Chen Mus face lit up with realization, full of hope he asked, "I wonder, how many alchemists has that Brother Qi taught?" Bai Xiuwen stiffened, then quickly returned to normal, "Alchemy isnt so easy to learn." Chen Mu watched Bai Xiuwen with a smile but said nothing. "It seems junior brother has some misunderstandings about Brother Qi," Bai Xiuwen regained his composure and said meaningfully, "After some time, youll understand Brother Qis methods." What? If persuasion fails, he wants to resort to intimidation? Chen Mus eyes narrowed instantly. However, Bai Xiuwen appeared completely at ease, "Brother Qi and I have agreed to meet tonight, does junior brother want to come with me to meet him?" "Once you see Brother Qis grand demeanor, I am sure you will change your mind." Explore new worlds at novelhall.Co?m What a pity. Chen Mu sighed, dissipating the Five Ghosts Possession Technique he had been preparing. Seems like Ill have to kill this guy. I cant let him trouble me endlessly. Chen Mus eyes darted around, his face taking on a look of hesitation. "Does Brother Qi really teach alchemy?" Bai Xiuwen perked up, sensing a softening of stance, "Of course!" "As long as you refine a certain amount of the Essence of the Five Grains, you dont even need Daoist cultivation to buy the recipe for the Fasting Pill from him!" A certain amount? No need for Daoist cultivation? Youre trying to fool a ghost. The Essence of the Five Grains could originally be exchanged for Daoist cultivation. This Brother Qi is simply finding another way to charge! Chen Mu pretended to be eager and said, "How about one hundred catties of the Essence of the Five Grains per month?" One hundred catties? Is he playing with me? Bai Xiuwens brow furrowed slightly. Chen Mus face showed embarrassment, "I know the quantity is a little small." "But I dont need the brother to teach me alchemy." "As long as Im taught how to absorb the Essence of the Five Grains, I would be extremely grateful." What does he mean? Bai Xiuwen was a bit stunned.@@@@ Chen Mu continued with a bitter smile, "To tell brother the truth, my identity as an Alchemist Apprentice is in name only." "Pavilion Master Zhu is generous and allows me to practice slowly." "But this alchemy business, without guidance, is genuinely tough." "Pavilion Master Zhu is so busy, and its not good to disturb him rashly." "Brother Qis arrival is just timely!" Chen Mus face showed excitement. "You dont know the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique?" Bai Xiuwen asked in disbelief. How did you become an Alchemist Apprentice then? "Time to start attempting alchemy." ... He took out the previously refined Essence of the Five Grains, activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, and a fist-sized white powder flew into the Primordial Furnace. Chen Mus left thumb hooked on the left ear of the pill furnace, and his palm pressed on the side of the furnace. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm operated, the lid rotated slightly, and a glimmer of light flashed by. Instantly the inside was sealed off from the outside, air-tight. "From one hundred eighty-three to two hundred twenty-one tick marks for heat and cold, thirty-five to forty-two for Qi Forbidden." "The range is broad, difficult to grasp, so lets start with the middle." The talisman trembled slightly, and the furnace began to radiate high temperatures outward. "The pill furnace is ready, now its time to condense the pill." His right thumb hooked the right ear of the pill furnace, his palm also pressed on the surface of the furnace. At the same time, inside the Jade Seed, the spindle-shaped Golden Bead Talisman drilled into the vortex of the Five Qi Primordial Technique. A surge of Exotic Force suddenly shot from the palm of his right hand into the interior of the pill furnace. The shallow layer of Essence of the Five Grains at the bottom of the furnace immediately divided into ten portions, rising up and clumping together. With the intervention of the Primordial Force, the small clusters of Essence of the Five Grains started rotating on their own. As they spun, their volume shrank, and what was once loose sand slowly condensed into pills. ... A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu opened the lid. Ten elixir pills, the size of longan fruits, flew out. "Failed, huh," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. The surface of the pills was pitted, some parts were even charred and black. They looked like clumps of white plastic that had melted together, with an unpleasant smell and unattractive appearance. Fortunately, he had anticipated this. If one could succeed on the first try, then becoming an alchemist would be far too easy. ... The Five Ghosts Bag branded dishwasher was activated, and black smoke drilled into the pill furnace to clean the inner walls. A walnut-sized clump of Essence of the Five Grains entered the pill furnace. Wind Fire Pivot, Primordial Five Qi. Chen Mu embraced the pill furnace with both hands and began to practice again. The entire afternoon, Chen Mu repeated the attempts. Unfortunately, not once did he achieve success. At dusk. Chen Mu pinched an oval-shaped white pill in his right hand. He was about to place it in his mouth when he hesitated for a moment and then stopped. With a squeeze of his right hand. Crack! The pill instantly split in half like the shell of a peanut. Specks of white powder fell from the inside at once. "Still a failure," Chen Mu sighed. "Fortunately, its not all for naught." He looked at the grey wall before him. A new entry still appeared. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 5/10000; "Success!" Chapter 318 - 313 Peeping Five days later. At the bottom of the cliff, in the small storage room of Pill Treasure Pavilion. Chen Mu handed over two hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice and received sixty White Jade Coins. Thirty of them were the salary for the Alchemist Apprentice, and the other thirty were the reward for two hundred jin of Essence of the Five Grains. Chen Mu then returned twenty White Jade Coins to exchange for a wooden token. The wooden token was as wide as two fingers and as long as a palm, one side carved with a mountain pattern and the other side inscribed with the words "Two thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice." With this wooden token, he could go to the Administrative Affairs Institutes main storage room to claim two thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice. ... The main storage room of the Administrative Affairs Institute was not far away, also carved out of the hollow of a mountain. Compared to the Pill Treasure Pavilions small storage room, which was only as large as a basketball court, the main storage room was much more spacious. The ceiling was as high as seven or eight stories. Standing at the entrance, Chen Mu looked inside. Perhaps due to insufficient lighting, he couldnt see the end at a glance. As he looked, a strange sense of dislocation washed over him. It was as if the inside and outside of the door were two different worlds. After thinking for a while, Chen Mu finally noticed something unusual. The lowest location of Pill Treasure Pavilions cave dwellings was just five or six meters above the main storage room.@@@@ Yet the height of this main storage room was more than ten meters. This... "Havent seen it before?" The short, plump storeroom manager glanced askance at Chen Mu. "This is the Thousand-Mile Household: Miniaturization Method." "The original cave wasnt this big." "Similar to the Mustard Seed Talisman?" Even though he had seen many wonders, this still left Chen Mu quite shocked. "More or less," said the plump manager nonchalantly. If I used this Secret Technique in my own cave dwelling, my small three-bedroom would instantly turn into a large flat! "May I ask which High Cultivator performed such a Secret Technique?" Chen Mu couldnt help but ask. "Want to learn it? Or want to set it up in your own cave dwelling?" The plump Prefect glanced at Chen Mu. "Youll talk about it when you become an Alchemist." Chen Mu paused and couldnt help but laugh, the chubby mans remark was unpleasant but also made sense. This kind of Secret Technique, whether to learn or to hire someone to perform it, cannot be done without Daoist Cultivation. I should just honestly go practice my Elixir Pills. He then picked up two huge hemp bags and left the main storage room directly. ... Not far from the small archway of the small storage room, Bai Xiuwen squinted as he watched Chen Mus retreating figure. Turning his head to ask the storeroom manager behind the long desk: "That new guy, how much Essence of the Five Grains did he turn in?" A storeroom manager, over sixty years old with white hair and beard, raised his head and looked outside through the white jade window. "Two hundred jin." "So little? Hes really doing the bare minimum." Bai Xiuwen shook his head in disappointment. Two hundred jin is just enough to meet the basic requirement for submitting the task. He really doesnt know the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique? What a pity... "How do you know he isnt pretending?" The old storeroom manager said indifferently. Bai Xiuweis mind stirred, and three White Jade Coins suddenly appeared on the long desk. The white-haired old storeroom managers sleeve brushed over the desk, and he discreetly picked them up. "If one wants to absorb a large quantity of Essence of the Five Grains, they need a lot of Yellow Bud Rice." "And to get Yellow Bud Rice from the main storage room, one must exchange for a wooden token at my place." "This month, I will keep an eye out for you." This month? Bai Xiuwens mouth twitchedold but greedy. After all, they still have the support of Jilong Road behind them. ... After the meal. Shang Huan handed Chen Mu a small cloth bag containing over six hundred White Jade Coins. "This is this months revenue. How is it, not bad right?" Shang Huan said with a smug smile. "The Insect Repellent Incense is selling that well?" Chen Mu was surprised. "Jade Spring Mountain is deep in the East Ridge, particularly plagued by poisonous insects and miasma. Thats why..." Shang Huan spread his hands. Chen Mu understood. It was all about the right timing. ... Early the next day, after washing up and eating, Chen Mu plunged into the alchemy chamber. An incense burner the size of a fist was placed on the windowsill. A wisp of black smoke snaked in, igniting the charcoal. Heat roasted the Calming Pill, and the fragrance that focused the mind and calmed the qi slowly diffused. Chen Mu raised his hand, and two large bags of Yellow Bud Rice flew in front of the couch. "Absorb!" The talisman drilled into the Primordial Talisman, and an exotic force enveloped the Yellow Bud Rice. Hum! The grains of Yellow Bud Rice vibrated and tumbled, as specks of white powder-like dust rose and gathered into a sphere. After a long while, Chen Mu placed the Essence of the Five Grains into a brown wooden box and sealed it away. "It seems more can be extracted," he mused, looking at the Yellow Bud Rice reduced to something like bran. Chen Mu summoned a grey wall and reviewed the alchemy-related entries. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 3243/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 2896/10000/Second Rank; Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 1325/10000; Wind Fire Pivot Charm: Limit; Golden Bead Talisman: Limit; Five Grains Talisman: Limit; "If the rank of the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique continues to rise, can more Essence of the Five Grains be extracted from the same Yellow Bud Rice?" "Heh..." Chen Mus lips curled up slightly: "Theres no hurry. Ill have plenty of chances to accumulate experience in the Qi Absorption Technique later." "Daoist cultivation matters more. I should focus on alchemy first." Without delay, he took out a pitch-black pill furnace. Five Ghosts Black Smoke cleansed. A small amount of ingredients entered. The Wind Fire Pivot Charm controlled the furnace and the Primordial Five Qi condensed the Elixir Pill. ... Over half a month later, within the alchemy chamber of Chen Mus cave abode. Chen Mu placed his hands on either side of the pill furnace. Click! With a light sound, the lid of the furnace rose into the air. Heat ascended, and the air above the furnace twisted slightly, with a faint burnt fragrance wafting about. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles extended into the furnace, and a longan-sized milky-white Elixir Pill flew out, twirling before Chen Mus eyes. He examined it closely for a moment, then his right index finger reached out, grazing the Elixir Pill. A clump the size of a green bean was scraped off. Placing it into his mouth, it immediately melted, turning into a warm current that slid down his throat into his stomach. "Haha, thats the right taste!" Chen Mu couldnt help but grin. He checked the gray wall. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 6095/10000; Although not yet perfected, he was already capable of making Fasting Pills. Being able to concoct Elixir Pills meant he could exchange for Daoist Cultivation. He was one step closer to the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Chapter 319 - 314: Calculations Pill Treasure Pavilion, Zhu Yis cave dwelling. "Can you perform alchemy?" Zhu Yi stared incredulously at Chen Mu. Wasnt he just a slacker who got in through the back door? "Just a little, just a little," Chen Mu said with a humble face, but his heart burst with joy. Shocked, werent you? I didnt intend for this to happen. Its just that Im so diligent and hardworking. Before I knew it, my alchemy experience had skyrocketed, haha... "I see," Zhu Yi thought for a moment, his face lighting up with realization. Then his brow furrowed with concern, "The status of an alchemist is not the same as that of an alchemist apprentice."@@@@ "The other courtyards check strictly; its not easy to manage." What does that mean? Chen Mu was a bit confused. "Giving you this status is not impossible," Zhu Yi hesitated for a moment then clenched his teeth, "Youll need to add Daoist cultivation!" "A lot of Daoist cultivation!" "Dont take it personally, this is mainly to smooth things over with Sun Duyuan." "After all, the Pill Treasure Pavilion in the other courtyard is part of the Administrative Affairs Institute." "To handle the alchemist status, you will definitely have to go through the Administrative Affairs Institute Duyuan." "Plus, its best if Uncle Master Liang steps in first to grease the wheels with our Sun Duyuan." "With the double threat of Daoist cultivation, you can hold the alchemist status with peace of mind," Zhu Yis face was full of implied meaning. Chen Mu: "..." Are you still treating me like a slacker?! He was laughed to the point of exasperation. What kind of thought process did this Pavilion Master Zhu even have? I did indeed enter the Pill Treasure Pavilion through Liang Yis manipulation, but I am truly capable of alchemy! Without saying another word, he reached over to the fanged tooth pendant hanging at his waist. Bang! A Primordial Furnace appeared out of thin air. Open the lid, add ingredients, adjust the temperature, apply pressure, unify the primordial elements. Buzz! A quarter of an hour later. An elixir pill the size of a longan pearl and milky white flew in front of Zhu Yi. "You... you really know how to perform alchemy?!" Zhu Yis face fell in disappointment. Chen Mu: "..." What are you being disappointed for! Were you just hoping I was fake so you could extort a fistful of Daoist cultivation from me? "Cough! Junior brother can actually perform alchemy! With junior brother joining, the strength of our Pill Treasure Pavilion has greatly increased!" Zhu Yi pinched the smooth Fasting Pill, quickly putting on a face full of surprised joy, changing his demeanor completely from before. Chen Mu was completely dumbfounded. Pavilion Master Zhu, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, looked quite serious and staid, but who would have expected this? "Do you only know how to make Fasting Pills?" Zhu Yi asked. "Making just this Fasting Pill already takes up so much time and effort, I really dont have the energy to be distracted by anything else," Chen Mu couldnt help sighing. "If I want to gain more Daoist cultivation achievements, I still need to think through alchemy." He hadnt been idle these past two days, constantly collecting data. "Refining ten pills at a time, it takes a quarter of an hour, and this method is most efficient." "Even so, the most I can refine in a day is up to three hundred pills." "And theres also about a 20% loss of raw materials in the process." Chen Mu looked towards the grey wall. Alchemy (Fasting Pill): 6625/10000; Chen Mu laughed cheerfully. "Now its getting to the part Im familiar with." "Lets get to work." He wasnt in a hurry to exchange the alchemy for Daoist cultivation. Just like before, refining pill by pill, saving materials, saving time, to gain experience faster. With Shang Huan regularly delivering living supplies to him. Chen Mu truly closed his door to all visitors and focused on alchemy. ... Twenty days later. Chen Mu arrived in the small storeroom. After contributing his monthly share of the Essence of the Five Grains. He purchased eight thousand jin of Yellow Bud Rice in one go, calling Shang Huan and others to help carry it into the Alchemist Room. He closed his door to visitors once more. In the Alchemist Room, Chen Mu focused on the grey wall where the Fasting Pill experience had reached its limit. His mind was flooded with corresponding alchemy techniques. "It turns out that the Qi Forbidden is not set in stone." "In fact, by adjusting its value, one can indirectly speed up the alchemy process, saving materials and hastening alchemy." But this wasnt even the biggest gain. "By adjusting the frequency of the Exotic Force, in the same quarter of an hour, I can actually refine eighty-one Fasting Pills at once!" Chen Mu was overjoyed. "If I were to refine nonstop all day long, I could make over two thousand Fasting Pills a day!" This... If I bury myself in practice for four or five years, could I accumulate enough Daoist cultivation and White Jade Coins? Ha! Just running the numbers briefly made him uncontrollably eager to start practicing. It took some effort to suppress this impulse and return to his senses. "Its still a bit idealistic." Even if he wanted to do so, his mana wouldnt keep up. Even so, he could generally save about half the time. Chen Mu spread his hands out and lay back, thumping down onto the soft cushion behind him. "More than ten years is still pretty long." "Seven or eight years would be much better." "If I learn to make other kinds of pills along the way, like the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "Maybe I really could achieve my wish in four or five years!" Chapter 320 - 315 Conspiracy "Eight thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice?" Bai Xiuwens brows furrowed. He learned the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique so quickly? Could he have practiced it before? Or... was he playing dumb and using a trick to fool me from the start? Bai Xiuwens face looked somewhat unsightly. "Hmph, fake or real, since he knows the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique, he can obediently work as a laborer for Qi Hui," Bai Xiuwen narrowed his eyes. Having found another laborer for Qi Hui, perhaps he would share some more tricks of pill-making with me. If I can solve the difficult problems, perhaps I will smoothly enter the gateway to the Golden Bead Talisman! Just as he was about to leave, the white-haired storekeeper tapped the long table lightly with his index finger, and said with a smile, "That gentleman bought more than just Yellow Bud Rice." "I only need to know if he bought the Yellow Bud Rice; I dont care about the rest," Bai Xiuwen dismissed with a wave of his hand. "Really dont want to know?" The white-haired storekeeper asked teasingly, "You might regret it." Bai Xiuwen paused and looked at the old storekeeper suspiciously. "Is it really that important?" The corner of the old storekeepers mouth lifted slightly as he tapped the table again with his finger. Bai Xiuwens face twitched. That greedy old man! After hesitating for a moment, he eventually took out three White Jade Coins and placed them on the long table. ... "An alchemist?!" Bai Xiuwens heart leaped. Such a deep secret! "Youre saying hes going to make Fasting Pills?" Bai Xiuwen suddenly remembered something and asked for confirmation again. "Yes, and he took a large share too!" the old storekeeper said meaningfully. Bai Xiuwens expression immediately changed. "Can he finish making so many with the amount he took?" "I dont know," the old storekeeper shrugged, "but I do know that his identity as an alchemist was personally verified by Pavilion Master Zhu." This is trouble. The monthly Daoist Cultivation rewards for the Fasting Pill tasks are limited. If he takes so much, Qi Hui will get fewer Daoist Cultivation rewards. Bai Xiuwen immediately turned around and left briskly. I have to make early preparations! ... That very afternoon. Bai Xiuwen called two good friends to his cave abode. "That person can really make pills?" One of the dark-faced forty-year-old men asked dubiously.@@@@ "He is so young..." Another man with a black mustache on his upper lip also expressed skepticism. "The Secondary Court is enforcing discipline around Jade Spring Mountain, forcibly conscripting disciples to go down the mountain." "A lot of people from the Transmission and Domestic Affairs Courts have been pulled to the frontlines; Ive heard the casualties are quite severe." "Its only our Pill Treasure Pavilion thats special to have avoided this disaster. What if that person fabricated a false identity to seek refuge?" The dark-faced man also followed up, "Its said that young man comes from a background. It might actually be possible!" After everything was prepared, he cautiously opened the door. "Brother above! Please accept your junior brothers bow!" As soon as they finished speaking, the three men dropped to one knee, hands clasped in salute, their faces full of respect. Chen Mu: "..." Is everything this full of Jianghu flavor? ... Inside the alchemist chamber. It took a long while for Chen Mu to regain his senses. "So, you wish to join me to help me absorb the Essence of the Five Grains?" Chen Mu asked skeptically. "As long as you can guide us in alchemy," Bai Xiuwen replied with utmost respect. "You dont want White Jade Coins?" Chen Mu was disbelieving. "With money, one cannot buy the skill to perform alchemy," Bai Xiuwen said with a bitter smile. "Dont you have secret techniques? Just cultivate, its not difficult, right?" Chen Mu failed to understand. Isnt it just crafting talismans over and over again? What kind of guidance is needed for this? Not difficult? Just cultivate? Are these even human words? The three of them looked at each other, dumbfounded. Could it be that Brother Chen... wants to raise the price?! Chen Mu immediately saw what they were thinking and felt a bit wronged. I know Im possessive and dont want others to learn my secret skills. But I also enjoy teaching others and am willing to help solve their problems. Its just ordinary alchemy, not a method to multiply the number of Fasting Pills. Whats there not to share! Chen Mu felt he had to explain, so he said earnestly, "My success in learning alchemy is entirely due to diligence." "Apart from practicing over and over, I really have nothing else to guide you with." "We have also practiced hard, but still no progress," Bai Xiuwen couldnt help but retort. "Then it goes to show that your practice is not yet diligent enough!" Chen Mu said with a stern face. "Have you seen the first ray of sunlight on Jade Spring Mountain?" "I see it every day!" "Before the sun rises, I am already up trying to practice alchemy." "Only when the sky is completely dark do I wash up, rest, and finish my days cultivation." "Day after day, I finally learned alchemy!" Chen Mu looked at the three with an expressive sigh, "How can one succeed in anything without the sweat of hard work and effort?!" The three of them were stunned and speechless, "But..." "There are no buts!" The reason they didnt succeed must be that they didnt work hard enough! "But..." Bai Xiuwen tried to argue again, but Chen Mu, losing patience, waved his hand dismissively, "Go back and practice hard!" People who dont put in the effort but expect others to teach them are not worth taking in! "But when we practice alchemy, we are working hard all day without sleep!" Bai Xiuwen finally managed to say these words filled with unwillingness and sorrow. Chen Mu: "..." Is the competition really this fierce?! Chapter 321 - 316 Daogong "Are you saying Qi Hui might cause trouble for me?" Chen Mu frowned as he looked at Bai Xiuwen. "Elder Brother, the Daoist Cultivation points allocated to the Fasting Pills are only a thousand." "In other words, only the first twenty thousand Fasting Pills of the month can earn Daoist Cultivation points. The rest can only earn White Jade Coins." Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. He had indeed snatched someone elses business. "How many Fasting Pills can Qi Hui produce each month?" Chen Mu asked. "Around six thousand," Bai Xiuwen immediately replied, then exchanged glances with the other two and whispered, "But he would buy Fasting Pills from outside to exchange for Daoist Cultivation points." Chen Mu suddenly realized. This was, in essence, spending money to buy Daoist Cultivation points. He suddenly understood why there was an upper limit on the Daoist Cultivation points allocated to the Fasting Pills. Would other people also operate this way? Like the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill that only the Pavilion Master could refine? He shouldnt dwell on this matter. Overthinking it could lead to trouble. He should rather focus on how to cultivate pills. With his maxed proficiency in Fasting Pill Alchemy, twenty thousand Fasting Pills were far from enough to refine. But if he truly took over the entire allocation, that Elder Brother Qi would certainly become desperate. Although he wanted to amass Daoist Cultivation points as soon as possible, he preferred to quietly and steadily cultivate at home. "Ill just refine twelve thousand a month." This would leave enough room for Elder Brother Qi to earn Daoist Cultivation points. ... Having made his decision, Chen Mu turned to the three Alchemist Apprentices... well, middle-aged Apprentices who had offered their services. "Help me with the absorption of the Essence of the Five Grains." "Each month, I will set aside half a day for you to ask questions freely, is that acceptable?" The three immediately expressed their joy upon hearing this. "Its acceptable! More than acceptable!" Chen Mu nodded. Agreement was good, especially since he himself didnt know what to teach. "Then lets get to work." With the help of the three, the eight thousand catties of Yellow Bud Rice he had just collected were all refined that day. The next day, Chen Mu bought another sixteen thousand and more catties of Yellow Bud Rice from the large storeroom. One and a half days later, it was all transformed into the Essence of the Five Grains. ... "Alright, this is enough for me to use. If you have any questions, ask them," Chen Mu said contentedly as he looked at Bai Xiuwen and the other two, their faces pale. Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Bai Xiuwen took a deep breath and asked, "Could Elder Brother enlighten us on the True Intent of the Golden Bead Talisman?" The True Intent of the Golden Bead Talisman? What true intent could there be? Wouldnt you get it just by practicing repeatedly? He thought about the insights proficiency had brought him. He placed a rocking chair at the door, lying on it to gaze out at the lush Jade Spring Mountain from afar. After basking in the cool mountain breeze for a while, he finally came to his senses. "I nearly turned myself silly with all that alchemy!" He had rediscovered the feeling he first had when creating the Wood Spirit Boy. His spirit was overtaxed, causing a headache! Fortunately, the Seven Souls Return to Origin sustained him, or he wouldnt have lasted until today. With black smoke billowing, a brown wooden box appeared in opulence. Lifting the lid, there were elixir pills the size of longans, looking like mutton-fat white jade. Fasting Pills, ah... Continue your saga on He couldnt help but think of his old life in Da Liang. Back then, to create Fasting Pills, he would scrape a Fasting Pill into powder for use. He used to be afraid to eat too much at once, worried about bursting from overeating. Thinking back, Chen Mu casually threw a Fasting Pill into his mouth. It melted upon entry, a light taste of roasted rice filling his mouth, and after a slight feeling of fullness in his stomach, there wasnt much sensation left. "Things are indeed different now." ... The next day, after eating well and having a good nights sleep, Chen Mu, refreshed and invigorated, went to the small Fasting Pill storehouse. In front of the astonished expression of the storehouse keeper, Zhu Lao San, he handed over four thousand Fasting Pills. He had made over twelve thousand Fasting Pills in total but dared not hand them all in at once. He planned to deliver them every ten days. Even if others knew, they would at most think he was practicing tirelessly overnight. They wouldnt guess that he had found the trick to Fasting Pills, that by adjusting the Pill Furnaces temperature and Qi Forbidden, he could speed up and increase the quantity of his pill production. Once the pills were verified, Zhu Lao San became immediately respectful. The identity of a Pill Treasure Pavilion alchemist was indeed not ordinary. After manipulating his Identity Jade a bit, he held it out carefully with both hands and handed it to Chen Mu. "Brother Chen, the two hundred Daoist Cultivation points youve earned have been recorded in the golden books and jade scrolls of the annex," he said. "A backup is also in your Jade Token, which you can check by activating it with your mana." Chen Mu took the Jade Token and casually infused a strand of mana into it. A feedback of an Exotic Force similar to that of a Secret Technique Jade Scroll flowed into the Jade Seed. Two lines of text immediately appeared within the Jade Seed. "Jilong Roads Jade Spring Mountain annex, Pill Treasure Pavilion alchemist Chen Mu." "Daoist Cultivation two hundred." Chen Mu looked at his Identity Jade with surprise. No wonder there were traces of the Golden Bead Talisman, so it was a Magic Artifact for recording similar to a Secret Technique Jade Scroll. An interdimensional mana version of an ID card? Heh... Fiddling with the Jade Token, Chen Mu felt a surge of exhilaration. "After almost two years of twists and turns, Ive finally obtained some Daoist Cultivation points." Chapter 322 - 317: Fleeing Evening, Chen Mus cave abode. Inside the abode, the rooms were arranged in a straight line. From east to west, they were in order: the Alchemist Chamber, living and dining rooms, kitchen, bedroom, and the washroom at the very west. Each room had windows on the south-facing cliff side, paired with the glowing algae lamps embedded into the walls, providing bright and clear lighting. In the kitchen, Chen Mu hummed a tune as he swiftly tossed the bright green vegetable leaves in the pan with a wooden spatula. The stove was waist-high, but there was no fire underneath it; it was just a solid platform carved from rock. The pan was fan-shaped with a bright white interior, actually half of a huge shell. The opening was broad enough to fit the external unit of a household air conditioner. Chen Mu pressed his left hand against the edge of the shell, and mana streamed in, promptly causing heat to rise from the shell. Although it wasnt his first time using it, Chen Mu still found this giant shell pan to be very magical. Stay tuned for updates on It was said to come from an Exotic Beast called Flame-Separation Shell, which naturally contained a talisman, making it a natural Magic Artifact. After serving the still bright green vegetables, black smoke filled the shell pan, and he casually scrubbed it clean. Holding the last dish of quickly-fried vegetables, Chen Mu came to the dining table, happy as could be. Various dishes were already arrayed on the table. In the center, a black Primordial Furnace bubbled with sound, stewing a pill furnaces worth of braised Exotic Beast Meat. Beside it were steamed pork ribs, honey roasted meat, blanched vegetables, fishball soup, and a flat bamboo basket piled into a small mountain of filled pastries from the old Qi Family. "Time to eat!" Like a whirlwind sweeping through leaves, the table full of food quickly went down his stomach. After cleaning up, night had completely fallen; he hadnt cultivated anything, so he washed up and went straight to bed. After six or seven days of Alchemy, having eaten his fill, he wanted to do nothing. ... The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched Jade Spring Mountain. A strong biological clock had Chen Mu opening his eyes, spirited and alert. "Being too physically enhanced isnt great; recovering too fast means missing out on sleeping in." Propping the pillow up, Chen Mu leaned against the headboard. Through the large window, he gazed out at the continuous green expanse of Jade Spring Mountain, feeling refreshed. Chen Mus gaze settled on a long strip of land at the foot of the mountain.@@@@ Lush trees had been chopped down, revealing the brown earth beneath. From a distance, it looked like a long, narrow cut had been made into a green carpet. If you looked carefully, you could even make out some dougong brackets and flying eaves. According to Shang Huan, the Jade Spring District was being built right there. "It seems it has expanded a bit more." Chen Mu looked toward the distant, cloud-shrouded five great mountains, understanding in his heart. The area around Jade Spring Mountain was vast and required more people to develop and guard it. Cloud Bat Flying Boats frequently ascended and descended at the mountains foot, continually transporting people and goods to Jade Spring Mountain. For the next few years, the main theme of Jade Spring Mountain would be massive development. "More people is a good thing." "With more people, the demand for Fasting Pills will rise, and I can earn more Daoist Cultivation." Chen Mus speed at making Fasting Pills was too fast; if he let go and crafted without restraint, that Brother Qi wouldnt even get a taste of the soup. "I am a good person; I wouldnt do something like breaking other peoples rice bowl." He spat out a mouthful of grass stuck to his lips and shook off the mud from his body. "Lucky for me, Im thick-skinned and tough-fleshed." "Otherwise, that fall could have done some serious harm," Chen Mu exclaimed with lingering fear, as sweat beaded his forehead. Chen Mu looked towards his gray wall experience. Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 71/10000/Ninth Rank; After reaching perfection at Eighth Rank, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse gained a new abilitythe Five Ghosts Dark Flame Great Escape Technique. Simply put... He could fly now! Even though he was battered from the fall, he was still eager to try again. "Flying isnt that easy; I have to practice gradually." Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu barely managed to suppress the urge to try again. He climbed up to the treetop, and with a slight grin on his face, he looked towards the mountain wall twinkling with scattered lights in the distance. He wanted to suppress his grin, but the opposite happenedthe grin grew wider instead. Despite his best efforts, his mouth stretched open to reveal a mouthful of shining white teeth. He had first seen someone fly by their own power three years and eight months ago. Back then, when he had just arrived at the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road, he saw Song Wujie soaring through the sky as soon as he exited the travel pod. At that time, he thought to himself that he must learn to fly. Everything he did after that, like practicing the Void Cloak Technique and buying a flying kite, was related to that original wish. The Five Ghosts Dark Flame Great Escape Technique finally realized that goal. "I can truly fly now!" "Hahaha... gulp..." "Hey! What are you doing there!" A stern voice suddenly rang out, startling Chen Mu so much that he jolted and quickly turned around to look. He saw more than a dozen men in black, leaping like fleas, covering seventy to eighty meters in a single bound, rapidly approaching him. Patrolling inspectors from the guard? He couldnt be caught; what if they mistook him for a spy from the Evil Path?! The Inspection Courtyard had been cracking down hard lately, sweeping away exotic beasts and evildoers, seizing nearby territories with great aggression. Chen Mu certainly didnt want to fall into their hands. He shrank his neck and stifled his laughter back into his stomach. Cloaked in the Five Ghosts Black Smoke and invisible, Chen Mu immediately slinked away. ... On the eastern side of the cliff where the Pill Treasure Pavilion was located, in a large cave dwelling that connected the upper and lower floors... Qi Hui, in his thirties, dressed in a white inner robe and covered with a fiery red outer robe, walked out of the alchemist chamber into the receiving hall with a tired expression. "Another Pill Master who refines Fasting Pills has joined the Pavilion? Impossible..." Qi Hui rubbed his temples and frowned. "The news comes from Third Elder Zhu; the Pavilion Master personally verified it," Bai Xiuwen said respectfully and seriously. "Why would the Upper Court send a Pill Master who can refine Fasting Pills at this time?" Qi Hui asked with a puzzled face, "Even if they were to send one, it shouldnt be until after the harvest of the Yellow Bud Rice next year, right?" "Its said to be a person from Elder Song Wujie," Bai Xiuwen said cautiously. "Oh, so its a country bumpkin from the Lower Courtyard," Qi Hui realized, "Then its nothing to worry about." Bai Xiuwens eyes shifted as he tentatively probed, "Third Elder Zhu said hes taken on quite a few Fasting Pill tasks." "A lot?" Qi Huis eyebrows shot up. "Twelve thousand pills." "Has he gone mad, taking on so many?!" Qi Huis face darkened instantly. Chapter 323 - 318 Manipulation "Do we want to..." Bai Xiuwen squinted his eyes, feigning a cold tone. After frowning and thinking for a moment, Qi Hui shook his head, "Lets wait and see if he will continue to take on the Fasting Pill tasks." In a month, eight thousand Fasting Pills, he refined over five thousand himself and purchased about three thousand more. This was a number consistent with his alchemy skills, one that would not arouse suspicion of fraud in the merit points from other courtyards. "But if that person continues..." Bai Xiuwen probed in a dark undertone. Upon hearing this, Qi Huis expression immediately turned as somber as water. "Then dont blame me for being ruthless!" Qi Huis eyes were sharp as knives. "I will definitely go to the Pavilion Master and give him a thorough complaint!" More than four hundred meters away from a cliff, hidden by the Five Ghosts and sitting cross-legged on a flying kite, Chen Mu: "..." Tattling? Wow! What a ruthless move! Ha ha... Even Bai Xiuwen was somewhat caught off guard. "Just... just tattling?" Not playing any underhanded tricks or anything? "What else would you want?" Qi Hui looked at Bai Xiuwen bewilderedly, then coldly scoffed with disdain, "Those mud-legged peasants from the Lower Courtyard are all so eager for quick success." "Does the other institute not know everyone exchanges Elixirs for merit points? Its an open secret." "But if someone takes us for fools and acts without any scruples... Hmph!" "As long as I lodge a complaint against him, the Pavilion Master will definitely deal with him harshly!" Qi Hui said triumphantly. Chen Mu, watching from a distance, was full of reflection. This Senior Brother Qi, how to put it. Hes definitely not foolish, but it seems... Well, hes like a well-behaved child fresh out of school from a previous life.@@@@ Read latest stories on Chen Mu, who had seen his fair share of the harsh realities of the world, found this unexpectedly novel. Such a good person... How wonderful it would be if everyone were this simple! ... He covertly watched this Senior Brother Qi for several days. He made sure the man truly harbored no ill will. And had Bai Xiuwen closely monitor the mans movements. Only then did Chen Mu feel at ease. Fortunately, when receiving the task in the past, he left some leeway. Had he taken all twenty thousand Fasting Pill tasks at once, it would have enraged Senior Brother Qi enough to complain right away! Tsk tsk... That was close! ... Midway up Jade Spring Mountain, within a dense, verdant forest. But just as he ascended half a meter, that heavy sensation abruptly diminished. It was as if the iron sand in the water glass had suddenly turned into air! Taken by surprise, Chen Mu shot up into the sky like a monkey soaring through the heavens. In panic, he tried to descend rapidly, pressing downward fiercely. Then he crashed into the ground with a thud. Chen Mu jumped out of the big pit, shaking his head to toss off the dirt on his head. "Ptui ptui... thats quite difficult." He immediately continued experimenting with a cheerful laugh. ... In the following days. He spent his days holed up in his cave dwelling, grinding the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique. At night, he ran to the secluded dense forest, tirelessly practicing the Five Ghosts Blazing Flame Great Escape Technique. Even though he fell and ended up covered in dust and dirt every time, he never tired of it. "Before ascension, the Five Ghosts become heavy, but once surpassing a certain point, its like breaking free from shackles, and the Five Ghosts regain their lightness," he observed. "However, if you perform maneuvers like changing directions or accelerating, this shift from heavy to light repeats itself." "To fly effortlessly, one has to master this fluctuation between heavy and light," Chen Mu thought silently. He looked at the experience meter on the grey wall. To his surprise, not only had the proficiency of the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse increased with the days of practice, but the experience in Manipulation Skill was also skyrocketing. Manipulation: 7986/10000/First Rank; "Now thats a goal," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. Lets grind to Second Rank before reassessing! ... Nine nights later, at the entrance to Chen Mus cave dwelling. A clump of black and red smoky clouds descended from the sky. Just two meters from the ground, it slowed abruptly, landing lightly like a feather. Amid the swirling smoke clouds, the three-meter-tall figure of Chen Mu with bulging muscles and indigo skin appeared intermittently. The next moment, the center of the black cloud seemed to contain an invisible black hole, rapidly drawing in the swirling smoke until it all disappeared. Chen Mus form also rapidly shrank back to normal size. "Five Ghosts Possession and the Great Escape Technique can be used at the same time." "It just consumes mana too quickly." He was trying to integrate the Five Ghosts Blazing Flame Great Escape Technique into his own energy system. "Faster than the flying kite speed, but it consumes more mana, suitable for short bursts, and pretty good for a quick escape." "The inherent ghostly wails and howls seem to have a deterrent effect, coupled with Flying Escape Rapid Speed, it can also be used for rapid offensive strikes." Chen Mu looked at the experience record on the grey wall. Manipulation: 236/10000/Second Rank; Second Rank Manipulation already allowed him to effortlessly control the Five Ghosts and fly at will. "If I continue to improve the Manipulation Rank, the Great Escape Technique will surely become even more mysterious and swift." "Looks like Ive got another daily task," Chen Mu shrugged. Chapter 324 - 319: The Limit At the foot of Jade Spring Mountain, Jade Spring Square. Chen Mu walked on the busy, flourishing streets. Underfoot was a smooth bluestone floor, with tidy shops on either side. Men and women dressed in various fashions went in and out of the shops. Haggling over prices, the calls of vendors and greetings were an incessant din. Had it not been for the towering Jade Spring Mountain in the north, Chen Mu almost thought he was back in the T-shaped area of Heavenly River Water Mansion. "The changes are truly great," Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. Two months had passed since he had last come down the mountain, and those temporary wooden huts they had lived in had been torn down. In their place stood rows of neat courtyards with green tiles and white walls. "I really should come down the mountain more often," Chen Mu remarked curiously, looking left and right, "Otherwise, I wouldnt even realize how the world has changed." He slowly browsed from east to west along the main street at the center of Jade Spring Square. It wasnt until he reached the edge of the western side and encountered a group of Lower Courtyard disciples laying roads and building houses that Chen Mu, still unsatisfied, turned back. "Theres every kind of shop here, except for Red Sleeve Square." "What a pity..." ... In the middle of Jade Spring Square, Embroidered Garment Pavilion. "What can I do for you, sir?" A black-faced, short, and plump shopkeeper greeted him with a smile. "Ive heard that the clothes here are exceptionally tough?" Chen Mu looked around. Inside the shop were various Exotic Beast Skin robust outfits, faint black star-patterned silk threads visible upon them. Clothes similar to Magic Artifacts? Chen Mu came to a realization. "The gentleman has a good eye," the short, plump shopkeeper said, complimenting with a smile, "The garments and armor here are blessed with Secret Techniques by the alchemists of Hundred Workshops Hall. Theyre more than just tough." "Take these armors for instance, ordinary attacks by Exotic Beasts have no effect on them," the shopkeeper boasted proudly, pointing to a line of armors. The armors hung on racks, resembling sleeveless shirts from a past life, in shades of brown and red, with Talismans faintly visible upon them. "Now look at these trousers, the fabric is mixed with silver sand from the stars, making them stretchy and flexible, suitable for wide-range movements." "Moreover, theyre durable and wear-resistanteven if one were to walk through forests year after year, they wouldnt wear out in five years." The enthusiastic shopkeeper recommended. "Stretchy and flexible?" Chen Mus interest was piqued, and he reached out to pull on them. The gray trouser leg instantly stretched from two palms wide to the width of two palms and two fingers. "Do you have anything more flexible than this?" Chen Mus eyes lit up. When he invoked the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, his body would inflate like a balloon in size. His height would suddenly shoot up to three meters, and his clothes would burst and tear every time. "More flexible?" The short, plump shopkeeper sized up Chen Mu with some hesitation, "There is, but that would need to be custom-made." There really was such a thing? Chen Mu was overjoyed. "Nothing out of the ordinary," the shopkeeper said with a smile, explaining, "Many practitioners from Lesser Paths cultivate the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique." Chen Mu gritted his teeth and steeled his heart, "Do it!" "Alright!" the stout shopkeeper was overjoyed. "But only make the long pants!" Chen Mu hurriedly added. "This wont be another two thousand White Jade, will it?" The stout shopkeepers smiling face suddenly stiffened. "This... this will only need a little over four hundred White Jade," he stammered. Chen Mu breathed a slight sigh of relief. If it werent for the fact that wearing only underwear was too indecent, Chen Mu would have considered just making a pair of large underpants. Sigh, in the end, Im still too poor. After purchasing ten sets of the same outer garment and paying a hundred White Jade as a deposit, Chen Mu left the Embroidered Garment Pavilion dejectedly. He glanced at Shang Huans rented shop from afar before hurrying back to the Administrative Affairs Institute. Its better to continue alchemy to earn money. ... In the following time, Chen Mu entered a regular routine, steadily gaining experience. He nourished his spirit daily with the Spirit Nourishing Curse, and in his spare time, he would refine a few batches of elixirs to maintain his touch. He spent most of his day cultivating the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, and at night, he would venture into the secluded forest to ponder the Great Escape Technique. Now that he could fly at will, instead of cultivating, it was more like playing while flying. Upon returning, hed dive into the Linglong Path to recover his mana, and when he went to bed, it was still far from midnight. By the time calculation of his previous life, it was barely ten-thirty. Eating well, sleeping enough, and practicing martial arts enthusiastically, Chen Mu was immersed in this routine daily and didnt notice the passage of time. ... A month later, the weather gradually became colder. In Chen Mus dwelling, inside the Alchemist Chamber. He was sitting calmly on a soft couch. With a slight lift of his right hand, a pitiful green blade light flickered in mid-air. Three hundred and sixty forearm-length Qi Blades floated densely before him, slowly undulating like a school of fish. They would even swiftly turn away from each other when they collided, dispersing due to the stimulation. "Its a pity its only Fifth Rank," Chen Mu lamented as he looked at the gray wall. Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: Limit; In a little over a month, the Slaying Demon Technique had risen two ranks. Though it was one level higher than most Secret Techniques, it had also reached its limit. "Truthful Listening Technique was, after all, an exception," Chen Mu shook his head and stopped dwelling on it. Staring at the gray wall, his heart quickly filled with a sense of achievement. "Another skill has been maxed out." "Awesome!" Chapter 325 - 320 Mist Smoke Mountain As time passed, the weather grew colder. One morning, Chen Mu woke to find that snowflakes had begun to drift down upon the slopes of Jade Spring Mountain. "Could it be Qing Liu, the Snow Demon, again?" Before he even had the chance to verify with the Seven Souls Return to Origin. The United Heart Rope above his head vibrated ahead of time. Shang Huan? Chen Mu understood at once. This fat man had also experienced the Peng Yue Mountain incident firsthand and must be feeling anxious right now. "Whats the matter?" Chen Mu cast the United Heart Curse to sense the emotions and reached out, his words conveying the detached air of Gongsun Sheng coming online. "Mr. Gongsun, could you make another batch of Wood Spirit Boys?" asked Shang Huan cautiously. It wasnt about the Snow Demon? "Reasons," Chen Mu didnt rush to decline. "The Lower Courtyard has already seen three types of surveillance magic artifacts and talismans, and they are priced steeply." "If we release the Wood Spirit Boy now, it will no longer arouse covetous desires." Chen Mus heart was moved. If there was no risk and he could earn more White Jade Coins, of course that would be good. He was so poor he didnt even dare buy clothes! "Agreed," Chen Mu spoke calmly. Then, as if a thought struck him, he added, "With the purchase of a Wood Spirit Boy, provide the recipe for the Spiritual Pulp for free, and by no means hoard the Spiritual Pulp." Selling the magic artifact in one go was fine, but if sales trickled in over time, the benefits were too great and could attract unwanted envy. "Yes," Shang Huans voice carried a hint of regret. Chen Mu rolled his eyes, thanking his foresight. Otherwise, this fatty might have really gone through with it! He then cut off the emotional connection. One Wood Spirit Boy could earn him seventy to eighty White Jade Coins. Producing a hundred of them each month, nearly ten thousand White Jade Coins would be within his reach. As the number of people at the Jade Spring Mountain annex grew, the Administrative Affairs Institute and Inspection Courtyard expanded time and again. Given such a large population base, he might earn enough to buy the Condense Aperture Secret Method with White Jade Coins within a year! And with similar magic artifacts available, the Wood Spirit Boy would not draw attention. Earning more while being safewhat a wonderful project. As long as Shang Huan didnt mess things up, everything would be perfect. Would Shang Huan cause problems? This... its really hard to say! ... Down at Jade Spring Quarter. In the rear hall of the modest Qi Wu Tang. "Why didnt you ask about the Snow Demon?" Old Hao was visibly anxious. "Mr. Gongsun has agreed to make the Wood Spirit Boys for me! Haha!" Shang Huan chortled, eyes squinted into slits with joy. "You dont even know if you can keep your life safe, and here you are, thinking about making money?!" Old Hao was infuriated. "What Bro means is, Mr. Gongsun probably thinks theres no issue, thats why hes agreed to make the Wood Spirit Boys," said a bald, pale-skinned, plump youth in his twenties, grinning from ear to ear. "Tsk tsk... Uncle Hao, Ive never heard that smoking damages the brain, have you?" "Look at Jia Tian," teased Shang Huan, chuckling heartily. "Get out!" Having caught on, Old Hao shot Shang Huan a glare and topped up his smoking pipe with fresh tobacco. ... The three of them bowed and thanked him in unison, "Thank you, Brother Chen!" The black-bearded Xue Yangliu was so excited he trembled, "With Brothers guidance, in at most two more months, Ill be able to make a preliminary construction of the Golden Bead Talisman!" "This is the compensation you deserve, no need to thank me," Chen Mu said, waving his hand dismissively. He then asked curiously, "Isnt it easy to start with the basics of the Golden Bead Talisman? Didnt Qi Brother teach you?" The three exchanged glances. "He did teach, but only a little each time, and not in as much detail as Brother," Bai Xiuwen said. A single lesson divided into ten? Ensuring they milk Bai Xiuwen and the others for as long as possible? Chen Mu suddenly understood. Clicking his tongue... its quite the chive-harvesting technique. "Has he been up to any shenanigans lately?" Chen Mu asked out of habit. What if that guy were to lodge a sneaky complaint against him, huh... "No, none of that," Bai Xiuwen said. Then he added in a quiet voice, "Its just that the business of exchanging Fasting Pills for Elixirs has stopped." "And hes also ordered us to extract more Essence of the Five Grains." "It looks like hes planning to go into seclusion to refine his alchemy experience." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. What a decent guy! If hed run into some ruthless characters, Chen Mu might have long been bagged and kidnapped! ... After sending off Bai Xiuwen and the others, Chen Mu returned to the alchemist chamber. Checking the gray wall, Chen Mu looked at the Fire Cloud Curse experience. Fire Cloud Curse: 1736/10000/Third Rank; After breaking through to the Second Rank, the temperature of the Fire Cloud hadnt changed much, but the volume of the flames had increased several times over. It could congeal into a large cloud of fire or disperse into individual feathers of flame. Its power had enhanced and it had become more versatile. "Time to keep grinding." ... As days and months passed, the weather gradually warmed up. The Upper Court continued to send disciples to Jade Spring Mountain, some even in the Illusion Breaking Spiritual Light realm. The associated courts kept expanding their territories, endlessly struggling with the neighboring minor paths and evil ways around Jade Spring Mountain, with rumors of Condense Aperture masters joining the fight and casualties on both sides. Chen Mu didnt concern himself with any of it, leisurely refining pills and grinding experience. That was until two months later, when he was summoned by the Pavilion Master of the Pill Treasure Pavilion. "Great news," Zhu Yi said with a smile: "The Mist Smoke Mountain closest to Jade Spring Mountain was home to the Yanxia Sect." "Three days ago, the Yanxia Sects gate was broken through, and now the mountain is our turf." This has nothing to do with me, though. Chen Mu looked at Zhu Yi, puzzled. "The Yanxia Sect had stored a vast amount of Yellow Bud Rice, which needs to be quickly refined into Fasting Pills." "You are exceptionally fast at making Fasting Pills, so this hefty Daoist Cultivation profit should naturally be yours to earn." Chen Mus brows immediately furrowed. Earning Daoist Cultivation is fine when you have a life to spend it. Mist Smoke Mountain is on the frontline of the conflict. What if the Evil Path launches a counterattack? Trouble! Chapter 326 - 321 Preparation "Must we go?" Chen Mu asked, reluctant. Mist Smoke Mountain is ultimately at the forefront of the struggle, what if we encounter danger? "The brutes from the Inspection Courtyard wrecked the Yanxia Sects storage." "Mist Smoke Mountain is humid and rainy. Without the protective restraints of the warehouse, Yellow Bud Rice is easily prone to mold and spoilage," Zhu Yi said helplessly. "Its too much trouble to move it back to Jade Spring Mountain. Its best to refine it into Fasting Pills on the spot, then move it here." He then sighed, "Originally, Qi Hui was supposed to go." "But his Pill-making quantity has sharply decreased lately, and hes wasted a lot of materials." "I wouldnt dare send him to do alchemy." Chen Mus eyes narrowed slightly. A sharp decrease in quantity, wasting materials? Could it be too much of a coincidence? Seeing Chen Mu silent, Zhu Yi continued with a smile, "Mist Smoke Mountain is indeed not a peaceful place." "But our Liu Ling, Elder Liu, is stationed there." "You only need to focus on alchemy once youre there, no need to worry about anything else. Your safety will definitely be assured." Liu Ling? One of the four Condensing Aperture experts from Jade Spring Mountains annex? Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that a trip to Mist Smoke Mountain was inevitable. He then frowned and asked, "It wont be just me going, will it?" "That wont do," Zhu Yi shook his head. "There will be three Alchemist Apprentices going with you." "They are all talented hands from Pill Treasure Pavilion, extremely skilled at Absorbing the Essence of the Five Grains, which can assist you in alchemy." ... Inside the living room of Chen Mus cave abode.@@@@ "Youre going too?" Chen Mu frowned at Bai Xiuwen. He then looked toward Feng and Xue, "You two, you havent been chosen as well, have you?" "Our ability to Absorb the Essence of the Five Grains still falls short," Feng Haoxiu said, his dark face turning red with embarrassment. Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu nodded, neither affirming nor denying. "Has Qi Hui shown any abnormalities?" "Abnormalities? Not that Ive noticed," Bai Xiuwen considered. "Hes just a bit irritable." Whats going on? "This trip to Mist Smoke Mountain comes with a hefty reward. He wanted to go, but Pavilion Master Zhu did not agree," Bai Xiuwen chuckled. "Do you know why Qi Hui has reduced his alchemy output recently?" Chen Mus eyes narrowed. "You suspect hes feigning weakness intentionally? Just to avoid going to Mist Smoke Mountain?" Bai Xiuwen voiced his astonishment: "Could that be possible?" Hard to say. Chen Mu remained silent. "I dont know if Elder Brother Qi is feigning weakness, but I do know a bit about why he reduced his alchemy output," Feng Haoxiu said hesitantly, looking at the two beside him. "Go on," Chen Mu said, interested. He purchased a bunch of durable cured meats and jerkies. He also ordered two baskets of vegetables, intending to make dehydrated vegetable chips. Finally, Chen Mu arrived at the entrance of Shang Huans Qi Wu Hall. As he would be away from Jade Spring Mountain for a while, he had to inform Shang Huan in advance. He wanted to caution the plump man to exercise restraint in his actions to avoid any danger that Chen Mus absence would fail to protect against. ... Jade Spring Pavilion, at the back courtyard of Qi Wu Hall. Old Hao was overwhelmed with worry, "This could be seen as aiding the enemy!" "If the Inspection Courtyard finds out that youre doing business with those heterodox evildoers, youre done for!" Shang Huan replied cheerfully, "Were just selling our products to the mountain folks within East Ridge. As for who they sell to after that, hehe..." Old Hao immediately gave Shang Huan a sidelong glance, unable to restrain himself. The mountain folks were already involved with the heterodox sects of East Ridge. Many of their young ones had been apprenticed to those sects from a young age. Selling to the mountain folks was essentially aiding the enemy! "Mr. Gongsun has already warned you not to conduct business with those heterodox paths." "If he starts to follow up on this..." Instead, Shang Huan raised his eyebrows confidently, "Mr. Gongsun only forbade me from selling Wood Spirit Boys to the heterodox paths. He didnt say I couldnt sell the Heaven-Earthing Talismans." "Ive fully understood Mr. Gongsuns intentions now!" "The Wood Spirit Boy is Mr. Gongsuns trademark. If it appeared in the hands of the evildoers, there could be serious repercussions." "But for other items, theres absolutely no problem!" "Essence of the Five Grains, Healing Precious Medicine, Pathfinding Talismans C all goods from Jade Spring Pavilion can be sold up the mountain!" "Just think about how big of a deal that would be!" Shang Huans eyes shone with excitement. Outside Qi Wu Hall, Chen Mu, with the Truthful Listening Technique attached to his ear, thought: "..." Did you learn your reading comprehension from a demon or what?! ... A short while later, at the back courtyard of Qi Wu Hall. "My, my, Shang Huan, whats wrong with you? Do you need a doctor to take a look?" Chen Mu feigned concern. "Im fine, just a bit dizzy," Shang Huan said, his face pale as he struggled against the bouts of darkness encroaching his vision. Or it might have been an illusion. He always felt something off about the expression of the person before him. "The Administrative Affairs Institute has assigned me a task to go to Mist Smoke Mountain for alchemy. The return date is uncertain, so I came to tell you all," he explained. "If you really run into trouble, just close up shop and take a break for a while." "Things have not been very peaceful up the mountain lately. You better not cause any trouble," Chen Mu said meaningfully. Shang Huans face instantly turned serious. "Rest assured." "Im just a simple, honest merchant. I will definitely not stir up any trouble!" Shang Huan promised solemnly. Chen Mu looked at Shang Huan with a blank expression. It seems the strength of the spirit I drew out was still too little. Seven Souls Return to Origin! Chapter 327 - 322 Revenge Five days later. East gate of Jade Spring Square. More than a dozen giant insects, similar to centipedes, obediently lay in a row, spaced four to five meters apart. The centipedes are over twenty meters long and three to four meters tall, their entire bodies glossy and pitch-black. Densely packed, countless jointed legs line both sides of their bodies. Upon arriving at the east gate, Chen Mu immediately felt his skin crawl at the sight.@@@@ "East Ridge is full of poisonous miasmas and insects; these Seven-Star Centipedes are a specialty of the area," Bai Xiuwen explained as he approached Chen Mu. "They possess immense strength and lightning speed. Captured and tamed by our elder Song Wujie, they are perfect for transporting large quantities of goods." Chen Mu nodded in realization. Song Wujie truly was an expert in handling insects. In the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, many tasks were completed using insects. ... As the two chatted casually, hundreds of people slowly gathered at the east gate. Chen Mu noticed that these men and women were all tall and sturdy. And their demeanor exuded a wild and unrestrained air, starkly different from the Lower Courtyard disciples he had seen before. "Are these people all new arrivals from Da Qian? How come their build and temperament are so... unique?" Chen Mu wondered. "You noticed?" Bai Xiuwen leaned closer to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard theres been an issue with the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "After eating them, their height and physique have all changed to various extents." "Fortunately, their bodies havent mutated." "If they truly took on the forms of beasts, the Pavilion Master would be in big trouble." An issue with the Rebirth Pill? Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. This was the second time he had heard this rumor. Experience more content on "The other institutes have a high demand for the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill." "Pavilion Master Zhu has had to speed up the production process." "When you rush, problems are bound to arise," Bai Xiuwen sighed, "the Pavilion Master is afraid others will compete with him for Daoist cultivation achievements." "Afraid the Upper Court will pull pill masters from the other institutes?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Exactly," Bai Xiuwen nodded, "the Inspection Courtyard and the Administrative Affairs Institute have always been transferring people from the Upper Court." "Even the Pavilion Master is afraid." Chen Mu sighed to himself. "Its all for the Condense Aperture Secret Method." Thinking this, Chen Mu suddenly felt that going to Mist Smoke Mountain might not be so bad after all. Although there was some risk, the rewards were high. To make Fasting Pills in Jade Spring Mountain, it takes twenty pills to exchange for one point of Daoist achievement. Wei Donglais expression was indifferent, "What hundreds of years foundation? If it cannot be kept, why hold on to it?" "Better to let it burst forth in brilliance once and become the nourishment for my advancement." "This forbidden technique has an unknown origin, are you sure it works?" Xin Ya hesitated. "Isnt this the perfect opportunity to test it on Mist Smoke Mountain?" Wei Donglai said indifferently. "Experimenting with the foundation of your ancestors? Thats really..." Xin Ya shook his head. "So are you in or out?" Wei Donglai asked calmly. After hesitating for a while, Xin Ya gritted his teeth, "If it can really produce a Primordial Unity, and assist in refining my Divine Orifice, advancing me further, whats a little risk worth!" "At worst, Ill flee East Ridge!" "Done!" A smile erupted on Wei Donglais face, which was full of tattoos. "Ive already made inquiries." "Only Liu Ling is guarding Misty Glow Mountain." "Her secret technique is profound, and indeed Im no match for her, but with you added to the mix... heh heh!" ... Half a month later, Misty Glow Mountain. Misty Glow Mountain is a mountain range that stretches from east to west. The entire north side of the mountain had collapsed, leaving only a pale, vertical cliff face, as if carved by knives and axes. South Mountain, however, had a gentle slope and was covered in lush greenery, with white-walled and black-tiled buildings partially hidden among the towering ancient trees. Inside an eastern cave. Chen Mu stood up and stretched his body. Before him lay a collection of bottles and jars, all filled with Fasting Pills. This was the result of his more than ten days of work. "At least twenty thousand of them!" If he handed them all in, that would be more than thirteen hundred Daoist cultivation points, almost catching up to his earnings from the previous two months. "Shame I cant hand them all over." While his alchemy speed could be faster than others, it couldnt be too fast. "The material consumption is generally around ten percent." Chen Mu thought this and placed over two thousand Elixirs into his Five Ghosts Bag. With his max-level Fasting Pill alchemy, his control was delicate and the loss almost zero, so he had to keep the extra Fasting Pills for himself. "Ordinary Alchemists have a success rate of around sixty to seventy percent." "Ill have a bit more, say eighty percent." Chen Mu then put away nearly four thousand more Fasting Pills. "I dont want to embezzle these Fasting Pills." "But the skills of my peers are just too inferior." "To not shatter their confidence, I must endure and keep these for myself." "So thoughtful and considerate, sigh, I really am a good person!" Chapter 328 - 323: The Symposium on the Way "Junior Brother, what a skilled method you have!" Sun Wuhuan, the forty-something Deputy Head of the Administrative Affairs Institute, said with a beaming smile, "No wonder Junior Brother Zhu sent you." "Even Qi Hui on horseback couldnt catch up with your alchemy speed!" "I cant compare, I cant compare," Chen Mu repeatedly shook his head. "My alchemy speed is all thanks to working tirelessly through the night." "Compared to Brother Qis talent and understanding, Im worlds apart." Sun Wuhuan looked at Chen Mus pale complexion and heavy eye bags, and suddenly realized. Cultivators at the Perceptive Stage had robust bodies. However, the junior brother in front of him had weak vitality, clearly the result of staying up all night practicing alchemy and excessive fatigue. He then couldnt help but express his concern, "Junior Brother, you must take care of your health!" "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother." It looks like my disguise is still quite successful. Chen Mu gloated to himself. The issue of alchemy speed being too fast had a ready explanation with the excuse of working hard without sleep. "Theres no time limit for this task. If you keep burning the midnight oil like this, what if you damage your foundation?" Jin Wuhuan advised earnestly. Chen Mu nodded seriously, making an appearance as if he was listening, "I understand." However, his face subtly conveyed an expression that he hadnt really taken the advice to heart and would keep doing the same thing. Sun Wuhuan sighed helplessly, "This is all the trouble that Daoist cultivation causes." Isnt that the truth! Chen Mu nodded with deep feeling. One Daoist practice had tied down so many cultivators, making them toil for Jilong Road. Sun Wuhuan looked at Chen Mu with a sense of nostalgia, "Looking at you reminds me of myself more than ten years ago." "Back then, I also got up early and stayed up late, doing everything I could to accumulate Daoist cultivation points." "I dared not exchange for secret techniques, dared not attend theory conferences, and stayed away from anything that would cost Daoist cultivation points." "By saving more and spending less, I struggled for a full three years, and only then did I manage to exchange for the Condense Aperture Secret Method!" Three years? Chen Mu was suddenly startled. Alchemy for Jilong Road was already a high-paying job. But by his rate of accumulation, gathering a hundred thousand Daoist cultivation points would still take at least twelve or thirteen years. If he went by Qi Huis rate, that would be at least twenty years! And this big, fat man with a face full of flesh had managed to save enough points in just three years?! He couldnt help but ask, "You... How did you...?" "Do you want to know how I obtained the Condense Aperture Secret Method?" Sun Wuhuan asked with a smile, looking at Chen Mu. "Junior Brother presumes too much!" Chen Mu quickly cupped his fists in apology. Sun Wuhuan waved his hand, "Theres nothing that cant be said." "It was two years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days after I started saving Daoist cultivation points." "On a stormy day." "Weve just taken down Mist Smoke Mountain. Many senior brothers have plenty of good items that can increase Daoist power!" Sun Wuhuan said meaningfully. Well, this is Magic Artifacts and secret technique fencing, trading in Daoist power. No wonder he wanted to show off his family background. Without some status and background, he really wouldnt dare to do this. The Sun surname? It seems that there really is an elder with the surname Sun in Jilong Road. "If junior brother is undecided, then consider it for a while longer." Seeing that Chen Mu understood, Sun Wuhuan was in no hurry and put away the Fasting Pill and handed back Chen Mus Identity Jade. Is this to let oneself inquire about the truth? So confident? "Thank you for your understanding, senior brother." Chen Mu thanked him with a bow and left. ... Three days later, late at night. To the east of Mist Smoke Mountain, outside the former Yanxia Sects cave warehouse. A cluster of bamboo houses suspended over two meters high was hidden within the dense forest. In the underground, about six or seven meters below the outermost bamboo house, there was an Underground Secret Chamber about the size of two bedrooms. The chamber was brightly lit, with fresh air. "It really is more peaceful staying in this unknown underground space," Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Truthful Listening!" Invisible ripples were directed by Chen Mu, starting from his right hand and forming a cone shape as they probed the underground. Images of rock, soil, roots, and unidentified animals, a colorful underground landscape flooded his mind. Soon, a familiar vast underground space appeared. "Still over two hundred meters? Tsk tsk... quite deep." Chen Mu had aimed at the Yin River underground from the beginning of the secret chambers excavation. Over the past twenty or so days, Mist Smoke Mountain had been peaceful. But since it was freshly conquered territory, rather than betting on the Yanxia Sect being completely safe, Chen Mu would rather spend the time digging a secret tunnel. "Should I go learn a secret technique for tunnel digging?" Chen Mu stroked his chin in contemplation. Previously, when using Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to dig, it felt fast and convenient. But now that the engineering depth had increased to over two hundred meters, it suddenly seemed a bit difficult. "Maybe I can take a look at the seminar," These past few days he hadnt been idle either, having specially asked Bai Xiuwen to help inquire and indeed heard some rumors. The seminar indeed involved discussions, but that was more of a front. The exchange segment that followed was the focal point. Daoist Cultivation insights, unspoken Secret Techniques, and unused Magic Artifacts could all be traded for Daoist power through the seminar. It was even said that such seminars existed in Jade Spring Mountain. It was just that he had been in seclusion leveling up and had never encountered it. "Wait a bit longer," Chen Mu decided to play it safe. "If theres no problem, then Ill go and broaden my horizons." Chapter 329 - 324 Discovery One month later, early in the morning. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the bedroom of his bamboo building. A palm-sized black Moon Blade and a white Bone Sphere chased each other like fish, darting and floating through the air with a spiritual grace. After a good while, Chen Mu opened his eyes, ending todays Spirit Nourishing Curse practice. After breakfast, Chen Mu lay in a bamboo rocking chair and indulged in reading a leather-bound "East Ridge Medicinal Stones Illustrated Handbook" with relish. The East Ridge spanned tens of thousands of miles, with a climate that was moist and warm, giving birth to many unique poisonous insects and plants. This scroll of Medicinal Stones Illustrated Handbook was originally a collection of the Yanxia Sect, recording thirty-nine unique medicinal herbs from East Ridge. Now registered by the Scripture Transmission Institute, he had purchased a copy for just one White Jade Coin to increase his experience in Pharmaceutical Technique. "Senior Brother, Ive checked alreadythe discussion meeting organized by Vice-Director Sun should be fine," said Bai Xiuwen as he strode into the bamboo building. Chen Mu pointed to the bamboo chair next to the short table and said, "Sit down, and give me the details." "Thank you, Senior Brother," Bai Xiuwen bowed with clasped hands. "Vice-Director Sun has hosted more than ten gatherings at the Mist Smoke Mountain." "Most participants are from the Inspection Courtyard. They are frontline attackers who overthrew the Yanxia Sect, and they must have snatched quite a few good items back then." "Fencing goods," Chen Mu nodded in understanding. "Exactly," Bai Xiuwen nodded. "I asked two of the participants to scout, and they spoke highly of the little Dao discussion meeting." "Three days ago, I even blended in to check it out myself." Chen Mu couldnt help but cast a sideways glance. I only asked you to scout for some information, yet you went there in personsuch a big investment? Bai Xiuwen chuckled and said, "Apart from using discussions as a front, its like one of the stores in Jade Spring Market." "I suspect this little Dao meeting is actually a joint private operation by the Inspection, Civil Affairs, and Scripture Transmission Institute. Otherwise, they wouldnt dare to be so blatant." Of course there was backing behind the meetings. That Vice-Director Sun was flaunting his family background to him, indicating that the Dao discussion has backing and is safe. "The people inside were sincere and enthusiastic, and they were nice to talk to." "The items were not bad eitherSecret Techniques, Magic Artifacts, Elixirs, anti-insect Elixir Pills; it was quite a variety." "Except for requiring Daoist Cultivation, everything else is pretty good," Bai Xiuwen said with regret on his face, "You really should take a look." Having concentrated on alchemy for a month and a half, Chen Mu was also a bit frustrated. With backing, praised by participants, and Bai Xiuwen personally investigating, the little Dao meeting seemed indeed very safe. "Ill go take a look later," Chen Mu shrugged and pulled out a scroll from his sleeve to hand it to Bai Xiuwen. "Inside are some insights of mine on the Golden Bead Talisman. Maybe it can help you condense a Talisman." Even the always restrained Bai Xiuwen couldnt help but let a smile spread across his face at this moment. Being busy and scouting around was all to learn about alchemy. Picked the right person! Continue reading on Senior Brother Qi was never so generous! "Thank you, Senior Brother!" Bai Xiuwen immediately stood up and respectfully bowed with clasped hands. Chen Mu acted nonchalant and waved his hand, "As long as youre happy." After all, it was just some understanding about the Golden Bead Talisman, it didnt even involve the making of Fasting Pills. To exchange this information for Bai Xiuweis help in gathering intelligence, Chen Mu thought it was a good deal. A pale green light shone from afar, spreading bit by bit as it drew near. Dressed in an emerald robe, with white hair and beard, and with a physique resembling that of an eleven or twelve-year-old child, Xin Ya floated mid-air. Three human-head-sized flames burned silently behind him, illuminating the cave. "This sacrificial altar tunnel wasnt dug recently, was it?" Xin Ya glanced sideways at the muscular man beside him: "Youve been setting up the Dual Yin-Yang Creation Forbidden Technique in Mist Smoke Mountain for a long time, havent you?" Wei Donglais tattoo-covered face was expressionless: "Merely a mine." "Heh..." "If your disciples and the mountain people under your rule found out that you, Sect Leader Wei, have always considered them mere sacrificial offerings, I wonder what they would think." Xin Ya sneered. Wei Donglais eyes rolled, glancing at Xin Ya: "Probably not much different from those disciples and mountain people in Hundred Insects Valley, on whom youve implanted Gu worms." Xin Ya paused, then snorted coldly, his voice trailing off. Before long, the two reached the end of the tunnel. "We need to keep digging the sacrificial altar tunnel, but with Liu Ling overseeing things above the mountain, the secret techniques bombardment could easily be detected. I need your insect puppets to help me dig," Wei Donglai pulled out a scroll tied to his waist and handed it to Xin Ya. "Once the task is done, I want half of the primal chaos energy," Xin Ya demanded, holding the scroll and staring at Wei Donglai. Wei Donglai glanced at Xin Ya. "The spirit mechanism of an entire mountain will yield a substantial amount of primal chaos energy, enough for three to five people to cleanse their Divine Orifices," Wei Donglai said nonchalantly: "I only want my share." "The restif you can keep it and take it away, its all yours," he concluded. A smile formed on Xin Yas wrinkled face. With a flip of his right hand, a black beetle appeared. He casually threw it into the green flames behind him, and it burnt to ash. Accompanied by green luminous specks, the ash rapidly spread throughout the cave. Tap, tap, tap... A series of rhythmic footsteps approached from afar. One by one, figures in tattered animal skin garbs, looking dazed, emerged from the tunnel. Five brawny men stepped out of the crowd, walked straight to the end of the tunnel, raised their hands, and gently probed the hard earth. Their nails, dark as obsidian, sliced into the wall like swords, quickly scooping out a lump of soil. Those following wordlessly stepped forward, filled their bamboo baskets with the soil and passed it to the person behind them. In this way, a human-powered assembly line for digging was formed. The tunnel was rapidly extended forward. "Without mana fluctuations and little noise, now theres no fear of being discovered," Wei Donglai immediately nodded in satisfaction. Xin Ya glanced at Wei Donglai, his face full of smug confidence: "Dont worry. With these insect puppets, well certainly be able to dig out the Forbidden Spell altar without anyone being the wiser!" As he finished speaking, a faint, invisible pulsation suddenly swept past. It was as if an invisible giant sphere had suddenly expanded from around them and dispersed. Xin Yas body stiffened. Have we been discovered?! Wei Donglais expression immediately became grim. ... In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat stiffly on the soft couch. The Truthful Listening Technique in his hand had yet to dissipate. Just moments ago, through the feedback from the Truthful Listening Technique, he had detected two obstacles underground. That interference, as if caused by jumbled signals resulting in distorted sounds and images, made Chen Mus pupils suddenly contract. Beneath the ground... were hiding two Condensing Aperture experts! Chapter 330 - 325: Unexpected Joy Inside the secret chamber, Chen Mus thoughts spun rapidly. As he once again urged the Truthful Listening Technique in his hand, he leaped up like his butt was on fire and dashed straight for the chambers upper exit. Almost the instant the feedback from the Truthful Listening Technique reached him, Chen Mu couldnt help but shudder violently. The two Condensing Aperture experts who had been two or three hundred meters underground just now had suddenly halved the distance between them! That fast?! He had just leaped out of the bamboo building when mana surged wildly within his Jade Seed. Five Ghosts Escaping Earth... Gua! A flash of light and shadow changed on the open ground in front of the bamboo building. A giant toad as tall as a basketball stand appeared out of thin air. Chen Mu stiffened all over, and the wails and howls that had just started rising around him were immediately dispersed by him. Then, rustily, he raised his hand and robotically shook it left and right in greeting. "You... hello." This terrifying giant toad, damn it, was actually quite polite! ... Underground, Xin Ya frowned at Wei Donglai. "What was that just now..." "It must have been Liu Ling setting up the Mountain Protection Restriction," Wei Donglai said with an ugly expression. "We need to speed up." "Or perhaps we should go kill Liu Ling first?" Xin Ya suggested with a sinister smile. Wei Donglai glanced at Xin Ya: "Can you guarantee it wont alert Jade Spring Mountain?" "Fine," Xin Ya shrugged helplessly. He threw another handful of insects into the green flames. The wooden-faced insect thralls immediately trembled all over, their muscles bulged, and dark green lines crawled over their exposed skin, their entire demeanor visibly becoming more ferocious. Like they were injected with chicken blood, they dug through the tunnel with frenzied punches and kicks. ... "Its you," Liang Yi recognized Chen Mu at a glance. "I should have thought of it." "To have cultivated the Truthful Listening Technique to this level, there arent many on Jilong Road." "Minor Supervisor!" Chen Mu quickly greeted with respect and clasped fists. "Just call me Liang Yi, the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River is gone, theres no Minor Supervisor anymore," Liang Yi said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "In my heart, Minor Supervisor will always be Minor Supervisor!" Chen Mu said with earnest flattery. Liang Yi looked at Chen Mu strangely. You really have no shame. He sized up Chen Mu, thinking of the fleeting sinister aura from before, and his brows furrowed. A thick-skinned, sinister sorcerer, doesnt seem like a decent person at all. "How come you are on Mist Smoke Mountain?" "Came for alchemy," Chen Mu replied honestly. "Goodbye, Director Minor, toad revered one, take care!" "Once Im done with my tasks at hand, I will surely come to offer my humble services!" Chen Mu bowed with his hands clasped, shouting his farewells to the empty space. After a good while, with only the rustling of leaves in the dense forest, there was nothing else. Chen Mu then breathed a long sigh of relief. He finally left! Everyone in Misty Glow Mountain knows Liu Ling holds the fort, but they dont know that beneath it, Liang Yi and the Cold Moon Toad, two great Condensing Aperture beings, are hidden. Just thinking about it, I know its going to be troublesome. I really dont want to get involved in that. ... Five days later, in the evening, Chen Mu walked out of the warehouses alchemist chamber and returned to his bamboo building. "This time I should have really dodged it," Chen Mu relaxed completely. Ever since meeting Liang Yi, he had stayed inside the warehouse and buried himself in alchemy, fearing Liang Yi might come back for him. After using the Primordial Furnace to make soup with two Exotic Beast bones, feeling well-fed and content, Chen Mu brought the rocking chair to the long porch in front of the door and lay down to watch the stars. The location of his bamboo building was out of the way, but the area around it was open, and the Gentle Breeze blowing through the forest was quite pleasant. After a while, Chen Mu floated a ball of luminescent algae above his head and took out a Bright Yellow Scroll. Unfurling the silk-like parchment, a column of ancient characters appeared on the left side"Ge Familys Hundred Grass Notes." This was the only item he had brought back from Sun Wuhuans debate conference. It wasnt that the item was particularly great, but because it cost only a little bit of Daoist cultivation, it was cheap. Continuing to unroll the scroll, a series of dots and lines forming an unintelligible script appeared before Chen Mu. "So it is indeed a cipher, who the hell can understand this!" Chen Mu shook his head in dismay. "Cheap goods arent good quality!" In that moment, he didnt feel too disappointed. Perhaps he had lost all expectation at the moment he realized the other party wanted him to play the fool. "There were indeed good items at the debate conference, but they were certainly not cheap." "And that sales attitude... I always felt that if I really bought something, I would definitely get the short end of the stick." Chen Mu also thought of the people at the conference who always started by teaching him how to get rich and then inevitably tried to sell him something, sending a shiver down his spine. "I might as well be honest and save up money and Daoist cultivation," he thought. "Those ways that supposedly make Daoist cultivation and White Jade Money double on their own are totally not for me," Chen Mu shook his head. Hmm... isnt it true that selling these so-called wealth management methods is itself the real way to double ones wealth? Anyone who joined the debate conference had to give Sun Wuhuan, the vice director of the conference, five points of Daoist cultivation. There were also commissions to be taken from the exchanges within the conference, it was said. "Tsk tsk... clever tactics!" Chen Mu admired the ingenuity of these people for a while, then rolled up the scroll and prepared to go downstairs to cultivate. But as his eyes swept over the ghostly script, a strange feeling suddenly rose in his heart. Could it be, perhaps, maybe, that I can somewhat understand it?! Moved by this thought, Chen Mu promptly summoned a gray wall. He wrote: 9377/10000/Second Rank; Indeed! Who would have thought that the writing skill he had neglected for several years could actually help decipher a cipher?! "What a pleasant surprise! Haha!" Chapter 331 - 326: Xie Wen Several days later, inside Chen Mus bamboo building. "Xiaozhuan?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow as he looked at the brown scroll in his hand. He had previously thought that the ghostly inscriptions were some sort of coded cipher, but it turned out to be a unique type of script. Having been in Yunzhou for so long, he had never heard of Xiaozhuan. Chen Mus gaze turned to the gray wall with experience recorded on it. Writing: 12/10000/Third Rank; These past few days, he hadnt practiced elixir-making, instead holing up in his bamboo building, single-mindedly brushing up on his writing skills. Once his writing reached the Third Rank, he would naturally comprehend the meaning contained within Xiaozhuan. Unscrolling the scroll, Chen Mu stared intently at the dense Xiaozhuan characters, examining them one by one. After looking at them for a while, those line-outlined characters seemed to slowly wriggle, almost as if coming to life. Suddenly, a pattern emerged in his mind out of nowhere. On a sheer cliff, the wind howled fiercely. A plant about the height of a palm, with several purple-red berries the size of soybeans at its tip, swayed in the wind. Looking at those little fruits, an epiphany arose in Chen Mus heart. This thing is called Coix Seed Peach, a type of berry with a special fragrance that can repel toxic insects. Extensive information, including the appearance, growing environment, and cultivation methods of the Coix Seed Peach, continuously flooded into his mind. Chen Mu continued to focus on the Xiaozhuan text. Next to the mountain peak image of Coix Seed in his mind, a silver silken star sphere the size of a fist slowly appeared. That was actually the essence of the most exquisite part of the Coix Seed Peach, the talisman pattern of the Coix Seed Essence! A shock went through Chen Mus heart. This Xiaozhuan could not only record both visual and auditory information simultaneously but could also be used to describe talismans?! What a score!@@@@ Chen Mu gleefully continued to examine it. After a good while, he stared at the last column of the scroll, the signature. "Pill Cauldron Sect? Ge Yuan?" He hadnt heard of it. But it was definitely not ordinary! "Perhaps its also a great sect famous in several provinces." Just like the Thousand Mechanisms Sect that manufactured Ling Boats and Cloud Bat Flying Boats. Even if not in Yunzhou, it was still closely related to all industries within Yunzhou. ... Chen Mu gathered his thoughts and quickly perused the Little Annotations on Herbs. It contained records of a hundred and eight types of spiritual medicines and spirit stones, from the simplest appearance and form to the structure of essence talismans; the content was detailed and clear. Chen Mu also saw the Yellow Bud Rice and the talisman for the Essence of the Five Grains. Although Xiaozhuan could not form temporary talismans directly in the Jade Seed like the Secret Technique Jade Scroll and speed up talisman refinement, it displayed the key points of talismans clearly. With continuous contemplation and practice, any talisman of the essence of spiritual medicines could be self-learned and refined. "That Vice Director of the Administrative Affairs Institute must not know about Xiaozhuan," Chen Mu mused. Over a hundred essence talisman designs! This one scroll, not much thicker than an arm, is worth ten times more than ten Fasting Pill refinement jade slips! "I thought I had bought some cheap goods, but who would have thought theyd be so precious." "Huge profit! Haha!" ... In the underground secret chamber, lying comfortably on a soft couch within a bolster, was Chen Mu. He held a bamboo tube filled with iced tea, slurping it intermittently with a straw made from pearl rice, all while staring at the gray wall in front of him. Writing: 87/10000/Third Rank; Painting: 5967/10000/Second Rank; Culinary Arts: 9440/10000/Fifth Rank; Pharmaceutical Technique: 7817/10000/Fifth Rank; Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse: 2256/10000/Ninth Rank; Shapeshifting Technique: 8997/10000/Fourth Rank; Planting: 6933/10000/Third Rank; United Heart Curse: 9117/10000/Ninth Rank; Fire Cloud Curse: 3236/10000/Third Rank; Manipulation: 4286/10000/Second Rank; Truthful Listening Technique: 3336/10000/Sixth Rank; Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 8988/10000/Third Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 866/10000/Third Rank; His ability in writing had just broken through; it wouldnt change in the short term. Instead, thanks to "Ge Familys Compendium on a Hundred Herbs", his Pharmaceutical Technique had made significant progress recently. Also, with continuous alchemy efforts, the Five Qi Primordial Technique successfully advanced to Third Rank. Culinary Arts, Shapeshifting Technique, United Heart Curse, and Five Elements Qi Absorption Techniquethese four skills were unconsciously nearing their final breakthrough phase. Find adventures on "No rush, theres no need to grind these out separately." "Its quite good to progress slowly as things fall into place." "On the other hand, due to alchemy, the Fire Cloud Curse has been shelved once again." "Now that alchemy is on the right track and the secret passage has been dug through, I can properly allocate more time to it." ... The plaza halfway up Mist Smoke Mountain. Inside a two-story building, Sun Wuhuans discussion gathering was in full swing. Thirty to forty people milled about the room, standing by various long tables and conversing in low voices. Sun Wuhuans face was all smiles. Among them were over a dozen sellers, all impersonators he had hired. They were exchanging the spoils he had secretly purchased recently in exchange for valuable Daoist cultivation tools at high prices. After numerous gatherings over the months, he had already made a tidy profit. "Director, those two alchemist apprentices have agreed," a gaunt man with a face full of pock-marks approached Sun Wuhuan and said. "Starting today, when they draw the essence of the five grains, they will adjust and refine according to the talisman you provided." Sun Wuhuans smile grew even brighter. "If the essence of the five grains is incorrect, the Fasting Pills will be problematic." "That little alchemist is now in big trouble!" the pock-marked man sniggered with glee. "Well, I cant be blamed for that," Sun Wuhuan chuckled lightly, "I didnt sell fakes. It would have been much better to spend a little money honestly to buy peace." "If the Fasting Pills are problematic, then its not just a small amount of money at stake." Ha... Thats six or seven thousand Daoist cultivation points. I really cant afford to go easy on them. Chapter 332 - 327 Heaven鈥檚 Will Several days later, deep within the Yanxia Sects warehouse. A huge pile of Yellow Bud Rice was haphazardly stacked into small mounds, each five or six meters tall. In a corner, Zhang Lang and Li Huan, two Alchemist Apprentices in their forties, sat on bamboo chairs resting. "Brother Zhang, are we really going through with this?" Li Huan nervously said, clutching a wooden box. "When it comes to the crunch, do you want to chicken out?" Zhang Langs brows furrowed. "But if anything happens to Senior Brother Chen, we..." Li Huan still hesitated. "Its his own fault for not knowing whats good for him!" Zhang Lang said resentfully, "How dare he reject Vice Court Chief Suns invitation!" Seeing Li Huans indecision, Zhang Lang sighed, "Were just two Alchemist Apprentices, stuck in the middle. What can we do?" "Youre not afraid to offend Senior Brother Chen, but you dare to offend Vice Court Chief Sun?" "Compared to the isolated and helpless Chen Mu, its obviously more advantageous to side with Vice Court Chief Sun." "Alas, an undeserved calamity!" Li Huan sighed despondently. A hint of a smile flashed across Zhang Langs eyes. "Dont be afraid." "This isnt the first time weve delivered the Essence of the Five Grains." "In the past, Chen Mu would only check the weight of the Essence of the Five Grains, he never inspected it closely." He opened a brown wooden box on a low table next to him, revealing neatly arranged small wooden boxes, each the size of a large fist. He took out a small wooden box and opened it to show Li Huan. "Ive even covered the top layer with normal essence, so theres no need to fear his inspection." Seeing Li Huan say nothing, Zhang Lang put away the box and said indifferently, "Weve already accepted the Daoist Cultivation jade, do you still want to give it back?" "Lets do it!" Li Huan bit the bullet and took the lead in leaving with the wooden box from the low table. ... Near the entrance of the Yanxia Sects warehouse, there was a cave about the size of two bedrooms, shaped like half of a vertically sliced egg. The walls of the cave were smooth and even, as if they were cast as a whole. Along the base of the wall, every two or three steps, there was a bush about waist-high with round leaves. The branches were laden with orange-yellow berries the size of quail eggs. At this moment, the berries emitted a gentle glow, illuminating the entire cave. In the depths of the cave, Chen Mu sat with his legs crossed on a soft couch. In his left hand was an iced tea, in his right, a beast skin scroll. He sipped the tea with a slurp while studying the scrolls minor notes on herbs. If it werent for the need to pretend he was up all night practicing Alchemy, he would have been back in his Secret Chamber to grind experience long ago. The warehouse was under reconstruction; with so many people around, it wasnt suitable for practicing Secret Techniques. He had no choice but to read the minor notes on herbs and grind experience in Pharmaceutical Technique. Right now, as he pondered the annotations on Yellow Bud Rice, he suddenly noticed that his Planting Skill had also gained experience! "If that Vice Court Chief Sun knew the true value of these minor herb notes, hed be green with regret! Haha..." Just as he was chuckling, footsteps approached. Chen Mu immediately put away the scroll and, pretending to be busy, picked up the black Pill Furnace on the low table and started to inspect it. ... "Senior Brother, this is todays portion of the Essence of the Five Grains." Zhang Lang struggled to control his racing heart as he stepped forward with a brown wooden box in his hands. Chen Mu took it and weighed it casually, frowning slightly, "Its three pounds heavier than yesterday. You two have worked hard." "Senior Brother, this is our duty..." Zhang Lang had not finished being polite. Only to see Chen Mu open the large wooden box, casually took out a small box, and pinched a pinch of the Essence of the Five Grains between his index finger and thumb to examine closely in front of his eyes. Zhang Lang felt as if his heart jumped to his throat, freezing in place. "Hmm, not bad." Chen Mu looked up, satisfied, and immediately saw Zhang and Li standing there petrified. With "Ge Familys Annotation on Hundred Herbs," extracting the essence of Coix Seed Essence is not a problem. "Although there is no Talisman to congeal the pills, perhaps other methods could be used as substitutes," Chen Mu looked at the items written on the grey wall. Pharmaceutical Technique: 7997/10000/Fifth Rank; "No rush, Ill see after I max out my Pharmaceutical Technique." ... Late at night, Chen Mu, pretending to be exhausted, left the Alchemist Chamber and headed back to his living quarters. As he walked, he came upon a building four to five hundred meters away. "Isnt this Zhang Langs residence?" Looking at its brightly lit interior, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "No wonder that Zhang Lang is so proficient in the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique." "He turns out to be a hardworking person just like myself." "Heaven rewards the diligent!" He turned to leave. One must not disturb a hardworking persons effort. But when he looked up at the sky, he saw a full moon hanging high. Still awake at this hour could deplete ones very essence! Such a good helper mustnt ruin his future due to excessive diligence! "He still lacks experience," Chen Mu said with a smile and a shake of his head: "He needs to learn to balance work with rest." With that thought, Chen Mu stepped forward, planning to share with him some tips on hard work and diligence. But after only two steps, Chen Mu paused, as his ears, active with the Truthful Listening Technique, suddenly picked up three breathing sounds. Visitors? Chen Mu looked at the sky in surprise. Forget it, lets not disturb them. Thinking so, Chen Mu turned to leave. ... "The two of you need not worry," the man with the orange-peel face and gaunt figure reassured them with a smile. "The vice dean told me that the Essence of the Five Grains, which had been tampered with, only contains a bit more impurities." "It doesnt affect pill refinement and can even increase the pill formation rate. Its also safe for normal consumption." "It will only affect the storage time of the pills." Zhang Lang and Li Huan let out a big sigh of relief. "In half a month, when the pills grow moldy and go bad, the good and the bad Fasting Pills will be mixed together." "Everyone will think that Chen Mu made a bad batch of pills." The man with the orange-peel face chuckled coldly. "By then, no one can assure that the pills he made before were safe." "Such a huge loss will not only force him to spew out all the Daoist Jade hes earned before but also make him pay until hes bankrupt!" "What a great strategy from the dean!" Zhang Lang slapped his thigh, full of admiration. Outside the main building, Chen Mu, who returned out of concern for Zhang Langs health, had this to say: "..." Here I was, wanting to advise you on regular habits and taking care of your health. And youre scheming against me behind my back?! No wonder I unknowingly walked over here. It must be that Heaven is reminding me theres a villian causing trouble! What does this mean? It means Heaven wants me to act on its behalf! "Did I not want to get involved?" Chen Mu sighed deeply, his face a picture of difficulty. What a pity... Heavens will cannot be defied! Chapter 333 - 328 Trouble Silver-white moonlight filtered through the thin mist, spreading across the land. Mist Smoke Mountain seemed to be draped in a layer of moon-white gauze. In the dense forest, the man with a pockmarked face hovered a palms height above the ground; with every step, he covered dozens of meters. "The Vice Prefect is always generous. Taking down this Pill Master, I should at least get a reward of a hundred and eighty Daoist Cultivation points," the man with the pockmarked face hummed an unrecognizable tune, thinking to himself. Thinking of how Zhang Lang and Li Huan had fawned over him just now, the man couldnt help but sneer. "Idiots!" "Chen Mu is an alchemist; even if he is being plotted against, its because the Vice Prefect values his abilities and wants to recruit him." "To think they can climb up to the Vice Prefects position, heh..." the man with the pockmarked face was full of disdain. "But if things really work out, I might have to deal with that Chen Mu." "After all, he is an alchemist. If he prospers after this and seeks revenge for the plot..." the pockmarked-faced man couldnt help but narrow his eyes. "Zhang and Li cant stay alive." "Kill these two, and only the Vice Prefect will know the plot came from me."@@@@ "With this leverage, the Vice Prefect will trust me even more. He will never tell Chen Mu the truth." "Just right to pin the blame on Zhang and Li, maybe even use their deaths to curry favor with Chen Mu!" "Ha! Two birds with one stone!" He was calculating secretly. A sudden cacophony of ghostly wails and wolf howls erupted out of nowhere, as sudden and loud as thunder, appearing close at hand. Hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and he almost instinctively activated Spiritual Light Body Protection. But as the lucent white halo rose, it shattered with a bang. An enormous indigo palm, as big as a fan, suddenly clenched around his neck. Crack! The neck of the pockmarked-faced man was twisted and broken on the spot. With his head lopsided, almost parallel to his shoulder, his eyes bulged with terrora look of horror that stopped abruptly, as his entire body seemed to hit the pause button, freezing in place. The next moment, that skewed head began to shout loudly, "I surrender!" "Whatever you want, Ill give it all to you!" "Whatever you want to know, Ill tell you everything!" "I follow the Vice Prefect of the Administrative Affairs Institute, I know many secrets!" "Spare my life!" Chen Mu, watching the torn flesh and blood seeping from the pockmarked-faced mans neck, yet still babbling ceaselessly, felt the corner of his mouth twitch. The cultivators of this world, seemingly fragile with their Daoist bones, possessed incredibly resilient bodies in reality. A mistake! Whir! Black crescent blades flickered one after another. The pockmarked-faced man, who a moment ago was brimming with vitality, suddenly became sluggish. Black smoke rose and quickly enveloped him, swallowing him up in an instant. As a gentle breeze blew through the mountains, a piece of dead leaf fell to the ground. Aside from a drop of blood splattering on the soil, there were no other traces left. ... Five days later, by the warehouse entrance. A man in his thirties, dressed in black and an officer from the Inspection Courtyard, said with a bow, "Vice Prefect Sun, please wait." "I will arrange for someone to search for Zhang and Li in the vicinity later." After glancing over his shoulder at the people behind Sun Wuhuan, he took Suns arm and pulled him to the side, whispering a few steps away, "Mist Smoke Mountain has just come under control; remnants of the Yanxia Sect still cause trouble from time to time." "The Outer patrols frequently suffer unexplained attacks." "If not for Elder Lius benevolence in letting us patrol the mountain base only during the daytime, who knows how many more might have died." "You should prepare yourself mentally. Those two disappeared at night, Im afraid the odds are more likely bad than good." Sun Wuhuans expression darkened, "I understand." "Still, they are two Alchemist Apprentices from the Upper Court, I hope Brother Li will take extra care." If his weak arms and legs were to clash with him, the consequences... Damn it! Chen Mu slammed his hand down on the low table beside him in frustration. Was he supposed to grovel to Sun Wuhuan, work for nothing, and help him earn White Jade Coins? After much thought, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "Im just a low-level disciple from Jilong Road. What can I do..." "Ultimately, its because Im too weak, which is why I can only be passively defensive." "Sigh... Ill just have to take things one step at a time," Chen Mu lay down on the couch, resigned and dejected. ... Deep into the night, in an underground cavern more than five hundred meters beneath the east of Mist Smoke Mountain. Liang Yi floated midair, a scroll drifting in front of him. With a brush in his right hand, he thought hard and carefully made modifications on it. As he was recalling the direction of a tortuous small water vein, a wave of invisible ripples suddenly swept across him. It felt as if someone had brushed a feather against the soles of his feet, causing Liang Yi to shudder all over and abruptly forget the water vein route he had just remembered. Chen Mu?! What the devil is this guy up to now?! Could it be hes dug a tunnel all the way here? This place is almost outside of Mist Smoke Mountain?! He was just about to go up and say a few words. But suddenly, the image of that complex water vein flashed through his mind. His face lit up with joy, and he prepared to record it with his brush. Then another wave of invisible disturbance swept over him. Liang Yi couldnt help but shiver again. And before he could collect his wits, wave after wave of Truthful Listening detection ripples swept over him, irritating Liang Yi to the point of wanting to hit someone! What the hell is this bastard doing?! ... "Minor Supervision Court!" "Venerable Gar!" Chen Mu greeted him with a respectful fist and palm salute. "What the devil are you doing?" Liang Yi was quite exasperated. "After I went back that day, I thought about it carefully." "I felt that if two Condensing Aperture High Cultivators like you took action, it must be for some crucial strategy involving the development of another courtyard." "As a disciple of the other courtyard, its my duty to contribute!" Chen Mu spoke earnestly. "Help me? Havent you gotten yourself into some kind of trouble and come to my side to escape it?" Liang Yi looked skeptical. "How... How could you say that?" Chen Mus face was the picture of wronged innocence. "I truly just wanted to help!" "Look, Ive even mapped out the underground water, veins-distributing the whole thing!" Chen Mu handed over a scroll with a mix of indignation and urgency. Liang Yi took the scroll and was immediately taken aback. It was even more detailed than the map he had been working on! Clutching the scroll, he was somewhat reluctant to return it. Roaming around in the darkness underground was such a nuisance. If he had the time, he would rather practice his Gentle Breeze punches against a stone. "Youre sure you havent gotten into any serious trouble?" Chen Mu let out a long sigh, "Minor Supervision Court, you know me. Im just an honest and straightforward minor disciple. How could I encounter any serious trouble." Liang Yi gave him a sidelong glance, "Do you think I believe that?" "Sigh, the Minor Supervision Courts misunderstanding of me is really too deep!" "How about this, why dont you just go back?" "Let the misunderstanding stand. My grievances are not important. Whats important is the grand plan of the other courtyard!" "Hah..." Chapter 334 - 329 Acupoint At the top of Mist Smoke Mountain, within the Cloud Summit Palace of the Yanxia Sect. "Theres an alchemist named Chen Mu in the Administrative Affairs Institute?" Liu Ling, in her thirties, dressed in a fiery red, cross-collared blouse and skirt, had a stern face and sharp eyes, and spoke with a ringing, forceful tone. Sun Wuhuan unconsciously clasped his hands and bowed, his face full of respect, "Indeed, there is such a person." Sun Wuhuans heart tightened. Has the matter concerning this person been exposed? "Put a halt to whatever hes handling." Liu Ling said indifferently. "Yes!" Sun Wuhuan immediately agreed. Then, lifting his head to look at Liu Ling, he hesitated for a long while, his face filled with worry, "Chen Mu is a newly appointed alchemist, and he doesnt quite understand the rules. If he really did make a mistake, I hope Master Uncle will be lenient." Liu Ling glanced at Sun Wuhuan, "What, is he one of your Sun Family people?" "Master Uncle misunderstands," Sun Wuhuan hurriedly explained. "In the end, he is a pill master I brought to Mist Smoke Mountain, and I cant bear to see him stumble and face punishment." Liu Ling snorted coldly, "This matter involves the secrets of another court; its not for you to inquire about." "Whenever you manage to cultivate Condensing Aperture, go back and ask your Old Ghost Sun about it." "If theres nothing else, you may leave; I need to cultivate." Far from being annoyed, Sun Wuhuan kept a smiling face, "Master Uncles admonition is right, your nephew will take his leave now." While speaking, he bowed and backed out of the great hall without lifting his head. ...@@@@ Outside Cloud Summit Palace, Sun Wuhuan walked down the mountain with an expressionless face. "I never expected this man to actually have a connection with Master Uncle Liu!" "With such a background, why didnt you reveal it earlier!" Sun Wuhuan cursed inwardly. Its another damn case of a wolf in sheeps clothing. "Seems like I cant go against him anymore," Sun Wuhuan thought helplessly. Find a chance to talk? After all, no substantial conflict had occurred. As for those three missing people... "Gone means gone; every year countless people wish to ingratiate themselves with the Sun Family, they wont miss those three." Chen Mu is an alchemist, and apparently someone high up in the institute favors him, his future prospects are boundless. Where theres a conflict, its best to resolve it swiftly; its better to dissolve grievances than to harbor them. Thats the reason why his Sun Family was able to grow and prosper on Jilong Road. "First find an opportunity to send some small gifts to smooth things over," Sun Wuhuan thought helplessly. ... More than a month later. Thirty li to the west of Mist Smoke Mountain, underground. Within a crevice roughly three to four meters tall and five to six meters wide, shaped like a triangle, a half-meter deep underground stream flowed quietly. the buzzing sound like that of bees flapping their wings suddenly came through. The two stopped their chat and turned to look, only to see that Liang Yi had somehow exited the Condensing Aperture space. The silver sphere, however, was floating in mid-air, spinning and emitting a pale white glow. The next moment, the hollow sphere suddenly transformed into silver threads, which then threaded into the surrounding walls and disappeared. A smaller hollow sphere was left in its place. Then it began to spin and shine again, spreading into silver threads that merged into the entire space. As the sphere changed, rocks around the arched entrance grew rapidly, sealing off the entrance completely in the blink of an eye. Buzz! Another buzzing sound resonated. An invisible ripple dispersed from the rock wall across from them. It swept by them and melted into the surrounding rocks and soil, disappearing without a trace. "All set, we can go back now," Liang Yi said with a smile, visibly relieved. Go back? A thought struck Chen Mu, and he looked at Liang Yi with curiosity. "This is the last Condensing Aperture," Liang Yi said. "After over three months, the Mountain Protection Restriction is complete, and thankfully we no longer have to keep burrowing underground," he said with a laugh. "First go and rest for three days, then come to Cloud Summit Palace to collect your Dao Contributions from me." "Each of you will receive three thousand. However, there is one thingthis matter must be kept a secret, not to be mentioned to outsiders." ... In the evening, inside Chen Mus bamboo building, dust had accumulated everywhere since it hadnt been lived in for so long. Due to the damp conditions of Mist Smoke Mountain, a faint musty smell permeated the room. "Luckily I had packed and taken away all the bedding before," Chen Mu thought silently, noting the black mold spots on the bamboo window. Soon, Five Ghosts Black Smoke permeated the place, roiling along the floor and walls, and quickly swept through the entire bamboo building. Chen Mu opened the windows for ventilation and then lit some incense. Carrying his rocking chair, Chen Mu retreated to the corridor outside the door to avoid the lingering smell. "Three thousand Dao Contributions, thats even more than what I earn from Alchemy." "If only this could happen a few more times." The neighboring courtyard seemed to be intent on expanding its influence; if they also took over the other four mountains around Jade Spring Mountain... After some thought, Chen Mu shook his head. This time it was a coincidence that he encountered Liang Yi overseeing the Mountain Protection Restriction; theres no guarantee it would happen again. "Id better think about how to deal with Sun Wuhuan," Chen Mu frowned. More than a month had passed, and it was uncertain whether Qi Hui had visited. "It would be best if he replaced me; that would allow me to return to Jade Spring Mountain directly." Chapter 335 - 330 Activation In the dark underground passage. A gaunt man in ragged clothes used his dark hands to shovel and dig into the rocks in front of him mechanically, his fingers pressed together like a knife. At a certain moment, the luster on the gaunt mans hands abruptly vanished. Crack! A muffled sound echoed. The mans fingers instantly bent backward, broken. Yet he stared blankly, continuing to pound the rock wall without any expression. It wasnt long before both his hands were completely disabled and broken. "Useless!" Xin Yas short figure floated in the air, his face ugly with displeasure. With a motion of his hand, a speck of light flew up from the mans head, revealing a tiny, transparent insect that looked much like a miniature butterfly. Because of the insects departure, the gaunt man collapsed to the ground with a thud. As he lay dying, a trace of vitality flashed in his eyes, but it quickly dissipated as his breathing stopped. "Wei Donglai, for this Dual Yin-Yang Creation Forbidden Technique, my insect puppets have already been damaged by more than eighty percent. If you cant succeed, you dig the hole yourself!" Xin Ya glared, green venomousness filling his eyes. "Alright, Ill dig myself," Wei Donglai suddenly laughed. Xin Ya felt a surge of rage rise within him. The three wisps of ghostly green flame that trailed behind him suddenly flared up. Wei Donglai, paying no attention to the other, strode towards the obstructing rock and threw a punch at the air in front of him. An invisible force burst forth from his fist, like a giant spiders web, suddenly ensnaring the entire three-to-five-meter-high cave wall. Boom! A muffled blast. The earth and rocks blocking the path exploded on the spot. A dark abyss appeared before the two men. "Finally, its through!" Wei Donglai breathed out in relief. Xin Ya, who had just been enraged, now turned his anger into joy. Wei Donglai immediately snatched the yellow gourd from his waist and uncorked it towards the pitch-black cavern. "Are we invoking the forbidden spell now?" Xin Ya raised an eyebrow. "Of course now," Wei Donglais mouth curled slightly. "If we wait for Liu Ling to finish strengthening the Mountain Protection Restriction, that would be troublesome." After a string of cumbersome Curse Words. The yellow gourd rose into the air, its opening facing one side of the tunnel. Whoosh! Like water being released from a sluice, a mass of black threads rushed out of the gourd, competing to be the first. Upon flying out, they didnt fall to the ground but hovered in mid-air, twining together into a black hemp rope over a meter in diameter. As the rope twisted tighter and tighter, when it was about to become immobile. Bang! A sound of air bursting. The rope, still from motion, suddenly began to spin like a drill and in an instant pierced through the air, disappearing from view. Yet the threads inside the yellow gourd seemed infinite, gushing out continuously, pushing the black line forward and drilling deeper into the tunnel. "Lets go, to the central pulse point. Once the Forbidden Spell is activated, that is the only safe place." "Xin Ya, get ready to harvest the Primordial Qi! Haha!" Laughing heartily, Wei Donglai strode away. ... At Mist Smoke Mountain, in Chen Mus wooden tower. The next moment, Sun Wuhuans sincere voice suddenly came from behind. "Junior brother, stop for a moment. Im here to give you a gift." Ill believe in ghosts first! Chen Mus expression changed drastically at once, the sounds of wailing intensified threefold, and he ran even faster! "Junior brother, the Secret Technique youre using is shadowy and peculiar. Its not the right way. Make sure you dont stray." Still sincere, Sun Wuhuans demeanor even carried a hint of concerncould Chen Mu be hearing things?! Madman! Bang! He broke through a stone door at the end of the secret tunnel. Chen Mus figure fell for half a meter and then, with a fierce howl from the Five Ghosts, shot up as if hitting a trampoline and flew towards the dark, dense forest without looking back. Almost the instant he left, Sun Wuhuan appeared at the entrance of the tunnel. He crouched slightly, and the White Jade Spiritual Light around his body spun rapidly, buzzing loudly. Then he shot out like a cannonball, following right behind Chen Mu. ... In midair, Chen Mu instinctively looked back. He saw a streak of White Jade light shooting diagonally upward from the mountain wall, tracing a faint arc toward him. When the light reached a certain height, it sprang up again, drawing another arc. Experience exclusive tales on After three ups and downs like this, the distance between the two had been cut by half! Chen Mu felt as if someone had clenched his heart. The distance he had managed to put between them by using the winding tunnel was about to be closed! Chen Mu could even see Sun Wuhuans face, with a gentle smile plastered on his pudgy cheeks. He definitely couldnt outfly him! Chen Mus pupils suddenly constricted. In that moment, his heart hardened, and his right hand swung fiercely. Three Yin Slaying Demon! One hundred and eight pale green dagger lights, each the length of a small arm, appeared and then splattered like fireworks. Like a miniature meteor shower, they thunderously plummeted towards Sun Wuhuan. The pale green translucent blades tore through the air, fiercely slicing into the White Jade Spiritual Light... Crack! A fissure appeared on the translucent blades, and in the blink of an eye, dense cracks followed. Bang! The blades shattered into glowing specks of light. "Oh? I didnt expect my junior brother to know the Demon Slaying Talisman Sword, but its a pity you learned an incomplete version," Sun Wuhuan said, all smiles, "After we resolve our issue, if you still fancy it, I can burn you a copy, you know." His entire figure suddenly veered to the side, easily dodging the pale green blades. The glow around his body spun once more, with a buzzing sound resuming. The smile on Sun Wuhuans face became broader, and he prepared to unleash the Longitudinal Rainbow Light again, which would allow him to bring his foe down. But just as he was about to leap, he saw Chen Mu fiercely swing his right hand to the right. The pale green blades that had just been dodged all bombarded Sun Wuhuans side. Caught off-guard, Sun Wuhuan veered to one side and went crashing down diagonally into the dense forest. An incomplete version? Even if it was incomplete, it was the peak of what could be achieved with an incomplete version! Chen Mu snorted coldly, seizing the moment his foe veered off course to change direction rapidly, accompanied by a series of ghostly wails and wolf howls, and swiftly flew away. Chapter 336 - 331 Pursuit Dense fog enveloped the entire Mist Smoke Mountain. Even the moonlight from above was obscured. All of a sudden, a chorus of ghostly wails and wolf howls erupted. A black cloud burst through the dense white fog, bringing with it a strong wind that instantaneously scattered the mist. "As long as I reach Poison Dragon Pool, I will have a chance to shake off Sun Wuhuan," Chen Mu spared no mana, desperately flying forward. There were cracks under Poison Dragon Pool that led to the underground water veins. Once he burrowed underground, relying on his knowledge of the Yin River beneath, he could widen the gap and escape to safety. As he thought this, Chen Mu suddenly felt a chill down his spine, an immense fear surging into his heart. Chen Mu immediately turned around. A snow-white light streaked through the air, arriving in the blink of an eye not far behind him. Chen Mus face paled drastically. Three Yin Slaying Demon! Hum! A hundred and eight ghastly green Blade Lights formed a rolling Blade Net that swooped down on the white light. Boom! But upon contact, the white light instantly pierced through the Blade Net. The ghastly green translucent Qi Blades instantly shattered. Within the white light, a Flying Blade as long as a palm and as wide as two fingers, shaped like a willow leaf, brought a gust of wind and, in just the blink of an eye, boldly rushed in front of Chen Mu.@@@@ Flying Sword?! The Flying Sword that can decapitate someone from a thousand miles away?! Chen Mus pupils constricted sharply, and he instantly raised his palm. Sand Shooting Shadow! Seven head-sized black and red spheres flew out in a row. Bang Bang Bang... The Sand Containing Technique, which could easily break through a Body Protection Aura, popped like a balloon upon contact with the Flying Blade. The Spiritual Armors black smoke was first to shield him, and the Body Protection Aura suddenly rose up. But in the next instant, the black smoke of the Spiritual Armor was pierced through, and the Body Protection Aura also collapsed. Chen Mus heart felt as if it was being seized by someone. Seven Souls Return to Origin! Five Ghosts Possession! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! An invisible Exotic Force, like a large hand, desperately grabbed at the Flying Blade. But the Flying Blade was like a large fish caught in hand, slippery and vigorous, completely unaffected by Chen Mus force, unable to stop its forward progression. It looked like it was about to stab into his chest. Bang! A hollow White Bone Sphere suddenly appeared. Sunshine! The unstoppable Flying Blade explosively smashed into the Bone Sphere. Though it was delicate and short, the force of the impact was like a hammer hitting an anvil, causing rippling waves on the Bone Sphere and making Chen Mus heart tremble with fear. "Whats going on?" "Could it be that some heavenly material or earthly treasure has been born?" "Its not the remnants of the Yanxia Sect coming back for revenge, is it?" Such a commotion instantly alarmed the whole of Mist Smoke Mountain. "Everyone stay put, do not act rashly!" "Those who take advantage of the chaos will face the consequences!" A crisp androgynous voice suddenly resounded throughout Mist Smoke Mountain. Liu Ling stood on the rooftop of Cloud Summit Palace, looking expressionlessly at the black light enveloping the area. At that moment, clusters of black smoke were rising from the ground. The temperature around the entire Mist Smoke Mountain suddenly dropped by three degrees. It was as if summer had plunged into early winter in an instant. "Evil heretics!" ... Below Mist Smoke Mountain, within the Yin River. Bang! Chen Mu, like a cannonball, violently smashed into the hard rock wall, sending small and large stones flying. The stark white Flying Blade followed closely, pounding like a mortar pestle or like a coiled snake-head poised to strike, hammering down on Chen Mu trapped in the rock. The white Bone Sphere was hit causing ripples, and fine cracks spread across its surface. Chen Mu felt intense pain all over his body, his face ghastly. "Such a powerful Flying Sword!" If it hadnt been for the Five Ghosts Possession Technique, the mere recoil would have seriously injured him. Boom! The rock wall behind him suddenly shattered. Chen Mu, who had been ready for a long time, instantly flipped over and slipped into a narrow crevice like an eel, twisting through several turns before disappearing again. Jade white light flickered, and Sun Wuhuans figure emerged at the mouth of the hole, his gaze dark as he stared into the pitch-black crevice. After being evaded by Chen Mu several times, his smiling face could no longer remain composed. "Like a rat!" "Wouldnt it be better to just lie down and die?" With a flick of the wrist, the silvery Talisman Paper held between his right fingers instantly turned into a blaze. The fire, like a sprite, danced left and right briefly before swooshing into the middle of the rock crevice. Sun Wuhuan was about to continue the pursuit. However, from the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing quickly not far behind him. "Daring to play tricks right under my nose?" Sun Wuhuan let out a cold laugh and, disregarding the talismanic fire, immediately chased after the figure. Just as he rounded a bend, he saw that the figure had actually stopped, standing still. "Junior Brother, isnt it a bit late to seek a disturbance now?" Sun Wuhuan said with a smirk on his face. The next moment, he couldnt help but stiffen all over. He saw the person slowly turn around, sporting Chen Mus clothes but a face that was identical to his own. The figure wore the same mocking smile, "Junior Brother, isnt it a bit late to seek a disturbance now?" As the figure spoke, blood uncontrollably trickled from the corner of his mouth, quickly staining his chest clothes a deep red. The flesh on his face also began to rapidly rot and turn inside out. Sun Wuhuan felt a chill rush to his head, and his back was immediately drenched in cold sweat. "What on earth are you!" Chapter 337 - 332 Ghosts Mist Smoke Mountain, within the underground Yin River. Chen Mu was rapidly flying through the narrow crevices between the rocks. He had just squeezed his body sideways into a cave about three to five meters tall when Chen Mu couldnt help but shudder all over. "Junior Brother, where are you going?" A familiar figure with a sinister smile stood in the depths of the cave. How did this madman get ahead of me?! Looking at the sinister figure slowly floating toward him, Chen Mu involuntarily took a step back. The next moment, Chen Mus vision blurred, and Sun Wuhuan suddenly vanished from the spot. This is bad! Chen Mus pupils suddenly narrowed. Before he could react, he felt a cold breath blown on his neck. A chill instantly spread from his head to his feet, pervading his entire body. Chen Mu turned his head as if it were rusted. He saw Sun Wuhuans chubby, smiling face, which had somehow ended up resting on his shoulder. It seemed to notice Chen Mus gaze. The other partys head slowly turned with a click-click sound. As he turned, blood flowed from his eyes. "Dont run away, Junior Brother, come play with me." Sun Wuhuans tone, gentle and close at hand, made ones scalp tingle. His mouth already turned dark and rotten, and his tongue made Chen Mus hair stand on end?! Chen Mu looked at the rotting head with ripples of desire with a complex expression. Damn it! ... Underground in Mist Smoke Mountain. Within a certain spherical aperture. In the vast space with a diameter as long as a basketball court, black smoke permeated the area. Xin Ya was holding a black porcelain bottle the size of a palm and muttering to himself; strands of black smoke occasionally spiraled into it. Whoosh! A hand suddenly burst out from his chest. Xin Yas body stiffened, his face full of bewilderment. The next moment. Boom! He suddenly exploded, turning into a swarm of transparent insects the size of soybeans, scattering in all directions. They quickly regrouped on the other side of the aperture space, reconstituting Xin Yas figure. With a gloomy face, he stared at the opposite side, as three tufts of ghostly green flames flared up behind him, casting the entire aperture space in a chilly green hue. "Wei Donglai?!" "Are you puzzled?" In a corner of the aperture space, the solid wall spread apart like mud, revealing a tall figure in a red dress. "Liu Ling, you..." Xin Ya looked at Wei Donglai and Liu Ling, his expression drastically changing. Ive been calculated! "You think you can take me down just like that?" Xin Yas face was sinister. "Thinking of escaping?" Wei Donglais tattoo-covered face was indifferent, "Relying on your Flawless Immortality Technique?" "Do you think I wanted to exhaust your insect avatar?" "Without the insect avatar to die for you, how else do you plan to escape?" Xin Ya glared at Wei Donglai without speaking. He must not be afraid! They were all illusions! Sweat beaded Sun Wuhuans forehead as he repeatedly reminded himself inwardly. But no matter how he comforted himself, an inexplicable fear kept surging into his heart. "No! I must not sit still and wait for death! Bang! A pitch-black snakehead as high as a basketball hoop next to him was pierced by the Flying Sword and dissipated into wisps of smoke. Sun Wuhuan urged the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, following the Flying Sword closely, and quickly disappeared into a narrow crack in the rocks. After a while. Sun Wuhuan reemerged from another end. He gazed in despair at the faces in the cave that seemed to smile mockingly. This was already his fifth time returning to the starting point! "Playing tricks on me!" Sun Wuhuans eyes were bloodshot, and the palm-length Flying Sword radiated with intense Spiritual Light as he slashed at those silent, unresisting figures that just stared and laughed at him. Boom boom boom... A series of explosions sounded. The creepy figures suddenly turned into streams of black smoke and vanished. But in just the blink of an eye, they reappeared. As if they had always been standing there! "Impossible!" ... When Chen Mu, wrapped in Five Ghosts Black Smoke, quietly floated along with the current of the Yin River, he arrived here and saw Sun Wuhuan with dimmed Spiritual Light. He was crazily urging his Flying Sword, furiously hacking away at the air around him. Opposite Sun Wuhuan, a basketball-sized black cloud with lava-like patterns was floating. At that moment, the cloud was slowly contracting and expanding, as if breathing. Chen Mus pupils suddenly dilated. This form of Ghost... Aside from being a little smaller, it looked almost identical to Cui Cuis true form! "Dont see me!" "Dont see me!" Chen Mu wished he could slap himself twice. You shouldve just honestly made your escape, so why the hell did you come back?! He immediately looked away and wrapped himself tightly in the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, staying motionless and allowing the underground river to carry him slowly towards the other end of the cave. For a long time, Sun Wuhuan was still wildly swinging his Flying Sword at the air. But Chen Mu didnt feel affected in the least. Thank goodness! Thank goodness! Fortunately, Ive had enough experience using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse to lift the restrictions of the Five Ghosts and successfully bluff my way through. Just as he was thinking, he glanced upwards with the corner of his eye. Then he saw it, a black and red cloud that had appeared beside him at some point. It seemed to notice Chen Mus gaze. The black and red cloud suddenly grew larger. "Chirp chirp... chirp chirp... chirp chirp chirp!" Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! ``` Chapter 338 - 333 Good Things Underground space. Chen Mu floated on the surface of the water, daring neither to move nor to make a sound. It took a while before he caught on to what the ghosts above his head meant. "Yours?" Find exclusive stories on @@@@ "What do you mean, yours?" He couldnt help but look toward Sun Wuhuan, who was continually spinning in mid-air. Spiritual light sparkled around him, casting a white jade glow onto Chen Mus retinas, leaving afterimages that were almost encircling! "Is this... you mistook me for one of your own?" Phew... Chen Mu instantly breathed a sigh of relief. "Ji ji ji..." Lets go, go now, Im leaving right this very moment! Chen Mu, in high spirits, controlled the Five Ghosts to push him toward the other exit. But the ghosts, the size of a basketball, didnt seem to trust him and followed Chen Mu closely, almost like watching a thief. It wasnt until he reached the exit that it turned around and flew back to find Sun Wuhuan for trouble. Chen Mu watched Sun Wuhuan, who was chaotically hacking with his flying sword. He also glanced at the ghosts that were slowly circling around Sun Wuhuan. "Is this... you have no way to deal with Sun Wuhuans flying sword for now? Youre planning to wear him down with an illusion realm?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. Sun Wuhuan was indeed formidable; though he hadnt achieved Condensing Aperture, he could still fly through the air. A sharp flying sword chased him, causing him to dart frantically in all directions. Chen Mu looked at the small bundle of ghosts with pity. This tough nut, youve got something to chew on now. Oh...it seems I still have to give you a hand. Well, theres no need to thank me, haha... Oh no! The Crescent Blade suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The black light flickered, and like teleporting, the Crescent Blade deftly evaded the flying sword and appeared in front of Sun Wuhuan. Bang! The spiritual light around Sun Wuhuan shattered abruptly. A large wound stretched from his left shoulder to his right lower abdomen. The bisected heart was clearly visible through the opened chest. Spurt! Like a high-pressure water faucet, bright red blood gushed out. Under the intense pain, Sun Wuhuan, trapped within the illusion realm, gradually came back to his senses. He looked bewildered, and as he looked down at the fatal wound that nearly split him in two, his whole body stiffened, and he fully awakened. He immediately looked up and saw the eager ghosts right before him. "Did this thing injure me?!" Disaster! Ive got to flee! He grabbed his heart in one hand to stop the blood spray, his eyes fixed on the ghosts, but his peripheral vision rapidly searched for the exit. ... Underneath Mist Smoke Mountain. In a freshly dug cave the size of an ordinary bedroom. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, smelling the earthy stench of fresh soil and observed the ground through the vision of Five Ghosts. The occasional passing ghost creatures made his scalp tingle. The sight of withered dead birds and animals further chilled his heart. "This place isnt going to be wiped out again, is it?" Chen Mus face turned pale. He had just settled down in Jade Spring Mountains branch residence when he encountered such a calamity. "No, it cant be, it cant be. There are three Condensing Aperture masters stationed on Mist Smoke Mountain," Chen Mu reassured himself. But the ghosts scattered all over the mountain truly unsettled him. Unable to think of anything else, Chen Mu could only sigh and shake his head. "Just wait and see." He sent out a single Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to drift above the ground. The other four gathered around him, terrified that the ghosts would find them. He hid tensely throughout the night until the sun rose the next day, and the ghosts that filled the mountains suddenly disappeared. He stayed hidden underground until noon. Only when the sunlight slanted to the west and streaks of light flew out of Mist Smoke Mountain did Chen Mu finally emerge from the ground. Using Five Ghosts Pathfinding, he moved closer to the Yanxia Sects location. When he saw the flow of people on the waist of Mist Smoke Mountain, Chen Mu felt surprised and finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Was it Elder Liu Ling who took action and saved everyone?" "Thats great!" "No need to flee all over the place now." ... At night, inside Bai Xiuwens bamboo building. "Do you know what happened last night?" Chen Mu asked. After using Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to observe all afternoon, he noticed that there didnt seem to be any significant damage on the mountain, which was obviously not normal! "I heard that the Mountain Protection Restriction of Jilong Road was at work. Those who stayed on the mountain were all safe," Bai Xiuwen explained. Chen Mu instantly understood. That was close! If they hadnt just completed the Mountain Protection Restriction yesterday, who knows how many on the mountain would have died! "Last night, black light shot up into the sky, and some thought it was the birth of a Spiritual Treasure or spiritual item. Ignoring the elders orders, they sneaked down the mountain," Bai Xiuwen said with a shudder, shaking his head. "One by one, they all went and never returned. Im lucky I held back, otherwise... " He then leaned in close to Chen Mu and whispered, "I heard that our Vice Director Sun was one of them." "Vice Director Sun didnt come back either?" Chen Mu pretended to be shocked. Little did he know, that man really did die at the hands of the ghost creatures. "Greed harms people," Bai Xiuwen lamented. It wasnt greed that killed him, he just wanted to kill me, to eradicate me root and stem. But... If Sun Wuhuan was believed to have died in the chaos caused by the ghosts, wouldnt I be able to continue staying peacefully in Jade Spring Mountains branch residence? Good news indeed! ``` Chapter 339 - 334 The Aftermath ``` Five days later. Somewhere underground by the Yin River. Accompanied by a booming sound, a dismal green blade light burst through the collapsed rocky entrance. Chen Mu, shielding himself with the Yang Judge Bone Shield, with a glowing algae lamp the size of a fist floating beside him, carefully stepped into this subterranean space. As soon as he entered, he found a shriveled corpse at the entrance. The chest of the other party was split open, and the face, skin-and-bones, was full of terror, as if it were a mummy buried in the desert for hundreds of years. At this moment, it floated on the surface of the Yin River, blocked by a rock, drifting with the current, slowly rotating in place. "What a futile move," Chen Mu shook his head. Sun Wuhuan, with his great talent and good family background, and not lacking in secret techniques or resources, should have become a high and mighty figure, yet he still met his end underground. "I was clearly avoiding you, but you insisted on eradicating me to the roots. Sigh..." Chen Mu sighed.@@@@ "Still, we knew each other, and although we were enemies, I cant bear to see your body floating in the water after death. Ill take care of your burial," thought Chen Mu, as he activated the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and lifted Sun Wuhuan from a distance. Then... he took out the Fire Cloud Gourd. Boom! A fierce flame immediately engulfed Sun Wuhuan. Chen Mu watched unblinkingly, occasionally using the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to squeeze and hammer, until he completely burned the opponent to white ashes before stopping. Then he scattered the white powdery ash into the Yin River. "Dust to dust, earth to earth, as my enemy, to take care of your affairs after death to this extent, I suppose that counts as doing the utmost duty," Chen Mus face was filled with complexity. "Sigh... I am just too kind-hearted," he was quite helpless about the innate goodness in his bones. The world is perilous, and having a too kind heart doesnt necessarily lead to a good outcome. "But who made me this kind of person," Chen Mu was very pleased that he could maintain this pure kindness. "If Sun Wuhuan knew underneath the spring, he would surely feel moved," he thought with a sense of achievement. "If he could still pass on messages, he would definitely reward me with these material things," Chen Mu looked at the two items floating in front of him with a smile on his face. A heavy, iron-cast like, red gourd. An emerald jade ring with faint silver star spots. "Its really too polite!" "This is what I should do." "No need to thank me!" "Haha..." ... Inside the alchemist chamber of the storeroom on the east side of Mist Smoke Mountain. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch, cradling the pitch-black Primordial Furnace on the short table in front of him. Chen Mu was dumbfounded. Such actions were indeed typical of the Evil Path, reckless and without restraint. "Fortunately, we have the Mountain Protection Restriction, otherwise..." Bai Xiuwens face was full of relief. "With this battle behind us, we wont fear covert attacks from the Evil Path anymore." "Mist Smoke Mountain is now completely under our control at Jilong Road," Bai Xiuwen declared. Chen Mu nodded in agreement. With the Mountain Protection Restriction in place and three Condensing Aperture experts - two humans and one demon - to guard it, it was enough to take control of Mist Smoke Mountain. "Has there been any news from the deputy director of the Sun family? Or any word from the other institutes?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly. "Ive crafted so many Fasting Pills, yet I dont know whom to exchange them with for Daoist Cultivation," he said with a hint of complaint in his voice, as if he were truly just concerned about how to exchange them for cultivation progress. "Its probably more bad news than good," Bai Xiuwen speculated. "I hear another Condensing Aperture expert from the Sun Family has come here, searching for information and enquiring a lot of people, even using Secret Techniques to scour the mountain." "After circling Mist Smoke Mountain for several days, they found nothing at all." "As you know, everything for a hundred miles is dead, what could they find?" Bai Xiuwen whispered. "I reckon before long, someone will come to take charge of the Administrative Affairs Institute." A Condensing Aperture expert? Searching with Secret Techniques? Sun Wuhuan indeed had powerful connections. Coming up empty is good. No results likely means no involvement with me. "I hope so," Chen Mu feigned a sigh, "I might as well stop for a few days before continuing to practice alchemy. Having too many Fasting Pills on hand doesnt sit well with me." ... In the days that followed. Chen Mu dutifully remained in the warehouse, showing his face every morning, refining two or three batches of pills and brushing up on his experience with the Five Qi Primordial Technique. Then he took the Ge Familys Hundred Herbs Primer to read, seizing the opportunity to ponder over the Parasite Expelling Pill. In the afternoon, he would return to his bamboo building, hiding in the secret chamber to practice the Fire Cloud Curse. He went to bed early and rose early, maintaining a regular routine. As days and months revolved like this, more than half a month passed in the blink of an eye. One deep night, in a cave four hundred meters underground. Glowing Algae Lamps illuminated a cavern that had been in darkness for who knows how many years. On a platform protruding from the rock wall. Chen Mu took out a large meditation mat and sat down, activating Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and digging out a wooden box from within the platforms rocks to open it. A Red Gourd and an Emerald Jade Ring lay quietly inside. Chen Mu excitedly scratched himself all over, "A Flying Sword..." Chapter 340 - 335 Netherworld Grand Summary ``` Inside the underground cave. Chen Mus eyes shone as he continuously inspected the red gourd in his hands. About the size of a palm, with a belly as big as a fist, the entire gourd was a fiery red. When held in hand, it felt like a lump of iron, seemingly as heavy as if it were cast from metal. Yet its surface lacked the coldness of metal, instead exuding a faint warmth, resembling a hand warmer. Upon attempting to infuse mana into the red gourd, its surface temperature immediately rose, effectively becoming a hand warmer. "Its a pity I cant command the flying sword," Chen Mu thought regretfully. After all, magic artifacts generally require corresponding Dharma curses to be activated. He played with it for quite some time before reluctantly setting it down. "I just hope the secret to operating the flying sword is within this ring," Chen Mu now felt somewhat uneasy. The green jade rings surface showed silver threads and stars, almost hidden, with seven evenly distributed black dots on the inner ring indicating it contained seven mustard seed spaces. "This is a high-grade item," Chen Mu raised an eyebrow but felt he was being reasonable. Sun Wuhuan, a second-generation cultivator who controlled the lucrative position in the Administrative Affairs Institute, wouldnt possibly lack money. Mana surged in. Hum! The air vibrated gently. A pile of white jade, two piles of talismans, and three black lacquer cabinets appeared in succession. Chen Mu stared at the items before him, his eyes widened in astonishment. "Just this pile of white jade alone must be worth at least ten thousand, right?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but chuckle. "Find the secret technique first." Suppressing the urge to immediately inspect the white jade, Chen Mu pulled over the three cabinets to search through them. It didnt take long before Chen Mu had two jade tablets in his hands, each as long as a small forearm and as thick as a wrapped fist. He stared at one of the jade tablets, silent. After a long while, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, slightly easing the excitement in his heart. "The Condense Aperture Secret Method..." Chen Mu looked at the jade tablet in his hands, his feelings mixed. On a two-fingers-wide white jade tablet, four golden characters were inscribed Netherworld Grand Summary. "It really exists?!" Sun Wuhuan had shown it off to him before. Chen Mu had come to bury Sun Wuhuan not just out of greed for the gourd and the flying sword, but also with the hope of finding this Condense Aperture Secret Method. He didnt expect to actually find it! Compared to this, the Flying Sword Secret Method seemed less important. ... Three nights later, in the secret chamber beneath the bamboo house. Chen Mu carefully examined the Netherworld Grand Summary. "The so-called Condensing Aperture is about starting with the Primordial Talisman to refine a Divine Orifice that can bear the Daoist Foundation." "Its only because you, my brother, are focused on alchemy and havent heard the news due to your isolation," Bai Xiuwen said with a nonchalant laugh. "That person from the Sun Family charged into Cloud Summit Palace all aggressive but was thrown out in the blink of an eye." "Many people saw that sorry figure as he flew away in shame, so how could it be kept secret?" Chen Mu immediately raised his eyebrows. "Elder Liu Ling... is that tough?!" Bai Xiuwen smirked: "Elder Liu Ling, no less formidable than any man, is universally acknowledged as the most powerful beneath the Sect Master!" Impressive. Chen Mu was filled with envy. If only he had that kind of power, he wouldnt have had to flee from Sun Wuhuan across the heavens and beneath the earth. "You should be a bit careful when dealing with Deputy Warden Liu," Bai Xiuwen suddenly reminded. "What do you mean?" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. With such a solid backing, this new figure couldnt be another Sun Wuhuan, could they? "Its said that this person is quite strict. He hasnt been here long, but he has already cleaned house at the Administrative Affairs Institute, dealing with quite a few people." Strict? Is he trying to establish authority? I guess I will wait a few days before I go and pay my respects. ... Five days later, at the Administrative Affairs Institute. "Greetings, Liu Warden," Chen Mu greeted the elderly man with gray hair and a beard, who bore an aura of stern authority. Liu Botong was tall and burly, with a serious complexion that demanded respect without anger. "Chen Pill Master, I am but a temporary Deputy Warden, please do not address me incorrectly," the elder said indifferently. Before Chen Mu could dwell on it any further, Liu Botong once again spoke calmly, "The Fasting Pills?" Chen Mu quickly presented the elixirs he had crafted over the past month. Liu Botong took the wooden box and began to examine each bottle carefully; it took quite some time to complete the verification. By the time Chen Mu left the Administrative Affairs Institute, half an hour had passed. "Although he seems somewhat strict, and perhaps even obstinate, he is indeed enforcing the rules," Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Its good to enforce rules. It would be troublesome to deal with another rule-breaker like Sun Wuhuan. "I just wonder if he can continue to abide by these rules." "But even if he harbors ulterior motives, Im not afraid." "Its just a matter of expending some Daoist Cultivation, and I dont care much for that! Haha..." With the Netherworld Grand Summary in hand, Daoist Cultivation wasnt that important to him anymore. Chen Mu looked back at the Administrative Affairs Institute. .Co?m The position of Deputy Warden had been replaced. The high-level expert from the Sun Family at Cloud Summit Palace had been sent away. The storm caused by Sun Wuhuans disappearance seemed to have passed. "Finally, I can start cultivating the Netherworld Grand Summary. Haha!" Chapter 341 - 336 Restrictions ``` Determined to cultivate the Netherworld Grand Summary. In the days that followed, Chen Mu deliberately adjusted his routine. He reduced the number of alchemy sessions and decreased the frequency of practicing the Fire Cloud Curse to ensure his energy remained abundant. He even specially prepared some light meals, listening daily to the sounds of the wind and the birds to calm his spirit. Several days later, in the evening. After eating a dinner that was seventy percent vegetarian and thirty percent meat, leaving him satisfactorily full, Chen Mu washed and bathed, changed into a loose and dry robe, and entered the underground secret chamber. Sitting on a soft low couch, in the fragrance of Calming Pills, Chen Mu solemnly opened the Jade Slip of the Netherworld Grand Summary. The thin jade tablet, only two fingers wide and as long as a forearm, was bound at both ends with exotic beasts forming a scroll. The first nine jade panels were inscribed with golden characters, giving a general overview of the Netherworld Condensation Aperture Technique. The last sixty-three jade panels had no characters but were fully covered in patterns of silver threads and stars. Chen Mu placed his right index finger on the first blank jade panel, slowly closed his eyes, and with a thought, a thread of mana surged into it. The next moment, a gentle force entered the Jade Seed. The originally slow-drifting mana, like a sea under a storm, was suddenly stirred violently, scrambling to congregate around the Primordial Talisman. In an instant, starting from the Primordial Talisman, a hollow net-like sphere was formed. "Such a complex talisman," Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. The most intricate Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse Talisman he had practiced before was only the size of a sesame seed, yet the one before him was as large as a quail egg. And there were a total of sixty-three talismans like this one. Just the thought of this task made Chen Mus scalp tingle. Sixty-three of them... "I guess Ill just have to incorporate it into my daily tasks and chip away at it slowly." A momentary distraction was met with a deep hum. The hollow sphere vibrated, and its structure, already somewhat ephemeral, suddenly dissipated, turning into mana mist. However, the mana that should have filled the Jade Seed was now a tenth less. Chen Mus eyelids twitched. If every practice session would result in a tenth of his mana lost, wasnt this consumption... a bit too much? Suddenly, he thought of Sun Wuhuans debate forum. "Was Sun Wuhuans desperate collection of wealth all to cultivate the Condensing Aperture Technique?" Thinking about future expenses, Chen Mu felt overwhelmed. "I must continue to refine the Parasite Expelling Pill." ... Halfway up Mist Smoke Mountain. A small building in a corner of the former Yanxia Sects martial arts training ground square. Sun Chengye sat at a table by the window on the second floor. "My brother is a genius of the Sun Family, with no shortage of resources for secret techniques. That he would covet treasures and defy Elder Lius orders to search for them in the forestthis, I dont believe." Across the table sat a man in his thirties, dressed in the black clothes of a Patrolling Inspector from the Inspection Courtyard. "Does Brother Sun mean to suggest that someone is plotting against the deputy prefect?" "The position of deputy prefect in the Administrative Affairs Institute is highly coveted," Sun Chengye scoffed coldly. The black-clothed Prefect Li Guangfus body stiffened, and he sipped his tea without responding. The current deputy prefect was a relative of Elder Liu Ling. Li wouldnt dare to meddle in the power struggles of Jilong Roads two major families. "If the first one goes to waste, what use will the rest be?!" Chen Mu suddenly felt overwhelmed. The jade slip was originally sufficient for mastering the basics. But the one in Chen Mus hands had been used by Sun Wuhuan, with ninety percent of its power already consumed. "Ive been careless!" With that thought, Chen Mu immediately inspected each one. Out of sixty-three jade tablets, fifty-one had their luster dimmed. Only the last twelve shone as if brand new. Chen Mu frowned at the unchanged gray wall. Should I take a chance and try to master the technique before the tablets become ineffective? "No! If I fail, this volume of Netherworld Grand Summary would have been in vain!" He didnt dare to bet. ... Several days later. Bai Xiuwen walked into the storerooms Alchemist Chamber carrying a wooden box filled with the Essence of the Five Grains. He looked up to see Chen Mu sitting cross-legged on a soft couch, writing something. "Brother Chen, I have some bad news," Bai Xiuwen said softly as he approached the couch. "Go ahead," Chen Mu said without lifting his head, his writing as dynamic as a dragon or snake, copying the ghostly hieroglyphs. "The brothers at Hundred Workshops Hall have fixed the storerooms protection restriction." "The price of Fasting Pills has dropped." "It was a matter of time." Chen Mu was unconcerned. Even with them working faster, a lot of Yellow Bud Rice was still spoiled. The best solution, of course, was to quickly repair the storerooms protective restrictions. "Does the affiliate institute want us from Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly as he continued to trace the silken star points with his brush. "Its hard to say." Bai Xiuwen frowned, hesitant, "Another batch of upper court brothers has arrived on the mountain." "Mist Smoke Mountain could end up becoming another Lower Courtyard." "We might leave, or we might stay." "Then when you have time, ask around and let me know if theres news," said Chen Mu indifferently. Mist Smoke Mountain, with its Mountain Protection Restriction and the second-best expert of Jilong Road stationed there, was not less secure than Jade Spring Mountain. Now that he had the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he could cultivate anywhere. He waved Bai Xiuwen off with a gesture. Chen Mu carefully compared the string of hieroglyphs he just copied. "It still lacks a bit of essence." Chen Mu summoned the gray wall. Written: 1762/10000/Third Rank; Writing the Netherworld Grand Summary in hieroglyphs was the solution Chen Mu came up with. Unfortunately, proficiency at the Third Rank only allowed him to understand hieroglyphs, not to write them. To increase his writing proficiency, he had been copying and transcribing for five continuous days, neglecting even to refine Fasting Pills. The quota he handed in was still made from previous stock. "Better keep practicing." He casually collected the used brown papers into the Five Ghosts Bag and unfolded a new piece of paper. As long as he hadnt transcribed the Netherworld Grand Summary, he would never feel at ease. ``` Chapter 342 - 337 Fourth Rank Several days later. On the mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, a corner of the plaza on the Fog Platform was a small building. Sun Chengye frowned as he looked at the booklet in his hand. "I asked you to find my brothers enemy, not these insignificant nobodies," he said. Li Guangfu spread his hands: "But all these people had disputes with Deputy Director Sun." "Cheating the Alchemist with the surname Chen from the Administrative Affairs Institute by selling a forged Pill Masters letter of recommendation, is this necessary to write?" Sun Chengye glared at Li Guangfu. "Its just a little Daoist Cultivation, how could that start a big feud with my brother?!" "Brother Sun, you are mistaken," Li Guangfu said earnestly. "Sometimes, a little Daoist Cultivation can be enough to make someone desperate!" Sun Chengye looked skeptical: "Youre not trying to swindle more White Jade Coins from me by recording these trivial matters, are you?" Li Guangfu looked at Sun Chengye in disbelief: "How could you see me in such a way?" "The people in this booklet, each and every one of them could be a potential murderer!" "Im recording all this in detail, its all to help you find your brothers body," Li Guangfu stated confidently.@@@@ "Enough!" Sun Chengye waved his hand impatiently. With a flip of his right hand, a Mustard Seed Talisman appeared. He threw the talisman to Li Guangfu and said indifferently, "Our Sun Family does not lack White Jade Coins. Its up to you if you have the ability to earn them." Li Guangfu caught the Mustard Seed Talisman and with a smug smile, he took out a folded pale yellow letter from the leather pouch on his waist. Sun Chengye unfolded it with curiosity, on it were written seven or eight lonely names... "Zhang Mukuai, Liu Xiali..." "This is..." Li Guangfu grinned: "These are the unlucky ones who were set up by Deputy Director Sun and lost a great deal of their fortunes." Sun Chengyes eyes suddenly lit up. "Now this is how you handle business!" "If you succeed in finding my brothers body, there will be plenty of rewards for you," Sun Chengye nodded in satisfaction. "But dont try to pad the numbers with insignificant figures like that Chen surname Alchemist." It all depends on your sincerity. Li Guangfu fondled the Mustard Seed Talisman in his hand, silent with a smile. No amount of promises could match the tangibility of White Jade in hand. ... "So the purpose of the Red Gourd Sword Box is to create Sword Pills?" On the eastern side of Mist Smoke Mountain, within Chen Mus bamboo building. An insignificant figure was carefully reading the jade tablet about the Sun Familys Red Gourd Sword Box. "The Flying Sword is a Flying Sword, and the Sword Box is a Sword Box, I thought they were one and the same," Chen Mu said, quite astonished. ... Evening. Bai Xiuwen, carrying a large bamboo basket, walked into Chen Mus bamboo hut: "Senior brother, are you still pondering over that Alchemists notebook?" "If I can figure something out, then wouldnt that be a profit?" Chen Mu said casually. Very few people knew about Pei Wen. Chen Mu had no intention of disclosing more. Standing up to take the basket, Chen Mu looked satisfied at the wild vegetables and Exotic Beast Meat inside: "For the upcoming half-month, I plan to seclude myself; Ill need to trouble you with the procurement of supplies." He intended to max out his Third Rank writing ability in one go. Only when he had transcribed the Netherworld Grand Summary would he feel at ease. "You should come every three days, and also update me about the changes on the mountain, or else Ill truly become deaf and blind." As he spoke, he handed over the freshly drawn Golden Bead Talisman to Bai Xiuwen. "This is...," Bai Xiuwen began to say, intending to be polite, but as he clearly saw the item on the paper, he suddenly became excited. "A rough outline of the Golden Bead Talisman. With its help, it wont be long before you can fully master the Golden Bead Talisman." Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m "Thank you, senior brother!" Bai Xiuwen said, respectfully making a fist and palm salute. Chen Mu, undisturbed, waved his hand dismissively: "Just keep me entertained with some interesting news." Bai Xiuwen was well-informed. He could provide real-time updates about the changes in Mist Smoke Mountain, especially the movements of the Sun Family. "You wont be disappointed, senior brother!" Bai Xiuwen said earnestly. ... It was not Chen Mus first time in seclusion to raise his proficiency, and he had a wealth of experience. Although he planned to tackle the Third Rank writing ability with all his might, he wasnt blindly immersing himself to the point of neglecting sleep and food. In fact, he was even more regular and leisurely than usual. He rose early and retired early each day, turning a deaf ear to the affairs outside the window. Besides the habit of reciting the Spirit Nourishing Curse twice during his free time, he focused on imitating the Hundred Grass Annotations at all other times. As proficiency increased, insights continuously flooded into his mind. The Pei Wen that he used to be able to only read and not write was gradually being mastered by him. More than ten days later. Finally, a change appeared on the grey wall. Writing: 107/10000/Fourth Rank; Chen Mu recalled the information in his mind, his brow slightly furrowed. He had learned Pei Wen, but not completely. The Pei Wen records in the Hundred Grass Annotations included images, sounds, scents, and tactile sensations, much like the virtual worlds conceived in television dramas of a previous life, placing one right in the midst of the action. The Pei Wen mastered in the Fourth Rank writing could only record three-dimensional images. "Forget it, its good enough if its usable." Chen Mu decided not to continue training. To avoid unforeseen complications, he planned to transcribe the Netherworld Grand Summary first. Chapter 343 - 338 Several days later. Underground secret chamber. A short table in front of Chen Mu was set with a scroll of blank jade tablets. In the upper-right corner, there was a porcelain dish filled with thick, gold-colored ink. This ink could etch into the jade, penetrating three parts deep. Characters written with this ink would remain intact and clear even after a hundred years. "Lets get to work!" Chen Mu took a deep breath and spread out the Netherworld Grand Summary. Mana surged into the jade tablet, and as mental powers churned in his mind, a net-shaped spherical talisman coalesced into existence. Chen Mu dared not be negligent as he strove to maintain the talisman while continuously enlarging and rotating it, examining it closely both inside and out. A quarter of an hour later, the talisman suddenly trembled and dispersed back into a cloud of smoke. Chen Mu quickly picked up the brush, soaked it in the golden ink, and with swift, dragon-and-snake-like strokes, he inscribed a string of bizarre symbols connected by dots and lines onto the blank jade tablet. Accompanied by a faint hissing sound, the golden script quickly permeated the jade tablet. Chen Mu scrutinized it carefully for a moment, and his heart lightened. "Success!" Recording the Netherworld Grand Summary in this script seemed to be the right and effective approach. After another verification of accuracy, Chen Mu set down the brush and took out the exquisite jade plate to recover his mana. Copying the script, recovering mana, then copying again. Chen Mu repeated this process for the entire day. By late night, he had only memorized nine jade tablets. Most of the time was spent recovering mana. "And this is just copying the secret method. Who knows how much mana will be needed for the actual cultivation?" Chen Mus scalp tingled. Were all Condense Aperture Secret Methods like this? Or had the Sun Family, unconcerned about expenses, specifically chosen this mana-guzzling technique? ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu focused on recording the Netherworld Grand Summary. Seven days later, in the underground secret chamber. Looking at the jade tablets on the low table, full of golden script, Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. "With this backup, theres no fear of the Netherworld Grand Summary becoming ineffective." He held the tablet, scanning it from beginning to end. After one round of copying, Chen Mu realized that the Netherworld Divine Orifice wasnt composed of sixty-three talismans, but nine. There were a total of sixty-three jade tablets for recording the talisman. Seven tablets made up a set, and only when put together did they form a complete talisman. Grumble, grumble, grumble... A thunderous noise from his stomach interrupted Chen Mus thoughts. Coming back to his senses, he didnt dwell on it. "After a month of fear and trepidation, its time to reward myself properly." Immediately, he sprang up to the bamboo building, grabbed the Flame-Separation Shell pot, and began stir-frying with a clanging bustle. ... Evening two days later. Chen Mu lay comfortably in a rocking chair watching the sunset when he saw Bai Xiuwen approaching with a beaming face. "Why did you come over today?" Normally, Bai Xiuwen should have come tomorrow. A jolt went through Chen Mus heart, but he remained composed, "What about it?" "Recently, the Inspection Courtyard has been questioning participants." "It is said to be related to the disappearance of Deputy Warden Sun." "If they do find you, dont have any omissions." Not have any omissions? If I dont omit anything, then its really game over! Chen Mus heart tightened, Sun Wuhuans matter had not yet concluded! Bai Xiuwen hesitated for a moment, but then suddenly said, "Senior Brother needs to make some early preparations." What does he mean? Could it be that Bai Xiuwen has spotted something?! Chen Mus eyes narrowed immediately. "Prepare White Jade Coins," Bai Xiwen shook his head with a wry smile. "Condensing Aperture experts couldnt find any clues, what good can the Inspection Courtyard do?" "This investigation is nothing but an excuse to extort money." Is it really extortion? It must be the Sun Familys unwillingness to let go! "Hey! Seems like I can only spend money to avoid disaster then," Chen Mu said with a feigned look of helplessness on his face, while his heart began to feel anxious. He had to speed up the practice of the Condense Aperture Secret Method. Every increase in strength meant another way to respond to situations. ... The next day, Chen Mu began his retreat to focus on Condensing Aperture. Five days later, early in the morning. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the soft couch of the secret chamber. He cradled the Netherworld Grand Summary jade slip in his arms. At a certain moment, he felt a slight throbbing at his brow, and he slowly opened his eyes. "Ive finally made a start." Within the Jade Seed, next to the pitch-dark spherical Primordial Talisman, was a newly added silver-white spherical Talisman. It was as if a black and a white sesame seed had grown together. Chen Mu accessed the grey wall and indeed found a new entry. Netherworld Grand Summary: 5/10000/First Rank; He looked down at the jade slip in his hand. The jade tablet that recorded the first Talisman now had its silver-threaded star points completely disappear. "Good thing I have it recorded in cuneiform script," Chen Mu took out the cuneiform-script version of the Netherworld Grand Summary, his face full of relief. Without this backup, he would have nothing to practice later. Just as he was about to bury himself in further practice, the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit set as a guard around the bamboo house transmitted an image of a stranger approaching. ... On the long corridor outside the bamboo house, Chen Mu curiously looked at the young man coming down the steps. "My name is Sun Chengye, may I ask if I am speaking to Pill Master Chen?" Sun Chengye bowed with clasped hands, a smile on his face. Sun?! Chen Mus heart tensed, and his eyes narrowed instantly. Chapter 344 - 339: Scripture Doctorate "Brother Chen might not recognize me, but you must know my elder brother," Sun Chengye said with a radiant smile. "My elder brother, Sun Wuhuan!" The expression on Chen Mus face immediately darkened. Exposed! The right hand he had been hiding behind his back opened up, with black light flashing, a palm-sized Yin Error Moon Blade appearing in his palm. The Yang Judge Bone Shield also rose behind him, spinning rapidly. Just as he was about to kill, Sun Chengye suddenly bowed with a smile on his face. "I hope youll forgive my abrupt visit, Brother Chen." "The main reason Im here is to share some good news with Brother Chen that I just couldnt keep to myself." Good news? Something seemed a bit off. With a smile in his voice that conveyed closeness, Sun Chengye said, "Brother Chen may not be aware, but your contributions in transmitting teachings have produced three alchemists for Jilong Road." "The Scripture Transmission Institute has taken notice, and you are about to become a Scripture Doctorate." "Im here to offer my congratulations to Brother Chen in advance!" Chen Mu was a bit stunned. Scripture Doctorate? What the hell is that? "Please come in, Brother Sun. I hope youll excuse any lack of hospitality," Chen Mu said, quietly withdrawing the Yin and Yang blades and showing a face full of sincere apology. "I know nothing about the matter of the Scripture Doctorate. Could you please explain in detail?" "Brother Chen is dedicated to alchemy and pays no mind to worldly affairs, something I deeply admire," Sun Chengye said cheerfully. "I am here to resolve any confusions you may have." This Chen Mu, so young, yet capable of guiding three other alchemists, his future is truly limitless. If he could successfully draw him over to the Sun Family, that would be a great achievement for him. "May I ask out of curiosity if Brother Chen has ever been married?" Chen Mu felt bewildered upon hearing this. "It seems that you havent!" Sun Chengyes smile brightened even more.@@@@ "I have a cousin, named Sun Jiaojiao, who is the youngest daughter of Elder Sun of Jilong Road. She has a voluptuous figure and a face as beautiful as flowers bathed in moonlight; truly, she is a rare match." "Even the prodigy Mo Wuzhou from the Lower Courtyard came asking for her hand in marriage, and our Sun Family did not agree." "Come, come, let me speak with you in detail about it!" Chen Mu: "..." What the hell, Ive transversed through time, and now I have to go on a blind date?! ... After seeing Sun Chengye off, Chen Mu stood in the corridor, his expression complex. Through Sun Chengyes explanation, he finally understood what was going on. The matter started with Bai Xiuwen, Feng Haoxiu, and Xue Yangliu. Recently, they had successively mastered the Bigu Dan, becoming alchemists at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. The emergence of three alchemists at the same time naturally sparked curiosity. Then Chen Mu was exposed. Liu Ling couldnt help thinking of Sun Wuhuan. The others Secret Techniques were unique, and he was in urgent need of Daoist Jade. If she set her sights on this man... No, its absolutely impossible! "Really tired of Old Ghost Sun causing trouble," Liu Ling shook her head and smiled wryly, "I cant help but think of Sun Wuhuans disappearance in every situation." Sun Wuhuan was a person nearly at the Condensing Aperture stage and had Sun Familys Flying Swordhow could that be possible? ... Outside the bamboo building, a small grove of trees. Chen Mu stood on an open piece of land, murmuring to himself. Accompanied by low Curse Words, an Exotic Force materialized before him. "Point Ground into Steel!" The ground, which had already been loose soil, became even softer, and even the fragments of rock within it melted into mud like wax. "Done." Chen Mu withdrew his Mana and nodded with satisfaction. "With this Secret Technique, I can quickly dig or bury underground passages." The most important thing was the ability to dig holes quickly, to bury the gourd Sword Box even deeper. Just as he thought to continue practicing, his ears suddenly twitchedhe heard a familiar set of footsteps. Chen Mu immediately left the grove and returned to the bamboo building. Soon enough, he saw Sun Chengye approaching with a smile all over his face. Chen Mu showed a happy smile on the surface, but his heart couldnt help but sink. This was not Sun Chengyes first visit. The others keen interest in him was not a good sign. If he let slip any flaws, it would be bad news. ... Mist Smoke Mountain, Cloud Summit Palace. "While its true you have to submit your Alchemy insights, its not without benefits," "Not only will you receive a sum of Daoist Cultivation immediately, but you will also get a share of the sales when the Scripture Transmission Institute sells the annotations." "And with their approval, you can become a Scripture Doctorate." "Once you return to Jade Spring Mountain, you just need to report to the Scripture Transmission Institute, and you can recruit students to teach classes and earn Daoist Cultivation." Liang Yi carefully explained the benefits of being a Scripture Doctorate to Chen Mu. "To teach the scripture, do I need to go back to Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mus eyes lit up. "Actually, teaching at the Upper Court is the most profitable," Liang Yi said with a smile. "The other courtyards have only about fifty Alchemist Apprentices in total, far fewer than the Upper Court." "What do you thinkgive it some thought." "No need to think, Ill go back now and write the Golden Bead Talisman annotations," Chen Mu replied promptly. Sun Chengye was constantly roaming around Mist Smoke Mountain, appearing before him every few days. Stay tuned with novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu felt it would be better to return to Jade Spring Mountain and hide for a while. Chapter 345 - 340: Condensing Aperture Cultivation Five days later. Cloud Summit Palace atop Mist Smoke Mountain. Liang Yi handed the brand-new Identity Jade to Chen Mu. On the side with the inscriptions, a few golden characters for Scripture Doctorate had been added. "For your commentary, the Scripture Transmission Institute has awarded you two thousand Daoist merits." "Any future purchases will also earn you a fifty percent cut." Could there really be such a good deal? I thought I was being strung along before. Chen Mu accepted the Jade Token with some hesitation. "What, you thought the Scripture Transmission Institute would just pocket your commentary?" Liang Yi looked at Chen Mu with a slanted eye. "The head of the institute is Ying Tiance, the senior brother." "He is the direct disciple of Sect Master Dong Li; who would dare to play tricks under his watch?" The Sect Master Dong Li really values the Scripture Transmission Institute, huh? Chen Mu suddenly realized. Originally, he just wanted an excuse to return to Jade Spring Mountain. But now that he thought about it, being a Scripture Doctorate didnt seem too bad. A single commentary can be sold many times, and the Daoist Jade will keep flowing inthis is even more lucrative than the strenuous Alchemy! Chen Mu couldnt help but glance at the grey wall. Should I prepare a few more pieces of insight? Forget it, forget it, Im still somewhat reluctant to part with them. After all, with the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he wasnt in a rush to accumulate Daoist merits. ... After leaving Cloud Summit Palace, he began preparations to leave Mist Smoke Mountain. Within a certain Yin River Space, Chen Mu whispered an incantation, and the ground beneath him swiftly turned into muck. Clutching a stone box in his arms, he slowly sank into the earth. Descending more than two thousand meters, Chen Mu found a giant boulder, carved out a hole, and stuffed the stone box that held the gourd Sword Box inside. "What a pity to bury such a treasure," Chen Mu lamented deeply. A Flying Sword at the flick of a wrist, taking heads from a thousand miles away. What an exhilarating act that would be! And now, with such a dreamy weapon right before his eyes, he had to bury it himself. "Its all the Sun Familys fault!" Chen Mu, enduring the pain in his heart, activated Point Ground into Steel, applying another thick layer around the big rock. Read exclusive chapters at novelhall.Co?m He also deliberately planted a layer of Hidden Qi Vines around the stone sphere. "The Sun Familys Condensing Aperture expert didnt discover it before." "Now that its buried deep underground, two to three thousand meters wrapped by Hidden Qi Vines, its even less likely to be discovered," Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. He wasnt actually afraid of Sun Chengyes investigation. Zhang Lang and Li Huan, along with the nameless orange-peel-faced man, had fed the Five Ghosts Bag. Sun Wuhuan had even been turned to ash. "As long as I stay calm and dont show any flaws, I wont be discovered." Those people could even transform into demons and monsters; the true master from White Tower once turned into an entire black dragon. This clearly required significant alterations and shaping of the body. "Humans have limits, so to seek immortality, one must transform in the direction of becoming something other than human, huh..." Luckily, what Im cultivating is orthodox Daoism, where the main changes are concentrated in the Jade Seed; otherwise, who knows what kind of demon or monster I might have become. "Still, the Netherworld Grand Summary is reliable." "Not like the Five Ghosts Possession, which always comes with black smoke billowing, clearly unorthodox." "I am an orthodox cultivator, a righteous person; I should be surrounded by white spiritual light, moving elegantly as if a celestial being." Chen Mu made up his mind. Once he has mastered the Condensing Aperture Technique, he would exchange for a few orthodox secret techniques to change his style. Otherwise, people keep saying hes full of evil aura and doesnt look like a good person. Isnt this slandering me?! Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle... A thunderous rumbling sound interrupted Chen Mus reverie. "This Condensing Aperture Secret Method is all well and good, except it makes one hungry too quickly." "But since it involves body transformation, thats inevitable." "In my previous life, working out to shape the body required extra nutrition; all the more so for such fundamental changes to an individuals life form." "I must have Shang Huan buy more Exotic Beast Meat." ... Three days later. In the dense forests of Jade Spring Mountain. This was where Chen Mu had previously practiced the Five Ghosts Fleeing Technique. His ears twitched slightly, picking up all sounds within a ten-mile radius to ensure there was no one around; then, Chen Mu suddenly urged his mana. "Five Ghosts Possession!" Weng! His muscles writhed as if alive, his bones crackling, Chen Mu suddenly transformed into a towering figure over four meters tall, with a body of indigo blue. At this moment, his hair moved without wind. His muscles bulged, as if strands of steel wire were twisted together into cables, and his skin was marked with protruding lines. His eyes narrowed slightly, exuding sharp light, and his forehead glowed brightly with silver luminescence. Around him, swirling black smoke enveloped him, giving the appearance of shadowy demons or ghosts. Chen Mu just stood there silently. Impulses of killing and devouring surged in his mind, yet he remained steady as a rock amidst the sea. He even managed to observe with interest the origins of these murderous thoughts. Hiss! A sound like strong acid eroding material echoed, and as Chen Mus eyes moved, he saw a wisp of black smoke drift over an unidentified bushs leaf. Half of the palm-sized green leaf instantaneously turned scorched black, and then crumbled into ash. The remaining half of the leaf, too, flickered with threads of scarlet light, reminiscent of a burning piece of paper whose edges had been extinguished. Eight to nine minutes later, Chen Mu released the Five Ghosts Possession and returned to his normal appearance. "Its indeed different." He used to manage six or seven minutes with the help of Seven Souls Return to Origin. Now, relying on himself alone, he could maintain the Five Ghosts Possession for eight to nine minutes. "The Condensing Aperture is truly extraordinary." Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his fist. Chapter 346 - 341: Loss and Emptiness Chen Mus cave dwelling. Grilled meat slices, steamed meat cakes, rice-flour-steamed pork ribs, braised meat in a pill furnace, and four or five quick-fried seasonal vegetables filled the square table. "Is the Cloud Bat Flying Boat still sending people to Jade Spring Mountain?" Chen Mu chewed the grilled meat finely and asked. "You havent heard the news that South Mountain was taken down?" Shang Huan said with an oily smile across the table. The other courtyard was actually expanding its territory again? "Are they planning to occupy all five mountains?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. First there was Mist Smoke Mountain and now South Mountain; the intention of the other courtyard was very clear. "How can others be allowed to snore beside ones couch?" Shang Huan chuckled. Chen Mu couldnt help but think of the incident of ghosts causing chaos on Mist Smoke Mountain. It indeed wasnt very safe unless the local forces nearby were driven out. "Theres a rumor that the Sect Master plans to make this place a second Upper Court." Old Hao added from the side. "The Cloud Bat Flying Boat isnt just bringing Da Qian warriors. There are also brothers from the Upper Court who are in the Perceptive Realm." "If it were just an ordinary Lower Courtyard, they wouldnt have brought so many people." Chen Mu nodded thoughtfully.@@@@ His current dwelling was filled with Vital Energy, its density already a third of what it had been at Cold Moon Mountains cultivation field. In such a good environment, turning it into a second Upper Court wasnt impossible. "If its turned into a second Upper Court, itll be better for my business with more people." "But if there really are more people, we might not be able to stay on Jade Spring Mountain," Shang Huan said, somewhat conflicted. "Is it because of the brothers from the Upper Court?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Those arrogant brothers, they look down upon those five barren little mountains." Shang Huan curled his lip. Chen Mu fell silent. "Actually, its not so bad," Old Hao seemed to enjoy the prospect. "Staying on Jade Spring Mountain, if you offend a brother from the Upper Court, wouldnt that be even more troublesome?" "Going to the other five little mountains, you can cultivate peacefully." "But away from Jade Spring Mountain, with fewer people, business will be bad," Shang Huan said with a worried frown. "No rush, those mountains arent that easy to occupy," Chen Mu said reassuringly with a smile. "By that time, you might have cultivated Spiritual Light and then youd have more options." He had just checked with the United Heart Curse a moment ago, and Shang Huans Jade Seed was shining bright. In a year or two, this chubby fellow might indeed be able to cultivate Spiritual Light. ... After a hearty meal and drink. Chen Mu sent the two away. At the entrance, Shang Huan, carrying an empty bamboo basket, suddenly said, "The Cloud Bat Flying Boat brought a lot of Blackscale Snappers this time. That stuff is very nourishing, want some?" "Yes," Chen Mu agreed without hesitation. After two months of intensely cultivating the Condense Aperture Secret Method, he had consumed a lot of nutrients and urgently needed replenishment. "Ill bring it to you tomorrow," Shang Huan said with a meaningful smile. Old Hao, holding his pipe, took a big puff, hesitated for a moment, and then gritted his teeth and said, "Chen Mu, you need to exercise moderation." Chen Mu was confused. "The company of women is the bane of heroes." "Above the character for lust, there hangs a blade!" Old Hao sighed long and short, like someone who had been through it all. What did that mean? Chen Mu was even more puzzled. "Pale face, puffy eyes, tsk tsk, youre looking pretty drained..." Shang Huan clicked his tongue in pity. And most were like the decoctions similar to the Complete Tonic Soup. Even if useful, their effect was limited. "I should ask someone for advice." There were too many and too varied books in the Scripture Transmission Institute. Searching for information on his own was inefficient. ... In the east side of the first floor of the Tianyi Pavilion, there was a row of nine small compartments. The compartment entrance had latticed wooden windows on both sides, while a round arch moon gate hung with white jade bead curtains. Soft couches, low tables, and bronze incense burners were vaguely visible inside. Inside compartment "Bing". Li Changjiu, over forty years old, dressed in black, was reading a blue-covered book. Hearing the sound of the bead curtain, his eyes shifted slightly, and he looked over impassively. Noticing Chen Mus waist with a jade token, he immediately smiled. Here comes business! "Whats your honorable surname, junior brother?" Li Changjiu put down the book and asked with a warm smile, "Do you have any difficult questions?" "No need for formalities, my surname is Chen." Chen Mu replied politely with a cupped fist greeting, "I was indeed hoping for Brother Lis assistance." This person was a Scripture Doctorate who regularly stayed at the Scripture Transmission Institute, responsible for assisting disciples with passing on scriptures and resolving doubts. "Please speak, junior brother, I will be as open as a book," Li Changjiu said hospitably. Answering such doubts could earn some Daoist Jade. "I am currently cultivating a secret technique that strengthens the body by making the skin as cold as ice and bones as hard as jade." "But this secret technique is too exhausting, and the accompanying decoctions arent very effective. Thats why..." "You must be looking for a method to replenish and reinforce your essence," Li Changjiu deduced, looking at Chen Mus pale face. "Strengthening the body with a secret technique requires a gradual approach, junior brother. Youre being too impatient, practicing too frequently." "You just need to reduce the intensity appropriately and switch to a better Rejuvenation Secret Medicine," said Li Changjiu, slightly disappointed. Its too bad its not about the cultivation of a secret technique; otherwise, he could have made more money by breaking it down into smaller pieces of information. Well, even a tiny bit counts. Sorting out his thoughts, Li Changjiu pondered for a bit, "Here at Jade Spring Mountain, there are quite a few similar decoctions and elixir pills." "As far as I know, there are seven types of average-effect decoctions, five types of slightly better pills, and the most effective are the elixir pills refined by pill masters. We have two types here in the separate court." "For just fifty Daoist cultivation points and one hundred White Jades, Ill tell you this classified information." "Junior brother, its not expensive, right?" Expensive? To earn fifty Daoist points, Id have to cultivate a thousand Fasting Pills! "Is junior brothers budget tight?" "I can lend you some in advance." Li Changjiu said with a full smile, "You can just give me twenty percent more when paying it back." The corner of Chen Mus mouth twitched. Was this some kind of one-stop service for swindling and lending? Scripture Doctorate, is it that profitable? Suddenly, Chen Mu laughed. Then, under Li Changjius expectant gaze, he took out his identity jade and, pointing to the four large characters that read "Scripture Doctorate," he laughingly said, "Not expensive, not at all!" Li Changjius face immediately twitched. Tsk... looks like theres no mosquito leg to feast on now. Looks like hes met a fellow professional. "Fine, just give me five Daoist points," Li Changjiu said, interest waning. Now it was Chen Mus turn for his face to twitch. Marking up ten times the price? Thats too damn exploitative! Chapter 347 - 342 Jade Spring Mountain, the storage of the Administrative Affairs Institute. "One hundred Daoist Cultivation merits and two hundred White Jade? For one pill?!" Chen Mu glared at the short and plump storekeeper with displeasure. Isnt this little winter melon trying to scam me?! The short and plump storekeeper said with an indifferent face, "Think its too expensive? If its too expensive, then dont buy it!" "Only the Pill Masters of the Upper Court can refine the Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pills, and the supply cannot meet the demand." "These ten pills I have are reserved for someone else." "If that person hadnt died, you wouldnt even have the chance to buy them," the short and plump storekeeper said to Chen Mu, looking at him sideways with no courtesy. One thousand Daoist Cultivation merits... Hed have to refine twenty thousand Fasting Pills! Chen Mu reluctantly handed over his Identity Jade to the other party. Save where I should save, spend where I must, after all, Condensing Aperture is the priority, no matter how expensive, I must buy it. ... The Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pill was the size of a longan, with a greenish-blue body, just like transparent jade. The pill melted in the mouth immediately, and a cool and refreshing liquid slid down the throat. But as soon as the liquid dropped into the stomach, it suddenly turned into a warm and cozy airflow that spread throughout the body. In an instant, both palms and soles of the feet became warm and comfortable. After a while, Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. A sense of relief slowly rose from the bottom of his heart as if he had lifted an invisible burden. He stood up and walked in front of the bronze mirror, finding that in just a short while his face had gained a bit of ruddiness. "This one thousand Daoist Cultivation merits spent is really worth it." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction immediately. "But I just dont know how many days this one Rejuvenation Pill can last." As long as I continue Condensing Aperture, Ill need to constantly replenish, Ill need an endless supply of Ninety-four Rejuvenation Pills. ... Three days later, looking at the slightly pale face in the bronze mirror, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "Three days?" "Is it because Netherworld Grand Summary consumes so much, or is it that all Condensing Aperture Techniques are like this?" Based on the current intensity of cultivation, he would need at least ten Rejuvenation Pills a month! Stay updated with novelhall.Co?m He thought about the short winter melon storekeepers words, and a flash of Spiritual Light crossed his mind. "These bottles of Rejuvenation Pills, could they have been reserved by Sun Wuhuan?" That fellow had a round figure, with a ruddy complexion, he must have eaten these Rejuvenation Pills a lot. Chen Mu suddenly realized: "No wonder that fellow wanted to make money during the Daoist discussion meet." An expenditure of at least one thousand Daoist Cultivation merits and two thousand White Jade a month, even Sun Wuhuan, who was a second-generation cultivator, could hardly afford it. He took out his Identity Jade and input a trace of effort. Silver characters appeared at the bottom of the landscape painting side of the Jade Tokentwelve thousand three hundred seventy-five. "If it could be reduced, those Alchemy Masters wouldnt have spent all that effort researching the Vital Energy Talisman." Chen Mu looked curious: "Is the Vital Energy Talisman hard to discover?" "First, you need to have a thorough understanding of medicinal properties." "Then, you also need a divine skill like Penetrative Vision Beyond Walls." "Finally, you have to spend a massive amount of mana on repeated testing," Li Changjiu shook his head and sighed. "Just a single brand-new Absorption Talisman, without three to five years, dont expect it to be perfected." "So, youre telling me its not difficult?" Three to five years? Chen Mu glanced at the Sixth Rank Pharmaceutical Technique on his grey wall. After pondering for a moment about the key component of the Parasite Expelling Pill, the Coix Seed Peach, and then its corresponding Absorption Talisman, fragments began to surface in his mind. "Its indeed very difficult!" Chen Mu exclaimed with a complex expression. With this fragmented level of understanding, wouldnt it take three to five months to fully decipher it?! Difficult! Its darn difficult! Ha ha! ... Nighttime, beside the window in the Alchemist Chamber. Chen Mu, who had enjoyed a sumptuous meal, lay comfortably in the rocking chair. He rested his feet on the low windowsill, gazing at the stars in the night sky with a carefree expression. The grey wall materialized in front of him. Pharmaceutical Technique: 217/10000/Sixth Rank; After several days of targeted experience grinding, Pharmaceutical Technique successfully advanced. Upon reaching the Sixth Rank, Pharmaceutical Technique began to break away from the shackles of ordinary medicinal stones and was now able to decipher Elixir Talismans. "Although I may not have a divine skill like Penetrative Vision Beyond Walls that perceives through everything," "with Pharmaceutical Technique at my disposal, the most important part of Alchemy, the Primordial Absorption Talisman, is no longer a challenge." "Hey! From now on, all the Elixirs in the world will be within my grasp!" Chen Mu revealed a wide grin, laughing with his big white teeth showing. The surprises from Pharmaceutical Technique were indeed tremendous. While deciphering and replicating Elixirs would still require a significant amount of time, it freed him from Jilong Roads monopoly on Alchemy Secret Techniques. "Its a shame that the Elixir Pills I refine can only be used personally, at most exchanged within a small circle for White Jade Coins," Chen Mu felt a twinge of regret. Any precious Secret Technique on Jilong Road needed Daoist Cultivation points to qualify for exchange. Explaining the origin of an Alchemy Secret Technique could be very troublesome. Especially when it comes to the highly lucrative field of Alchemy, that could spell big trouble! "Forget it, its enough to be able to use them for myself." After a moment, he regained his composure. To work hard to earn Daoist Cultivation points and White Jade was originally meant to improve ones Cultivation and personal growth. One must not let external wealth like White Jade and Daoist Cultivation points reverse priorities and cloud ones vision. Chapter 348 - 343: Dispatch The sun and moon revolved, and the weather grew colder. Chen Mu descended the mountain slowly via the five-to-six-meter-wide stone staircase. As he walked, he looked around and noticed that at some point, many leaves in the forests on both sides had turned yellow and withered. Being engrossed in cultivating the Netherworld Grand Summary, he hadnt realized that early winter had already arrived. The first talisman of the Grand Summary was divided into seven parts, and now he had mastered five of them. He saw significant improvements in the size of his Jade Seed, total mana, and physical attributes. Chen Mu looked at the semi-transparent grey wall with satisfaction. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7085/10000/First Rank; Continue your journey with novelhall.Co?m After glancing over a few other entries, Chen Mu stopped paying attention. After all, besides his cooking skills almost reaching Perfection at Fifth Rank, nothing else had changed much. Instead, the progress in decoding the Rejuvenation Pill was not slow. More than twenty days had passed, and the first Essence Talisman was close to completion. "To fully decode it, it will probably take a year and a half," Chen Mu estimated silently. With over ten thousand Daoist cultivation points on hand, plus the income from making Fasting Pills each month, he could definitely hold out until he could independently produce Rejuvenation Pills. By then, having both secret techniques and elixirs at his disposal, he could go all out in Condensing his Aperture.@@@@ ... In front of the eastern gate archway of the Jade Spring Market District, hundreds of people gathered in a noisy crowd. A line of over a dozen high-speed trains sized seven-star centipedes lay on the ground, with their countless legs twitching occasionally. Seeing this made Chen Mus scalp tingle, and he immediately looked away. Although these centipedes were at most considered Exotic Beasts, with one punch, he could pierce through their heads. But the sight of those clustered jointed legs still made him incredibly uncomfortable. Chen Mu stood at the edge of the crowd, equipping his ears with the Truthful Listening Technique. It didnt take him long to understand the situation. "Going to Six-Linked Mountains for construction?" Initially, the same happened with Mist Smoke Mountain, as a large group of disciples from the Lower Courtyard moved and stationed there. As he was about to leave, a bald chubby boy waddled over. "Brother Chen?" Jia Tian? "Whats all this?" Chen Mu asked curiously, looking at the others large and small packages. "Oh, Im preparing to follow the transport team to Six-Linked Mountains." "It has only been recently seized by another division, and there are unlimited business opportunities," Jia Tian chuckled. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. Having only just occupied Six-Linked Mountains, with everything yet to be established, it indeed was a great opportunity to make money. Thinking back to the early days of Mist Smoke Mountain, he couldnt help but offer some advice. "Take more food and medicine with you." Jia Tians eyes lit up, "Brother, thats a great idea!" "The mountain locals and Wild Cultivators on Six-Linked Mountains have just been heavily hit, most of them injured." As long as he remained cautious, he would eventually condense a Divine Orifice. ... Following his trip to the Market District, Chen Mu cherished the peace and quiet even more, staying in his cave abode, diligently cultivating. Time passed, and the weather grew colder. One clear morning, when Chen Mu opened his eyes, he found that snowflakes had started to drift outside the window. As usual, he set up the Spirit Nourishing Curse, and the delicate and exquisite Spirit suddenly swam around him, moving erratically to the left and right. Under the gloomy canopy of clouds, with occasional glimpses of blackish-green leaves on the snowy Jade Spring Mountain, Chen Mu sat by the window, lost in thought. "Another year with snowy days." Surrounded by rotating Bone Spheres, Chen Mu had just finished washing up and eating, preparing to enter the Alchemist Chamber to train, when he heard the crunching sound of footsteps on accumulated snow. Chen Mu couldnt help but walk to the window. Bai Xiuwen, Feng Haoxiu, Xue Yangliu? These three... "Senior Brother hasnt changed a bit," Bai Xiuwen said admiringly. As Pill Masters, they were constantly surrounded by flattery and praise. Every day was filled with endless gatherings, and they were so buoyed by adulation that they felt as if they were floating. Up to this day, their alchemy skills hadnt improved one bit. Whereas Chen Mu, who was also promoted to Scripture Doctorate, was still burying his head in cultivation. This unyielding effort and perseverance, unaffected by status or circumstances, made many feel ashamed. "Weve come to bid farewell," Bai Xiuwen said respectfully. "Heading to the Six Connected Mountains?" Chen Mu understood, "You must be careful. After all, it hasnt been long since it fell; it might not be peaceful." "With orders from the Lower Courtyard, we had no choice," Feng Haoxiu said with a wry smile. "Theyre still assigning people by force?" Chen Mu was puzzled. The Six Connected Mountains urgently needed all kinds of talent, and they were offering high rewards. The people of Jade Spring Market were all vying to go. "Do you remember the incident at Mist Smoke Mountain?" Bai Xiuwen asked. "The deputy head of the court, backed by the Sun Family, was a genius who disappeared suddenly." "After the news spread, no one wanted to take the risk." "The three of us being the least experienced, the task fell on us." Chen Mu suddenly realized. The majority of disciples from the outer court of Jade Spring Courtyard had not yet reached the Perceptive Spirit Light realm. To advance further, of course, they were willing to risk their lives. Alchemists, who had not only broken through to Perceptive Illusion Breaking and practiced mana, but also possessed a specific skill, could alchemize and exchange Pills for Daoist cultivation wherever they went, naturally didnt want to take any risks. By the way, if Jade Spring Mountain continued to expand its territory, would he also be compelled to go? A sudden jump in Chen Mus heart. What he lacked the most right now was a stable period of time. If he was sent to the front line... No, he must plan ahead! Chapter 349 - 344 Longitudinal Rainbow Light The expansion of the separate courtyard wont stop. "Who knows, one day I might also be forcibly assigned to the front line." Even though it might just be for alchemy, its definitely not as safe as staying on Jade Spring Mountain. Just like last time on Mist Smoke Mountain. If it had not been for the protection of the Five Ghosts, I might have already been drained by the Ghosts. "The best way is to stay put on Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mus eyes narrowed slightly. "Having the title of Scripture Doctorate is great." His departure from Mist Smoke Mountain was under the pretense of returning to Jade Spring Mountain to teach scriptures. "Why not make that pretense a reality?" A Scripture Doctorate capable of training alchemists is certainly more important than an ordinary alchemist. That way, its less likely to be dispatched to the front line, right... ... On the Golden Summit of Jade Spring Mountain. Sun Chengye walked into a spacious and remote hall with a heart full of apprehension. A gaunt elder with prominent cheekbones, who was sitting cross-legged on a cushion deep in the hall, was indeed the Sun Familys authoritative elder who had been in Condensing Aperture for many yearsSun Jian. "I pay my respects to the elder ancestor," Sun Chengye said respectfully as he approached. "Where is the gourd sword box?!" Sun Jian demanded coldly. Sun Chengye immediately began to sweat profusely: "Please forgive me, elder ancestor." "Its not that your grandson was careless; the thieves were just too cunning." "The moment I made a move to investigate big brothers network, the gourd sword box went completely silent." "It seems... it seems to have been taken away from Mist Smoke Mountain..." "Useless!" Sun Jians face filled with cold rage. Sun Chengyes scalp tingled instantly: "Please spare my life, elder ancestor!" "If it werent for your decent talent, hmph!" Sun Jian looked displeased. The gourd sword box had been nurtured by the Sun Family generation after generation, crucial to his path to enlightenment. Now it had disappeared suddenly at a critical juncture... "Who exactly is it?" Sun Jians face darkened. Liu Ling? Or Dong Li?! Let me not catch you slipping! Sun Jians eyes narrowed with a chilling light. "Elder ancestor, I have not come back completely empty-handed," Sun Chengye quickly spoke up, trying to make amends. "Oh? What have you managed to accomplish?" Sun Jian sneered coldly. The gourd sword box, capable of incessantly nurturing sword pills, was his ace to be offered to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect in exchange for the Dao Foundation Secret Method. It was not something ordinary items could compare to. "The elder ancestor might not be aware, but a new Scripture Doctorate has joined the institute." "This individual is exceptionally talented, not only swiftly becoming a Pill Master himself but also guiding three alchemist apprentices to successfully create Fasting Pills in just one year." "If we draw this individual into the Sun Family, given time, the Pill Treasure Pavilion will surely have a place for our Sun Family!" Sun Chengye hurriedly laid it all out without delay. Sun Jians eyebrows lifted slightly. If that were truly the case, then it indeed was a gain. He was just a whisker away from floating in the air! "Haha!" "Shining spiritual light, an ethereal aura of immortalitythis is the true visage of one who seeks the Dao!" "Whats the deal with the Five Ghosts Fleeing Technique, with its wailing and howling ghostsits clearly not respectable." Chen Mu changed the direction of the traction, maintaining the tips of his toes on the ground, and floated about the room like an apparition. After playing around for a while, he stopped, still not quite satisfied. "Once Ive trained in another layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman, Ill truly be able to fly," Chen Mu looked forward to it. "Then, Ill get myself a snow-white Daoist robe to match this flashy escape skilltsk tsk... itll be so suave!" ... After lunch, Chen Mu didnt continue his cultivation. Instead, he leisurely made his way to the Scripture Transmission Institute. To the west of the Tianyi Pavilion of the Scripture Pavilion, there was a large cluster of buildings. Chen Mu arrived in front of a line of rooms with green tiles, gray walls, and wooden windows, and after some deliberation, he entered one of them. To the left inside the room was a long table, where a burly elder with flecked hair, displaying an incongruous temperament, sat reading a book. In his hands as large as palm-leaf fans, the blue-covered book seemed as small as a toothpick. His muscular body bulged, and the wide black Daoist robe he wore was stretched tight enough to be a bodysuit. "Prefect Hu!" Chen Mu greeted respectfully as he approached. "You really want to teach people alchemy?" Hu Kui frowned at Chen Mu. Explore more at novelhall.Co?m He looked far too young. "Let me make it clear: if you dare to fool anyone, and they report to me, watch out or youll be in for trouble you cant handle," Hu Kuis fists, as large as big black hammers, cracked menacingly. Chen Mu immediately felt embarrassed and hurriedly shook his head to show he wouldnt dare. "I have already helped three others make the Fasting Pill. If you do not believe me, you are free to inquire about it." Hu Kui gave Chen Mu a surprised look. "You do have some real skills?" "Just scraping by," Chen Mu said with false modesty. Hu Kui sized up Chen Mu for a moment before speaking indifferently, "According to your request, there will be three students per Scripture class, lasting one year." "You will teach twice a month. If you can make an elixir pill, youll receive one hundred Daoist cultivation points. If not, youll only get half." "No problem, come here to sign and make a record." ... Not long after, Chen Mu left Hu Kuis room holding a document. In his hand, he had successfully gained three apprentices to teach alchemy. "Ill start another class in a year." "If I continue this for two or three years without interruption, until the expansion of Jilong Road is completed, I can perfectly avoid being conscripted." With his hands clasped behind his back, Chen Mu headed cheerfully towards the terraced courtyards on the west side. That was where the Scripture Transmission Institute had prepared the teaching venue. The three new apprentices had been waiting there for some time. Chapter 350 - 345 Awareness "Senior Brother!" In the Lecture Hall, three middle-aged men in their forties stood up and respectfully clasped their fists in greeting. Chen Mu looked at the three men, their faces full of respect, in surprise. So well-behaved? "Lectures at the beginning of the month, question and answer sessions in the middle, two classes per month, any questions?" Chen Mu asked, staring at the three. "We shall follow Senior Brothers instructions," the three middle-aged men replied, full of compliance. Really this obedient? He had thought he would encounter some rebellious troublemakers seeking to save face. "The lecture has not yet begun, if there are any doubts in your heart, it is best to bring them up now," Chen Mu stated, still not quite reassured. The slightly older leading man cupped his hands and spoke, "Senior Brother Chen, rest assured, the three of us genuinely seek guidance." "Senior Brothers Bai, Feng, and Xue have praised you for your willingness to share all you know and being extremely adept at teaching Alchemy. So..." Following this, the three bowed respectfully and said, "Please impart your teachings to us, Senior Brother." Chen Mu suddenly realized. They had clearly done their homework in advance, no wonder. He shook his head and chuckled. After all, they were veterans who had been through the wringer for years, and even if they had doubts, they would certainly want to listen to two classes first. With his proficiency bringing insight, and his Fasting Pill making techniques reaching pinnacle levels, guiding three Alchemist Apprentices wouldnt be a problem. With that, the matter of teaching lectures and preaching was settled. ... Time flew by, and more than two months passed in a blink. The weather gradually warmed, and large swaths of withered yellow leaves were replaced by yellow-green tender buds. In the Alchemist Chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch. In front of him, on a low table, there was a square wooden box about a fist high, filled with a whole box of copper coin-sized, aquamarine round leaves. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly, as he activated the Primordial Energy Absorption Technique, and an exotic force appeared out of nowhere. He reached out with his right hand toward the wooden box and grasped at the air above it. "Absorb!" Aquamarine powder rose in clouds, gathering into a longan-sized lump beneath his palm. The round leaves in the wooden box, which had been fresh and plump, instantly darkened, shriveled, and went limp. He took out a white jade porcelain bottle the size of a chicken egg to store the aquamarine powder. Chen Mu placed the small porcelain bottle in a wooden box next to the low table, which was filled with small compartments. "Analyzing a Talisman in a little over a month, the progress is indeed quite fast," Chen Mu said cheerfully.@@@@ He looked at the wooden box with satisfaction, where three porcelain bottles contained the essence of the Rejuvenation Pill ingredients. Ha! I was right on the money with starting scripture lectures! Chen Mu felt smug inside, but his face did not betray him. After exchanging a few words of comfort with Li Changjiu, he left in a hurry. Having dodged the bullet himself, he couldnt risk being a sore sight, just in case he stirred up envy. ... With the plan working, Chen Mu felt pleased. He spent the whole day at the Lecture Hall with a smile on his face. But this good mood lasted only until the evening. A person he definitely did not want to see appeared at his doorstep. "Brother Chen, long time no see!" Sun Chengye approached with clasped hands and a fist in salute. ... In the living room of the cave dwelling. With a flick of his wrist, Sun Chengye produced a White Jade porcelain bottle on the side tea table. He gently pushed the bottle towards Chen Mu with two fingers. "I hope youll excuse my impromptu visit, please accept this modest gift as a token of respect," he said. "This is..." Chen Mu wondered. With a slight smile, Sun Chengye said, "Ten Rejuvenation Pills." Chen Mus pupils narrowed suddenly. Giving away Rejuvenation Pills worth a thousand points of Daoist Cultivation as a gift? Thats quite lavish! Rejuvenation Pills? Is it a coincidence, or does he really know I need Rejuvenation Pills?! Chen Mu squinted his eyes involuntarily. "Please dont take offense, Brother Chen," Sun Chengye said with an open, cheerful expression. "Before coming here, I did indeed inquire about you, Brother Chen." "Mainly because our Sun Family wants to recruit you as a guest alchemist... so..." A guest alchemist? Is it not to probe me about Sun Wuhuans affair? Chen Mus tension eased slightly. Read the latest on novelhall.Co?m "The Sun Family can provide you with Alchemy Secret Techniques for free, such as the much-sought-after Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill," he said. Chapter 351 - 345 Awareness_2 ``` "We can also seize high-reward tasks to assist Brother Chen, and quickly save enough Daoist Cultivation and White Jade Coins to exchange for the Condense Aperture Secret Method," "Most importantly, we can protect Brother Chens safety by blocking the forced labour dispatches from the other courtyards, just like this time, exempting Brother Chen from the task at Eagle Grief Cliff," Sun Chengye said with a meaningful smile. The reason I was spared from the dispatch list for Eagle Grief Cliff was because of the Sun Family?! Chen Mu felt a sudden chill in his heart. This Sun Chengye has had his eyes on me for more than just a day or two! "May I take some time to consider?" Chen Mu cautiously said. Sun Wuhuan was killed by him after all. He really didnt want anything to do with the Sun Family. "Considering your future, of course, Brother Chen, you should think it over for a while," Sun Chengye said with an unconcerned smile. Offering Alchemy Secret Techniques, helping with Daoist Cultivation accumulation, protecting safety. The terms are sufficiently advantageous, the ultimate outcome essentially predetermined. "Brother Chen can take his time to think," Sun Chengye said as he got up to leave. Chen Mu immediately saw him out. Outside the door, Sun Chengye inadvertently noticed the way Chen Mu walked. He was like a mountain leopard, looking relaxed and elegant yet able to transform instantly into a ferocious hunter. That slight demeanor revealed in his walk made his scalp tingle as if walking beside a fierce monster! Such a physique... Even those heretical cultivators who specialize in the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique are no better, right?! "I had no idea Brother Chen was also an expert at Body Cultivation!" Body Cultivation? Which cultivator doesnt start from thrice refining the body and Soul Strength? Oh, right, those with innate Daoist Bone dont. Those lucky children of the heavens are born with a jade seed, able to directly Cultivate the Perceptive Spirit Light Secret Technique. "Just some casual training," Chen Mu dismissively replied. "This is no mere casual training." "No wonder you need to consume so many Rejuvenation Pills," Sun Chengye suddenly realized. All his investigations and he never discovered that this man was hiding a Body Cultivation Secret Technique! However... What a catch! The stronger he is, the greater my merit will be once hes recruited into the Sun Family, right? Ha ha... "I wonder which Body Strengthening Secret Technique youre practicing. Even Condensing Aperture doesnt consume as much as you do," Sun Chengye thought about Chen Mus monthly expenses of ten Rejuvenation Pills and couldnt help but marvel. Then, his face showed confusion: "This aura and presence, why does it seem familiar? Where have I seen it before?"@@@@ Sun Wuhuan! Chen Mu felt his heart skip a beat, daring not even to breathe too loudly. If were talking about similar dispositions, its definitely Sun Wuhuan who cultivated the same Netherworld Grand Summary! The atmosphere suddenly became a bit tense. Just as the Qi Blade in his waist pouch started to stir restlessly. Sun Chengye suddenly snapped back to reality with an excited expression: "Giant Spirit Divine? Youre practicing the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique, right?!" "Yes! Giant Spirit Divine!" Chen Mu nodded emphatically. He immediately activated the United Heart Curse, pulling the Giant Spirit Divine Talisman from Ai Jis body into his Jade Seed through the foggy barriers. Hum! With a soft sound, his right arm suddenly turned black and red, the high temperature searing the air to the point of distortion. "Indeed, its the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique!" Sun Chengye said, full of smiles. But just as he took two steps forward, he saw billowing black smoke on the staircase ahead, and a figure slowly emerged from the black fog. Chen Mu looked emotionlessly at Sun Chengye. "You..." Sun Chengyes pupils suddenly contracted to pinpoints: "Brother Chen, what a... coincidence." What answered him was a series of black and red orbs. Sand Shooting Shadow! "It really was you!" Sun Chengye exclaimed with more excitement than fear. With a gesture of his right hand, a brownish-red bracelet on his wrist flashed with light. More than ten brownish-black talismans shot out, hovering in the air, circling around him. Stay connected via novelhall.Co?m Then, they lit up with white spiritual light, bursting into huge luminous spheres that enveloped him in the middle. "Starting a fight in front of the Golden Summit Gate, youre as good as dead! Haha!" His family elder was at the summit; with such a commotion, he could appear in moments. Chen Mu remained expressionless, as his right hand suddenly flung forward. Three Yin Slaying Demon! The rolling, miserable green Qi Blade tore through the air, appearing in an instant in front of Sun Chengye. Bang bang bang... It was like heavy hammers on drums, the spiritual light rattling loudly. The outermost spiritual sphere immediately shattered! The Qi Blade, undiminished in its power, broke through three layers of light before completely dissipating. Sun Chengye laughed heartily: "Useless, useless, useless!" "I still have over a dozen spiritual lights, how many can you break even if you exhaust all your mana, haha..." Chen Mu said nothing, and a black smoke flashed before him. A dense cluster of talismans hovered before him. Jade Seed Mana vibrated, lighting up dozens of Slaying Demon Sword Qi Talismans with specks of starlight. Hum! The air shook violently. The brownish-black talisman paper turned instantly into dust, transforming into an overwhelming wave of miserable green sword radiance with a sharp and deadly aura. The area in front of Golden Summit Gate suddenly fell into silence. It was as if the wind itself was halted by the imposing sword Qi. Sun Chengye was like a big white goose with its neck caught, abruptly freezing on the spot with a laugh that seemed ossified on his face. The next moment. Boom! The miserable green sword radiance surged like a colossal tidal wave, striking mercilessly at Sun Chengye. Layer after layer of spiritual light was like sand dunes scattered by a blast wave, touched only slightly before dispersing into glimmering sparks. Sun Chengyes face turned deathly pale in an instant. Its over! He cried out almost instinctively: "The gourd sword box is here! Elder, save..." Spurt! The black crescent blade, later released but arriving first, cut through the spiritual light. Like a hot knife through butter, it effortlessly decapitated him, passing through unobstructed. The overwhelming green sword Qi followed closely behind. Before Sun Chengye could utter the last word, his entire body was chopped into a cloud of blood mist. Chen Mus body was immediately engulfed in rolling black smoke, carrying with it a ghastly cry of ghosts and howling of wolves, disappearing from the spot in the blink of an eye. Shooting down like a falling star, he sped towards the base of Jade Spring Mountain. Chapter 352 - 346 Aftermath People in mid-air. Chen Mu did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent. The Divine Orifice Talisman whirled, Jade Seed Mana poured out crazily, and he pushed the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain technique to its limit. But just as he flew to the middle of the mountain, a sense of life-threatening crisis suddenly came over him. It was as if a powerful demon with opened spiritual orifices was staring him down. He subconsciously looked back. He saw a pale yellow streak of light shooting into the sky from the Golden Summit. After pausing slightly in mid-air, it then shot towards him like a rocket ignited, instantly breaking through the mist at the mountain peak. In the time it took for a breath, the distance between them was halved. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu could even see the gaunt and fierce face of the other. "Kui Water Yin Thunder!" A shrill shout exploded. Crack! Almost at the moment he saw the flash of light, a thick purple-black bolt of thunder had already arrived in front of Chen Mu. The Spiritual Armor and the Body Protection Spiritual Light collapsed upon contact. Chen Mus pupils suddenly contracted to pins. His muscles stiffened, and the fatal threat left his mind blank. Apart from subconsciously invoking the Five Ghosts Possession, he had no time for other reactions, only staring blankly at the purple-black thunder that was inches away. Time seemed to stop at that instant. He could even clearly see the scene of the Yin Thunder slowly moving through the air, tracing a crooked line like a withered branch. Just when he thought he was undoubtedly going to die, a pale white spherical Bone Shield suddenly appeared before him. At that moment, Chen Mu was as still as a mosquito trapped in amber. The purple-black thunder seemed like a snake struggling through mud, moving with difficulty. Only the pale white Bone Shield moved freely, as if it shook its body while waking up from sleep, vibrant with a tremble. Nearly seventy percent of the Mana in Chen Mus Jade Seed was instantly absorbed. The next moment, everything that had been frozen came to life with clarity. The slowly advancing purple-black thunder struck swiftly, fiercely smashing into the Bone Shield. Bang! "But what if the elder from the Sun family directly investigates me?" If Sun Chengye could detect the Netherworld Grand Summary, then surely the Sun Family elder would be able to as well. "Physical traits and mannerisms..." Chen Mu couldnt help but think of the reason Sun Chengye suspected him. "Then Ill change my physical traits and mannerisms!" He immediately activated the gray wall. Shapeshifting Technique: 9437/10000/Fourth Rank; "If Fourth Rank isnt enough, then Fifth Rank it is!" "Its just a matter of endurance!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth internally. He half lay on the bed, keeping an eye on the movements outside the window, ready to flee at any moment. At the same time, he kept tirelessly grinding experience for his Shape-shifting Technique. It wasnt just changing his face, but also shifting his muscles and bones throughout his body. Despite seeming to lie there quietly, under his clothes it was as if countless little mice were burrowing around, incessantly bulging and subsiding. His face changed endlessly, one moment the old man Jie Jia, the next a fat man Shang Huan. He even switched to feminine faces, becoming Wu Ruo and Shi Xian from the seven siblings of Wu Mountain. With a heart full of fear, he endured through the entire night, even seeing the pale yellow light pass over his head twice, causing Chen Mu to break out in a cold sweat. As the sun rose in the east, the light gradually brightened. Chen Mus anxiety increased. Like always, he got up, dressed, and washed, but with every step he took, he changed his face, grinding out experience for his Shape-shifting Technique in a race against time. "Sun Chengyes movements yesterday cannot be hidden for long!" "Once they know I was the last one seen with him, they will surely come to check on me!" "No, I cant stay in my dwelling anymore." If he were cornered at home with no one around, he would be at the mercy of others! The Scripture Transmission Institute! That was the territory of the Sect Masters direct disciples. Even a powerful family like the Sun family would have to be cautious, not daring to act recklessly! With his heart pounding, he endured until daylight, and as soon as people from the Administrative Affairs Institute began to stir, he immediately left home and headed straight for the Scripture Transmission Institute. ... As the sun climbed higher, Jade Spring Mountain gradually bustled with activity. Chapter 353 - 346浣欐尝_2 Sun Chengye died in front of the gates to Golden Summit Mountain. It wasnt just the Sun Family that was furious; the separate courtyards were equally enraged. Too arrogant! The Inspection Courtyard mobilized almost its entire force. Starting from the pit where Chen Mu had used his Escaping Earth technique the night before, the search spread outwards, combing the mountain in expanding circles. Sun Jian even took it upon himself to lead a team in pursuit of Sun Chengyes movements. Anyone he had seen in the past three days was found and interrogated, one by one. ... Scripture Transmission Institute, first floor of Tianyi Pavilion. Chen Mu held two books in his hands, standing in front of the counter at the entrance. "Have you made your choice? If so, hurry up and pay up!" a young man in his late twenties behind the counter said impatiently. "Just one more look, let me have one more look." Chen Mu said with a troubled face. "Look at what, dammit. If you want them, then buy them all," the young man slammed on the desk. "I dont have the money." Chen Mu shrank his neck. Both booklets contained introductions to the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill and the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill, including their prices. Five thousand Daoist Cultivation points, ten thousand White Jade Coins, per portion! Before, he thought himself quite wealthy, but upon a closer inspection at the Scripture Transmission Institute, he realized he was not even equivalent to a nouveau riche. While he was still deliberating, two figures suddenly appeared beside Chen Mu. One of them, a limping, short, and thin old man, faced Chen Mu with a probing glance and cracked a smile. "Wonderful technique, Bewitching Divine!" An exotic force suddenly enveloped Chen Mu. Chen Mu only felt a jolt throughout his body, as if his soul had left his body, losing control over it. He felt as though he had become a bystander, watching himself standing there stunned, immobile. Damn! Ive been controlled! In his panic, he fought back instinctively... and then, he actually managed to regain some control over his body! With a thought, his right little finger hanging by his side subtly curled up. Huh?! "This persons secret technique of bewildering the spirit... doesnt seem to be very effective, huh." He had always had a strong resistance to illusions. Apart from being tricked once by Cui Cui, other things like the Heartless Bells Soul Capturing or the common Ghosts fear tactics, didnt have much effect on him. "Uncle-Master Sun, attacking a member of our family right in front of me, isnt this inappropriate?" The young man behind the counter suddenly stood up. "Ying Tiance, my Sun Family has lost two geniuses, and our familys Magic Artifact is missing." "I am already showing restraint by just using Bewitching Divine to question his heart!" Sun Jian said coldly. Ying Tiances expression changed slightly, and he sighed, "Uncle-Master, please accept my condolences." Then he said seriously, "I hope Uncle-Master does not take out his anger on the innocent. Otherwise..."@@@@ Yes, I guessed right! Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. In the presence of this direct disciple of the Sect Master, Sun Jian indeed restrained himself. If it had been just him alone in his dwelling, its likely Sun Jian would have knocked him down at the first opportunity. He might even have acted ruthlessly and crippled him! ... "Rest assured, Dean Ying, the technique I cultivate is the comprehensive Bewitching Divine technique, best at capturing the spirit and seizing the soul," the limping old man said with a smile. "Those who are affected cannot help but have their spirits taken, and the words they speak must come from the heart, without falsely accusing the innocent," he said, still smiling. Sun Jian gave Ying Tiance a cold glance and shook his head slightly, signaling the limping old man to proceed swiftly. The limping old man nodded at Ying Tiance with a smile, then stepped forward and asked, "Did you see Sun Chengye yesterday?" "I did," Chen Mu answered honestly. "What did you talk about?" the limping old man continued to inquire. On the surface, he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, but his mind was very clear. The Truthful Listening Technique hanging from his ear was also in operation. Should there be any disturbance, he was sure to jump up and flee at a moments notice. "That was too close!" Chen Mu was still scared after the fact. If it wasnt for his fully leveled shapeshifting technique, which completely changed his appearance and aura, he would have been done for the moment he met Sun Jian. If not for the grey wall and Seven Souls Return to Origin successively blocking the Bewitching Divine Technique, the lame old man would have found him out with just one question, and he would have been finished. If it wasnt for Ying Tiance being there, Sun Jian had reservations and couldnt use torture methods, Chen Mu would have exposed himself if he resisted even a bit, and ultimately, he would have been done for! "Seems like Ive temporarily escaped," Chen Mu anxiously reflected. Yet in just one short night, not only had Sun Jian found him, but he also had a clear understanding of his living habits. Luckily, he hadnt fled rashly. Otherwise, once it was confirmed there was something wrong with him, he would certainly be relentlessly pursued until there was no escape to the heavens and no door into the earth. "I hope all will be well," Chen Mu fretted in his heart. ... Half a month later. The bustling Jade Spring Mountain gradually returned to tranquility, but there had been a change. The personnel of the Inspection Courtyard were doubled. Someone patrolled and inspected the entire Jade Spring Mountain day and night. Chen Mu was later detailedly questioned by the Inspection Courtyard again. Luckily, there was no Sun Jian this time, nor was there any bewitchment by a secret technique, just a simple questioning and verification. After the inquiries turned up nothing, the various courtyards unanimously concluded that the attack was a retaliation by the local powers of East Ridge. As a result, the Sun Family patriarch even went to Eagle Grief Cliff and thoroughly plowed through the local powers gathered nearby with Kui Water Yin Thunder. It was said that a small mountain was even leveled. Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. ... Scripture Transmission Institute. Chen Mu, as usual, went to lecture to his three disciples. Just as he reached the door, he ran into Li Changjiu again. "Isnt Brother Li supposed to be heading to Eagle Grief Cliff?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "Well, with that whole mess with Sun Chengye happening, I wasnt allowed to go," Li Changjiu said, curling his lip. "They say its for our protection, but really its just to lock down Jade Spring Mountain and find the assailant." "After all, its the Sun Familys own; theyre precious!" "Considering hes a genius of the Sun Family, its normal to take extra care," Chen Mu said naturally. "Besides, it really isnt safe below the mountain; staying up here an extra day is a day gained." "You have a point," Li Changjiu admitted with a chuckle. Then he suddenly sighed, "Actually, its not very safe up here either." "Look at that Sun Chengye, tsk tsk..." Li Changjiu shook his head with schadenfreude. "Who knows which ruthless character dared to strike right in front of Golden Summit Gate, downright brazen!" "That Sun Chengye was also ineffective, being chopped into mincemeat; the mountain road was stained red all over, what a dreadful scene." "If I ever run into that person, hmm hmm..." "What would you do?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Li Changjiu immediately felt a chill run down his spine and shivered uncontrollably. "Um... Id certainly make him pay," he said, stiffening his neck. Is that so? Chen Mu watched with half-lidded eyes, his face bearing a smirk: "Brother Li is truly formidable." In front of me, you want to show me a thing or two? Heh! ``` Chapter 354 - 347: Safe and Sound Scripture Transmission Institute. "Going to Eagle Grief Cliff?" "Youve only been teaching scripture for less than three months, what, youre thinking of quitting already?" "The title of Scripture Doctorate, do you still want it or not?!" Hu Kui glared at Chen Mu with an unfriendly expression. "Can I take those three apprentices with me to Eagle Grief Cliff?" Chen Mu spread his hands helplessly. "Those three Alchemist Apprentices dare to go to Eagle Grief Cliff?" "Youre not planning to make those three voluntarily back out so that you can conveniently take on new apprentices, are you?" "Thinking you can exploit quick apprentice turnovers to swindle Daoist cultivation?" Hu Kui looked at Chen Mu askance. This... this scheme isnt bad at all! Chen Mus face bore an expression as if hed discovered a new continent. Noticing Hu Kuis increasingly unfriendly countenance, he quickly put away his unreliable daydream. "Cough cough... Prefect Hu has misunderstood me." "The climate around Eagle Grief Cliff is unpredictable, and miasma runs rampant." "My going there is to study the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. Look, Ive even bought the secret technique." Chen Mu took out a scroll of jade slip and handed it to Hu Kui. "You could contemplate the All-Disease Pill just fine if you stayed on Jade Spring Mountain." Hu Kui still didnt believe him. Chen Mu sighed, speaking the depressing truth: "Ive offended the Sun Family, I want to go into hiding for a while." Hmm... Killing Sun Chengye certainly counts as offending the Sun Family, Im not lying. The Sun Family? A spark of curiosity flashed in Hu Kuis mind. He then looked at Chen Mu with a strange expression, as if hed just thought of something. "Are you the one who dared to call Sun Jian a big-headed fool?" Chen Mus face twitched. I hadnt seen it coming, that disciple directly initiated by the Sect Master turned out to be such a blabbermouth! That day, only four people were present. Chen Mu wouldnt speak of it, nor would the two from the Sun Family, leaving only that Elder Brother Ying who would spread the word. And I was talking about Sun Chengye when I said big-headed fool, how did it become Sun Jian? Not only does Elder Brother Ying have a big mouth, but he also spreads rumors?! "Tsk tsk... To call Old Ghost Sun a big-headed fool to his face, you truly are brave!" Hu Kui expressed his amazement. "Alright then." Hu Kui waved his hand: "Go to Eagle Grief Cliff if you want." "But let me make this clear to you first." "Even if those three apprentices dont go to Eagle Grief Cliff, if you want to recruit the next batch of students, youll still have to wait another year." "Transmitting scripture and teaching properly is one thing. Thinking about swindling Daoist cultivation? No chance in hell!" Hu Kui warned with a glaring eye. Chen Mu was immediately overjoyed, no longer caring about any rumors: "Thanks to Prefect Hu for making this happen." Sun Jian was on the Golden Summit, on top of Jade Spring Mountain. Staying on the mountain always made Chen Mu uneasy. Now that the storm was gradually subsiding, it was a good time to leave and lay low. Stepping out of Hu Kuis office, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief and then shook his head with a bitter smile. Initially, he had gone through all sorts of maneuvers to stay on Jade Spring Mountain, but now he was actually choosing to leave; such are the unpredictable ways of the world. Why is it so hard just to cultivate in peace and honesty? Sun Wuhuan was insatiably greedy; Sun Chengye... well, though I cant remember the reason, he certainly wasnt a good person. Why doesnt Old Ghost Sun understand? I didnt just kill two evildoers, I was helping the Sun Family get rid of some bad apples! You dont even say thank you but overtly and covertly send people to investigate me? Tsk... Its really hard to be a good person! ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu began preparing for his trip to Eagle Grief Cliff. A set of pots, pans, ladles, and other living utensils was prepared. Two tons of Exotic Beast Meat was prepared. He had planned to buy more Rejuvenation Pills, but time was tight and the Cloud Bat Flying Boat hadnt arrived; he only managed to get one more bottle. "Together with the bottle from Sun Chengye, its only enough for three months." Chen Mu frowned. He had asked the person in charge of the warehouse, Wu Shiyuan. Rejuvenation Pills were only sold on Jade Spring Mountain and not on Eagle Grief Cliff, and there was a purchase limit; each person could only get up to ten pills per month. Upon reaching the mountain, reporting in, and registering, it took less than half a day for Chen Mu to complete the onboarding procedures from the headquarters at Jade Spring Mountain to the branch at Eagle Grief Cliff. Attached to the Administrative Affairs Institute, his main job: alchemy. ... Several days later. Eagle Grief Cliff towered into the clouds; to the north were sheer cliff faces that stretched endlessly, said to be so steep that not even eagles could cross, hence the name Eagle Grief Cliff. To the south, it was still precipitous but not as sheer as the north side, with a relatively gentle slope. Therefore, it was possible to carve out residences and even to guide the accumulation of Spiritual Vitality to create a small Medicinal Field. Halfway up the mountain, on a plateau carved out, wooden buildings stood built along the mountainside. Chen Mus dwelling was right at the edge of the plateau to the east, and just outside the door on the eastern cliffside was a small waterfall trickling down less than two meters wide. Inside the study, by the window. Chen Mu sat at a long table, retracting his gaze from the small waterfall outside the window. "Although it hasnt completely settled, Ive already safely joined Eagle Grief Cliff, and the Sun Family hasnt shown any reaction yet." "If theres no significant change, for the time being, they should not be able to find me," he thought. Only at this moment did Chen Mu finally feel relieved. With a flip of his right hand, the Yang Judge Bone Shield appeared. "What a great item!" Chen Mu looked at the hollow Bone Sphere, which had regained some of its spiritual liveliness, his face full of satisfaction: "If it really were to be scrapped, I would be heartbroken." "I wonder where this thing came from," Chen Mu mused curiously as he played with it. Being able to withstand the Kui Water Yin Thunder from Sun Jian, a High Cultivator of the Condensing Aperture, it truly was extraordinary. Moreover, this thing could actually grow and become stronger, with immense potential! Shing! A flash of black light appeared before his eyes, and the Nether Moon Blade materialized. Then, like a living creature, it dodged back and forth in front of Chen Mus eyes, at times vanishing and at other times reappearing, as if it could traverse through space. "Never mind, Ill first use the Spirit Nourishing Curse to bring its power upthats my biggest lifeline for survival," he thought. "I need to continue refining the Netherworld Divine Orifice." Having been struck by Sun Jian with thunder, Chen Mu was still apprehensive. The Yang Judge Bone Shield could only withstand, and it could only withstand once. The only thing that could stand up to Condensing Aperture was another Condensing Aperture. Only by truly achieving Condensing Aperture would he have the assets to stand his ground in front of Sun Jian. He glanced at the experience on the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 920/10000/Second Rank; "Theres still a long way to go." Although it still required long-term practice, Chen Mu wasnt particularly anxious or flustered. With the grey wall providing experience, as if guided by a master personally, encountering barriers in cultivation was not common. After a concerted effort for four or five years, he would be able to master it. "Its just the Rejuvenation Pill..." Chen Mu frowned. This was what worried him the most. Without the Rejuvenation Pill replenishing the bodys consumption, the Condensing Aperture process was sure to be delayed. He had initially thought about running back to Jade Spring Mountain to purchase them. But traveling there and back with the transport team would take almost ten days, which was too time-consuming. "If I take the flying kite back, the time might be shortened, but safety..." Chen Mu hesitated. East Ridge was not safe; neither the skies nor the ground were safe! Unknown poisonous insects and monsters could be lurking anywhere. And the local strongholds that were becoming more and more hostile towards Jilong Road. Flying back alone to Jade Spring Mountain was indeed risky. "Ill have to refine the Rejuvenation Pills myself!" Chen Mu thought seriously. Being clueless and reliant on purchases made him forever dependent on others. "And theres also the risk of exposure." The Netherworld Grand Summary was consuming a lot; if someone attentive noticed his huge need for Rejuvenation Pills, it could raise suspicions. Especially those from the Sun Family who were quite familiar with the Netherworld Grand Summary! "It seems that I can only intersperse some common replenishing substances to hold me over for a while." Out of the thirteen components of the Rejuvenation Pill, he had already mastered the Absorption Talisman for four components. "Just give me another year..." Chen Mu calculated privately. Chapter 355 - 348 Test ``` The next day. At the foot of Eagle Grief Cliff, in the market district. Chen Mu curiously looked at the bamboo buildings in the marketplace, each elevated one to two meters off the ground. It was said that before Jilong Road had arrived, this place was a large mutual trade fortress. The original powers had been driven out, and it became a market district overseen by a different estate. Inside a certain pharmacy. "Customer, the total is one hundred and twenty-three White Jade Coins," said the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper. "Thats twice as expensive as Jade Spring Mountain, isnt it?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but exclaim. Although he wasnt short on White Jade now, he couldnt just waste money like that. "As you mentioned, thats the price at Jade Spring Mountain." The dark-skinned shopkeeper shrugged, "The herbs were transported from a long way, taking great risks. Its only reasonable for the price to go up a little, no?" "What kind of risks could there be?" I think theyre just gouging prices to swindle people! "What else but the remnants of wild cultivators from Eagle Grief Cliff?" said the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper helplessly, "Our transport teams have been frequently ambushed by them." "With three mountains already taken, people still dare to provoke Jilong Road?" Chen Mu was quite surprised. "You also know that we have taken three mountains; its quite normal for the remnants of the local powers to retaliate against Jilong Road," the shopkeeper spread his hands. Miscalculation, miscalculation! I should have stocked up on herbs back at Jade Spring Mountain, Chen Mu regretted in his heart. "Theyre just annoying flies. Theyre incapable of confronting us head-on and can only cause us trouble in secret. The Inspection Courtyard will deal with them sooner or later," the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper said confidently. Chen Mu nodded involuntarily. Jilong Road was investing more and more power into Jade Spring Mountain. The local powers on the East Ridge side had no large Dao Sects and couldnt withstand Jilong Road; they were bound to be expelled and dispersed eventually. "The prices should get a bit cheaper by then. If youre not in a hurry, you could wait," the thin, dark-skinned shopkeeper suggested. "No need for that."@@@@ He was buying these herbs for testing; it didnt matter if they were expensive. And no matter how expensive, he couldnt spend more than the cost of a Rejuvenation Pill. "If it has even one-tenth of its efficacy, I will be very satisfied," Chen Mu thought with anticipation. After purchasing over a hundred jin of fresh Exotic Beast Meat, he was about to leave when he noticed the signboard for Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and on impulse, Chen Mu walked in. ... "Sword Qi Talisman?" The forty-something-year-old shopkeeper of Hundred Treasures Pavilion said with a smile, "We have them, five hundred White Jade Coins each." Chen Mus mouth twitched immediately. Are they that expensive? Recalling how he had thrown three to four dozen just one night, his heart couldnt help but clench. What he threw was not Talismans; it was more than twenty thousand White Jade Coins! He had only about thirty-seven thousand White Jade Coins on him. That was like throwing away most of his fortune in one go! He had previously thought about stocking up on Sword Qi Talismans to throw at enemies in abundance. I cant afford this, I just cant! In the past, he took a Rejuvenation Pill every three days. Now, combining hefty medicinal soups with a vigorous consumption of Exotic Beast Meat, he had changed to taking a Rejuvenation Pill every four days. "The effect ultimately isnt as good. It should be over two thousand seven hundred experience by now." After pondering for a while, Chen Mu decided to cultivate with all his might, no longer sparing the Rejuvenation Pills. "If it comes down to it, Ill just fly back to Jade Spring Mountain." "Using the Five Ghosts Yin Spirit to become invisible and hidden, I should be able to avoid dangers along the way." Having made up his mind, he took a Rejuvenation Pill and dove into the Linglong training ground to cultivate. Eagle Grief Cliff was no comparison to Jade Spring Mountain. The location of his wooden tower was already not bad, but the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy was only half that of the Jade Spring Mountain cave abode. Now, as he cultivated Condensing Aperture, his mana consumption was high, and the demand for external Earth Spirit Vital Energy was great, making it necessary to utilize the Exquisite Jade Plate. "Its just six White Jade Coins a day, no big deal at all," Chen Mu wasnt concerned. Thinking back to five or six years ago, when he first arrived at Jilong Road in Yunzhou, how he counted every single White Jade Coin and spent it cautiously, it was truly hard and difficult. Luckily, he now mastered how to refine Fasting Pills. He had indeed achieved the freedom to use the Exquisite Jade Plate. ... Several days later. Chen Mu went down the mountain to purchase food. As soon as he walked into the Market Fortress, something felt off. Several shops had closed their doors, and passersby were hurrying along. Many carried large and small bags, all stocking up on a large number of items. On the north side of the fortress, the stench of blood filling his nostrils, Chen Mu headed straight to a familiar butchery. Find exclusive stories on novelhall.Co?m "Lu Tu, cut me two hundred pounds of fresh meat, the good stuff." "Only one hundred pounds of pork rabbit left, do you want it?" Lu Tu asked, his robust body shaking as he spoke hoarsely. "No Wind Marcher?" From his years of experience as a trained chef, pork rabbit meat was tender and delicious, but its benefits to the body were incomparable to Wind Marcher. He was now cultivating Condensing Aperture and needed the substantial nourishment from Exotic Beast Meat. Having top-notch culinary skills, he wasnt worried about the taste being inferior. "Gone, all snatched up," Lu Tu shook his head helplessly. "Whats going on..." Chen Mu turned, gesturing toward the bustling crowd on the street. "A group of mysterious Wild Cultivators attacked and destroyed three supply transport teams consecutively." "Isnt everyone afraid that prices will go up again, and rushing to stock up?" Chen Mu was taken aback, "That group hasnt settled down." "Once they dive into the deep mountains and forests, who can find them?" Lu Tu said with a helpless face, "Those people are more familiar with East Ridge than we are." Guerrilla tactics? Chen Mu was stunned. Indeed, that would be hard to track. "No movement from the compound?" "I heard that the Inspection Courtyard has already assembled teams to sweep the mountains," Lu Tu said with a relaxed expression. "They should be able to clear the transport roads soon." "Well, thats good," Chen Mu nodded. "Pack up these hundred pounds of boiled rabbit meat for me." Chapter 356 - 349: Replenishing Origin Soup Time passed, and the sun and moon took turns dominating the sky. Aside from teaching the three apprentices at the start of each month, Chen Mu spent most of his time confined within the wooden tower, obediently taking medicines and cultivating. During occasional breaks, he would make two or three furnaces of Fasting Pills, and by taking a portion from the previously gathered Elixir Pills, he assembled around six thousand to hand over to the Administrative Affairs Institute. Pill Master Qi Hui would only make this quantity each month. Without the Condense Aperture Secret Method consuming his Daoist cultivation voraciously, Chen Mus passion for cultivating his Dao power quickly declined. Handing over "a batch" of Fasting Pills each month was more than enough. His life was regular, his days productive, and two and a half months passed in a flash. Inside the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu took off his shirt and took a deep breath. Five Ghosts Possession! Hum! Billowing black smoke rushed into his body. Underneath his skin, it seemed like pythons writhed and squirmed, rising rapidly and entwining, suddenly transforming him into a muscular giant, three heads taller than a heavy-duty truck from his previous life. His entire body was indigo with strands and threads of silver patterns that appeared faintly visible. Even his hair moved on its own as if it were floating in water. At the same time, waves upon waves of bloodthirst and devouring impulses assaulted his mind, causing his eyes to gradually fill with blood and turn a deep red. Yet inside, Chen Mu was remarkably calm. With the cultivation of the Condense Aperture Secret Method, both his body and mind were strengthening. The maddening whispers of the Five Ghosts, which once could drive one insane, now seemed to be blocked off by some force; before reaching his limits, it could no longer easily shake his spirit. Chen Mu silently counted the time in his heart, standing still. For a while, the only sound in the Secret Chamber was his deep and long breathing. At one moment, the murmuring in his mind suddenly intensified. Chen Mu exhaled and released the Five Ghosts Possession. "About twelve minutes." As he cultivated the Condense Aperture Secret Method, the duration of the Five Ghosts Possession had extended again. "Strength and speed have also been enhanced to differing extents," Chen Mu observed as he clenched his fist, feeling the power throughout his body. He called up the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7115/10000/Second Rank;@@@@ After two months of rigorous training, the second set of Talismans for the Condense Aperture Secret Method was seventy percent complete. The originally web-like spherical Talisman was gradually becoming filled and solidified. Dominated by silver-white with black threads as veins, it exuded an ancient and mysterious aura. As the Talisman condensed, the Jade Seed expanded once again. "There are nine Talismans in total, does the Jade Seed have to grow ninefold? By then, how powerful will my Mana be?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but be amazed. It was sheer luck that he was able to kill Sun Wuhuan. "That Ghost really did me a big favor," he mused. "Of course, I also gave that Ghost a little help. Its all about mutual support when youre out and about." "I wonder if Ill see it again. Hmm... It would be great if it could help me get rid of that old ghoul Sun Jian." "A bunch of barbarians, aside from playing with bugs and worshipping the Heavenly Demon, the rest are just brute cultivators practicing perverse methods. How could they possibly have a legitimate scouting secret technique?" "If they had such a technique, they wouldnt have been easily driven off from three mountains by us," said the thin shopkeeper disdainfully. "Its definitely an Exploration Magical Instrument! This is information coming from the Inspection Courtyard." Exploration Magical Instrument? Chen Mu suddenly thought of a fat man with smiling eyes that were barely visible. No... Could it be?! He then shook his head, chuckling at the thought. Shang Huan and Jia Tian, the two fat men, didnt have the skills for this; this was almost disturbing the situation in East Ridgeit couldnt be... "How about you wait another two days?" the shopkeeper suggested. "Forget it, just wrap it up for me." Chen Mu shook his head. With the way things were going, the longer he waited, the more expensive it would get. While the clerk was busy scooping out the medicine as per the list, Chen Mu asked the thin shopkeeper, "Is it safe now to follow the transport convoy back to Jade Spring Mountain?" "Its a bit troublesome, but still relatively safe. After all, the convoy is escorted by the Inspection Courtyard," the shopkeeper said. "You just have to be vigilant against attacks and the journey will be slower." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. If the situation remained unsettled, flying solo would be dangerous. It might be a good idea to follow the transport convoy for a trip back. Although it would take over ten days for a round trip, acquiring the Rejuvenation Pill would at least not impact his cultivation for the coming month. After chatting with the old shopkeeper for a while and learning where to contact the transport team, Chen Mu, holding a half bag of medicinal herbs in his left hand and a basket of meat in his right, was ready to leave the fortress. But just as he reached the entrance, he saw a disheveled convoy heading his way. Four Seven-Star Centipedes, covered in cuts and bruises, missing legs and tails, crept weakly forward. The personnel on both sides each bore bloody marks, with many having lost limbs or being disabled. This... is this the late transport convoy? Chen Mu suddenly had a bad feeling. Sure enough, after a few days of close observation, the situation worsened. Several convoys were attacked, with heavy casualties. The local cultivators in East Ridge carried out a fierce retaliation against Jilong Road. "With it being so dangerous, its not good to return to Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu sighed. Given the current, increasingly chaotic situation, even accompanying a convoy protected by the Inspection Courtyard might not be safe, let alone venturing out on his own. Thinking of the Condensing Aperture Technique that he hadnt practiced for several days, the braised pork stewing for two hours in the pill furnace in front of him didnt seem... well, it still smelled delicious. But no matter how sweet and fragrant the braised pork was, it couldnt stop his fear of that grumpy old man, Sun Jian, who wielded the Kui Water Yin Thunder. After eating two large bowls of braised pork with pickled long beans, the worries and gloom in his heart eased slightly. "It would be great if Eagle Grief Cliff had an Elixir Pill to substitute for the Rejuvenation Pill," Chen Mu wished. Then, a recipe named Replenishing Origin Soup suddenly popped into his mind... Wait, a recipe?! Chen Mu looked at the dusty wall with a puzzled expression. Cooking: 13/10000/Sixth Rank; "Ha!" "What a pleasant surprise!" Chapter 357 - 350 "A full pot of clear water, a hundred jin of Exotic Beast Meat, a suitable amount of salt, and seventeen kinds of medicinal stones and spices." Chen Mu placed ingredients into the Flame-Separation Shell cauldron with a strange expression on his face. "First, bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer it on low heat." Recalling the method to prepare Replenishing Origin Soup, Chen Mus expression became even more peculiar. Just earlier, he was worried about a stagnation in his cultivation, only to have a serving of meat soup solve it. "Some of the herbs are quite precious, but at least they can be bought." "There are disciples in the courtyard down the mountain who raise pig-rabbits, so buying meat is even simpler. I could even raise them myself." Chen Mu calculated happily. "Being able to cook is really important, huh. Who knows, a surprise could pop up any day." After covering the pot, he sat beside the stove in a rocking chair. Chen Mu controlled his mana to surge into the Flame-Separation Shell cauldron from mid-air. It didnt take long for the contents of the pot to start bubbling. After stewing for two hours and removing the scum from the surface, Chen Mu stood firm in front of the stove. Taking a deep breath, he recited a lengthy string of Curse Words. The voice sounded like a thousand people chanting, deep and eerie. An Exotic Force emerged from nowhere, falling into the pot. The soup, which had calmed down, began to swirl slowly. Then, strands of purple-red liquid separated from the whirlpools ripples, rising and slowly converging about half a meter above.@@@@ Half a quarter of an hour later, Chen Mu observed the condensed soup in a small white porcelain bowl, about the size of one and a half fists, and clicked his tongue in wonder. "Is this the Replenishing Origin Soup? If it werent for the absence of grains, I would have thought it was a bowl of Eight-Treasure Porridge." He stirred with a spoon, and with a small sip, Chen Mu immediately squinted his eyes. "Hey! This thick soup is quite delicious." After thinking about it, he felt relieved. Although the Replenishing Origin Soup is greatly nourishing and can even replace the Rejuvenation Pill, it is after all a dish, and its normal for it to be tasty. Spoon by spoon, the warm and just-right Replenishing Origin Soup was quickly consumed. His stomach soon felt warm, and the warmth gradually spread to his whole body. In no time, a fine sweat appeared on his forehead; he felt energetic and his body was comfortable! "This feeling... its a success!" Chen Mus eyebrows lifted with happiness. "Time to cultivate, time to cultivate!" ... For several days, Chen Mu spent his time in the wooden building on the mountainside, aside from going down the mountain to buy meat, stewing meat soup for cultivation all day long. After reciting the mysterious Curse Words once again. A thought flashed through Chen Mus mind as he looked towards the gray wall. Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse: 13/10000; "Made it onto the list?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. After days of continuous use, the mysterious Curse Words finally showed most of their true form. "Is there also a Strongman Technique to cure hemorrhoids?" Lu Tus eyes lit up: "Tell me how, and Ill waive the cost of White Jade for todays basket of meat!" Chen Mus face immediately darkened. I freaking dont have hemorrhoids! "I can even give you a 20% discount in the future!" Lu Tu persisted stubbornly. Just freaking go away! Seeing Lu Tus eager eyes, Chen Mu was truly intimidated. Discussing this topic in public was just too embarrassing. "Im buying so much meat for alchemy," Chen Mu seriously fibbed. To ensure credibility, he even flashed his Identity Jade. "Youre an Alchemist?!" Lu Tus face was full of amazement. After receiving Chen Mus confirmation, Lu Tu chopped with less force, fearing the meat juices might splatter on Chen Mu. The identity of an Alchemist still carried some weight. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. It took some time before Lu Tu finished chopping up four hundred dodges worth of pig and rabbit meat and loaded it into a large bamboo basket. After paying, Lu Tu, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke hesitantly: "Since youre an Alchemist and well-informed, do you know... do you know of any elixir that can cure hemorrhoids?" Fuck! I cant get over this hurdle today, can I?! Chen Mu picked up the basket and turned to leave. "Dont be in such a hurry, how about a 30% discount, and Ill deliver to your door?" Lu Tu shouted loudly. This made Chen Mu run even faster. ... Without the hindrance of the Rejuvenation Pill, his Condensing Aperture cultivation was unobstructed. He went to bed early and got up early every day, spending his time on the wooden building halfway up the mountain in a fulfilling and regular manner. One month later, deep in the night. In the Underground Secret Chamber. The glow algae within the Jade Sphere above his head cast a warm, gentle light, illuminating the chamber. The four pots of sea heart pine in the corner trembled slightly like breathing, freshening the air in the chamber. The bronze incense burner on the low table beside the soft couch released wisps of blue smoke. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in a translucent Linglong Path arena made of fish maw, his eyes tightly closed. At a certain moment, a sudden heat erupted from his chest, and it thumped as though muscles were twitching. Two silver threads chasing each other emerged, circling on his chests skin into a circle the size of a peanut. An inky black space suddenly appeared within it, where billows of black Mana swirled and materialized. Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes to see the gray walls. Netherworld Grand Summary: 65/10000/Third Rank; Inside the Jade, two hollow silver spheres, one inside the other, rotated slowly. Chen Mus face lit up with a smile. "I did it!" Chapter 358 - 351 Neighbors "Divine Orifice?" Chen Mu curiously fiddled with the silver ring on his chest. When he completed the first set of Condensing Aperture Talismans, his forehead also heated up and throbbed. But since the Spirit Armor Techniques Divine Orifice in his forehead didnt change much, he didnt pay too much attention to it. Now that he had completed the second set of Talismans, another Divine Orifice appeared on his chest. "So, Condensing Aperture is not only about condensing Talismans and Divine Orifices within the Jade Seed space but also about opening Divine Orifices to transform the body," Chen Mu soon understood after reflecting on the insights gained from the Proficiency of the Netherworld Grand Summary. The Divine Orifice on his chest had an internal space about the size of an egg. Invisible and intangible, yet it truly existed. Overlaid with his body, but not in the same dimension. "But isnt Mana supposed to be white?" Chen Mu looked at the swirling black fog-like Mana within the two Divine Orifices. "And these strange patterns too." Sun Wuhuan also cultivated the Netherworld Grand Summary, yet he bore no such silver patterns on his body. "Could this be because of the Five Ghosts Possession?" When possessed by the Five Ghosts, silvery patterns would faintly emerge on his skin. After pondering for a while and finding no explanation, and as the insights from the gray walls indicated no danger, Chen Mu set it aside and didnt worry about it. Instead, he began studying the Divine Orifice Talisman with great interest. Within the Jade Seed, two silver hollow spheres nested within each other, each rotating haphazardly. At the thought, the hollow silver spheres suddenly whirled rapidly. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! Suddenly, specks of starlight appeared around him. Then the specks quickly began to circle around him, spinning faster and faster, until finally they explosively connected into one piece. A pulling force suddenly enveloped his whole body, causing Chen Mus feet to slowly leave the ground, his entire being enveloped in a white sphere of light, levitating one and a half meters in the air. "Ha!" When he first arrived in Yunzhou, the first thing he saw after disembarking from the Tongtian River was the sight of Song Wujie, cloaked in Spiritual Light, soaring into the sky. He had decided then and there that he, too, must learn to do that no matter what. Now, after five and a half years, he had finally taken the first steps to fulfill that wish. "With two or three more layers of the Divine Orifice Talisman condensed, Ill be able to fly through the air just like Song Wujie." On a whim, Chen Mu flew around the Secret Chamber left and right, drawing circles for half an hour before reluctantly stopping. He emerged from the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu settled into a rocking chair beside the window. Holding a wooden cup of iced tea in his hand, he listened to the gentle splashing of a small waterfall not far outside the window, utterly at ease. "Just nine layers of Talismans, at most it would take three and a half years." "By then, Ill be able to fly through the sky as Song Wujie once did!" "By then, Ill be free to enter the Blue Abyss and wander from the North Sea to the evening shadows of the Cangwu Trees!" "By then, I could fly to the Red Sleeve Square and find a pretty girl to... ahem, listen to songs!" "I wonder if its the furry-eared singers who sound more sweet or if its the fluffy-tailed ones who resonate more melodiously. Never mind, Ill know when I hear them both at that time." Thinking this way, Chen Mu could hardly wait to get back into the Secret Chamber and continue his cultivation. After struggling to restrain himself for quite some time, he reluctantly settled back into the rocking chair with a sigh. He had just finished a session of cultivation, and the strain on his spirit was too great; his head was still buzzing, and he would need to wait until the afternoon to reenter a state of cultivation. As he pondered over the lunch menu, a cacophony of footsteps and voices suddenly reached his ears. Chen Mu emerged from his residence and looked towards the west side. "Got a new neighbor?" About two or three hundred meters away, there stood a wooden building. At this moment, four or five people were moving various pieces of furniture and household items in and out.@@@@ "Gotta be more careful from now on," Chen Mu frowned slightly. A two to three hundred meter distance was not far at all; it was all too easy to accidentally reveal some secrets to the other party. "Tonight, I should sink the secret chamber another ten meters down," Chen Mu thought to himself. "Perhaps I could also take a look at the Hundred Workshops Hall," he pondered with intent. The complex and vast mountain protection restrictions were forged by the Hundred Workshops Hall. There might just be some enchantments that could isolate the inside from the outside and create illusions. ... At dusk. Chen Mu had just had his dinner not long ago and was sitting by the windowsill, watching the scenery of a small waterfall to aid his digestion. "Elder Brother Liu, you must work hard so that the restriction is built soon, and I can be at ease sooner," Chen Mu thought cheerfully while playing with the Yang Judge Bone Sphere. In the following days, Chen Mu returned to his peaceful life, continuing to drink soup and cultivate his Condensing Aperture without interruption. He taught two classes a month and practiced making two batches of elixirs during his free time. His strength steadily increased, and he lived quite comfortably. Except occasionally missing the young ladies of Red Sleeve Square, he had no other worries. ... That day, Chen Mu finished his morning cultivation and sat by the window as usual, admiring the small waterfall not far away. He held a wooden tea cup in his hand, filled with ginger milk-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, sipping from time to time with great contentment. To maximize the effects, Chen Mu divided the days dosage into three parts. As a result of making it often, his Proficiency increased, and so did the variety of flavors. He had just eaten a bowl with hot and spicy soup flavor in the morning, and now he switched to ginger milk for noon. Sounds of familiar footsteps approached, soon followed by a knock on the door. Wang Heyuan? Why had the three of them come? Chen Mu stood up to welcome his three apprentices inside. Before Chen Mu could inquire, Wang Heyuan handed over a wooden box. Chen Mu, curious, opened it and found a box full of White Jade Coins. At a quick glance, there had to be at least a thousand. "This is..." Chen Mu looked puzzled. Wang Heyuan smiled widely, "This is a thank you gift for you." "We dont know what you need, so we can only offer some worldly items to express our gratitude, hope you wont look down on it." No, not looking down on it at all, who would think White Jade Coins were too many these days? But why give a gift for no reason at all? Suddenly, Chen Mu had a thought and looked at Wang Heyuan with surprise, "You guys..." "Please evaluate them, Elder Brother," Wang Heyuan and the others presented, each handing over an Elixir Pill mottled with black and white. Chen Mu instantly understood and began inspecting each one. "The Pill Furnace was too hot, the Qi Forbidden within unstable, you still need to practice the Wind Fire Pivot Charm." "The Essence of the Five Grains isnt pure, the Qi Absorbing Curse needs more refinement." "The Elixir Pills blend is lacking in smoothness, the Golden Bead Talisman is not yet complete..." Chen Mu pointed out several flaws in quick succession. Upon hearing this, the three faces turned red and they looked at Chen Mu while bowing, "Youre right, Elder Brother!" Ha... Chen Mu laughed softly. "There are many mistakes, but youve managed to make them anyway." "After the hardship comes the reward, you can now go to Pill Treasure Pavilion and take the Alchemist exam." "All thanks to Elder Brothers guidance!" The three apprentices were beaming with joy. The experience provided by Proficiency is still so reliable. Chen Mu waved his hand in pride, "I didnt do much to help; its all due to your own hard work." By now, Chen Mu also realized the intention of the three. "Are you planning to return to Jade Spring Mountain?" "Yes, we do need to change our status as soon as possible." The difference in status and income between an Alchemist Apprentice and an Alchemist was quite substantial. "But is the road safe?" Chen Mu remembered the rumors he had heard over the past few months. "Elder Brother might not be aware, as long as we avoid the vicinity of the Six Linked Mountains, there shouldnt be much problem," Wang Heyuan explained with a smile. "Recently those barbarians from East Ridge have been locked in a fierce battle with the Six Linked Mountains; its said they even sneaked up the mountain and caused quite some damage." "The attack on the transport team a while ago was affected by the situation near the Six Linked Mountains." "The area around Eagle Grief Cliff has been thoroughly cleaned by Elder Sun, oddly making it quite safe." "As long as the transports avoid the Six Linked Mountains, at most they encounter minor raids, and with the support from the Inspection Courtyard brothers, they cant do much harm." Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. Elder Sun really did a commendable job! But, no issues with transports now? Then why is Red Grass Hall still selling herbs at such high prices? Damn! That damn black-hearted shopkeeper ripped me off! Chapter 359 - 352: United as One "Im grateful that I received it, but you should take the White Jade back. It wasnt easy to accumulate so much," Chen Mu reluctantly pushed the wooden box back to Wang Heyuan. Originally, he only taught to avoid the forced assignment. Although the White Jade was tempting, he never intended to earn Daoist Cultivation by teaching, and thus it didnt seem right to take the hard-earned money of the three. Seeing Chen Mus genuine attitude, Wang Heyuan was quite moved. With a solemn face, he pushed back the wooden box, "Senior brother, please accept it by all means." To put Chen Mu at ease, Wang Heyuan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Senior brother need not worry about us, acquiring this White Jade wasnt difficult." The White Jade wasnt difficult to come by? What a boastful claim! Did you rob the storeroom of the Administrative Affairs Institute or what? Wang Heyuan clenched his teeth and said, "Theres a fat man who has been secretly buying the Essence of the Five Grains at three times the price of the Administrative Affairs Institute. So, we just..." "Wait a minute? Did you say a fat man? Is that man bald?!" Jia Tian, the little prince? Has the little fatty expanded his smuggling business so quickly? "Thats not the case," Wang Heyuan shook his head. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. He then couldnt help but be amazed. These people were indeed audacious. Even now, with the cultivators of East Ridge locked in a fierce struggle with other courtyards, they dared to do business with the opposition, showing no regard for the Inspection Courtyard at all. After all, Jia Tian did know him. If anything went wrong, he might even be dragged into it. Fortunately, that wasnt the case! When Wang Heyuan saw that Chen Mu was interested and showed no unusual expression, he cautiously asked, "Senior brother doesnt blame us? That fat man collected the Essence of the Five Grains, probably to sell to East Ridge..." Chen Mu immediately interrupted with a serious gesture, "We dont know at all who he sold it to!" Wang Heyuan was taken aback, then his face broke into a smile as he repeatedly nodded, "Haha! Senior brother is right!" Chen Mu also laughed heartily, making money, not shameful at all.@@@@ Back in Da Liang, he had also made counterfeit Elixir Pills for money, not exactly an honorable method when speaking of it. The atmosphere lightened up, and the three no longer had tense expressions. Wang Heyuan sighed casually, "That small-eyed fat man is truly bold, daring to engage in such business..." A small-eyed fat man? Chen Mu tensed up all over! "Did you say the fat man had small eyes?" "Have you seen him, senior brother? That man indeed has distinct features, a big face with small eyes, tall and fat. His eyes are already small, and when he laughs, they get squeezed shut by his chubby cheeks, leaving an unforgettable impression," Wang Heyuan said cheerfully. Can it be?! "Do you know that persons name?" Chen Mu asked, still hoping. "They say his name is Gongsun Bai." Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! He was indeed powerful, but he was also truly cautious. Would he agree to Shang Huans brazen acts? "He agreed to you selling Exploration Magical Instruments?" Wu Ruo asked, her face gentle yet questioning. Hearing this, Chen Mu, who was still empathically connected, felt his scalp tingle with shock. He had heard the unscrupulous owner of Red Grass Hall babble about someone selling Exploration Magical Instruments to the cultivators of East Ridge. At the time, Chen Mu thought he had already warned Shang Huan, so it was definitely not him. But damn it, it really was him! The commotion in East Ridge was partly this damn fattys fault?! If the Inspection Courtyard traces back to him, before Sun Jian gets a chance to act, the other courtyard would have already killed him! "Big sister, if Mr. Gongsun didnt agree, how would I dare to sell Exploration Magical Instruments?" Shang Huan quickly tried to explain carefully. "Mr. Gongsuns words are always concise and profound. I listen carefully, reflect on them, and at last, I understood," Shang Huan said proudly, "He forbade me from selling the Wood Spirit Boy, but as for the rest... anything goes!" The first half Ill acknowledge, but how the hell did you comprehend the second half?! And youre proud of it?! Seven Souls Return to Origin! Then, with a smile still on his face, Shang Huans eyes rolled back and he abruptly fainted. The six siblings of Wu Mountain instantly froze on the spot. ... Inside the wooden building, beneath the windowsill. Chen Mu watched the waterfall outside with a vacant gaze, the freshly brewed coconut milk coffee Replenishing Origin Soup no longer appealing. Since escaping Cold Moon Mountain together, the six siblings of Wu Mountain had become aware of Gongsun Shengs true identity. And from the Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River onwards, Shang Huan had been in contact with him. If anything were to go wrong with either side, he would not be free of trouble himself. Make them stay at home and not go anywhere? Impossible! All cultivators in the world strive for wealth and cultivation with courage and competition. Those people would not be content with mediocrity like him. "Ah... not one worry-free!" Chen Mu sighed. "I can only often activate the United Heart Curse to check on them." No matter if they were good or bad, he couldnt possibly forcefully interfere with their actions. Even if he did intervene, they were unlikely to heed his words. Just like Shang Huans reading comprehension that seemed learned from a monster. Just like when the six siblings of Wu Mountain in Lower Courtyard of Tongtian River, despite knowing his dislike and aware of the empathic sensing of the United Heart Curse, still dared to indulge in oppressive deeds behind his back. "If it really comes to a critical moment, to avoid being implicated, perhaps..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. He had the United Heart Lock, and his cultivation of the United Heart Curse was nearly at Perfection, the Ninth Rank. If he wished to keep his identity secret, humph... Chapter 360 - 353 bonus East Ridge became increasingly chaotic, and it was said that traps surrounded the area around the six connected mountains. The cultivators of East Ridge set up poisonous insects and miasmas, continuously launching ambushes and plundering, nearly isolating the six connected mountains. If it wasnt for the lack of a powerful figure leading East Ridge, perhaps they would have already conquered the six connected mountains. By contrast, Eagle Grief Cliff turned out to be unexpectedly stable and peaceful. And after the transport team left the vicinity of the six connected mountains, they encountered fewer and fewer attacks. The unscrupulous manager of Red Grass Hall even began to voluntarily drop prices. ...@@@@ One month later. At the Market Fortress in the Northern District below Eagle Grief Cliff. Listening to the chopping sound of meat beside his ear, Chen Mu stared blankly at the fresh exotic beast meat on the cutting board. Shang Huan and the six siblings of Wu Mountain mingled together, trading healing precious medicine made from the Essence of the Five Grains for talismans and doing business with the mountain folks of East Ridge. They bartered goods, exchanging for a large amount of urgently needed supplies such as pigs, rabbits, deer antlers, and black sheep for Eagle Grief Cliff, and surprisingly, the business thrived for the moment. Even the exotic beast meat that Chen Mu needed daily for concocting Replenishing Origin Soup came through Shang Huans channels. "Now its even harder to stop the other party," sighed Chen Mu. Accepting favors makes ones hands short. His own need for the exotic beast meat had inadvertently become one of the reasons encouraging Shang Huan to continue smuggling. Chen Mu gave a wry smile. "Fortunately, Shang Huan is careful enough and hasnt caused any trouble." "And it seems that no one knows its just Shang Huan alone doing this business, as long as one is careful, there likely wont be any problems," Chen Mu thought with slight relief. After paying forty-five White Jade Coins, Chen Mu carried away three hundred jin of deer antler black sheep meat and left the Northern District. Instead of immediately returning to the mountain as usual, he strolled leisurely to the Embroidered Garment Pavilion in the Southern District. The manager of the Embroidered Garment Pavilions branch at Eagle Grief Cliff was a middle-aged woman dressed in red. Upon seeing Chen Mu, a smile immediately appeared on her face. "Pill Master Chen, your timing is impeccable." "Just this morning, the outfit you ordered was delivered here from the main branch of the Embroidered Garment Pavilion," she said as she took a cloth-wrapped package from under the counter. "Inner garments, outer robes, belt, brocade boots the entire set is made from Star Sand Silver threads. Warm in winter, cool in summer, durable and tough..." The red-dressed manager went on and on with her explanation. Chen Mu casually touched the grey cross-collared strong suit, a look of excitement mixed with a tinge of regret in his eyes. Star Sand Silver threads were strong yet flexible, able to endure multiple times the stretching without breaking, making them very suitable for the Five Ghosts Possession technique. But this stuff was expensive. A month ago, Chen Mu unexpectedly received a thank you gift of White Jade from his three apprentices. Overjoyed, he spent it the next day. Now that he had received the clothing, the excitement in Chen Mu was accompanied by a bit of regret. Totally lacking restraint, it was just fifteen hundred White Jade Coins anyway, not even as expensive as a bottle of Rejuvenation Pills, so whats there to regret! "Can I get a discount?" Chen Mu asked earnestly. "Pill Master Chen, this is already the lowest price. The materials are expensive, and we had to invite a brother from the Hundred Workshops Hall to bless them with a secret technique; it really cant get any cheaper," the woman in red said with a look of difficulty, and then flattered him: "But you are an Alchemist, just refining a few more batches of pills will earn it back in no time." Indeed, with his alchemy skills, it was just a matter of concocting more Fasting Pills. "Who would dare to offend White Jade?" Shang Huan slapped the wooden chest in front of him, unconcerned. The Wu Mountain siblings exchanged glances. Discover stories with novelhall.Co?m It seemed indeed possible! The other party, after all, was someone who had dared to lend money at high interest rates to Song Wujie from the Oversight Courtyard. He would certainly like White Jade Coins. "With business expanding, the envious eyes multiply. Even if Mr. Gongsun dislikes trouble, isnt there still Master Yuanmeng, Lu Zhishen?" Shang Huan said with confidence. You want to drag Master Yuanmeng, Lu Zhishen into this too? Master Yuanmeng also damn well dislikes trouble! Chen Mu, just as he was tapping into his sensory connection, couldnt help but wear a dark expression on his face. Sensing the connection, Shang Huan immediately pulled out a smile that was one-third respectful, one-third boasting of his achievements, and one-third ingratiating, brimming with pride as he said, "Mr. Gongsun, Ive come to bring you your share of the profits!" Then he flipped open the wooden chest in front of him, revealing a heap of White Jade that caught their eyes. Chen Mu took a sharp breath of cold air. In that chest, there were at least eight or nine thousand pieces of White Jade. He had only a total of thirty-six thousand plus pieces of White Jade on him, this was almost catching up to a quarter of his worth! "Business has been slow recently, this is all I could bring, but next month therell be more!" Shang Huan said with a big grin. A feeling of tightness seized Chen Mus chest. This is considered a small amount? Are you kidding me?! After taking several deep breaths, Chen Mu regained his composure, and couldnt help but marvel, "The trades written in the penal code are indeed damn profitable!" Its a pity he couldnt take it. He hadnt done anything to deserve a share of the profits C this was Shang Huans lifeline! "This damned fatso has even learned how to manage upwards!" If he greedily accepted it, even if he didnt protect Shang Huan, he would have to protect this source of wealth. "Its still not safe," Chen Mu sighed. Eagle Grief Cliff had been cleared by Sun Jian, there couldnt be so many cultivators around. Chen Mu speculated that the goods sold by merchants like Shang Huan were all transported to the Six Lian Mountains! In the long run, the other courts would surely start to investigate and take action. "So much White Jade Money!" Chen Mus face twisted with pain. If he had all this White Jade Money, he would have dared to drink a bowl of Replenishing Origin Soup and then pour another away! "I cant keep looking," Chen Mu warned himself. Yet, thinking about the fifteen to sixteen hundred White Jade he had just spent in the afternoon, his heart pained even more. Its all damn Shang Huans fault! The damned fatso even dared to test me with White Jade! Seven Souls Return to Origin, Seven Souls Return to Origin... Shang Huan, who was cheerfully recounting his thrilling smuggling operations, suddenly passed out. The Wu Mountain siblings, living not too far away, were not spared either. Chen Mu sent them all a collective fainting package. If Im not feeling well, youre not going to have it easy! Chapter 361 - 354: The Giant Spirit "Having the White Jade within grasp but too timid to take it, really pathetic!" Chen Mu muttered with a face full of regret. After a moments thought, he shook his head, "Forget it, after all, Condensing Aperture is more important." The Sun Family was still looking for him, both openly and in secret. If he got involved with people like Shang Huan, he would certainly be investigated. Just like the neighbor, Liu Hongyang, who was merely suspected and ended up being detained on Jade Spring Mountain for half a year, questioned over and over. "At that time, Id have no choice but to flee." The key point was that he might not even be able to escape. Based on what happened to Liu Hongyang, Sun Jians interest in the gourd sword box seemed to exceed all expectations. Chen Mu sat on the soft couch in the secret chamber, frowning deeply, "I cannot keep in contact with Shang Huan and the others any longer, and if any trouble arises, it must be dealt with promptly!" ... On the west side of the mountainside of Eagle Grief Cliff, Inspection Courtyard. Inside a small building with black tiles, grey windows, and white walls. Deputy Prefect Zhao Shaoyuan sat by the window on the second floor and after a long while said indifferently, "That business cannot be done anymore." Standing behind him, Prefect Li Dechaos expression changed, "Prefect, last month we made nearly fifty thousand White Jade, are we really not doing it?"@@@@ Zhao Shaoyuans brow furrowed slightly, "Stop it!" "Prefect, who is blocking our money path?!" Li Dechaos face was full of ferocity. Zhao Shaoyuan turned and glared at him, "What, are you thinking of finding trouble with Elder Hu?" "The Elder Hu on the mountain top?" Li Dechaos neck immediately shrank, but his face still carried a reluctant probing. "We are just trading with the local mountain folk, its a sign of our court integrating into the local powers of East Ridge." "Is Elder Hu...perhaps being too meddlesome?" Zhao Shaoyuan glanced at him, "The trouble on Liulian Mountain is getting worse." "It used to be bartering, now its aiding the enemy." "Stop it as soon as possible." Li Dechao could only nod reluctantly. "Dont be foolish," Zhao Shaoyuan cautioned, "Elder Hu asked me to catch a few typical suspects to make an example, do you want to be that chicken?" "I dare not, I dare not..." Li Dechao shook his head repeatedly. Suddenly, his eyes rolled, and with a sneaky smile, he said, "Since the elder assigned you to catch these smugglers, about those confiscated goods..." Zhao Shaoyuans mouth curved slightly, "Youre finally showing a bit of intelligence." Li Dechao was immediately overjoyed, "No wonder you previously told me to suppress the reports about Lu the butcher and others." "I was thinking, those people are stealing our business, why let them off so easily. Haha, so it turns out..." Zhao Shaoyuan nodded with a smile, "In the end, this business is treading a fine line, of course, we need to prepare several scapegoats." "Besides, pigs and rabbits are worth more when they fatten up." "Prefect Gao Ming!" Li Dechaos face showed admiration. "Giant Spirit Divine..." In the past, he had drawn this talisman into the Jade Seed to deceive Sun Chengye. But after its use, since he was busy with Condensing Aperture cultivation and had no time to practice, Chen Mu shoved the talisman back in unchanged. "Sun Chengye said that this secret technique consumes a lot and the more resources invested, the stronger it becomes." "Such a wonderful method that can increase strength and reduce fat, its time to start practicing it." Giant Spirit Divine! The silver talisman shone brilliantly. Mana mixed with the power of vitality began a transformation. A large, dark red shadow slowly emerged behind him in mid-air. With a thought, the dark red shadow drilled into his arms. A vigorous force suddenly surged into his arms, causing his skin to darken into a reddish black. Chen Mu instinctively raised his arms to check and immediately felt a lightness wash over him. It was as if he had donned a layer of exoskeleton armor; with external support, swinging his arms and throwing punches became three times easier. Bang! Discover hidden stories at novelhall.Co?m Just by lightly clenching his fists, the air burst with a pop. "The strength is increasing!" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. It wasnt much, but he could clearly feel the enhancement. It was hard to quantify with specific data, but since he could feel it, the effect was definitely significant. "And this is just the first use. If I raise the Rank and use it after triggering Five Ghosts Possession, then..." Chen Mus eyes narrowed. "This Secret Technique really complements Five Ghosts Possession perfectly!" He immediately began to cultivate continuously. After performing the technique more than ten times, a new line appeared on the gray wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 9976/10000/Second Rank; "Ai Ji is no good, stuck at Second Rank," Chen Mu scoffed. If that guy could have cultivated Perceptive Spirit Light, this secret technique would have already advanced to Third Rank. "Tsk tsk... cant reap a huge benefit this time," Chen Mu shook his head. "Should I copy over the secret techniques of the remaining three now, or should I let them grind it out for me?" he pondered uncertainly. The smuggling business done by the seven people was booming, it was a pity it could only be done at noon. Because come evening, they were done for! If one day that suddenly stopped, wouldnt he lose out on three secret technique experience packs? After careful consideration, Chen Mu suppressed his impulse: "Wait, just wait a little longer!" "Lu Ku, Yu Lin, and Wu Ruo have all cultivated their Spiritual Light." "Delaying the harvest by one day might yield hundreds or even thousands more experience!" Chapter 362 - 355 Encirclement Eagle Grief Cliff, twenty li to the southwest, within a dense forest covered by trees as tall as fifteen or sixteen floors. Coughing and grunting sounds grew from distant to near. Hundreds of sturdy black goats, with antlers as tall as a man, ambled over. Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m Shang Huan rode astride a black goat, his face clouded with worry, "We cant do this business anymore." Sitting on the back of the black goat as well, the six siblings of Wu Mountain simultaneously turned their heads, causing Shang Huans whole body to tense up. Shang Huan tried not to look at the others, addressing only Lu Ku, "Brother, the rumors lately seem quite troubling." "Someones investigating us? Lets kill them," Ai Ji said indifferently. Shang Huan shook his head with a bitter smile, "Its precisely because theres been no probing that I feel somethings off." "Since we started this business, there have always been people snooping around, both openly and in secret." "But recently, these people have suddenly disappeared; thats not normal." "Its very likely that people with even stronger abilities have intervened, aiming to wipe us out in one fell swoop!" Lu Ku pondered, "Inspection Courtyard?" "Impossible, were serving at the Inspection Courtyard, and I havent heard of any major operations," Ai Ji scratched his head. "Then lets stop for a while," Lu Ku decided on the spot.@@@@ Shang Huan sighed with relief, "Brother, youre wise." "It may also be that Im worrying over nothing. But without Mr. Gongsun backing us up, if something really does happen, were in trouble," Shang Huan said with a wry smile. The others couldnt help but nod in agreement. Just as they were each absorbed in their thoughts, Shi Xian suddenly spoke up, "Someones here! Its Li Dechao from the Inspection Courtyard!" Their faces changed instantly. "Behind him... Zhao Shaoyuan?!" The usually calm Shi Xians face turned pale. Lu Kus pupils dilated abruptly, "Run!" ... In a secret chamber twenty meters below the middle of Eagle Grief Cliff, Accompanied by a series of urgent incantations, a dark red phantom roughly the size of three basketballs appeared behind Chen Mu. "It should cover both arms and the chest area." He turned around to scrutinize the phantom carefully. Whether it was an illusion or not, Chen Mu always felt like the phantom somewhat resembled a human head. As he continued to cultivate, the mana and essence he invested were like small pieces of a puzzle, gradually filling and completing an image akin to a colossal divine statue. Giant Spirit Divine? Chen Mu thought to himself. "Ill know the specific results once its applied." Chen Mu shook his head, dismissing the thought, and looked up at the grey wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 3916/10000/Third Rank; "Whether or not advancing in rank is irrelevant, the most important thing is, the love handles are gone!" Chen Mu lifted his shirt, satisfied as he looked at his sculpted abs. "If I could go back to my previous life, just flaunting this weight loss achievement could easily lead me to financial freedom." "By then, Id be spending every day in clubs with... cough, right?" Recently, there had been several mysterious deaths at Eagle Grief Cliff, the victims appearing as if theyd been drained. The injuries were remarkably similar to those Li Dechao had sustained. He never expected that capturing a smuggler would bring such an unexpected discovery. Ai Ji was lying on the ground, one half of his upwards-facing face covered in blood. With one eye tilted upwards, he mockingly locked gaze with Zhao Shaoyuan, his mouth grinning to reveal blood-stained teeth: "Ha!" "Heh... still a tough nut to crack," Zhao Shaoyuan chuckled lightly, "I think these people are the secret pawns of the East Ridge Barbarians; what do you say?" Li Dechao immediately sneered, "Ha! Then they definitely are secret pawns!" He hadnt expected Ai Ji and the others to conceal three individuals with Perceptive Spirit Light. Just a momentary distraction allowed one of them to use a secret technique to suck away the blood essence from his left hand. "Just break their limbs; well take them back for a thorough interrogation," Zhao Shaoyuan said indifferently. He was soon enveloped in a pale blue light, lightly stepping on treetops and branches as he leaped into the distance! "Dont worry, Prefect, Ill definitely make him spill everything about his ancestry!" Li Dechao laughed heartily. He then approached Ai Ji and with a few snaps, brutally crushed his limbs. "Well take our time having fun," Li Dechao leaned down, face full of malice, "Not just you, but also the wench who ruined my left hand." "Your relatives, your friends, everyone you knowIll catch them one by one and, right in front of you, give them a proper greeting!" With that, he reached out to grab Ai Ji by the neck, ready to carry him away. But in the next moment, a dark red apparition, about the size of three human heads, suddenly materialized behind Ai Ji. Li Dechaos pupils shrank suddenly. Not good! He had just begun to leap upwards with force. Thats when Ai Ji, who had been lying on the ground like a dead dog, suddenly flipped over. With a frenzied smile on his face, he viciously jabbed his blood-red, freshly broken right forearm bone, which was protruding through the skin, towards Li Dechaos eye socket. Li Dechao quickly got up and tilted his head back. Pu! His eye was unharmed, but half of his neck was punctured rotten! Instinctively, Li Dechao kicked Ai Ji away with his foot. But as Ai Jis figure tumbled through the air, it slowed as if sinking into a quagmire, until it finally came to a halt, suspended midair! A cloud of black smoke emerged beside Ai Ji, and a figure draped in a black robe with a white mask floated into view. "How do you like the Third Rank Giant Spirit Divine?" Chen Mu asked with a light chuckle under the mask. "Haha... its freaking awesome!" Ai Ji stiffly threw back his neck, staring viciously at Li Dechao, who was nearly decapitated. "The heart of man is unfathomable," Chen Mu sighed. He hadnt intended to show himself, but these people were scheming further connections?! And they even made up some story about secret pawns of East Ridge Barbarians? For the sake of maximizing benefits? Heh... Greed! Pu! The Moon Blades dark light flashed, and as it appeared behind Li Dechao, the remaining half of his neck was cleanly severed. The black smoke, like a swarm of ants, rushed onto Li Dechaos body, devouring it entirely in the blink of an eye. Chapter 363 - 356 Gathering Heart Nail In the dense forest. The corpulent Shang Huan, as light on his feet as if they were fitted with springs, lightly tapped the ground and suddenly shot forward. He resembled a colossal yet agile ball bouncing throughout the forest, darting through the complex terrain, advancing rapidly. The next moment, his complexion underwent a sudden change, and his rotund figure shifted abruptly half a meter to the left without any warning. Whoosh! A jet-black stream of light grazed his right arm as it flew past. The wind it carried, sharp as a blade, easily tore through his sleeve. A pale blue stream of light descended from the sky, crashing right in front of Shang Huan. The blast of air rolled, lifting bits of leaves. Zhao Shaoyuan looked at Shang Huan with surprise, "You actually dodged the Earth Core Ghost Iron Gathering Heart Nail?" Shang Huans eyes widened, and his heart suddenly sank to the pits. Damn it! Before he could get a clear view of the newcomer, a black light pierced through his chest. But in the next moment, the Shang Huan with the pierced chest dissipated into nothingness. He appeared two meters away, gasping for breath. "Eh?" "Youve practiced the Divine Travel Technique? No wonder you ran the farthest," Zhao Shaoyuan realized. He casually raised his hand, the black light swirling, a jet-black spike as long as a palm and thick as a carrot emerged in his palm. "Wait! Wait!" Shang Huan shouted in panic, "Whatever you want, Ill give it to you. Whatever you want to know, Ill tell you!" Zhao Shaoyuan raised an eyebrow, "Really?" "Truly, truly, truly!" Shang Huan nodded as if pounding garlic. "I dont want to listen!" Zhao Shaoyuan said coldly. The black light in the air vanished in a flash. Shang Huans figure shattered once more, reappearing two meters to the right, his face deathly pale. With a look of disdain, Zhao Shaoyuan said, "Your six companions are all tough nuggets, beaten half to death but not uttering a word. You think youd tell the truth?" He then assumed an I-have-already-seen-through-your-lies expression, "Youre trying to confuse me with false information, huh? Ha!" Shang Huan: "..." Im genuinely trying to surrender! Whoosh! A low whooshing sound accompanied the black light quickly enlarging before Shang Huans eyes. F*ck! With your IQ, how the hell did you become the vice director of the Inspection Courtyard? "You cant touch me!" Shang Huan yelled at the top of his lungs while rapidly dodging, "Im telling you, I have a backer! If you lay a hand on me, youre done too!" "A backer?" Zhao Shaoyuan appeared indifferent, "Ha! I dont believe it!" Wooo wooo wooo... Would you f*cking listen first before you act! Maybe were on the same side! Shang Huan cursed bitterly in his heart, his neck flushed red. But a moment of distraction caused him to step on a pile of broken leaves, feeling a slight slipperiness underfoot, and his complexion changed drastically. Damn! Before he could adjust his stance, the Gathering Heart Nail had already appeared in front of his chest. Instinctively, he closed his eyes. His mind was filled with regret. I should never have taken this deal. So much White Jade not yet enjoyed, not to mention the earnings, now my life is at stake too! Bang! The next moment, the blue light burst! Chen Mus vision blurred, his heart skipped a half beat from the fright! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, Spiritual Light Armor, and a flurry of other abilities were all activated in desperation. As his muscles tensed all over his body, bracing for the impact. He saw Zhao Shaoyuan across from him, whose fierce momentum turned into a skyrocketing monkey, soaring into the sky enveloped in the obscure blue flame. In the blink of an eye, he became a small blue dot in the sky. Chen Mu: "..." "He... he ran away?!" Shang Huan stood there, dumbfounded. Under the mask, Chen Mu was at a loss for words. I didnt see that coming... All those fierce words just now, were you just performing for me?! I thought it was some sort of powerful move, but it turned out to be just a skyrocketing monkey? Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his teeth, your Gathering Heart Nail actually is quite something! Experience more tales on novelhall.Co?m ... Ten miles away in the sky. Zhao Shaoyuan, shrouded in obscure blue flames, was pale as paper, rapidly depleting his Mana, but dared not stop for a moment. The Gathering Heart Nail was his biggest reliance. Yet he was utterly powerless against his opponent. He would be foolish to stay and grapple to death. "That guy must be connected to those seven smugglers. As long as I report this to Elder Hu, we can track down the masked man," Zhao Shaoyuan thought to himself, elated. This was a significant achievement! Then he looked ahead to see the tip of the Gathering Heart Nail that was breaking through the air, carrying him at high speed; it had cracked without him noticing when. It pained Zhao Shaoyuan to the core. "How could that Jet-black Moon Blade be so sharp? Just a few clashes and my Gathering Heart Nail..." "I must make the Sun Family compensate for this loss, double!" "And that masked man!" "You wait for me. When I get back to the mountain and find Elder Hu, when I catch your true form, Ill see how I deal with you!" As he was lost in his fantasies, a faint sound of ghostly wailing and wolf howling suddenly reached his ears. Zhao Shaoyuan hurriedly looked back but saw no figure. Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, a strange whining noise suddenly intensified from above. He quickly looked up. And saw a four-and-a-half-meter-tall giant breaking through the clouds, coming into view. The giant had indigo skin, muscles like coiling dragons, and a pair of blood-red eyes that looked like a fiends! He held a three-meter-long crescent black blade high between his hands. Amidst billowing black smoke, like a meteor from outer space, it crashed down right in front of him. Zhao Shaoyuan just managed to pull back the Gathering Heart Nail in front of his face. Whoosh! A flash of black light. The Gathering Heart Nail was instantly cleaved in two. Zhao Shaoyuans eyes widened in disbelief. Thud! He was instantly split into two halves. Blood splattered, but before it could disperse, it was enveloped and devoured by a mass of black smoke in the blink of an eye. Chen Mus figure rapidly shrank, activated the Great Escape Technique at full power, with a whining wail, he slashed through the white clouds in the sky and instantly rushed into the dense forest of East Ridge and disappeared. Chapter 364 - 357: Capturing Souls and Returning to the Origin Beneath Eagle Grief Cliff, in the northern district of Market Fortress. Lu Tu, the butcher, hugged a massive, spicy pig-rabbit head, his face glistening with grease as he gnawed on it. "Those fellows should be done for by now," Lu Tu thought to himself with eager anticipation. "All I wanted was to earn a bit more White Jade Coins. When you see the Netherworlds Mingjun, dont curse me for being sneaky." Thinking of the large stockpile of Exotic Beast Meat he had amassed, Lu Tu couldnt help but feel thrilled. He had reported all the groups that bought Exotic Beasts from the mountain people of East Ridge as smugglers and traitors. Once these people were caught, the meat prices at Eagle Grief Cliff would skyrocket immediately. "Once I make a killing on this, Ill retreat back to Jade Spring Mountain." "With that White Jade, Ill have enough to peacefully cultivate for two years." "Once Ive broken through illusions and trained in Mana, hmph hmph..." Creak...@@@@ He was lost in his thoughts when the faint sound of a door hinge suddenly reached his ears. Lu Tus heart tensed, and as he turned his head, he saw a billow of black smoke pouring into the room. His scalp went numb instantly, and he instinctively threw the pig-rabbit head towards the black smoke. Then, with a whoosh, he sprang up, his corpulent body agile as a rabbits, shooting straight toward the window. Just as he was about to break through the window, a figure emerged from within the black smoke out of thin air. Wu Ruo grabbed Lu Tus right ankle in one swift motion, yanking him back and slamming him violently onto the floor. Bang! The green brick floor instantly shattered. She looked at Lu Tu with an expressionless face as if he were a pig-rabbit waiting to be slaughtered. Capturing Essence to Revitalize! Lu Tu only felt intense pain in his ankle; a ferocious suction force stemming from his right foot spread quickly throughout his body. In the blink of an eye, he felt as though he had fallen into a nest of leeches, as if countless blood-sucking parasites were piercing his skin, greedily sucking and swallowing his blood. Lu Tu convulsed violently like a fish out of water. He instinctively opened his mouth to scream, but after his throat moved twice, his entire body deflated like a punctured balloon, from a fat man with a face full of flesh to a skinny stick figure of skin and bones. After twitching a couple of times, he was completely lifeless. Chen Mu entered the room, and seeing Lu Tu turn into a dried-up corpse in an instant, his eyelid twitched. Then, looking at Wu Ruo, who still appeared as composed as a gentle big sister, the skin beneath his mask involuntarily began to twitch. "What a ruthless person!" Crack! A crisp sound caught Chen Mus attention. The recently dismembered Ai Ji on Yu Lins back was now on his feet. Continue your adventure with novelhall.Co?m If he hadnt been so low-profile, he definitely would have been worshipped to the skies by the disciples of Jilong Road! Even the proud six siblings couldnt help but marvel, privately feeling that falling into the hands of such a person was no injustice. Even so, they had never connected him with the mysterious person wanted by the Sun Family. Perhaps there was a moment they entertained the thought, but their rationality quickly dismissed it. They knew he was an Alchemist with Illusion Breaking Cultivation, with trump cards and great strength. But they never thought he could be compared with Sun Jian, after all, that was a Condensing Aperture expert. But now... "Although I tried to estimate as high as possible, it seems I still underestimated him," Wu Ruo said, shaking his head in sigh. "All I know is that his United Heart Curse has grown stronger," Lu Ku said calmly, his eyes, however, holding a hint of bitterness. The six fell into silence unanimously. "How come you only realized now that the mysterious person is Mr. Gongsun?" Shang Huan asked the Wu Mountain siblings with a puzzled face. The six were taken aback at his words. Because they knew the real identity of Gongsun Sheng, they had naturally assumed that it wasnt him. Shang Huan, unaware of Chen Mus identity, had guessed early on that Gongsun Sheng was the mysterious person. "Isnt it normal for Mr. Gongsun to be that powerful?" Shang Huan said matter-of-factly, "If he didnt have that confidence, I wouldnt dare to do business with the barbarians of East Ridge." He then looked at the Wu Mountain siblings with a suspicious face, "Isnt this easy to guess?" To Shang Huan, these brothers and sisters usually acted so high and mighty, but now... tsk tsk... they werent that smart! The six siblings: "..." This fatsos gaze is so annoying. He really freaking deserves a beating! And so, Wu Ruo looked at Shang Huan with a pleasant face, using a magnetic voice to speak with a smile, "Little fatty, theres something Im very curious about." "You knew how formidable Mr. Gongsun was, so why did you dare to betray?" "Dont try to argue; I shared Vital Energy with United Heart Gu and gained some shared sensations. So, whatever you said when you were caught, I could hear it," Wu Ruo said with a smile. Shang Huan quickly explained, "I just wanted to bring up Elder Liang Yi to scare Zhao Shaoyuan." "Who would have thought that Zhao Shaoyuan was crazy and wouldnt listen to anything, not even letting me speak." "Is that what you planned?" Wu Ruo feigned sudden realization, then continued with an undiminished smile, "But Mr. Gongsun doesnt know that." "He only heard that you seemed eager to disclose your powerful backers happily." "Heh..." At that moment, Shang Huan felt as if an electric current had passed through his body, as if his hair was about to stand on end! Im freaking considered a traitor now?! Damn it! Chapter 365 - 358 News ``` Two days later. Thirty miles southwest of Eagle Grief Cliff. Groups of grey-clothed Patrolling Inspectors diligently searched through the thick forest. After quite some time, Yu Liu, who had just been appointed as the Deputy Prefect of the Inspection Courtyard, briskly approached a particular large tree. His body flashed with Spiritual Light as he nimbly leaped to the very top of the tree, which was as tall as a six- or seven-story building. At the top of the canopy, a man in his forties quietly stood. He was balancing on the tip of a tree leaf, remaining motionless no matter how the canopy swayed as if he were a rock in the sea. Yu Liu steadied himself on a tree branch the thickness of a finger and respectfully clasped his hands in salute. "Hu Elder, the scene has been severely disturbed, we cant find anything." "I fear that Zhao, the Deputy Prefect, and those three teams of inspectors have met with more misfortune than fortune." Hu Changqing gently twirled his beard and muttered to himself, "Retaliation?" His intention in having Zhao Shaoyuan investigate smuggling was to crack down on independent operators, to facilitate his future consolidation and management. Yet as soon as they started, the man disappeared. "Did someone else from the other Courtyard interfere with the trade at Eagle Grief Cliff?" "Someone is daring to steal business right under my nose?" A cold light flashed in Hu Changqings eyes. This was someone throwing sand in the gears of his domain! "Its time to clean up Eagle Grief Cliff." While pondering plans to exclude and cleanse, a stout figure suddenly shot up the tree trunk. The figure, with an honest and naive-looking face, bowed respectfully and then said in a deep voice, "Elder, Deputy Prefect, weve found something!" He then turned his hands over, holding up a sparrow-sized bird high above his head. The birds feathers were grey and lackluster, its body shriveled, and its hind legs gnawed away by some small creature, revealing a stark white skeleton. Strangely, the muscles attached to the skeleton were neither bloody nor rotting, but instead showed a fresh and bright brownish-red hue, resembling cured meat! Hu Changqings expression changed at the sight. He made a beckoning motion, and the bird was drawn into the air in front of him. "All of its blood and essence have been drained. The Witch Gu Curse Killing Secret Technique of the East Ridge Barbarians?!" He couldnt help but think of the more than ten bizarre deaths on Eagle Grief Cliff. "Could it be that Zhao Shaoyuans disappearance wasnt due to the marketplace deals, but because he stumbled upon something he shouldnt have seen and was silenced?!" A frown immediately marred Hu Changqings brow. "Is someone scheming over Eagle Grief Cliff? Just like what happened with Mist Smoke Mountain." The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt in his heart. The protective great formation of Eagle Grief Cliff was not yet fully established! "Yu Liu, leave a team to continue the search, everyone else must return to Eagle Grief Cliff immediately to investigate those Witch Gu Curse Killing cases first!" The death of Zhao Shaoyuan was no longer important. Hu Changqing placed greater importance on the security of Eagle Grief Cliff. As the head of the Oversight Courtyard, as long as he could ensure the safety of Eagle Grief Cliff, why worry about not earning White Jade Money? Yu Liu immediately responded loudly and jumped down from the tree to summon people to leave. Before leaving, he patted the arm of the naive-looking man with satisfaction, "Yu Lin, well done!" "Shi Xian seems to be at... the Inspection Courtyard!" A problem arose?! He immediately concentrated to listen closely. The more he listened, the more peculiar his expression became. The six siblings of Wu Mountain are inspectors of the Inspection Courtyard? Yu Lin has become the Prefect of ten? The new Deputy Courtyard Master entrusted the main force of the Wu Mountain siblings to investigate the disappearance of Zhao Shaoyuan? This... letting the murderer investigate the murderer?! Chen Mu: "..." "That Deputy Courtyard Master really has an eye for talent, huh." "Ha!" ... Half a month later. The weather grew colder, and even snowflakes started drifting atop the summit of Eagle Grief Cliff. By the mountainside waterfall, inside Chen Mus wooden building, it was as warm as spring. The flames in the stove roared loudly, heating the underfloor heating pipes beneath the floor. "Although indifferent to heat and cold, in the depths of winter, its still more comfortable to keep warm," Chen Mu nodded, satisfied. Experience more tales on novelhall.Co?m He had previously installed underfloor heating on Cold Moon Mountain. Now with Point Ground into Steel, with a handful of soil, he could easily make a stove and heating pipes. Cheerfully walking to the window, his Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles worked like windshield wipers. From top to bottom, it pushed and squeezed away the white moisture that had condensed on the crystal window, revealing the outside scenery. Chen Mu, holding a cup of hot Replenishing Origin Soup flavored like hulatang, watched the distant and vast countryside below the mountain, and his spirits soared. In the past ten days, the situation at Eagle Grief Cliff had changed. Elder Hu Changqing conducted a thorough investigation and indeed discovered some undercover Barbarians from East Ridge. However, due to the excellent foresight of the Deputy Courtyard Master of the Inspection Courtyard, the investigation into Zhao Shaoyuans disappearance remained fruitless. Even because of Elder Hus emphasis on the strange deaths at Eagle Grief Cliff, Yu Lin and the others were reassigned to assist two days ago. The disappearance of Zhao Shaoyuan and the others was no longer being followed. "Its good that no one is paying attention," Chen Mu relaxed completely. "I should thank those undercover Barbarians." Because of shared sensation, he had also received some information on the Barbarian Witch Gu curse killings. Most of the deceased had withered bodies, their vitality and essence drained, the effect strikingly similar to Wu Ruos Soul Capturing and Return to Origin Secret Method. It was for this reason that the Inspection Courtyard shifted their focus. "I wonder what the Inspection Courtyard has found today." Chen Mu, like the past few days, activated the United Heart Curse and shared sensation, at the same time transferring the Sixth Rank Truthful Listening Technique Talisman to Shi Xian. "I guess this is like a cross-dimensional version of a Truthful Listening radio, huh? Heh..." Chen Mu, pleased with himself, took a sip of Replenishing Origin Soup and happily settled into the rocking chair beside the stove. "If Shi Xian runs around a bit more, increasing the listening range, this can work almost like a downgraded version of ears that hear with the wind." Chapter 366 - 359 Visit By the stove, Chen Mu held a wooden cup while lying in a rocking chair, the epitome of leisure. The grunting and coughing sounds of pig rabbits and black sheep occasionally entered his mind. "This is hardly the noise youd expect from the Inspection Courtyard." "Are Lu Ku and the others not working today?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. For the past half a month, Lu Ku and his five companions had been busy working non-stop at the Inspection Courtyard, making Chen Mu almost forget that under normal circumstances, Patrolling Inspectors got three days off every month. Today just happened to be their rest day. Just as he thought of cutting off the sensory link, Shang Huans voice suddenly reached his ears. Chen Mus mouth curved into a slight smile. "Fatso cant take it anymore, huh? Serves him right!" Over the past half a month, Chen Mu had performed the Seven Souls Return to Origin on Shang Huan every day. The drain on his spirit and the resultant depletion of his vitality had caused the fat man to visibly lose a lot of weight. "Lets see if you dare to cook up so many schemes in the future!"@@@@ If it wasnt for this guys greed for White Jade, risking trade with the East Ridge mountain folks, he wouldnt have brought this fatal disaster upon himself. ... To the southwest of Eagle Grief Cliff, there was a small mountain village. Most of the southern part of the village was enclosed by a sheep pen made of sturdy wooden stakes as tall as two men. Within, a flock of deer-horned black sheep occasionally lowered their heads and charged, hitting the fence. A group of fierce-looking, robust men busily attended to their respective duties near the enclosure. Some were feeding the black sheep grass, others were cleaning the droppings inside the fence, and many more were grasping the wooden stakes, pounding them into the ground to reinforce the fence. To the north of the village were several spacious wooden houses supported by wooden stakes and lifted more than two meters above the ground. Clutching a gray wooden box and with a face full of eagerness, Shang Huan walked into one of the houses and asked hopefully, "Mr. Gongsun... are you there?" Shi Xian, as if he had heard nothing, stared blankly into space with wide eyes. Explore more adventures at novelhall.Co?m Shang Huan was unfazed. Having interacted with the six siblings of Wu Mountain for a while, he had gotten quite familiar with them. This one in front of him often seemed to be lost in thought, with a cold disposition and a somewhat silly appearance. He stood by patiently waiting, and after a long while, the other party seemed to just react and nodded slightly. Shang Huan was delighted. He lightly tapped the wooden box in his hands and said slyly, "Sir, heres the gain from the last hunting trip. Just give me an address, and Ill send it over to you." Hunting gains? That must be what they scavenged from the bodies of Zhao Shaoyuan and others. Tsk... Kill a man, start a fire, and you get a gold belt, eh? Chen Mu shook his head. He had killed to save people, not for wealth. Besides, he was an Alchemist. Just refining a few hundred batches of Fasting Pills would give him everything he needed. Such sudden windfalls, hmpf! They werent necessary... eh, but it wouldnt hurt to take a look. Sigh... I dont really want to see it. But what if theres something incriminating left over that could be traced back? Its still safer to inspect it thoroughly. Im not being greedy for ill-gotten wealth here; Im totally considering the safety of Shang Huan and the others. Just as he was pondering how to get the wooden box, Shang Huan had already started to play the victim. "Sir, I really cant hold on anymore." Shang Huans voice was full of grievances: "Look at me, Ive lost a whole lot of weight." "I fully recognize my mistake and from now on, I will conduct myself cautiously and live honestly," Shang Huan promised earnestly. "Please forgive me." Ha! Now you know it hurts? Where was this realization before? He instinctively activated it, and a faint breathing sound suddenly entered his ears. Although the sound was faint, Chen Mu felt as if thunder had struck. Thats because the noise was too close! Had someone actually approached him without his notice?! Suppressing his panic, Chen Mu composed himself and turned his head, only to see a face full of smiles on the large jade window beside him. Liu Hongyang? Is this... a neighbor visit? You almost scared me to death! ... Inside Chen Mus wooden tower. Liu Hongyang curiously examined the underfloor heating pipes. "Junior brother really has some unique ideas." Chen Mu handed him a cup of tea, "Its essentially just boiling water, nothing special." "Its nothing compared to the profound power of the Hundred Workshops Halls Mountain Protection Restrictions that can keep an entire courtyard warm as spring." "When senior brother learns it one day, you must have a good chat with me about it." "Certainly, certainly." Liu Hongyang chuckled. "The tunnels, are they all dug out?" Chen Mu probed. The other party hadnt been at Eagle Grief Cliff for long before he went underground to help set up the Mountain Protection Restriction. Now suddenly back... "All set up," Liu Hongyang didnt conceal it. Chen Mu was delighted. With the Mountain Protection Restriction, Eagle Grief Cliff was now even safer. "It wasnt supposed to be completed so quickly," Liu Hongyang shook his head. "There seemed to be someone killed by the barbarians Witch Gu Curse on the mountain. Elder Hu became anxious, fearing an attack from the barbarians. So, he went down and personally supervised us, and we didnt get a moment of rest." Liu Hongyang looked frustrated. "The work we did this past half month is more than we did in the previous two months!" Chen Mu looked at Liu Hongyangs slightly pale face and shook his head with a smile. It seemed he was worn out. "Think positively, completing it early means you can get your Daoist Cultivation and White Jade Coins sooner," Chen Mu consoled. But Liu Hongyang looked even more upset: "But our compensation is calculated by the day." Chen Mu was speechless. He finally understood why the Mountain Protection Restriction of Eagle Grief Cliff was being built so slowly. The guys from the Hundred Workshops Hall must have been deliberately delaying to swindle more Daoist Cultivation points. "Lets not talk about it," Liu Hongyang waved his hand. He then looked around and soon his eyes fixed on the brown wooden cup on the windowsill. Liu Hongyang stood up, walked to the window, sniffed, and then pointed at the cup eagerly, "Junior brother actually has great cooking skills!" "This aroma, tsk tsk..." "Senior brother likes spicy soup?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows in surprise. That wooden cup originally contained Replenishing Origin Soup which had the flavor of spicy soup. He had drunk the soup, but the cup hadnt yet been washed. Little did he expect it would be sniffed out by Senior Brother Liu. "Its getting late, senior brother, please sit for a moment, Ill go cook right now. Its a good opportunity to show off my skills," Chen Mu said with a smile as he stood up. "Wont it trouble you?" Liu Hongyang rubbed his hands, feeling embarrassed. "If you tell me the key points of Point Ground into Steel, that will be enough," said Chen Mu cheerfully. "Thats not enough for just one meal!" Liu Hongyang immediately laughed. Hey! Chapter 367 - 360: Seven Kill Yin Soldiers Several days later, inside the underground secret chamber. Chen Mu listlessly fumbled through the items inside the wooden box. "A deputy inspector from the Inspection Courtyard, and this is all hes worth?" Five Spiritual Light Talismans, a bottle of Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill, four Rejuvenation Pills... "Only these ten thousand or so pieces of White Jade are somewhat eye-catching," Chen Mu curled his lips. The best item was of course the Crescent Moon Black Blade. Unfortunately, he had cut it apart with his Crescent Moon Black Blade. "In the end, my accidental stroke of genius is indeed powerful," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. With a flip of his right hand, the Crescent Moon Black Blade and the spherical Bone Shield appeared in his palm. "I have to continue reciting the Spirit Nourishing Curse." The extraordinary growth potential made Chen Mu increasingly look forward to this magic artifact. "A magic treasure?" After thinking for a moment, he shook his head to negate the idea, "The accidental stroke of genius cant be absorbed into the Jade Seed." According to fragmented information seen at the Scripture Transmission Institute, magic treasures may not be more powerful than magic artifacts, but they can surely be absorbed into the Jade Seed, and they possess the ability to grow. The accidental stroke of genius only meets one of these criteria. "Probably some kind of unique magic artifact," Chen Mu shook his head, not pondering any longer. As his strength became greater and his experiences richer in the future, he would surely understand. He sorted the items in the wooden box into categories and stored them in the Five Ghosts Bag. All of a sudden, Chen Mu discovered that he now possessed more than forty-seven thousand White Jade Coins in his hand. "Thats almost enough to buy half of the Condense Aperture Secret Method," he said, his mood instantly improving. Thinking of the total worth of the two deputy inspectors who had died by his hand, which added up to just around thirty thousand, Chen Mus mood improved even more. "So much money and nowhere to spend it," Chen Mu boasted with pride. "This East Ridge really isnt up to par, wild and desolate, not even a Red Sleeve Square to be found."@@@@ "Once Ive mastered the Condensing Aperture, Ill find a way to transfer back to Jilong Road," he mused. "Having traveled to this world, I must of course explore this colorful world," he thought. ... At the foot of Eagle Grief Cliff. In the northern area of the Market Fortress, in front of Lu Tus butcher shop. Chen Mu pretended to be puzzled as he looked at the tall, thin middle-aged man with a pockmarked face before him. "Wheres Old Lu?" he inquired. With a smile on his face, the tall and thin middle-aged man replied, "Old Lu gave up the business, and Ive taken over his stall." Chen Mu nodded, "Alright then, give me a hundred pounds of pig rabbit meat." He then casually asked as if it was just trivial conversation, "Do you know why Old Lu quit?" The expression of the tall and thin butcher changed slightly before he hastily feigned nonchalance, "He made enough money and went back to the Jade Spring Mountain monastery to cultivate." Back to Jade Spring Mountain? Ha! That fatty must be ashes by now! "Heh... " ... After dinner, Chen Mu cleaned up the dishes. He habitually cast the Truthful Listening Technique on himself. He had once been startled by Elder Brother Liu peering through his window. Since then, he had been more careful about his surroundings, always listening carefully before entering and leaving the secret chamber. "Elder Brother Lius house must have some kind of restriction placed on it," Chen Mu thought with envy. With the sixth-rank Truthful Listening Technique, any activity within a five hundred meter radius could be heard. But Elder Brother Lius house was always quiet, without the slightest sound. "Thats for the best, so I dont hear anything I shouldnt," he thought. He was not one to eavesdrop. "Next time we meet, I need to ask Elder Brother Liu about those restrictions," Chen Mu felt inspired. He had earned quite a bit of Daoist Cultivation through alchemy. He was not in a hurry to exchange it for the Condense Aperture Secret Method, nor did he need to buy Rejuvenation Pills, so it was a good opportunity to learn about restrictions. "The Underground Secret Chamber is just a hole in the ground, which is somewhat lacking." "The Linglong Path precinct also needs to be upgraded." "Restrictions are indeed a good thing." Stay tuned for updates on novelhall.Co?m ... Once he was sure no one was around, Chen Mu walked into the bedroom, and from the opening hidden inside the wardrobe, he jumped down into the Underground Secret Chamber. He had planned to continue his practice of Condensing Aperture, but as he looked up, he saw an unexpected entry on the gray wall. United Heart Curse: Limit; He had been repeatedly using the United Heart Curse recently, but he hadnt expected to max out this unexpected curse technique. "Seven Kills Yin Soldiers? What the hell is that?" Chen Mu looked curiously at the new entry. A plethora of intricate insights slowly surfaced in his mind. After a long moment, Chen Mu returned to his senses with a look of astonishment. "Thousand Mountains Sutra is really goddamn strange!" Once the United Heart Curse reached its limit, the true face of the United Heart Gu, this cursing technique, finally revealed itself. According to the insights he obtained, activating the Seven Kills Yin Soldiers Secret Method would allow him to retrieve the United Heart Gu. Along with the retrieval would come the complete Essence, Qi, and Spirit of the person who laid the curse. Afterward, by infusing the United Heart Gu into the bodies of seven Ghosts, he could create a special type of Daoist soldiersthe Yin Soldiers! Yin Soldiers are the troops under the command of the Netherworlds Mingjun. And in folk tales, the so-called Yin Soldiers are referred to as ghosts. "Using people to possess Ghosts?" "Turning living beings into specters?" "Hiss..." Chapter 368 - 361: The Ban "It can gather and disperse, become invisible, fly away, and even transform into terrifying attacks." "What ghosts know, yin soldiers also know. What ghosts do not, yin soldiers will also know." "Most importantly, it can prolong life!" This was truly magical. According to the secret technique, once one becomes a yin soldier, one could easily live for over two hundred years! Is life limited, so why not stop being human? Heh! Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling to himself. Unfortunately, yin spirits that go through countless disasters cant ascend to sainthood. Yin soldiers are almost locked in their upper limits, and promotions are extremely difficult. But what does that matter to those who are already struggling at the threshold? "Luckily, this secret technique wasnt written into the Thousand Mountains Sutra; otherwise, it definitely would have caused chaos." Chen Mu guessed that, besides himself, probably only the original creator knew the Seven Kills Yin Soldiers Secret Method. "After all, I doubt theres a second diligent and hardworking person like me who has practiced the United Heart Curse to its peak among the consecutively chosen seven disciples," Chen Mu thought with a satisfied look on his face. The secret technique also showed that as long as one held the talisman that should be called the Binding Ghost Rope, one could continuously split the United Heart Gu and create countless yin soldiers. "What did the creator of that secret technique want to do with so many yin soldiers?" "Wanna become King Yama?" "Heh..." ...@@@@ Time flies, and before long, it was deep winter. The snowflakes that had initially drifted only at the mountain peak now covered the entire mountain. Gazing into the distance, everything was dressed in silver, a sea of white. Chen Mu, who already enjoyed staying at home, was even less inclined to go outside. Every time he went to the market district to buy supplies, he would directly purchase three black sheep with antlers or pig rabbits, hanging them outside the window to freeze in the cold wind, enough for half a months consumption. Thus, two months passed hastily. Chen Mu hadnt completed the third group of talismans from the Netherworld Grand Summary, but he had successfully deciphered the Rejuvenation Pill. "Thirteen Essence Talismans, one Primordial Condensing Pill Talisman, taking over thirteen months." "Not bad!" "Its just a pity I cant present them publicly." After all, they were deciphered through the reverse engineering of the Pharmaceutical Technique; the origin couldnt be explained. Chen Mu glanced at the essence of the medicinal ingredients collected in the wooden grid box, as information on the Rejuvenation Pill swirled in his mind: "Its not that hard, really; I dont know why they sell for so expensive." He immediately took out the three-legged, two-eared Primordial Furnace. Cleaning the pill furnace, adding ingredients in sequence, he started chanting the Wind Fire Pivot Charm. Chen Mu cradled the pill furnace in both hands, meticulously adjusting it. An hour later. With a pop, he unlatched the furnace to find a burnt smell invading his nostrils. The essence worth nearly a hundred pieces of White Jade had all been wasted. "What a money burner!" The key is, it wasnt even ranked. "That shouldnt have happened," Chen Mu murmured as he peered into the furnace. Amidst the scent of burning, there surprisingly seemed to be a hint of meat aroma!? Too many stews made, permeated with flavor? Illusion! It must be an illusion! Chen Mu quickly put the lid back on the furnace and put it away. "Just not my lucky day today, next time, next time..." Anyway, with Replenishing Origin Soup on hand, he wasnt in a hurry to consume Rejuvenation Pills. "Its good not to go out, staying in is safe," Liu Hongyang agreed. Then he looked envious, "Plus, you alchemists have a stable income, no need to run about everywhere." "If Senior Brother wants to learn, I can teach you," Chen Mu said cheerfully. "I had almost forgotten youre also a Scripture Doctorate," Liu Hongyang became even more envious. "Junior Brother really has an extraordinary talent." "Its diligence, mainly because I am more diligent," Chen Mu earnestly corrected. "Heh..." Liu Hongyang rolled his eyes. Guess if I believe you. ... After sending Liu Hongyang off, amidst rolling black smoke, the messy cups and plates on the table instantly became as clean as new. Using the Truthful Listening Technique, he confirmed there was no movement around. Chen Mu returned to his bedroom, opened the wardrobe, and prepared to go to the Underground Secret Chamber. "Babbling away all night, Ive fallen behind on my experience progression." Luckily, it wasnt entirely without gains. "When I have time, Ill exchange for the Minor Celestial Stars Prohibition." With the help of the grey wall, I can accumulate experience in my spare time, and the profundity will reveal itself. Then I can improve the Secret Chamber, upgrade the Daoist Arena, and greatly enhance safety. "No rush, just need to finish todays Condensing Aperture experience," he thought. With that in mind, Chen Mu closed the wooden door of his wardrobe and jumped into the chamber passage. His body flickered with Spiritual Light as the Longitudinal Rainbow Light pulled him, and he descended slowly along the sloping dark tunnel. But soon, he felt something was wrong. "A twenty-meter passage cant be this long, can it?" He instinctively looked up only to see darkness above, as if it were infinitely high. Looking down again, the darkness below seemed bottomless. Chen Mus body tensed immediately. His surrounding starlights began to spin rapidly, quickly connecting into one. The Longitudinal Rainbow Light fully opened, its pulling force significantly increasing. Chen Mu kicked against the two-meter diameter wall of the round tunnel, shooting upwards like an arrow. But after ascending for a quarter of an hour non-stop, the area above him remained pitch black. Barbarian Cursing Technique? Damn it! Chen Mu wished he could slap himself. He had just been assuring with conviction that he wasnt afraid of a barbarian attack, and now this was exactly what happened! Dont panic! Chen Mu quickly calmed himself down. Having faced multiple crises throughout his cultivation journey, he was no longer the frail scholar he once was. He continued to drift upwards slowly, while using the Spiritual Light surrounding him to closely inspect the smooth inner walls. Then a fist-sized hole suddenly caught his eye. Chen Mus hair nearly stood on end. That was clearly the hole he had kicked open while ascending just moments ago. Before this, he had been continuously floating upwards, yet now he found himself back at the starting point! Somehow, the original tunnel, only twenty meters long, seemed to have turned into an infinite loop with no beginning or end! Not only that, the rocks inside the hole were growing bit by bit. Before long, they restored themselves to their original state right before his eyes. At that moment, he realized with shock that the passage, which was originally more than two meters in diameter, had shrunk to about one meter seventy! Unable to escape and with the passage continuously shrinking... Stay connected via novelhall.Co?m "Theyre trying to bury me alive!" Chapter 369 - 362 Chapter Divine Monarch Dong Yue ``` In the pitch-black tunnel, Chen Mus face looked grim. "When did I fall into the trap? Never mind, first I need to escape from this tunnel," he thought to himself. "Point Ground into Steel... wait a minute!" Chen Mu suddenly furrowed his brows. "This feeling seems familiar..." He looked around once more. "An endlessly looping tunnel... An Illusion Realm? An ice demon?!" Unpleasant memories from Cold Moon Mountain immediately flooded his mind. Seven Souls Return to Origin! As his spirit power surged, Chen Mus eyes snapped open, as if they were about to burst forth with light! He looked up sharply. What was originally pitch-black as ink, the tunnel seemed to burn from the backside like paper. One after another, the edges of the red-lit holes appeared, revealing the real world they had concealed. Only then did Chen Mu notice, the entrance to the tunnel was right above his head, just three to five meters away! He could even see the inside wall of the brown closet. But before he could rejoice, he turned his head and found that the diameter of the pitch-black tunnel had shrunk to just one meter wide! Seemingly real, yet illusory? Or illusory yet real?! He couldnt stay any longer! His body shone with Spiritual Light, and Chen Mu immediately sprang out of the tunnel. Looking up, he saw a large mass of black smoke, seemingly formless and substanceless, pass straight through the wall and disappear. "Thinking of running?!" Boom! The solid wooden cabin walls burst open, and wood chips flew everywhere. Transformed into a four-and-a-half-meter-tall giant, Chen Mu flew up like a catapulted boulder, arcing down from the sky with a loud crash into the mass of black smoke. The ground was instantly smashed into a five-meter-wide pit, and white snow and dirt splattered everywhere. But the black smoke suddenly dispersed in all directions, only to coalesce again five or six meters away in mid-air. Hee hee hoo hoo ha ha... As though mocking Chen Mu for overestimating himself, the black smoke tumbled and suddenly burst into a coarse and eerie laugh reminiscent of a night owl. Immediately wrapping itself in a flurry of snowflakes, it shot into the sky with a bang, soaring dozens of meters in the blink of an eye. Flying? Ha! Chen Mus blood-red eyes stared fiercely at the black smoke. Great Escape Technique!@@@@ Woo! Black smoke rolled around Chen Mus body, quickly halving the distance between them. United Heart Rope! A slender black line shot out from Chen Mus palm, like a long spear, piercing into the black smoke. The black smoke, which had seemed formless and substanceless, suddenly appeared as if it had met its natural enemy and was struck by the chain. Like a fish skewered by a harpoon, it inflated and deflated, twisting and changing shape. Shadows of various shapes emerged and dissipated within it! "Heh... Ghosts!" Chen Mus mouth split wide, revealing a row of ghastly white teeth. "Come down here!" With a forceful pull backwards, Chen Mu dragged the Ghost down, smashing it into the ground with a tremendous crash. The Ghost, which had previously been formless and shadowless, now seemed to have a tangible body, creating a wave of air that flung up a shower of snowflakes. Then the black smoke disintegrated like burnt paper ash, scattering into fine dust. The mass of black smoke, once as large as a bedroom, quickly shrank and gradually took on a human shape! Chen Mus eyebrows shot up in surprise. "How can I get it without killing you?" Pepper soup? Secret Medicine? "Is this it?" The black smoke churned, and a wooden cup the height of a palm appeared on the seat. Liu Hongyangs face changed dramatically at once, like a cat that smelled blood, or like an addict in the throes of craving, his throat rolling as his eyes fixated on the wooden cup, his face full of urgent greed. Chen Mu suddenly realized. Liu Hongyang kept peering outside the window originally not to look at him, but at the Replenishing Origin Soup in his hand! The wooden cup floated into Liu Hongyangs reach. He quickly grabbed it with both hands and gulped it down. Like a person dying of thirst drinking from a spring, despite coughing continuously, he clutched his mouth, unwilling to waste a single drop. Immediately Liu Hongyangs body trembled violently, his face showing relief. The face that kept flickering like a shadow finally began to stabilize! "Junior brother, do you have more? Just a little more..." Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. Was this really the Replenishing Origin Soup he had been consuming for several months? Could it be addictive?! He couldnt help but narrow his eyes towards the gray wall in front of him. Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse... What was the origin of this curse! After a while, Liu Hongyang, begging fruitlessly, gradually calmed down. He wore a bitter smile, "Youve seen the embarassing side of me, junior brother. Since I became this inhuman, ghostly figure, my actions are no longer under my control." "Anger, greed, chaos, they fill my head every moment." "Only by absorbing the vital energy of others can I find a moment of peace." "But that is drinking poison to quench thirst; the more I absorb, the more confused my mind becomes." "Sometimes, I cant even tell who I am anymore." Liu Hongyangs face was full of bewilderment. Chen Mu fell into silence. "Brother, how did you become... a ghost soldier?" "Junior brother, you know?" Liu Hongyang suddenly snapped back to his senses, looking at Chen Mu in surprise. Then he bitterly smiled again, "Junior brother has the magic artifact to deal with ghost soldiers, knowing my condition is not surprising." He then spoke with hatred, "This is all thanks to Sun Wuhuan!" But then he became frenzied again, "But I should thank him." "If it werent for him, I wouldnt have gotten that turtle shell at the Daoist conference, and I would have never seen the power of Divine Monarch Dong Yue." "Junior brother, look at me, in such a short time, I have become so powerful!" He puffed out his chest and moved excitedly from side to side. The United Heart Rope that was bound to his body tinkled. Chen Mu: "..." "Hahaha... As long as I worship devoutly, and offer the vital energy of a hundred or so more people to the Divine Monarch, even Old Ghost Sun will have to kneel before me!" Chen Mu: "..." With your neurotic demeanor, its probably an Evil God youre worshipping! "At first I was afraid of falling into chaos. But now its different!" Liu Hongyang eagerly looked at Chen Mu: "Junior brothers secret medicine can also please the Divine Monarch!" "Junior brother, join me in worshipping the Divine Monarch!" "As long as we serve the Divine Monarch well, what Sun Jian, what Dong Li, those are nothing!" "Junior brother! Hurry and untie me, lets go offer the secret medicine to the Divine Monarch." "The Divine Monarch will be pleased, and will surely grant us great rewards!" Liu Hongyangs face began to change like a kaleidoscope once again. One moment angry, the next frantic, making Chen Mus scalp tingle! Its done, that Divine Monarch Dong Yue is definitely an Evil God! And you want to recruit me into the cult? I damn well dont want to die! Chapter 370 - 363: Jade Statue Chen Mu looked at Liu Hongyang with pity, watching his face shift and change incessantly. The other had absorbed too much of peoples blood essence and merged too many memories. One moment he was lucid, the next he was in disarray. Living was more of a torment for him. "I am an envoy under the Divine Monarch Dong Yue. You cant kill me!" Sensing danger, Liu Hongyang glared venomously at Chen Mu. "If you kill me, you wont live either!" Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "After all those sneaky maneuvers, where is your Divine Monarch?" Liu Hongyangs face underwent a drastic change. One moment he was obediently responding, the next he was madly raving, yet secretly he was continuously praying for blessings from the Divine Monarch. But... "Divine Monarchs blessings, without any taboo?" Chen Mu said softly. Liu Hongyang felt as if thunder had exploded next to his ear. He trembled all over, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Chen Mu, "How could you hear that?!" I didnt expect that myself. Chen Mu looked at the dark rope as thick as a little finger. It was indeed the Binding Ghost Rope, it not only bound Liu Hongyangs ghostly body but also restrained his sinister divine skills. Liu Hongyangs covert prayers, emitted through subtle vibrations, were intercepted by the Binding Ghost Rope and transmitted to Chen Mus ears. "Brother Liu, Im curious, having asked for a blessing from the Divine Monarch, how would you deal with me?" "No, no, no! Junior brother, please dont misunderstand..." Liu Hongyang shook his head and waved his hands frantically. Mid-sentence, however, his entire being suddenly turned into a puff of black smoke, thrashing wildly in all directions. "Brother Liu, you cant escape." Chen Mu said slowly, the United Heart Rope silently tightening in his hand. Ah... A piercing, tragic scream rang out. The black smoke that had just flown out was suddenly pulled back by an invisible force, once again coalescing into Liu Hongyangs form. Without waiting for the other to plead for mercy, Chen Mu lightly clenched his right hand. Whoo whoo whoo! Amid the strange wailing of the quickly pulled rope, Liu Hongyang, like a drawn bomb, exploded into a cloud of black smoke with a bang. Dots of crimson light spread in the smoke, resembling the embers of a fire, or burning paper money. Countless faces flashed within the black smoke. Liu Hongyangs face was covered with patches of copper wire fire patterns. As the patterns spread and burned, he madly charged towards the roof. "Divine Monarch Dong Yue! Divine Monarch Dong Yue..." But before he could touch the beams, A black rope flew suddenly towards him. Crack! A loud sound erupted, like snapping a whip or muffled thunder. Liu Hongyang was immediately scattered, turning into dots of crimson sparks that slowly dissipated in midair.@@@@ The next moment, the United Heart Rope slowly emerged behind his head, automatically binding his hair as if it were an ordinary black rope. Chen Mu looked at the beams, somewhat stunned for a while. Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair beside the stove, holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup in his left hand and carefully studying an old, curled scroll with his right. "Its taken three months, but Ive finally condensed a Talisman." "Im so envious of Junior Brother Zhang, who actually has White Jade to attend classes at the Scripture Transmission Institute. First, I need to save up some money..." "Damn it, damn it! That greedy Scripture Doctorate, why does he keep asking for more when Ive already paid with Daoist Jade?" "Finally gathered enough White Jade, now I should be able to learn the intricacies of Point Ground into Steel." "That damned Scripture Doctorate!" "No, no, I got it all wrong, Ive been cultivating completely incorrectly, ahhh..." "Haha, after half a year of hard training, Ive finally broken through the bottleneck...." "No, what exactly is going on?" "I swear I wont attend another Scripture class..." "At last, Ive mastered Point Ground into Steel, and now I can take on work to earn money. The future looks promising, haha...." "That damn..." "The Jade Seed has shattered, Im finished, what a shitty Dao path, its all over! Hahaha...." "Divine Monarch, Divine Monarch, bless me, Divine Monarch!" After a long while, Chen Mu set aside the scroll, sipped the coffee-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, and sighed silently. The scroll was Liu Hongyangs Cultivation Notes. It described the intricacies of cultivation, as well as the records of wrong practices and the experiences of correcting them. Reading through the entire thing, Chen Mus vision of that simple and honest figure became even clearer. He seemed to see the other person hiding in a secluded place, tirelessly practicing secret techniques over and over again, practicing until mana was exhausted, until he was so fed up that he wanted to vomit. Suffering injustice but powerless to resist, he could only endure in lonely silence. Though his path was fraught with stumbling blocks, he continued to steadfastly and unwaveringly pursue the Dao. Until he was tortured by Sun Jian with the Bewitching Divine Secret Technique, until his Jade Seed tore apart, severing his Dao path. "What a pity..." Chen Mu couldnt help feeling gloomy. If it werent for Sun Jian. With Brother Lius solid and diligent effort, though progress was slow, he was steady and sure-footed, and could have hoped to Condense his Aperture eventually, and as Brother Liu said himself, the future might have been promising. "Such a pity indeed." He wore the Truthful Listening Technique on his ears, listening to sounds from over a hundred meters away. Half a month had passed, and the death of Brother Liu hadnt caused the slightest stir. As if he had never existed, no one noticed, no one inquired. This damned world, where good people get no rewards! Chen Mu sighed deeply. He brought up the grey wall and looked at one of the entries. Point Ground into Steel: 69/10000/Second Rank; Inheriting Liu Hongyangs legacy, he spent half a month studying his Cultivation Notes. Initially, he just casually practiced Point Ground into Steel to conveniently dig out Secret Chambers, and he easily broke through to the Second Rank. Chen Mu couldnt help standing up, looking through the window at that lonely wooden building, his expression growing increasingly intricate. Chapter 371 - 364 Recruitment Time flew by, and the earth revived in spring. Above Eagle Grief Cliff, except for a spot of snow at the peak, the mountainside had turned into a patch of yellow-green. The waterfall at the mountainside had transformed from a slight drizzle into a loud, rushing flow. With the Second Rank Point Ground into Steel, the secret chamber was once again expanded and sunk deeper by Chen Mu. Thirty meters below the ground, there was now a space as large as a two-story building with seven or eight bedrooms. Chen Mu stood in the center of the secret chamber, his mana connecting. Behind him, a burst of black and red light flashed; a dark red shadow, two meters high and one and a half meters wide, appeared like two gigantic doors. Chen Mu turned to look and became even more certain that the shadow was a statue of a person clad in armor. "Giant Spirit Divine?" "Could this deity really exist?" Chen Mu couldnt help but think of the Divine Monarch Dong Yue and scrutinized it carefully. The statue wore a black hooded cloak, with its head and face shrouded in darkness. The beast-headed armor was fierce, and on the dark red plate armor, subtle dark golden threads were faintly visible. After looking for a while, Chen Mu actually felt a blood connection with the statue. "It doesnt seem to be an illusion." The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique seemed to be different from other secret techniques. Rather than calling it a secret technique, it felt more like a magic artifact, crafted using his own blood, essence, and mana as materials. Hidden in an unknown space on normal days, it accumulated strength continuously as Chen Mu performed invocations. Once activated, it could quickly reciprocate, granting the user tremendous strength. "Thank goodness, its not those spooky ghosts and spirits." He was afraid that the Giant Spirit Divine, like Divine Monarch Dong Yue, had unfathomable power. What if he unknowingly fell under its spell? How would he handle it? Brother Liu was a cautionary tale. Sighing, Chen Mu withdrew the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique. During this process, he also observed carefully, trying to find where the statue was located. Unfortunately, even with Chen Mus eyes wide open, he only saw a flicker of black and red light, and then the statues trace was gone. Using the Giant Spirit Divine Talisman to sense, however, he could clearly perceive the statues presence. "Mysterious." In the end, his experience was still lacking. Chen Mu shook his head, no longer dwelling on it. Perhaps when his strength grew in the future, he might be able to discern the space where the statue resided. Returning to a soft couch in a corner of his room, Chen Mu picked up the cup of Replenishing Origin Soup from the short table and drained it, staring blankly at the empty cup. "Who knows what magic the Replenishing Origin Soup holds." He vividly remembered Brother Lius greedy longing for it. Afterwards, fearing there might be a problem, Chen Mu deliberately stopped for three days but didnt notice any addictive properties.@@@@ He even began to feel tired of the soup after drinking too much and had to adjust its taste before it became palatable again. "Is it only effective on ghost soldiers?" "Yet another mystery." After confirming that the grey walls offered no warning of danger, he continued to drink the soup and cultivate. It was precisely with the supplement of the Replenishing Origin Soup that the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique progressed rapidly. He looked at his experience with satisfaction. Giant Spirit Divine: 16/10000/Fourth Rank; "Keep up the good work." ... Chen Mu, holding the three-legged Primordial Furnace, couldnt help but fall. "Another failure?!" "If its too big, it explodes; if its too small, it burns. What exactly are the requirements for this thunderous reaction?" "Its definitely because of this crappy furnace!" Chen Mu slapped the pitch-black furnace: "If it fails again, Im gonna repurpose you for stewing meat exclusively!" Chen Mu cleaned up the medicine residue huffily. Not in the mood to practice anymore, he sprang up to the wooden floor, slumped into the rocking chair by the window, and watched the little waterfall soothingly. Before long, the United Heart Rope above his head suddenly vibrated. The Wu Mountain siblings? Chen Mu was surprised. Since the last incident, Shang Huan had run back to Jade Spring Mountain to guard his little shop without leaving, and Lu Kus group of six was also slacking off at work in the Inspection Courtyard every day. Its been a long time since any of them initiated contact. After a while, Chen Mu stopped the United Heart Curse and came round. "People are actually being sent from Eagle Grief Cliff to assist the six Lia?n Mountains?" "Great news though!" "Theyd better restore order quickly; otherwise, I wont be able to afford meat." ... In the following days, Eagle Grief Cliff suddenly became bustling. The Inspection Courtyard was hiring at a high price, and many skilled people eagerly signed up. Chen Mu also went to the market district to join in the excitement. Find exclusive stories on novelhall.Co?m "Brother Chen, are you also here to sign up?" Butcher Zhang saw Chen Mu on the street and couldnt help but come over and ask. "Im just a frail alchemist, warfare is dangerousyou think I dare to join in such excitement?" Chen Mu shook his head. Then he glanced at Butcher Zhang: "Besides, if I go, who will take care of your business?" He had long seen that the butcher was not concerned about his own future, but rather the financial prospects of his meat shop. Butcher Zhang immediately laughed with a slap on his thigh, complimenting him: "With your physique and demeanor, you may look frail, but you actually seem fit and capable. One could tell at a glance that youre a high cultivator with Dharma Guardian Divine Skills. The term frail doesnt suit you." Chen Mu waved his hand indifferently: "Im just practicing randomly; its not as exaggerated as youre making it out to be." Practicing randomly? You cant get that physique by practicing randomly. Butcher Zhang looked at Chen Mu with a meaningful gaze. Chen Mu felt helpless inside. Results were still noticeable even after he used the shapeshifting technique to weaken his physical appearance. Somehow, the Netherworld Grand Summary had transformed his physique to be stronger. As the third set of talismans became more complete, his bodys capacity for bearing power grew stronger. Now, activating the Five Ghosts Possession, his height had already broken through to five meters. Even the Sun familys ancestors and descendants werent so exaggerated. "I heard the rewards this time are incredibly generous... Sigh, if it werent for not wanting to leave that shop, I wouldve gone to sign up too," Butcher Zhang lamented. "You might earn the money, but you might not live to spend it," Chen Mu shook his head. Fighting and killing are too dangerous. With mountain protection restrictions and Condensing Aperture High Cultivators, its much safer to stay on Eagle Grief Cliff. Chen Mu looked at the raucous crowd signing up with contentment. "You all go on and fight for your futures." "The more peaceful you can make it, the better. That way, Icough cougheveryone can cultivate in peace." "Ill just stay behind to provide support, and itll be convenient to refine more furnaces of Fasting Pills. Maybe earn a little more White... ahem! Its an opportunity to support the six Lia?n Mountains!" Chapter 372 - 365 Cutting the Mountain With the departure of a large number of skilled practitioners, Eagle Grief Cliff was instantly much less lively. The flow of people in the market at the base of the mountain became ever sparser. Yet, the price of exotic beast meat unexpectedly fell quite a bit. "Those who eat meat have all run off to the Six Consecutive Mountains to risk their lives, and without lowering prices, we simply cant sell anything," Butcher Zhang lamented. "If they didnt risk their lives, where would they get the white jade to buy your meat? Be content," Chen Mu chuckled. "Had I known earlier, I would have closed shop and gone to the Six Consecutive Mountains as well," Butcher Zhang regretted as usual. "Then go," Chen Mu said with a sidelong glance. "Forget it, one more or less of me wont make a difference; Id rather not go and be a bother to them," Butcher Zhang said with a nonchalant face. Heh... Chen Mu gave him a sidelong glance, "Youre right." ... One day, a month later. The weather was clear, the sky cloudless. In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch, holding the three-legged two-eared Primordial Furnace, his eyes tightly closed. He carefully activated the Wind Fire Pivot Charm, and the pill furnace immediately emitted a rhythmic buzzing sound. Before this, he had already concocted two hundred and seventeen batches of Rejuvenation Pills, and without exception, all were ruined at this last hurdle. Chen Mu became even more cautious, unwittingly sweating profusely from his forehead. After a long while. Bang! A muffled sound rang out. Chen Mus heart sank. Done for! Just as he was about to withdraw his mana, he suddenly felt the Five Qi Primordial Technique was still intermittently exerting force. He was immediately shocked, hastily focused his concentration, and carefully arranged the fusion of the thirteen essences according to the Primordial Force. A quarter of an hour later. Chen Mu carefully opened the Primordial Furnace and peeked inside to see a drab elixir pill floating in the middle of the furnace. "Tsk... the pills shape is oval, the aggregation technique too crude." "Half black, half white, the essence fusion efficiency isnt high." "A hint of scorching taints the taste, not good at all." "Which is why, Im not at all proud." "Its just a Rejuvenation Pill, whats there to be proud of." He glanced indifferently at the gray wall. Alchemy (Rejuvenation Pill): 1066/10000; "Ha!" ... At dusk, with the setting sun slanting to the west. On a mountain path, Chen Mu floated one meter above the ground, gliding leisurely through the air. The three-meter-long, barrel-thick strange fish floating by his side was controlled by him to shake its head and wave its tail, as if swimming through the air. This was a Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish, a specialty of the streams in East Ridge Mountaindelicious and highly nutritious. Its scales shone like silver moons, and its pair of golden eyes nearly took up half of its head. Chen Mu controlled the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, floated the Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish in front of him, and stared intently into those golden eyes. His eyebrows slightly furrowed, his expression serious, he hesitated for a moment before speaking solemnly, "Do you know where Red Sleeve Square is?" Silver Moon Golden Eyed Fish: "..." "Green Embroidery Square is fine, too." "Youre an East Ridge local fish, how could you not know Red and Green Embroidery Squares?" "If you dont talk, I might just stuff you into the Primordial Furnace, you know." "Hey! Ill have you mixed with the Primordial in just a moment." Just as he was happily teasing a bored person, he lifted his head to see someone standing at the front door of his house. "Is this Pill Master Chen in person?" The man was in his forties, plump and with a smiling face. Seeing Chen Mu float effortlessly in the air and glancing at the golden-eyed bizarre fish, his expression became even more cordial. "I am Du Cheng from the Hundred Workshops Hall, and I hope youll excuse my intrusion," he said. The Hundred Workshops Hall? "And you are...?" "Ive just moved here today and came specially to pay a visit," Du Cheng said, pointing to a wooden building over a hundred meters away. He then took out a talisman from his sleeve: "Just a small token of my appreciation, its not much." "Youre too kind." Chen Mu waved his hands in refusal, again and again. "Its a homemade Dust-Avoiding Talisman, not worth much," Du Cheng insisted, holding it out to Chen Mu. "You are actually a Talisman Maker? What a pleasure, what a pleasure!" Chen Mu no longer refused and accepted with a smile. Had the Hundred Workshops Hall discovered the death of Brother Liu? He probed without showing any change in demeanor, "I have been busy refining pills these past few days and didnt notice that Brother Liu has already moved out." "I regret it!" Butcher Zhang chopped on his butcher block with force. "Youre not too late to go now, and if you cant eat the meat, you can still drink some soup," Chen Mu cajoled with a smile. "Drinking some soup is fine, but Im not at ease," Butcher Zhang said, poking his head out and whispering, "Let me tell you, Old Lis meat across the way isnt clean. If I leave, you old customers wont be able to eat good meat anymore." "Sigh... I can only painfully give up," Butcher Zhang sighed with a face full of regret. He talked as if it were true. I think you just cant bear to leave this business thats getting better and better. Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "Give me two black sheep with antlers," he waved his hand and ordered. Happy! He planned to cook one for Replenishing Origin Soup, and have a whole-sheep feast with the other. "With the affiliated court standing firm, the chaos in East Ridge will soon end." "Its good to end the chaos, stability, safety, it deserves celebration," he said. ... Red Grass Hall. Contrasting with the bustling scene outside. Upon entering, Chen Mu sensed a heavy atmosphere. Several people with pale faces and missing arms and legs were waiting to pick up medicinal materials. As soon as Chen Mu appeared, these people looked over with wary expressions. A few of them even instinctively reached for their wrists wrapped with Mustard Seed Talismans, like startled rabbits. Upon recognizing Chen Mus attire and demeanor, they slowly relaxed. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Post-battle syndrome? "It seems that those two mountains were not as easily taken as said outside," The gaunt shopkeeper shrugged as he saw off a few wounded people. "Even a desperate rabbit will bite. Weve attacked their homeland, so its quite normal for them to fight back fiercely and cut down or maim a few of us," "Outside, everyone is talking about who got their hands on magic artifacts and made a fortune, but thats only seeing the thieves eat meat, not seeing the thieves get beaten," "Those few disabled lucky ones came back at least. But how many did not return, who knows?" the gaunt shopkeeper said with a sigh. Chen Mu nodded in agreement. "Its still more reliable to stay put on the mountain." ... In the underground secret chamber, Chen Mu looked at the third layer of talismans nearing perfection, his face full of satisfaction. The three layers of silver hollow spheres nested within one another, slowly and disorderly rotating. The Jade Seed had expanded another circle, now the size of two fists. His mana surged, becoming even more condensed. The spot three inches below his navel pulsed, as the third secret aperture gradually opened. Chen Mu checked the gray wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9530/10000/Third Rank; "With Replenishing Origin Soup and Rejuvenation Pill escorting," "With Fasting Pill to earn White Jade resources," "And with the affiliated court about to grow and strengthen, and the East Ridge territory becoming increasingly safe," "Just let me cultivate in peace for three or four years, and Ill show Old Ghost Sun a thing or two!" He still remembered the peril when he was struck by lightning. With a thought, the black moon blade flashed into existence. Habitually activating the Spirit Nourishing Curse, he enhanced the blades spiritual power a notch further. "Hmph, given the chance, I must also slash that old ghost to see," he muttered. Just as he was imagining his future, A dull thud suddenly came from above. It was followed by an earthquake, as the continuous rumbling shook everything. The sturdy secret chamber collapsed almost instantly under this wave of force. Chen Mus face abruptly changed color. An earthquake?! "Point Ground into Steel!" The rocks and earth about to crash onto his head immediately softened into mud and were then repelled and parted by an invisible exotic force. Chen Mu, surrounded by a flickering spiritual light, shot up to the surface agilely like a fish in water. As he popped his head out, he saw a large, green, flame-like ball shaped like a heap of dry bones appear on the horizon. That flame dragged a long tail and swiftly reached the summit. Boom! A sound even louder than the last one exploded. Crack. It was like the snap of sugarcane breaking. Chen Mu turned around abruptly, only to see the peak of Eagle Grief Cliff, which wasnt far away, slowly tilting and collapsing?! In that instant, his heart felt as if it was being mercilessly squeezed. "The mountain... broke?!" Chapter 373 - 366 Surprise Attack ``` The sky was dim, leaden clouds hung low. The thick gray clouds were like a quilt, tightly covering the area around Eagle Grief Cliff. The setting sun was still hanging on the horizon, yet the sky had already turned a deep dusk. Shadows covered the ground, making the sunset seem all the more dazzling for a moment. Chen Mu stared dumbfounded at the slowly collapsing Eagle Grief Cliff. Where was the Mountain Protection Restriction? Hadnt it already been established? Where did the Mountain Protection Restriction go?! Boom! In his daze, another clump of skeletal remains shaped like a green flame flew across the sky. The towering top of Eagle Grief Cliff exploded with a loud bang, the pointed peak instantly crumbling to pieces. Soil and rocks sprayed in all directions, creating a huge opening in the clouds under the churning wind and sky. The mountaintops falling rocks clattered loudly, yet the entire Eagle Grief Cliff seemed to fall into a strangely eerie silence. At the foot of the mountain, halfway up, on the streets of the Market District, in the Medicinal Fields, everyone was looking up, frozen as if turned to stone, not daring to breathe, leaving only their faces dumbstruck. The next moment. The entire Eagle Grief Cliff collapsed into chaos with a bang. People unleashed their skills, scattering in all directions. Chen Mu swallowed his saliva and came back to his senses. He turned his head to see his new neighbor, Du Cheng, kicking away a collapsing beam and leaping out from a pile of rubble. Raising his hand, he threw out a swallow-shaped flying kite, leapt onto it, and with a bang, shot up into the sky. Carrying a rolling air current, he turned into a small black dot in the distance in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu immediately abandoned any attempt at concealment, his body emitting surging black smoke, with a wailing howl, he fiercely activated the Five Ghosts Great Escape Technique. But just as he was about to bend his knees to leap and fly away, Chen Mu stopped again. "Somethings not right!" He stared intently at the gray clouds in the sky. Threads of mournful green lightning flickered within the thick clouds, barely visible. He felt as though he was being targeted by a ferocious demon, sending a chill over his heart.@@@@ Chen Mus hair stood on end, his scalp itching from the tension. Suddenly, the entire sky flashed with a burst of green light. Clumps of green, arrow-shaped flames violently broke through the clouds, pouring down to the ground like a downpour. Chen Mu watched in horror as a person maneuvering a flying kite was struck by the flame arrows. His flesh was burned away in an instant, leaving only a pale skeleton with an open mouth silently screaming. But after only a few struggles, the bones turned into powder and dissipated. The green flames, however, soared upwards, becoming even more fierce and rampant. What the hell! Chen Mus back was instantly soaked with fine, cold sweat. Looking at the dense shower of flaming arrows, his eyes involuntarily widened. "Lucky! Lucky I didnt fly out just now!" "Otherwise, Id be done for!" Chen Mu didnt dare to hesitate. Point Ground into Steel! The ground in front of him suddenly turned into a quagmire. Next, he leaped up, Mana surged as he was midair. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! Great Escape Technique! Black smoke and Spiritual Light appeared simultaneously. He then took a dive forward. Accompanied by a wailing howl, he plunged headfirst into the ground and disappeared. Almost in the instant he vanished, The entire sky was filled with mournful green flaming arrows hitting the ground. The wooden building Chen Mu had meticulously cleaned up was instantly riddled with holes, flimsy as paper, collapsing and igniting in the mournful green flames, burning up and becoming clean ash in a few breaths. ... Northern side of Eagle Grief Cliff, thirty miles away, atop a small mountain. Chen Mu poked his head out of the ground and activated the Truthful Listening Technique. Only when he was sure there was no one within ten miles did he emerge from underground. That stealth ability was indeed formidable. Working together on multiple occasions, one would handle concealment while the other took care of burying bodies. They had always been successful. "Tsk tsk... Patriarch Wei is really powerful!" the shorter man said, looking at the mountain that had been reduced by half, his face full of awe. "Not just Patriarch Wei but also three other Condensing Aperture experts," the tall and strong man shook his head. "Four of them set up the altar, pooled their collective power, and only then could we see the situation as it is now." "Thats why I say Patriarch Wei is powerful," the short and thin man retorted. "Those people have never worked together before." "Are you planning to follow Patriarch Wei?" the tall and strong man gave him a sidelong glance. "After this battle, there will be many more than just me wanting to follow Patriarch Wei," the short strong man said calmly. "You wouldnt be thinking of following those other unpredictable fellows, would you?" "I dont want to follow anyone," the tall strong man shook his head. "East Ridge has changed; we need to find a big backer," the shorter man couldnt help but sigh. The tall and strong man fell silent. ... After a while. Feeling the feedback from the Secret Technique and sensing that the man below had been pinned down motionless, a slight smile appeared on the corner of the tall strong mans mouth: "Well talk about finding a backer later. For now, lets go hunt the next prey." But just as he was about to withdraw his Secret Technique, his face changed abruptly. He felt the prey he had firmly pinned down beneath the ground suddenly unleash a tremendous burst of strength. It was as though he had caught a python as thick as the mouth of a bowl with his bare hands. Despite his exertion, he could only watch as the opponent shattered the hold of the Exotic Force like rotting wood and broke free from the Coffin Mountain Secret Technique. "Go!" he exclaimed loudly. The short and thin man beside him tensed up, quickly spat out some tricky Curse Command, and clenched his fist significantly. A deep blue light shot out from between his fingers, and a pale blue orb of light suddenly rose from beneath their feet. The figures of the two men became obscured by the swift blue light. By the time Chen Mu emerged from the ground, the tall man was left only with a head, while the shorter man had only his eyes visible. The other man emotionlessly gave Chen Mu a glance. Then the blue light flashed explosively, the orb closed up, and the two men disappeared from sight. Escape?! Chen Mus eyes flashed fiercely. He had been pressed into the soil and scraped aroundhad he not been physically strong and possessed the Point Ground into Steel, by now he would have been flattened by the mountain! And now they wanted to run? Truthful Listening! Hum... A ring of gray ripples immediately spread out in all directions. The landscape within a radius of ten miles flashed into his mind in the blink of an eye. Gone?! Chen Mus expression changed. To think they could evade the Truthful Listening Techniques search! He swept his gaze around ferociously. Three Yin Slaying Demon! Three Yin Slaying Demon... A blanket of ghastly green crescent blades slashed in all directions. If he couldnt see them, then he would force them out! Bang! A hundred meters away, near a tree thick enough for three people to embrace, a distortion of light and shadow occurred. As if a projection screen was tapped, ripples appeared on the surface of the tree trunk. Chen Mu abruptly turned his head, exhaling a forceful breath through his nostrils. Yin Error! A flash of black light. A hundred meters away, the black crescent blade swooshed past. Yet, this strike met with air; there was neither a feeling of impact nor a splatter of blood. Chen Mus face immediately contorted in frustration. Just as he was about to continue invoking the Three Yin Slaying Demon to cover the vicinity, the Yin Error crescent blade that had flown skyward suddenly whirled back. Aiming three meters to the right of the large tree, it plunged into the ground with a thud. Ah... A dull scream echoed. Boom! The crescent blade burst out of the earth. Two bodies with severed heads appeared among the fragments of shattered blue light. Constantly nourished by the Spirit Nourishing Curse, the spiritual intelligence of the Yin Error crescent blade had grown significantly, managing to break through the opponents hiding Secret Technique and excel in tracking capabilities! "Haha! Well done!" Chapter 374 - 367 Returning to the Mountain Atop Eagle Grief Cliff. The grey clouds in the sky had completely ignited, resembling a long carpet of dim green flames. Fire rain fell in waves like relentless arrows. "Wei Donglai!" a roar echoed to the ends of the sky. Old Hu? Chen Mus heart leaped with joy, and he immediately turned to look. He saw a stream of cyan and white light soaring up from Eagle Grief Cliff, hovering in mid-air. Then, with both hands, he pushed fiercely towards the sky and bellowed loudly. Great Luo Reincarnation Hand! Hum! Suddenly, two palm-shaped holes burst open in the cloud of flames. The vicinity of Eagle Grief Cliff was freed from the cover of the fire clouds, and the overwhelming fire rain arrows were wiped clean by a single palm! An intense cheer suddenly erupted atop Eagle Grief Cliff. Good going!@@@@ Chen Mu couldnt help but feel exhilarated. Do that a couple more times, and kill them all! As if responding to the crowds wishes, Old Hu quickly rose higher. His hands pressed against the fiery clouds, pushing harshly once more. Suddenly, two massive palm impressions appeared in the fire clouds. Then, he exerted his full force and managed to push the fire clouds away from the direction of Eagle Grief Cliff! Chen Mus eyes shone with admiration. This was the great power of a Condensing Aperture master! Chen Mu was not in a hurry anymore. After dealing with the two robust men, he sat down on a stone nearby, watching the distant great battle. He had come all the way from Da Liang, and wherever he went, disaster followed. "But this isnt my fault," Chen Mu felt aggrieved. This time, when it seemed that all was lost, he never expected Old Hu to turn the tide. "Looks like I wont have to keep running around." The reason those places had fallen was that the people in charge were too weak. Just look at Old Hu, impressive! Chen Mu was quietly enjoying the moment. Then he saw the fire clouds in the sky morphing rapidly, forming a massive skull. The skull suddenly opened its mouth to an astonishing degree. The pitch-black maw occupied more than half of the face! Roar! An invisible force burst forth suddenly. Bang! Old Hu, like a tennis ball being hit away, suddenly exploded into a white air wave and was slapped into the ground disappearing from view. Chen Mu: "..." You couldve lasted a bit longer, damn it! I still have to run. With no choice, he stood up, a black spiritual light and smoke rising around him. With a leap like a fish, he burrowed underground and rapidly disappeared, fleeing for his life. "Worse than that," Shang Huan said with a sigh. "They say the whole mountain was burned bare, even the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring is gone." "Little Mu, youre really lucky to have come back in one piece!" Old Hao exclaimed with heartfelt emotion. "Lucky I practiced a few more fleeing secret techniques," Chen Mu also felt a chill down his spine. If he hadnt been able to use the Escaping Earth technique, he wouldnt have been able to descend from Eagle Grief Cliff! "Thankfully, those barbarians are finished too," Shang Huan said, looking excited. "There was movement on the mountain?" Chen Mu tensed up. Stay connected through novelhall.Co?m As expected, trouble was brewing again in East Ridge. "The day after Eagle Grief Cliffs collapse, the elders from Golden Summit acted in unison," Shang Huan chuckled. "I heard that several elders went straight to the barbarians lair and killed three Condensing Aperture barbarians on the spot." "Only one surnamed Wei narrowly escaped with his life." "The barbarians who followed in their uprising were scattered and killed by our Inspection Courtyard." "Besides a group taken away by the Wei-surnamed barbarian, the other barbarians have all started to migrate and flee." Chen Mu stood there, his expression stunned. The chaos in East Ridge he had anticipated hadnt started and had dissipated abruptly? For a moment, he felt an unrealistic sense of relief. "Those barbarian cultivators are too cowardly, not holding out for a few more days," the bald-headed Jia Tian complained with frustration. Chen Mu came back to his senses and glanced sideways at Jia Tian. "What, Your Highness is hoping for chaos across the land?" "Have you forgotten how you lost your throne?" It was precisely because of the chaos in Da Qian and the danger of the dynastys collapse that the bald-headed Jia Tian had no choice but to abandon the throne and take refuge in Jilong Road. "I didnt wish for chaos across the land," Jia Tian said with a wronged look. "East Ridge is a perilous place, and those barbarians already live hard lives. Hasty migration would inevitably lead to heavy casualties." "I just hoped those cultivators would hold out for a few more days so that my subordinates, the lower-level cultivators, and the ordinary mountain folk could better prepare," he explained with a sigh. "On my run from East Ridge, the journey was truly difficult," Jia Tians face filled with remorse. Chen Mu fell silent. In times of great chaos, it was always the common people who suffered most. He himself was an unfortunate victim caught up in the turmoil. "Indeed, without being prepared in advance, one could hardly preserve their life," Chen Mu sighed. What surprised him even more was that Jia Tian, the former prince, actually cared about the safety of ordinary mountain folks lives. Though a bit crafty and greedy, his heart wasnt bad after all. Seeing the troubled look on his face, Chen Mu couldnt help but offer some comfort, "Life and death are predestined, and wealth and honor are in heavens hands. Try to take things a bit more philosophically." After hearing this, Jia Tians expression grew even more distressed: "But how am I going to repay my debts?" What does he mean? Chen Mu was somewhat confused. "After Elder Liu left, he borrowed money everywhere, hoarding goods at high prices, and even pre-ordered exclusive purchase rights from several suppliers," Shang Huan said with the look of someone enjoying the drama. "And then, heh heh..." Chen Mus face instantly darkened. I really thought you were worried about the barbarians lives, turns out you bald head were just concerned about making less money! Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian with a smile. "Must be quite a loss, huh?" Jia Tian nodded, looking miserable. "Serves you right!" Jia Tian: "..." Chapter 375 - 368: The Third Layer Dawn. South of Jade Spring Mountain. In the cave abode of Pill Treasure Pavilion, Chen Mu opened his eyes and awoke. Despite feeling energetic, he lazily didnt want to get up. Pulling back the curtains, he sat up against the headboard, staring out the window and daydreaming. The sun had just risen, and already Jade Spring Mountain was bustling with activity. In the Administrative Affairs Institute below, people were coming in and leaving now and then. Handsome men and beautiful women, stepping on flying kites, whooshing through the sky toward the horizon, quickly shrinking to tiny black dots. Even though it wasnt his first time seeing this, Chen Mu still found the sight marvelous. He had been in Yunzhou for five or six years, but he had always been muddling along in the Lower Courtyard. What he saw were all low-ranking disciples, busy with farming and hunting to earn White Jade Coins, all hurrying along with dusty faces. They were even less stylish than the martial warriors of Da Liang, who high-flitted here and there. "Indeed, they are Senior Brothers and Sisters from the Upper Court, brimming with the aura of immortals," Chen Mu sighed. Although Eagle Grief Cliff was destroyed, the other five mountains including Jade Spring Mountain had been occupied by other courtyards. The other courtyards were expanding their territories and urgently needed manpower. The Senior Brothers and Sisters from Jilong Roads Upper Court swarmed over at once. Just as he was thinking, a dashing young man in a wide robe and luxurious black garments flew by his window on a flying kite. His robe flapping, his black hair flying, he seemed as ethereal as an immortal, filling Chen Mu with intense envy. "A Qi Cultivator should be like this!" This was the image a high cultivator of the Dao should have! What about the Five Ghosts Possession? Big and clumsy, with clothes exploding at every turn. To the uninformed, it might seem like a heretical practice! "Ive got to condense my aperture quickly," Chen Mu thought to himself. By that time, with Flying Escape there would be Longitudinal Rainbow Light, and in a fight there would be tricks of light and shadow, plus two magical techniques from the immortals. Once he fought with someone, without moving his body or shaking his hands, with just a flick of his fingers he could knock someone outhow cool would that be! Chen Mu was so excited at the thought that he threw off the thin quilt and jumped out of bed. After hastily eating breakfast, he entered the Underground Secret Chamber with his heart full of anticipation to cultivate. ...@@@@ Five days later. In the Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu was sitting cross-legged on a soft couch. Next to him, a wisp of green smoke from the incense burner in the small table next to him rose straight up. Suddenly, a soft popping sound erupted from his body. Two silver lines flowed around his brow, and a fist-sized secret aperture space suddenly appeared three inches below his navel. An invisible aura burst forth from his body. The straight green smoke was immediately bent. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall in front of him. Netherworld Grand Summary: 3/10000/Fourth Rank; "Ive done it!" With a thought, the three nested hollow silver spheres inside the Jade Seed immediately began to spin rapidly. "It costs you to keep them, but if I cant finish eating them and they go bad, wont that cost me money too?" Hearing this, Jia Tian hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "If youll buy one more, Ill give you two small Frostfall Talismans for free; they can freeze the meat and ensure it doesnt spoil." Small Frostfall Talisman? A talisman that can freeze and keep things fresh? "Youre being so generous?" Chen Mu was skeptical. Selling stock at a reduced price is understandable, but now youre throwing in two talismans as well? "Ill lose even more holding onto it," Jia Tian forced a smile, "Fortunately, small Frostfall Talismans arent expensive; two of them arent even worth one White Jade Coin. Ill just consider it a small loss." "The longer those exotic beasts stay in the pens, the more I lose." "Giving away some small Frostfall Talismans will actually help me lose less." Chen Mu nodded in understanding. It was a way of cutting losses immediately. If only he had known, he wouldnt have made this mistake to begin with. "Alright," Chen Mu agreed. He needed to consume over a hundred catties of meat every day to make Replenishing Origin Soup anyway. Buying from Jia Tian, he could even save a few White Jade Coins. "Thank you, senior brother!" Jia Tian immediately flashed his back teeth with a grin. After sending Jia Tian away, Chen Mu stared at a palm-sized brown Leather Talisman in thought. "I wonder if this thing could keep the Replenishing Origin Soup fresh." He was still not proficient in the practice of making Rejuvenation Pills. The Replenishing Origin Soup was still the main source of vital energy replenishment. ... Three days later, Chen Mu carefully controlled a wisp of black smoke from his Spiritual Armor to drill into a brown wooden cup. He successfully opened up the third Condensing Aperture in his body. Not only did the range of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles expand to thirty meters in a flash, but the burning ability of the black Spiritual Armor smoke also greatly increased, and its manipulation became more flexible and precise. Within two breaths, steam was rising inside the cup, yet the wooden cup itself remained undamaged. Chen Mu eagerly swallowed a big gulp of Replenishing Origin Soup. But soon after, his expression turned to one of disappointment. "Ive underestimated the Replenishing Origin Soup after all." The soup did not spoil, but its ability to replenish vital energy was gone. "Its within reason, I suppose," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. It would have been too easy if things that attracted ghost soldiers could simply be preserved longer by freezing. "However, its still possible to freeze some meat and store it." Chen Mu held the small Frostfall Talisman with a smile, thinking to himself. Back on Eagle Grief Cliff, meat prices had soared nearly three times, and he had indeed spent a lot of undue money. Now, with the small Frostfall Talismans, he could stockpile a large amount. Even if he moved to another mountain and happened to face a shortage of supplies, he wouldnt lack Replenishing Origin Soup for cultivation for a while. "The little bald kid seems to have a lot of unsold exotic beasts." "Every day they sit, he must be losing a nice amount of money." "What was the price again? Forget it, I wont haggle with him. Ill take a small loss and give him nine White Jade Coins for a hundred catties of meat." "After all, weve met, I should lend him a hand." "Ha ha!" Chapter 376 - 369, what a coincidence Jade Spring Pavilion, Hundred Objects Pavilions backyard. "Buy a whole pig rabbit, and Ill throw in a Minor Frost Descend Talisman for free." "A whole pig rabbit can last at least a month to eat." "But a Minor Frost Descend Talisman can only last four or five days at most. This way, youll have to buy more Minor Frost Descend Talismans." "And since Minor Frost Descend Talismans are a niche market, were the only ones who have them in stock. This way, we can make another bundle of money." Jia Tian looked at Shang Huan and chuckled, "It seems like a loss at a glance, but actually, we still stand to profit!" "So you give Brother Mu two pig rabbits, but only two talismanswhat does that mean?" Shang Huans eyes widened, "Two talismans can last at most six days; are you even daring to scam Brother Mu?!" Chen Mus face turned dark the moment he connected to the sympathetic sense. Lowering prices, discounting, and giving away talismansI thought this bald-headed kid was being too generous. Turns out hes been waiting here! "Brother Chen is our backbone; how would I dare?" The bald-headed boy waved his hands repeatedly. He then chuckled and said, "Brother Huan doesnt know, but our brother has been practicing some hammering Dharma Guardian Divine Skill to forge his physique, and his consumption of meat is not ordinary at all." "Ive been running around to handle those pig rabbits recently and just happened to see it in the East Market slaughtering area." "Every few days, Brother has to buy three to five hundred catties of Exotic Beast Meat." "Those two Exotic Beasts meat combined with two Minor Frost Descend Talismans will be just right." As if you know so much! Chen Mu huffed discontentedly in his heart. He hadnt concealed the fact that he was buying a large amount of Exotic Beast Meat, so being discovered was normal. "I originally wanted to stockpile some cheap Exotic Beast Meat, alas..." "Forget it, the total price is about the same, and its better to buy fresh Exotic Beast Meat." "Besides, the turmoil in East Ridge has ended, and even if the Exotic Beast Meat prices rise afterward, it will only be by a limited amount."@@@@ Chen Mu disconnected from the sympathetic sense with a lack of interest. ... Jade Spring Mountain, Scripture Transmission Institute. After a long absence, Chen Mu walked into Tianyi Pavilion. At the registration desk at the entrance, Sect Master Ying Tiances direct disciple was no longer there, replaced by the burly Elder Hu. Chen Mu bowed slightly in respect, presented his Identity Jade after arriving, and walked straight up to the second floor of Tianyi Pavilion. "Earth Sink Technique, creating muddy pit traps? Not very useful." "Mountain Crusher? Shaking the earth to crumble rocks? Heh, thats a good hand for mining." "Earth Dragon Turnover? This one is powerful, actually turning two feet of deep soil over to the surface." "Its absolutely unbeatable for tilling the land for farming... what the heck!" Chen Mu tossed the Bright Yellow Scroll back onto the wooden shelf, his face deflating. He had come to find an Earth Walking Secret Technique, but after flipping through for a long time, he found only auxiliary production Secret Techniques. "Isnt the Lower Courtyard meant for farming, breeding, and producing resources?" Chen Mu came back to his senses and couldnt help but sigh. Take Point Ground into Steel, for example; used in reverse, it turns stone to mud, and forward, it turns mud to stone. It was originally a great tool for building palaces and constructing pavilions. Liu Hongyang earned White Jade by constructing an Exotic Beast breeding ground with it, after all. Even Chen Mu himself learned it initially to dig underground tunnels. "Though one could buy two with a White Jade, its not cost-effective in the long run, how about... buying less?" "Isnt this a coincidence." Chen Mu raised his hand and pointed at the table in front of him. A wisp of white smoke spread from his fingertip, and the brown wooden square table was immediately covered with a layer of frost. "I happen to know this Minor Frost Descend Method," Chen Mu said leisurely. On the semi-transparent gray wall in front of him, a new entry appeared. Minor Frost Descend Method: 115/10000/Second Rank; "The weather is getting hotter, and I want to have some cold refreshments, so I learned this Minor Frost Descend Method," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Guess what, practicing it, I managed to reach a minor level of proficiency." "What a coincidence! Such a huge coincidence!" "With this technique, I could buy a hundred heads, and still be able to preserve them" Chen Mu smiled at Jia Tian, "Youll surely sell it to me, right?" You sneaky profiteer! Im totally taking advantage of this! Ha-ha! Jia Tian: "..." This is a huge loss for the business! ... In the end, Chen Mu only bought thirty pig-rabbits. They should sustain him for over three months of soup-based cultivation. Your next read awaits at novelhall.Co?m By then, the experience with Rejuvenation Pills should also be nearing completion... probably. Well, whether he could eat them or not, at least they were worth watching. "Always eating frozen meat isnt good." "Even if Rejuvenation Pill doesnt work out, I can still buy fresh Exotic Beast Meat." Moreover, he had plans to leave Jade Spring Mountain. Buying too much wouldnt be convenient to carry. ... With food and drink sorted, Chen Mu focused peacefully on his cultivation. In his free time, hed apply the Truthful Listening Technique on Shang Huan, widely collecting news from other courtyards through the Jade Spring Pavilion. He initially thought of using Shi Xian as a receiver since among the seven, she had the best response to the Truthful Listening Technique. However, the six siblings from Wu Mountain were not the quiet types, all having gone to Cliff Shaman Mountain for an adventure. He had to make do with Shang Huan. With the many people and their gossip within the Jade Spring Pavilion, Chen Mu heard quite a bit of news. For instance, a massive development in Wu Liang Mountain at Brush Rack Cliff was in dire need of manpower. For instance, the Sect Master of East Fence Path had healed and emerged from seclusion. For instance, there was a sudden change in leadership at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. Chen Mus eyes narrowed. The new Pavilion Master came from the Upper Court, rumored to have profound backing. He ousted Zhu Yi from the position upon arriving. "Is the Upper Court fighting for power and profit?" Chen Mu was silently contemplative. It has only been peaceful for a few days... Chapter 377 - 370 Departure Intentions At the southern part of Jade Spring Mountain, behind the Administrative Affairs Institute, high up on a cliff, there was a cave dwelling. The dwelling was spacious and bright, with forty to fifty people gathered in small groups, quietly conversing. Chen Mu stood in an inconspicuous corner, with the Truthful Listening Technique activated on his ear, quietly listening. The new Pavilion Master of the Pill Treasure Pavilion had summoned, and all the alchemists on Jade Spring Mountain had to attend, naturally Chen Mu was no exception. Before long, the former Pavilion Master Zhu Yi entered the cave. Some approached to greet him, exchanging pleasantries warmly. Others kept their distance, with a cold demeanor. Seeing Zhu Yi chatting animatedly with those close to him, Chen Mu quietly stepped two paces further into the shadows, using the figures of people in front to block the gazes that might be cast toward him. "Zhu Yi still cant let go, huh." Chen Mu quietly adjusted his posture and breathing, minimizing his presence. He just wanted to cultivate in peace and didnt want to be involved in any disturbances. But just as he had hidden himself, he heard Zhu Yi asking about him, as if he was very familiar with him. "As a homebound man, am I really that famous?" With a helpless sigh, Chen Mu took half a step to the side, revealing half of his figure. If the other party took the initiative to seek him out, he couldnt hide. Besides, the cave was only so big; there was nowhere to hide. ... "Junior Brother Chen, its been a long time," Zhu Yi said with a beaming smile. "Greetings, Pavilion Master," Chen Mu replied shyly, like a home-dwelling alchemist who was tactless in the ways of the world. "I am no longer the Pavilion Master, Im the Deputy Pavilion Master now," Zhu Yi announced with a smile. After which he went on to make inquiries about Chen Mus well-being, using the drastic changes at Eagle Grief Cliff as a conversation starter. With a look full of emotion, Zhu Yi said, "At first, I thought Junior Brother joined the Pill Treasure Pavilion just to bide time, but who knew that Junior Brothers alchemy talent would be so astounding. Not only are you skilled in alchemy yourself, but also proficient in teaching others." He then shifted the topic and asked, "I have some nephews who wish to learn alchemy but have failed to grasp the basics." "Im too busy with other matters to instruct them, I wonder if Junior Brother..." "Im truly sorry, but I am currently in seclusion, pondering over the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill, and its a critical moment right now, so..." Chen Mu said with a look of difficulty. Zhu Yis eyebrows lifted slightly. Critical moment? That All-Disease Pill isnt so easy to make; hes trying to distance himself from me, isnt he? Heh... With a light chuckle, Zhu Yi said, "Then, what unfortunate timing." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhu Yi took his leave. Chen Mu smiled and bowed his hands, waiting until the other man was far enough away before his expression became somber. Teaching and giving lectures? Better not. "With that time, Id rather refine several batches of Rejuvenation Pills." He had no intention of getting embroiled in the struggle between the new and former Pavilion Masters.@@@@ Zhu Yi then started to frown and ponder. After a moments hesitation, he gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, saying fiercely, "Then well have to send him away!" Thats more like it! Zhu Yis eyes brightened. Since were killing the chicken to scare the monkey, we must truly kill! This young man Qi Hui has potential after all. Zhu Yi looked at Qi Hui with satisfaction, feigning regret, "We are compelled by the situation; theres no other choice." "You agree then?" Qi Hui was overjoyed. Zhu Yi lightly chuckled and nodded, "What do you plan to do?" Qi Hui perked up immediately: "I plan to send him to Pen Rack Mountain." "That mountain is so poor it rings hollower than a bell; they cant even make a few White Jade Coins a year." "Just let him guard that pathetic little mountain." Qi Hui gave Zhu Yi a suggestive raise of his eyebrows: "Starve him to death!" Zhu Yi: "..." Are you sure youre not in cahoots with him?! With all that ruthless talk, youre showing me this? The guys probably dying to leave Jade Spring Mountain at this point! All this talk about exhausting and starving him to death, are you trying to be funny, planning to die laughing here?! Zhu Yi watched Qi Hui with an indescribable look, feeling as uncomfortable as if he had misstepped on a staircase. Not far away, Chen Mu wore a peculiar expression. This Brother Qi Hui sure is... a good person! Listening to Zhu Yi and Qi Huis conversation, which was completely at cross purposes, Chen Mu nearly burst out laughing. He looked at Zhu Yi with a touch of sympathy. With such talents at hand, Pavilion Master Zhu is in for a tough time. ... Afterwards, there were no further disturbances. The new Pavilion Master, Zhao Yuzhang, appeared, met everyone, and officially took up the position of Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion. Watching the young and handsome face of the other party, Chen Mu understood a bit why Zhu Yi was restless. The new Pavilion Master is said to be over thirty, but looks just over twenty. Being unseated by a younger peer is no wonder Zhu Yi is not convinced. "Being so young and able to take up the position of Pill Treasure Pavilion Leader, he must inherently possess Daoist Bone, an extraordinary talent." "Where does Zhu Yi get his confidence from?" "Blinded by White Jade Cultivation?" "I dont understand..." "But, this has nothing to do with me." Explore stories on novelhall.Co?m "Its also time to leave Jade Spring Mountain." Chapter 378 - 371 Joining the Company Jade Spring Mountains Scripture Transmission Institute, the third floor of Tianyi Pavilion. Chen Mu placed a Bright Yellow Scroll back on the shelf, reluctantly leaving the bookshelf where the Earthly Movement Secret Technique was kept. He still wasnt satisfied and wanted to find a copy of the Earth Escape Secret Technique. With the Secret Technique, he wouldnt need to leave a secret passage when digging a Secret Chamber, making it even more concealed. "What a pity..." ... In front of the counter on the first floor of Tianyi Pavilion. "Going to Mist Smoke Mountain?" "Shouldnt you stay put in the academy, passing down scriptures and preaching, instead of running around all over the place?" "Spill it, whats the reason this time?" Elder Hu looked at Chen Mu with a stern face. "The miasmas and clouds around Mist Smoke Mountain make it convenient for me to ponder the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill," Chen Mu earnestly said. "Last time you went to Eagle Grief Cliff for the All-Disease Pill, and this time going to Mist Smoke Mountain still for the All-Disease Pill?" Hu Kui eyed Chen Mu skeptically: "Tell the truth!" "The Pill Treasure Pavilion has a new Pavilion Master, and Im worried about trouble, so Im going out to lay low," Chen Mu shrugged. "Who would dare to trouble a Scripture Doctorate from my Scripture Transmission Institute?" Elder Hus beard and hair bristled, his muscles bulging fiercely: "Ill go and tear them to shreds!" Chen Mu looked at Hu Kui who appeared ferocious but seemed actually glued to his chair and couldnt help but roll his eyes. I wish you would. "I cant let you be troubled on my account; Id better go lie low instead." Hu Kui looked at Chen Mu dissatisfied: "Youre already a member of my Scripture Transmission Institute, so me stepping in for you wont be a trouble." Your journey continues at novelhall.Co?m "As long as you concentrate on transmitting scriptures, my Scripture Transmission Institute can ensure your safety." "Listen to me, start another preaching session, teach a few Alchemists, and I assure you no one will trouble you!" Does this old guy have nephews who want to learn Alchemy? Chen Mu looked doubtful. "No thanks, Id better go and lay low." "Besides, I do indeed need to ponder over new Elixir Pills." "I cant always be teaching the Fasting Pill, I need to add some new content." "That way I can jack up the price and earn more Daoist Jade Money," Chen Mu pretended to be greedy and chuckled mischievously. Hu Kui looked on regretfully: "Make sure you think it through. If you really accept this task from the Mist Smoke Mountain Scripture Transmission Institute, and no one replaces you, you wont be able to return to Jade Spring Mountain for a short time." Isnt this perfect, I actually dont want to come back. Disciples from the Upper Court kept boiling in, disputes were visibly escalating, and he really didnt want to stay on Jade Spring Mountain. ... South of Jade Spring Mountain, above the cliff face, in a spacious cave dwelling. Zhao Yuzhang, dressed in black fine clothes, sat at the head of the room. "Left? I was hoping he could train a few more Alchemists," he expressed his disappointment. "I heard that initially, it was Elder Liang who brought that person into the Pill Treasure Pavilion." "And Elder Liang is a disciple of Elder Song." "If we rashly lay hands on him, Im afraid..." Qi Hui cautiously reminded. Zhao Yuzhang shook his head with a wry smile: "Hes capable of teaching Alchemists, and he refused Zhu Yi, as long as he stays in Pill Treasure Pavilion, that means hes one of us." "Besides, that little junior brother of mine, Mo Wuzhou, has some dealings with him. I would never go against him." "No wonder Zhu Yi wanted to move against him," Qi Hui suddenly realized: "He probably knew about this mans relationship with the Pavilion Masters disciple." Immediately his expression brightened: "Shouldnt we lend a hand? It might be a good chance to do a favor." "No need," Zhao Yuzhang waved his hand: "Zhu Yi has enough on his plate and wont have time to trouble him."@@@@ "The Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill really has issues?" Qi Hui was astonished. "Our Qingdu Institution head, hes a bit obsessive about cleanliness," Chen Mu suddenly realized. No wonder the Scripture Pavilion was excessively clean and tidy. "Alright, Ill go learn it when I have the time," Chen Mu casually said. Seeing him nonchalant, the round-faced youth seemed to want to say more but stopped himself, ultimately bowing and quickly leaving. Standing at the door of the bamboo building and watching the others fleeing figure, Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head and chuckle. Running that fast, are you afraid Ill change my mind? Its just a librarianship, pay is admittedly low, but its not that terrible, right? ... The next day, at the Scripture Pavilion. "This scroll should be placed in the third compartment of the second shelf, not the second compartment of the third shelf, you put it in the wrong spot," a thin old man suddenly appeared behind Chen Mu. Chen Mu jumped in fright and promptly turned around. Qing Lu? The Qingdu Institution head. Chen Mu bowed his head to check the catalogue in his hand and found he really made a mistake. This Qingdu Institution head is impressive, could it be he remembers the location of every book? "Its my first time as a librarian, and I misplaced it. I ask for the Qingdu Institution heads understanding," The old mans face was expressionless, showing neither pleasure nor displeasure, and he nodded slightly at Chen Mu before turning away. Hes not that difficult to get along with, is he? Chen Mu internally felt it was quite novel. After eight or nine years since crossing through time, he never expected to end up working again. Luckily, he didnt rely on this job for a living, nor did he have the tension of facing a boss. Then, he continued sorting out the books while holding the catalogue. "This books lower corner is curled up; take it for repairs before categorizing it," a voice once again abruptly came from behind Chen Mu. This time, completely unanticipated, it scared him so much his hair nearly stood on end. He quickly turned his head and immediately saw Qing Lu two meters away with an emotionless face. This Qingdu Institution head, does he walk without a sound? "Okay," Chen Mu calmly nodded. This time he was on guard, intentionally hanging the Truthful Listening Technique on his ear. After calmly sorting books for a quarter of an hour, he purposely misplaced a scroll while focusing intently, trying to listen to the surrounding sounds. "The first shelf on the catalogue refers to the lowest part of the bookshelf, not the highest part." Qing Lus voice appeared again without any warning. Chen Mu abruptly turned around, feeling his heart skip half a beat. In the meantime, Qing Lu had once again appeared two meters behind him. When did he...? When did he appear behind me? The Truthful Listening Technique didnt pick up anything?! He suddenly understood why the round-faced youth was so eager to run away. With Qing Lu popping in and out like a ghost... No one can stand that! Especially since the Qingdu Institution head seemed to have an obsession with cleanliness. With people coming and going in the Scripture Transmission Institute, dirt and dust were bound to be brought in on their shoes. If every speck of dirt conjured him instantly beside oneself, then... Fuck! Chapter 379 - 372 Qing Lu As dusk fell. The clouds on the horizon glowed red as fire. A gentle breeze came, blowing away the summer heat. Outside the new residence, on the wooden corridor, two meat and two vegetarian dishes were placed at the center of a square table. Ever since he had the Replenishing Origin Soup, his appetite had plummeted. He was no longer like a rice barrel as before. Picking up a piece of steamed pork rib with rice flour, Chen Mu crunched it, bones and all, to pieces. The more he chewed, the more he felt something was amiss. "Sigh... this isnt what I had in mind." On his first day at work, Chen Mu was watched by Qing Lu from the Qingdu Institution all day long. The others cultivation was high, and he didnt even dare to slack off. "How on earth did that old man appear behind me?" Chen Mu was quite annoyed. Even when he pushed his Truthful Listening Technique to the utmost, he still couldnt hear any movement from the other person. "Weird!" Chen Mu glanced at the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 8836/10000/Sixth Rank; "The Truthful Listening Technique is still lacking a touch." Previously at Eagle Grief Cliff, he had been ambushed by two barbarians, and at that time his Truthful Listening Technique had been deceived by their Harmonious Light Secret Technique. The unpredictable Qing Lu was even more formidable. Silent, Chen Mu didnt even know when the other was standing right behind him. With that thought, he couldnt help but turn his head and look back. "The Qingdu Institution really harms people deeply," Chen Mu said with a wry smile. No wonder that chubby fellow disciple ran so fast. He probably got scared by the Qingdu Institution. "If I were secretly practicing the Five Ghosts Possession and the other was standing behind watching..." Hiss! Chen Mu couldnt help shivering. He was afraid too. Chen Mu had many secrets; if someone were to track and investigate him so stealthily, it would be a disaster. "Cant dig out the secret chamber, must stop cultivating, cant take risks!" Having eaten his meal without much enthusiasm, he rushed to wash up and then returned to the second-floor bedroom. Not going to sleep, he hung the Truthful Listening Technique on his ear and started grinding away. ... Several days later. In front of the bamboo cottage, on the corridor.@@@@ Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair with his eyes closed, swaying back and forth. The bronze wind chime hanging in the southeast corner of the corridor clinked. In the distant woods, the collision of leaves created a rustling sound. His ears twitched slightly, carefully distinguishing the various sounds within five hundred meters. After a while, Chen Mu opened his eyes, satisfied, and looked at the grey wall. After days of contemplation, his Proficiency in Truthful Listening Technique had surpassed nine thousand. "Its a pity I dont dare to use it actively," Chen Mu shook his head. The passive version of the Truthful Listening Technique merely amplified his hearing, allowing him to hear more and further. The active version of the Truthful Listening Technique involved echo probing, requiring him to actively release his vital energy, then rely on his hearing to gather the feedback vibrations. Actively using it would net more experience but would also make it easier to be discovered. "Move away from Mist Smoke Mountain to practice?" "Forget it, what if I run into a demon?" Jia Tian: "..." Could you not say it in such a scary way?! ... "So, youre the unlucky one?" In the Scripture Pavilion, a man in his forties looked sympathetically at Chen Mu. The unlucky one? Who are you calling that?! Chen Mus face soured. "Little Yuan really hit the jackpot with you, finding such an easy... scapego... cough cough, replacement." The middle-aged man looked regretful. "When will I have that kind of luck?" An easy mark, a scapegoat, is that what you were going to say?! Chen Mu pretended not to hear. If it werent for wanting to get some information from this colleague, he really felt like smacking the man upside the head. "Dont blame me for talking nonsense." The middle-aged man sighed. "Our Qingdu Institution pays promptly and doesnt ask for much, just to keep the Scripture Pavilion clean and tidy. He doesnt care about anything else you do." "But... well..." He hadnt finished speaking when a voice suddenly interrupted. "The Water Walking Secret Technique Area on the first floor needs cleaning." The middle-aged man shivered, his head not turning as he shrugged helplessly at Chen Mu. See? Chen Mu, however, couldnt help but look. And he saw a lean old man standing quietly not far away, as if he had always been there. This time not directly behind me? Noticing the reaction of his middle-aged colleague across from him, Chen Mu was taken aback. After taking a careful look at Qing Lus position, his face involuntarily started twitching. Qing Lu might not have been standing directly behind him this time, but the position he did choose was in the blind spot of both himself and the middle-aged colleagues lines of sight! Does this Qingdu Institution have a screw loose?! As Qing Lu slowly descended the stairs, Chen Mu muttered softly, "Hasnt anyone talked to the Institution about this?" "Would you dare?" The middle-aged man cast a sideways glance at Chen Mu. Stay tuned with novelhall.Co?m "I wouldnt dare?" Chen Mu said, feeling wronged. The old man from Qingdu Institution had a habit of coming and going like a phantom, his formidable strength clear for all to see. With his eternally stern face and his unapproachable demeanor, who would dare to offer suggestions to such a powerhouse. "Theres really no other way?" Chen Mu persisted, unwilling to give up. Being watched like that was too frightening. The middle-aged colleague suddenly became animated: "You could practice the Dust Avoidance Technique." "As long as you ensure the Scripture Pavilion is clean and tidy, the Institution wont need to show up." "Including the time just now, the Institution has appeared twenty-one times today." "Do you know? My lowest record was twenty-four. With a bit of effort, maybe I can break that record today!" The middle-aged mans face was full of excitement. Whats there to be excited about that?! "When my Dust Avoidance Technique is perfected, and the Scripture Pavilion is free of every speck of dust, perhaps the Qingdu Institution wont come to scare people anymore." The colleagues eyes brimmed with yearning. Havent they all learned to motivate themselves now? Chen Mu looked at his middle-aged colleague with pity, like looking at a middle-aged office worker who had been ground down by the corporate world in his previous life. "Really no other way?" The middle-aged colleague didnt speak, only giving Chen Mu a meaningful look. Is that it...? Find another easy mark like me to take the fall? Chen Mus face instantly darkened. Chapter 380 - 373 Qi Mechanism Half a month later, at early dawn. Chen Mu lifted the thin blanket and sat up from his bed. He habitually activated the Truthful Listening Technique, but then froze in place. The swishing of tree leaves, the whooshing of the Gentle Breeze, the crackling of dry branches breaking, everything was so familiar. Yet beyond these familiar sounds, there was also a faint buzzing noise. The sound was not loud, but it filled the environment. Curiously following one of the buzzing sounds, he approached the window. A brilliantly blue butterfly quietly perched on the gray window frame. As if it sensed Chen Mus approach, the butterfly slowly opened its wings. The blue stripes on its wings became even more vivid and beautiful. "Life..." A sudden enlightenment emerged in Chen Mus mind. The vibrating hum was not an ordinary noise, but rather the unique life force of the creature itself! His gaze followed the butterfly as it took flight, looking into the distance. In the lush green sea of trees, the humming of various pitches was continuous but not chaotic, creating a harmonious beauty! Chen Mu involuntarily looked at the gray wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 1/10000/Seventh Rank; It was true! The Seventh Rank Truthful Listening Technique could not only hear ordinary sounds but also miraculously detect the sounds of individual life forms. Secret techniques could distort sight and cover up sounds, but they could not hide this unique rhythm of life. "Qingdu Institution, huh..." ... The next day, early in the morning. Chen Mu hurriedly ate breakfast and headed straight for the Scripture Pavilion. Upon entering, he looked up to see Qing Lu. The man sat solemnly behind the counter as usual, expressionless as he leafed through a book. Chen Mu nervously activated the Truthful Listening Technique. A buzzing vibration immediately filled his ears. "Great!" Chen Mu was exhilarated. The Seventh Rank Truthful Listening Technique indeed could capture Qing Lus life force! When Qing Lu sensed Chen Mus gaze, he couldnt help but look up. "Is something the matter?" Something the matter? Of course, there was something. A great thing! Having spent nearly a month at Mist Smoke Mountain, he was on edge because of the enigmatic Qingdu Institution, always fearing the other party was lurking behind, discovering many secrets. But now, with the new Truthful Listening Technique to capture lifes rhythm, no matter how secretive the others movement technique, it could not escape his ears! This person was none other than the head of the Scripture Transmission Institute and a likely Condensing Aperture High Cultivator, a true dignitary of Jilong Road. At this moment, he caught a flaw of the other party, who was still unaware... Heh! "Good morning, Institution Head," Chen Mu greeted with a beaming smile. A Secret Technique? An illusionary clone? A fake? Impossible! Chen Mu remembered clearly that this secret shadow could take books from the shelf. It was not just a simple illusion. This is troublesome... Your next read is at novelhall.Co?m ... At dusk, outside the bamboo cottages long corridor. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup and sighing deeply. "The Truthful Listening Technique was a waste of effort!" The ability to hear the life force was indeed miraculous, but without hearing Qing Lus clones movements, he couldnt resolve the current dilemma. "Am I being overly cautious?" He was just a small fry, while Qing Lu was a lofty High Cultivator. Would he bother to keep an eye on himself? Recalling the past months interactions. Aside from his sudden and terrifying appearances and disappearances, what struck him most was Qing Lus indifferent and serene demeanor. The most common sight was him sitting calmly behind the counter, reading a book. "Am I waging a battle of wits with thin air?" "Forget about Qing Lu, should I just get started?" Chen Mu gritted his teeth, tilted his head back to drain the cup of Replenishing Origin Soup, and with a surge of mana, activated... Giant Spirit Divine. In the end, he still didnt dare to gamble. "The old ghost of the Sun Family still has his eye on me." "With my diligence and effort, plus a little help from the Proficiency of the gray wall, cultivating the Condensing Aperture should be no issue." "I cant rush for quick success and ruin my future prospects." Chen Mu consoled himself silently. Feeling the flow of blood and mana, Chen Mu turned his head to look behind him. As black and red lights flickered, a three-meter-tall divine figure wearing red and gold armor emerged. Since he dared not cultivate the Netherworld Grand Summary, he had plenty of spare energy and time. Before he knew it, the Proficiency of the Fourth Rank Giant Spirit Divine had been farmed over five thousand times. The divine figure was now completely condensed from the waist up. Chen Mu turned back and immediately noticed the giant crimson eye in the middle of the divine figures head. It was less like an eye and more like a huge hole with a swirling vortex of crimson mist inside. If he looked too long, he felt as though he would be sucked into it. Apart from this eye occupying nearly half of the figures head, there were no other features on the square Chinamans face of the divine figure. Mystery, antiquity, and eeriness spread along his gaze, blanking his mind and forcing him to look away. "I wonder what existence this Secret Technique divine figure is modeled after. Just imitating its form already has such wonderful uses." "But this is still useless for the current predicament." Like the round-faced junior brother before, should he find a scapegoat to take his place and leave the Scripture Pavilion? He thought about it and then shook his head to dismiss the idea. The other courtyard was entering a period of great development, chaotic everywhere. But Mist Smoke Mountains Scripture Pavilion was one of the few places of tranquility and calm, exceedingly suited to his needs. Chen Mu squinted at the gray wall. "Then I should learn another secret technique for investigation." Chapter 381 - 374 Unexpected Joy Two days later.@@@@ At the end of the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion. Chen Mu picked up a silk scroll from the top shelf, activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, and absorbed the dust from the crevices of the adjacent scrolls. After cleaning, he put the scroll back in its original place. He repeated this process until he reached the middle of the bookshelf, where five or six stacked scrolls appeared before his eyes. Chen Mu cleaned the dust as before, but in the end, he deliberately left one of the scrolls beside him. The next moment, Qing Lus voice emerged. "The third volume of The Mirror of Tongtian River Water is placed in the wrong position." Chen Mu turned around, bowed respectfully, and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Director." Immediately, he activated the Truthful Listening Technique and, as expected, caught the familiar aura from the first floor. "This place is the farthest from the counter on the first floor, and the entire octagonal wooden building is within the coverage of Qing Lus Secret Technique." Watching Qing Lu leave, Chen Mu continued his silent cleaning. At noon, Chen Mu used having lunch as an excuse to temporarily leave the Scripture Pavilion. After exiting the pavilion, instead of hurrying back to his bamboo building, he strolled slowly along the bluestone path outside the Scripture Pavilion. At the same time, he silently activated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and absorbed the dust and loose soil from the side of the road, spreading it on the ground. Before long, a tall and thin young man in his twenties came up the mountain path, walked along the bluestone pavement with shoes full of dust, and hurried towards the Scripture Pavilion. As they brushed past, Chen Mus face showed nothing, but his Truthful Listening Technique firmly locked onto the young man. After the young man entered the doorway of the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Mus heart couldnt help but lift. Yet, until he left the Scripture Transmission Institute area, Qing Lu did not appear. "That young man stepped on the loose soil. With Qing Lus cleanliness, he would have called me to clean it up under ordinary circumstances, but now..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Is it that he cannot or does not want to?" "Most likely, he does not want to," Chen Mu frowned. Old man Qing was someone who followed the rules; once Chen Mu had left the Scripture Pavilion, he wouldnt bother him. However, this made it difficult to calculate the coverage of Qing Lus Secret Technique. ... After lunch. On the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion, in the Qimen Secret Arts District. Chen Mu stood between two rows of gray bookshelves. From the bottom shelf on the right side, one bright yellow scroll after another floated up, queuing in front of Chen Mu. "Far Sight Technique, seeing dozens of miles as if they were before ones eyes, a human-powered telescope?" "Smell Identification Technique, distinguishing hundreds of scents, identifying people by smell, like a dogs nose, heh..." "Mirage Technique, mist forming a mirage decoy, this is far inferior to Qing Lus Secret Technique..." Chen Mu skimmed through the scrolls at a glance. Continue your saga on novelhall.Co?m He tried to find some clues about Qing Lus Secret Technique and it would be even better if he came across a targeted Investigative Secret Technique. The Scripture Pavilion was sparsely populated. Qing Lu: "..." This new scriptorium scholar... he doesnt have any issues, does he? ... The next day. Scripture Pavilion third floor. "Dont ask me again, I cant help it. If there was a fool willing to take over, I would have quit this scriptorium scholar job long ago," a colleague in his forties said meaningfully while looking at Chen Mu. Who the heck are you looking at! Im not the fool here! Chen Mu explained earnestly, "I actually quite like the job of a scriptorium scholar." The middle-aged colleague sneered: "Like it? With all the bizarre comings and goings in the Lower Courtyard, arent you scared?" "Not scared at all," Chen Mu said with an unfazed face. "Ha!" his middle-aged colleague said with disdain. "Dont believe me?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Then he casually took a black leather-bound book that needed sorting and archiving from the others hand. With a whoosh, he threw it to a random spot. The middle-aged colleague only felt his scalp tingle, his eyes uncontrollably widening. But before he could figure out what was going on, a voice suddenly rang out. "Records of the Hundred Thoughts of the Daoist Ancestor should be placed on the fourth shelf of the fourth layer." The middle-aged colleague immediately shuddered at the ghost-like sudden appearance of the voice. He quickly turned around to comply and swiftly corrected the placement of the wrong book. After watching Qing Lu leave, just as he turned to scold Chen Mu, he was met with Chen Mus grinning face: "Exciting, isnt it?" The middle-aged colleague: "..." This guy... he must have some serious problem, right?! ... Chen Mu looked on with regret as his colleague left in disarray. He had wanted this colleague to help him test a few more times to get the hang of it. What a pity... Arriving on the second floor at the Qimen Secret Techniques District, Chen Mu continued flipping through the books. Meanwhile, the acupoint in the center of his brow twitched and he spread Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles around, encompassing a ten-meter radius. "If I wasnt afraid to use Five Ghosts Possession, this range could be even greater... huh?" "It seems like it can be a bit larger indeed!" Thinking so, he tentatively spread Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles further outward. The secret acupoints in his chest and abdomen pulsed simultaneously, and Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles indeed expanded outwards! "Whats going on?!" Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles originated from the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique, and it originally could only restrict at ten meters, but with Five Ghosts Possession, it could be amplified to a hundred meters. But now... "This must be two or three hundred meters, right?!" Chapter 382 - 375 Netherworld Atlas ``` Time flew, and Mist Smoke Mountain was tranquil, with three months passing in the blink of an eye. Twenty meters beneath the bamboo cottage, in a secret chamber about the size of two bedrooms, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a large, soft couch, his eyes closed. Next to him was a low, square table, on which a fist-sized incense burner wafted curls of blue smoke.@@@@ Above his head, more than ten fist-sized jade spheres were embedded, whose inner glow-worms twinkled, casting a gentle light. In the corner, seven pots of sea heart pine were placed, their branches and leaves trembling slightly, as if breathing and purifying the air. After a good while, a low hum came from within Chen Mus body. Invisible ripples spread outwards like water waves, abruptly bending the vertical strands of blue smoke. Inside the Jade Seed, four layers of Netherworld Talismans nested closely together, while a perforated sphere of silver with hints of black rotated chaotically, somehow revealing a sense of orderly rhythm amidst the turmoil. "Success!" Chen Mu looked joyfully at the gray wall in front of him. Netherworld Grand Summary: 32/10000/Fifth Rank; After traveling from Jade Spring Mountain to Mist Smoke Mountain over seven or eight months, he had finally managed to solidify the fourth layer of talismans. The Jade Seed had expanded to the size of three fists, and his total mana had increased once more, allowing the Longitudinal Rainbow Light to lift Chen Mu up to the height of a three-story building. At the same time, in the vicinity of his back, almost opposite to his navel, a new secret orifice had appeared. "Heh, this Spirit Armor Technique..." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Although the wall indicated that the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique was still at its limit, as he focused intently on that entry, insights began flooding into his mind. This inadvertently acquired secret technique had quietly advanced a significant step forward. "Is it an associated effect of the Netherworld Grand Summary, or is it influenced by the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain?" "I wont turn into a ghost, will I?" The Spirit Armor Technique is a path for outsider sects to reincarnate into heavenly demons, aiming to cultivate the Heavenly Demon True Body, like that White Tower real person who once transformed into a black dragon. "If only I could really turn into a black dragon; at least that would be imposing." "But a mass of black smoke mixed with the howls of ghosts and wolves... That style is clearly crooked and unorthodox!" Chen Mu scratched his head. His dream of becoming a carefree sword immortal seemed to be getting further and further away. "Sigh... keep practicing." Whether it was the Netherworld Grand Summary or the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, there was no way he could stop practicing. Besides, the capability of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles that the Spirit Armor Technique granted him could see through the secret methods of Qing Lu! With these thoughts, an invisible exotic force unfolded, and in an instant, an invisible, intangible hemisphere with a diameter of over four hundred meters covered the surroundings of the bamboo cottage. "The range has increased? Good news!" Chen Mus eyes lit up with delight. The wider the area of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, the less he feared the Qing Lus secret techniques. As long as the opponents clone appeared, he would detect it immediately. "No matter how sophisticated your secret techniques, Qing Old Man, they wont escape my Qi Forbidden surveillance!" ... After being pleased with himself for quite a while, Chen Mu called up the gray wall and started to review from top to bottom. Having been in this world for more than ten years, without realizing it, there was already a long list of entries on the gray wall. He looked down the list one by one. Writing: 2162/10000/Fourth Rank; A grey wall? That was a record board! "I owe what I have today all to myself! Yes!" ... Eagle Grief Cliff. Originally towering high into the clouds, the steep cliff unscalable by eagles was sheared in half. The lush green peaks had become dusty and bare. On the western side of the cliff, within a surviving pavilion. Strands of sunlight penetrated the collapsed roof, and dust particles floated silently in the light, ethereal and elusive. At a certain moment, the dust stirred violently with a sudden, low-pitched, urgent whistling, and a tall, thin figure appeared abruptly in the hall. "Yang Huan, you actually dare to show up before me, are you not afraid Ill strike you down with a bolt of lightning." Sun Jian said coldly, staring at the shadows in the broken hall. "Strike me down? Heh... Dont you want the Netherworld Atlas anymore?" Yang Huan smirked broadly, his face full of mockery. "If I kill you, the atlas is still mine!" Sun Jians right hand reached out from his wide sleeve, and a streak of lightning leapt between his fingers. "Tough talk is useless, if you have the ability, go rampage through the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and see if they will give you the Netherworld Atlas." Yang Huan sneered, "Without the gourd sword box as a knocking brick, you cant even board their Cloud Bat Flying Ship!" Sun Jians face suddenly darkened. Yang Huan chuckled lightly, stepped out from the corners shadow, and approached the halls entrance. He looked out at the desolate Eagle Grief Cliff and clicked his tongue in wonder, "You guys from Jilong Road are really ruthless, to destroy an Earth Vein Spiritual Spring just to set up a Forbidden Law." "Dont talk to me about the East Ridge barbarians, if it werent for you helping them along, how could Wei Donglai have broken through Eagle Grief Mountain?" "Besides, its no big secret that you exchanged the Five Qi Gathering Yuan Law Prohibition with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "Too many peaks interfere with setting the Forbidden Law, so you destroy one? These are mountains that can nurture Vital Energy. Tsk tsk, such a waste of heavens gifts." "Speak, what do you want me to do?" Sun Jian stepped beside Yang Huan and calmly asked. "Heh heh, its nothing much, just help plant a few restrictions, and destroy a few more Spirit Mountains." Yang Huan grinned, showing his teeth in a sly smile. "What, with Zhongshan Path gone and White Tower dead, you still want to take revenge for them?" Sun Jian said scornfully, "I cant tell that youre someone of emotion and righteousness." Yang Huan was nonchalant, "Emotion and righteousness? That stuff isnt as valuable as the Dao Foundation Secret Method." Sun Jian fell suddenly silent. Indeed, what worth is emotion and righteousness in the face of the Dao? Sects and clans are also dispensable. "I need to see the Netherworld Atlas first." Sun Jian said indifferently, looking into the distance. Yang Huan immediately grinned, showing a mouthful of sharp white teeth. ... For a long while, the ruined hall was silent. Sun Jian stood alone at the entrance, glaring somberly at the barren mountains in the distance. "Who is behind Yang Huan? The remnants of Zhongshan Path? Or other sects from Yunzhou?" "Damn it! If it werent for the loss of the Spiritual Treasure, the gourd sword box, I wouldnt be at Yang Huans mercy... Hm? The loss of the treasure gourd, could it be Yang Huans doing?!" Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m His eyes became piercingly sharp. "No wonder Ive been unable to find any clues, Yang Huan!" It took a while before Sun Jian slowly regained his composure. "Since Yang Huan dared to show himself, theres no need to think about retrieving the gourd sword box anymore." "The Dao Foundation Secret Method..." Sun Jian looked down at the bright yellow scroll in his hand, lost in thought, but soon he became alert and resolute. "Compared to the path of the Dao, Jilong Road is nothing." Chapter 383 - 376 Search East Ridge is located in the southeast of Yunzhou, where the weather is hot all year round. The seasons cycle, but even entering into winter, the temperature never drops too low. Its just a pity that theres a prevalence of poisonous miasma within East Ridge. Despite the already rather warm temperatures, it makes one feel unbearably cold and gloomy. Fortunately, those who live here are mostly Qi Cultivation practitioners, all strong of body and impervious to the cold and the heat, at worst just feeling slightly uncomfortable. Scripture Pavilion, third floor. Chen Mu, dressed in a gray long robe, sat quietly at a long desk by the window. He was encompassed by Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, rendering him impervious to the chill and dreary wind outside the window. In his hands, he held "Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill Detailed Explanation," browsing carefully, occasionally stopping to jot down some thoughts and key points in a blank book next to him. After a long while, Chen Mu finally lifted his head and blinked. "An interesting Elixir Pill," he murmured. This wasnt his first time studying the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. Unlike the Fasting Pill and Rejuvenation Pill, this Elixir was not to be ingested, but worn. Once the Elixir is refined, it produces an Exotic Force that autonomously envelopes the surrounding area of two to three meters in radius. Within this range, it can filter and absorb the poisonous miasma from the air, allowing the wearer to avoid the harm of the miasma. The more types of poisonous miasma infused into the Elixir, like samples, the stronger the pills effectiveness, and the greater the variety and amount of miasma it can filter. Its a type of Elixir with an extremely high potential. Currently, All-Disease Pills effectively cover nineteen types of poisonous miasma, but this is already enough for one to traverse East Ridge unimpeded. "Uncle Master Rong Qiu is impressive," Chen Mu exclaimed. "As the Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion, not only did he come up with something like All-Disease Pills, which have a structure similar to Magic Artifacts, but he also gained insight into the poisonous miasma Talismans of East Ridge." "I have Pharmaceutical Techniques to deduce the Essence Talismans from Elixirs using Gray Wall reverse inference. I wonder how Uncle Master Rong learned of the Essence Talismans for poisonous miasma." Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m "A method of a Condensing Aperture expert? Or a special Divine Secret Skill?" Chen Mu shook his head and thought no further, silently summoning the Gray Wall. Alchemy (Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill): 5340/10000; Qing Lu would appear and disappear within Scripture Pavilion like a ghost, and even with Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, one could capture his figure. But to avoid unnecessary trouble, Chen Mu never practiced secret techniques like Netherworld Grand Summary within the pavilion. The business of Scripture Pavilion wasnt much; there was plenty of free time. Aside from reading various books to broaden his knowledge, Chen Mu spent most of his time pondering the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. This Elixir he had legitimately exchanged from within the Scripture Transmission Institute, it served as an excuse for him to switch between different peaks, which allowed him to bring it into the open to study. More than three months have passed, and within the Jade Seed, all nineteen poisonous miasma Talismans had been fully refined. Next, only the Through-Rhino Talisman needed to be refined. Coupled with the Golden Pearl Elixer Talisman he had already condensed, he could try to begin the pill furnace alchemy. "I need to find time to collect some essence of the poisonous miasma," said Chen Mu, turning his head and looking through the window towards the mist-enshrouded Mist Smoke Mountain. The Truthful Listening Technique was in operation, and the noisy market sounded clear and distinct. Not far away, a dark-skinned, short and skinny vendor was fiddling with the herbs on an oilcloth in front of him while chatting with a brawny man next to him, "Why didnt you set up a stall yesterday? Did you go digging in Jilei Mountain?" "I wish I did," the brawny man huffed as he straightened up the reddish-brown ore on his stall. "I didnt provoke anyone, and suddenly I was hauled over by the Inspection Courtyard. They questioned me back and forth for a whole day." "Not only did I waste time, but to get away, I also spent ten White Jade Coins!" "I work hard digging and at most, I can get three or two pieces of Thunder Attracting Stone a day. Even after a month of labor, I cant earn many White Jade Coins, and nearly half of it was gone in a day," the brawny man complained bitterly, "That fatso from the Sun Family is really a rotten egg!" "The Sun Family?" the skinny vendor showed interest, "The guys been dead for almost a year, right? Theyre still checking?" "If it were just a person dying, it wouldnt be a big deal. But they say a treasure was lost," the brawny man lowered his voice with a hint of schadenfreude, "Its rumored that the Sun Familys ancestral Magic Artifact was on that guy. The man is gone, and the Magic Artifact is lost too. Heh!" "The first ones dragged in for interrogation suffered quite a bit, and you this time..." the skinny vendor measured the brawny man with his eyes. "If I hadnt used White Jade Coins, I wouldnt have gotten out so soon," the brawny man said, his face full of resentment, "Now I see it clearly, the Sun Familys looking for the treasure is one thing, but those black-clad Patrolling Inspectors using it as a chance to fish for money is even more real!" "Take it as spending money to escape disaster," the skinny vendor consoled cheerfully. "It would be great if that Sun Family treasure could be found, its definitely worth a fortune." "Id like that too..." Even if you find it, its useless, Chen Mu thought helplessly as he paid for his items nearby. The Sun Family had markings on the Red Gourd Sword Box, and having possessed that precious gourd for so long, he had kept it buried deep underground, not daring to take even a glance at it. "What a waste of a good treasure," Chen Mu shook his head but felt a sigh of relief in his heart. Not far from Mist Smoke Mountain is Jilei Mountain, shrouded in smoke year-round with thunder striking from time to time. On the mountain there is a reddish-brown ore called Thunder Attracting Stone, a commonly used Artifact Refining material. The rich ore zones on the mountain top are controlled by the Administrative Affairs Institute of Jilong Road, but there are no restrictions on the scattered smaller hills outside. Many disciples go to the vicinity of Jilei Mountain to dig and mine, earning White Jade Coins. The brawny man selling ore was adept at a secret technique called Earthly Movement Secret Technique, which he used to mine Thunder Attracting Stones for a living. Chen Mu had already guessed that the man might be taken away for questioning. He had come to the market specially to gather information. "The black-clothed Patrolling Inspectors have begun to use this as a means to extort money, which shows that although the search is extensive, the intensity isnt strong," he thought. Thinking about it, Chen Mu felt relieved, "Jilong Road isnt dominated by the Sun Family alone; they cant cover the sky with one hand." At first, everyone paid lip service and let the Sun Family search extensively. But after so long, inevitably some started to express concerns. Chen Mu hummed an unknown tune, happily leaving the brawny mans stall. "Concerns are good." If there are concerns at the top, people below will slack off. Chen Mu even anticipated that this search would become a corruption fest for the black-clothed Patrolling Inspectors. "Hehe! Old Ghost Sun might just be wasting his effort after all!" Chapter 384 - 377 Harvesting Thunder Mist Smoke Mountain, Misty Pavilion Firm, Qiankun Firm. This was already the fourth firm that Chen Mu had entered. "What can I get for you?" asked the burly owner, surprisingly gentle in both expression and speech, a stark contrast to his sturdy physique. Chen Mu nodded slightly at the owner and glanced around. Behind the counter, various goods were neatly arranged on the shelves. However, most were herbs and ores and other materials; the only elixirs present were Fasting Pills, and the magic artifacts were mostly minor auxiliary tools. Chen Mu was disappointed. Although the name Qiankun Firm sounded impressive, he guessed it was just a small firm, unlikely to meet his needs. "Does your shop have any Lightning Avoidance Magical Instruments?" he asked, not quite ready to give up. The middle-aged, robust owner apologized, "Such magical instruments are quite precious. Our store has just opened and we dare not deal with them. Perhaps you might want to check out the Hundred Treasures Pavilion." "I have already looked there," Chen Mu sighed. The Hundred Treasures Pavilion did have them, but those needed to be custom-ordered from the Upper Court Hundred Workshops Hall, and moreover, they were very expensive. Although he could afford the twenty or thirty thousand White Jade Coins, the time for customization was too long. Back and forth, it would take at least three or four months. "I need to head to Jilei Mountain to gather the Poisonous Miasma in a few days; I cant wait that long," Chen Mu shook his head. "Although Jilei Mountain is prone to lightning, as long as you dont go to the mountain tip, theres no issue, sir. You need not worry and buy a magical instrument for protection," the broad-shouldered owner suggested with a smile. But what I need to guard against isnt the heavenly thunder, but rather that old ghost Sun Jian, Chen Mu thought helplessly. Though the likelihood of being found was extremely low, he still couldnt shake off the anxiety. The feeling of being locked on by the Kui Water Yin Thunder still sent shivers down his spine whenever he recalled it. "Just to be on the safe side," Chen Mu replied nonchalantly. Just as he was about to take his leave, the broad-shouldered owner called out to Chen Mu. "If the guest is just taking precautions, theres truly no need to buy a Lightning Avoidance Magical Instrument." "Theyre single-function and expensive; not worth the price." A thought struck Chen Mu, and he turned to look at the robust owner. "Consider the Thunder Gathering Charm from Goose Sheep Path," said the burly owner with a smile, pulling out a palm-sized rectangle talisman from his wide sleeve.@@@@ The talisman was thin, seemingly made of some yellowish leather, densely covered with dark red star-pointed thread patterns. As the robust owner infused a bit of mana, wisps of bright silver lightning moved along the threads. At the mention of this, Sun Jian looked towards Yang Huans back, having already noticed the always-smiling chubby figure standing behind Yang Huan. "Li Yang Path?!" Sun Jians expression turned unsightly as he realized. So the remnants of Zhongshan Path had indeed defected to the Li Yang Path. No wonder they dared to provoke Jilong Road again. "Greetings, Elder Sun," Hui Ming greeted with a cordial smile in his broad golden silk red robe, his round chubby face beaming, "I heard that Elder Sun was secretly capturing people recently; do you have enough manpower? Do you need me to offer some support?" Sun Jian looked at him expressionlessly. Hui Ming waved his hands in a friendly manner, "Im not here to rush Elder Sun to modify the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier. I just think that Elder Sun is exerting a lot of effort for little reward." "Its been so long, and hunting for the gourd Sword Box is quite troublesome." "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect may not be so willing to simply hand over the Netherworld Atlas to you." "But we are different," Hui Ming said, his plump face filled with sincerity. As he spoke, he pulled out a palm-sized Bright Yellow Scroll from his wide sleeves. With a gentle lift of his hand, the scroll floated to Sun Jian. Without Sun Jian having to take it, it unfolded slowly. Seeing the contents of the scroll, Sun Jians pupils suddenly constricted, and he quickly grabbed the scroll to examine it closely. After a good while, he frowned and spoke with slight disappointment, "The prohibitions of the six connected mountains, Witch Cliff, and the Pen Holder Mountain have already been modified by me." "Jade Spring Mountain is the main Daoist training ground of the five mountains, with complex prohibitions. Mist Smoke Mountain has Liu Ling in charge, so we cannot make big moves. I need time." Discover exclusive tales on novelhall.Co?m Hui Ming nodded cheerfully, "Of course, we all understand the difficulties Elder Sun faces." "So, I leave it all to you." "This excerpt from the Yun Shen Daoist Foundation Atlas will serve as my greeting gift." Sun Jian nodded without showing any emotion, then turned into a beam of Escape Light and vanished into the horizon. "Will that old ghost really obey?" Yang Huan asked skeptically. Hui Ming continued to smile cheerfully, "Thats why Im here. I gave him part of the Daoist Foundation Atlas to help boost his confidence." Yang Huan acknowledged noncommittally, "The Netherworld has six hundred paths, and your Yun Shen Daoist Foundation is only at the tail end. Its not very tempting for Sun Jian." "Bait must not be too generous," Hui Ming replied jovially, "If he wants better, then hell have to continue cooperating with us." "In case he does find the Sword Box gourd..." Yang Huan narrowed his eyes. "What do you think, if the Sun Family junior gets hold of this treasure, would he hand it over to Elder Sun or come directly to me to trade for the Daoist Foundation Atlas?" Hui Mings face was full of deep meanings, "Our dear Elder Sun has always been domineering; aside from his direct descendants, the others have a hard time under his rule." Yang Huans mouth curled into a smile, "Daoist, you are truly astute!" Chapter 385 - 378 News Years passed, and the weather gradually warmed. The Inspection Courtyards interrogation scope became broader and broader, and while serving his duty in the Scripture Pavilion, Chen Mu overheard complaints several times. At first he was quite nervous, but later he gradually relaxed. The Sun Family might truly be unwilling to let things go, but the people handling affairs in the Inspection Courtyard didnt care, they were only interested in collecting White Jade Coins. Thus, Chen Mu served his role as a book collator with ease, taking shifts every three days, and used the abundant time remaining to practice his magic and alchemy in the bamboo abode retreat. Two months flew by in the blink of an eye, and in the bamboo abode retreats porch, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, listening to the wind chimes tinkling, unfolding the gray wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7112/10000/Fifth Rank; Alchemy (Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill): 8280/10000; During this time, he put quite an effort into the Netherworld Grand Summary. The results were quite significant, looking at the experience values, in another two months, he should be able to level up again. "This level-up seems a bit different," said Chen Mu, touching his belly thoughtfully. Every layer he practiced in the Netherworld Grand Summary would open up a strange Mysterious Aperture on his body. With mana imbued with a black hue inside the Mysterious Aperture, he could invoke Five Ghosts Possession and cast Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. The previous four were located at the center of the forehead, chest, below the navel, and lower back respectively.@@@@ The Mysterious Aperture produced by the fifth layer seemed to open inside his abdomen. And it seemed... to have a newfound affinity with the earth. "Could the Netherworld Grand Summary be related to the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique?" Ingesting demonic bloodlines, cultivating Spiritual Armor; comprehending the true intent of the bloodlines, discarding the useless and keeping the essence; then opening the Heavenly Demon Mysterious Aperture, and triggering the transformation. Thats the way of the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. The Mysterious Apertures on his body felt somehow related to the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. "Fortunately, even if there is a relation, it should only be incidental," Chen Mu said, looking at the silver-white Mysterious Aperture moving chaotically inside the Jade Seed and sighing in relief. "Ive heard that those who practice the Heavenly Demon Technique are quite stubborn, after opening the aperture, they all actively seek out thunder, tsk tsk..." Being targeted once by the Kui Water Yin Thunder, he never wanted to face it a second time, let alone seek it out voluntarily. Insane! "No wonder its called a heretical and unorthodox approach, such crude methods." After pondering for a while and not arriving at a conclusion, Chen Mu decided to let nature take its course. He shifted his gaze to the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. After months of contemplation, the talismans involved in the All-Disease Pill had already been refined completely, he just needed to collect the Poisonous Miasma and start the alchemy process. ... Several days later, in the mountain ranges east of Mist Smoke Mountain. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a cliff. Looking around, clouds and mist entwined, with the sunlight occasionally piercing through the sea of clouds, only to be engulfed again by the mist in a blink of an eye. Waving away the faintly fishy mist, Five Ghosts Black Smoke tumbled about, and a palm-sized yellow gourd appeared in front of him. With eyes slightly closed, he stimulated the Five Elements Qi Absorption Talisman, embedding nineteen kinds of Poisonous Miasma talismans into it, transforming mana, and an invisible Exotic Force manifested. With a thought, this Exotic Force spread out like a fishing net, cast far into the sea of clouds below the cliff. Strings of fine gray-black particles arose, forming into lines. Like birds returning to their nest, they came before Chen Mu, unhurriedly drilling into the gourd reserved for collecting qi. In a short while, the bottom of the yellow gourd was stained black. This was the way the qi-storing gourd displayed the storage amount; when the gourd turned completely black, it meant it was full. About a quarter of an hour later, the poisonous miasma nearby the cliff had been thoroughly absorbed, refreshing the air significantly. The qi-storing gourd was also one-seventh black. "Gathering miasma isnt as difficult as described in the Pill Scripture," Chen Mu sighed in relief. "Heh!" Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head and chuckle. With a wave of his hand, a cup of tea made with diluted Replenishing Origin Soup appeared on the low table. Little Baldy immediately grabbed it with both hands, smiling broadly. "Dont blame me for being greedy, its just that Elder Brothers skills are superior." "This Replenishing Origin Tea youve made is not only delicious but also strengthens the foundation and cultivates the vital essence. Its truly a rare and nourishing medicinal food." While his mouth was full of flattery, his eyes were unblinkingly fixed on the wooden cup in his hand, the eagerness making Chen Mus heart skip a beat. Back then at Eagle Grief Cliff, that Senior Brother Liang who was turned into a ghost soldier by the Evil God Dong Yue showed the same longing for the Replenishing Origin Soup. This Little Baldy... "You havent sworn allegiance to any strange gods, have you?" "Swear allegiance to gods? Of course!" Jia Tian looked confused. "Ever since the founding of Da Qian, weve always worshiped Jade Spirit as the supreme deity, burning incense and offering sacrifices every festival and holiday." A national worship? That must be a righteous god. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief but was again curious, "What were you just thinking about?" "Elder Brother, if you openly sell this Replenishing Origin Tea, it would simply be like picking up White Jade Coins with a sack!" As he spoke these words, there was almost a light shining in his eyes! "Typical you," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. This Little Baldy, giving up on being a prince to delve into money-making tricks, hasnt done a few shady dealings; hes a downright crafty merchant. "Give it up," Chen Mu waved his hand, "Its difficult to refine, hard to preserve, and it may even cause trouble. Stop thinking about it." "Tell me, anything new going on in the mountain recently?" Jia Tian shrugged his shoulders in regret. "Nothing new, but theres an old matter that isnt over yet." "The Sun Family?" "Who else but them?" Jia Tian laughed slyly. "I heard theres a clue about the Sun Familys treasure, leading many to secretly investigate. The five mountains of East Ridge are getting even more lively!" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, hoping the Sun Family hadnt really found it. He feigned disbelief, "This clue isnt in Mist Smoke Mountain, is it?" "Oh, thats not it," Jia Tian gestured dismissively, "It hasnt reached Mist Smoke Mountain yet." "What do you mean?" Chen Mu was a bit confused. "At first, it was said to be at the peak of Pen Rack Mountain, then they said at the base of Pen Rack Mountain, and two days ago the rumor was that its hidden in a spiritual spring in some mountain among the Six Connecting Mountains." "I reckon its going to take a few more days before its Mist Smoke Mountains turn." "That treasure has legs now, doesnt it?" Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh and cry. So after all that, it was completely baselessscared me for a moment. "Aside from delivering goods, I came today also to say farewell. Im off to the Six Connecting Mountains," Jia Tian said regretfully, "In the coming days, I wont be able to purchase items for Elder Brother personally; Ill have to send my trading companys guys to do it." "Youre also interested in the Sun Familys treasure now?" Chen Mu looked at him sideways. "Heh heh, what Im eying is the treasures on the people looking for the Sun Familys treasure," Jia Tian said smartly. "People are taking advantage of the chaos to rob and kill?" Chen Mu suddenly understood; Little Baldy was interested in their ill-gotten gains. "Elder Brother, while youre cultivating in the mountains, also be cautious about your safety," Jia Tian advised. "Ah! Im just a humble scholar, as poor as a church mouse; how could trouble find its way to me?" Chen Mu replied confidently. All these years, he had kept a low profile, shapeshifting whenever he left home, wasnt that exactly for moments like now? Who would take notice of such an almost invisible person like him? Chapter 386 - 379 Assault "I asked around, this guy is just a minor clerk, poor as a church mouse, nothing to squeeze, Uncle Three." Sun Chengzong looked puzzled at Sun Wujiu beside him. "Shut your mouth!" Sun Wujiu, clad in a black robe, stood in the shadows of the trees, his face full of dissatisfaction as he scolded: "Have you forgotten the purpose of our journey!" Sun Chengzong rolled his eyes: "Its been so long, that Sword Box gourd has long been out of sight." "Even if we really find the precious gourd, wont it be the direct descendants of the main house who get the privilege to nurture the Flying Sword? We... pfft!" Sun Chengzong grumbled discontentedly. Sun Wujiu remained silent, calmly looking at a weed under his feet. After a long while, he finally spoke indifferently, "Set up the Isolation Barrier Technique as quickly as possible." Sun Chengzong became even more impatient: "Why bother with such a huge effort, just go and kill him." "This man is different." Sun Wujiu mysteriously looked at the corner of the bamboo building faintly visible in the dense forest. Sun Chengzong sneered in disdain: "Whats so different about him?" "He knows alchemy, and he teaches others alchemy, you tell me whats different about him?" Sun Wujiu glanced at him dismissively and said indifferently. "Alchemy?" Sun Chengzong rejoiced: "A fat sheep indeed!" "I knew it, at such a critical moment, why would Uncle Three personally oversee the battle for just a minor clerk!" "Were going to make a fortune!" "Quick, quick, quick, go set up the Isolation Barrier Technique." More than ten figures in black robes suddenly dashed out from the woods behind, sprinting in different directions. Before long, a layer of Exotic Force slowly rose within the dense forest. The moonlight above seemed to distort slightly, and the slight chirping and tweeting in the woods also gradually disappeared. The black-clothed people returned one by one in succession. "An alchemist not going to Pill Treasure Pavilion but choosing to be a clerk? Quite the hideout." Sun Chengzong shook his head amusedly and looked curiously at Sun Wujiu: "Say, Uncle Three, how did you notice him?" "Its not worth mentioning," Sun Wujiu waved his hand. "Come on, tell us, the kid cant run away anyway." Sun Chengzong grinned. "Yeah, tell us, Im not running away anyway." A strange voice suddenly echoed from behind everyone. Sun Wujius face changed instantly, as if locked on by a great demonic beast, a shudder of terror abruptly swept over him! Not good! Before he could make a sound, a strong force suddenly struck his lower back. Excruciating pain followed, feeling as if hed been snapped in half at the waist his body involuntarily bending backward into a bow shape. The overwhelming force gave Sun Wujiu no chance to react, and he was suddenly sent flying. Everyone watched Sun Wujiu vanish abruptly, stunned in place! Sun Chengzong also paused in shock, his face quickly turning pale. Just as he was about to act, an invisible Exotic Force descended from the sky upon him. He was like an insect trapped in amber, his struggles futile as he was immobilized on the spot. A shadow slowly rose behind him, gradually enveloping him. Sun Chengzong struggled to turn his eyes backward, but he could see nothing. "Senior, could there be some misunderstanding here?" he tried to maintain his composure. "We are here to capture a petty thief who stole something from my Sun Family ancestor." "If we have disturbed the seniors cultivation, we deeply apologize." "Tomorrow my Sun Family will surely bring generous gifts to apologize and make amends." Sun Chengzong spoke earnestly. Old Ghost Suns temperament was just like his Thunder Law, domineering. Would he apologize? "I think hes more likely to come here to accuse us," Chen Mu chuckled lightly. "How could that be!" Sun Chengzong hurriedly explained, "My Sun Family has always upheld the teaching that its better to resolve grudges than to create them. Weve always been kind to others, elder, believe me!" Chen Mus face involuntarily darkened, "Quietly killing your enemy to settle a vendetta, is that it?" That was exactly what Sun Wuhuan had done! Sun Chengzongs scalp tingled instantly. This man bore a grudge against the Sun Family! Which bastard created this feud with this man, Sun Chengzong wondered indignantly in his heart. Why hadnt they just killed this guy! "The barrier you set up, it isolates the inside from the outside, right?" Chen Mu suddenly smiled with amusement, "Which means, whatever happens here, people outside wont notice, right?" Sun Chengzongs heart skipped a beat, "No, no, no, you cant hurt us, otherwise my familys ancestor wont let you off!" "Heh, is there a possibility that he never intended to let me go?" If the main family branch knew that he had the Sword Box, they might simply pin Sun Wuhuans death on him, then seize the opportunity to plunder all the resources he held! "Our ancestor Sun Jian is not someone who reasons," Chen Mu said ominously, "Do you think hed listen to your excuses?" Sun Wujiu couldnt help but clench his fists. "The Sword Box is valuable, are you truly willing to give it to me?" It worked! Chen Mu felt elated, "Im indeed taking a loss here. Of course, it would be even better if you could inform me of any movements within the Sun family." So thats it, after all, afraid of Sun Familys retaliation, Sun Wujiu suddenly understood. If thats the case... "Done!" Chen Mu instantly heaved a sigh of relief. "Straightforward!" "Lets swear with a high five, to advance and retreat together," Sun Wujiu walked over to Chen Mu, solemnly raising his right hand. Chen Mu also extended his hand seriously, "From now on, were allies!" Smack. Their palms gently touched. Sun Wujiu immediately grinned ear to ear. "Yin Binding Seven Kills!" Grey threads instantly burst forth from his palm, quickly spreading upwards along Chen Mus arm. A chilling aura abruptly enveloped Chen Mus entire body, as if his life force would be frozen in an instant. "Why do you think Ive been talking to you for so long?" "I feared youd escape underground," Sun Wujiu said, laughing heartily as he watched Chen Mu bound by the grey threads in an instant. "What are you thinking? How do you plan to free yourself?" Sun Wujiu asked with interest, staring at Chen Mu. "Once youre trapped by my Yin Binding Seven Kills, even infinite strength from the Heavenly Demon Path would not allow you to escape." "Its impossible for you!" Sun Wujiu, leisurely, "Just tell me where the gourd is, and I can grant you a quick end." "Otherwise, once you are corroded by the Yin Killing Curse, spoiled blood polluting your mana, youll find its a fate worse than death." "Not talking? Feeling indignant? Try struggling then," Sun Wujiu said mockingly. "My Sun Family moves in secrecy; no one knows." "Additionally, with an Isolation Barrier Technique in place, no one will discover what happens here." "I have all the time in the world to play with you." "So, this means no one knows you came here tonight, right?" Chen Mu, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. Sun Wujius brow furrowed slightly, "What do you mean?" The corner of Chen Mus mouth suddenly curved up, "It means that if you die here, the Sun Family wouldnt know who killed you, right?" "You?" Sun Wujiu suddenly felt something was amiss; the man before him was far too composed, his expression hadnt changed once since being restrained! "Why do you think I listened to you ramble on for so long?" Chen Mu grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp white teeth. "I feared youd fly away!" Five Ghosts Possession! In an instant, Chen Mus body swelled with power, shattering the Yin Binding Killing Curse that bound him, each thread snapping apart! The continuous grating sound of the curse breaking made Sun Wujiu shudder uncontrollably. This could only happen if the opponents mana and strength far exceeded his own by more than five times! Before he could react, the hand that was touching his suddenly swelled up. Its skin undulated, and the muscles beneath writhed like countless snakes, pushing and twisting, melding and tangling together. In the blink of an eye, the hand became as large as a fan. Crack! The air resounded explosively. That fan-sized hand instantly grasped his within its palm. A voice as rough as a chorus of a thousand shouts abruptly rang out above. "Caught me? No, no, no..." "Its me whos caught you!" Chapter 387 - 380: Idea ``` "Spiritual Light Body Protection!" Sun Wujius body suddenly lit up with a layer of lustrous white spiritual light, and his right hand shone even more dazzlingly. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu felt as if he were clutching a large, slippery fish in his hand. A huge, resilient yet slippery force abruptly surged from the palm of his hand. The fist that he had been holding firmly was slowly being pried open! "Trying to escape? Too late!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. A dark red vortex suddenly emerged behind him. The red light twisted and deformed, instantly transforming into an armored deity figure. His already formidable strength doubled once again. Squeak, squeak! Accompanied by a grating noise, The rapidly expanding protective spiritual light on Sun Wujius hand was immediately squashed by Chen Mu. Feeling that overwhelming strength, unlike anything human, Sun Wujius face twisted in ferocity. His left hand suddenly covered in a gray glow, he chopped at his right arm, severing it completely at the root. "Yin Wind Curse Technique!" With a loud shout, the severed arm instantly turned into a gray wind tornado, which swiftly engulfed Chen Mu within. The gray wind was chilling and sharp. As it swept across the trees, their vitality was shredded and drained in an instant. The lush green leaves on the branches, as if scorched by a scorching sun and pelted by countless hailstones, became dry and tattered in the blink of an eye. Sun Wujiu, however, did not even glance back. Longitudinal Rainbow Light! With just a thought, white fluorescent light rapidly circulated around his body. Like a bullet drawn to its limit on a slingshot, he shot straight into the sky. He had no desire for the gourd-shaped sword box; his only thought was to kill Chen Mu to avenge his severed arm. "As long as I break through the Isolation Barrier Technique, I can alert the elder ancestor!" "With the elder ancestors intervention, we can definitely capture this bastard." Sun Wujiu was full of hatred. In a flash, dozens of torture secret techniques emerged in his mind. But just as he flew into midair, a massive force suddenly bore down on him. That invisible power, like a huge hand, grabbed him and held him firmly in midair, rendering him immovable. He turned his head abruptly. All he saw was the gray tornado, like a tangled mess with countless huge snakes, bulging from internal collisions throughout the wind mass. Pop! A pair of clasped hands suddenly pierced through the tornado, followed by a fierce rip to either side. The Yin Wind Curse Technique, for which he had sacrificed an arm, was instantly torn apart. A five-meter-tall monster giant, with indigo skin and bulging muscles, burst out of the wind mass. "Really?" Chen Mu pretended to be surprised. "I heard its the head of a branch of the Sun Family." Master Ma chuckled, "Suddenly disappeared, alive without a trace, dead without a body. It only happened a few days ago." "Ah, Elder Sun must be furious, right?" Chen Mu asked nonchalantly for more information. "I heard he made a fuss on the mountain tops, then went to other mountains. But in the end, he still didnt find the person." Master Ma curled his lips, "Thats what his Sun Family gets for being so arrogant and tyrannical. Who knows, they might have offended some High Cultivator. By now, maybe even their ashes have been scattered." "Indeed, indeed, its better to keep a low profile," Chen Mu agreed wholeheartedly. Otherwise, there wouldnt be even ashes left. While they chatted, the two men had finished building the foundation. They waved from a distance and then went straight to the edge of the clearing to chop wood and trees, using local materials. "Its a pity you burned all the trees around here; otherwise, we could have saved a lot of work," Master Ma said regretfully, looking at a large area of scorched plants not far away. I had no choice but to burn them. Those plants had been affected by the Yin Wind of Sun Wujiu, showing obvious symptoms. Leaving them would be a flaw. "Well, you know me, I cant feel right if I dont burn something every day while cultivating pills," Chen Mu shrugged. "Thats a really strange habit you have," Master Ma glanced sidelong. "I dont want to either," Chen Mu laughed, "but what can I do if those twigs and branches always get in my way and are so bothersome?" ... Master Ma was truly skilled in constructing pavilions in the Hundred Workshops Hall. As expected, he completed the wooden building by evening. Seeing off the three men, Chen Mu walked into the wooden building on the first floor to inspect it. The building was seven or eight meters long and wide, with windows on both sides, five or six meters from the south to the north, and doors at the front and back. Spacious and airy, there was no need to fear that the miasma or poison smoke would linger. The second floor had a similar layout, only with the addition of a bed, suitable for a brief rest or sleep. It was not convenient enough for long-term living, but as a lodge for alchemy practice, it was more than sufficient. "More than anything, its to deceive others." This clearing was the main battlefield where Sun Wujiu and others were killed. Luckily, I acted swiftly that night without leaving much evidence. Then I removed all the plants, bamboo, and rocks that were affected by the battle, and used fierce fire to burn and erase the traces. But an abrupt clearing would always be somewhat conspicuous, hence I built a wooden building under the pretext of needing it for alchemy. Tomorrow, Ill deliberately spread some poisonous miasma and work on several batches of All-Disease Pills. Then, Ill set up signs around it prohibiting people from approaching due to the miasma. Clean up the traces, disguise the scene, and the job is done! "Sun Jians running around like a headless fly on each mountain peak, obviously unaware of Sun Wujius whereabouts. This is good." But recalling Sun Wujius suspicion and test, I remained somewhat worried. "If Sun Wujiu could suspect me, could it be that others are also suspecting me?" Theres never a shortage of smart people in the world. Chen Mu looked at the darkening sky outside the window, his thoughts swirling. "East Ridge is becoming increasingly lively, and one could easily get involved in trouble if not careful." "I have the Condense Aperture Secret Method and can perform alchemy to earn White Jade Money. What I lack is a stable environment to cultivate." A thought suddenly flashed through my mind. "What if I were to leave East Ridge..." Chapter 388 - 381 Alchemy Three days later. On the mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, to the west side of the Administrative Affairs Institute. Chen Mu followed the markings on the wooden token and slowly walked into the Bamboo Garden. According to the notice at the entrance of the Administrative Affairs Institute, the Bamboo Garden was responsible for the inter-regional deployment of personnel. Whenever a Lower Courtyard was short of people, the news would be sent to the Bamboo Gardens of all the Administrative Affairs Institutes immediately. The Bamboo Garden would then arrange for staff to be sent to the Lower Courtyards that were short of people through missions. His purpose in coming here today was to see if there was a suitable job that would allow him to leave the Five Mountains of East Ridge. After all, killing Sun Wujiu was a hidden danger. Upon entering the room, Chen Mu quickly glanced around. Two openwork screens stood on either side of the entrance, dividing the house into two small and separate compartments on the east and the west. Inside, it looked like a study, with bookshelves, desks, and writing materials all available. At the moment, two people were talking inside the western compartment. Chen Mu took a quick peek and then headed straight for the eastern compartment. There, a bald middle-aged man in his forties was sitting behind the desk. The man was dressed in black, with droopy eyelids and an indifferent face. Your journey continues with novelhall.Co?m Without waiting for Chen Mu to speak, the bald middle-aged man stretched out his hand impatiently, "Give me your Identity Jade." Chen Mu, having inquired about the procedures, was prepared and quickly handed over his Jade Token. The other party took the Jade Token, and a flicker of pale light flashed in his eyes: "Can you refine Fasting Pills?" "Yes," Chen Mu nodded. The bald middle-aged mans expression became more cordial upon hearing this, "Which mountain would you like to go to?" "I dont know, are there places outside of East Ridge that need Fasting Pills to be refined?" Chen Mu asked calmly. "You want to go to another Lower Courtyard?" The bald middle-aged man furrowed his brow. Without waiting for Chen Mu to explain, the mans face lit up with realization, "Right, over here in East Ridge refining Fasting Pills only pays out in White Jade Coins. To earn Daoist Cultivation, you really do need to go to other Lower Courtyards." Was there such a thing? Chen Mu was surprised in his heart. When he had come to Mist Smoke Mountain, it was mainly to cultivate in peace. Apart from the facade of being a Scripture Transmitting Pavilion Scholar, it had been a long time since he had refined pills for the Administrative Affairs Institute, and he had not expected such changes. However, its good not to get Daoist Cultivation! With this excuse, I could legitimately leave the Five Mountains of East Ridge. "Its a bit tricky," the bald middle-aged man frowned: "Your request covers all the Lower Courtyards in Jilong Road, and its not easy to find a suitable task on short notice." "Thank you for your effort," said Chen Mu as he stepped forward, took out a grey cloth bag from his sleeve, and quietly placed it next to the pen stand at the corner of the desk. The bald middle-aged man swept it into his sleeve, and his brow immediately relaxed: "Then Ill help you look into it." As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned back slightly, rolling his eyes upward. Then, dense tiny points of silver-white light began to emerge from the base of his eyes. Those points leapt and whirled about, like a myriad of stars in the night sky. Chen Mu watched the mans eyes with amazement. In the past, whether it was at Tongtian River Lower Courtyard or the Five Mountains of East Ridge, he would find work locally. The staff who assigned tasks at those Administrative Affairs Institutes needed to look through current records and search physically. A muted thump sounded, and Chen Mu sighed, a look of regret on his face. "Just a bit more..." With a flick of his mana, the lid of the Pill Furnace popped up and floated midair. A cloud of grey smoke immediately rose and spread out. He waved his hand to create a gust of wind, fanning the failed miasma out of the room. While using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to clean the Pill Furnace, Chen Mu reflected on the process. Despite some disappointment, he was not discouraged. The number on the grey wall told him that although he had failed just now, he had gained quite a bit of experience. At this stage, he had mastered all the Essence Talismans to extract the essence of the Poisonous Miasma, the Through-Rhino Talismans for absorbing miasma, and the Golden Bead Talismans for pill formation. "I just need to familiarize myself with the fusion conditions such as Qi Forbidden and Thunder Sound needed for the All-Disease Pill, and I will be able to succeed in one fell swoop," Chen Mu thought as he consulted the grey wall. Alchemy (Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill): 8280/10000; "Almost there." After a short rest, he once again added Poisonous Miasma and the essence of Earth Spirit Rhino Horn into the furnace and began another alchemy attempt. With previous experience, the control of the Wind Fire Pivot Charm and Qi Forbidden Thunder Sound became more proficient. In just a quarter of an hour, the Primordial Furnace suddenly trembled. Sensing through his mana into the furnace, Chen Mus tense face immediately relaxed. He quickly opened the lid of the furnace, using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to capture his creation. An All-Disease Elixir Pill the size of a quail egg, grey and semi-transparent, appeared before his eyes. "Success!" ... Outside the Alchemist Bamboo Tower, a rocking chair was placed beside the east-facing window. Chen Mu lay in the chair, examining the newly minted All-Disease Pill in his hand. He could clearly feel a subtle force that, centered on the Elixir Pill, was circulating back and forth around him. Under this force, the pale grey mist that was initially lingering near the bamboo tower was being drawn slowly towards Chen Mu. As it approached within three meters of him, it was collected by an invisible force, turning into fine, invisible threads that entered the All-Disease Pill and disappeared. "The All-Disease Pill itself absorbs the miasma, and when released through a special method, it can even continue to be used to refine All-Disease Pills. Tsk tsk..." "What an ingenious idea, Uncle Master Rong Qiu has quite the skill." After pondering for a while, Chen Mu put away the pill. "Having succeeded in making the All-Disease Pill, it counts as accomplishing a major task." "Now I should ponder how to leave Mist Smoke Mountain." Currently a Scripture Transmitting Pavilion Scholar, if he wanted to leave, he first needed to find a replacement. But the pay for Scholars at Mist Smoke Mountain was too low, and the head of the institute, Qing Lu, was a perfectionist with a mania for cleanliness, with many requirements. Apart from someone like him who wasnt lacking in White Jade and wanted a peaceful cultivation environment, there really werent many who would take the job. Moreover, with the recent development of East Ridge, there were many ways to earn White Jade Coins. In such times, finding someone to take over this arduous duty... "Thats going to be a bit difficult."@@@@ Chapter 389 - 382 Inventory Several days later, in front of the bamboo building retreat, a square table was placed beside the eastern window of the porch. In the center of the table, there were dishes such as mashed garlic with white pork slices and scallion pork ribs, a mix of three meats and two vegetables. Next to it, a flat bamboo basket piled high with secret-recipe pies. These past few days, he had been busy with refining All-Disease Pills to gain experience, consuming nothing but Replenishing Origin Soup and Fasting Pills. Today, having reached a milestone, he immediately made himself a satisfying feast to appease his cravings. Like a whirlwind cleaning up, he released Five Ghosts Paper Man to wash the dishes and clean the plates. Chen Mu leaned against the porch pillar, letting the gray wall appear before his eyes. "The Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill experience value has reached its limit; these seven-eight days of focused training were not in vain." For the first five or six days, he refined one pill at a time to increase the frequency of alchemy and raise his proficiency. Once the experience was maxed out, he let loose and, in two days, used up all the poisonous miasma stored in the gourd, reaping more than eighty All-Disease Pills. "Once I find the time to sell them, it will be another sum of White Jade Money." Chen Mu chuckled for a while, then his gaze moved to another column. Netherworld Grand Summary: 8702/10000/Fifth Rank; The Netherworld Grand Summary was fundamental; he allocated time every day to cultivate it. As his experience increased, he underwent a silent transformation. His mana became more potent, his physique more robust, and his Five Ghosts Possession grew increasingly formidable. "In less than a month, I should be able to complete the current stage." After mulling over his progress for a while, Chen Mu shifted his gaze again. Giant Spirit Divine: 66/10000/Fifth Rank; "This secret technique seems to be no simple matter." The technique originated from the six Wu Mountain siblings and was initially treated as an ordinary Secret Technique. Later, he discovered it could consume the excess vital energy from Replenishing Origin Soup and assist in cultivating the Netherworld Grand Summary to a certain extent, so he included it in his daily mandatory routine. Accumulated over time, the progress was always steady. As the rank rose, its unique properties began to manifest. At the thought, a red vortex swirled behind him, and a figure clad in golden red armor, over three meters tall, a half-body deity statue, emerged. At the same time, a series of secret technique information flooded into his mind. "Fifth Rank secret technique, capable of bestowing a twofold increase in strength to the practitioner, based on the state of the practitioner at the time of casting the technique." "Does that mean if I initiate Five Ghosts Possession first and then activate Giant Spirit Divine, the secret technique will amplify based on my state after Five Ghosts Possession?!" Even though he had a premonition, he still felt an incredible sense of disbelief. Chen Mu couldnt help but suddenly clench his fist, squeezing a dull booming sound out of the air. "No wonder I easily tore through Sun Wujius Yin Binding Seven Kills." "At that time, the Giant Spirit Divine was only Fourth Rank, enhancing only by one fold! If the Giant Spirit Divine is cultivated to the limit..." "Hiss!"@@@@ The earlier Truthful Listening Technique already surprised him; now, the Giant Spirit Divine also showed its mystery. What about the secret techniques of the others? "It seems I should meet with the six Wu Mountain siblings before leaving East Ridge." ... Underground Secret Chamber. Chen Mu sat on the soft couch, opening and inspecting Mustard Seed Talismans one by one. In front of him lay a low table filled with medicinal herbs, ores, animal hides, talismans, and other miscellaneous items, while several flying swords lay on the ground next to the soft couch. These items were all from killing Sun Wujiu and the others. "That position of a scholarette at Mist Smoke Mountain, there are not many willing to take it." On the western side of the bamboo buildings veranda, Jia Tian sat by a low table, shaking his head continuously. Chen Mus face was indifferent, "Pay them." "Its only because its you, Senior Brother; otherwise, I wouldnt take this job," Jia Tian said with a look of righteous indignation. Tsk, just look at that money-grubbing face of yours. "Qing Lus courtyard in the capital has profound strength; it wont do to just fool around with any replacement," Chen Mu worried. This little baldy had followed Shang Huan and learned only bad things in the past. For the sake of White Jade Money, hed often sold substandard goods as high quality. "You wouldnt believe how many warriors from Da Qian are here in East Ridge, its simply a matter of reaching out to find someone careful and clean; its not hard," Jia Tian expressed with confidence. "Yeah, I almost forgot; besides being a crafty merchant, you also have the title of a little prince," Chen Mu commented, looking at the other party lazily over the low table. The little baldy humbly waved his hands, "Its nothing, not worth mentioning!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes, unable to help it. "Try to get it done within a month, preferably before the next cloud bat airship arrives." "Senior Brother is leaving East Ridge," Jia Tians smile vanished. Chen Mu nodded calmly; he just wanted to find a peaceful space to cultivate. "In that case, this time, I wont take money for it," Jia Tian sighed. Chen Mus eyebrows rose. Not taking money? Has the sun risen from the west? "What is that look, Senior Brother!" Jia Tian exclaimed with a look of offense. Chen Mu didnt say anything, just kept giving him a sidelong glance. "Hehe, according to those chaps who help you with purchasing and delivery, Senior Brother, youve been researching new elixir pills recently, right?" Jia Tian rubbed his hands, "My shop hasnt been open long and could really use some top-quality items to draw customers. So, you see..." Thats more like it. But... "Youre not selling fakes in your shop, are you?" "That I cant do," Jia Tian said with conviction, "well, let me put it this way: my shops have never had a single return." Explore new worlds at novelhall.Co?m Why does that line sound so familiar? Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian with suspicion. Forget it, if this little baldy really dared to sell fakes in his shop, hed just be smashing his own signboard. In the end, hed be the one at a loss. Chen Mu shook his head and no longer pondered over it, taking out the All-Disease Pills he had practiced making a few days earlier. "I can sell you the medicines, but youd better hurry up with finding a replacement," he said. "Dont worry!" "I will certainly sort it out perfectly for you!" Chapter 390 - 383 Mutation Chen Mu entrusted Jia Tian to find someone for a shift substitution, thinking it would take a long time. But only three days later, Jia Tian appeared in front of him with a burly man in tow. The man was rough in appearance, but his temperament was gentle and soft. And in the mundane world of Da Qian, he had worked as a Document Keeper, protecting and organizing literature and archives. Being a mere junior proofreader would be as easy as turning his hand over. After confirming the handover for the next day, the muscular man took his leave, his actions and demeanor proper and polite, creating quite a contrast with his robust frame. Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian in surprise, "I must say, youve outdone yourself finding such a suitable candidate so quickly." "For my fellow apprentice, of course I must go all out, sparing no effort!" Jia Tian declared righteously. Chen Mu didnt speak, merely watching Jia Tians performance with a sidelong glance. "Hehe! Ill still need to trouble the fellow apprentice to refine a few more batches of the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills." Saying this, Jia Tian tapped his Mustard Seed Talisman lightly, and a brown square wooden box materialized. He held it in his hands and placed it on the low table beside Chen Mu, opening it with a cheerful smile for Chen Mu to see. A box full of warm, lustrous White Jade appeared before him. Chen Mus eyebrows raised involuntarily, "Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills are selling well?" There were at least six to seven hundred White Jade Coins in this box. "Mainly because the Upper Court brothers arent short on money," Jia Tian laughed. Chen Mu suddenly understood. He hadnt expected so many Upper Court disciples to come to East Ridge Five Mountains; it seemed the Upper Court really was rather competitive. "Fellow apprentice, you see..." "Im only responsible for the alchemy, and moreover, no one else can know these pills are my work," Chen Mu laid out his terms. The profits from the All-Disease Pill were clearly substantial. But with greater profits came more complications. He needed someone else to take the front line. "Then in terms of splitting the profits, youll have to yield a little to me," Jia Tian agreed without a care, immediately starting to haggle. Chen Mu looked at him in amazement. This bald-head had no fear of potential risks? "Being the young noble lord for so many years wasnt for nothing, hiding a few things from prying eyes is nothing hard," Jia Tian said as he rubbed his bald head, showing a self-satisfied grin. Chen Mu couldnt help but chuckle. Jia Tian had been in East Ridge for just two to three years. Initially, he was so poor that he was worse off than the farming warriors who came from Da Qian. Yet now, he was trading across the Five Mountains and owned his own store. Thinking a bit about this fellows path to wealth, Chen Mu had to admit, he was indeed no ordinary person. "You gather the materials as quickly as possible." "I wont be staying in East Ridge for much longer." "How much we can earn this time will depend on how many materials you can find for me to use in alchemy." ... Jia Tian was clearly well-prepared. The very next day, he brought Chen Mu ten qi-storing gourds, filled with the poisonous miasma from Mist Smoke Mountain. He also delivered a bamboo basket of Earth Spirit Rhino Horns. Chen Mu suspected that Jia Tian had bought up all the rhino horns from Mist Smoke Mountain. "Ive already taken care of the handover duties of the junior proofreader for you at the Administrative Affairs Institute." "I will handle all your daily dietary purchases." Besides, he would be leaving East Ridge in a few days, so no matter how chaotic it got, it would have nothing to do with him. And who would bother with someone as inconspicuous as a former junior scholar? Thinking this, Chen Mus mind relaxed, and he leaned back comfortably into the rocking chair. ... Nights passed. The night sky was as clear as if it had been washed. Bright moonlight spilled over, turning a large portion of the porch floor a glowing white. Chen Mu finished his daily cultivation, emerged from underground, slipped into the rocking chair at the door and basked in the moonlight while idling. As usual, he held a cup of green tea-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, tilting his head to gaze at the sky, "The night sky in this world is truly the most beautiful." "I wonder just how far away these stars up there are." He once read a diverse book in the Scripture Pavilion titled "Records of Peculiar Tales by the Ancestor Baiyi." It said that when the heavens and earth first opened, demons invaded. The Ancestor Baiyi, unwilling to let living beings suffer, waved his hands to create billions of stars in the Beyond Heaven, guarding the world and stopping the chaos wrought by otherworldly demons. "It sounds so mystical; I dont know if its true or false." In this world, where one can cultivate immortality and become an ancestor, maybe mythological tales are indeed factual records. "I truly wish I could fly up there and see for myself," Chen Mu said longingly, looking up at the sky. But as he gazed, he suddenly noticed an abrupt appearance of a cloud that was so immense it blotted out the sun and moon. "Is there a storm brewing?" "That isnt right though; doesnt it seem to be moving too swiftly?" This reminded him of the chaos at Eagle Grief Cliff. As his thoughts turned, the cloud had already reached directly overhead, obscuring the star and moonlight and plunging Mist Smoke Mountain into darkness. The next moment, the dark sky suddenly brightened with countless dark red fireballs, bursting forth eagerly from within the cloud and raining down upon Mist Smoke Mountain like meteorites. "Someone is attacking the mountain!" Chen Mu leaped up at once, and the Five Ghosts Paper Man swiftly burrowed into the room. Billows of black smoke rolled in, as if having rehearsed countless times before, swiftly engulfing the useful items inside the Five Ghosts Bag. At that moment, a wave of invisible force exploded from the base of Mist Smoke Mountain. Chen Mu felt as if an unseen brush had swept upward through his entire body in a flash and shooshed into the sky. It seemed to transform into an invisible umbrella, successfully barring the fireballs from coming through. "Mountain Protection Restriction? Nicely done!" Chen Mu cheered. But before he could rejoice any longer, a muffled roar exploded from beneath the ground. The earth trembled violently, shaking the house from side to side. And with the tremors, the invisible umbrella that had blocked the fireballs suddenly vanished. The fireballs plunged into Mist Smoke Mountain without difficulty. The next moment, the entire mountain seemed to light up, radiating a red glow. Subsequent blasts rang out one after another, deafening Chen Mu to the point of feeling momentarily hearing impaired! "This is the end!" Chapter 391 - 384 Unexpected ``` Hum! A golden-red fireball appeared out of nowhere on the rooftop of the bamboo house. Chen Mus expression changed drastically, and he lunged forward violently. Almost at the instant he flew out of the room, the fireball smashed into the room and exploded with a loud bang. Splintered planks, studded with sparks, flew all around, and the bamboo house that had been his home for over a year was instantly destroyed and set ablaze, turning into a sea of fire. Chen Mu steadied himself, turned around, and stared at the space above the fire, his expression ugly. There, a tall, thin figure in a fiery red Daoist robe stood in the air. He looked down at Chen Mu with an indifferent face. Without a word, he simply brought his fingers together and made a light chopping motion toward Chen Mu. A rain of fire large enough to cover half a basketball court materialized out of thin air above Chen Mus head. It then smashed down fiercely, lighting up the dense forest in an instant. The man in the red robe frowned slightly: "Escaping Earth? You do run fast." He looked up at the continuous explosions on the mountain and immediately dismissed the thought of chasing with spells. "I cant give up the Daoist cultivation of these mountains for just one head." Thinking this, a red light flashed on his body, and he flew toward the middle of the mountainside where the battle was most intense. ... Thirty meters underground, inside a temporarily created small space, the Truthful Listening Technique was fully operating, and various noisy sounds from above Mist Smoke Mountain filled Chen Mus ears continuously. "Liyang Road attacking the mountain?" A few years ago, there was Zhongshan Path, and now Liyang Road has sprung up. Is Jilong Road a soft persimmon for anyone to squeeze? "I just wanted to find a stable place to grind experience, why is it so hard?" Enjoy new stories from novelhall.Co?m "Whats the point of all this fighting every day?" After a while, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh helplessly. This kind of struggle between major powers wasnt something a minor cultivator like him could influence. The urgent matter was how to respond. Run? There could be an ambush outside the mountain. No, there would definitely be an ambush. In the past, everyone from East Ridge knew to set up ambushes on the outskirts; Liyang Road, being one of the seven paths of Yunzhou, would certainly be no less thorough in their arrangements. If they dared to attack the mountain, their setup would be foolproof. "Better to stay underground for now." There werent many who specialized in the Earth Escape Secret Technique, and for those from Liyang, searching underground would be fraught with difficulty and not cost-effective. In this way, staying underground would be relatively safe for the time being. "Ill wait until the situation is clearer before making any plans." Chen Mu made up his mind C he would not show his face until there was an outcome on the mountain. "There are others here? Hm... this is good!" "Let the others brave the lightning first to see if there is any danger." Thinking this, the Five Ghosts Paper Man that had just poked its head out from his chest immediately dove back in. He lay there honestly, pricking up his ears, listening intently to the performance of others in the cave. Then he noticed that, in just the span of three to five breaths, the entire space became eerily silent. Are they all dead? That cant be, right? The lightning was fierce, but its main effect was to paralyze and subdue the enemy. Chen Mu was curious as he stealthily glanced to one side. The moment he turned his head, he met a pair of eyes full of encouragement: "Young brother, Im out of options. If you have any tricks up your sleeve, use them quickly!" Chen Mu: "..." You want me to brave the lightning, dont you? "Whether we can get out or not all depends on you now!" Fuck! Old Yin Coin! ... Explosions continuously rocked up and down Mist Smoke Mountain. Tensions were high at Cloud Summit Palace. Sun Jian and his two comrades closely surrounded Liu Ling. "Elder Liu, we are not your enemy," Huiming said seriously. "Yunzhous land and skies are changing, the Earth Vein Spiritual Springs are withering, and no one can ensure they will survive this calamity safely." "Its precisely because the Earth Veins are destroyed that the real person of White Tower from Zhongshan Path sought trouble with Sect Master Dong Li." "Unfortunately, the seven paths of Yunzhou have coexisted for hundreds of years with comparable strengths. If one faction tries to extinguish another, it will only result in mutual destruction, which is clearly not a good option." "However, if multiple sects merged, that would be a different story entirely." "As long as we join forces, becoming larger and stronger, even breaking out of Yunzhou wont be difficult." "Elder Liu, if you wish to consolidate your Daoist Foundation and take it a step further, you cannot do without a stable environment and abundant resources." "Merging multiple sects, with the seven paths becoming one family, that is the best choice," Huiming spoke with profound earnestness. "Sect Master Li of our sect has already gone to Jilong Mountain, you must make your decision quickly." Liu Ling glanced at the other party before turning to look at Sun Jian: "Do you believe his nonsense?" Huimings face immediately turned sour. Sun Jian remained expressionless: "He can give me the Dao Foundation Secret Method." "It seems youve set your heart on leaving Jilong Road," Liu Ling sighed. No sooner had the words left his mouth than a tall and thin figure appeared out of nowhere behind Sun Jian. The mans palms were pressed together like a knife, silently stabbing towards Sun Jian. Thump! Blood splattered as Sun Jians left arm was cleanly severed at the root by the attacker. Chapter 392 - 385 Trap In the underground cavern, lightning flashes periodically, and the number of people trapped inside begins to increase. The strikes of lightning, the intangible pressure that confines, turn the entire cavern into a carefully designed trap, much like a cage. "Somethings not quite right." Just for a few who can perform Escaping Earth and slipped through the net, would Jilong Road go to such great lengths? Chen Mu stares intently at the spherical object on the cavern ceiling, the more he looks, the more he feels the lightning is familiar. "Kui Water Yin Thunder?" His scalp numbs instantly. "Sun Jian?!" Fuck! "I cant stay here!" Chen Mus brain works feverishly. Now theres some noise in the cavern, many are talking, but none are trying anything. "A bunch of cowards, just hoping others will set off the traps." Chen Mu curses inwardly. Thinking about it, he realizes that if they were a bunch of fools, they wouldnt have used Escaping Earth to flee as soon as Jilong Road started its attack. "I cant count on these people." Once hes made up his mind, the little figures of Five Ghosts quietly crawl out of his clothes. A flash of black smoke, and five dark gourds full of Qi appear out of thin air beside him. Crack! A bolt of Kui Water Yin Thunder lands suddenly, shattering the gourds that had just appeared, spreading their poisonous content in a burst that quickly engulfs the surrounding area like thick smoke from burning wood. "Who the fuck released the poison smoke!" Immediately, someone knowledgeable curses and shouts in the cavern. Chen Mus mouth curls slightly: "I only wanted to take them out to have a look." "It was Old Ghost Suns Kui Water Yin Thunder that shattered the gourds, causing the poison smoke to release." "If you have to blame someone, blame Sun Jian." Chen Mu holds an All-Disease Pill in his hand, feigning sympathy in his mind. As he listens to a group of cursing voices, he suddenly comes face to face with a beet-red face. The gray-clothed old man who had previously incited him to set off traps is now fuming and glaring at him. Seeing the other partys face turning red in an effort to prevent poisoning, Chen Mu thinks for a moment and earnestly makes an angry face: "Who the fuck released the poison smoke!" The gray-clothed old man: "..." Have some shame! ... A quarter of an hour later, accompanied by a resentful glare from the gray-clothed old man before he passes out, the entire cavern falls eerily silent. After a short wait, Chen Mu gathers his thoughts and frowns at the cavern ceiling. "This sphere is no ordinary object." It seeks out its enemies automatically. Wherever theres mana in the cavern, the Kui Water Yin Thunder strikes, until the source of the mana fluctuations is extinguished. Just now, when he was merely taking out the Qi gourds from his Five Ghosts Bag, several bolts of lightning fell upon him. While shattering the gourds, they also gave him a tough time. Even though he had covered his body with a Body Protection Aura, the lightning still left him completely numb. "I need to destroy this sphere first." Damn it! At the same time, as if a warning line had been touched, the invisible force that had been pressing down on him surged suddenly. Chen Mu, who had just sat up, was immediately pushed down again, splashing up a circle of dust. After quite a while, Chen Mu, who had removed the Five Ghosts Possession, came back to his senses. He had not anticipated that the invisible force would intensify, nor that the Kui Water Yin Thunder would be so powerful that the five Thunder Gathering Charms would be destroyed without serving any purpose. "Wait a minute... somethings not right here." Those Thunder Gathering Charms were meant for gathering heavenly thunder. Even if the Kui Water Yin Thunder was fierce, how could it be much stronger than heavenly thunder? Chen Mu suddenly had a very bad premonition and immediately threw all thirty remaining Thunder Gathering Charms into the sky. Then he saw the thunderbolts fall; the thunderbolts were attracted; the thunderbolts pulverized the Thunder Gathering Charms into debris... Chen Mu: "..." Swindlers! Luckily, he discovered this here. If it were in a confrontation with Sun Jian... "Qiankun Firm, isnt it." Chen Mu grinded his teeth, "You better pray that you die at the hands of the Liyang Path." "Swindlers!" ... Atop Mist Smoke Mountain, dark clouds were dense. A blizzard that should not have appeared in this season was wildly swirling. Horrifying blue-white lightning also snaked and scattered within the clouds. Above the clouds, Sun Jian, with every strand of his beard and hair erect, was covered from head to toe in lightning. "Youre definitely not Qing Lu! Who the hell are you?" His face was frosted over. Qing Lu would never be able to cut off one of his arms at close range, nor would he be able to use the Wind Snow Secret Technique and hold out against him for so long. Opposite, stood a lean old man in a green robe, silently towering on the clouds edge. "I am Qing Lu, I am Fu Zi, I am also Yang Huan." His voice was flat as water, and as he named each identity, two figures subsequently appeared. The three had different attire, different statures, but they all had a pair of crystal-clear red eyes. Seeing these familiar faces, even Sun Jian, accustomed to tough situations, couldnt suppress the panic in his heart. "Snow Demon Qing Liu!" He saw clearly that three individuals, each only slightly less powerful than himself, had all become the puppets of the snow demon. How was he supposed to fight this?! Boom! Suddenly, Sun Jian erupted in mighty Yin Thunder, becoming a ball of lightning, and like a cannonball, he shot out, fleeing rapidly towards the edge of the heavens. "Since when did the Snow Demon of Zhongshan Path join Jilong Road?!" "This is a trap!" "A trap for both me and the Liyang Path!" "Damn it!" Chapter 393 - 386 Escape Underground cave. Lightning strikes fell one after another, and despite the Body Protection Aura, Chen Mu still gritted his teeth in pain. He felt as if countless ants were burrowing inside his body, both painful and itchy. "Point Ground into Steel!" Chen Mu clenched his teeth and activated his mana. Invisible Exotic Force enveloped a nearby pit half a person deep. Suddenly, the Jet-black Moon Blade appeared and, following the Exotic Force, fiercely chopped at the bottom of the pit. Clang! With a metallic collision-like noise, rocks splattered, but the pit was only chiseled one finger deep. At the same time, a Kui Water Yin Thunder descended from the sky. Chen Mu wore a helpless expression as he propped up the Spiritual Light. Crackle and pop! The Yin Thunder dispersed, but a series of electric lights still lingered around his body. "The hole isnt dug out yet, and Ive already been zapped to a crisp inside, tsk..." Chen Mu said with a wry smile as he summoned a grey wall. Point Ground into Steel: 8834/10000/Second Rank; "If I had reached Third Rank earlier, maybe I could have countered the ground restrictions." "Even if I couldnt completely eliminate them, at least I could have suppressed them a bit more, sigh..." He hadnt expected Sun Jian to have set up Teleportation Prohibition underground. In trying to avoid the chaos, he had burrowed into the ground, and also into a cage. "To pre-arrange it, and to just happen to activate the prohibition when Jilong Road attacked the mountain. Timing it so precisely, perhaps Sun Jian had known about the attack all along." "Its uncertain whether he got wind of it early due to being well-informed, or if hes in cahoots with Jilong Road." "I just hope Mist Smoke Mountain can hold on a bit longer, and that this old fellow arrives a bit later." With a sigh, Chen Mu could only bear the increasingly severe injuries from the lightning strikes and continue to stimulate the Burrowing through the wrong layers. ... Yin Thunder fell one after another, and time flew by. At a certain moment, the piercing pain and tingling numbness of the Yin Thunder struck his body increased sharply. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, "Is it coming?!" He immediately stopped burrowing and pricked up his ears, slowing his breathing. But aside from the heavy, uneven breathing of the people stunned by poison, there was no other sound in the cave. Upon closer listen, Chen Mu couldnt help but have a strange look on his face. "It seems... its because of me." "My physique has strengthened, my senses are sharpened, and the damage from the lightning strikes has inexplicably healed." "Not only that, but a secret acupoint was unveiled in my body. This..." At some point, a brand new secret acupoint had opened inside his body, under the ribs at the side of his abdomen. It didnt rely on any internal organs, existing in the void, yet rooted in the body, truly strange. "A secret acupoint opens, the body transforms. Because the regenerated body is sensitive, thats why I felt like the power of the Yin Thunder increased." Chen Mu suddenly understood. With a thought, he glanced at a certain section of the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9174/10000/Fifth Rank; "Still Fifth Rank?" Previously, when a secret acupoint appeared in his body, it was always after the progression of the Grand Summary, but this time was clearly different. "The thunder strikes?" "The Heavenly Demon Path?" Chen Mu hazarded a guess. "Tsk, tsk... A bunch of old Yin Coins!" "Eh, that person entering the cave... seems to be someone I know," Chen Mus ears twitched slightly, and the corners of his mouth couldnt help but curl up. ... A hundred meters underground. A bolt of Yin Thunder soared, illuminating the dim cave as clear as day. A tall, thin figure in a fiery red Daoist Robe continued to struggle, like a fish flailing out of water, but eventually, he lay exhausted and panting on the ground. "Damn it, its all traps!" His eyes were bloodshot and red. Everything had been going well, the Mountain Protection Restriction was broken, and he and his senior brothers took the opportunity to launch a surprise attack. Who would have thought that Elder Huaiming would suddenly die, and the broken restrictions turned into countermeasures? The escaping Jilong Road disciples turned around to join hands and attack, and several of his junior brothers were killed on the spot. Luckily, he reacted quickly and immediately activated a Burrow Jade Talisman to dive deep into the ground. He thought he could escape to safety, but who knew he would fall into another trap. "Where did it go wrong!" The red-robed Daoist tried to remain calm. "Dont panic, dont be hasty, I have to find a way to escape!" Suddenly, he noticed a deep pit in the distance. "Heaven is helping me!" The red-robed Daoist couldnt help laughing loudly. "The pit isnt big, but its deep enough. Just bury a sufficient amount of Thunderbolt Talismans, and it will blast open a small crack in the caves restrictions!" And this crack was his chance for survival. He immediately crawled toward the pit, feeling an invisible pressure on his body, which made him even more confident in his plan to escape. "The invisible pressure comes from the great mountain, so the caves restrictions must also be based on the mountain. If I can blast open the mountain, I can shake the foundations restrictions." They from Liyang Path were most adept at the Explosive Fire Technique, very familiar with blasting mountains and mining. Along the way, he found many people lying unconscious, and he couldnt help feeling fortunate: "Thank goodness I took a Detoxification Pill in advance, otherwise Id have been laid flat long ago." "This is what they mean by Heaven never bars ones way." With great effort, he finally reached the edge of the pit under the pressure. Without time to catch his breath, he immediately peeked out to estimate the depth of the pit. As he was considering the power of the Thunderbolt Talismans, he looked down and met a sinister smiling face. At the bottom of the dark pit, someone was looking up. The mouth was wide open with a big smile, and the face was full of joy. "Long time no see." "You..." The red-robed Daoist trembled violently as if struck by lightning. Pfft! Black light flashed, and yin energy danced. A head silently fell. Bouncing off the rough cave walls, before it hit the ground, it was enveloped by a cloud of black smoke and swallowed up in the blink of an eye. Chen Mus figure flashed, merging into the ground, dodging the Yin Thunder attack, and reappeared by the pit. "Sun Jian ran away, but what about this hole full of guys lying around?" "Each of them has been poisoned; wouldnt it be pitiful if they died?" Explore more at novelhall.Co?m "Sigh, its only someone like me who would be so kind, to help you detoxify, to help you send a message, to give you a chance to escape to safety." "This is a life-saving favor!" "Charging a bit for the service, Im sure you wont mind." "Thats happily decided then." "Haha!" Chapter 394 - 387: The News Two days later. At the western mountainside of Mist Smoke Mountain, in front of the wooden tower Dan Rooms entrance. Chen Mu was huddled in a rocking chair, gazing absentmindedly at the horizon. The Liyang Path Fire Method was formidable, and two days had passed with many places in the mountains still billowing black smoke. As he was pondering over when the chaos would end, a figure agilely emerged from the dense forest, a gleaming bald head catching his eye. Jia Tian? A smile curled on Chen Mus lips. It seems the little baldy also successfully avoided this calamity. "I just knew Senior Brothers fortunes were as vast as the heavens, and nothing would happen to you!" Jia Tian approached with a face full of surprise. "It was a narrow escape." Chen Mu smiled and gestured for Jia Tian to sit down on a bamboo chair beside him. "Alas, why has it become so chaotic these past two years." Jia Tian sighed. Chen Mu joined in the sigh, "Indeed, instead of cultivating diligently, they keep stirring up trouble." In the years since Chen Mu had arrived in Yunzhou, he had constantly been on the run, hardly having a few years of peace. Unfortunately, the human heart is unpredictable, and how can the vicissitudes of the world always conform to ones desires? Shaking his head to dismiss further thought, Chen Mu changed the subject to ask about the situation on the mountain. "Nothing much happening." Jia Tian thought for a moment and shook his head, "It seems they havent finished fighting. The mountain is still ok, but I hear its still chaotic down below." Then he added gleefully, "The Sun Family is completely finished this time." The Sun Jians deeds exposed, implicated? That Sun Jian... Pretending to be puzzled, Chen Mu inquired without showing any emotion, "How can the Sun Familys old ancestor, so formidable, be finished?" "Hey! Its because Old Ghost Sun colluded with Liyang Path," Jia Tian laughed. "The old guy got chopped by the Scripture Pavilion Qingdu Institution. Once the supporter falls, retribution comes, doesnt it?" Jia Tian chuckled again. Sun Jian is dead? Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, "The Sun Familys old ancestors Thunder Law was so sharp, he died just like that?" "Is there any doubt?" Jia Tian looked completely certain, "Right near Jilei Mountain, one of my assistants saw it with his own eyes." "They said that the snowstorm was like a sword rain that chopped Old Ghost Sun into mincemeat!" Chen Mu was dumbfounded. Theres such a good thing?! Ha! The Qingdu Institution is awesome! ... Through roundabout probing and idle chatter, Chen Mu finally confirmed that the Sun Family truly met their doom this time. At least the members of the Sun Family on Mist Smoke Mountain were done for. The main branch members who werent dead had fled; only some distant branches and junior members were left and even they were detained and monitored by the Inspection Courtyard. In an instant, a gleaming white Escape Light suddenly broke through the clouds and landed with a bang, scattering the pebbles on the stream bank. "The Longitudinal Rainbow Light travels through the land and enters the azure abyss; this is the style of a true Qi Cultivation master," Chen Mu said, beaming with joy. "Although the Five Ghosts Dark Flame Escape Method is fast, its howling ghosts and wailing wolves are just so unprofessional." "Ive decided, for future Flying Escapes, Ill use... uh, the flying kite method, I guess." Being just a small cultivator with the Perceptive Illusion Breaking and Primordial Talisman, he dared not show off with the Longitudinal Rainbow Light. Summoning the grey wall, Chen Mu looked at one of the sections. Netherworld Grand Summary: 82/10000/Sixth Rank; The Fifth Level Grand Summary has finally reached perfection. It was the advancement that made the Longitudinal Rainbow Light capable of Flight. At this moment inside the Jade Seed, five layers of hollow spherical Divine Orifice Talismans nested within each other. As they rotated chaotically, strands of Mana drifted out, rapidly filling the once again enlarged Jade Seed. "Huh, I can still slightly strengthen my physique? Strengthening the body through the Grand Summary and transforming through the Divine Orifice are two different things?" Chen Mu suddenly realized. "Then lets try the Five Ghosts Possession again." With a thought, billowing black smoke entered his body, and he quickly grew taller. In the blink of an eye, a five-meter-tall, burly silhouette appeared in the midst of the mist. Surrounded by black smoke that turned into black and red streamers, they slithered around him like fire snakes, causing the air to appear subtly distorted wherever they passed. Feeling the devouring desire to destroy that assaulted his consciousness, Chen Mu slowly dissipated the Five Ghosts Possession. "The strength has increased, but the side effects have diminished." "Was it the thunder strike?" He stared at the section on the grey wall where the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain Curse was listed. A vague epiphany hovered at the edge of his mind. "Did the thunder strike cause some unknown change, making me more in tune with the Five Ghosts Possession?" "Can thunder strikes actually aid in the Five Ghosts Possession?" "This... this is going off track, isnt it?" "Im aiming for the style of a white-robed immortal with a transcendent aura, not getting further and further into this Yin Mysterious Method." Chen Mu browsed the grey wall unwillingly. Although he had learned many Secret Techniques, none were as powerful as the Five Ghosts Possession. Is it irreplaceable then? Tsk! "With the Sun Family gone, I wonder if that Kui Water Yin Thunder has made it into the Scripture Transmission Institute." Although Chen Mu would have loved to kill Sun Jian himself, he genuinely coveted his Thunder Law. "Once I get to the Upper Court on Jilong Road, I must find time to check it out." "For now, lets take out that treasure first." Chen Mu activated the Truthful Listening Technique, and all sounds within ten miles fell upon his ears. Then, as if stepping into the void, he swooped down into the ground with a swoosh and disappeared. When he reappeared, a Red Gourd as tall as his forearm was floating beside him. He didnt plan on inspecting it closely, and with a reverse swing, he stored it in the Five Ghosts Bag. Levitating into an Escape Light, he shot into the sky with a swoosh. "With the turmoil at Mist Smoke Mountain mostly settled, its time to send that distress signal for those folks in the cave; after all, I did take their money for saving lives." Chapter 395 - 388 Counterattack At the waist of Mist Smoke Mountain, Misty Glow Market District. Jilong Roads raid hit the mountain, causing destruction through smashing, looting, burning, and bombing; numerous shops were destroyed by fire, and the neat flagstone paths were also blasted to pieces by secret techniques. However, despite such dilapidated surroundings, the market district was even more bustling than before. The sounds of bargaining were incessant, and everyones faces were flushed with excitement. Inside Qiankun Firm. A burly man in his forties looked worried, "Boss, do we continue to buy those stolen goods?" "Buy? Of course, we buy!" Jia Tian said, his face full of excitement. "Jilong Road has attacked, and many people took the opportunity to steal a lot," Jia Tians eyes sparkled. "A large number of magic artifacts and talismans have entered the market, causing prices to plummet. Now is the perfect time for us to buy low!" The brawny shopkeeper remained concerned, "If we stockpile so much and the prices keep falling, we might get stuck with them..." "Jilong Road has already fought up to the sects gate. You think theyll just stop there?" Jia Tian chuckled confidently. "Talismans and magic artifacts are life-saving tools. Once the fighting starts again, therell be no worries about sales." "Buy low and sell high, making several times the profit with ease. Why wouldnt we take this opportunity!" "Boss, youre wise," the brawny shopkeeper complimented with a smile. "Just, there might not be enough white jade on the account, right?" "No worries!" Jia Tian flicked his Mustard Seed Talisman, and a wooden box appeared on the table. "Take these two thousand white jade pieces to use for now." "Is this the payment collected for the All-Disease Pills from before?" the brawny shopkeeper hesitated. "Would it be okay to owe an alchemist like this...?" "Opportunities like this dont come twice!" Jia Tian waved dismissively. "At worst, Ill just give up my share of the elixirs." Jia Tians face bore a shrewd expression, "My senior brother might be even happier making extra money." Outside the firm, Chen Mu, who was listening with pricked ears, couldnt help but shake his head and chuckle. It turned out it wasnt that he didnt have the money to pay but that he was preparing to make a fortune through buying and selling with the money? This guy was truly slippery. If things were done according to the little baldys thinking, I, indeed, would be happy to make extra money, and he would also take advantage of this situation to buy low successfully. Even if he explained the truth afterward, I would only admire his cleverness. "No wonder he could be so wealthy, just look at that brain, tsk..." "But cleverness is good." A flexible mind, considering every aspect. He could trust this guy with the errand of informing those people in the underground cave. While pondering whether to use Gongsun Shengs or Lu Zhishens alias to approach, the conversation of the two people inside reached his ears again. "Recovering those ownerless magic artifacts and talismans is a priority." "Those problematic items in the store need to be handled slowly." "Switching people and changing signs is a good method, but it takes a lot of time and effort." "We cant let the small things cause us to miss out on this great opportunity to get rich." Chen Mu was taken aback. Dealing with problematic items? Changing people and signs? This... Theyre planning to sell fakes and run away! His face twisted oddly. No wonder that little baldy once boasted so confidently, saying his firm had never accepted returns. You didnt even give people a chance to return anything! "Why am I not surprised at all?" Chen Mu said with mixed emotions. Chen Mu couldnt help rolling his eyes. These cultivators were becoming more and more inhuman, no matter how much he hit their necks, he couldnt knock them out. "Even better if he doesnt faint," "If he really slept for three to five days, wouldnt this dark room have detained him for nothing?" Chen Mu, holding the wooden box filled with White Jade, watched the bald boy lying on the ground like a salted fish and couldnt help but snicker. Your next read is at novelhall.Co?m "Gongsun Sheng robbing you, Lu Zhishen beating you upwhat does it have to do with me, Chen Mu?" "Heh, I dont admit it either!" ... Several days later. West side of the Administrative Affairs Institute of Mist Smoke Mountain. "The date has been postponed?" Indeed. The Upper Court was also attacked, and most administrative affairs have been halted," the bald middle-aged manager explained. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. The Dao Sect was attacked, leading to chaos. The restriction on the movement of personnel on Jilong Road was to maintain stability. "When can it be resumed?" Chen Mu continued to ask. "Hard to say," the bald middle-aged man was also unsure, "At the very least, we must wait until the conflicts in both paths are settled." "Still fighting?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. It turned out Jia Tians guess was correct. "Hey! The Sect Master of the Off-Sun Path was severely wounded by our East Fence Path Sect Master. Most of the attackers on East Ridge were also captured." "At this moment, the Off-Sun Path is so weak that its an opportune time for us to counterattack and destroy their sect!" "The Upper Court has issued a recruitment order, immediately granting one hundred Daoist Cultivation points and one hundred White Jade to anyone who participates in the counterattack." "Any spoils of war obtained in the process are kept by the victor, and you can claim additional rewards for the heads of Off-Sun Path members!" "What do you think? Want to sign up?" the bald manager eagerly looked at Chen Mu. "Ill pass," Chen Mu waved his hands repeatedly, "Im just an alchemist, with no power to truss a chicken. How could I dare venture into such perilous places?" "Thats a pity," the bald manager sighed. "Indeed, what a fine opportunity to make a fortune," Chen Mu also pretended to sigh with regret. After chatting for a few more moments, Chen Mu bid farewell and left. Along the way, he saw many people excitedly running into the Administrative Affairs Institute. From their conversations, it was apparent that most were there to sign up in response to the recruitment order. The recent attack on Mist Smoke Mountain by the Off-Sun Path had resulted in many deaths, but it had also provided an opportunity for others to profit amid the chaos, claiming the White Jade of the deceased. Hearing that Jilong Road was mounting a major counterattack, their greed was stoked further, and they eagerly joined the punitive force. "Who knows how many will die this time," Chen Mu shook his head and leisurely made his way back to his wooden alchemy hut. "No need to go to the Upper Court for the time being." "Old Ghost Sun is dead; the chaos and strife have moved to the Off-Sun Paths territory." "Mist Smoke Mountain will be very safe for a while, perfect for me to comfortably grind experience." Chapter 396 - 389 Vermilion Feather Sword West of the Mist Smoke Mountain, thirty meters below the wooden building of the Dan Pavilion. Chen Mu activated the Point Ground into Steel, expertly expanding a new square space. After drying the walls, carving out ventilation ducts, arranging luminous jade lights, and putting out several pots of sea-heart pine to purify the air, a brand new underground secret chamber was completed. Lighting a plate of Soul Condensing Incense and placing it in a brass incense burner, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a low couch, taking out the gourd sword box to examine and study it in detail. The small-arm-long red gourd seemed to be made of ironsolid and heavy. Its surface was etched with black cloud patterns, mysterious and ancient. With a slight push of mana, a flood of intricate information surged into his mind. A moment later, Chen Mu came back to his senses, his face full of surprised as he looked at the gourd. The information that had suddenly appeared was akin to hieroglyphs, with an audio-visual introduction to the marvelous uses of the gourd sword box. It explained that simply by putting in materials such as red copper, metal Geng, and the Dual Yin-Yang Stone, along with a large amount of mana in refinement, one could easily forge a type of magic sword called the Vermilion Feather Sword. "No wonder the Sun Family pursued it tirelessly, its an automatic flying sword maker," Chen Mu realized. With this treasure in hand, the Sun Family could continuously produce Vermilion Feather Swords. Not to mention for their use, even selling them would bring in substantial wealth. A thought suddenly struck him, making him think of the Netherworld Grand Summary. "I have the Replenishing Origin Soup to replenish vital energy, while the Sun Family can only use the Rejuvenation Pill, which is quite expensive," he mused. "So, does the Sun Family rely on the gourd sword box to earn resources to support their cultivation?" "Whoever holds the gourd sword box, cultivates faster?" Chen Mu realized. "No wonder Sun Wujiu carried a great amount of materials. It seems that his aim in snatching the gourd was to sell swords in exchange for cultivation resources." Chen Mu slowly sorted out his thoughts. "This gourd sword box and the Netherworld Grand Summary are quite a match," he thought. "Perhaps the Sun Familys original ancestor rose to power with this combination." "But well, now they are all mine," he chuckled. "Haha!" He happily took out various materials and chopped them up, activating the gourd sword box according to the information obtained earlier. An invisible exotic force pulled the materials into the air. As if pebbles were cast into a pond, the material particles easily penetrated the gourds skin, stirring up slight ripples, and disappearing inside. "As long as mana is continually supplied, the sword will naturally take form over time." "Foolproof artifact refining, so simple its miraculous." "What a treasure!" ...@@@@ Three days later, at noon, at the entrance of the Dan Pavilions first floor. Chen Mu was resting in a rocking chair. A buzzing sound arrived, resounding through heaven and earth. Looking up, he saw a giant cloud bat flying boat slowly approaching, the dense fog that perennially shrouded Mist Smoke Mountain was instantly scattered by the airflow around the vessel. Dozens of flying kites rose from the mountainside, like swallows circling the flying boat for a while before entering it from different directions. Take the Six-winged Locust Spell, for instance, it provided great speed and used less mana, making it a favorite among lower-ranked disciples. But it wasnt stable, and once the Magic Artifact reached a certain speed, there was a risk of losing control. Then there was the Cloud-Piercing Cicada Spell, which was extremely fast and could grant an attacking boost to the Magic Artifact. But the mana consumption was huge, and it was operated in a straightforward manner, lacking flexibility. Compared to these, the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell was more suitable for the Vermilion Feather Sword. "The Vermilion Feather Sword itself possesses flying escape abilities. If I practice the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell to the limit, the effect would be..." "Lets go with this one!" Chen Mu promptly unrolled the scroll and read it carefully. "No way, theres no Curse Command?" he searched back and forth for quite a while, but eventually had to give up reluctantly. "How can I benefit from this if theres no Curse Command?" Secret Techniques like the True Sun Scripture and the Empty Shadow Sand Bluff typically included not just an introduction but also the Curse Command in their appendices. By constantly reciting the Curse Command, theres no need to purchase the real Jade Slip. By relying on the gray wall for experience, he could gradually condense the Talisman within the Jade Seed. "Never mind, Ill buy it, I have money!" he immediately took the scroll and left the third floor. ... A moment later, in front of the counter on the first floor. The man who supposedly didnt care much about money twitched in pain. "Four hundred sixty White Jade Coins and eighty Daoist Cultivation points? Are you trying to rob me?" A months hard work refining Fasting Pills would only earn him around four to five hundred White Jade Coins. To spend a months earnings on just one Secret Technique seemed absurd. Moreover, he originally intended to benefit from this without spending much. "You buying or not?" Qing Lu asked coldly and indifferently, still maintaining his expressionless, calm demeanor. "Buy!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth as he respectfully handed over his Identity Jade and White Jade Coins. This was someone who could chop Old Ghost Sun into minced meat; no matter what grievances Chen Mu had internally, he dared not make a fuss in front of him. After receiving the real Jade Slip, Chen Mu promptly turned and left. It was only after he had walked some distance from the Scripture Pavilion that he slowed down. "Four hundred sixty White Jade Coins, that could buy so much Exotic Beast Meat!" "No wonder the disciples of the Lower Courtyard use close-ranged or hand-held Magic Artifacts like swords and leather armor, or Gourd Flying Kites." "Any Magic Artifact that can be operated remotely is precious in itself, and the Secret Techniques for their manipulation are even more costly." "With only farming and mining, how could they afford them?" Chen Mu sighed, "No wonder everyones flocking to Liyang Road to look for opportunities; theyre so poor." "I would have bartered if it wasnt for Qingdu Institutions presence." Just the thought of Qingdu Institution made Chen Mus scalp tingle. Back when he worked as a scribe to prevent Qing Lus sudden appearance with his Secret Technique, he had used Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to monitor the other partys movements. Little did he expect that the man was a big shot, even more formidable than Old Ghost Sun. "I better avoid hanging around these big shots in the future." "Its not safe." ``` Chapter 397 - 390 Victory Half a month later. At the entrance of the alchemy hut, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding the sword box gourd in his hands, his attention completely absorbed by the changes within the gourd. In his mana perception, various materials had fused into a new substance within the sword box. These new materials formed into tiny, invisible grains, accumulating bit by bit in some predetermined structure. They slowly grew into a palm-length, flat, date seed-shaped thin blade, as if they were alive. Its surface was a cinnabar red, with some feather patterns. Chen Mu watched in amazement, "No wonder its called Zhu Yu, the magic sword looks like a peculiar cinnabar feather." Within those special structures lay intricate True Meaning Talismans. It was these that endowed the magic artifact with mystical divine skills such as flying escape and piercing armor. Compared to that, the Wood Spirit Boy he had previously refined was as crude as a little toy. And the gourd sword box, capable of setting and automatically carrying out the process of refining a flying sword, appeared all the more precious. "The people of the Sun Family are all good folks." Chen Mu happily watched the refinement of the flying sword. "Another two or three days, and it should be completely formed." Normally, it wouldnt have been so quick, but thanks to the profound mana of the Netherworld Grand Summary, he enjoyed the process, constantly holding the gourd to refine it, and naturally, the magic sword took shape very quickly. "I also need to quickly level up my experience with the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell," Chen Mu pondered to himself. As he mulled over the cultivation of the spell, a familiar buzzing sound came from the sky, and the massive bat flying boat appeared again. More than a dozen flyers emerged from within, descending into Misty Glow Mountain. With an arched eyebrow, Chen Mu exclaimed, "Is it over?" "Nearly two months back and forth, this dispute should also be over." ... Misty Glow Market. The once deserted street was bustling again. Inside a certain shop, a goat-bearded shopkeeper examined a thick-backed broadsword, ignoring the slight brownish-black bloodstains that hadnt been wiped clean from the shiny blade. "Why are so few people returning, were the casualties heavy?" He tapped the blade with his fingers to discern the material while curiously inquiring of the dark-skinned man in front of the counter. "In a sect-destroying battle, how could the casualties not be heavy? I almost had my arm chopped off," the dark-faced man raised and showed his left arm wrapped in gray cloth, hung in front of his chest, with a lingering fear in his voice. "However, the main reason so few people returned is that many chose to stay behind in Liyang Path." "We from Jilong Road gained a lot of new territory, needing hands to suppress and oversee. If it hadnt been for my family here, I might have stayed there too." "The compensation offered by the institute is so high its tantalizing," said the dark-faced man with eagerness, "Once my family is settled, Ill go to the Administrative Affairs Institute to ask and see if I can still go to the Liyang branch." "Just finished fighting, arent you afraid of hidden dangers?" asked the goat-bearded shopkeeper, surprised. "Our Sect Master from East Fence Path showed great divine power, freezing that fierce Sect Master of Liyang Path into an ice block and placing it on the mountain peak of Liyang Path." "Those disciples and elders from Liyang Path are either dead or have fled. What hidden danger could there be?" A group of five or six Liyang Path disciples were fleeing in disarray through the dense forest. Unexpectedly, they looked up to see a wave of dismal green Qi Blades coming straight at them. The tumbling Qi Blades formed a net, the few were ensnared over their heads, and in an instant, they were chopped into pieces. Xu Rao, cloaked in a black cape, emerged from the dense forest, standing expressionless beside the bodies with drooping eyelids. Soon after, the leaves rustled, and the figures of Lu Ku and the others appeared one after another. "Is this the last batch?" Ai Ji stood amidst the heap of corpses, picking through them with a look of disgust. "Theres no one within ten miles." Shi Xian put away his Truthful Listening Technique, his expression blank. "Finally, no need to deal with these disgusting things anymore." Ai Ji shook his blood-red hands and laughed heartily. "Not dealing with corpses means having to deal with Gongsun Sheng." Shi Xians expression remained blank. Ai Ji suddenly choked up like a duck caught by the neck and could not speak. "Are you scared?" Shi Xian quietly walked up behind him and spoke softly. Ai Ji shuddered in fright and shouted with his neck stiff, "I am a Qi Cultivator who broke through delusion to condense the Gathering Talisman! With Spiritual Light shielding my body, and spiritual beings protecting me, why should I be afraid of him?" Xu Rao: "Heh..." Wu Ruo: "Haha..." Ai Ji: "..." "Its time to make a decision." Yu Lin looked at the bickering group softly before turning to Lu Ku and speaking seriously. "We dont have a choice." Lu Ku said calmly. "Now that all six of us have condensed our Primordial Talismans, if we act together..." Xu Raos eyes narrowed into slits, filled with malice. "Let me ask you a question," Lu Ku looked at Xu Rao, "how long did it take for you to reach your current mastery of the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique?" "How long did Gongsun Sheng take?" Xu Raos face darkened. "What about the Truthful Listening Technique?" Lu Ku turned his gaze toward Shi Xian. "Truthful Listening within eight directions, hearing across ten miles, I cant do it on my own," Shi Xian replied honestly. "Given his proficiency in secret technique cultivation, what level do you think he has reached with the United Heart Curse?" Lu Ku sighed helplessly. "If we take action before he activates the United Heart Curse, we have a chance at a counter-kill." "But this window of opportunity is very fleeting." "Even though he has summoned us, he might not necessarily mean us any harm, right?" Ai Ji grinned and scratched his head, "His attitude towards us in the past few years has always seemed like... um, hes avoiding us?" "But what if thats because he disdains our weak strength?" Xu Raos face was somber, "Now that the six of us have just condensed our Primordial Talismans, hes summoned us to meet. Perhaps he plans to use some evil Dharma to steal our Magical Power Cultivation." The expressions of everyone stagnated, knowing that the United Heart Gu came from the Thousand Mountains Sutra, which had always been labeled as part of an evil path. "If thats the case, Ill try my best to take him down with me," Lu Ku said indifferently, "For the rest of you, youll just have to fend for yourselves." The crowd fell into a silent speechlessness. Chapter 398 - 391 Secret Technique Several days later, outside the door of the Wooden Building Pill Cottage. "Wow, Little Prince, its been a long time," Chen Mu said with a big smile, looking at Jia Tian. Jia Tian was perplexed, always feeling there was something else behind the others smile. He subconsciously touched his bald head, but aside from a slight pain in the back of his skull, he couldnt figure out why. "Senior brother, heres the payment for the All-Disease Pills." Jia Tian took out a wooden box from his wrist Mustard Seed Talisman. "Ive delayed a bit, please forgive me, senior brother." "I wont take my share this time, consider it an apology," Jia Tian said as he approached Chen Mu with a grin. Chen Mu took it and opened the box, glanced briefly and set it down on the table beside him. Who knew if that little bald head had used some sort of distress signal, or if the underground restraints had dissipated on their own. After initially throwing him into the underground cavern, it wasnt long before hed escaped to the surface. Not only that, but hed also made it in time to catch the last Cloud Bat Flying Boat to Liyang Paths territory. "Little Prince, did you make a big fortune this time?" Jia Tian was scratched right where it itched and laughed out loud while touching his bald head, "Just the usual." "You dont know how dangerous it was. Luckily, I was well-prepared, with plenty of magical artifacts and talismans. I did make some hard-earned money by buying low and selling high," Jia Tian said with his leg shaking and a look of nonchalance. Seeing his smug demeanor made Chen Mu itch to slap the back of his bald head. "Alright, I accept the White Jade. You, Little Prince, are making money hand over fist; you better hurry off to your busy schedule," Chen Mu said, dismissively shooing him away. "Wait, senior brother! I got a lot of treasures this time at Liyang Path. Arent you going to take a look?" Jia Tian was full of temptations, both overt and covert. "What, are you planning to take back this White Jade you just gave me?" Chen Mu looked askance at Jia Tian. His treasures wouldnt be better than my Flying Swords, would they?! Huh! "Just get lost!" Jia Tian scratched his head, thinking he could make another big sale, but who would have thought that senior brother Chen Mu wouldnt care for magical artifacts. An idea struck him, and Jia Tian suddenly realized, "Senior Brother, are you saving up to buy a Condense Aperture Secret Method?" "Too expensive," Chen Mu didnt deny it. Indeed, he wanted to buy a Condense Aperture Secret Method to cover for the origins of the Netherworld Grand Summary and also to pave the way for the purchase of subsequent secret techniques. But since he had not completed condensing his aperture and didnt know the specific methods for later cultivation, he wasnt in a hurry to make the exchange. Jia Tian nodded in deep agreement, "Thats truly expensive." "Each secret technique costs ten to twenty thousand White Jade, and thats not to mention the large amount of Daoist Cultivation energy required. Tsk, tsk... Tough problem." "Ten to twenty thousand? Isnt it one hundred thousand?" Chen Mu was surprised. "You dont know, senior brother?" Jia Tian scratched his head, "After the defeat of Liyang Path, the institute made some changes, and many Condense Aperture Secret Techniques are now available for layered exchange." "I guess the plate was too big, and there werent enough strong hands, so they had to do this." "Even the fundamental Liyang Path Secret Technique Flame-Separation True Solution has been split up and placed in the Scripture Transmission Institute." Is there such a good deal? Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. Wonder if the Netherworld Grand Summary is divided? And that Sun Familys Kui Water Yin Thunder, is it also in the Scripture Transmission Institute? It was a perfect opportunity to probe through Shang Huan. ... "Elder Brother Chen?" Shang Huan curiously looked at the six formidable figures: "Do you elder brothers and sisters also know Elder Brother Chen?" "Elder Brother Chens skills are valued by the elders of Pill Treasure Pavilion, hes been transferred to the Upper Court." "He left for Jilong Mountain on a flying boat yesterday." The siblings of Wu Mountain exchanged glances with each other. Wasnt he supposed to gather us for a meeting? Why did he leave without a word? Is this some kind of joke? A notion struck Lu Kus mind, and he looked at Shang Huan again, "Have you made any progress with the secret technique, Ten Directions Hand, that I gave you before?" Shang Huan replied with a hint of pride: "I have been diligently practicing it for the past two years. Just yesterday, I finally made a breakthrough." "Without Ghostly Qi, how could you possibly..." Ai Ji began to speak but suddenly stopped in mid-sentence. Maybe Shang Huan couldnt, but there was someone who might be able to. Gongsun Sheng? The six siblings exchanged a knowing look, all thinking of a certain possibility. The secret techniques they cultivated, like the United Heart Gu, were all acquired from the same ancient tomb. While the other secret techniques were manageable, the Ten Directions Hand required a material called Ghostly Qi for assistance, without which it was extremely difficult to master. Over the years, except for the portion they had acquired when they initially rifled through the tomb, they had never encountered it again, not even heard of it. Without the guidance of Ghostly Qi, it was impossible for Shang Huan to succeed in cultivation. But now... "Is it possible that I have an exceptional talent?" Shang Huan asked earnestly. The siblings simultaneously turned to stare at Shang Huan. "Your face does have an exceptionally gifted talent," Shi Xian said enigmatically. Shang Huan gave an awkward smile: "I really dont know, I just went to sleep, and when I woke up the next day, suddenly I had succeeded." The six siblings exchanged glances again. It had to be Gongsun Sheng! Previous experiences with Shi Xians Truthful Listening Technique and Xu Raos Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique were similar. After Gongsun Sheng took the secret techniques away, when he returned them, they had all improved to different extents. Lacking Ghostly Qi might restrict Shang Huan, but it was highly likely not enough to stop Gongsun Sheng. After sending away the puzzled and perplexed Shang Huan, the siblings immediately introspected their Jade Seeds to check. While the others showed no change in expression, the always calm Lu Kus face subtly shifted. The siblings immediately sensed something was off. "My Mechanical Technique has advanced," Lu Ku said with a wry smile. "So, he came to us without a sound, secretly interfered with our secret techniques, and we didnt notice anything beforehand?" Ai Jis eyes bulged in astonishment. If he could easily take their secret techniques, he could just as easily take their heads. "We thought that with the six of us consolidating the Primordial Talisman, we had some resisting power, but now..." The siblings couldnt help but feel a chill of desolation run through them. Chapter 399 - 392 Exchange ``` In the lower cabin of the gigantic Cloud Bat Flying Boat, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, resting with his eyes closed and his back against the cabin wall. This was his second day aboard the flying boat. He was oblivious to the panic and wariness of Lu Ku and the others, and even if he knew, he wouldnt care. After all, he had no plans to meet with those people again. "As a person who keeps to himself and abides by the rules, I definitely cant associate with those dangerous elements. What if I got dragged into trouble?" "Now that Ive got the secret technique, its better for everyone to part on good terms." Chen Mu cheerfully summoned his Grey Screen, looking at the new slot for the secret technique. Mechanical Technique: 15/10000/Fourth Rank; Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 7735/10000/Third Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 6345/10000/Third Rank; Ten Directions Hand: 3/10000/First Rank;@@@@ This wasnt Chen Mus first time pondering these four secret techniques. Although powerful, they all had a somewhat sinister nature to them. Only the Mechanical Technique, a Daoist Puppet manipulation secret technique, was somewhat normal. "Being able to manipulate complex puppets and control Magic Artifacts like Flying Swords is an unexpected joy." That day he acquired the secret techniques, he briefly checked and discovered that the Mechanical Technique could control Flying Swords, and Lu Ku had already trained it to the Third Rank limit. Chen Mu only tried it twice, and the secret technique broke through to the Fourth Rank. "With the Mechanical Technique, theres no need to practice the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell anymore." "What a shame about those four hundred plus White Jade Coins." He looked around, and most of the fellow passengers were also meditating with their eyes closed, sitting a few meters apart from one another. In the middle of the empty area, various goods were piled up. The mixture of odors was indeed not very pleasant. "I wonder how many more days well have to fly." "I cant wait to try out the Flying Sword." ... Several days later, halfway up Jilong Mountain, at the Pill Treasure Pavilion. "Youre the one from East Ridge, here to take over Qi Yis Alchemy duties?" an elderly man in his sixties, clothed in a brown garment, asked Chen Mu with a curious look. "Is there a problem?" Chen Mu was bewildered by the mans gaze: "Could it be that Pill Master Qi has had second thoughts?" Wouldnt that mean his trip was in vain? "Him having second thoughts? Hes afraid that youll have second thoughts!" The old man looked at Chen Mu as if he were looking at a fool: "Three days ago, hed already taken care of the handover procedures. By now, hes probably already at Jade Spring Mountain?" "So what is this about...?" Chen Mu frowned. "Another one who secludes himself in training and cares nothing for world affairs," the old man chuckled. "You might not know this, but due to the attack by Li Yang Path, the earth vein of Jilong Mountain has been damaged. The institute has decided to turn this place into a branch sector." "It wont be long before the Upper Court core will relocate," the old man said with a playful expression on his face. "Guess where the Upper Court is planning to move to?" "Jade Spring Mountain?" "Have all the sects mountain veining in Yunzhou experienced changes?" Chen Mu pondered for a while but couldnt come to a conclusion. He felt the higher-ups and elder experts must know something. Otherwise, Liu Ling wouldnt have left to set up the Jade Spring Mountain branch in East Ridge more than five or six years ago. "Its fruitless to overthink it. Better to secure the secret arts while the Upper Court is still open. Once purchased, they are mine to keep." ... The next day, Chen Mu arrived early at the Scripture Transmission Institute located atop a cliff on the western side of Jilong Mountain. A massive five-story Octagonal Tower loomed before Chen Mu. He barely gave the structure a glance, too excited to appreciate it, and rushed inside. After asking a young scribe at the front desk for directions, Chen Mu went straight to an enclosure on the fifth floors west side. The enclosure was quite large with antique bookshelves on both sides and a huge window made of fine jade facing the entrance, beneath which stood a long wooden desk. An elderly man with grizzled hair and beard was sitting sternly behind the desk. The man was stout, and his wide Daoist Robe was stretched taut, giving off an imposing presence just by sitting there. "Netherworld Grand Summary is tiered for exchange, twenty thousand White Jade Coins per level, and thirteen thousand for Daoist Cultivation," he said. "Kui Water Yin Thunder costs twenty-five thousand White Jade Coins and eight thousand for Daoist Cultivation." "No bargaining, no discounts, and absolutely no credit." "Buy if you can afford it; if not, stay out of my sight," the sturdy old man said impatiently. Having said that, he stared at Chen Mu as if he would throw him out of the Scripture Transmission Institute if he dared to haggle. Chen Mus face involuntarily twitched. He had anticipated it would be expensive, but not to such an extent. After doing some quick math, Chen Mu couldnt help but grit his teeth. "Ill buy it!" The robust elder looked at Chen Mu with surprise, his expression losing the previous impatience. "Rare to see someone so decisive," he remarked. The elder accepted Chen Mus Identity Jade and White Jade Coins, verified them, and promptly handed two wooden boxes to Chen Mu, gesturing for him to inspect them. Stay updated through novelhall.Co?m His manner became amiable, "If theres anything unclear, you can come to the Scripture Transmission Institute for lectures." "We have Scripture Doctorates available to resolve doubts and questions, free of charge." Could there really be such a good deal? "Of course, if youre interested in specific cultivation techniques, those are the unique teachings of the Scripture Doctorates. To learn alongside them..." The stalwart elder trailed off, winking at Chen Mu. "Ill need to pay extra?" Chen Mu immediately rolled his eyes. As expected, the Scripture Transmission Institute was as mercenary as ever. ``` Chapter 400 - 393 Mechanical ``` Time flew by, and the weather grew increasingly hot. On the eastern side of Sunrise Mountain, the mountain breeze swept through the forest, rustling the leaves. A thin line of red light, like an arrow, spiraled through the dense forest, shuttling swiftly like lightning. In a moment, the red light abruptly accelerated and crashed straight into a large grayish-white boulder protruding from the ground. With a soft pfft sound, the stone, as if solidified fat meeting a hot knife, was effortlessly pierced through by the red light. Then the red light agilely changed direction and disappeared into the dense forest in the blink of an eye. Under the eaves, in front of the porch, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, eyes slightly squinted. His eyeballs moved left and right, but his attention was not on what was before him. After a while, a flash of red light appeared before him, and a vermilion flying blade, light as a feather, materialized, hovering in mid-air in front of Chen Mu. He reached out to pluck it, holding it before his eyes with a joyful expression, turning it over in his hands. "What a good flying sword!" Thinking back to the moment it flew at breakneck speed, piercing the clouds and cleaving the stone, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel excited. It had been a month since he arrived at Jilong Mountain. After getting over the initial unfamiliarity, it took him only three days to adapt quickly. Hiding in the small building, he engaged in alchemy and practiced secret techniques, gradually returning to his previous pace of life. During his leisure time, he took out the Vermilion Feather Sword that he had refined over time and played with it. With just one attempt, he fell in love with the feeling of manipulating the flying sword. The Vermilion Feather Sword inherently possessed the ability for armor-breaking flight, traveling at extreme speed. What was even more marvelous was that the Mechanical Technique allowed him to have a vision and sensory experience as though he were right there. Combining the two, every time he controlled the flying sword, it was as if he himself was taking a swift flying escape! And he had no fear of crashing or smashing his face because everything that was struck by the Vermilion Feather Sword was pierced through! "The Vermilion Feather Sword is sufficiently sharp and unstoppable." "The Mechanical Secret Technique is wondrous, allowing for long-distance manipulation of the flying sword." "The flying swords and darting pellets of the legendary immortals from my past life, capable of decapitating someone thousands of miles away, were probably like this, right?" Chen Mu chuckled inwardly as he examined his Jade Seed. He pulled a clump of True Meaning Talismans before his eyes. The talisman was enveloped by dark green mist on the outside, while the inside resembled an irregular black stone. The stone was covered with tiny holes, with thick green mist quietly flowing through them. This was the true form of the Mechanical Secret Techniques True Meaning Talisman. "Its definitely useful, although it looks a bit eerie." Thinking about the consistently strange style of the Wu Mountain siblings secret techniques, Chen Mu found it perfectly reasonable. "No harm in having one more technique, especially since its useful," Chen Mu shrugged, unconcerned. The Mechanical Secret Technique was similar to the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell. During the initial construction of the core talisman of the Mechanical Secret Technique, it autonomously split off a Talisman Spirit Seed. After infusing the spirit seed into the magic sword, one could use the core of the Mechanical Technique to connect the spirit seed, bridging the gap between the ethereal and the material realms, allowing for the transmission of mana without regard to distance, achieving long-range control of the magic sword. ... The middle-aged man in black spoke eloquently. The listeners in the surrounding bamboo corridors, whether seated or standing, were utterly engrossed. Chen Mu, leaning against a column of the corridor, also listened with great interest. Previously, he had followed the steps methodically, immersed in cultivation; it was also his first time hearing someone systematically explain the path of cultivation. "Join the Jade Seed, gather the Gathering Talisman, condense the Soul Orifice, refine the River Chariot, establish the Daoist Foundation. This is our Yunzhou Daoist path for cultivating Qi." "Those who cultivate the Heavenly Demon Technique of the heretical paths are at risk of losing control and suffering backlash. To eliminate such calamities, they must endure the strikes of thunder." "Our Qi cultivation orthodoxy is different, step by step, each with a clear path to follow." "With someones guidance and diligent study and practice, one can progress systematically." "Like our Sect Master Dong Li, he is a Dao Foundation Cultivator." "The Sect Master himself first annihilated Zhongshan Paths White Tower, then killed Li Xin of the parting sun. His might is unmatched, and his strength is formidable!" "If everyone diligently cultivates, a day will come when they can also succeed." This black-robed Scripture Doctorate was extremely articulate, and with just a few words, had painted a sweet picture for everyone, making their blood boil with enthusiasm. Chen Mu also couldnt help but feel impassioned. "If one day I achieve a Daoist Foundation, I will surely take over an entire painted barge brothel." "Let those plump and slim beauties take their turn, hmm hmm..." "Ill listen to the music all night long!" As he indulged in his wild fantasies, a voice interrupted his daydreaming. "Senior Brother, what comes after achieving a Daoist Foundation?" The middle-aged man in black cast a nonchalant glance at him, "Above a Daoist Foundation? I suggest everyone get a good nights sleep. Dreams have it all." The crowd burst into laughter. Chen Mu couldnt help scratching his head. He hadnt even managed to refine his Divine Orifice yet, let alone knowing when he would establish a Daoist Foundation. He was getting ahead of himself. "Ive practiced Qi cultivation for thirty years, and my Condensing Orifice phase is more than half complete, providing me with rich experience." "I know which Hour yields the highest efficiency in cultivation, which Elixirs are effective and affordable, and which methods can aid cultivation without side effects." "All these bits of information and techniques come from my many years of personal practice." "If you want to know more, it will only cost nine hundred and ninety-nine White Jade Coins..." Watching the crowd getting excited by the Scripture Doctorates pitch, Chen Mu couldnt help but roll his eyes. He experienced a sense of de?ja? vu, as if he were seeing the sales pitches of online courses from his previous life. Chen Mu slipped away against the crowd, quietly leaving. It wasnt that he didnt want to buy; he simply couldnt afford it. The Kui Water Yin Thunder and Condense Aperture Secret Method had drained his finances. His White Jade savings of over forty thousand were now reduced to just over two thousand. He had lived comfortably for several years, only to be brought back to his former plight overnight. Desiring to cultivate immortality, first he must earn money. Chapter 401 - 394 Reunion Outside a small building on Sunrise Mountain. The Vermilion Feather Sword danced nimbly in the open space in front of the building, resembling butterflies flitting through flowers. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, directing the magic sword while contemplating how to make money. He had a fair number of medicinal herbs and ore fragments on hand, all of which were obtained from looting corpses. It was fine to deal with small amounts, but a bulk sale would not be very prudent. Refining Fasting Pills was a good job, yielding four to five hundred White Jade each month.@@@@ But whether it was operating the Exquisite Jade Plate or concocting Replenishing Origin Soup, White Jade Coins were needed. The income from alchemy barely covered daily cultivation expenses. The trouble was that Jilong Mountain was undergoing a major relocation, and all the essence of grains had been sent to Jade Spring Mountain. He could only wait until the spiritual field of Jilong Mountain was remodeled and Yellow Bud Rice was harvested before he would have the raw materials for alchemy. "If I had known, I would have just bought Kui Water Yin Thunder." "Netherworld Grand Summary is just a ruse, there was no need to buy it so early." He had saved quite a lot of White Jade, but unfortunately, between relocation purchasing, daily cultivation, and the exorbitant exchange for secret techniques, his savings gradually dwindled away. Hum! A hum sounded, and the sky suddenly darkened as a huge cloud bat flying boat slowly rose from below Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu glanced at it casually, his expression unchanged. Recently, with the large-scale relocation beginning at Jilong Mountain, cloud bat flying boats had been appearing frequently. As a large number of residents moved away from Sunrise Mountain, many vacant buildings and courtyards could be found in the mountain. In the past, when he flew his Vermilion Feather Sword, he would be very careful to avoid others. Now, as he flew unimpeded across the mountain, he saw hardly any signs of life. Chen Mus mind suddenly stirred. "East Ridge is most famous for its poisonous insects and poisonous miasma." "With so many people concentrated on relocating, wouldnt the elixirs and charm scripts used for poison avoidance and detoxification become very valuable?" Chen Mu couldnt help but feel exhilarated. Amidst rolling black smoke, a dull-looking, shiny, air-storing gourd appeared before him. Chen Mu reached out to pick up the gourd, which was unremarkable in appearance, and played with it affectionately. Back in the underground caverns, he had easily knocked over his fellow prisoners with the poisonous miasma. Ever since then, this unique local product of East Ridge had been on Chen Mus list of essentials for home and travel. As soon as the chaos at Mist Smoke Mountain subsided a bit, he immediately went to buy ten gourds of the essence of poisonous miasma, always carrying them with him. "Just need to buy the Earth Spirit Rhino Horn..." Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his fist ... There was a vast open space in front of Sunrise Mountain, as large as a modern-day stadium. The ground was paved with blue stone slabs, and two huge cloud bat flying boats docked side by side in the middle. Surrounding the area, a circle of buildings stood tall. This was the location of the Jilong Mountain Market District. Inside a business establishment. "Earth Spirit Rhino Horn, one hundred and eighty White Jade each, how many would the customer like?" "Werent they only sixty to seventy White Jade before?" Chen Mu was astonished. "You seem to be knowledgeable," the shopkeeper said with a composed smile. "A familiar face, transparent pricing, and a developed loose goods network." Its a pity that Jia Tian had always been active in East Ridge and hadnt come to Jilong Mountain. "Perhaps, take a trip to Jade Spring Mountain?" ... Market District at the foot of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu stood on a small hill at the base of Sunrise Mountain, gazing distantly at the Cloud Bat Flying Boat, his brows furrowed with worry. He had just finished inquiring. The Cloud Bat Flying Boat was prioritized for the Upper Courts relocation. He wouldnt be able to buy a ticket or board the boat anytime soon. Traverse mountains and valleys to get to Jade Spring Mountain by himself? "Id have to be crazy to go alone. What if I were to encounter a powerful aggressor on the way?" Chen Mu quickly shook his head. He didnt hurry off. Instead, he stood there, intently watching the flying boat. It was said that the main body of the Cloud Bat Flying Boat was a type of demon beast called the Cloud Bat, captured and transformed by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. One could tell by its mountain-like size that, in life, it must have been strong. "Truly worthy of being an ancient sect that spans multiple continents." "To casually capture such demonic beasts and turn them into standardized Magic Artifacts for sale, tsk tsk..." As he was engrossed in his thoughts, he suddenly felt a rhythmic throbbing from the ground. Chen Mu swiftly turned his head only to see a beautiful two-person-tall toad slowly rising from the ground. Its whole body was as white as jade, with three golden lines stretching from its forehead to its back. Two slightly dull big eyes were staring at Chen Mu, full of curiosity. A Cold Moon Chan Yuanbao? For a while, as if recognizing Chen Mu, a somewhat naive croak sounded in Chen Mus ear. Croak! "Hello?" "Oh, hello to you too!" "Croak!" "Long time no see?" "Indeed, its been quite some years since we last saw each other," Chen Mu remarked with a smile. After so many years, Yuanbao the toad was still as polite as ever. "Eh? Are you Chen Mu?" Accompanied by a question, a cyan Escape Light descended from the sky. A person with a stiff, wooden expression, both unfamiliar and familiar, appeared beside Yuanbao. Mo Wuzhou? The genius from the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, Mo Wuzhou, who was taken in as a personal disciple by Rong Qiu, the Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion? Why was he still at Jilong Mountain? A thought suddenly struck Chen Mu. He had just been worrying about who to sell the All-Disease Pills to. The suitable candidate had just appeared! ``` Chapter 402 - 395 Half a Year "Why didnt Senior Brother Mo go to Jade Spring Mountain?" After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chen Mu asked with curiosity. As a core disciple like Mo Wuzhou, he had already moved in large numbers to the East Ridge mountains at the beginning of the Upper Courts relocation. "I received an order from our master to sort out the earths veins here and to transform Jilong Mountain into a batch of spiritual fields," responded Mo Wuzhou. Chen Mu glanced at Yuanbao, and understanding dawned on him. The Cold Moon Toad naturally possessed the Earth Escape Divine Ability and could move freely underground. The Mountain Protection Magical Barrier of Mist Smoke Mountain was initially built with the help of Yuanbao. "If theres anything you need from me, just say the word," Chen Mu offered eagerly after a moment of thought. Mo Wuzhous heart stirred. He had heard from Senior Brother Liang Yi that it was Chen Mu who helped him explore the underground water veins of Mist Smoke Mountain. However, Senior Brother Liang had also said that this guy was extremely good at hiding his talents. Why was he so eager this time? "If you have any requirements, you can tell me straight," Mo Wuzhou said. "Its nothing major; I just wanted to ask Brother to help sell a batch of Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills," Chen Mu replied with a sly smile, not trying to conceal his intentions. As he spoke, he flipped his wrist and handed over a gray elixir pill. "You can make Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills?" Mo Wuzhou was surprised, examining the pill carefully in his hand. This was a special All-Disease Pill developed by his master, Rong Qiu, for the disciples from East Ridge. The difficulty in concocting it was substantial, and he didnt expect Chen Mu to know how to make it. "I wouldnt let Brother work for nothing," Chen Mu assured him quickly. "You can take thirty percent of the White Jade Coins," Chen Mu offered readily. He was planning to use Mo Wuzhous reputation to shield himself from greedy eyes, something he had done before. Mo Wuzhou felt a jolt in his heart; why did this approach sound so familiar to him? "The Wood Spirit Boy sold at Peng Yue Mountain, it wasnt you who made it, was it?" he asked, scrutinizing Chen Mu with suspicion. That was something Gongsun Sheng did; what does it have to do with me! Chen Mu looked clueless and feigned ignorance: "Wood Spirit Boy? Wasnt it you who had Shang Huan sell it on your behalf, Brother?" Mo Wuzhou eyed Chen Mu thoroughly for quite a while before he half-doubtingly looked away. "Arent you worried that I might swallow your pills?" "If Brother needs them, please take them," Chen Mu declared with magnanimity. "Are you really that generous?" "Youre not thinking about giving me a stealthy knock on the head, are you?" Mo Wuzhou cast a glance at Chen Mu. "How could I?" Chen Mu said with earnest sincerity. A stealthy knock would hardly suffice. Id at least need to test my Vermilion Feather Sword on you. ... Explore stories on novelhall.Co?m With Mo Wuzhous assistance, through the Pill Treasure Pavilion, over nine hundred Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills were sent to Jade Spring Mountain without causing a stir. As the close disciple of Rong Qiu, no one doubted the origin of the pills and assumed they were concocted by Mo Wuzhou. Having previous cooperation on the Wood Spirit Boy, Chen Mu was relatively at ease with Mo Wuzhou. Of course, its wise not to be without ones guard. That night, he still hid in the second underground secret chamber beneath the first underground secret chamber. Fortunately, it turned out he had been overly cautious. The next day, Mo Wuzhou brought nine thousand White Jade Coins. Thus, Chen Mu began to shuttle through the underground of Jilong Mountain with Mo Wuzhou, helping him in his search for underground water veins. Two months later, the relocation of Jilong Mountains Upper Court was completely finished. A large batch of newly recruited Lower Courtyard disciples was also successively brought to Jilong Mountain. Just like the initial development of the East Ridge Five Mountains, those martial fighters recruited from Da Qian, after being stimulated by the primary Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill to awaken their Shell Soul Steel Skin, became the best people for planting in the Lower Courtyard. Under the guidance of core disciples like Mo Wuzhou, the newly recruited disciples began to cultivate the Spiritual Fields of Jilong Mountain. Starting from Sunrise Three Mountains, first, the redundant buildings were demolished, then trees were cut down, grass and weeds were removed, and rubble was cleared. Below the mountainside, it was soon transformed into neatly terraced fields surrounding the mountain. The main mountain of Jilong Mountain also underwent minor renovations. The forests remained, while some useless buildings disappeared. In their place were small and exquisite Spiritual Fields ready for planting Spiritual Medicines. With all the support disciples working with great enthusiasm. Jilong Mountain, which had quieted down because of the relocation, became lively once again. ... The weather gradually became cooler, and in the blink of an eye, half a year had passed. On the east side of Sunrise Mountain, in front of the gallery of the pavilion, Chen Mu lay lazily in a rocking chair. After half a year of running around, the Spiritual Fields of Jilong Mountain were basically remodeled. Below the mountainside of Sunrise Mountain, the dense forests had disappeared, replaced by fields of Yellow Bud Rice; a swath of lush green as far as the eye could see. Gone was the quiet of the past, but in its place was a sense of openness. He squinted his eyes, introspecting his Jade Seed Mud Pill. A silver hollow sphere spun around at its center. Over the past half year, while he assisted Mo Wuzhou in locating underground water veins, he had never stopped cultivating. As of today, the sixth layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman once again coalesced completely. In an empty space beneath the ribs on the right side of his abdomen, a mysterious aperture appeared in synchronization with the advancement of the Netherworld Grand Summary. After this, the grass and trees of the mountains appeared to him with a subtle sense of rhythm, as if he could merge into them unobstructed at will. "First, merging into the earth, and then into plants and trees?" "The Five Elements Escape Technique?" "What kind of creature is this Cloud Mirage anyway, that it knows the Five Elements Escape Technique?" As he continued cultivating, he had some guesses about the mysterious apertures that appeared in his body. When practitioners of the Heavenly Demon Path cultivate, the first step is to introduce demonic bloodlines and awaken the innate ability of Spirit Armor Steel Skin. Then relying on the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique to discern the True Intent of the bloodline, they cultivate Mana. Next, they open up the Heavenly Demon Mysterious Apertures to transform their bodies. At this stage, the ability innate to the Heavenly Demon Bloodline may awaken. Compared to this, the third step, the Opening of Apertures realm, seems very similar to the changes happening within his own body. He had never consumed a Reincarnation Pill nor practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. If there was any connection, it might only be due to the Cloud Mirage Spirit Armor Technique. "For some unknown reason, my body harbors the Cloud Mirage Bloodline." "And unexpectedly, the Netherworld Grand Summary can facilitate the growth of the bloodline, which is why secret apertures are opening up and innate divine abilities are awakening." "But the first ability that appeared should have been the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Yet that is clearly a Secret Technique unique to Ghosts." "Could it be that the Cloud Mirage is a type of Ghosts? But why then isnt it called the Ghost Spirit Armor Technique on the gray wall?" "Tsk tsk... its puzzling." ``` Chapter 403 - 396 Expansion "It really is the Five Elements Escape Technique, thats just wonderful." He liked secret techniques for escaping the most. Like the Longitudinal Rainbow Light or the Five Ghosts Phantom Flame Escape Technique. But these two were only good at flying, competing in speed. The Five Elements Escape Technique, however, could traverse through various environments, specializing in all-terrain adaptation. If he really mastered it, his ability to escape and survive would greatly improve. "I need to ponder over the Kui Water Yin Thunder," Chen Mu thought, stroking his chin. The Thunder Law was extremely beneficial for opening apertures secretly. It is said that the fourth stage of the Heavenly Demon Path is called Transcending Tribulation, which is about how to withstand lightning strikes. The power of heavenly lightning couldnt be controlled, countless members of the Heavenly Demon Path died from being struck. If one could control the Thunder Law by oneself, it was always better than seeking out heavenly lightning to try ones luck. As long as he increased his proficiency with the Kui Water Yin Thunder, he might be able to control its power. A slow stimulation could allow the apertures to be opened gradually and in order. Having made up his mind, Chen Mu adjusted his cultivation schedule. The morning practice of the seventh layer of the Netherworld Grand Summary remained unchanged. In the afternoon, aside from the Mechanical Technique and the Giant Spirit Divine, he specially allocated some time to practice the Kui Water Yin Thunder. ... Three days later, in front of the wooden houses porch. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding the True Meaning Jade Slip of the Kui Water Yin Thunder in front of his eyes, blocking out the slightly blinding sunlight.@@@@ The origins of this Thunder Law were untraceable; it was only known to be a secret passage from the Sun Family. According to the Jade Slip, Yin Thunder was powerful but difficult to cultivate, and its destructive force was proportional to the mana consumed. Ordinary cultivators had insufficient mana, and the Thunder Law would at most cause numbness. With that amount of mana, it was better to reserve it for the activation of Magic Artifacts. "Isnt this convenient?" "The Netherworld Grand Summary Im practicing doesnt have many other benefits, but it does provide ample mana!" "The Sun Family are all such good people. Haha!" Experience tales at novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu cheerfully activated the Jade Slip. The true intent of the secret technique immediately seeped backward into the Jade Seed, stirring the mana to surge and swirl. In the blink of an eye, a peculiar talisman rapidly appeared. Its appearance was unique, resembling countless branches gathered into a mass, with strands of blue and white light coursing over it. Chen Mu stared at the talisman, memorizing and observing it carefully. After a good while. The talisman slowly faded, leaving only a small section of branch-like talisman within the Jade Seed, seemingly on the verge of falling apart at any moment. Chen Mus eyes lit up; he immediately brought up the grey wall and indeed found a new entry had appeared. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 3/10000/First Rank; "It worked." "Ill keep practicing it." "Once I gain more experience, Ill try to use it to assist in opening secret apertures." He delightfully looked at the experience bar of the Kui Water Yin Thunder for a while longer. Chen Mus gaze gradually moved up, looking at another entry on the grey wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 1/10000/Eighth Rank; "An Alchemy Furnace? Are you an alchemist, sir?" the storekeeper with a red nose asked, his casual expression becoming more serious. "I dare not claim to be an alchemist, I just concoct some Fasting Pills," Chen Mu said, waving his hand indifferently. "Ah, its Pill Master Chen from the Pill Treasure Pavilion." The red-nosed storekeeper revealed a smile. Chen Mu raised his eyebrows; he had not expected the other party to recognize him. "Dont be offended, Pill Master Chen," the red-nosed storekeeper said with a smile and a cupped fist. "In our line of business, we have to pay attention to the personnel changes on Jilong Road." "On Jilong Mountain, there are only three of you Pill Masters who practice alchemy." "And you are the youngest among the three." "Its hard for us not to know about you." Chen Mu came to a realization. It wasnt that he had done anything outrageous; it was simply that the personnel on Jilong Mountain had been reduced too much and too quickly. With large numbers of people moving away, those who remained became rather conspicuous. "Youve come just at the right time, sir. We happen to have a large Pill Furnace in the store," the storekeeper said as he stepped out from behind the counter. He tapped the Mustard Seed Talisman on his wrist. A huge, pitch-black Alchemy Furnace, half the height of a man with three legs and two handles, appeared. Chen Mus eyes lit up immediately. "If I used it to braise a furnace full of meat, I could certainly have a feast to my hearts content!" he thought. "Whats the price?" he inquired. The red-nosed storekeeper chuckled, spread his five fingers, and flipped his hand back and forth. "One thousand White Jade Coins." "That expensive?" Chen Mu couldnt help but exclaim. "You wont find such a large Pill Furnace elsewhere," said the storekeeper. After some hesitation, Chen Mu thought of his 100% success rate with the Fasting Pills and eventually paid, though it pained him to do so. "At worst, Ill just keep more Fasting Pills for myself." "A private sale, and in two or three months, I should be able to earn back the cost." ... At the entrance of Hundred Treasures Pavilion, the red-nosed storekeeper was smiling broadly as he stood by Chen Mu. A noisy group of people bustled past the entrance of Hundred Treasures Pavilion, drawing Chen Mus attention. "Who are they...?" he wondered. "Pill Master Chen is not aware?" The red-nosed storekeeper explained with a smile, "Just recently, our Jilong Road just took care of two small sects and acquired two new territories." "They are called to develop the brand-new Lower Courtyard." "Of course, not just anyone can go there; one must have skills." "These days, people are going every day to take tests, attempting to pass." "Developing new territories always allows one to earn more White Jade Coins than farming." Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. It had been quiet for just half a year, yet Jilong Road was already expanding outward and engaging other sects in proactive conflicts. Although they were just minor sects, were the other four powers in Yunzhou truly just watching idly? "Is it going to fall into chaos again?" he wondered. Chen Mu had a bad feeling. Chapter 404 - 397 Yuanbao Chen Mus residence, the alchemy chamber on the second floor, west side. In the center of the room stood a pitch-black, massive pill furnace. Chen Mu patted the heavy furnace but had no mind for alchemy. "How many days have passed since we had peace? Are those elders on Jilong Road really so belligerent?" "Theyre all cultivating immortality, why do they still think about expanding their territory every day?" Chen Mu shook his head in a sigh, yet he understood that as a Daoist sect, it would not wage wars everywhere without reason. "Is it still because of the changes in the Earths veins?" Thinking back on the many years of upheaval, he had already formed some concept about the changes in vital energy. For some unknown reason, the changes in the Earths veins of Yunzhou caused the Earth Spirit Vital Energy to change with it. Mountains with spiritual veins might become barren of vital energy, unsuitable for cultivation, like Jilong Mountain. In contrast, barren and desolate places could become sources of surging vital energy and excellent spots for Qi cultivation, like the five mountains of East Ridge. "All of Yunzhous seven sects must be making big moves." "Its just that Im isolated from the news and unaware." Chen Mus expression grew troubled. If things were indeed as he understood, the entire Yunzhou might fall into chaos! "I need to spend more effort pondering the Kui Water Yin Thunder." "And focus on developing the Condensing Aperture Secret Technique to awaken the Five Elements Escape Technique. If disaster strikes, itll be much easier to flee." Chen Mu decided to dedicate the time after dinner and before sleep to practicing the Thunder Law. "Its also fortunate to have this large pill furnace. In one furnace, I can produce a hundred or two Fasting Pills." "Two furnaces a day are enough to meet the demand, saving a great deal of time." ... Half a month later. Administrative Affairs Institute. An elder in grey carefully inspected the Fasting Pills packed in a wooden box. It took a while before he raised his head, showing a smile. "The Fasting Pills are as smooth as pearls and flawless in appearance. Pill Master Chens skills are exquisite, far surpassing others," the grey-clothed elder praised. The highest level of Fasting Pill technique is of course exquisite. Chen Mu tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile but said nothing. Unperturbed, the elder in grey chuckled and took out a small cloth bag, placing it on the counter along with the Identity Jade, and pushed them toward Chen Mu: "For the two thousand four hundred Fasting Pills, a total of one hundred Daoist Cultivation points and two hundred White Jade Coins for you." Chen Mu glanced at it but did not take it: "Have the items I requested arrived in stock?" "We received a batch of Golden Pearls and Cyan Turtle Shells." "There are still no Black Snake Bones or Stone Marrow." The elder in grey spread his hands: "This place isnt the Upper Court anymore. All the main materials for the Rejuvenation Pills are prioritized for Jade Spring Mountain." Chen Mu was helpless but had no choice; he could only push the Jade Token and the grey cloth bag back to the elder: "Then give me the two materials we have in stock for now." Replenishing Origin Soup is cheap but cannot be stored long-term whereas Rejuvenation Pills are expensive but ensure quality over ten years or more. He planned to stockpile Rejuvenation Pills in advance, so that if he indeed had to flee one day, nothing would hinder his practice of the Condensing Aperture Technique. Rejuvenation Pills comprised thirteen materials in total: nine auxiliary materials and four main materials. Theres no need to purchase the auxiliary materials as he had saved plenty of essences when grinding for experience in the past. "Quack." "Oh? You came to find me for fun on your own?" "Did you really just come to play with me? Nothing else?" Chen Mu teased with a smile. "Quack!" "Wouldnt it be even better if there were a pot of Replenishing Origin Soup?" "Ha!" "Well, you sly toad, coming to take advantage of me, huh?" "Is Replenishing Origin Soup something you can drink by the potful?" "Quack!" "You brought me a particularly big gift?" "Precious, eh? Well, Ive gotta take a look." No sooner had his voice fallen than the big toad in front of him suddenly opened its mouth and spat out a strange beetle the size of a water buffalo. When Chen Mu looked over, the dense beetle legs were still floundering in a near-death struggle, nearly making his hair stand on end. I really find this gift a bit hard to accept. "Quack!" "You even want me to eat it?" Chen Mu glanced at the exotic beetle covered in Yuanbaos stomach fluids and couldnt help rolling his eyes. Id be crazy to eat this thing! ... At dusk. On the open ground in front of the wooden building. Chen Mu used the Point Ground into Steel skill to manipulate soil, creating a two-meter-wide pot. The earthen pot hovered in mid-air, beneath it a rolling mass of pale blue flame. In his hand, Chen Mu held the Fire Cloud Gourd, controlling the flames while silently reciting curse tactics. Drops of Replenishing Origin Soup rose up, just gathering into a ball in midair when with a flash of red light, the freshly prepared Replenishing Origin Soup instantly vanished. "Arent you afraid of scalding your tongue!" Chen Mu glared at Yuanbao, then continued to chant the curse words. He didnt stop using the secret method until he had drained all the Vital Energy from the big insect. With black smoke billowing, the pots residue disappeared and the earthen pot turned back into soil and dissipated. "Does Replenishing Origin Soup work for monsters too?" Chen Mu couldnt help but look at the Cold Moon Toad. Half a year ago, Chen Mu had followed Mo Wuzhou to explore water veins, and every time, Yuanbao would ferry him back and forth through the forests by Escaping Earth. By chance, the big toad discovered the existence of the Replenishing Origin Soup. Since then, it had often come to Chen Mu. Each time, it would bring Chen Mu some small wild animals from the mountains in exchange for a taste of the Replenishing Origin Soup. Today, in order to drink more, it had even caught a big beetle exotic beast. "If I go by the toads diet, this is indeed a special big gift." Chen Mu shook his head and laughed, "Its an unexpectedly proper and courteous surprise." Every time after consuming Replenishing Origin Soup, the big toad wouldnt leave. It just sat obediently at the door, its dull eyes foolishly staring at the sky until it turned dark, and then it would leave on its own. Chen Mu chuckled and watched for a while, then ignored it. He turned and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for himself. Chapter 405 - 398 Yama One day, Chen Mu was leisurely enjoying his dinner under the corridor. A jade-colored Escape Light descended from the sky. Mo Wuzhou revealed his figure, glanced at the big toad zoning out in front of the door, and stared at Chen Mu with full of suspicion. "What kind of Soul-Bewitching Soup did you give Yuanbao? Why does it keep hopping over to your place?" The Cold Moon Toad Yuanbao was his master Song Wujies Exotic Beast pet. His master Rong Qiu lent it to him partly to help explore the water veins, and partly to have Yuanbao protect him thoroughly. But this big toad kept shirking its duties every now and then to run to Chen Mus place and take up the role of a doorkeeper and security! Chen Mu glanced at the big toad and noticed it was also secretly staring at him. His heart skipped a beat at that moment. Crap, this big toad wouldnt sell me out, would it?! "Didnt you ask it?" asked Chen Mu calmly. "I asked, but it wont say," Mo Wuzhou said, frustrated. "Is it possible that its because the feng shui here is better, suitable for zoning out and cultivating?" asked Chen Mu with a serious face. Mo Wuzhou was momentarily speechless. Your place is better than the Jilong Mountain dojo? "Its not because of the feng shui?" Chen Mu asked with a puzzled face. After thinking seriously, he suddenly realized, "Then it must be because my heart is open and sincere, and Yuanbao sees me as a friend, considering me as a companion!" Mo Wuzhou: "..." Listen to the nonsense youre spouting. You dare to say your heart is open and sincere?! "You dont believe it?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "How could I believe that?" Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu askance. "Croak!" "See, even Yuanbao says you have to believe it, haha!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. Are you treating me as if Im blind with this act of yours! "Dont worry about those things," Chen Mu said with a beaming smile. "Brother Mo, have you eaten? Come and join me." After all, he was a core member of the Upper Court of Jilong Mountain, and he couldnt afford to offend him too much. Immediately, he kept inviting and made Mo Wuzhou sit at the table, then brought out two more dishes, and began eating and drinking together. As soon as the dish and meat entered his mouth, Mo Wuzhou couldnt help but be dazzled. This culinary skill is really something. Could it be that the big toad has taken a liking to the cooked food here? "Not to brag, but when it comes to cooking, Im second to none in the entire Jilong Road," Chen Mu said proudly. Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu expressionlessly. Look at how pleased you are with yourself. Anyone on Jilong Road with a bit of cultivation eats Fasting Pills. The disciples of the Lower Courtyard with lower cultivation cook merely to fill their stomachs for survival. Here... "Its a bit disappointing." He had been hoping for a powerful skill akin to Five Ghosts Possession. Continue your journey with novelhall.Co?m "I suppose its better than nothing. After all, Ive acquired a new means to deal with ghosts," Chen Mu muttered to himself. He still remembered back in Mist Smoke Mountain, someone summoned a sky full of ghosts, and Sun Wuhuan was killed by those ghosts. In the future, if he were to encounter ghosts again, he would be able to handle them with ease and not have to flee in panic. ... A hundred li north of Jilong Mountain, in a sunlit, small valley. Suddenly, a blanket of ghostly white fog appeared and quickly enveloped the entire valley. Moo! A deep sound that resembled the bellow of a cow and the roar of a tiger erupted within the dense fog. The once lively valley instantly fell into deathly silence. The next moment, a strong suction force burst from within the fog, swiftly turning into a violent wind that swept across the entire valley. Wherever the wind passed, grass and trees seemed to have their colors and moisture sucked out, turning from verdant to withered and yellow rapidly. Birds and beasts appeared to be drained of blood and flesh, dying off in large numbers. At the peak of the valley, a group of more than a dozen people dressed in hooded cloaks appeared suddenly. Each one was tall and robust, their wide cloaks unable to fully conceal their figures. Faint black smoke swirled around them, their presence as menacing as that of strange demons, chilling to onlookers. The bearded man leading them frowned at the valleys transformation, his expression grim: "How did this strange demon suddenly break through the barrier and appear?" "Were less than a hundred li from Jilong Mountain. If were discovered, were all done for!" Several men, stiffened under the bearded mans gaze, had no choice but to speak up. "It might... be hungry and came out..." Bang! Before he could finish, he was sent flying backward like a meteor, crashing into a distant hill and sending soil and rocks flying as dust filled the air. The bearded tough withdrew his right leg, black smoke rising around him as if it were tangible. He glared at the other toughs with a furious expression: "You dare to keep the Longevity Wine to yourselves, not knowing that its the bait to lure the strange demon?!" The group of men trembled, unable to speak. Mooo! Another anguished roar sounded. The fog that had filled the valley a moment ago vanished without a trace. The bearded tough turned and glanced back, his angry expression easing slightly. "Dig that guy out from underground." "As long as we can safely lure the strange demon into Jilong Mountain, I will overlook your past deeds." "If you ruin the plans of the Spiritual Master, I will feed all of you to the strange demon as an extra meal!" "We will not disappoint you, General." The men quickly saluted and nodded vigorously. Chapter 406 - 399 Withering Early in the morning, the sun rose in the east. Jilong Mountain was enshrouded in a light mist above and below. Chen Mu pushed open the window on the second floor, stretched, and yawned. A streak of red light shot out from his sleeve, circled Sunrise Mountain in the blink of an eye. Then it danced within the mountains summit clouds for a while before turning into a red line and flying back in front of the small building. The Mechanical Technique was like equipping a Flying Sword with eyes; a single Flying Escape around Sunrise Mountain provided an easy view of its entire scenery. The exhilarating feeling of looking down from high above prompted him to take his Magic Sword for a spin around Sunrise Mountain every morning. At this moment, in the space in front of the building, the red light weaved back and forth, and the Flying Sword practiced stabbing and stopping abruptly. After a while, Chen Mu reluctantly put away the Vermilion Feather Sword. He summoned the gray wall, and the Mechanical Techniques progress appeared. Mechanical Technique: 8015/10000/Fourth Rank; "Interest is indeed the greatest motivation," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. He hadnt practiced deliberately, but whenever he had time, he would send his Magic Sword flying around the mountain for fun. Before he knew it, he had grinded out more than eight thousand experience points for the Mechanical Technique. After stretching again, he activated the Five Ghosts Black Smoke to sweep from head to toe, removing dust and taking away fatigue. Chen Mu then refreshed himself and headed into the kitchen on the first floor to make breakfast. ... In front of the porch. Chen Mu sat on a low bamboo chair, eating a Qi Family stuffed bun, while habitually activating the Truthful Listening Technique. The next moment, the hustle and bustle of the market district below the mountain reached his ears. This was a recent habit he had developed, like listening to the radio, he tuned in to the Jilong Road market district channel every day to keep up with the latest developments. "Rallying troops and horses, ready to continue expanding territory?" "Tsk, when will it ever end." He took a bite of the cool mountain wild vegetables and frowned involuntarily. He used to worry about Jilong Roads belligerence, but now it almost felt like the norm. Since the Upper Court completed its relocation, Jilong Road had been expanding like clockwork, constantly swallowing up small sects to enlarge its territory. Fortunately, Jilong Mountain had become a branch residence, a production base for Spirit Rice and Spiritual Medicine, out of reach from the battles. "Coming to Jilong Mountain was really the right move." Just as he was engrossed in various gossip news, a faint but unusual sound reached his ears. Listening closely, he discovered the noise was coming from the Yellow Bud Rice fields over the mountainside. "Yellow Bud Rice... wailing?" Chen Mu was stunned, forgetting to swallow the mouthful of Yellow Bud Rice porridge. After carefully listening for a while, he couldnt help but frown, stand up, and look toward the terraced fields at the foot of the mountain: "I need to go check it out." Yellow Bud Rice was the main ingredient for Fasting Pills. If the yield decreased, it would definitely affect his Fasting Pill refining. ... Chen Mus face immediately turned grim. ... In less than half a month, the situation had already begun to rapidly deteriorate. The lush green Yellow Bud Rice all over the mountain was wilting uncontrollably, now a mix of yellow and green. Chen Mu stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor, gazing out at the terraced fields below. Thick smoke billowed from the fields, the work of the Lower Courtyard disciples burning and uprooting the severely wilted Spiritual Fields. Not only that, but in the past few days, the Lower Courtyard disciples had also poured a great deal of Insecticide into the Spiritual Fields and buried large amounts of Bone Powder fertilizer. Yet, they still could not stop the spread of the wilting symptoms. "Has Jilong Mountain truly contracted that mysterious wilting disease?" Chen Mus face was ugly. Not long ago, Song Wujie had arrived at Jilong Mountain. He had released countless Spirit Insects to search the mountain the very same day, but still found nothing. "This is trouble." At dusk, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair in front of the window on the second floor, his brows knit with worry, the beautiful red sunset unable to attract his gaze. "Did those elders on Jilong Road discover some issues long ago, and thats why they led the relocation of the Upper Court?" "Its only been less than a year since the change to an annex, are we going to have to run again?" Chen Mu said helplessly. He had been running around for the past few years, barely having any peace. "I really wish I could find a paradise where I could grind to the top before coming down from the mountain." "What a pity..." Explore more stories at novelhall.Co?m As he wondered whether it was time to prepare to flee, a Five Ghosts Paper Man suddenly flew to his window. Since he had reached the limit with the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, the Five Ghosts Paper Man seemed to come alive, often scampering around the house when there was nothing to do. Chen Mu found it curious but didnt interfere. But todays Paper Man, with its wide open mouth, gleefully ran up to Chen Mu and was out of the ordinary. It didnt appear alone; it rode on a meter-long, serpent-like grayish-white wisp of smoke. The smoke wisp writhed under his feet as if it were a living thing! "What is this?" Chen Mu leaned in with curiosity. The next moment, the serpent-shaped smoke wisp suddenly shot towards his face, its front end rapidly morphing, revealing the face of a stranger. The face was expressionless, almost pressed up against Chen Mu, just staring at him with lifeless eyes. Fuck! He was startled into a shiver, and instinctively slapped at it. But to his surprise, his hand passed right through the white smoke without any resistance. Yet, at that instant, Chen Mu felt as if his right hand had been soaked in an ice hole for an entire day, bone-chillingly cold. And the face-shaped smoke wisp took advantage of the moment the Five Ghosts Paper Man flew up to dodge, its smokey tail flicking, and disappeared into thin air. "What kind of ghostly thing is this? How could it appear on Mist Smoke Mountain?!" Chen Mus scalp tightened. Feeling the residual coldness on his palm, he was thoroughly creeped out. ``` Chapter 407 - 400 Capture Chen Mu looked sternly at the five little paper men. "Is that thing harmful?" The five little paper men shook their heads in unison. "Will it appear again?" The little paper men continued shaking their heads. "Can you do anything other than shaking your heads?!" The little paper men were still shaking their heads. Damn! I was really confused by that thing just now. The Five Ghosts Paper Men were at most slightly spiritual, like bewildered children, and essentially impossible to communicate with. Chen Mu looked at his still cold right hand. "What exactly was that thing?" "Was it one or a group?" "Did it cause the Yellow Bud Rice to wither?" During his year on Jilong Mountain, he had never seen such long snake-like white smoke with a human face before. Now, with the mountain infected with decay disease, that thing had appeared just in time. This inevitably made Chen Mu wonder whether there was any connection between the two. And the way that thing disappeared was too strange. It was not invisibility, nor a rapid flight away, but a disappearance into thin air. "Some kind of spatial escape technique? Breaking through boundaries with teleportation?" "What if it suddenly appeared behind me and bit my head..." Chen Mu felt uneasy. He tossed and turned in bed all night, afraid the thing would suddenly show up. Not until the sun rose and the thin mist over the mountains steamed up, and there were signs of life below the mountain, did he breathe a sigh of relief and slowly calm down. ... Around noon, Song Wujie and Mo Wuzhou returned to the Spiritual Field of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu stood on the second floor, watching from a distance as the two tried various methods of testing but still found nothing. "Should I tell Mo Wuzhou?" "If I can get Song Wujie to act, he might be able to capture that monster and rid us of the trouble for good." "Hmm, lets investigate first." After breakfast, Chen Mu hurried off to the Scripture Transmission Institute and stayed there the whole day.@@@@ He searched for information on Exotic Beasts and Monsters, sought advice from a Scripture Doctorate, but all to no avail. There was no record in the books, and the Scripture Doctorate didnt know. "The likelihood that that thing is causing the decay disease is growing higher and higher." "Great news, indeed!" "Song Wujie is here for the decay disease, and once he learns of the existence of the white smoke creature, he will definitely take action to investigate." ... In the evening, Chen Mu sat in front of the door porch. ... Perhaps Chen Mus hints had played a role. The next day, numerous unfamiliar faces arrived at Jilong Mountain, and then they started setting up Forbidden Laws all over the mountains. Chen Mu observed for a long time, only to know that it was some sort of binding Forbidden Law, similar to the Isolation Barrier Technique that Sun Wujiu had set up previously. He couldnt understand the specifics. This went on for many days. He paid attention to the goings-on of Jilong Mountain every day and also continuously attempted to explore, but unfortunately, he never encountered that kind of white smoke again. Instead, with the continuous patrolling of the mountain with his Flying Sword, he gained a large amount of Mechanical Technique experience. That night. In front of the window on the second floor. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, the grey wall materializing before his eyes. He looked down, focusing on one particular section. Find more to read at novelhall.Co?m Mechanical Technique: 35/10000/Fifth Rank; With a thought, the palm-length Vermilion Feather Sword started flashing around him, leaving streaks of red lines in mid-air. "The speed is clearly three parts faster." "And the Mechanical Technique has gained eight more Talisman Spirit Seeds." Chen Mu inspected the Jade Seed with glee. Within the dark green mist, eight white translucent threads actively wriggled inside the black stone-shaped Talisman. "That means I can control nine Magic Swords at once!" "One Vermilion Feather Sword is already sharp enough; if nine swords were to strike together..." He couldnt help but get excited at the thought. "Right, the Mechanical Technique is a Secret Technique for controlling puppet weapons, aiming for the strategy of overwhelming numbers." "It makes sense that it would split into multiple Talisman Spirit Seeds after advancing." "Now its only at the Fifth Rank, but if I push it to the limit... haha!" As he fantasized about the scene of a sky filled with Flying Swords at his command. A thunderous roar suddenly exploded. Chen Mus face changed, and the Vermilion Feather Sword shot up into the sky with a swish. The pitch-black back mountain came into view. Under the stars and moonlight, a vast expanse of pale and strange fog shrouded Jilong Mountain. Accompanied by a succession of explosions, red lights flashed within the white smoke. The next moment, an unseen force rose from all directions, locking down the area surrounding Jilong Mountain firmly. "A Forbidden Law that traps the void?" "Song Wujie has really caught it!" Chen Mu rejoiced. Many people heard the commotion and leaped out of their rooms, rushing to the mountaintop to watch. Chen Mu also sprang up from the second floor and then... he zipped into the ground and disappeared without a trace. Having both the Truthful Listening Technique and the Mechanical Technique, he could watch from a distance, with no intention of joining the crowd on the mountaintop. That fog looked very strange; what if he got affected by it? Chapter 408 - 401: Netherworld The dense fog over Jilong Mountain repeatedly expanded and contracted, as if it were a living creature. Flashes of red light appeared all around within it, and the thunderous sounds roared incessantly. Chen Mu hid underground, monitoring Jilong Mountain through the cloud-bound Vermilion Feather Sword. Soon he noticed that the long snake of white smoke with human faces occasionally appeared on the edge of the dense fog. When it broke free from the fog, it would turn into a snake of white smoke, and upon contact with the fog, it immediately merged back into it and disappeared. "Could it be that the dense fog enveloping Jilong Mountain is made up of those human-faced long snakes?" Chen Mu couldnt help feeling frightened. He had previously attempted to find the snakes of white smoke. Now, thinking about it, if he had really provoked that large group of monsters, he would have been doomed for sure! ... The battle lasted for half an hour. Accompanied by a heaven-shaking wail, the entire expanse of dense fog suddenly dispersed. Song Wujie stood hovering above Jilong Mountain, his clothes visibly tattered. Then, swarms of fiery red insects flew out from around him, chasing after the clusters of white smoke across the mountains. The dying roars of countless exotic beasts echoed throughout the mountains one after another, but before long, they were heard no more. Song Wujie maneuvered his Escape Light, circling around the outskirts of Jilong Mountain and returned to the grand hall at the mountain summit. Before long, the black-garbed patrollers from the Inspection Courtyard descended the mountain, spreading the news to soothe the peoples hearts while dispersing the gathered disciples from various places. The once noisy Jilong Mountain gradually quieted down. ... On the eastern side of Sunrise Mountain. Chen Mu emerged from the ground and returned to the window on the second floor. Thinking of how the white smoke monsters had been targeted by Song Wujie and killed beyond any chance of revival, he felt greatly relieved. "Its your own fault for being so elusive," he said. "Youre just a wisp of white smoke but insist on wearing a human face. Plus, you can use the interdimensional Teleportation Escape Skill, tsk tsk..." "Youre far too dangerous!" "Watch my big bro Song Wujie summon the great magic!" Chen Mu chuckled as he lay back in the rocking chair. "Im not doing this just to get a good nights sleep," he said. "Im simply trying to help eliminate the source of degeneration in Jilong Road." "Yep, thats right, haha..." Chen Mu swayed contentedly in the rocking chair, feeling relaxed in body and mind. Just as he was silently rejoicing, a discordant chattering sound reached his ears. Chen Mu frowned, looking over with displeasure. He saw five little paper men, each riding a white smoke monster with a human face, cheerfully flying towards him. Chen Mu: "..." Werent these ghostly things already killed by Song Wujie? "It seems... its not that dangerous after all." Chen Mus eyes moved as he observed the white smoke monsters. He noticed that although the faces were identical, the colors differed. Some were vividly colored as if real, and some were black and white, vague and dim. Their snake-like bodies were filled with white smoke which, when slightly stirred, would occasionally form patches of fur or scales. He also discovered that these monsters didnt actively absorb vital energy, but once vital energy drifted inside them, it would not reemerge. It was as if they were erasers, wiping the vital energy from existence. "They really are the root cause of the withering disease!" Chen Mu thought as he looked at the quietly floating monsters, his heart stirred, and he activated the Yanmo Command again. The white smoke monsters then began to circle him orderly, as if he were a diver who had unwittingly entered a school of deep-sea fish. "That scared me to death," Chen Mu exhaled a long breath of relief. The Yanmo Command worked, which meant these monsters were only frightening in appearance. "Should I inform Mo Wuzhou?" Chen Mu hesitated. "Better not." "A subtle hint before was one thing, but catching so many white smoke monsters now would draw too much attention and inquiry." "I have to deal with them as quickly as possible." He turned his head to look at the cheerfully frolicking Five Ghosts Paper Men, feeling both annoyed and amused. By now he had figured out that the appearance of so many white smoke monsters was likely due to the Five Ghosts Paper Mens summoning. Im here scared out of my wits, and you five culprits are joyously frolicking? Thats outrageous! All of you, get to work! Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! The paper men suddenly turned into black smoke and pounced on the monster faces. In the blink of an eye, the white smoke monsters in the room were consumed completely. Chen Mu finally relaxed, and just as he thought to move his stiff body, he suddenly felt the Five Ghosts Bag at his chest vibrating nonstop. He hurriedly checked it and saw the inner walls of the Five Ghosts Bag undulating and growing rapidly, expanding outwards. In just a few breaths, it had become a giant spherical space over ten meters in diameter. "White smoke monsters can enlarge the Five Ghosts Space?" Chen Mu was overjoyed. Over the years, he had occasionally fed the Five Ghosts Bag with Exotic Beast blood and flesh. Although the space within the bag had expanded, it had always been minimal. Who would have thought that simply consuming some white smoke monsters would instantly double its size? As he was quietly pleased with himself, he noticed another change within the Five Ghosts Bag. Clouds of black smoke began to emerge within it, gathering like clouds and swirling around the space inside the bag. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. He was all too familiar with this black smoke. It was none other than the Ghosts he hadnt seen in years! "Where did all these Ghosts come from inside the Five Ghosts Bag?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but widen his eyes. Chapter 409 - 402 Recovery ``` The moonlight was pure and bright over Sunrise Mountain. Three figures darted through the Yellow Bud Rice Fields like swift arrows. Their robust bodies didnt so much as brush the Yellow Bud Rice, moving in absolute silence. The one running at the front, Qian Mu, suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Gone! How could it have disappeared?" His eyes widened, disbelief etched on his face. "Explain yourself!" the bearded General Jin frowned. "The Netherworld Worm vanished abruptly, its trace completely gone." Qian Mu hastened to explain. General Jins expression turned ugly in an instant, "Could there really be forbidden traps?" "There only lives one person nearby, and there are no traces of any prohibitions," Qian Mu said, his countless eyes scanning Sunrise Mountain. "General, should I go take a look?" the third brawny man in black robes asked, bowing with his fists clenched. General Jins face was seething with rage, but after a long moment, he took a deep breath to suppress the frustration in his heart, "Jilong Mountain is under strict surveillance tonight. If we approach rashly and something goes awry, we might risk being exposed." "Our objective is to destroy the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. It doesnt matter if the Strange Demon is discovered, but we cannot be exposed." "The pressing matter is to lure a Strange Demon here. We cant afford any complications," General Jin instructed.@@@@ Qian Mu and the man in black exchanged glances and nodded their agreement. The three figures disappeared as swiftly and silently as they had come. ... Upstairs, by the window. Chen Mu still lay in the rocking chair, intently watching the changes within the Five Ghosts Bag. "Where did these Ghosts come from?" "Could it be because of the pale-faced smoke creature?" "It can be controlled by the Yama Emperors Command, and like the Ghosts, it manifests a smoky form in both white and black." "These Ghosts appearing in the Five Ghosts Bag are almost certainly due to that smoke creature." He couldnt comprehend the relationship between the two, but one thing he was sure of. That smoke creatureit could enlarge the Five Ghosts Bag! Thinking of the enormous pall of white smoke that enveloped the entire Jilong Mountain, Chen Mu froze, "If I could swallow that whole mass of smoke, how large might the Five Ghosts Bag become? It might transform directly from a bag to the size of a Five Ghosts Cave Mansion." "What a loss!" At this moment, Chen Mu felt such heartache he could barely breathe. "These Five Ghosts Paper Men are useless. For so many days, not a single smoke creature was captured." "Otherwise, I would have discovered the function of the smoke creatures long ago, and wouldnt have divulged the information to Mo Wuzhou." He truly felt aggrieved, "Perhaps I should visit Zhongshan Path?" The withering sickness was caused by the smoke creatures, and Zhongshan Path had declined because of it. Therefore, it was highly likely that smoke creatures could be found within the Dao Sect there. "I dont ask for much, just for the space in the Five Ghosts Bag to expand by two or three times more. Haha..." "Never mind that for now. Its been more than half a year since Ive seen you; what have you been feeding Yuanbao? How has its awakening progressed so quickly?" Song Wujie turned his head to look at the Cold Moon Toad standing quietly by his side. Yuanbao? Mo Wuzhou was puzzled, "Ive only given it Essence Pills, which are just like Fasting Pills, that should be fine, shouldnt it?" Song Wujie stared intently at Yuanbao without confirming or denying. But the large toad was squatting in place, not even moving its eyes, looking utterly unconcerned. Suddenly thinking of Chen Mu, Mo Wuzhou had an epiphany. No wonder Yuanbao was always running to him; it turns out Chen Mu had some method to accelerate the development of Yuanbaos bloodline! "Yuanbao, youd better come clean, have you been stealing and eating the spiritual medicine from the mountain again?" "Ive told you many times, those belong to someone. If you want to eat them, you should tell me, and Ill get them for you... woof woof woof woof" While Song Wujie was in the midst of his lengthy admonishment, he didnt expect Yuanbao to suddenly open its mouth wide and swallow his upper body, leaving only his short legs fluttering outside. "You scoundrel! Put me down this instant!" "Did you hear me, put me down..." A series of scolding voices could faintly be heard from inside the toads mouth. Yuanbao, however, remained utterly indifferent, with eyelids drooping lazily halfway over its large eyes, the epitome of nonchalance. Mo Wuzhous face twitched involuntarily. He had long heard that his master and Yuanbao had a somewhat strange relationship. He hadnt known before, but now it all made sense. Master really has it tough. Ha ha! ... The white smoke creature disappeared. The next day, within the Yellow Bud Rice Fields of Jilong Mountain, the rice showed visible improvement. With meticulous care from the disciples of the Lower Courtyard, the withered Yellow Bud Rice had returned to its former state in just half a month. With careful attention, this batch of Yellow Bud Rice would suffer only a slight reduction in yield at most. During this time, Chen Mu had also tried multiple times to use the Yanmo Command and release the Five Ghosts Paper Man, hoping to find more white smoke creatures, but to no avail. He could only sigh, withdraw his efforts, and refocus on cultivation. In front of the porch. Chen Mu held the gourd Sword Box, as vast amounts of mana flowed into it. With eight additional Talisman Spirit Seeds integrated into his Mechanical Technique, he could control even more Flying Swords. Thanks to Sun Wujius generous gift of numerous ores, he had enough to forge two more Vermilion Feather Swords. It went without saying that his offensive power increased, but more importantly, he had two more sets of "eyes." "Three Flying Swords working with the Truthful Listening Technique will make my sensing and scouting methods even more comprehensive." "The earlier I detect danger, the safer I will be." His spirit immersed deeper into the Sword Box, focusing more intensely on amassing and fusing the Flying Swords. Chapter 410 - 403 "Elder Song has left?" Under the setting sun, on the porch. Find adventures at novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu and Mo Wuzhou sat facing each other at a low table. "If he hadnt left, this huge toad wouldnt have shown up at your door," Mo Wuzhou said with annoyance, glancing at the Cold Moon Toad. He immediately looked at Chen Mu with suspicion, "Did you really not feed it Soul-Bewitching Soup?" He suspected that the accelerated development of Yuanbaos bloodline was related to Chen Mu. "You could ask Yuanbao," Chen Mu chuckled with narrowed eyes. Mo Wuzhou instantly rolled his eyes. If that big toad was willing to talk, I wouldnt be coming to you with questions. Forget it, its not something bad after all, Im just a little curious. "Ive requested Elder Song to procure a batch of scarce materials, which can be used to concoct Rejuvenation Pills." "Consider it a token of gratitude for helping Yuanbao develop his bloodline. You can go to the Administrative Affairs Institute and exchange for them tomorrow." "Too bad you arent willing to reveal the situation; otherwise, you wouldnt have to spend a dime on these materials."@@@@ Chen Mu felt a surge of joy, followed immediately by confusion. Help Yuanbao develop its bloodline? Is that even a thing? "Could there be a mistake?" Chen Mu was baffled. Replenishing Origin Soup can develop monster bloodline? Ive had so much myself, and I havent seen any secret tricks open up. "You would be unaware?" Mo Wuzhou looked at Chen Mu skeptically, full of disbelief. "Please enlighten me, elder brother," Chen Mu requested sincerely. Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes, "Youre quite convincing. Do you think Id believe that?" Chen Mu couldnt help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Since when has speaking the truth not been believed by anyone? Mo Wuzhou chuckled, "You could ask Yuanbao. Do you see it speaking up?" Chen Mu couldnt help but turn his head towards Yuanbao. The big toad sat motionless in its spot, gazing at the sky, utterly ignoring Chen Mus inquisitive gaze. Chen Mu felt increasingly disgruntled. Its not good when a big toad has such a tight lip. Mo Wuzhou chuckled and said no more, focusing instead on the feast before him. ... Time flew, and a month flashed by in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu went to the Administrative Affairs Institute to deliver a batch of Fasting Pills, then took a trip to the market district at the base of the mountain, buying a hundred jin of fresh deer horned black sheep meat, and leisurely returned to Sunrise Mountain. Using Point Ground into Steel clay, he molded a large vat, poured in clear water, added special herbs to tenderize the meat and remove the gamey taste, and soaked the newly bought deer horned black sheep meat into it. Chen Mu pulled out a rocking chair and comfortably seated himself at the front door. While sipping green tea-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup, he watched the busy disciples from the Lower Courtyard in the terraced fields below, as if seeing his past self. Crackling noises ensued. Chen Mus palm instantly flickered with light, as if he were holding a lightning ball. He took a deep breath, his spirit focused, tensing all the muscles in his body. The next moment, the lightning ball in his palm exploded. A small, arm-thick bolt of lightning shot into the air, then turned sharply in mid-flight, and whooshed straight toward Chen Mus chest. Bang! It was as if he was hit by a dump truck; he, along with the rocking chair, were sent flying in an instant. After a long while, Chen Mu walked out of the room with a dark face. At this moment, his chest was covered in tattered clothes, his head crowned with shattered bamboo slices, and his body still occasionally emitted wisps of smoke. The bamboo rocking chair that had followed him for many years, in the end, could not die a natural death, having been smashed to pieces. Chen Mus face twitched unconsciously. "That was careless." Thunder, after all, was thunder. He had just complained about the insufficient power of Second Rank Thunder Law, and with just a bit more strength, he had been struck to a delightful agony. "I cannot be impetuous; I must progress step by step." ... Late at night. In front of Jilong Mountain, Jiaquan Mountain. A solitary small building stood among the sparse woods on the west side of the hillock. In a fleeting moment, a man in his forties suddenly woke up from his sleep in the room. He frowned as he got up, looking around. The bright moonlight shone through the window, sprinkling into the room. Half of the floor was bright, the other half shadowed. The man sighed and couldnt help but find his sudden panic in his dream absurd. "Am I uneasy because Im going to the new Lower Courtyard tomorrow, worried about my future?" The man shook his head with a wry smile. "If you want to make your way in the world and earn more White Jade Coins, how could you not take risks?" Thinking this, he got up and walked to the window, looking at the bright terraced fields under the moonlight. "Farming is stable, but it cant accumulate resources quickly. Without competition and strife, how can one cultivate?" As he was feeling nostalgic about leaving the environment he had lived in for several years, a wave of heart palpitations struck again. His skin tightened for no reason, as if he were hunting exotic beasts and were stalked by a ferocious beast from behind. "Somethings wrong!" When he suddenly turned around, he saw shadows under the moonlight that seemed to come to life, quickly wriggling forward along the ground. Before he could react, it leapt from the ground and swallowed him whole. A brief cry of pain just began to echo before it was abruptly cut off. Outside the window, the moonlight remained unchanged. Inside the house, all was silent. As if nothing had happened at all. ``` Chapter 411 - 404: Opening Up In the underground secret chamber, accompanied by a crackling sound like that of ripping silk, a blue and white light burst forth. Moments later, the light dimmed, and Chen Mu collapsed to the ground, his clothes torn to shreds. His chest, in particular, emitted white smoke and was charred black. "If I dont open up a new secret technique soon, Im afraid Ill be charred crisp on the outside and tender on the inside," said Chen Mu, his face expressing a sense of hopelessness. To temper his bloodline, he suppressed his bodys defenses and actively endured the lightning strikes. However, the Kui Water Yin Thunder was only Second Rank and difficult to control. A slight mishap, and the Thunder Laws power was a bit too great, causing him to burst open with his flesh splitting. "Even if I can endure the pain and itching, but waiting for my body to recover and to bear the next lightning strike will take at least three days." "At this rate, I might as well stick to practicing the Netherworld Grand Summary earnestly." Chen Mu lay on the ground, not bothering to get up, the more he thought about it, the more he felt it was not worth it to strike himself. "To speed up the opening of secret techniques, either I refine the Kui Water Yin Thunder further for precise control," "Or Ill have to find a way to accelerate the healing of my injuries." He looked at the gray wall in front of him, where a series of skills emerged. Chen Mu intently focused on one of the entries. "Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique..." This skill came from the six siblings of Wu Mountain. Originally, he had simply copied a few secret techniques for the sake of freeloading, and after a cursory glance, he didnt practice it further. He vaguely remembered that this Secret Technique seemed to have the ability to accelerate injury healing. As his attention concentrated on the gray wall, a series of information surged forth in his mind. After a long while, Chen Mu withdrew his gaze with a complex expression. The information on the gray wall showed that the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique indeed could accelerate injury healing, and not only that, but it could also strengthen physical constitution. But the price was somewhat sinister. It required the Vital Energy of living beings souls as fuel to achieve the effects of healing and strengthening the body. "Might as well rename yourselves the Sinister Six Siblings," Chen Mu couldnt help but roll his eyes. Almost all of the Secret Techniques obtained from the six siblings were not straightforward, each having some odd or eerie aspect. "I remember... the Giant Spirit Divine also seems to need Vital Energy of the soul." "So, do the Soul Capturing Return to Origin and the Giant Spirit Divine actually complement each other as two Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu was astonished in his heart. Using the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to absorb the Vital Energy of others could heal his own injuries, strengthen his physique, and also support the cultivation of the Giant Spirit Divine. "Since the Giant Spirit Divine can use Replenishing Origin Soup in place, then the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique..." Chen Mu immediately started experimenting. A force of Absorption swiftly concentrated in his hands. He carefully manipulated it, directing it into his body. As the Exotic Force entered his body, he instantly felt a sense of being stretched outward. In the palm of his hands, a stream of blood-red smoke materialized from nothing, billowing and spreading. Chen Mu lifted his hands and smacked the smoke into his chest. The charred flesh immediately fell away, revealing fresh muscle rapidly regrowing at the site of the blackened and cracked wound. With just one application, the injury at his chest was already half healed, and the branched, lightning strike patterns that spread across his chest and abdomen became fainter. At the same time, a faint sense of depletion also arose from within his body. Far from being scared, Chen Mu was actually delighted. He was very familiar with this feeling; it was the same sense of depletion he experienced when he had over-practiced the Netherworld Grand Summary in the beginning. It was the weakness caused by over-extraction of Vital Energy from within the body. And what the Replenishing Origin Soup excelled at was precisely nurturing and replenishing the foundation! "Isnt this just perfect, haha!" In the next instant, a streak of red light descended from the sky, swiftly pinning the shadow that had just crawled out of the room to the ground. Though it seemed like a shadow, when the Magic Sword pierced it, it felt as if it had hit tough cowhide. The shadow screamed shrilly, like a wild beast, and then suddenly leapt up, allowing the Flying Sword to go through itself. Desperate to escape despite severe injury, it bolted toward the dense forest. "Very ferocious, indeed dangerous!" "Mechanical!" Another streak of red light fell from the sky, pinning it to the ground once more. Before the shadow could struggle free, mana surged wildly within Chen Mus body. Three Vermilion Feather Swords appeared at once, repeatedly thrusting and piercing the shadow on the ground. After stabbing it eighty-three times, turning the shadow into a sieve, Chen Mu finally ceased the Vermilion Feather Swords. The shadow continued to wriggle and struggle on the ground, like a boiling sludge swamp. It took a long time before it finally stopped moving. Then, the shadow began to contract slowly and eventually transformed into a burly stranger dressed in black. Enjoy exclusive chapters from novelhall.Co?m The man was drenched in blood, with wounds punctured by the Flying Sword faintly visible under his tattered clothing. Chen Mu pulled his Magic Sword closer for a careful examination, but before he could clearly see the mans face, streams of red light suddenly shot out from inside the black-clad mans body. The entire person ignited from the inside, reducing him to a pile of white ash that disappeared in moments with his clothes. Not far away, the surface of a large tree rippled like water. Chen Mu, furrowing his brows, stared intently at the white ash and emerged from the trunk with a grave expression. "To think it was a person?" "Was it the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique, or the techniques from the Embroidery Technique Secret Record of the Witch Gu sect?" "Transforming oneself into a mire-like dark shadow doesnt seem like the method of a conventional Qi Cultivator." "Such covert action capability is truly unusual." He glanced again toward the lonely shack beside the forest, "Who lives in there, worthy of such a persons stealthy assault in the dead of night?" The Vermilion Feather Swords spread out in all directions, with Truthful Listening encompassing the vicinity. Yet all around was deathly still; besides himself, there wasnt another soul. "There might be big trouble behind this," Chen Mus brows instantly knitted together into a frown. "Perhaps its best to pretend nothing happened and stay out of it," he decided. With his mind set, Chen Mu quickly retreated, stepped into the trunk, and vanished in the blink of an eye. ... The night was silent, and the moon slowly inclined to the west. When a hint of red light gradually appeared on the eastern horizon. In the still woods, a shadow moved silently. The next moment, figures stood up from within it, turning into several muscular men clad in black. "The aura of Eleven disappeared right here," said the leader in black, halting to touch the white ashes that the mountain wind had yet to disperse. "No ordinary Lower Courtyard disciple could make Eleven disappear without a trace," another black-clad man spoke up in a low voice. "Sunrise Mountain is a bit sinister. Its no wonder the general cautioned us to be wary of this mountain before he left," another man with tightly furrowed brows said, "Eleven is also a failure; Jilong Mountain is so big, there are plenty of places to find a persons pillar, but he insisted on burrowing around here." "Hes dead, so at least thats clean, but Im afraid that if weve already startled the snake, it could put us in danger." "Should we hide for a while?" The man who had been examining the ashes stood up, "We cant stop the business of setting up human pillars." "Avoid Sunrise Mountain and first search atop Jilong Mountain." "As for Sunrise Mountain, lets wait for the general to come back and decide." The remaining ten black-clad men exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. The next moment, eleven black-clad figures retreated into the shade. Their bodies collapsed like dirt ink, and in an instant, they turned into a layer of shadow clinging to the ground, rapidly wriggling along with the fading dawn, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Chapter 412 - 405: Primordial Chaos Second floor, by the window. Chen Mu squinted his eyes, lying on the rocking chair. "Pillar of people?" "That doesnt sound very proper," he frowned deeply. Hadnt it been just a few days of peace? Was someone up to something again? If chaos erupted on the mountain, how could I continue to peacefully grind for experience? A chilling light flashed in Chen Mus eyes. "Since you all wont behave, dont blame me for being ruthless!" ... "Someones plotting for wealth and murder, wanting to bring disaster to Jilong Mountain; Elder Brother, are you going to do something about it?!"@@@@ Two days later, in the evening, Chen Mu looked solemnly across the round table on the porch, "I want to make a report!" Mo Wuzhou picked up a piece of boiled meat and stuffed it into his mouth, his eyes filled with surprise. "Who dares to mess with Brother Chen?" "You didnt directly kill them? And youre coming to me to complain?" "How odd!" Chen Mu looked displeased, "What are you saying, Elder Brother! I am a law-abiding and kindhearted person, how could I commit such atrocities!" Mo Wuzhou was at a loss for words, forgetting to swallow the meat in his mouth. "You dont believe me?" Chen Mu stared angrily at Mo Wuzhou, his neck stiff. "Do you believe yourself?" Mo Wuzhous face was expressionless. "I believe!" Chen Mu said earnestly, then slapped his hand on a big toads belly, "Yuanbao believes too!" The big toads eyelids drooped, looking at the ripples on its belly, and weakly opened its mouth to agree. "Croak..." Mo Wuzhou: "..." Fine, have it your way. "Since Elder Brother doesnt believe me," Chen Mu lamented deeply, "Ill make an effort to tell you." I dont want to listen! Mo Wuzhou rolled his eyes. But as if Chen Mu couldnt see that gesture, he went on and on, "Three days ago, I had a friend who couldnt sleep and went out for a walk in the middle of the night..." Mo Wuzhou looked helpless, but the more he listened, the more he felt something was amiss. Pillar of people? And they want to bury it in Jilong Mountain? "Do you have any more information, Junior Brother?" he had to ask earnestly. Chen Mu flipped his wrist, and a small blue booklet appeared in his hand. With the Magic Sword and Truthful Listening working together, it only took him two days to figure out the identity and whereabouts of a group of people in black. He had even compiled a report early, just waiting to hand it over to Mo Wuzhou for inspection. Mo Wuzhou stared at the brand-new booklet handed to him, really not wanting to accept it. Isnt your intention to use me to do your dirty work a bit too obvious! As if Chen Mu couldnt see Mo Wuzhous reluctance, he forced the booklet into his hands, even considerately helping Mo Wuzhou analyze and calculate their strategy. "Those people can turn into shadows; I guess ordinary blunt hits wont be very effective against them. We should use law swords and flying daggers or other sharp weapons. If we have the Thunder Fire Explosion Secret Law, even better!" "Theyre also adept at hiding in shadows, so its best to ambush them during the day, and prepare some glowing fire methods, which will leave them nowhere to hide." "Senior brother, remember to have the Inspection Courtyard set up some isolation and confinement measures, those people move fast, and we cant let them get away." "And also..." Mo Wuzhou glanced sideways. Youre asking me to wipe them out completely. And you still dare to call yourself a good person? ... In the residential area on the edge of Jilong Mountain Market District, within a vacant estate. The dilapidated bungalow across the street was the hideout of the leading figure in black mentioned in the records. Knowing that a group on Jilong Mountain was preparing to use an Evil Method, Mo Wuzhou couldnt even enjoy his meal. He immediately contacted the head of the Inspection Courtyard, bringing a group of inspectors dressed in black to stealthily infiltrate the area. Before their arrival, the Inspection Courtyard had already verified and indeed discovered that many people had gone missing recently. Most of these people were preparing to head to the newly established Lower Courtyard. Although they had completed the handover at Jilong Mountain, they never arrived at the new Lower Courtyard. It was originally thought to be an accident en route, but now it seems very likely that theyve all been killed by this group in black. "Damn it!" "Im sure you can understand my point of view." Chen Mu, looking content, patted his hands together as the ground rippled beneath him, and he disappeared into the earth. Before long, the short and plump figure emerged from the Yellow Bud Rice fields, scratching his head while looking down at the white Bone Powder on the ground, utterly puzzled. "Did I just hear a thunderclap?" "Could it be because I stayed up too late cultivating immortality last night?" "I really need to eat something good to make up for it." ... The Inspection Courtyard investigated for some time, but came up with nothing. Mo Wuzhou even came by to inquire with Chen Mu. But he genuinely knew nothing about those peoples origins and couldnt provide any more details. Other than reporting it and strengthening their guard, there was nothing more to be done and it was left at that. Peace was restored on Jilong Mountain, and Chen Mu continued his home cultivation. He called down the Thunder Law upon himself daily, later using the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique for rapid recovery. His bodys strength gradually increased, and occasionally within his heart, a pulse different from his heartbeat emergeda new Secret Orifice was being nurtured. Everything was progressing in an orderly manner. ... That day. Under the evening sun, on the front porch. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair with a giant toad squatting beside him. The fiery red sunset hung in the sky as disciples bustling about in the terraced fields started to return. Chen Mu, enjoying the warm sensation of the sunset on his face, was reluctant to open his eyes. As if struck by a thought, he lazily reached out his hand and gently prodded the big toads pearly white belly. "Yuanbao, tell me, does Replenishing Origin Soup really speed up your cultivation?" The big toad paid him no mind, squatting motionless on the ground with half-closed eyes. "Hey!" Chen Mu poked its belly again. The big toad sluggishly scratched its belly with its webbed foot. "Croak." "Ticklish?" "Ticklish it is, then!" "If you dont tell the truth, I wont brew the Replenishing Origin Soup for you!" Chen Mu threatened. The big toad indifferently batted away Chen Mus hand as it reached out again. "Croak!" "Not frightened?" Chen Mu exclaimed in surprise. "So, your strength is growing faster not because of the Replenishing Origin Soup?" The big toad stiffened and remained motionless, pretending not to hear. "Spill it! Whats going on?" Chen Mu poked vigorously at the toads belly. "Croak..." the big toad lethargically swatted Chen Mus hand away, calling out weakly. "I have the Chaotic Primordial Qi around me? What is that exactly? How come Ive never noticed it?" Now Chen Mu was genuinely astonished. "Croak." "You dont know?" Explore more adventures at novelhall.Co?m "How can you not know!" Chen Mu poked and prodded at the big toads belly persistently. The big toad dodged left and right, full of helplessness. "Croak!" "Thats all thats in your head, nothing else?" "So, this is a message hidden within the bloodline of your Cold Moon Toad lineage?" Chen Mu suddenly understood, then immediately glared at the big toad, full of dissatisfaction. "Even if your ancestors didnt tell you more, couldnt you go to the Scripture Transmission Institute to read and study?" The toads eyes popped open wide at these words. Expect me, a demon beast, to read and study? Listen to yourself! "Why are you glaring at me?" "Still claiming to be an enlightened demon beast." "Such a foolish big toad!" Yuanbao: "..." You must be seriously ill! Chapter 413 - 406 Sitting on Fire The Scripture Transmission Institutes first floor, in a certain partition, four or five middle-aged men dressed differently came out one after another. Once the crowd had moved away, Chen Mu stepped into the partition. "Senior Brother, I have a question, may I ask for your guidance..." Chen Mu bowed and addressed a middle-aged man dressed in black inside the partition. The man in black glanced at Chen Mu, "An hour costs twenty White Jade Coins, if you have a question, pay first." So direct, huh? He was hoping for a little small talk first. Chen Mus mouth twitched slightly as he reluctantly handed over twenty White Jade Coins. The man in black waved his hand expertly, and the White Jade Coins on the long table disappeared from sight. Then he sat upright, looking indifferent, and said, "I shall hold nothing back in what I know, but I make no guarantees of correctness, ask away." Heh! Sounds like youve given that disclaimer plenty of times before. "May I ask if Senior Brother knows about Primordial Energy?" The man in black suddenly raised his eyebrows, "Havent you condensed your aperture yet? Why are you asking about this?" Before Chen Mu could give the excuse he had prepared in advance, the middle-aged man simply waved his hand, "Never mind, I dont want to know." Then he started speaking, regardless of Chen Mus reaction. "Primordial Energy, also known as Yin Yang Energy or Heavenly River Water, is the key Vital Energy for cleansing the Divine Orifice and cultivating the River Chariot Dao Embryo." "This Vital Energy originates from the celestial stars and gathers near Earth Vein Spiritual Springs, extremely scarce and requiring years to accumulate." "The elders stationed in the various Lower Courtyards, aside from ensuring the courtyards safety, are mostly there to accumulate Primordial Energy." Chen Mus mind stirred. He remembered back on Peng Yue Mountain, Song Wujie would sit above the Moon Reflecting Cold Lake each day in meditation and seclusion. That mountain peaks Cold Lake was a node of an Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. At that time, Song Wujie was probably cultivating by using Primordial Energy. "Is this Vital Energy useful to demons as well?" The man in black nodded, "It is said that demons worship celestial stars to draw in and absorb Primordial Energy, stimulating their Heavenly Demon Bloodline." No wonder. Chen Mu suddenly understood. Before Yuanbao was tamed, he frequently attacked Song Wujie on Peng Yue Mountain, probably also for the Primordial Energy in the Moon Reflecting Cold Lake. As a result, after being defeated by Song Wujie, Yuanbao turned into a domesticated giant toad and ceased his rebellion. But the Vital Energy on Sunrise Mountain, where he lived, seemed too sparse to be a place where Primordial Energy could exist. "How can I discover this Primordial Energy?" Chen Mu asked hurriedly, "What secret technique can store and accumulate it?" "You wont be able to perceive it right now," the middle-aged man in black replied without concealment, "Once your Divine Orifice is cultivated, youll naturally sense and discover it." "As for the secret techniques to collect Primordial Energy, they are secret transmissions of Dao Sects, so..." the man in black shrugged his shoulders. Chen Mu immediately realized. It seemed that his idea to gather the nearby Primordial Energy would not be realized any time soon. ... To the east of Sunrise Mountain. In front of the small buildings porch. Chen Mu sat in the rocking chair, swaying as he gazed absentmindedly at the distant Yellow Bud Rice Fields. "Primordial Energy comes from the celestial stars, often appearing near Earth Spirit Vital Energy surging from Earth Vein Spiritual Springs."@@@@ "This place is just a small mountain in front of Jilong Mountain; it couldnt possibly have a spiritual spring." "So... is it because of the Exquisite Jade Plate?" Chen Mus eyebrows lifted slightly. Experience more on novelhall.Co?m "Have I gone mad? To actually bring my head closer to the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique?" He immediately took his hands from above his head, looking at his white hands with a shiver running down his spine. "Bewitching ones mind, and then making one willingly approach to be drained?" "Damn it!" "Thats really damn insidious!" Thinking back on the origin of the secret techniques, Chen Mu couldnt help but grimace, "You guys must really be the infamous six siblings of the Evil Path, huh!" ... The night was hazy. In front of Jilong Mountain, to the west, near a stream and a mountain. The weary General Jin and his two companions were quietly seated in a remote courtyard. "I really didnt expect that we would find a completely new Strange Demon so quickly," Qian Mu said, his face lit up with joy. "Whats more delightful is that this Strange Demon has been in existence for a long enough time," the burly man in black, Lian Cheng, also smiled. "The demon has sunk deeply into the Netherworld, far beyond the reach of Jilong Roads secret techniques." General Jin also breathed a sigh of relief. He had been prepared for punishment, but did not expect the mission to be unexpectedly smooth. "We need to set up the Linglong Royal Element Prohibition as soon as possible." "The Strange Demon has sunk too deep, although its sufficiently hidden, theres always the possibility that it will enter the Netherworld completely." "If we cant secure it in time, theres no guarantee we wont end up with nothing," General Jin said gravely. Qian Mu smiled reassuringly, "General, please rest assured." "The Twelve Nights Wander Spirits have already been secretly capturing people." "By now, the buried human pillars, even if not enough, are not far from it." General Jins tension eased slightly, "Have you informed them?" "Ive left a mark in the Market District at the foot of the mountain," Qian Mu said with a smile. "They will discreetly come here later to report." General Jin nodded slightly and said no more. As the dawn moon rose, and the more complete it became. Qian Mu couldnt help but murmur in admiration, "The Twelve Nights Wander Spirits are indeed reliable." "I only indicated the date and place, yet they chose to act when the night grew quiet, prioritizing caution and secrecy, living up to the trust of the General." Upon hearing this, General Jins lips curled slightly in a satisfied smile. But as they waited, even when the moon was high in the sky, the surroundings of the manor remained deathly quiet. General Jin couldnt help but frown. "Not feeling safe even at midnight, and preferring to wait until dawn just before most are deep in sleep?" the man in black, Lian Cheng expressed some dissatisfaction. "Isnt that being overly cautious?" Qian Mu chuckled and shook his head, "Better safe than sorry." "We cant afford to lose another Strange Demon." The expression on General Jins face softened. Yet as time went on, still no one approached the sequestered courtyard. As the east turned a pale red and the sun began to rise, the look on General Jins face turned exceedingly grim. This was not caution, this was a disaster unfolding! After waiting the whole night, not a person came; it was possible the Twelve Nights Wander Spirits had been completely wiped out! "The Wander Spirits, on my command, would only act deep in the night," he said. "And each of them can transform into a shadow, masters of stealth in darkness." "Even if some bastard wandered the mountains instead of sleeping at midnight, it would be impossible to detect them!" Unable to contain his anger any longer, General Jins eyes bulged with fury. "First the Strange Demon is slain, now the Wander Spirits are ambushed." "Is there some kind of ghost in Jilong Mountain, for such eerie things to happen?!" Chapter 414 - 407 Monster The sun rose in the east and set in the west, time slowly passing by. One day, inside an underground secret chamber at Sunrise Mountain, Chen Mu. Along with the resonant buzzing sound like a gong strike, the pitch-black lid of the Primordial Furnace soared into the air with a bang. Elixir pills the size of longan fruits, translucent and jade-green, successively flew out, lining up to enter a fist-sized pristine white porcelain bottle. Chen Mu held the bottle gleefully with his left hand, waiting until it was filled with elixirs before skillfully sealing it with a wooden stopper and beeswax, then continued to scoop out more pills into another identical porcelain bottle to seal and store. "Indeed, its the alchemy of the extreme rank." He had pondered over the Rejuvenation Pill technique for many years, and as of today, he had finally refined it to perfection, with a one-hundred-percent success rate creating the pills, saving him a great deal of time. The materials he had previously accumulated, combined with the great Primordial Pill Furnace, were turned into elixir pills after only three batches. "If theres a special circumstance that prevents the concoction of Replenishing Origin Soup, having these one hundred thirty-two Rejuvenation Pills on hand means I wont delay cultivation."@@@@ Chen Mu cleaned the pill furnace with a grin. As he busied himself, he thought about whether to celebrate with some late-night snacks. But suddenly, the Five Ghosts Paper Man flew over to him. Then, a lingering, hissing sound arrived at his ear without warning. The voice was profound and deep, like the long call of a whale from a past life in the deep sea, causing an irresistible tremor in body and soul. "What the heck is that?!" The Truthful Listening Technique was suddenly stimulated, with invisible ripples dispersing in all directions. However, apart from the occasional chirping of insects and birds, the mountain was as tranquil as always. The melodious call just now seemed to be nothing more than an auditory hallucination. "Did I hear wrong?" Chen Mu squinted at the jumping Five Ghosts Paper Man. "Or is there another creature appearing?" Three Vermilion Feather Swords soared into the clouds. Under the moonlight, the whole of Jilong Mountain seemed like a submerged reef in the deep sea, silent and steady, with no abnormalities. "What a hassle..." ... In a secluded courtyard by the creek on the east side of Jilong Mountain. General Jin had a face so gloomy it looked like water might drip from it. Qian Mus face, filled with countless eyes, exhibited nothing but helplessness: "The Strange Demon has completely submerged into the Netherworld. General, our great efforts have come to naught." "Have you found out where the Twelve Night Wandering Deities have gone?" General Jin asked, suppressing his rage. Lian Chengs expression was grave: "The Night Wandering Deities were ambushed and killed by the Inspection Courtyard." "The lead person, they say, was Mo Wuzhou." Qian Mu frowned deeply: "Could it be Mo Wuzhou who discovered the Strange Demon last time as well?" "It was Song Wujie who came to deal with the Strange Demon." "I have alchemy skills; I dont need to fight and struggle to make money." "I just want to find a quiet place with little conflict to cultivate in peace." "Its just that there are too many newly built Lower Courtyards on Jilong Road and its hard to distinguish them. As I dont know any other influential people, I can only trouble you, brother, to help me look into it." Mo Wuzhou understood what Chen Mu was saying. At the Condensing Aperture Stage, what you need is resources and time. If one can refine elixir pills, they wont lack resources; they just need a stable environment for cultivation. He himself chose to hide on Jilong Mountain to avoid the internal disputes within the Jade Spring Mountain Upper Court. "So, there really are hidden dangers on Jilong Mountain?" Mo Wuzhou stared intently at Chen Mu. Chen Mu responded with a bitter smile, "I dont know if there are hidden dangers, but with the withering disease followed by the men in black, Jilong Mountain doesnt seem as safe as it appears." "You said I am timid, so..." Chen Mu shrugged helplessly. "Really?" Mo Wuzhou was skeptical. "Of course its true." Chen Mu lied with a straight face. ... Toward evening. Mo Wuzhou walked out of the Inspection Courtyard with an expressionless face. In the end, he couldnt get anything conclusive out of Chen Mu, but he instinctively felt uneasy. However, he could only instruct the Inspection Courtyard to strengthen their guard and try their best to prevent any incidents. The verdant green mountains under the setting sun held a serene beauty, yet he had no mood to appreciate them. Mo Wuzhou frowned and looked towards the black smoke inside his Jade Seed, "Tell me, is there really a problem on Jilong Mountain?" "Oh, how rare, you actually took the initiative to talk to me?" The black smoke churned, with streaks of scarlet visible within, and a slightly mocking voice appeared in Mo Wuzhous mind, "Youre not calling me a vile demon anymore? I..." "Shut up!" Mo Wuzhou immediately withdrew his spirit, treating the black smokes rants as if they were the blowing wind. Ever since the disappearance of the white smoke creature, this black smoke had appeared inside his Jade Seed. He had tried every means to drive it out, but had failed every time. He couldnt even sense the existence of the black smoke with his secret techniques. It seemed as though it was all just an illusion of his own mind. While his mind was in turmoil, he suddenly felt a tightening on his scalp, and a sharp, piercing pain abruptly surfaced on his skin. Mo Wuzhou instantly returned to his senses, his eyes sharply scanning his surroundings. That feeling just now was clearly the sense of danger that appears when targeted by a powerful demon or monster. But after surveying the area, it was peacefully quiet around him, and he found nothing. He immediately retracted his gaze in annoyance, glaring viciously at the black smoke inside his Jade Seed, "If you mess around again, Ill go directly to the Sect Master for help. If it comes down to it, well both be done for!" "Going down together, that vicious, huh?" the black smoke teased playfully. "Shut up!" "Tsk tsk..." Mo Wuzhou ignored the black smokes taunting, summoned his Escape Light, and flew expressionlessly toward the summit of Jilong Mountain. Chapter 415 - 408: The Gan River Lower Courtyard A secluded small courtyard in Linxi Mountain. Suddenly, a person-high rift split the air, its shape resembling a vertical pupil. The inside was deep and pitch-black, causing ones mind to sway with just a glance. The next moment, General Jin and his two companions tumbled out of the black vertical pupil like broken dolls. The disheveled General Jin did not dare to complain, scrambling to his feet and kneeling on one knee toward the vertical rift. "Spirit Venerable, spare me!" Bang!@@@@ The heads of General Jin and his companions exploded suddenly, like smashed watermelons, with red and white chunks of flesh scattering across the ground. Then, the flesh that covered the courtyard hissed as it sublimated like dry ice, turning into plumes of black smoke that slowly dissipated. At the same time, the flesh around their necks moved and grew rapidly, and within a blink of an eye, brand new heads appeared unharmed. Even with his thick beard, General Jin couldnt hide his pale and bloodless face. Despite suffering grievous injuries and having his head blown off, he didnt dare voice any resentment; instead, he was filled with grateful respect. "Many thanks to Spirit Venerable for sparing my life!" "Mo Wuzhou is the third generation heir of Jilong Road. If he died, it would inevitably lead to investigations," a gentle voice that seemed to be thousands speaking at once came from within the black rift. "The time is not yet ripe, we must prioritize prudence and secrecy in our actions." "I am already fully aware of what you have done at Jinlong Mountain." "You are rash in your actions. It seems that the task of infiltrating Jilong Mountain does not suit you." "Go make trouble outside, pretend to be a rogue practitioner from the Heavenly Demon Path, and do your utmost to stir up conflict." Filled with joy on hearing this, General Jin said, "Killing and arson, thats our specialty, just watch us!" The next moment, the person-high black vertical pupil suddenly closed and vanished without a trace. Only a strong breeze lingered, slowly drifting through the small courtyard. ... On the east side of Sunrise Mountain, in front of Chen Mus small building on the porch. Chen Mu looked at Jia Tian, the little bald boy, with delight. "Youve come at just the right time. Help me sell a batch of Fasting Pills." He said, handing over a wooden box the size of a portable medicine kit to the other. "This is a big help. Ive come to Jilong Mountain just to buy Precious Medicine Pills," Jia Tian accepted the box with glee. "As you know, my new business is in dire need of various elixirs." Before Jia Tian could open the box to inspect it, eight or nine identical wooden boxes landed at his feet. "This many?" Jia Tians face was a picture of surprise. Alchemists who performed alchemy for Jilong Mountain typically retained some for themselves after delivering the agreed-upon amount. But havent you kept a bit too much this time? "Condensing Aperture cultivation is too costly, so I just made some extra," Chen Mu said nonchalantly. Not retained? Jia Tian laughed and with a meaningful admiration said, "Brother, you have quite the skill." Then, without further ado, he lowered his head to check on the pills. Chen Mu watched him with a smiling gaze, making no further explanation. Even if the little bald boy suspected that Chen Mu had a high success rate in making Fasting Pills, he would never imagine that it could be one hundred percent. "By the way, brother, would you like to join me in going to the Lower Courtyard of Canglan?" Jia Tian chatted while inspecting the elixir pills. "Is there something special there?" Chen Mu asked Jia Tian with a puzzled look. "Does chaos count as special?" Jia Tian grinned: "The Lower Courtyard of Canglan is located by the banks of the Canglan River. It is a buffer zone where Jilong Road meets Goose Sheep Path, a lawless land." "That place is a melting pot, filled with all sorts of people; murders and robberies happen all the time." "With brothers alchemy skills, just think about one or two types of Healing Pellets. In such a place, you could make a fortune in White Jade Coins." "And youre not afraid of losing your life with such danger involved, just to earn money?" Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "Fortune favors the bold," Jia Tian said nonchalantly, followed by a somewhat helpless sigh, "Didnt you say it yourself that Condensing Aperture cultivation consumes too many resources?" Chen Mu thought about the expensive price of Rejuvenation Pills and had a moment of realization. This was also a reason he wanted to leave Jilong Mountain. Other high-level cultivators who had reached the Condensing Aperture phase were fine; they wouldnt even cross over the impoverished Sunrise Mountain peak. But Mo Wuzhou was different. Because of Yuanbao, he often showed up here. If one day Mo Wuzhou completely condensed his aperture, he might discover the Primordial Energy here. "Just the thought of it is troubling." "Indeed, I have got to steer clear of Mo Wuzhou, steer clear of Jilong Mountain." ... At the peak of Jilong Mountain, on the practice ground, Mo Wuzhou stood respectfully in front of the incense table. Threads of blue smoke rose from the Incense Burner, converging into a screen mid-air. The image of a woman in a moon-white Daoist Robe with gentle eyes was slowly dissipating in the wisps of smoke. "Tsk tsk... someone has their eye on the Heavenly River Water of Jilong Mountain and is scheming to drive you away," a monster made of black smoke in the Jade Seed twisted and churned, its voice tinged with mockery, "Looks like your master cant protect you either, how pitiful!" "Trying to stir up my emotions? Hah! Heavenly Demon Path," Mo Wuzhou said, expressionless. The black smoke monster was unconcerned and spoke teasingly, "Dont you resent your master, the Pavilion Master of Pill Treasure Pavilion? If she were really willing to stand up for you, who could chase you off Jilong Mountain?" Find more to read at novelhall.Co?m "And that elder who took your place, dont you want to teach him a lesson?" "How foolish," Mo Wuzhou scoffed, "You should read more books and understand what repay evil with good means." The black smoke chuckled weirdly, "Whether you choose to repay kindness or seek revenge, both require power, ya know." "Come beg me!" "Scram!" Mo Wuzhous Spirit withdrew from the Jade Seed, ignoring the idiocy of the inner demon in his mind and began to ponder his future destination. "Master has prepared a sufficient supply of Rejuvenation Pills for me, I just need to find a stable place to practice." He pulled out a newly drawn map, examining it slowly. "Lindong, Gan River, Dantong, Stone Platform..." "According to Master, these are the newly established Lower Courtyards on the fringes of East Ridge, slightly barren but also peaceful." Mo Wuzhou looked left and right, undecided for the moment. Turning his head to the big toad crowding nearby to watch the excitement, he couldnt help but want to tease, chuckling, "Yuanbao, which Lower Courtyard do you think we should go to?" "Gua!" "The Gan River Lower Courtyard?" Mo Wuzhou was taken aback; he hadnt expected the big toad to actually make a choice. "Why go there?" "Gua!" "Because the sky is bluer there? Convenient for you to space out and sky-gaze?" Mo Wuzhou said incredulously. What sort of reason is that, he thought. "The sky over Jilong Mountain isnt that great, and you still spend all day squatting by Chen Mu, staring vacantly... Wait a second." Mo Wuzhou looked at the big toad with suspicion. "I remember you used to prefer burrowing underground to hibernate, only spacing out to watch the sky by Chen Mu, so..." "Chen Mu is also moving to the Gan River Lower Courtyard!" "With that guys cautious nature, he must think the Lower Courtyard is very safe," Mo Wuzhou couldnt help but curl his lips into a smile. "Then were going to the Gan River Lower Courtyard too!" "Gua!" "Yes, yes, you didnt say anything, your mouth is the most sealed, Im just guessing, its all a coincidence." "This really is a bit too coincidental! Haha..." Chapter 416 - 409: The Sound of the Deer Chen Mu had moved house before, this wasnt his first time. Once he had confirmed his itinerary, he began to pack up his belongings with practiced ease. Useful items were put into the Five Ghosts Bag, while the useless ones were absorbed by it. He went down to the market at the foot of the mountain to purchase pots, pans, ladles, bedding, and other household necessities, packing them into Mustard Seed Talismans to form a moving kit. He also bought some common medicinal herbs, so that when he arrived at the new place, he wouldnt have to worry about lacking the materials to prepare the Replenishing Origin Soup. After completing the preparations one by one, he stayed quietly in the small building, practicing his techniques every day, waiting for the person in charge of the handover to arrive. ... Ten days later. Accompanied by a humming sound, the huge cloud bat flying boat slowly rose into the sky. Feeling the slight vibrations coming from the cabin wall behind him, Chen Mus heart gradually settled. He had grown accustomed to traveling from east to west. "I wonder if Ill ever have a chance to revisit this place." Just as he was recalling the relatively peaceful days of the past year or so, a sudden sound of deer calling entered his ears. This sound... He looked around, only to find that the fellow disciples from the Lower Courtyard, whether meditating with closed eyes or whispering to each other, were paying no attention to this inexplicable deer call. The Truthful Listening Technique was put into motion. The view of Jilong Mountain below entered his mind. The verdant green mountains were as usual, the breeze blowing over the terraced fields, causing a rustling sound. An illusion, perhaps? Chen Mu frowned slightly. But just as he was about to withdraw the Truthful Listening Technique, A massive creature abruptly entered his perception. The thing was surrounded by swirling mist, filled with white smoke and bizarre insects. It had eight pallid, long legs, each as tall as Jilong Mountain. On its head, fierce deer antlers, and its body was covered with a dense white bone which looked like thickets of grass and trees. Merely being swept by the outline with the Truthful Listening Technique caused Chen Mus spirit to tremble. He felt as though he was a fly trapped in amber, completely unable to move. Hum! The cloud bat flying boat vibrated, and intense air currents surged forth. The boats wings curled slightly as the entire vessel quickly ascended into the sky. Chen Mu snapped back to consciousness. He activated the Truthful Listening Technique again. Feathery white clouds drifted among the mountains, and little figures busied themselves in various places; Jilong Mountain was still as peaceful and tranquil as ever. And that colossal creature from just a moment ago had vanished without a trace. It was as if that terrifying glimpse had been nothing more than a figment of his imagination. "Was it really just an illusion..." Chen Mu murmured absently, lost in thought. Withering sickness, white smoke creatures, the world he had been gradually getting used to seemed to become hazy once again. ... Clear skies for miles, the fierce sun overhead. An endless expanse of dense forest stretched across the land like a green carpet. Faint white mist, as soft as cotton, floated sporadically above the treetops. Within the dense forest, accompanied by a succession of slight piercing sounds, several seven-star centipedes, each as tall as two stories and more than ten meters long, made their appearance. Bearing loads covered with oilcloth, they moved in an orderly fashion through the forest. And then there were those like the members of the Hundred Workshops Hall before him, steady in their actions, favoring a slow and steady approach. "So you think youre the only ones clever and insightful, huh?" The tall and thin youth, obviously familiar with the surrounding people, was still stubborn, stiff-necked and persistent, "I think you all are just too cowardly, thats why you chose this place..." "Hey, Wen Family lad, dont you doubt it." "Even if our judgment is off, you cant say that Mo Wuzhou of the Modu Court also has poor judgment, right?" "Thats the Pill Treasure Pavilions Young Pavilion Master were talking about, a direct descendant of three generations." "He personally volunteered to come here to supervise the construction of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River." "What does that tell you? It shows that the Lower Courtyard of Gan River has unlimited potential!" The tall and thin youth immediately froze in place. Chen Mu, who was not too far away, also couldnt help but stiffen. A direct descendant of three generations? Modu Court? That sounds damn familiar! He suddenly had a bad premonition. ... The Lower Courtyard of Gan River was built within a vast pocket-shaped valley, with the mouth of the valley being the riverbed of Gan River. A group of strong men carrying planks with the heavy stone slabs the size of door panels ran out of the valley in an orderly fashion. They looked like ants carrying gigantic leaves, moving in groups to transport them to the river bank. Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m There, another group of people gestured and chanted continuously. Mud surged up from the riverbed, water rising into the air, immediately covering the stone slabs, turning mud to stone as it enveloped and bound them together, quickly accumulating into a tidy embankment. A deep-water ferry crossing, under the enhancement of various secret techniques, rapidly took shape. Deep in the valley of Gan River, a small forest on a hillside suddenly gained a wooden hut. The hut stood raised on supports, elevated two meters above the ground. Inside, it was simply divided into three sections: a bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen. This was Chen Mus new dwelling in the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, which he had hired skilled hands from the Hundred Workshops Hall to build. He habitually left a long corridor in front of the door, and even extended it with a roofing overhang. Even on rainy days, it would not hinder him from enjoying tea in the corridor and seeking solace. A comfortable rocking chair was placed on the corridor. At this moment, Chen Mu was curled up in it. He was enjoying the mountain breeze and the faint scent of wood, but he did not feel at ease at all; instead, he looked worried and troubled. Over the past few days here, he had confirmed that the Courtyard Master of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River was indeed Mo Wuzhou. "After all the effort to leave Jilong Mountain, have I run into Mo Wuzhou again? Tsk..." "What if he discovers the Primordial Energy?" "I definitely dont want to lose the Exquisite Jade Plate." "But the Hidden Qi Vine Mantle can only suppress Earth Spirit Vital Energy, not effective against Primordial Energy." Chen Mus spirit sank into the Five Ghosts Bag, pushing aside a curious Ghost that had come closer, and began rummaging through a small compartment in the wooden rack. After quite a while, he found several worn-out scrolls among a pile of miscellaneous books. Chen Mu looked at the black leather books with mixed emotions. The books were a collection of cultivation miscellanea from Liu Hongyang, who was adept at the Point Ground into Steel technique, came from the Hundred Workshops Hall, and had met Chen Mu on Mist Smoke Mountain. After the death of Sun Wuhuan and the loss of the Sword Box, the Sun Family indiscriminately captured and interrogated many, and this Senior Brother Liu was implicated. Due to the extreme nature of his techniques, it damaged Senior Brother Lius Jade Seed foundation, leading him to become radical and worship an Evil God. Ultimately he attacked Chen Mu, who then killed him in self-defense on the mountain of eagle sorrow. These cultivation miscellanea recorded all of his cultivation insights, some of which related to wards and protections. The altar to the Evil God built by that god Dong Yue had been concealed by Senior Brother Liu using those very wards. "It managed to block the aura of an Evil God." "Blocking some Primordial Energy shouldnt be too hard, right..." Chen Mu scratched his head, feeling a bit uneasy and apprehensive. Chapter 417 - 410: The Light Law Prohibition For three consecutive days, Chen Mu had been flipping through Liu Hongyangs cultivation miscellaneous notes. With the help of the Forbidden Law Jade Slips left behind from practicing with the other party, the outlines of three talismans finally began to slowly emerge within the Jade Seed. Chen Mu exhaled a breath and looked towards the grey wall. Minor Three Talents Harmony Light Prohibition Method: 15/10000; "The three talismans are the foundation. By continuously combining and accumulating them, one achieves invisibility and concealment as if merging with the light and dust." "Hmm... if the arrangement order changes, could there be other effects?" "So, the Light Law Prohibition is an expression of these three talismans, but it is not the limit of these three talismans?" "Wonderful..." Chen Mu came to understand the profound subtleties of the prohibition, but also felt the complexity and difficulty of the prohibition. According to Liu Hongyangs description, there were eighteen foundational talismans just for the Minor Three Talents Method Prohibition. Out of which, three could form the Light Law Prohibition. And as for the Minor All Heavens Stars Prohibition, which existed as the summary of the Minor Three Talents Method Prohibition, there were as many as one hundred and eight foundational talismans. Just the thought of the combinations within made Chen Mus scalp tingle. Continue reading stories on novelhall.Co?m "No wonder there are so few people in the Hundred Workshops Hall who understand prohibitions." "Its not just the lack of time and energy to study, but more likely the lack of intellect." Chen Mu glanced at the experience on the grey wall and nodded with satisfaction. "Turns out I do have some brains, huh heh..." "No, thats not right. I am quite intelligent!" ... One month later. A simple fence had been hastily erected in front of the wooden hut, forming a small courtyard. On the eastern side of the courtyard, several ridges were cultivated to grow a variety of wild seasonal vegetables. There was a deep well at the end of the field, which he had deepened to the underground water veins and spirit springs using Point Ground into Steel. A stone path ran through the middle, leading from the courtyard gate to the steps of the wooden house. The western side of the courtyard wasnt much tended to; it had only been flattened into a plain by Han Mu using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. At this moment, Chen Mu stood in the middle of the western open ground. Centered around him, the hard clay on the ground in five places quickly softened. Then, like an army of ants, it continuously spiraled upwards, climbing and accumulating until five stone pillars, each half a person tall and as thick as a watermelon, appeared. The pillars formed a circle, with approximately a meters width between them. Chen Mu took a satisfied glimpse and looked at one of the sections on the grey wall. Minor Three Talents Harmony Light Prohibition Method: 3665/10000;@@@@ After a continuous month of arduous practice, the three foundational talismans had been fully delineated within the Jade Seed, and he was also getting proficient with the basic arrangement and combination of the prohibition. The five stone pillars beside him were carriers he prepared for the Light Law Prohibition, and he wanted to try and practice with it. Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu spread his hands. Invisible forces of Exotic Energy materialized out of thin air, causing a faint distortion in the light around them. Next, the talismans made of Exotic Energy began to interweave into a net around each of the stone pillars, gradually forming a web and enveloping the pillars within. As the last talisman was in place, the network of talismans suddenly tightened, slamming into the surface of the stone pillars with a bang. Chips of stone flew, and hot, crimson lines appeared on the stone pillars. The lines grew more numerous and the temperature rose higher until, at last, the entire pillars turned red-hot! "Its done!" Chen Mu withdrew his hands, satisfactorily taking a turn inside the circle of the five pillars. "Indeed, I did a good job, the patterns are really nice to look at." Cheerfully admiring each pillar in turn, Chen Mu walked out of the enclosure formed by the five stone pillars. Chen Mu was still hiding in his little wooden hut, grinding for experience with his head down. Another half-month passed. Thirty meters underground, with a ceiling five meters high, as large as two bedrooms, was a secret chamber. At the edge of the walls, eight thick, brown stone pillars that required two people to encircle them stretched up to the ceiling. Carved black indentations covered the surface like engravings, and an invisible, intangible force converged, enveloping the entire secret chamber within it. Chen Mu surfaced from the ground and activated Truthful Listening. In his perception, a huge boulder had taken the place where the secret chamber used to be. He had once investigated Liu Hongyangs Evil God altar, and the feedback then was exactly this state. "Its really successful this time! Haha..." ... On the porch of the wooden hut, by the west-side window. Chen Mu was sitting at a square table, leaning against the window. In the middle of the table was the dark Primordial Furnace, with bubbling steam rising and a thick, spicy meat aroma spreading all around. Next to the stove, over a dozen round plates were filled with vegetables, meat, and various candied fruits and preserves. Chen Mu picked up, with his thumb and middle finger, aiming at one of the round plates that held a clean, chunk of fat-marbled Exotic Beast Meat Ball. In the next moment, he flicked his fingers, and a dense flurry of mournful green Qi Blades flew out from between them. Thwack! Under the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, the large pieces of fresh meat were sliced into thin slices as thin as a cicadas wings. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles immediately gathered them up, one by one, and sent them into the Primordial Furnace to be blanched. Once cooked, they instantly flew out, rolled in the dipping sauce, and then floated steadily to the edge of Chen Mus mouth. Chen Mu swallowed it in one gulp, and with a push of his tongue, it instantly melted. "Mmm... satisfying!" Chen Mu squinted his eyes, his body sweating profusely from the spicy stimulus. It had been two months since he arrived at the Gan River Lower Courtyard. Aside from his daily Condensing Aperture Lightning Strikes, he had spent all his time leveling up his Three Talents Method Prohibition. Today, he finally managed to successfully conceal the Exquisite Jade Plate. "Even if Mo Wuzhou were right in front of me, my Primordial Energy would definitely not be detected by him." As he was about to enjoy a piece of candied fruit, he suddenly saw ripples appear out of nowhere on the open ground to the west of the courtyard. Hum! The air trembled lightly, and a delicate white jade toad abruptly materialized. It was motionless and silent as a stone statue, just staring at him with its big bulging eyes. Chen Mu: "..." "I mean, how on earth did you find this place?" he asked, utterly perplexed. Ever since he arrived at the Gan River Lower Courtyard, he hadnt stepped outside, fearing an encounter with Mo Wuzhou. He hadnt heard of the toad possessing any talent for searching or tracking either. How could it appear right before him with such precision? "Croak." "What? My place is so full of Primordial Energy its nearly impossible not to see it?" Chen Mu was stupefied right then and there. All my hard work for two months... all for nothing?! Chen Mus face turned red with vexation. Chapter 418 - 411 Origin "So, the Primordial Energy didnt come from the Underground Secret Chamber, but from myself?" Chen Mu couldnt help but widen his eyes. How could there be Primordial Energy around me?! Chen Mu didnt care about eating; he grabbed the great toad and began pondering where exactly the Primordial Energy came from. A messy array of tests and trials ensued. Chen Mu looked at the red leather bag in his hand, his eyes filled with disbelief. He had never imagined that the so-called soaring Primordial Energy would come from the Five Ghosts Bag.@@@@ Each time he used the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain technique and opened the Five Ghosts Bag, streams of Primordial Energy would leak out. Not only that, there was some on himself as well, but nowhere near as much as from the Five Ghosts Bag. "Ghosts..." Chen Mu gradually calmed down. If there was anything in common between him and the Five Ghosts Bag, it was the Ghosts. The foundation of the Five Ghosts Paper Man was the Ghosts, and his own bodys continuous creation of Divine Orifices connected to the Cloud Mirage Bloodline was also associated with Ghosts. And at that moment, the Five Ghosts Bag contained a group of Ghosts. These creatures, which to him had always seemed dark and eerie, suddenly became mysterious. ... "Can you still see it now?" Chen Mu called to the great toad outside the bamboo fence. "Croak!" "You can only see a big rock?" "If you can see the big rock, then thats right!" Chen Mu revealed a satisfied smile. Now that he knew the source of the Primordial Energy, he raised the Underground Secret Chamber, expanded the Minor Three Talents Harmony Light Prohibition, and covered the wooden house and small courtyard above the ground. Chen Mu also walked out of the small courtyard. Turning back, he saw a huge rock emerging from the ground, standing in the middle of the forest without any sense of incongruity. The surface of the rock was grey-brown, even with some dry leaves fallen on it, as if weathered by wind and sun. "This Light Law Prohibition is impressive!" Chen Mu couldnt help exclaiming. Although there were only three fundamental talismans, if the technique is mastered, one could continue weaving and expanding. It could hide the Underground Secret Chamber, and it could hide the bamboo fences small compound. "Just need to sprinkle some wild grass seeds around the empty grounds, and when the grass grows lush, it will truly resemble a wilderness." "Unfortunately, I wont be able to leave the house anytime soon." The Five Ghosts Bag was fine; as long as it wasnt worn on the body or its use minimized, there wouldnt be a leakage of Primordial Energy. But the Primordial Energy emanating from his own body was a bit more troublesome. From the tests, it seemed that as long as he refrained from using techniques like Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Five Ghosts Possession and other Yin Soul Secret Techniques, the dispersion of Primordial Energy could be decreased, but it was still a hidden danger. If someone with a keen sense of smell discovered the nuances on him, trouble would immediately ensue. "So, this thick black energy within the Divine Orifice is whats called Primordial Energy?" Chen Mu stared at the black energy inside the Divine Orifice. Inside the Divine Orifice, he could see it clearly. But once it scattered outside his body, he couldnt detect it, which was very strange. "Ill figure it out eventually." He suddenly remembered the Ghosts calamity at Mist Smoke Mountain. "Was that really just for killing, or was it to create Primordial Energy? Or... was it both?" "Tsk... this world is really chaotic." "Indeed, staying at home is safer." He made up his mind and prepared to retreat at home. This time, he wouldnt come out of retreat until he completely understood the Primordial Energy and controlled it. ... The previously composed General Jins pupils contracted sharply, and he hurriedly twisted his head to the side. Even so, an uncontrollable cut appeared on the left side of his cheek. The cut quickly turned black, and shortly after, half of his face began to shrivel and wither rapidly. Ha! A dark crimson glow suddenly erupted from his body. It seemed as though a monster was hidden beneath his skin, with muscles wildly protruding and shifting. His body inflated like a balloon and grew to five meters tall with bull horns atop his head, and his eyes turned blood-red, transforming him into something monstrous in a blink of an eye. He didnt even appear to move. Bang! Wu Ruo was sent soaring into the air. Her body bent, her head almost touching her heels, as the tremendous force broke her spine. She tumbled to the ground like a broken doll, struggling for a few moments before collapsing powerlessly to the ground. Beside her, Yu Lin, Ai Ji, and Shi Xian lay unconscious. Ai Ji, not far away, had all four limbs twisted and was constantly cursing while lying on the ground. General Jin reached up and peeled off the dried skin on his face, revealing a row of sharp, bloodstained teeth, chilling to the bone. "Lian Cheng, hand these people over to the Night Traveler God, have them sent to the Heavenly River Water Mansion," he said as his broken cheek rapidly healed, and in the blink of an eye, it was restored. "Qian Mu, lead the way. Lets go catch that little rat that escaped." Qian Mu bowed slightly, his body disintegrating into black feathers and vanishing. Bang! A sonic boom rang out as General Jins massive form shot into the air like a cannonball. With just a couple of rises and falls, he turned into a small black speck, disappearing into the horizon. ... In the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River On the porch of a wooden hut. Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair. In his left hand, he held a cup of dark plum-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup. The fingers of his right hand, hanging down from the armrest of the recliner, sparked with lightning. Experience tales at novelhall.Co?m Tiny bolts of electricity crackled and jumped between his fingers. Now with the Harmony Light Law Prohibition Method, the area around the hut was concealed. He had less to worry about and did not need to practice cultivation in the Underground Secret Chamber. Although the underground was safe, it was ultimately stifling, nothing like the comfort of the porch, where he could enjoy the gentle breeze and the bright moon. As tiny arcs of electricity spread from his right hand over his entire body, a pulsing sensation faintly emerged in the right side of his chest, as though a second heart had appeared. "If only the Divine Orifice Talisman could be constructed this quickly as well," Chen Mu sighed. He was very familiar with this pulsing sensation, which always appeared before a new Secret Chamber opened. As he was lost in thought, the lightning encompassing his body suddenly flashed and then disappeared. At the same time, his mind was filled with a vast amount of information about Kui Water Yin Thunder. He couldnt help but look toward the gray wall. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 1/10000/Third Rank; "Indeed, it has advanced." "Tsk tsk, this Thunder Law and Heavenly Demon Path really do match well." After drinking the Replenishing Origin Soup, he activated his soul-capturing powers to heal minor injuries. He closed his eyes and began to concentrate on the seventh layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman. This was the key to his current cultivation. Only by solidifying the Divine Orifice and gaining a clear view of the Primordial Energy could he attempt to control and harness it. Chapter 419 - 412: Undercurrents Gan River Lower Courtyard. At the north side of the mountain peaks Daoist platform. Mo Wuzhou stood respectfully in front of the incense table. On the curtain woven from strands of blue smoke, the figure of Rong Qiu appeared. "Soon, a group of people from the Hundred Workshops Hall will secretly proceed to the Gan River Lower Courtyard." "Find them a more hidden location so they can concentrate on building the deep-diving ferry." Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m Mo Wuzhous expression turned grave, "Master, are we really going to relocate the sect to Hai Province?" Rong Qiu sighed, "Sporadic records in ancient books say that Earth Spirit Vital Energy is like waves with peaks and troughs." "Weve had the misfortune of being born in a year of great change, and Yunzhou has hit a low point in the energy wave." "We can only prepare early, to chase the energy wave, if we want a chance to continue cultivating." Mo Wuzhou nodded solemnly, "Master, rest assured, I will safeguard the Gan River Lower Courtyard." "Dont feel too pressured. Your Elder Brother Liang Yi has gone to the Stone Cave Lower Courtyard to do similar work." "Jilong Road isnt placing all its hopes in one location; several alternatives have been prepared," Rong Qiu reassured with a gentle voice. Mo Wuzhou immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Rong Qiu chuckled lightly before turning serious, "You need to be wary of troublemakers. Elder Song has already started investigating." "These peoples backgrounds are mysterious. We still dont know which Dao Sect they belong to, so you must be on your guard." Mo Wuzhous eyebrows furrowed, his mind instantly going to the group of black-clothed oddities he had encountered on Jilong Mountain. After resolving some of Mo Wuzhous doubts about cultivation, the figure of Rong Qiu slowly faded away. ... "Crafty humans," the smoky beast Tu suddenly voiced his thoughts in amazement. "On the surface, they banish you to this godforsaken place, but in reality, they have you supervise the construction of the Gan River ferry site in preparation for the sects relocation." "That cheerful elder who took over Jilong Mountain, is he in for bad luck? Tsk tsk..." "You didnt even tell him about the relocation plans, and I bet he doesnt know about the ghosts and demons lurking around Jilong Mountain either, does he?" Mo Wuzhous lips curled slightly, "That white mist creature is called a ghost demon?" "Sinister! Truly sinister!" Tu exclaimed, "Your human hearts are much dirtier than us Heavenly Demon Path beings." "At least we humans dont hide inside someone elses Jade Seed and refuse to come out, do we?" Mo Wuzhou sneered. "How do you know no one does that?" Tu asked back merrily. Mo Wuzhou paused. It wasnt so far-fetched; there might indeed be people who covet others bodies for power and longevity. He had heard of something called the Six Desires God-Slaughtering Technique, a Soul Transference Secret Technique that supposedly allowed one to take over the bodies of demons for an unnatural long life. "No response, huh?" Tu chortled eerily. "Shut it!" "Heh heh..." After years of adventuring, he had collected a variety of vegetable seeds in his Five Ghosts Bag, and with the Third Rank Planting Technique, he was not short of fresh wild vegetables. As for Exotic Beast Meat, necessary for preparing the Replenishing Origin Soup... Chen Mu chuckled as he looked at the Cold Moon Toad in the small courtyard. With this big demon-grade amphibious hunter around, he felt he would soon be able to eat all kinds of exotic beasts around the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. Chen Mu hummed a little tune while his right-hand fingers flicked in succession. Accompanied by the swooshing of the Three Yin Demon-Slaying Qi Blade, the tender parts of the strange fish quickly turned into thin fish slices. He casually threw a Minor Frost Descend Method over to temporarily freeze them for freshness. Then, he separated the tough parts and threw them into a wooden barrel, soaked them with cold water and medicinal herbs, ready for extraction into the Replenishing Origin Soup. The large golden-whiskered strange fish was quickly and skillfully processed. Wind chimes tinkled in a corner of the corridor. The big toad crouched in the yard, its eyelids drooping as it dozed off. Five little paper figures dove into the vegetable patch, hopping and jumping as they caught bugs. Chen Mu settled back into the rocking chair, sipped some mountain tea from a wooden cup, pulled up the grey wall interface, and focused on one of the entries. Netherworld Grand Summary: 7990/10000/Seventh Rank; Lately, he had been devoting more time and energy to refining the Divine Orifice Talisman. After years of cultivation, he had become increasingly skilled at consolidating the talisman. Even though there were more and more varied talismans, the refinement speed was noticeably faster than in previous years. "Itll be at most a month before the next phase," Chen Mu murmured as he leaned back in his rocking chair and squinted his eyes comfortably amidst the creaking sound. ... Night Bright moonlight spilled into the Gan River. A small black canopy boat was quietly floating in the middle of the river. Despite the rushing and turbulent water, the boat was motionless, pinned in place as if it were a rock in the river. "Whats the strength of this person?" asked a tall and skinny man in a grey robe from inside the cabin. Opposite him, a burly man wearing half armor shook his head, "Hard to say." "Based on the intelligence delivered by the Night Walker, it seems that about a year and a half ago, the target exchanged for the Netherworld Grand Summary and appears to have a good number of strange secret techniques at hand," the grey-robed man continued. "He looks just so-so on the surface, but the Spiritual Master has instructed us to wait for General Jin Er to arrive before taking action." "Ho! Likes to play pig to eat the tiger? Hes hiding his strength," the middle-aged man in the grey robe couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. The man in black armor nodded, "Otherwise, the Spiritual Master wouldnt be so cautious." "But we cant just do nothing in the meantime," the man in the grey robe shrugged, "I dont want to see that Barbarian giving me a dirty look." "Start by checking if he has any acquaintances around the Lower Courtyard of Gan River," suggested the black-armored man. "Then we set a trap to lure him out. Its risky to take action near the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, itd cause too much commotion." The man in black armor nodded, but with a helpless look, "You might not believe this, but since he arrived at the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, he hasnt shown up even once." "Not even anyone in the courtyard knows such a person exists." "As for acquaintances," the man in black armors expression turned strange, "does Mo Wuzhou count?" "Tsk... What a hassle." Chapter 420 - 413 Nine Orifices Half a month later. In the dead of night, within the deep mountains of East Ridge, somewhere upstream on the Gan River, a dark-covered small boat quietly floated in the middle of the river. Wearing light black armor, Dantai Zong sat helplessly kneeling in front of a square low table. "The butchers, vegetable farmers, and grain store clerks in the market at the mouth of the valley all belong to us. But so much time has passed, and we havent seen that person show up even once." "And the few spiritual fields closest to that hillside are also planted by our people, we havent seen that guy come down from the mountain at all." "Young Master, could that person have died inside his house?" "Go!" Lin Su, the middle-aged man in a gray robe, gave the other a displeased glance. Dantai Zongs face was full of helplessness: "Cooped up in the little wooden hut every day, how can he stand staying in there?" "Im beginning to admire those Qi Cultivation parasites, eating Fasting Pills all day long, doesnt he ever get tired of it?" "How can you be sure he hasnt left the house?" Lin Su, clad in a wide gray robe, sat cross-legged, lightly tapping his pale fingers on the table top. "Is Young Master suggesting that he might be using secret techniques like Shadow Concealment?" Dantai Zong was startled. "He probably can even disguise himself; otherwise, our brothers in the market wouldnt have discovered nothing." Lin Su was certain of this. "No wonder," Dantai Zong suddenly realized. He then showed a bitter expression, "With such caution, its difficult for us to ascertain his whereabouts. Should we capture Mo Wuzhou to lure him out?" Lin Su shook his head indifferently, "Mo Wuzhou and him are merely acquaintances; its impossible to expect him to save someone." "Then what should we..." Dantai Zong was at a loss. Lin Su laughed, "He may not care about others, but he will surely care about himself." "Send a few people to tail him, but dont use our own brothers, hire some idle folks." "The action cannot be too conspicuous, but also not too secretive; we have to let him see it." Dantai Zongs eyes lit up, "Such a cautious guy, if he notices someone tailing him, he will definitely react!" "Exactly!" Lin Sus eyes gleamed with a sharp light, "Once he detects tailing, he will either kill the follower directly or trace and eliminate the root." "I guess hell most likely choose the latter." "So we can lead him into the trap of the Dragon Well?" Dantai Zong laughed, "Young Master is wise!" "Its a pity that the Barbarian was so useless, losing his tail during pursuit," Lin Su shook his head, "If we had his help, the success rate of the plan could be increased by another twenty percent." ... In the depths of Gan River Valley. Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair on the long wooden porch of the hut, quietly brushing up experience with his eyes closed. Within the Jade Seed, misty Mana gathered orderly, and tiny Talismans began to emerge. They quickly stacked and wove into delicate branches, extending and connecting in all directions. Soon, the entire Divine Orifice Talisman network was connected, creating a sterling hollow sphere. Chen Mu glanced at it indifferently and began to review the gains and losses of this operation, quietly waiting for the sphere of Talismans to disperse. Each layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman during condensation would go through hundreds to thousands of dispersions, a process he had already become accustomed to. Initially, he felt frustrated and complained, but he later realized it was inevitable. The condensation of each Talisman was shaping and perfecting the whole person from inside out. The Talismans were easy to gather, but the transformation and leap of the body were very slow. Without complete shaping, the Talismans wouldnt be stable, and their dispersion would become inevitable. Just as he thought the Talisman would collapse again, the entire Jade Seed suddenly began to vibrate. As the center of the Divine Orifice Talisman, an invisible fluctuation spread outwards. The Mana that was silently floating surged like a tidal wave, and the boundaries of the Jade Seed expanded outward with a thunderous roar under this Mana rush. "This is... its a success!" Chen Mu couldnt help but curl up the corner of his mouth. After many days of attempts, the seventh layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman was finally condensed successfully. At the same time, he felt a thrumming near the Mingmen on his lower back, and a brand-new Condensing Aperture slowly emerged from the void. "The ninth Divine Orifice?" "Double happiness! Haha!" But before he could examine the new orifice, the other eight began to vibrate in unison. The originally independent Divine Orifices seemed to have some kind of connection.@@@@ This connection, like an invisible network, linked the nine Divine Orifices into one whole, and a strong surge of vitality was slowly brewing within. "This feeling... its like having an extra body..." Chen Mu was greatly shocked, "Could it be the True Form of Heavenly Demon?!" Chen Mu never even thought about it. Leaving the house could lead to murder and robbery or becoming entangled in some conspiracywerent those the stories in the novels from his past life? Staying at home without stepping out was safest! ... Gan River Lower Courtyard. At the mountaintop dojo on the north side of the valley entrance. Mo Wuzhou, clasping his hands in greeting to an old man with white speckled hair in his fifties, said, "Elder Hu, long time no see." Hu Quan looked at Mo Wuzhou with a cheery smile, "Sister Rong has a good successor, Little Mos cultivation has grown even deeper." After a brief exchange of pleasantries, his expression turned serious, "Youve been informed by my sister about why Im here, right?" Mo Wuzhou nodded solemnly, "Elder, rest assured, I have chosen a suitable site deep in the valley where we can start building the shipyard at any time." "Its a place rarely visited by people, secure enough to avoid detection." "Once we tunnel through the mountain at the valleys base, we will have direct access to the Gan River behind it, convenient for testing the ferries." Hu Quan nodded in satisfaction, "I need to focus on shipbuilding, and Im not good at spell battles. Ill need you to exert some effort to ensure the secrecy and safety of the shipyard." Mo Wuzhou clasped his hands firmly, "Elder, have no worries." "I have crafted a sufficient number of Wood Spirit Boys. Once they are released later, the ground around the shipyard will be under our watch." "With Elder Songs Cold Moon Toad beneath the ground and my own arrangements in the sky," "any slight movement will be detected immediately." "Little Mos considerations are thorough," Hu Quan immediately beamed with satisfaction. ... That afternoon, Experience more on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu was lying on a rocking chair, basking in the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest, when suddenly, the sound of churning mud reached his ears. "Whos using the Point Ground into Steel?" He was all too familiar with that sound; it was the noise it made when turning stone to mud. The Truthful Listening Technique unfolded, slowly bringing the images of everything within a twenty-mile radius into his mind. "Mo Wuzhou?" "Hes not cultivating and instead hes leading people here to dig holes?" Curiosity got the better of Chen Mu. But before he could discern the other partys actions, a clattering noise suddenly emerged at the courtyard entrance. A palm-sized, cleverly crafted wooden horse burrowed out of the ground and swiftly circled Chen Mus courtyard. It shook its head and looked around as if it found the place particularly appealing. Chen Mu immediately got a bad feeling about this. The next moment, the tiny wooden horse leaped high into the air above the courtyard. And as expected, the little wooden horse fell into the yard, landing squarely on its back. With a nimble roll, it sprung up and came face-to-face with Chen Mu. Chen Mu: "..." All those big rocks on the mountain and you had to choose the fakest one as a landing spot! Chen Mus face stiffened as he forced a smile and waved at the expressionless face of the little wooden horse. "Hey?" More than ten miles away, Mo Wuzhou: "..." Hey my ass! He opened his eyes, speechlessly gazing at the distant hill. Months had gone by, and he thought Chen Mu hadnt come to Gan River Lower Courtyard, but it turned out he was hiding here, cultivating. With so many places in the valley to choose from, you just had to pick a spot close to my secret shipyard to fix up your little courtyard! Damn! Chapter 421 - 414: Doorkeeper Upon the wooden houses long corridor. Chen Mu looked at Mo Wuzhou with a sincere face, "I can move out." "Do you think you can still move?" Mo Wuzhou said with irritation. Ever since this mountain forest had been chosen as the shipyard construction site, the entire development plan for the Lower Courtyard of Gan River started to consciously avoid it. The closest Spiritual Field was also twenty li away from here. He had also secretly altered the prohibitions, reducing the Earth Spirit Vital Energy of the nearby Spiritual Fields to make them barren, for the purpose of making the disciples of the Lower Courtyard stay away of their own accord. As a result, the already rarely traversed deep valley would become even more desolate. Who would have thought that Chen Mu would hide in this remote corner? And to make matters worse, he had seen him along with Hu Quan, his master, drilling and digging here! "I didnt see anything, so why cant I move out?" Chen Mu insisted stubbornly, his face full of defiance. "You didnt see, but you heard," Mo Wuzhou couldnt help but roll his eyes. He was well aware that the guy in front of him was highly skilled in the Truthful Listening Technique. At such a close distance, he was sure that Hu Quan, his masters actions of digging into the mountain had been fully discerned by this fellow. "I dont know what youre talking about, I just want to move out!" Chen Mu denied adamantly. Seeing Mo Wuzhous attitude, it was clear that whatever those people were doing was highly confidential. How would he dare to get involved in such matters? He couldnt get away fast enough! "Alright, but you can only move to the dungeon of the Inspection Courtyard," Mo Wuzhou said expressionlessly. Chen Mu immediately felt a headache coming on. If Mo Wuzhou was this resolute, it definitely wasnt a common secret; how had he gotten dragged into this mess? "Dammit!" Mo Wuzhou glanced at the empty space in the small courtyard and immediately noticed two huge toad web prints. His face twitched involuntarily, those surely were the marks left by Yuanbao. Good grief, that big toad had already found this place. Why hadnt it informed Chen Mu to stay away earlier? "Stop thinking about running away, just stay here honestly," Mo Wuzhou sighed. "I remember you once assisted in the construction of the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier for Mist Smoke Mountain, especially adept at listening to the breath of the deep earth. Just right to cooperate with Yuanbao, keep an eye on the ground beneath us." The color drained from Chen Mus face: "The big toad knows about this too?" It actually never told me?! "You should thank it," Mo Wuzhou gave Chen Mu a meaningful look. It was Yuanbaos deliberate omission that had embroiled Chen Mu in the relocation plan for Jilong Road. Read new chapters at novelhall.Co?m But because of this, when the time came to move to Hai Province, Chen Mu, as a participant, would naturally be eligible to follow along. With the tide of Vital Energy in Yunzhou ebbing away, following the Dao Sect to Hai Province was the only way to continue his cultivation. Compared to most disciples who knew nothing, Chen Mu was already quite fortunate. "Thanks my ass!" Chen Mu, still not understanding, remained indignant. ... Above Gan River, within a black-canopied boat. "Young Master, its settled," Dantai Zong said respectfully, kneeling before a square table. "I found two herbal farmers who know the Far Sight Technique." "They will live thirty li away, on a mountain top planting Huang Root Grass to make a living. Theyll use the Far Sight Technique regularly to observe and record that persons movements." "The messages recorded each day will be sent to a designated location using the Emerald Feather Messenger Birds, and if that person comes, he will surely fall into our trap." "How the hell is such a big deal not too important?! I wish I could slap myself to death," Chen Mu was irate. Ask, ask, ask, and now youve asked for trouble, havent you! Knowing about a matter that concerns the survival of a Dao Sect, theres no way I can bail out now! "Are you doing this on purpose!" Chen Mu glared at the giant toad. Yuanbao slowly turned around, once again presenting his backside to Chen Mu. Fuck! "It looks like I cant avoid this gig of gatekeeping anymore," Chen Mu lay back, reclining on the gallery. What was even more worrisome for him was that this quiet, secluded valley would soon become a place of strife! Lurking, assassinations, tracking and counter-trackinghe conceived several stories in his mind in an instant, each filled with peril. "No, not soon, perhaps its already unsafe right now!" He sat up abruptly. He activated the Truthful Listening Technique to full capacity, and three Vermilion Feather Swords soared into the sky. He coordinated his hearing and vision to catch any suspicious movements in the vicinity. Soon, his face turned incredibly grim. ... That very afternoon, Chen Mu had Yuanbao secretly invite Mo Wuzhou to the small courtyard. "Someone is watching this place from thirty miles away?" "Are you certain?" Mo Wuzhou looked skeptical. The plan had just started a few days ago. Could there already be a leak? That seems unlikely. "I feel like my best move is to move into the dungeons of the Inspection Courtyard," Chen Mu said with a worried frown. They had only just begun to excavate this underground dock, and it had already attracted prying eyesfar too dangerous. Hmm? Is this guy trying to bail again? A shock ran through Mo Wuzhous heart. "Ill investigate immediately!" His tone and demeanor became utterly serious. Chen Mu looked blankly at Mo Wuzhou. You were still doubtful just now, how come all of a... "Ive studied your experiences over the years," Mo Wuzhou said gravely. "Every place youve left has either been attacked or mysteriously destroyed." "Some kind of disaster or calamity always happens, no matter how big or small." "And now youre even willing to move into a dungeon." At that moment, he looked at Chen Mu with a solemn expression. Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Im not a goddamn jinx! Chapter 422 - 415 Tracking ``` A hundred and thirty li north of Gan River. A streak of emerald brilliance flashes across the azure sky like lightning. Enshrouded in mist, Mo Wuzhou seems a faint white cloud, his gaze locked from afar on the path of the emerald messenger bird. A quarter of an hour later, the bird flies into a dense forest and, when it reappears, the small bamboo cylinder tied to its leg has vanished. Above the clouds, Mo Wuzhou frowns deeply, "The Lower Courtyard of Gan River has just been established; which Dao Sect is this well-informed?" "Or are they casting a wide net, indiscriminately conducting surveillance on a large scale?" "I want to see exactly who is behind this." For half a month, he hides among the clouds, circling the dense forest. Yet no matter how long he waits, no contact person appears. "Very cautious!" Mo Wuzhous expression becomes solemn. ... "That guy is too cautious!" Above the Gan River, at the bow of a black-canopied boat, Dantai Zong bites his lip in frustration.@@@@ "He followed the messenger bird here, but hes just hiding up in the sky watching." Lin Su chuckles lightly, "I told you before, the bait was too small; he wont show himself so easily." Dantai Zong looks troubled, "Do we really need to lure him here? Then Young Master, you..." Lin Su taps his fingers lightly on the table, "No pain, no gain, right?" "Without someone who looks as vital as I do making an appearance, why would he show himself?" "Go make arrangements, let those messages pass through more hands, try to deliver them to me secretly and realistically." Dantai Zong respectfully clasps his fists, "Understood!" ... That very afternoon, in a nondescript small grove. A golden-haired monkey bursts in, snatches fifteen small bamboo cylinders from a birds nest and stuffs them into his mouth. Leaving behind a fiery red elixir pill, he then stretches his arms and swings through the trees, disappearing without a trace. "Relying on unnoticeable exotic beasts to pass on messages, one link after another?" Mo Wuzhou marvels internally. Now even more curious about these peoples identities, he follows the golden-haired monkey back to its troop. As half a month flies by, Mo Wuzhou watches the cylinder travel from beast to beast within the forests of East Ridge. Finally, when he follows a turtle as large as a millstone to a section of the Gan River, he sees a small black-canopied boat. A middle-aged man wearing a half-body suit of black armor appears at the stern. He retrieves a bamboo cylinder from the turtles mouth, feeds it a golden yellow pill, and then places the cylinder before the grey-clothed person sitting at the bow. Seeing the other party open each one for inspection before burning them, Mo Wuzhou knows he has found the right person. But he still doesnt show himself, instead following the black-canopied boat once more. After five days of discovery that the person continuously receives bamboo cylinders through various animals, Mo Wuzhou finally confirms that even if this person is not the mastermind behind the scenes, he definitely is a high-level insider. "A pair of mortals, where do they get the courage to target cultivators of Qi?" After days of observation, he had already realized that these two people had no mana at all and were not cultivators. Thinking this, Mo Wuzhou descends from the sky, appearing abruptly at the bow of the boat. Upon seeing the newcomer, Lin Su cannot help but be stunned. However, Dantai Zong cant hold back a laugh, "Surname Chen, you really are cautious. You followed us for over a month, and now you finally deign to reveal yourself?" The just-stabilized Mo Wuzhou immediately blinks in confusion. Surname Chen? Chen Mu?! These people werent probing the ship dock inside the mountain but aimed to lure and capture Chen Mu? So, Ive accidentally stepped into the middle of this?! "Stop laughing!" Lin Su kicks the overly pleased Dantai Zong, making him stagger, and says with a helpless face, "He is Mo Wuzhou!" Dantai Zongs eyes widen in disbelief. So... Ive been busy for a month and lured the wrong person? This isnt a wild goose chase, is it?! Lin Su looks at the dark-faced Mo Wuzhou and shakes his head with a bitter smile, "I dont know if he was planning to use you to eliminate someone or simply to test the waters," "But one thing is certain, we all underestimated that Chen youngsters cunning and depth of strategy." Mo Wuzhou: "..." At this moment, he cant help but recall Chen Mus worried face from a month ago. "You really are quite the actor!" Inside the Jade Seed, Tu, who had witnessed everything, couldnt help but burst out laughing, "You humans are indeed too crafty! Haha..." "You seem to have forgotten that you also started from a mortal and got to where you are today..." "Run! This is the Netherworld Ferry! Hes stalling for time!" Before Lin Su could finish speaking, the black smoke creature hidden within the Jade Seed, Tu, suddenly shouted. Instinctively, Mo Wuzhous body burst with spiritual light, and he triggered the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, propelling himself into midair in the blink of an eye. Just as he was about to ask Tu why he signaled alarm, his expression suddenly changed. He noticed that, inexplicably, the once tumultuous Gan River had become a motionless, calm surface. The muddy water had turned clear, and the distant riverbanks seemed to be shrouded in a layer of gray filter, becoming blurry and dark. He glanced unintentionally into the clear water of the river and instantly couldnt help shuddering all over. At the river bottom, countless black smoke clusters resembling human figures with snake tails had appeared. They were piled up quietly, creepily inching forward. Just one look at the swarming human-shaped black smoke gave him an inexplicable chill. At that moment, the canopy boat, which should have been easily dispersed by the spiritual light, was still intact, floating in the middle of the river. The black-armored man stood silent at the bow, and the man in the gray robe still sat nonchalantly at the table, with a look of regret on his face. He waved at Mo Wuzhou, seemingly saying goodbye. The next moment, the entire canopy boat, as if a painting, began to be rapidly erased from the rear to the front. The scenes on both banks cleared and brightened. The clear river water turned into a murky yellow. The shadowy figure at the bottom of the river was nowhere to be found, as if it had been an illusion all along. "That was the Netherworld Ferry, the usual method of breaking through barriers and teleportation used by the Yinming Group," Tu complicatedly said. "What would have happened if I hadnt left the awning boat just now?" Mo Wuzhou asked with lingering fear. "You would have fallen into the Netherworld, forgetting who you are, forgetting the past. You would wander aimlessly, never to return to this world again," Tus voice was filled with an inexplicable heaviness. Mo Wuzhou felt a chill in his heart. ... Deep in East Ridge, at the foot of a desolate mountain. Dry yellow leaves were crushed by a heavy footstep. A figure flashed through the dense forest like lightning. Finally, it stopped beside a small stream. Then it plunged into the mountain stream, gulping down the icy water. After a while, Shang Huan, who was almost too gaunt for his clothes, finally lifted his face. Without caring about the muddy bank, he lay down beside the stream. After a few heavy breaths to steady his ragged breathing, he finally opened his mouth with a voice as dry as though he had swallowed hot coals and asked, "How far is it from here to the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River?" The next moment, in the empty forest, another dull voice responded, "Not far, a days travel at the most with day and night marching." "Stop lying to me, you said the same thing last time," Shang Huan said spiritlessly, staring up at the sky. Run, run, run, he had been fleeing non-stop for a month, and his mind could hardly contain anything else. "You asked me the same thing just two hours ago," the dull voice calmly stated. "Guess what, as a Qi Cultivator who longs for immortality, I actually find myself hoping that time would pass more quickly. Haha... cough cough cough!" Shang Huans laughter was full of despair. "You should be glad, after all, you are still alive to bemoan the speed of time," the dull voice said, its calm unchanging. "Can Brother Mu really save our lives? Maybe we should just surrender," Shang Huans lazy voice carried a tone of hopelessness. "The feeling of being chased with nowhere to escape to is too agonizing." "Ha! Do you know what? More than surviving, I actually want that horned monster to suffer," a hint of morbidity slipped through the dull voice. "Find Chen Mu, become a Netherworld soldier, and we can exist in another form, a form that the horned monster would hate to see." "Imagine the frustration after a months pursuit, only to find that the plan has failed. What do you think his expression would be like? Hehe... Hahaha..." "Fuck it, lets do it!" Shang Huan abruptly opened his bloodshot eyes. "Its just some flesh, I can afford to lose it!" He pulled open the front of his shirt, revealing a human face on his chest. The next moment, that face strained outward, and countless black threads burst from Shang Huans chest along with it. As soon as it touched the ground, the black threads began to wriggle and weave rapidly, and in an instant, they formed a handsome young man in black tight suit. Shang Huan gasped for breath, visibly thinner than before, his eyes deeper set. "Lu Ku, this time you need to lead them further away. Ive already cut back to the limit; if we make another Seven Kills Puppet, were both done for!" At that moment, another face of Lu Ku appeared on Shang Huans chest. The face smiled lightly and said, "Dont worry, when were truly at our wits end, Ill kill you first and then end myself." "We may not survive, but I guarantee, the horned monsters plan against us will be screwed as well." "Youre truly fucking insane! I dont want to die!" "Then quit the bullshit and keep running for your life." "Fuck!" Chapter 423 - 416 True Form Gan River Lower Courtyard. The long corridor in front of the wooden house. Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair, his right hand raised in front of his eyes, covered with strands of blue and white lightning. After a while, Chen Mu dispersed the Kui Water Yin Thunder and frowned as he repaired the injuries to his body. Upon closer observation, however, he found no new traces of Divine Orifices opening throughout his body. "What a pity..." He was thrilled at having collected all Five Elements Escape Techniques, and had been hoping that more Divine Secret Skills would emerge. "I wonder when the True Form of Heavenly Demon will be fully nurtured." At this moment, the nine orifices within his body were connected by an invisible web, with the Divine Orifice at his brow still in contact with the flesh, while the other eight had completely detached. Though these orifices spread throughout the body, they seemed to exist in another void of a different dimension.@@@@ The first Divine Orifice had become the pivot connecting the body and the nine orifices. The absorption of blood essence, the exchange of vital forces, and the transformation of the body were all done through it. "Start over from scratch? Grafting?" Chen Mus eyebrows shot up involuntarily. "Is the so-called Heavenly Demon Heretical Method simply grafting and cultivating a more powerful True Form of Heavenly Demon onto oneself?" "The human body has its limits, so instead of remaining human, directly cultivate a new Celestial Demon body? Tsk..." Chen Mu couldnt help but click his tongue in wonder. "Though the style may not be to my taste, if it means having more Divine Secret Skills... well, that wouldnt be so bad, ha!" he thought cheerfully. "I should feed this True Form of Heavenly Demon some more tonic." Chen Mu immediately activated Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, and a human-sized black fog emerged before him, with the Exotic Force of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles spreading around him. In his unique perception, the heavy Primordial Energy was slowly seeping out of the black fog. He immediately manipulated Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, striving to gather it together. In the past, Chen Mu couldnt see Primordial Energy outside the Divine Orifices. Even after the nine orifices were connected, he still couldnt see it, but Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles could sense and absorb Primordial Energy. "Not being able to see it is because the original body didnt have this ability." "Now that I can sense and grab it using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, is it the capability of the new body, the True Form of Heavenly Demon?" At this moment, Chen Mu was already enraptured by the mysterious allure of the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method. He placed a bean-sized cluster of Primordial Energy in front of the first Divine Orifice at the brow. It was as if pulling the plug from a backed-up sink, the heavy and sluggish Primordial Energy suddenly leaked into the Divine Orifice. After a good long while, once his brow swelled ever so slightly, as if sated and no longer absorbing, Chen Mu stuffed the remaining Primordial Energy into the Five Ghosts Bag. "I had only heard that Primordial Energy could refine Divine Orifices and achieve the River Chariot Dao Embryo. I never imagined it could also accelerate the condensation of the True Form of Heavenly Demon." He had previously discovered that a portion of Primordial Energy would vanish after circulating between the nine orifices. It was precisely this disappearing Primordial Energy that bolstered the vitality of the True Form of Heavenly Demon. He began trying to replenish it from the outside immediately. Sure enough, the vitality between the nine orifices began to grow much faster. "So close now, so close." "Once this True Form of Heavenly Demon emerges, I shall likely glimpse a hint of the True Form of the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon." ... Chen Mus face immediately grew ugly. The powerful enemy was evidently wary of Jade Spring Mountains strength, hence why they targeted the direction of Jade Spring Mountain to surround and intercept. Allowing Shang Huan to run towards other Lower Courtyards indicated that the enemy was not at all afraid of the martial power of a single Lower Courtyard! Even if the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, for secret reasons, secretly had a Condensing Aperture elder in residence. The very purpose of the existence of the Gan River Lower Courtyard was the construction of ferry boats. Everything else could be sacrificed. They would definitely not intervene for the safety of one or two disciples; they had to protect the secret of the shipyard inside the mountain. So am I supposed to bring trouble upon myself? A flash of severity appeared in Chen Mus eyes, and immediately his face turned incredibly grim. If I really dared to do that, those old guys hiding in the mountains would probably go after me first! In an instant, he understoodif Lu Ku and Shang Huan really did bring a powerful enemy, the Gan River Lower Courtyard would never help him! Right away, Chen Mu activated the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, and like a tightly wound spring suddenly released, he shot upwards abruptly. After reaching a high altitude, he made a sharp turn and headed in the opposite direction from where Shang Huan and Lu Ku came, without looking back, he fled at high speed. No matter who the enemy was. Id rather run first out of respect! ... Sixty miles east of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. The sky was a clear blue, cloudless for miles. A pearly white Escape Light dashed across the sky with great speed. "Stop... chasing... me!" Chen Mu shouted furiously over the United Heart channel. If he hadnt been afraid of encountering that unknown powerful enemy, he really would have turned back to strangle Shang Huan and Lu Ku first! "Youve got to help us!" Shang Huan shouted while frantically tracking him down. "Have you gone mad or am I the stupid one!" Chen Mu ground his teeth with hatred: "If I help you, do I even have a chance to live?! If that person doesnt fear a regular Lower Courtyard, then he must be a Condensing Aperture expert. How should I help, by offering up my head?!" He tried to actively cut off the United Heart connection, but somehow Lu Ku was able to continually lock onto his position. Even after changing directions several times, he still couldnt shake off the pursuit. "By now you must be convinced that you cannot escape my tracking," Lu Ku, who had been observing the chase, spoke up, "Moreover, even if you can avoid us, you cant hide from that horned beast." "I have no grudges with your pursuers; so long as you dont come near me, theyd be fools to waste effort catching me," Chen Mu certainly didnt believe him. "Theres some bad news I forgot to tell you." Lu Kus voice remained calm. "Judging from a few words from our pursuers, the United Heart Gu planted in our bodies altered our constitution, coincidentally making us suitable to be used as offerings for a ritual called the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryo." "They need the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryo for some ceremony." "As the master of the United Heart Gu, your constitution is a perfect match for the main offering." "So, whether we come looking for you or not, from the moment we were captured, you were already on their capture list." Lu Kus calm voice carried a hint of amusement: "Were like grasshoppers on the same rope, you cant escape." Chen Mu: "..." Fuck! Chapter 424 - 417: Thousand Lights The luminescent white Escape Light retracted, and thick black clouds emerged around Chen Mu. "Whether I can escape or not, Ill only know after I try!" Five Ghosts Mysterious Shadow Escape Technique! Chen Mus pace quickened by another fraction.@@@@ Lu Kus voice still carried its usual calm, "We sought help at Jade Spring Mountain and were intercepted. Yet, when we come to the Lower Courtyard of Gan River, there are only pursuers." "Is it because they lacked the ability to blockade us?" "No, they are deliberately letting us meet." "I guess, given your modus operandi, you never really left the Lower Courtyard of Gan River," Lu Ku said with a light chuckle. "These people, although powerful, might not want to attack the Lower Courtyard for reasons of concealment." "Then how could they catch you?" "Of course, by making you aware of the danger and prompting you to leave the Lower Courtyard of Gan River of your own accord." Chen Mu, soaring through the mid-air, suddenly halted his Escape Light. So... have I been running in the wrong direction all this time?! Lu Ku laughed heartily, "We should thank you for your caution, otherwise those people would never have allowed us to flee to your presence." Chen Mu: "..." I want to strangle this bastard more and more! "You had already guessed? Yet you didnt say?" "Whose side are you really on?!" Chen Mus Escape Light descended from the sky, plunging into the ground like diving into water, and he immediately began to return in the direction of the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. Lu Ku chuckled, "Do you want to go back to the Lower Courtyard of Gan River now? Hmm... Im afraid its a bit too late." Hearing this, Chen Mu did not even have time to react before he suddenly saw a bright light in front of him, and the earthen pressure around him lightened as if he had burrowed into an underground cavern. Chen Mu couldnt help but look down towards the source of the light, and unexpectedly found a brightly lit, enormous city had appeared under his feet. Streets crisscrossed within the city, and red-walled, green-tiled pavilions lined both sides, with out-of-place pavilions featuring flying eaves adorned with bronze bells. Countless white paper lanterns hung throughout the streets and alleys, resembling a river of stars floating in the sky, illuminating the entire city with their glow. But the vast city was silent as the grave. Not a single person was seen inside the streets or pavilions! A trap! He abruptly turned around, only to find in shock that the subterranean rock layer he had traversed had vanished without a trace. Behind him was an empty expanse, leaving only the pitch-black horizon devoid of any light. Chen Mu immediately flew back the way he had come, the lights underfoot stretching into countless lines. No matter how much he accelerated, the distant black horizon seemed perpetually out of reach. He suddenly stopped his Escape Light and spun around in mid-air to inspect his surroundings. Above his head and in all directions, there was only darkness as far as the eye could see. Yet, right below him lay the same luminous, immense city, as if Chen Mu had never actually left the spot. Chen Mus face instantly turned extremely grim. ... Truthful Listening! An invisible wave immediately enveloped the city below, but apart from the sound of flames burning within the lanterns, there was no sound of life in the entire city, just a deadening silence. Chen Mu looked around once more, his brows furrowed tightly, "The most likely way to break the situation must be in the city." He immediately descended, his Escape Light fading, and entered a tavern with a cloth sign reading Wine. Once inside, he saw wine jars, counters, abaci, and books; further in, seven or eight tables were neatly arranged, filling the hall. The hall was empty, but on three of the tables were complete sets of dishes, chopsticks, delicacies, and fine wines. Chen Mu frowned as he approached and found that the slightly reduced dishes still retained some warmth! It was as if people were just eating and drinking here, and then the moment he arrived, they vanished instantly! He quickly stepped out of the tavern and broke into several houses and pavilions along the street. Eaten meals, rice boiling in pots, steaming, bubbling soups C except for the absence of people, all signs of a bustling city life were there. Standing on the deserted street, Chen Mu felt a chill run down his scalp. He returned to the tavern with the Wine sign, reached behind the counter, and began to slowly flip through the ledger. He was so engrossed in his reading that he failed to notice his elongated shadow behind him beginning to twist strangely. A pair of hands emerged from the shadow, slowly reaching towards the neck of the shadow... "Whos there!" Chen Mu spun around suddenly. Just now, he felt as if someone was blowing on the back of his neck. But upon closer inspection, the surroundings were silent, with no one in sight. "Somethings not right..." Chen Mus brows furrowed tightly, and he began to flip through the ledger more quickly. The detailed entries in the ledger convinced Chen Mu that the eerie city before him was most likely not an illusion. "So this is a real city shrouded in a Qiankun Mystical Technique like Shrinking the Miles to a Foot." "To leave, the best way would be to master the two-realm teleportation..." Just as he was muttering to himself, transfixed, he suddenly turned around, his face fierce as he stared down at the long shadow at his feet. "Die!" Ding ding ding! Three flashes of red light. The Vermilion Feather Sword suddenly pinned the shadow beneath his feet. "Nothing?" Chen Mu looked at the trembling Magic Sword on the ground, his brow furrowing deeper. Through the perspective of the Flying Sword, he thought he had seen the shadow move. "An illusion?" Just as this thought emerged in his mind, a chill breeze hit his neck again. Boom! The Body Protection Aura surged, and the Yang Cuo Bone Shield manifested. The ledger on the counter instantly disintegrated into dust. He stared intently at the shadow beneath his feet. He was absolutely certain that his own shadow had just moved! Chapter 425 - 418 Shadow Within Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu stared intently at the shadow beneath his feet. However, after a good while passed, his own shadow remained still, without a stir. "I clearly saw the shadow moving." Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! The secret center of his eyebrows throbbed, and an invisible force radiated from him in all directions. It was the feedback of perception he had initially gained from the True Form of Heavenly Demon. Chen Mu fixed his gaze on the surrounding shadows. His own shadow was fine, but the shadows of the tables, chairs, and benches around him were not right. While they appeared calm on the surface, they were filled with strands of dark, malevolent intent! These shadows, they were alive! In the next moment, these shadows suddenly became active and began to wriggle, twisting into numerous monster-like claws and sharp teeth in an instant. Malice surged towards him, as numerous black tendrils reached out from the surrounding shadows, swiftly extending and straightening, and in the blink of an eye, they bound Chen Mus shadow tightly. It was as if he had just stepped out of the shower and into a cold breeze, causing Chen Mu to shiver uncontrollably. Find your next adventure on novelhall.Co?m His face immediately darkened. "These shadows can actually absorb my blood essence and vital energy?!" This was the physical sensation he experienced when he himself launched Absorption to return the soul! Boom! At the thought, the Body Protection Aura suddenly swelled, instantly shattering the tables, chairs, and benches, and the shadow tendrils broke apart and dissipated. But in the very next instant, from the dark corners and room edges, more sharp shadows pierced out, arrow-like, zipping into the midst of Chen Mus shadow. Chen Mus body shook as if someone had suddenly drawn a large tube of blood from him, his entire body suddenly went limp. "Damn it!" He shot up abruptly, crashing through the roof and soaring into the sky. Only when he had completely left the large city below did the sensation of having his vital energy drained disappear. He stared intently at the city below. On the surface, it seemed quiet and still, but he could acutely feel the malevolent gazes hidden within the shadowy nooks and crannies. In that instant, he even felt as though the entire large city was alive. In comparison to this menacing behemoth, Chen Mu, floating mid-air, appeared as insignificant as a sesame seed. Before he could figure out the true nature of the shadow attack, countless shadows within the entire city began to writhe. The next moment, those shadows seemed to take on a solid form. Numerous pairs of pitch-black tendrils suddenly surged towards the sky from all directions, swiftly surrounding Chen Mu at the center. "Caught you!" A frenzied cheer that sounded like millions of people speaking at once exploded. A massive force of absorption descended out of nowhere. Chen Mus body temperature plummeted rapidly, and his face visibly paled at a pace visible to the naked eye. But he laughed in defiance, something unusual for him. "Caught me?" "Its I who have caught you!" His hands suddenly became clear and jade-white, and a mesmerizing demonic power unfurled upon them. Then he fiercely grasped at the shadows entwining his body, and those shadows, which should have been intangible, were suddenly gripped. Swish! The once brightly-lit city darkened abruptly, screams and roars wiped clean. Aside from the raging fire Chen Mu had started, which still crackled and popped, the shadowy monstrosities that had swarmed the entire city had vanished without a trace. The black sphere between his eyebrows, seemingly satiated, spun around. The black light flickered, and it disappeared from sight. Immediately after, a surge of thick Vital Energy flowed into his body, instantly replenishing the Vital Energy he had lost. It even appeared as though it might not have been enough, as two more currents of Vital Energy emerged from his forehead, causing Chen Mus face to flush red. He didnt look like he had just fought a fierce battle but rather as if he had eaten his fill, drank heartily, and had a long, satisfying sleep! "Hey!" "This True Form of Heavenly Demon is really something!" "Haha..." ... In the dense forest. Qian Mu, carrying Shang Huan with a smile, said, "Seven Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryos and one Nether Spirit Primordial Embryo, all captured by the general." "With such a great achievement, the Spirit Lord will surely allow you to retreat and cultivate in the Jade Dew Grotto Heaven." "Haha, this subordinate pre-congratulates the general on achieving the Divine Demon Eight Transformations soon!" Jin Er couldnt help but curve up the corners of his mouth. Stuck in the Divine Demon Seven Transformations for years, now seeing a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough, he too couldnt suppress the elation within. "Lets go to Thousand Lanterns City." "At this moment, Lian Cheng should already have succeeded." "The sooner we finish this, the sooner we can return to the capital to claim our rewards." Upon hearing those words, Qian Mu nodded, dropped Shang Huan, and pulled out a compressed, foldable white-skin lantern from his embrace. With a flick downward, the white-skin lantern abruptly stood erect. He cut open his right palm, and his fresh red blood flowed into the lantern. Puff! Instead of staining the lantern with blood, a dim yellow candlelight appeared inside. Under this light, the ground ahead turned into a dark shadow. The two men, unfazed, stepped forward carrying Shang Huan and sank into the darkness. The view shifted in a blink, the dense forest vanished, and the two abruptly appeared in a small alley paved with green bricks. A lantern hung on the eave of a house nearby, and now the two stood within its candlelight. Without even having time to scrutinize their surroundings, a pitiful wail reached their ears. Looking up towards the sky, their gaze was immediately captured by the mass of dense black shadows up above. But before they could react, they saw all the shadows being pulled into the sky and disappeared without a trace. Simultaneously, the lantern illuminating the alley extinguished, plunging the whole street into darkness. Qian Mu looked up at the sky and then down at the white-skin lantern in his hand, which now lacked any light. Almost as if he had seen a terrifying demon, his forehead was suddenly covered in a fine, cold sweat. "Lian Cheng is dead, and Thousand Lanterns City will surely drift into the void!" "We dont have the Divine Skills of Teleportation!" "General, we... we are going to be trapped to death in Thousand Lanterns City!" Jin Er, who had just regained his senses, became rigid all over. Chapter 426 - 419 Attack The white paper lanterns went out, and the shadow creature died at the hands of the True Form of Heavenly Demon, and Chen Mu couldnt help but feel a sense of relief. He retracted the Fire Cloud Gourd but didnt rush to land just yet, fearing that this bizarre ancient city might harbor other secrets. Just as he was about to investigate carefully, a faint vibration transmitted from the United Heart Rope. With a thought, Chen Mu activated the United Heart Curse and discovered that Lu Ku and Shang Huan, whom he had previously cut off from sense sharing, seemed to be very close to him now. Had these two also been captured into this peculiar ancient city? "Someone is coming to capture you!" "Brother Mu, run quickly!" Just as he opened the sense sharing, Chen Mu heard Shang Huans urgent voice, and his heart startled, instinctively activating Truthful Listening. Continue your adventure with novelhall.Co?m The next moment, he couldnt help but tense up all over. He suddenly looked down and saw, without knowing when, a strong man over two meters tall with a full beard had appeared silently on the rooftop of a building not far beneath his feet. When did he?! Before Chen Mu could suppress the shock in his heart, the figure vanished like a phantom. Almost at the same time, he saw a black shadow flit by, and a rough, furious roar suddenly appeared over his head, "You seem very pleased!" Chen Mus pupils contracted, and he abruptly looked up, only to find that the strong man had already reached above him! At this moment, the man looked down at Chen Mu from a high position, his gaze filled with rage and coldness. "But Im not pleased!" "You useless Lian Cheng!" The mans face turned beet red as he almost roared out loud. At the same time, he raised his right hand and, in the process of naturally falling, he swung down his fist with the force of a giant axe. Without a sound, his fist, heavy like a sledgehammer, appeared abruptly above Chen Mus head as if it teleported through space. Chen Mus pupils suddenly shrank, and his hands instinctively lifted to brace upward, his Body Protection Spiritual Light automatically activating. Bang! Upon contact, the circular Spiritual Light was smashed into a concaved distortion, becoming nearly as thick as a pancake. Chen Mu felt a surge of mountainous force acting upon his whole body as if he were a baseball being struck and his entire form just whooshed away into nothing in midair. Boom! A three-story building instantly had a large hole smashed through its roof. On the first floor of the building, before Chen Mu could push away the broken clay, wood, and bricks on top of him, a large foot descended from the sky, wrapped in a chilling wind and appeared before his eyes. The spontaneously manifested Body Protection Aura barely held for a moment before it shattered into flickering light fragments with a pop. Chen Mus expression abruptly changed dramatically. Escape! His figure suddenly burrowed into the ground and disappeared from sight. The next moment. Boom! An intense shockwave exploded, tearing the damaged building into pieces with violent force in an instant. As dust and rubble billowed, a crater about seven or eight meters in diameter filled with dirt and rocks appeared, centered on Chen Mus last position. Is it the eyes of this fellow that perceived me through the earth? Between the flashes of lightning, two red lines tore through the air in an instant. Vermilion Feather Sword! Pfft! Just miles apart, reaching in the blink of an eye. As it rapidly spun back, the red glow left trails like a ball of yarn. The two Magic Swords turned into a dense barrage of arrows, piercing the figure hundreds of times in the blink of an eye. Like a bursting balloon, Qian Mus figure exploded into pieces. A sense of elation filled Chen Mus heart, and he was about to dive back into the ground. But then he saw countless fragments from Qian Mus explosion each split open a crack, and in an instant, they all turned into variously sized eyes filled with scarlet blood vessels! In those constantly blinking eyes, there was nothing but a mocking gaze. They scattered in all directions, flying into various dark corners and disappearing without a trace. Chen Mus pupils abruptly narrowed. Damn it! As his spirit shook, the deflection of light briefly stalled, and in that moment, Jin Ers figure reappeared, his scarlet iron fist viciously smashing towards Chen Mu. An enormous force came barreling down, and the Bone Shield trembled violently. Crack! A faint noise, as soft as a whisper yet as deafening as thunder, reached Chen Mus ears. He stared fixedly at the point of contact between the scarlet fist and the Bone Shield, a tiny crack catching his eye; in the next moment, dense fissures suddenly spread out and raced across the back of the Shield! "I want to see how long your turtle shell will protect you! Hahaha!" Jin Er laughed loudly. His fists, like shooting stars with a scarlet glow, slammed into the same spot of the Bone Shield ten times in a row. Bang! The pale Bone Shield shattered in an instant, and the fist, hot like a red-hot hammer, appeared fiercely in front of Chen Mu. No time! Cant dodge! Chen Mus eyes bulged as he instinctively clenched his right fist, his bodys strength flowing in waves, fiercely slamming into the scarlet iron fist. In a flash of thought, black smoke from around him furiously burrowed into Chen Mus body. Under the skin, the muscles seemed to come alive, violently surging left and right. As his fair fist broke through the air, the muscles around his knuckles twisted, bulging with veins, and a dark blue color rapidly crept over his fist. Bang! An invisible shockwave burst forth suddenly. The swirling black smoke around him was instantly dispelled. Wrapping a gust of wind around him, a shadow was struck flying towards the ground with a whoosh. Buildings made of hard earth and stone shattered as if they were made of paper, instantaneously pierced and blown apart. In midair, Chen Mu with silver light swirling on his forehead, opened his palm and then clenched his fist again, his eyes, turned dark scarlet, intently gazing at the ground. "The strength of this man is so... so..." "So utterly feeble!" He bared his teeth, and on that demon-like dark blue face, a ferocious smile suddenly emerged. Chapter 427 - 420 Netherworld Hiss! A surge of vigorous qi burst out from within a dilapidated pavilion, the bricks and stones easily torn to pieces by the impact. Hum! The air abruptly trembled as a figure with pitch-black bull horns, five meters tall and with skin as dark and iron-cast as his body, tore open the roof of the ruined pavilion and suddenly appeared. Jin Ers mouth and nose were surrounded by swirling hot white smoke, and he glanced indifferently at Chen Mu. "No wonder the Spirit Lord values you," he said. <><>"But this is as far as you go." Chen Mu stared at Jin Er, his brows slightly furrowed and the smile on his face slowly fading away. The aura emanating from his opponent at this moment made his heart tremble without reason. Was that feeling just now an illusion? Trouble! "Not willing to give up?" Jin Ers mouth curled into a mocking smile. "Even if youre a Condensing Aperture elder of Jilong Road, youre nothing more than a slightly bigger ant in my eyes." "You... heh!" A strong sense of oppression came over him, and Chen Mus face instantly changed. With this level of might, an ordinary Condensing Aperture practitioner of Jilong Road would most likely not be able to withstand this bull-horned monsters iron fist! His heart sank. "Take a beating obediently, and if Im in a good mood afterward, I might grant you a quick death," Jin Er threatened. "Otherwise..." Jin Er bared his teeth, revealing his bone-white fangs, and a playful and malicious gaze filled his eyes! The next moment, Jin Ers figure abruptly sprang up, a ring of white smoke exploded in the air, and he appeared almost instantaneously above Chen Mu with a boom. He put his hands together and raised them high above his head. "Heavenly Destruction from Ten Directions!" An imprisoning force suddenly descended, and Chen Mu felt as though he were a mosquito trapped in amber, fixed in mid-air. This is it! Giant Spirit Divine!@@@@ The shadow of a divine general in dark red armor flickered behind him, and a tremendous force suddenly bolstered his body, forcing a small gap in the imprisoning power. Continue your adventure at novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu was immediately overjoyed and was about to cast spells to escape. Jin Ers indifferent voice came again. "Its useless," he said. Clang! The imprisoning force that Chen Mu had just pried open rebounded back into place. The air around him suddenly became as rigid as concrete, and he was firmly stuck in place, unable to move! In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu even felt as though time around him was slowing down, and a sense of despair began to spread in his heart. He looked at the pair of crimson iron hands chopping down toward his head, feeling for the first time that death was just a hairs breadth away. In that instant, countless thoughts surged in his mind. He just wanted to stay in a place where no one would bother him, where he could peacefully farm experience. But why was that so difficult? For more than ten years, he had lived cautiously, staying far away from danger. Yet, the unpredictable nature of events always surprised him, as if he wasnt meant to have a peaceful and harmonious life. Just give up resisting and wait for death? Chen Mus pupils slowly contracted into needles. No way! Five Ghosts Moving Mountain! Black smoke billowed out, and the Five Ghosts Bag opened wide as if bees were leaving their hive. Clusters of black mixed with red ghosts exploded in the sky like black fireworks, instantly filling half of the heavens. If you want me dead, youd better be prepared to go down with me! "Thank you for giving me this opportunity!" "Ive been wanting to try this move!" "Lets die together! Haha!" Myriad Ghosts as One! The dense mass of black and red smoke abruptly became still, and the next instant, like piranhas smelling blood, they crazily burrowed into Chen Mus body. Lin Su replied with an easygoing expression, "Afraid, of course." "But who let Jin Er bungle his task?" "Even the annihilation of the Jin Familys nine generations would hardly atone for ruining the Divine Spirits grand scheme." Lin Su looked indifferently at the pond before him. "I gave him the opportunity, and I gave him the time." "Unfortunately..." He turned back to look at Dantai Zong. Dantai Zongs face was grave. He bowed slightly, nodded, and then briskly walked in front of Lin Su. Hands joined together. "Netherworld Ferry!" His entire body suddenly exploded, and in the blink of an eye, he turned into a puddle of bright yellow water, disappearing into the ground without a trace. ... Thousand Lanterns City. Inside a dark alley. Shang Huan lay helpless against a wall, bound in pitch-black chains. He looked terrified at something in the distance. There, a five-meter-tall giant with indigo skin was holding a horned monster by its horns, swinging it against the city walls and then smashing it to the ground over its head like a rag filled with stones. In just a moment, the massive city had been nearly destroyed. His eyes bulging, he felt the wild aura, disbelief written all over his face. Was this black-smoke-wreathed, blood-eyed monstrous giant really the same person as the one who used the Alchemy Furnace to stew pork ribs? "Mu, he..." "Hes probably gone mad, right?" Lu Ku let out a wry smile, "Such a terrifying secret technique cant possibly come without a price." Suddenly, the wall beside the two of them cracked open, and an eyeball covered in bloodshot veins appeared. The air vibrated with a buzz, and Qian Mus anxious voice came through immediately, "That man has indeed lost his mind. Do you have any way to wake him up?" Shang Huan lay on the ground, glanced at him, and suddenly burst into a strange chuckle, "Yes, if you beg me, Ill tell you." "Are you blind? That guy doesnt recognize anyone now! If the general falls, neither of us will survive!" the crimson eyeball yelled. Shang Huan furrowed his brows, unable to suppress a look of concern. "Thats indeed a possibility." The crimson eyeball blinked rapidly, "Thats right, if we can wake him up, we can still live. If you let him keep raging, were all doomed!" Hearing this, Shang Huans gaunt face grew even more solemn. "If thats the case..." "Then lets all die together!" "Ha ha ha..." Right over his chest, Lu Kus mouth corners quirked up, "Seems like youre afraid of death too, huh... hehe..." The crimson eyeball stood frozen in place, its gaze filled with disbelief as it stared at Lu Ku and Shang Huan, "Have you guys gone mad?!" But before it could plead further. A streak of bright yellow water suddenly seeped out from the chains binding Shang Huan, and as it hit the ground, it silently began to spread rapidly. Everywhere it passed, houses and walls corroded and collapsed as if wax had met flame, soon sinking into the bright yellow water to disappear without a trace. "Netherworld Ferry?!" The crimson eyeballs pupil suddenly contracted. "Dantai Zong!" It cursed through gritted teeth and, right before sinking into the watery surface, vanished in a flash. Shang Huan lay against the wall as the bright yellow surface appeared, slowly sinking down. No corrosive pain came as expected; instead, he felt a warm and comfortable sensation that gave him an unprecedented sense of security, causing him to involuntarily squint his eyes. "If I really have to drown like this, it wouldnt be so bad." "Lu Ku, still thinking about becoming a ghost soldier?" "Probably wont make it, huh." Only Lu Kus face was above water as he glanced sideways at the rampaging blue giant not far away. He too felt the soul-soothing warmth. This must be the sweet poison, he thought. But... "I tried my best; let it be..." With an oddly light chuckle from Lu Ku, both their figures completely submerged beneath the water. The surrounding walls and pavilions began to sink slowly but resolutely, quietly disappearing beneath the waters surface. Chapter 428 - 421 Forgetful River Thousand Lanterns City. Surrounding and above, the dark void still lingered, but the vast and complex city had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a calm expanse of water. A black heart floated in mid-air, pulsing slowly. Wisps of white smoke drifted from the heart, slowly gathering into clusters. After a while, a ghastly pale hand suddenly reached out, dispersing the white smoke, revealing Jin Ers form slowly emerging. Yet now, his whole body was withered and diminutive, having aged to appear like a man in his seventies or eighties. "Thirty years of cultivation, all lost in a single moment!" "Lin Su!" He gasped desperately for air, teeth clenched, fixing his eyes on the water beneath him. Previously, when the opponent suddenly activated the Netherworld Ferry, he had no choice but to fight with all his might. He was certain that if he couldnt send Chen Mu into the dragon well first, Lin Su would dare to pull him into the Netherworld Ferry as well! As a result, he was left with his cultivation completely dissipated, while Qian Mu had been drained of vital energy by that unconscious, frenzied monster, reduced to smoke and dust. Fortunately, he managed to send the person into the Netherworld and survived this catastrophe. "Lin Su! I have already sent the person to the dragon well, now let me out quickly!" Jin Ers heart was tumultuous as he shouted repeatedly. He feared that Lin Su, with his ruthless and decisive nature, would take the opportunity to silence him. After a long while, ripples finally began to emerge on the calm waters surface beneath him. Jin Ers heart loosened somewhat, thinking to himself that Lin Su after all had some reservations, pondering how to settle accounts with him once he got out. However, an indigo-blue arm suddenly burst through the ripples and grabbed his ankle in one swift motion. Jin Er looked down in shock, and immediately his eyes met Chen Mus pair that had regained clarity, yet appeared even more fierce and frenzied. The next moment. Whoosh! The extremely weakened Jin Er was pulled into the Netherworld Ferry without any resistance. Inside Thousand Lanterns City, it became completely empty. ... Atop an unnamed mountain peak. Bright yellow water spurted from underground, slowly converging to form a human shape, as Dantai Zongs figure reappeared. "Young Master, everyone has now entered the Netherworld Ferry." "I placed the exit at the dragon well, by now they should all have entered it." Lin Su smiled with ease, "With all the Nether Spirit Primordial Embryos gathered, the preparations for the dragon well are finally complete." Dantai Zong nodded in agreement, then sighed with a hint of concern, "General Jin used the Blood Pouch avatar, sacrificing his entire cultivation in a bid for survival by severing a limb. Its a pity that at the last moment, he was still dragged into the Netherworld Ferry by Chen Mu." In the blink of an eye, Chen Mus clothing and hair were completely corroded to black withering, turning to dust and smoke, drifting away in the water. Patches of his fair skin started falling off, the blood-red muscles beneath as if they had dipped into strong acid, rapidly decomposed and dissipated. In just a moment, his fingernails and toenails began falling off. Stark white bone appeared where flesh had completely corroded away. Yet Chen Mu still lay peacefully in the water, his half-open eyes completely undisturbed. Just as his slowly beating heart became visible between the gaps of his ribs, a lychee-sized pitch-black hollow sphere emerged on his smooth, pale brow. Torrents of black smoke surged from within, rapidly enveloping Chen Mus entire body. Like teleportation, his shattered, skeletal body suddenly disappeared, replaced by a human-shaped black smoke figure. The previously violent and clear water instantly turned as gentle as a warm spring, softly cradling the human-shaped black smoke that Chen Mu had transformed into, slowly sinking to the riverbed and blending into the mass of shadows. ... The Lower Courtyard of Gan River. "Ran off suddenly, as if someone was chasing him?" Mo Wuzhou looked with a serious expression at the big toad. He couldnt help but think of those strange people who could transform into muddy black shadows and the Netherworld demons and monsters that could envelop an entire mountain peak. Chen Mu had played a role in the discovery of both. Now it seemed... "Is it a revenge killing?" Mo Wuzhous face looked ugly. "To make those people launch the Netherworld Ferry, your junior brother is probably in dire straits," Tu said with a chuckle. "Able to adeptly wield the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, his Cultivation almost on par with yours. I remember you saying he started his Cultivation much later than you, right?" "A genius indeed..." Tus tone carried a hint of regret. "I should have taken his brain when I had the chance." Mo Wuzhou gave a cold smile, "You should be glad you didnt mess with him." "My junior brother is best at the Yin Mysterious Method." "That Netherworld demon was exposed by him." "What could he do to you, do you think?" Tu fell silent for a moment, then stopped talking. Standing in front of the wooden houses porch, looking at the big toad standing dumbfounded in the courtyard, Mo Wuzhou sighed. "Is there really no chance of survival?" Tu sighed, "Those people are likely from the Yinming Group." "Greedy, bloodthirsty, terrifyingly strange. And like locusts, theyre endless. No matter how powerful, one can be overwhelmed and devoured by wave after wave of their attacks." "I think instead of worrying about him, you should be more concerned about yourself." "The appearance of the Yinming Group here suggests that they are very likely to launch an attack on this place." "If your strength is not up to par, you wont even have time to run!" Chapter 429 - 422 Yin Spirits At the bottom of the River of Oblivion. Human-shaped, serpent-tailed shadows piled on top of each other, flowing with the current, vast and endless to the sight. One of the shadows, as if awakening from a nightmare, shuddered, and amidst a tremble of limbs, suddenly soared into the air. Chen Mu felt his brain was a jumble of mush, as if his thoughts were out of control. Instinctively wanting to shake his head to clear his mind, he found it futile, his head immovable. In a haze, noticing the boundless flood of shadows, Chen Mus heart was filled with horror. He struggled to move his arms and body, only to find the connection between body and mind intermittent. Thinking over and over again to lift his arm, he managed only once to slightly move his smoke-like palm. His consciousness was frantically useless. After trying for a long time, he had no choice but to calm down and try again. Thus, his limbs would twitch and then pause, like a machine running out of battery, starting and shutting down intermittently. With that, his body rose and fell along the riverbed. In the silent depths of the river, Chen Mu lost track of time. He didnt know how much time had passed when his movements became a bit more coordinated, and his body finally began to float up slowly. Plup! At one moment, Chen Mu broke the surface with his face. As if snapping out of a nightmare, his sluggish, blurred thoughts suddenly cleared. His body, completely composed of black smoke, contracted and solidified, features forming on his face and quickly becoming distinct. The pitch-black color faded on his body and then, as if someone were painting over him, gradually turned into normal, healthy, reddish-white skin. Before long, he had transformed from a cluster of human-shaped black smoke into a normal human body. At this point, Chen Mu was overwhelmingly weak. Despite this, he had no choice but to struggle, swimming towards the nearby riverbank with all his might. By the time he touched the grey cobblestones of the riverbank, he was utterly exhausted, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. "Yo! Another ones been found! Were in luck!" A voice suddenly rang in his ear, as a pair of black cloth boots appeared in front of him. He tried to lift his head to see who had spoken, but his eyelids drooped, and his consciousness plunged into darkness. ... Three days later, at night. The sky was shrouded with thick clouds. Faint light penetrated from behind the clouds, casting the land in a gloomy haze. On an open field in the wilderness, several bonfires burned, dispelling the darkness. Chen Mu, who had climbed out from the bottom of the river, was sitting beside one of the fires. He was dressed in coarse grey cloth shorts, and he looked fifteen or sixteen years old, with a shaved head. Aside from an eerie silver vertical stripe on his forehead, his face and body were exactly the same as Chen Mus in the memories of his fifteen or sixteen-year-old self in this life. "Young man, its time to accept reality," said a gaunt old man with white hair and beard gently beside him. "Let me tell you, each one of you owes me twenty Jade Dew Pearls." "If you dont pay up, dont think Ill take you to Antiquity City!" A tall, stout man with bull horns on his head suddenly walked up to the group. He snapped his whip in the air with a crack, his face fierce and terrifying, looking as if he was about to devour someone. Upon hearing this, the people by the bonfire instantly fell silent, not daring to speak. Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m Each of them quickly closed their eyes and began to murmur incantations. The old man Shi sitting next to Chen Mu was already sitting upright, seriously muttering Curse Words. Chen Mu couldnt help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Just a moment ago, the old man looked like a gentle and open-minded elder who saw life and death indifferently, but you turned into a coward as soon as the bull-horned man showed up? Your reaction speed is a bit too fast, isnt it? Chen Mu looked up at the newcomer with bull horns, narrowing his eyes. He thought back to the man with the beard in Thousand Lanterns City. He really wanted to break off those damn bull horns! "New guy, what are you looking at!" the bull-horned man barked at Chen Mu angrily. The people by the bonfire stiffened instantly, fearing the repercussions, each of them shrinking like quails trying hard to keep out of sight. Chen Mu also noticed that Shi, sitting cross-legged beside him, had managed to lift himself slightly with fingers from both hands and quietly shifted towards a position farther from himself. Chen Mu: "..." Damn slippery old man! Facing the bull-horned mans angry gaze, Chen Mu put on a solemn face, "Your pair of bull horns, they look really nice!" "Do... do they?" the bull-horned man scratched his head, then immediately began to chuckle foolishly, "I also think they look good." After that, he turned and walked away to another bonfire, the whip in his hand cracking again, quickly reverting to his fierce and intimidating demeanor, as if the amiable attitude just shown was an illusion. The few by the bonfire looked at each other, puzzled. "How did you do that?" The old man Shi sitting beside him asked in amazement. How did he do it? "Perhaps its because I speak sincerely," Chen Mu said with a serious face. The people around the bonfire: "..." Youre fooling ghosts! Chen Mu smiled slyly. Thats exactly what he was doing C fooling ghosts. He was able to bamboozle the bull-horned man, of course, by leveraging the True Form of Heavenly Demon. In the past few days, he had already discovered that the True Form of Heavenly Demon seemed to be able to sway the emotions of others, momentarily bewildering their spirit. ``` Chapter 430 - 423: Gathering Dew ``` The following day, by the River of Oblivion. Groups of people were scattered in twos and threes, wandering along the riverbank. Chen Mu stood beside Shi Dechun, his heart still harboring residual fear as he gazed at the calm, endless, and unruffled surface of the water, the terrifying memories of struggling at the river bottom still lingering in his mind. As he stared absently at the river, a sudden spray of water appeared. A human-shaped shadow burst forth from the surface, only to sink back down again. As it rose and fell, it would at one moment take on a human shape, and at the next, revert to a form of black smoke. After dozens of attempts to break free, it finally sank to the bottom and disappeared. Only a ring of ripples remained, slowly spreading out before returning to calm, once again resembling a glass mirror. "What a pity," Shi Dechun remarked with a face full of sorrow. Chen Mu frowned, "What happens to that person who fell back into the river bottom in the end?" Stay updated through novelhall.Co?m@@@@ "What else could happen?" Shi Dechun snorted coldly. A jolt ran through Chen Mus heart. Could it be they are completely dead? He remembered well that the River of Oblivion Water was highly corrosive, comparable to a terrifying poison. Shi Dechuns face darkened, "Of course, its to be reborn and reincarnated." Chen Mus expression became rigid, "Reincarnation doesnt seem to be a bad thing, is it?" Shi Dechun scowled, "He might be off living his life in the world, but Ive just lost five Jade Dew Pearls for nothing." "Niu Sanmiao did say that anyone who helps him pick up a Yin Spirit from the river can save five Jade Dew Pearls off their fare to Antiquity City." "What a loss..." Chen Mu couldnt help but roll his eyes. I thought you were grieving for the loss of something precious, but it turns out youre just worried about your income? Tsk... But... "Is there really such a thing as reincarnation?" Chen Mu expressed his skepticism. "How could there not be?" Shi Dechun gave Chen Mu an odd look, "As long as they steep long enough at the river bottom, they can wash away the imprints of their past life." "Then their bodies will turn from black to white, become light as a feather, and they can fly out of the River of Oblivion to the Bridge of Helplessness." Is this for real?! Chen Mu was filled with suspicion, "Have you seen the Bridge of Helplessness?" Thats all stuff of legends and tales, right? He had been cultivating Qi for more than ten years and had never come across such claims in any respectable Daoist Scripture. Shi Dechun looked indifferent, "I havent seen the Bridge of Helplessness, but I often see Yin Spirits flying off to be reborn when I walk by the River of Oblivion." He then squinted his eyes, looking like he was enjoying a show, and lifted his chin toward the river, "Look, there goes one." Chen Mu looked up in surprise and saw a wisp of white smoke flying out of the water. Its head rapidly changed color, gaining clear facial features, yet from the neck down, it was like a long snake made up of white smoke. The expression on that persons face was blank, eyes drooping as if called by something; with a light flick of its white smoke tail, it swiftly soared towards the endless opposite bank of the River of Oblivion and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Having just started to learn, he didnt plan to delve too deep and decided hed probably understand it better once he became proficient. "Tsk, tsk, the familiar grind begins, get to work!" His original body was hidden all along in the dark space brought about by the True Form of Heavenly Demon. The damage caused by the corrosion of the Heavenly River Water, although slowly healing, was still terrifying. In an unfamiliar place and unaware of potential dangers, he dared not rashly reclaim his body. He decided to follow the local customs first, settle down, and then think about the future. ... By the River of Oblivion. Chen Mu followed Niu Sanmiaos team, pretending to stroll around all day long. They encountered several Netherworld Worms and saw a few Ghosts almost climbing onto the shore. Unfortunately, not a single one successfully became a Yin Spirit, leaving Niu Sanmiaos face visibly upset. Especially noticing Chen Mu slacking off, leisurely as if on a spring outing, Niu Sanmiaos expression grew even grimmer. After glaring and scolding several times, Chen Mu would respond with respect, then immediately continue to hide behind Shi Dechun and slack off, brushing up experience. Frustrated, Niu Sanmiao reached for his whip several times, as if wanting to lash him a few times. Frightened, Shi Dechun kept his distance from Chen Mu. Unfortunately, no matter where he went, Chen Mu followed, annoying the old man to no end. He wanted to scold Chen Mu to go away but didnt dare to. He hadnt forgotten Niu Sanmiaos peculiar behavior the previous night, and had a feeling that this little bald kid was out of the ordinary. ... At night, in the same wilderness as yesterday, a few bonfires had just been started. Niu Sanmiao came to the campfire with an imposing aura. His gaze immediately turned to Chen Mu, his right hand gripping the whip. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Chen Mu handing over a palm-sized yellow gourd without hesitation. The gourd felt heavy, and Niu Sanmiao was startled as he uncorked it, immediately seeing it was filled with a clear liquid like water. He hurriedly sniffed it and was struck by the scent of fresh grass, his expression instantly changing to surprise, "Jade Dew?! When did you learn the Dew Harvesting Spell?" Chen Mu smiled, "Niu Sir, is this Jade Dew enough?" Niu Sanmiao hesitated for quite a while, very reluctantly moving his hand away from the whip. He reached into his waist pouch and took out a lychee-sized transparent gel-like pearl and tossed it into the gourd. Shaking the gourd, he turned it upside down. The Jade Dew didnt flow out, but only a cherry-red pearl did. Niu Sanmiao glanced at the pearl in his palm and finally nodded in satisfaction, "Fine, continue tomorrow." Chen Mu nodded with a smile. Rather than collecting Yin Spirits to earn travel money, he preferred to practice his skill and condense Jade Dew on his own. After four days of grinding, the Dew Harvesting Spell had earned over twelve hundred experience points and was somewhat usable. Today, despite the effort it took almost half a day, he finally succeeded in condensing a gourd of Jade Dew. Afterward, as long as he handed over a gourd of Jade Dew every day for Niu Sanmiao to turn into Jade Dew Pearls, it would take just over ten days to gather enough travel money, so he naturally wasnt worried about this horned creature causing him any trouble. ``` Chapter 431 - 424 Divine Skills By the bonfire. "Wheres your Jade Dew?" Niu Sanmiao glared at the others with a fierce and evil look. Shi Dechun and the others quickly took out the gourds hanging from their waists, which they had gathered and condensed by staying up all night and making use of any spare time during the day. Explore more stories with novelhall.Co?m Without a word, Niu Sanmiao took the yellow-skinned gourds one by one, using a transparent bead to absorb the Jade Dew and make Jade Dew Pearls, As he was collecting them, he walked over to a short man. The mans face was plastered with a smile, "Boss Niu, today I was busy searching for Yin Spirits, so I dont have enough Jade Dew. Can we possibly delay it a bit?" Upon hearing this, the corners of Niu Sanmiaos mouth curled up, revealing a smile full of malice, "Delay? Give me a reason!" As he spoke, his hand reached for the whip at his waist. The short, skinny man immediately broke out in sweat on his forehead and couldnt help but look towards Chen Mu. Why are you looking at me? Chen Mu looked utterly baffled. Before he could figure out the meaning behind the other persons gaze, He saw the man grit his teeth, stomp his foot, and, after rubbing his face vigorously, said with full sincerity, "Boss Niu, your pair of horns look so nice!" "Look, can we delay the Jade Dew just for tonight?" Chen Mu: "..." Im scamming the devil here, and you actually believe it! Smack! Niu Sanmiao was so amused he laughed, lashing the short, skinny man on the arm with his whip, making him howl with pain. "I freaking hate it when others talk about my horns!" As he spoke, he kept whipping, causing the short, skinny man to hop around the bonfire. After a while, Niu Sanmiao finally put away his whip and, with a cold face, moved on to another bonfire. Once he was gone, the short, skinny man moved back beside the fire, looking at Chen Mu with a resentful gaze, "Last night you said the same thing, so why didnt it work today?" After thinking for a while, Chen Mu said earnestly, "Maybe you just werent sincere enough." Shi Dechuns face twitched as he listened. This little baldy is blatantly lying. What astonished him even more was that someone actually believed it?! Seeing the smiling little baldy beside him, he instinctively wanted to keep his distance. But when he took a couple of steps to the side, he turned his head to find the little baldy still beside him as if he had never moved at all. Shi Dechun felt his eyebrows twitching violently. Chen Mu smiled broadly, "Mr. Shi, its quite cold, isnt it? Its warmer to huddle together." Shi Dechun rolled his eyes and resignedly sat down by the fire with a sigh. Wasnt it just last night when Niu Sanmiao scolded someone and I stealthily shifted my seat? Its human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm. Why is this being blamed on me, to harbor such a grudge? "You didnt say anything bad about me in your heart, did you?" Chen Mu suddenly spoke. Startled, Shi Dechun shook his head vigorously. Crafty old fox! Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle. Then he turned his head towards the bonfire not far away and jerked his chin in that direction: "Whats with that group of strange and bizarre looking creatures?" At that fire, set apart from the crowd, sat four or five people with unusual appearances. Some of them had just one large eye, others had extra arms under their ribs, and one even had a pair of black feathered wings on their back. Niu Sanmiao, who had just been ferocious and terrifying, was now crouching by the fire chatting jovially, his demeanor completely changed. "What else could it be? They have unique talents and can cultivate Divine Skills," Shi Dechun whispered. "Theyll certainly be recruited as Yin Soldiers for Antiquity City, a bright future awaits them, so of course, Boss Niu wants to curry favor early on." "Divine Skills?" Chen Mu showed interest. Everyones attention was immediately drawn. There they saw a creature with only one eye in the middle of the forehead, its face red and body shaking with excitement. Niu Sanmiao was also beside it, saying something joyfully and excitedly. Then, facing everyones gaze, the one-eyed creature took a deep breath, held it in as hard as it could, and then its single eye suddenly lit up with a scarlet glow. The entire camp exploded into commotion, with people crowding around to see what the fuss was about. Shi Dechun jumped up and crowded forward with a look of envy. "Awesome, this is clearly the awakening of Divine Skills!" "Hes definitely going to Antiquity City to become a Yin Soldier, and he might even get to be a minor official immediately." "Such bright prospects, such a promising future..." Curious, Chen Mu followed Shi Dechun to take a closer look. He had only heard about Yin Spirits awakening Divine Skills, but this was his first time seeing it up close. Amidst everyones praises, the one-eyed man became even more excited, took another deep breath, and held it in forcefully. Then, the eye emitting the scarlet light started flickering, flashing several times before suddenly emitting a ghastly green beam. Pfft! One moment red, the next greenhad he awakened some kind of traffic light Divine Skill?! Ha ha! Taken aback, Chen Mu almost laughed out loud. "Alas, its turned green, its green now," the crowd exclaimed around him. The one-eyed man, proud and about to burst into laughter, raised his head in triumph. Chen Mu covered his face, trying hard not to laugh and ending up with a stomachache from restraint. ... A while later, people beside the campfire couldnt resist lively discussions. And nearby, the one-eyed man still had people flattering him. Shi Dechun said with an envious face, "I wish I could do this." "Do you also want to turn into a traffic light?" Chen Mu asked with a strange look. "Traffic light? Whats that?" Shi Dechun was puzzled. "Never mind, Im praising him," Chen Mu said cheerfully. Bullshit! Though he didnt understand, looking at the others expression, he knew he was being hoodwinked. Shi Dechun said displeased, "I want to awaken Divine Skills." "Putting prestige aside, at least I wont have to painstakingly condense Jade Dew." "Perhaps Niu Sanmiao would even waive the toll for me, or even better, people might offer up their own condensed Jade Dew." "Like that skinny monkey Yin Liu," Shi Dechun gestured with his chin toward the distance and sneered. Chen Mu glanced over just in time to see a thin, short man handing over a gourd with eagerness, the very same Yin Liu who had been whipped by Niu Sanmiao. "Wherever you are, there are always those who excel at opportunism," Shi Dechun sighed. Chen Mu took a brief look and then turned his attention away. His experience with the Dew Harvesting Spell had already reached over three thousand. If he put in the effort tonight, perhaps he could reach four thousand. Then, harvesting Jade Dew would become even easier. He had already inquired about it; the Jade Dew Pearl in Antiquity City was both currency and sustenance, so he held the Dew Harvesting Spell in high regard. "I just worry he might see us as stepping stones for his promotion," Shi Dechun whispered into Chen Mus ear with a tilt of his head. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu frowned. "Yin Liu thinks about picking up Yin Spirits to avoid tolls all day and hardly practices the Dew Harvesting Spell." Shi Dechun said spiritedly, "With just those few drops of Jade Dew he condenses on his own, one more of him doesnt make a difference, one less doesnt matter either. How could he possibly catch that persons special attention?" "You mean..." "I bet that guy is probably going to take advantage of the situation, collecting our Jade Dew on his behalf," Shi Dechun guessed. Chen Mu looked towards the distance. Sure enough, he saw Yin Liu speaking with the one-eyed man, looking smug. And the one-eyed man began to scrutinize the people around the campfire. Chen Mu immediately furrowed his brows. This was going to be troublesome. Chapter 432 - 425 It wasnt long before Old Shis worries became a reality. Yin Liu started to cozy up to various bonfires with a grin, and soon he came to theirs. "Fellows, as you all saw, Brother Hai Yuan has successfully awakened his Divine Skills." "Well arrive at Antiquity City in a few days, and hes sure to join the Inner City as a Ghost soldier, and might even become a Team Leader right from the start." "Money makes the mare go, and if we have enough Jade Dew Pearls, Brother Hais position as a Team Leader is almost guaranteed." "This is a great opportunity for us all." "But Ive heard from Lord Niu that Antiquity City is not a peaceful place." "If we can help Brother Hai at this time, assist him in becoming a Team Leader, he will surely return the favor and be able to take care of us. Then we can live in peace." "If by chance we catch Brother Hais eye, he might even lift us up to join him as Ghost soldiers in the citythats a boundless future." "Actually, it wont require much effort from everyone, just hand over half a gourd of Jade Dew to Brother Hai every day." "Ive said my piece, how you guys decide to act tomorrow... think it over carefully..." After chattering away with a cheerful tone, Yin Liu cupped his hands in farewell and scurried to the next bonfire to continue his lobbying. The previously silent fellows couldnt help but start discussing amongst themselves. Shi Dechun also leaned towards Chen Mu, irritation evident on his face: "Sounds good, but with our skills, aside from the gourd of Jade Dew we hand over to Lord Niu, we can collect at most half a gourd more. Thats our food!" "Indeed, we can survive without eating Jade Dew for a short while, but the hunger and cold make us utterly miserable!" Hearing Shi Dechuns chatter, Chen Mu suddenly had a realization. Each Yin Spirit can only collect at most one and a half gourds of Jade Dew? So, these Yin Spirits spend so much time by the river picking up Yin Spirits, not just to try their luck, but also because they cant collect more Jade Dew? Chen Mu silently dismissed the half-congealed Jade Dew in front of him. He couldnt stand out from the crowd. His True Form of Heavenly Demon was indeed different from the Yin Spirits. Explore more stories with novelhall.Co?m "That Hai fellow hasnt even shown his face. What kind of care and support? Whether he acknowledges it or not, isnt it just him making the call?" Shi Dechun sneered. "Yin Liu was nothing but a gambling thug in his past life, and even here in the Netherworld, hes still up to no good, doing these selfish deeds." "Why should we hand over the Jade Dew we worked hard to collect to him?" Shi Dechun was indignant. "Brother Chen, are you okay with this?" Chen Mu glanced at him. What was this sly old fox up to? Shi Dechun chuckled slyly, leaned in, and whispered, "How about you praise him a bit too?" Chen Mu immediately rolled his eyes. Praise my ass! So, he wanted to push me to the front.@@@@ But then again... He glanced at the traffic light still proudly raised in the distance, and then at Yin Liu with his smug smile: "Tch, he does look a little punchable." "Right?!" Shi Dechun suddenly lit up with glee. Once Yin Liu left, Shi Dechun sighed as he observed the unusual looks of the people around him. "How could you do this?" Chen Mu looked at him in astonishment, "Wasnt it you who told me to praise him?" Shi Dechuns face turned even greener. I the hell told you to praise him like this? I wanted you to use your Divine Skill of Complimenting. Chen Mu was chuckling as he watched Old Man Shis changing expressions. Old slick-head, you wanted me to stand up for you? Youve got the wrong guy! Shi Dechun was almost angered to laughter; he now realized he had been played by the little bald kid. After a long while, he could only sigh helplessly, "Suffering from hunger and cold, handing over half a gourd of Jade Dew every day, are you really content with this?" Chen Mu gave a hehe with a smile, "Its okay, let him keep it for me for a few days." Shi Dechun was taken aback, then suddenly came to his senses, "Hey! I was wondering how you could be so willing to hand over the Jade Dew. Turns out..." Small-minded? Who are you talking about! Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and turned his head. Shi Dechuns body tensed. Darn, I blurted out what I was thinking in the heat of the moment! ... After the initial resistance, everyone quickly accepted the oppression by the one-eyed man, Hai Yuan, even Niu Sanmiao seemed to take it for granted. The many ordinary Yin Spirits naturally had neither the power nor the courage to resist. Chen Mu was still blending into the crowd, slacking off while continuously grinding the Dew Harvesting Spell experience. But he no longer collected extra Jade Dew, because through inquiries, he found out that ordinary spirits like Shi Dechun indeed had a limit to how much Jade Dew they could collect. That day, by the River of Oblivion. Chen Mu dispersed the small particles of Jade Dew that had just condensed around him when a familiar feeling suddenly emerged in his heart. He discovered that the power used by the Dew Harvesting Spell was fundamentally similar to Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. "So, the Dew Harvesting Spell uses the special power of Ghosts, akin to the mana of a Qi cultivator?" "If I use the method of the Dew Harvesting Spell, I can collect Jade Dew. If I use the way of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, then its the sensory integration of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles?" "No wonder my limit for the Dew Harvesting Spell is higher than Shi Dechun and the others." Chen Mu had a sudden realization. His Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles had been awakened and in use for over ten years; the unique power within him belonging to Ghosts was far stronger than that of these newly formed Yin Spirits like Shi Dechun. "A power system different from the Qi cultivators and Heavenly Demon Path?" "Interesting, very interesting!" He suddenly took an interest in Antiquity City. "If they are recruiting Yin Soldiers there, does that mean there are methods to train and arm Yin Soldiers?" "I need to find a way to look into this." Chapter 433 - 426 Chapter: Revival By the River of Oblivion Whoosh! A pebble quietly fell into the river, but strangely, not a single splash arose. The surface of the water was as calm as a mirror, without even a slight ripple appearing. Shi Dechun rhythmically tossed a stone in his hand, looking boredly at the rivers surface. It wasnt until the faint whisper of a curse ceased that he turned his head, puzzled, to look at Chen Mu, "Arent you tired of chanting the Dew Harvesting Spell without stopping every day?" Dew Harvesting Spell: 8526/10000; Chen Mu packed away the grey wall, revealing a smiling face. Tired? Watching the experience level up, how could I be tired? "Besides, it doesnt matter how familiar you get with this thing. The limit of Jade Dew you can collect depends on personal talent, not on who can speak smoother. Why do you keep chanting it every day?" Shi Dechun shifted his position and threw another pebble into the river with a flick of his hand. Ha! In my case, being able to speak smoothly is very useful. Over the past few days, as the experience with the Dew Harvesting Spell increased, the fundamental force driving the spell began to vaguely emerge. This not only allowed him to collect more Jade Dew, but also, since transforming into the True Form of Heavenly Demon, he had been unable to activate the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, which seemed to slowly be reviving as well. Chen Mu was in high spirits and cheerfully teased, "I quite like chanting catchy rhymes." I dont believe you for a second! Shi Dechun rolled his eyes, leaned to the side, and with a whoosh tossed the last pebble toward the surface of the River of Oblivion. Alas, it didnt make a splash either. "Speaking of which, everyones travel expenses are almost gathered, right?" Chen Mu asked with a frown. But in the past few days, he subtly realized that Niu Sanmiao didnt seem to have any plans to set out soon. "Why, do you want to hurry to Antiquity City?" Shi Dechun nodded toward Niu Sanmiao in the distance, "Afraid that bull head isnt keen, huh?" "Does Niu Sanmiao want us to help him collect Jade Dew?" Chen Mus frown deepened even more. Was he treating these Yin Spirits as free labor? But twenty Jade Dew Pearls had been agreed upon as the price of passage; collecting beyond this limit forcefully would not only risk causing an immediate uproar but also feared retaliations later on, no? Seeming to understand what Chen Mu was thinking, Shi Dechun shrugged, "Were all counting on him to guide us; he can always find other reasons." "Dont think too much. After all, weve already died once. Whats there to hurry about? Just wait and see." Chen Mu glanced at the grey walls experience and silently nodded. It was a good opportunity to push the Dew Harvesting Spell to its limit in the meantime, and then he could restore some power of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, which would make things safer.@@@@ Chen Mu shook his head slightly, "Im afraid the journey isnt very safe." Shi Dechun nodded with an air of having seen it all before, "Otherwise, he wouldnt be so confident." "Who made him the citys Netherworld soldier?" "Thats precisely the livelihood he depends on." Chen Mu nodded. He wasnt too concerned about a little Jade Dew Pearl. With his current proficiency, it would take him less than a quarter of an hour to condense a gourd. What he cared about was the danger on the road that gave Niu Sanmiao such assurance that no one would dare to go on alone. "I need to max out my Dew Harvesting Spell quickly!" ... Faintly sensing a crisis, he became even more engrossed in practicing the Dew Harvesting Spell. And as his proficiency with the spell grew, he could clearly feel a force stirring within him. Three days later, in the evening. He hadnt long returned to camp from the banks of the River of Oblivion. Chen Mu had just sat down cross-legged by the newly kindled campfire and recited the Dew Harvesting Spell once more. Suddenly, his entire body shuddered, and a burst of power surged out from deep within him. Chen Mu immediately looked at the experience on the grey wall. Dew Harvesting Spell: Limit; Indeed... With a thought, he easily controlled this power, wrapping himself firmly within it. A warm sensation quickly arose, and the cold wind that made the Yin Spirits shiver at night was instantly blocked from him. The next moment, an Exotic Force flew out, causing a withered grass nearby to float slightly above the ground. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! The corners of Chen Mus mouth curled up immediately. "Was Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles previously unable to activate due to the lack of mana from the True Form of Heavenly Demon? Now that Ive unearthed Yin Spirit Power, it has immediately revived." "So, it wasnt only for condensing Jade Dew, but also for awakening this power unique to the Yin Spirits that the Dew Harvesting Spell was taught to them?" He turned his head to look at the one-eyed man Hai Yuan, who was currently sitting by the fire chanting spells. "No wonder this guy, whos never been short on Jade Dew, still practices the Dew Harvesting Spell." "Did Niu Sanmiao let slip some information?" Looking at a few others who were busy practicing the Dew Harvesting Spell, Chen Mu suddenly realized. "Tsk, special treatment for the uniquely gifted, huh." Chapter 434 - 427 Black Wind The following night. Your next chapter awaits on novelhall.Co?m Grey clouds floated across the sky, the darkness deepened, and slight cold breezes blew in gusts, causing the flames within the campfire to flicker restlessly. As usual, everyone still discussed whether to venture to Antiquity City alone. Chen Mu sat cross-legged beside the campfire, seemingly with his eyes closed in meditation. Yet his spirit was focused on the freshly gained Yin Spirit Power. This cool power resided throughout his body, easily released to counter the chilly breeze, and just as easily retracted to lie dormant within him. It could be used to activate the Dew Harvesting Spell and also to command the Divine Skills of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. "Its just that the total amount is a bit too little," Chen Mu muttered to himself. Before, Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles could easily cover more than four hundred meters, and if he enacted Five Ghosts Possession, enveloping three to five miles was effortless. Now... well... With a thought, an invisible and intangible sphere slowly expanded out from Chen Mu as the center, covering the camp before finding it difficult to spread any further. He had tried multiple times over the past two days to extend its reach but failed every time, simply unable to muster the strength required.@@@@ "As a method of exploration, it falls quite short compared to the Truthful Listening Technique," he mused. Just as he was reflecting on this, a strange sensation suddenly emerged within the perception of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, as if a mass of gas had forced open a tightly clenched hand. Chen Mus attention instantly sharpened, and he quickly discovered a mass of dark wind forming not far from the camp. It spiraled, expanding and distorting, rapidly transforming into a long dark wind serpent that thundered into the camp. Chen Mu abruptly opened his eyes, grabbed Shi Dechun, and leapt up, landing five meters away from the campfire in one bound. The next moment, the black wind upended everyone sitting by the campfire. The flames crackled loudly as they swiftly extinguished; the glowing red charcoal turned dark and dim in an instant and a thin layer of frost formed on it in the blink of an eye! The dark wind showed no signs of stopping, wreaking havoc throughout the camp and knocking everyone into disarray. In the midst of everyones panic, a flash of red light suddenly burst forth. Unknown to all, Niu Sanmiao had taken up position at the center of the camp, holding a Red Leather Lantern. The red light from the lantern seemed tangible, spreading rapidly from Niu Sanmiao into the surrounding area. The invisible black wind, as if facing its natural enemy, was effortlessly pushed out of the camp by the red light, and with a series of odd whines, disappeared with the wind in the blink of an eye. "Relight the fire, place those frozen by it near the campfire, and everyone else should rest. We continue to the riverbank tomorrow morning," Niu Sanmiaos indifferent voice spread throughout the camp. Everyone came to their senses, now realizing that those who had been overturned by the dark wind had faces pale and ashen. Even their eyebrows and hair had frosted over, lying motionless on the ground, looking like frozen pork. Immediately, everyone scrambled to relight the campfire, dragging the frozen individuals close to the flames, gathering around it to talk and exchange anxious thoughts. Shi Dechun, who also felt a jolt of fear, repeatedly thanked Chen Mu, "Thank you, Brother Chen, for rescuing me." Chen Mu waved his hand dismissively, "What was that thing?" "That was the Black Wind!" Shi Dechun said gravely. "We were warned about it by the bull-headed fellow earlier, but I never imagined it would be so powerful. Merely brushing against it could freeze a person solid." "If one encountered it in the wilderness without that red lantern for protection, it would be a sure death." "No wonder that damn bull-headed guy was so sure we wouldnt dare to head to Antiquity City alone." However, Chen Mu wore a curious expression. There might really be such a thing as the Black Wind, but tonights Black Wind... Ha! ... In the camps center, Niu Sanmiao set down the Red Leather Lantern and sat beside the campfire, alone. Ignoring everyones panicked discussion, he calmly untied the black leather pouch from his waist. This wasnt the Black Wind either. Has some new strange creature emerged from the Netherworld? As he wondered, a sudden scream reached his ears. He steadied himself and looked up to see Hai Yuan, with one eye, mounting Yin Liu and pummeling his face with his fists. "It wasnt my fault, ah. The Jade Dew was blown by the Black Wind into the fire!" Yin Liu howled in protest. Hai Yuans Jade Dew Pearls were thrown into the fire? Niu Sanmiaos complexion turned pale. That loss is freaking all my money! Beat him! Beat him to death! After watching Yin Liu get beaten to within an inch of his life for a while, he felt slightly appeased. "Luckily I have a Qi Foraging Bag, big belly can hold, no fear..." As he thought, he subconsciously felt for his waist. But he discovered that, at some point, the Qi Foraging Bag on his waist had vanished. Niu Sanmiao froze on the spot. My Jade Dew Pearls... are also gone?! Fuck! His eyes immediately reddened with anger. ... Not far from the bonfire, Chen Mu watched Yin Liu getting beaten, a smile on his face. "Money truly is the root of all evil. Look, they used to have such a good relationship, and now theyre fighting..." "Its clear, it should be me who takes care of it for you." "I really am a good person, haha..." At that moment, in the black space inside of him, a gray cloth bag and a black leather demon-faced pouch lay quietly beside him. He chuckled as he looked at Niu Sanmiao, whose eyes were bloodshot with rage. "You can chant spells to summon the Black Wind, but I can also unleash the Five Ghosts to create chaos!" "Without the Moon Beet Pearl, hehe, lets see how much longer you can stay here." Indeed, before long, Niu Sanmiao, his face dark as thunder, announced that they would set off for Antiquity City early the next morning. The others looked at each other in confusion. "Has the ox-head gone mad with lost spirit?" Shi Dechun asked, surprised. "Maybe hes had a change of conscience," Chen Mu said with a sly smile. That ox-hide? Shi Dechun immediately rolled his eyes. No, thats not right! His suspicion fell upon Chen Mu. Why is this guy so calm? Could the Black Wind and the bald kid be related? No way, right?! Shi Dechuns heart couldnt help but thump violently. Chapter 435 - 428: Ghost Pattern Antiquity City, on the southern outskirts, a wide stone-paved road extends far southward from the city gate. To the east and west sides of the road, the fiery-red leaves of the towering Moonlight Trees connect in patches, resembling a sea of fire. Under the lush canopy, green-tiled wooden buildings of varying heights are scattered like stars, spanning so vast an area that one cannot see the edges at a glance. A newly repaired courtyard stands quietly at the very southern edge. The two-story wooden building faces south from the north, with one Moonlight Tree, as tall as a person and as thick as an arm, standing to either side, east and west. Chen Mu sits at the stone table on the east side of the courtyard. An invisible force forms a circular spider web over ten meters across, enveloping the courtyard. Fine Jade Dew pearls keep being absorbed and gathered, quickly forming a fist-sized cluster. With a thought from Chen Mu, the fist-sized Jade Dew splits into two equal parts, evenly falling near the roots of the two Moonlight Trees. Chen Mu ceases using the Dew Harvesting Spell, and the sound of shuffling leaves reaches his ears. He notices the red leaves of the Moonlight Trees, large as palms, shivering and swaying, as tender buds poke through the surface of the branches, and the slender twigs grow slightly thicker. The overall growth rate is visibly rapid to the naked eye. Chen Mu looks at the Moonlight Trees, which seem to be on an excited high, with a strange expression. He faintly senses a jubilant emotion from the entire tree, like a cat that has sniffed catnip. "A tree thats like an animal? A specialty of the Netherworld? Heh..." This is his fourth day in Antiquity City. After deploying the Five Ghosts to retrieve the Moon Beet Pearl from Niu Sanmiao, the latter took his entourage and left the River of Oblivion the next day. Perhaps in a hurry to earn the next batch of Jade Dew Pearls, Niu Sanmiao marched so fast that a seven-day journey was completed in just five days. The few oddly shaped beings he led into the city were left to the Lower Courtyard outside, while ordinary Yin Spirits like him were cast aside. These Lower Courtyard folks were clearly very familiar with welcoming new Yin Spirits; registering them, introducing common knowledge, renting out housinga smoothly operating process that allowed them to quickly integrate into Antiquity City. The small courtyard where Chen Mu resides also belongs to the Lower Courtyard, which demands a rent of thirty Jade Dew Pearls per month.@@@@ An ordinary Yin Spirit can harvest one and a half Jade Dew Pearls a day, half of which they need for their own consumption, and the other half just covers the rent. "You wont die of hunger, but its hard to save anything extra." "Calculated so carefully, there are capable people in Antiquity City indeed." This reminds him of his experiences farming in the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River. Without a breakthrough, one would just be stuck in place, constantly gathering Jade Dew for Antiquity City, with little chance of escape. "Unless you starve yourself to save Jade Dew, theres simply no spare money to buy other things." "Oh, planting trees might work," Chen Mu looks towards the Moonlight Trees. "Its a pity Moon Beet Pearls arent worth much." In Antiquity City, one Jade Dew Pearl can be exchanged for a gourd full of Moon Beet Pearls. At best, they just help in purchasing some daily necessities. The idea of getting rich by planting trees is pretty much impossible. "So this is... a human-shaped Spiritual Field producing Jade Dew Pearls? Tsk..." ... As evening approaches. The cold white sun in the sky slowly sets in the west. On the stone table in Chen Mus courtyard are set three dishes. One dish of fried golden nuts, a dish of thinly sliced brownish red marinated meat, and a dish of red spicy cold salad leaves. Shi De Chun holds a small wine glass, happily enjoying the meat and wine. Chen Mu also tastes the unique food of the Netherworld with curious interest. Although their appearance differs, the flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty are exactly the same. "The kind of power you spoke of is called Yin Spirit Divine Power," Shi De Chun takes a sip of wine, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Its said that if you practice the Dew Harvesting Spell deeply, you can control itits considered the fundamental force of us Yin Spirits." "Did you already know about the Dew Harvesting Spells utility?" he looks suspiciously at Chen Mu. Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m The young bald-head has been chanting the spell whenever theres a chance, ever since he received it. Chen Mu shook his head secretly. The mere thought of the risks involved in fighting filled him with instant resistance from head to toe. But without becoming an underworld soldier, it seemed there was no other way to increase his strength. An accidental arrival in the Nether Yin Underworld might be temporarily safe with the protection of the True Form of Heavenly Demon, but this wasnt the world of the livinghe still needed to return to the Yang Realms mortal world. If he wanted to find a way back, he couldnt do it without strength. There was no Earth Spirit Vital Energy in the Netherworld, and with mana as a limited resource, he could no longer use it frequently. "Yin Spirit Divine Power still needs to be trained." "Only by mastering the local forces and deeply infiltrating the Netherworld can I better explore the way back to the Yang realm." "As for the underworld soldiers..." "Lets wait until I figure out the Divine Ghost Patterns." ... Two days later, Antiquity Citys Southern Ancient Moon Chamber. This was a large-scale business in Antiquity City, rumored to be backed by the city lord himself. All the precious items from Antiquity City came from this place. And such Yin Spirit Magic Incantations similar to the Dew Harvesting Spell could only be obtained through Ancient Moon Chamber. "Divine Ghost Patterns? Youre not drawing them pretty well?" said an old man with a goat beard, laughing as he looked at Chen Mu. "Is this thing a Divine Ghost Pattern?" Chen Mu pointed at the vertical silver pattern on his forehead in disbelief. "No!" Chen Mus face suddenly turned dark. Are you playing with me! "I only said it looks like it," the goat-bearded shopkeeper chuckled. "This isnt drawn!" Chen Mu retorted irritably. "Oh?" The goat beards expression changed, "Could it be that youre one of those one-in-a-million talents who can naturally condense Ghost Patterns?!" Even after years of cultivation, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel his heart leap. I do have the Bewitching Divine Power, and this innate silver vertical stripe might really be one of those damn Divine Ghost Patterns! After looking closely for a long while, the goat-bearded shopkeeper stood up with a sudden look of realization. "Is it Divine Ghost Patterns?" Chen Mu asked, hopeful. "Its a birthmark!" the goat-bearded shopkeeper exclaimed with certainty. Chen Mu: "..." God damn birthmark! You might as well say I drew it myself! Seeing the other partys gleeful expression, Chen Mus face darkened in an instant. This old guys giving me the run-around! "Do you think youre so special, a genius?" "Too bad, though, other people think the same, haha..." "Little baldy, dont have such wild fantasies," the goat-bearded old man laughed, "Wait until you have enough Jade Dew Pearls to buy the Flight of Flame Scripture, and then consider the issue of the Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed." Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed? "Flight of Flame Scripture"? Chen Mus eyes suddenly lit up. Chapter 436 - 429: Secret Investigation Chen Mu walked out of the Ancient Moon Studio with his tail between his legs. "Youre really useless, Ox Head. Why dont you carry more Jade Dew Pearls on you?" Chen Mu sighed. Last time, he robbed Niu Sanmiao and Hai Yuan of their Jade Dew Pearls, thinking it was a big score, but upon entering the Ancient Moon Studio, he realized just how poor he was. A common "Flight of Flame Scripture" actually cost one thousand eight hundred Jade Dew Pearls, and he only had eight or nine hundred pearls on him, at most. Let alone buying it, that goat-bearded fellow wouldnt even let him take a glance. "What if... I rob that Ox Head again?" "Hmm... Its not out of the question, haha!" ... In the South City Market of Antiquity City. As night began to fall, countless red lanterns ascended. The taverns and teahouses were bustling with noise, storytellers and opera singers performed, even livelier than the capital city in the Human World. Chen Mu looked around with great interest. Since leaving Da Liang and arriving in Yunzhou, he had either been cooped up at home cultivating or on the run. Thinking back, he realized it had been nearly ten years since he had seen such a bustling scene. "The Nether Yin Underworld is even livelier than the Yang Realm, which is really quite strange." In the end, he gave up on the idea of robbing Ox Head. It wasnt that he couldnt bring himself to do it, but rather that with the sea of people, he couldnt find him. "What a pity..." "Luckily, Im diligent enough to have practiced the Dew Harvesting Spell to its peak." "Otherwise, I wouldnt know how to save up these Jade Dew Pearls." Although his daily collection of Jade Dew was still limited due to the total amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power, it already far surpassed ordinary Yin Spirits. If he harvested to the maximum limit, he could earn over ten extra Jade Dew Pearls each day. Along with the funding from Niu Sanmiao before, he could afford the "Flight of Flame Scripture" in two to three months. With a rough calculation in mind, Chen Mu was no longer in a hurry. He began to stroll around the market district, happily experiencing the prosperity he hadnt seen for a long time. Before coming to Antiquity City, he thought it would be gloomy and terrifying, with demons and ghosts running amok. But now, although there were many of strange and bizarre appearances, gloomy and terrifying places were rarely seen. The atmosphere of the entire market district was surprisingly harmonious. Upon reflection, it made sense. Although Antiquity City was actively recruiting Yin soldiers, there hadnt been news of any wars in the Netherworld. Ordinary Yin Spirits, though confined to Antiquity City and transformed into human-shaped Spiritual Fields, had an easy and comfortable life just reciting the Dew Harvesting Spell, compared to the struggling poor in the workshops of the Mortal Realm. Moreover, the city had all kinds of entertainment available. Plant a few more Moon Beet Trees, recite a few more spells, and most of these pleasures could be enjoyed. "This is joy, one doesnt think of home." It was probably this kind of atmosphere that made a multitude of Yin Spirits immerse themselves in it, with no thoughts of returning to the Yang Realm. "Once they create the Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed and enter the City Lord Mansion, you might even have to nod and bow to them. Knowing them might make it worse for you." Visualizing that scene, Niu Sanmiao couldnt help but twitch his face. "Thats why I need to know who it is, cant I just avoid someone I cant afford to provoke?" The round-faced man looked skeptical, "Youre not going to cause them trouble?" Niu Sanmiao replied seriously, "You said it yourself, I dont want to face the consequences of the City Lords rules either." Ha! Everyones a ghost here, who are they trying to fool! "Fine," the round-faced man said cheerfully, "as long as the money is right, Ill make sure the job is done well." "I might not have many skills, but Im excellent at remembering faces." "Once Ive seen a face, its etched in my brain, I cant forget it even if I wanted to." "Just you watch!" ... Two months later. A small courtyard in the South City Market of Antiquity City. Chen Mu sat at the stone table in the courtyard, silently invoking Curse Words. Seven or eight longan-sized, semi-transparent Moon Beet Pearls floated in mid-air, enveloped in a faint mist. As the Jade Dew moisture penetrated and was absorbed, a light red hue slowly climbed the surface of the pearls. After a while, the pearls, saturated with Jade Dew, turned completely cherry red. Chen Mu plucked the Jade Dew Pearls and casually placed them inside a wooden box on the table. The box now radiated with red light, nearly filled with fiery red pearls. "One thousand nine hundred and thirty-two pearls, that should definitely be enough now." Since returning from Antiquity City two months ago, he had shut himself away and focused solely on gathering Jade Dew. With continuous effort, he finally had enough Jade Dew Pearls to buy the Scripture. Wrapping the wooden box in a piece of gray cloth, Chen Mu didnt hurry to leave. He stood up, went back into his room to change into a wide, gray robe, and then, after a long time not using it, he activated the Shape-shifting Technique. In the blink of an eye, the seventeen or eighteen-year-old bald youth transformed into a tall, thin middle-aged man with an unfamiliar face. "Although the atmosphere in Antiquity City is harmonious, its still better to be cautious. What if someone gets greedy for my wealth?" While he muttered to himself, he put on a wig that had been prepared earlier. Chen Mu looked at himself in the mirror, examining from every angle. "This birthmark is also troublesome." Then, with a few light strokes of a brush, the silver wavy lines turned into a fire-red flower pattern the size of a walnut. The flower was unnaturally bright and vivid, and as he frowned and lifted his head, it seemed to come alive. "Hmph, with this, even if the ruler of the Nether Yin Underworld came, they couldnt see my true face." Chapter 437 - 430 Antiquity City, south of the city, Ancient Moon Studio. Chen Mu, holding a cloth bundle with a wooden box inside, arrived at the second floors eastern side with a cold expression on his face. The goat-bearded shopkeeper, who was in charge of the Curse Technique Scripture transactions, still sat behind the counter, squinting his eyes as if he had never moved from his spot. Seeing Chen Mu approach, the shopkeepers eyebrows furrowed, and he stared solemnly at the flower on Chen Mus forehead. A chill ran through Chen Mus heart. Could it be that the old man had noticed something amiss? "This Divine Ghost Pattern of yours..." The goat-bearded shopkeeper took a deep breath, "is really quite exquisite!" Chen Mu: "..." Seeing Chen Mu frozen in place, the goat-bearded old man revealed a satisfied smile and continued to tease cheerfully. "Ive seen quite a few people draw Ghost Patterns, but there are not many who do it better than you." "This reminds me of a customer from a few months back. He also had a flower drawn between his eyebrows, a mere two strokes that resembled a divine eye, simple yet majestic." "Of course, what you have is also good, its just a bit garish!" Garish my ass! A twitch appeared at the corner of Chen Mus mouth. I knew it; my drawing skills honed over many years couldnt be easily seen through by this old man. Turns out, it was all just this old geezers malicious sense of humor. Chen Mu slammed a box of Jade Dew Pearls on the counter, saying irritably, "Cut the crap and give me the Flight of Flame Scripture!" The goat-bearded elder did not get angry and leisurely opened the box to inspect the Jade Dew Pearls. He counted each pearl, busying himself for a while before pulling out a Black-Skinned Scripture from beneath the counter. Chen Mu reached out to take it, but the old man held onto the back half of the scripture and would not let go. "Dont be in a rush to take it away. Let me explain the taboos to you first, and then you can start on it," said the goat-bearded shopkeeper with a serious expression. "The Flight of Flame Scripture cultivates the Primordial Blue Flame. This flame can burn everything and is difficult to control. Its very easy to harm your primordial energy while practicing it." "You must proceed step by step, starting with small things and slowly growing the flame." "Only when you have complete and proficient control can you use it to refine the Yin Spirit Divine Power, sifting out the dross to refine the Divine Ghost Pattern. The entire process is unspeakably painful and has an extremely high risk of failure." "What happens if one fails?" Chen Mus brow furrowed slightly. In that period, he had not been idle and had at least gotten proficient with controlling Yin Spirit Divine Power. Your journey continues with novelhall.Co?m From his years of cultivation experience, compared to mana, Yin Spirit Divine Power felt more like physical strength, and it seemed to involve the origin of Yin Spirits. Using flame to refine Divine Power was almost like refining the Yin Spirits themselves with flames, which was very dangerous. The goat-bearded shopkeeper shook his head and sighed, "At best youll be gravely injured and disabled, at worst your soul will be scattered." Chen Mus face changed. This Secret Technique was indeed perilous! "Is there a way to reduce the risk?" he inquired involuntarily. "Of course, there is," nodded the goat-bearded shopkeeper. "Eat more Jade Dew to supplement your primordial energy before practicing. Prepare some River of Oblivion Water, and if you feel the Blue Flame getting out of control, quickly drink it." "While it may corrode the body, making recovery difficult, its still better than having your soul scattered," he said. Chen Mu nodded at this. Seeing Chen Mus grave expression, the goat-bearded shopkeeper couldnt help but reveal a smile: "Of course, if you could switch to a higher-end, more detailed Secret Technique, there would be none of these risks." "I have a copy of the Hidden Moon Secret Tome, safe and reliable, without any hidden dangers." "For just three thousand Jade Dew, it can help you complete the cultivation of the Divine Ghost Pattern effortlessly." "Why not take a look?" Chen Mus expression turned dark instantly. "Forget it, lets practice it first and see how it goes." "Fortunately, I pushed the Dew Harvesting Spell to its limit. With this money-making Secret Technique, the most itll do is delay me a few months," Chen Mu sighed, slowed his steps, and began to look around at the lively street scene to relieve the irritation in his heart. As he watched aimlessly, a shop suddenly caught his eye. Seeing the golden characters on the dark signboard, a sense of familiarity welled up inside him. "Imperial Goods Pavilion... "Seems like Ive seen it somewhere before?" Out of curiosity, Chen Mu approached and entered. As soon as he did, he saw the forty-something man with a fair complexion sitting behind the counter. The man was dressed in white clothes, with a calm face, exuding a gentle and stable aura that made one feel at ease with just one glance. Yet Chen Mus brows furrowed tightly, he felt increasingly that he had seen this man somewhere before. At that moment, the middle-aged man suddenly looked up, seemed slightly startled upon seeing Chen Mu, then smiled warmly. "Brother Chen?" "It has been a long time..." Chen Mus body shook tremendously, nearly reverting to his original body and sending this man a couple of Flying Swords! This was the Nether Yin Underworld after all, and he had changed his appearance, yet the other party could recognize his surname with one word?! Chen Mus heart pounded uncontrollably. "You are, Le Yangan?!" It took a long while for Chen Mu to breathe deeply, regain his composure, and finally remember the other mans identity. The other party was Le Yangan, the owner of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, whom he first met on the Ling Boat in the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River. Back then, he was weak and to earn White Jade Coins, he hand-rolled a lot of Soul Condensing Pills. For safety, he specifically sold them separately; apart from the portion handed over to Shang Huan, the rest was sold to the Imperial Goods Pavilion. After the destruction of the Lower Courtyards of the Tongtian River and Cold Moon Mountain, Chen Mu followed Song Wujie to the Heavenly River Water Mansion for a temporary stay. There, he encountered Le Yangan for the second time. This was their third meeting, in this world of Yin Spirits. Although they were not close, Chen Mu still felt an irresistible surge of immense joy. In the unfamiliar Netherworld, seeing an acquaintance truly comforted him. "Although the environment isnt quite right, I still want to say, Im glad to see you again," Chen Mu couldnt help but say with a smile. ... South City Market of Antiquity City. Zhang Wuqing, the round-faced man, stood in the middle of the street, looking around in confusion. "Wasnt that person here just a moment ago? How did they vanish in the blink of an eye?" He still felt there was something off about the man with the red flower on his head. What was off was that he didnt remember the mans face. He had spent years in the South City helping new Yin Spirits with registration, and had nearly seen everyones faces. With such distinctive features, it would be hard for him to forget that mans appearance. "He must have changed his looks!" Having come to this realization, he began to follow from a distance. But just moments ago, in the blink of an eye, the figure had disappeared. "Did he go into a shop?" he immediately pretended to be a pedestrian and went into nearby shops to check. Soon, he returned to the spot where Chen Mu had disappeared. "None of the shops have a back door; escape is impossible." "They are all small stores; no place to hide." "So, how did the person just vanish?" He stood in front of the Imperial Goods Pavilion, looking perplexed, yet he seemed blindly unaware of Chen Mu who was merely separated by a door. He didnt even glance at the shop next door, as if the sizable store didnt exist at all! Chapter 438 - 431: Flight of Flame Scripture At the south of Antiquity City, the Imperial Goods Pavilion. "The Heavenly River Water Mansion leaked and was completely flooded, and then I ended up here," Le Yangan spread his hands. Chen Mu suddenly recalled that when he was temporarily residing in the Heavenly River Water Mansion, he had encountered the Water Mansions gates leaking and collapsing.@@@@ That was a Water Mansion that had existed since ancient times, rumored to have been inhabited by a true dragon. He hadnt expected it to vanish just like that. Was it due to the changes in Earth Spirit Vital Energy? He thought of Zhongshan Path and also of Jilong Mountain. Both had been tumultuous due to the changes in Earth Vein Spiritual Springs. One was destroyed, disappearing without a trace, and the other faced endless twists and turns. Before he came to the Netherworld, Jilong Road had even started preparing ferries, planning to relocate to the neighboring Hai Province. "How did Brother Chen get here?" Le Yangan asked. "Ah! Ran into a bunch of lunatics, and I got dragged into the water," Chen Mu waved his hand, shaking his head in frustration. He still didnt understand what those people saw in him, insisting on capturing him as a sacrifice. Discover hidden content at novelhall.Co?m "How did you recognize me?" Chen Mu was quite concerned about this. "According to the locals, anyone who can make it here must have some ability, so..." Le Yangan shrugged. "But after so many years, how can you still remember me?" He had practiced drawing for many years, initially making a living by drawing portraits and was skilled at remembering faces. Even so, it took him a moment before he could recall Le Yangan. "For premium clients, of course, you need to remember them more clearly." "Otherwise, how could my Imperial Goods Pavilion have expanded from the Yang Realm to the Netherworld?" Le Yangan laughed heartily. "Hey! Thats really..." Chen Mu let out a laugh but agreed deep down. Immediately afterward, Chen Mu began to ask this acquaintance for information about the Netherworld. After chatting for quite a while, he indeed enlightened Chen Mu about many common mysteries and knowledge. As they talked, they moved on to the subject of Ghost Pattern cultivation. "The Flight of Flame Scripture, ah, thats indeed difficult," Le Yangan shook his head with a smile. "The main issue is controlling the flames, which can easily harm the foundation." "If its so difficult to practice, could the Secret Technique have other mysteries?" Chen Mu was tenacious: "Like, could the Flight of Flame Scripture be a branch of some high-end marvelous method? Or does it reveal some profound secrets only at an advanced level?" "I can only say... Brother Chen has quite the imagination." Chen Mus face fell. Indeed, he had fallen into a big pit. This was a discarded Secret Technique. "With Brother Chens exceptional talent, perhaps you could really cultivate substantial Divine Skills," Le Yangan teased with a smile. "Of course, before cultivating, eating more Jade Dew Pearls might help." "Can Jade Dew Pearls reduce the difficulty of its cultivation?" Chen Mus eyes lit up. "Hmm, they can let you burn a bit longer, buying time for you to use the River of Oblivion Water." Chen Mu: "..." Click! The more he heard, the more dangerous the Secret Technique seemed. "What exactly is Divine Ghost Pattern? Why is it so troublesome?" Chen Mu was a bit annoyed. "Brother Chen is a Qi Cultivator; you must surely know what Daoist Foundation is," Le Yangan said with a smile. "I dont know," Chen Mu shook his head honestly. He only knew that after Condensing Aperture, he should use Primordial Energy for Yin Yang Refining, which he heard was to turn the Divine Orifice into a River Chariot, followed by the Daoist Foundation. But he really didnt know what Daoist Foundation actually was. Le Yangan was taken aback, with a strange look in his eyes. As a Qi Cultivator, he was so indifferent to his own cultivation path? "Hmm, it seems Brother Chen is more practical, focusing only on present cultivation. Being down-to-earth is good; thats how to go far." Down-to-earth, practical? "Being sent to the Auxiliary Soldier Camp and joining the army on a campaign, whether they live or die is up to fate. That would set my mind at ease." Zhang Wuqing relaxed his shoulders, "As you wish, youre the one who paid for it." ... Two days later. In the small courtyard in Moonburge Forest south of the city, Chen Mu sat in front of a stone table softly chanting from the Flight of Flame Scripture. The contents of the scripture were hollow and not very useful; he only needed to recite the entire scripture. Like the Dew Harvesting Spell, with practiced chanting and changes in rhythm and intonation, it could become a cryptic Curse Command. As he chanted with varying cadences, Chen Mu suddenly felt a surge in his heart. He stared at his right index finger. Pop! A flame the size of a melon seed abruptly emerged from the tip of his finger. The flame, black with traces of scarlet, burned silently and steadily. Chen Mu held a White Jade Gourd filled with River of Oblivion Water in his left hand, watching the flame carefully as he controlled it. However, after quite some time, he detected no abnormalities. "It seems... theres no difficulty." " "Could it be that this Secret Technique is particularly compatible with me?" a surge of elation crossed Chen Mus mind. However, that momentary emotional fluctuation caused the black flame to explode violently. Spreading quickly along his finger, flesh, skin, and bone turned into black smoke without any warning. By the time Chen Mu realized what was happening, the flame had already reached the base of his finger, threatening to spread across his entire palm. He immediately poured the River of Oblivion Water over his hand. Sss! It was as if raw meat was placed on a red-hot iron plate, with billowing smoke. Intense pain assaulted him, and his bodys muscles involuntarily spasmed. Chen Mu clenched his teeth, enduring the pain, continuously pouring the River of Oblivion Water onto his palm. After a while, the black flame was finally extinguished. By this time, his right index finger and half his palm were gone, and the whole hand was corroded from the water, skin split and flesh burst open. Chen Mus face looked grave; he hadnt expected such a disastrous result from just one attempt! Having cultivated for over ten years and seen life and death, he still found his maimed right hand to be incredibly difficult to bear. Just then, more than half of the Yin Spirit Divine Power inside his body dissipated abruptly. The next moment, the bones and muscles of his right hand began rapidly growing and reconstructing until, right before his eyes, they completely regenerated. A shiver ran through Chen Mu, and he immediately lifted his right hand to examine it closely. However, after a long look, his palm seemed exactly as it was before, even the slight roughness on his index finger was perfectly reproduced! "This almost time-reversal-like regeneration of flesh and blood..." "Is it an ability unique to the True Form of the Heavenly Demon or something all Yin Spirits possess?" Chen Mu wondered with astonishment. "Was that sudden disappearance of Yin Spirit Divine Power the price of repair?" "But if this time the injury to my limb were too severe or if my body lacked sufficient Yin Spirit Divine Power..." A chill lingered in Chen Mus heart; he guessed the outcome would have been grim. "No wonder theyre not optimistic about the Flight of Flame Scripture." Chen Mu then glanced at the grey wall in front of him. Flight of Flame Scripture: 14/10000; "I really shouldnt have had too many expectations." The Flight of Flame Scripture only had one stage, indicating it was just a simple Secret Technique; indeed it was unlikely to contain any unknown mysteries. "Never mind, lets max out the scripture and see what happens then." Chapter 439 - 432: Conscription Outside the southern gate of Antiquity City, in Chen Mus small courtyard, two Moonlight Trees had grown into towering behemoths. The massive canopy covering most of the courtyard was taller than the two-story building, and the palm-sized fiery red leaves rustled in the wind with a swishing sound. Beside the round table under the trees, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair. He rested his right elbow on the arm of the rocking chair, raising his forearm so his palm was suspended in midair. Accompanied by a string of lengthy and complex Curse Commands, black flames suddenly erupted from his entire right hand.@@@@ The flames burned silently, yet his palm remained unscathed. Chen Mu, calm and collected, focused intently on the flames for half an hour. Then, without warning, those quiet flames began to rage, like the waters of a dam bursting forth, rushing quickly from the palm up his arm. He quickly sat up, stabbing his right hand to the side, plunging the forearm, which the flames had ignited, into a white jade bucket filled with River of Oblivion Water next to him. Hiss! Steam billowed, and the severe pain made Chen Mus face twitch. Clenching his teeth, he fixated his gaze on the bucket without blinking. After a long while, when no more steam appeared, he slowly withdrew his arm. Quick as his reaction was, his entire right forearm was still burned to the point that only some white bone remained. "That was truly dangerous!" Chen Mu exhaled deeply. Ninety percent of the Yin Spirit Divine Power inside his body had dissipated abruptly, but his right hand began to regenerate at a speed visible to the naked eye, fully restored after only a few breaths. "The Yin Spirit Divine Power wont recover until tomorrow at the earliest, which delays time again," he lamented, shaking his head while tossing two Jade Dew Pearls into his mouth, crushing and swallowing them like candy. Based on the characteristics of Yin Spirits, Chen Mu could use Divine Power to repair damaged limbs, but the consumed Divine Power was difficult to recover. If invoking the Dew Harvesting Spell was akin to doing physical work, where a good meal and sleep could restore ones strength, then the Divine Power spent on regenerating limbs was like cutting ones own flesh. It pertained more to the essence and only by actively absorbing a large amount of Jade Dew to reinforce the foundation and nurture the origin could the power slowly be restored. "Thats enough for today," he concluded. Without Yin Spirit Divine Power as a foundation, he dared not recklessly pursue his cultivation. "Its a pity that I still cant break through the half-hour limit." The Flight of Flame Scripture could summon the blue flames of Yin Spirits to refine ones Yin Spirit essence. The longer one endured, the more likely Divine Ghost Patterns would emerge, while also potentially increasing the upper limit of Yin Spirit Divine Power. Each time he cultivated, he pushed the limits of endurance, attempting to extend the duration bit by bit. If he gave in to fear and ended the refinement prematurely, it would not expand his limits of endurance and the cultivation session would be wasted. Yet, if he got too greedy and extended the duration too much, the flames would erupt immediately and spread throughout his body. It was this difficulty in accurately defining the boundaries of cultivation that made the Flight of Flame Scripture dangerous and arduous. Chen Mu checked his grey wall, glancing at one of the entries. Flight of Flame Scripture: 5352/10000; As his experience accumulated, his speed in summoning the blue flames noticeably increased, as did the strength of his control over the flames. "Its a pity that the difficulty of this Secret Technique doesnt lie in flame control." Even if he mastered it to perfection, manipulating the flames as if they were his own limbs, he still couldnt accurately control the extreme limit of endurance for refinement, which would still cause the flames to erupt violently. "Indeed, I need to save up for higher-level Secret Techniques for cultivation." ... In the South City Market, Imperial Goods Pavilion. "Every time I come here, its so empty. With business like this, can you still afford to eat?" Chen Mu teased merrily. "We value quality over quantity; the Imperial Goods Pavilion prefers to cater to high-quality customers," Le Yangan replied cheerfully. ... In the small courtyard. Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair. "According to Boss Le, the war of the Yin Spirits is neither in the Netherworld nor in the Yang Realm, so where exactly does it take place?" "Im still too inexperienced to figure it out," Chen Mu shook his head. "Luckily Ive only just arrived here. If I were to be conscripted, my life and death would be uncertain." "And I have at least ten years before I can be forcibly conscriptedby that time, I may well have already left the Netherworld." He was privately rejoicing when there suddenly came a knock at the door. Chen Mu went to open it and saw two men dressed in black, one tall and the other short. Explore new worlds at novelhall.Co?m "Is this Chen Mu?" asked the short, chubby, fair-faced man, smiling. "Its me," Chen Mu nodded. "Your name has been added to the Conscription Order, and you will soon be dispatched as an auxiliary soldier with the army," the tall, thin man in black said with an icy face. Chen Mus face turned pale on the spot. ... In a bungalow in the west of Antiquity City. Niu Sanmiao chewed on the braised meat voraciously. "That bunch must have received their Conscription Orders by now. No matter who that bastard is, theyve gotten their retribution," he said smugly, sipping his drink. "Each conscription, there are always those who are too cowardly to die and refuse to enlist, not to mention those who have had their household registrations secretly switched countless times." "Several new Yin Spirits, with no money or connections, can only accept their fate. Haha!" Niu Sanmiao was delighted, dispelling the gloom that had lingered for many days. "If they begrudgingly try to sneak out of the city, that would be even better!" "Under the influence of the Soul Summoning Banner, it doesnt matter how far they run." "Once theyre forcibly summoned back, theyre bound to be sent to the Youyan Dead Soldier Camp. That is truly a fate worse than death. Haha!" Lost in his exuberant thoughts, Niu Sanmiaos Spirit shook with excitement, and the Divine Ghost Pattern, which had been stagnant for so long, started to quiver faintly! Overcome with excitement, he was interrupted by a knock at the door. He walked out of the room puzzled and opened the door to see the same two men in black, one tall, and one short. "The City Lord commands that all the Yin Soldiers report to the Northern Great Camp immediately, awaiting deployment with the army," they said. Niu Sanmiaos face immediately changed, "Sirs, Im part of the citys patrol guards, responsible for maintaining order within the city. How could I be required to enlist?" The short man in black smiled, "You can choose not to go." "Unless you want to be sent to Youyan Camp!" the tall man in black said coldly. Niu Sanmiao stiffened in an instant. Chapter 440 - 433: Paper Man In Chen Mus small courtyard. Shi Dechun shook his head and sighed, "Such bad luck!" "In the past, Yin Spirits had a ten-year safety period, but how come when its our turn, the entire city is drafted into battle?" The expression on Chen Mus face was also grim. Discover more stories at novelhall.Co?m Everyone in Antiquity City was being conscripted for battle, a desperate gamble that likely harbored great danger. "Has no one escaped?" "Where could they run to?" "Out in the Netherworld wilderness, there are Black Winds and demonic creatures. Without the citys protection, death would come even quicker." "Moreover, those old ghosts say that the northern camp has twelve Soul Summoning Banners that only need to be shaken to make us heed the summons obediently, leaving no chance of escape." Shi Dechuns face was one of utter dejection. Soul Summoning Banner? They had such a trick? Chen Mus face grew even more sullen. No wonder the two men in black merely notified and left yesterday, without any threatening intimidation. And it seemed the mens perfunctory attitude almost implicitly encouraged him to try escaping. A chill suddenly ran through Chen Mus heart. If he really tried to escape, the outcome would likely be quite bleak. ... Underground of the two-story building. Inside an underground secret chamber of a bedroom. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch with an Exquisite Jade Plate placed on a low table next to him, as faint Spiritual Vitality slowly emerged within the secret chamber. Around the walls, five pillars carved with intricate patterns stood, the Minor Three Talents Harmony Light Prohibition Method slowly rotating, concealing the secret chamber, and firmly locking the Earth Spirit Vitality at its center. "I must quickly enhance my strength," Chen Mu thought regretfully. With a thought, the grey-clothed bald youth suddenly disappeared, replaced by a black-clad, resilient-looking young man about twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Chen Mu spread his right hands fingers, and a burst of cyan-white thunder light flickered. He couldnt help but reveal a smile. After months of recuperation, his body, eroded by the River of Oblivion Water, had fully recovered. Compared to his weak True Form of Heavenly Demon, the body full of Mana provided much more comfort. "Although I lost a group of Ghosts, the Five Ghosts Bag is intact, and the belongings inside are safe." "The Curse Command is damaged, but with a few more recitations of the Spirit Nourishing Curse, it should recover quickly." "Everything within the Jade Seed is normal; no irreversible changes have occurred." "What a relief!" After a quick check, Chen Mu breathed a huge sigh of relief. "First, Ill practice the Condensing Aperture Technique. Any Mana I can get is good!" "After that, Ill work on the Kui Water Yin Thunder. If I truly fall into a tight spot, Ill give these Yin Spirits a shocking dose of Thunder Law!" Crackling! The underground secret chamber was instantly filled with rampant thunder light. ... Imperial Goods Pavilion. "Soul Summoning Banner?" "Antiquity City indeed possesses such soul-stirring Magic Artifacts." "Look at that Red Leather Lantern," Le Yangan said, smiling as he pointed towards the entrance. And the general on horseback, with saber lifted high, Chen Mu felt a presence that was almost tangible, one of sheer ferocity?! "I want this one!" Chen Mu was immediately overjoyed. He understood that similar to the Yellow Turban Strongman Talisman, paper figures could serve as vessels for Yin spirit divine power. The divine power of Yin spirits, which could only recite the Dew Harvesting Spell, suddenly gained boundless might. Whoosh! The light and shadows in mid-air twisted and contracted, and the armored general turned back into a paper figure and flew back into Le Yangans hand. "Want it, huh." He said with a smile, "The trouble is stepping outside, turning left, and three hundred meters from here, the shop sells paper figures made from solid materials with fair prices; you can go there and buy some." "And this one..." "Not for sale!" "For personal enjoyment only!" Chen Mu: "..." Tsk! ... South of Antiquity City, underground secret chamber beneath Chen Mus small courtyard. He sat on a soft couch, looking at the five small paper figures in front of him, no matter how he looked at them, something felt off. "Boss Les treasured collection truly has a charm to it." With Yin spirit divine power activated, five figures around 1.7 meters tall, dressed in gray short clothes, with wooden expressions, emerged in the secret chamber. Chen Mu switched to his true form, the Five Ghosts Paper Man appeared, and instantly turning into black smoke, they entered through the mouths and noses of the five figures. Facial expressions on the five figures suddenly became lively, and their movements betrayed a sense of brisk, efficient power. "It really works!" Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his fist. The basis of the Five Ghosts Paper Men were Ghosts, inherently perfect in adapting to the Netherworld. With paper figurines as their vessels, they could appear in the open, righteously. Ordinary paper figurines with limited capabilities, once possessed by the Five Ghosts Paper Men, became an ace up the sleeve. "Now, even without exposing my true form and mana, I can deal with most difficulties and ensure my safety." Pleased, he put away the paper figures and switched back to his True Form of Heavenly Demon. These past few days, while cultivating his mana, he suddenly had an idea. Now that he had to practice the Divine Ghost Pattern, it was a good time to test it. Accompanied by a bizarre Curse Command, a bunch of black flames suddenly appeared in his right palm. An hour later, the flames began to rage and spread up his arm. Chen Mu, unfazed, extinguished the flames with the River of Oblivion Water, waiting for the damaged body to heal on its own. Immediately after, he quickly switched back to his True Flesh Body. Then he griped a handful of Jade Dew firmly in his hand. Absorption of soul returns to the origin! A stream of warm Vital Energy instantly flowed into his body and quickly disappeared into the secret spot on his forehead under his deliberate control. When the pillar of Jade Dew in his palm turned to powder, he switched back to his Yin spirit form again. At this point, the Yin spirit divine power that had been dissipated due to bodily repair was not only replenished but had even slightly increased in volume! "Success!" Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his fist again. "Netherworld Jade Dew really is pure flesh and Vital Energy!" "With the fast foundation-strengthening and elemental-cultivating of the Absorption of Soul Returns to the Origin, I neednt fear the dangers of the Flight of Flame Scripture!" "As long as I have enough Jade Dew and River of Oblivion Water, I can cultivate incessantly!" "If I can refine the Divine Ghost Pattern before being dispatched, wouldnt I be able to avoid the Soul Summoning Banner?" "Haha!" Chapter 441 - 434: Reappearance Half a month later. Antiquity Citys Imperial Goods Pavilion to the south. "Still the River of Oblivion Water?" Le Yangan raised an eyebrow, "Take it easy, the green flames are dangerous, dont harm your origin." "Not afraid." Chen Mu confidently waved his hand, "How much stock do you have left? Ill buy more." He had the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to consolidate and cultivate his origin, so he wasnt afraid of damaging it. He only needed to buy a large amount of River of Oblivion Water and consider how to quickly extinguish the raging green flames. "I dont have much left here either." Le Yangan was somewhat troubled, "Recently everyones busy preparing for the expedition, and many regular customers have no mind to cast spells and condense." The River of Oblivion is just there, so why not just run over and scoop some out with a ladle? Do you still need to condense it? Le Yangan smiled and took out a Jade Gourd, manipulating a chicken-egg-sized blob of River of Oblivion Water to float in midair. "Look carefully." Chen Mu didnt understand, but as he watched, he noticed that the blob of River of Oblivion Water was slowly dissipating. It wasnt evaporating into gas, but rather as if there was a gap in mid-air where the water was slowly seeping away. "Unless you cast spells to condense and isolate it, once you take it away from the River of Oblivion, the water will disappear very quickly." Le Yangan spread out his hands. Chen Mus mind raced. When he previously used the River of Oblivion Water to extinguish the green flames, the water would turn into white mist and dissipate. He initially thought it was turning into water vapor but now realized that the water that turned into mist probably vanished into thin air just like the water blob before him. "Why is that so?" Chen Mu became intrigued. "It is said that the River of Oblivion is self-contained. The water that leaves the river automatically returns to the river, thus requiring a secret technique to isolate and condense," Le Yangan shrugged. "Of course, it can disappear, but it can also be summoned on the spot." "If you really need a large amount of River of Oblivion Water, you might as well buy a secret technique. You dont need to go to the River of Oblivion, you can collect and condense it at home." "Thats a good suggestion, but unfortunately, I dont have the time." Chen Mu sighed. The Antiquity Citys expedition was imminent, and he needed to consider more how to ensure his own survival in the upcoming war instead of learning the secret technique to condense River of Oblivion Water. "Fortunately, there is no stagnation in the cultivation of the Ghost Pattern." The Yin Spirit Divine Power limit kept increasing with each incineration by the green flames. With more Divine Power, he could produce more Jade Dew Pearls. He could then afford to buy a lot of River of Oblivion Water and cultivate without restraint. "Boss Le, youve been in the Netherworld for a long time, do you have any insights into the auxiliary soldiers in Antiquity City?" After buying all the River of Oblivion Water from the Imperial Goods Pavilion, Chen Mu did not hurry off but started to inquire about the northern camps news. "Brother Chen doesnt need to worry too much," Le Yangan reassured. "Newcomer Yin Spirits can only cast the Dew Harvesting Spell, and they might not even afford to make paper figures." A silver vertical pattern on his forehead shone brilliantly, while hair-like crimson threads emerged from around the pattern, twisting and extending in all directions like living things. However, they always snapped back after extending a certain distance as if they lacked strength, or as if something was pulling them back. The leaves of the two Moonlight Trees in the yard rustled as if whispering secrets. Chen Mu stared at the black and red flames without blinking. One hour, two hours, three hours... The sun set in the west, dusk fell, and the two Moonlight Trees slowly became still, ready to rest. Chen Mu let out a sigh and with a thought, the flames wrapping around his palm suddenly extinguished, and the lively crimson threads retracted into the vertical pattern and disappeared. "Still not working, huh," he murmured as he turned to look at the pale white sunset with a hint of helplessness. He had been burning his hand continuously with the blue flame for a month, yet the Divine Ghost Pattern still refused to emerge. Instead, he had pushed the Flight of Flame Scripture to its limits, mastering the blue flame to perfection, with summoning or extinguishing it being just a matter of thought. "Burning only one palm is ultimately too conservative," he thought. "I need to find a way to obtain the secret technique to condense River of Oblivion Water." "If I can prepare a pool full of River of Oblivion Water, I dare to cover my whole body with the blue flame!" Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. "What a pity... theres no more time," he said as he stood up and looked towards the sky behind the small building. The twelve black banners, as tall as seventeen or eighteen-story buildings, stood quietly midair. The rectangular flags, unaffected by the high-altitude cold wind, swayed slowly with their long streamers. "Soul Summoning Banner!" Two mornings ago, the twelve banners appeared out of nowhere, and an immediate, subtle pulling sensation emerged in his body. Then people started shouting along the streets, announcing the time of deployment. And today was the last day. Tomorrow morning, he would have to head to the Great Northern Camp to answer the call. "Seems like theres no avoiding it," Chen Mu admitted with resignation. "A month in seclusion, and though I didnt manage to forge the Divine Ghost Pattern, its not like there were no gains," he said, his mouth curving up. With just a thought, his entire body suddenly sank into the ground, and as the tree trunk of the moonlight tree to the west blurred and shifted, Chen Mu stepped out, emerging composed from the tree. Like the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, the Five Elements Escape Technique awakened from the opening of his nine orifices, reappeared on his True Form of Heavenly Demon. Continuous burning with blue flames and then recovery through the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique did not bring forth Divine Powers, but it enhanced his essence, and the continuously rising Yin Spirit Divine Power was its external manifestation. It was due to this enhancement of his essence that he could now support the manifestation of the Five Elements Escape Technique. "For defense and offense, theres the Five Ghosts Paper Man." "For escape and evasion, theres the Five Elements Escape Technique." "Inside the body, theres the True Flesh Body as the trump card." Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m "And as a human-shaped Spiritual Field for harvesting Jade Dew, I am basically insulated from the battlefield." "Putting it all together... its looking stable!" Chapter 442 - 435 Arrival Outside the north gate of Antiquity City. Looking out, there was nothing but wilderness. The twelve poles fluttered in the distant sky, and the so-called north camp was actually quite a distance away from the north of the city. Chen Mu walked out of the city gate holding a copper medal the size of a palm. On one side of the medal was a raised ghost face with glaring eyes and bared teeth, and on the other side was the deeply etched characters "Antiquity." It was the identity token he had just been given, now bound to his vital energy.@@@@ "Which campsite is Boss Le headed to?" Chen Mu looked towards Le Yangan standing beside him. Le Yangan fiddled with the Ghost Face Copper Medal and looked up toward a Soul Summoning Banner to the east, "It should be the Bing Character Flag." "Thats regrettable," Chen Mu said with a look of disappointment. The pull on him came from the Soul Summoning Banner to the far west, clearly placing him and Le Yangan at different locations. Boss Le had arrived in the Netherworld earlier than him and was well-informed. Chen Mu had hoped they would be stationed together. What a pity... "Take care," Chen Mu said earnestly. "Till we meet again," Le Yangan tossed his copper medal in the air, caught it, and then left with an easygoing bow. "Is this Boss Le very impressive?" Shi Dechun, who had been waiting at the city gate, had stealthily approached at some point. "Hes not just ordinarily impressive," Chen Mu sighed, thinking about the other mans collection of figurines. With those paper figurines around, Le Yangan could form an army on his own at any time; how could he not be impressive! "Speaking of which, all the people you knew have left, so why are you still here?" Chen Mu glanced at Shi Dechun. Shi Dechuns face turned serious: "We both crawled out of the River of Oblivion together. How could I bear to see you go off alone? Of course, I need to accompany you on the campaign!" I dont believe you for a second! Shi Dechun chuckled, "Of course, if theres an emergency, it would be great if Brother Chen could give me a heads-up in advance." He had always felt that the young monk before him was no ordinary person. With life and death unpredictable on this campaign, he had decided to stay close to Chen Mu first thing. Old slick-head! "If you happen to hear any news, Id appreciate it if you could share it with me as well," Chen Mu replied. On the way to Antiquity City, he had noticed that the old mans hearing was exceptionally good. It seemed he could quickly become aware of any topic the group discussed. "Agreed!" Shi Dechun was overjoyed. Chen Mu chuckled lightly, hung the Ghost Face Copper Medal at his waist, turned around, and took long strides toward the Hai Character Flag in the west. ... To the northwest of Antiquity City, at the Hai Character Camp. By the time Chen Mu arrived, a vast crowd had already gathered, so large that it seemed to have no end at a glance. The Soul Summoning Banners pole, seven or eight meters in diameter, stood in the air dozens of meters high. At its top, the rectangular flag was black as ink, with blood-red cloud patterns barely visible on the edges. In the center, a dark golden "Hai" character continuously surged and flipped with the flag. Beneath the flag was the location of Hai Character Camp, but the whole area was shrouded in grey fog. Apart from a few clusters of ghastly green flames that were visible, there was only a five to six-meter tall grey-white archway standing lonely in front of the crowd at the camp entrance. "Are we supposed to enter the campsite?" "There doesnt seem to be anyone in charge..." Fortunately, the Soul Summoning Banner appeared in time, its slight movement immediately restoring everyones clarity of mind. Mist, archways, ghastly green lightsa camp identical to Hai Character Camp unveiled itself before the group. Following the guiding force, everyone moved forward through the mist. Platoons of armor-clad Yin Soldiers were already arrayed in formation, waiting. Before Chen Mu could take a closer look, tens of thousands of Yin Spirit auxiliaries were quickly dispersed and led away by the soldiers, swiftly integrating into the camp. Chen Mu, Shi Dechun, and a hundred or so others were also taken away by a long-faced middle-aged man clad in Black Armor. ... On the way, Shi Dechun fretted in a low voice, "I dont know what theyre going to have us do." "Staying within the camp would be fine, hard and tiring work doesnt matter." "But if we have to go out of the camp..." Shi Dechun shuddered. He had always been compliant and law-abiding, yet earlier outside the camp, he had actually thought about knocking someone out with a blunt object?! If that was what he thought, what about the others? Too sinister! "Dont worry," Chen Mu said confidently. "Did Brother Chen hear some news?" Shi Dechuns eyes lit up. "I asked around a long time ago." "Being a humanoid Spiritual Field that gathers Jade Dew is the only destiny for us newcomers." "If something unexpected happens after leaving the camp, wouldnt that be a waste of manpower?" "If they want to make full use of people..." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "They wont let us leave the camp for even half a step?!" Shi Dechun rejoiced suddenly. Chen Mu nodded indifferently, his face showing certainty. Then the leading Yin Soldier abruptly stopped and spoke expressionlessly, "Starting tomorrow, you will follow me to Blood Rivers banks to clean the battlefield and carry corpses." Chen Mu was stunned on the spot at that moment. Cleaning the battlefield? Carrying corpses? What is this about?! They want a new recruit like me to pick up bodies and wash the grounds in a dangerous battlefield? This isnt what I was told! The Yin Soldier then pointed towards a row of clay-built bungalows not far away, "That is your barracks. After coming to me to collect your Flame Wheel Vehicle, you can go rest." "When outside the camp, you must obey orders for work, and you cannot move around at will within the camp. If you lose your life due to recklessness, dont blame me for not warning you." "Humanoid Spiritual Field?" "Make full use of people?" Shi Dechun looked aggrieved. "Did you fish that information out of the River of Oblivion?" "Thats a seriously high level of misinformation!" Chen Mus face was full of melancholy. I would also like to know why. Chapter 443 - 436: Transporting In the southeastern corner of the Hai Character Camp, within the Yi Three Banner of the Flame Moving Division. A row of barracks, made from dirt and shaped through casting spells, blended seamlessly with the surroundings. Inside, the furnishings were simple and uniform, with a seven or eight-meter long communal bed opposite the door against the wall, a walkway over two meters wide in front of the bed, and a large window on each side of the door; beyond that, there was nothing else. Within one of these barracks. The dim daylight filtered through the gray fog shone through the vast paper-covered windows. Inside the room, some yin spirits were sleeping with their eyes closed, while others were whispering together quietly. Brother Chen and De Chun sat against the wall on the edge of the bed. "Somethings not right," De Chun frowned deeply. "Apart from the dozen or so newcomers like us, the rest are all veterans from Antiquity City." "Theyve been living here for at least eight or nine years!" Chen Mus eyebrows suddenly lifted, "So?" "Im afraid someone has tampered with the household register and replaced us to gather Jade Dew!" De Chuns expression was grave. A thought struck Chen Mu. Indeed, with so many yin spirits in Antiquity City, some are chasing fame and eagerly seeking military merit. And, of course, there are also those like me who want to keep out of the strife and live peacefully. But if you want to be peaceful, be peaceful, why the hell did you mess with my registry! Chen Mu could not help but grit his teeth. "I heard that the fiends from Beyond Heaven are dangerous even in death." "Many people perish before even encountering their bodies." "And these are the deeply powerful old ghosts whove been around for years." "Us..." "Weve become scapegoats!" De Chun said with a gloomy face. "A few of us who took the same route went to see the stern-faced flag leader who said this matter is managed by the City Defense Camp of Antiquity City." "But now that were here, our previous identities dont matter." "We must obey orders uniformly, or else we face military punishment," De Chun sighed. Chen Mu frowned deeply, "Is there a way to transfer to another division?" Just staying outside the camp was dangerous enough, let alone being tasked with moving the bodies of demonic beasts. "Difficult!" De Chun shook his head. "If you want to stay within the camp, you need a special ability." "Either you know a secret technique like Netherworld Guide that can refine River of Oblivion Water." "Or you know the Three Turns Essence Gathering Curse that can handle the bodies of demonic beasts." "If you can make Soldier Figurine Ghost Implements or brew Precious Medicine Decoction, thats even better; you might even have ghost soldiers to protect you." "Unfortunately, we dont know any of this, nor do we have military merit to exchange and learn." Chen Mus face was grim, thinking about the person who had tampered with his records, his teeth itching with rage. Dont let me find out who you are! It took him a while before he could reluctantly gather his thoughts and consider the current situation. "To transfer divisions, we need to learn secret techniques." "To learn secret techniques, we need military merit." "It seems well have to blend in with the Yi Three Banner for a while." ... The camp management was strict. Chen Mu and the others, being new arrivals, were not allowed to go anywhere except around their barracks. De Chun sneaked out of the room to gather information, while Chen Mu sat on the meditation cushion, peering through the half-open window at the blood-red sky above the gray fog. "This is definitely not the Thirteen States of the Yang Realm." "And theres also no Earth Spirit Vital Energy." In the short term, his True Flesh Body could only be used as a trump card and not be employed lightly. "I still need to practice Divine Ghost Pattern," he glanced at the others in the room from the corner of his eye. "Too many prying eyes," he instinctively began to miss his own Underground Secret Chamber. "Ill wait a bit, wait until I have a better understanding of the camps situation." He had already planned on digging his own Secret Chamber. Sunset soon darkened the sky. Then his eyes shifted, cautiously looking at Chen Mu. He had always felt that this little bald-headed guy was not simple. Hadnt he been gravitating towards Chen Mu all this time exactly for this kind of crisis? His eyes filled with anticipation, "Brother Chen, what do you think we should do if we run into those people?" Chen Mu furrowed his brow in thought, "How about, we reason with them, offer good words and persuade?" Shi Dechun: "..." Divinely good words and persuasion. Shi Dechun rolled his eyes. They were already robbing; why would they listen to persuasion! ... Two days later. On the vast plains. A group of men in black controlled clusters of black smoke clouds as large as basketball courts, each laden with a hill-like pile of red-eyed water apes. Dozens of people talked and laughed merrily on their way back to the camp. "Big brother, only you dare to dream and act." "Hard labor all day cant compare to what we earn from one heist." "Work a little more for ten days or half a month, and the Secret Technique Precious Medicine will be within our grasp!" Everyone chatted loudly, each contributing their thoughts. The lead man, with thick eyebrows and a square face, had the corner of his mouth slightly lifted, about to modestly interject. Suddenly, five plumes of black smoke burst from the ground, plunging straight into the caravan, instantly causing mayhem with people and horses alike overturned. The thick-browed strong mans face changed, he leaped down from the Flame Wheel Vehicle, and with a wave of his hand, five armored paper soldier figurines wielding swords appeared, swiftly forming a circle to protect him. He then chanted Curse Words, and a large swirl of Black Wind materialized above his head. The thick-browed strong man sneered coldly, "Daring to use the Black Wind Curse before me, you overestimate yourself!" His Innate Divine Ability was related to the Black Wind, making his Black Wind Curse exponentially more powerful. Ever since he had mastered it, all Black Winds dissipated at his mere presence! With a single thought, the enormous Black Wind surged toward the five plumes of smoke, colliding with them in the blink of an eye. The corner of his mouth had just curled up when it suddenly froze in place. The five plumes of smoke violently merged and began to spin explosively. His Black Wind obediently burrowed into the vortex of smoke and vanished in the blink of an eye. Before he could react, the five plumes of smoke, as if enraged, thunderously rushed toward him and spun wildly around him. The paper soldier figurines guarding him could only flail their swords a couple of times before half of their bodies shattered instantly, as if they were being torn apart by an invisible maw. The paper figurines that had just taken human form were reduced to broken bamboo and paper scraps fluttering in the air in the blink of an eye. Next, the black smoke slammed into the strong man with massive force, sending the thick-browed strong man flying without a chance to resist. Before he could get up, an invisible force of restraint slammed down on him, pinning him firmly to the ground, making it hard to even lift his head. Then, the black smoke darted about erratically, quickly putting down anyone who was still standing! The ground shimmered, and Chen Mu, again disguised as a tall, thin middle-aged man, slowly emerged. Looking at the red-eyed water apes scattered on the ground, he couldnt help but crack a smile. He was a good person, and robbing others troubled his conscience. But black on black crime? He had no qualms about that. Ever since he had heard that no one in the camp cared about auxiliary soldiers fighting, he had started plotting. Earning military merit by honestly transporting corpses was too slow. He heard that the red-eyed water apes were just ordinary demons, and he expected the coming battles to be even fiercer, making corpse transport increasingly dangerous. If he wanted to hide out in the barracks sooner, he had to trouble these powerful big brothers. "I take fifty percent of the loot, any problem?" Chen Mu said, expressionless. "I concede," the pale, thick-browed strong man pinned to the ground by Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles surrendered promptly, "Would you dare to reveal your name, brother, so I may know who bested me?" "What, planning on taking revenge?" Chen Mu smiled coldly. "Remember this, Im Fei Yong of the Armor Two Banner. Make sure you dont seek revenge on the wrong person!" The others, who had been wailing in pain, suddenly fell silent. With a tone full of resignation, the thick-browed strong man said, "I am Fei Yong of the Armor Two Banner!" Chen Mu: "..." Did I just rob the very man Im pretending to be? This is really awkward! "Oh, my mistake, Im Hong Xiu of Banner Five!" Fei Yong: "..." Could you possibly fake it any more than that?! Chapter 444 - 437 Tacit Consent Watching Fei Yong leaving with his beaten troops, Chen Mu turned his head to the pile of Red-eyed Aquatic Monkeys and couldnt help but smile. If he turned in all these monkeys, hed get at least thirty Military Merits. Just this one haul was equivalent to three hard days of labor. "Indeed, Without windfalls, a man isnt rich; without night grazing, a horse isnt fat! Haha!" But his joy didnt last long before it turned into helplessness. Chen Mu pushed the Flame Wheel Vehicle to its limit and stuffed the Five Ghosts Bag until it was full. Yet even so, there were still some Red-eyed Aquatic Monkeys left behind. "Why did you monkeys have to be so fat?!" Chen Mu complained, forcing himself to leave with a grimace. Suddenly, he realized why Fei Yong had led such a large group to plunder; it wasnt just to put on a show of force, it was more to help him carry the monkeys. "Just dont let anyone pick up a bargain." Without hesitation, Chen Mu urged the Flame Wheel Vehicle to go faster than a galloping horse, racing back to camp. But by the time he finished dealing with the monkeys in hand and hurried back, the remaining ones had vanished.@@@@ Chen Mu stood there, stunned. All that hard work only to have others pocket the profits? Dammit! Just dont let me find out who the bastard is! "Maybe next time after I plunder, I should make those guys deliver them directly to the camp gate?" Chen Mu mused mischievously. "Forget it, forget it, robbing others is already audacious enough." "Having them deliver to my doorstep would be such a slap in their faces." After a flurry of wild thought, Chen Mu reluctantly left the scene. "This is, after all, my first time plundering. Im still lacking in experience." ... In the southeastern corner of Hai Character Camp, the Flame Moving Divisions Yi Third Banner Camp. Shi Dechun quickly approached Chen Mu and saw that he was unharmed, he immediately sighed in relief, "Its really great that youre okay." "This morning, in the blink of an eye, you were gone?" "I thought youd fallen for the tricks of those giant monkeys as well." Dead Red-eyed Aquatic Monkeys were powerful and mysterious. There had been incidents with the careless who inadvertently got close to the huge monkeys and without any warning, had turned into wisps of smoke. "I was just focused on collecting monkeys and ran a bit off-course. When I looked back, you had already left, so I followed another group back," Chen Mu lied casually, but a thought struck him. Shi Dechun had noticed Chen Mus first departure; if in the future Chen Mu left the Third Banner repeatedly, it wouldnt ensure remaining unnoticed by others. "I need a valid reason for acting alone," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, contemplating. Shi Dechun didnt notice the change in Chen Mus expression and anxiously asked, "You didnt run into any robbers, did you?" "I understand that everyone is grieving over the loss of military merit today." "I have just been to see General Stone, unfortunately..." Xiao Jinquan shook his head and sighed with a grave expression. The already low spirits in the room grew even more somber. Seeing the troubled looks on everyones faces, Xiao Jinquan then revealed a smile, "Fortunately, its not like there are no solutions." "I expended quite an effort to get in touch with Hong Xiu from the Bing Wu Banner today." "After much persuasion and cajoling, I finally came to an agreement with Brother Hong." "From now on, as long as we hand over thirty percent of the Red-eyed Swamp Monkeys, not only will he refrain from robbing us, but he will also protect our safety," Xiao Jinquan said with great excitement. "Of course, I know this pains you," he said earnestly, "but if we dont pay, we might end up losing half to others." "If we run into those greedy and aggressive types, not only could they take everything, but we might also get beaten up. Wouldnt that be even worse?" "Everyone, think it over." "If you agree, we will continue to team up and travel together tomorrow. If not, then please leave the team." After finishing his piece, Xiao Jinquan left with the four or five people behind him to continue persuading others in different barracks. The crowd was abuzz with discussion, some unwilling to comply, some thinking thirty percent was too much, and others suspecting there was collusion between Xiao Jinquan and Hong Xiu. But in a corner, Chen Mu couldnt help showing a smile. Hadnt he just been pondering how to break away from the group? And here was the opportunity, wasnt it? However, it might be a bit too conspicuous to leave on his own. Chen Mu glanced at Shi Dechun. The old man Shi, who had been all ears listening to the crowd, suddenly shivered, turned his head swiftly, and caught Chen Mus enigmatic gaze. "What are you planning?" "This protection fee, you dont want to pay it, do you?" Chen Mu asked with a smile. Shi Dechun instinctively wanted to nod, but forcibly held himself back. This bald kid, is he stirring up trouble? "No, I can pay," he said, looking at Chen Mu warily. Chen Mu was taken aback. How could you go against your heart?! A red glint flashed in his eyes, "Come on, say it with me, you dont want to pay." Shi Dechuns gaze immediately became muddled, and then he numbly uttered, "Right, I dont want to pay." Chen Mus lips curled up at once, "Its too conspicuous for one person to refuse to pay, but if two people refuse, then... its still a bit conspicuous." He pondered for a moment, surveying the other people in the room, squinting his eyes. The people deeply engrossed in discussion suddenly felt a chill on their necks, feeling as if there were ghosts lurking in the room. Chapter 445 - 438 Substitute Flag Camp Three. "Are you willing to pay this toll?" A red light flashed in Chen Mus eyes. Continue your journey on novelhall.Co?m Everyone in the room simultaneously shook their heads numbly: "No, no, no!" Chen Mu then nodded in satisfaction. Here came the labor force, didnt it? Just as he was quietly feeling smug, a voice suddenly emerged. "Actually, paying some toll isnt entirely out of the question." The previously expressionless crowd suddenly snapped back to reality and began to discuss fervently again. The smile on Chen Mus face immediately froze. He quickly scrutinized the group of old ghosts carefully. He noticed that they all looked normal, as if the earlier manipulation was but a dream. He then turned to look at Shi Dechun whose expression remained wooden, still clearly under the influence of the Bewitching Divine. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief and helplessly shook his head at the same time. Although no one noticed the abnormality just now, the idea of using this group to transport goods was clearly no longer feasible. "Tsk! I thought this Bewitching Divine Skill was a great Divine Power, but it turns out its ineffective against the old ghosts." Hed been reluctant to use it before for fear of arousing jealousy, but now, Chen Mu curled his lip. "At most, I could only bully the newly formed Yin Spirits." ... Time passed, and the blood-red sun in the sky rose and set in the east; in the blink of an eye, five days had gone by. Underground in a certain wilderness, Chen Mu sat cross-legged in a temporary subterranean space, with fifteen or sixteen black-clad figures standing behind him, all expressionless and wooden. Including the leading old man, Shi, these were the new Yin Spirits who had traveled with him to Antiquity City. Perhaps because they were part of the same batch, a good portion had been assigned to Flag Camp Three. If not for this, he wouldnt have been able to assemble this transport team. Chen Mu had currently reverted to his True Flesh Body, with most of his spirit connected to the Vermilion Feather Sword. He was making use of the Mechanical Techniques shared vision and long-distance control capabilities to hide the Magic Sword in the clouds and track the Flame Wheel brigades from afar. If the enemy were plundered, hed immediately take action. Through the Magic Swords perspective, watching the ant-like procession of Water Monkey corpses being transported, Chen Mu mumbled to himself. "The battlefield changes daily, but the enemy remains the Water Monkeys with red eyes." "I wonder what place Beyond Heaven is, and why there are so many red-furred monkeys there; it feels like theyre unending." "The Yin Soldiers of Antiquity City are also strange, only killing the enemy but not taking territory. Instead of attacking and seizing land, it seems more like theyre deliberately hunting Water Monkeys." As he was deep in thought, from the corner of his eye within the Magic Swords view, a group suddenly appeared behind the transport team. The corners of Chen Mus mouth curved upwards. Action was coming! ... In the wilderness. Suddenly, more than thirty tall and robust figures with a fierce aura appeared. "My identity is probably needless to introduce," Hong Xiu said with a smiling grin. He appeared to be in his forties with a red tight-fitting outfit underneath a black leather armor, standing calmly in front of a brigade of seventy to eighty Flame Wheel Vehicle transporters. Not into banditry? Then what the hell are you doing right now? Playing the hero?! Hong Xiu was so angry he almost lost it. "Ill let you all go now, but dont play any tricks on me, or youll regret it," Chen Mu said cautiously, withdrawing the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles as he saw everyone submitting. Suppressing the rage in his heart, Hong Xiu got up from the ground. After briefly tidying up his disheveled armor, he pretended as though nothing had happened and spoke with ease, "Friend, since we cant work together, perhaps we can still do some trading?" "There are quite a few doing the same business with me. As long as you spare my team in the future, I can provide you with accurate information about others." "What do you think..." Such a good deal?! Chen Mu was delighted inwardly and regarded the man before him with newfound respect. To avoid his own losses and yet screw over a colleague, this guys brain works really fast. "Its not entirely impossible," he pondered, stroking his chin. Following others with my Flying Sword is indeed a bit troublesome; if someone provided information and I could just block them, that would make things much simpler. Seeing Chen Mus expression of interest, Hong Xiu couldnt help but smile. Feed this guy a few true bits of information first, gain his trust, and then, heh heh! He immediately clasped his hands with earnest sincerity, "What is my friends surname? How shall I contact you to provide information later?" Just as Chen Mu was about to speak, a thought struck him. His memory of posing as Fei Yong and the subsequent fiasco was still fresh in his mind, prompting him to be cautious and counter-question instead of answering directly, "Tell me your name first." Hong Xiu kept a poker face, but his mind was racing. Since he planned to deceive this person, he couldnt reveal his real name. He made up his mind in a flash, "I am Niu Chengzong of the Third Banner. And you, my friend, may I know your distinguished name?" "Oh, I am Hong Xiu of the Fifth Banner, my apologies, my apologies," Chen Mu replied nonchalantly. Hong Xiu: "..." This guy is using my name to do bad deeds? Damn, Ive become a scapegoat! ... Towards evening, at the Second Banner camp. Chen Mu returned with Shi Dechun and others. As the red glow in their eyes faded, memories of the arduous journey, taking detours, and the difficult task of moving the water apes surfaced in their minds. If they were to check the Ghost Face Copper Medal, they would find that the military merits recorded corresponded exactly with the achievements of this recent task. This batch of water apes was specifically allocated by Chen Mu to his team. On one hand, it made the act of Bewitching Divine more convincing, and on the other, it served as a payment for their transport services. With a thought, the men quickly regained complete clarity and left in small groups. Shi Dechun scratched his chin and, as usual, rushed to other barracks to catch up on various rumors and gossip. Chen Mu returned to his room and sat cross-legged on a cushion. With the Ghost Face Copper Medal in hand and the infusion of Yin Spirit Divine Power, a cool sensation immediately spread from the palm of his hand. The vague restlessness and destructive desire induced by the blood-colored light outside instantly dissipated. It was precisely because of this medal that they, as auxiliary forces, remained lucid outside the camp, preventing what could have been utter chaos. The cool sensation soon vanished, and a series of information appeared in his mind. Seeing the displayed total of one thousand and five military merits, Chen Mu could not help but smile proudly. "At most half a month, and Ill have accumulated three thousand." "Then I can exchange them for the Secret Technique, find a way to change teams, and stay inside the camp." The constant transportation of the red-eyed water apes corpses, ominously threatening danger every moment, only highlighted the risks outside. Better to die than face a horde of survivors unexpectedly jumping at you. So, its best to remain inside the camp. Chapter 446 - 439 Conspiracy Before I knew it, more than ten days had passed. At the foot of a little hill, a line of Flame Wheel Vehicles gradually receded into the distance. Chen Mu looked at the large group of scarlet-eyed water monkeys nearby, a smile spreading across his face. The ground rippled like water, creating waves of ripples as Shi Dechun and the others slowly emerged from the earth. He was all smiles as he directed his men to move forward, yet he couldnt help but inwardly exclaim, "That Niu Chengzong really is a good person." The information provided by the other party had resulted in a continuous string of gains during this period, and the Military Merits recorded in the Ghost Face Copper Medal were rising sharply. Just a few hundred more, and he would break through three thousand! As he pondered, he stuffed water monkeys into the Five Ghosts Bag. Before he realized it, he discovered that among the water monkeys collected today, there were quite a few that were huge, measuring four or five meters tall. "Before, most were two or three meters, but now there are more and more of these big ones." "Does this mean we are about to invade the core lair of the water monkeys?" His joy slowly dissipated. "Forget it, overthinking is useless, better to stick to robbing the rich to help the poor." "In at most three more days, Ill have accrued enough Military Merits to exchange for a Secret Technique." "Then, by hiding in the camp, I wont have to worry about whether the battlefield is dangerous or not." ... Atop a certain little hill. Hong Xiu, Fei Yong, and Niu Chengzong stood together, watching as the people below obediently paid their dues, each revealing a smile. "Brother Hong seems to have gained quite the reputation recently," teased Fei Yong gleefully. Hong Xius expression darkened. It turned out he had become a scapegoat. The person who had obtained his information had been blackmailing everywhere, using his name. Despite his being amiable and polite, the rumors painted him ever more viciously. Lately, many people had been giving him strange looks, making him tense all day long, fearing someone tough might come looking for revenge. "Its Brother Hongs brilliance," praised Niu Chengzong with a robust voice. "Using that persons hand, it was easy to scatter those small looting groups." "Either they find it not worthwhile and quit, or they are taken in by us." "Thats why more and more vehicle owners are proactively coming to pay their dues; tsk, tsk..." "Smart move!" "Enough chit-chat, we need to consider how to deal with that person," said Hong Xiu with a smile, feeling quite pleased with his spontaneous inspiration. Then, he put away his smile and spoke seriously, "We cant let him continue to rob like this. Those small looting groups are dwindling. If he gets too greedy, he might just turn on us." "Whatever you have in mind, Brother Hong, just give the order," Fei Yong said with a sinister grin. He remembered all too well the grudge of being pinned to the ground and roughed up by that man. "This person must have Soldier Figurine Ghost Implements in his possession and knows a Secret Technique similar to the Black Wind Curse." "He has the ability to capture and bind over a wide area, and he can burrow underground; his strength is not ordinary." Fei Yong listened, his face becoming grim. Niu Chengzong couldnt help but grimace and scratch his head, "Even if the three of us work together, can we truly deal with him?" "Of course, we cant deal with him," Hong Xiu said coldly with a sneer, "but what about General Yins forces?" "Weve spent so much Military Merit, gave so many gifts, wasnt it all for today?" "General Hu cant shirk his duty!" said Hong Xiu with a steely face. ... Inside the camp of the Yi Third Flag. Shi Dechun leaned in towards Chen Mu, "How about we just pay the toll and be done with it?" "Lately Ive heard that Hong Xiu and Fei Yong have joined forces, nearly ninety percent of the strong groups have been disbanded or taken in by them." "They promise outside that as long as you hand over thirty percent of the water monkeys, theyll guarantee everyones safety."@@@@ Youre really a jinx, arent you? A brief encounter? Your grannys leg of an encounter! "Which one of you is Hong Xiu? Stand up and let me have a look," Chen Mu emerged from the ground with a displeased expression. After hearing the gossip from Shi Dechun yesterday, he was already upset. I exert effort and you make money? And not sharing the spoils with me? Why the hell not! The more he thought about it, the less content he felt, and he didnt go after those minor lackeys. He set out early in the morning and went straight for the road-blocking Hong Xiu. You dare use me as a tool? I want to see which bastard it is! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, and three men who were clearly leaders were lifted into the air. Seeing a familiar disheveled figure among them, Chen Mu immediately laughed, "Yo, Niu Chengzong? Isnt this Old Niu?" He walked over and slapped the mans shoulder, making it pop, "I knew you must be mixed up in this." "Come on, tell me, who is the bastard who dares to strut around under my name, Hong Xiu?" As he spoke, he glared fiercely at the short, fat, stocky man next to Fei Yong. Three leaders, with Old Niu at their side and Fei Yong with his jaw-beard beside him, that left one short winter melon C that had to be Hong Xiu! Fei Yong and Niu Chengzong stared hard at Hong Xiu, especially the short winter melon Niu Chengzong, his eyes bulging like brass bells! Hong Xius cheek twitched, and forcing himself to speak, he stammered, "That... maybe, perhaps, Im the bastard who has been impersonating Hong Xiu." What kind of world is this, where one must impersonate oneself? Now it was Chen Mus turn to be stunned. He realized immediately that this man was not Niu Chengzong at all; he was Hong Xiu himself! So, I had been seen through when I impersonated Hong Xiu last time? Tsk! This is awkward! "Well, Old Niu," Chen Mu spoke up calmly. "Yes!" the short winter melon hurriedly responded. Chen Mu immediately glared hard at him, "I wasnt calling you!" He turned his head toward Hong Xiu and continued calmly, "Old Niu." Hong Xiu: "..." "Sigh!" Hong Xius mouth twitched as he reluctantly nodded. Chen Mu immediately showed a satisfied smile. Thats more like it! If I am Hong Xiu, then you must be Old Niu, whether you like it or not! "Since Im already here, you see..." "All here is yours for the taking!" Hong Xius face twitched again as he feigned a generous bow. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, a group of people in black robes with mud-sculpted masks appeared, loading up roadside Flame Wheel Vehicles and leaving. Chen Mu also joined in, and with a wave of his hand, nearly half of the vehicles were swallowed by the Five Ghosts Bag. He then noticed Qi-feeding bags at the waists of the three men, and walked up without any politeness, snatching them away. He planned to make this his last heist, naturally grabbing as much as he could. Since these guys dared to use him as a tool, what he took was his share of the profits! After having looted everyone, Chen Mu waved his hand and disappeared without a trace along with his followers. Hong Xiu and the other two stood at the base of the small mountain and watched the rapidly departing group with a blank look. It took quite a while for them to sort out their thoughts and regain their composure. Niu Chengzong immediately looked at Hong Xiu with a sideways glance: "Old Niu, huh?" Hong Xiu: "..." Chapter 447 - 440 Soul-Departing Soup Flame Moving Division, Yi San Banner Camp. Chen Mu was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, turning a palm-sized clay figurine over in his hands. The figurine was a miniaturized version of a Red-eyed Water Ape, with four arms, protruding fanged teeth, and its eyes seemed to be embedded with two crystal-clear, blood-red jewels. Whenever he looked into those blood-red eyes, a roar full of malice would abruptly emerge in his mind. "Could this clay ghost soldier have been made from the corpse of a Red-eyed Water Ape?" Chen Mu couldnt help scratching his head. "If thats the case, then this is quite sinister." He took out another humanoid clay figurine and examined it carefully, turning it over and over. "Luckily, this is just an ordinary clay puppet; otherwise..." Chen Mu couldnt suppress a shiver. Both soldier figurines were from Hong Xiu. The first was acquired from looting and was likely purchased in Antiquity City. The second ape soldier figurine came from the opponents Qi Bag, and he feared it had been recently obtained in exchange for military merits. "No wonder Hai Character Camp is so fixated on Water Apes." He felt that his previous guess was correct; Hai Character Camps encampment here was for the purpose of hunting Water Apes. Shaking his head, he put those thoughts aside and took out a bamboo tube about the length of his palm and as thick as a childs wrist. The bamboo tube also came from Hong Xius Qi Bag, sealed with a wooden stopper and beeswax, completely green, with the words Netherworld Guide engraved in three simple characters in the middle. He pulled out the stopper to find the liquid inside clear as water, with several thin threads floating and drifting, occasionally flashing a silvery light. "All this time thinking about earning military merits to buy Secret Techniques, and yet the Secret Technique comes knocking on my door?" Chen Mu chuckled as he stared at the silvery threads inside the bamboo tube. "That Hong Xiu truly is a generous man." This liquid, filled with silver threads, was called Soul-departing Soup, and it was similar to a Qi Cultivators inheritance Jade Slip. Once consumed, one could obtain the genuine seed of a Secret Technique, and by continuously nourishing it with Yin Spirit Divine Power, one would gradually master the Secret Technique. Chen Mu looked at the Water Ape soldier figurine and then at the lush bamboo tube, and could not help but crack a smile. Continue reading stories on novelhall.Co?m "With both soldier figurines and Secret Techniques, that guy Hong Xiu indeed struck it rich by setting up a checkpoint." "But now, all this will come cheaply to me, haha!" ... Several days later. By the side of an expansive blood-red river that stretched as far as the eye could see. Chen Mu drove the Flame Wheel Vehicle close to the riverbank, pulled a Water Ape half-collapsed at the riverside that stood four meters tall out of the water, and tossed it onto the mound of corpses on the Flame Wheel Vehicle. Ever since obtaining the Netherworld Guide Secret Technique, he had ceased all activity and had returned with Shi Dechun and the others to Yi San Banner. On the surface, he seemed to be diligently transporting Water Apes, but in reality, he spent his days secretly cultivating. Just like now, he pretended to search for bodies around him, while Yin Spirit Divine Power continuously poured into the palm of his right hand. As his palm emitted a burning sensation, Chen Mu maintained an expressionless face and continued his practice. At a certain moment, a drop of water about the size of a green bean suddenly emerged in front of him. ... At a certain riverbank. Hong Xiu, Fei Yong, and Niu Chengzong gathered together, watching people passing through the checkpoint from a distance. "Its been several days without any movement; it seems that person has really stopped their activities," Niu Chengzong said with a look of disappointment. "Not only did he not use his real name, but its likely he also changed his appearance; otherwise, we wouldnt be unable to find a single clue." "Leader Hu said hes been tied up with urgent tasks recently, but I reckon he just doesnt want to keep playing with us." "If we want that guy to exert effort again, its going to be a different price," Niu Chengzong shook his head. "Are we just going to let it go?" Fei Yong was not willing to give up. Of course, they couldnt just let it go! Hong Xiu watched the distant crowd with an expressionless face and scrutinized them one by one with a cold eye. What he had plundered in a month, he had mostly spent to smooth over the soldiers, the rest was exchanged for a Secret Technique and a Soldier Figurine Water Ape. The result was that everything was stolen by that person, leaving months of hard work in vain; how could he possibly be content? "That person is not weak, probably on the verge of mastering Divine Ghost Pattern." "Plundering military merit is probably to learn secret techniques, so as to have Divine Skills to guard him after leaving the Flame Moving Division." "So..." Fei Yongs eyes lit up. "So, we need to focus on those who have recently left the Flame Moving Division," Hong Xiu was full of confidence. "As long as we get that list, we will eventually find that person." "Even if we find him, what can we do about it?" Niu Chengzong spread his hands in helplessness. "We cant do anything now, but it doesnt mean we cant in the future," Hong Xiu said with a cold smile. "We cant deal with him, but that doesnt mean others cant." "A gentleman is not too late for revenge, even after ten years, as long as we know who it is... Achoo!" Just as they were contemplating how to get revenge, he suddenly felt a chill on his neck and sneezed. Hong Xiu was baffled; he was already a Yin Spirit, could he still catch a cold? Hmm... Could it be that guy planning to rob my path again?! Hong Xiu suddenly tensed up. Not far away, Chen Mu, looking regretful, withdrew his gaze from the trio of Hong Xiu and drove the Flame Wheel Vehicle further and further away. You cant just keep shearing a sheep for its wool, can you? That would be so unscrupulous! Hmm... Wait for the wool to grow back before shearing again. Chapter 448 - 441 Shortcut More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye, deep into the night. Gray fog slowly surged, firmly enveloping the skies above Hai Character Camp. Several groups of ghostly green flames, like the pendulum of a clock, moved slowly yet ceaselessly through the mist. Flame Moving Division, Yi Third Flag encampment. A faint green light penetrated the large paper windows into the barracks, shifting gradually with the passage of time and slowly illuminating Chen Mus profile. Sitting cross-legged against the wall, Chen Mu opened his eyes and quietly surveyed the barracks. It was now deep into the night, and everyone else had fallen into a deep sleep, with Shi De Chun muttering incoherently not far away. "Do Yin Spirits dream of ghosts?" Chen Mu silently watched the various sleeping figures without making a sound. He had stayed in the Netherworld for several months and discovered that these so-called Yin Spirits were not the spirits of the dead in the traditional sense. They ate and slept like the living, with different personalities and preferences, showing little attachment to their past lives, as if they were another living being with partial memories of their previous existence. As a wisp of ghostly green light passed by again, Chen Mu shook his head slightly and gathered his spirit. A subtle vibration slowly covered everyone, as the Bewitching Divine Power brought by the True Form of Heavenly Demon was silently activated. Although it wasnt effective at confusing the old ghosts, with just a bit more force, he could easily make these people sleep even deeper. The next moment, Chen Mus figure became illusory, and he vanished into the ground beneath, disappearing without a trace. ... Over ten meters below the barracks. In a secret chamber the size of an ordinary bedroom, Chen Mus form slowly emerged. His forefinger flicked, and strands of Yin Spirit Divine Power entered several white paper lanterns hanging on the wall. Inside the lanterns, without oil or wick, a warm white candle flame spontaneously ignited, and the pitch-dark secret chamber was suddenly bathed in light. "This underground secret chamber is really comforting," Chen Mu stretched languidly, walked around the cozy secret chamber a couple of times, then stood still in the middle. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke surged, and a large white jade water tank, as tall as half a person, appeared before his eyes. It was filled with the clear, see-through water of the River of Oblivion, which he had condensed bit by bit over time. Chen Mu called up the gray wall and looked at one of the sections. Netherworld Guide: 3703/10000/First Rank; The silver pattern in the palm of his right hand had already undergone a big change. The edges were still cluttered with messy threads, but the inside was now fairly neat and smooth, and the whole had taken the shape of a not-so-round hollow ring. "Not too slow, not too slow, but if it could be faster, that would be even better," Chen Mu couldnt help but squint his eyes. "Still, its worth giving it a try," "After all, Beyond Heaven is ultimately not too safe." Determined, he thought, and the ring grew warm. The water from the white jade water tank rose into the air and floated beside Chen Mu. Like an elliptical cocoon, it slowly enveloped his entire body. He exerted all his strength to control the river water, keeping it half a fingers distance away from his skin everywhere. The next moment, Chen Mu took a deep breath, and the Flight of Flame Scripture he had practiced to the extreme was suddenly activated. Boom! Dark flames suddenly emerged, covering every inch of Chen Mus skin in an instant with cyan flame. The Flight of Flame Scripture at its limit allowed him to fully control the flames, effortlessly covering all his skin, yet also maintaining so as not to damage his clothing. The flames burned quietly; there was no pain or itch on his body, but Chen Mu didnt dare to be careless, focusing intently on the docile cyan flames that resembled obedient kittens. "If I prepare enough River of Oblivion Water in advance and stockpile Jade Dew, I can quickly grind experience for the Netherworld Guide." Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a smile on his face. ... The next day, the sky was slightly bright. Chen Mu emerged from the ground, while everyone inside the barracks was still sleeping, but there was already some activity outside. Before long, the sound of drums, like muffled thunder, came from deep in the camp. The Soul Summoning Banner rose into the sky as usual, leading many Yin Soldiers to hunt water apes in the Blood River. People accustomed to the sight withdrew their gazes, some continuing to sleep, others gathering to chat. With nothing to do until the Flame Moving Division transported goods and the Yin Soldiers returned from hunting, they all found ways to pass the time. Chen Mu, however, went back inside to ponder the Netherworld Guide, and didnt stop cultivating until noon. He stepped out of the barracks, took a stroll around the camp to stretch his body, and prepared to follow the Flame Moving Division to the Blood River. However no matter how long he waited, the Yin Soldiers did not return. "Somethings not quite right," Shi Dechun approached Chen Mu: "Usually by this time, the Yin Soldiers have already returned, but today..." "Todays not the only day thats been off," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly. The return time of the Yin Soldiers was erratic, but on the whole, it was getting later and later. Moreover, the number of water ape corpses on the battlefield was increasing. This indicated that it was becoming increasingly dangerous on the Blood River side. "Do you know how to get to the Netherworld Division?" Chen Mu asked. The Netherworld Division also belonged to the auxiliary forces, not needing to leave the camp, tasked only with condensing River of Oblivion Water each day to maintain the bottomless pool in the southwest corner of the camp where water ape corpses were processed. "Its tough!" Shi Dechun had already done some investigation for him. "Its said that each casting must summon at least a cauldrons worth of River of Oblivion Water. And the total amount of River of Oblivion Water condensed in a day must reach ten cauldrons." "These two requirements are the minimum to enter the Netherworld Division, and they are extremely difficult to meet." "One in our Yi Third Flag does knows how to condense River of Oblivion Water. Unfortunately, he only managed nine cauldrons, failed the City Lord Mansions assessment, and was thus arranged to join our Flame Moving Division Yi Third Flag," Shi Dechun said with regret. Theres such a capable person? "Where is he?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "There! The skinny old man in the opposite barrack running the gambling," Shi Dechun said. Chen Mu frowned slightly. Only one cauldron short, so why not practice for a few more months to meet the requirement? "Doesnt he want to transfer to the Netherworld Division?" "He dreams of it, but unfortunately..." Shi Dechun shook his head: "Unfortunately, hes too young!" Enjoy new stories from novelhall.Co?m Huh? That gaunt old man with snow-white hair and a face full of wrinkles hes still young? "Any Yin Spirit without Divine Ghost Pattern cultivated will only have their Divine Power grow with time. He has only been in the Netherworld for eighty-three years, young! Too young!" Shi Dechun shook his head repeatedly. Listen to what youre saying. An old ghost whos been here eighty-three years dares to call himself young?! Chen Mu couldnt help but his lips twitch. Shi Dechun looked puzzled: "A Yin Spirit can easily live past two hundred, so eighty-three is not even halfway. Naturally, thats considered young!" Chen Mu: "..." So, theres a limit for humans, but give up being human and ones lifespan increases drastically? Alright then... Chapter 449 - 442 Scheming The blood-red sun slanted westward, the sky gradually darkening, as the auxiliary troops of the Flame Moving Division hurried to the Blood River under the urging of the various main flags. A thick, pungent scent of blood and charred flesh assaulted their noses, and billowing smoke could be seen clearly from miles away. Apart from the high-rise sized red-eyed Water Apes, there were now many giant corpses, three to five meters tall, scattered across the battlefield. Some of these giants were clad in scales, some had many arms and a single eye, and some had horns atop their heads. While generally human-shaped, they each had bizarre and diverse appearances. Chen Mus heart grew increasingly alarmed as he watched. He suddenly realized that his state after using the Five Ghosts Possession was strikingly similar to these giants! "So many ghosts have died, this must be a serious incident!" Shi Dechuns face turned pale, his voice trembling. These giants, are they ghosts that have trained the Ghost Pattern?!@@@@ Chen Mus mind couldnt help but skip a beat. The giant he transformed into through Five Ghosts Possession, could it be some kind of ghost? He stared at the broken bodies of those giants, unblinking. At that moment, thick black smoke was steadily drifting out from the bodies of the giants. As the smoke rose into the air, their bodies gradually became translucent and faded until they disappeared without a trace. It took a while before Chen Mu took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart. The Five Ghosts Possession was in fact the Five Ghosts Paper Man, the paper man was originally made from ghosts. Recalling the memories from the River of Oblivion, the Yin Spirits were variants of ghosts. Since both were derived from ghosts, it wasnt impossible for there to be similarities in their existence. Despite this realization, he was still filled with questions. The heritage of the Five Ghosts Bag was recorded in the Thousand Mountains Sutra, an ancient and widely spread fringe Daoist scripture. This scripture was already incomplete, with only fragmented chapters passed down through the world, and most of the secret techniques recorded therein were bizarre and unorthodox. He hadnt expected such an unconventional scripture to be connected with the Netherworld. "If there is a chance to return to the Yang Realm, I must find it and see the truth." ... The next day. In the Hai Character Camp. Chen Mu was seated against a wall, looking out of the wide-open window at the camp outside. Numerous auxiliary soldiers were gathering in small groups, each with a worried look and conversing in hushed tones. Before long, Shi Dechun walked quickly into the barrack, making his way straight to Chen Mus side. "Ive found out, yesterday our Hai Character Camps commander, General Lan Zhang, he discovered the core Water Mansion of the red-eyed Water Apes." "During the fierce assault, the Water Apes resisted tenaciously, leading to a large number of ghost soldiers deaths." Chen Mu understood, "Did we break through the Water Mansion?" "Im afraid not," Shi Dechun shook his head. "General Lan has ordered preparations for battle and rest, with plans to march out again in three days." "With ample preparations this time, there is a high probability of success," Shi Dechun said spiritedly. Chen Mu, however, was not so optimistic. "The ghost soldiers are regrouping, and the red-eyed Water Apes are gathering as wellthe final outcome is still uncertain." "It would be good if we could win in one battle, but if it drags on, the ones to suffer will be us." "Hai Character Camp has Secret Technique protections, as solid as gold; those red-furred monkeys wouldnt dare to attack the main camp, would they?" Shi Dechun wondered. "Even a rabbit will bite when cornered." "Even if they dont dare to attack the main camp, would they not presume to harry us auxiliary soldiers?" A tall and thin figure in black clothing stepped into the room, walking slowly through the dim light and shadows. Approaching the stone table, the figure tucked hands into the wide sleeves and looked down at Lan Zhang with a lofty gaze. "Breaking away from the Yin soldiers and attacking the Water Ape King alone in the Water Mansion. General Lan Zhang, you truly are brave," the person in black sneered sarcastically. "Dont you know that once the core of the Water Mansion is destroyed and the Water Ape King is killed, the Red-eyed Water Ape clan will immediately disintegrate and scatter in all directions?" "We came here to capture enough Red-eyed Water Apes, not to highlight your personal bravery!" the person in black said coldly. Lan Zhangs eyes shifted slightly, and her blood-red pupils casually swept over the tall and thin person in black, her voice calm and cold: "Shen Yan." "General Lan Zhang, what instructions do you have for me?" Shen Yan, the man in black, asked, unchanging in expression, directly meeting Lan Zhangs gaze. "Youre blocking my light." "You..." The man in blacks face changed. Just as he was about to speak out in rebuke, he met Lan Zhangs calm, blood-red eyes and involuntarily stiffened, moving his feet to stand by the side of the stone table. Lan Zhangs blood-red eyes slowly returned to watching the doorways play of light and shadow. Shen Yans chest suddenly heaved violently. After a long while, he took a deep breath, struggling to suppress his anger and continued to persuade. "General Lan Zhang, you are cultivating the Water Ape Dharma Aspect," he said. "Only by killing enough Red-eyed Water Apes and perfecting the Spirit Mechanism on the root source stele, will your Yin Divine Dharma Form have a chance to reach its peak." "Most importantly, this matter is linked to the City Lords Avenue; if you disobey orders and ruin things, everyone in Hai Character Camp is doomed." "At that time, both you and I are likely to be drained of our essence by the Soul Summoning Banner," Shen Yan said, with a cold expression. "Prepare the Soul Summoning Altar within three days," Lan Zhang said in a flat voice. "You want to draw upon Yin Spirit Divine Power? You... youre still going to trouble that Water Ape King?!" Shen Yan suddenly became angry. Lan Zhangs pupils moved, glancing at him. Shen Yans body stiffened immediately. "Fine, fine! I will prepare the altar!" Grinding his teeth, he said, "But it is my duty to record and report everything that happens within Hai Character Camp accurately." "How you proceed is up to you!" Shen Yan glared fiercely at Lan Zhang, then quickly left the stone temple. Once again, the stone temple fell silent. "Peak? A bigger red-haired monkey? Hah..." Lan Zhang leaned back in his chair, laughing mockingly as he flicked his index finger against the armrest. "Are you sure you want to practice the Blood God Scripture? Not afraid of going mad?" A crisp, echoing childlike voice suddenly resounded within the spacious stone temple. Hum! From the shadows on the left side of the room, numerous eyes abruptly appeared. On the floor, the walls, the ceiling, strange eyes nearly covered half the room. They varied in size, each blinking and rotating independently as if they possessed their own consciousness. "Isnt this exactly what you all hoped for?" Lan Zhang continued to sit lazily in his chair, staring at the interplay of light and shadow at the doorway, without so much as glancing at the peculiar eyes within the room. "We provide the Secret Technique, we provide the resources, we simply welcome all outsiders equally to become a part of us," the layered, crisp childlike voice said calmly. "Yes, yes, yes, you help me grow stronger, you wait for me to lose my mind, and then you can swallow me whole in one gulp?" Lan Zhang laughed lightly. "Exactly!" Numerous innocent voices cheered together, the myriad eyes blinking rapidly, filled with excitement. "Heh!" Lan Zhangs mouth curled into a slightly deranged smile. "Then come on!" Chapter 450 - 443 Crazy ``` Two days later, deep into the night. In the barracks of Yi San Banner belonging to the Flame Moving Division, within an underground secret chamber that had been expanded several times over. Hissss... Dense white mist surged in all directions, the white leather lanterns hanging high on the walls swayed violently in the gusts of wind. After a long while, the white fog dissipated. Chen Mu shifted back to his true form, pulled out a couch, and with a plop, he lay down on it. The lingering memory of the intense pain caused him to tremble uncontrollably. With a flip of his right hand, a Jade Dew Pearl appeared, and he shakily performed the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique. The soothing essence flowed, and the trembling of his body finally began to ease. After a good moment, a sense of fullness came from the secret point between his eyebrows, and only then did he heave a long sigh of relief and stopped the Soul Capturing Return to Origin. "No wonder the Flight of Flame Scripture is so unpopular; every cultivation session feels like undergoing torture. Only a madman would enjoy such training," Chen Mu grimaced. Over the years, he had practiced countless secret techniques, but the experience with the Flight of Flame Scripture was the worst. Fortunately, it gave plenty of experience points, or else he wouldnt push himself so hard. With a thought, a gray wall appeared, and he stared intently at one of the columns. Netherworld Guide: 8593/10000; First Rank; "Thats really fast. In no more than one day, the Netherworld Guide will enter a whole new stage," Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a satisfied smile. In the palm of his right hand, the formerly chaotic silver patterns had now completely transformed into a smooth hollow ring. Yin Spirit Divine Power was injected, and a human-head-sized glob of River of Oblivion Water slowly emerged in the center of his palm. "When Ive maxed out the Second Rank experience, I should be able to summon a full pot of River of Oblivion Water." "With a few more sessions of cultivating the Flight of Flame Scripture to strengthen my foundation, it wont be long before I can meet all the requirements to join the Netherworld Division," Chen Mus heart surged with excitement. Yet when he saw the White Jade Box on the couch, he couldnt help but let out a small sigh, "If only the consumption of Jade Dew were a bit less, that would be even better." Practicing the Flight of Flame Scripture and the Netherworld Guide simultaneously would cause slight injuries that would consume a lot of his foundation, forcing him to use a large number of Jade Dew Pearls to replenish and fortify himself. The Jade Dew Pearls in the White Jade Box were accumulated while he was in Antiquity City. Originally the box was full, but now only half remained. "Go to the Military Provision Department to buy Jade Dew Pearls?" "I always feel its not quite cost-effective." "Make them myself?" He quickly shook his head after giving it some thought. "Too consuming of Divine Power, too time-consuming." "But what if I were to apply the Soul Capturing Return to Origin to the water apes..." A slight curve formed on Chen Mus lips as he thought of the piles of red-eyed water apes on the battlefield.@@@@ "Brilliant!" ... The next day. Accompanied by thunderous drumming, the forces of Hai Character Camp set out once again. Chen Mu had braced himself for a grueling, drawn-out battle, but by noon, the troops had already returned. On the battlefield by the Blood River. These silver filaments extended beyond the edges of the vertical patterns, boring beneath his skin, and followed the minute blood vessels, spreading in all directions, as if the vertical patterns between his eyebrows had sprouted countless tiny roots. "Finally, the Divine Ghost Pattern shows itself." "Although I still dont know how long it will take to fully master it, even now, it has already doubled my Yin Spirit Divine Power." "With this, the condition of summoning ten cauldrons of River of Oblivion Water might soon be realized." "Double happiness has come knocking at the door!" ... In the heart of Hai Character Camps stone temple. Lan Zhang sat casually in pure white clothing, slouching on a stone chair. Streams of blood-red threads floated out from behind him, soaring towards the apex of the stone temple. The threads converged and merged into a blood cloud. Suddenly, a water monkey head, nearly large enough to fill half a basketball court, burst from the blood cloud and recklessly rushed to Lan Zhangs face. It opened its mouth filled with ghostly white fangs, bellowing ferociously as if it intended to devour Lan Zhang in one bite. As the gaping maw loomed inches away, Lan Zhangs casually draped black hair was blown back, yet his expression remained unchanged. He tapped the armrest of the stone chair with his right index finger, and instantly, numerous blood-red threads flew out from the blood cloud, swiftly binding the enormous head firmly in front of him. At that moment, the huge head floated motionless in midair, its gaze fixed on Lan Zhang, its entire being larger than the man himself. "Easy there, little monkey," Lan Zhang chuckled lightly. "Becoming a part of me is your good fortune." "Only by following me will you have the chance to witness a broader world." The next instant, the blood-red threads tensed fiercely, the massive water monkey head struggled reluctantly, but ultimately, it was pulled unwillingly into the blood cloud and vanished from sight. "You have already turned it into a Blood God Child, but why didnt you erase its consciousness?" Suddenly, countless eyes appeared within the shadows, and a plethora of clear, child-like voices brimming with confusion asked, "Arent you afraid of going insane?" "Wu Mu, you might not realize how much I particularly enjoy excitement," Lan Zhang replied earnestly. All of Wu Mus numerous eyeballs blinked in unison. Prohibiting anyone from approaching within three hundred meters of the stone temple, spending every day in solitary silence within the empty temple, and yet you still like excitement? What a joke! "You have no idea how wonderful it feels to have someone to talk to inside your head!" Lan Zhang grinned widely, his every fine tooth revealing his glee. Wu Mus heart skipped a beat. Could this guy have been crazy all along? "Ah, a single little monkey is a bit too mundane after all." "When I have encapsulated the entirety of the Hai Character Camp into my brain, that will truly be lively!" Lan Zhangs voice trembled with excitement, every muscle in his body twitched with joy. Then he abruptly turned his head, meeting the multitude of eyeballs in the shadow with a sincere invitation, "Wu Mu, when the time comes, you must join the fun too!" Wu Mu: "..." Damn, he is definitely a madman! Chapter 451 - 444: Agreement Reached Time passed. The Hai Character Camp gradually returned to its former rhythm, with ghost soldiers going out to hunt every day, while the auxiliary troops carried the water monkeys as usual. Shi Zongqi, who had no choice but to personally oversee the Yi Third Banner due to the tense warfare before, immersed himself in brewing concoctions once again, hiding inside the camp and staying out of sight. And so, half a month flashed by in the blink of an eye. Late at night, inside the Underground Secret Chamber of the Yi Third Banner camp. Chen Mu furrowed his brows and summoned the gray wall. Netherworld Guide: 1133/10000/Third Rank; "Something doesnt feel quite right." With a thought, a surge of Yin Spirit Divine Power flowed into the palm of his right hand, and strands of River of Oblivion Water slowly emerged, gradually converging until, after a while, they formed a mass about the size of a bedside table. Chen Mu stared at the mass of water, his brows knitted into a Sichuan character shape. "Why is there only this much?" "Based on earlier calculations, a Second Rank Perfection Netherworld Guide should summon at least two masses of river water at a time." "And it shouldnt be as strenuous as it is now." Chen Mu focused his gaze on the gray wall, carefully examining the fragments of insight brought about by his experience, but he couldnt find the answer. "Forget it, with the Essence from the water monkeys and the acceleration of cultivation through the conjunction of the Netherworld Guide and the Flight of Flame Scripture, it wont be long before I reach the next stage." "By that time, with more insights gained, perhaps Ill be able to unravel this enigma." He stopped dwelling on it and began pondering his next steps in cultivation. "Theres enough River of Oblivion stones, but I need to stockpile more water monkeys." All the water monkeys he had hidden in the Five Ghosts Bag were now depleted, used up by him. "This time, I should store more. Just in case the Third Rank Perfection causes trouble again, having stock would allow me to continue training without frequently stealing water monkeys," Chen Mu silently calculated in his mind. The battlefield was teeming with onlookers. Switching to his True Form to steal water monkeys always came with risks; if discovered, it would lead to serious troubles. "I need to get a bigger piece of oilcloth." "Gathering such a large batch is somewhat troublesome after all." "Hmm... Should I visit Brother Hong Xiu again for a sponsorship loan?" "Forget it, forget it; I cant always keep targeting one person for this Robin Hood business." "If he gets too irritated, he might bring me big troubles someday." ... The next day. In front of a certain hill. Explore stories on novelhall.Co?m Hong Xiu, Fei Yong, and Niu Chengzong stood among a dark green forest. Not far away, teams of auxiliary troops from the Flame Moving Division were lined up to turn in water monkeys.@@@@ Fei Yong said with a look of astonishment, "Hong brother really is clever." "Old Niu ah..." A cheerful voice rang in the ears of the three men. Hong Xius face twitched violently, but had no choice but to speak, "Ah!" Niu Chengzong, lying beside him, glared angrily at Hong Xiu, thinking, why did you have to report my name, darn it? Now I cant even use my name! "Did I hear you were looking for me?" Chen Mus voice was full of enthusiasm. "Do you have a gift for me?" Hong Xius eyes twitched, his face full of frustration, "Yes! You can take as many water apes as you like from the mountain below!" "How embarrassing," said Chen Mu, sounding rather ashamed. Then with a wave of his big hand, Five Ghosts Black Smoke descended from the sky, and the small mountain of water apes at the base of the mountain was swallowed up in the blink of an eye. Youre acting so decisively, and youre still feeling embarrassed, my ass! Hong Xius face turned red with anger. "Where are your food bags?" Chen Mu sounded a bit displeased. "Werent you supposed to give me three food bags?" Having experienced this before, Id be an idiot to keep the food bags on me. "My hands are a bit tight; I didnt buy them," Hong Xiu lied through his teeth. "You three, who make a living robbing others, are tight on cash?" Chen Mu said with a sneer. "So poor!" The three men: "..." Crap! Just dont let us find out who you are! ... More than twenty days later. In the secret chamber at night. Threads of River of Oblivion Water slowly emerged, taking a while to gather into a mass. Chen Mu took a deep breath and, seeing the water ball as tall as half a person in front of him, couldnt help but smile. "Ive finally met the first condition." For some reason, its been quite difficult to condense River of Oblivion Water lately. At first, it was like scooping water from the riverbank, easily accessible with a slight bend. Now, its like drawing water from a deep well, requiring a long rope to pull up and spending extra Yin Spirit Divine Power. That also delayed him quite a bit. "Is it always like this with the Netherworld Guide, or is it because I tried to condense too much at once?" "Forget it, overthinking is pointless. Better consider how to increase Yin Spirit Divine Power more quickly." With a thought, his Yin Spirit Divine Power lightly touched the vertical pattern between his eyebrows, lighting up countless tiny lamp strips. A flash of silver light started at his forehead, spreading rapidly along the silvery network in his subcutaneous blood vessels, making his entire upper body appear suddenly translucent. Organs, muscles, and bones shone brightly for a moment before dimming again. "If the Divine Ghost Pattern could spread throughout my body, my Yin Spirit Divine Power would surely increase significantly." "I could easily meet the condition of condensing ten pots of River of Oblivion Water." "Though cultivating the Flight of Flame Scripture is painful and dangerous, I cannot stop." ``` Chapter 452 - 445: The Attack Several nights later, deep into the night. In the heart of Hai Character Camps Stone Temple. Lan Zhang lounged lazily in a stone chair, a faint smile playing on his lips, "This place is Beyond Heaven, far from the Netherworld. The newly born Yin Spirit Divine Power is weak, and the Dew Harvesting Spell is slightly dysfunctionalthats expected." "With Ghost Gate as an anchor and the Netherworld factions pulling, the power of the River of Oblivion pervades the entire Hai Character Camp." "A one-time dysfunction is acceptable, but a widespread failure of cursing methods is absolutely impossible!" Shen Yan said with an icy expression. "Is that so? Then has Military Supervisor Shen found the reason?" Lan Zhangs expression remained unchanged as he still slouched lazily in the stone chair. A fierce light flashed in Shen Yans eyes, "The Dew Harvesting Spell relies on the River of Oblivion." "The frequent failures of the cursing methods indicate that someone is secretly sealing the Ghost Gate, obstructing the power of the River of Oblivion from descending." He stared intently at Lan Zhang, his face growing even more solemn, "To subtly affect the Ghost Gate like this, it could only be your Soul Summoning Banner!" Hum! The air suddenly vibrated intensely. Ten black-clad individuals abruptly appeared inside the Stone Temple, forming a fan shape as they surrounded Lan Zhang in the middle. A transparent Water Screen suddenly rose up and quickly closed in, resembling a large bowl that, in the blink of an eye, trapped Lan Zhang upside down within it. Numerous black curse characters surged from within the Water Screen, transforming into chains that tightly bound Lan Zhang, leaving him completely immobilized. "You can use the Soul Summoning Banner to seal the Ghost Gate, and naturally, I can also use it to entangle the Soul Summoning Banner. Stop struggling, Lan Zhang," Shen Yan said coldly. "So youre saying all the power of the Ghost Gate has been used by you to restrain my Soul Summoning Banner?" Lan Zhang, who until now had worn a calm expression, suddenly grinned. Shen Yans heart skipped a beat, feeling that something was amiss. "The connection to the Netherworlds power has been deliberately severed by you." "Without an anchor point, even if the Lord of the City personally intervened, he wouldnt be able to teleport through the void to trouble me!" "You really are a great benefactor! Ha ha..." Lan Zhangs bloodshot eyes snapped open, a madness seeping out as he burst into loud laughter. Before Shen Yan could react. To the left of the Stone Temple, pitch-black shadows instantly formed blades and, with a swift motion, impaled three of the black-clad men. On the right, the eyes of the remaining five black-clad individuals simultaneously lit up with a crimson glow. They swiftly leaped from their positions and in an instant surrounded Shen Yan and the remaining two black-clad men in the middle. "You!" Shen Yans face turned pale. It never occurred to him that half of his core group from the Netherworld faction had already been turned by Lan Zhang! Chen Mu hadnt forgotten the living water ape he encountered by the Blood River. Just being stared at by the creature made him shiver all over. He didnt want to face it head-on and preferred to stay as far as possible. "The Netherworld Department is good. As long as you condense enough River of Oblivion Water, theres no need to leave the camp. Its worry-free and safe." He had tried the previous night. Within six Hours, he had successfully condensed seven cauldrons of River of Oblivion Water. He was not far from completing the assessment requirement. He was contemplating his future life. Boom! An explosion-like sound suddenly burst forth. The entire barracks shook violently as if hit by an earthquake. To the southwest of the camp, a bloody light suddenly burst forth. An invisible pressure swept over him, causing Chen Mus hair to stand on end, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head, freezing him in place instantly. Everyone inside the barracks turned pale and tense due to this force. After a while, as the bloody light faded, people gradually came to their senses, panicking and rushing out of the door. At this moment, Shi, who had always hidden inside the house, also hurried over, repeatedly scolding and instructing people not to move around arbitrarily. Chen Mu stood by the window of the barracks, staring at the southwest where the bloody light was fading, feeling very uneasy. "What the hell happened?!" ... "A surprise attack by red-eyed water apes?" "The Bottomless Pool destroyed?" "Seven out of ten in the Netherworld Department are dead or injured?!" By evening, as Chen Mu listened to the continuous news Shi Dechun gathered, he felt like it was a bolt from the blue, and he stood there dumbfounded. The place he had been yearning for its safety was the first target of the water apes surprise attack on the camp? And it was nearly annihilated? Fuck! This Netherworld Department, supposedly safe within the camp, was less reliable than the Flame Marching Banner that went to the battlefield every day? Had all this effort been for nothing? "Hong Xiu, oh Hong Xiu, you son of a bitch, you really screwed me over!" "Why did the Soul-Departing Soup you sold me turn out to be a Netherworld Guide?!" Thinking back on the suffering of burning with blue flames for the past two months, Chen Mus eyes turned red with anger. Chapter 453 - 446 Divine Skills The Flame Moving Division, Camp Yi of the Third Banner.@@@@ Chen Mu sat dispirited in a corner of the wall. He never expected that just as he upgraded the Netherworld Guide to the Third Rank, the Netherworld Department would dissolve. "Buy another copy of the Three Turns Seize Origin Curse? Head to the Cai Yuan Department to farm for experience?" He couldnt help but grit his teeth at the thought. What if the Cai Yuan Department was just as dangerous as the Netherworld Department? He had heard rumors before about the Dew Harvesting Spell failing and big trouble in the Cai Yuan Department; he had even felt relieved that hed chosen the Netherworld Department instead. Now... Chen Mu was plunged into confusion. He felt nowhere in the Hai Character Camp was safe. "What kind of shitty place is this!" He couldnt help but pine for Jilong Road. Although it had been chaotic there as well, at least he had had his own little cabin, where he could hide every day to comfortably farm for experience. Even if he ran into danger, there were plenty of directions to flee. Unlike here, where he had the mark of the Soul Summoning Banner on him and couldnt run even if he wanted to! "Shitty place!" ... Afternoon. Wandering around all day and picking up bits of gossip, Shi Dechun returned to his quarters. "I hear the Netherworld Department is lowering its assessment standards, recruiting people in droves." "To prevent the water monkeys from attacking again, General Lan has even sent Yin Soldiers for protection." "Brother Chen, arent you going to sign up?" Chen Mu shook his head and sighed, "I dont dare go..." Yin Soldiers for protection? Werent they there before? As a vital place of the Hai Character Camp, the Bottomless Pool couldnt possibly lack protection. Doesnt the camp have cursing methods for protection? Didnt it still get successfully ambushed by the red-eyed water monkeys? Hearing this, Shi Dechun chuckled, "Better for you not to go..." Whats with this old man? I cant go to the Netherworld Department, and youre actually happy about it? Chen Mus expression immediately darkened. Shi Dechun said earnestly, "Ever since the River of Oblivion, weve been traveling together! Im just happy that our friendship can continue!" Do you think I believe that? Chen Mu glared at Old Shi. "Heh heh, mainly because its safe to follow Brother Chen. If you really left, I wouldnt be able to sleep at ease," he said. This old geezer has more confidence in me than I do in myself? Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head with a wry smile. You might be able to sleep soundly, but now I cant anymore. ... Late at night. Chen Mu slipped into the Underground Secret Chamber and habitually pulled out the River of Oblivion stone. Only when the sound of the River of Oblivion Water flowing rang out did he suddenly come to his senses. Yin Soldiers no longer set out to battle, patrolling and guarding the camp all day long. Chen Mus thoughts gradually calmed, wholly focused on practicing his Divine Skills. The incident with the Netherworld Department made him realize that instead of thinking about transferring to a safe team, it was better to strengthen his power to improve his ability to handle sudden changes. Time passed, and seven to eight days went by in a flash. The Hai Character Camp was still sealed, and Chen Mu stayed obediently in the barracks, wholly focused on practicing the Ghost Pattern. On this day, late at night, in the Underground Secret Chamber. A thick white fog billowed as Chen Mu returned to his True Form, as usual, absorbing the essence of a water ape to recover his damaged True Form of Heavenly Demon. He thought it would end quickly, but even after a water ape over three meters tall was drained dry, the sense of insufficiency transmitted from the secret spot between his eyebrows still didnt stop. Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow, immediately taking out another water ape and continuing with the Absorption Soul Return to Origin spell. After five continuous water apes were drained, a sense of fullness finally came from between his eyebrows. Chen Mu, full of anticipation, switched to his True Form of Heavenly Demon. Immediately he noticed that the delicate roots that had expanded from the vertical pattern between his eyebrows had now spread along his blood vessels, covering his entire body. "The Divine Ghost Pattern is complete!" He couldnt help but rejoice, paying careful attention to himself. Right away, he discovered that a large amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power was continuously generating from within the silver network. The Divine Power that had just been exhausted was easily replenished and continued to generate slowly but steadily. Bursts of tremendous power kept surging from within his body. "Is this the Divine Ghost Pattern?" Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his fist. Almost instinctively, he infused the Yin Spirit Divine Power into the vertical pattern between his eyebrows, causing the network of silver threads throughout his body to shine brightly. The next moment, Chen Mus muscles rapidly expanded and intertwined, his skin turned visibly blue at a rate visible to the naked eye, his figure shot up in height, and his head reached the ceiling of the Secret Chamber in the blink of an eye. He didnt even have time to bend over before his vision went dark, and the upper half of his body thudded into the hardened mud at the top of the Secret Chamber. Chen Mu used his hands to lift himself out of the ceiling and sat down cross-legged. Only then did he have the time to examine the changes to his body. Five meters tall, his skin was indigo blue, black mist swirled around him, the silver vertical pattern between his eyebrows gleamed brilliantly, and the silver twisted patterns under his skin were barely visible. "This is almost a replica of the Five Ghosts Possession form!" Chen Mu was quite surprised. "So when I previously used the Five Ghosts Possession, was I actually prematurely activating the True Form of Heavenly Demon?" "I also dont know whether its the Five Ghosts Possession that created this Yin Soldier form or if the True Form of the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon in turn influenced the Five Ghosts Possession." Chen Mu pondered for a moment then shook his head, no longer dwelling on it; he didnt even know what Cloud Mirage was, so thinking further was futile. "They say that upon mastering the Divine Ghost Pattern, one awakens a Divine Skill, so where is my Divine Skill?" Chen Mu retracted his Yin Spirit Divine Power and resumed the form of an ordinary Yin Soldier. "Just my clumsy Bewitching Divine ability?" "Does that count as a Divine Skill?" Fumbling with the silver ghost pattern, he suddenly felt a peculiar pull, as if an invisible door had appeared between his eyebrows. He merely moved the thought. The next moment, Chen Mu transformed into a mass of pitch-black light and shadow, whirling rapidly towards the area between his eyebrows, collapsing in on himself, and then with a whoosh, his entire being abruptly vanished without a trace. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself inside a familiar pitch-black space. He looked around at the pure darkness in all directions, then turned his head to see the True Flesh Body floating in mid-air. "Is this... Thousand Lanterns City?!" "The lantern shadow monster that was devoured by the True Form of Heavenly Demon back then, has actually been absorbed and transformed into my own Divine Skill?!" Chapter 454 - 447: Cave Heaven The next day. The Flame Moving Division at Yi Three Banner Camp.@@@@ Chen Mu walked out of his room, leisurely strolling around the camp. Having mastered the Divine Ghost Pattern and the Yin Spirit Divine Power exploding exponentially, his True Form of Heavenly Demon became vastly stronger, comparable to an official Netherworld Soldier. Moreover, he now possessed the divine skill hidden in the void that was Thousand Lanterns City, which swept away all the unease in his heart. With the anxiety gone, he suddenly felt at leisure to walk around. Soon, he arrived at a noisy barracks, and through the wide-open window, he immediately saw Old Jia shouting and running a gambling game. Shi Dechun, who was leaning by the window watching the commotion, came over to Chen Mu with a look of surprise: "How strange, Brother Chen actually going out and about?!" Chen Mu grinned and glanced at the old man Shi, nodding towards Old Jia: "He didnt go to the Netherworld Division?" "Hes afraid the Netherworld Division has pitfalls," shrugged Shi Dechun and then whispered, "Thereve been rumors lately that people have been disappearing in the middle of the night, saying that water apes have infiltrated Hai Character Camp. Hes worried these hidden water apes will strike at the Netherworld Division again." Chen Mu was surprised. He hadnt expected there to be water apes mixed in among the camp, no wonder they kept the camp under lockdown; were they searching for these hidden water apes? "Have they not been caught?" Shi Dechun shook his head with some concern. Immediately after, he noticed something different about Chen Mu. Seeing the relaxed expression on Chen Mus face, he was quite astonished: "People are disappearing in the camp, and youre not afraid, Brother Chen?" Isnt this little baldy always paranoid? Even the water apes who died on the battlefield had him worried. Now that living water apes are attacking the Yin Spirits, how could this guy look so relaxed? "Of course, Im afraid. Im scared to death," said Chen Mu calmly. Shi Dechun: "..." Even if you want to fool a ghost, At least put some effort into your expression! Chen Mu chuckled, glancing at the pitch-black Thousand Lanterns City connected to his glabella. Water apes attacking at night? A bunch of red-furred monkeys really think theyre the Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Find my Thousand Lanterns City first! Hmph! ... Several days later. North of Hai Character Camp, inside a hidden stone temple. Niu Sanmiao stood still with a smile on his face. This was his innate Divine Skill called the Soul Summoning Chain, which excelled at summoning and capturing Yin Spirits. It was precisely this Divine Skill that got him selected and transformed into a Blood Divine Soldier. "Once I kill that little baldhead, my pent-up thoughts will break through, and perhaps this Divine Skill could reach a higher level!" he thought joyfully. After basking in the glory of the bright future for quite a while, Niu Sanmiao suddenly realized that despite the time passed, there was still no movement in the camp. He shook his chain again, making a clear clashing sound, and called out again, "Chen Mu, Chen Mu, your Hour has come, show yourself at once!" But after quite a while, the camp remained dead silent. "Could this guy actually withstand my Soul Summoning Divine Power?" Niu Sanmiaos expression turned ugly, and he immediately began to carefully inspect each tent one by one. However, after searching three times, he still couldnt find that bald figure! "Could this guy have turned to Supervising Army Officer Shen Yan and been secretly taken away by him?" A thought flashed through Niu Sanmiaos mind, and his face turned even uglier. Damn that little baldhead! If youve run away, how am I supposed to breakthrough with my pent-up thoughts! Niu Sanmiaos eyes turned red with fury. ... Achoo! Whos thinking about me again? Inside Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu lay back lazily on a soft couch, his face puzzled as he rubbed his nose. Several white leather lanterns were arranged in a circle beside the soft couch, their bright yellow light illuminating the surroundings. "If only there were a sun as well," Chen Mu mused greedily while surveying the expanse of Thousand Lanterns City. In the past few days, every night, he would hide away in Thousand Lanterns City. After days of research, he had pretty much figured out the place. Thousand Lanterns City was a huge spherical space in its entirety. It had gravity to differentiate up from down and air that allowed living beings to survive. The boundary was pitch black with a mysterious barrier. Anyone trying to break through forcefully would be twisted and teleported, most likely thrown out from the opposite side of the barrier. This space wasnt created by Chen Mu; he had just plundered and swallowed Lian Chengs Divine Skill, taking over the rights to use this space. He guessed that Lian Cheng was just like him, a user of this space rather than its creator. If the latter really had such immense Divine Power, he wouldnt have been absorbed and devoured by the True Form of the Heavenly Demon. "Was this a flawed paradise created by an ancient immortal?" Chen Mu speculated. He remembered snippets from folklore and unofficial histories he had read when he worked as a scrivener at Mist Smoke Mountain. It was said that ancient Qi Cultivation immortals had great Divine Powers that could create paradises for their Daoist practice. He had regarded such tales as mythical stories before, but now he was inclined to believe them somewhat. "Perhaps a long time ago, a citys worth of people really did live here." "Its unfortunate that such a beautiful ancient city was devoured by the River of Oblivion. Otherwise, living in a city all by myself would feel quite impressive," Chen Mu said with regret. "Hmm... no rush, since Ive already obtained the Gate Opening Divine Power, I could simply build a city here myself in the future," Chen Mu couldnt help but feel exhilarated again. ``` Chapter 455 - 448 Awareness At the northern entrance of the Stone Temple in Hai Character Camp. Seven or eight Yin Spirits, each with a different appearance, were bound by pitch-black chains around their wrists, their expressions blank as if sleepwalking. They were being led by Niu Sanmiao, who was slowly walking them into the Stone Temple. "Supreme Banner, one is missing, but the others have been brought back," Niu Sanmiao reported respectfully to the man in the black armor, giving a clenched-fist salute. "Someone is missing?" "Yes, summoning the soul was useless. Ive searched every camp, but I couldnt find any trace of that person," Niu Sanmiao frowned. "I suspect that person might have already been recruited and taken away by Shen Yan." The man in black armor raised an eyebrow and chuckled sarcastically, "Does that person have a grudge against you?" Niu Sanmiao was taken aback and then gritted his teeth and admitted honestly, "There are indeed some past grievances." The man in black armor nodded slightly, "Considering our comradeship, lets forget about this time. But you cant use the generals name to seek revenge and kill again." Niu Sanmiao was startled. What does he mean? I wish I could kill, but the person has disappeared. How am I supposed to do that?@@@@ "Supreme Banner, that person is indeed gone, I didnt..." But before he could finish explaining, the man in black armor interjected with a meaningful look, "You may not know, but Supervising Army Officer Shen Yan is already in no position to protect himself, let alone hide and take someone away." "So..." But I truly didnt find that person! Feeling wronged, Niu Sanmiao panted heavily, "Supreme Banner, I really didnt kill anyone!" "Yes, yes, yes, you didnt kill," the man in black armor nodded in satisfaction. "Remember this, apart from the general, if anyone else asks, you havent killed anyone." Why wont he believe it? Niu Sanmiaos eyes reddened with anger! ... Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu, in his true form, was sitting cross-legged on a soft couch. A shadow shot out from his brow and materialized across from him, taking the shape of the True Form of Heavenly Demon with a shaven head. As the True Form manifested, his true bodys eyelids drooped immediately, his eyes lost their luster, and his breaths grew long and steady, indicating he had fallen into a deep sleep. "At the same time, consciousness can only dominate one body?" Chen Mu realized. With a thought, the True Form of Heavenly Demon turned back into a shadow and re-entered his brow. His true body instantly opened its eyes. With a wave of his left hand, a clump of black flame abruptly sprang from thin air. As his right hand waved, threads and strands of the River of Oblivions water emerged from nothingness. Upon his command, the water and fire twisted around each other like two lithe fish, constantly spiraling and chasing each other in front of him. "The True Form of Heavenly Demon cant manipulate the true body, but the true body can indeed use the secret techniques of the Heavenly Demons true form," Chen Mu noted, nodding. He hadnt practiced the True Form of the Heavenly Demon yet his true form was already capable of using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and the Five Elements Escape Technique, so he had speculated thisand now his suspicions were confirmed. "The True Form of Heavenly Demon is more like a special avatar, capable of carrying consciousness, able to practice secret techniques and grow stronger, but its origin is still in the true flesh body." "This is somewhat different from the Heavenly Demon Path," he observed. The orthodox Heavenly Demon Path has no avatar concept; the True Form of the Heavenly Demon is always closely connected to the body. To strengthen the True Form of the Heavenly Demon is to continuously transform and cultivate the cultivators body until the ordinary human body is transformed into a complete version of the True Form of the Heavenly Demon. Back in the Lower Courtyard of the Tongtian River, he had seen the True Person of the White Tower from a distance. The person could transform into a several hundred meters long black dragon, which was his True Form of Heavenly Demon, but also his true flesh body. "Is it because of the River of Oblivion?" Chen Mu thought suddenly, postulating a theory. "Thank goodness I have Thousand Lanterns City. No matter how many red-haired monkeys come, Im not afraid," he watched the bustling scene outside the window with ease. "Hey, this Divine Skill really came at the right time." Before long, Shi Dechun walked into the camp room with a worried look. "Shi Lu, the head of Shi Zong Flag, disappeared without a trace last night." Chen Mus eyebrows shot up. Shi Lu was indeed a formal Yin soldier. "No wonder someone managed to infiltrate the Hai Character Camp. These water monkeys indeed have extraordinary methods." "Im afraid its not the work of water monkeys," Shi Dechun suddenly spoke. Huh? Chen Mu couldnt help but look towards the old man. Could it be that he had learned some secret? Shi Dechun glanced at the empty camp room, then at the crowd outside the window, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. Only then did he lean close to Chen Mu and speak in a low voice, "Brother Chen knows, my ears are quite sharp." Chen Mu nodded slightly. Experience more content on novelhall.Co?m Otherwise, he wouldnt hang around with Old Shi, he wanted to use the old mans sharp ears to gather information. "Last night at midnight, I heard someone calling out the head of Shi Zong Flags name." "Red-eyed water monkeys are not ignorant beasts, they have intelligence. But in the end, they are Heavenly Demon creatures from Beyond Heaven, they wouldnt know our language." Chen Mu was startled. "Is it possible that it was a mimicry of the Secret Technique?" Shi Dechun shook his head, "If it was just simple mimicry, the head of Shi Zong Flag wouldnt have communicated with them." What does that mean? Shi Dechun said softly, "It seems the head of Shi Zong Flag had a dispute with them, but then, there was no further noise..." Chen Mus expression immediately became stern. Then it was definitely not the water monkeys, but the Yin soldiers within the camp! "Moreover..." Shi Dechun looked at Chen Mu cautiously. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, feeling a bad premonition. "Last night, that person seemed to have first called out Brother Chens name." Chen Mu suddenly stiffened. What does this mean? What does this have to do with me? "Theres still talk of a water monkey attack within the camp, no other theories?!" he said with a grim face. Shi Dechun looked at Chen Mu with some sympathy and shook his head silently. Chen Mu: "..." The one causing Yin soldiers to disappear wasnt water monkeys, but likely the Yin soldiers within the camp! Most importantly, these Yin soldiers seemed to want him to disappear as well! Fuck! Chapter 456 - 449: Evasion Chen Mu couldnt understand how, after arriving in the Netherworld and dutifully and honestly becoming a Yin Spirit, he had become entangled in this trouble. "Just because I am an honest person, I should be bullied?" Chen Mu grumbled indignantly. "Are you sure it wasnt a water ape?" He wouldnt give up. "A water ape couldnt possibly know so many peoples names." Shi Dechun shook his head. Chen Mus face fell. Hai Character Camp secretly taking away so many Yin soldiersthere had to be some unspeakable big secret at play here. No, I cant stay here any longer! He planned to escape from the Hai Character Camp immediately. "But where exactly is Beyond Heaven? If I really leave the Hai Character Camp, how do I return to the Netherworld?" Chen Mu hesitated. At least he had heard tales of the Nether Yin Underworld, and there was a possibility of returning to the Thirteen States. Beyond Heaven, however, was an unknown realm. Struggling to survive there alone was a challenge, let alone returning to the mortal world of the Yang Realm. "I can only hide in Thousand Lanterns City for now," Chen Mu thought with resignation. "As long as I can avoid this trouble, when Hai Character Camp withdraws its forces, I can take the opportunity to slip through the Ghost Gate and follow them back to the Netherworld." Seeing Chen Mus expression change unpredictably, Shi Dechun hesitated for a moment before carefully suggesting, "Why dont you hide underground?" "I guess I have no choice but to do that," Chen Mu sighed. What? "You actually know about the Underground Secret Chamber?" Chen Mu suddenly stared at Shi Dechun. "Heh heh, did you know? I have rather sharp ears," the old man chuckled. Chen Mus eyes widened immediately. He knew about Chen Mus daily retreats into the Secret Chamber, but over so many days, how come the old man had not shown the slightest hint of it?! Cunning old fox! Chen Mu couldnt help shaking his head. "Wait a second... You said you heard someone calling my name last night?" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. "Yeah." Shi Dechun nodded. "So, you mean you werent deep asleep last night?" Chen Mus gaze sharpened involuntarily. "No, otherwise I wouldnt have heard that sound," Shi Dechun scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Its strange though. That voice spread throughout the entire camp, but no one else woke up. I suspect the voice had a bewitching power, one that could put people into a deep sleep they could not wake from," Shi Dechun said soberly. "Then how were you able to remain awake?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Maybe its because my ears are quite sensitive and resistant to that bewitching sound. Even if I was initially confused, I would soon..." Mid-sentence, Shi Dechun suddenly froze. "So, my Bewitching Divine Power that lulls everyone to sleep each night doesnt work on you?" "So, when we were robbing the rich to aid the poor together, were you awake the whole time?!" Chen Mu clenched his teeth in anger. He had thought he was being secretive, but there was a cunning old fox inside who had witnessed all his actions! Shi Dechuns face turned to an awkward smile: "At first, I was indeed confused, but later on, heh heh..." You actually dare to play me?! His toes tapping uncomfortably on the floor, he felt uneasy all over. Its one thing if an old spirit cant be bewitched, but now even a new ghost is immune? What use is this Bewitching Divine Power anyway?! Chen Mu stared intently at the old man with a gloomy expression: "It seems Ill have to make you disappear!" "Dont do that!" Shi Dechun hastily waved his hands: "Im useful, I can gather information for you. Dont you want to know why someone is after you?" "You know?" Chen Mu looked at him skeptically. No good, I have to test it again, what if this old man is fooling me? Chen Mu was suspicious. He narrowed his eyes without speaking, but his mind was suddenly active. Then he saw old man Shis legs snap together like a compass and whoosh, he stood up on the spot. Following that was a jump, flipping three somersaults, then smack, once again he did a split mid-air and crashed down onto the ground, his face twitching in pain. Chen Mu burst into laughter! The Yama Emperors Command really worked?! Interesting, so interesting, this is too fun, haha! ... Several days later, late at night. Thousand Lanterns City. In the pitch-black emptiness of a vast space, a clay-scultped bungalow, hardened after modeling, appeared, with a huge clay-sculpted platform extending from the front, forming ground the size of a small courtyard. Seven or eight white lanterns were supported by clay-sculpted poles hanging around the courtyard, brightening the surroundings as if it were daylight. A rocking chair was placed in the middle of the courtyard, where Chen Mu was lying at the moment, the picture of relaxation. Taking a sip of warm Replenishing Origin Soup from the stone table beside him, Chen Mu couldnt help but squint his eyes and say, "Comfortable!" Ever since he heard that he might be implicated in the disappearance incidents involving Yin Spirits, he had hidden inside Thousand Lanterns City without showing his face. Sometimes practicing Netherworld Guide, spending most of the time refining his Divine Orifice, his days were regular and leisurely, almost like being back at Jilong Mountain. "Its just a pity I cant use the Exquisite Jade Plate here in Thousand Lanterns City." "Otherwise, I could hide here forever without showing my face." Chen Mu shook his head regretfully and with a thought, his body turned into a black light, swirled and collapsed, and immediately vanished into thin air. ... In the dead of night, within the Secret Chamber. "Ive found some common ground," Shi Dechun said excitedly. "Those who disappeared, many of them could refine Netherworld river water." "This has got to be related to the attack on the Netherworld Division back then!" Shi Dechun was sure of it. No wonder he was targeted. Chen Mus face showed realization. I say, how could an honest good guy like me get caught up in such trouble. Turns out its rooted in the Netherworld Guide. All because of Hong Xiu! With so many Secret Techniques to buy, why did he have to buy the Netherworld Guide Secret Technique? Lucky for me, I cant afford to show my face in the future, otherwise, Id make sure you get what you deserve! Chen Mu thought indignantly. "But theres something weird," Shi Dechun, sitting across the low table on the opposite couch, said with a puzzled look. "Old man Jia can refine Netherworld river water too, and hes said to be quite accomplished at it." "Shi Lu and the entire Shi Banner were taken, yet hes fine!" "Could the old man have some Divine Skills to counter tracking and locking?" Shi Dechun scratched his head. Chen Mus eyebrows raised involuntarily. My practice of the Netherworld Guide was extremely secretive, aside from old man Shi having his guesses, no one else had a clue. Yet even so, I was found by Nether soldiers. But that skinny old man managed to escape detection. Pretty interesting... Chapter 457 - 450: Change In the Underground Secret Chamber of Yi San Banner. A low square table was placed in the middle of the soft couch, upon which an Exquisite Jade Plate rested. A piece of White Jade was embedded in the center, with specks of silver light twinkling on the Jade Plate, and Earth Spirit Vital Energy began to emerge within the secret chamber. Chen Mu strolled along the edge of the chamber. The eight-layer Divine Orifice Talismans nested within his body rotated chaotically, drawing the Earth Spirit Vital Energy into his body, and the Mana he had expended in last nights cultivation slowly began to recover. After a glance at the state inside the Jade Seed, he nodded in satisfaction and then turned his attention to the smooth, cylindrical walls of the secret chamber. Now, after several expansions and reconstructions, the chambers floor space was about half the size of a basketball court, and its height had nearly reached five meters. "Although the secret chamber has been moved down twenty meters underground, it would be best to add a Forbidden Law to conceal it." At the thought, centered around the soft couch, five pillars rose along the walls. Scarlet patterns like flowing magma slowly climbed up from the base, covering the surface of the pillars. Accompanied by a force of Mana injected into the pillars, an invisible power emerged, instantly covering every inch of space in the chamber. Chen Mu looked around and smiled. Unable to use the Exquisite Jade Plate within Thousand Lanterns City, he had to spend some time in the secret chamber every day to recover his Mana. With the Light Law Prohibition for concealment, it was even safer. ... He spent most of his days grinding for experience in Thousand Lanterns City, and seven or eight days passed in the blink of an eye. The situation in Hai Character Camp also gradually became clear. That night, he used the Truthful Listening Technique to thoroughly explore the surroundings of Yi San Banners camp and, after confirming there were no issues, Chen Mu pulled Shi Dechun into the secret chamber. "The military orders say that the hidden water apes have been exterminated, and tomorrow the Yin soldiers will go to Blood River to hunt the water apes," he said.@@@@ "However, to prevent the water apes from attacking again, the camp is still under lockdown, and the soldiers inside cannot move around at will. They can only stay near their barracks." "Our Flame Moving Divisions job of cleaning the battlefield has also been taken over by the official Yin soldiers," Shi Dechun discussed the camps changes. Chen Mu nodded silently. There had indeed been fewer disappearances of Yin Spirits lately. And the chaos should be settled by now. If not, the anxiety within the camp might lead to an uprising. "I even saw the General Banner of Shi, he has been transferred to the Netherworld Division. He said his disappearance was to assist the Yin soldiers in capturing the water apes," Shi Dechun scratched his head, "Did we maybe think too much before? The midnight summons to take him away was actually to prevent sneak attacks by the water apes, not some kind of conspiracy or trouble?" Its good to overthink! Chen Mu sighed with relief. If there really were problems inside the military camp, that would be the true danger. "Anyhow, the issues with the Netherworld Division should be considered over," Shi Dechun said. "Brother Chen, dont you plan on showing yourself?" "Forget it, Im good hiding here," Chen Mu shook his head. Enjoy exclusive chapters from novelhall.Co?m Before, he had no choice; simply hiding underground was not safe. Now he had Thousand Lanterns City, and it was a good opportunity to hide due to the incident with the water apes. He didnt plan to show himself again for a while. If there wasnt any major change, he intended to stay hidden until the day Hai Character Camp was withdrawn. ... As time passed, after countless attempts, the Eighth Layer Divine Orifice Talisman was finally pieced together. Then, with a jolt, the entirety of the loose talisman gained a sense of solidity. Chen Mus eyes suddenly lit up. The next moment, an invisible fluctuation spread from the talisman. The calm mana within the Jade Seed was affected, surging like waves, battering the inner walls of the Jade Seed and causing it to expand and widen at a visible rate. "Success!" he exclaimed. "Just the last layer left." "Its a pity I cant continue practicing," Chen Mu shook his head. He had less than six thousand White Jade remaining on his person, and he dared not squander them recklessly. Unsure of how much longer he would have to stay in the Netherworld, mana was his trump card, and he needed to preserve enough White Jade Coins to respond to unforeseen circumstances. "I wonder when Ill be able to return to the Yang Realm." Chen Mus thoughts once again drifted to Jilong Road. ... In the center of the Hai Character Camps Stone Temple. Lan Zhang appeared as if he had never moved, still sitting lazily in his stone chair. His blood-red pupils were even more translucent; on closer inspection, it seemed as if countless mists of blood swirled within them. In a certain moment, his eyeballs shifted slightly, and his gaze turned to the vast shadows on the left side of the stone temple as he let out a light chuckle, "Failed again, have you, Wu Mu?" "Shut up! Ill definitely find that Shen Yan by tomorrow night!" An angry, ringing childs voice echoed, resonating with rage, as countless eyes suddenly opened within the shadows. Yet the smile on Lan Zhangs face deepened, "Yes, yes, I believe you." Whoosh! A multitude of pitch-black shadow blades suddenly appeared, cleaving through the air and viciously lunging at Lan Zhang. Clang! Sparks flew. A blood-colored light shield spontaneously manifested, securely shielding Lan Zhang within it. After several collisions, both the blood light and the black shadows shattered into sparkles and faded away. "Dont be so irritable," Lan Zhang said with a light laugh, "Shen Yans Life-Nature Dharma Aspect is a wind-birthed raccoon, adept at listening. Where theres wind, he can hide. Its normal that you cant find him." "Arent you afraid that hell mess up our big plan?" Wu Mu, the child, snorted coldly. "I advise you to be more cautious. Every additional day hes alive, the likelihood of us being exposed increases!" Lan Zhangs smile grew wistful, the corner of his mouth tilted up, "Dont you think the sensation of a blade hanging over your head, is quite thrilling?" Wu Mu, the child: "..." Damn it! Madman! Chapter 458 - 451 Shen Yan Thousand Lanterns City, west side of the small courtyards sky well. Sitting at a round stone table, Chen Mu had a clump of River of Oblivion water and a lump of dark flame floating in front of him. More than ten different colored dipping saucers were arranged at the edge of the table, while a piece of deer-antlered black goat meat the size of a human head was placed in the center. His right hands index finger emitted a miserable green Qi Blade that shot out like a fine thread. A corner of the black goat meat disappeared, in the blink of an eye turning into countless slices as thin as cicada wings. The meat slices soared into the air and passed swiftly through the River of Oblivion water, instantly softening the resilient, armor-like Exotic Beast Meat slices. Then after tumbling in the black flames, a rich scent of meat spread out immediately. Lightly dabbing some bright red sauce, the grilled meats aroma mixed with spiciness assaulted his taste buds, making Chen Mu squint his eyes uncontrollably. "Delicious!" Tasting the more than ten kinds of sauces one by one and occasionally sipping the plum juice-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup to cut through the greasiness, the large piece of deer-antlered black goat meat was quickly finished. Tilting his head back to gulp down the Replenishing Origin Soup from the stone cup, Chen Mu let out a sigh and his face bore a satisfied smile, "This is what living is all about!" He yearned for a life of eating and drinking daily and gaining experience, but ever since he had arrived in the Netherworld, he had been on edge, never having a single day of comfort. Now, with Thousand Lanterns City as his safe haven, that constantly uneasy heart of his was finally at peace. "Just eating meat gets a bit monotonous." Chen Mu stood up from the stone table and walked toward the west side of the courtyard, near a patch of ridged fields. The field was five meters long and three meters wide, a vegetable garden he had only recently started. Four or five white lanterns hung on stone columns, surrounding the field, and kept the area well-lit. "The Soul-Attracting Lamp brings light; Netherworld Jade Dew provides moisture; Beyond Heaven soil acts as a warm bed; plus seeds from the Yang Realm, these conditions are pretty much unmatched anywhere," Chen Mu said with a cheerful squat at the edge of the field, looking carefully. Before long, he spotted a tender yellow-green sprout quietly poking through the soil next to two green bean-sized lumps of earth. "Tsk... it actually worked?" Chen Mu burst into a smile almost immediately. ... Inside the Secret Chamber. De Chun curiously examined the five stone pillars covered with patterns against the wall. "Brother Chen, Ive noticed that I can no longer hear whats happening inside the Secret Chamber; these pillars..." "Want to know?" Chen Mus lips curved slightly. This was a minor Light Law Prohibition, particularly good at camouflage and concealment. With it sealing the Secret Chamber, it would be strange if you could hear anything. "Ill tell you, but do you dare to hear it?" Chen Mu teased with a grin. De Chun immediately shook his head, "Forget it, better if I dont know!" "Just think of it as one of my Divine Skills." Taking a True Flesh Body as a True Form of a Heavenly Demons Divine Skill wasnt really an issue, was it? "It can seal away the aura. With it here, the Underground Secret Chamber has no risk of being discovered," Chen Mu said with confidence. Given his current level of the Truthful Listening Technique, even he couldnt see through the disguise of the Forbidden Law. Back in the Lower Courtyard by the Gan River, it was only by fluke that Mo Wuzhou found it. "Deep within the Secret Chamber beneath the ground, with the Laws camouflage, unless someone literally stumbles into it, theres absolutely no risk of being found!" Before De Chun could express his admiration, a light pfft sound suddenly made the chambers floor bulge into a small mound of earth. Without warning, the mound exploded, and a shadow darted out, with a tall, thin figure in a black robe appearing before them. De Chun rigidly turned his neck, looking bewilderedly at Chen Mu. Wasnt it just said to be absolutely undiscoverable? Chen Mu had an equally baffled expression on his face. I have no idea either. How on earth did a person just suddenly pop out of the ground here? Chen Mu, smiling cheerfully, looked at Shen Yan with his face red and neck thick: "I ask, you answer, got it?" "Understood... Ah!" As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yans upper body once again pressed down towards his right leg. Admitting defeat so quickly? I didnt even have time to react! Feeling embarrassed internally, Chen Mu outwardly maintained his composure and quietly activated the Yama Emperors Command, making Shen Yan with his bitter face stand up. "How did you find this place?" Chen Mu asked. "My divine skills specialize in listening to sounds. I can hear even the slightest rustle in the camp," Shen Yan simply admitted. "I heard that among the Flame Moving Divisions Yi Three Banners, there was an auxiliary soldier surnamed Jia, who could condense River of Oblivion Water yet escaped Lan Zhangs capture. Some suspected he might be concealing his divine skills, so I intended to find that person." "After listening to the Yi Three Banners camp whispers for several days, his sudden silence after tunneling underground caught me by surprise." He explained, turning to look at Shi Dechun. "I felt something was off here, it might be useful to avoid my search, so I followed and ended up here." Hidden so well that even Shi Dechuns entry underground silenced the sound, leading Shen Yan to discover this place? Isnt this just terribly unlucky? Chen Mu couldnt help but grimace. "Was the auxiliary soldiers disappearance really not due to a Water Macaques attack?" Shi Dechun, who had been listening all along, suddenly asked. "That was just a diversion. It was actually Lan Zhangs doing, hes the one who destroyed the entire Netherworld Squad. "He was afraid I would use the auxiliary soldiers power to invoke the River of Oblivions force to make contact with the Netherworld, so he carried out the arrests on those auxiliary soldiers." Chen Mus brows creased involuntarily. He hadnt expected the so-called Water Macaques ambush from before was actually a result of internal strife within the Hai Character Camp. Discover more content at novelhall.Co?m The man before him was a disaster! Hand this guy over? Chen Mu couldnt help but size up Shen Yan. Feeling Chen Mus gaze, Shen Yans eyelids began to twitch uncontrollably: "Dont even think about handing me over to Lan Zhang." "Lan Zhang has already sided with the Nether Demon Heaven. Even if you hand me over to Lan Zhang, it wont end well for you." "On the contrary, in order to keep his secrets safe, he might even kill you to silence you!" What does that mean? Has the military supervisor of the Hai Character Camp colluded with the Red-eyed Water Macaque? Then what the hell are we still fighting for? Chen Mus expression turned solemn. If he couldnt hand him over, and since this guy had also seen the Yama Emperors Command... Indeed, its better to get rid of him once and for all! Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Noticing Chen Mus gaze, Shen Yan couldnt help but feel a chill in his heart. Chapter 459 - 452 Chapter Running ```html In the Underground Secret Chamber. Shen Yan noticed Chen Mus icy gaze and his mind raced. The person before him was at most a spirit soldier of the Enlightened Heart Realm, yet it was unclear what Divine Skills he had awakened that could surpass a major realm and control him, a spirit of the Divine Fetus Realm. As he was thinking, he saw Chen Mus right hand flip, and abruptly, a black flame the size of a human head, that looked irritable and fierce at a glance, appeared. Nine Nether Green Flames?! Does this son of a bitch really want to kill me?! "Lan Zhang has sided with the Nether Demon Heaven, cultivating the Blood God Scripture, planning to devour all the Yin Spirits of the Hai Character Camp." He immediately disclosed the crisis of the camp, seeking to draw the attention of Chen Mu. "Lan Zhang wants to devour all the Yin Spirits?!" No wonder he has been sealing off the Hai Character Camp; hes treating the camp like his granary! Upon hearing this, Chen Mu, who was holding the green flame, paused involuntarily. Scared, are you? Good to be scared! There it is, my chance to survive! Shen Yan hastily spoke up, "I have a way to overturn Lan Zhang and return to the Netherworld!" Chen Mus eyebrows raised immediately. Thinking of the others former status as a Military Supervisor, he was somewhat convinced and dispersed the Nine Nether Green Flames with a wave of his hand, fixing a serious gaze on Shen Yan. Shen Yan breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed his life was spared. He then began to persuasively outline his plan, "I have a way to harness the power of the River of Oblivion, which can be used to seize the Soul Summoning Banner, and then overturn Lan Zhang to save the Hai Character Camp." "Once successful, not only can we save our own lives, but also acquire a vast amount of Military Merit." "The city lord is always generous, and by that time, Secret Technique Precious Medicines will be yours for the choosing." He kept a close eye on Chen Mu as he spoke, and seeing Chen Mus expression gradually soften, Shen Yan finally relaxed completely. Done deal! Not only do I not have to die, but Ive also found a powerful ally! Read the latest on novelhall.Co?m "Listen to me, first seal the secret chamber, then use your Divine Power to control the auxiliary soldiers. As long as they connect with the River of Oblivion following my method, we will be able to kill Lan Zhang and turn defeat into victory!" "A huge amount of Military Merit is right before your eyes, what are you hesitating for?" Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. Shi Dechun by his side was also itching to act, "Shall we..." "Lets run!" Chen Mu nodded fiercely. "Run! Well flee tonight!" Shen Yan: "..." So, have I been talking for nothing this entire time? Im talking about overthrowing Lan Zhang and turning defeat into victory, not running away! Shen Yan was so infuriated his face turned red. ... Late at night. At the edge of the camp underground, a small space had been hastily cleared, in which dense, blood-red vines that resembled a network of blood vessels blocked Chen Mus path. "You better not try to force your way through," Shen Yan said indifferently. "These vines are connected to the Blood Cloud, and Lan Zhang will know instantly if someone touches them." Chen Mu frowned. Upon learning of Lan Zhangs betrayal, his first thought was to immediately leave the Hai Character Camp, but he did not expect that even the underground was sealed off. What about Flight? Shen Yans method might allow himself to return to the Netherworld, but more likely, it would attract Lan Zhangs investigation, and then conflict would be unavoidable. This guy still wants to trick me into helping him overturn Lan Zhang! Tsk... If all I could do was dig secret chambers, then I really would have no choice but to do so. What a pity... what a pity that I have the Thousand Lanterns City dimension! With a mere thought, a pitch-black vortex suddenly appeared in front of his brow. The immense pulling force covered the secret chamber, and both Shi Dechun and Shen Yan were suddenly pulled into the vortex. Chen Mu himself turned into a bunch of black light, swirling into collapse towards his brow, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Inside the courtyard of Thousand Lanterns City. A flash of black light, and three figures appeared. Chen Mu looked at Shen Yan who had stumbled unsteadily to the ground. "If the secret chamber can be discovered, what about this place?" "I cant believe that across the void, that Lan Zhang could discover this place either." Shen Yans face couldnt help but change. He had miscalculated! ... Thousand Lanterns City, within the courtyard. The three of them sat around a stone table. Shi Dechun was extremely curious about Thousand Lanterns City, turning his head left and right to look around. It took a good while before he retracted his gaze with surprise and after a moments hesitation, he spoke, "I think I should stay outside; we need to keep abreast of any changes in Hai Character Camp, right?" Upon hearing this, Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. Hiding in Thousand Lanterns City was indeed safe, but if one couldnt keep track of changes in Hai Character Camp, there was a risk of missing the correct timing for a response. With a thought, a white-skinned lantern at the edge of the courtyard floated towards Shi Dechun. "Take this Soul-Attracting Lamp; I have infused it with the divine power of Thousand Lanterns City." "If you encounter urgent danger, use the Yin Spirit Divine Power to light it, and I will be able to pull you into Thousand Lanterns City through it." Shi Dechun took it with a look of joy, then smiled obsequiously, "We have been through thick and thin all the way from the River of Oblivion; if something unexpected really happens outside, you mustnt be careless or slow when you take action!" Chen Mu smiled, "I will always allocate a portion of my spirit to watch over this Soul-Attracting Lamp, rest assured." Shen Yan, who was also observing Thousand Lanterns City, came back to his senses and sighed with complex emotions, "I never thought that your divine power could connect to a dimension. I wonder what kind of Demon God your Yin Divine True Form might be. You really have a lucky fate." "Yin Divine True Form? Whats that?" Chen Mu was attracted by the content of Shen Yans words. After all, he had been in the Netherworld for too short a time and lacked understanding of the Netherworlds cultivation paths. "Yin Spirits are inherently endowed with the foundation of a divine power, bestowed by the Netherworld," Shen Yan didnt hide anything and began to explain in detail. "When the foundation merges and manifests from the core of a Yin Spirit, it becomes a Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed, also called Enlightened Heart Seeing the Divine." "After that, its about tracing back to the root, nurturing the foundation into a Divine Fetus, and then step by step cultivation, until the Yin God is formed." "The divine power foundation is mostly from celestial Demon Gods, and the Yin Gods formed are closely related to these celestial Demon Gods." "The celestial Demon God that the foundation points to, is known as the Yin Divine True Form." Chen Mu finally understood. So, is my Yin Divine True Form the Celestial Demon Cloud Mirage? "Not thinking of instigating me against Lan Zhang now?" Chen Mu shot a glance at Shen Yan. "With this Thousand Lanterns City, youre safe. I could say more, but you wont act on it, so theres no need to waste words," Shen Yan shrugged. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Shi Dechun was right. This guys mind is indeed sharp, and his awareness is sufficiently clear. To ensure peace of mind, it seems I have to control him with the Yama Emperors Command by my side. Chapter 460 - 453 Safe Heart Sutra Seven or eight days flashed by in the blink of an eye. Within the Hai Character Camp, the Yin Soldiers left for battle every day, while the auxiliary troops were still ordered to stay in the main camp. Within Thousand Lanterns City. It was as if a cloned image had emerged; next to the original courtyard, an identical mud-sculpted bungalow had appeared. With another Shen Yan, it was natural that the two couldnt squeeze into one place. Chen Mu then moved more soil from underground at the Hai Character Camp into Thousand Lanterns City and shaped an identical little courtyard using the "Point Ground into Steel" technique. At this moment, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, swaying back and forth. In the air before him, a cluster of River of Oblivion Water and Nine Nether Green Flames continuously rotated. The Five Ghosts paper dolls sat in a row at the stone table, gazing upward, watching the chase between water and fire with rapt attention. In the distance, within the newly established courtyard, Shen Yan was bent over, carrying a water pail, sowing seeds and watering the newly established vegetable garden. After a good while, the merging of water and fire disappeared into the void, and Chen Mu stopped practicing the Netherworld Guide. Shen Yan too had finished sowing and watering. After putting away his tools, he joined Chen Mu at the stone table. "Within the entire Netherworld Division, there are few who can practice Netherworld Guide to the level you have," Shen Yan said with a face full of admiration. "As expected from one with Yin Divine True Form that can connect to unique realms; your talent is indeed startling," Shen Yan exclaimed admiringly. Chen Mu glared at him displeasedly. Who are you calling talented? Everything I have achieved today has been through hard work and diligence! Shen Yan chuckled, "Arent you curious about how to return to the Yang Realm?" "You know how?" Chen Mu immediately became eager. "Ive just recalled a bit of hearsay, though Im not certain of its accuracy," Shen Yan said. "Its said that, to better attract Yin Spirits, Fengdu City has put great effort into establishing a City God Dojo in the Yang Realm." "They need Yin Soldiers to stand guard and are currently recruiting for the position." Chen Mu was delighted at the news. Isnt this the chance to return to the Yang Realm! "Are there any conditions?" he quickly inquired. "I dont know," Shen Yan shrugged. "I have no plans to return to the Yang Realm, so I havent paid it much attention." Chen Mu became displeased on hearing this. This is a chance to return to the Yang Realm; how can you be so casual about it! Seemingly aware of Chen Mus thoughts, Shen Yan said with a grin, "Guess how long Ive been in the Netherworld?" "Its been more than three hundred years," Shen Yan shrugged. "I had died a natural death in my previous life, and with those three hundred years added, the descendants I knew have long since passed away, and my memories of my former life have also become blurred. With that in mind, what do I have left to reminisce?" "Its more comfortable for me to stay in the Nether Yin Underworld." Chen Mu understood. "Youre still young. If you want to go back to the Yang Realm, when you return to the Netherworld, you can visit Fengdu City," advised Shen Yan. Chen Mu nodded joyfully. As expected from a Military Supervisor of a camp, he always had news that others did not know. Upon returning to the Netherworld, he definitely intended to visit Fengdu City. "Do you want to progress further?" Shen Yan suddenly asked. "What do you mean?" Chen Mu was puzzled. "I can pass on to you the Safe Heart Sutra. It can help you trace back to your origin, nurture Divine Ghost Pattern, and step into the realm of the Divine Fetus," Shen Yan offered. "Would you be that kind?" Chen Mu looked skeptical. "I am simply showing my worth," Shen Yans face bore an honest look. "Those with value live more comfortably." "Besides, you and I are tied together now. The stronger you are, the safer I am, right?" "There are no conditions?" Chen Mu was disbelieving. He immediately summoned the grey wall. Safe Heart Sutra: 1/10000; It really worked. Closely examining the feedback information from the grey wall, Chen Mu let out a breath. "Shen Yan didnt lie; the Safe Heart Sutra really has no problems." Integrating the feedback from the grey wall, he could already sense the subtlety of the Safe Heart Sutra. It seemed capable of tapping into deeper powers from the River of Oblivion, a force that could stimulate the growth of the Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed. Glancing at Shen Yan, who was busy in the vegetable garden not far away, he stood up and walked back to his room. His glabella flickered, and the bald, white-clothed version of the Heavenly Demon True Body appeared. The Yin Spirit Divine Power stimulated a vertical pattern between his eyebrows, and the silver pattern that wove throughout his body like blood vessels suddenly glowed with a silver radiance. Chen Mu carefully sensed it and immediately noticed the difference. The original Ghost Pattern, which looked like a beautifully crafted metal, inanimate and lifeless, now seemed to turn into sprouting tree branches, giving Chen Mu a sense of burgeoning vitality. ... "Thats weak water, the fundamental force from the bottom of the River of Oblivion," Shen Yan said indifferently, "This force can induce the Ghost Pattern Talisman Seed to return to its original state." "However, the Safe Heart Sutra is easy to learn but hard to master. Though the weak water it draws upon is pure, the amount is rather small; the Ghost Patterns growth rate might not be satisfactory, so its best if youre prepared for this." Chen Mu was unconcerned. Easy to learn, hard to master? Ha! As long as the experience bar is shown, mastering any Secret Technique is not difficult! Excitement welled up within Chen Mu. Thousand Lanterns City was safe but dull. He used to practice Condensing Aperture, but now, to ensure a supply of White Jade Coins, he dared not use his Mana casually. He could only pass the time practicing Netherworld Guide. With the arrival of the "Safe Heart Sutra," he had a new toy! Swipe! It must be vigorously trained! ... In the heart of Hai Character Camp, the Stone Temple. A streak of scarlet brilliance flickered within it. After quite some time, the blood light gradually faded. Exhausted, Lan Zhang opened his eyes, a slight smile curling at the edge of his mouth, "It worked, heh..." "Should we start transforming the auxiliary soldiers? They dont have the same strength and willpower as the Yin soldiers." Wu Mu, the eyeless boy, spoke. His countless eyes spun around as if each had its own consciousness, peering in all directions. "If we want them to retain their consciousness and be transformed into Blood God Children, at most, only one in ten might survive. Instead of wasting time and effort, its better to simply devour them and turn them into nourishment for the Blood Cloud." Lan Zhangs blood-red pupils moved, glancing at the eyeless boy in the shadows, and he couldnt help but chuckle, "Are you so eager to see me go mad?" The voice of the eyeless boy remained the same, "I just dont want you to waste too much time on these useless auxiliary soldiers." "Useless?" "No, no, no, being useless is their greatest use!" Lan Zhang said cheerfully. "Its because they are useless that no one cares about them." "No one cares, so there wont be too much scrutiny." "If you want to infiltrate other camps, these auxiliary soldiers are the best cover for the Blood God Children." "You still plan to make a move on other camps?" Wu Mus eyes suddenly widened. Lan Zhang bared a smile, showing his ghastly white teeth, "If it were just for Hai Character Camp, it wouldnt be worth my betrayal of the Netherworld!" "What do you intend to do!" Wu Mu suddenly became interested, "Youve practiced the Blood God Scripture and have completely detached from the Netherworld; you cant blend into other camps." "Of course, I cant," Lan Zhang said with an irreverent face, "but isnt Shen Yan still available..." Wu Mus eyes involuntarily widened. No wonder youve been in no hurry to capture Shen Yan; you had another plan up your sleeve. Chapter 461 - 454 Mutation A month flew by in the blink of an eye. Inside Thousand Lanterns City, without sun or moon, Chen Mu adjusted the brightness of the Soul-Attracting Lamp, successfully simulating the rhythm of day and night. But the light from the Soul-Attracting Lamp was, in the end, no sun, and not seeing it for a long time, he always felt something was amiss. "Forget it, given the current conditions, safety comes first; sunbathing is not that important," Chen Mu sighed as he sat at the round stone table. Immediately after, he picked up a piece of spicy-seasoned grilled meat and stuffed it into his mouth, a satisfied smile on his face. "Delicious!" Across from the round table, Shen Yan watched the black flames in mid-air with a complex expression. This was the Nine Nether Green Flames from the Nine Serenities Abyss, flames that could burn anything! And this guy was using it to grill meat? "Any problem?" Chen Mu glanced at Shen Yan. Shen Yan held back for a while and eventually shook his head: "No problem!" Its like being a fish meat on someone elses chopping board... "Here, try these vegetables, you grew them, they taste really good," Chen Mu pushed a plate of green leafy vegetables across with a smile in his eyes. Shen Yan wore a helpless expression. Him, a distinguished Military Supervisor and a cultivator at the Divine Fetus Realm of Yin Spirits, had been reduced to growing vegetables for someone else? Sigh... The taste is indeed quite good. Shen Yan started to eat heartily. Chen Mu watched in amazement. The meat and vegetables on his table were all from the Yang Realm, yet this senior ghost of three hundred years was also relishing them. Yin Spirits are definitely not like the ghosts in folk tales. Chen Mu shook his head and stopped thinking further, beginning to eat with gusto as well. ... After the meal. The Five Ghosts little paper figures clumsily controlled the black smoke to wash the dishes, while Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup, watching with interest. Over time, the Five Ghosts little paper figures had become increasingly spirited. In the past, when using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to clean up leftovers, he had to participate actively in the control, but now they had learned to act on their own. He had gained five diligent little followers for nothing. Proud! Chen Mu squinted and pulled out the gray wall. Safe Heart Sutra: 4977/10000; This month, whenever he had nothing to do, he would recite the Safe Heart Sutra, and the experience soared, with the progress already nearly half. Now, when he stimulated it, he no longer needed to recite the entire scripture, but just a string of not very long syllables, and an invisible force would enter the Divine Orifice between his eyebrows and disappear. He would instantly shudder as if he had gulped down ice water in the midst of a hot day. And then... there was no then. After such a long time of practice, aside from feeling a vigorous vitality from the Divine Ghost Pattern, there were no other changes. On this day, while he was enjoying Shen Yans incredulous expression, a sudden disturbance at heart came unexpectedly. Chen Mu snapped back to his senses, startled. Shi Dechun triggered the Soul-Attracting Lamp?! Without a moments hesitation, he activated the Divine Skills of Thousand Lanterns City. Whoosh! A black light flashed and expanded, and Shi Dechuns figure appeared abruptly. Before Chen Mu could ask, he immediately said, "This morning, during the march of the Yin Soldiers, the Soul Summoning Banner collapsed and fell, flinging the Yin Soldiers into a tornado of black smoke. They dropped like dumplings inside and outside the camp, crushing a large section of the Yi Three Banners barracks." "The whole camp is on lockdown again, under martial law. Its rumored that a water monkey launched a sneak attack to snatch the Soul Summoning Banner." "I think this matter is very important, so..." "Important, very important!" Shen Yan, who had been calm until now, suddenly became excited. "You may not know this, but the Blood God Scripture is a very famous secret tome in Nether Demon Heaven, powerful but extremely dangerous." "Nine out of ten cultivators who train in it will go mad and die, and the one who survives had to switch to a different secret technique early to escape the same fate." "The Soul Summoning Banner going out of control is a sign of Lan Zhangs weakening grip on it. Even if he doesnt go mad, he definitely has a big problem." "This is a golden opportunity to topple Lan Zhang!" Shen Yan looked at Chen Mu, his face full of anticipation. Opportunity? Chance my ass! The real opportunity would be if Lan Zhang just dropped dead! Chen Mu curled his lips in disdain. This guy clearly never gave up the idea of toppling Lan Zhang, always stirring him up whenever there was a chance. Read exclusive adventures at novelhall.Co?m "Youd better shut up!" Chen Mu glanced at Shen Yan. Coward! Why are you so timid? Dont you know that fortune favors the bold?! Shen Yans face turned red with anger. "I think..." Just as he was about to continue persuading, he saw Chen Mu squint at him. "I think this could be a deliberate flaw exposed by Lan Zhang!" Shen Yan said seriously. "This must be a trap; we definitely cant fall for it!" he stated righteously. Chen Mu disdainfully withdrew his gaze. Heh! Coward! He turned his head to Shi Dechun: "We need to find out exactly what happened, so Ill need you to investigate further, but first and foremost, ensure your own safety." Chen Mu glanced at Shen Yan: "Whether Lan Zhang has gone mad or the Soul Summoning Banner is out of control, its a matter for those big shots, nothing to do with us." "If the situation goes wrong, trigger the Soul-Attracting Lamp. Like today, I will immediately pull you into Thousand Lanterns City for refuge." Shi Dechun nodded repeatedly, understanding the importance. Chapter 462 - 455: The Limit After the initial chaos, the camp soon returned to tranquility. Chen Mu continued to leisurely gain experience in Thousand Lanterns City. He thought Shen Yan would continue attempting to persuade him with indirect speeches, but the guy acted as if nothing had happened, diligently tending to his watering and farming. Chen Mu observed him uneasily for many days, and upon seeing no suspicious activities from Shen Yan, he decided not to interfere any further. He recited the "Safe Heart Sutra" day in and day out, and with the constant rise of experience points, more than twenty days had passed in the blink of an eye. He could now abandon the chanting of Curse Words. That day, as he activated the Safe Heart Sutra, a familiar cool sensation surged in, instantly filling him with an invigorating sense of life force. "To think that such a power full of life force could exist in the River of Oblivion, which is like a river of sulfuric acid, is quite remarkable." Although it wasnt the first time he summoned it, he couldnt help feeling amazed. He released control and let the strand of weak water flow into his glabella. Just as he wanted to continue cultivating, the Divine Orifice at his glabella suddenly began to pulsate. Glancing at Shen Yan, who was honestly watering next door, he immediately stood up and walked into his room. Unleashing his True Form of Heavenly Demon, his consciousness dove into it, and instantly sensed the anomaly. Silver Ghost Patterns that covered his body flickered, blooming with a silver radiance like breathing. Tiny sparks of special power emerged like fireflies from the network of Ghost Patterns. Then, this power began moving upward from the soles of his feet. Trailing along, it gathered through his legs, chest, abdomen, crossed his glabella, and finally, with a hum, accompanied by a gentle tremor in the air, a walnut-sized orb shot out from the top of his head. In the next moment, a bright milky radiance burst forth, lighting up the dim room with clarity. After a while, the light dimmed, and the rooms illumination returned to normal. The orb still glowed but was no longer dazzling; it had the gentle luster of a luminous pearl. "Is this... the Divine Fetus?!" Chen Mu exclaimed with great joy. ... "Its only an embryonic form!" Shen Yan looked at the softly glowing white orb above Chen Mus head with a face filled with shock. The orb was round and plump, appearing to be a perfect sphere. But on closer inspection, one would find it to be an illusion created by the soft white light it exuded. In reality, it resembled a hollow sphere tied together with silk threads. "When this orb becomes seamless without any gaps, it will signify that the Divine Fetus is complete," Shen Yan said with a complex expression. "I got happy for nothing..." Chen Mu pouted. He had thought that he had completed the Divine Fetus. "Be content!" Shen Yan retorted irritably. "For ordinary people to achieve the state youre in, it would take at least two to three years." "How long have you been cultivating? Just a couple of months! What more do you want?" "Really?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows, couldnt help but muse, "Indeed, the heavens reward the diligent!" Shen Yans eye twitched at his words. You, who go to bed late and rise late, concocting various barbecue recipes daily, dare to speak of your diligence?! Do you have no shame?! "Are you bad-mouthing me?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes at Shen Yan. "No, Im just shocked by your hard work and diligence," Shen Yan replied calmly. Chen Mu was full of suspicion; although what the guy said was true, something about it didnt seem quite right. Forget it, a three-hundred-year-old ghost, senile already, theres no need to quarrel with him. "A mistake is a lesson learned; it seems our Military Supervisor Shen has become much more cautious." "What if he never acts?" Wu Mu didnt understand where Lan Zhangs confidence came from. "He will act," Lan Zhang said with a light laugh. "Hes the Military Supervisor of the Hai Character Camp." "On his watch, the main general of the Hai Character Camp defected to Nether Demon Heaven, the Soul Summoning Banner was lost, and hundreds of thousands of Yin Soldiers were devoured. Such a grave crime is too much for him to bear." Continue your saga on novelhall.Co?m "The loss of the Yin Soldiers is bearable, but the Soul Summoning Banner involves Master Jian from Antiquity Citys path." "Having lost that banner, even if Jian Chan is magnanimous, he would still throw him into the Nine Serenities Abyss to burn to death." "As long as he wants to atone for his merits and save his life, he will definitely act." "So shall we continue the act?" Wu Mu asked. "Act!" "If twice doesnt work, then three times." "When it comes to his own life, no matter how much composure he has, he will eventually be unable to resist taking action!" Lan Zhang spoke confidently. ... The very Shen Yan Lan Zhang considered to have a great deal of restraint was at this moment looking troubled. He indeed wanted to take action. But he couldnt move! Glancing at Chen Mu lying in the rocking chair next to him, swinging leisurely, Shen Yan chanted while he collected Jade Dew to water the plants, lamenting in his heart. "When will these days end?" Shen Yan was annoyed. Lying in the rocking chair with his eyes closed, Chen Mu felt bothered as well. The gray wall appeared before his eyes. Safe Heart Sutra: Limit; Gazing at the entry of the Safe Heart Sutra that had been trained to the limit, a series of realizations rushed to his mind. He had fully mastered the secrets of this Secret Technique. Now, with just a thought, he could cause the Yin Spirit Divine Power to vibrate in a special rhythm of its own, thereby attracting the weak water from the origin of the River of Oblivion to promote the return of the Divine Ghost Pattern to its origins. "Shen Yan said it takes a hundred years to cultivate a Divine Fetus. Thats complete nonsense!" "With my proficiency in the Safe Heart Sutra, it will take at most seventy or eighty years." "This pace... this pace is really damned slow!" Chen Mu looked sullen. "After all, the Safe Heart Sutra is a universal Secret Technique," he sighed with resignation. To facilitate anyones initiation, reducing the difficulty of the Secret Technique becomes unavoidable, even with lofty intentions. Even if trained to the limit, the improvements are ultimately finite. More importantly, Nether Demon Heaven is too distant from the River of Oblivion. "It took me only four or five years to almost fully train the Divine Orifice, which is so difficult." "And yet, just the beginning of the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus requires seventy or eighty years!" "Isnt this also too difficult?" Chapter 463 - 456 Three Paths Curse "There is naturally a method to accelerate the growth of the Divine Fetus," Shen Yan shook off the dirt on his sleeve cuff with practiced ease, his face revealing nothing. "If theres a method, why didnt you say so earlier?" Chen Mu said, annoyed. "You never asked," Shen Yan shrugged. "Besides, this method is related to the Safe Heart Sutra. If your Safe Heart Sutra isnt at a masterful level, knowing this method wouldnt be of any use to you anyway." Safe Heart Sutra? Heh! Ive already perfected it, who could be more proficient than me? Chen Mu looked at the experience on the gray wall and couldnt help but smile. "The Safe Heart Sutra is essentially a connection to the source of the River of Oblivion, drawing weak water from within it to catalyze the growth of Ghost Pattern." "But the source is deeply hidden at the bottom of the river and is difficult to connect with, hence the Three Paths Curse." "The Three Paths Curse itself isnt very powerful, but it can resonate with the River of Oblivion, drawing out its source to appear. With its aid, attracting the weak water using the Safe Heart Sutra becomes much more convenient." "This Secret Technique, however, has a difficulty," Shen Yan said with a smile. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Why is this guy smiling so sinisterly? Is there a huge pitfall waiting for me?! "The Secret Technique itself is not difficult, the challenge lies in the fact that it requires a lot of people to cast it together." Shen Yan said playfully, "The more people collaborating, the stronger the collective force, and the more formidable the power." Upon hearing this, Chen Mu couldnt help but stare. "Ive told you the Secret Technique, how to choose, thats up to you to manage," Shen Yan said with a cheerful smile. I knew it! Why did you offer me the Safe Heart Sutra in the first place if not for waiting for this moment! If I just complain about the slow cultivation speed, I would have no choice but to practice the Three Paths Curse. To make it faster, more people need to practice together. The moment I get a little greedy and capture more people, its likely Lan Zhangs attention will be drawn. Then, Id have no choice but to confront Lan Zhang! Damn cunning! ... After getting the Three Paths Curse, Chen Mu fretted over it for several days. He wanted to use the Three Paths Curse to speed up the Safe Heart Sutra, but was afraid of attracting Lan Zhangs scrutiny. "If youre afraid of trouble, I can step in," Shen Yan, who had also been holding back for several days, couldnt help but speak up to persuade. "That way, even if things get exposed, itll be me whos out front." Interesting. Chen Mus eyebrows shot up. "Moreover, your Thousand Lanterns City is a cave heaven, far out in the void. Using it to hide Yin Spirits C how could Lan Zhang possibly discover that?" Indeed. Chen Mu was quite tempted. "And then theres your Divine Skills. I cant even resist in my Divine Fetus state C theyre just auxiliary soldiers, no one can rebel." "With them as insurance, who would dare to cause trouble?" Shen Yan said animatedly, trying to persuade. But Im just afraid that the Yama Emperors Command will cause trouble. Just as Chen Mu was getting roused, he immediately felt a chill in his heart. The Yama Emperors Command is indeed formidable, but it is a controlling aura that is only effective when it is by Chen Mus side. With another thought, a walnut-sized, pearl-like object radiating bright white light appeared before him. Chen Mu leaned in for a closer look. After a month of cultivation and with the acceleration of the Three Paths Curse, Divine Ghost Pattern once again induced the emergence of specks of special power. The original embryonic form of the Divine Fetus, which was equivalent to a single thread, had now become two threads, naturally reducing the gaps slightly. "Manager Yue said the Divine Ghost Pattern is like a simplified version of the Daoist Foundation, like a seed," "Doesnt that mean this Divine Fetus is equivalent to the Daoist Foundation?" Chen Mu couldnt help but feel shaken inside. If that was the case, it would make sense for the Divine Fetus to grow slowly. After all, it is the foundation for becoming a Daoist, and complexity and difficulty are inevitable. "I cant rush. I need to practice slowly and see," Chen Mu suppressed the impulse in his heart. No matter what secrets it held, proficiency would slowly unfold them to him. ... A few days later, deep into the night, around a round table. Shi Dechuns eyes widened with residual fear, completely uninterested in the full spread of dishes before him. "It was terrifying." "Last night, a blood-colored light soared into the sky from the camp. Those blood-red lights burst open like fireworks, scattering in all directions." "Anyone who was touched by them, whether human or object, was instantly blown away to ash and smoke!" "The camp next door, Tent B, looked as if it had been bitten like an apple, with half the barracks and people just gone without a trace!" Chen Mus expression immediately turned grave. "If you were hiding underground, would you still be able to hear the commotion in the camp?" Chen Mu frowned and asked. "As long as its not deeper than ten meters underground, there should be no problem," Shi Dechun immediately replied. "Later, I will raise the secret chamber. From now on, you hide in the underground secret chamber; its a bit safer that way." Chen Mu wanted to stay informed about the camp, but he did not want Shi Dechun to take life-threatening risks. Hiding underground was a way to gather information relatively safely, just right. "It just so happens that with the rampage of Lan Zhang, many auxiliary soldiers have died or disappeared. Nows the time for you to slip into the secret chamber without being noticed." However, Shi Dechuns expression became troubled, "That might have to wait till next month." "Ive already shown myself during the day today." "Didnt Military Supervisor Shen say that there are special demonic creatures monitoring every direction within the camp? If they notice because of this, we might face serious trouble." Chen Mu thought it over and couldnt help but sigh, "Thats the only option then." As the two of them were fretting over their future path, Shen Yan, who had been silently eating his meat, suddenly stood up. Then, to Chen Mus astonishment, he suddenly leapt up and began to somersault before both men! Chen Mu: "..." Wait, are you serious? But that was just a joke! Shi Dechun could take advantage of the auxiliary soldiers casualties to sneak into the underground, which naturally also allowed him to secretly recruit a large number of Yin Spirits into Thousand Lanterns City. He had thought that the silent Shen Yan for the past month had given up, but who would have thought... Watching Shen Yan somersault so fast he nearly left afterimages, Chen Mu couldnt help but twitch his cheek. ``` Chapter 464 - 457 Weakness In the pitch-dark Thousand Lanterns City, the small courtyard shone brightly like a solitary boat. Accompanying the chant of the Three Paths Curse, an unseen and intangible mysterious aura manifested around Chen Mu. As the Safe Heart Sutra was recited, strands of invisible weak water emerged from the void and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared into the secret aperture between his eyebrows. It was like parched earth rejoicing in a timely rain, his secret aperture jumping and twitching continuously, filled with a sense of satisfaction. After a while, the mysterious power around his body dissipated, and Chen Mu stopped the Safe Heart Sutra, brought out the grey wall, and looked at one of the columns. Three Paths Curse: 7839/10000; Knowing that the Three Paths Curse could speed up the cultivation of the Divine Fetus, he had started grinding tirelessly. As days passed, his experience grew layer by layer, and the amount of weak water the Safe Heart Sutra could attract changed day by day. The Divine Ghost Pattern received more nourishment from the weak water, and its vitality grew increasingly robust. Chen Mu felt that it would not be long before he could nurture a trace of Divine Fetus power once more. "Once I reach the peak, Ill be able to attract more weak water, and the Divine Fetus will grow more rapidly." Chen Mu let out a satisfied sigh and looked up to see Shen Yan next door still doing somersaults. "Stop flipping already!" Chen Mu couldnt help but shout. But Shen Yan turned a deaf ear, like a spinning wheel, whooshing through the air as he turned continuously. Chen Mus eyes twitched uncontrollably. Why were they being so stubborn? Cant you see that when I said flipping was just for fun, I clearly didnt want to invite anyone into Thousand Lanterns City?@@@@ "No matter how much you flip, its useless, Im planning to welch on the deal!" Chen Mu said helplessly, preparing to make things clear. A joke was one thing, but it wasnt right to keep toying with someone. Slap! Shen Yan suddenly stopped his flipping and stood upright. Chen Mus heart leaped for joy, thinking the guy was about to give up. But then he saw Shen Yan holding up three fingers, staring at Chen Mu with a serious face, "Three hundred thousand!" Then, without waiting for Chen Mu to react, he continued flipping. Chen Mu: "..." Is your Yin Divine True Form a stubborn mule?! Why wont you listen to reason?! ... In the heart of the Hai Character Camp, the Stone Temple. Wu Mu, delighting in the misfortune, opened his eyes, "Misjudged, huh?" "Shen Yan was scared off by the last failure and doesnt dare to make a move anymore." Lan Zhang, lounging in the stone chair with narrowed eyes, pondered. "Perhaps." ... "The Divine Concealing Mist comes from Ghost Gate," "With the mist gone, either Ghost Gate has collapsed and become damaged, or we have left the camp." Within Thousand Lanterns City, Shen Yan, regardless of tumbling over, gravely approached the stone table. The news was simply too shocking. "Im afraid Lan Zhang has completely lost his mind and ventured deep into Nether Demon Heaven," Chen Mus heart leaped in delight, "Its good that hes gone!" "Without Lan Zhang, we can take the opportunity to leave the camp." "Its best not to go too far," said Shen Yan with a serious expression. "Hai Character Camp is on the edge of Nether Demon Heaven, relatively safe. Outside the camp is even more dangerous." "Whether returning to the Netherworld or moving to other camps, we need to use Netherworld Ferry Teleportation. And to activate Netherworld Ferry, we either need the help of Ghost Gate or we must gather a large number of Yin Spirits to exert force together." "So..." Shen Yan looked at Chen Mu seriously. "So you still want to summon Yin Spirits?" Chen Mu squinted his eyes. "Hai Character Camp has countless Yin Spirits, Im not the only one who can use Netherworld Ferry. I just need to wait patiently, and I can return to the Netherworld just the same." Shen Yans face tightened, then he said frankly, "I want to take back Ghost Gate." "With the upheaval in Hai Character Camp and the loss of Ghost Gate, if I cant find it, even if I return to the Netherworld, I wont escape death." "So..." Shen Yan shrugged. Chen Mu suddenly understood. It was a matter of life and death, no wonder Shen Yan had been so insistent on prodding him to stir up trouble. But... Craving for Ghost Gate sounded very dangerous; there was no way he would get involved. The Yama Emperors Command couldnt control remotely, and to prevent retaliation, he couldnt possibly let Shen Yan leave his side. "You can always stay hidden inside Thousand Lanterns City and not show your face," Shen Yan remained unflustered. "I think its best if you lend a hand with me," "Without any significant contribution, why would Baseless Ancient City recommend you, and why would Fengdu City let you return to the Yang Realm?" Chen Mus face changed immediately. "Go do your tumbling!" Shen Yans mouth curved, letting out a chuckle. As long as one has desires, one has weaknesses. Enjoy new tales from novelhall.Co?m He had once again found the leverage to move this stubborn fellow! Chapter 465 - 458 Underground at the edge of the camp. The once blood-vessel-like network of crimson vines that spread throughout the underground had now become dry and decayed, turning to ash with the slightest touch. "Lan Zhang has indeed left the Hai Character Camp," Chen Mu sighed with relief. Previously, the underground sky was completely controlled by Lan Zhang, and the entire Hai Character Camp was like a prison. After Lan Zhang presumably left the camp, he immediately decided to break away from the Hai Character Camp. He didnt plan to go too far away. Just three to five miles southeast of the camp, he found a location, expertly dug out a secret chamber, set up a small trinity Light Law Prohibition, and then slipped back into Thousand Lanterns City. "I went to inquire, and the nether soldier camps on the north side of the camp are now empty," Shi Dechun said excitedly. "It seems that General Lan has indeed left the Hai Character Camp."@@@@ "More than a hundred thousand nether soldiers gone without a trace?" Chen Mu frowned. "Apart from the chiefs of the flags in the Auxiliary Soldier Camp, the actual combat power of the nether soldiers has vanished," nodded Shi Dechun. Blood God Scripture?! Thinking of a possibility, Chen Mu felt his heart leap. "Those nether soldiers must have been devoured and refined by Lan Zhang," Shen Yan said with an ugly expression. "Damn that Lan Zhang!" "Fortunately, were just some useless auxiliary soldiers, otherwise..." Shi Dechun patted his chest, his face filled with the expression of one who had narrowly escaped disaster. Swallowing over a hundred thousand nether soldiers just to refine his Skill? This General Lan is really mad! Chen Mu couldnt help but be shocked. "Whats the situation in the camp?" "All the generals have ordered to guard the camp closely. Although there are no changes, I always feel there is a tense atmosphere," Shi Dechun frowned. "Youre not wrong in your feeling," Shen Yan coldly sneered. "The functions of the Auxiliary Soldiers departments are different, but the strength of the generals nether soldiers is quite similar. With no tiger in the mountains, the monkeys play king. It looks to me like each of them is ready to vie for leadership!" He had been a Military Supervisor for over a hundred years, and was very experienced. Just by hearing Shi Dechuns few words, he understood the situation in the camp. "Would it be possible to unite all nether soldiers if the Military Supervisor got involved?" asked Shi Dechun. Chen Mu chuckled and shook his head, "He lost the Ghost Gate, and his Netherworld Department was wiped out by Lan Zhang. The other generals of the Auxiliary Soldiers Camp are of similar strength to him, how could they possibly bow their heads to his command." Shen Yan looked uncomfortable but had no rebuttal. "Jockeying for power and profit, tsk tsk, even as yin spirits, the eternal theme of humanity does not change." "Lets just wait and see. When the situation becomes clear, then well make a plan," Chen Mu wasnt in a hurry at all. The quota for returning to the Yang Realm from Fengdu City indeed might require great merit. But the merits of Antiquity City might not necessarily count in Fengdu City. The specifics would only be known once he reached Fengdu City. He wouldnt let Shen Yans words coax him into charging blindly into battle. "And you?" Chen Mu looked at Shen Yan with a cheerful smile, "You should just keep tumbling over." Shen Yans expression suddenly stagnated. ... This wait lasted for half a month. The Hai Character Camp, missing its nether soldier generals, was indeed a scene of turmoil, with the generals of the Auxiliary Soldiers forming alliances and displaying their Divine Skills. Since Shi Dechun had left the camp with him, it wasnt good for him to return. Fortunately, with Lan Zhang and a large number of nether soldiers gone, Chen Mu wasnt afraid of being discovered. He slipped out into Thousand Lanterns City every day when he could find the time, using the Truthful Listening Technique to eavesdrop with keen ears. The first to be unlucky was the Military Provision Department. Being in possession of supplies, it was the first to be attacked and carved up by the Auxiliary Soldiers. The divine fetus suddenly burst forth with bright white light, instantly illuminating the dim room. "Another thread of divine fetus power has been cultivated; double happiness strikes!" Chen Mu happily removed the divine fetus and examined it closely, as a surge of epiphany suddenly burst into his heart. Chen Mus mind stirred. Specks of light, like fluorescent powder, flew out from the divine fetus, resembling a flock of birds in the sky or a team of fireflies, gathering and scattering from time to time, encircling the divine fetus in a leisurely circular flight. A rush of fragmented insights poured into his brain, and Chen Mus eyes involuntarily widened. "Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? What the hell?!" "Is this divine fetus going to give birth to offspring?" ... "Has the divine fetus undergone any changes?" Shen Yan really didnt want to bother with Chen Mu. But... He was at the mercy of others. "The River of Oblivion contains countless Divine Spirit Mechanisms." "These Spirit Mechanisms bestow innate talents to Yin Spirits, manifested externally as Divine Ghost Patterns." "But these talents are not complete, at most they are like broken branches. Only after being nourished by the weak water and returning to the source can they transform into a complete seed, which is the divine fetus." "Some Yin Spirits who were Qi Cultivators in their lifetime like to call the ghost pattern a Talisman Seed and the divine fetus a Yin Divine Path Seed, to indicate that both are fundamental seeds." "With the seed, the next step is to take root and sprout, that is to cultivate and strengthen the divine fetus into a Yin God." "As for changes..." "As the foundation of Yin God, the divine fetus, with its continuous perfection, naturally possesses incredible Divine Power, but most of them enhance the original abilities." Having said this, Shen Yan suddenly paused, then as if an idea struck him, he showed a shocked face: "You didnt connect to another cave heaven, did you?" Connecting to a cave heaven? Thats not the case. Thousand Lanterns City came from the True Form of Heavenly Demon devouring Lian Cheng and is not one of his Divine Skills. If we talk about the inherent ability of the True Form of Heavenly Demon, it would be that shabby Bewitching Divine Power. Chen Mus mind stirred again, and he turned to look at Shi Dechun: "Old Shi, come on, sing a song for everyone to hear." Shi Dechun was suddenly completely baffled. "I... I dont know how to, either." "It seems your Divine Power can still only control the bodies of Yin Spirits and cannot bewitch the Spirit," Shen Yan said with a light laugh. He mistook the Yama Emperors Command as Chen Mus innate Divine Skill. Chen Mus expression darkened; it really was still that lame Divine Power! "Have you ever heard of Heavenly Demon?" Chen Mu continued to ask, resisting the urge to make the guy do a somersault. "Heavenly Demon? Ha!" "What a lame Demon God. I have never heard of it," Shen Yan said with a nonchalant face. Chen Mus eyes narrowed. It seems this guy wasnt flipped over enough times! Chapter 466 - 459: Experience Pack The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed originated from the Divine Fetus. After several days of study, Chen Mu gradually comprehended its wondrous uses. According to his insights, as long as the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was planted within a living creature, it could coexist with its host. Once the host died, the mature Spiritual Seed could be collected, bringing back the hosts lifetime of experiences and insights to strengthen itself. And once the Spiritual Seed was successfully implanted, under its influence, the host would subconsciously recognize the seeds owner, although they wouldnt blindly obey, backstabbing or rebellion was absolutely impossible. "Hiss... that fierce?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but feel shocked. "Is the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon that powerful?" "How come I have never heard of it before?" ... Thousand Lanterns City, around the round table. "It is not uncommon for demonic gods from beyond to parasitize and plunder." Shen Yan spoke calmly, "But few of them become significant. After all, they attract too much hatred, making it difficult for them to survive." "The key issue is that its hard for them to secretly parasitize." "If the host body is too fragile and struggling to survive, how can it support a parasite? If its too powerful, its easy to be detected, targeted and driven out, which also makes it unsuccessful." Chen Mu scratched his head upon hearing this. The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was extremely fragile, and to successfully implant it, the host must voluntarily consume it. If there was any resistance, the Spiritual Seed would crumble and disappear. As for voluntary consumption...@@@@ According to previous insights, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was not a parasitic Demon Seed; it relied on the host to grow but also seemed to bring some benefits to the host. However, what those benefits were, he himself could not ascertain. To others, it simply looked like a parasitic Demon Seed; who would willingly consume it? "No wonder the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon is virtually unknown; the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed seems formidable but is actually quite useless." Chen Mu shook his head. But as he shook his head, he suddenly paused. Voluntary consumption... The Yama Emperors Command? Hiss... It seems not impossible! ... Two days later, Thousand Lanterns City. Perhaps because the Divine Fetus was not complete, Chen Mu observed numerous times but could not gain more insights from the Divine Fetus. "To know more, the only way is to carry out a practical operation and give it a try," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Just after watering the vegetable garden and ready to walk towards the round table, Shen Yan suddenly stopped in his tracks. Why is this guy smiling so sinisterly?! His body tensed up immediately, and he turned to walk towards his own room. But just as he lifted his foot, he uncontrollably turned back and strode over to the round table. "Sit." Chen Mu spoke with a smiling face. "I might not sit, I still have something to do..." Shen Yan didnt finish his sentence before his body obediently took a seat at the round table. Looking at Chen Mus smiling face, he suddenly felt a chill on his scalp. He recalled the topic discussed two days ago and felt his hairs stand on end. "You... your Heavenly Demon Yin Divine True Form, does it really have the ability to parasitize and plunder?" "Heavenly Demon? What kind of lousy Demon God is that?" Chen Mu chuckled, "My Yin Divine True Form is from the Cloud Mirage." "Besides, my Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is symbiotic, not only harmless, but also has many benefits." "Come... swallow it." Chen Mu lifted his right index finger, and a pearl the size of a needle tip appeared, floating above his fingertip. The pearl was jade white, semi-transparent, with a sparkling white light, resembling a tiny pearl as small as a speck of dust. In a flash, Shen Yan thought of Thousand Lanterns City and the Divine Power Method Chen Mu used to control his body. As the Spiritual Seed merged with him, a secret connection linked Shi Dechun and the True Form of Heavenly Demon. Feeling that familiar link, Chen Mu was startled. "The United Heart Curse? Can it be possible?" He discovered that the connection formed by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was exceedingly similar to the shared sensation of the United Heart Curse. "Can the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed also replicate someone elses Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu was overjoyed. The United Heart Curse, when practiced to higher levels, can yield the Seven Souls Return to Origin Secret Method, burrowing the hosts Divine Power, and duplicating the others Secret Techniques. He had obtained seven Secret Techniques from the Wu Mountain siblings, which still served him well. "If it really possesses the ability of the Seven Souls Return to Origin, once I spread this Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed... Hiss!" He immediately began to try. However, upon trying, he found no change in that slender connection. Forget about duplicating Secret Techniques, he could not even remotely sense Shi Dechun to borrow his five senses for investigation. "Tsk... Wishful thinking," Chen Mu lamented with regret. But Shi Dechun suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "The Dew Harvesting Spell, the Flight of Flame Scripture, the Safe Heart Sutra, the Netherworld Guide, the Three Paths Curse. In less than a year in the Netherworld, Brother Chen has already mastered so many Dharma methods?!" "You truly are gifted!" For a moment, Chen Mu was flattered and a little confused. Wait, how do you know I know these Secret Techniques?! Recalling certain experiences with the United Heart Curse, he suddenly had a bad premonition. "You can see which Secret Techniques I know?" "Yeah," Shi Dechun was also full of surprise. "Whenever I think about it, a pitch-black sky appears in my mind, and on it hang five stars. Each star represents one of the Secret Techniques youve mastered." "Eh? I seem like I can also learn these techniques!" Shi Dechun immediately rejoiced and tried to touch the stars. Almost at the same time, a strange sensation transmitted from Chen Mus brow chakra. Without hiding his reaction, he summoned the image of his Divine Fetus in the form of a bald young boy. As his consciousness sank into it, he immediately felt a faint pulling force emerging at his brow. That feeling, akin to the United Heart Curse, returned. Could it be... Chen Mu started feeling increasingly uneasy. He didnt resist that pulling force but, following its direction, compressed and gathered his Yin Spirit Divine Power. At once, numerous silver threads, each as long as a pinky finger, began appearing before his eyes. The silver threads, resembling silver fish swimming at the bottom of the sea, were still at times and moving at others. Then, following that pulling force, they dived into the void before his brow and vanished without trace. Then, Shi Dechun suddenly let out an ecstatic shout. Immediately after, an energy signature that Chen Mu was all too familiar with manifested around him. The source of the River of Oblivion?! Enjoy new stories from novelhall.Co?m The Three Paths Curse?! Activated by thought alone? And its the peak-practiced Three Paths Curse?! Since when could Shi Dechun ever execute the Three Paths Curse?! Chen Mu was completely stunned in place. This is bad! Ive become an experience pack again! When he originally used the United Heart Curse to perform the Seven Souls Return to Origin, he had encountered the reverse situation of being granted Secret Technique experiences. Now, seeing Shi Dechuns reaction, how could he not understand what was happening. He thought he had obtained a mighty divine ability in the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, yet before reaping any benefits, he had copied his own Secret Techniques and spread them out. What is this situation? The cheat turns out to be myself? Yet it helps others but not me? Fuck! Chapter 467 - 460: Gathering Yuan "Spiritual Seed, Spiritual Seed, is this Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed really just a seed?" Now he could only water and fertilize it, offering unilateral support. To actually reap something from it, he would have to wait until it blossomed and bore fruit, which would take a lifetime. Tsk! "This Heavenly Demon really is a lame Demon God, and that Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon is probably just as feeble," Chen Mu grumbled with frustration. What a letdown. "At the very least, it can help you accelerate the cultivation of Safe Heart Sutra, cant it?" Shi Dechun reassured with a chuckle. Thats about the only use for it, then. Chen Mu sighed. Shi Dechun then snickered, "How about you teach me another Flight of Flame Scripture?" Hooked on taking advantage, arent you? "Get lost!" ... One day later. After repeatedly testing the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds effects, Chen Mu began to ponder how best to utilize it. "Are you sure the more people there are, the more effective the Three Paths Curse becomes?" he asked, eyeing Shen Yan. He had tried it the day before; with Shi Dechuns assistance, indeed a bit more weak water was drawn during cultivationwell... just a smidge more. There was an effect, but it wasnt significant, leading him to suspect that Shen Yan had been bluffing him all along. "Ah... There is such a saying, that multiple people casting it at the same time will form a cluster, and the effect can increase exponentially," Shen Yan replied languidly. This was a perfect opportunity to convince Chen Mu to gather Yin Spirits, but every time he thought of Shi Dechuns behavior the day before, his mind became somewhat distracted. And Chen Mus undisguised action of revealing his True Form of Heavenly Demon only further diminished his enthusiasm. He knew that the more he understood, the less likely he would be able to leave Thousand Lanterns City, and all his plans would come to naught. "How about we first recruit the Yi Third Banner into Thousand Lanterns City?" suggested Shi Dechun eagerly. Inside, there are many old comrades; the thought of bringing them all into Thousand Lanterns City and picturing their shocked faces excited him. Chen Mu also felt a stirring of excitement. He had previously hesitated to recruit people into Thousand Lanterns City, fearing the leak of information due to the crowd, but now with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, there was no longer fear of leaks. The Spiritual Seed transformed Chen Mu into a human form of Soul-Departing Soup, which also made those implanted with it identify with Chen Mu. It was as if a stamp had been imprinted on their subconscious, preventing them from betraying Chen Mu. Combined with the Yama Emperors Command, as long as it wasnt someone like Shen Yan, who was a three-hundred-year-old ghost, anyone brought in could immediately become one of his own. "If we recruit a large group of people, with the power of the Three Paths Curse stacking up, wouldnt the speed of the Divine Fetuss origin tracing be so fast it could ascend on the spot?!" "What is this? This is like a cheat for grinding experience!" Chen Mu was immediately tempted. Shen Yan, having heard but half of it, couldnt help but interject, "I suggest that you prioritize the Crafting Department." "The people there have mastery of various Dharma and excel at casting spells together." "They have rich experience in cultivating Secret Techniques, can quickly master the Three Paths Curse, and are more adept at drawing on the power of the River of Oblivion when working together." Hearing this, Chen Mu nodded, "That makes sense." Of course, it made sense! Shen Yan remained expressionless. This had been his carefully considered plan. Being able to cast the Three Paths Curse together meant they could also cast Secret Techniques to help him take back Ghost Gate. Sadly, it now seemed that this plan might go awry. "Its decided!" Chen Mu resolved firmly in his mind: "Tonight, Ill go to the Cai Yuan Department to recruit!" Wait, Cai Yuan Department? "No, did you even listen carefully!" Shen Yan was somewhat frantic. "The Cai Yuan Department now is filled with new Yin Spirits, with weak Divine Power, hardly capable of quickly learning the Three Paths Curse!" "Choose the Crafting Department instead."@@@@ Whats happening? Could it be that those bastards from the Crafting Department have learned of my plans and have come to root me out?! He immediately stood up to flee. But before he could straighten his back, a familiar oppressive force engulfed him. And then, with a slap, he was thrown to the ground. "Old Cow, long time no see." A mockingly casual voice suddenly rang out beside his ear. That bastard again?! Fuck! Hong Xiu was completely flabbergasted. No, I didnt really offend you back then, did I? Why are you still chasing me all the way to the Cai Yuan Department? You must be sick! ... Late at night, in Thousand Lanterns City, a brightly lit courtyard. Chen Mu sat at a stone table. A short, pot-bellied Yin Spirit in grey clothes, his face full of fear and resistance, still involuntarily approached Chen Mu and swallowed a grain-sized pearl that emitted a pale white glow. Before long, the terror on his face turned into surprise and joy. Chen Mu, feeling the connection gradually forming, waved him off, "Go and level the ground outside." Shen Yan, with practiced ease, lit a white-leathered lantern and handed it to him. The dumpy figure took the Soul-Attracting Lamp and walked out of the courtyard with joy. At that moment, the courtyard was surrounded by several mounds of earth, each about two people tall. Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m Specks of lantern light scattered all around, and the Yin Spirits were using mud shovels to transfer and spread the soil from the mounds, covering the black, void-like ground beneath, and tamping it down to form a solid base. And so, the three hundred-plus Yin Spirits of Cai Yuan Department under the Geng Six Banner were successively implanted with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, leaving Hong Xiu alone at the end. He looked at Shen Yan, recognized his identity, and a trace of shock flashed across his eyes. Then, with a complicated gaze, he turned to Chen Mu. Even after several encounters, this was the first time he had seen Chen Mus True Form. "Just where did I offend you to make someone like you chase after me relentlessly?" Hong Xiu couldnt help but recall their past interactions, but no matter how he saw it, he felt like he was always the victim. Offend me? Does charging me a road fee count? As for this time... Chen Mu touched his nose, "If I told you it was a coincidence, would you believe me?" Hong Xiu stared expressionlessly at Chen Mu. "Truly, just a coincidence." Chen Mu shrugged helplessly. "Who asked you to have such a secluded camp and gather everyone together in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?" His Yama Emperors Command was a skill with area-of-effect control. With so many people gathered together, it made it easy for him to catch everyone in one swoop. Hong Xius face tightened. Secluded? If it wasnt secluded, how could I slowly eat away at the Cai Yuan Department while keeping the news under wraps? Gathering people? If I dont gather them together, should I go and motivate them one by one? Watching the luminescent dust appear once more at Chen Mus fingertips, Hong Xiu couldnt help but sigh in resignation. Fate! Chapter 468 - 461 Attack ``` Two days later, in Chen Mus small courtyard in Thousand Lanterns City. A tall, thin Yin Spirit in black clothes walked out in high spirits. By this time, the small mounds that were once scattered around the courtyard had vanished, replaced by a large expanse of flat, hard-packed soil. Numerous Yin Spirits, following their original organization, gathered around the Soul-Attracting Lamps in groups of over ten, clustering together in the open space in front of the courtyard. Seeing the tall and thin figure emerging with such joy, everyones eyes were filled with envy and hope. Who wouldnt want to experience learning a Secret Technique without toil, in just the blink of an eye? However, gazing intently at the small courtyard, there was no call for more to enter. They were not disappointed, though, because they knew that this would continue tomorrow. Inside the courtyard, Chen Mu let out a long sigh and hurriedly retracted the True Form of Heavenly Demon back into his brow. "Its easy to plant the Spiritual Seed, but hard to transmit the Secret Technique!" He took out a frozen macaque corpse and activated the energy-restoring technique accompanying the True Form of Heavenly Demon to recover his Vital Energy. Transmitting the Secret Technique required a massive amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power to carry the true intent of the technique. Even though he had cultivated a rudimentary form of the Divine Fetus that greatly increased his Yin Spirit Divine Power, he still could not transmit to all three hundred at once; he had to do it in batches. "Now, there arent enough macaque corpses," Chen Mu scratched his head. After the Divine Fetus was developed, he no longer needed the fiery refinement of the Flight of Flame Scripture or the rapid Vital Energy cultivation technique, so he stopped collecting macaque corpses. Little did he expect that he would now face a problem. "If I just had a large quantity of Jade Dew Pearls, that would work too," Chen Mu sighed. This was initially a specialty of the Cai Yuan Department, but the Dew Harvesting Spell of the Yin Spirits within Thousand Lanterns City had long since ceased to function.@@@@ Pondering this, Chen Mu looked towards the house next door, his face revealing a playful smile. "Im afraid Ill have to trouble Supervisor Shen." With Shen Yans profound cultivation, he could easily extract Jade Dew to water his vegetables. It probably would not be a problem to extract more to help himself recover his Divine Power. ... "Are you an idiot!" Shen Yans face was incredulous: "With so many Cai Yuan Department Yin Spirits available, you want me to collect Jade Dew for you?" "Youre the idiot!" Chen Mu replied unhappily: "If they could still use the Dew Harvesting Spell, I wouldnt need you!" "Ha! It seems you have no idea where Jade Dew really comes from." Shen Yans lips curled upwards, his face full of teasing. "Is that so? It seems like you would prefer an additional experience of doing the splits in front of three hundred Yin Spirits!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Hisss... The threat had obviously worked. Shen Yan looked helpless: "Jade Dew comes from the River of Oblivion." "The Dew Harvesting Spell ceased functioning because Lan Zhang destroyed the Bottomless Pool of the Netherworld Department and sealed the Ghost Gate, resulting in no influence of the River of Oblivions power within the camp. The newly born Yin Spirits have weak Divine Power and cant reach across the void to connect with the River of Oblivion, so naturally, the spell fails." "But now they all know the Three Paths Curse, which can draw upon the source of the River of Oblivion. You can extract the Weak Water from it, and naturally, they can also collect Jade Dew from within." Chen Mus eyes immediately lit up. He had not merely taken in three hundred Yin Spirits; he had gained three hundred humanoid Jade Dew Spiritual Fields! How wonderful it is to farm C I love farming! ... With the Yin Spirits from Hai Character Camp collecting Jade Dew, Chen Mu could quickly recover his Vital Energy. Splurging Divine Power without any restraint, it took him only one day to complete the transmission of the Three Paths Curse. In order to collect Jade Dew more efficiently, he even took half a day to transmit his perfected Dew Harvesting Spell. When it comes to farming, watering, fertilizing, choosing seeds, and cultivating seedlings are all normal undertakings. Chen Mu passed on his Dew Harvesting Spell experience extraordinarily eagerly. In addition, he took time to venture outside Thousand Lanterns City to gather information about the camp. After all, the absence of an entire group of over three hundred Yin Spirits might lead to consequences. However, the factions within the camp were still fighting fiercely, and even members of the Cai Yuan Department did not notice anyone missing. "Theyre doomed sooner or later!" Shen Yan who had heard the live update couldnt help but curse again. "Becoming muddle-headed from staying up late? Go and get some sleep; dreams have everything." Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu, his sarcasm undisguised. Chen Mu could not help but squint his eyes. This old ghost has been growing increasingly bold lately. Under Chen Mus gaze, Shen Yan remained nonchalantly calm. He had thought it through; since he couldnt leave Thousand Lanterns City anyway, what did he have to fear? Somersaults? Splits? Whatever! "Is there another meaning to this?" Chen Mu, unable to contain his curiosity, eventually asked. "To complete the Divine Fetuss recovery as quickly as possible, your three hundred Yin Spirits are nowhere near enough." "But even if you continue to enlist more help, the Safe Heart Sutras ability to refine weak water cannot increase indefinitely." "Besides, weak water has the ability to aid the ghost pattern in returning to its origin, but it is only an auxiliary. The real limit to the recovery speed is the potential of the Divine Ghost Pattern itself." "Its like the black-leaf vegetable freshly planted in this garden; can you expect it to become a dish within one day? Even if you applied an excess of fertilizer, it would be useless." Chen Mu had a sudden realization: "The speed of the Divine Fetuss recovery inherently has a limit?" "Of course." Shen Yan nodded. "When you initially told me to gather the Yin Spirits, you never mentioned anything about a potential limit!" Chen Mu asked, with a darkened face. "Lie to you? Skirt around the heavy topics? Its inevitable," Shen Yan shrugged, adopting the attitude of a pig not fearing scalding water. Chen Mu was momentarily at a loss for words. He admitted it! This old ghost had actually admitted to having tricked people from the beginning?! Was he out of his mind? Could there be some other plot? Chen Mu scratched his head in confusion. His calm had been restored thanks to Shen Yans interjection. "After all, the Divine Fetus is the foundation of the Yin God, which ordinary Yin Spirits could only cultivate over a hundred years. Even with the Three Paths Curse giving an advantage, its impossible to cultivate it in a short time." "Forget it. If it can be done, itll be done; I wont force it." In Chen Mus view, the True Form of the Heavenly Demon was, after all, just a Divine Supernatural Power, not fundamental, and he quickly stabilized his spirit once more. ... Leaving the Yin Spirits to be arranged by Hong Xiu, allowing them to rest, Chen Mu left Thousand Lanterns City. The sun rose in the east, and the clouds were a bright red. The blood-colored sun of Nether Demon Heaven could make creatures bathed in its light irritable, and even though its rays were fervent, they chilled one to the core. Only the rising sun offered a bit of warmth. "The environment in Nether Demon Heaven is truly awful. Under the influence of the blood sun, Nether Demon Heaven will surely not be free from strife." "And who knows how long those fellows from the Hai Character Camp will last." Having seen the disorganized state of Hai Character Camp, Chen Mu couldnt help but worry. Could he really rely on these people to return to the Netherworld? Hai Character Camp was now blatantly exposed, with no ghost soldiers to guard it; should they come under attack by the monstrous creatures of Nether Demon Heaven... His thoughts a whirl, Chen Mu turned his head inadvertently and saw billows of black smoke rising from above the encampment. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat. It couldnt be... Immediately, he activated Truthful Listening, but besides the residual sounds of flames crackling, there were no other noises. The people?! Where had the more than one hundred thousand Yin Spirits of Hai Character Camp gone?! Ive just spent the night cultivating immortality, and Hai Character Camp is gone just like that? Magic tricks arent performed like this! Chen Mu was utterly stunned. Chapter 469 - 462 Scattered Hai Character Camp. The air was thick with the smell of charred wood, clothes, and flesh. Mud-sculpted barracks had collapsed in patches, and the ground was pocked with blasted pits, its edges seared black by the flames. The entire camp was eerily silent, and every so often, tufts of ash-grey dust on the ground made Chen Mus expression shift noticeably. That was the ash of Yin Spirits after their death. Just by looking at the thin layer of white ash, one knew that a vast number of Yin Spirits had perished the night before. "The attack must have come from the Red-eyed Water Apes that struck by night," Shen Yan said, his face solemn as he looked around at the signs of destruction. At the edge of the camp, staring at the jumbled footsteps leading in all directions, Chen Mu was filled with disbelief: "A camp this large, just collapsed and dissipated?" That was hundreds of thousands of Yin Spirits! "A bunch of waste, unable to mount any effective counterattack!" Shen Yans face turned ashen as he looked at the chaotic footprints on the ground. Though the strength of the auxiliary soldiers was not high, they were not without the power to resist. As long as they had resisted stubbornly, they could have escaped in an orderly manner, unlike now... ... Thousand Lanterns City. Hong Xiu approached Chen Mus courtyard, and even before entering, he saw Chen Mu sitting with a frown at the round table. The face of the Supervising Army Officer Shen Yan was equally grim. Hong Xius heart skipped a beat, and just as he thought to turn away, he was spotted by Chen Mu. Find more to read on novelhall.Co?m "Something the matter?" Hong Xiu, against his will, stepped forward: "Theres a guy from Geng Liu Banner who used to be a clay bricklayer in his past life. He wants to bring in some wood to build barracks for everyone." Chen Mu glanced into the distance. Well-fed and far from the influence of Xue Yang, the Yin Spirits were no longer lost and despairing. They were now gathering in small groups, chatting and laughing; somebody said something that triggered bursts of laughter. Despite the joyous atmosphere in the distance, Chen Mu found no reason to be happy. "When I have the chance, Ill bring in some wood and stone," Chen Mu said, shaking his head, yet he didnt refuse. He needed to find something for these people to do. What was that all about? Anger etched across Shen Yans face, he explained, "The Yinfeng Sect has the Yin Wind Banner, similar to the Flame Wheel Vehicle, capable of invoking the Yin Wind to climb clouds and fly. They were supposed to be used for transporting Yin Spirits when moving camp." "So many footprints on the ground prove that the Yinfeng Sect didnt come to transport the auxiliary troops." "A bunch of deserters!" It took a while for Shen Yan to suppress the rage in his heart and speak calmly: "The Netherworld, Military Provision, and Cai Yuan Departments were on the west side of the camp. The Medicine Stone, Flame Wheel, Crafting, and Yinfeng Sects were on the east side." "To find the Medicine Stone and Crafting Departments, we need to head east," Shen Yan suggested. Chen Mu immediately activated the Five Elements Escape Technique, blending into the Gentle Breeze, following the chaotic footprints on the east side of Hai Character Camp, drifting eastward with the wind. After chasing for about ten miles, the tracks on the ground forked. A large number of footprints headed northeast, while a few turned southeast. "They really fled in panic. Not far at all and already scattering in all directions," Chen Mu said, shaking his head as he looked at the sparse tracks heading eastward. Without hesitation, he set off toward the northeast. After another thirty miles, the messy footprints on the ground branched again. Chen Mu ignored the smaller offshoots and followed the largest groups trail. A chase of seventy or eighty miles revealed small groups constantly breaking away from the main force. Before long, in a wooded slope, a vast number of footprints coming from the southwest converged. "Is this a scheduled rendezvous in this direction, or just a coincidence?" Chen Mu wondered. "Most likely a coincidence," Shen Yan concluded after a careful analysis of the tracks. "With such a large number, it should be the Cai Yuan Departments auxiliary troops. Departments like the Crafting and Flame Wheel wouldnt bother with those new Yin Spirits and wouldnt likely converge with them intentionally." "As long as we havent followed the wrong direction, thats fine," Chen Mus confidence surged as he followed the tracks down the hillside and through the forest. However, as he followed the tracks, something felt off. More and more small groups began to scatter in different directions as the troop moved forward. As the sun began to set, Chen Mu, moving with the wind, appeared out of the low mountains and into a spacious, dark green grassland. Amidst a large area marked by the ambush of Water Apes, the massive troop abruptly dispersed. In all directions, there were chaotic footprints of their flight. Chapter 470 - 462 Scattered_2 Chen Mus face changed dramatically. "Ambushed by Water Apes? The entire support troop of the camp totally crumbled and disintegrated?" "Thats totally screwed!" ... As evening came, the setting sun was as red as blood. Above the vast grasslands, a patch of tall weeds suddenly shook violently, and more than a hundred Yin Spirits clad in grey short outfits were moving through the weeds. They scurried about in panic, each running desperately toward the distant hills. "Faster, faster, even faster!" "As long as we reach the dense forest in the distance, we can all survive!" Feng Qianli, the commander of the Twelve Battle Flags, shouted loudly. No sooner had his voice faded than a roaring sound came from behind. Feng Qianlis face changed, he turned his head abruptly and saw not far behind him a three-meter-tall red-haired water ape standing erect, its blood-red eyes staring at them as if they were a group of lambs to be slaughtered, filled with icy coldness. Feng Qianlis pupils shrank suddenly, he suppressed his trembling and shouted loudly, "Run!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt an intense tension envelop his body, a cold chill suddenly swept over his heart. Looking intently, he saw the red-haired water ape touching the ground with six limbs, covering a distance of over five hundred meters in two leaps, like a fiery red meteor, crashing down towards the top of his head wrapped in a blazing scarlet light. "Move the Mountain!" He slammed his hands fiercely into the ground, and the Yin Spirit Divine Power surged out. The soil in front of him bulged violently, rolling toward the distance like waves. The next moment. Boom! A three-meter-thick layer of soil rose like a carpet, slamming towards the red-eyed water ape. Bang! Soil scattered in the air. The thick and hard wall of soil was shattered instantly by the water apes impact, with the water ape itself forced to the ground, but despair filled Feng Qianlis heart in an instant. That strike had drained all his divine power, but it only made the water ape shake its head and shiver, as if it had just been splashed with a bucket of water! Not only did it fail to cause any harm, but it also drew the angry gaze of the water ape. Along with a deafening roar, the body of the water ape suddenly enlarged and was almost instantly in front of him. Two fists enshrouded in fiery red light crashed down like scorching cannonballs. Locked by the fierce aura of the water ape, Feng Qianli was instantly frozen in place. Just as the fists were about to smash his head, his hair already twisted by the scorching wind, the next moment, he saw a flash of light, and the red-haired water ape that filled his vision disappeared abruptly. Bang! Bang, bang, bang! Accompanied by a series of ground-shaking sounds, the previously ferocious water ape had, at some point, been knocked back a hundred meters. After landing, it tumbled along, leaves and soil exploding around it, like a meteorite crashing down, plowing out a long and uneven trench. A man-monkey never looks back at the explosion? Werent you so fierce just now?! Why so cowardly! Chen Mu frowned unhappily, ready to give chase immediately. As if sensing Chen Mus intentions, the monkeys body flashed with red light, and a burst of flames exploded behind its buttocks, sending the monkey soaring out like a baseball, propelled by the blast for several miles. Then, with its fur singed black on the rear, it made a few bounces before vanishing into the dense underbrush in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu: "..." Respect! ... Thousand Lanterns City, a brightly lit courtyard. Feng Qianli bowed slightly, carefully responding to Chen Mus queries. "Dont be scared, once youre in Thousand Lanterns City, youre with your own people," Chen Mu tried to appear friendly. Feng Qianli nodded respectfully but seemed even more restrained. He hadnt forgotten the excited expression on Chen Mus face as he tore through the fireball with his bare hands. Looking at the gentle young man now, who seemed completely different, he thought this lord of the Netherworld soldiers might be... somewhat unusual. Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. The True Form of Heavenly Demon was indeed different from Qi Cultivation, not as calm and balanced. Though he no longer had the wild devouring desire of the Five Ghosts Possession, once he used his ability, he couldnt help but feel a rush of excitement, causing his behavior to become slightly... unrestrained. Tsk! This is not the style I want. Chen Mu was mulling over this for a moment but soon became engrossed in what Feng Qianli was recounting. "My name is Feng Qianli, of the Cai Yuan Departments Twelve Banners Division." "Last night..." "I dont exactly know what happened last night," Feng Qianli said with a heavy expression. "We were resting in our barracks, as usual, when we were awakened by a loud explosion. Rushing out, we saw flames everywhere within the camp, filled with roars and screams." "Then came panic and fleeing. We were swept up in the crowd running north. Later, for some reason, we turned east and then ran into other auxiliary soldiers." "I thought wed be safer with more people, but to my surprise, the assault was relentless, with large groups of water monkeys ambushing us from ahead, scattering the team instantly." "We had no choice but to pick a direction and flee for our lives." "Do you know which unit those auxiliary soldiers you linked up with are from?" Chen Mu couldnt help but ask for confirmation. "We were too far apart to make contact, but I saw from a distance someone using the Flame Wheel Vehicle to transport supplies, so the Flame Moving Division must be involved," Feng Qianli reported truthfully. That settles it, most of the auxiliary soldiers that escaped must be in this direction. But... but theyve been scattered to hell! Without those auxiliary soldiers, how am I supposed to return to the Netherworld? Chen Mu suddenly felt a tingle on his scalp. Chapter 471 - 463: Gathering Up Let Hong Xiu lead Feng Qianli to settle the newly acquired Yin Spirits, while Chen Mu took Shen Yan and sneaked out of Thousand Lanterns City, beginning their nocturnal pursuit. With the Truthful Listening Technique, the dim light of the night did not hinder his investigation. He and Shen Yan could both merge into the Gentle Breeze, easily avoiding most of the dangerous demons and monsters active in the night. A busy night unfolded, as they gathered four more scattered small groups of Yin Spirits. By the time the Xue Yang rose in the east, Chen Mu had not found any trace of the main force. Inside Thousand Lanterns City, seeing more and more humanoid Spiritual Fields, he simply couldnt bring himself to feel happy. "There are Yin Soldiers in the Auxiliary Soldier Camp, arent there? They should be able to hold their ground to some extent. How could such a large group of people just disperse like that?" Chen Mu scratched his head. Shen Yan examined the Yin Spirits they gathered last night, frowning deeply, "We gathered five teams last night, not to mention the Cai Yuan Department, the leaders of the two Flame Moving Division teams, werent Yin Soldiers." "If the Yin Soldiers ran away on their own, fine, but Im worried they were deliberately drawn away by someone with ulterior motives!" His face was grave. "Youre telling me someone purposely withdrew all the competent Yin Soldiers?" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat and he couldnt help but widen his eyes, "Gather the elite and then use the large number of ordinary auxiliary soldiers as bait to attract the water monkeys?" It couldnt be, right? That ruthless? All of a sudden, Chen Mu remembered that not long after the troops had fled the camp, they immediately split up, with a small detachment heading southeast. Could that have been the Yin Soldier teams led by the Generals of the Auxiliary Soldiers? Those were powerful Safe Heart Yin Soldiers, and their leading Generals were even at the Divine Fetus realm. Continue reading at novelhall.Co?m To engage in such acts? Really lame! ... Three days later. Thousand Lanterns City, inside a small courtyard. Bai Qing was a dark-skinned, tall, and sturdy man. His upper body was wrapped in bandages stained with blood. He sat upright and respectfully at the round table. "Military Supervisor, there indeed was a military order calling us, but I didnt go," Bai Qing shook his head and then sneered with irony, "I dont pee in the same pot as those old soldiers from the City Defense Camp." "These sons of bitches really became deserters!" Shen Yans face turned the color of iron. For the past few days, they had been tracking incessantly. They had gathered quite a few Yin Soldiers from the Flame Moving and Cai Yuan Departments, but not a single one from the main group of Yin Soldiers. Until today, they had encountered Bai Qing here, a White General who was surrounded and attacked by three water monkeys in a small mountain hollow. "Why havent we seen any Yin Spirits from the Medicine Stone Sect?" Chen Mu asked curiously.@@@@ These past two days, they had gathered many Yin Soldiers who had fled, the most from the Cai Yuan Department. Next were the Flame Moving and Craftsmanship Departments. The Yin Wind Sects escaped by flying, which was normal, but there were none from the Medicine Stone Sect. "They must have been taken by the Yin Wind Sect; we hadnt encountered them either," said Bai Qing, his complexion not looking too good. "Hu Cheng is just a coward. He only dared to take the few from the Medicine Stone Sect with him; afraid that with more people, theyd slow down and be tracked by the water monkeys," Shen Yan snorted coldly. Chen Mu sat beside a stone table and smirked. The Craftsmanship and Flame Moving Divisions were scattered, while the Yin Wind and Medicine Stone Sects were still intact, but since those could fly, they had long since disappeared. Counting on these bastards, when could they possibly return to the Netherworld? ... Actually, it would be best if Shen Yan took the lead, but sadly, I cant implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into this old ghost. I can only keep him by my side all the time, wasting a great master. ... The next morning. Countless Soul-Attracting Lamps were lit one by one, giving Thousand Lanterns City its literal thousand lanterns. A group of yin spirits sat down not far from the courtyard, proficiently starting to activate the Three Paths Curse together. A vast and secretive aura suddenly filled Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu lay in his rocking chair, with the Safe Heart Sutra in circulation. His yin spirit divine powers trembled as their substance transformed, resembling a net probing into the River of Oblivions origin. Threads and strands of weak water essence were intercepted and lifted out, then immediately surged into the secret point between his eyebrows, disappearing without a trace. Far away, Bai Qing, Hong Xiu, Feng Qianli, and other generals hastily organized their subordinates to collect Jade Dew, stocking up their three thousand yin spirits daily food. The interior of Thousand Lanterns City was immediately filled with various Curse Command voices. Accompanied by the tick-tock dripping of bamboo tubes, the morning passed in the blink of an eye. Hum! The air trembled slightly, and a dazzling white light suddenly shone from inside the courtyard. After a moment, it gradually faded away. The many yin spirits, unsurprised, gathered their Dharma Curses and, led by the generals, moved away from the vicinity of the courtyard. "Another piece perfected." Chen Mu looked satisfied at the still uneven but now slightly smaller openings in the Divine Fetuss fledgling form. Then, a dense swarm of tiny pinhead-sized Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds flew out from it. "Another spawn?" Chen Mu was somewhat speechless: "This Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon isnt focusing all its abilities on breeding, is it?" Because the Spiritual Seeds were fragile and extremely difficult to achieve symbiosisand the clumsy Bewitching Divine abilities werent effectivewas the strategy to produce as many as possible, then cast a wide net and hope for luck, counting each success as a victory? Tsk! This feeble and helpless yet stubbornly determined temperament, its a bit simple-minded. Luckily I have the Yama Emperors Command, which allows yin spirits to follow unconditionally and willingly consume it. Otherwise... Humph! Clumsy Demon God! ... In the afternoon. After implanting the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into the last yin spirit, Chen Mu took a long breath. Now, aside from Shen Yan, all the yin spirits in Thousand Lanterns City were his own, eliminating the possibility of them causing trouble in groups. However, the subsequent transmission of the Three Paths Curse was still a major project. "If only the Divine Fetus could be perfected a little more." Chen Mu thought to himself. With the Divine Fetus perfected and the origin strengthened, yin spirit divine powers would surge. Perhaps he could complete the transmission all at once. "Do you have any better Divine Fetus Origin Tracing Secret Techniques?" Chen Mu asked with a grin toward Shen Yan. "Even in Fengdu City, at least eighty percent of the Divine Fetus Realm yin spirits are cultivated through the Safe Heart Sutra." Shen Yan looked sideways at Chen Mu. "The Safe Heart Sutra excels at tailoring to the individual. The greater the potential, the more weak water one can leverage, and the faster the Divine Fetus can be cultivated." "Complaining about the slow pace of cultivation? Hah..." Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu: "Thats because youre not up to par!" Hey! Has this old ghost been on edge lately, so brash?! Chapter 472 - 464: Carrying the Mountain At the foot of a small hill on the edge of the rolling mountains, Chen Mu watched as Bai Qing led more than a dozen auxiliary soldiers disappearing into the mountains before retracting his gaze. In the past two days, he had sent out five or six scouting parties like Bai Qings. He did not demand that they find people; uncovering even the slightest clue would suffice, and the tracking itself would be completed by him and Shen Yan. However, having just dispatched the manpower two days ago, he had yet to see any response. Snapping back to reality, Chen Mu teleported into the Gentle Breeze and blinked to the top of the small hill, where a boxy mud statue-like hut appeared before his eyes. Shi Dechun was leading a few people in weeding and moving stones, repairing and smoothing out the open space in front of the hut. Chen Mu had no intention of running around; he had chosen this small hill as a temporary base, and the boxy hut was designated as his observation post. The abrupt collapse of the Hai Character Camp to this day still left him somewhat baffled, with no clarity on what had actually transpired. He took the lesson to heart, planning to have old man Shi lead a few sharp-eyed and keen-eared auxiliary soldiers to stay here permanently. They did not need to scout for a great deal of useful information; just ensuring they would not miss any major changes would be enough. Chen Mu then turned to look at the mountainside. Hundreds of Yin Spirits from the Cai Yuan Department were cutting wood and digging earth there; they had cleared an open space nearby, and logs with branches removed were piled into a small hill, with half-man-high mud sculptures neatly arranged. With the vast number of three thousand Yin Spirits, Chen Mu had no time to help them build houses. Fortunately, many of them were auxiliary soldiers from the Crafting Department, skilled in constructing various barracks and buildings. There was even a bricklayer among them who claimed to have extensive knowledge in constructing wooden buildings in his past life, and now his skills were being put to good use. The pile of wood and earth on the clearing was the material they had prepared. Once Chen Mu opened the gate to allow entry to Thousand Lanterns City, these auxiliary soldiers would start constructing the barracks themselves. Chen Mu was relaxed and happy to leave the task to them. Moreover, with so many people gathered, it was always good to have some activity to focus their attention. If they had too much idle time, it could lead to trouble. ... In a ravine like a slit of sky flanked by mountains, the dark rocky cliffs on both sides were hollowed out with dense holes. In a rocky cave the size of two bedrooms, white Soul-Attracting Lamps hung all around the walls, illuminating the dark cave. Deep within the cave, there was a large stone chair, and Hu Cheng, the general of the Yinfeng Sects auxiliary soldiers, sat on it wearing grey clothes. With half-grey hair and a short, lean frame, he was currently examining and calculating inventory records. Instead of a general, he seemed more like an accountant. At this moment, Lu Jiu, the general of the Medicine Stone Sect dressed in black with silver lining, hurriedly ran in. "Good news, great news! Ive sensed the aura of the Ghost Gate; it was fleeting, but Ive managed to roughly identify its direction." As someone who dealt with the Netherworld Department year-round, he was extremely familiar with the aura of the Ghost Gate and was the first to notice its presence. "And then?" Hu Cheng asked indifferently without lifting his head. "Of course, to go find it. If we find it, we can return to the Main Camp," replied Lu Jiu, puzzled. "The Military Supervisor is nowhere to be found, a hundred thousand Yin soldiers have vanished without a trace, and the commander Lan Zhang is also missing. Have you never thought about why?" Hu Cheng flipped the pages of the book in his hands, not even glancing at Lu Jiu. "Wasnt it a sneak attack by water apes?" Lu Jiu was somewhat baffled. "Do you believe that?" Hu Cheng, with his head down, rolled his eyes up to give Lu Jiu a sidelong glance. "Then wed have no choice but to capture a large number of demons for a blood sacrifice to the Netherworld, borrowing the power of the River of Oblivion to artificially induce the Netherworld Ferry to cross the void and return to the Netherworld." "But without the protection and location setting of the Ghost Gate, the Teleportation process would be extremely dangerous, and the entry point into the Netherworld would be uncertain. Its not impossible to fall directly into the depths of the River of Oblivion," Shen Yan warned. "That does sound dangerous," Chen Mu said, his expression growing solemn. Are you afraid of danger? Then hurry up and recruit people, and accelerate the practice of the Jade Gate Curse! Shen Yans face remained calm, but he couldnt help feeling elated inside. As long as he could attract the Ghost Gate, with his years of deep refinement, even the slightest neglect by the young bastard before him would give him a chance to use the Ghost Gate to Teleport through space and completely break free from his control! Furthermore, Lan Zhang was no longer a pure Yin Spirit, and the Soul Summoning Banner might have already slipped out of his control. Now, with the Ghost Gate and the Soul Summoning Banner restraining and locking each other, summoning back the Ghost Gate would also bring back the Soul Summoning Banner. Lan Zhangs rebellion left him responsible for inadequate supervision. But as long as he returned these two Ghost Artifacts to the city lord, he would be seen as meritorious and faultless! "So..." At this moment, Chen Mu looked at Shen Yan with an inquiring expression. "So you need to find more Yin Spirits and simultaneously practice the Jade Gate Curse, to prepare for a deep refinement of the Ghost Gate," Shen Yan stated, trying hard to suppress his eagerness and speaking as if there was not a cloud in the sky. "That makes sense," Chen Mu nodded in agreement. Then he stood up and summoned over a thousand Yin Spirits gathered outside the courtyard, starting to recite the Three Paths Curse together. He himself sat down in the rocking chair, and as he recited, the Safe Heart Sutra slowly began to activate. Shen Yans face twitched. Are you even listening to what Im saying? I told you to practice the Jade Gate Curse, the Jade Gate Curse! Whats the point of reciting the Safe Heart Sutra? That thing takes time to grind away at; how much use can practicing it for an extra day or half be?! Stay updated with novelhall.Co?m Shen Yan was fuming inside, but to prevent his ulterior motives from being exposed, he had to maintain a calm exterior, causing him chest pain from the effort. Chen Mu, who had already closed his eyes to focus on attracting the Weak Water, was naturally unaware of Shen Yans internal griping. He did think that what Shen Yan said made sense. But he couldnt resist the fun of the Safe Heart Sutra! The Divine Fetus completeness visibly rose with the accelerated help of over three thousand Yin Spirits. The glowing embryonic Divine Fetus served as a guiding beacon every day. The tangible surge in the total amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power made him unable to stop. The Jade Gate Curse? Its just a small Dharma Curse... He could practice it when he had some spare time. Chapter 473 - 465 Jade Gate Curse ``` As evening fell, the dying sun was dark red like blood. Within the ravine, the continuous whistling of the wind blended with the pale grey fog that circled overhead, enshrouding the entire valley. At a certain moment, a grey whirlwind descended from the sky, landing at the bottom of the ravine. As the whirlwind dissipated, more than three hundred yin spirits appeared, most of them in tattered clothes marked with patches of blood, their faces etched with panic, utterly disheveled. Experience exclusive tales on novelhall.Co?m Hu Cheng quickly approached the crowd, his face wearing a friendly smile, "I am Hu Cheng, the general of the Yinfeng Sect. You dont need to panic; now that you are here, everyone is safe." After expressing a few more words of caring concern to ease the peoples unease, Hu Cheng gestured to some people not far away. The waiting Medicine Stone Sect personnel immediately came forward to treat the injured, while another group handed out Jade Dew and clean clothes to everyone. A series of well-organized arrangements were carried out, and the terrified crowd completely calmed down, docilely accepting the help of the Yinfeng Sect. "Another group saved, thats great!" Watching everyone being properly taken care of, Hu Cheng sincerely smiled, "With this, the power of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture can increase a bit more." "No wonder the city master chose Lan Zhang to be the general of the Hai Character Camp, such talent, tsk tsk..." The more Hu Cheng practiced the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, the more he admired Lan Zhang. "Pity, the more prodigious the talent, the more unfathomable their thoughts become." Hu Chengs mouth curved into an interested smile. We shall set aside the sudden changes at Hai Character Camp for now; the intricacies of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture all hinted at restlessness. "To gather everyones strength within oneself, bypassing the city masters Dharma Curse to refine the Soul Summoning Banner? Tsk... Thats aiming for independence." "However, now all their efforts will benefit me instead." "I dont intend to stand alone, but controlling the Soul Summoning Banner and becoming the chief of Hai Character Camp might not be impossible!" That position controlled tens of thousands of yin soldiers, a rank he had never even dared to dream of before. Now with the collective strength of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture and his sufficient personal power, if he could also master the Soul Summoning Banner... Even for someone as deep as Hu Cheng, he could not help but show excitement on his face at this moment. While calculating his future plans, another grey whirlwind landed in the ravine, and Hu Cheng could not help but show a genuine smile again. "Another group saved, thats great!" ... Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu stopped the Safe Heart Sutra, ending his afternoon practice and stood up from the rocking chair, stretching himself mightily. Nurtured by the weak water, the origin of his Heavenly Demon True Body grew increasingly profound, and the vitality of his True Flesh Body also imperceptibly increased; he felt warm all over, indescribably comfortable. His gaze followed the movement of the thousand-plus yin spirits leaving the courtyard, a broad avenue extending from the courtyard to the horizon. On either side, rows of elegant wooden buildings appeared before Chen Mus eyes. "The workers from the Crafting Department are incredible," Chen Mu couldnt help but admire. These two sections which accommodated more than three thousand yin spirits, comprising nearly three hundred small wooden buildings, were erected in just over ten days right before his eyes. The construction speed was indeed eye-opening for Chen Mu. "Whats so great about them? They only know how to replicate from models, full of craftsmanship. Had their construction speed not been fast, I wouldnt use them," Hong Xius voice came from within the courtyard, followed by a soft mutter from a dark-skinned middle-aged man behind him. "Shut up!" Hong Xiu turned his head and glared at him. But Hu Cheng knew the Secret Technique for Netherworld Ferry; he surely had the capability to return to the Netherworld. If he let the guy in front of him hitch a ride, no longer calling upon the Ghost Gate, then how could he break free from control? However... Hu Cheng would most likely choose to use a blood sacrifice to the Netherworld to open the Netherworld Ferry, and he might even need to sacrifice some Yin Spirits. At that time, as long as he pointed out the risks involved, given this bastards fear of death, he most likely wouldnt accompany them. As for giving the Jade Gate Curse to Hu Cheng? Hah! Knowing that Hu Cheng would investigate thoroughly, he was certain that this trouble-averse guy wouldnt dare. In this way, his own schemes could continue to be executed! "Then, we might as well send out another one or two teams to camp out near the original site of Hai Character Camp. If the Yinfeng Sect wants to return to the Netherworld, they probably need a large number of auxiliaries. Maybe theyll return to the ruins of the camp to search." Having thought it through, Shen Yan immediately suggested. "Ive already arranged for people to go." Chen Mu chuckled proudly, quite pleased with himself: "Even if we dont encounter the Yinfeng Sect, maybe well run into others returning to Hai Character Camp. Its an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, how could I not send people?" Shen Yan was slightly startled. No wonder this bastard seemed so calm and collected; he already had plans in place. "Sending people early to search for the Yinfeng Sectwere you counting on riding their coat-tails all along?" "And not caring about the Jade Gate Curse, were you never really planning on summoning the Ghost Gate?!" Shen Yan couldnt help but glare. "You think those guys who scattered the huge Hai Character Camp can be relied upon?" "You really think that bunch of idiots can be trusted?" Shen Yan looked disappointed, as if hating that iron could not become steel. "People definitely need to rely on themselves!" he shouted with fervent excitement. Chen Mu: "..." Wait, why are you stealing my line? "Yes, yes, youre right. Im going to practice the Jade Gate Curse right now, okay?" Chen Mu called up the gray wall with a resigned expression. Jade Gate Curse: 8603/10000/First Rank; Looking at the experience nearing First Rank Perfection, he wore a troubled expression on his face but felt secretly relieved in his heart: "All that effort staying up half the month, secretly grinding away at night, wasnt in vain." He gave Shen Yan a meaningful glance: "Old ghost was right. People really do need to depend on themselves, or else they might get sold out and still have to say thank you." Chen Mu knew as soon as he grasped the basics of the Jade Gate Curse through the insights from the gray wall that the old ghost was not honest. The Jade Gate Curse was indeed genuine and could definitely connect to the Ghost Gate from afar for ritual cultivation. With sufficient Divine Power, it could be remotely activated through this connection, summoning it to ones side. But Shen Yan didnt mention that the depth of control over the Cursing Method would affect the control of the Ghost Gate! With the old ghosts decades of experience, if he were to summon the Ghost Gate, just a slight oversight on Chen Mus part could allow the guy to take over the Ghost Gate and flee. "Indeed, a ghost of three hundred years is really good at scheming." Chen Mus eyes were full of playfulness. "Hmm... I still need to keep quietly grinding." "When the time comes, Ill definitely give this old ghost a little surprise!" "Ha ha!" Chapter 474 - 466: Yin Wind Fire Bell This morning. In the small courtyard of Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu finished practicing the Safe Heart Sutra and waved to dismiss the Yin Spirits outside the courtyard. While stretching his sore body from sitting too long, he looked interestedly toward the small courtyard on the left. There, the frameworks of two three-story wooden buildings had already risen next to the small courtyard. Apart from some small components like doors and windows that had yet to be installed, the main structures were essentially complete. The wooden buildings were not large, and the surface carvings and decorations were not particularly luxurious or fancy, but the positions of various parts, as well as the height, length, and dimensions, seemed to follow a certain pattern. Upon looking, one felt comfortable. The brick and tile worker who had repaired the royal mansion obviously put in a lot of effort. The person who cleaned up the wood and stones was skillful, not too fast, but every movement was just rightwatching was a pleasure in itself. This made him appreciate the sight for a good while before he sat back down in the rocking chair. Jade Gate Curse: 239/10000/Second Rank; Glancing at Shen Yan next door who was planting new vegetables after sowing seeds, Chen Mu silently shook his head. "The night will still have to be endured; Second Rank is probably not enough." Upon reaching the Second Rank, a new Dharma emerged with the Jade Gate Curse. With a thought, a gray mist the size of a fist suddenly appeared in the palm of his right handthis was the same Divine Concealing Mist that had enveloped the entire Hai Character Camp before. According to the feedback from the gray wall, this mist was the thin fog that constantly lurked above the River of Oblivion. "I really didnt expect the River of Oblivion to have such a marvelous use." The longer he dealt with the River of Oblivion, the more complex his impressions of it became. It could corrode flesh and bones, allow Yin Spirits to completely fall and turn into Netherworld Worms. It could also provide Weak Water and Jade Dew, enabling Yin Spirits to grow and survive. The Netherworld Guide, Safe Heart Sutra, and other Secret Techniques are all related to it, and now there was the Divine Concealing Mist that could eliminate and purify strange auras.@@@@ "No wonder some say the River of Oblivion is the foundation of the Netherworld." As he pondered over the River of Oblivion, Chen Mu suddenly felt a stirring in his spirit. He snapped back to reality, sensing someone had ignited the Soul-Attracting Lamp of Thousand Lanterns City, and immediately activated his Divine Skills. Hum! A pitch-black shadow suddenly appeared on the open ground before the small courtyard, and ten disheveled figures rose from within the shadow. Upon seeing the familiar surroundings, they immediately sat down on their backsides, gasping for breath. Shen Yan put down the bucket and waved over a patch of Divine Concealing Mist to wrap around the ten or so Yin Spirits. The sinister-looking Yin Spirits immediately calmed down and soon regained their composure. "Did you all also encounter an attack by monsters?" Chen Mu asked. Seeing everyone nodding, Chen Mu couldnt help but grimace. This was not the first team to be attacked. Monsters within Nether Demon Heaven emerged endlessly, bloodthirsty and belligerent. Even an unremarkable blade of grass could potentially send up a vine of blood-sucking roots from beneath the ground. Waving for people to take the men away to rest, Chen Mu sat back at the round table with a worried frown. "How many teams are still out there?" Shen Yan also furrowed his brows. "Just Bai Qing and his team are left outside," Chen Mu scratched his head. Bai Qing was the only shadow soldier serving as auxiliary troops in Thousand Lanterns City and had sufficient strength, which was why he could continue to lead people in search of something outside. Shen Yans face looked grave. Without enough hands, whether searching for the Yinfeng Sect or scattered Yin Spirits, nothing could be accomplished. "How about I give it a shot?" Hong Xiu, who had been watching the excitement near the small courtyard, suddenly spoke up. Chen Mu, lying in the rocking chair, immediately gave him a sidelong glance and couldnt help sitting up. Something was not right, very not right! He scrutinized Hong Xiu up and down. This guy was shrewd, extremely cautious about his own life; how could he possibly take the risk of leaving Thousand Lanterns City? "But you need to assign me more people," Hong Xiu said with a smile, then pulled out a beast skin scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Chen Mu. Was this Hong Xius confidence? He suddenly became interested. The beast skin scroll unfurled to reveal three ancient characters of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed exists within all the Yin Spirits of Thousand Lanterns City. If the seal is refined using the Spirit Seeds qi mechanism as a primer, the labor-intensive task of adjusting mechanisms to resonate with one another becomes remarkably easy. ... Three days later. Atop an unnamed small mountain. Shi Dechun was perched on the roof of a square observation post, eagerly gazing at the distant skies. There, a black cloud the size of a soccer field was swiftly circling in mid-air. The sea of black clouds surged forward like waves, with a ghastly green flame rolling within them. At one moment, the black cloud suddenly came to a halt, staying above a small mountain. Following that, with a whooshing sound of dull, low-pitched howling, clusters of human-head-sized ghastly green flames burst from the black cloud. Boom boom boom... A series of explosions sounded, and a small mountain nearly the size of the one beneath his feet was flattened in the blink of an eye by the fiery blast. Those sprawling ghastly green flames clung to the rocks, vegetation, and burned incessantly, with plumes of black smoke continuously rising. Before Shi Dechun could express his awe, the black cloud, carrying with it a wail like ghostly cries and wolf howls, flew above his head and then plunged into a pitch-black curtain that appeared out of nowhere. "Brother Chen is truly incredible!" Shi Dechun watched with envy. He glanced at the silver Mountain Character Seal on the back of his hand, and then at the dozen or so Yin Spirits also gathered by the observation post, and felt his heart stir with excitement. When its my turn to switch, I also want to fly over there and bomb the mountaintops! ... Chen Mu maneuvered the black cloud as it dove into Thousand Lanterns City. With the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds qi mechanism as the foundation, Chen Mu quickly refined the Mountain Character Seal. It took two more days to pass the Mountain-Carrying Scripture Secret Technique to three thousand Yin Spirits. With just a slight activation of the Spirit Seeds qi mechanism, he completed the resonance and successfully executed the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. "The Fire Bell Secret Technique can actually burn and devour the vital energy of life; this is very similar to Ghosts," Chen Mu mused as he flew around Thousand Lanterns City. "And that Flying Escape ability of the Yin Wind, I always felt there was something oddly familiar about it, kind of like the Five Ghosts Wailing Flame Great Escape Technique." The Wailing Flame Escape Technique comes from the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain and is actually derived from the Five Ghosts abilities. The essence of the Five Ghosts is Ghosts, and the formation of Yin Spirits is also closely related to Ghosts. He suspected that the Yin Wind Fire Bell Secret Technique was actually a collection and enhancement of some innate peculiarities of Ghosts. "Lan Zhang truly is remarkable." Feeling the surging power of the vast Yin Spirit Divine Power beneath his feet, Chen Mu couldnt help but utter words of admiration. After savouring the wonderful sensation of having the world within his grasp due to the strength in his hands, he reluctantly dispersed the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. Discover hidden tales at novelhall.Co?m The black cloud dispersed into clumps of Black Wind on the ground, transforming into individual Yin Spirits. Noticing their slightly pale complexions, Chen Mu nodded slightly. They were, after all, newly-formed Yin Spirits, lacking in Divine Power. However, as teams of a hundred, capable of flight and combat, and with the Soul-Attracting Lamp as their final resort, they were more than capable of preserving their lives. He immediately summoned the original five or six teams, replenished their numbers to a hundred, and then granted the Mountain Character Seal to the leaders, enabling them to use the seal to gather Divine Power and maneuver the Black Wind. After a brief practice, he sent them back out to continue scouting the mountains and searching for people. Hong Xiu, who provided the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, was among them. Chen Mu could tell that this person was also restless, craving power and influence. Since there wasnt much to be had within Thousand Lanterns City, thats why he was so eager to gather a team and leave the city to find people. Chen Mu was indifferent to this. His main goal in gathering Yin Spirits was to accelerate the Three Paths Curse and the Safe Heart Sutra; his second goal was to use the power of the masses to return to the Netherworld. As for commanding more Yin Spirits at his beck and call, Chen Mu hadnt given it much thought... it was merely a passing fancy. "Who doesnt have their daydreams," Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Unfortunately, Im just an ordinary person who hates trouble." "In the end, lying low and farming experience is more to my liking." ``` Chapter 475 - 467: Yinfeng Sect With the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, the search range expanded several-fold, and in the course of three to five days, Thousand Lanterns City gained three to four hundred Yin Spirits. Chen Mu received them one by one, embedding them into the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, then transmitted the Three Paths Curse to assist in his own cultivation. Under the nourishment of a massive amount of weak water, the Divine Fetus became more perfected with each passing day, and its pitted surface began to display a hint of smoothness. Feeling the continuous surge of Yin Spirit Divine Power, Chen Mu was completely immersed in it all day long. Of course, he didnt forget to secretly recite the Jade Gate Curse in the middle of the night. With two bodies, one to rest and the other to cultivate, he was the absolute master of staying up late. As days passed by, the experience with various skills rapidly improved, it was just a pity that there wasnt enough Earth Spirit Vital Energy; otherwise, his Divine Orifice would have been achieved long ago given the amount of time that had gone by. ... That day, on the third-floor balcony of the exquisite small wooden building, Chen Mu lay askew in a rocking chair, circulating the Safe Heart Sutra. The extraordinarily skilled bricklayer and the crafting techniques of the Crafting Department had helped in the construction, and it took less than two days before Chen Mu had already moved into the small building. Shen Yan also relocated to another similar wooden building nearby. The original courtyard wasnt wasted either; Chen Mu gave both courtyards to Shen Yan... to continue growing vegetables. As thoughts fluttered, Chen Mu didnt stop cultivating. The silver thread-like pattern from the Safe Heart Sutra, the size of the palm, blossomed with a faint luminescence on his chest, slowly absorbing the Yin Spirit Divine Power, transforming it into an Exotic Force that probed into the energy of the River of Oblivion surrounding the small building. Like a magnet attracting iron filings, strands of weak water were pulled into his body.@@@@ While experiencing the changes in the vitality of the Ghost Pattern, his Spirit suddenly transmitted a familiar throb. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow and immediately activated the divine skills of Thousand Lanterns City. A seemingly bottomless dark circular shadow appeared in the courtyard, and a haggard-looking ghost soldier, holding a white lantern, emerged alone. A hundred-man squad only returning with one person, did they encounter an attack from a monster again? Chen Mu hastily jumped down from the wooden building. Did they encounter the Yinfeng Sect? Were the others taken away? Did someone slip away to come back and report? It didnt take long for Chen Mu to figure out the cause, and a smile involuntarily spread across his face. "Good news!" ... Two hundred li north of Hai Character Camp, in a certain area of the mountains. Chen Mu stood on a grey-white rock protruding from the ground, observing a mountain peak twenty li away. The mountain wasnt tall, just about the height of thirty-odd floors. A mighty tree emerged at the peak, its huge canopy resembling a mushroom cap covering the small mountaintop. Its leaves were lush and crystalline, and the dense, cloud-reaching aerial roots also shimmered with blue luminescence, drawing considerable attention. "Its still best to take a detour," Chen Mu admired it for a moment before he shook his head. Upon learning that the Yinfeng Sect was searching everywhere for auxiliary soldiers, Chen Mu immediately decided to approach the Yinfeng Sect proactively. He called back all the squads he had sent out and selected over two hundred Yin Spirits to form a team. Then, following the information from the reporting auxiliary soldier, he led them northward. It had been seven days since they trekked through the mountains, and Chen Mu had come to know the perils within Nether Demon Heaven. Not to mention the endless strange poisonous insects and plants, the forests were home to mighty monsters akin to great demons. The tree ahead was one of them. When scanned with the Truthful Listening Technique, even from a distance, he could clearly feel its immense vitality. Chen Mu immediately led his men to turn eastward, planning to bypass the giant tree. However, as they walked, when he looked up, he found that the tree was, once again, blocking their way straight ahead. Just moments ago, he was considering hiding in Thousand Lanterns City and waiting for the Yinfeng Sect to come to find people. Fortunately... Now he didnt have to wait. ... The chasm at Heavenly Mountain had narrow tops and widened bottoms, resembling an upside-down trumpet on the ground. A swirl of gray wind drilled into the valley bottom, landed on the vast open space, and revealed hundreds of Yin Soldiers wrapped in Yin Wind. Qiu Zhi, dressed in grey as the base layer and donning a brown leather armor on top, smiled warmly as he led Chen Mu and the others toward the left side of the rocky cliff to prepare for their registration. "Those bugs, we call them Blue Luminescent Bugs. They have little offensive ability on their own, but when gathered together, they can release the Bewitching Divine Light which can entrance any creature in a mere glance. Once they exhaust ones spirit, they become their food," he explained. "Youre the third batch of auxiliary troops Ive found from that place, but you are also the only ones who actively broke free from the illusion," Qiu Zhi appraised Chen Mu and Bai Qing with a face full of admiration. "We were startled awake by external forces, just lucky," Chen Mu responded with a visage full of residual horror. Qiu Zhi nodded, having guessed as much. The number of Blue Luminescent Bugs was immense, so it wasnt easy to break free from their illusion. By then, they had already arrived beneath one side of the cliff. In front of a row of more than ten arched cave entrances, numerous Yin Spirits formed a long queue. "Youre a bit unlucky," Qiu Zhi said with a smile. "Three days ago, our Yinfeng Sect found a large batch of auxiliary troops hiding place." "Its a natural cave. Although the environment isnt great and theres not much food, its very safe. Tens of thousands of auxiliary troops from the Cai Yuan Department, Crafting Department, and Flame Moving Division were hiding there." "After relocating them for several days, these people in front of us are the last batch of troops." "In the past, it was General Hu who personally greeted everyone, but now with so many people, you probably wont get to meet him." Tens of thousands of Yin Spirits? A cave? Chen Mu suddenly understood. No wonder he hadnt found many scattered Yin Spirits, even after expanding his search range. Taking a look around, Qiu Zhi led the group to the edge of the queue where there were fewer people. "No matter where you came from before, from now on you will all be incorporated into our Yinfeng Sect," Qiu Zhi said, seeing that everyone was orderly lined up, then approached Chen Mu and Bai Qing again to speak seriously. "The dangers of Nether Demon Heaven, I suppose, are clearer to you than to me." "Although we are safe in this narrow chasm, whether we will encounter monster attacks is still an unknown." "As a part of the Yinfeng Sect, we have to pitch in." Here it comes, thought Chen Mu. General Hus grand efforts to rescue Yin Spirits from the Yinfeng Sect seemed inconsistent with Shen Yans description of self-interest. He must be after something! Chen Mus heart tightened. Shen Yan said General Hu would likely use blood sacrifice to activate Netherworld Ferry. Could he be planning to use us as sacrifices? Well... should we slip into Thousand Lanterns City tonight and then immediately haul ass? "If the Yinfeng Sect shelters us and commands us for help, we will go through fire and water without hesitation," Chen Mu bluffed with the utmost sincerity. "Its not that serious," Qiu Zhi said with a relieved smile. "You just need to learn a cursing method and provide a bit of divine power." This request... why does it sound so familiar? Then, he saw Qiu Zhi pull out a black leather scroll from his bosom, and three archaic characters suddenly caught his eye. Mountain-Carrying Scripture? Chen Mus heart relaxed instantly. It seems theres no need to run away for now. Chapter 476 - 468 Chapter Migration An ancient tree, as imposing as a steep mountain peak, loomed alone amidst the continuous range of mountains. Its gnarled and twisted roots grew wildly underground, breaking through the soil and forming mounds akin to small hills. Its crown pierced through the fog and stood high above the clouds. On one of its thick branches, Lan Zhang leaned against the trunk, his right leg stretched out flat and his left leg resting on the edge of the branch. In the distance, the sounds of beasts roaring and birds chirping echoed incessantly, and Lan Zhang squinted quietly as he watched. By his side, the bark that resembled dried and cracked earth was slowly stained by pitch-black shadows, and the next moment, countless eyes of various sizes suddenly appeared. "Those Yin Spirits have been received by Hu Cheng," Wu Mu said in his overlapping childish voice, filled with hesitation, "Can they really infiltrate the Main Camp in Antiquity City?" "Of course..." Lan Zhang spoke lazily, "You should have confidence in my Mountain-Carrying Scripture." "Hu Cheng gathers collective strength, which will alter the auxiliary troops aura, thus concealing the Blood God Childs presence." He stretched out his right hand, and a cluster of blood-red mist gathered, revealing a black banner and a gray-white archway within the mist. Looking at the Soul Summoning Banner that had accompanied him for decades, Lan Zhang fell silent. After a moment, he tossed it far into the mountains with a flick of his hand. "Arent you afraid that Shen Yan will steal the Ghost Gate?" "Him?..." "His previous escape already damaged his origin. He cant take the Ghost Gate by himself." "Besides, now that Hu Cheng has practiced the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, in his quest for further advancement, anyone in his way will become his mortal enemy, even if its the former Supervising Army Officer Shen Yan!" ... At dawn, in a cavern at the lower-middle part of a mountain cliff in the Heavenly Mountain gorge, "Brother Chen, hows the practice of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture going?" Qiu Zhi asked with some anticipation. This was Chen Mus fifth day at the Yinfeng Sect. Since settling down, Qiu Zhi, the Sect leader, would come every day to inquire about the progress of Chen Mus cultivation of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. According to Shen Yan, theres a high probability that Hu Cheng would capture demonic creatures for blood sacrifices to the River of Forgetfulness, using it to initiate the Netherworld Ferry and leave the Nether Demon Heaven. The combined technique of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture was indeed powerful, but the creatures of the Nether Demon Heaven were not simple either. Large-scale hunts and battles were inevitable, and casualties could not be avoided. Thinking of this, Chen Mu glanced at the gray wall which now had above five thousand experience in the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, and shook his head in embarrassment, "My talents are dull, and I have made no progress so far." "But theres also some good news." His face lit up with excitement, "Thanks to Brother Qius explanation yesterday, I feel like Ive found the inspiration. Perhaps Ill master it tomorrow." Qiu Zhis face twitched. Ive heard this line three times already, do you think Ill believe it again? He had figured it out, this guy in front of him was just not serious about practicing! Wasnt it about facing hardship head-on? Such a sly one... Qiu Zhi shook his head and sighed, "Brother Chen, its really best for you to put more effort into it." "Ive received a message from above, were going to relocate soon. If you cant perform the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, you might be left behind in the Heavenly Gorge." Most of the demon creatures were oppressed by the great momentum of the dark clouds and dared not show themselves, but there were also vicious ones that, stimulated, shot up to attack the dark clouds. Initially, Chen Mu was worried, but after seeing those demons turned to ashes by the Fire Bell Secret Technique, he gradually felt relieved. At this moment, the Yinfeng Sect had almost gathered eighty percent of the auxiliary forces from the Hai Character Camp. All Yin Spirit Divine Power was concentrated in one place, and although they couldnt dominate everywhere, they were extremely safe at the edge of the Nether Demon Heaven. Even if they encountered a large group of red-eyed water apes, they... they still couldnt beat them. But escaping safely was not difficult. ... Not long after noon, the dark clouds flew into the continuous mountains. Suddenly, Chen Mu felt the Yin Spirit Divine Power, which had been slowly drained before, surge in speed. Then, dense clusters of fireballs fell like a torrential downpour, and the mountains were immediately enveloped in ghastly green flames. A large group of fanged creatures with two sharp horns piercing the sky, resembling sheep but also pigs, emerged from within the sea of fire. These creatures, most of them as tall as two to three-story buildings, had black fur sharp as arrows, whooshing towards the sky, and occasionally spat out large black and red fireballs from their mouths. Unfortunately, the dark cloud was too high, and their seemingly fierce retaliation was ineffective. After a short burst of frenzied attacks, these creatures quickly fled the sea of fire and disappeared into the mountains. Hidden within the dark cloud, Chen Mu clicked his tongue in wonder. Enjoy new adventures from novelhall.Co?m He discovered that although these sheep-pig-like creatures were howling from being burned by the Fire Bell Secret Technique, not many of them actually fell in the sea of fire. "These creatures seem not to be very afraid of flames; luckily, they cant fly, or else they would pose a big problem," Chen Mu thought, his heart tightening slightly. "Although the Mountain-Carrying Scripture is wonderful, the Yin Wind Fire Bell Secret Technique also has its limitations." "I really hope General Hu is as cautious and careful as Shen Yan said, and doesnt get dizzy from the power of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture." After continuous bombardment for half an hour, the dark cloud restarted its movement, and at dusk, it settled at the edge of a vast plain. No sooner had his feet touched the ground, Chen Mu felt the earth sway left and right, much like a person whos been on a boat for too long and just landed on solid ground. People around him, experiencing such a long Flying Escape for the first time, were also staggering like drunk, laughing and teasing each other. However, a sudden excitement erupted in the center of the camp. Chen Mu was startled. Before he could activate the Truthful Listening Technique to investigate, he saw a seven to eight-meter-tall ash-white archway fall from the sky, crashing down into the middle of the camp with a thud. Immediately, a wave of gray mist began to spread in all directions. Divine Concealing Mist? Ghost Gate! Did Hu Cheng actually find the Ghost Gate?! Chen Mu was overjoyed at once. No need to think about blood sacrifices in the Lethe or capturing demons anymore. That old ghost Shen Yan shouldnt even dream of fooling him and sneaking away! "If that old ghost Shen Yan knew that the Ghost Gate hes been longing for was easily found by Hu Cheng, his face would certainly be a sight to see!" Chen Mu thought and couldnt help but smile. "Hmm... I must notify him of this good news!" "Haha!" Chapter 477 - 469 Lying Flat Thousand Lanterns City. Facing a table full of delicious dishes, Chen Mu stuffed a piece of roast meat into his mouth with a troubled frown and began to sigh as he chewed. Shen Yans eyes moved, and he had a guess in his mind, "Has Hu Cheng made some moves?" Chen Mu silently nodded, shoveling a large spoonful of Yellow Bud Rice into his mouth with a look of worry on his face. The corners of Shen Yans mouth turned up imperceptibly. He was scared by the danger of capturing and killing monsters! Worried about how to encourage this guy to hijack the summoning of Ghost Gate, look, the opportunity has come! Mustnt be hasty! Cant persuade forcefully, need to lead him on! Shen Yan took a deep breath, trying to keep his tone gentle and calm, "Hu Cheng, coming from the Guard Army of the City Lord Mansion, has mostly been doing protective work in the past and has less experience in leading troops and marching. Once encountering conflict and combat, improper dispatch leading to casualties is inevitable." "This is just the beginning. If we encounter powerful monsters later, its likely to be even more dangerous." "For everyones safety, I think its best if we summon Ghost Gate ourselves." Chen Mu couldnt help but nod, "Youre right, General Hu doesnt have the broad experience that you old soldiers have. Im just worried that his lack of experience will cause a mishap, and well all be doomed!" "These days you really need to be extra cautious, learn to adapt to changing situations, and above all, ensure your own safety," Shen Yan said with a look of tense concern. Chen Mu sighed deeply, "Im not in control of my own fate." "After all, Ghost Gate is in someone elses hands, what can I do?" Shen Yan was instantly confused at the time. What does that mean? Has Hu Cheng found Ghost Gate? So my plan to escape using Ghost Gate is ruined? Stunned, arent you, old ghost! Chen Mu, watching Shen Yans expression, couldnt help but tremble with suppressed laughter. Then, he struggled to suppress the corners of his mouth from turning up and looked at Shen Yan with a sincere face. "I want to hand over the Jade Gate Curse to the general to help him control Ghost Gate." "Help me think of a way, see how we can make it more foolproof." "After all, its for the safety of everyone!" Upon hearing this, Shen Yans face instantly darkened. ... Chen Mu took his time eating his meal, teasing Shen Yan by talking about this and that, enjoying the sight of his darkening face to his hearts content.@@@@ Unfortunately, his joy didnt last long before it was his turn to wear a frown. Stay tuned to novelhall.Co?m Two days later. Every time Chen Mu went out of his way to invite him for a meal, Shen Yan would just stare at him with a scowl. This disappointed Chen Mu, who was looking forward to continue enjoying the old ghosts embarrassment. But today, for some unknown reason, Shen Yan actually walked out of the small building to leisurely water the garden. "Whats the matter? Has the Military Supervisor finally seen the light?" Chen Mu teased gleefully. Shen Yan ignored him and continued to manipulate the ball of Jade Dew with an indifferent face. Hey?! This old ghosts got quite a temper! Ah...no, thats not right! "That rocking chair is mine, isnt it?" Chen Mu couldnt help but exclaim, wide-eyed. This old ghost has a lot of nerve, daring to mess with my throne! "What, do you want me to do a somersault, or do you want me to do the splits?" Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu with a mocking expression, "Its not like I havent done it before! Im not scared!" Now Chen Mu was genuinely surprised. The Shen Yan of the past always had hidden agendas behind everything he did. To see him acting so recklessly now was truly a first. Chen Mu couldnt help but feel that Shen Yan had a defeatist attitude. "Not thinking about running away anymore?" Chen Mu asked with interest. "Every time you enter Thousand Lanterns City, you immediately activate your Control Secret Technique. You never leave that long-haired body of yours alone in Thousand Lanterns City," "With not a single chance given to me, how could I run away?" Shen Yan glared coldly at Chen Mu. "With the Jade Gate Curse, you could stealthily seize control of Ghost Gate and then flee while Im not paying attention," Chen Mu teased cheerfully. "So you really do know the key to the Jade Gate Curse," Shen Yan sighed. Previously, Chen Mu was full of excuses, refusing to summon the Ghost Gate. Now looking back, it was clear he had seen through Shen Yans scheming and was deliberately stalling. What puzzled Shen Yan was that the Jade Gate Curse was a secret of the City Lord Mansion, and outsiders couldnt possibly know the critical aspects. He wondered where the man before him had learned about it. "What if I told you the Dao Ancestor told me, would you believe it?" Chen Mu said with a grin. "You might as well say it was the Lord of Heaven," "Exactly, exactly, it was the Lord of Heaven who told me!" Chen Mu nodded eagerly in agreement. Shen Yan immediately rolled his eyes, but he couldnt help but let out a long sigh inwardly. Hai Character Camp had collapsed, Lan Zhang had betrayed, and now the Soul Summoning Banner and Ghost Gate had fallen into Hu Chengs hands. Shen Yan no longer had a foothold in Antiquity City. Moreover, if Antiquity City found out he was still alive, they might even kill him from afar using the connection between him and Ghost Gate! After all, if the Jade Gate Curse were to be widely exposed, it would be quite a hassle for the City Lord of Antiquity City. Although this bastard before him hasnt killed him yet, it doesnt mean he wont in the future. To go out was to die, to stay here could also mean death, so rather than living in constant fear, he might as well make himself comfortable for the time being. Your rocking chair? Now its mine! Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh. Even though he didnt understand the reason, the old ghost had indeed resigned himself to his fate. Chapter 478 - 470: Camp of the Character 鈥橸ou On the boundless shores of a blood sea, countless dead monstrous snakes lay scattered across the rocky sandy beach. These monstrous snakes were dozens of meters long with bodies as thick as a persons height, and their underbellies had nine claws. What was even more peculiar was the number of heads they had. It was rare to see one with only a single head; those with three or five heads were considered ordinary. Their heads, covered with spines and sharp horns like a hedgehog, were comparable in size to a two-meter-wide bed. Hong Xiu stood by the sea, with a cloud of fire as big as a basketball court by his side, on which lay a pile of multi-headed monstrous snake corpses, like a small mountain. He was long accustomed to such a sight and merely gazed absent-mindedly at the boundless blood sea that wafted a faint fragrance, his face filled with melancholy. Half a month ago, the remnants of the Hai Character Camp were brought back to the main camp by Hu Cheng and were quickly dispersed. He then ended up at this beach battlefield under the command of the You Character Banner. Hong Xiu always considered himself extraordinary. Since arriving in Nether Demon Heaven, he had employed every tactic at his disposal. But after much ado and roundabout paths, he ironically found himself back to the old job of the Flame Moving Division. Fate has made a fool of me! While he was wallowing in self-pity, a sudden chill assaulted his heart, as if a great demon or monster had set its sights on him! Instinctively, he looked up and saw that one of the monstrous snake heads, which had just been lying on the Flame Wheel Vehicle, had suddenly leapt into the air and was opening its mouth wide to swallow him whole. For a moment, Hong Xiu could even see the blood-colored sky above him through the creatures broken throat. Yet this somewhat comical scene drained all the color from his face. Because apart from the wide-open mouth that could see through to the other end, he also saw the glinting cold light on the rows of sharp teeth, which resembled rows of knives. And if even a single drop touched an auxiliary soldier, the fiercely corrosive venom that could reduce them to ash was slithering on those teeth. His body instinctively stiffened, and even moving a muscle became a luxury he couldnt afford. As he despaired and awaited death, he abruptly realized that the enormous head was unexpectedly suspended mid-air, still as a statueevery droplet of falling venom was motionless above his head. Whoosh! A mass of pitch-black flames suddenly burst forth before his eyes. The enormous head was engulfed by the dark flames in an instant. A thick, burnt stench spread, and within a few breaths, the large head was reduced to ashes and scattered with the wind. "Old Ox, what kind of ridiculous idea were you pondering over this time?" Chen Mus figure suddenly appeared beside Hong Xiu, smilingly staring at him. Hong Xius mouth twitched. So the nickname Old Ox is here to stay, huh! "Thank you for saving my life, General!" Hong Xiu took a deep breath and with a face full of frustration, he clasped his hands in thanks. "No need to thank me." Chen Mu chuckled, waving his hand: "Go on with your tasks." As he watched Hong Xiu leave, Chen Mu couldnt help but shake his head. He had been in this place for half a month. As the newly promoted General of the Wu Fourth Banner of the You Character Division of the Flame Moving Division, for the first few days, he could still enjoy some peace and leisure in the camp. But recently, this beach had become more and more dangerous; a slight inattention could lead to injury or death, so he couldnt continue to slack off. Most of his Yin Spirits were from Thousand Lanterns City, and the remaining hundred or so people had been filled in after the remnants of the Hai Character Camp were disbanded and reorganized. Many of them were familiar faces from the Yi Third Banner. Among them, he saw the gaunt old man Jia who organized the betting games. Since they were not entirely strangers, Chen Mu couldnt bear to ignore them. He had no choice but to come here to take command and ensure the safety of the auxiliary soldiers under his banner. "Tsk... I have no idea why Antiquity City places such importance on these demonic corpses, insisting on moving them back to the main camp with so much effort." ... "Of course, its for the sacrifice and refinement of the Soul Summoning Banner!" Late at night, in Thousand Lanterns City, Shen Yan revealed the secret of Antiquity City with an indifferent expression. Since he had already given the Jade Gate Curse to Chen Mu, he didnt mind divulging a little more. "Please elaborate!" Chen Mu immediately became interested. "This expedition of Antiquity City to Nether Demon Heaven is for the purpose of hunting demonic beasts. First is to offer sacrifices to the River of Oblivion. And second, to refine the Soul Summoning Banner." "City Lord Jian has achieved the Yin Divine realm for many years and aspired to reach further. In addition to waiting it out, some special methods are necessary." "Those twelve Soul Summoning Banners are crucial for his attainment of the Nether Spirit realm." "Nether Spirit? I seem to have heard of it somewhere?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, curious. "You heard a fart!" Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu dismissively: "To condense the Divine Fetus, mold the nine orifices, nurture the Yin Spirit, only then, when Yin and Yang meld together, can one achieve the Nether Spirit realm." "In the entire Antiquity City, only the city lord has reached the Yin Divine realm. The Nether Spirit realm is even more secretive, known only to a handful within the City Lord Mansion. How could you, a little ghost, possibly know?" Shen Yan looked down on Chen Mu with disdain. How did this bastard start taking things seriously... ... The You Character Camp was stationed on a solitary peak a hundred miles away from the beach. The peak was flattened out to provide a platform for a new two-story wooden building, which served as the lodging of the camps commander, Bai Zhilang. The rest of the Yin Soldiers and Auxiliary Soldiers were arranged on the mountain, positioning themselves in rows from top to bottom. At night, within the Auxiliary Soldier Camp at the foot of the mountain. Inside a lofted row house, raised two meters from the ground, more than a dozen Auxiliary Soldiers lay sleeping soundly. A strand of bloodlight emerged from the foreheads of three of them, resembling a small snake, swaying its head and tail as it silently flew out of the wooden housing. The camp was deathly quiet, countless blood-red threads meandering through the shadows, slowly converging beside a clump of tall trees near a small cliff. Under the cold, pale moonlight, the bloodlight melded into one, slowly surging upwards and amassing in the blink of an eye into a human shape. Once the faint bloodlight dissipated, Lan Zhang appeared, his white robe and loose black hair fluttering. He reached his hand out of the shadows as if catching a handful of moonlight, his narrow eyes looking towards the mountain summit, a slow smile spreading across his face. ... The blood-red sun and pale moon above alternated. The You Character Camps Yin Soldiers went to the Blood Sea every day to lure many-headed serpents out of the water and then killed them on the shore. But whether it was disturbing a serpents nest or not, the many-headed serpents appearing recently had not only increased in number but were also becoming more ferocious. Chen Mu had witnessed more than once the corpses of Yin Soldiers turning into ash-grey smoke; he had no choice but to move together with the Wu Four Banner to ensure their safety as much as possible. Being in plain sight made it difficult for him to practice the Safe Heart Sutra. Apart from monitoring the Yin Spirits under his banner, he could only pass time by repeatedly chanting the Jade Gate Curse and Netherworld Guide. More than twenty days passed in the blink of an eye. Though Chen Mu had not practiced earnestly, his experience with the Second Rank Jade Gate Curse was still maxed out. In the evening, the Auxiliary Soldiers returned to camp. Chen Mu stood at the doorway of his modest wooden building, seemingly admiring the distant and vast green sea of trees but actually staring blankly. He was quietly absorbing the Jade Gate Curse experience emanating from the grey walls. In the depths of the Netherworld, he sensed a kind of vague and familiar energy, concealed at the mountains waist. Was that... the Ghost Gate of the You Character Banner? Chen Mus heart stirred, curious, he activated the Jade Gate Curse, striving to perceive it more clearly. The next moment. A low hum suddenly emanated from the mountains waist. Chen Mus expression changed, and he quickly cut off the Jade Gate Curse, turned, and darted into the wooden house. He kicked off his shoes, crossed his legs on the wooden bed, and pretended to meditate. Almost instantly, the faint Divine Concealing Mist that enveloped the entire mountain began circling faster as if searching for prey, swirling and sweeping up and down the mountain several times before finally calming down. Chen Mu, who sat on the bed pretending to concentrate on practicing the Netherworld Summoning Curse, heaved a huge sigh of relief. "That was close!" He didnt dare to stop immediately but continued to summon the River of Oblivion Water and Nine Nether Green Flames, acting as if someone were watching, and practiced for more than an hour. Only when the sky was completely dark did he cease his cultivation. "How impulsive of me," Chen Mu muttered while scratching his head and accessing the grey wall. Jade Gate Curse: 56/10000/Third Rank; "Hey! I didnt expect that the brief moment just now would give me over twenty points of experience. If I could just guard the Ghost Gate every day and practice, that experience would soar!" After indulging in his fantasy for a while and confirming with the Truthful Listening Technique that no one was investigating nearby, he washed up and lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Usually, by this time, he would have been cultivating the Safe Heart Sutra in Thousand Lanterns City, but now, having stirred up a little trouble, he had to forgo todays experience points. What an agony... Chapter 479 - 471 Accident ``` Late at night, atop the mountain. As the You Character Banner chief, Bai Zhilang sat behind the desk, dressed in pitch-black armor, carefully examining a booklet that recorded the battle outcomes and the casualties of the Ghosts. Experience tales at novelhall.Co?m Phut! In the middle of the hall, a cluster of gray mist suddenly exploded, and the Military Supervisor Gong Huan, wearing a black robe with silver thread patterns and wide sleeves, suddenly appeared. "Military Supervisor, has there been some trouble?" Bai Zhilangs cold and stern face was full of confusion. "In the evening, Ghost Gate suddenly trembled violently. General... Your Soul Summoning Banner, it hasnt encountered any problems, has it?" Gong Huan asked with a serious and solemn expression. Bai Zhilangs brows furrowed, "Wasnt it you who were casting the Dharma Curse?" "Could it be the multi-headed Jiaos? Do they also plan to attack the camp like the Red-eyed Water Monkeys?" Bai Zhilangs expression became grave, "The lesson from the Hai Character Camp is still fresh in our minds, we must trouble the Military Supervisor to investigate once more." Gong Huan nodded, "If Red-eyed Water Monkeys can attack the Hai Character Camp, the multi-headed Jiaos are naturally cunning and treacherous. We cant guarantee they wont come ashore to cause trouble." "Later, I will comb through the entire camp. The motion might be somewhat large, so I hope the general can calm the Ghosts in advance, to prevent an uprising." "Be thorough in your search," said Bai Zhilang, his expression grave. Gong Huan bowed, fist in palm, his form turned, and a cluster of gray mist rose. In an instant, he vanished from sight. The Nether Soul Lantern floated in mid-air, its candlelight flickering. The great hall was silent. Bai Zhilang, however, did not continue to browse through the scroll in his hands but narrowed his eyes and stared at the spot where Gong Huan had disappeared. Within his pupils, a hint of concealed bloodlight surfaced. After a long while, he suddenly spoke to the air in front of him, "Gong Huan is always upright and strict, and he is a trusted confidant of the City Lord. If he were to conduct a large-scale search, would we encounter any trouble?" Then his expression changed, answering his own question, "No need to worry, if we could hide from the Main Camps search, then Gong Huan will not discover us." His face was still that square face, yet his expression and demeanor had completely changed, as if there were two different people residing within the same skin! "Should we take care of him ahead of time?" "Rash actions will only expose our flaws." "Then let him live a few more days." "..." ... In the dead of night, the You Character Camp gradually fell into slumber. The Divine Concealing Mist that shrouded the camp flowed rapidly as if it had come to life. Inside the Flame Moving Divisions camp at the foot of the mountain, Chen Mu lay on the bed unable to sleep. His eyes slightly squinted, he watched the constant flow of the Divine Concealing Mist through the half-open window. "Is it necessary to search time and again just because I slightly touched the Ghost Gate?" Chen Mu inwardly mocked. Luckily, he was cautious and didnt venture into Thousand Lanterns City tonight, otherwise he might have been discovered in this sudden night raid. He made his breathing deep and slow, pretending to sleep deeply, yet his spirit remained focused on the changing mist outside the window. Only when the movement of the Divine Concealing Mist gradually slowed down in the latter half of the night did Chen Mu finally breathe a sigh of relief. It seems I dodged that bullet... As he was considering whether to enter Thousand Lanterns City to complete his daily Safe Heart Sutra practice, a thunderous rumble suddenly burst forth. The earth trembled violently, Chen Mu even felt as though the little wooden hut had jumped up! He was startled and immediately leapt from his room, only to see the phantom of the Ghost Gate soaring into the sky from the mountainside. But just as it flew roughly as high as a ten-story building, it burst apart with a bang. The Ghost Gate... exploded?! No way! I merely touched the Ghost Gate, how could it possibly explode?! At this moment, the entire camp was also startled awake by this abrupt change, calls and signals ringing out between the mountains. A Ghost Face Copper Medal on Chen Mus body vibrated with orders to soothe and suppress the auxiliary forces, to prevent disorder. Not until he saw the Flame Moving Divisions various units start to move the giant serpents bodies again, not until he saw the Bottomless Pool fully restored and functioning normally, and not until he saw Gong Huan, the Military Supervisor, meticulously recording the military achievements, did he... he still couldnt feel at ease. Deep into the night, inside Thousand Lanterns City. "Bai Zhilang and Gong Huan betraying Antiquity City together?" Shen Yan burst into laughter, as if he had heard the funniest joke: "Your imagination is quite rich." "Genius monsters like Lan Zhang dont come around but once in hundreds of years." "Such people, impatient for success and unwilling to be outdone, I wouldnt be surprised if he betrayed the Netherworld. I even think that the City Lord had anticipated it." "But the others..." Shen Yan shook his head, "They dont have the guts, nor the ability." "What if..." Chen Mu was still worried. "Youre not thinking of hiding in Thousand Lanterns City again, are you?" Shen Yan said with a look of exasperation, "This is clearly a monster sneak attack on the camp. Can you stop being such a coward?" "You know nothing! I call this being cautious!" Chen Mu insisted vehemently. Shen Yan immediately rolled his eyes. If it werent for fear that this bastard would drag him out to sunbathe, he would have made a good joke of him. "Even if Bai Zhilang really did have an issue, its absolutely impossible for Gong Huan." "We Military Supervisors are all personally cultivated and promoted by the City Lord, and bound by the Secret Technique Covenant. Betraying Antiquity City would result in our death by the City Lord Mansions Dharma Curse." "Gong Huan is upstanding and meticulous in his duties, always faithfully following the City Lords orders." "Since Gong Huan is staying properly in the Netherworld Division, then Bai Zhilang could not possibly betray Antiquity City." Seeing Chen Mu still look doubtful, Shen Yan became impatient. "If he really betrayed the City Lord, Ill build a stage and do three thousand somersaults in front of these three thousand Yin Spirits!" Chen Mu immediately turned to look at him. ... The weather in Nether Demon Heaven was damp and hot, which bred all sorts of cunning and ferocious monsters. The most obvious sign was the intensifying battles on the beachfront. Despite so many giant serpents being killed, they persistently engaged in desperate combat with the Ghost soldiers of the You Character Camp. This resulted in the Flame Moving Banners daily task of moving the serpents carcasses becoming increasingly burdensome. Where it used to take only half a day to clear the battlefield, now they were busy until the sun was completely set, and still, only half of the serpent bodies could be moved. The You Character Camp had no choice but to issue Flame Wheel Vehicles to the auxiliary troops of the Yinfeng Sect, temporarily turning them into the Flame Moving Division to help. Under these circumstances, even Chen Mu, a standard-bearer of the Ghost soldiers, had to personally get involved with the moving. Gradually, he began to feel at ease. For over half a month, Chen Mu had not ceased his secret observations. All through the You Character Camp, everyone was busy with hunting and warfare just like spinning tops; aside from the normal casualties of battle, there had been no mysterious disappearance of Yin Spirits. Shi Dechun helped to eavesdrop on camp gossip, but heard no unsettling rumors. "It seems I really was overthinking," Chen Mu chuckled and shook his head. He actually welcomed the increasingly busy tasks of the Flame Moving Division. "Being busy is good, maybe we can meet the hunting target sooner and leave Nether Demon Heaven earlier." He merrily thought. "Its just a bit regretful not to see Old Ghost Shen doing somersaults on stage." "Hmm... should I trick him into performing on stage?" "Hiss... I could totally do that, haha!" Chen Mus eyes lit up at the thought. "Since the old ghost cant leave Thousand Lanterns City, wouldnt it be easy to put him on stage?" "The three thousand Yin Spirits have been cooped up in Thousand Lanterns City for too long, their repressed emotions need a stunning performance to ease their spirits." "Looks like its time to put Supervisor Shen through a bit of hardship! Haha..." Chen Mu, with a swoosh, tossed a five-headed serpent carcass onto the Flame Wheel Vehicle and headed off cheerfully towards Shi Dechun and Hong Xiu. Shen Yan, sly as a fox, wasnt easy to fool; hed need some accomplices to help with the act. Chapter 480 - 472: Six Months ``` Chen Mus plan to trick Shen Yan was a good one, yet ultimately it fell through. Shen the old ghost used to be a military supervisor, which Chen Mu didnt care about, but Hong Xiu and Shi Dechun dared not ignore, no matter how much he tried to persuade them, it was useless. Such cowards! Late at night, the lights were bright inside Thousand Lanterns City. The barracks had expanded once again, in addition to the original two hundred plus wooden towers, another three hundred exquisitely styled new wooden towers were completed, lined along both sides of the central street. "Do you really intend to build a tower for everyone?" Chen Mu, finding the overseeing Shen Yan, asked with raised eyebrows. "You can have a single room? Why cant they? Is your face bigger than everyone elses?" Shen Yan said indifferently, leaving Chen Mu stifled with a single sentence. Ever since he adopted a resigned attitude, this old ghost Shen seemed to awaken some attribute, always aiming to choke people with his words. "Too bad its just wishful thinking, at most three to five people can share one building," Shen Yan shook his head: "There are not enough raw materials." "So you do know theres a shortage of materials," Chen Mu muttered. He was eager for someone to rebuild Thousand Lanterns City, but the timber and soil brought in initially were almost depleted. Now stationed in Hai Character Camp, busy from dawn to dusk not to mention surrounded by people everywhere. Once the materials were used up, he had no chance or time to resupply. "How about you dig up some soil from underground and bring it in, Ill have them raise the foundation here first." "Its lucky this pocket dimension isnt big, with no storms or tremors, otherwise with just one shovel the foundations would be so deep, these wooden towers would have collapsed long ago." "Alright..." Chen Mu smacked his lips, burrowing underground to dig up some soil at night was still feasible. After watching the bricklayer lead his team in carving doors and windows for a while, Chen Mu called over the Yin Spirits on duty today to recite the Three Paths Curse, aiding his cultivation of the Safe Heart Sutra. This was his daily mandatory practice. Although the Safe Heart Sutra was already perfected, and the Divine Fetuss progress in tracing origins was not reflected on the gray walls, daily cultivation continued to steadily increase Yin Spirit Divine Power. Furthermore, almost every other day, the Divine Fetus would glow and flash brightly, reminding him that the Divine Fetus was improving, a sensation even more gratifying than earning experience points in the past. For this purpose, he even adjusted the work and rest times of the Yin Spirits within Thousand Lanterns City, inverting the cycles of day and night, to facilitate his cultivation. ... The blood-red sun rose as usual. Hai Character Camp functioned like a tightly wound spring, constantly in motion, countless exotic beasts were thrown into the Bottomless Pool. During the day, Chen Mu was busy protecting the auxiliary soldiers transporting corpses, and at night he dived into Thousand Lanterns City for cultivation, living a busy yet regular life. Before he knew it, half a year had vanished in a flash. That evening, the various contingents of Hai Character Camp slowly returned to camp. Busy all day, Chen Mu finally had a moment to himself. Holding a cup of Jade Dew Water, he leaned against a wooden huts pillar on the veranda, enjoying the humid and hot breeze from Nether Demon Heaven, sipping the plum-juice flavored Jade Dew, feeling content, even finding the dark red, blood plasma-like sunset in the distance tinged with added beauty. Before long, subtle sounds of commotion rose from the mountain, while faint scents reached his nose. The Yin Spirits of the various contingents of Hai Character Camp had started cooking. Although Yin Spirits could survive on just Jade Dew, that stuff, aside from its varied taste, really didnt have any texture to speak of. Hai Character Camp had been stationed here for almost a year and a half to two years, and at first, everything was done by the book. But as time went on, people began to explore the food ingredients of Nether Demon Heaven and cook meals. Tens of thousands of Yin Spirits gathered together couldnt always be suppressed, so even the stern and upright Military Supervisor Gong turned a blind eye, and the various generals naturally didnt interfere much. As a result, all kinds of exotic beasts and demons within a hundred li of the station became unfortunate victims. If it werent for the fact that all parts of the exotic beasts had highly toxic flesh, the hunting achievements of the entire Hai Character Banner would have seen a significant drop due to consumption. As he contemplated various things, a short and skinny figure appeared in front of the wooden hut. Jia Zhang? This man was a former member of the old Yi Third Banner, who seemingly possessed some hidden Mind Control Divine Abilities, managing to escape unscathed from the continuous calamities of Hai Character Camp. Seeing his figure, Chen Mu couldnt help but brighten up: "Have you found some nice treasure?" Chen Mu didnt rush to practice the Safe Heart Sutra but used the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to integrate the Yin Spirit Divine Power and then linked the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to transmit the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse, which he had already perfected, to the three thousand Yin Spirits. This secret technique was from old Shen, similar in function to the Flight of Flame Scripture. But compared to the perilous Flight of Flame Scripture, it was milder and safer, suitable for ordinary Yin Spirits to refine their divine abilities. Even if they couldnt master it quickly, it could slowly enhance their Yin Spirit origin. As the origin strengthened, the Three Paths Curse would also grow more powerful, which could assist him in gathering primordial waters faster, accelerating the return to the source of the Divine Fetus. In the early hours of the morning, in the courtyard in front of the wooden building of Thousand Lanterns City. A mass of Yin Spirit Divine Power in front of Chen Mu turned into a tangled mess of silvery threads, a flicker of light and shadow, and disappeared into the void in front of his eyebrows. Sitting next to him, a square-faced auxiliary soldier shuddered, his gaze instantly hazy, then immediately a silver pattern emerged on his forehead, flashing for a moment before disappearing. The square-faced Yin Spirit regained clarity, full of surprise and gratitude as he bowed to Chen Mu to express his thanks. Chen Mu patted the mans shoulder and earnestly looked him in the eyes, the sincerity on his face as he advised, "You must cultivate diligently." "I can only give you the skills; its through hard study and practice that you can grow your origin." "With a little more strength, when you return to the Netherworld, you can live more freely and comfortably." After patiently advising for a good while, he waved his hand for the man to leave the courtyard. As he watched the last Yin Spirit leave, rubbing his forehead which ached from the overexertion of his spirit, Chen Mu then turned to look at Shen Yan, who was watching the excitement. "I think we need to apply some force." "When the environment is too comfortable, people instinctively slack off and dont want to move; you cant rely on them to be diligent in their cultivation." "Ill hand these three thousand Yin Spirits over to you for training. Twelve hours each day, three hours rest, three hours of reciting the Three Paths Curse to assist my cultivation, and the remaining six hours for practicing the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse!" "Ill prepare a little bamboo stick for you, and if anyone dares to slack off, youll hit their palms and make them show you a split!" Work your livers out! All of you, work to death! By rapidly increasing your strength, you can also help me fill this bottomless pit of a Divine Fetus sooner. Shen Yan instantly rolled his eyes. Explore more stories with novelhall.Co?m "Listen to the crap youre spouting." "Nine hours a day of practice without rest, even beasts arent used like that!" "Such high-intensity training might be okay for a day or two, but if it goes on for too long, its bound to be disastrous." "Why wont it work?" Chen Mu retorted, neck stiff, eyes wide, "During the day, I haul the Flame Wheel Vehicle and dont neglect chanting the Jade Gate Curse, and at night I continue practicing the Safe Heart Sutra, even occasionally loosening up with a bit of Netherworld Guide for leisure, so why cant they do it!" Shen Yan was at a loss for words, "You cant seriously think that everyone is like you, treating cultivation as fun and games?" "Thats not how you train soldiers; coercion will only lead to mutiny." "Then what do you suggest?" Chen Mu didnt understand. Cultivation is so much fun, right? How could anyone find it tiring? Tsk... Shen Yan looked at Chen Mu and couldnt help but feel a toothache. After nearly a year together, he felt there was something off about this guy. Indeed... "Ive been a Military Supervisor for decades; I have more experience in training troops than you. Leave the men to me, and mind your own business!" So bossy? "Fine..." Chen Mu relented with a helpless grimace, agreeing with some difficulty. Sigh... Wall of Grey, youre no good, after all, Ive also led these three thousand Yin Spirits for half a year, how come you didnt give me some experience in commanding troops? To think that I let Shen Yan boss me around. What a failure... Chapter 481 - 473: Discovery On the following evening. In front of the barracks cabin, Chen Mu was imparting the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse to a tall and robust Yin Spirit. The Yin Spirits within Thousand Lanterns City had completed their transmission the previous night, but Hong Xiu, Shi Dechun, and over a hundred other Yin Spirits who had left with him still awaited their turn. While waiting, he habitually pulled up the grey wall to check. Netherworld Guide: 5390/10000; Fifth Rank; Jade Gate Curse: 1351/10000; Fourth Rank; These were the two secret techniques he was training in his Heavenly Demon True Body that had yet to reach their limit. The fourth-rank Jade Gate Curse made his perception of the Ghost Gate increasingly clear. With the lessons learned from the past, he dared not recklessly establish connections. However, insights from the grey walls feedback were extremely beneficial to him. At this point, except for the secret curse set up personally by the lord of Antiquity City, the Ghost Gate had nearly no secrets from him. According to the information display, the Ghost Gate had countless layers of the Netherworld Ferry secret technique, which could better gather Yin Spirit Divine Power, more quickly draw the River of Oblivion, more accurately pinpoint landing spots, and resist the pressure of the void to safeguard its user. Especially for the likes of Teleportation between realms, such as cross-void travel to Nether Demon Heaven, the Ghost Gate was particularly necessary. "So, when Shen Yan scared me with how dangerous the Netherworld Ferry was, he wasnt entirely lying, but he did exaggerate a bit and left out some details? This old ghost knows the art of words," Chen Mu chuckled as he shrugged his shoulders. He looked at the Netherworld Guide column again. This secret technique could summon the water of the River of Oblivion and the Nine Nether Green Flames. According to the legends of the Netherworld, the River of Oblivion had nine layers, and the Nine Serenities Abyss also had nine levels. Each layer deeper was met with increased peril. Externally, this was reflected by the River of Oblivion Water becoming more corrosive and the Nine Nether Green Flames burning capability growing stronger. It was said that, in the deeper parts, they could even corrode and burn intangible Primordial Spirits. The River of Oblivion Water and Nine Nether Green Flames he could summon now could only burn tangible objects, but if he was to increase his level by a few more ranks, he might witness their power to corrode and burn intangible Primordial Spirits. "What a great secret technique!" Unfortunately, this technique also shared a common characteristic of Netherworld series secret techniques: it was easy to learn but hard to master. Despite having worked on it for eight to nine months, he still had not attained the Fifth Level. "Luckily, I am diligent enough." "Relying on the grey wall? Ha! Thats nothing!" As he was contemplating whether to improve the Jade Gate Curse or to focus on the Netherworld Guide first, a gaunt figure appeared in front of the cabin. "Youre really after my Military Merit, arent you?" Chen Mu said, laughing as he looked at the bark basket Jia Zhang was carrying. "Or maybe, should I take it away?" Jia Zhang teased with a smile. Heh! This old man. He knew I had a taste for delicious food. Chen Mu shook his head, smiling ruefully. Jia Zhang chuckled as he approached, pulling out something resembling an oversized carrot from the basket... a living creature? Chen Mus brows furrowed slightly. At first glance, it truly resembled a plant like a carrot, but the arm-length, orange-red, swollen tuber was twisting and writhing like an animal. As Chen Mu drew even slightly closer, he smelled a refreshing fragrance that instantly made his mouth water uncontrollably. "This is something good!" Jia Zhang let out a sly chuckle: "Ive found a bit of a novelty, and I dont even know what its called. It looks like a carrot, but it tastes like tender meat. Everyone who has tried it says it tastes great and can boost vitality and energy. Look..." "The military merit is all yours," Chen Mu nodded in approval, admiringly taking the bark basket. "You really have a knack for finding food." "Thanks, Commander," Jia Zhang grinned. "Its just that I have a sensitive nose, thats all." Chen Mu suddenly realized. He understood that the innate talent probably had something to do with the sense of smell. Wait, thats not right. Wasnt it said that this old guys divine skills are focused on hiding and concealing himself? Chen Mu glanced at Jia Zhangs dry and lean face that did not show any abnormalities. Tsk! Hes probably an old silver coin whos deeply versed in the ways of staying under the radar. ... The night grew deeper. Chen Mu called over Hong Xiu and Shi Dechun to taste the new ingredients together. Jia Zhangs whole body uncontrollably shivered, his heart almost leaped out of his chest from the shock! Chen Mu straightened up and left the window to stand at the door, full of apologies, "Did I scare you again? Im so sorry." "I was thinking it over and over, and I feel its better to make you one of my own." "Weve had so much contact, youre talented and someones bound to take notice. If someone wanted to Soul Search and take control of your spirit to check your loyalty, it would be difficult to ensure that they wouldnt find out my secrets from your memories." "Its different when youre one of my own." "The Spiritual Seeds ability to confuse others outwardly is poor, but its skill at weaving fake memories inwardly is quite significant, it can protect your memories as well as guard my secrets." "Moreover, once youre one of my own, I can give you the Divine Secret Skills, then you wouldnt have to toil for military merit anymore, you just need to focus on finding ingredients for me, its a good deal!" Chen Mu earnestly pitched himself with a sincere face. What is he going on about, all this nonsense! Did he recognize my True Form and is deliberately spouting gibberish? Jia Zhangs face alternated between shades of doubt and alarm, glaring intensely at Chen Mu: "What game are you really playing here!" Chen Mus face showed an increasingly apologetic expression. "Look at how scared the old man is, just listening to his tone of dissatisfaction, you know how angry he must be, he was always the most courteous before." Chen Mu waved his hands again and again to appease him, "No rush, no rush..." Yama Emperors Command! An invisible ripple spread out, and Chen Mu happily extended his right index finger, on which a sparkling Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed floated uncertainly. "Come on, eat this, and you will understand everything." Jia Zhangs brow furrowed tightly. But Chen Mu looked at him with a face full of hope. One breath, two breaths... seven or eight breaths, a good while passed, and both of them stood like statues, still facing each other in silence. In the air, a somewhat awkward atmosphere slowly arose. Chen Mu came to his senses, and immediately slapped his forehead, "My mistake, my mistake, Im out of practice, truly out of practice." It had been more than half a year since he last planted a Spiritual Seed, and he had almost forgotten the procedure. The Yama Emperors Command could control the bodies of Yin Spirits, but it couldnt issue orders through language. He had to manipulate their bodies like puppeteers directly. Before Chen Mu could act again, Jia Zhang laughed, "That was quite a convincing performance." At this moment, his eyes were completely blood red, his consciousness thoroughly occupied by Niu Sanmiao, "Indeed, youre still so good at pretending." "Even though youve already recognized me, you still put on an act in front of me. Do you think Im going to be fooled by you like in the past?" "Hmph!" Niu Sanmiao twisted his neck, which cracked ominously, and his form silently grew by a third. In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a withered and short old man into a muscular giant over two meters tall. "You disappeared without a trace from Hai Character Camp, and I guessed you might not be dead, so I possessed Jia Zhang and hid within Yi San Banner." "But then, when the camp collapsed and you still didnt show up, I thought Id never have the chance to kill you for reaching an understanding. I didnt expect to find you in You Character Camp, and not only that, but youd also grown hair and cultivated Yin Soldiers!" "Its such great news!" "Now that I just eat you, I can not only achieve smooth communication but also increase my strength!" Niu Sanmiao laughed heartily. "So youve been plotting since Hai Character Camp?" Chen Mus smiling face had already tightened, his eyes filled with coldness, "You really are patient." Discover more content at novelhall.Co?m Pride flickered across Niu Sanmiaos face, and then he shook his head regretfully, "Its a pity you discovered it before it reached the moment Id hoped for." "I should have known, with your cleverness, how could you possibly not notice Jia Zhangs odd behavior." "Was it those ingredients that made your blood pure and full that raised your guard? If you had eaten a few more ingredients to nourish your blood, swallowing you would have been even more delicious, what a pity..." "It doesnt matter anymore!" With a malicious grin stretching to his ears, Niu Sanmiao looked at Chen Mu, "Now, lets settle our old scores!" He specifically sought out so many ingredients for me, just to change the taste of my blood? This... is he treating me like a pig to be fattened up! Chen Mu glared fiercely at Niu Sanmiao, his eyes full of murderous intent, "So... who exactly are you?" Niu Sanmiao: "..." Chapter 482 - 474 Blood God Chaos "Who am I?" "You dont know who I am?!" Niu Sanmiaos eyes immediately burst forth with a sanguine glow, "You dare to feign ignorance at deaths door!" The next moment, a surge of bloodlight suddenly burst forth from within Jia Zhang. The body that just started to swell and grow abruptly shrank, becoming even more withered than Jia Zhangs original scrawny figure by a third. Like having completed a breath for power storage, that dazzling red light left the body and instantly shot out with great force.@@@@ Before Chen Mu could react, it pounced in front of him with a speed nearly akin to teleportation. Blood Gods child?! Chen Mu shuddered all over. As Shen Yan had said, this thing existed between the tangible and the intangible, most skilled at devouring vital energy and blood. Even the most resilient body seemed like mere paper in front of the Bloodshadow! As the thought arose, the bloodlight was already right before his eyes. Its over! Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Boom! The next moment, the wooden barracks shattered. Chen Mu burst out of the door like an uncontrolled cannonball, smashing into the open ground outside the barracks, carving out a long trench two meters deep in the earth, dirt flying everywhere. At this moment, Chen Mus entire body was enveloped in a layer of pearly white Spiritual Light that clung to his body, but his chest had a human-head-sized hole torn open. Like paper scorched by a red-hot iron, the tattered edges emitted flashes of bloodlight, spreading out in all directions, trying to rip open an even larger breach. Mana surged almost instinctively as the Body Protection Aura flared brightly, rapidly repairing the damage. The tainted bloodlight flickered a few times before it was finally extinguished and scattered by the immense mana. Chen Mus heart raced with shock at the thought that the Spiritual Light had been corroded and damaged by just a slight touch. Fortunate for him, he reacted in time and used Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to slightly slow down the attacker, otherwise... Before he could ponder further, a streak of blood-red caught the corner of his eye. His scalp tightened, and he hurriedly got up. He spurred on the Spiritual Light Body Protection with all his might, intently watching the Blood Cloud floating out of the barracks. The cloud mass was the size of a living room, with the majority of its perimeter consisting of constantly expanding and rolling blood-red mist. In the core, a mass like thick coagulated blood was constantly circulating. A blood-red face the size of a dinner table emerged at the core, observing the Spiritual Light surrounding Chen Mu. Niu Sanmiao clicked his tongue in praise, "Indeed a rare talent!" "Now, Im even more excited about the rewards of devouring you!" "Haha!" Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Chen Mu spared no expense of his Yin Spirit Divine Power as an invisible restraining force descended. The Blood Cloud, like lightning in its approach, suddenly slowed as if caught in a quagmire. Yin Mistake! A streak of black light flashed mid-air, and a shadowy crescent blade, the height of a man, plunged into the Blood Cloud, striking the crazed laughing face. Pff! The Blood Cloud was instantly cleaved in two, but its speed didnt reduce in the slightest. The two halves of the blood-red face, dragging a large tail of blood mist, pushed against the restraining force of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and urgently leapt toward Chen Mu. The black Yin Mistake crescent blade turned and slashed back, frantically hacking at the blood-red face, reducing it to tatters in an instant. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the face, now split into fragments, flowed and merged back together. Experience new tales on novelhall.Co?m "Useless, useless, useless, my Bloodshadow Body possesses the ability to regenerate infinitely. Even if your Magic Artifact is sharp, its completely ineffective!" Niu Sanmiaos blood-red face laughed heartily as it broke through Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and pounced upon the Spiritual Light. According to the adversary, this person had long sought to kill him. He had been lurking in the shadows since the Hai Character Camp, and had patiently waited in this camp for more than half a year. During that time, to purify and enrich his vital essence, he even provided delicious ingredients, treating Chen Mu like a pig to be fattened. Just thinking briefly about this persons approach made Chen Mu tremble with fear. "Devious, so devious, too devious!" He immediately began to recall carefully, reviewing everyone he had met since coming to Netherworld, one by one. Before long, a sense of realization emerged gradually. "Thats it, it must be the Ox-headed Monster that chased after me and the Wu siblings in Thousand Lanterns City!" Chen Mus face grew solemn. He suddenly remembered that the blood face of his opponent seemed to have shown two not-so-obvious horns. Chen Mu couldnt help but clap his hands together. What do you call this? This is irrefutable evidence! "Ive only been in Antiquity City for less than half a year, and aside from the boss of the music house, everyone else Ive contacted is just a bunch of weak losers." "Even if I made enemies, none of them had the disposition or the methods of the person just now, and besides, Ive always been kind and never made enemies." "It was the Ox-headed Monster that appeared at the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River, no doubt about it!" Chen Mus expression grew more solemn. "Right, the person who tampered with the household registration limit back then, causing me to be sent to the Flame Moving Division, was it this son of a bitch?" "Truly, a death well deserved!" Chen Mu said coldly. And that Jia Zhang! With a thought, he leaped into the damaged wooden hut. Jia Zhangs corpse-like body lay on the ground, skin clinging to bone as if vacuum-packed. With the Bloodshadow dissipated and Jia Zhang dead, the body lay straight on the ground, and unlike the other Yin Spirits, it did not turn into ashes and vanish. "It seems that the previous ineffectiveness of the Yama Emperors Command was not simply due to a mistake in its use," Chen Mu realized. With Jia Zhang being possessed and tainted by the Blood God Child, he was no longer considered a Yin Spirit, so it was inevitable that the Yanmo Command would not work. "Whats most important is, how could there be a Blood God Child in this camp?" Chen Mu couldnt help but be shaken. Blood God Children come from the Blood God Scripture, and he only knew that Lan Zhang practiced the scripture and betrayed Antiquity City. "Could it be that the main general of the camp has also succumbed to the temptation of the Blood God Scripture like Lan Zhang, and pledged allegiance to Nether Demon Heaven!" Chen Mu looked toward the mountain peak, his face looking grim. The memory of Ghost Gate exploding and Bottomless Pool being destroyed half a year ago resurfaced; he had originally thought the scene was similar to the abrupt changes at Hai Character Camp, but now... "Those three thousand somersaults by the old ghost Shen Yan, he might not be able to avoid them after all!" "I cannot stay in this camp any longer!" Chen Mu took a deep breath, just about to hide away in Thousand Lanterns City and observe from a distance when the Divine Concealing Mist that shrouded the entire mountain suddenly began to swirl rapidly. Within a blink of an eye, the gray-white mist turned blood red, and atop the mountain, there was a flash of blood light. Immediately after, a series of strange wails covered the entire mountain, and the sounds of cursing, groaning, fighting, and killing reached his ears from all directions. Chen Mu jumped up into the air to get a better look, only to see trails of blood-red clouds wreaking havoc and dancing wildly throughout the camp. Before his very eyes, a robust Yin soldier as tall as a basketball hoop was struck by a flash of blood light and exploded into paper-thin fragments, which dissipated into smoke before even touching the ground. Chen Mus pupils suddenly constricted! "How can there be so many Blood God Children within the camp?!" Looking at the red light atop the mountain, how could he not understand? The main general of the camp, Bai Zhilang, probably couldnt resist the temptation of the Blood God Scripture either. Even the so-called upright Military Supervisor, Gong Huan, was likely in collusion with him all along! Seeing the increasingly chaotic camp, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel his scalp tingle. "Are the Blood God Children planning to devour the entire camp clean?!" Its all over! Chapter 483 - 475 Chapter Chaos At the summit of Rooster Character Camp, inside the first floor hall of the wooden tower. Behind the desk, Lan Zhang supported his chin with his right hand, lazily leaning back in the spacious wooden chair. "Actually discovered the Blood God Child?" "Interesting, indeed." Bai Zhilang, with a hesitant look on his face, stood in front of the desk to the left: "The quantity of the multi-headed Jiaos is still a bit short, isnt it a bit too early to expose the Blood God Child now?" "Not too early, not at all, just right," Lan Zhangs mouth curled up slightly. Bai Zhilang couldnt help but frown: "But we still have twenty percent of the Yin Soldiers that havent completed the transformation into the Blood God Child. If we expose it now, Im afraid..." "Those twenty percent of Yin Soldiers were never going to successfully transform," Lan Zhang shook his head with a light chuckle: "Our City Lord Jian is not that foolish." Bai Zhilangs face changed: "Could those Yin Soldiers be the secret Dao soldiers trained by the City Lord Mansion? Are they the spies embedded in each camp?" "Dont be so surprised, see, our Military Supervisor Gong isnt he calm and quite collected?" Lan Zhang said cheerfully, lifting his chin toward Gong Huan. Bai Zhilang suddenly turned his head to look at Gong Huan beside him: "You knew all along?!" "Those Yin Soldiers and the Soul Summoning Banner are closely related; they are key to the City Lords forced control over the Soul Summoning Banner," Gong Huan shrugged his shoulders, his face indifferent: "As the Military Supervisor, of course, I have to know some means to counteract you." "He wouldnt hand all the Yin Soldiers over to me, what if I seized the Soul Summoning Banner?" Lan Zhang stood up straight, stretched his body, and twisted his shoulders: "Since City Lord Jian has his reservations, then the fewer Nether Demon spirits I give him, the better." "Fair and just, an equal exchange." No sooner had the words fallen, a palm-sized black flag drilled out from Bai Zhilangs body, and in a flash transformed into a black lightning bolt, shooting out of the wooden tower and straight toward Ghost Gate at the mountain waist. As the Soul Summoning Banner soared, billows of black smoke rose along its path, merging with it. By the time it reached the mountain waist, the immobile Ghost Gate on the ground had already surged towards the sky, and the instant the two met, there was a flash of black light, and with a whoosh, they vanished completely. Bai Zhilang was dumbfounded, and Lan Zhang couldnt help but chuckle: "See, our City Lord Jian is quite satisfied with this deal. Hes come to collect his goods." Gong Huan snickered and nodded: "With the nine-headed Jiaos you captured using the power of Nether Demon Heaven, even if we give half less of the ordinary multi-headed Jiao spirits, City Lord Jian wont be unsatisfied." Lan Zhang rose with a laugh: "Lets get ready, after the Blood God Child takes care of the remaining Auxiliary Soldiers, well meet up with my eleven avatars and go experience this Nether Demon Heaven together." ... At the foot of the mountain, in the campsite of the fourth flag of Rooster Character Camp. Chen Mu had just gathered his over a hundred Yin Spirits when he turned his head and saw the Ghost Gate and the Soul Summoning Banner disappear together. He immediately stood frozen on the spot. Deserters! Some had become deserters! And they even took the Ghost Gate with them, abandoning all the remaining Yin Spirits! At this moment, the Yin Soldiers camp at the top of the mountain was eerily silent, while the campsite of the Auxiliary Soldiers below was in utter chaos. Dense and wretchedly writhing blood shadows enveloped the entire mountain like a dark red deep-sea school of fish, firmly surrounding it. Hearing the increasingly loud sounds of fighting and shouting around him, Chen Mu couldnt help but shudder. "Rooster Character Camp is no longer a place to stay!" "I need to run, need to run fast!" He immediately activated the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, and over two hundred of his own people, each carrying the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, instantly turned into black smoke. With a wave of his hand, a circular black curtain appeared, the black smoke soared, and in the blink of an eye, it darted into Thousand Lanterns City and disappeared from sight. Turning his head to look at the remaining hundred or so bewildered and frightened Yin Spirits, Chen Mus thoughts shifted, and then these Yin Spirits uniformly raised their hands over their shoulders. Yama Emperors Command! Watching the synchronized movements of these people, Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief. Glad, so glad, that the only Blood Gods Child hidden within the Wu Four Banners was that bastard Jia Zhang. The next moment, he waved his right hand, and over a hundred flickering Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds scattered, swiftly burrowing into the mouths of these people with a whooshing sound. He couldnt care for others, but these hundred or so Yin Spirits had followed him for many days. It would have been fine if he hadnt seen them, but now that they had gathered before his eyes, he ultimately couldnt just abandon them. The Mountain-Carrying Scripture activated once again, following the resonance point of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds, the hundred or so Yin Spirits who had never practiced the Mountain-Carrying Scripture were forcibly turned into the Yin Wind black smoke and pulled up into the sky, disappearing into the entrance of Thousand Lanterns City in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu also didnt delay, his figure turning as he melded into the Gentle Breeze, swiftly escaping towards the edge of the camp at the foot of the mountain. The Celestial Demon Cloud Mirage seemed to indeed have allocated all its skills on reproduction, for with every regression and perfection of the Divine Fetus, countless Spiritual Seeds would emerge. Unfortunately, these Spiritual Seeds were frail to the extreme; left outside, they would struggle to survive, let alone find symbiotic hosts on their own, which was even more difficult. "Subpar, sure, but not completely useless," Chen Mu couldnt help squinting his eyes. ... At the edge of the mountains base, within a dense forest, over two hundred Yin Soldiers of the Yinfeng Sects Yi Er Banner crouched, each lifting their heads with unsettled souls, looking at the sky. "What in the world is that Blood Cloud?!" "Where is General Bai? Are all the Yin Soldiers freaking dead?!" "Damn, damn, damn! If we still had the Yin Wind Banner in our hands, by now wed have flown out of the camp." A string of frantic curses erupted. "Yell, yell, yell, just freaking yell! What if those monsters come because of it? Shut your mouths!" berated a dark-faced flag-bearing Yin Soldier clad in brown leather armor, though fear and panic flashed in his eyes. Above them, the blood shadows howled over the mountain peaks, and the forest below fell silent. After a long while, someone spoke softly, "Lead Flag, do you think we can survive this time?" The black-faced Lead Flag turned to look at his subordinates, only to be met with pairs of hopeful eyes. The morale is dispersing... If ones resolve isnt firm, even a slim chance of survival might not be seized. He needed to inspire his brothers with the courage to escape. The black-faced Lead Flag mulled over various provocative words. Taking a deep breath, he suddenly raised his arms above his shoulders. The Yin Soldiers: "..." "Lead Flag, are you telling us its better to surrender early rather than escape?" Black-faced Lead Flag: "..." "Bullshit! I just cant control myself!" the black-faced Lead Flag hurriedly clarified. "Its over, its over, the Lead Flag is raving out of fear!" the auxiliary soldiers grew even more desperate. "Just the other day you were boasting about having a heart as steady as a rock, and now when disaster strikes, youre the first to surrender. We were wrong about you!" An auxiliary soldier rebuked angrily, and as soon as his words fell, he also suddenly raised his arms over his shoulders. The next moment, as if it were contagious, all the rest raised their hands in unison. "Ha ha, I told you I couldnt control myself, and you still didnt believe me!" the black-faced Lead Flag shouted with surprise. "Then what the heck is going on?!" "Could that Blood Cloud monster actually make people surrender directly?!" the auxiliary Yin Soldiers asked, their faces filled with terror. Before the crowd could discuss and understand, a series of glowing orbs appeared, resembling a swarm of fireflies, each dispersing and flying to someones mouth. Then they helplessly watched themselves uncontrollably open their mouths and swallowed them. A Gentle Breeze blew past, and the leading black-faced soldier shivered, regaining control of his body. Then he noticed, without knowing when, a shiny silver mountain character had appeared on the back of his hand. ... Chen Mu, transformed into a Gentle Breeze, enveloped the area with the Yama Emperors Command, with Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds following close by. Upon encountering a Yin Spirit, he would implant a Spiritual Seed into the body of each one. Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he darted through the entire Auxiliary Soldier Camp, and the countless Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds by his side had all vanished without a trace. He stopped at the edge of an encampment and turned to gaze at the mountain peak, his face cold and determined. "Mountain-Carrying Scripture!" Hum! The air vibrated abruptly, and the entire encampment plunged into silence. The next moment, billowing black smoke rapidly rose from the woods, gathering into clouds. In the blink of an eye, an eclipse-like dark cloud, large enough to cover a substantial part of the camp, materialized. Below the mountain waist, the camp, already dimmed by the fog, suddenly turned pitch black. This sudden change stilled the entire camp into silence. For a while, even the rampaging Blood God Children were startled by this event, standing still, unsure of how to proceed. Chapter 484 - 476 Escape The Blood Gods Son was dazed, but Chen Mu would not afford such luxury, nor did he have the time for it. He had underestimated the pressure of inciting Wan Gui Dan Shan. Over a hundred thousand auxiliary soldiers had been forcibly linked together, among them Yin soldiers with strength comparable to his own. Under normal circumstances, the moment Mountain-Carrying Scripture was activated, if the Yin Spirits with different thoughts made even the slightest resistance, it would be enough to cause the black cloud to collapse. Thanks to the sense of recognition brought by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, and the fact that his Mountain-Carrying Scripture had reached Perfection, coupled with the coincidental moment when all the Yin Spirits were surrounded and attacked by the Blood Gods, escaping Youzi Camp became the common wish of everyone. With united wills, they managed to successfully execute Wan Gui Dan Shan. Even so, the pressure felt as if a mountain weighed upon them. Chen Mu felt like a balloon, his body inflated with gas far exceeding his capacity to bear. The slightest mishap could cause him to burst into pieces. He dared not continue indulging in hectic thoughts and immediately focused his Spirit, enduring the intense pain that pervaded his body, and dived into the black cloud. A vast force of Yin Spirit Divine Power surged like waves.@@@@ In the midst of the black cloud, a constantly spinning funnel of smoke shot up, and in the next moment, the entire black cloud began to rotate and pour into it, resembling a black tornado rising from the ground and shooting towards the blood-misted sky. Buzz! In front of the black tornado, the blood mist suddenly condensed and liquefied. Countless Blood Gods Sons, like meteors from beyond the heavens, rushed towards the black tornado with woeful shrieks. Chen Mus expression changed. Having seen the scene of blood shadows consuming Qi and blood, though he didnt claim to be immune to all methods, normal attacks truly had limited effects. Yin Wind Fire Bell was strong against ordinary demons, but to stop the impact of Blood Gods Sons would probably be as hard as reaching the heavens! Thinking of the consequences of being touched by these blood shadows, Chen Mu steeled his heart, disregarding the pain that almost burst his head, and mustered the Yin Spirit Divine Power that was as vast as the waves. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Buzz! An invisible Exotic Force radiated from Chen Mu as the center, instantly spanning dozens of miles and nearly covering half of the mountain! The air itself seemed to solidify for a moment, turning into a viscous mire. "Ha ha! This is the true Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles!" Endless Yin Spirit Divine Power flowed through him as an intermediary, transformed into countless Qi Forbidden forces. He was almost washed away by this immense Divine Power. Not having time to appreciate the profound mysteries of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles and unconcerned with the danger to his body, Chen Mu bravely pulled at the Qi Forbidden force, causing it to quickly approach the black tornado. The entire black tornado, as if it had a tough protective film drill, thunderously penetrated the center of the Blood Cloud. Clang clang clang... The continuously impacting Blood Gods Sons, like hail hitting an iron shell, a series of metallic striking sounds suddenly erupted. The blood shadows, swift as arrows, significantly slowed down. Before they could permeate and drill into the Yin Wind black cloud, they were ejected by the rapidly spinning Yin Wind black cloud, like water droplets flung off twirling clothes. Covered by Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, the Blood Gods Sons could not reach the Yin Wind black cloud, thus their Soul Capturing ability could not be used. All the Yin Spirits morale soared. The high-speed spinning black tornado accelerated even more, blasting a large hole in the Blood Cloud, and thunderously flew out of the blood mist enclosure! Lan Zhang chuckled and shook his head, withdrawing his right hand. "The talent is indeed strong, but hes probably just a Yin soldier; otherwise, he wouldnt have fled so decisively." "Whether you can survive or not, well see what fate has in store for you." ... High in the sky. Chen Mu, accompanied by hundreds of Yin Spirits, was racing quickly, and from the corner of his eye, he saw clumps of Yin Wind black smoke swiftly flying towards the horizon, immediately feeling elated. "Success!" "By splitting up in all directions, the enemys pursuit will be divided, and my chances of escaping greatly increase." His spirit surged, the piercing pain from the exhaustion of his spirit slightly lessened. But before he could take a breath of relief, he heard a strange whooping sound from behind. Turning his head, he saw a large Blood Cloud fiercely chasing after him, the cloud bearing many grotesque faces that stared viciously at Chen Mu. Upon making eye contact, the blood faces began to howl excitedly. Then, the already swift Blood Cloud accelerated even further. In just the moment their eyes met, the distance between them had halved! The speed and momentum of these Blood Godlings were extraordinary! Fuck! Were all fleeing for our lives, why the discrimination?! Chen Mu, no longer caring about his headache, exerted all his strength to mobilize the Yin Spirit Divine Power and went all out to speed up his Flying Escape. But before long, he realized the distance between them had not only failed to increase, but it had also closed a little more. The group of Blood Godlings behind him looked ecstatic as if they were pouncing without regard for their own lives. Chen Mu clenched his teeth in frustration and immediately stopped his Escape Skill, quickly gathering the Yin Spirits into Thousand Lanterns City. Immediately after, his body flashed with pearlescent light. The next moment, his body seemed to be bound by countless tensed strings, and with a swoosh, he shot towards the horizon. ... Above the endless Blood Sea, without a trace of land in sight, Chen Mu pushed the Longitudinal Rainbow Light to its limits, streaking across the sky like a meteor. At one moment, like a car running out of gas, he flickered and jerked a few times before plunging into the Blood Sea with a splash. Chen Mu, fighting against the urge to lose consciousness, dove into Thousand Lanterns City just before a swarm of fish with serrated teeth could reach him. Not long after, a sheet of Blood Cloud appeared, sweeping past the area quickly before reversing direction. Circling the spot where Chen Mu fell into the sea for a good while, it finally roared a few times and retreated, whooping strangely as it flew back the way it had come, vanishing from sight. Chapter 485 - 477: Seriously Injured Chen Mu had a dream. He dreamed he had turned into a fish, first getting his belly cut open and scales scraped off, the pain nearly killed him. Then, while fresh, he was thrown into a big pot with boiling water bubbling away and steaming. The surface was strewn with a lot of spices he couldnt name, and the scent... it was quite fragrant! With his cooking experience, he thought the ratio of spices was alright, it was just that the chef was a bit sloppy, not able to judge the heat properly, only knowing how to stew on high flame. Stewing there, he became parched and sweaty before he was woken up by the heat. He felt his entire body sore, in pain, and weak. It took a lot of effort before he finally managed to lift his heavy eyelids a sliver. Then he found himself soaking in a big wooden tub, his first sight the white steam wafting up. Lowering his gaze, he saw dense medicinal herbs being lifted by the bubbles popping up. Looking up, Chen Mu saw Shen Yan with an odd expression on his face. His somewhat sluggish consciousness couldnt help but blurt out a question, "Old Ghost Shen, are you trying to stew me for soup?" Shen Yan looked at Chen Mus swollen face, squished into a line by his puffy eyes, and said with a playful tone, "No, no, no, I just felt like braising some pig head meat." Find exclusive stories on novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu stared blankly at Shen Yan, then looked at the boiling water in the tub, and heaved a deep sigh. "Old ghost, listen to my advice, get a new chef. The heat is too high..." After finishing his sentence, Chen Mus head dropped, and he fell back into unconsciousness. Shen Yan: "..." He looked regretfully at Shi Dechun and the others beside him. "Its a pity I dont have an image-retaining stone on hand, or else I would have definitely recorded this!" ... When Chen Mu awoke again, it was two days later. Inside Thousand Lanterns City, thousands of Yin Spirits were busy building mud brick houses as temporary camps for the new Yin Spirits. In the small courtyard in front of the wooden building, Chen Mu lay motionless on a rocking chair, his body wrapped in bandages. "Whats that all about?" he asked, tilting his chin slightly towards the ten giant fireballs in the sky that resembled searchlights. "What, hit your head too? Dont recognize the Soul-Attracting Lamps anymore?" Shen Yan teased with a chuckle. Chen Mu couldnt help but grit his teeth, "I know they are Soul-Attracting Lamps, but why are they so bright?" In his memory, Soul-Attracting Lamps were just white paper lanterns that could be lit with a bit of Yin Spirit Divine Power, a common lighting tool in the Netherworld. Nothing like those massive fireballs in the sky, brightening up Thousand Lanterns City as if it were daylight. "Remember the Ghost Lanterns that patrol the camp day and night?" "Those greenish flames? But these dont look anything like them," Chen Mu said in surprise. "Those things are essentially the same as Soul-Attracting Lamps, only more intricate and complicated. Theyre the handiwork of the Netherworld Sect, used to surveil and guard the entire camp," Shen Yan explained. "The auxiliary troops you last brought in included some from the Netherworld Sect. Seeing them sitting idle, I had them set up these Ghost Lanterns for illumination." "Without the surveillance and alarm secret techniques mixed in, the color of the flame naturally differs." Chen Mu nodded in understanding. But he only got halfway through the motion before the pain from his neck and head made him freeze in place. Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu, "Id advise you to move as little as possible. Its a miracle youre alive; you should treasure that." Chen Mu managed a wry smile, tugging at the corner of his mouth. He hadnt anticipated the consequences of forcibly using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture would be so dire. The True Form of Heavenly Demon, washed over by a massive amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power, ended up riddled with holes and lay motionless within the secret spot on his brow, unresponsive no matter how much he called upon it to materialize. His True Flesh Body almost collapsed under the immense pressure, with ruptures appearing throughout his muscles, bones, internal organsit was worse than the damage suffered from the corrosion of the River of Oblivion. Just like Shen Yan had said, surviving was indeed nothing short of a miracle. Chen Mu still lay in the rocking chair, all bandages removed from his body, which had also deflated from its previously swollen state. Even if the muscles and bones inside were still torn and had not fully healed, the speed of recovery was astonishing to Shen Yan. "It doesnt make sense, how could you possibly recover so quickly?" Shen Yan was totally perplexed. As Chen Mu fiddled with a White Jade Coin, he wore an inscrutable expression, "Guess!" Guess my ass! Shen Yan just rolled his eyes. "Is this a Qi Cultivators technique?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, "You recognize it?" "Im just curious, how exactly did a living Qi Cultivator like you manage to sneak into the Netherworld?" After spending so much time together, and having examined Chen Mus injuries when he was seriously hurt, the well-informed Shen Yan had recognized Chen Mus True Form. "Its no big deal, just the old cliches of being hunted and fleeing." Chen Mu waved it off. "Hunted and fled? Tsk! Why dont I find that surprising at all?" Shen Yan said with playful amazement etched on his face. What does that mean? "Look, you stayed in Hai Character Camp, Hai Character Camp was doomed. You come to You Character Camp, and Bai Zhilang betrays us." "Youre basically like a disaster possessing someone, haha..." Shen Yan teased happily. Suddenly, Chen Mus face darkened. How can that be my fault? It was Lan Zhang and Bai Zhilang who harbored greed, stirring up incessant trouble! Chen Mu fumed indignantly. All I want is to sit quietly by myself and grind for experience, why is that so hard? ... As the ten little suns of Thousand Lanterns City lit and dimmed, Chen Mus injuries improved day by day. Yet gradually, he noticed something was off. His injuries were healing too quickly! Without being able to use the Exquisite Jade Plate in Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu indulged himself by directly drawing out Earth Spirit Vital Energy from the White Jade Coins to recover his mana. With mana, his bodys self-healing ability increased, and his injuries healed faster. He also used the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to absorb Jade Dew Essence, aiding his bodys repair. "Even so, the recovery shouldnt be this fast!" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. Not long after regaining consciousness, he had realized the severity of his injuries. Broken bones, damaged organs, torn muscles C he was like a porcelain doll full of cracks, ready to shatter at the slightest mishandling. Yet such severe injuries had healed by more than half within just five days. When originally corroded by River of Oblivion water, his True Flesh Body lay in Thousand Lanterns City for three to four months before showing signs of recovery. "The order is wrong, too." Chen Mus face was grave. He spared no effort, consuming his already limited White Jade Money to cultivate mana for bodily healing. Logically, the True Form should heal first, followed by a transfer of energy to the True Form of Heavenly Demon. But the reality was exactly the opposite. At first, he hadnt noticed, but now, observing carefully, he realized that his True Flesh Bodys quick recovery was entirely linked to the True Form of Heavenly Demon. A barely detectable cool breath would occasionally seep from the secret point between his eyebrows. It was this power that rapidly repaired his body. In comparison, the hard-earned mana and the Vital Energy absorbed by Soul Capturing Return to Origin seemed more like icing on the cake C with or without it hardly made a difference. "Could it be that the Celestial Demon Cloud Mirage, this unconvincing god-like demon, has some kind of resurrection ability for a quick recovery?" Chen Mus brow involuntarily raised. "Theres a problem!" "A big problem!" Chapter 486 - 478 Precious Medicine On the third floor balcony of the wooden building, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the soft couch. He attempted to summon the True Form of the Heavenly Demon, but all attempts ended in failure. He could only faintly sense the qi machine growing more vigorous. It was precisely this vigorous qi that nourished his True Form, rapidly healing his injuries. After sensing a vague aura from the secret orifice between his eyebrows once again, Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. Looking up at the numerous auxiliary troops fervently constructing barracks in the distance, a realization dawned on him. "Thats right, this aura is probably from the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed!" The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed coexisted with a living being, enhancing the hosts Divine Origin and even obtaining experience from the Secret Techniques practiced by the host. However, upon the hosts death, the lifetime of insights and experiences would be collected by the Spirit Seed and returned, turning into experiences for Chen Mu to grow and strengthen. Previously, in search of a resonance point for the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, he had scattered Spirit Seeds liberally within the You character camp. Nether Demon Heaven was already dangerous, and with the pursuit of the Blood Gods offspring, those auxiliary troops who fled the You character camp likely suffered heavy casualties. The hosts death and the return of the Spirit Seed were the reasons for his rapid recovery. However... "Insights and experiences cant heal injuries." Chen Mu squinted his eyes, "There must be other things that were absorbed into the Spirit Seed." "Heavenly Demon, Heavenly Demon, having the word demon in it, surely its not that simple." ... Several days later, by the stone table in the courtyard. "Are the methods of a Qi Cultivator really that miraculous?" Shen Yan looked at Chen Mu, who was spiritedly devouring roast meat, his face full of surprise. Just a few days ago, he was half-dead, finding it difficult to move, and now hes lively and voraciously eating? "Its not a dying flash of vigor, is it?" "Get lost!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes but didnt elaborate further. The matter of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was somewhat nefarious, and he felt it was better not to let too many people know about it. After the meal, the Five Ghosts little paper man manipulated the black smoke to clean up the messy cups and dishes. Holding a cup of Replenishing Origin Soup, Chen Mu squinted at the numerous Yin Spirits busily laying foundations in the distance, "What do you think, what are the chances of these five or six thousand auxiliary troops launching the Netherworld Ferry within Thousand Lanterns City, and returning to the Netherworld?" "Are you still thinking of using Fengdu to return to the mortal world?" Shen Yan realized it in his heart. He didnt understand before why Chen Mu was so adamant about returning to the Yang Realm, but now he got it. This guy was not dead at all and was a Qi Cultivator, of course he didnt want to stay in the Netherworld. "It can be done, but theres probably considerable risk." Shen Yan shook his head. "Nether Demon Heaven is a place Beyond Heaven, separated from the Netherworld by an unknown expanse of void. Purely relying on a blood sacrifice to launch the Netherworld Ferry is crude and ultimately too dangerous." Chen Mu fell silent unwillingly. Was he to stay in the Nether Demon Heaven after all? For an instant, a flicker of panic and unease crossed his heart as he felt like a kite with its string cut. "Jade Dew is only suitable for ordinary Yin Spirits to practice step by step." "Antiquity City once did a survey; it takes about fifty-three years for ordinary Yin Spirits to develop a Ghost Pattern through Enlightened Heart Seeing the Divine." "Can you wait?" Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu. "Its not that I cant wait, I just dont think its quite worth it." Chen Mu shrugged. Although he was not as eager to return to the Netherworld, he preferred to speed up the process rather than waste time. Shen Yan nodded indifferently: "With the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse, the step of fire refinement isnt a problem. You need to create Precious Medicine for them to quickly replenish their origins." "Precious Medicine? The decoctions that the Medicine Stone Sect prepares?" Chen Mu took an interest. Previously, it was the special decoction of Precious Medicine from the Medicine Stone Sect that had saved his life. It was a kind of pill peculiar to the Netherworld, developed based on the Forgetfulness River, used for the Transmission Secret Method of Soul-Departing Soup, which is actually a type of Precious Medicine. "Thousand Lanterns City is lacking the necessary materials, and even with the help of the Yin Spirits from the Medicine Stone Sect, they probably cant provide it on a large scale," Shen Yan shook his head, then meaningfully pointed towards the wooden cup in Chen Mus hands: "Im talking about this kind of Precious Medicine in your hands." Replenishing Origin Soup? Chen Mu was instantly curious. This stuff is Precious Medicine? "The Cai Yuan Department has a Secret Technique called Three Turns Soul Capturing Curse, which can absorb the essence of the Demons Three Treasures. "After refinement by the Medicine Stone Sect, that essence can become a type of Precious Medicine known as Awakening Spirit Soup. That stuff can replenish Yin Spirits origins and is essential medicine for the Yin soldier camp." "If it can repair the damage of Yin soldiers, then naturally it can refill the origin depleted by ordinary Yin Spirits from fire refinement, thereby shortening their recovery time and speeding up the practice of Ghost Patterns." "And the concoction in your hands is even very attractive to me, clearly indicating it is a Precious Medicine even better than Awakening Spirit Soup." "So..." Shen Yan raised his eyebrows. Chen Mu looked surprised at the liquid inside the wooden cup. Replenishing Origin Soup, to the Yin Spirits, was actually a very high-end Precious Medicine? This was indeed beyond Chen Mus expectations. He couldnt help but think back to an experience years ago on Jilong Road. At that time, a senior brother surnamed Liu worshipped an Evil God and turned himself into a state very similar to that of a Yin Spirit. The other party had then shown an extreme eagerness to devour the Replenishing Origin Soup. Stay connected with novelhall.Co?m "Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse..." Chen Mu couldnt help but look at a section on the gray wall. This Cursing Method originated from cooking skills and had always been used to help him fortify his foundation and supplement Divine Orifice refinement instead of Rejuvenation Pills. He hadnt expected that it would now also accelerate the cultivation of Yin Spirits. Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a smile. "So, I still have to keep grinding at cooking." "Who knows? One day it might bring about a surprising bonus." "Ha ha..." Chapter 487 - 479 Heavenly Demon Curse "Your Precious Medicine works extremely well, it would be best for the Medicine Stone Sect to dilute and adjust it before giving it to the ordinary Yin Spirits for use." "However, there are nearly six thousand Auxiliary Soldiers within Thousand Lanterns City, I fear that the materials you have stored may not be sufficient," Shen Yan expressed his concern. "The problem shouldnt be too big," Chen Mu thought for a moment and shook his head. The ingredients for the Replenishing Origin Soup are twofold: one is Exotic Beast Meat, and the other is various medicinal herbs. Exotic Beast Meat is easy to handle; Nether Demon Heavens Blood Sea is boundless, and it is teeming with numerous exotic beasts and demons that can be used as substitutes. As for the medicinal herbs... Based on Chen Mus many years of experience in concocting and consuming, those medicinal herbs are merely auxiliary, meant to make the Replenishing Origin Soup gentle and smooth to better suit his own consumption. What suits Chen Mu may not necessarily suit others, especially now that it is meant for the use of Yin Spirits. ... In the small courtyard, Shen Yan was manipulating a mass of River of Oblivion Water the size of a dining table, floating it in midair. Then, he summoned the black Nine Nether Green Flames, and soon, the clear water was boiling and bubbling. Chen Mu took out a chunk of multi-headed Jiao meat the size of a suitcase and threw it in. When the pale meat became loose, he activated the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse. Droplets of dark crimson liquid rose, converging into a fist-sized mass, and fell into a wooden cup prepared in advance. "The color is darker, the taste is richer, and the contained Vital Energy is more violent." "Indeed, those medicinal herbs are for making the Replenishing Origin Soup better suit my consumption; its not from the innate power of the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse but is provided by my culinary skills," Chen Mu turned and handed the wooden cup to a middle-aged man with a gloomy face standing beside him. This man was tall and thin, dressed in a black robe, named Pu Lu, one of the Auxiliary Soldiers he had rescued from the You character camp. He was originally from the Medicine Stone Sect, an expert in concocting Precious Medicine Decoctions, and the plan to treat Chen Mu by boiling him in a pot was devised by this man. Discover hidden stories at novelhall.Co?m He was ruthless. "The purity is comparable to a well-adjusted Awakening Spirit Soup, and the density of Vital Energy..." Pu Lus nostrils twitched, and his eyes flashed with excitement: "At least five times that of Awakening Spirit Soup!" "So, does that mean its useful?" "Extremely useful!" Pu Lu nodded vigorously. Chen Mu understood. With the issue of medicinal herbs no longer a constraint, what he needed to consider was whether there was enough Exotic Beast Meat and mana. Exotic Beast Meat was easy to solve; he had surreptitiously stored several multi-headed Jiao corpses in the You character camp, which he could now make use of. Even if they were completely used up, he could go hunting in Nether Demon Heaven as a supplement. When he had fallen into the water exhausted of mana before, he had caught a glimpse of a group of strange fish with teeth like saws. At the time, those creatures had charged at him fiercely, clearly seeing him as food. "Humph! Wait until my True Form of Heavenly Demon recovers, then Ill turn you all into my food!" Compared to that, mana was somewhat insufficient. The Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse required mana to perform, and to recover mana, he could only rely on White Jade Coins. Thousand Lanterns City was not suitable for using the Exquisite Jade Plate; previously, to recover from his injuries as quickly as possible, he had directly extracted Vital Energy from White Jade Coins. But that was because of the urgency of his injuries, and he dared not do so again in the future. He certainly didnt have the skill to manage five or six thousand Yin Spirits, how exhausting that would be. Instead of that, he might as well ponder on how to grind for experience. More than half a month passed, and the injuries to his True Flesh Body had long since fully healed. The vitality of the True Form of Heavenly Demon inside him became increasingly vigorous. He felt that he would return to normal shortly, probably within the next couple of days. Once the Yin Spirit Body recovered, he could continue grinding the Secret Techniques like Netherworld Guide and Jade Gate Curse. ... Three nights later, the sky above Thousand Lanterns City was dimly illuminated by ten Soul-Attracting Lamps, resembling the glow of moonlight. Chen Mu was sound asleep on the top floor of a small building. At a certain moment, his brow suddenly twitched, and a white jade bead flew out from between his brows, instantly bursting forth with light and filling the room as if it were daylight. Chen Mu jolted awake and turned to see himself sleeping soundly on the bed. Instinctively reaching for his head, he felt a smooth, bald scalpthe Yin Spirit Body had finally reappeared. Checking through his tattered clothes, he saw not a single injury on his body. After more than twenty days of severe damage, the True Form of Heavenly Demon was finally completely restored. "Its probably not just that," he thought, and the walnut-sized Divine Fetus hovered before his eyes. It looked as smooth and round as ever, emitting a pearly white, warm glow. But previously, that was a mere visual illusion caused by luminescence. Up close, one would notice its surface was pitted and hollow inside. Now, the surface of the entire bead had been completely sealed and filled with silver threads, resembling a white round pearl. And the emptiness inside was also partially filled, losing the previous lightness and gaining a sense of solidity much like a ships ballast. "Those hundred thousand or more auxiliary soldiers probably suffered quite a few casualties," Chen Mu sighed internally. It was the deaths of that large number of auxiliary soldiers that allowed the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds planted within them to return, therefore vastly improving the Divine Fetus. Not only did it save him years of hard work, but it also brought him an unexpected surprise. Chen Mu pinched the Divine Fetus bead, carefully pondering the strange Curse Words that surfaced in his mind. "The Heavenly Demon Curse?" "Whisper the Curse Words to draw the Spirit Seed into the body, then you can transform your essence and become a Heavenly Demon, attaining Divine Skills and enjoying great freedom?" Is it that scary? Chen Mu wore a strange expression. The Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon might have been rubbish at other things but was quite adept at boasting. If Chen Mu didnt know what a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was, he would have almost believed it! "Well, Heavenly Demon; just the name doesnt sound upright. Making up some nonsense to bamboozle people is perfectly reasonable." "The content about Heavenly Demon freedom and the like is certainly false, but the ability to open up the Spirit and help the Spirit Seed find a host might not be." Thinking this, a smile crept onto Chen Mus face. "Oh old Shen, your good days are coming!" Chapter 488 - 480: The Wicked Path Inside Thousand Lanterns City. Shen Yan softly uttered a string of rhythmic, melodious curse words. Listening by his side, Chen Mu felt as if he were listening to a group of monks chanting scriptures, which even brought him a sense of exhilaration and contentment, and he couldnt help but slightly close his eyes. After quite a while, just as Chen Mu was about to doze off comfortably in his rocking chair, Shen Yan stopped chanting. "How is it?" Chen Mu immediately opened his eyes, excitedly looking towards Shen Yan. "Ive contemplated it carefully," Shen Yan said with a solemn expression, "It can aid in sleep!" Chen Mu: "..." Is that what Im asking?! Shen Yan, chuckling, shrugged his shoulders, "I told you, my divine fetus is in perfection, my primordial spirit is faultless and intact." "You think you can pry into it with just a little dharma curse, thats simply impossible..." Its not that Im not cooperating, its that youre not capable, haha! "How about I try one more time for you?" Shen Yan offered, grinning. Chen Mus face instantly darkened. He felt irritated just looking at how smug the old ghost was. If the Heavenly Demon Curse couldnt affect Shen Yan, then planting the spiritual seed would be impossible. "To let this old ghost roam free..." He hadnt finished his sentence when he suddenly felt a vague connection appear before him, like an invisible thread leading directly... to Shen Yan! Your journey continues at novelhall.Co?m Chen Mu couldnt help but widen his eyes, "You... truly feel nothing?" Still not giving up? Shen Yan raised an eyebrow. But before he could utter a word filled with sarcasm, he suddenly realized that, unbeknownst to him, his mind now contained a piece of sky, pitch black with eight stars hanging in the middle! Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? When did it slip into my head?! Shen Yan stood there, frozen, feeling a chill run down his spine. ... "Just by reciting curse words, it truly managed to bring the spiritual seed into the body?! And by means so subtle that even this divine fetus old ghost couldnt detect?!" Chen Mu himself was startled by the outcome.@@@@ Shen Yan had an expression as if questioning his entire existence. "What the hell is this true form of yours that it can be so bizarre?!" "I want to know that too?" Chen Mu said, eyes filled with confusion. Wasnt it just a shabby Demon God? How did it suddenly become so domineering? Three days later. In the middle of the hillock at the center of the island, a thatched wooden hut with walls two meters tall appeared. The hut was entirely made of round, snow-white tree trunks, a type of smooth and white tree that is very common on this island. The roof was of dark green thatch, slender and sword-like, also from the island. After special crafting, it was layered on the roof, which not only blocked wind and rain but was also quite beautiful. He also learned for the first time that, in addition to the self-proclaimed masonry craftsman of the royal mansion, there was a folk artisan skilled in using local materials. The simple and elegant thatched hut in front of him was the work of the latter. "Everyone crawling out of the River of Oblivion is talented," Chen Mu sighed. With a surge of mana, five stone pillars rose from the ground around him, each thick enough to hug and waist-high, carved with intricate patterns they were the Light Law Prohibition. Only with the Forbidden Law to cover for him did he dare to use the Exquisite Jade Plate. ... Thousand Lanterns City, Auxiliary Soldier Camp. Inside a wooden building, Pu Lu, a deputy general of the Medicine Stone Sect, was sitting cross-legged on a cushion in the middle of a bedroom on the second floor. A head-sized ghostly green fire swayed and flickered in his hands. The intermittently bright green light cast on his face made him look as terrifying as a ghost. At a certain moment, the green light flared up, illuminating the entire room, and even the windows papered with white paper shone with a ghostly green glow. The five or six thousand Yin auxiliary soldiers were almost all undergoing intense cultivation like him. The whole of Thousand Lanterns City was suddenly illuminated in an eerie green light, obscuring even the soft white light from the ten large Soul-Attracting Lamps above. Chen Mu stood in front of the wooden building, looking at the camp where the green light soared skyward and couldnt help but grin. It did look a bit too sinistra. But... "Are Yin spirits all so diligent?" Chen Mu couldnt help but turn to Shen Yan. When he had mentioned earlier about giving the auxiliary soldiers half an hour to sleep, it was just a quip to tease Shen Yan. He hadnt expected these Yin Spirits to actually make it happen. Apart from necessary rests, they were all buckling down to train hard. Shen Yan glanced at Chen Mu disdainfully, as if looking at a country bumpkin, "As it concerns their safe return to the Netherworld, of course, they train hard." "But isnt this... a bit too competitive?" Chen Mu said with disbelief on his face. "Well, which Yin spirit doesnt have its obsessions? Its normal for them to be a bit more focused on their tasks," Shen Yan said nonchalantly. One or two would be fine, but five or six thousand, with no urging or guidance, all voluntarily training to death? This is not normal at all! Chen Mus expression soured. If you all work this hard, how am I supposed to laze about?! The local Yin spirits are way too rude! He huffily seated himself in a rocking chair and closed his eyes to start grinding experience with the Jade Gate Curse. I want to see who can be more competitive than me! Chapter 489 - 481 Thousand Lanterns City. Ten dazzling Soul-Attracting Lamps were suspended high in the sky, and Chen Mu stood at the entrance porch, opening his mouth to let out a huge yawn. Far away, in the campsite, a green light soared into the sky, so bright that Chen Mu could barely keep his eyes open. Tsk! They really can grind away! For half a month in a row, Chen Mu had been staying up all night with these old ghosts, cultivating immortality. With Replenishing Origin Soup replenishing their essence, those fellows became more and more spirited as they practiced, but Chen Mu himself was left feeling out of sorts, unable to enjoy his meals or sleep well. "Yo! Youre up a bit late today. Whats the matter, as diligent as you are, even you would indulge in lying in?" Shen Yan teased with his sleeves rolled up, carrying a small basket of freshly picked tender vegetables, and standing at the doorway with hands on hips. "You dont understand! This is called a combination of work and rest!" Chen Mu retorted confidently: "We Qi Cultivators cultivate just like this!"@@@@ "Right, right, right, youre the Qi Cultivator, you make the rules." "Go eat your veggies!" Chen Mu waved his sleeve and walked huffily into the wooden building. How can you level up experience by tirelessly grinding? It has to be done with a sense of balance! ... Five to six thousand Yin Spirits trained hard daily in the Triple Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse, and although they hadnt mastered the Divine Ghost Pattern yet, their Yin Spirit Divine Power increased day by day. The stockpiled Jiao meat that Chen Mu had saved up was quickly consumed. To maintain high-intensity cultivation, the Yin Spirits within Thousand Lanterns City began taking turns venturing out to hunt down Nether Demons and Exotic Beasts. At this time, the Mountain-Carrying Scripture came in handy. Hundreds of Yin Spirits, working together, saw their strength greatly increased. Though they couldnt kill the powerful Nether Demons like multi-headed Jiaos, heading out to sea to catch some sawtoothed fish beasts wasnt a problem. Chen Mu left the specific personnel arrangements to Shen Yan, enjoying his own leisure time. Every day, he only needed to open and close the doors of Thousand Lanterns City, brew the base solution for Replenishing Origin Soup once, and spend most of his remaining time hiding in the small building, either practicing Secret Techniques or pondering his cooking skills. Monsters in Nether Demon Heaven were fierce, and many had poisonous flesh, but occasionally he would stumble upon some good ingredients, not only tasty but also with exceptional effects. Inside the kitchen on the first floor of the wooden building, Chen Mu sighed, feeding a strange fish with four claws to the Five Ghosts Bag: "Another day of missing that old man Jia." Although that old codger wasnt a good man, his skill in finding Nether Demon Heavens ingredients was extraordinary. In the past few days, the Yin Spirits had brought back many Exotic Beasts and Nether Demons from the hunts, but there were only a few that could actually be eaten. This was only because he had cooking skills and special processing methods; otherwise, none of them would be edible. Thinking of this, he pulled up the grey wall interface to check the several experiences he was grinding recently. Cooking: 7975/10000/Sixth Rank; Netherworld Guide: 5390/10000; Fifth Rank; Jade Gate Curse: 9351/10000/Fourth Rank; "After Sixth Rank, leveling up in cooking is too slow, relying on this ability to seek out Nether Demon Heavens ingredients might not be possible in the short term," Chen Mu shook his head but was not disappointed. Searching for ingredients was just for trying new and exotic flavors. Finding them would be a delight, but it was no big deal if he didnt. "However, the Jade Gate Curse is about to advance. These next few days, I should practice it a bit more." In just a few days, those guys noticed Chen Mus habits, with the timing of touching the Spiritual Seeds almost all concentrated in the evening. After passing the initial peak of experience transmission, the number of people touching the Spiritual Seeds also began to plummet dramatically. Chen Mu speculated that it was because these people had scattered in teams, mostly gathering in groups. After one person tried the Spiritual Seed, others started to follow suit, and the numbers surged. Once everyone had tried it, the number of people touching the Spiritual Seeds started to drop sharply. Chen Mu didnt pay much attention to it, transmitting Secret Techniques when someone activated it, and not pondering further when no one did, focusing most of his energy on the Jade Gate Curse. That day, Chen Mu called up the gray wall. Jade Gate Curse: 72/10000/Fifth Rank; He stared at the item on the wall, but his eyes were somewhat scattered. Strands of understanding surfaced in his mind, making Chen Mu indulge in them unwillingly. Two days passed before he completely snapped back to reality. "Do you think we can make our own Ghost Gate?" As soon as he woke up, Chen Mu excitedly went to find Shen Yan, who was loosening the soil in the vegetable garden. Shen Yan straightened up and glanced at Chen Mu, unable to help but let out a sigh. "I said its not good to be too comfortable..." "Its too taxing on the brain!" Chen Mus face immediately turned dark. "Dont glare at me, even if you glare I still wouldnt know how to make it." Shen Yan rolled his eyes: "That thing is a secret from the Netherworld, at the very least its something only city lords would know, how could a mere Military Supervisor like me know." Upon hearing this, Chen Mus mouth curled into a smile instead. Inside the Fifth Rank Jade Gate Curse, there was information on how to craft the Ghost Gate, yet old ghost Shen knew nothing about it. It seemed that the control old ghost Shen had over the Jade Gate Curse had indeed been surpassed by him. The old fellow wanted to use his many years of experience with the Jade Gate Curse to set a trap for him. "Its lucky youre one of us now, otherwise Id definitely trick you harshly," said Chen Mu with a beaming smile. What does that mean? Shen Yan couldnt help but be startled. Then he watched as a cluster of silvery threads of Secret Techniques converged and disappeared in front of Chen Mu. The next moment, his mind was suddenly filled with a series of Secret Technique information. Upon a brief glance, Shen Yan got a shock, this damn guy actually knew how to make the Ghost Gate?! "Theres none of this stuff in the Jade Gate Curse, right?" asked Shen Yan, full of disbelief. "Thats because you lack comprehension, you cant perceive it," Chen Mu lifted his chin slightly, wearing a look of disdain and pride. Shen Yans mouth twitched in response. He never thought that someone could derive Magic Artifact crafting information from a control Dharma Curse. Could having two heads actually grant such good comprehension? Maybe I should also practice an external incarnation Secret Technique to test its effectiveness? Chapter 490 - 482 Ghost Gate "The main material of the Ghost Gate is the millennial Forgetful River Stone. This stone has been washed by the River of Oblivion water for ages, and it contains a rich aura of the river. It is precisely because of this aura, used as an anchor point, that it can remotely draw the River of Oblivion to descend." "We dont have the Forgetful River Stone, but we do have the Yin Spirits. The Yin Spirits also possess a rich aura of the River of Oblivion; otherwise, they wouldnt be able to activate the Netherworld Ferry." Inside Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu closely pondered the Ghost Gate materials in his mind, his face alight with excitement. "Yin Spirits arent stones, even if they can serve as anchor points to connect to the River of Oblivion, they cant fuse into one, right?" Shen Yan frowned intently. "Therefore, weve got to thank General Lan!" Chen Mu chuckled with a hehe.@@@@ "The Mountain-Carrying Scripture?" Shen Yans eyebrows shot up in an instant. "First, pile up the Netherworld Ferry Secret Technique on each Yin Spirit, then use the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to connect all the Yin Spirits into one piece." "With an anchor point and the Netherworld Ferry Secret Technique, and even becoming one entity, apart from not looking like the Ghost Gate, the other conditions are completely the same!" Chen Mus face brimmed with excitement. Shen Yan couldnt help but scratch his head. The Ghost Gate is actually just a fixed altar for the Netherworld Ferry Secret Technique. It solidifies many complicated ceremonial procedures, additionally overlaying other protective Secret Techniques, making the teleportation through void more stable and safe. Using Yin Spirits to form the Ghost Gate might seem a bit odd, but it could indeed be considered a variant of the Netherworld Ferry altar and genuinely could count as a Ghost Gate. A living Ghost Gate! ... When you think about it, just do it. Chen Mu spent a full two days, transmitting the Fifth Rank Jade Gate Curse Secret Technique to the Yin Spirits one by one. Shen Yan watched with his mouth agape. The Ghost Gate Refining Method is a secret passed down by the City Lord Mansion, and throughout the entire Netherworld, its considered a precious Dharma. Yet the guy in front of him was like a prodigal son, scattering it carelessly and heartlessly! "You have an objection?" Chen Mu glanced sideways at Shen Yan, "Why cant I spread the Secret Technique I comprehended with my own abilities?" Shen Yans eyebrows twitched violently. Fine, fine, you have two heads and two mouths; you call the shots! Chen Mu snorted and transmitted the Jade Gate Curse Secret Technique to the last Yin Spirit. If I dont pass on the Jade Gate Curse to everyone, how am I supposed to be lazy? Just passing the Jade Gate Curse to these five or six thousand Yin Spirits took a whole two days, and just thinking about stacking several layers of the Netherworld Ferry Forbidden Law on each of them made his scalp tingle. The workload is too massive! Now, every Yin Spirit knows the Jade Gate Curse. For their self-interest and safety, they will pile on as many Netherworld Ferry Secret Techniques as possible, refining themselves toward the direction of a human-shaped Ghost Gate. All Chen Mu had to do was wait until the time was right, activate the Mountain-Carrying Scripture with a combination, and the job would be done! Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m Moreover, each of these Yin Spirits had the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed planted in them, and they were all his leeks. Whats wrong with passing on a Secret Technique? Dont you have to water and fertilize when planting vegetables? Chen Mu looked at Shen Yan with a smug expression, "I think you plant too few vegetables. You can loosen the soil, sow the seeds, and water them, but can you pull up the vegetable leaves to make them grow taller? You have to let them grow on their own!" Shen Yans face twitched. So laziness also comes with reasons now? A sturdy man in black armor stood behind the man in purple, his voice laced with mockery, "City Lord, this Lan Zhang is really insatiable. Hes got his eyes on the elite Yin Soldiers of our Main Camp, huh?" "Shall I go and exchange a few blows with him? Ive long found that lazy fellow an eyesore!" His eyes gleamed with eagerness to try his strength. Jian Chan, however, did not respond immediately, intently sensing and scrutinizing the Ghost Gate before slowly nodding and looking away. "Before we depart, I can allow you to go find Lan Zhang and play some tricks on him." "But the pressing matter at hand is to quickly absorb the essence of Nether Demons and refine the Soul Summoning Banner!" "If you neglect whats important..." He cast a slight glance at the massive man behind him. "Rest assured, City Lord, I understand!" the man in Black Armor promptly bowed and answered with a serious face. Jian Chan turned his head to gaze at the large flag drifting in the sky and couldnt help but reveal a hint of a smile. A few Yin Soldiers were nothing to fret about; they were trivial. As long as he could refine the twelve large flags, he wouldnt feel any pain even if Lan Zhang devoured all of Antiquity Citys Yin Soldiers. A City Lord? Heh... With those twelve flags, I could become a Nether Spirit King! ... At Thousand Lanterns City, right beside Chen Mus wooden building, a pool about half the size of a soccer field appeared on the open ground. More than three hundred Yin Spirits gathered together, sitting cross-legged beside the pool, their Yin Spirit Divine Power flowing slowly, maintaining the Bottomless Pool, which was smooth like a mirror. Chen Mu looked at the Bottomless Pool with keen interest. This device, one of the attached abilities of the Ghost Gate, seemed like a dark and bottomless deep pool, but in reality, it wasnt even as deep as ones fingertip. It was more like a portal, connected to a hidden space. According to the enlightenment hints bestowed by the grey wall, this was a segment of the deep-space of the River of Oblivion, captured by the Ghost Gate. Depending on the Ghost Gate, it could store the souls of Exotic Beasts and demonic creatures, assist the Cai Yuan Department in absorbing Essence, help the Medicine Stone Sect refine Precious Medicine Decoctions, and also aid the Military Provision Department in tempering soldiers and ghost troops, with many varied and extraordinary uses. "What a fine thing," Chen Mu couldnt help but marvel. He then waved his hand to open Thousand Lanterns City, and a squadron of Yin Soldiers manipulating black clouds dived into the city. Without dispersing, they flew directly above the Bottomless Pool and threw one blood sea monster after another into the pools waters. Even with a large number of demonic creatures thrown in, the surface of the pitch-black pool that seemed bottomless remained calm and as still as a mirror. Taking from the leading Yin Soldier the Exotic Beast prey specifically saved for him, and waving them off to return to camp and rest, Chen Mu continued to sense the Bottomless Pool. However, it wasnt long before he sighed. "It is still not enough." The Bottomless Pool, connected to the Ghost Gate, could vaguely determine the minimum amount of Spirit Mechanisms needed to activate the Ghost Gate. Nether Demon Heaven belonged to Beyond Heaven, and there was endless void between it and the Netherworld. Even though they were few in number and small in size, the required Spirit Mechanisms were still significant. Five to six thousand Yin Spirits had been rotating to capture Exotic Beasts and demonic creatures for over a month, and all of them together could already stack up to form a small mountain, but this was still far from meeting the threshold of Spirit Mechanisms needed for teleportation through the void. The main issue was that the Yin Spirits were not strong enough; the creatures they had captured were the weaker Exotic Beasts, which may have been large in size but contained insufficient Nether Demon Spirit Mechanisms. "Gather the strength to catch a big guy to bring in?" Chen Mu thought for a moment and then shook his head, "Forget it, lets not take that risk." "If quality is insufficient, well make up with quantity. Its just waiting another year or half at most, safety comes first." Chapter 491 - 483 Relocation Chen Mu had thought he could live peacefully in Thousand Lanterns City until he returned to the Netherworld, but to his surprise, problems suddenly arose. By the side of the Bottomless Pool in Thousand Lanterns City, feeling the still vastly distinct Spirit Mechanism storage, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. "Trouble, huh?" After more than two months of relentless hunting, the creatures around the small island were nearly eradicated, and they could no longer capture more prey. Initially, the quantity of game around the small island decreased, which later escalated to barely catching anything even at farther distances. Stay connected with novelhall.Co?m Worse yet, two squads had encountered powerful magical creatures in succession. If not for the Flight ability granted by the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, these two squads of Yin Spirits would have been buried at the bottom of the Blood Sea. "We should move," Shen Yan said nonchalantly, apparently having anticipated this. "We have no other choice," Chen Mu sighed. According to his thoughts, the best scenario was to stay in one place until he had accumulated enough Spirit Mechanism to leave Nether Demon Heaven directly. But reality was not as he imagined, and the demons of the Blood Sea were not inexhaustible. Just thinking about the dangers that could arise during the relocation process made him uneasy and he couldnt help but grind his teeth. "If only the beasts and magical creatures proliferated like chives, continuously sprouting up. If only..." ... Once the decision to move was made, Chen Mu didnt dawdle; he dug up the wooden hut on the island and moved it into Thousand Lanterns City, setting off early the next morning. This time he didnt use the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, which was too conspicuous and also required the consumption of Mana. Instead, he used the Five Elements Escape Technique, a natural Divine Skill of the True Form of Heavenly Demon, which could be powered by Yin Spirit Divine Power. When activated, his form could blend into the sea breeze. Though not fast, it was extremely discreet, perfectly suited for long-distance relocation. Leaving the island, Chen Mu quickly felt the peril of Nether Demon Heaven. On just the second day of the journey, the Truthful Listening Technique detected the strong vital rhythms of three entities. Luckily, the Five Elements Escape Technique truly was discreet, drawing no attention from those powerful beings. Suppressing the urge to run back to the island and hide, Chen Mu cautiously took a wide detour. After five days of Flying Escape, he finally discovered a suitable small island. It was not a big island, roughly the size of a small village. Standing at one edge, one could see the other side at a glance. Its surface was covered with low shrubs and grasses, and there werent many tall treeswhich made it seem somewhat monotonous and barren. Chen Mu, however, was quite pleased. If it had been a vibrant large island, there might have been powerful beasts or magical creatures entrenched, which he wouldnt have dared to claim. He routinely scouted the surroundings for potential dangers and then released the wooden huts to reassemble and conceal using the Three Talents Method Prohibition. It took another day and a half to finish the moving process. Chen Mus long-held tension finally eased. The hunting teams began to take turns going out, and he himself once again hid within Thousand Lanterns City to "level up." ... At the top of a certain cliff in Nether Demon Heaven, on a giant gray-white boulder jutting out over the precipice, Lan Zhang sat cross-legged with his left leg and his right leg hanging over the edge. He squinted his eyes towards the boundless Blood Sea in the distance. The dark red sunset was already halfway below the horizon, dyeing the whole world crimson. Shadows behind him writhed, and suddenly, countless bloodshot eyes opened wide. "I have quietly revealed the Main Camps location to members of the Three-Eyed Nether Clan," Wu Mus overlapping tones emerged. "The Three-Eyed Nether Clan is ferocious and has dominated these waters for many years. Desirous of progressing further, they have an insatiable thirst for the Heavenly Machine Fragment from Beyond the Skies. Now that they know about the Main Camp, they definitely wont let Jian Chan off the hook." "However..." "If you could convert all the elite Yin soldiers from Antiquity City, your strength would likewise surge. If you could even consume and digest Jian Chan, a qualitative change might even take place. It feels like a pity to give such a good opportunity to someone else," Wu Mu expressed doubt. "Thats because I enjoy helping others," Lan Zhang said with a smirk and a facetious tone. However, someone actually cultivated a Ghost Pattern?! His interest was immediately piqued. For the past half year, with the green light soaring into the sky in Thousand Lanterns City, he had almost been blinded by the light. To supply the Replenishing Origin Soup, he had indeed spent quite a lot of White Jade Coins. At last... "It was Pu Lu and Hong Xiu," said Shen Yan without hiding it. The old ox? And that cold-faced man from the Medicine Stone Sect? "These two arent very aged, are they?" Chen Mu asked, somewhat surprised. He had assumed some of the older ghosts would advance first, not them. "Both under forty, well below the average age of fifty-three years recorded by Antiquity City, very gifted," Shen Yan nodded in praise. "The future is promising, quite promising," Chen Mu said with a smile, stuffing a big mouthful of Yellow Bud Rice into his mouth. The stronger the Yin Spirits became, the more stable the human-shaped Ghost Gate would be, and the safer their return to the Netherworld. ... It was as if a switch had been flipped. Not much later, two more people cultivated their Ghost Pattern. They were the previously selected leaders of the various banners. Old Ghost Shen was truly a sharp Military Supervisor; his chosen were all strong and had potential. To help these auxiliary soldiers improve faster, he even halved the time for Safe Heart Sutra cultivation. Accordingly, the time the Yin Spirits helped him maintain the Three Paths Curse was also shortened, allowing them more time to cultivate the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse. It wasnt that Chen Mu didnt want to quickly complete the Divine Fetus Tracking Source, but that it took too much time, and the short-term improvement in strength wasnt obvious. Instead, it was better to let the Yin Spirits cultivate the Ghost Pattern, as their strength was low and they improved quickly. By increasing their overall strength, they could strengthen the Ghost Gate indirectly, reducing the risk of unstable Teleportation through the void. One and a half months later, Thousand Lanterns City had another Yin Soldier leader, and the area surrounding the small island had been combed through by the hunting team like a sieve. In the evening, on a highland on one side of the small island, Chen Mu sat at the edge of the wooden houses long corridor, waiting for the last group of Yin Spirits to return, while enjoying the calm sea surface lit by the dark red sunset. He had already decided to leave this place tomorrow and relocate again. With nothing better to do, Chen Mu subconsciously started to grind experience for the Jade Gate Curse. This Cursing Method was key to returning to the Netherworld. Fifth Rank had given him access to the Ghost Gate creation technique. With a slightly higher Proficiency, even if he couldnt gain any new insights, at the very least, it would make Teleportation safer. Time slowly passed, and a puff of black smoke appeared on the horizon; the last hunting team was returning, riding the Yin Wind. Chen Mu stood up, ready to open the gates of Thousand Lanterns City, but before he could stop the operation of the Jade Gate Curse, a very vague Perceptive feeling suddenly emerged in his heart. This feeling... The Ghost Gate of the You Character Flag? Chen Mu was startled. How could he perceive the Ghost Gate of the You Character Flag?! A thought struck him, and a gray wall appeared before his eyes. He looked at one of the columns. Jade Gate Curse: 3/10000/Sixth Rank; Indeed! ``` Chapter 492 - 484 Teleportation "How could you perceive the You Character Flag at the Ghost Gate?" Shen Yan frowned tightly. Was it merely because he had once secretly connected with the energy of the Ghost Gate? Nonsense! Im still the Military Supervisor of the Hai Character Camp, who managed the Ghost Gate for years, how could I not perceive it?! "I just perceived it," Chen Mu shrugged his shoulders. Shen Yans frown deepened into a chuan character: "This is absurd!" Chen Mu couldnt help laughingThousand Lanterns City was full of Yin Spirits, wasnt it just about seeing ghosts? He could perceive this energy surely because his Sixth Rank Jade Gate Curse was high-end enough. "When will you return to the Main Camp?" It took a while before Shen Yan finally asked. By now he had a guess, knowing it might still be because of the Jade Gate Curse that Chen Mu had such a reaction. After over a year of interaction, he had long discovered the others uncommon talent in cultivating secret techniques. It was still hard to believe, but it seemed that damned fellows control over the Jade Gate Curse might indeed be comparable to that of City Master Jian Chan. "It will still take some time," Chen Mu shook his head. He indeed wanted to return to the Main Camp immediately, where there were Yin Soldiers guarding, and there was the real Ghost Gate, which would allow a quicker and safer return to the Netherworld. But... "Afraid you cant pass the camps inspection?" Shen Yan asserted confidently. An auxiliary soldier who had escaped from the You Character Camp, not only capable of remotely locating the Main Camp but also able to teleport across vast distances. Without a reliable explanation, he would likely be detained immediately. "Yes, I cant just tell them I know the Jade Gate Curse, can I?" Chen Mu said helplessly. "Dont worry." Shen Yans mind quickly conjured a plan. "Few people know the Jade Gate Curse, but many understand the Netherworld Ferry. You can use the blood sacrifice version of the Netherworld Ferry to cover up the Ghost Gate." "Pu Lu comes from the Netherworld Sect, and not only has he developed the Ghost Pattern, but he also happens to be a master in alchemy. With enough qualifications and capabilities, he can act as the source of the secret Netherworld Ferry technique." "As for locating the Main Camp?" Shen Yan stroked his chin in thought for a moment, then sighed slightly: "In the end, we still have to thank Lan Zhang, dont we?" "The Mountain-Carrying Scripture?" Chen Mu was surprised. "Exactly!" Shen Yan nodded. "In the past, General Hu Cheng from the Hai Character Camps Yinfeng Sect used the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to cultivate the Soul Summoning Banner, and by then your energies were already secretly connected to the Hai Character Flag." "The Hai Character Camp is in ruins, and it wont be possible to rebuild it in a short time; furthermore, as the Soul Summoning Banner is key to the City Masters path to power, Hu Cheng wouldnt be allowed to cultivate it recklessly, so the Hai Character Flag can only be kept in the Main Camp by the City Master himself." "This gives us an opportunity," Shen Yan said solemnly. "Later, Ill transmit to you a technique called the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. Follow its procedures for divination, and you will get a vague direction." "This direction might not be accurate, but its sufficient to deceive the camp inspectors and act as a cover." "With this in mind..." Chen Mu immediately rejoiced. It was still Old Ghost Shen, with his vast experience and knowledge; He came up with a solution for the problem that had been troubling him in no time. "Let me just consolidate the Jade Gate Curse a bit more to sharpen the perception, and then we will immediately set off to return to the Main Camp." ... Over the following days, Chen Mu concentrated on leveling up his experience with the Jade Gate Curse. The gray wall provided continuous insights, indicating that the Ghost Gate used the power of the seventh layer of the River of Oblivion. This layer contained the essence of secret techniques like Methods of Inverting Heaven in a Pot and Shrinking a Thousand Li to a Courtyard in a Bag. Thousand Lanterns City exhibited similar marvels, but unfortunately, his Divine Skills came from someone elses legacy, and while Chen Mu could use them, he did not understand them. Still, frequent use brought him ample experience and greatly facilitated the acquisition of experience with the Jade Gate Curse. As the experience soared once again and the results were gratifying, the energy of the You Character Flags Ghost Gate became increasingly clear and perceptible. On the contrary, the issue arose with the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture intended for concealment. The first part of the Calculation Scripture was filled with convoluted texts, and the latter part contained bizarre procedures and complex calculations. Chen Mu enthusiastically read through it once, and then his mind was filled with nothing but bafflement.@@@@ "Understanding, why understand, how could it be understandable? Divination techniques have always been profoundly mysterious," Shen Yan said with an enigmatic face. Why not go! Reliance on oneself to return to the Netherworld requires a massive amount of Spirit Mechanisms, and without their own storage, it wouldnt be possible for two or three years. He wasnt afraid of waiting; what he feared was falling into unknown perils during the hunt. Just like the encounters with the blue glowing bugsif it wasnt for the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed breaking through the Illusion Realm, he would have been eaten clean by the bugs by now. "Its just being interrogated for a few days. If I really cant deceive them, Ill hide in Thousand Lanterns City again." "But if I can deceive them, Ill be safe without worry and be able to return to the Netherworld without any risks through the Ghost Gate." "Lets do it!" He immediately began to gather Pu Lu and the original Yin Spirits of the Hai Character Camp. Pu Lu was the source of the Netherworld Ferry, and the Yin Spirits of the Hai Character Camp were involved in the cultivation of the Soul Summoning Banner, essential for the casting of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. He also rehearsed several times with everyone, according to the information provided by Shen Yan, for the possible interrogations they might encounter. ... In the afternoon, everyone gathered next to the Bottomless Pool. Shen Yan stood in front of the crowd, waving his hand to activate the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, and aside from the hundred or so Yin Spirits around Chen Mu, the rest instantly turned into a black cloud. The Jade Gate Curse operated, the anthropomorphic Ghost Gate was activated, and a pitch-black curtain suddenly appeared in midair. Its surface rippled like water waves, while the inside was pitch-black, releasing strands of chilly airthe telltale sign of the Ghost Gate opening. Chen Mu took a deep breath and likewise activated the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, taking the hundred or so people with him and plunging into the curtain. His vision suddenly darkened, his spirit slightly confused, and his consciousness a bit sluggishthe feeling he had at the bottom of the River of Oblivion had returned. Before he could savor the sensation, a light appeared before his eyes. Chen Mu looked forward eagerly, only to lock eyes with a head missing half of its face. The other persons skin was pale, and their burly body had a sinister vertical eye on the forehead. The left half of their face and the back of the head were entirely missing, exposing stained red and white on the broken greyish-white stones they leaned upon. Chen Mus body tensed immediately, and he looked up to inspect his surroundings. The expected ghost soldiers had not appeared; instead, a raging sea of fire and rolling black smoke took their place. A thick scent of blood rushed at him, with severed limbs and bodies scattered everywhere. Countless three-eyed individuals mutilated corpses nearly covered the entire range of his sight. "Is this really the Main Camp of Antiquity City?" Chen Mus pupils contracted sharply, as if struck by lightning. It took a while for him to regain his composure before he realized that the greyish-white stone the three-eyed individual was leaning on was actually a piece of the Ghost Gate. As the Jade Gate Curse operated, a strong sense of perception spread around him. "No wonder I didnt see the Ghost Gate earlier; it turns out all the fragments were blasted into dust. You couldnt see anything at all!" "This chunk of stone thats two to three meters wide turned out to be the largest fragment." "The three-eyed individuals are natives of Nether Demon Heaven?" "Sigh... I thought the Main Camp would be safe enough. Who would have expected..." Chen Mu shook his head and chuckled bitterly. All around him, mountains had collapsed, and the ground was pitted and scorched black; the grey ash from dead ghost soldiers and the mutilated corpses of three-eyed individuals were visible everywhere. Chen Mu took a deep breath, the smell of burning flesh overwhelming. "We cant stay here!" He opened the gates of Thousand Lanterns City, ready to take the Yin Spirits inside when a thought suddenly struck him. Once again, he looked out at the corpses that filled the landscape. "Should I just leave them lying here, exposed to the wind and sun?" Although they were not of his kind, Chen Mu still couldnt avoid a sense of sorrow for like souls. "Dying without anyone to retrieve their bodies is too pitiful!" "Well, what can I say, Im a good person, arent I?" With a sigh, Chen Mu waved his hand, and all five or six thousand Yin Spirits inside Thousand Lanterns City appeared. "Do your best to gather the bodies," he decided to provide these three-eyed individuals with a burial place. For instance... The Bottomless Pool! Chapter 493 - 485 The Fisherman In a forest somewhere, a bald, muscular man with three eyes on his forehead was desperately fleeing for his life. Leaning forward, his feet barely touched the ground as he swiftly dodged the oncoming trees, as if an invisible rope was dragging him silently at high speed. Suddenly, a mass of cloud-like substance resembling thick blood plasma descended from the sky, blocking his path. The three-eyed mans face changed drastically, his body went from speeding through the air to an abrupt halt, and with the swiftness of lightning, he turned sharply and fled in the opposite direction. While flying, he looked back at the blood mass. Seeing that the blood mass remained stationary in the distance, he couldnt help but let out a sigh of relief. But just as he looked ahead to navigate his path, a wide expanse of a blood-colored water screen suddenly materialized before him. His hand shot out instinctively to block, easily piercing through the fragile water screen. But as soon as he passed through, his once full and muscular arm shriveled drastically, turning as dry and brittle as deadwood in the blink of an eye. Just as he was about to adjust his posture to retreat, the blood-colored water screen suddenly surged forward rapidly, like a fishing net blocking a river, it enshrouded him in an instant. With a soft pfft sound, the three-eyed man charged through the water screen. While still mid-air, his nearly three-meter-tall and robust body shrunk instantly, his pale skin decaying at a visible rate, akin to a millennium-old corpse, and upon hitting the ground, his body shattered into pieces with a thud. The blood-colored water screen contracted and gathered, forming a three-meter-diameter droplet-shaped blood mass that, accompanied by a delighted cheer, pulled a trail of blood light and soared high into the sky. In the entire forest, similar scenes played out repeatedly. The numerous Blood Gods Children, like blood-colored locusts, took flight, and one by one, the Three-Eyed Nether Clan members turned into bone fragments and dust. Above in the sky, the churning blood mingled and rushed, as if a long river was tumbling backward. Lan Zhang had his hands folded behind his head, lying lazily on the clouds, his face bathed in the bloody afternoon sun, indescribably comfortable and leisurely. A pitch-black shadow with a continuously changing shape suddenly appeared beside him, its surface dotted with countless revolving large eyes. "That Jian Chan is indeed ruthless and scheming," Wu Mus childlike voice emerged, echoing upon itself, "He actually had the heart to blow up eleven Ghost Gates?" "The Three-Eyed Nether Clan had just broken through the outer defenses when the Ghost Gates exploded one after another, almost sixty percent of their fighting force perished on the spot." "And the remaining defeated soldiers were dragged into the Ghost Gates by the twelve Soul Summoning Banners." "This group of Three-Eyed Nether Clan is thoroughly doomed." "Such a heavy hand?" Lan Zhang raised his eyebrows, slowly getting up, "It seems the lord of Antiquity City really wants me dead." "Are you saying this elaborate trap was originally set to kill you?" Wu Mus eyes widened, "Wasnt the cooperation going quite well before?" "Just because you sent some Blood Gods Children into his camp?" "Your Antiquity City lord is indeed petty." Lan Zhang chuckled lightly, "Without his vengeful nature, I wouldnt have been able to scheme against the Three Yin Nether Clan and reap these benefits as an outsider." A look of anticipation flashed in his eyes, "Lets go, its time to check out my spoils of war." Merely by devouring a small portion of the Three-Eyed Nether Clan, the power of the Blood Cloud had already doubled. Once he absorbed the elite of the Three-Eyed Nether Clan, his strength would rise even further. By that time, with the Blood Cloud shrouding the sky, he would be strong enough to counter most dangers, allowing him to roam freely in the Nether Demon Heaven. Even someone as calm as Lan Zhang couldnt stop a shiver of excitement at the thought. Taking a deep breath to suppress any superfluous emotions, Lan Zhang waved his hand grandly, and the vast Blood Cloud roiled and surged, suddenly transforming into a streak of blood-colored shadow and vanishing in an instant. As the Blood Cloud disappeared, a large empty space remained, accompanied by a thunderous rumbling sound, the surrounding air collapsed rapidly, and a fierce wind spread everywhere. A blood-colored palm suddenly flew out from the towering Blood Cloud, slapping fiercely towards Chen Mu, as if swatting a mosquito. That bloodied hand was massive as a mountain, yet its speed was not the slightest bit slow. One moment it loomed among the clouds, the next it spanned hundreds of meters of distance and appeared right above Chen Mu. Chen Mus pupils suddenly shrank to pinpoints, almost instinctively he cast the Mountain-Carrying Scripture of a Thousand Ghosts, completely draining all of the Yin Spirit Divine Power within Thousand Lanterns City in an instant. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Invisible Exotic Force rapidly spun, layered upon itself, and suddenly transformed into layers of sharp cones covering the space above his head, like a giant bamboo shoot growing rapidly, shooting straight into the sky. Chen Mus expression was cold as he stared fixedly at the bloodied hand turned mountain. Kui Water Yin Thunder! Jade Seed Inner Magical Power was completely drained in an instant, and lightning that blazed white and blue suddenly emerged, instantly filling the gaps within the bamboo shoot-like Qi Forbidden Power. Continue your saga on novelhall.Co?m In the next moment, the blood-colored palm collided with the thunderous bamboo shoot. Bang! The air boomed explosively, a circle of invisible Vigorous Qi suddenly spread from the point of contact, and the bright white thunder on the tip of the bamboo shoot instantly dimmed. Agonizing pain assaulted him, Chen Mus eyes darkened, feeling as though his head had been struck hard by a hammer. Finished! ... In the sky, feeling the firm resistance against his palm, Lan Zhangs narrow eyes shot forth a piercing gaze, his right hand pressing down ever so slightly. The blood-colored giant hand that had just begun to slow its descent now continued its relentless downward pressure. The layers of defense constructed by Qi Forbidden Power, resembling real bamboo shoots, were easily shattered segment by segment by the blood hand, instantly reduced to fragments. Boom! Like a ball exploding upon being smacked, a turbulent wave of Qi burst out from beneath the blood-colored palm, spreading out in all directions. The scattered corpses of the Three-Eyed Nether Clan were lifted up, tumbling and scattering about like ragdolls. In the next second, the blood hand suddenly turned into light and shadow and vanished. A gigantic handprint several stories deep appeared on the ground; the once half-remaining Ghost Gate was utterly pulverized to dust, and Chen Mus figure had vanished. "He ran away?" Wu Mus figure appeared beside Lan Zhang: "Seems like some kind of Heaven-Encapsulating Dharma." "And this person, he looks a bit familiar." "This man was once an auxiliary soldier under the Banner of Hai," Lan Zhang said coldly, "His Divine Power is mixed, and Shen Yans aura is also mingled within. It seems that it was this man who rescued Shen Yan in the end." "Another Mountain-Carrying Scripture?" Wu Mus eyes widened. "So youre saying that after half a year of plotting, an auxiliary soldier plucked the fruit of your labor? Haha!" "And the method he used was still the Mountain-Carrying Scripture you discarded?" "All the schemes youve devised, and you never considered an auxiliary soldier, this is too hilarious, hahaha..." Wu Mu laughed, trembling. Lan Zhang suddenly turned his head, staring at Wu Mu, whose countless eyes were tearfully laughing, his face ashen. Chapter 494 - 486 Departure Thousand Lanterns City, on the long corridor outside the entrance of the wooden building, Chen Mu was wrapped in bandages all over his body, his face once again swollen like a pigs head. "Nether Demon Heaven is just too dangerous, Ive ended up bedridden twice in less than a year. Back on Jilong Road, I never experienced anything like this," he sighed while lying on the rocking chair. "Luckily, it wasnt all for nothing." Chen Mu looked towards the right side of the wooden building, where a small mountain of Three-Eyed Nether Clan corpses was piled up. At a glance, the sight was quite shocking and indeed a bit frightening. But the thought of the massive amount of pure spirits and Spirit Mechanisms they could provide made him unable to suppress his joy. The Ghost Gate in human form was a bit disappointing since the Bottomless Pool digested them quite slowly. Fortunately, with the Yin Spirits taking turns supplying Divine Power, the process, though slow, could operate non-stop day and night. "Once the Bottomless Pool has digested the Three-Eyed Nether Clan and Ive fully recovered, Ill immediately activate the Ghost Gate and leave Nether Demon Heaven. Ive really had enough of this damned place!" Just as Chen Mu was inwardly complaining, Shen Yan, who was sitting next to him, suddenly let out a sinister chuckle. Whats gotten into this old ghost now? Shen Yan, unconcerned by Chen Mus strange look, said, "Based on your description, Im certain that the person controlling the blood hand is Lan Zhang." "These Three-Eyed Nether Clan corpses were supposed to be his resources for strengthening the Blood Cloud." "But now, due to an ironic twist of fate, youve snatched them away. His practice of the Blood God Scripture is bound to be affected. Otherwise, he wouldnt have shown such a frustrated and flustered demeanor." "Well done!" As he finished speaking, a satisfied smile spread across Shen Yans face. "Its a pity you didnt manage to clean out the entire battlefield. That would have been even better." "Ive already gathered seventy to eighty percent. Be content with that," Chen Mu retorted with an eye roll. Just as he was, Lan Zhang had already nearly beaten him to death. If he had tried to clean out the entire battlefield, Lan Zhang might have gotten vicious enough to turn him into a Blood God offspring. Then, even hoping for death would have been a luxury. Thinking of the dangers he faced, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. He had simply hoped to hitch a ride, but it almost cost him his life. Truly a stroke of bad luck! "I just dont understand how the secure Main Camp could have disappeared just like that." Chen Mu was still somewhat annoyed in his heart. Although he had the Ghost Gate in human form and the Spirit Mechanism of the Bottomless Pool was nearly full, it still wasnt as safe as traveling via the Main Camps Ghost Gate. With a strange smile on his face, Shen Yan said, "Youll have to ask yourself that." What does that have to do with me? "Because youre like a disaster star," Shen Yan teased with a playful expression. "Look here, in less than a year at the Hai Character Camp, the camp fell apart." "You spent just over half a year at the You Character Camp, and it fell apart too." "Now, even more impressively, the Main Camp fell apart before you even got there." As for the mysterious events at the Main Camp previously, he and Shen Yan had speculated as well. They both felt it was likely due to the disturbance caused by the Blood God Scripture; otherwise, the Lan Zhang wouldnt have appeared just by chance. What was strange was that it seemed the Main Camp wasnt entirely unprepared. When cleaning up the battlefield before, he noticed that while many of the Three-Eyed people had died near the damaged Ghost Gates, there wasnt much white ash left after the death of Yin Spirits. Moreover, of the eleven Ghost Gates that were blown up, one had disappeared without a trace, indicating that the Yin Soldiers within the camp had successfully left the Nether Demon Heaven. "Why do I feel like the Main Camp is like a trap?" Shen Yan said with a hesitant look on his face. Chen Mu also scratched his head, feeling that there was something more to it. "Forget it, lets not think about it anymore." Find exclusive stories on novelhall.Co?m "With that effort, I might as well get some more sleep; maybe my injuries will recover even faster." A month passed, and while the swelling on his body had subsided, his internal injuries still healed slowly. The True Form of the Heavenly Demon also shrank inside the secret spot on his forehead and didnt manifest, leaving him to wait for it to slowly recover. He wasnt in a hurry, after all, as he had already mastered the way back to the Netherworld; departing was simply a matter of time. "Its a great opportunity for the Yin Spirits to practice the Three Yin Phosphorus Fire Curse and the Jade Gate Curse." "By strengthening the essence and increasing the Yin Spirit Divine Power, we can also reinforce the humanoid Ghost Gate." "If we can get a few more Yin Soldiers awake to the Ghost Pattern and add a few more layers of the Netherworld Crossing Technique, it will be even safer to return to the Netherworld." ... Chen Mu knew the recovery from his injuries might take a long time, but he hadnt expected it would end up being half a year. "The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is somewhat useful after all," he sighed more than once. In front of the wooden building in Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu, dressed in black, with the Yang Judge Bone Shield hanging at his waist, filled with Jade Seed Inner Magical Power ready to deploy the Body Protection Aura, and the Yin Spirit Divine Power surging around him, the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Exotic Force flickering in and out of sight. He checked himself from head to toe once more, ensuring all kinds of protective methods were ready to be activated at any moment. Chen Mu took a deep breath and looked ahead. At this moment, all the Yin Spirits of Thousand Lanterns City had gathered in front of the wooden building. Half a year had passed, and the aura of the gathered Yin Spirits had greatly increased. Apart from the leader of the banner, many old ghosts had managed to develop the Ghost Pattern, and even the old sly fox Shi De Chun had become a Yin Soldier in the past few days. He had sensed before that this old guy had ears a bit too sharp. Now, it seemed it wasnt just sharpness; it was more likely a genuine talent. Otherwise, it wouldnt have been possible to develop Divine Skills in just three or four years. Chen Mu took another deep breath, emptying all thoughts from his mind. With the Mountain-Carrying Scripture activated, including Shen Yan, everyone turned into a black cloud. The Sixth Rank advanced Jade Gate Curse slowly started spinning, the humanoid Ghost Gate consisting of Yin Spirits began to activate. An enormous amount of spirit mechanism inside the Bottomless Pool was drained in an instant, and a black curtain the size of a basketball court abruptly appeared mid-air. Then the black curtain inflated and began spinning to both sides. All of a sudden, a pitch-black massive sphere materialized in the sky. A vague sense of perception appeared in Chen Mus heart. River of Oblivion, Netherworld! Chapter 495 - 487: Recuperation ``` Netherworld. Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m A faint grey mist drifted across the sky, the sun emitting a cold, pale light. Beneath, the mountain ranges were eerily quiet; at the turn of a valley, occasional gusts of black, cold wind appeared before abruptly vanishing into thin air. In one instant, a pitch-black sphere, several stories high, materialized out of nowhere in the sky. A bundle of black smoke with a long tail burst forth from it, akin to a meteor falling from heaven, glimmering with a ghastly green flame, and smashed directly towards the ground. Boom! At the foot of a small hill, a swath of trees collapsed, broken branches and torn leaves flying; a seven or eight-meter-wide crater was created by the impact of the smoke, with smoke and dust rolling around and soil and stones splattering. As a gentle breeze dispersed the dust, a giant with indigo skin, five or six meters tall and radiating intense heat, lay sprawling, eyes closed, at the bottom of the pit. Before long, the giant shrank like a deflated ball, reverting to the size of a normal human after just a few breaths. After a good while, Chen Mu, in tattered clothing, regained consciousness and slowly opened his eyes. He looked dazedly at the cold white sun above and felt the chilly air within its rays, an involuntary smile of relief spreading across his face. "The sun of the Netherworld... it has been too long since I last saw it." ... Two days later, twenty li away from the mountain where he landed, in a small valley, the thatched wooden house produced by Nether Demon Heaven was relocated from Thousand Lanterns City and hidden among the mountains and forests. On the porch at the entrance, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, enjoying the uniquely cold and refreshing breeze of the Netherworld, his eyes slightly squinted. Even though the environment in the Netherworld wasnt all that great, compared to Nether Demon Heaven, he immediately felt the tranquility and peace here. "Its just I dont know how Old Ghost Shen and the others are doing." The makeshift Ghost Gate is, after all, not as safe as the authentic one. There were no problems leaving Nether Demon Heaven, and no issues traversed the chaotic passageway that sparkled with golden stars in all directions. However, upon entering the Netherworld, they encountered trouble. They crashed into nine layers of invisible walls. Those walls were soft like membranes and seemed to have a recognition function, allowing them to easily pass through with the Ghost Gate leading them. But as they passed through more invisible barriers, the Ghost Gate, comprised of Yin Spirits, started to deform gradually. It was like a large ship glued together with adhesive, going through repeated washings, the glue being diluted and washed away, with parts starting to loosen and fall off. By the time they breached the ninth layer of invisible walls, the Ghost Gate, forcibly held together by the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, completely collapsed, and the Yin Spirits were forced to scatter. Back then, there were five or six thousand Yin Spirits in Thousand Lanterns City, and with their chanting of the Three Paths Curse to assist him, the speed was as fast as riding a rocket. "What a pity," Chen Mu said with a look of regret. "What if... I catch some Yin Spirits and send them into Thousand Lanterns City?" A tempting thought suddenly appeared. "No, no, no, this Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed seems quite unconventional no matter how you look at it. It was a last resort in the Nether Demon Heaven. If I randomly bestow Spiritual Seeds to Yin Spirits now that Im back in the Netherworld, that would definitely be an evil and crooked path." Chen Mu shook his head repeatedly: "I am a good person, I wouldnt do such a thing!" Thinking this way, he looked up to see the Five Ghosts little paper figurines herding a tall and a short Yin Spirit into the Three Talents Method Prohibition. Instinctively tense, Chen Mu spurred the Yama Emperors Command, and, whoosh, he stuffed the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds into the mouths of the two Yin Spirits. "Speak! How did you find this place? Whos pulling the strings behind you? Are you trying to harm me?!" The two Yin Spirits just opened their mouths, looking utterly dumbfounded. ... "So, you are underlings of some Ghost King with a single horn, here to investigate the meteor from a few days ago?" People, or rather ghosts, lingering around this remote wilderness? This could be trouble. Chen Mus face turned solemn. "Just the two of you?" Chen Mu asked, frowning. The tall, long-faced Yin Spirit did not dare to hide anything: "In total, twenty of us came in two groups. We split into pairs and searched in all directions. Soon after we arrived nearby, we were captured by your paper ghost soldiers and brought here." Chen Mu spared no effort in conserving his mana, immediately activating the Truthful Listening Technique. Sounds within a twenty-mile radius flooded his ears, and a vague black and white image emerged in his mind. Indeed, he discovered more than ten people moving and searching in different directions. "Who is that single-horned Ghost King?" Chen Mu continued to ask. "The mountains here are called Da Qing Mountain, and the single-horned Ghost King Shang Yang is the lord of this mountain." The short, round-faced Yin Spirit also hurriedly explained: "Its rumored he was once a general of Qingyang City, but he was ostracized and suppressed by others. In a fit of anger, he renounced Qingyang City, took control of these mountains, and built a city among them." "The two of us are part of the Qingshan City patrol battalion." "A few days ago, a meteor fell from the sky. Concerned that new Strange Demons might enter the Netherworld, our lord sent us to investigate and prevent any major disasters." A city lord? And he had been a general before? That could be problematic. If he could be a general, he must be in the Divine Fetus realm. If he exposed himself to the other party, the outcome might not look so good. "I only wanted to rest for a few days and not stir up trouble," Chen Mu muttered to himself, activating the Truthful Listening Technique once more, immediately locking onto the remaining eighteen Yin Spirit soldiers. "Looks like Ill have to turn you into one of us first." Yama Emperors Command! Chapter 496 - 488 Plans In a small hollow on Da Qing Mountain, inside a thatched cottage. After giving the other eighteen Yin Spirits the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed and warning them not to expose their whereabouts, Chen Mu let them go to continue their patrol tasks. Only the initial tall and short Yin Spirits were left behind to gather information. "What are these Strange Demons you speak of?" Chen Mu asked with confusion. "We dont know much either, just that they appear and disappear without warning, enshrouded in white mist," they replied. "They attack cities and prey on Yin Spirits. Whoever is devoured by them will be turned into a shadow ghost, bound by the side of the Strange Demons forever, never to transcend." There are such things in the Netherworld? Chen Mu was taken aback with astonishment. Initially, he hadnt stayed long in Antiquity City, having spent most of that time hiding within its walls. He had only heard that the outside was dangerous, with Black Wind that could freeze Yin Spirits to death, yet he did not know about such bizarre entities. He used to complain about the dangers of Nether Demon Heaven, but now it seemed that the Netherworld might not be much safer. However, why does this sound somewhat familiar to him? Chen Mu thought hard, but for the moment couldnt figure out why. "I originally planned to recuperate for a while in this wilderness hollow, but now it seems that this plan might not work," he lamented inwardly, shaking his head. "Does Qingshan City have any way to resist these Strange Demons?" Chen Mu continued to ask. "Yes," the short Yin Spirit nodded. "Strange Demons are fierce and elusive, but as long as you do not provoke them, they are actually easy to deal with." Chen Mu felt relieved. As long as there was a way to cope, it was good. "Just let them eat their fill," the tall Yin Spirit suddenly said. Chen Mu was startled. What does that mean? "Ghost King Shang has captured many lonely ghosts to form the suicide squad of Qingshan City. Whenever Strange Demons appear, the suicide squad is sent out. Once the Strange Demons are satiated, they disappear on their own." Chen Mu: "..." Is that really possible?! A suicide squad? Thats more like a death squad! This Ghost King Shang, he does not sound like a good person. "Do other cities do the same?" Chen Mu couldnt believe it. He had not stayed long in Antiquity City, but he had never heard of any suicide squads. "Not really," the short Yin Spirit shook his head. "Large cities have massive forces of Shadow Soldiers to repel them, so they just need to drive them away." "According to them, Qingshan City only has a little over a hundred thousand inhabitants, and what they do daily is nothing more than highway robbery, scraping and squeezing the ordinary Yin Spirits." "To call it a big city is an exaggeration; its more like a large robber stronghold, swaggering about within Da Qing Mountain all day long and knowing very little of the outside world." "A Yin Spirit at the Divine Fetus stage dares to call himself Ghost King C just a bunch of country bumpkins and thugs." "Itd be better to go inquire in Qingyang City. That place is comparable to Antiquity City, and theyre surely more informed than the secluded and remote Da Qing Mountain." He looked at the vegetable plot that had just been cleared next to the thatched hut and felt quite regretful. "Looks like this vegetable plot wont be needed." He had originally planned to stay here for a few months, waiting until he had fully leveled up the Netherworld Guide before departing. Without using Mana if possible, the Netherworld Guide was the main protective Dharma he had prepared for himself. Once the Secret Technique was mastered, it could summon even deeper layers of Nine Nether Green Flames and River of Oblivion Water, significantly increasing its burning and corroding effects, perhaps killing same-tier Shadow Soldiers in one go during a battle. As for the True Form of Shadow Soldiers, that would require him to fight shirtless and rely purely on physical prowess, which is too demeaning and entirely out of his style. The Netherworld Guide is better, combined with the defensive and controlling capability of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, just by pointing his sword, he could either drown or burn his opponent to death C now thats grandiose. "I did have good plans, but who would have thought that Strange Demons still exist in the wilderness of Netherworld. Tsk..." Chen Mu shook his head: "I need to get into a city soon." Whether it was to gather information about Fengdu City or for his own safety, he needed to get into Qingyang City as soon as possible. Now he also understood why he found the Strange Demon familiar C he had seen it before. Surrounded by white mist that appeared and vanished abruptly, and moreover, followed by Netherworld Worms as their ghostly minions, wasnt this the very creature he had encountered on Jilong Mountain? The culprit behind the dissipation of the Earth Spirit Vital Energy and the wilting of Yellow Bud Rice crops, ultimately killed by Elder Song Wujie of Jilong Road. "If we judge the capabilities of the Strange Demon based on Elder Songs strength, it really isnt something I cant deal with." A thought suddenly crossed Chen Mus mind. The owner of Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yangan, once said that the Divine Ghost Patterns of Yin Spirits are similar to a nascent Daoist Foundation. Thus, a Yin Spirit Divine Fetus could be comparable to a Qi Cultivators Daoist Foundation. My Divine Fetus is over halfway sourced back; if not comparable to a Dao Foundation Cultivator, at least it should match a Condensing Aperture expert. And Song Wujie was precisely such an expert. "If Elder Song could kill a Strange Demon when he encountered one, if I faced a Strange Demon, I could... likely run away." "Sigh... Its better to first seek refuge in Qingyang City." Strange Demons, eh? Just the name tells you they are tricky and tough to deal with. Best to avoid them if possible. "The question is, I wonder if Qingyang City also requires visits to Beyond Heaven for hunting like Antiquity City does." "Plus, being a foreign Yin Spirit, my identity could be a problem." "I still need to inquire further." ``` Chapter 497 - 489: Living God On the outskirts of Da Qing Mountain, behind a certain small hill slope, over a hundred Yin Spirits carrying swords and sabers gathered in groups of three or five. "Listen up, were here to collect a toll today, not to fight to the death with anyone. Without my orders, no one is allowed to act recklessly." "If you act rashly and lose your life, dont blame me for not warning you beforehand," the fat leader with a face full of flesh yelled loudly. "What if those merchant caravans dont pay up?" someone in the crowd couldnt help but speak up. "Dont pay?!" Fat Leader twisted his face, teetering along with his belly jiggling, and walked among the crowd: "If they dont pay...then they dont pay, so what? You thinking of robbing them? You wanna die or something?" He didnt seem to care: "After we go back to Qingshan City, just say they ran too fast and we couldnt catch them, thats all." "Arent we the Qingshan Bandits? Isnt this a bit too...cowardly," someone murmured softly. "Cowardly? Heh, all the spoils have to be handed over anyway, with just that bit of money month, whats there to risk your life for?" the fat leader looked sideways at the Yin Spirit who had spoken. On the other side of the hill slope, Chen Mu, who had been hiding for a while, wore a strange expression. The thought process of these bandits was... peculiar. This was his second day since he had left the small hollow. Having decided to head to Qingyang City, he didnt delay any longer. He moved the entire thatched cottage into Thousand Lanterns City and set off that very day. Following the directions pointed out by the two Yin Spirits, tall and short, Chen Mu found this bandit hideout. He originally wanted to catch a group of ferocious robbers to interrogate for information, but unexpectedly stumbled upon a bunch of lazy, slacker bandits. "Im not sure if you guys are lucky or unlucky," Chen Mu said as he walked out from the other side of the hill slope, looking amused. "What are you up to?" the fat leader with the bulging belly asked fiercely. "Collecting a toll," Chen Mu replied with a smile. Fat Leader: "..." Collecting tolls? Is this guy joking with me? "Grab your weapons!" His fat face instantly turned red with rage. Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh and shake his head. "Your thoughts are indeed unique, but its a pity your eyesight isnt too good." Yama Emperors Command! Whoosh! All the Yin Spirits who had just stood up raised their hands above their heads in unison. Chen Mu, still smiling, raised his hand and sprinkled specks of luminescent light into the crowd. Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed! ... The wide road was pitch black yet unexpectedly smooth and flat, as if it were made of melted glass accumulated layer upon layer. Three or four dozen clouds of black fog formed a long line, with strands of dim yellow flames flickering inside, propelling large, tall, yellowish wooden boxes C each about four to five meters wide and over ten meters long C swiftly along the route. The leading Flame Wheel Vehicle in the procession was half the size of the others, with a door at the front and back and windows on either side. It was adorned with exquisite carvings. To call it a cargo box would be an understatement; it looked more like a house. Inside, the floor was covered with carpets, and there were desks, tall cabinets, wooden chairs, round stools, even two potted plants with lush green leaves in the corner. By the window on the right side was a low couch with a square table made of raw wood in the middle. An old man and a young man sat across each other at the low table. The old man with white hair and beard sat upright, "Young Master, the City Lord Mansion wants us to provide another Living God this month." "Again?" The young man in white, who had been reclining against a pillow while reading, couldnt help but sit up. He picked up a black teapot from the low table and poured a full cup of tea for the old man across from him. Frowning, the young man said, "Ever since ten years ago, the City Lord Mansions demand for Living Gods has been increasing." "It used to be once a year, but now it has turned into once a month. It seems peace is rather elusive in the Yang Realm." The old man nodded in agreement, "Thats just one aspect of it. Its possible the City Lord is also using this as a means to weaken the powers of various families." The pale-faced young man tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Hes always afraid that someone will steal his position, nothing but a stubborn old man." "The City Lord is indeed not young anymore." The white-haired old man nodded, "He hasnt been to Beyond Heaven in nearly a hundred years, and his strength has probably plateaued. Not wanting to give up the current situation, he naturally begins to play balancing acts with power tactics." "Fortunately, he hasnt completely blocked everyones path to advancement. As long as one has sufficient strength, one can establish a new city on ones own, and the City Lord will even provide Secret Techniques and assistance." "Hes not that kind-hearted," the young man in white retorted with a sneer, "He just treats it as a lucrative business." "Allowing someone to establish their own city and providing assistance comes with the condition that one must sign a harsh contract and provide him with ample benefits. Otherwise, Shang Yang wouldnt have gone and established his own Qingshan City." The white-haired old man shook his head slightly but didnt object, instead bringing the conversation back to the original topic, "So, about this years quota..." The pale-faced young man shook his head, "We cant keep using our own people anymore." "So many Living Gods from our family have been sent to the Yang Realm over the years, but how many have returned alive? We cant afford to just give away the talents weve painstakingly cultivated." "Go to Qingshan City to buy one? The price wont be low," the white-haired old man shook his head. "Aware that everyone is reluctant to part with their Yin Soldiers, the prices for Qingshan Citys Yin Soldiers have been rising for years. That Ghost King Shang, hes set on fleecing us." The young man in white couldnt help but clench his teeth, "That Shang Yang is no easy opponent." As they were weighing the pros and cons, a commotion suddenly arose from the front of the caravan. Looking out the window, they immediately saw over a hundred people, armed with swords and knives, charging down from a nearby hillside. Trailing far behind the bandits was a solitary figure. Dressed in black, he was tall and thin, his face expressionless and his eyes sharp. A silvery vertical line on his forehead faintly glimmered, adding to his detached demeanor and setting him apart from the unruly crowd in front. "That man... is he a Yin Soldier?" Noting the solitary figures presence, the young man in white was momentarily taken aback. "Quite likely he has awakened some Divine Ghost Pattern," the white-haired old man squinted and nodded seriously after observing for a moment. "Qingshan City sends Yin Soldiers just to collect toll fees? Does Shang Yang have such an abundance of troops?" the young man in white wondered aloud. "Judging by his attire, he doesnt seem to belong to Qingshan City," the white-haired old man shook his head. With a hint of a smile on his face, the young man in white said, "A stray ghost... and a Yin Soldier at that?" He couldnt resist smiling, "Look, isnt this a free Living God, just delivered to us? Haha..." Chapter 498 - 490 What a Coincidence On the outskirts of Da Qing Mountain, beyond an unnamed small hillside. Chen Mu followed Lu Tong and his group from a distance, feeling quite anxious. He focused one-third of his spirit on the Yang Judge Bone Shield at his waist, another third to manipulate the Yin Spirit Divine Power, and shrouded his entire body within the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Yet another third of his spirit was immersed in the Jade Seed, ready to deploy the Longitudinal Rainbow Light at any moment. The last fraction of his spirit was firmly connected to Thousand Lanterns City, ensuring that he could escape immediately should anything go awry. Soon, Lu Tong came running back, his face animated with excitement, "Big brother, its settled!" That easy to talk to? Enjoy new tales from novelhall.Co?m Could there be a trick somewhere? "Big brother, the contract, the contract! With that thing, ordinary lost souls and wandering spirits can only obediently follow orders." "To them, youre like a free enforcer delivered to their doorstep. Of course, they agreed readily," Lu Tong explained in a low voice as he drew closer to Chen Mu. Is that thing really so influential? Until now, he hadnt paid much attention to the Secret Technique contract. But seeing Lu Tongs attitude, that thing certainly wasnt simple. If he signed it, could he be duped? Lu Tong grinned and chuckled slyly, "With the River of Oblivion as a guarantor, others definitely dare not defy the masters orders, but youre different, arent you?" "If they dont issue you any orders, no matter how strict the contract is, it will be useless." Chen Mu immediately felt a sigh of relief. Looking at the young man with a pale face in the distance, he couldnt help but feel a bit of pity for him. The other party was probably still thinking about recruiting an obedient long-term worker. Sorry to disappoint you. ... "Uncle Thirteen, what do you think is going through this mans head? Does he not know that signing the Netherworld contract in Qingyang City is akin to a life servitude contract?" The white-clad young man Lu? Liang wore a smile, sincerely looking at Chen Mu from a distance, but couldnt help transmitting his voice secretly to the old man beside him using a Secret Technique. "Typically, only when winter approaches and Black Wind Strange Demons run amok would lost souls and wandering spirits try every means to seek refuge in a city." "But most of them would go to Guard Cities, where the contracts are more lenient, more like an agreed upon observation period that lets Yin Spirits demonstrate their capabilities and assess whether the master is worth serving." "Qingyang City, being a central city, would penalize even the guaranteeing families if any Yin Spirit causes trouble, so the guaranteeing contracts are as stringent as life servitude contracts." The elderly man with flower-like hair, Lu? Thirteen, replied emotionlessly, also whispering back, "My guess is that this man either has urgent matters that only Qingyang City can solve, or hes a foreigner." "Could he have been tricked by these bandits?" Lu? Liang spoke with an odd tone. Just arrived in a strange land, unfamiliar with the place, captured a group of bandits to inquire about news, only to be misled by them and enticed to go to Qingyang City?@@@@ "Its not impossible," Lu? Thirteen nodded slightly. "Tsk, what a pity..." Lu? Liang mused gleefully inside. "Should we still vouch for him?" asked Lu? Thirteen. "Why wouldnt we?" Lu? Liangs face beamed with kindness, even nodding towards Chen Mu from afar, "A fighter offered for free, it would be foolish not to accept." ... After leaving behind a chest of goods as a toll, the Lv Family caravan set off again. Inside the leading carriage, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three men including Chen Mu took their seats beside the tea table. Lu? Liang turned to Chen Mu on his left, starting with a face full of friendly sincerity, "I am Lu? Liang, the Young Master of the Lv Familys business. May I ask your name?" Chen Mu didnt hide much, and readily replied, "I am Lu Da." His neck was stiff as if rusted, creaking as it turned, and he found himself looking straight into Chen Mus eyes, now narrowed to slits. Is this man responsible?! Lu? Liang felt his hair stand on end in an instant! He thought he was dealing with an easy mark from out of town, but it turned out to be a ferocious dragon crossing the river! Doomed! ... "We indeed know nothing about Fengdu City," said the gray-haired elder Lu? Thirteen with a wry smile and a shake of his head. Lu? Liang, however, leaned back on the soft couch with a sullen face and said nothing. He prided himself on his cleverness, thinking he could trick someone into becoming a free enforcer for his own family, only to end up being thoroughly duped instead. Chen Mu, with great interest, watched Lu? Liang, feigning regret and mimicking Lu? Liangs earlier expression, he sighed with affected solemnity, "This Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed might be a bit unfair to you; I really didnt want to plant it in you, alas... But its a pity that you tried to trick me into signing a life-debt contract, isnt it?" Nonsense! Youve been planning to plant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in us from the moment we got on. Youre just pretending to be a fool, deliberately luring me into a trap. Lu? Liangs face immediately turned beet red with anger. Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh out loud. Too young, indeed. If you didnt come to trap me, how would I make my move? This is called justified retaliation. Ignoring the sulking Lu? Liang, Chen Mu straightened his expression and continued to quiz Lu? Thirteen about Fengdu City. "Do you have any other knowledge about Fengdu City, such as the name of the city lord, unique landscapes, or perhaps famous legends and rumors?" Lu? Thirteen asked cautiously. Chen Mu couldnt help but scratch his head. He only knew the name Fengdu City from Shen Yan, and he barely understood anything else. Right! "I know that Fengdu City is currently building a City God Dojo, and it is said they are recruiting people to return to the mortal world in the Yang Realm," Chen Mu exclaimed excitedly. Lu? Thirteens eyes widened immediately. Lu? Liang on the soft couch sat up abruptly as if resurrected: "Really?!" What does this mean? Chen Mu was somewhat puzzled. "Qingyang City belongs to Yinshan Prefecture, and the establishment of our Yinshan Prefectures City God Dojo in the Yang Realm dates back six thousand five hundred years ago." "And that Fengdu City is just starting to build a City God Dojo now? That... thats somewhat unbelievable," said Lu? Thirteen, knitting his brow tightly. "Given this, its likely that no one in Qingyang City knows about Fengdu City." Chen Mu was not dismayed but delighted: "Your Yinshan Prefecture had a City God Dojo as early as six thousand years ago? So, does that mean Qingyang City has the ability to send Yin Spirits back to the mortal realm in the Yang Realm?" Lu? Liang nodded involuntarily: "Indeed, Qingyang City is currently recruiting Living Gods, and our family has also been conscripted for the task. Weve been worrying about finding enough manpower to respond to the Conscription Order." Hey! Isnt this just perfect? Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh out loud. Chapter 499 - 491 Settle Down "Are you sure you want to go to the Yang Realm now?" "Of course," Chen Mu nodded. Whats there to hesitate about? I am a living person, after all. What am I doing staying in the Nether Yin Underworld all the time? "Since three hundred years ago, when the vital energy of Kangzhou in the Yang Realm started to recover, the world has gradually become chaotic, with constant strife over the past hundred years. Especially in the region where our Qingyang City is located, out of every ten Living Gods, at least five have died in the Yang Realm." "And knowing that, you still want to go to the Yang Realm?" Lu? Liang asked with a curious look on his face. Kangzhou? Vital energy recovery? Five out of ten died in the Yang Realm? This... Is it that dangerous?! "Cough, its not that I cant delay it a little." ... Five days later, eight hundred miles west of Qingyang City, in Fengan City. Inside Ningyun Square, surrounded by a small courtyard with a skywell, Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair, staring absentmindedly at the fiery-red Moonlight Tree on the west side of the yard. Having determined that the profession of a Living God was too dangerous, he decided to slow down and take action later. He didnt even enter Qingyang City but waited outside the city borders, then followed Lu? Liang, who had finished his business, to Fengan City. With years of moving experience and the help of local snake Lu? Liang, he quickly adapted to the new environment. With his profound Yin Spirit Divine Power and the maxed-out Dew Harvesting Spell, he could condense around a hundred and eighty Jade Dew Pearls in an hour, enough to ensure he had no worries about food and drink in Fengan City. He could even be considered a small wealthy man. Previously in Antiquity City, buying a copy of the Flight of Flame Scripture required saving up Jade Dew Pearls for over a month, but now, he would only need two or three days to accumulate enough. Unfortunately, the secret techniques that were allowed to be widely circulated were all similar to the Flight of Flame Scripture, low in ceiling and high in risk, and they were of little use to him now. With a handful of Jade Dew Pearls but unable to buy any dharma curses to his liking, Chen Mu clicked his tongue and shook his head, shifting his thoughts back to returning to the Yang Realm. According to Lu? Liang, Yinshan Prefecture had been sending Yin Soldiers to the Yang Realm for over six thousand years. However, in Yunzhou, the Nether Yin Underworld was merely folklore. Moreover, having been in Yunzhou for over a decade, he had only faintly noticed a decrease in the concentration of the Earth Spirit Element, with no actual revitalization of vital energy. And then there was Kangzhou. He knew Jilong Road was in Yunzhou and that the region adjacent across the vast barren mountains was called Haizhou, but what on earth was Kangzhou? "Living God, City God Dojo, vital energy recovery, tsk tsk, troublesome..." After thinking for a bit, he couldnt help scratching his head. "This is completely unfamiliar territory, fraught with unknown dangers." "Previously, all I thought about was leaving the Nether Yin Underworld. As soon as I heard about it, I wanted to run off and become a Living God, which was really imprudent." "It seems I could reach a brand new level today." Glancing at his current experience, he began to grind exp intently. ... At dusk, the sky grew dim. Hum! A violent tremor spread through the air, and a head-sized pitch-dark sphere appeared in front of Chen Mu. The surface of the sphere was clear like glass, filled with an inky blackness resembling mist on the inside. At first glance, it looked similar to those glass ball toys from his previous life filled with fine sand and liquid. But Chen Mu was well aware that it was no toy, but instead a high-explosive bomb. The seemingly calm and slow-moving black mist was actually a copious amount of Nine Nether Green Flames from the third layer of the Limbo, which would have turned into a fiery sea shooting up into the sky if not for the water from the third layer of the River of Oblivion suppressing it. Even so, faint trails of explosive energy still leaked out. On the west side of the courtyard, two Moonlight Trees swayed without wind, their fiery red leaves rustling as if their tops were being bent by a gale, all leaning to one side away from the dark fireball in Chen Mus hand. "I wonder if this could actually kill a Yin Soldier," Chen Mu thought excitedly. Right now, he felt like he was holding a giant firework, always wanting to throw it into a pond or a manure pit to see what would happen. After a long while, he managed to suppress the impulse, his face showing regret. "Forget it. Ive just arrived and havent completed half a year, I should try to keep a low profile." He had finally found a stable place to stay, and he didnt want to cause any trouble. "Its just a pity that Netherworld Guide has already reached its peak, and I cant cultivate it further." With a twist of his wrist, he extinguished the black fireball as the grey wall emerged in front of Chen Mu. Netherworld Guide: Limit; It was precisely with the Netherworld Guide at the Perfection Level that he was able to compress a large amount of Nine Nether Green Flames and perfectly merge it with River of Oblivion Water, creating a high-explosive, highly corrosive, and high-temperature secret technique bomb. By his own estimate, whether in terms of explosive impact or corrosive burning power, this fireball had already surpassed the attached Fire Bell Secret Technique of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. If he were to gather Divine Power using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture before deploying it, it wouldnt be raining fire from the sky, but raining bombs! Explore hidden tales at novelhall.Co?m "This counts as another method for breaching defenses." In the secret techniques pertaining to the Heavenly Demon True Body, the Five Elements Escape Technique and the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed are more supportive with only Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles presenting itself as a viable offensive option. Now, having this secret technique bomb, his sense of safety immediately increased by three... erm, one and a half points. "I still need to find a higher-end secret technique to practice." Chen Mu still felt uneasy, "I need to find time to inquire with Lu? Liang." "However, after such a long delay, its time to integrate myself with the locals." "Ive decided, Ill go to Night Lan Shan tonight!" "I heard the female ghosts there can tell stories, sing operas, and perform shamanic dances quite extraordinarily; many locals enjoy watching." "Thats definitely a good place to gather information!" Chen Mu said solemnly. Chapter 500 - 492 Misunderstanding In the east garden of the City Lord Mansion of Fengan City, by the wooden corridor in front of the gate. Lu? Liang leaned against the long, low table next to him, sitting askew on a meditation cushion, leisurely drinking tea while staring at the storybook in his hand. Lu? Thirteen sat opposite with a solemn expression, "Young Lord, we have tried everything, whether actively or passively, but we cant reveal any information about the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to outsiders." "Its as if a seed has been planted in the depths of our hearts. Any information detrimental to that person instinctively becomes something we do not wish others to know." "This persons divine skills are really a bit sinister." Yet, Lu? Liang appeared completely unfazed as if he had anticipated this all along. After pouring more tea into Lu? Thirteens cup in front of him, he then turned to ask, "Uncle Thirteen, have you ever observed the patch of starry sky brought about by the Spiritual Seed?" "I havent explored that yet. I only know that each star represents a secret technique. Do you have any discoveries, Young Lord?" Lu? Thirteen shook his head, his mind had been occupied these past few days with trying to send messages outward and he hadnt given any thought to this. Moreover, he found the others divine skills eerie and felt a natural wariness towards the pitch-black firmament that appeared in his mind, and thus refrained from investigating closely. "Initially, I thought it was just bait." Lu? Liang fiddled with his white jade tea cup, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, "But perhaps I paid too much attention to it. Incredibly, I actually did gain some inspiration from those stars." "Using genuine material as bait? His ambitions must be grand indeed!" Lu? Thirteen couldnt help but become solemn. "But this bait is too enticing; even knowing its a trap, we still have to burrow in," Lu? Liang sighed slightly. "Although several of the secret techniques are indeed rare treasures, our family isnt lacking, right? So why..." Lu? Thirteen was puzzled. The entire Fengan City belonged to their Lv Family. Although the Safe Heart Sutra, the Three Paths Curse, and the like were rarely seen outside, they were not difficult for the members of the Lv Family to learn. "Its the Jade Gate Curse," Lu? Liang said with a grave expression. "I suspect that it could very well be the Sacrificial Training Mantra of the Ghost Gate." "Related to the Ghost Gate?!" Lu? Thirteen exclaimed in surprise.@@@@ Lu? Liang couldnt help sighing, "The Ghost Gate is related to fathers Dao; he has been quietly attempting to replicate it for a long time." "But because of a lack of key knowledge, he has never been successful. Each attempt has resulted in the loss of a large number of elite Yin Spirits." "In that case, even if the bait is poisoned, we have no choice but to consume it," Lu? Liang said with a wry smile. "Could this be the scheme of that person from Qingyang City?" Lu? Thirteen said, full of worries. "No," Lu? Liang answered with conviction shaking his head, "If that stubborn old man knew about this persons divine skills, how could he not use them?" "Unlike now, where outwardly he appears tolerant but is actually rigorously defensive, spending all day balancing power dynamics." Lu? Thirteen also came to a realization and nodded along. "Shall I invite that person over?" Lu? Thirteen asked. "Im afraid well have to pay a personal visit," Lu? Liang shook his head. He really didnt want to see that person, but the Jade Gate Curse was like a carrot dangling in front of a donkey, compelling him to swallow his pride and yield. "What was he doing yesterday?" Lu? Liang asked offhandedly. "Drinking tea, strolling around, visiting Yelan Shan," Lu? Thirteen recalled, summarizing the reports in his hand. Lu? Liang curled his lip, "He sure lives a leisurely life, even having the leisure to visit Yelan Shan?" "What about the day before?" "Uh... drinking tea, strolling around, visiting Yelan Shan..." "He goes to Yelan Shan every day? Isnt he afraid of being sucked dry by those female ghosts?" Lu? Liang glared with annoyance, "Those are the tough sorts who cultivate the Rakshasa Celestial Maidens Method!" Recalling the reports, Lu? Thirteens expression became odd, "Every time he goes there, he just orders a pot of tea, watches the music and dance, and then leaves." "The people below even say he doesnt throw flower baskets or give tips, and is now marked by the madam." "She even specially arranged for bouncers to block him, saying that unless he pays triple the entrance fee, they wont let him in." Lu? Liang: "..." This... this is also a ruthless character! "What about before that, didnt he do something else?" "Oh, he seems to have sneaked into Changle Tower to steal the master chefs cooking skills. As for the rest of his time..." Lu? Thirteens lips twitched, then he gave a speechless look toward Lu? Liang. "Drinking tea, strolling around, going to Yelan Shan?" "Damn it!" Lu? Liangs face turned pitch black. ... "Nothing much, just find me some information about things like the City God Dojo and Living Gods," said Chen Mu nonchalantly, waving his hand. The Jade Gate Curse was precious, but he had already spread it widely in Nether Demon Heaven. Since they were all his "crops," and after death everything would be gathered by the Spiritual Seed, he honestly didnt care about having one more or one less. "No other demands?" Lu? Liangs brow furrowed deeply. Almost common knowledge and valueless information in exchange for the Ghost Gate Sacrificial Training Mantra? He didnt believe it! This person must have ulterior motives! "Other demands? Well, there actually is one more," Chen Mu said with a sly smile. Here it comes! Lu? Liang tensed up immediately. "Please help me find some secret techniques." "The more powerful the better, its best if they can be used for both offense and defense, and even better if its a technique that allows one to escape quickly," he added. "Sigh, the world is too dangerous, its best to learn more secret techniques to protect oneself." Having reached perfection with the Netherworld Guide and having no skills to level up on his True Form of Heavenly Demon, he had wanted to find some secret techniques through Lu? Liang. Now, this guy had actually shown up on his doorstep. Isnt this perfect... Just a few secret techniques, is that it? The required secret techniques might indeed be valuable, but compared to the Ghost Gate Dharma Curse... Lu? Liang couldnt help but frown. "Dont worry, once I learn them, its as if you have learned them too. I will definitely transmit them to you later, you wont suffer a loss," Chen Mu reassured him, mistaking Lu? Liangs reluctance to part with the secret techniques and decided to demonstrate the power of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to him. "Come on, just touch that star as you usually do." Lu? Liang reflexively did as Chen Mu said. Instantly, a shock went through him, realizing he had listened to the others nonsense. What if the other party meant to harm him?! Before he could think further, he saw countless silvery threads emerge in front of Chen Mu, then they burrowed into the void, and his mind was immediately flooded with countless realizations. In that instant, the complete ritual for the refinement and practice of the Ghost Gate was revealed in his mind! This was a Dharma that the City Lord of Qingyang City guarded jealously, one he would never allow his external generals to obtain! Now, it was given away as casually as if it were cabbage?! "See? Im very generous. Dont forget to find me some powerful Dharma," Chen Mu said, patting Lu? Liangs shoulder and casually left Changle Tower. It took quite a while for Lu? Liang to regain his senses amid the complex realizations. His face was expressionless, and he didnt feel any joy from acquiring the Ghost Gate practice in his heart at all. With the Ghost Gate, Fengan City would be able to travel to Beyond Heaven alone. As long as enough Spirit Mechanisms were plundered, the Yin Spirits within the city could cultivate quickly. And his father, who had been trapped in the Divine Fetus state for many years, might also be able to seize this opportunity to ascend to a Yin God, break away from Qingyang Citys control, and completely dominate the region around Fengan City. Such a secret technique was so easily handed to him? This... could there be some unfathomable scheme that I havent considered? Looking through the window towards the street, and seeing that guy who was meticulous even when visiting brothels, it seemed as if there was some terrifying demon lurking within his shadow. With just a bit of contemplation, he couldnt help but shiver. ... Completely unaware that he had become a great schemer in someone elses eyes, Chen Mu, with a changed face, strolled leisurely, humming a tune, and easily slipped into the night. Sitting near the dance floor on the first level, he deliberately reverted to Mo Wuzhous indifferent face from Jilong Road when he saw the corpulent madam approaching, a common disguise he used when visiting the night scene, which also caught the madams particular attention. Seeing her about to look his way, he even adjusted his position so the dim light from the Soul-Attracting Lamp above could clearly illuminate his face. Then, as he wished, he saw the madams face contort with anger, her thick eyebrows knitting together in frustration. Chen Mu immediately laughed. Trying to keep me out? Ha! Unless you shut your doors for good! Chen Mu, thoroughly enjoying himself, drank up the teapot, got his refill free of charge twice, and then with the fat madam glaring at him, casually walked into the night and disappeared. Chapter 501 - 493 Yin Wind Escape The next day. Lu? Liang personally arrived, bringing with him a Secret Technique and some material on Living Gods. After exchanging brief pleasantries, Chen Mu saw off the visitor and returned to the stone table in his courtyard, picking up a White Jade Gourd to examine. The Jade Gourd was the size of a palm, and had the three simple golden characters for Yin Wind Escape etched on it. A slight shake produced the sound of liquid colliding from within it, the Soul-Departing Soup. "Escape Skills are truly great," Chen Mu remarked with satisfaction. The fastest Escape Skill he currently possessed was Longitudinal Rainbow Light, but that thing consumed too much Mana. Given that his supply of White Jade Money was scarce and Mana exceedingly precious, he could not afford to use it carelessly. The Five Elements Escape Technique that came with his True Form of Heavenly Demon allowed for escape into the five elements and was impressive in its flexibility and variety, but its speed was not exceptional. Yin Wind Escape was different; according to Lu? Liang, high-speed Flying Escape was the strong suit of this Secret Technique. Moreover, it utilized Yin Spirit Divine Power, which could be replenished, so there was no fear of depleting it. "Such a good Secret Technique," he murmured. He switched to the little bald image of the Heavenly Demon True Body, pulled the stopper from the Jade Gourd, and gulped it down in one go. It felt like drinking a cup of ice water in the midst of summer; a chilling stream flowed down his throat into his stomach, turning warm almost instantly and spreading rapidly to every limb. In just a moment, his whole body felt warm as though he were soaking in a hot bath. Before Chen Mu could even close his eyes to enjoy the sensation, a sudden, piercing pain shot through the lower back area. The pain came and went quickly, vanishing almost as soon as Chen Mu reached to touch his lower backit disappeared as if it were an illusion. Chen Mu pulled his clothes aside on his back, his neck stretching like a rubber hose, allowing his head to twist 180 degrees with ease. He looked down to see a palm-sized, tangled silver thread pattern right across from his navel on his lower back. At the same time, his mind was filled with numerous insights, which at a glance, seemed oddly familiar. Upon closer examination, he realized that some of the contents had appeared before in the Mountain-Carrying Scriptures Fire Bell Secret Technique and he had also experienced some of it in the Five Ghosts Great Escape Technique. "It seems like they are manifestations of some kind of innate ability of the Ghosts," he concluded. "But clearly, the latter two are just partial applications, whereas Yin Wind Escape is more focused and extreme." With a thought, the bald image of his Heavenly Demon True Form appeared. After securing his True Flesh Body in Thousand Lanterns City for protection, black mist began to emerge around Bald Chen Mu. The next moment, he soared into the sky like a rocket, with a weird whistling sound, zipping into the air and disappearing into the grey clouds in a blink. Then he made a twist and, using the clouds as cover, flew off at full speed; in the span of two breaths, the vast Fengan City below was left far behind. Feeling the knife-like cold wind in his face, and experiencing the flying speed that was already approaching that of Longitudinal Rainbow Light despite his beginners level, Chen Mu was thrilled and couldnt help but let out a loud roar, his face breaking into a huge smile. After circling around Fengan City for more than half an hour, gaining a preliminary mastery of Yin Wind Escape, Chen Mu reluctantly returned to Fengan City and landed in his courtyard within Ningyun Square. "Do we really not need to inform the City Lord?" Lu? Thirteen hesitated somewhat. "Ive been studying the Jade Gate Curse these days and I have a premonition that this time I might actually be able to conjure the Ghost Gate Passage." Lu? Liangs expression grew ever more solemn as he browsed through information that hovered in the stars of his mind. "There are some unreliable people around my father. Alerting my father in advance could likely draw prying eyes from Qingyang City." "Once I manage to conjure the Ghost Gate Passage, by then I can let my father directly lead people to Beyond Heaven." Lu? Thirteen nodded: "That makes sense. Once the raw rice is cooked, even if someone signals outside then, itll be too late." "Ill need Thirteens help to cover for me in the next few days," Lu? Liang said earnestly. "Dont worry, young master," Lu? Thirteen nodded solemnly, "It just so happens that you acquired a Five Dragons Scripture from Qingyang City last time. On that pretext of closed-door study of this new Secret Technique, it would make perfect sense. Ill blatantly gather some auxiliary cultivation precious medicines, and outsiders wont detect any anomalies." Lu? Liang nodded, took a deep breath, and the Yin Spirit Divine Power surged within him. Bang! On the mountain-like pile of River of Oblivion stones, black Nine Nether Green Flames suddenly blazed into existence. With the Jade Gate Curses understanding flowing in his heart, Lu? Liang carefully controlled the flames to purify the River of Oblivion stones, beginning the refinement of the Ghost Gate. ... In a small courtyard of Ningyun Square. Under the Moonlight Tree, by a square stone table, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair. A jade tablet etched with intricate silver patterns floated before his eyes, and he watched it, spellbound, with squinted eyes. For the past few days, he had been absorbed in the information recorded on the jade tablet, to the extent that he had rarely visited the night markets. After a good while, the jade tablet drifted into a wooden box on the stone table, and Chen Mu opened his eyes thoughtfully. He had finally gained a basic understanding of this so-called City God Dojo. According to the jade tablet, the City God Dojo is a point of guidance established in the human world by the Netherworld, mainly for directing Yin Spirits to leave the Yang Realm and prevent them from causing trouble. Temples and monasteries of common traditional worship systems, such as the City Divine Temple and Land God Temple, are the bases for the City God Dojo. Living Gods are key to the Dojo. Once Yin Spirits inhabit the temple statues in a special way, becoming Living Gods, they generate dojos that cover certain areas. In the area covered by its radiation, any new Yin Spirits would be drawn into the River of Oblivion. And within the Dojo, an Exotic Force exists that bathes its surroundings, strengthening the body and even giving rise to the secret Martial Dao of cultivating physical vigor and blood, which is quite remarkable. "Yunzhou also has folk worship traditions, but I havent heard of any City God Dojo?" Chen Mu tried hard to recall information related to Yunzhou, but no matter what, he couldnt connect it with the content recorded in the jade tablet. "Is it because of regional differences?" The dojos established by the Netherworld in Yinshan Prefecture were all in Kangzhou; is Yunzhou different because its too far from Kangzhou? "The more I read, the more puzzled I get," Chen Mu couldnt help frowning and shaking his head. Chapter 502 - 494 Strange Demon Fengan City, in a small courtyard of Ningyun Square. Chen Mu was lost in thought, stroking the Jade Tablet that contained information about the Living Gods. According to the content on the Jade Tablet, Living Gods must go to the City God Dojo in Yinshan Prefecture City and sign a Divine-Sealing Pact that lasts for a hundred years. During this time, the Yin Spirits would be confined near the statues in the dojo, not permitted to leave. "No wonder the reward is generous, but they still forcibly recruit. This is basically like going to jail." The Jade Tablet also recorded that, starting from over a thousand years ago, Kangzhou witnessed a large surge of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Demons, spirits, Qi Cultivators, and practitioners from unorthodox paths appeared one after another. In the struggle for domains rich in Vital Energy, wars broke out frequently. Many Living Gods were affected, perishing alongside their dojos. "Then whats the point in playing along?" Chen Mu looked displeased. Yinshan Prefecture City and the City God Dojo were both in Kangzhou. With chaos everywhere in Kangzhou at the moment, he would normally be avoiding trouble at all costs, not heading straight into it. "Maybe I can take a look at Taishan Prefecture next door to Yinshan Prefecture." The Taishan Prefecture City God Dojo was established in Fenzhou, far from Kangzhou, which might be a little safer. "That Divine-Sealing Pact is also a problem." "A hundred years confined to a spot; if I really do that, what use would there be in continuing my Qi Cultivation?" Chen Mu scoffed and shook his head, putting away the Jade Tablet. "Lets just hang around in Fengan City for a while longer." He had been in the Netherworld for nearly three years, two of which were spent in Nether Demon Heaven. His understanding of the Netherworld was limited, so he planned to spend more time in Fengan City. He would thoroughly understand the Netherworld eventually, at least clarifying the details of the Divine-Sealing Pact, before attempting to return to the Yang Realm. ... The sky in the Netherworld was always overcast, and the pale Bai Yang sunlight brought little warmth, but for Yin Spirits, this environment was very comfortable. Although the wilderness beyond the city was still ridden with dangers such as Black Wind and Strange Demons, the cities where Yin Spirits gathered were extremely safe. Moreover, the cities were rich in resources. As long as one stayed within the city walls and did not venture out, life was extremely easy and peaceful. Chen Mu stayed in his small courtyard in Ningyun Square, with no worries about food and drink. He idly gained experience and, when he had free time, he would visit the night market. Life was too comfortable to be true. Half a year passed in the blink of an eye. That day, under the Moonlight Tree, Chen Mu was sitting cross-legged on a rocking chair, habitually opening the grey wall interface to look at two sections. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 9033/10000/First Rank; Yin Wind Escape: 3536/10000/Fourth Rank; During this time, he practiced Yin Wind Escape every day. Whenever he felt like it, he would sneak into the sky for a flight, with the experience points steadily rising, progressing through two stages. His speed had already surpassed Longitudinal Rainbow Light, making it his fastest technique for escaping. And the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture, which he casually practiced in his spare time, was also close to reaching the limit of the First Rank. Looking at the nearly advanced Calculation Scripture, Chen Mu became interested and immediately decided to try calculating the weather as a test. He plucked a handful of long slender grass from the corner of the wall, skillfully tied knots, arranged, and reorganized them, then started calculating with the help of his fingers. "Hmm... It was sunny yesterday, not a cloud in sight..." "Yesterday? I dont need you to calculate yesterdays weather for me!" Chen Mu threw the grass aside in disappointment. "As expected, its just something to mess with people, good for nothing but a laugh." ... In the east garden of Fengan City Lord Mansion, within a hidden underground space, stood a gray, three-story high archway. "He actually managed to cultivate the Ghost Gate?!" Lu? Thirteen was shocked. Lu? Liang was equally overwhelmed by emotion. Despite having crafted it bit by bit by his own hands, he couldnt help but marvel at it. Having confidence in the additional information provided with the Jade Gate Curse is one thing, but actually succeeding in crafting the Ghost Gate was another. "What is this Mr. Lus background exactly? He actually knows the method to cultivate the Ghost Gate?" Overwhelmed by a huge surprise and a hint of trepidation, Lu? Thirteen couldnt help but wonder. If it was just about controlling the Dharma Curse, there were others in Qingyang City who knew how. But to know the method to craft the Ghost Gate, that really was known only to the Lord of Qingyang City alone. Yet this suddenly-appeared Mr. Lu knew of it, and also casually leaked it to Lu? Liang. What dark plots might lie behind this? "I want to know that myself," Lu? Liang said with a complicated expression. "What has he been up to these days?" He was very certain that what he had seen was a creature that resembled a whale, black as pitch, with numerous flesh-like tendrils on its body. Simply the aura it unintentionally emitted had left him unable to move; had it decided to attack... "Hiss!" "Damn it! You really cant stay outside the city for even a moment!" He immediately activated the Five Elements Escape Technique, turning into a Gentle Breeze to blend into the air, following the clouds cautiously while distancing himself. Once tens of miles away, he swiftly activated the Yin Wind Escape, speeding away like he was on fire, flying rapidly towards Fengan City. ... In the small courtyard of Ningyun Square. "Does Fengan City have a method to deal with Strange Demons?" Chen Mu asked, gazing anxiously at Lu? Liang. This was the third day since he had encountered the Strange Demon, and coincidentally Lu? Liang was visiting. Chen Mu, who had been in a state of constant fear, couldnt help but inquire about the citys defenses. "Of course, we do," Lu? Liang nodded confidently. "The Moonlight Trees can emit a fragrance that Strange Demons detest. The Moonburge Forest outside the city is Fengan Citys first line of defense." "Moreover, at the founding of Fengan City, Dharma Curses were employed to repel and guard against Strange Demons." "Even if the Strange Demons really attacked, the Thousand Blade Camp has two hundred thousand Yin Soldiers, more than enough to resist." Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "Have you noticed anything unusual, Mister Lu?" Lu? Liang asked curiously. "Indeed, I encountered a Strange Demon about two hundred miles outside the city," Chen Mu did not conceal the truth and shared his experience. "Two hundred miles away? Thats beyond Fengan Citys effective range; its normal for Strange Demons to appear there," Lu? Liang said with a smile. Chen Mu couldnt help but nod. Previously, hed been circling around Fengan City. This time, he went too far, and thats why he had the misfortune of encountering one. A person really should not be reckless. Coming to his senses, Chen Mu curiously looked at Lu? Liang: "As the Young City Lord busy with a myriad of affairs, what brings you to my place?" "Ive seen for myself Mr. Lus ability to transmit Secret Techniques, and Im very eager to learn the other Secret Techniques you have mastered. I wonder..." Lu? Liangs face was filled with longing. "Of course, I wouldnt let you trouble yourself for nothing," he said as he took out a palm-sized Jade Gourd from his waist bag and handed it over with both hands. "This contains a Secret Technique called Five Dragons Scripture from Qingyang City. Its strong in both offense and defense, and it is said that if cultivated deeply, it can even withstand the edge of Divine Fetus Yin Spirits." "You see..." "No problem!" Chen Mu waved his hand nonchalantly, even feeling a bit excited. A Secret Technique capable of withstanding the edge of Divine Fetus, thats a great thing! "Tell me, which Secret Technique do you want? Ill pass it to you right now." "Its not just that I long for it; my subordinates do as well," Lu? Liang hurriedly added. "The few dozen people who accompanied you to Qingyang City to escort living creatures?" Chen Mu inquired. Your next chapter awaits on novelhall.Co?m "Uh... Yes, them, but not just them," Lu? Liang replied with an embarrassed smile. What does he mean? "My father has just granted me twenty thousand Yin Soldiers, and I want to provide them with some protection." "So..." Chen Mu was suddenly stunned in place. Twenty thousand?! Youre really trying to work me to death! Chapter 503 - 495 Longevity Scripture Fengan City, Ningyun Square courtyard. "Have me embed the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into more than twenty thousand Yin soldiers, and then pass on the Transmission Secret Method one by one?" "No way!" Chen Mu gripped the White Jade Gourd containing the Soul-Departing Soup from the East Pole Longevity Scripture and did not let go, but his head shook like a rattle-drum. Lu? Liang stared at Chen Mu speechlessly, You want the East Pole Longevity Scripture, but dont want to do the work? Really... "How about, I find you a few more Secret Techniques?" "Find... even finding a few more Secret Techniques wont do." Chen Mu continued to shake his head. "My time is very precious. I cant waste it on this." he said resolutely. Time is precious? If time is so precious, then why do you keep running off to night revelries? "What if I could take care of the Divine-Sealing Pact for you?" "If you really want to go to the Yang Realm, the Divine-Sealing Pact is an obstacle you cant get around." "And I, the Young City Lord of Fengan City, can help you bypass certain harsh conditions." Lu? Liang took out his trump card. "Can you change the hundred-year restriction in the pact?!" Chen Mu was immediately delighted. "I cant do that." Lu? Liang shook his head: "But we have ways to employ the Substitute Puppet Technique, letting someone else endure a hundred years in the City God Dojo on your behalf." "For over a thousand years, there have always been native Yin Spirits like me curious about the Yang Realm, wanting to see different sights. So..." Lu? Liang shrugged with ease. Chen Mu suddenly realized. In the Netherworld, most Yin Spirits come from the River of Oblivion. But Yin Spirits are flesh and blood, an alternative form of life. With the combination of Yin and Yang, it is natural for offspring to be conceived. These newborn Yin Spirits have only heard descriptions of the Yang Realm from their elders; theyve never seen it, so longing is inevitable. Ordinary Yin Spirits mostly harbor a mere wish, and few would guard the City God Dojo for a hundred years just for a thought. But second-generation city dwellers like Lu? Liang have the strength and resources to exploit loopholes to see the Yang Realm for themselves. "Your Jade Tablet didnt mention this." Chen Mus face darkened. "After all, its not an official route, how could it be widely known?" Lu? Liang waved his hand and chuckled lightly. Its those unspoken hidden rules, I get it. However... "The Divine-Sealing Pact requires a signature at Yinshan Prefecture City, Fengan City is just a Guard City under Qingyang City, do you really have the power to exploit this loophole?" Chen Mu expressed doubt. "In the past, indeed we had to look at others faces, and the cost was enormous. But in no more than a year, that will no longer be a problem." Lu? Liang said mysteriously. "And we have to thank you for providing the Ghost Gate. My City Lord father has already led troops to Beyond Heaven. Just wait till he captures enough Spirit Mechanism, he can then advance to a Yin God." "By then, Fengan City will be on equal footing with Qingyang City, and slightly intervening in the Divine-Sealing Pact, applying the Substitute Puppet Technique, wont be so difficult." The City Lord of Fengan City actually went to Beyond Heaven? And he can soon advance to a Yin God? There hasnt been a hint of unusual news within the city; this has been well hidden! "Can you make decisions in place of your father?" Chen Mu was somewhat hesitant. "I am the Young City Lord!" Tsk, I forgot this is a genuine second-generation city dweller. "This matter... its not impossible." Chen Mu smacked his lips. Back in Nether Demon Heaven, he scattered far more than twenty thousand Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds. It was just a matter of gritting ones teeth and enduring, tiring, but not difficult. If he could safely return to the Yang Realm... its worth a try! After pondering for a while, Chen Mu took out a Black Leather Scroll: "Take it to have your twenty thousand Yin soldiers recite it." "You agree?" Lu? Liang was delighted: "This scripture is..." "The Heavenly Demon Curse, Curse Words that draw the Spirit Seed into the body." "Have your subordinate Yin soldiers silently recite the Scripture Scrolls. A thousand times for many, at least once for few, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed will naturally appear in their bodies." The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed was somewhat nefarious, and Chen Mu didnt want too many people to know about him, that was too dangerous. Using the Heavenly Demon Curse carried no such risk, it could attract the Spirit Seed, and he wouldnt need to show himself, safe. ... East garden of the City Lord Mansion in Fengan City. On the exterior corridor outside the door, Lu? Liang stared at the black-skinned scripture on the long low table in front of him, lost in thought. "This nameless scripture is that mans plot?" Lu? Thirteen couldnt help but speak up: "Does he intend to seed more people with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed?" "Some scriptures are quite sinister, capable of exploiting these flaws to insidiously plant evil thoughts. They make you no longer yourself, like a walking corpse." "That sinister?!" The thought made the short, stocky man shiver, looking at the scripture he had turned the pages of. Seeing the short, stocky mans fear, the small-eyed middle-aged man couldnt help but smirk. As an undercover agent, rashness was not an option. This was a good opportunity to teach him a lesson. He remained silent, slowly flipping through the pages. After a while, when the short, stocky man couldnt help but start trembling in his legs, the middle-aged man closed the book with great solemnity. "This scripture..." He drew out his words, leaving the other person in suspense. "This scripture, it..." Watching the others state of tension, he couldnt help but laugh inwardly. But as he laughed, he froze in place, not daring to move. He saw a pitch-black sky canvas with over a dozen bright stars suddenly and silently appear in his mind! When? What is this? Why did it appear in my mind?! Is there really something wrong with this scripture? Im done for! Just then, the short, stocky man spoke up innocently, "After reading this scripture, apart from having an extra piece of sky in my head, I didnt feel any evil thoughts, so it cant be problematic, right?" "You actually know the consequences of reciting this scripture?!" The small-eyed middle-aged mans eyes bulged out in astonishment. "You knew and you didnt tell me?" "Whose undercover agent are you, damn it?!" "Son of a bitch!" ... In Fengan City, at Ningyun Square. Chen Mu lay beneath the Moonlight Tree. A pearl the size of a walnut, plump and smooth, hovered before his eyes. Star-sparkling Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds formed a ring orbit, slowly circling the round pearl. At a certain moment, a murmur of dense whispers passed by his ears, as though countless people were calling his name at once. Chen Mu felt slightly dazed, and when he came to, he saw that most of the spirit seeds surrounding the Divine Fetus pearl had vanished. Countless invisible connections suddenly appeared in his heart. "Theyre leaving already?" Chen Mu scratched his head. When Shen Yan used the Heavenly Demon Curse to draw the spirit seeds, it was equally sudden. He hadnt even noticed when the spirit seeds vanished into thin air and appeared within Shen Yan without a trace. This time he focused his attention closely, yet he had only detected a faint sense of haziness. "How can it just disappear here and appear over there despite the distance? Wormhole travel? Quantum entanglement? Ha..." Chen Mu amused himself with wild speculation until he laughed at his own thoughts. Just as he regained his senses, the Divine Fetus pearl suddenly emitted a gentle, lustrous, white light, and tiny sparkling pearls appeared around the Divine Fetus, instantly replenishing the missing spirit seeds. "It can replenish automatically?" "It seems the Divine Fetus is becoming more perfect," he shrugged with a cheerful grin. Not long after, the sense of dizziness returned, and a large number of Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds disappeared again. ... For two days straight, this occasional sense of distraction kept recurring. Because of this, Chen Mu deliberately secluded himself in the depths of Thousand Lanterns City, where, though bereft of daylight, was indeed a place that could shield against external dangers. Only after another three days did he return to his small courtyard. Now, sparse recitations of the Heavenly Demon Curse could still be heard, but they could no longer affect his spirit. On one hand, he had grown accustomed to these calls, and on the other, the peak period of drawing spirit seeds had passed, and the number of practitioners had greatly reduced. "But... the numbers seem a bit off, dont they?" Chen Mu, somewhat uncertain, rubbed his shining, bald head. With the Divine Fetus automatically replenishing the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds, it was difficult for him to calculate precisely. "Never mind, its just a few more people, who still rely on returning to the Yang Realm." "Besides, its not like its all for nothing." Chen Mu chuckled and pulled out a White Jade Gourd. "The Five Dragons Scripture, a method that can counter the Divine Fetus edge, I must practice quickly!" He uncorked and gulped it down. "Im eager to see what mysteries this Secret Technique holds." Chen Mu rubbed his hands together and closed his eyes in anticipation. ``` Chapter 504 - 496 Five Dragon Dharma Body "Hmm..." A melodious sound appeared by my ear. Chen Mu suddenly came to his senses and involuntarily looked towards the grey wall. Five Dragons Scripture: 5/10000/First Rank; "Ive already entered the threshold..." Intermittent insights surfaced in his mind. He couldnt help but extend his right hand, operating the Yin Spirit Divine Power. A faint black light flashed around his body, and fallen leaves on the ground moved without windthe presence of an unseen force appeared beside him. This force seemed to come alive, swirling and flowing around him; the two Moonlight Trees in the yard were like ostriches sensing a fierce beast, their fiery red leaves huddling together, rustling as if shuddering. "Five Dragon Dharma Body?" Chen Mu felt a surge of joy in his heart. According to the feedback from the grey wall, the Dharma Aspect is exclusive to those who have reached Perfection in the Divine Fetus Realm, capable of initially manifesting Innate Divine Demon Powers, emanating an aura similar to that surrounding divine demonsa ceaseless, vibrant energy with protective, deterring, defensive, and retaliatory properties. The Five Dragons Scripture is mysterious, utilizing Yin Spirit Divine Power to artificially create the Five Dragon Dharma Body. It possesses an innate protective aura and formidable life-absorbing strength. Apart from requiring a significant external force for cultivation and maintenance, its power is nearly identical to that of the Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect. "Why do I feel like its an invisible Magic Artifact crafted using Yin Spirit Divine Power?" Chen Mu marveled to himself. "I underestimated Old Shen before." That old fellow was a Divine Fetus Realm Yin Spirit, and he didnt put up much resistance after being suppressed by the Yama Emperors Command. Chen Mu thought that was all there was to a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit.@@@@ Now, he realized that his opponent must have been severely injured by Lan Zhang beforehand, and initially wanted to cunningly trap Chen Mu, which is why he didnt display much of his power. But in reality, the power of the Divine Fetus was incredibly strong. For instance, Lan Zhang, who had also cultivated a Divine Fetus, managed to achieve great feats with immeasurable strength. "With the Five Dragon Dharma Body to counteract the daunting aura of consciousness, if I encounter that long-bearded whale again, I should no longer be dazed, right?" Chen Mu thought of the bright yellow eyeballs and still couldnt suppress his astonishment and fear. After careful consideration, Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief, "Well... Id better avoid encountering it again if I can." Though he might still be unable to face the whale-like Strange Demon, the mysterious nature of the Five Dragon Dharma Body was undeniable. It allowed a Yin Soldier to gain Divine Fetus powers in advancethis alone was not something ordinary Secret Techniques could achieve. "What a Secret Technique!" ... Two days later, inside the small courtyard of Ningyun Square. Chen Mu watched Lu? Liang helplessly, finding the Five Dragons Scripture excellent, but when it was time to pay the price, he couldnt help but feel a headache coming on. "Twenty thousand men..." Lu? Liang carefully scrutinized Chen Mus expression, realizing that Chen Mu seemed genuinely unaware of the number of Spiritual Seeds sowed and immediately tensed up. He hesitated for a long while, still not daring to bring up the matter of the additional one hundred and eighty thousand auxiliary troops. What if Chen Mu decided to quit? "Say it, what Secret Technique do you want?" Chen Mu struggled for a while, finally exhaling in resignation. He still needed the others help to complete the Divine-Sealing Pact; he had no choice but to put in the effort. "Mountain-Carrying Scripture!" Lu? Liang had given it some thought. "You have good taste," Chen Mu said, his eyebrows raised. This Secret Technique excelled in cooperative strength and was very suitable for commanding Yin Soldiers. "Teaching you the method is no problem, but first you need to give me a thousand Yin Soldiers." "The Transmission Secret Method requires Yin Spirit Divine Power, and my own strength is limited; I need to draw upon the strength of the Yin Soldiers." "Are you using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to extract Divine Power and then perform the Secret Technique?" Lu? Liang realized suddenly. The Mountain-Carrying Scripture was indeed extraordinary! "I would like you to stay at the City Lord Mansion for a few days," Lu? Liang invited eagerly. "No need, I like my small courtyard. Its quiet and no one bothers me," Chen Mu declined, shaking his head. He had no intention of going to the City Lord Mansion; such high-profile residences were too complicated and troublesome for his taste. Lu? Liang looked around; this small courtyard could not accommodate a thousand Yin Spirits. Gathering them in the vicinity would be quite noticeable. Chen Mu chuckled and immediately opened up Thousand Lanterns City, swallowing Lu? Liang into it. "Get it now?" "Master has remarkable powers!" "Well, theyre just average, haha..." ... As soon as these people had entered Thousand Lanterns City, he had passed on the Three Paths Curse to them, using it to aid his collection of weak water, speeding up the tracing back to the origins of the Divine Fetus. Transmission Secret Method? Explore stories at novelhall.Co?m Of course, Ill attend to that after I finish my daily cultivation. Feeling the raging weak water surging towards him, Chen Mu grimaced in pain. "I need fewer people, yeah!" All one thousand before him were Yin Soldiers who had cultivated Ghost Patterns, and compared to the previous five to six thousand support troops, the accelerating effect of the Three Paths Curse had doubled! Just the thought of the twenty thousand Yin Soldiers in Lu? Liangs hands made him feel like he had suffered a huge loss. "No, I need to ask for more people tomorrow." "If not twenty thousand, surely I can get two thousand." Thinking about the Safe Heart Sutra accelerating again, a smile appeared on Chen Mus face. "Thats the plan!" ... Two months later, on the third floor of the night-shrouded building, in the same room. Wen Han lay listlessly on the table as before. Zhang Er, too, slumped forward with his arms crossed on the table and his head hanging lifelessly. Hu Mang pursed his lips tightly, arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the chair, his ruthless face betraying a hint of helplessness and confusion. "Speak, what do we do!" demanded Hu Mang, tapping his right index finger on the table. "Qingyang City found out about Lu Da. The Secret Spy Bureau cant openly target Fengan City; they will only weaken it from the sidelines. The assassin sent for Lu Da may already have entered Fengan by now." "Arent you a Commander? Why cant you intercept even a single piece of information?" mumbled Zhang Er under his breath. "Im not the only damn Commander. What can I do if others send messages out?" Hu Mang glared back. "Warn Lu Da in advance?" ventured Wen Han cautiously. "You want to try the methods the Secret Spy Bureau uses on traitors?" Hu Mang looked at this naive man, rolling his eyes in exasperation. If it hadnt been for this idiot, he wouldnt be stuck between a rock and a hard place. He hadnt expected that scripture to be so wicked, embedding a Spiritual Seed into him after reading it just once. Logically, he knew Lu Da was a stranger, but deep down, he couldnt help wanting to ensure the mans safety. But at the same time, Lu Da was from Fengan City, which was at odds with Qingyang City, the power behind him. If he openly saved Lu Da, would he even have a life left? "Or maybe we should strike before our rival spies do?" Zhang Er suggested carefully. "But if we kill the attacking spies, we still wont survive," pondered Wen Han, scratching his head in confusion. "No, what I mean is, we take action before the spies, against Lu Da ourselves," Zhang Er clarified, shaking his head. "Huh?!" Wen Han and Hu Mang exchanged a look, each grabbed one of Zhang Ers arms, and slammed his face down onto the table. "You actually want to kill Lu Da?" "Come on, read that Longevity Scripture again!" "My arms gonna break, dammit! I only said to strike first, never said to kill Lu Da. We could send him out of Fengan City!" Zhang Ers face turned red from the pain as he hurriedly shouted. "Doesnt one of your subordinates know the moving earth technique? Have him set up ahead of time and shift Lu Da far away from Fengan City, right?" Hu Mang suddenly felt inspired. Throwing Lu Da far away, claiming he had been killed in advance, would protect him while also undermining the Thousand Blade Camp; Qingyang Citys Secret Spy Bureau wouldnt find any flaws. "Great idea!" exclaimed Wen Han joyfully. "Great idea and still not letting go of me!" Zhang Er said, annoyed. "Hold on, just to be safe, let him read the East Pole Longevity Scripture again," said Hu Mang cautiously, "What if he wasnt implanted with a Spiritual Seed, and all before was an act?" "Makes sense!" nodded Wen Han, "You heard him, hurry up and read, read it ten times!" Zhang Er: "..." Youre really a bastard! ``` Chapter 505 - 497: Scheming In the Pingtofang district of Fengan City, within a seemingly ordinary residence. The main halls living room was empty, save for an altar table placed right against the wall facing the entrance. Wisps of blue smoke curled from the incense burner on it, while a small, arm-high clay-painted figure stood in the center of the altar table. A bearded middle-aged man stood erect beside it, while another middle-aged man with a goatee knelt on a cushion in front of the table. This man held four sticks of incense, bowing respectfully to the figure. With each bow, a fine wisp of smoke flew out of the incense burner, shooting towards the figure like an arrow. With each penetration, the figure shrank a little, and in just a short while, it had already shortened by a fingers breadth. The smiling goateed man was about to continue bowing when the clay figure suddenly erupted with an invisible force. The goateed man suddenly felt as though his heart had been seized. A pain struck his chest, and his body stiffened. The next moment. Roar! A violent, furious roar exploded right next to his ear. Bang! The painted figure burst apart, and its invisible force surged. Struck as though by a battering ram, the goateed mans chest caved in violently, and he was knocked backward onto the floor with a thud. The green brick flooring beneath him shattered into pieces, spreading out like a spider web. The bearded middle-aged mans complexion changed, and he immediately stepped forward, feeding the goateed man several types of Precious Medicine Decoctions. After a while, the goateed man regained consciousness and slowly opened his eyes. "How could the Concentrated Heart Nine Arrows invocation backfire?" asked the bearded man with a grave expression. "Was there not enough for the sacrifice, or was the qi flow inaccurate?" The goateed man shook his head. "That Lu Da probably has some kind of protective Magic Artifact." "It seems well have to resort to close-range assassination," the bearded man frowned. "With Thousand Blade Camp lurking around Ningyun Square for protection, going there would be suicide." "Lu Da also seems to have changed his ways, hiding at home without stepping out for three or four months." "If we really want close-range assassination, when will we get the chance?" lamented the goateed man. "Qingyang City Secret Spy Bureau has already assigned us the assassination mission; we have no way out," the bearded mans face was equally grim. I thought it was an easy job, never expected the target would resist the Cursing Secret Technique, troublesome indeed. "Lets prepare more thoroughly. As soon as he shows his face, well strike immediately and aim for a one-hit kill." ... Thousand Lanterns City. Ten Soul-Attracting Lamps hung in the air, illuminating the dark space brightly. Three thousand Yin Soldiers were linked by the Mountain-Carrying Scripture into a cohesive unit, with black mist rising. The wooden building where Chen Mu was located seemed like an island surrounded by dark clouds. On the third-floor balcony, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch. Vast amounts of Yin Spirit Divine Power were drawn towards him, being refined by the Five Dragons Scripture Spell then disappearing into the void behind him.@@@@ At that moment. "Roar..." A spirited roar thundered, and five grey-white clouds appeared in midair by the wooden building. Each cloud was as large as a three- or four-story building, undulating and transforming, with the vague shape of a dragon with antlers and a serpentine body. Experience tales at novelhall.Co?m Alongside their roars and clawing gestures, an intangible force of intimidation rippled outward in all directions. Boom! The Mountain-Carrying Scripture broke off, and the Yin Wind and dark clouds immediately dissipated, revealing Yin Soldiers with pale faces. Feeling the oppressiveness as if standing at the foot of a vast cliff looking upward, the Yin Spirits looked at Chen Mu with even greater reverence. Achoo! Atop the wooden building, Chen Mu sneezed without warning. He rubbed his nose, puzzled, and looked towards the half-air Five Dragon Dharma Body, which was baring its teeth and brandishing its claws. Whos cursing me? "Dont worry, Ive already paid the madam," Zhang Er said with a smile, assuring, "You can stay in this room all night." Shen Bus face showed horror as his eyes widened. Here? In this night haunt? Youre paying to let a grown man stay all night with three other men? My...my...innocence! "Gentlemen, cant you bother someone else?" Shen Bu pleaded with a look of grievance. "No exchange, who else knows how to use the Ground Shrinking Technique like you?" Wen Han sympathized. "Read, quickly!" Hu Mang said through gritted teeth, full of resentment. He didnt care about reputation; he just wanted to plant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in this guy. Why did he himself get caught after reading the Longevity Scripture just once, while this guy has chanted it hundreds of times without a hitch? Am I just unlucky? Nonsense! "If you cant make anything of it today, humph..." Hu Mang spoke coldly. Zhang Er cooperated, wiping off his smile to reveal a chilling expression: "There are two options, either read or die, the choice is yours." Shen Bu: "..." These three big men came to the night haunt not for the female ghosts, but to watch me read? This is too damn unfair to ghosts! I wont accept it! He glared fiercely at the three men and then... he flipped open the black-skinned scripture. "The Eastern Emperor speaks of immortality..." ... On the streets of West Market in Fengan City, Chen Mu, who had just reluctantly returned the three thousand Yin Soldiers, felt light as a feather. His Five Dragons Scripture had reached a bottleneck, and Yin Spirit Divine Power was of no use for the moment. The Divine Fetus was a bottomless pit, and even with the acceleration from three thousand Yin Soldiers, there seemed to be no end in sight. Thus, there was no need to keep the Yin Soldiers. Plus, as long as he kept them, he would have to transmit the secret techniques. In these four months, he had already transmitted plenty. "If they want to learn, they can practice by themselves under the celestial dome of stars." "They need to learn self-reliance." Chen Mu thought happily, his face relaxed. In the evening, against the dim glow of the sunset, Chen Mu blended into the bustling street like a denizen of the night, silently glancing this way and that as he made his way to the Changle Tower. After a satisfying meal and drink, he stood up to leave, and then, with practiced ease, he changed his face and slipped into the midst of the nightlife. The faint light from the Soul-Attracting Lamps in the night revelry cast a hazy glow, and the blend of music and noise was intoxicating. Chen Mu, who had been cooped up in Thousand Lanterns City for over four months, couldnt help but immerse himself in it. But just out of his line of sight, a middle-aged man in short grey clothes and with a long beard appeared, carrying a tea tray. He moved stealthily in the shadow of the lamp light, approaching Chen Mu from behind just like any ordinary waiter would. And on the other side, the round-faced Shen Bu, also holding a tea tray, approached Chen Mu just as naturally. Just as Chen Mu was engrossed in the dance of a female ghost, his ears twitched, and he suddenly came to his senses. In the next instant, he whipped around... Turning his gaze to the Madam with fiercely knitted brows. Quickly adopting Mo Wuzhous face, he spoke out with a smile, "Im here to freeload again, what are you gonna do about it!" The middle-aged man with the long beard, who had suddenly stopped in his tracks: "..." Shen Bu, who was scared stiff: "..." Damn it, are you crazy! ``` Chapter 506 - 498: Accident Fengan City, deep into the night. Amidst the hazy lights, a fat old madam rolled her eyes and waved at Shen Bu in the distance, then quickly turned and walked away. Visiting the brothel just to tease her, this old madam? She hadnt seen such a bastard in her two lifetimes. Chen Mu watched the departing fat old madam, his face showing boredom. This fat lady was really no fun at all, lacking the sight of her frowning angrily, the joy of freeloading would at least halve. "Guest, your tea." Shen Bu poured the greenish-yellow tea into the delicate White Jade teacup, placing it in front of Chen Mu with a sycophantic smile. Then, holding the tea tray under his arm, he turned and was about to leave. But in the next instant. Slap! A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist, like a pair of iron tongs. An imposing force enveloped his entire body, making it hard for him to take even one step forward. Shen Bu turned around in fright and trembled, then met Chen Mus face, which was not quite smiling. "This tea, it doesnt have any problems, does it?" Shen Bus heart skipped a beat: "Guest, this is no joke to be made." "If the tea has no problem, then the problem must be with you?" Chen Mus face was playful. "Ever since I entered this place, youve been watching me closely." "And all the while, you keep skulking off into the shadows." "What? Are you afraid Ill discover something?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Feeling Chen Mus increasingly grim and icy gaze, Shen Bus forehead began to sweat profusely. Explore more stories with novelhall.Co?m Trying to kill me upon our first meeting? This guys ruthless! "One of us, one of us!" He couldnt worry about exposing himself now and immediately activated the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in his mind. Sensing the close connectedness, Chen Mu was suddenly taken aback. "Are you from the Thousand Blade Camps Yin Soldiers?" The White Jade teacup fell through the air, securely caught in Shen Bus palm. Not far away, the bearded middle-aged man who had been keeping a peripheral watch on Chen Mu suddenly changed his expression, his gaze deadlocked on Shen Bu. ... In the sky, the full moon shone like a plate, casting bright moonlight that splashed down, while wisps of gauzy clouds drifted. From the ground, odd howling sounds would occasionally emerge, as cold black winds appeared suddenly, spinning and blowing towards the distance. In a dip on the Netherworld mountainside, rows of wooden huts were built against the mountain, and a campfire flickered at the open space in front of the huts, crackling loudly. Dozens of people, young and old, male and female, gathered around the fire, singing and dancing together. On the periphery, a thin old man held a bamboo tube, taking infrequent puffs of his water pipe, contentedly watching the lively scene before him. "Old Yang, thanks to your guidance, weve had a bumper harvest of millet and corn this year. Plus the Fire Rabbits you helped everyone tame and rear, were sure to have a good winter, all thanks to you." A dark-skinned man next to him said, his face beaming with smiles as he complimented the elder. "Not at all, the harvest is the result of everyones hard work; all I did was run my mouth a bit." The thin Old Yang waved his hand, chuckling. "Besides, we should be thankful for this mountain dip; without it shielding us from the Black Wind, we wouldnt have had any peace." The people around nodded in agreement, the atmosphere growing warmer with complimentary exchanges. Suddenly, the clouds shifted overhead, concealing half of the moon. A cold wind blew, causing the campfire to roar. The next moment, a large puff of white mist suddenly appeared, and within a few breaths, the scenes just three steps away became hazy, completely obscured by the thick fog. The people stopped their singing, looking around perplexed. Shriek! A sharp animal cry echoed from above, as a foxs head as large as a millstone suddenly appeared out of the mist, its mouth full of sharp teeth wide open, a young man in grey at the edge of the fire was swallowed in one gulp. With a brief, stifled scream, the foxs head whooshed back into the mist. The people stood rigid, petrified by the sudden turn of events. In the next moment, three huge fox heads slowly emerged from the mist, hovering in the air, their six lantern-sized eyes flickering with blood-red light. "Run!" Chapter 507 - 498: Sudden Change_2 A loud roar suddenly erupted from the crowd, and when people snapped back to reality, they immediately turned and ran. Chi chi chi... Three fox heads emitted a mocking laughter-like eerie howl, then stretched out over and over. Several figures were caught and flung into the air, and were instantly devoured by the gaping maws of the ferocious foxes. The crowd was immediately scattered like headless flies, and a series of short, sharp screams erupted throughout the valley. Strange Demon! The gaunt Old Yang clenched his teeth tightly, his bamboo smoking pipe trembling in his hand. We were just about to enjoy the good life, why did we encounter a Strange Demon? The next moment. Whoosh! The stench hit his face as the thick fog in front of him suddenly dispersed, and a gigantic fox head as tall as a man appeared before him. Old Yang stared at the blood-red eyes of his adversary, his face full of despair and resignation. Accompanied by the sound of rumbling, he bitterly inhaled his last puff of the water pipe. There was no escaping fate now... The tobacco smell irritated the fox head, causing its pitch-black nostrils to quiver and head to jerk, and it sneezed violently. Old Yang was immediately blown backwards in the foul breath, and while still in midair, he saw the fox with a mouth full of sharp teeth biting angrily towards him. Just as he subconsciously raised his hands to defend himself. Whoosh! The air in front of him suddenly distorted, and a figure appeared abruptly. Clang! Sparks flew in all directions. A ghastly white hollow Bone Sphere suddenly emerged, keeping the fox head suspended in midair, incapable of moving forward even an inch. Through the gaps between his fingers, he could even see that two of the fox demons teeth had broken off! Chen Mu looked at the gigantic fox head above him, his expression unsightly. He had been living quietly in Fengan City, only to end up on an assassination list. Moreover, he was inexplicably teleported away, almost ending up straight in the mouth of a Strange Demon! Watching the large fox head repeatedly striking the Yang Judge Bone Shield, Chen Mus rage surged, his expression growing colder and darker. Five Dragon Dharma Body! His right hand formed a blade, and he thrusted fiercely towards the foxs face, just inches away. Roar! A thunderous roar exploded. Suddenly, the sound of rushing water filled the air, and an ethereal, translucent image of a river appeared in mid-air. The previously frantic Netherworld Worms paused, then obediently burrowed into the illusory river. As the illumination faded, the Netherworld Worms were swept away, as if they had never appeared at all. It was said that the River of Oblivion existed in any part of the Netherworld; indeed... Chen Mu came to a realization. Before he could dwell on it, an odd sensation came over him. Following the feeling, Chen Mu looked up just in time to see a streak of black light flash across the Five Dragon Dharma Body. The dragon horns, formed of greyish-white mist, began to gleam with the kind of light found only in keratin. Devouring a Strange Demon can actually enhance the Five Dragon Dharma Body?! Chen Mus eyebrows shot up, and the frustration from the recent turn of events dissipated considerably, leaving him with an uncontrollable sense of liberation. ... In Fengan City, the night was waning. The deliberately adjusted Soul-Attracting Lamp emitted a faint and hazy light, and no one noticed when Chen Mu suddenly disappeared. The middle-aged man with a long beard stared coldly at Shen Bu, looking at him as if he were dead. Shen Bu swallowed nervously, struggling to suppress the tension in his heart. His hands quickly made the secret spy gestures of Qingyang City and, moving a little closer, he whispered, "Shall we... shall we talk upstairs?" The middle-aged man with the long beard frowned deeply and responded with a gesture. After glancing at the surrounding people, he motioned for Shen Bu to go first, and then he himself turned and vanished into the shadows. A moment later. On the third floor, in a corner room. The long-bearded middle-aged man sat opposite Hu Mang, arms crossed over his chest, sweeping his cold eyes over the four people. "Why did you let that man go? If you dont explain yourself clearly, youd better run now or obediently wait for the Spy Bureau to settle the score!" Hu Mangs face was stern, but inside he was racked with uncertainty. He felt an itching at his throat but mustered all his will to remain still. He was a Shadow Command Envoy, responsible for gathering intelligence. The man before him, however, was a Commander of the grinding department, ruthless and with a retinue of killers. Should there be a conflict, with his three hapless subordinates, they would undoubtedly be doomed! Forcing a show of composure, he gave the other man a scornful look, then nodded slightly at Zhang Er. Zhang Er, who had been hanging his head pretending to be an ostrich, suddenly widened his eyes in alarm. With his scalp tingling and after exchanging looks with Hu Mang, he turned to Shen Bu and Wen Han, who were as nervous as quails. He had no choice but to face the long-bearded middle-aged man bracingly. "Ahem... This man, well, hes a bit out of the ordinary." The long-bearded middle-aged mans eyebrows knit tighter, and a murderous glint flashed in his eyes. Zhang Er stiffened, feeling the mans gaze slicing like a blade around his neck and hurriedly pulled out an object from his chest, slamming it on the table in the center. A greasy, dog-eared and worn Black-Skinned Scripture lay before the long-bearded man. "Just read this scripture once, and youll immediately know whats so special about him!" Zhang Er declared solemnly. Hu Mang, Shen Bu, Wen Han: "..." You really dare! Chapter 508 - 499: Black Wind Hollow "Do you know where Fengan City is?" "I dont know." "What about Yinshan Prefecture?" "Also dont know." "Then you must at least know where this place is, right?" "To tell the truth, I still dont know," the gaunt Yang Laoshi said with an embarrassed face: "The name Black Wind Hollow was also made up by us for convenience. So..." "How do you know that three-headed fox is called a Strange Demon?" Chen Mu frowned. "Before coming to Black Wind Hollow, I had stayed in another village. At that time, people there spoke of the two scourges, Black Wind and Strange Demon," Yang Laoshi didnt hide anything: "Later... later that large village was destroyed by the Strange Demon uprising, and I wandered around for several years before finally finding this safe hollow in the mountains." "Just didnt expect..." Yang Laoshi shook his head with a complex expression. After a while, coming back to his senses, he continued to add: "Back in the village, there were indeed rumors of the big cities of the state, but nobody could say for sure where they were; it was more of a longing for many." Chen Mus expression immediately turned sour. He had been sent to a wild and desolate place. Not to mention returning to the Yang Realm, even finding Fengan City would probably be difficult. ... Three days later. On the mountainside to the east of the hollow, in front of a white-thatched wooden cabin door. Chen Mu sat leaning against a pillar, on the edge of the veranda, gazing through the mountain mist at the people busily harvesting millet below, lost in thought. After many conversations and inquiries, he was certain he had completely lost contact with Fengan City. The land beneath his feet was utterly a savage territory; let alone big cities of the state, even slightly larger villages were rare to see. Thinking of the round-faced runner who had sent him to this place, Chen Mu felt an itch in his teeth from hatred: "Dont let me see you again." After a good long while, he sighed helplessly. A moments recollection made it clear that his current predicament was all due to the covert struggle between Fengan and Qingyang; he had become the unfortunate fish caught in the crossfire. Discover stories with novelhall.Co?m Before, he had heard a bit from Lu? Liang and thought that with Thousand Lanterns City, if things really went south, he could just hide inside, so he didnt pay much attention. However, unexpectedly... "I was indeed too careless after all." Chen Mu shook his head. But how could that spys body contain a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? He had stolen information from Lu? Liang, snatched the East Pole Longevity Scripture, and in the end, trapped that spy himself? Ha! After a continuous five-day grind, the Strange Demon acceleration pack had finally run out. "Still feeling unsatisfied," Chen Mu smacked his lips but didnt hold on to the thought of catching another Strange Demon. Strange Demons were too unpredictable, and his own cultivation wasnt slow. It wasnt worth the risk. ... The cold white sun had completely set, and the campfires in Black Wind Hollow were lit once more. Though not as lively with song and dance as before, the sad atmosphere caused by the havoc of Strange Demons had dissipated significantly. At the edge, Chen Mu sat in front of a long stone table, savoring the roasted Fire Rabbit meat with great relish. It was a new ingredient he had never seen before, and found rather fresh. Beside him, the thin and gaunt Elder Yang was full of gratitude, "Thanks to your benevolence for providing the Dew Harvesting Magic Spell." With the Strange Demons causing mayhem, their previous planting of millet and rearing of Fire Rabbits had been damaged. They had thought this winter would be tough due to scarce supplies, but unexpectedly they received the Dew Harvesting Spell. With the supplement of Jade Dew, food was no longer scarce, and as long as they managed the frost, they could all get through the winter safely. "Youve also provided me with plenty of mountain delicacies. Its a mutually beneficial relationship," Chen Mu waved his hand nonchalantly, though in his heart he couldnt help but lament. These people didnt even know the Dew Harvesting Spell, which showed how desolate and remote the surroundings were. The hope of returning to Fengan City was once again diminished. "Are there any other settlements like Black Wind Hollow in the vicinity?" Chen Mu asked. With the Five Dragons Scripture acceleration pack used up, he had some spare time to explore the area and gather information. Elder Yangs heart jumped, and an anxious look appeared on his face, "Does your benevolence wish to leave? Have we been poor hosts?" Chen Mu glanced at him and discerned his concerns. "Worry not, Im just going to take a look around." "However, it is better to rely on oneself than on others. I will eventually leave, so you would do well to get those Moonlight Trees planted as soon as possible," Chen Mu spoke frankly. He had learned from Lu? Liang that the Moonlight Trees could drive off Strange Demons when planted in clusters. Because of the special terrain of Black Wind Hollow, where the Black Wind couldnt reach inside, coupled with a forest of Moonlight Trees, they would be enough to shelter everyone living in the hollow. Elder Yangs thoughts were laid bare, and he looked slightly embarrassed, but he also breathed a sigh of relief, "Youre right, I have already discussed it with everyone. We will do nothing else this winter but use the refined Jade Dew to water the Moonlight Trees." Chen Mu nodded in agreement. His stay here was coincidental, and sooner or later he would go looking for Fengan City, as he still needed to return to the Yang Realm. Providing some help to these people wasnt an issue, and while seeking information nearby, he would still need a place to stay. But offering long-term protection and residency was out of the question. Fortunately, these people were clear-headed, probably also affected by the intimidation of his easy slaying of the Strange Demons that day. "Im afraid I will disappoint your benevolence." After carefully thinking for a moment, Elder Yang still spoke with some trepidation, "Ive been here for four years, and within a radius of fifty to sixty miles, I havent found any traces of other settlements." "To find other settlements, Im afraid one would have to go more than a hundred miles away." "Its too far, and we fear encountering Strange Demons, so we have never ventured there. I cant provide any useful information to your benevolence." Although Chen Mu had anticipated this, he still couldnt help but sigh upon hearing it. It seems he would have to find his own way bit by bit. Chapter 509 - 500 Planning ``` A beam of sunlight with a hint of coldness penetrated through the half-collapsed roof into the room, illuminating the dusty interior. Shattered tiles, broken beams, and ruined tables and chairs entered Chen Mus field of vision one by one. Looking outside through the half-remaining door, towering mountain peaks flanked the enormous valley, within which lay scattered debris of collapsed houses. The broken room beneath his feet was, in contrast, the most intact structure. Although he had anticipated this, Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh in disappointment. This was his fifth day since leaving Black Wind Hollow. Following the rough directions provided by the gaunt elder, Yang, Chen Mu had carefully searched and finally found this valley more than two hundred li to the east of Black Wind Hollow. The remnants he found indicated that people had once lived here; with high probability, this was the mountain stronghold where Elder Yang had resided years ago. It was clear, however, that after being ravaged by Strange Demons, the place had been thoroughly abandoned. "I thought perhaps people might have regathered here," Chen Mu sighed. After carefully scanning the area with the Truthful Listening Technique and confirming the absence of any Yin Spirits, he could only return disappointed. ... Half a month later. On the eastern slope near Black Wind Hollow. Sitting in a small bamboo chair, leaning against the wall by the window on the east side of the doorway of a thatched-roof wooden hut, Chen Mu sipped tea. The tea leaves were a gift from Elder Yang from down the mountain, said to be wild mountain tea picked from the surrounding hills. The aroma was subtle; despite being brewed with hot water, the tea felt cool to the taste. Over twenty days had passed, and a few red Moonlight Trees had sprouted on the slopes around the hollow. The people of the hollow were now spread out in the area, tediously collecting Jade Dew for watering. Nourished by the Jade Dew, the fiery red leaves of the Moonlight Trees swayed left and right like living things, rustling in a way that sounded quite cheerful. After watching for a while, Chen Mu turned his gaze away. With a sip of the tea, the brisk taste spread, clearing his spirit and significantly dissipating the frustration from days of fruitless searching. "Keep searching slowly, its not the first time Ive been stranded in the wilderness," Chen Mu breathed out, accepting reality. "Moreover, although the path back to the Yang Realm is temporarily obstructed, Ive had the serendipity of making good progress with the Five Dragons Scripture." At that thought, he immediately summoned the gray wall to take a look. Five Dragons Scripture: 115/10000/Fourth Rank; Accidentally swallowing a Strange Demon seemed to have pointed the Five Dragons Scripture in the right direction. Through the process of constantly dispersing and reassembling the Five Dragon Dharma Body, Chen Mus understanding of the True Intent of the Candle Dragon deepened. Coupled with the guidance from the gray wall, his daily cultivation also provided him with a wealth of experience. Due to this, the Five Dragons Scripture had entered a brand new phase just yesterday. With a thought, the newly refined Five Dragon Dharma Aspect emerged. Five fierce dragon heads silently materialized in front of the wooden hut. The original Dharma Aspect was made entirely of gray mist, appearing majestic from afar but revealing a constantly changing, unclear outline upon a closer look, much like a strange cloud formation in the sky. As if a sudden downpour had hit the ground, countless pumpkin-sized pale green fireballs fell from the sky, hammering into the white mist like a barrage of arrows. Boom boom boom... A series of explosions rang out as the green fire soared into the heavens. The silent white mist around the bridge suddenly erupted with ghastly shrieks, revealing a massive, flesh orb several stories high, covered in numerous bizarre snake heads. The pale green flames burned over it incessantly. The flesh orb with its snake heads writhed and rolled, trying to extinguish the fire, but to no avail. Then, a multitude of snake heads simultaneously spewed out black venom, and a foul stench filled the air. The spreading green flames were momentarily checked, as if they encountered a gust of wind, with the blazing flames suddenly reduced by half. But the fireballs from the sky were relentless; in the blink of an eye, the intensity of the fire was restored. No matter how the bizarre flesh orb struggled and roared in rage, it was eventually engulfed entirely by the sea of fire, covered by the pale green flames. Finally, with a loud explosion, it burst apart, scattering into countless Netherworld Worms with human heads. A grey Yin Wind swept through the sky, and the sea-like pale green flames abruptly extinguished, disappearing without a trace. In the sky, Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen, wrapped in the black Yin Wind clouds, simultaneously let out a long breath of relief. "Young master, is this the fifth Strange Demon since winter set in?" Lu? Thirteens face was grave: "Does Qingyang City know that the city lord has gone to Beyond Heaven?" "They might not know for certain, but they must have their suspicions," said Lu? Liang with a grim expression. "After all, he hasnt shown his face for half a year. Managing to keep it hidden this long is at its limit." "Then these Strange Demons that have been approaching recently are probably probing us," Lu? Thirteen said with a troubled look. "They are forcing the city lord to show himself." "If the city lord appears, he could naturally repel the Strange Demons; if not, it would signal that something is wrong with him. They might take the opportunity to destroy us in Fengan City under the cover of the Strange Demons," Lu? Liang suggested, nodding slowly, his brow furrowing into a deep frown. "Young master, why dont you leave Fengan City for a while?" Lu? Thirteen asked, urging him to consider it. "Its too late to leave now," sighed Lu? Liang, shaking his head. "The outskirts of Fengan City are likely enveloped by Qingyang Citys Heavenly Net, just waiting for me to make an appearance." "If I run, they will strike immediately, using me as a weakness to attack my father." "We can only stand guard in Fengan, creating the illusion that my father is still in seclusion, practicing cultivation, and bluff our way through," Lu? Liang continued somberly. Lu? Thirteen wanted to keep persuading, but after opening his mouth, he ultimately fell silent. "Hasnt Mr. Lu been found yet?" asked Lu? Liang. "The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is untouched, so Mr. Lu is most likely still alive," Lu? Thirteen shook his head. "But theres no way to know where he has been taken." Upon hearing this, Lu? Liangs expression grew even more troubled: "Our recent easy victories over the Strange Demons were largely thanks to Mr. Lus teachings of the Bearing Mountain Secret Technique." "Its infuriating that Qingyang City is pressing us step by step. The city is riddled with spies, making it difficult for us to conduct a large-scale search." "That old home in Qingyang City deserves to die!" "Alas... with the situation as it is, theres nothing we can do," Lu? Thirteen said to comfort him. "Ive deployed two more teams to continue the search for that round-faced spy." "Finding that person might give us a chance to uncover some traces." "Well... for now, thats all we can do," Lu? Liang sighed upon hearing this. "Lets wish Mr. Lu the greatest of luck." Chapter 510 - 501 Calculation ``` The sky was covered with thick gray clouds, and the light within Black Wind Col was dim. On the porch of the wooden house, Chen Mu squinted his eyes as he lay in the rocking chair, his left hand tucked into his wide sleeve on the armrest, while his right hand ceaselessly performed finger movements. At a certain moment, a glinting white dot caught his eye, and Chen Mus hand movements involuntarily slowed. "Its snowing." He rose to the edge of the porch and stood there captivated by the increasingly dense snowflakes. Unknowingly, he had already spent two months in Black Wind Col. Coming back to his senses, the gray walls appeared before his eyes. Five Dragons Scripture: 3117/10000/Fourth Rank; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 43/10000/Second Rank; Over the past month, the progress with the Five Dragons Scripture had been acceptable, but the progress with the Calculation Scripture had been extremely slow, only reaching the Second Rank yesterday. "Fortunately, the effort hasnt been wasted." Chen Mu couldnt help reaching out to catch a snowflake. Yesterday, he had calculated the weather and guessed there would be heavy snow today; he hadnt expected it to actually arrive. "With weather changes, experienced people can generally make estimates." "The effects of the Calculation Scripture still need to be tested." "Hmm, I could try to find the nearest gathering point of Yin Spirits." ... Three days later. The sky was still gloomy, and the entire Black Wind Col was covered in heavy snow, a blanket of white as far as the eye could see. The snowflakes adorned the Moonlight Tree as tall as a person, and its fiery-red leaves huddled together motionless, as if asleep. Chen Mu left the wooden house, his figure turned, and he vanished like a Gentle Breeze. Following the direction given by the Calculation Scripture, he traveled non-stop, following the chilly cold wind, heading southeast all the way. He was more than three hundred li away from Black Wind Col before he reappeared at the foot of a small hill. Chen Mu stood under the nearly vertical steep cliff, feeling somewhat disappointed as he surveyed his surroundings. Even with the heavy snow, he could easily tell that there were no signs of Yin Spirits inhabiting this place. "Tch... It is only at First Rank Perfection after all, I really shouldnt have such high expectations for the Calculation Scripture." "Should I go back and continue to grind?" Thinking this, Chen Mu couldnt help but give a wry smile. The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture was hard to figure out, only through continuous calculations could he practice, and the experience gained was progressing slowly. To reach the Third Rank would take at least a year and a half, it probably couldnt be achieved any sooner. Moreover, the feedback from the practice process was too negative; he really wasnt inclined to continue practicing. Just as he was about to turn and leave, a slight abnormal sound reached his ears. Chen Mus interest was piqued, and he immediately activated the Truthful Listening Technique, his eyebrows raising with intrigue as he looked at the ground. "But why doesnt the River of Oblivion near Antiquity City and Fengan City change?" "I just dont get it..." Chen Mu scratched his head a bit. "Forget it, its useless to think so much." "Now, being in a remote and wild region, whether I continue to look for Yin Spirits for information or set off directly in search of Fengan City, I cant do without the guidance of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture for predicting the direction." "Instead of sitting around with wild guesswork, I might as well spend more time practicing the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture." ... In the following period, Chen Mu devoted more attention to the Calculation Scripture. He didnt rush to find Fengan City but continued to search for Yin Spirits living in the vicinity, confirming the accuracy of the Calculation Scripture while grinding for experience. After another half-month of busyness, he successfully found two more habitats of Yin Spirits, The first habitat was located over four hundred li southwest of Black Wind Hollow, with seventy to eighty people, which he found after nineteen consecutive calculations. The second gathering point was in an underground cavern straight north of Black Wind Hollow, six hundred li away, which was even safer and had nearly three hundred people come together. He found it only after thirty-five calculations. "The further the distance, the lower the accuracy?" "This is a bit troublesome..." He wasnt sure where Fengan City was, but it was at least several thousand li away from Black Wind Hollow. "I can only try to improve accuracy through multiple calculations." With an idea in mind, he no longer went out to look for Yin Spirits. Because the newly found Yin Spirits, just like the people in Black Wind Hollow, had no knowledge of any provincial capital or major cityit was mostly guesswork and conjecture, without any reference value for finding Fengan City. Thus, he gained a clearer understanding of the remoteness of his location, realizing that finding Fengan City through information from Yin Spirits was highly unlikely. "I still have to rely on the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture." ... That day, the gray sky began to see snowflakes drift down again, as the biting cold wind howled mournfully. Read exclusive content at novelhall.Co?m Inside the wooden hut, a clay-fired stove stood by the window, with flames as big as a human head burning brightly without wood, warming the entire room. Sitting cross-legged on the softened couch next to the stove, Chen Mu wore a loose, gray white robe draped loosely over his body, his long hair casually spread out. At that moment, he was squinting his eyes, staring at a row of knotted thatch on the low table in front of him. Flecks of silver-white luminescence twinkled in his eyes, and as his fingers manipulated them, a series of numbers emerged in his mind. After a long while, Chen Mu opened his eyes. "Southeast again?" he couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. In the past month and a half, he had been continuously calculating with Fengan City as his target. Out of over a thousand six hundred calculations, two hundred twenty-three times all pointed towards the southeast. Furthermore, as his experience with the Calculation Scripture increased, the result pointing to the southeast occurred with greater frequency. "Isnt that just perfect!" Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a smiling face. Chapter 511 - 502 Five Dragons Unification At dawn, the sun rose in the east, and the sky was clear for thousands of miles. Within a deep mountain gorge, a five-meter-wide shallow stream flowed through a sparse forest. A fallen withered tree hung over the riverbank, with various sizes of grey and black stones scattered along both banks. Some partially melted and fragmented thin ice clung to the edges of the rocks, through which the clear water babbled and occasionally sprayed droplets, wetting the surface of the stones. On the riverbank, on a large rock the size of a millstone, a flash of black light appeared, and Chen Mus figure materialized. Stretching lazily towards the rising sun, a unique winter dry chill brushed against his face, and Chen Mu suddenly shivered, feeling refreshed and energized. This was his sixth day away from Black Wind Hollow. In the past few days, he had been cautiously traveling during daylight and hiding in Thousand Lanterns City to sleep at night, covering only about five to six hundred miles a day. He exclusively used the Five Elements Escape Technique on his journey, blending into the Gentle Breeze to cloak his presence, prudently making his way in peace and quiet. "The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture has finally shown some effectiveness." "The path calculated with the goal of safely returning to Fengan City is indeed very safe." After enjoying the scenery for a while, he casually plucked some dry grass from the riverbank and deftly began to manipulate the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. Continue your journey with novelhall.Co?m Practicing the Calculation Scripture first thing in the morning had become a necessary task he added for himself while on the road to increase the total amount of calculations and make more precise adjustments to the path back to Fengan City. After a good while, the calculation was complete, and a smile unavoidably spread across Chen Mus face. "A hundred calculations point to the southeast nineteen times? Just yesterday, it was only fourteen times. This sudden increase in probability is a good sign!" "Judging from my previous experience in searching for Yin Spirit gathering places, the closer the distance, the more accurate the calculation results." "And this change undoubtedly indicates that I am gradually getting closer to Fengan City." Just as he was secretly pleased, a wisp of white fog abruptly appeared, and in the blink of an eye, the bright sunlight was completely obscured. The mountain forest was instantly filled with thick fog, leaving only the stream at his feet barely visible. A Strange Demon? Didnt the Calculation Scripture show that this path was very safe? How could there be a Strange Demon appearing?! Just as he was about to transform into a Gentle Breeze and flee, countless black dots suddenly emerged from the thick fog in front of him. Upon closer inspection, Chen Mus expression changed drastically as he saw countless arm-length black feathers, sharp as arrows, piercing through the fog and reaching right in front of him in the blink of an eye. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Buzz! An invisible Exotic Force pervaded the air, and the pitch-black feathers that were tearing through the sky came to an abrupt halt, as if frozen, hovering directly in front of Chen Mu. But before he could breathe a sigh of relief, a streak of bright yellow fire suddenly appeared on one of the black feathers. Boom! The dense feathers exploded simultaneously, and the entire riverbank was engulfed in flames. Surrounding rocks and trees were shattered by the blast, and a hurricane-like impact spread violently in all directions, filling the area with dust and smoke. When the thunderous explosion finally dissipated, the Five Dragon Dharma Body, which had gathered into a sphere, slowly unfolded and stretched out, revealing Chen Mu unharmed at its center. He stared coldly at the huge figure looming in the fog. "I was just thinking of finding another booster for the Five Dragons Scripture; I never expected you to come to me. Heh!" As his thoughts turned, the enormous Five Dragon Dharma Body soared into the air. Roar! With a roar, the rolling fog was instantly dispelled in large areas, revealing an eerie figure as tall as four or five city towers hidden within the fog. Upon a fierce glance, the creature resembled a giant eagle with spread wings, standing upright, but with bulls horns on its head and a horses face full of Fanged Teeth. It had a pair of wheels as huge human feet, covered in black feathers. Beneath those pitch-black plumes hid countless human heads. In that instant, insights from the energy around the monster, the foundation of Five Ghosts Possession, and the true intent of the Five Dragon Dharma Body surfaced in his mind. They seemed to be crushed and blended by a vortex, rapidly fusing into one. A tremendous surprise burst forth in Chen Mus eyes as he suddenly stimulated the Yin Spirit Divine Power. The shattered Dharma Aspect reappeared above his head, then descended from the sky, swooshing into his body. Five Dragons Unification! Hum! An invisible exotic force suddenly surged around his body. At this moment, the Five Dragon Dharma Body, Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, Spiritual Light Body Protection, and his own native defensive armor merged, the scattered energy twisting into a single strand, all transforming into an energy that enveloped his body. Feeling the volcanic magma-like energy coursing through his body, Chen Mu grinned, baring a row of sharp, bone-white teeth, a cold smile spreading across his face. He extended his hands with a claw-like gesture. The energy around him extended and transformed, as if a pair of invisible hands abruptly reached up towards the sky. Boom! As the energy whirled, the slashing gigantic wings were suddenly immobilized mid-air. Feeling the sensation of holding something solid in his hand, even though it was several meters away, Chen Mu burst into hearty laughter. I had intended to spare you. But you kept pressing relentlessly. Dont blame me for not being polite! Ha-ha! Giant Spirit Divine! The figure of the Giant Spirit Divine emerged behind him, and the already immense strength surged threefold. Immediately, his arms heaved upward as if swinging two long ropes. Woo! The horse-faced monsters mountain-like body was taken off the ground, and as Chen Mu twisted his waist and flipped over, the creature was involuntarily flung over his head and smashed into the ground with a thunderous crash. Without waiting for the creature to rise, Chen Mu leaped up, hands coming together to form a knife. The energy of the Five Dragon Dharma Body converged and extended, creating an immense invisible blade that ferociously chopped down towards the head of the horse-faced eagle-bodied monster. The energy around the eagle-bodied monster clashed with the combined force of the Five Dragons, like two gears turning in opposite directions, Clang clang clang... A series of dense metallic collision sounds echoed. "Die!" With the enhanced strength from the Giant Spirit Divine surging violently, it was as if the prior Dharma Aspect, the energy around the body of the horse-faced eagle-bodied monster, was shattered with a bang. Chen Mu would not miss such an opportunity. As the Yin Spirit Divine Power surged wildly, the blade-shaped energy extending from his hands became even more fierce. The monster instinctively struggled to dodge, but it was ultimately a bit too late. Pu-chi! Blood spurted sky-high. Amid a heart-wrenching scream, the wing on the left side of the horse-faced eagle-bodied monster was easily severed from its body with no energy to protect it. Ha-ha! Five Dragons Unification indeed had the power to break the monsters body protection energy. Chen Mu was overjoyed and wanted to follow up with his victory to completely kill the monster. But the horse-faced eagle-bodied monster, like a beheaded snake, twisted and turned fiercely. Caught off guard, Chen Mu was suddenly flung into the air. By the time he had stabilized himself and was about to continue his attack, he unexpectedly saw the maimed body of the eagle-bodied monster explode with a bang, transforming into a swarm of Netherworld Worms that shot up into the sky. In just the blink of an eye, they had dispersed into the surrounding forest, vanishing from sight. "I was still too slow in the end," Chen Mu said regretfully, gazing at the faint shadow of the River of Oblivion emerging in the dense forest. Chapter 512 - 503 In Thousand Lanterns City, ten massive Soul-Attracting Lamps illuminated the pitch-dark cave realm brightly. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a soft couch on the three-story balcony, slowly opened his eyes, and squinted towards the Five Dragons Scripture written on the gray wall. Five Dragons Scripture: 7378/10000/Fourth Rank; "Just like that, over two thousand experience value increased. The approach of Five Dragons Unification is indeed the correct one," Chen Mu said with a face full of joy. "The proper sequence for Dharma Aspect should start with forming the Body Protection Qi Mechanism and then, as the Qi grows stronger, gradually form a divine demon apparition." "The Five Dragons Scripture is more like an imitation of the complete Dharma Aspect. But it first simulates the outer layer of the Dharma Aspect, which is the divine demon apparition, then waits until the Dharma Aspect matures before nourishing the body to form the Body Protection Qi Mechanism." "The Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect imitates the Heavenly Demon Qi Mechanism, and the Five Dragons Scripture in turn imitates the Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect." "An imitation of an imitation? Tsk tsk... interesting indeed." Chen Mu pondered with interest the feedback information from the gray wall. His cultivation sequence should have been the same, but after observing the Strange Demons Qi Mechanism up close and combining insights from the past, he successfully comprehended Five Dragons Unification. Without waiting for the Five Dragon Dharma Body to mature, he instead cultivated an unconventional personal Qi Mechanism. This wasnt the Qi Mechanism formed by the Five Dragon Dharma Body, but an alternative ability he shaped based on the Five Dragon Dharma Body. It was infused with the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, the Body Protection Aura, and the strong physique he had cultivated over many years. Chen Mu estimated that in terms of defensive capability alone, the Five Dragons Unification was in no way inferior to the real Five Dragon Dharma Bodys Body Protection Qi Mechanism. Moreover, after integrating the Primordial Soul Devouring ability of the Five Dragon Dharma Body, the lethality was equally high. "Heh! Lu? Liang wasnt wrong, this secret technique really is an all-in-one offense and defense!" Recalling the previous battle with the horse-faced, eagle-bodied Strange Demon, Chen Mu felt increasingly satisfied with the power of Five Dragons Unification. "With this Five Dragons Qi Mechanism protecting me, if I encounter that big-eyed whale creature again, I ought to give it a slap and then..." "Hmm... and then get swallowed by that fellow?" How overly confident. Merely possessing Five Dragons Unification, where did such bravado come from? Whether he could safely return to Fengan City was still in question, yet he was thinking of provoking the whale creature? Tsk! Chen Mu raised his palm and gave his face a thorough pat. "That Nine Cups Calculation Scripture is unreliable too. In the past few days, everything was going smoothly, who would have thought that this morning, Id run straight into the horse-faced, eagle-bodied Strange Demon." Chen Mu made a face and glared at the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture on the gray wall. Based on his previous experience in cultivation, if he were to dedicate a whole day to calculations, he would only increase his experience by fifty to sixty points at most. And even if he raised his proficiency, the outcome would still carry a great deal of uncertainty. It was simply impossible to give him an accurate result, which Chen Mu found unsettling. "Having a strong fist is indeed what counts." He decided not to leave for the time being. With Thousand Lanterns City as a refuge, he wasnt afraid of having to sleep in the wilderness. Chen Mu took a deep breath. Five Dragons Unification! Boom! A surge of energy spread out like ripples from beside Chen Mu, and the grass around him was blown down in a large area. Boom! Countless black streams of energy appeared out of thin air, swirling around Chen Mus body, fast or slow. His eyes shifted slightly, looking towards a large rock of grinding stone size across the stream. Immediately, a strand of grey energy shot out like an arrow, zipping into the rock and disappearing in the blink of an eye. The mottled black-grey rock that had been weathered by wind and sun turned into a handful of powder without a sound and scattered with the breeze. The cluster of vibrant green grass that had been pressed by the edge of the rock also began to fade into white-grey with visible speed, turning into dust and disappearing. Chen Mu raised his hand to observethough seemingly void of anything, he could clearly feel that there was a thin film over the surface of his skin. This invisible film was the source of the Body Protection Qi Mechanism, which had formidable defensive power, being a culmination of all his Defensive Secret Methods. "The Qi Mechanism follows me, capable of both offense and defense. As long as Im careful along the way, theres a high probability Ill be able to return to Fengan safely." After dispersing the Five Dragons Unification Secret Method, Chen Mu began to seriously consider the plan to return to Fengan. "The Calculation Scripture isnt very reliable, but its still better than blindly forging ahead; I have to use it." "However... just calculating the direction of Fengan City is not safe enough. Its better to add the travel time as well." In the days of his cultivation, he also pondered and concluded that encountering the Strange Demon was not because the path was incorrect, but because he hadnt chosen the right time to set out. "Strange Demons come and go unpredictably, roaming all aroundthey dont just stay in one place." "So the same road might be safe in the morning, but dangerous in the afternoon." "As long as I include the travel time in my calculations, I can greatly reduce the risk of encountering Strange Demons." He immediately grabbed some hay and started recalculating. With a maximum travel distance of six hundred miles per day, using Fengan City as the final target, prioritizing safety, and adding departure time, Chen Mu ran thirty-two calculations in succession and quickly showed a smile. "Setting out at noon, traveling six hundred miles a day, out of thirty-two calculations, twelve pointed to the southeast!" Since he had started using the Calculation Scripture, this was the first time he had received such a high-probability result. Chen Mu faintly felt like he had grasped the use of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. "It has to be meticulous, setting as detailed preconditions as possible." "Its like asking questionsif the question isnt clearly expressed, you cant expect a correct answer." He proceeded to continue calculating, reaching a hundred times in one go, with forty-three pointing southeast. "This is definitely stable!" Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a smile. Chapter 513 - 504 Unlucky ``` Three hundred li west of Fengan City, in a dense forest on a small mountain, the air twisted abruptly. Pfft! With a soft sound, Shen Bu and Hu Mang appeared in mid-air, their faces filled with panic. No sooner had the two landed than they immediately stood back to back, warily scanning their surroundings. After a good while, they ascertained that it was safe and finally let out a long sigh of relief. Hu Mang, trembling, supported himself on an old tree and sat down, while Shen Bu, regardless of the dirt and dust on the ground, lay sprawled on his back in the shape of a big character. "I cant do this job anymore!" Shen Bu pounded his fist on the ground covered with dead leaves and yelled at the top of his lungs. "I had just uncapped that jar of Longevity Wine and hadnt even started to pour it out when that Strange Demon burst out with a whoosh!" "The Secret Spy Division only asked us to scatter the bait, but they never said the bait would be so enticing." "A heads-up to be on guard would have been nice, but theyve clearly sent us on a suicide mission!" "Stop howling!" Hu Mang scolded coldly, looking just as upset: "Be grateful youre alive after messing up the Secret Polices assassination mission; even I, a Commander, have to do this dirty job." "If you hadnt dragged me into this, how could I have ruined their plan?!" Shen Bu glared at Hu Mang. "Are you blaming me now?" Hu Mang shot Shen Bu a sideways glance. Shen Bus expression froze, and he couldnt help but shrink his neck: "Cant I even vent my frustrations?" "Youd be better off thinking about how to complete that mission than wasting time complaining," Hu Mang snorted. "Youre so capable, why dont you go and confront the Secret Spy Division?" Shen Bu grumbled under his breath. "Sigh... Having to scatter a jar of Longevity Wine every fifty li means we are risking our lives with each fifty li interval." "Meeting a nocturnal Strange Demon like today is one thing, but if we encounter a ferocious Strange Demon, both of us are done for." "If you ask me, forget about every fifty li or not, I might as well use the Earth Shrinking Secret Technique and chuck the Longevity Wine away. Its not like anyones closely supervising." Upon hearing this, Hu Mang gave Shen Bu a fierce glare: "Shut your mouth! How can you spout such irresponsible words? Arent you afraid the Secret Spy Divisions inspectors will chop off your head?" His face turned solemn: "Just remember to throw it far away." Huh? Shen Bu was startled, then immediately overjoyed as he got up with a roll. "Just you watch!" He immediately opened the Qi bag at his waist and began to take out wine jars. In no time, five or six dozen human-head-sized wine jars piled up into a small hill before them. Stimulating the Yin Spirit Divine Power, a gray stream of Qi appeared, whirling around the jars. Then with a whoosh, the mound of wine jars vanished. "All done, Boss Hu, shall we... head back to the city?" Hu Mang maintained a calm demeanor: "No, we first have to hang around outside the city for a couple of days." "We cant afford to reveal any flaws to the Secret Spy Divisions inspectors." ... Three days later, in a certain valley. A series consecutive roars echoed through the valley, deafening. In the air above the valley, Chen Mu hovered, with black Five Dragons Qi circulating around him. Not far away, a one-legged monstrous bird covered in flames with seven heads struggled ceaselessly in the midst of the black smoke-like Qi. However, the black smoke transformed by the Five Dragons Qi acted like a Heavenly Net, securely binding the demon within. As it activated its power to absorb spirits and souls, the demon started to deflate like a punctured ball, shrinking rapidly until it was completely devoured. "The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture is as stable in its performance as ever." "Hmm... reliably unpredictable." "Tsk!" Earlier, changing the conditions for calculation and adjusting the departure time daily, I indeed didnt encounter any demons on the road. But the joy didnt last two days before another mistake was made. Today, only halfway through my journey, I crashed right into the embrace of this demon. Being so easily approached by the Secret Operatives wasnt a good thing. "Rest assured, Commander Hu, I didnt absorb your qi," the bearded middle-aged man said, laughing and waving his hand. "Then you..." The bearded man didnt speak, but gave Shen Bu a meaningful smile. Shen Bu: "....." What do you mean? You also put a mark on me, huh? Am I a soft persimmon for everyone to pinch as they please?! Fuck! ..... The chill sun cast its light upon the earth, while gray clouds hovered motionless in mid-air. On the ground, the Black Wind whirled, abruptly vanishing only to reappear. At one moment, a pitch-black wine jar suddenly appeared in mid-air. Smash! The jar hit the ground, shattering to pieces, its sparkling and translucent red liquid splashing around. Immediately, the liquid seemed to come alive, swirling upward to gather together, and then quickly burrowed into the ground, disappearing without a trace. Hum! As if the heart of the earth had gained a heartbeat, ripples of silent pulsation swept across the distant places like water waves. On the quiet earth, restless qi began faintly to surface. At one point, as this pulsation swept through a grassland, a dense white fog suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Roar! A piercing scream exploded, spreading in all directions. Just having crossed a great snowy mountain and enjoying the view of grassland, Chen Mus face suddenly turned pale. Feeling the surging violent qi approaching, Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. Youve got to be kidding me, this unlucky? He almost instinctively drove his Yin Spirit Divine Power, executing Yin Wind Escape rapidly. His whole body shot up like a monkey reaching for the sky, and then curved back, fleeing back towards the way he came. Accompanied by the continuous boom of air, Chen Mu vanished on the horizon in the blink of an eye. After flying two hundred li in one breath, nearly back to where he set off in the morning, Chen Mu finally descended from the clouds, choosing a small hill as his landing spot. He plucked some grass with an expressionless face and started calculating proficiently. Soon, new results emerged before his eyes. Danger? Of course, I know its dangerous when Ive actually seen Strange Demons! But wasnt it said to be safe when I left this morning? How did it suddenly change? Totally playing with me! While burning with indignation, a translucent gray wall materialized in front of him. Five Dragons Scripture: 9999/10000/Fifth Rank. Sigh... As Chen Mu thought about his experiences over the last half month, he felt it was hard to articulate. The acceleration pack was indeed handy, or else he wouldnt have been able to cultivate the Five Dragons Scripture to the peak of the Fifth Rank so quickly. But these totally random appearances of Strange Demons really kept him on edge. Like todays creature, which was terrifying from a distance, it was not the first time he encountered such a thing. If he hadnt flown fast enough with his Yin Wind Escape, he might have become a meal in a Strange Demons belly. Living these days like opening blind boxes, how could he not feel terrified and unsettled. "Life... really fucking tough!" Chapter 514 - 505 Worry-Free ``` Fengan City, City Lord Mansion, Eastern Garden. Lu? Liang sat before a long low table, looking at the documents in his hand with puzzlement, "Only three Strange Demons have appeared in the recent half month, a clear decrease in frequency compared to before, somethings not right." Lu? Thirteen was equally puzzled, "Did the City Lord of Qingyang change his mind?" "Impossible," Lu? Liang shook his head, "With the continuous appearances of Strange Demons, our father has yet to show himself. Qingyang Citys suspicion about fathers whereabouts is only going to get heavier." "He cant openly probe, but theres no way he would stop luring Strange Demons to attack the city." "But the number of Strange Demons is indeed decreasing? Is there some mishap, or is there a larger scheme at play?" Lu? Thirteen furrowed his brows. The two looked at each other, left to ponder but unable to grasp the key point. ... Just as puzzled was Liu Tong, the inspector of Qingyang City Secret Spy Bureau. His face full of suspicion, he looked at Hu Mang, "Are you sure you completed the task?" "The inspector doesnt believe me?" Hu Mang replied with a cold laugh, "Why dont you and I go and splash the Longevity Wine together?" He actually dared to talk back? Liu Tongs face darkened, his brows furrowing tight. However, since Hu Mang was so confident, it meant he must have indeed splashed the Longevity Wine as requested. But why then are the numbers of Strange Demons decreasing instead? Strange Demons dont like Longevity Wine? Thats impossible. The Longevity Wine also contained the essence of the Three Treasures Essence, which to the confused consciousness of Strange Demons, is irresistibly fatal. As long as they smell it, they will definitely come out to devour it completely. "Seems like well have to disperse more Longevity Wine," Liu Tong narrowed his eyes. He glanced at Hu Mangs dissatisfied expression and couldnt help but coldly sneer in his heart. Still so arrogant while in my hands? Hah! "Since youve completed your task so well, then you can do a bit more of it." "Go get a hundred jars of Longevity Wine and continue the dispersal, you have five days to complete it, if you hinder the big plan..." Liu Tong let out a cold laugh. Hu Mang instantly clenched his fists and ground his teeth, glaring at Liu Tong with rage, then huffed and turned away. A hundred jars of Longevity Wine? Even if you give me a thousand jars, I can easily get rid of them for you! Hmm, I should have Shen Bu throw that Longevity Wine a bit further away. If we cant lure Strange Demons to attack Fengan City, when the Secret Spy Bureaus punishment comes down, this director Liu Tong is definitely going to be in deep trouble. Hu Mang looked back at the teahouse behind him and scornfully curled his lips. Telling me to work while still being so arrogant? Then lets see wholl be the one suffering in the end! ... The setting sun sank in the west, the temperature dropped, and beneath a slanted cliff in the Netherworld, Chen Mu looked at a row of withered grass on the ground with an expression of doubting life itself. "This isnt right, is it?" "I was supposed to go to Fengan City, not a Strange Demon den, so how could there be more Strange Demons the closer I get to Fengan City?" "Young brother, you didnt mistake me for one of those demons, did you?" Noticing Chen Mus expression, the middle-aged man Li Wuyou couldnt help but smile warmly. "Those creatures are indeed frightening, so your misunderstanding is understandable." Chen Mu had also come back to his senses by this point. He had almost forgotten that besides Strange Demons, there were also Yin Spirits in the wilderness. Because of the unpredictability of the River of Oblivion, the locations of the Yin Spirits were also variable. Just like when Black Wind endured those Yin Spirits, the places they climbed out from the River of Oblivion were different. This Li Wuyou before him was likely one of the Yin Spirits that had climbed out from a nearby section of the River of Oblivion. However, seeing that his clothes were clean and, though dressed as a scholar, with an air of confidence and a trace of nobility, it seemed that in life his status was not low. For him to be wandering alone in this wilderness with such ease, he must possess some unique abilities for self-preservation. "How may I address the young brother?" Li Wuyou asked with a bow and a smile. Chen Mu did not conceal his name and responded readily, "I am called Lu Da." "Brother Lu, it is cold and freezing outside. May I have the honor of sharing your fire to warm myself?" Li Wuyou asked earnestly. Chen Mu was just about to ask this man for some information about the surroundings, so naturally, he would not refuse and nodded immediately. Moreover, after over a month of solitary travel, having seen only Exotic Beasts or Strange Demons, he was quite delighted to encounter a Yin Spirit with whom he could converse. Gurgle gurgle gurgle... A sound of stomach grumbling rang out as the just-seated Li Wuyou looked up with embarrassment, "In these wilds, it is difficult to find prey. I have been hungry for quite some time, causing my stomach to rebel, embarrassing me in front of Brother Lu." Chen Mu shook his head and waved his hand, appearing unfazed on the surface, yet felt somewhat disappointed inside. It seemed this person did not know the Dew Harvesting Spell, so he probably didnt know where any large cities were either. Gurgle gurgle gurgle... The intense sound of stomach grumbling came once again. Chen Mu almost laughed out loud. It seemed he was indeed quite hungry. He flipped his wrist and pulled out a jade gourd as tall as a forearm, "If you dont mind, have a drink of Jade Dew first. Its most suitable for Yin Spirits." "How could I refuse!" Li Wuyou quickly stood up and took it with both hands. Once he sat back by the fire and offered Chen Mu an apologetic smile, he immediately opened the Jade Gourd and, without taking a breath, gulped down all the Jade Dew inside. Chen Mu watched Li Wuyou with an expression of amazement. He really must have been starving. "Many thanks for your assistance, Brother Lu!" Li Wuyou put down the gourd and bowed with a grateful face. "How was the taste?" Chen Mu asked with interest, for Jade Dew could change its flavor according to personal taste, which was quite marvelous. "Extremely good, though it feels a bit spicy to the tongue," Li Wuyou smacked his lips and said. Chen Mu chuckled, "After all, its water from the third layer of the River of Oblivion, a bit stronger in taste, its perfectly normal." As soon as the words fell, the flesh around Li Wuyous jaw and throat began to rot and darken, looking like melting wax drips, falling to the ground with a plop. Within a few breaths, bare white bones were exposed. Yet Li Wuyou seemed completely oblivious to this, trying hard to present a smile that was both gentle and ghastly with the half-intact, half-decayed face. "Its good stuff indeed, but unfortunately, the Jade Dew doesnt quite suit my palate. Moreover, Im still a bit hungry; could I trouble you for some other food to fill my stomach?" "Other food? Such as?" Chen Mu asked, his smile unwavering. "Such as the flesh on your body," Li Wuyou said softly. "Heh!" Chapter 515 - 506 Scholar ``` "Monster! I knew at a glance you were not human!" "Five Dragons Unification!" Chen Mu bellowed, and a surge of black mist emerged. With a vigorous wave of his hand, streams of black smoke from the Five Dragons Qi burst forth like floodwaters breaking through a dam, violently charging towards the other side. Hiss! As if corroded by strong acid, Li Wuyous body immediately began to wither, turn black, shrink, and rot. In the blink of an eye, half of his body carbonized into wisps of black smoke, drifting backwards, dispersed by the Five Dragons Qi. Yet, the half-destroyed face of the other person still wore a smile, eyes curving, watching Chen Mu with a strange, fox-like grineerie and false. Hum! The fire in the pit suddenly shrank, and the light dimmed under the inclined cliff. Li Wuyous body collapsed with a thunderous sound, turning into a pile of black ash on the ground, scattered by the cold wind. Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief and quickly retracted the Five Dragons Qi, wrapping it around himself. The moment he heard footsteps, the Truthful Listening Technique was instinctively cast. He then discovered that, although Li Wuyou appeared ordinary on the surface, the life rhythm in his body was extremely chaotic, as if he was not one person, but a combined entity of numerous creatures. He immediately sensed something was amiss with this man, so he gave him a gourd of River of Oblivion Water to test. "Indeed..." Chen Mus face turned cold. Thinking of the chaotic Qi of the other person, a chill ran down his spine. He immediately used the Truthful Listening Technique to scan a twenty-mile radius repeatedly to make sure there were no strange Qi nearby before he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Li Wuyou was far inferior to those massive Strange Demons, but the chaotic aura he emitted made Chen Mu quite wary. When the others gaze fell on him, it felt as if countless people were watching him at the same time. The smile on the face was full of good humor, but it was full of malice inside, which truly made his heart tremble. "I cant stay here. Who knows if more bizarre things like this will appear?" Thinking this, Chen Mu considered using the Escape Skill to leave. Your journey continues at novelhall.Co?m The next moment, with a light snapping sound, the faint sound of footsteps suddenly appeared. Following that, a familiar, gentle voice reached his ears: "I am Li Wuyou. Having lost my way in the wilderness, I was attracted by the fire here. I apologize for the intrusion and hope for your understanding." Chen Mus eyes bulged, and he felt a chill crawl up his scalp. His neck turned stiffly, and then he saw at the edge of the fire to his left, Li Wuyou, dressed in a white scholarly outfit, reappeared unscathed. He smiled with his eyes curving, showing a sincere yet insincere smile, and bowed to Chen Mu politely, as if he were a very well-mannered scholar. That feeling of being malevolently watched by countless people surfaced once again. Chen Mus heart suddenly grew cold. He had not turned off the Truthful Listening Technique, but he had no idea how the other person had appeared. Only when he heard the footsteps did that chaotic aura reach his ears. Gurgle... A rumbling came from the stomach, and Li Wuyou looked at Chen Mu with a smile. "I have been so hungry for so long. May I borrow your heart and liver to satisfy my hunger?" Upon hearing these words, Chen Mus pupils shrank to pinpoints. The next moment. At most, he was being sly, using some other tricks. His questioning was merely a habitual way of finding fault with the guy. "Go and get another hundred pots of Longevity Wine and then get lost!" Liu Tong waved his hand, dismissing him. Hu Mang snorted coldly, casually clasped his fist in a salute, and turned to leave. Liu Tongs expression grew even more unsightly. ... The next day, in the wilderness outside the city. Hu Mang stood on a hillside, scanning the area to make sure no one was around, and then transformed into a wisp of black smoke, descending into the forest below. Waiting there for a long time was a middle-aged man from the Grindstone Department with a long beard. After a brief conversation, Hu Mang took the bag of Qi nourishment handed over by the man and immediately drifted away like a gust of yin wind. The bearded middle-aged didnt linger either; he twisted his body and suddenly vanished from the spot. After a while, Liu Tong appeared in the forest. "I knew there was something fishy!" Liu Tong sneered contemptuously. "I remember that Hu Mang had previously messed up a mission from the Grindstone Department, so he was assigned to my command as a dead soldier." "I had thought he didnt get along with the Grindstone Department, but it turns out there was collusion in the dark." "The Secret Spy Department and the Grindstone Department are both meddling? There must be a major conspiracy involved!" Liu Tongs face was stern. "No wonder there have been fewer and fewer strange demons lately. It seems that the Longevity Wine recently spread out has likely been dealt with using a special method by the other side, hidden away so it wouldnt attract more strange demons." He suddenly thought of the dead soldiers who had died while spreading the bait. Perhaps they didnt die at the hands of strange demons but were secretly silenced by someone. "Were these people quietly turned by Fengan City, or is someone within Qingyang City a traitor, working as an inside agent for Fengan City?" "If I can figure out the reason and expose the mastermind behind this..." "Ha ha, promotion and wealth are just around the corner!" Liu Tong suddenly got excited. He was just about to cast a secret technique to continue tracking Hu Mang when he looked up and realized that, at some unknown time, a figure in white had suddenly appeared in front of him. The persons eyes were squinted into an arc, much like a fox. With a gentle smile full of sincerity, the figure stared intently at Liu Tong. "I am Li Wuyou. I apologize for startling you, sir." "Its just that I suffer from an unbearable hunger. May I borrow your liver to sate it?" A scholar with a fox-face eating livers? King Wuyou! A rumor from the streets suddenly surfaced in his mind, sending a chill down Liu Tongs spine! He had just thought of escaping using a spell when that fox-like smiling face was already directly in front of him. Then he watched, wide-eyed, as the others mouth grew wider and wider, revealing rows upon rows of long, sharp teeth reflecting in the surface of his pupils. Accompanied by a short, sharp scream. The forest abruptly fell silent. Only the sound of flesh and bone being chewed and swallowed faintly lingered. Chapter 516 - 507: Immortal Within the City Lord Mansions eastern garden in Fengan City. "The East Pole Longevity Scripture has been distributed, hasnt it?" Lu? Liang asked, massaging his brow. "The citys workshops are printing it urgently, and in two days, we can ensure that everyone has a copy," Lu? Thirteen nodded, then hesitated, "But if we really implant the Spiritual Seed in everyone, it would be like handing over the entire Fengan City to Lu Da. If he harbors other intentions..." "I dont want this either..." Lu? Liang sighed, "The Strange Demons have been getting rarer recently; Im afraid a big entity is moving towards Fengan City." "If its just the night-roaming Strange Demons and the fierce Strange Demons, we would still be able to cope," "Apart from using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to forcibly unite the citys power in resistance, we have no other choice." Lu? Thirteens expression turned grim: "Did Lu Da anticipate this from the beginning?" "At least we did obtain Ghost Gate, and father successfully ventured to Beyond Heaven," Lu? Liang shook his head with a bitter smile, "Lets just proceed with the previous plan." Lu? Thirteen could only nod in silence. Lu? Liang sighed again, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and continued to sift through the intelligence dossier in his hands. "Yin Spirits have disappeared again in the city? Hasnt the frequency of similar events been too high lately?" "Quite a few," Lu? Thirteen nodded, "It could be someone taking advantage of the chaos, or these people feel threatened by the Strange Demons and covertly fled Fengan. I have already involved the patrol battalion, and we should soon have an accurate answer." "Scholar?" But Lu? Liang continued to stare at the documents. "It says here that a scholar has appeared near the residences of the missing Yin Spirits. This person..." For some reason, he felt an odd sense of de?ja? vu. "Thats also why I suspect someone is secretly causing trouble," Lu? Thirteen nodded, "Its very likely someone is laying a trap to create panic and stir chaos within the city." However, Lu? Liangs frown deepened as a memory suddenly flashed in his mind. A scholar dressed in white, with a fox-like smiling face... Hiss! "Is there something wrong with this scholar?" Lu? Thirteen asked in confusion. "Smiling scholar, Uncle Thirteen, doesnt he seem familiar to you?" Lu? Liangs voice was hoarse, immediately handing over the intelligence note to Lu? Thirteen. "A fox-like smile? A scholar dressed in white?" Lu? Thirteen examined the letter carefully, and his body stiffened as if struck by a sudden realization. In the past two months, with the continuous appearances of Strange Demons, they had researched a lot of material to counter them effectively. Because of this, they also learned many previously overlooked news and intelligence. "Could it be the King Li Wuyou who devastated Chongyan City hundreds of years ago?" "The Strange Demon King who can duplicate endlessly, growing stronger the more hes killed?!" Lu? Thirteen looked incredulous. "Impossible!" He shook his head vehemently, "Its been hundreds of years, even if King Li Wuyou was formidable, he should have fallen to the bottom of the River of Oblivion and completely vanished by now." "If he roamed free, he would indeed vanish, but what if someone was intentionally nurturing him?" Lu? Liangs face turned ashen. "The old ghost from Qingyang City?! How dare he..." Lu? Thirteen exclaimed. "To become the King of Yin Spirits, what wouldnt he dare!" Lu? Liangs expression grew even more unsightly. Find exclusive stories on novelhall.Co?m Boom! Dirt flew in all directions. Chen Mu, like a cannonball, was driven out of the ground by Li Wuyou! While still midair, the man in white vanished instantly, only to reappear the very next instant to Chen Mus right, his right hand wrapped in bright red smoke and formed into a blade-like shape, stabbing straight towards Chen Mus waist. Clang! Chen Mu twisted his body, grabbing the others wrist, and spun around violently like a top. Like flinging away a ball and chain, he whirred and threw Li Wuyou flying. Boom! Rocks shattered, and Li Wuyous figure crashed into the rock walls of a distant cliff, dust billowing around him. Before he could struggle out of the hole, Chen Mus figure was already upon him. Giant Spirit Divine! With a flicker of the divine image shadow behind him, Chen Mus strength soared instantaneously. He clenched his fists, black smoke swirling around them, and with a series of dragon roars and tiger howls, his fists buzzed like the flapping wings of bees and like bullets shot repeatedly from a gun, pummeling towards the others ghastly grinning face. Pu pu pu! In a few breaths, his opponents face was completely mashed by Chen Mu. Chen Mu let out a thunderous roar, swinging both fists simultaneously, the black smoke around him surging toward Li Wuyou. Whoosh! The others body shook violently, as if it were made of sand, quickly disintegrating into tiny black ashes that scattered with the wind. Chen Mu, panting heavily, stared hatefully at the bloodstains inside the hole. But the very next moment, that feeling of being targeted by countless malicious gazes reappeared. Chen Mu looked down swiftly, only to see below the cliff, an unscathed figure in white raising his head, gazing at Chen Mu with that fox-like, eerie smile. Fuck! Will you ever fucking end?! Chen Mus head buzzed, feeling a chill in his heart as his scalp exploded with tension. From last night to now, he had already killed seventeen Li Wuyous. But no matter how many times he killed him, the other would reappear right after his death. And as time went on, his strength seemed to grow even more formidable. Initially, all he needed was to use Five Dragons Qi to kill him, but the Li Wuyou from just now had entangled him for nearly half a day! And now, after a full day and night of pursuit, his Yin Spirit Divine Power was nearly depleted. If he still couldnt shake off Li Wuyous pursuit, he really feared he might end up devoured by this ghostly creature! ``` Chapter 517 - 508 Restraint At noon, when the sky was cloudless, the cold white sunlight bathed the entire Fengan City. The usually bustling streets were devoid of people, and the entire city lay eerily silent as if it were a terrifying ghost city. Beneath the southern city wall, in a secluded courtyard overrun with weeds, a group of seven or eight men tiptoed into the yard. "Big brother, the City Lord Mansion said that the fox-faced scholar mostly roams outside the city. If we run out and happen to encounter him..." a short man voiced his hesitation with a full face of doubt. "What? Having second thoughts?" The bearded man leading them gave the other a sidelong glance, "You dont actually believe those ghost stories from the City Lord Mansion, do you?" "I tell you, that fox-faced scholar is not just roaming outside the city; the whole Fengan City is his hunting ground," the bearded man snorted with disdain. "And that damn Three Paths Curseif it really could bring safety, then how could old man Liu from Duo Fu Alley have his heart gouged out and die by that fox-faced scholar?" "Chanting the Three Paths Curse is like lighting mugwort in the middle of a wilderness to ward off common insects; it can fend off the ordinary pests but cannot stop the fierce and poisonous ones." "That fox-faced scholar simply detests the aura of Cursing Methods, not that he cant forcefully barge in," he scanned over his companions, "Staying in the city, wed only be lambs waiting for the slaughter!" "Do you really want to entrust your lives to the whim of that creature?" All shook their heads in unison. "If youre not content, then youre right," the bearded man nodded fiercely, "Rather than waiting to die in the city, better to follow me and fight for that slim chance of survival outside." Seeing that no one hesitated any longer, a smile spread across the bearded mans face. At last, he had fooled these few people. Without bringing some scapegoats, how could he dare to leave the city at ease? While he was feeling smug, he looked up only to find that the people before him had turned around as if being chased by a fierce beast, and in a flash, they had scaled the courtyard wall and disappeared without a trace. The bearded man was taken aback, then he seemed to realize something, his whole body shuddering. He lifted his foot intending to run, but found that he seemed to be under a Binding Spell, his body frozen in place, unable to move a muscle. The fox-faced scholar?! The bearded man was horrified. He immediately opened his mouth to chant the Three Paths Curse aloud. But the next moment. Gurgle! A bloodstained hand pierced through his chest, holding a pulsing, fresh red heart. The bearded mans body shook violently, his complexion turning to ash at an alarming rate, and in the blink of an eye, he dissipated into dust and vanished without a trace. Li Wuyou retracted his hand, tilted his head slightly, his nostrils flaring. He examined the heart in his hand intently. In less than fifteen minutes, the location forecasted by the Calculation Scripture was already in sight, that thick white mist could be clearly seen five or six miles away, a scene that only occurs where a Strange Demon dwells. As if sensing Chen Mus approach, that massive mist that reached from earth to sky began to churn and roll rapidly. Ao ao ao... Accompanied by a rage-filled roar, a three-headed, six-armed monkey monster, over ten stories tall with vivid red muscles exposed, burst forth, its six huge blood-red eyes staring intently at Chen Mu. The monsters fierce aura hit him face-on, causing the hair on Chen Mus body to instinctively stand on end, yet he felt not fear but elation. Five Dragons Dharma Aspect! Boom! Five terrifying dragon heads, each as tall as a three-story building, appeared out of nowhere and immediately rushed towards the monkey Strange Demon. Splat! At the moment of impact, two of the demons arms and one of its heads were torn off by the dragon heads. Read the latest on novelhall.Co?m The Strange Demon screamed loudly, as its four arms brutally pounded on the dragon heads, shattering two that appeared to be made of black glaze into a cloud of smoke that dissipated. But in just the blink of an eye, the vanishing dragon heads re-formed, and with a series of soaring roars, they easily tore apart the monkey Strange Demons body, as if it were made of cast iron. In just a few breaths, the vast Strange Demon, large as a hill, was torn and devoured by the Five Dragons Dharma Aspect. Bang! A muffled explosion sounded, the shockwave rolled out, and the white smoke scattered in all directions. Chen Mus ragged clothes were blown outwards, fluttering noisily, while countless Netherworld Worms scattered in all directions like a flock of sheep breaking out of an enclosure. Without dwelling on the regret of losing part of the Strange Demons body, Chen Mu immediately initiated the Five Dragons Unification. The five massive dragon heads immediately disintegrated into gray-white smoke while black smoke suddenly surfaced around Chen Mu. Hum! An overwhelming Qi burst forth, spreading around him as an immense amount of Vital Energy flooded into his body, the Yin Spirit Divine Power that was on the verge of depletion now surged forth incessantly. By the time the phantom of the River of Oblivion drew out by the Netherworld Worms appeared, Chen Mus Yin Spirit Divine Power had completely recovered, and the exhaustion and weakness from the five days of continuous fighting had vanished. But before he could enjoy it for long, he felt a familiar sense of malicious gaze. Chen Mu turned around expressionlessly, and sure enough, three miles away on the top of a small hill, the smiling Li Wuyou appeared again. "Ghosts just cant seem to stay away!" Chen Mu said coldly. "But... why arent you attempting a close-range sneak attack this time? How come..." He looked at the slowly fading phantom of the River of Oblivion, then at Li Wuyou on the hilltop in the distance, and suddenly revealed a smile. "So youre afraid of the River of Oblivion, haha!" Chapter 518 - 509 Resistance East Garden of the City Lord Mansion in Fengan City. On the corridor outside, Lu? Liang sat behind a long table, lost in thought. Accompanied by a series of subtle footsteps, a scholar in white, with a strange fake smile on his face, appeared from the withered bamboo at the edge of the courtyard. King Wuyou! Lu?s body shook, his Yin Spirit Divine Power restless. "Young Master, you must not act rashly," Lu? Thirteen, sitting opposite, quickly stood up to dissuade him, "King Wuyou is murderous. If you kill one, countless King Wuyou avatars will entangle you." "If we really start a fight, wed be falling right into the trap of Qingyang Citys lord!" Without waiting for Lu? Liang to respond, he hurriedly waved his hand. Suddenly, a Black Armor Yin soldier abruptly appeared beside Li Wuyou, kicked him out of the courtyard, and charged out after him. With the sound of fighting and collision growing more distant, the Yin soldier and Li Wuyou soon disappeared far from the City Lord Mansion. Lu? Liangs face twitched, he clenched his fists fiercely, "Damn that old man Xiao!" After a long while, he regained his composure, "Is there any news of the Yin soldiers who were teleported away with the Netherworld Ferry?" Lu? Thirteen shook his head with an ugly expression, "Out of the twelve groups, totaling one hundred and eight people, there has been no word." "Not even one?" Lu? Liang couldnt believe it. Lu? Thirteen nodded solemnly, "Im afraid they were either intercepted by Qingyang City or fell victim to King Wuyou." "Has Fengan City completely turned into an isolated city you can only enter but never leave?" Lu? Liangs face grew grim. Lu? Thirteen nodded with a grim expression, "With the East Pole Longevity Scripture here, most of the citys people have already begun to grasp the Three Paths Curse." "But the essence of the River of Oblivion summoned by the Three Paths Curse can only temporarily drive King Wuyou away; it cant stop his slaughter." "Im afraid only the Yin Divine Might can expel him. We can only delay as much as possible and wait for the City Lord." "If we encounter him before then, we can only try to have the Yin soldiers draw him away." As soon as his voice fell, accompanied by the crackling sound of dry branches and leaves shattering, the white-clothed scholar Li Wuyou appeared once again. Lu? Liang, with a troubled face, stood up, "We can lure away one or two, but can we lure away thousands or tens of thousands?" "My energy has probably been specially marked by Qingyang City. Even if I dont fight, this cursed thing will keep coming after me." "How long can the two thousand Yin soldiers of the Thousand Blade Camp help me delay?" "Rather than waiting to die in fear, Id rather fight for survival." ... Ten days later, in Fengan City. A piece of withered and dry Moonlight Tree leaf, large as the palm, drifted with the wind, flew over the city wall, and gracefully landed on the deserted street. On the western city wall. Yin Fire, green as death, fell from the sky like a meteor. Boom! For more than twenty days, he had been entangled in battle, successively killing seventy-three Li Wuyous. With each encounter, the enemy grew stronger, and a casual strike displayed Dharma Aspect energy. If he hadnt piled up the Five Dragons Scripture to Perfection using dozens of Strange Demons, he wouldve probably had his heart eaten by Li Wuyou already. At this moment, hovering in mid-air, his right fist drawn back, Chen Mu resembled a fully drawn longbow. Behind him, the shadows of five dragons flashed and vanished, and a layer of black light suddenly appeared on the surface of his right fist. Then, as if teleporting, he appeared behind Li Wuyou. Five Dragon Dharma Body! Roar! A resounding roar burst forth as Chen Mu threw his punch. Boom! The air abruptly exploded with sound as Li Wuyou soared out like a massive meteorite falling from the sky, crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. Rock shattered, dirt splashed, and a crater dozens of meters in diameter appeared. Li Wuyou lay at the bottom of the crater, and through the massive hole in his chest, one could clearly see his broken spine and the half-missing heart. Chen Mu leapt onto the city wall with a swoosh after sweeping a glance at the unchanged false smile on the others face. His first glance caught sight of the Li Wuyou that was only half a body in length, and his heart suddenly panicked. This damned thing isnt the only one? Truthful Listening! The Secret Technique activated in an instant, and the view of half the city instantly flooded his mind. Then, he saw that in the streets and alleys, Li Wuyous with varying strengths were wandering about. Chen Mus face twitched fiercely. One Li Wuyou was already enough to run him ragged; if this densely packed group of Li Wuyous joined forces and attacked en masse... Had he known, he mightve been better off not returning to Fengan City at all! "Which direction is the Netherworld Ferry?" Chen Mu quickly turned to ask Lu? Liang. On his way here, he had verified multiple times that Li Wuyou was afraid of the River of Oblivions aura. He guessed that as long as he could hide near the Netherworld Ferry, there was a high probability he could escape from Li Wuyous pursuit. But before Lu? Liang could answer, that feeling of being watched by countless malicious gazes appeared again. Immediately after, he discovered that the countless Li Wuyous slowly turned around, their gazes converging on the section of the city wall where he stood. The Li Wuyou in the large crater outside the city ceased struggling. Streams of scarlet smoke spurted out from his wounds, and his formidable aura rapidly declined. Meanwhile, those originally weak Li Wuyous inside the city inflated like balloons being inflated, their auras quickly intensifying! The next moment, these identical-looking Li Wuyous began jumping onto rooftops, their clothes flapping as they rushed towards where Chen Mu stood. Chen Mu: "..." I mean, I was just asking for directions and didnt plan on messing with you, why the hell are you all charging at me? Fuck! Chapter 519 - 510 Safety Chen Mu looked at the overwhelming advance of Li Wuyou and felt his scalp tingle. This damned thing doesnt play by the rules! Run? Li Wuyou moved like a ghost, and for the past twenty or so days, despite using all his tricks, he had been unable to shake him off. Now with so many copies to assist him, there was no way he could escape. Fight? One Li Wuyou had already driven him to the brink of exhaustion; now with thousands of Li Wuyous swarming at him, fighting was out of the question! "Quick, which way to the River of Oblivion?" Chen Mu urgently asked Lu? Liang. "Six hundred li south of Fengan City theres a stretch of the River of Oblivion," Lu? Liang replied hoarsely, leaning against the crenel of the city wall, his face filled with bitterness. "Its no use, Fengan City has become King Wuyous hunting ground, and now that he is going all out, hell never let us escape." "I only hope youve spread the East Pole Longevity Scripture widely enough," Chen Mu said through clenched teeth. At this point, he had no choice but to risk his life and fight. Li Wuyou could be temporarily restrained by the River of Oblivion Water, and as long as they could bring in enough water to envelop themselves and others, they could temporarily isolate the numerous Li Wuyous and have a chance to dive into the River of Oblivion to shake him off. To draw in enough River of Oblivion Water to isolate all the Li Wuyous, an enormous amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power was indispensable. Only by using the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed as a resonance point and forcibly implementing the Mountain-Carrying Scripture could he possibly gather such a quantity of Yin Spirit Divine Power and help them escape. Chen Mu took a deep breath and fully activated the Perfection-level Mountain-Carrying Scripture. Drip drop! It was as if a drop of rain had fallen on a calm surface of water. Suddenly, that secret rhythm unique to the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in Lu? Liangs body appeared in Chen Mus heart. Then it was Lu? Thirteens turn, followed by the Yin soldiers near the city wall, and then... Whoosh... It was as if a downpour had started in his tranquil heart, countless Spiritual Seed rhythms responding within. "How many copies of that East Pole Longevity Scripture did you actually spread out?" Chen Mu asked, staring dumbfounded at Lu? Liang. "One for each person, whats up?" Lu? Liang responded, looking puzzled. "Well spread!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. Before, he had thought about fleeing as far as possible. But now... He looked towards Fengan City and saw Li Wuyou, who was racing towards him like a shot arrow, suddenly revealing a crazed smile. "Ghosts Carrying the Mountain!" Hum! The air around the entire city vibrated as if a gigantic heart had started thumping. Wisps of black smoke started appearing between the streets and buildings, rising straight into the sky. Within two breaths, a massive black cloud large enough to envelop the whole Fengan City burst into existence. At this moment, the fastest Li Wuyou had already leaped onto the city wall. His legs launching him forcefully, he shattered a section of the wall and soared into the air, heading straight for Chen Mu. "Eat shit!" Chen Mu, surrounded by silver-spotted black smoke, lashed out with a kick, hitting the opponents bizarre smiling face squarely. Bang! A ring of air exploded outward as that Li Wuyou suddenly flew backward, smashing a large hole in the city wall before crashing into the ground. "My turn now! Haha!" Chen Mu laughed loudly, spinning around and transforming into black smoke, whisking away Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen as he soared into the sky. With a downward pressing motion of his finger, the Nine Nether Green Flames enveloped the wooden cups as they submerged into the River of Oblivion. Moments later, Chen Mu hooked his finger and the significantly dimmed fireball emerged back from the river. As he willed it, the wooden cup filled with Replenishing Origin Soup reappeared beside Chen Mu, unharmed. "The Nine Nether Green Flames can indeed isolate the erosion of the River of Oblivion Water," Chen Mu said with a smile. He had perfected the Netherworld Guide Secret Technique. It could attract water from the third layer of the River of Oblivion as well as the Nine Nether Green Flames. These two forces had opposing natures and could restrain each other. He had even fashioned a secret technique bomb with them, but it was a pity it had not been used yet. "Lets go build a Ghost Gate," he said. "If something unexpected really happens, well use the Nine Nether Green Flames to isolate us from the River of Oblivion Water, dive into the river to avoid the Worry-Free King first, and then activate the Ghost Gate to head to Beyond Heaven." Its just Nether Demon Heaven, he had been there before. With Thousand Lanterns City, as long as they could shake off Li Wuyous pursuit, there was no danger in going to Nether Demon Heaven. ... The following morning. Inside a riverside cabin, Chen Mu, who was lying quietly in bed, suddenly opened his eyes. Upon seeing the wooden ceiling above him, his mind snapped back to reality, and he dispersed the Yin Wind Escape he had already half invoked. "This damn Li Wuyou has really caused me a lot of trouble," he couldnt help but smile bitterly. Being haunted by Li Wuyou for more than twenty days, Chen Mu had been either in combat or fleeing, already utterly exhausted. He intended to sleep soundly for three days by the River of Oblivion. Unfortunately, every time he closed his eyes, that eerily smiling face of the adversary would appear in his dreams. And because it was in a dream, the appearances were even weirder. Just last night, he had woken up in fright three times. "Truly a lingering specter," Chen Mu said with a wry smile. He figured that getting a good nights sleep before completely shaking off Li Wuyou would be somewhat challenging. He got up and went to the window. The people of Fengan City nearby had already started their bustling day. With a backup plan to teleport to Beyond Heaven, the people of Fengan City, who had been troubled by Li Wuyou for many days, burst into tremendous enthusiasm. Everyone in the city was filled with vigor. Lots of people covered themselves with Nine Nether Green Flames and jumped into the River of Oblivion to collect stones, while others under the leadership of Lu? Liang gathered Yin Spirit Divine Power to build the Ghost Gate. With the eerie Li Wuyou watching from not too far away, not only did no one slack off, but many worked tirelessly without eating, drinking, or sleeping, making considerable progress. Chen Mu couldnt help glaring at the creepy, smiling face in the distance. He really wanted to kill that bastard. As he willed it, a gray wall appeared before his eyes. Five Dragons Scripture: Perfection. In the past twenty-plus days of fighting, to replenish Essence, the Five Dragon Dharma Body had devoured numerous Strange Demons. Moreover, to counter Li Wuyou, it had been used exceedingly frequently. Consequently, the experience soared, and Chen Mu unconsciously brought it to perfection. Hum! The air above the River of Oblivion vibrated. Tendrils of black smoke adorned with silver specks spread, and five dragon heads, seeming cast from black iron, materialized, while their glossy black Scale Armor and the gleam of their clashing claws intermittently appeared within the smoke. The mirror-like waters of the River of Oblivion rippled, and the busy Yin Spirits of Fengan City suddenly stiffened in place, their faces filled with horror as if they were hit by a Binding Spell. The Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect, formidable indeed! Chen Mu revealed a satisfied smile. Noticing the disturbance in the distance, he quickly waved his hand to dissipate the Dharma Aspect. However, the Dharma Aspect didnt vanish but instead transformed into an invisible force that enveloped Chen Mus surroundings. The black smoke, flickering with silver stars, was the manifestation of the fully realized Dharma Aspect Energy. With just the Five Dragons Scripture Secret Technique, he was already able to compete with a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit! Chapter 520 - 511 - Completion At the River of Oblivions shore. Beneath the window on the left side of the door of the wooden hut, a soft couch was arranged. Chen Mu sat cross-legged upon it, allowing the grey wall to appear before his eyes as he sorted through his own skills and experiences. First and foremost, he looked at the experiences associated with Yin Spirits, and he couldnt help but smile after just a glance. The Five Dragons Scripture, Netherworld Guide, Jade Gate Curse, Mountain-Carrying Scripture, and a series of nine other perfect secret techniques were comforts to his heart just to look at. Even though the not perfected Yin Wind Escape had reached beyond the halfway point of the Fifth Level, and even the unreliable Nine Cups Calculation Scripture had been trained to the limit of the Second Rank. "Im quite compatible with these Yin Spirit secret techniques," Chen Mu chuckled to himself. "Unfortunately, I am not a pure Yin Spirit after all. The foundation still lies in the True Flesh Body," he helplessly looked towards the Qi Cultivator side of secret techniques. The Netherworld Grand Summary had been stuck at the last hurdle of the Eighth Stagejust shy of a thousand experiences away from entering the Ninth Stage. The Eighth Stage Truthful Listening Technique had garnered over nine thousand experiences due to frequent use. Giant Spirit Divine and the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique had seen significant progress due to their recent frequent use. However, aside from these few secret techniques, most of the others had come to a standstill. "Grey wall, youre just not cutting it. Youre supposed to be like a hack, requiring me to train by myself; you could at least level up on your own," Chen Mu complained with a face full of disappointment. The grey wall immediately fell silent, embarrassed into speechlessness. Chen Mu glared several times before looking away, resignedly dismissing the grey wall. If it were before, he would have starved and dehydrated himself to push those nearly complete secret techniques to the limit. But now, without Earth Spirit Vital Energy in the Netherworld, he had to set them aside. Previously, he could employ White Jade Coins to operate the Exquisite Jade Plate to generate Earth Spirit Vital Energy. But now... Chen Mu pulled out a small wooden box, looking at the sparse White Jade Coins inside with a furrowed brow. "Seven hundred and thirty-two, its no exaggeration to say that Im at the end of my rope," he said. A strong sense of unease welled up in Chen Mus heart. Now, with his Five Dragons Scripture perfected, his offensive capabilities were comparable to those of a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit, but he was not a true Yin Spirit. The ability to wield Yin Spirit skills was all thanks to the True Form of Heavenly Demon. And the True Form of Heavenly Demon was nothing but a special skill forged out of vital energy, contingent upon the True Body. Chen Mu had every reason to suspect that if his mana really ran out, his Heavenly Demon True Body might well be done for! "I must return to the Yang Realm as soon as possible." "But..." Chen Mu sighed and looked towards the river not far away. The people of Fengan City were busily constructing the Ghost Gate. Further away, the eerie smiling face of Li Wuyou appeared intermittently amidst the mist. Clearly, he and the group from Fengan City were trapped at the shores of the River of Oblivion. "If I were to abandon these people now..." Chen Mu became lost in thought. Previously, during his trek through the wilderness, his main goal was to return to Fengan so he could get back to the Yang Realm. But now, with Fengan City struggling to survive, did he really need to get involved? "To return to the Yang Realm, I must serve a hundred years as a Living God at the City God Dojo. Lu? Liang has a method, the Substitute Puppet Technique, to avoid the century-long term," he pondered. "But this task isnt limited to just Lu? Liang," Chen Mus eyes narrowed as he contemplated. "In the vast Yinshan Prefecture, it wouldnt be difficult to find someone with a similar status and background." "Wait for the right moment to plant a Heavenly Demon Spiritual Seed in them, then use the Transmission Secret Method as a tradesecuring a spot as a Living God shouldnt be difficult." "However, if I wish to leave, the first thing to do is get rid of King Wuyous entanglement," he thought, looking at the eerie figure three miles away by the river. "That ghostly thing is afraid of the River of Oblivion. If I hide in the river, escape several hundred miles, then surface again, could that throw this guy off my track?" Then, with a beckoning of his finger, the water sphere quickly pulled Li Wuyou towards Chen Mu. But as it moved just a meter or two forward, as if crossing some alert line, the illusory image of a vast river suddenly appeared around the giant stone. Li Wuyou, immersed in the illusory image, seemed like a flickering projection on a screen, his entire figure swelling and becoming ethereal, and in the blink of an eye, he was scattered by the rivers force, subsequently disappearing along with the rivers image. Moments later, an identical Li Wuyou appeared exactly where the other had stood. "Im Li Wuyou, Ive been hungry for quite a while, may I borrow your heart and liver to fill my stomach?" Tsk! Truly a persistent nuisance. Chen Mu couldnt help but grimace. He himself had lost count of how many Li Wuyous he had plunged into the River of Oblivion, yet one after the other, they kept appearing. "If such powerful Strange Demons can be used for Qingyang City, how formidable must that Lord Lv, referred to as Old Ghost Xiao, be?" The very thought made his scalp numb. How did he get himself into such a troublesome situation? Indeed, he had to escape to Beyond Heaven. He couldnt help but look toward the River of Oblivion, where a familiar grey-white archway stood the Ghost Gate. Months had passed, and the Yin Spirits of Fengan City, united in purpose, had finally completed it. Now, all they needed was to create the Bottomless Pool, store enough Yin Spirit Divine Power, and they would be able to move the River of Oblivion, activate Netherworld Ferry, and teleport to Beyond Heaven. "As long as I escape to Beyond Heaven, separated by the void, I will be sure to get rid of Li Wuyous entanglement." "Moreover, being away from Netherworld, I should certainly be able to avoid the troubles of Qingyang City," Chen Mu let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if the weight that had been pressing on his heart for months was finally lifting. ... "The lord of Fengan City must have used the Ghost Gate to go to Beyond Heaven." "The Netherstone used to guide the return of the Ghost Gate has been hidden among the Yin Spirits of Fengan City." "The Espionage Department has ordered us to find every possible way to keep the people of Fengan City by the river until Lord Lv returns." At night, by the River of Oblivion, on the edge of the Fengan City camp, Hu Mang, Shen Bu, Zhang Er, and Wen Han gathered around a small bonfire, whispering amongst themselves. Continue your saga on novelhall.Co?m "They cant possibly be asking us to destroy the Ghost Gate?" Zhang Ers small eyes widened into circles. Hu Mang glanced over at him but said nothing. "This is freaking asking us to court death!" Shen Bu couldnt help but exclaim wide-eyed. "With the Cursing Method of the Espionage Department on you, do you dare not comply?" Hu Mang glanced at him again. Shen Bu gritted his teeth and threw punches furiously into the air. "The Ghost Gate is extremely sturdy; to destroy it, we would need special methods," Wen Han smacked his lips and said, "Even with the means, wed still have to figure out how to get close to the Ghost Gate." "That thing is guarded by twenty thousand Yin soldiers day and night, tsk tsk, not an easy task..." As soon as his words fell, he looked up to see Hu Mang and the other two staring at him in unison. Wen Hans eyes suddenly bulged. "Why are you looking at me like that! Im just a support soldier; theres no way I could get close to the Ghost Gate!" Hu Mang and the others remained silent, just staring at Wen Han with deep meaning. "I... I refuse!" Wen Han shouted defiantly, his neck stiffened. ``` Chapter 521 - 512 Shang Yang Evening. On the long corridor outside the wooden hut, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, eyes half-closed as he observed the distant Ghost Gate, "Is it really Qingyang City causing you trouble?" "After your disappearance, we caught several spies, which confirmed this fact," Liang replied. "But Qingyang City is not short of experts, so why just trap us beside the River of Oblivion? Continuing to send people to clean us up shouldnt be difficult," Chen Mu wondered. "We suspect that Qingyang City might have some plot against the city lord. "Before the city lord left, he used a Secret Technique to scatter and hide the Netherstone among the people of Fengan City. Wherever the Yin Spirits of Fengan are, that is where the city lord will appear when he returns from Beyond Heaven." "Encircling without killing is probably just to wait for the city lords return," Lu? Thirteen said, looking uneasy. "Then why not just capture you all?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "Where could they capture us to? Qingyang City?" Liang shook his head. "If they really persecuted a top general so openly, other cities would likely rebel immediately." "Moreover, the moment King Wuyou appeared, we essentially became prisoners," Liang sighed with a look of helplessness, glancing towards the eerie faces that were faintly visible three miles away by the riverbank. Indeed, that was a sound point. King Wuyou could lock onto ones aura and create countless duplicates; venturing out meant certain death, and they could only shrink back and desperately cling to life. With this in mind, they truly were prisoners. No sooner had this thought crossed his mind, Chen Mu had a foreboding feeling. "This Ghost Gate... it might not be so safe." If Fengan Citys populace were to be used as bait, it would be impossible to let them go to Beyond Heaven. Damaging the Ghost Gate almost certainly had become inevitable. With a thought, a surge of Yin Spirit Divine Power transformed into silver threads and quickly vanished into the void before his forehead. Lu? Thirteen trembled, slowly opened his eyes, and bowed respectfully, "Thank you, sir, for imparting the Mountain-Carrying Scripture Secret Technique." Chen Mu waved his hand, "You two take turns in substitution, keep the twenty thousand Yin Soldiers always aggregated, and protect the Ghost Gate day and night without ceasing." "Also, activate the Yin Spirits of the entire city to release their Yin Spirit Divine Power and fill up the Bottomless Pool as soon as possible; we had better go to Beyond Heaven as soon as we can." The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became, and without regard for the consumption of Mana, he activated the Truthful Listening Technique, enveloping the surrounding area within a twenty-mile radius. Carefully distinguishing the life rhythms of the various Yin Spirits, he found no abnormal fluctuations beyond the norm, and only then did he feel somewhat relieved. Well, with Liang and Lu? Thirteen commanding the Yin Soldiers to resist, plus my Five Dragons Scripture that rivals the power of a Divine Fetus... If someone really came to sabotage, it shouldnt be difficult to stop them... well, probably? Chen Mu was torn and couldnt help but grit his teeth. He only had the Five Dragons Scripture that was comparable to the Divine Fetus; he had not actually cultivated into a Divine Fetus. He could fend off one Yin Spirit with a Divine Fetus, but two... Troublesome! Actually, hiding the Ghost Gate in Thousand Lanterns City would be safer, but with Li Wuyou watching like a tiger stalking its prey, he feared opening the door would allow the enemy to invade the cave heaven. Thousand Lanterns City was his safe house, his backyard; he couldnt let that ghostly thing break in. "Why didnt Qingyang City cause trouble before it was completed? At that time, the Ghost Gate wasnt fully formed; wouldnt it have been simpler to destroy?" Liang frowned, not understanding, "Did they not receive news of our construction of the Ghost Gate? Or did they want to interrupt us just as we were about to succeed, to destroy the resolve of the entire Fengan City?" Chen Mu was equally puzzled. For the past three months, he had been on tenterhooks. ... Hum! The air suddenly trembled violently. A mass of gray mist spread overhead, and within the haze, the vaguely visible silhouette of a large beetle, its head sporting dark, long horns and its body clad in sinister black carapace, loomed. An unseen pressure swept through, knocking down Yin Soldiers from the Thousand Blade Camp that were rapidly converging. They stumbled around as if drunk, and within moments of taking breath, a vast number crumbled to the ground. Explore new worlds at novelhall.Co?m "You must be the contingency left behind by Lu? Yuan," Shang Yang said with interest, his gaze fixed on Chen Mu. "Although youre merely a Ghost Pattern Yin Soldier, you can still stand in front of my Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect. Interesting." "What a pity. A Yin Soldier is still just a Yin Soldier and can never compare to a Divine Fetus. Its best if you submit obediently," Shang Yang said, revealing a ferocious smile. "And bearing in mind the hard work youve put into forging the Ghost Gate, I can take you with me to Beyond Heaven." "You truly intend to take us to Beyond Heaven?" Chen Mu couldnt help but frown. This man seemed not to have come to destroy the Ghost Gate. "Of course," Shang Yang spread his hands, his face the picture of sincerity. "Qingyang City sent me to destroy the Ghost Gate. But Ive changed my mind. I want to use the Ghost Gate to journey to Beyond Heaven." "I need you to help me maintain the Ghost Gate. As long as you dont cause trouble for me, I dont mind helping you get rid of Qingyang Citys pursuit." Chen Mus interest was piqued. It was just a Ghost Gate, not some rare Magic Artifact; even if it were given away, what harm would there be? They could in fact build another. Rather than fight to the death with this Ghost King Shang, it was better to cooperate and flee together before Qingyang City could react. Seeing Chen Mus expression, Shang Yang immediately smiled. He retracted his Dharma Aspect with a thought and earnestly persuaded, "Lord Xiao is narrow-minded; these years, every city has suffered under his pressure." "Now that Lord Lu? is on the verge of ascending to a Yin God, Lord Xiao will certainly have even more ruthless methods." "Instead of fighting and killing, its better for our two factions to unite. Give the Ghost Gate to me; by joining forces, we can move to Beyond Heaven more quickly and safely." "I have no objections," Chen Mu promptly nodded in agreement, Although the Five Dragons Scripture was powerful, it was not a true Divine Fetus. Facing a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit, fear inevitably stirred within him. If they could turn an enemy into a friend, that would be for the best. He then looked toward Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen: "What about you two?" They exchanged glances. Though their expressions were grim, they nodded helplessly. Shang Yang was overjoyed and strode towards Chen Mu and the other two: "Then, about this Ghost Gate..." "Of course, we can give this Ghost Gate to Ghost King Shang, but you must protect us while we build another of our own," Chen Mu did not dwell on the matter. He was well aware that Shang Yang would not give up control of the Ghost Gate and that if they wanted to cooperate, they could not keep this one. "No problem!" Shang Yang nodded immediately in agreement. Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief and, with a flip of his right hand, presented a black-skinned Scripture with dog-eared corners to Shang Yang. "The control secret technique for the Ghost Gate is called the Jade Gate Curse, and its hidden within this East Pole Longevity Scripture," he said. "The fact that we could build the Ghost Gate is entirely due to this secret technique contained within the Scripture Scrolls." "As long as Ghost King Shang seriously recites and comprehends, you will certainly master its Curse Words," Chen Mu said with a sincere face. "Really?" Shang Yang fixed his gaze on Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen. "Of course," the two said, exchanging glances, their faces solemn. Chapter 522 - 513 Destruction "Ghost Gate Secret Method is so important, and its really hidden in such a small scripture?" Shang Yang was half-doubtful. "This scripture is indeed extraordinary," said Chen Mu, his face solemn, "We not only comprehended the Ghost Gate Refining Method from it but also learned other secret techniques." Shang Yang raised an eyebrow, took the scripture, and flipped through several pages, realizing that its content was indeed profound. A continual look of joy appeared in his eyes. "What a treasure!" Chen Mu also revealed a smile, "Once the lord has comprehended the cursing method, we will head to Beyond Heaven." "No problem." Shang Yang carefully placed the scripture into his waists Qipouch and immediately revealed a chilling smile. He then clenched his right fist, with grey air swirling around it, and violently smashed it down towards the top of Chen Mus head. Boom! The air exploded, white air waves rolled, and dust scattered in every direction. "Running quite fast," Shang Yang whispered with a sneer as he withdrew his fist and looked towards a spot fifty meters away. Chen Mu set down Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen, anger across his face, "I already gave you the scripture that records the Ghost Gate, why are you still attacking?!" "What scripture? I dont know what youre talking about!" Shang Yang sneered coldly. Chen Mus face twitched. So shameless? "Arent you afraid the scripture I gave you is fake?" Chen Mu was puzzled. Wasnt this betrayal a bit too abrupt? "No matter." Shang Yang smiled nonchalantly, "After I kill you, my great-nephew will tell me any secrets willingly." "Tsk, it seems you never intended to let me live from the start," Chen Mu said, surrounded by black smoke, the corners of his mouth curving upward, "Luckily..." "Luckily, I had the same idea!" His entire being suddenly vanished, appearing silently beside Shang Yang, his right fingers joined like a knife, fiercely stabbing towards Shang Yangs waist. Clang! A layer of grey air appeared on Shang Yangs body, and Chen Mus hands were firmly blocked outside the grey air. Chen Mus expression changed. As expected of the Divine Fetus Yin Spirits, the protective strength of his personal energy is truly formidable! He flashed immediately, turning into a shadow that rapidly circled Shang Yang. With both hands shaping like knives, he continuously jabbed and slashed at the vital points all over Shang Yangs body. Clang clang clang... Sparks flew in all directions, a series of dense metallic collisions spreading far and wide. "Not being a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit yet possessing protective energy similar to the Dharma Aspect Energy, no wonder Lu? Laogui left you to guard Fengan City," Shang Yang said with admiration, and then a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, "But this is as far as you go. Yin Soldiers are just Yin Soldiers after all!" Snap! Shang Yangs huge palm suddenly grasped Chen Mus wrist, followed quickly by his knee, wrapped in dense gray air, striking fiercely into Chen Mus chest and abdomen. Clang! With a loud noise, Chen Mus body was lifted by the knee strike, arching like a shrimp, breaking through the air, uncontrollably flying towards the clouds. Before his momentum slowed, Shang Yangs towering figure suddenly appeared beside him. His right leg went high up in the air, covered in dense grey air, and a gigantic one-horned beetle shadow flashed behind him. Bang! Like a long whip, Shang Yangs right leg, wrapped in white mist, viciously struck Chen Mus back. Chen Mu flew like a baseball, whistling through the air and fiercely smashing into the ground. A tremendous impact sound echoed, and the land by the River of Oblivion trembled faintly. A shadow flashed, and Shang Yang appeared next to Lu? Liang, wearing a grim smile, "After taking my full-powered strike, that man is undoubtedly dead." "Nephew, your backing is gone. You know what to do; I dont need to say it, do I?" Lu? Liangs face turned pale, dumbstruck as a wooden chicken. Shang Yang couldnt help but grin. But before his smile fully bloomed, a soft sound came from not far behind. Shang Yangs expression froze, and he quickly turned his head, only to see a figure slowly emerging from the dusty pit in the distance. "Is this the true power of the Divine Fetus Dharma Aspect?" Chen Mus clothes were spotless, and not a single hair was out of place. "Youre quite far from Li Wuyou," Chen Mu said with a mouth wide open, revealing a chilling smile. He suddenly vanished from his spot, and the next moment, he appeared right in front of Shang Yang. His right knee, wrapped in black smoke with silver star spots, blazed in front of him as the phantom of the Five Dragon Dharma Body suddenly manifested in the air behind him. As if history was repeating itself, Chen Mus knee fiercely struck Shang Yangs midsection. More importantly, he needed to know how these people managed to conceal their presence. Chen Mu looked down at Shang Yang, who was unconscious at Lu? Liangs feet. Before this man descended from the sky, he had detected nothing, had the bald head really evaded the Truthful Listening Techniques surveillance?! ... "Its an Extinguishing Breath Stone." By evening, next to the River of Oblivion, inside a new, spacious and bright stone house, sitting on the left side of the square table, Shang Yang spoke softly. While speaking, he took out a dark, egg-sized goose stone from his sleeve and placed it on the middle of the square table. "This was provided by a spy from Qingyang City. It should be a certain spys innate divine power, capable of concealing presence." An Extinguishing Breath Stone? Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, focusing on the cracked stone. Soon he saw a feather-like pattern on the surface of the pitch-black goose stone. Upon closer inspection, he realized within each fine feather of that feathered pattern were even more intricate pathway patterns. As he watched, he suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. "A mere triad Light Law Prohibition?" Chen Mu couldnt help but grit his teeth. Yin Spirit Divine Power truly was unreasonably powerful, a common divine skill that could conceal ones aura as if it were a Forbidden Law. However... "Surely, this small piece of stone alone cant block the energy of your Divine Fetus Yin Spirit, right?" Chen Mu disbelieved. "I also employed my unique Secret Technique on seventy-three acupoints, sealing my own power and reducing my aura." "Moreover, they give me a new one every day, rotating them out, which is how Ive been able to evade the Secret Techniques detection for so long." Shang Yang, with a bruised and swollen face, honestly confessed. He had no choice but to be honest. He couldnt defeat them! "You used this thing to conceal the aura of the River of Oblivion, helping Li Wuyou reach the Ghost Gate?" Chen Mu asked with a dark face. "I didnt know, I just took the Extinguishing Breath Stone from them," Shang Yang hurriedly waved his hands to deny. "I really did want to seize the Ghost Gate and go to Beyond Heaven, the matter of sabotaging the Ghost Gate has absolutely nothing to do with me!" He kept shaking his head, his bald head covered in purple bruises shaking like a rattle-drum. He explained with a wry smile on his face, "Lord Lv of Qingyang City has been trapped defending the Yin God realm for hundreds of years; he seems to have comprehended some Secret Method from the origin stele, and to become the Ghost King, he wants to practice the art using people." "The blockade of Fengan City was aimed at Lord Lv. If I didnt run, I would have been captured by him sooner or later." "I truly desired to seize the Ghost Gate to head to Beyond Heaven." Abducting people to practice the art? A Ghost King? Chen Mu suddenly realized; no wonder they had surrounded without attacking, they indeed had schemes against Lord Lv! "So, if we start repairing the Ghost Gate, Qingyang City will definitely send someone to cause trouble?" Chen Mus expression turned ugly. Shang Yang carefully observed Chen Mus expression but couldnt help but nod reluctantly. Chen Mu couldnt help clenching his fists at once. They were trying to trap them to death on the banks of the River of Oblivion. "If that Lord Lv successfully advances to Yin God and returns, can he relieve our current predicament?" "It might be a bit difficult?" Shang Yang shook his head, "Lu? Laogui has already reached the Perfection of Yin God; he probably has some means to suppress a newly ascended Yin Spirit." Chen Mus expression grew uglier, and he glared fiercely at Shang Yang. "Since you need the Ghost Gate, wouldnt it be better to just cooperate honestly?" "Ive already given you the Ghost Gate with all sincerity, what is this fuss about?" "Now look, with the Ghost Gate destroyed, were all doomed!" Shang Yang felt his blood boiling with unspeakable frustration. Sincerity and earnestness? Being earnest and yet showing me that damned Longevity Scripture? Have you no shame?! I know its wrong for me to want to murder and rob treasures, but arent you also scheming and conspiring with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? Damn your so-called sincerity! Shang Yang cursed inwardly, wishing he could kill this bastard. Unfortunately, as soon as he came to his senses, he was forced by Chen Mu to recite the Longevity Scripture over ten times. With the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed inside him, it was hard for him to even make a move. Chapter 523 - 514: Absolute Silence ``` The atmosphere in the stone house was tense, and Chen Mus face was also gloomy. He had come to Fengan City to find a way back to the Yang Realm, never expecting that this place would turn out to be a quagmire, trapping him by the River of Oblivion. He had thought that building a Ghost Gate would allow him to escape to Beyond Heaven. But now, with the Ghost Gate smashed by Li Wuyou, constructing a new one would surely take months. And Qingyang City would not just stand by as they built another Ghost Gate. Chen Mu stared fiercely at the stone on the square table, full of cracks. Despite being on guard against everything, he had not expected a Qingyang City spy to isolate the essence of the River of Oblivion and lure Li Wuyou into attacking the Ghost Gate. "Damn Qingyang City!" "Son of a bitch spy!" As he was cursing the bastard who created the Extinguishing Breath Stone, a sudden thought occurred to him. "If this thing can temporarily conceal the essence of the River of Oblivion, could it also interrupt Li Wuyous ability to lock onto my essence?" "If I use this thing to cover my tracks and run ten thousand miles in one go, could I shake off Li Wuyous pursuit?!" Chen Mus eyes suddenly shone. "Has the spy who made this Extinguishing Breath Stone been found?" he immediately turned to look at Lu? Liang. Lu? Liang, not understanding the significance, replied somewhat blankly, "Arrangements have been made to screen for him, but weve not found him yet." "Intensify the search. Conduct a thorough check overnight and make sure to find him before dawn tomorrow." Chen Mu then turned to Shang Yang, "You help too. Find this spy who made the Extinguishing Breath Stone as soon as possible!" "Is this thing that important?" Shang Yang couldnt help scratching his head. "It might just let us get rid of King Wuyous entanglement." Hearing this, everyones expression immediately turned solemn. ... With the help of Shang Yang, a Divine Fetus realm Yin Spirit, and the full cooperation of the Yin soldiers of Fengan City, Zhang Er and Shen Bu appeared before Chen Mu the next morning. Chen Mu looked expressionlessly at Shen Bu. It was this man who had used the Secret Technique of Ground-Shrinking Teleportation to send him far away from Fengan City. "Isnt your ground-shrinking teleportation technique very powerful? Why didnt you run?" Chen Mu stared at him and asked. Shen Bus face was bruised, and he forced a flattering smile, "I wanted to run, just... didnt quite dare." "Didnt dare?" "Theres a sealing secret technique around here that limits teleportation distance. Cant get far. If Im not careful and fall into King Wuyous hands..." Shen Bu gave a bitter smile but didnt dare to hide anything. Chen Mu suddenly realized. Lu? Liang had previously secretly ordered Yin soldiers to experiment with Netherworld Ferry and already discovered that someone had sealed the surroundings with a secret technique, severely limiting ordinary teleportation techniques. Chen Mu sighed inwardly. He had wanted to use Shen Bus ground-shrinking teleportation technique to escape far from the River of Oblivion. Now, it seemed, there was no chance of that. ... "Im afraid that wont be easy," Zhang Er said with a troubled expression inside a stone hut by the river. "Im just an ordinary Yin Spirit; my Yin Spirit Divine Power is limited. Without eating or drinking, I can at most make nine Extinguishing Breath Stones in a whole day." "To continuously conceal ones aura for three days would require nearly six hundred stones, and that... that might take more than two months." Yin Spirit Divine Power is limited? This might just be a stroke of luck. He immediately mobilized his Yin Spirit Divine Power, and the True Intent of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture Secret Technique instantly transformed into a silver thread before his eyes, then drilled into the void in front of his brow and disappeared without a trace. "Theres no shortage of Yin Spirit Divine Power now, is there?" Chen Mu said gleefully. Zhang Er trembled all over and couldnt help but widen his eyes! The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed had such a miraculous use? It could instantly make one proficient in a Secret Technique?! It had been a while since the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed had entered his body, and he had explored the black canopy it brought hundreds of times. He had originally thought that the stars in the black canopy could assist in understanding Secret Techniques, but he hadnt expected that they could directly bestow the experience of Perfection in Secret Techniques! Impressive! Zhang Er was shocked. Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. With the protection of the Extinguishing Breath Stones, he wasnt afraid of being located by Li Wuyou. As long as he was careful in concealing his form, he could probably escape ten thousand miles away in one go and might escape that cursed things entanglement. "Blessings and curses come together; although the Ghost Gate was destroyed, another path to escape has been found." "However, this method can only let a very small number of people escape the predicament; as for the Yin Spirits gathered by the River of Oblivion in Fengan City..." Chen Mu turned his head to look towards the distant riverbank. Right now, the people of Fengan City were busy constructing a new Ghost Gate. These people were still relatively safe for the time being, but once Qingyang City succeeded in capturing Lu? Chengshan, the city master of Fengan, the fate of the many Yin Spirits would probably not be too pleasant to behold. He had originally wanted to take them with him to Beyond Heaven, but the city master of Qingyang City sent Shang Yang to destroy the Ghost Gate. "Thats right, Lu? Chengshan hid the Netherstone among the people of Fengan City. These people are his anchor for returning to the Netherworld." "As long as Qingyang City keeps an eye on these people, they can easily capture Lu? Chengshan; naturally, they wont allow these people to flee." "This damned world!" Chen Mu sighed helplessly. Starting from Da Liang, he had travelled far and wide, but no matter where he went, there were always struggles and chaos. And the unfortunate ones were always them, the lower-class figures. He did want to lend a hand, but he was already struggling to protect himself, making it difficult to save others. Gazing at the busy figures in the distance, Chen Mu felt a heavy heart. "If only there were more people like Zhang Er who could make Extinguishing Breath Stones, it would be great, but alas..." Chapter 524 - 515: Secret Record "Hmm... it seems, theres not no way." Inside the stone house by the River of Oblivion, Chen Mus mind stirred, and he turned to look at Zhang Er, "Is the ability to create the Extinguishing Breath Stone a divine skill or a secret technique?" Zhang Er did not understand why, but he did not dare to conceal the truth, "Its a divine skill." What a pity. If it were a secret technique, that would be simple. Chen Mu took out an unadorned wooden bookcase from the Five Ghosts Bag and began to search through it. The scripture scrolls and copies of secret techniques he had acquired over the past decades, as well as memoirs of strange tales, were all inside this bookcase. Before long, he found a brownish-yellow beast skin scroll from a wooden box in the lower tier. He unfolded the beast skin scroll, and the four characters "Secret Embroidery Code" first caught his eye. Back when Jilong Road moved to East Ridge Mountain, they constantly clashed with the local barbarian tribes. The Jilong Road branch at Eagle Grief Cliff was wiped out by an alliance of barbarian tribes, and Chen Mu had experienced that catastrophe at the time. After surviving by escaping underground using the Point Ground into Steel technique, he fortuitously obtained this beast skin scroll. This secret technique could absorb the Vital Energy of monsters and seal it within ones body, using ones own blood and essence to nourish and strengthen it, and then acquire some of the innate divine abilities of the monsters. The innate divine ability of Yin Spirits is very similar to the innate endowments of monsters. If this secret technique works... Chen Mu looked towards Zhang Er, a smile inevitably spreading across his face. ... Three days later, inside the stone house by the River of Oblivion. A drop of blood, bursting with a bright red glow, flew from Zhang Ers fingertip and landed in the palm of Chen Mu. Shrouded by the Yin Spirit Divine Power, the blood slowly penetrated the skin, leaving behind a red spot the size of a green bean that resembled a birthmark. "It worked!" Chen Mu rejoiced inwardly. The Secret Embroidery Code came from the barbarian tribes of East Ridge in the Mortal Realm, and most of the processes carried a primitive and brute bloodthirsty quality, often using a crude application on the essential origins of Essence, Qi, and Spirit of living beings. Yet, some steps still required the guidance of Mana. Yin Spirits have Divine Power but no Mana, so a direct application would definitely not work. These past few days, he had been pondering day and night, understanding the operating principles of the secret record through the feedback from the grey walls, and then successfully replacing it with the emulation of Yin Spirit Divine Power. "Luckily, this secret technique is fundamentally primitive; if it were a meticulous Mana-based secret technique, success wouldnt have been certain." Chen Mu felt fortunate. "All thats left is to invest Essence and blood to stimulate growth, then theres a great chance of acquiring Zhang Ers Breath Ending Divine Ability." "Although the upper limit could only reach Zhang Ers current level, if its stimulated by the Yin Spirit Divine Power that far surpasses Zhang Ers own capacity, it should suffice for now." Chen Mu stood up and walked to the window, looking towards the faint outline of Li Wuyou in the distance. Qingyang City aimed to trap every person in Fengan City by the river, to lock down the Netherstone. Once the city lord of Fengan returns from Beyond Heaven, they would immediately fall into Qingyang Citys encirclement. "If I silently take all the Yin Spirits from Fengan City away, I wonder what kind of expression the person behind the scenes will have." Chen Mu was immediately shocked to his core. The Nine Serenities Abyss contains endless green flames and is the final destination for Yin Spirits. He was planning to drag everyone in Fengan City to their deaths? This is one ruthless guy! "Actually, there might still be a chance to escape," Chen Mu cleared his throat and said. "Are you talking about the Extinguishing Breath Stone?" Lu? Liangs mind raced, and he looked at Chen Mu in surprise, "You mean to say you can snatch the others Divine Ability and transfer it to everyone through the Spiritual Seed?" After learning about Zhang Ers Secret Technique, he had already simulated its use. Clearly, relying on Zhang Er alone wasnt enough to help everyone escape from the banks of the River of Oblivion. "Thats not possible," Chen Mu shook his head. "But to let everyone temporarily borrow that guys Divine Ability, thats not a problem," he said with a smile, handing the Beast Skin Scroll to Lu? Liang. "Embroidery Technique records?" Lu? Liangs eyebrows shot up. ... Half a month later. Night fell, and the moon had just risen. A faint mist drifted over the River of Oblivion, as usual. A breeze blew, the mist moved with the wind, slowly enveloping the shore. And as time passed, it became thicker, until it completely covered the entire riverbank camp. "Have you thought it through?" "In the past twenty days, Qingyang City hasnt caused any trouble. If we continue to stay by the river, we might actually be able to build the Ghost Gate." Inside the stone house, Chen Mu slowly smoothed out the Yin Spirit Divine Power and looked through the increasingly dense Divine Concealing Mist. The faint glow of the campfires in the distance was barely visible. "Thats impossible," Lu? Liang shook his head with a wry smile. "Ive thought it through these days; since Qingyang City already knows we have the capability to construct a Ghost Gate, they will never let us succeed." Although he had made preparations on both fronts, openly and secretly building a Ghost Gate. But the overall strength of Fengan City was ultimately limited, and Qingyang City, having existed for a thousand years, likely had many forces in the shadows similar to the Ghost King Shang. If several Divine Fetus Yin Spirits were to strike together, all the previously prepared measures would prove useless. And with the Breath Ending Divine Ability for cover, Chen Mu obviously wouldnt continue to stay by the River of Oblivion. Letting him lead people to stay behind likely wouldnt lead to a good outcome. Rather than waiting for death, it was better to take a chance and try to escape. "Im just afraid there might be people blocking the way outside," Lu? Liang said anxiously. Chen Mu, on the other hand, showed a smile. "As long as we can shake off King Li Wuyous entanglement, everything else is manageable." If worst comes to worst, they could just hide in Thousand Lanterns City. As long as they avoid an enigmatic existence like King Li Wuyou, Without others to lead the way, he didnt believe anyone could find and invade Thousand Lanterns City from the vast void. Chapter 525 - 516 Inside the stone hut by the River of Oblivion. "Are there still spies in the camp?" Chen Mu asked Liang with a look. Liang sighed helplessly, "Qingyang City has been targeting Fengan City for over a hundred years, and to thoroughly eradicate the spies in a short time is difficult!" "Not afraid," Chen Mu waved his hand. "I will start real-time monitoring of the entire camp soon." "When we retreat, Ill use the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to forcibly connect everyone together. Once someone tries to do something with their Yin Spirit Divine Power, Ill be able to detect it immediately." "Whoever dares to leak information, Ill be able to shatter their soul instantly!" He turned his head to look at Liang, his face stern, "For this escape, any leak could pose a lethal threat." "So, if the leak involves one of your confidants, I wont be soft-hearted!" "If that happens, youd better not interfere." Liangs face changed, "Do you suspect theres a mole among my people?" "Of course!" Chen Mu nodded resolutely. "What if theres a mistake?" Liang hesitated. "Impossible!" Chen Mu shook his head with utmost certainty. The closest people being turned by others and then betraying at a critical moment. Thats how its played out in movies and dramas; how could it be wrong! He squinted at Liang with a grim face, "When the time comes, dont let feelings obstruct you from dealing with the traitor." "Otherwise... hehe!" Liang shivered suddenly. ... Late at night. An invisible ripple slowly spread, enveloping the entire camp. Near a bonfire, a Yin Spirit that was sleeping against a large rock with clothes on jolted awake. Before he could understand what was happening, he was drawn by an invisible force and turned into a puff of black smoke. Then uncontrollably, he flew through the thick Divine Concealing Mist and into a dark cloud above the River of Oblivion. Immediately, strands and wisps of black flames appeared, wrapping around the dark cloud, and then the entire cloud silently fell into the River of Oblivion and disappeared without a trace. In the Divine Concealing Mist where one couldnt see ones five fingers, countless similar black smokes silently flew out and converged over the River of Oblivion into dark clouds, which, wrapped by the Nine Nether Green Flames, rapidly fell into the river. "The Divine Concealing Mist blocks the sight, the Breath Ending Divine Ability hides the presence, King Without Worries? Ha!" With a cold laugh, Chen Mus Yin Spirit Divine Power vibrated, a faint blue light bloomed in the palm of his hand, and a circle of invisible force enveloped the surroundings, instantly concealing the presence of several people. Then he activated the Mountain-Carrying Scripture and, taking Liang, Shang Yang, and others, transformed into a Yin Wind and dark clouds, and quickly disappeared into the River of Oblivion. A gentle whispering wind spun and danced within the camp. The bonfire crackled from time to time. In just a few breaths time, the vast camp had become empty and desolate. ... In Qingyang City, within the City Lord Mansions main hall. Xiao Jingbai wore a purple robe adorned with threads of gold. He sat on the dark gold seat above, looking down at Lu? Chengshan with a stern face. "Having just completed the transformation into a Yin God and then immediately receiving the Yinshan Prefectures investiture, taking control of the Soul Hooking Pen and the Book of Life and Death, to govern this territory." "I must meet this person properly." ... Two days later, by the banks of the River of Oblivion. Black smoke billowed up, traces of fire and ice were visible everywhere. What was once a clean and orderly campsite was now in ruins, as if it had been bombarded several times by a meteor shower. "Just by witnessing the aftermath of Yinshan Prefectures involvement, one can tell that this Wuyou King is no ordinary individual," Lu? Chengshan said in amazement while surveying the scene by the riverside, "Thank goodness my son distanced himself early. Otherwise, if he had been affected, the danger would have been significant." Your journey continues with novelhall.Co?m He couldnt believe that the people from Yinshan Prefecture would take into consideration the safety of everyone from Fengan City. "However, they didnt leave any clues. This River of Oblivion is boundless, and without any direction, we wouldnt even know where to start searching." "The young master is cautious in his actions. If he had left clues and Xiao the old ghost discovered them, that would not be good," said a short figure with white hair and the face of a youth, looking like a celestial child, floating beside Lu? Chengshan and smiling in comfort, "Besides, those people from Yinshan Prefecture are not trustworthy." "What if they wanted to provoke a fight to the death with Xiao the old ghost and sow discord on purpose, especially targeting the young master? Its better to be careful." "You make a good point, Lu? Number Two, you make a good point!" Lu? Chengshan nodded repeatedly, "Those bastards from Yinshan Prefecture and Qingyang City, none of them are good!" "You do not need to worry, big brother, Lu? Thirteen is right there with the young master." "I have already used the Secret Technique to contact little Thirteen, and he will soon respond to tell us the meeting time and place," Lu? Zhongjun said indifferently, his youthful face devoid of emotion, "We just need to wait a little while longer." And that wait turned out to be five days. ... Five days later, at the bottom of the River of Oblivion, Chen Mu glanced at Lu? Thirteen with an indifferent face. "No one can leak secrets under my watch." "And the fate of traitors is nothing but the disintegration of their soul!" With that, his eyes narrowed, and the black smoke formed into the shape of Five Dragons Qi appeared and then vanished around him. A huge black dragons head, the size of a grindstone, suddenly appeared at the edge of a dark cloud not too far away. It reached out into the cloud with ease, nimbly catching a puff of black smoke. It tilted its head back, and with a brief, agonized scream, it whooshed the black smoke down into its belly. The black light flickered, and the steely dragons head shrank and twisted, vanishing in an instant. "Playing tricks in the dark? Youre courting death!" He said this while giving Lu? Thirteen a meaningful look. Lu? Thirteen: "..." I was actually trying to notify Lord Lv to come pick us up. I truly am not a traitor. He hurried to stabilize the Yin Spirit Divine Power he had failed to invoke for the fifth time and looked towards Lu? Liang with a sense of helplessness. Young master, maybe you could say something? Upon receiving Lu? Thirteens pleading gaze, Lu? Liangs face twitched involuntarily. Me say something? Confess that the previous predicament was intentionally orchestrated by myself, which, directly or indirectly, turned Chen Mu into bait, making him part of the plan? Tch! Wouldnt I just be immediately doomed? But if I dont say anything... His eyes shifted to Chen Mu, who was discussing stealthy advancement and the construction of Ghost Gate with Shang Yang. He might just actually be taken by this person to Beyond Heaven! Now, that would be downright awkward! Chapter 526 - 517: Living God Inside the River of Oblivion, Chen Mu stared at Lu? Liang with displeasure. "So, from the beginning, you planned to drag me into this scheme?" Lu? Liang wore an embarrassed expression, as he ultimately could not resist explaining everything to Chen Mu. His father had already transformed into a Yin God and returned to the Netherworld, so he didnt want to venture into the perilous Beyond Heaven. "Mainly because your Thousand Lanterns City cave heaven is secretive and safe, I initially wanted to hide inside, so Qingyang City would be unlikely to find out." "But I didnt expect you to suddenly disappear, and we had to risk it by launching plan B. We used the entire Fengan City as bait to detain Qingyang City and ensure our own safety." "Only I didnt expect..." "I didnt expect that Id come running back and dive headfirst into the quagmire of Fengan City!" Chen Mus complexion was sour. It was absurd. The spies from Qingyang City, with Shen Bu leading them, had used a Secret Technique to send him away, yet here he was again, scurrying back into the middle of trouble. Truly... No wonder the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture mostly predicted dangerit certainly was dangerous. "That Shen Bu, you havent done anything to him, have you?" Chen Mu asked. To tell the truth, he should be thankful to those spies. Their original intention was to help him avoid trouble. "No, no, those men are quite capable, and I had intended to keep them for significant use," Lu? Liang hurriedly gestured. Chen Mu let out a sigh. Although the causes and effects were convoluted, and his feelings were indescribably complex, he was, in the end, relieved. The dispute between Qingyang City and Fengan City was resolved, and he had managed to extricate himself from trouble. "About the matter of the Living God..." "Once I see my father, Ill take care of it for you immediately!" Lu? Liang said sternly. Chen Mu nodded in gratification. After all the twists and turns, he could finally return to the Yang Realm. It had not been easy. ... Three days later. On a certain stretch of the River of Oblivion, a vast camp had sprung up from the ground. Within the bright and spacious Stone Temple at the center, Lu? Chengshan sat at the head seat, solemnly clasping his fists towards Chen Mu. "In accomplishing my transformation into a Yin God this time, I am wholly indebted to you for providing the Ghost Gate. My son was able to overcome the King Worry-free Tribulation also thanks to your protection." "Rest assured, sir, whatever you ask, I will do my utmost to accommodate!" Chen Mu quickly stood up and gestured with his hand: "The completion of your transformation into a Yin God is due entirely to your years of arduous cultivation." "Moreover, the Ghost Gate was built by the Young City Lord himself. I simply provided some informationits not worth mentioning." "As for the King Worry-free Tribulation, I should actually thank the Young City Lord for helping me to succeed." "If it hadnt been for the Young City Lords activation of the full assistance of Yin Spirits, I would likely have had my heart and liver devoured by King Worry-free." Lu? Chengshan laughed heartily: "You are too modest, sir!" "I feel the same way," Lu? Chengshan nodded. "His aura is peculiar, not like that of Yin Spirits. Now that I think about it, that probably wasnt his true form, but more like a decoy, used to weaken the power of the cursing secret technique." "Its understandable that hes in a hurry to go to the Yang Realm given the life-and-death crisis," Lu? Chengshan sighed. "This time I received the enfeoffment from Yinshan Prefecture, which allows me to lead Yin Spirits to open mountains and build a city in the Southern Liang Mountains. There are countless tasks, and were certainly in need of someone with ample experience." "Its a pity the other party is afflicted by the cursing secret technique and cant stay for long," Lu? Chengshan shook his head. "What about the matter of the Living God?" asked Lu? Liang. "Its just one spot, we cant be stingy." "After all, he has helped us a great deal; its fair to part on good terms." "It just so happens that drawing Yin Spirits to the Yang Realm also requires our own Living God, so well arrange that as well." Hearing this, Lu? Liang breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, in Fengan City, aside from the tens of thousands of Yin Soldiers under his fathers command, nearly a million Yin Spirits all had a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed planted inside them. If he truly couldnt manage this affair, who knew what kind of trouble the other party might stir up! ... Half a month later. To the south of Yinshan Prefecture, the Southern Liang Mountains. Everyone from Fengan City worked together, using Yin Spirit Divine Power and various secret techniques, quickly shaping the rough form of a large city. Although the buildings were still mostly crude and simple, the faces of the Yin Spirits were full of high spirits. As City Lord Lu? Chengshan had received the enfeoffment from Yinshan Prefecture and became an enshrined Divine General, the future of Fengan City was destined to be as bright as Qingyang City, and naturally, everyone was full of enthusiasm. "Being a Living God is quite a thankless job," commented Shang Yang, sitting by the window on the second floor of a newly constructed teahouse to the south of the city. He tossed fried Moon Beet Pearls into his mouth as he spoke. Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. He had found the right person. This one-horned Ghost King did indeed know some insider information. "Tell me more," he said. Shang Yang didnt hide anything. After taking a sip of tea, he started to reveal what he knew: "The so-called Living God is a Yin Spirit who guards the City God Dojo. Its the core of the Dojo, like a nail that pins the power of the River of Oblivion to the mortal world of the Yang Realm, drawing Ghosts into the Netherworld." "Only then can the River of Oblivion, hidden in the void, materialize and appear in the Netherworld, furthermore continuously generating Yin Spirits." "Afterward, gathering crowds to build cities and cultivating Yin Soldierseverything becomes possible." "And as the Dojos core, the Living God needs to be seated in one place all year round without leaving, which is very monotonous." "Moreover, due to the unfavorable environment and heavy duties, its hard for ones cultivation to advance. Indeed, its not a good position." A Living God is for guiding Ghosts into the Netherworld? The endless human-shaped Ghosts in the River of Oblivion that looked like black smoke -- they all come from the mortal world of the Yang Realm? Hisss... That doesnt seem right, does it? Are there that many Ghosts in the Yang Realm? Chen Mu couldnt help but scratch his head. Chapter 527 - 518 Contract At the tea house, Chen Mu pondered over the matters of the Ghosts. He had spent over a decade in Yunzhou and had seen Ghosts only a handful of times. A large number of them had once appeared on Mist Smoke Mountain, but they were summoned through a blood sacrifice. On the contrary, within the borders of Da Liang Country, there were quite a few Ghosts. "Are there many Ghosts in Kangzhou?" he asked with some concern, still feeling apprehensive at the memory of the eerily bizarre impression the Ghosts had left on him. "Ghosts? Whats that?" Shang Yang asked, looking puzzled. Chen Mus eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Arent the Ghosts the ones that the Living Gods lead into the Netherworld?" "What Im talking about are Yin Spirits, the souls of beings after death, not these Ghosts you mention," Shang Yang corrected. Yin Spirits? Souls of beings after death? Werent those the strange apparitions from folk tales? A shock went through Chen Mus heart. "Are you saying that those human-shaped black smokes under the River of Oblivion are all Yin Spirits transformed after death?" This was different from what he understood. He had perused countless texts and witnessed life and death in great detail, all which clearly indicated that the legendary spirits were nothing more than folk myths, often the work of mischievous Ghosts. Whereas Ghosts were a kind of demon from beyond the heavens, explicitly recorded in the texts. Now Shang Yang was telling him that beings after death transform into Yin Spirits and are taken to the Netherworld, possibly becoming Yin Spirits? This is nonsense! Even though those Yin Spirits at the bottom of the River of Oblivion mostly took human form, they were essentially Ghosts. How could they become spirits after death? "You dont know about this?" Now it was Shang Yang who appeared perplexed. Chen Mu shook his head slightly but did not ask any further questions. From Shang Yangs expression, it was clear that the consensus here was that the Ghosts at the bottom of the River of Oblivion were indeed spirits of beings after death, suggesting hidden truths that Chen Mu was unaware of. He just wanted to return to the mortal world of the Yang Realm as soon as possible and thought it best to inquire as little as possible about such secretive matters. However... "Are there many Yin Spirits in Kangzhou, where the City God Dojo of Yinshan Prefecture is located?" "Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural cycles of the world, occurring all the time. Where are there not Yin Spirits?" Shang Yang replied as if it were obvious. We dont have that many Yin Spirits in Yunzhou. Chen Mu nodded outwardly but couldnt help feeling anxious inside. Kangzhou might not be a good place to go. If he really went there, he would have to make a quick escape. "The Divine-Sealing Pact holds a Secret Technique that binds a Living God to guard the dojo for a hundred years. No one can leave without permission, and they must remain trapped. Has no one tried to break free from this restraint?" Chen Mu probed tentatively. "Break free? Impossible," Shang Yang shook his head. "The restraint on the Living Gods doesnt come from the pact but from the dojo itself." "Once you reside in the statue of the dojo, its like youre tied to the countless beings under its influence. Trying to break free would be like trying to escape with all those beings in tow." "Who can manage to flee with tens or hundreds of thousands of Yin Spirits? Right?" Shang Yang said, popping a fried Moon Beet Pearl into his mouth and winking at Chen Mu. "I can," Chen Mus eyes sparkled. He had the Mountain-Carrying Scripture and the Thousand Lanterns City; what was it to him to elope with hundreds of thousands of people? Easy! Damn! He had forgotten that the guy in front of him knew the Mountain-Carrying Scripture! ... That day, in a side hall on the eastern side of the City Lord Mansion of Fengan City. Lu? Thirteen held a tray, on which lay a black scroll, the length of a lower arm, its surface engraved with auspicious cloud patterns. "Is this the Divine-Sealing Pact?" Chen Mu looked at Lu? Liang and Lu? Thirteen. "Once you sign your name on the pact, it will absorb your qi of its own accord to complete the signing." Lu? Liang nodded, "With it in hand, you can find the Bridge of Helplessness, pass through the Ghost Gate, and go to the Yang Realm to serve as a Living God." At last, he saw hope for returning to the Yang Realm. Excitement flickered in Chen Mus heart. Although the Netherworld was not bad, he was still a living person; returning to the Yang Realm felt more comfortable. Thinking this, he immediately reached out to take the Divine-Sealing Pact. He wasnt afraid of Lu? Liang tricking him. With the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, although he couldnt make the two totally obedient, it eliminated the possibility of them harming him. As the scroll unfurled, a series of elegant silver characters entered his eyes, but they were True Meaning Talismans containing a complex chill. Just looking at them a few more times made his head spin. Chen Mu immediately shifted his gaze away but couldnt suppress his astonishment. What a powerful Divine-Sealing Pact! At the same time, a string of information appeared in his mind. Luo Feng County, Pingdan County, Xiwazhen under the command of the clay deity Tao Yu? Land steward? Land steward? Isnt this... essentially a Land God? Chen Mu looked perplexed. "After all, Lis Substitute Peach Stiff Technique isnt quite proper," Lu? Liang explained with an awkward smile. "Too conspicuous positions arent easy to manipulate." Chen Mu immediately nodded his understanding. "Look." Lu? Liang exhibited a scroll from within his sleeve with a smile. A pact identical to the one in his hands appeared, the same Xiwazhen, the same Land God, but the signature at the end was already filled in. "Le Dian?" "Correct, this person is an officer under the Thousand Blade Camp, he can stand in for you to guard the dojo." "Moreover... this is our own person, who has read the East Pole Longevity Scripture seventy-two times." Lu? Liang gave Chen Mu a sly smile and winked. "I have given enough compensation to satisfy him to willingly become a Living God." A smile inevitably appeared on Chen Mus face. The matter of returning to the Yang Realm was finally settled. Without further hesitation, he raised his hand to take the pen from the tray and rapidly wrote his full name, well... Shen Yans full name. After all, the Divine-Sealing Pact was a kind of binding restriction, and he felt it was better to be cautious. He then released the bald image of the True Form of Heavenly Demon to let the Divine-Sealing Pact absorb his qi as a record. Seeing the bald image automatically appear on the right side of the pact, Chen Mu couldnt help but nod in approval. The name is Shen Yans, the qi is from the True Form of Heavenly Demon, and with Lis Substitute Peach Stiff Technique, I should be able to escape even if theres any trickiness to the pact. I certainly dont want to become a laboring soul! Chapter 528 - 519 Divine Monarch Meng Qingyang City Lords Mansion. Xiao Jingbai sat expressionless in the great hall. Pei Jiang, keeper of the Qingyang City Secret Spy Bureau, hurried into the hall and pulled a square-folded letter from his qi pouch. "My lord, fresh news: Fengan City has received a batch of Divine-Sealing Pacts, and what I hold here is a list corresponding to the divine training locations," he said. "Everything else is normal except for one remote guardian of the landtheyve received two Pacts." "Substitute Puppet Technique? Does someone from Fengan City want to go to the Yang Realm?" Xiao Jingbai couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. "Is it Lu? Liang wanting a peek, or does Lu? Chengshan have other schemes in mind?" "Thats not important," Pei Jiang shook his head. "Its not cost-effective to target Fengan City on a large scale. But sending someone to intervene and cause that person to deviate from the intended destination isnt hard." "The Yang Realm is so vast, a slight error might mean a difference of tens of millions of miles. One misstep and they could be shredded to pieces by the Ghost Gate." "If that person is Lu? Liang, my lord, you could vent some spleen. Even if its not, it would still upset Lu? Chengshans plans, a small taste of revenge. What do you think..." "Clever old fox! Always so devious!" Xiao Jingbai couldnt help but smile. "Lets do as you suggest." The Strange Demon Worry-Free King had been captured by Yinshan Prefecture, and Xiao Jingbais hundred-year plan for his path of cultivation had been abruptly halted, leaving him bitterly resentful towards Fengan City. For months, he had been keeping a close watch on Fengan City, just to find a flaw that would allow him to exact his revenge. Unfortunately, the cautious actions of Lu? Chengshan and his son left him with no such flaw to exploit. "Withdraw the spies from Fengan, and notify our Living Gods to select new Nether Spirit Primordial Embryos and find ways to send them to the Netherworld. I want to continue my Nether Spirit Realm training," he ordered. "The lord is wise!" Pei Jiang bowed respectfully. "Once you complete the Yin-Yang fusion and transform your Yin God essence, Lu? Chengshan is nothing; without even needing to lift a finger, the Yinshan Prefecture Lord will personally deliver him to you." Xiao Jingbai gave a slight nod, his expression cold. "Let them jump around for a few more days first." ... Three days later, by the River of Oblivion. A group of hundreds descended from the sky, landing on the riverbank. "Just by holding the Divine-Sealing Pact and flying towards the other side of the River of Oblivion, the Bridge of Helplessness will appear?" Chen Mu marveled. Though it was called a river, the River of Oblivion was actually boundless. No one, no matter who, ever appeared on the other side. Apart from the Netherworld Worms within the river, those that had washed away past memories and dissipated their Primordial Spirits, no one could reach the opposite shore. And it was said the Bridge of Helplessness was on the other bank. "Rest assured, sir. The Divine-Sealing Pact has existed for thousands of years, there will be no mishaps," Lu? Liang said with a smile. "The Substitute Peach Stiff Technique truly has no effect?" Chen Mu was still uneasy. A normal Divine-Sealing Pact would certainly work fine; the issue was that the Pact in his hands was abnormal, camouflaged with a Secret Technique, its energy fluctuation was only half as strong as usual. "As long as you and Le Dian stay together, there will be absolutely no problems," Lu? Liang explained patiently. "The Divine-Sealing Pact contains the essence of the target training location. With the attraction from the Yang Realms training location, it will precisely transport you to where the training location is." "The Lis Substitute Peach Stiff Technique has indeed reduced the strength of the Pacts essence, but its effect is only slightly weakened." "Besides, Le Dian has a Pact just like yours. As long as he stays close to you, hell make sure you reach the same destination." Chen Mu looked at the short, stocky man beside him, who had a respectful face, and let out a sigh of relief. The man was named Le Dian, who in the future, would be the one to replace him as the protector of the Land God Temple in Small Hollow Town for a hundred years. "The Pact itself has the power to block the River of Oblivions forces. Without joining the training location, you can still stay in the Yang Realm for a while." Lu? Liang said with clasped hands. "Once we part this time, Im afraid we wont see each other for a year. Take care, sir." See each other again? Better to never see each other again. After spending over three years in the Netherworld, enduring hardships at every turn, and narrowly escaping death numerous times, Chen Mu determined to keep his distance upon his return to the Yang Realm, vowing never to set foot in the Netherworld again. In this time, Lu? Thirteen had also completed his briefing with the Worldly Gods dispatched by Fengan City. "Is that..." Chen Mu couldnt help but turn to Le Dian beside him. Enjoy new chapters from novelhall.Co?m "Sir, that is Divine Monarch Meng, in charge of ghosts reincarnation and the guardian of the Bridge of Helplessness." Ghosts reincarnation? The guardian of the Bridge of Helplessness? And her last name is Meng? Isnt this Meng Po from the folktales?! And the Meng Po Soup... Chen Mus interest was instantly piqued, and he quickly turned to look again. Sure enough, in front of the pavilions gate, there was a jade cauldron about half a persons height with three legs and two ears, filled to the brim with a pool of greenish liquid, with the faint aroma of alcohol wafting around. A Netherworld Worm with an expression of wild laughter was dutifully staying in front of the cauldron, seemingly waiting to be fed. "Is the liquid in the jade cauldron the Meng Po Soup?" "No, that is the Life-Ending Liquor!" Life-Ending Liquor? Thats quite different from the folktales. Chen Mu took a few more interested glances, then lifted his head to look again at the center of the pavilion. Through the bead curtain, a face as if cast from metal, cold and solemn, suddenly came into view. Black and golden colors were interwoven on it, like broken porcelain. In the center of her brows, a cluster of ornamental flowers shone brightly, as vivid as the endless fiery red flowers on the bank. The interlocked hands over her abdomen were bright silver, with distinct joints, resembling a mechanical puppet! As if sensing Chen Mus gaze, the dignified and cold face suddenly turned towards him. In that instant, Chen Mu felt as if he was standing before a colossal statue that blocked out the sky, an intangible sense of oppression surged forth, akin to someone grasping his heart, freezing him in place, afraid to move. "Sir, you mustnt stare too much!" Le Dian quickly tugged at Chen Mus clothes. Only then did Chen Mu snap back to reality, hurriedly lowering his head to avert his gaze. Catching a glimpse of the exposed joints that resembled those of a mechanical creation, Chen Mu couldnt help but have his expression change. "This Divine Monarch Meng..." "You know about clay soldiers and paper effigies, right?" Le Dian whispered to Chen Mu. "Those paper and clay figures?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Back in Antiquity City, he had encountered an acquaintance, the owner of Imperial Goods Pavilion, Le Yangan. That person was extremely fond of clay soldiers and paper effigies, collecting them like figurines, and had an entire cabinet full of various shapes and styles of paper and clay figures. "Could Divine Monarch Meng be..." Chen Mu was incredulous. Le Dian shook his head: "The Divine Monarch isnt such a lifeless thing." "It is said that the Divine Monarch was personally enlightened by the Emperor Yama, possessing a conscious primordial spirit." "Incredibly powerful, capable of creating thousands of clones, and living as long as the Netherworld itself, this being has been guarding all the Bridges of Helplessness since ancient times." "Even the Lord of Yinshan Prefecture must pay respect to the Divine Monarch and cannot afford to slight her." While Chen Mu was filled with a sense of awe, he couldnt shake off a feeling of peculiarity. Glancing out of the corner of his eye at the Divine Monarchs hands that looked like mechanical constructions, the more he looked, the more bizarre it seemed. A cyberpunk Meng Po? Isnt this Meng Po a bit too cyberpunk? Chapter 529: I love you ``` On the boundless River of Oblivion. With a muffled boom, a blast of air exploded in mid-air. Feeling the imperceptible vibrations emanating from the Soul-Locking Bell at his waist, Qian Huan adjusted his direction while flying. Suddenly, a gray stone bridge appeared. Qian Huan quickly surveyed the area and noticed besides the Netherworld Worm, there was a group of afterlife soldiers marching on the stone bridge. "Ive finally caught up." He breathed a sigh of relief and immediately flew onto the bridge, hastily chasing forward. Qian Huan knew that these afterlife soldiers were Living Gods who had signed a Divine-Sealing Pact; they all came from Fengan City. The person he was looking for, who had employed Lis Substitute Peach Stiff Technique like him, was hidden among those hundred-plus soldiers. Clutching the White Jade Bell, Qian Huan used his peripheral vision to scan ahead. Soon, a tall young man in gray clothes came into sight. The man casually tied his hair on top of his head with a black rope, with two strands of hair hanging loosely at the sides of his forehead. He wore an almost mocking smile, looking quite ordinary. He was currently whispering to the short and stout figure in black beside him. Isnt that Lu? Liang? Did Fengan City really find out about Qingyang Citys plan to create a second Carefree King? Is this journey to the Yang Realm to sabotage their plan? Qian Huan concealed his emotions and glanced again in the direction of the young man in gray. Then he discovered that the two persons who were just standing there had disappeared out of the blue! Startled, he instinctively looked up to search, but a chilling voice suddenly sounded next to his ear. "Looking for someone?" "Me?" The next moment, an expressionless face suddenly emerged at his side, staring intently at him! When?! Qian Huan stiffened; he hadnt noticed how the other had appeared before him. If the other party had suddenly attacked... Hiss! He struggled to suppress his rapidly beating heart and looked at Chen Mu with confusion, "Young brother, why would you say that?" "Youve been sneakily watching us all this time, isnt that right?" Chen Mu coldly scoffed. "Was I looking at you? I was admiring the visage of Divine Monarch Meng Po!" Qian Huan pretended to be offended. Chen Mu recalled where they had been standing and realized they indeed might have blocked the mans line of sight, his facial expression momentarily freezing. "Youre not really a spy from Qingyang City, are you?" Could it be a mistake? "A spy from Qingyang City? Ha!" Qian Huan showed a scornful smile, "I am from the Qian family of Baojiang City, even if I agreed, that old ghost Xiao couldnt afford me." Baojiang City? Its not Qingyang City? And which family is the Qian family, are they famous? "The Bridge of Helplessness is not far from our Fengan City but quite isolated from other cities. You being an outsider here, is it really just a coincidence?" Chen Mu looked at him with doubt. Qian Huan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief but put on a frustrated face as if his secret had been discovered. After glancing at the afterlife soldiers surrounding him and hesitating for a moment, he pretended to be helpless and said, "I did indeed come here on purpose because its near the Southern Liang Mountains, a sufficiently isolated location." "As for the reason..." He sighed, resigned, and took out two black-skinned scrolls to show Chen Mu. Qian Ning from Baojiang City? "Just by entering this gate, I can successfully head for the Yang Realm?" After years of winding paths, he could finally return to the Yang Realm. "Of course." Qian Huan stepped closer to Chen Mu with a smile on his face but shot a cold and stern look at Qian Ning, who was standing behind Le Dian, "Dont be afraid, just go ahead. With the protection of the Divine Monarch, its very safe." At his words, Chen Mu lifted his right foot with anticipation and stepped toward the Ghost Gate. But in the next moment, he suddenly withdrew it and turned to look at Qian Huan. "Are you trying to destroy the Divine Power on me, take control over Le Dian, and let me fall alone into the Ghost Gate, to get lost inside?" "Without the Divine Monarchs protection, and with the Qi of the Divine-Sealing Pact greatly concealed by the Secret Technique, without the guiding assistance of the Pact in Le Dians hand, Im afraid Ill either die or be severely injured." Qian Huans heart jolted in shock, and he immediately suppressed the Yin Spirit Divine Power he had just begun to harness, glaring at Chen Mu angrily. "How dare you accuse me out of nowhere!" "Is that so?" Chen Mus lips curled up into a sinister smile. "I still think youre a spy from Qingyang City." A wisp of black smoke with a silver glint suddenly appeared beside Qian Huan, and the Divine Power of the Divine Monarch swirling around him was abruptly devoured by a large amount. Qian Huans expression changed, and before he could react, a large foot appeared before his eyes. Bang! As if struck by a giant hammer in the face, his body was flung backward and spiraled into the Ghost Gate. The next moment, with a flicker of light within the dim water, his figure vanished. Chen Mu turned to Qian Ning, who was standing there in a daze, "To guard the path for a hundred years for him, you must also be unwilling, right?" He reached out and took the Divine-Sealing Pact that was pinned on Qian Nings waist, and with a flash of black light, it was torn to shreds. "Ive sent him to be a Living God, relieving you from guarding the path for a hundred years of suffering. Shouldnt you thank me?" "Thank you?" Qian Ning swallowed hard. "Youre welcome." Chen Mu posed as someone amiable, took out a Black-Skinned Scripture from his sleeve, and handed it to Qian Ning, "Here, go to the side and read this East Pole Longevity Scripture a hundred times." Qian Ning took the Scripture in a daze, not yet recovered from the shock of the Divine-Sealing Pact being destroyed, and looked up to see a group of brawny men encircling him, lifting and dragging him to the side. "Was that person really a Qingyang City covert agent?" Le Dian scratched his head as he approached Chen Mu. Read exclusive chapters at novelhall.Co?m "Dont know." "Then you were..." "A Living God is the foundation of the Netherworld, and this person dared to use Lis Substitute Peach Stiff Technique to smuggle himself into the Yang Realm? This is a shameful betrayal of the Netherworld!" Chen Mu said righteously, his face serious. "Im teaching him to be an upright Yin Spirit!" Le Dian: "..." Youre a smuggler yourself and you accuse someone else? Where do you get the nerve? "Do you have an objection?" Chen Mu glared at Le Dian with a stern face. Le Dian twitched his mouth and shrugged, "Youre the boss." Ha! Chen Mu nodded slightly, showing a satisfied smile. From the first meeting, that bell on his waist was emitting a subtle vibration. Invisible to others, but not to his Truthful Listening Technique. That Qian Huan might not be a spy from Qingyang City, but he was most likely targeting them. Better to err on the side of caution, now more than ever, they could not afford to take things lightly. "Besides, I only took half of his Divine Power. At most, hell suffer a bit in the Ghost Gate and then go to the Yang Realm to guard the path for a hundred years." "Changing a death sentence to a fixed term is already a bargain," said Chen Mu with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. Chapter 530 - 521 Spoiled On the hillside covered in red flowers, Chen Mu stood beside the White Jade Ghost Gate. Those Netherworld Worms with human heads and white smoky snake tails were currently lining up to crawl into the Ghost Gate. The expressions of joy or anger on their faces had disappeared, replaced by a dull and indifferent look. Find your next read at novelhall.Co?m The once lifelike human heads also began to fade and grow dim, evolving toward a state of white mist. "The Rebirth Wine not only protects the Netherworld Worms to reincarnate smoothly but also erodes their last obsessions from their previous lives." "Going to the Ghost Gate, all past events will completely vanish into smoke and clouds," Le Dian came to Chen Mus side and sighed. It very much resembled the idea of Meng Pos soup. Chen Mu was surprised in his heart. The River of Oblivion washes away past memories, and the Rebirth Wine disperses the last obsessions, turning the Ghosts into pure, tabula rasa-like Netherworld Worms, which then reincarnate in the Yang Realm through the Ghost Gate. The folklore rumors from the past were coming full circle right before his eyes. However... "How did these Ghosts become the souls of living beings?" With just a little thought, he would feel an odd sense of unease. "Forget it, it has nothing to do with me," Chen Mu shook his head. All he wanted now was to quickly return to the Yang Realm. "Those two people are indeed from the Qian Family, and they are cousins," Le Dian spoke hesitantly, "Qian Ning was promised a large amount of Secret Techniques and resources by Qian Huan, with the hope of fostering a Divine Fetus. Thats why he agreed to be a substitute, helping the other guard the dojo for a hundred years." "It seems... they dont appear to be Qingyang Citys spies." "It doesnt matter now," Chen Mus expression was indifferent as he glanced over at Qian Ning in the distance. Right now, the latter was shivering as he voluntarily left his Qi on a pact, which was a secret recruitment document for Yin soldiers from Fengan City, Being a member of the Qian Family from Baojiang City, neither killing him nor releasing him was appropriate, so Le Dian could only first have him sign a strict pact, forcing him to go to Fengan City and let Lu? Liang decide. Chen Mu nodded slightly in agreement with Le Dians actions, then turned back to look towards the distant banks of the River of Oblivion. At the head of the Naihe Bridge, the octagonal pavilion was faintly visible, shrouded in the mist. Behind the curtain of white jade beads, that figure in red seemed to turn her head calmly and stared at him. Feeling that emotionless gaze, Chen Mu shuddered. This Netherworld, which usually appeared normal, sometimes became so eerie that it made his heart tremble. "Is the City God Dojo responsible for sowing Netherworld Worms and reaping Ghosts as a transit station?" The moment it all made sense, Chen Mu couldnt help but tremble all over. Now that I know this secret, can I... still leave the Ghost Gate?! Chen Mu looked towards Le Dian, his soul still in turmoil. But he noticed that Le Dian, who had been standing next to him, had already moved dozens of meters away without him realizing. With the Divine-Sealing Pact on his body mostly sealed and its ability to guide teleportation directions diminished, staying close to Le Dian was the safest option. But now... This son of a bitch wants to harm me?! Rage and panic surged through Chen Mu. But he soon noticed that Le Dian was leaning forward as if struggling against someone, straining to walk towards him. So, it wasnt that Le Dian intentionally moved away, but that somehow, he was being pulled away from Le Dians side without realizing it? No way?! The moment I figured out the Netherworlds big conspiracy, I was immediately detected? Can the Ghost Gate read minds? He quickly turned and exerted himself, trying to get closer to Le Dian. Yet he discovered that seven invisible forces of attraction had already silently surrounded him. These seven invisible forces felt like supple chains that had unnoticedly changed Chen Mus direction, pulling him away from Le Dian. He hadnt felt them when he was still, but the moment he tried to change direction, they triggered a backlash. The invisible chains suddenly exerted force, pulling Chen Mu with a whoosh into the boundless darkness, disappearing without a trace. Chen Mu could only sense the light around him dim, a strong sensation of weightlessness enveloping him, with specks of silvery sparks flashing before his eyes. Then the light grew increasingly intense, with a whoosh, brightness burst forth; even with his eyes closed, he couldnt block out the intense light, as if looking directly at the sun. Chen Mus consciousness blurred for a moment, followed by a sudden cool sensation spreading over his entire body. Then, a series of thunderous shouts like mountains collapsing and waves crashing suddenly rang in his ears. "Welcome Divine Monarch to Qiluo Mountain!" Feeling the faint sense of restraint around him, Chen Mus heart sank at once. This is bad! Ive become a substitute! Chapter 531 - 522 The City God ``` Three days later, at the City Divine Temple halfway up Qiluo Mountain, Chen Mu stood at the entrance of the main hall, surveying the entire temple courtyard. In front of the gate, the ground was neatly paved with blue stone slabs, and a three-legged, two-eared copper incense burner first caught his eye. Three or five pine and cypress trees were planted on both sides of the courtyard, each followed by a moon gate leading to two small courtyards on the left and right. Chen Mu had already explored the place yesterday, and the rooms in the courtyard were fully furnished with furniture of every description, yet there was no sign of life. He glanced left and right, then looked up at the cloudless blue sky. Chen Mu walked past the incense burner and headed straight for the main gate. Under the gate tower, there stood an armored general on each side, one holding a stick and the other a mace, both with a stern expression. Looking through the open main gate, there were no steps or stone paths nearby, and no white clouds or green mountains in the distance, just a hazy mist. Chen Mu adeptly maneuvered the Yin Spirit Divine Power into the armored general statues. The next moment, the white fog swirled, and a huge, semi-transparent arc-shaped water screen appeared in the air outside the gate. The light and shadow on it kept changing, revealing a City Divine Temple identical to the one behind it on the water screen. The difference was that there was a stream of people coming and going inside the temple on the screen, men and women, old and young, all dressed differently, lining up to enter the main hall to burn incense and pay respects, bustling with activity. And as he directed the Yin Spirit Divine Power, the screen kept changing, allowing him to observe every part of the temple without any dead angles. Even the surrounding green mountains and the town below could be roughly viewed by adjusting the closeness of the image. Moreover, as the images changed, the diverse sounds also shifted, giving him a sense of being on the scene. "Interesting..." Chen Mu adjusted the screen with interest and continued to watch. "Its just a pity that I cant leave this temple." After a while, Chen Mu fixed the content of the water screen to an overhead view of the inside of the City Divine Temple, then sat cross-legged on the threshold, collecting information through the water screen in front of him while shaking his head and sighing about his situation. The water screen showed the real scenery inside the Luandu County Town God Temple, whereas the temple he was in was a small Cave Heaven created by a Thousand Li House within the confines of a pouch. Through several days of observation, Chen Mu had almost confirmed that this small Cave Heaven was hidden inside the statue of the Luandu County Town God. He had tried many times, but neither Flight nor Escaping Earth allowed him to leave the divine statues small Cave Heaven. The surrounding area had a barrier similar to that of the Thousand Lanterns City Cave Heaven, with boundaries that seemed just within reach yet were forever untouchable. "Am I really going to guard this City Divine Temple for a hundred years?" The mere thought of a boring, prison-like life ahead made Chen Mu involuntarily scratch his head. "No wonder nobody wants the job of being a Living God." Previously at Ghost Gate, he was pulled away from Le Dian by a special force and ended up in a daze at the City Divine Temple in Qiluo Mountain in Luandu County. The temple was newly built, and there was no Living God within the divine statue. He came here with the Divine-Sealing Pact, and even though most of its qi was concealed, it was still detected by the Dao field barrier, and he was forcibly pulled into the statue to become a Living God. And throughout these three days, he hadnt been idle. Although he hadnt dared to recite the entire text, he had nonetheless pondered over the scripture on the first stele extensively. Although no new items had appeared on the grey wall, it had provided him with some vague feedback, and Chen Mu had not sensed any danger from it. "Lets practice." ... Half a month later, inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. In the City Divine Temple courtyard to the east, beneath two cypress trees, a new round stone table and a brand-new rocking chair had been placed. At this moment, Chen Mu was lying in it. His lips moved subtly as rhythmic chanting surrounded him. After a while, Chen Mus eyebrows twitched, and he suddenly opened his eyes. The grey wall appeared before him, with a new entry materializing. Lingbao Pivot Scripture: 2/10000/First Rank; A string of insights surfaced in his heart, and a flash of joy crossed Chen Mus face. Explore more at novelhall.Co?m "I did it!" With a thought, Yin Spirit Divine Power vibrated along a special trajectory, and suddenly he slumped backward, his breath instantly becoming calm and weak, as if he had slipped into a deep sleep. At the same time, inside the City Divine Main Hall of Luandu County Town God Temple, Chen Mus figure suddenly appeared. At that moment, he wore a loose, gray robe with no hair on his head. Two silvery lines glowed at his brow, and his face resembled that of a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old. "Can the Lingbao Pivot Scripture let the Heavenly Demon True Body escape the Divine Statue Cave Heaven?" Chen Mu was elated. "No, thats not right. It must only be a projection, allowing only the Divine Thoughts to wander nearby," he noted. He noticed that the crowd worshiping and offering incense inside the hall showed no reaction to his appearance. Some even passed directly through his body as if he were no more than an invisible ray of light. "What is this? Is this because theyre afraid the Living God will get bored and lonely, so they especially allowed the Divine Thoughts to get some air?" "Why do I feel like this Living God is more and more like being in jail?" Chen Mu said with a wry smile. "Even so, its better than being trapped inside the statue. At least this is like a crack opening in the confinement of the statue," he reasoned. "If my mastery of the Lingbao Pivot Scripture becomes profound enough, perhaps I can completely detach from the Divine Statue Cave Heaven," Chen Mu surmised, looking at the new entry on the grey wall with confidence. "No more thinking about that, lets first go and check out the town down the mountain, Luandu County," he decided. Chapter 532 - 523: Prohibition South of Qiluo Mountain, the county town of Luandu County was built against the mountain. On the parapet of the South Gate wall, Chen Mus figure suddenly materialized out of thin air. In the distance was a vast plain, where a roaring great river, like a jade belt, sank into the horizon. He reached out his hand beyond the city wall, only to find that his palm, as if made of sand, slowly disintegrated into a glowing light and vanished. When he drew his hand back, the missing palm reappeared. "Unable to leave Luandu County?" "Even taking a stroll comes with restrictions, this is beginning to feel more and more like imprisonment," Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. He closed his eyes and recalled the Lingbao Pivot Scripture, then after a moment, he shook his head and opened his eyes. After all, he was only a beginner, vaguely aware that the Lingbao Pivot Scripture was related to the restrictions of the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, without any concrete hints on how to escape. "Since Im here, I should settle in, at least staying within the Divine Statue space is temporarily safe." "As for leaving the Divine Statue Cave Heaven..." "Ill cross that bridge when I come to it." ... In the Jianan District to the west of the city, the Qixia Teahouse was bustling with people. "Did you hear that General Jin led his troops all the way to the Mi Chuan River?" An old man with grizzled hair and a robust build spoke excitedly by the window on the second floor. "That news is outdated. Three days ago, General Jin had already crossed the Mi Chuan River, and in one breath, he took down twelve cities. By now, he may have already made his way towards the capital of Southern Shu Kingdom," another stocky old man said, waving his hand dismissively. "Really? If thats the case, thats the merit of conquering a nation!" The grizzled-haired old man looked impressed, "Its a pity I was born twenty years too early; otherwise, Id definitely go to the battlefield and try my luck!" "Its not too late to go now." The stocky old man chuckled, "With our physical condition, taking cities and lands might not be possible, but transporting supplies and joining the Logistics Army should be easy enough." "Right now, our Da Qian Nation is at its zenith, and everywhere you go, you hear about expanding territories. The army continues to recruit, and were sure to get in if we sign up." The stocky old man looked around and leaned closer to the grizzled-haired man, "We dont need to earn too much military merit. Just staying in the military for five or six years to understand how things work will make things more convenient for our descendants when they join the army and learn martial arts." The grizzled-haired old mans eyes lit up instantly: "Lets do it!" Chen Mu, leaning against the window, twitched his face. Two old men with white hair are actually discussing going to war? Are the customs of Da Qian this fierce? Prince Jia Tian didnt mention this. He had been at the teahouse for a while and had gathered from the conversations of the crowd that he was now in Yunzhou of Da Qian. Chen Mu had not expected that, through a twist of fate, he would return to Yunzhou and end up in the mortal realm under the jurisdiction of Jilong Road. "I wonder if Prince Jia Tian has returned to the Mortal Realm." When he left the Lower Courtyard of Jilong Road by the Gan River, the situation at Jilong Road was already grim, and preparations were being made to move to the neighboring Hai Province for refuge. Jia Tian was just a Lower Courtyard disciple who had just condensed his Primordial Talisman, unlikely to be on the relocation list. And now, observing the sparse Earth Spirit Element around Luandu County, its clear that over the nearly four years that have passed, the situation in Yunzhou has worsened, with the decline of Earth Spirit Element becoming more evident. Its possible that Jilong Road has begun relocating. Chen Mus silhouette suddenly appeared in the middle of the courtyard. Through the half-opened door, he saw a green light the size of a needlepoint floating above the swaddling clothes of an infant, invisible to the rejoicing and cheering crowd around it. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes to take a closer look and immediately noticed that the green light contained numerous black dots, tiny as dust particles. The black dots drifted and combined, acting like living things, now forming a net, now a line, as if dancing on airflows, they slowly landed on the infants nose and with a breath, entered the childs body and disappeared. "Netherworld Worm?" "The fluctuation from before, was it the City God Dojo releasing Netherworld Worms?" Chen Mus mind became clear. He had been deeply immersed in the Lingbao Pivot Scripture, his senses sharp, and thats why he happened to detect it when the dojos power surged. "I must continue to grind the secret technique!" He glanced back at the infant and couldnt help shaking his head with a sigh. His current form was only a projection of divine thought; even if he wanted to intervene, he was powerless to do so. Moreover, it was likely that everyone in Luandu County had Netherworld Worms living inside them; those without were the anomaly. And this plot against the entire Yang Realm was clearly not something a minor Qi Cultivator like him could get involved in. ... Half a month later, in the City Divine Temples Divine Statue Cave Heaven. The sky was clear for thousands of miles, sunlight filtered through the gaps of cypress leaves, casting mottled light upon Chen Mus face. His eyelids trembled slightly as he took a deep breath and slowly stopped cultivating the Lingbao Pivot Scripture. With a thought, Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles was activated. A fist-sized sphere of crystal-clear water flew from a well in the eastern courtyard and landed gently into a wooden cup on the stone table. This was a discovery he had made not long ago. The well seemed ordinary, but in fact, it was full of Jade Dew, and its taste kept changing, never tiring to the palate. "Hmm... chilled plum juice flavor? I like it!" Chen Mu drank it in one gulp, set down the cup, and once again lay back in the rocking chair. A gray wall materialized before his eyes. Lingbao Pivot Scripture: 337/10000/Second Rank; Chen Mu squinted towards the sky. He hadnt felt it before, but now with the advancement of the Lingbao Pivot Scripture, a mere moment of concentration revealed countless faint lines in the sky. Centered around the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, they extended in all directions, covering hundreds of miles around Luandu County like a vast net. The reason he had been able to project his divine thoughts to Luandu County was by leveraging these omnipresent lines. "These must be the City God Dojos restrictions." The City God Dojo seemed to utilize certain properties of Yin Spirits, enabling it to operate on its own as long as a Living God resided within the City Divine Temple. And cultivating the Lingbao Pivot Scripture, apart from giving the Yin Spirits something to pass the time, was also meant to prompt their active involvement, providing more assistance to organize the restrictions and ensure its operation. "If I can figure out all the restriction pathways, perhaps there will be a chance to leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Chapter 533 - 524 Escape from Difficulty The Divine Statue Cave Heaven was quite special, with its inner sky connected to the outside world, thus mirroring the weather of the outside exactly. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair under a tree, gazing at the endless cloudless sky, appreciating that swath of clear, deep blue that broadened ones heart. Above his head, the pines and cypresses remained emerald green, while the outside world of Qiluo Mountain was already covered with yellow-green, semi-withered leaves. Unknowingly, Luandu County had already entered autumn. In the southern part of the city, within the two-entrance courtyard of Jianan District, a group of people sat around a dining table, chatting and eating. "Has Southern Shu really been wiped out?" "General Jin is truly a pillar of the country!" "It is said that he is now stabilizing the situation and should be able to return by early winter." "If they take the waterway, theyll probably have to take the Yudai River outside the city, and we might even get a chance to see them." As everyone was conversing enthusiastically, several women appeared, surrounding and cheering one of them. One of the women was holding a baby wrapped in a bright red swaddle, prompting everyone to stand up and gather around, chuckling as they looked at the baby for a moment, and sending over various blessings and praises. This gathering was to celebrate the hundred days since the birth of the infant in the swaddle. In a corner of the room, Chen Mus figure appeared out of nowhere, staring at the distant baby for a long while before retracting his gaze. That infant had been born a hundred days prior, and Chen Mu had personally witnessed a Netherworld Worm entering its body. On that day, he could still sense the vital aura of the Netherworld Worm, but by the next day, the aura had become so minuscule it was almost imperceptible. Today, the unique aura of the Netherworld Worm had completely vanished. "Has it integrated into the human body, becoming similar to the intestinal flora?" Chen Mu understood. Having merged with the human body at birth, it grew along with the infant, becoming an integral part of the human body. Even if observed by a special Secret Technique, it would likely be mistaken for some type of symbiotic organism within the body, with no one considering it to be an external parasite, let alone associating it with the various schemes of the Netherworld. "Truly impressive!" Because he had witnessed the Netherworld Worm implanting into a human body with the help of the power of the City God Dojo, Chen Mu had been quite concerned about it. In addition to cultivating, he had been observing Luandu County whenever he had free time. However, he found that except for being unusually hale and hearty, the people of Luandu County did not display any other unusual behaviors. Regardless of gender, age, and whether one was young or old, the people suffered from few illnesses or disasters. In such a large city, there were only two medical clinics in total. Moreover, the most commonly treated patients on a regular basis were those with injuries from falls and trauma, followed by pregnant women giving birth. "For ordinary people, is this Netherworld Worm beneficial and harmless?" "How interesting..." Soon, snowflakes began to drift down over Qiluo Mountain, covering the peaks and valleys in white. However, inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, it was warm as spring, unchanged. Snowflakes drifted overhead but seemed like mirages and moon reflections on the water, never reaching the Cave Heaven. With a thought, grey walls materialized before his eyes. Lingbao Pivot Scripture: 2/10000/Fourth Rank; "Success or failure hinges on today!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Stay tuned for updates on novelhall.Co?m Standing in the middle of the courtyard, he activated his Yin Spirit Divine Power, and the bald, youthful figure of the Heavenly Demon True Body suddenly appeared. The Lingbao Pivot Scripture in motion, Chen Mu turned his head and saw that the Heavenly Demon True Body was surrounded by invisible fine lines. Enveloped layer within and without, it resembled a cocoon. "Indeed!" "The Divine-Sealing Pact was signed using the Heavenly Demon True Body; naturally, it is the Heavenly Demon True Body that the City God Dojo has bound!" "With this, if I leave the Heavenly Demon True Body to preside, wouldnt I be able to escape the Divine Statue Cave Heaven?" Chen Mu was overjoyed in his heart. He had had his suspicions before but feared the backlash and dared not act hastily. Now having practiced the Lingbao Pivot Scripture to the Fourth Rank, the restrictive patterns of the City God Dojo were fully revealed before him. Only then was he certain that his True Form wasnt bound and that he had the chance to leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. After thoroughly checking once more to ensure that his True Form indeed had no entanglements, Chen Mu immediately mobilized the Yin Spirit Divine Power to activate Netherworld Ferry. Hum! On the bluestone beneath his feet, a pitch-black pool suddenly emerged. Chen Mu restrained his excitement, carefully observed the reactions of the Divine Statue Cave Heavens restrictions, and then slowly sank in. When he appeared again, he was at the summit of Qiluo Mountain. He stood atop a slanted, grey rock jutting out of the ground, tensed and carefully surveying his surroundings. The Secret Technique of Netherworld Ferry was at the ready; at the slightest hint of something amiss, he would immediately return to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. A good while passed, and apart from the howling cold wind in the sky, there were no anomalies. "At last..." Chen Mu let out a sigh of relief, and a broad smile spread across his face. Gazing at the snow-covered expanse of Luandu County in the distance, he felt a sudden sense of exhilaration in his chest. After half a year back in the Yang Realm, working hard to cultivate the Lingbao Pivot Scripture, he had finally succeeded in breaking free from the restrictions of the City God Dojo, escaping the Divine Statue Cave Heaven! "Wuhu!" He shouted with glee, his Yin Spirit Divine Power pulsating, and with a bang, he took flight. The air atop the mountain roiled, and the white snow whirled about. Chen Mus figure shot into the sky, piercing through the clouds, and sped towards the horizon at breakneck speed. Chapter 534 - 525: Stranger ``` Above the sky, Chen Mu, with an excited expression on his face, pushed his nearly perfected Yin Wind Escape to the max. In just two breaths time, the Jade Belt River appeared before his eyes. Previously, he had been trapped in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, unable to project his Divine Thoughts across the river. But now... Chen Mu grinned and with a bang, a ring of air exploded around him, and whoosh, he flew straight across the Jade Belt River! Now, not only can I fly to the opposite bank, but I can also fly even farther! Ha ha! But he had barely laughed a few times. Twang! Like a steel cable suddenly pulled taut, an invisible force enveloped his entire body. Chen Mu was like a hound that had frenziedly dashed forward only to be jerked back by a chain. He came to a sudden halt and was then swooped down towards the ground. Plop! Mud splashed meters high, and a large pit appeared on the ground. Chen Mu lay sprawled out at the bottom of the hole, eyes hazy as he opened them, staring blankly up at the sky. I freaking knew it wouldnt be that simple! ... Five days later, at the Jade Belt River dock, on the second floor of Xin Feng Tower, in a streetside private room. In the middle of the dining table was a red clay stove, with a bubbling clay pot on top. Chunks of pig rabbit meat the size of baby fists tumbled in the broth, sending a rich, meaty aroma swirling around the room. Chen Mu sat by the window, cradling a pitch-black earthenware jar the size of a cantaloupe in his hands. He sipped cold black plum juice from the jar through a straw while gazing out of the half-open window with a furrowed brow and pained look, towards the silver-white icy surface of the distant Jade Belt River. After trying for several days, Chen Mu found he could only travel a little more than four hundred miles from Qiluo Mountain. Beyond that, an invisible force would pull him back, preventing any further progress. What was even more depressing was that it wasnt the City God Dojo restricting his movement, but himself. "Prosper due to the Heavenly Demon True Body, hinder due to the Heavenly Demon True Body," he lamented. "Why didnt I realize before that I cant stray too far from the Heavenly Demon True Body?" Chen Mu complained with a sullen face. The orthodox Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique involves transforming oneself and evolving into the Heavenly Demon True Body. But Chen Mus Heavenly Demon True Body had been sucked out by the River of Oblivion, becoming an independent entity. However, this was just on the surface. At a deeper level of power, the two had always been united. Every time the True Body left, it had to be through some medium that connected its energy with his own, or else they would be forcibly pulled back together. The Heavenly Demon True Body was firmly bound within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, like an anchor. He himself became the line tethering a kite, able to distance himself from the Heavenly Demon True Body, but only up to a certain extent. "First, it was a cage, now its a chain? Really..." Lacking proper channels and opportunities, these Wild Cultivators practice heretical methods, often involving murdering and sacrificing people for rituals that harm the Human World. Its only natural for the secular Imperial Court to target them. The secular world has its share of Armor Spirit Warriors. For them, banding together to kill those Wild Cultivators wouldnt be difficult. A realization dawned on Chen Mu. This thought had just emerged when he saw the ice on the Jade Belt River suddenly explode. A thirty-meter-long creature, resembling a ferocious crocodile, leapt from the water. It roared into the sky, opening its bloodied maw wide as it charged toward the crowd on the dock, like a starving dog catching sight of food. Before the crocodile beast could emerge fully, a figure leaped from the hundred-meter ship. Mid-air, the individual suddenly swelled, transforming in the blink of an eye into a towering armored giant over seven or eight meters tall, with four fanged tooth arms protruding outward. Enjoy exclusive chapters from novelhall.Co?m With preemptive speed, the giant landed first, blocking the crocodile demons path. Then with its four fists, it fiercely pounded forward. Bang! Teeth flew, the face deformed, and the two-story-tall monster was smashed head over heels, tumbling back into the rivers depths. The relentless giant jumped into the river, its four arms whirling like bee wings. Bang bang bang... A succession of drum-like thumps erupted, and in just a few breaths, the shape and flesh of the crocodile beast were thrashed, its claws covering its head, too frightened to move as the four-armed giant continued to hammer down. After administering several more powerful punches, the giant leaped up, shrunk in size, and spiraled back into the center of the large ship. A clattering of chains followed, and only then did the onlookers realize that the crocodile monsters body was bound by several iron chains as thick as a man. It was the creatures pulling that allowed the large ship to advance rapidly through the ice. "General Jin is mighty!" the people on the dock shouted in admiration. Chen Mu stared stiffly at the giant crocodile lazily moving forward on the Jade Belt River. Was that man just now the Great General of the Da Qian Pillar Country, Jin Wuxia? Considering the four-armed giants strength just now, he was far from any ordinary secular warrior. With great power, robust defense, and the ability to transform, aside from the absence of mana, he was almost on par with the True Body of a Heavenly Demon crafted by the Heavenly Demon Heretical Methoda level that could compete with Condensing Aperture Qi Cultivators! And this General Jin was but one of the eight Pillar Country Great Generals of the Da Qian Imperial Court. As for the crocodile beast, although it wasnt a demon, it was not far off. Using an Exotic Beast nearly on par with a demon to pull his ship... This... "Somethings not right about this Da Qian!" The Yunzhou I knew so well suddenly felt like a stranger. "Could they really be capturing Qi Cultivators?" "Why do I get the feeling that the outside world is even less safe than inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven?!" ``` Chapter 535 - 526 Stability The following day, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Beneath the gate tower of the courtyard, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, continuously adjusting the water screen outside the door to observe Luandu County. Having witnessed Jin Wuxias actions and heard the discussions among the people the day before, Chen Mu felt a sense of crisis arise within him and immediately returned to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Since his return to the Yang Realm, his days were consumed with thoughts of how to free himself from entrapment, engrossed in the Lingbao Pivot Scripture every day and not really gathering news. However, what he saw and heard yesterday clearly told Chen Mu that some unimaginable great changes had occurred in Yunzhou. As the Yin Spirit Divine Power flowed into the armored generals divine statue, the images on the water screen shifted. The bustling places in Luandu County, including winehouses, teahouses, and entertainment venues, where people gathered and chatted, all appeared on the water screen. Chen Mu curled up in the rocking chair, perking up his ears and staring intently at the water screen. "Jilong Road mysteriously disappeared, and the disciples from the Lower Courtyard returned to Da Qian..." "Those who practice Qi Cultivation to Cultivate Immortality are calamitous demons, and capturing one is a great achievement?" "And there are Martial Artists in the Mortal Realm who can arm wrestle with Qi Cultivators?" "Ive only been in the Netherworld for three or four years, how has Yunzhou undergone such drastic changes?!" Suddenly, he thought of his experience of being chased into the Netherworld in the Lower Courtyard of Gan River. The power of that horned freak seemed similar to that of the pillar general Jin Wuxia he had seen before. "That man came from the secular Imperial Court?!" "So, the changes had already taken place. A long time ago, secular Martial Artists had already begun capturing Qi Cultivators?!" Chen Mu couldnt help but widen his eyes. ... While Chen Mu was busy collecting news from Luandu County, three tall figures in black hooded cloaks appeared at the east side of the cross courtyard near Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. The leader lifted his hood, revealing a young-looking square face: "Mr. Li, I am Yuan Dong. These two are my junior brother and sister, Yuan Chun and Yuan Xia." "You sent a message to Lock Dragon Courtyard, saying there was a demon cultivator in Luandu County, may I ask..." The temple priest of Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, Li Buxian, was a thin, tall, goateed old man. He greeted them with a smile and a fist salute: "Recently, there have been disturbances at Lock Dragon Well, and on Qiluo Mountain and along Jade Belt River, signs of Qi Cultivators vital energies have been revealed." "I was afraid they would come to destroy the dojo, so I notified Lock Dragon Courtyard." "I have already organized the details. You three go have a meal and rest first, and I will send the information to your room shortly." "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Li, but unfortunately, Lock Dragon Courtyard is short-handed, and we are given limited time by the courtyard. Wed better catch those demons earlier so we can return to report to our duties. What do you think..." Yuan Dong said, his expression showing difficulty. "You three have worked hard." Li Buxians expression became solemn, and he once again saluted before immediately leading the three to a room deeper into the courtyard. ... Divine Statue Cave Heaven. "Although Earth Spirit Vital Energy is thin in the outside world, I still have the Exquisite Jade Plate, which can create a small Daoist arena of three meters in radius, completely satisfying my own needs for Qi cultivation and cultivating immortality." "As long as I have White Jade Coins, theres no need to specifically go to renowned mountains and rivers." With the Netherworld Grand Summary and the Exquisite Jade Plate in hand, even if Yunzhous Vital Energy dissipates, he could still practice Qi cultivation and cultivate immortality. "The key is where to get the White Jade Coins." Chen Mu took out a wooden box and looked at the mere two hundred and seventeen White Jade Coins inside, his mind racing. ... Once his thoughts stabilized, Chen Mu went to Luandu County for a major shopping spree, then honestly tucked himself into the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, no longer needing to appear in person. With the environmental changes in Da Qian, Qi Cultivators were becoming demonic cultivators, and he did not want to invite trouble. In the morning, he practiced the Safe Heart Sutra, Yin Wind Escape, and the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture one by one; afterwards, Chen Mu began to prepare lunch. Under the gate tower, a square table was placed in the middle. The long-unused pitch-black Primordial Alchemy Furnace reappeared again. A stream of mana flowed in, and heat surged from within the Pill Furnace, as freshly bought pig and rabbit meat tumbled inside, the aroma filling the air. "Mortal Da Qian is indeed rich in products," Chen Mu, slurping the hot bone marrow, exclaimed, "the City God Dojo is truly not simple." In these days, he took no haste in leaving the cave heaven and no longer dwelled on the big changes in Yunzhou; Chen Mus mood became leisurely, leading to many new discoveries. He looked up at the sky, where countless invisible threads were interweaved, with various vital energies flowing within, the sparse Earth Spirit Vital Energy evenly distributed throughout Luandu County. "Using Earth Spirit Vital Energy to promote crop growth, assist plant development, and strengthen livestock breeding? Impressive!" Earth Spirit Vital Energy can indeed greatly enrich the vitality of all beings, but if the concentration is too high, it will lead to excessive nurturing and drown out the living spirits. However, the invisible net spread by the City God Dojo throughout Luandu County had the function of grooming and dispersing the Vital Energy. It can fully play the role of promoting vitality while avoiding harm to life. "The people of Luandu County are strong and healthy; is it not just because of the Netherworld Worms, but also due to the dojos work in grooming Vital Energy?" "Such painstaking efforts, truly such painstaking efforts!" The more carefully he observed, the more exceptional the City God Dojo appeared to him. "The Nether Yin Underworld is indeed playing a big game." Chewing on a bone, Chen Mu adjusted the Water Screen, scanning inch by inch over several hundred miles around Luandu County. A scene of an underground cave caught Chen Mus attention. Seven or eight people dressed in black clothes and wearing hoods were meeting surreptitiously within the cave. After observing closely for a moment, Chen Mus eyes lit up. Qi Cultivating Wild Cultivators? Worried about where to earn White Jade Coins, and here comes an opportunity! Find more to read at novelhall.Co?m Chapter 536 - 527: The Deal Five days later, North Pole Mountain in Luandu County. Amidst the continuous mountains, a huge cave space was nestled inconspicuously under a low-lying hill. The water in the cave flowed with a constant murmur, and the sharp stalactites on the ceiling scattered few but warm and luminous glow of bioluminescent algae, dispelling the darkness within. At the center of the cave, there was a platform as large as two living rooms, where more than a dozen people with their faces covered by masks were gathered. "I have ten Void Cloak Talismans, which allow one to walk on air at the speed of two horses, with each one able to cover at least a hundred miles. Ill trade them for six pieces of White Jade, or four bottles of Fasting Pills," a tall figure wearing a red ghost mask spoke up. "Give them to me; Ill give you two bottles of Fasting Pills and two hundred jin of Yellow Bud Rice, how about it?" A skinny old man with a monkey mask was the first to respond. "Deal!" the person in the ghost mask immediately nodded. "If you have more, I could trade them for some White Jade Coins," the monkey-faced old man continued. After hesitating for a moment, the person in the ghost mask ultimately shook his head, "Never mind, I need them too." "Old Sun, did you hear some rumors?" A person with a pig mask asked the old man with the monkey mask. Old Sun nodded slightly, "Pingfu Square in Jiangyang County next door was taken down by the Black Skin Dogs, I plan to leave Luandu County." Upon hearing this, everyones breathing lightened, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense. "Damn those Black Skin Dogs!" the person in the ghost mask couldnt help but curse aloud. This statement immediately resonated with everyone, and they voiced their discontent indignantly. "We, as noble Qi Cultivators, are actually being forced to flee everywhere by a bunch of mortals... those despicable people... are utterly rebellious!" "If it werent for the dispersal of Earth Spirit Vital Energy and the difficulty in restoring mana, I would surely massacre eighteen cities to teach those lowlifes a lesson!" "Why hasnt anyone taken the head of that mortal Emperor?" "Rest assured, most of the Da Qian Imperial Familys bloodline has been cursed to death by the secret techniques of Qi Cultivators; he wont live much longer!" "..." After cursing for a while, everyone soon fell silent, shaking their heads and sighing continually. Although it was a bit humiliating, the reality was that the once-contemptible mortals could now threaten their lives, and all they could do was run. The person with the pig mask cautiously spoke to Old Sun, trying to probe, "Do you have a safe place to go? Can you reveal something to us?" The old man with the monkey mask shook his head slightly, "Those Black Skin Dogs are like hounds by nose; if you stay in one place for too long, youre bound to be found. There isnt a safe place anywhere under this mundane Da Qian rule." "Then you?" "I plan to go to the outskirts of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. It is said that there are people organizing ships to travel along the Tongtian River to Hai Province for refuge." Old Sun did not hide. "Could it be a trap?" It was impossible for him to sell them directly. He was accustomed to putting someone in between. That way, if anything went awry, they couldnt find him. This was the experience hed accumulated over more than a decade of cultivation. After watching for so long, he had already figured out that this old man was the organizer of this gathering. "Clever, with experience, its you!" Chen Mu suddenly revealed a smiling face. ... At the north of North Pole Mountain, on a certain Low Mountain. The old man with the monkey face mask stood quietly in the middle of the mountain forest, observing and listening to his surroundings from time to time. He only relaxed after a good while and took off the mask, revealing a wrinkled, dark brown, dried-up old face. The next moment, he took a deep breath, his skin tightened and turned Whiter, his white hair slowly became black, and his height even increased by two inches. In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a thin and short old man into a fair-skinned young man. Changing into a new set of clothes and burning the old ones, the surnamed Sun young man covered his face with a hooded cloak, took out a Horse Talisman, and prepared to leave the small mountain. However, just as he turned around, he saw a tall and robust young man standing not far behind him. When did he get there?! Sun Kes pupils shrank suddenly, frozen in shock. "Old Sun?" Chen Mu said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "You really are very experienced." The ability of the young man opposite to change his height and facial features, altering his own aura, reminded him of himself over ten years ago. Each time he went out, he was extremely cautious. It was precisely because of this caution that he had managed to cultivate safely up to this day. Hed chosen the right person, Chen Mus mouth curved up into a smile. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Bang! A muffled sound, dirt flew. Sun Ke, who was trying to activate a Secret Technique to escape while feigning a sycophantic smile, was instantly slapped to the ground, unable to move. "Dont be afraid, Im not going to kill you. I just want you to help me sell something," Chen Mu said while activating the United Heart Curse. A fine black thread, like a steel needle, shot out from the United Heart Rope binding his topknot and pierced into the spine on Sun Kes back. Feeling the shared sensations from the United Heart Gu, Chen Mus face was all smiles, "Of course, you can refuse. I absolutely wont make things difficult for you." Sun Ke: "..." Not make things difficult for me? Then whats this thing drilling around in my spine right now? You shameless villain! Chapter 537 - 528 "What is your honors surname?" Sun Ke asked cautiously. "I am Cloud-Ascending Dragon Gongsun Sheng!" Chen Mu said with a serious face. Sun Ke: "..." Fine, Ill just take that as your real name then. "Mr. Gongsun, may I ask what you would like me to sell?" Chen Mu handed over a big wooden box, the size of a medicine chest. "Fasting Pills?" Sun Ke looked at the fifty porcelain bottles inside the box with delight. However, he soon felt troubled, "These are highly sought-after items, usually not hard to sell, but now Luandu County is not very safe, and many Qi Cultivators are fleeing in all directions. It might be tough to sell these..." "Hmm?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Its not at all difficult, I will go to the neighboring county, and they will be sold out very quickly!" Sun Ke said with a solemn face. This ability to be so submissive or assertive... Hah! "Do you know about the secret technique the Da Qian Imperial Court is using to capture Qi Cultivators?" Chen Mu glanced at Sun Ke as he asked. "Not too clear, I only know the more crowded the place, the easier it is to be discovered. One can only be slightly safer by hiding in remote and desolate mountains," Sun Ke shook his head. Thats a bit troublesome then. He had seven to eight hundred bottles of Fasting Pills in his possession, and he planned to continue earning White Jade Coins through alchemy. If Sun Ke were to be caught, given the current situation in Luandu County, finding a new intermediary would not be easy. "Take this with you." Chen Mu took out a small cloth pouch from the Five Ghosts Bag. "What is this?" Sun Ke looked at about a dozen goose egg-sized stones in the pouch with a puzzled face. "Extinguishing Breath Stones, one can last for one hour, and it can conceal your vital energy, evading detection. With its assistance, youll definitely be able to avoid the investigation methods of the Da Qian Imperial Court." "Really?" Sun Ke was overjoyed. "Of course!" Chen Mu said indifferently. Hmm, let Sun Ke try them. If he gets caught... Then it would just be regrettable to find a new intermediary. Chen Mu glanced at Sun Ke with a calm demeanor. "We will meet here in five days; no problems, right?" Sun Ke felt a tingling on his scalp. Just five days? To run to the neighboring county, find the Qi Cultivator hermits in hiding, sell the Fasting Pills and then return, all the while carefully avoiding the search parties? You want me dead! I wont do it! "Absolutely no problem!" Sun Ke said, bowing with a fist in hand. "You agree so readily. Youre not planning to run away, are you?" The corners of Chen Mus mouth curled up. You read me like a book! Sun Ke kept his facial expression unchanged, filled with solemnity, "What are you saying, sir? Are you slandering me?" Hah! "Run if you want to, if you think you can escape." Sun Kes face twitched, as if he felt something squirming in his spine again. "Time is pressing. If the gentleman has no other instructions, I will depart immediately!" "Go ahead." Chen Mu said with a light laugh and a wave of his hand. Without hesitation, Sun Ke bowed and made his exit. He did not want to stay in this place a moment longer. He immediately decided to play dumb, showing a timely expression of confusion, "Green Satchel Chapter? What is that?" "Haha, the Green Satchel Chapter is a secret technique used to condense a Blood Pouch, marking the beginning of the Underworld God Martial Arts, originating from Gao Zhan, the first head of Lock Dragon Courtyard," Yuan Dong said with a proud look on his face. Underworld God Martial Arts? Is this the secret Martial Dao technique that allows the Imperial Court of Da Qian to compete with Qi Cultivators? Chen Mu realized in his heart. "Not knowing the Green Satchel Chapter, yet able to reshape the body and cultivate the first transformation of Underworld God only proves that you have exceptional talent; your ancestors might have been Qi Cultivating Demon Immortals." Yuan Dong eagerly stared at Chen Mus deep blue right arm. "Would you be interested in joining our Lock Dragon Courtyard? You should know that half of the Underworld God secret techniques in this world come from our Lock Dragon Courtyard. If you join, with your talent, you can choose any as you wish." "And the City God Dojo is also under Lock Dragon Courtyard, its spiritual vital energy is especially abundant, which could allow you to cultivate rapidly." Continue your adventure with novelhall.Co?m Exceptional talent? Me? Who the hell are you cursing! My achievements today are entirely due to diligent study and training! Chen Mu glared at the other party. But he couldnt help but realize in his heart that the Extinguishing Breath Stone had concealed his own vital energy, and the other party mistook the Five Ghosts Possession as the so-called Underworld God Transformation. That was why his attitude had changed dramatically, even inviting him, a Qi Cultivator, to join the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "Lock Dragon Courtyard aims to capture Qi Cultivating Demon Cultivators, but I have friends cultivating immortality. If I join the Lock Dragon Courtyard..." Chen Mu pretended to hesitate and glanced at Sun Ke, as if looking at a beloved relative. "Thats not a problem!" Yuan Dong waved his hand with ease, "In the homes of the various dukes and generals of Da Qian, which doesnt have a few people cultivating immortality?" "Once you become one of us, a simple report will mean that no one will bother you." "If you get your friend to also practice a little of the Underworld God Transformation, then there will be absolutely no problem at all." So theres a loophole to exploit? Chen Mu raised his eyebrows. They shout about capturing Qi Cultivating Demon Cultivators all day as if vowing to their death, yet theres this way within. As expected, in the outside world, one must talk about background and power. A Wild Cultivator like Sun Ke, without any foundation, ends up being the unlucky one. He glanced at Sun Ke with pity. "May I take a few days to consider it?" Chen Mu feigned difficulty. "Of course, theres no problem," Yuan Dong was indifferent to Chen Mus reluctance. "Since weve just met, you definitely cant trust me. You are free to inquire as you like, to see if our Lock Dragon Courtyard is not generous enough," he said with confidence. "Ill be staying at Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple for the upcoming days. Once youve decided, you can come and have a talk with me." "As for him..." Yuan Dong glanced at Sun Ke. "Today Ill pretend I didnt see him, but before you join the Lock Dragon Courtyard, you better arrange for him to leave Luandu County first." "After all, we also have our own missions to perform, and its not great to turn a blind eye knowingly." "Thank you!" Chen Mu bowed solemnly. "I look forward to our next meeting." Yuan Dong smiled, his figure flashed, turning into a shadow that shot straight toward the south of South Mountain. Chen Mu activated his Truthful Listening Technique, watching the other person indeed leave straight away, and couldnt help but narrow his eyes slightly. Lock Dragon Courtyard, Underworld God Transformation, Green Satchel Chapter... Da Qians Martial Dao seems quite interesting. I really want to take a look. Too bad my dream is to cultivate immortality, not to become a brute with the Underworld God Transformation. "Keep the Extinguishing Breath Stone safe, use it after leaving Luandu County to avoid being discovered," Chen Mu instructed Sun Ke. "Understood!" Sun Ke bowed respectfully. If before he felt coerced, now he was truly willing. It wasnt just the life-saving grace from earlier, but what astonished him even more was that this Mr. Gongsun actually had a way to cut off the investigations of Lock Dragon Courtyard! The behavior of that Lock Dragon Courtyard inspector just now was evident! He clenched the gray cloth bag in his hand tighter. If he used enough Extinguishing Breath Stones, he could safely hide within Da Qian, no longer having to flee like a stray dog being hunted everywhere. What he thought was a hassle turned out to be a golden thigh, a solid gold one at that. I, Sun Ke, am holding on to this golden thigh, and no one can change that, mark my words! Chapter 538 - 529 Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. "Could it really be the descendant of a Demon Immortal capable of autonomously achieving the Underworld God Transformation?" Yuan Xia could hardly believe it. The Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Qi Cultivation Method was extremely dangerous, with the fourth stage of Transcending Thunder Tribulation weeding out most of them. The fifth stage, Open Meridians, and the sixth stage, Dragon Gate, are both brutal methods that forcibly alter ones body, adding difficulty upon difficulty. Surviving the seventh stage of the Heavenly Demon Bloodlines backlash and cultivating into ones True Form to achieve the status of a Demon Immortal is even more difficult. Moreover, these types of Demon Immortals have transcended the mundane world and do not care about the Mortal Realm. The possibility of them leaving behind descendants is extremely slim. Even if there are descendants, the chance that their bloodline is compatible with the Underworld God Transformation is just as pitifully small. "I do not know," Yuan Dong said with an expression of calm indifference. "Big brother, did you deliberately let them leave? To cast a long line to catch a big fish, to find their base?" Yuan Xia suddenly realized. "No, I just did not want to die, thats all," Yuan Dong said calmly, glancing at his little sister. Yuan Xia: "..." "It seems that person truly is no ordinary individual," Temple Keeper Li Buxian said cheerfully. "A casual strike from him was comparable to the third transformation of the Underworld Godhad it actually been delivered..." Yuan Dong shook his head with a complex expression. "Could it be a high-level master trying to conceal their identity and deliberately pretending to be so?" Li Buxian raised his eyebrows slightly. "The aura was singular, at most the first transformation of the Underworld God. It does not quite seem like a master in disguise," Yuan Dong said after careful thought, shaking his head. "Is it possible that it was a Qi Cultivator disguising themselves?" Li Buxian asked with interest, "Perhaps it was the same person who appeared atop Qiluo Mountain previously." Stay updated with novelhall.Co?m "There was only one blip on the Soul-Searching Disc," Yuan Dong shook his head, taking out a palm-sized emerald disc from his sleeve. "Unless that person has a way to avoid the Soul-Searching Discs detection." "Could it indeed be a genius?" At this point, Yuan Xia actually began to believe her elder brothers initial judgment. The City God dojo is like a Heavenly Net that covers Da Qian, and is connected to the Soul-Searching Disc. As long as someone is a Qi Cultivator, no matter how well they hide, they will be discovered. She joined the Lock Dragon Courtyard when she was young and has never encountered anyone who could escape the Soul-Searching Discs detection. "Thats why I have invited him to the Lock Dragon Courtyard," Yuan Dong said. He turned to Li Buxian, "My siblings and I will soon return to the Lock Dragon Courtyard. Mr. Li, I will have to trouble you to keep an eye on that persons whereabouts." "Whether he is a Martial Artist disguised as an Underworld God Transformee or a Qi Cultivator in disguise, there are likely many calculations behind this person. You should prepare in advance." "But if he truly is a genius, then I will trouble you to lead him into the Lock Dragon Courtyard." Li Buxian nodded in agreement, then smiled and said, "The City Divine Temple festival is in just a few days. Why not stay and join the festivities?" "I really would like to stay and have some fun for a few days, but unfortunately, the Lock Dragon Courtyard is really short on staff, so..." Yuan Dong shrugged his shoulders in resignation. ... Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Chen Mu wore a sullen expression, glaring at Yuan Dong on the water screen. He had actually believed the glib talk of that man with bushy eyebrows and large eyes, sparing him his life. Who could have guessed that this guy had been all along pretending to be something hes not?! Dammit. Indeed, you never can tell whats in a persons heart. If I ever come across him again... hmph! Chen Mus eyes narrowed as he watched the people on the water screen, looking particularly unfriendly. Especially that goat-bearded temple keeper, Li Buxian. This guy who seemed as if he could be knocked over by a mere breeze was no simple character either. Previously, when his True Form had broken free, the first place he had shown up was at the peak of Qiluo Mountain, and it turned out that this Mr. Li of the temple had already noticed his presence. Given the attitudes of Yuan Dong and the others, it is likely that this temple keeper, Li Buxian, has also cultivated the Underworld God Transformation, and hes quite formidable at that. "To think I was right under his nose," Chen Mu couldnt help breaking out in a cold sweat. Sun Ke instantly felt a chill run down his spine and gratefully received it with tears in his eyes: "I will not let you down, sir. I will recite it one hundred times daily!" Chen Mu nodded, pleased. I like that you know when to bend and submit. I wonder if the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed can be planted in a living person, probably not very likely. Luckily, with the United Heart Gu as a bond, hes somewhat one of ours, as long as he doesnt cause trouble like the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers and Lu Ku did back then. Speaking of which, are Lu Ku, Shang Huan, and the others dead? Why is the United Heart Gus connection so vague? The pulling on my seven powers within the Ghost Gate, could it be the United Heart Gu from those few? This sudden thought startled Chen Mu and made his face darken instantly. Did those guys really turn me into a Living God? Dont let me find you! Coming back to his senses, Chen Mu couldnt help glaring at Sun Ke. This guy was also planted with the United Heart Gu; he wouldnt cause trouble like those seven bastards, would he? "Sir?" Sun Ke, seeing the change in Chen Mus expression, became anxious and cautiously inquired. Chen Mu chuckled at himself. Once bitten by a snake, one fears the well rope for ten years. This Sun Ke was obviously a timid and cautious man who knew well how to survive; nowhere near as reckless and unruly as the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers. Shaking his head slightly, he took out a wooden box and passed it over. "Come here every half-month to hand over Elixir Pills, and youll get a ten percent commission." "Also, besides selling the Elixir Pills, try to collect some Yellow Bud Rice or Essence of the Five Grains." "You can perform Alchemy?" Sun Ke asked, his face lit with surprise. With the Breath Ending Divine Ability covering up his Vital Energy and the backing of this high-level figure continuing to refine Fasting Pills, he was bound to make a fortune in the future. This was truly an auspicious path, a wonderful opportunity. This Mr. Gongsun indeed was a golden thigh to hold onto! Chen Mu nodded faintly, very satisfied with Sun Kes expression. "This is for the long-term business. Da Qian is so dangerous; safety always comes first," he earnestly advised. "Never overfish the pond; we need a continuous and steady flow." Sun Ke nodded profusely, finding profound agreement. ... Two days later, beneath the Gate Tower of Divine Statue Cave Heaven. A black Primordial Furnace was embedded in a massive table. Steam rose from the open mouth of the Pill Furnace where broth bubbled, and pieces of meat, mushrooms, and tender vegetable leaves tumbled ceaselessly. Chen Mu, holding a basket of freshly picked and washed green leaves from the West Cross Yard, approached the gate. He injected Yin Spirit Divine Power into the statue by the gate, opening the Water Screen outside. With the din of gongs and drums, the lively scene from the entrance of the City Divine Temple appeared. The place was bustling with constant activity, featuring acrobatics, stilt-walking, magic shows, monkey plays, and more. Chen Mu enjoyed the hotpot from the Pill Furnace while watching the fair with great interest. Reflecting on the past decade or more, Chen Mu realized that besides Cultivate Immortality, this was the first time he had witnessed a temple fair like this at the City Divine Temple. "Interesting, indeed." Chapter 539 - 530 Progress As the lanterns were lit and the night turned hazy, the hubbub outside the City God Temple came to a halt. In front of the gate tower, within the Yicui Tower of Luandu County, the projection on the water screen took center stage, where a group of girls dressed in thin red and green gauze danced gracefully. "What a pity, after all, its just a remote little county. The girls are pretty, but the choreography and music are so-so." "Hmm... I dont want to watch it at all." An hour later, Chen Mu calmly turned off the projection of Yicui Tower, waved his hand to release the Five Ghosts to clean up the leftovers on the table, and turned around to walk back to the East Cross Yard of the City God Temple. In the courtyard, next to the Jade Dew Well, Chen Mu took out a rocking chair. He placed the Exquisite Jade Plate on the edge of the well, inserted a White Jade Coin into the central groove, and then lay in the chair to gaze at the sky. In the pitch-black vastness of the night, countless bright stars twinkled, clear and brilliant. Despite having looked at it for over ten years, he never grew tired of this night sky. The Exquisite Jade Plate was covered with threads of luminescence, and the Earth Spirit Vital Energy began to emerge around it. Feeling the faint joy radiating from inside out, Chen Mu felt the comforting sense of meeting an old friend. "After going around in circles for several years, I can finally start Qi Cultivation to Cultivate Immortality again." Previously, with only a little over two hundred White Jade Coins in his possession, he didnt dare to cultivate even after returning to the Yang Realm. Now that Sun Ke had successfully sold the first batch of Fasting Pills, and with the Breath Ending Divine Ability to protect him, as long as Sun Ke remained careful, he could help him exchange for an unending supply of White Jade Coins, only then did he dare to restart his practice using the Netherworld Grand Summary. Find adventures at novelhall.Co?m With a thought, a gray wall materialized. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9914/10000/Eighth Rank; "Today, the Eighth Layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman will reach Perfection." Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu closed his eyes. Within the Jade Seed, a silver hollowed-out sphere was suspended in the middle, with seven layers of Talismans constantly and slowly rotating disorderly, like the moon in the sky, exuding a sense of eternal antiquity. As Chen Mu willed it, mist-like Mana surged like waves, rapidly rushing towards the side of the hollowed-out sphere. Suddenly, it blossomed like flowers, quickly condensing and accumulating into intricate silver nets that spread, fused, and expanded continuously. A new layer of the Divine Orifice Talisman swiftly emerged. Time slowly passed, the night grew deeper, and a bright moon hung in the sky, casting down a blanket of luminous white light. At that moment. Hum! Chen Mus muscles trembled, as if waves were rolling and spreading under his skin. Cells rapidly divided and replaced themselves, and in the time it took to breathe, he had been renewed from inside out. The Jade Seed expanded outward once more, now as large as a human head. In the center, the eight nested layers of the Divine Orifice Talisman slowly rotated. "Finally, its done..." Chen Mu opened his eyes, somewhat excited. "How about... going to Yicui Tower in Luandu County to celebrate tomorrow?" "Hmm, my main goal is to give some advice on choreography and music, cant let the girls good looks go to waste." ... Days went by, one by one. The sun shone high, and the weather warmed. To the east of Jiangyang County, among the Southern Forest Mountains, the melting snow revealed patchy yellow-brown earth. Thud! A black boot stepped into the muddy ground, sinking halfway and splashing droplets of mud. Sun Ke shook the mud off his boots and looked up at the imposing snowy mountain not far away. Chen Mu stood on the northern gallery at noon, and under the control of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, a large group of Jade Dew fluttered above the vegetable plots, sprinkling droplets of Jade Dew. "The local vegetables from Luandu County are not bad, but after all, they are not as tasty and fresh as the ones I plant myself." In his more than ten years of migrating, Chen Mu had been to the Netherworld and even ventured into Nether Demon Heaven. He had tasted countless wild vegetables and whenever he came across tasty ones, he always kept their seeds as treasure. The Divine Statue Cave Heaven was like spring all year round, and there was a well of Jade Dew that provided high-quality nutrient solution. Not long after arriving at Divine Statue Cave Heaven, he had turned the West Cross Yard into a vegetable garden, varying the cultivation of different vegetables to enjoy. With a thought, a grey wall materialized in front of him. Netherworld Grand Summary: 799/10000/Ninth Rank; "Upon careful consideration, this Divine Statue Cave Heaven is also extremely suitable for Condensing Aperture cultivation, which is quite curious." Condensing Aperture cultivation consumes the original essence, and ordinary people need Rejuvenation Pills to solidify and nurture the origin. Chen Mu used to substitute with Replenishing Origin Soup. Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, there was a Jade Dew Well, whose Jade Dew could also replenish the origin continuously, and he did not even need to use the Dew Harvesting Spell to collect and refine it. Moreover, as the Cave Heaven was isolated from the outside world, no danger could come in, making it an excellent location for seclusion and cultivation. "Its just that theres a lack of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, requiring the expenditure of White Jade coins," Chen Mu lamented while smacking his lips. After half a month of cultivation, the final layer of the Netherworld Grand Summary progressed by one-tenth, but the one hundred and fifty White Jade coins from selling Fasting Pills had all been spent. The more than two hundred White Jade coins he originally had were also largely depleted. "Hasnt Sun Ke come yet? Could he have been captured by the Lock Dragon Courtyard?" Chen Mu frowned. "It shouldnt be possible; with the Breath Ending Divine Ability to conceal him, as long as Sun Ke is careful, he wont be discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard." "That man can be both stooped and stretched. Hes discreet and cautious in his actions, clearly one to grovel his way through life; there should be no issues." "Well, hes probably just delayed due to the long journey." Recalling Sun Kes performance, Chen Mus mind became at ease. ... "Rebuild Pingfu Fangare you insane?" a fat man with a swollen blue face stared incredulously at Sun Ke. "The lesson of the past is right before our eyes. The great Pingfu Fang was completely taken down by the Lock Dragon Courtyard, and you want to die without dragging me down!" "Hm?" Sun Ke glanced at him emotionlessly. The fat mans body trembled instantly, his facial fat twitching unintentionally. Considering his situation, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth, but he had to speak up to dissuade him: "Mr. Sun, this really cant be done! Its fine to gather thirty or fifty people, but attracting one or two hundred people at once is too easily detected, and it will lead to deaths!" "Then have I wasted my time for the past half-month digging and constructing this stronghold for nothing?" Sun Ke stared coldly at the other person. Then, putting on a smile, he approached and leisurely helped adjust the mans collar while persuading him. "We might as well have a bit more courage." "You know the use of the Extinguishing Breath Stone as well. With it, no matter how many people gather, theres no fear of being probed." "Besides, even if you dont have confidence in me, you should have faith in the person behind me, Mr. Gongsun. He can confront the Lock Dragon Courtyard head-on. With him backing us, what are you afraid of?" Sun Kes voice was steady and unhurried. "Whats more important is, with more people, the entrance fee is also higher. Charging two White Jade coins per person, a steady and continuous income, do you realize how many White Jade coins that would be?" "Fifty percent goes to Lord Gongsun, but the rest, we split half each. Now tell me..." The fat mans expression changed instantly, and he slammed a Bronze Ghost Mask onto his face, declaring loudly, "Just tell me how many people you want to summon." "Of course, the more the merrier!" Sun Ke revealed a smile. There was a soft thud as a small, forearm-high wooden box appeared at Sun Kes feet. Kicking open the box, a pile of pitch-black goose egg-sized stones covered in patterns appeared. "Distribute all these Extinguishing Breath Stones." "Give two to each participant, have them arrive secretly and leave safely, assuring that they wont be detected by the Lock Dragon Courtyard!" "Just holding one event, Pingfu Fang would be completely reestablished, and from then on, well be able to lie back and collect money!" Sun Kes eyes glittered ceaselessly. ``` Chapter 540 - 531 United Heart Gu In the depths of the Southern Liang Mountains, a cave was brightly lit. Sun Ke sat before a round stone table, on which lay a small wooden box filled with White Jade Coins. He grasped a handful and let them fall back, listening to the crisp clinking of the White Jade colliding, his excitement indescribable. The rebuilding of Pingfu Square went smoothly, and just the entrance fees brought in over three hundred White Jade Coins. In the past, hustling around for an entire year would net him just fifty or sixty White Jade, nowhere near this current fortune. "Fattys two and a half percent cannot be shorted," Sun Ke reluctantly counted out seventy or eighty White Jade Coins. That fellow was a former Pingfu Square staff member who possessed a Secret Technique for wide-range transmission of sound that could elude the Lock Dragon Courtyards detection, perceivable only by Qi Cultivators. It was his ability to advertise that swiftly attracted nearly two hundred Qi Cultivators. "And theres the half that belongs to Gongsun, the demon cultivator," Sun Ke gritted his teeth and separated out the majority of the remainder. As he watched the White Jade Coins rapidly diminish, his eyes turned bloodshot. "What if I just take this money and run?" The moment the thought arose, Sun Kes heart thudded rapidly, and he reached for the large portion of White Jade Coins hed just separated. Stay tuned to novelhall.Co?m But as his hand extended halfway, a tickling sensation suddenly spread along his spine as if a thin snake were wriggling inside it. Sun Kes face blanched immediately, as though doused with a bucket of ice water in the dead of winter, and his covetous thoughts dissipated instantly. His own life was in someone elses hands, and moreover, the successful rebuilding of Pingfu Square relied entirely on the Breath Ending Divine Ability for concealment. If he indeed took this money, the consequences would likely be unpleasant! "But handing over this money to Gongsun, the demon cultivator, wont be straightforward either." Simply inform the other party that he had set up a Market District? Sun Ke immediately shook his head. Although their interactions had been brief, he knew clearly enough that, despite being powerful and ruthless, the demon cultivator acted in a remarkably cautious manner. With the Lock Dragon Courtyard scouring the world and Qi Cultivators trembling like frightened hares, he had gone against the current and brazenly established a Market District. If the demon cultivator were to find out, hed probably demand the immediate dissolution of the Market District. Glancing at the box of White Jade Coins, a glint of determination flashed in Sun Kes eyes. "The Market District must not break up!" "So, the money must be delivered. But the matter of the Market District... must be concealed!" ... In the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, within the City Divine Main Hall. A long offering table covered with soft cotton blankets was laid out, and Chen Mu lay sideways, propping his face with his left hand. On his right index finger, a black rope bracelet spun in circles as he stared blankly at the divine statue. After a while, he came back to himself, his eyes regaining focus. "This Sun Ke has run quite far, to the point where my sense connection fails to reach him." "Though I cant share the five sensations nor employ the Seven Souls Return to Origin, the connection between the United Heart Gu and the United Heart Rope hasnt been severed in the slightest," Chen Mu muttered, glancing at the black rope bracelet on his finger. In his idle time these past few days, he had started to contemplate the United Heart Gu inside Sun Kes body. He increasingly suspected that the force that pulled him to Qiluo Mountain was related to the United Heart Gu implanted in Lu Ku and the others. "After all, this thing is refined from Netherworld Thread; its power can penetrate through the boundaries of the Netherworld to the Ghost Gate, so its not impossible to accomplish that." "The Thousand Mountains Sutra is no trivial matter," Chen Mu exclaimed. "Then add another hundred times to it." "As you wish!" Indeed, as always, he knew when to bow and when to stand tall. Chen Mu shook his head and chuckled. With such a timid look, even if he was hiding something, could he really stir up trouble? Ha! ... As the weather gradually warmed, the withered yellow Qiluo Mountain unknowingly turned into a lush greenery. In the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu lay sprawled on a long offering table, sighing. "It failed." In the past period, he had tried multiple times to implant Netherworld Thread into the Heavenly Demon Body, hoping to link their vital energies with the United Heart Gu in order to leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. However, every time the Netherworld Thread entered the Heavenly Demon True Form, it was instantly devoured and absorbed, disappearing without a trace. "Thats right, the essence of the Heavenly Demon True Form is actually a Ghost, which naturally devours Netherworld Worms," he reasoned. Having experienced the Netherworld for several years, he understood very well that Ghosts and Netherworld Worms were co-dependent yet antagonistic, two sides of the same coin. When Netherworld Worms are strong, they can suppress Ghosts. When Ghosts are strong, they will kill Netherworld Worms. The United Heart Gu, after all, is made from Netherworld Thread, the larval stage of a Netherworld Worm. Being devoured by the Divine Fetus Realm Heavenly Demon Body is thus inevitable. "Looks like I have to think of another method," Chen Mu muttered, shaking his head slightly as the United Heart Rope he was fiddling with on his finger flew above his head, once again transforming into a loop for his hair bun. With a thought, the grey walls revealed themselves. Netherworld Grand Summary: 5991/10000/Ninth Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 9264/10000/Fifth Rank; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 6334/10000/Second Rank; Yin Wind Escape: Perfection; Lingbao Pivot Scripture: 6400/10000/Fourth Rank; Looking at the rising experience on the wall, Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. During this time, White Jade Coins were flowing in steadily, propelling his Qi Cultivation practice. The Netherworld Grand Summarys progress was delightful, already more than halfway there. Based on the current pace, in another three to four months, he could perfect the Primordial Talisman Condensation stage. "Join Jade Seed, Gathering Talisman, Condensing Spirit Orifice, it took me over a decade to tackle the first three barriers of Qi Cultivation. Now, I am finally about to complete a major stage, truly a cause for celebration." The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique he picked up alongside the Divine Orifice Condensation was also on the verge of progressing. This secret technique could amplify the strength of the entire body and still had boundless applications to this day. He hadnt neglected the Yin Spirits side of secret techniques either; the previously near-perfect Yin Wind Escape was now officially perfected. The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture that he toyed with in his spare time had also made no small progress. The Lingbao Pivot Scripture that he pondered daily had over half of its experience accumulated. The Heavenly Net that enveloped the world in the City God Dojo became increasingly clear and visible to his perception. "The Divine Statue Cave Heaven is hidden and safe, with Sun Ke continuously providing me with White Jade Coins to support my cultivation." "The future is promising, looks very promising indeed!" Chapter 541 - 532 Before the gate of Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple in Luandu County. "Luandu County has been peaceful recently, with no Qi Cultivating Demon Cultivators appearing. Why have you come again..." Li Buxian looked at Yuan Dong and his fellow disciples with puzzlement. "Its the neighboring Jiangyang County," Yuan Dong replied with a wry smile. "There was a Qi Cultivators market district destroyed by the Lock Dragon Courtyard before, and unexpectedly, it has resurged." "That place is hidden deep within the Southern Forest Mountains, its location a secret, and it has been in operation for some time now." "If the Yiyang Commandery government hadnt caught some demon Cultivators heading to East Ridge, it would still be undiscovered." "So brazen?" Li Buxian was surprised. "Just that brazen. I thought it was completely cleaned out, but as soon as the Lock Dragon Courtyard left, they went right ahead and rebuilt the market district," Yuan Dong sighed, shaking his head. "I left in a hurry last time. Did that person show up?" Yuan Dong asked. "He did not," replied Li Buxian, shaking his head. "What a pity," said Yuan Dong, somewhat disappointed. Da Qian was so vast, and the Lock Dragon Courtyard was always short of hands. He genuinely hoped to guide some talents to join and strengthen the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "Elder Li, the demon Cultivator causing trouble in Jiangyang County this time seems extraordinary. I wonder if you could lend us some support?" Yuan Dong asked with a chuckle. Li Buxian laughed heartily and shook his head, "I was wondering why you came to me. Turns out you want to summon reinforcements. But as you know, the City Divine Temple is a fundamental part of Da Qian, and I simply cannot leave Luandu County at will." Yuan Dong was not annoyed but delighted instead, "Indeed, you cannot leave, but what if demon Cultivators were to break into Luandu County?" "Then, of course, I would take action to stop them." "Ha ha! Many thanks, Elder Li!" Yuan Dong was overjoyed. ... Under the corridor of the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu sat in his chair with his left foot on it, leaning idly against the square table. He nibbled on a piece of leg bone, cracking and crunching it while staring intently at the images projected on the water screen at the door. "The market district in Jiangyang County, is that the place Sun Ke often visited?" "Indeed, it has been discovered," he muttered to himself. Da Qian was hostile to Qi Cultivators, and the Lock Dragon Courtyard searched everywhere, capturing Qi Cultivators. Small sects and factions were destroyed, and gathering places like market districts were also cleared and dispersed. The first time he heard of the Pingfu Market in Jiangyang County, he felt that the market would inevitably be discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard, he just didnt expect that day to come so soon. "I really wish that market could have held out longer, allowing me to sell more Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills and save up enough White Jade Coins for Condensing Aperture," he sighed. "Such a pity," Chen Mu said, cracking the leg bone in his hand with a snap, lamenting as he slurped on the piping hot marrow. ... Several days later, in the mountainous area where Luandu County bordered Jiangyang County. "Sixty Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills actually sold for more than twelve hundred White Jade Coins. Are these Elixir Pills really that popular?" Chen Mu looked at the box of White Jade Coins in front of him with surprise. "The environment in Da Qian is harsh, with everyone trying to run away, either heading east or south." "But Southern Shu has just been taken over recently, and with the Lock Dragon Courtyard demolishing temples to capture Qi Cultivators, its too chaotic. By contrast, the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains of East Ridge are dense and tall, making them ideal for refuge, hence they have become the preferred choice." "However, that area is rife with poisonous insects and miasma. Those with ambitions to venture into East Ridge often buy a Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill in advance," explained Sun Ke with a bitter smile. This reason was initially a lie he had told on the spur of the moment, mainly to give Chen Mu some money under the guise of profits from the sale of the All-Disease Pill. Who would have thought the lie would turn into truth, with the All-Disease Pill becoming extremely popular. Even though the price had been raised from ten to fifteen White Jade Coins per pill, it still sold well. The Hundred Thousand Great Mountains of East Ridge? Upon hearing this, Gongsun Kes eyes instantly brightened. Look, the money Ive been giving out recently has finally come in handy, hasnt it! This man dares to ambush even the direct disciples of Jilong Road. Last time that black-skinned dog from Lock Dragon Courtyard was so frightened by just one encounter that he ran away. This just shows the might of Gongsun, the demon cultivator. Stay tuned for updates on novelhall.Co?m With such an ace up his sleeve for protection, the Market District may not need to be disbanded so quickly after all. A sharp glint flashed in Gongsun Kes eyes. ... Days passed as the sun rose and the moon set, time flowing slowly. Even though Luandu County was often covered in fine drizzling rain, the weather was getting increasingly hotter. Under the gate tower of Divine Statue Cave Heaven. The pitch-black Primordial Furnace sank into the middle of a square table, filled with shiny, ruddy braised pork that made ones mouth water just by looking at it. The space around the stove was also filled with seasonal vegetables, fish balls, meat slices, and pastries, among other dishes. Chen Mu popped a fried Moon Beet Pearl into his mouth, chewing while checking the experience on the grey wall. Netherworld Grand Summary: 9914/10000/Ninth Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 1296/10000/Sixth Rank; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 8664/10000/Second Rank; Lingbao Pivot Scripture: 8160/10000/Fourth Rank; "Finally, Im about to reach Perfection in Condensing Aperture," Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. After more than ten years, Jilong Road has been traveled, and Ive spent too much time on the Netherworld Grand Summary. Now that perfection is imminent, Im in high spirits. "The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique has entered a new stage as well. Its a pity I cant display it properly here, otherwise Id love to try out what a five-fold increase in strength feels like." "Nine Cups Calculation Scripture... hmm, better not mention this crazy secret technique." "On the other hand, I still need to keep practicing the Lingbao Pivot Scripture." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and looked up at the threshold. Countless unseen forces extended from Divine Statue Cave Heaven, some enveloping the sky and some penetrating the ground, truly like a Heavenly Net covering the entire Luandu County. "If I can fully understand this prohibition, perhaps it could help me escape from the Divine Statue Cave Heaven." After a moment of fleeting thoughts, Chen Mu stopped pondering and opened the water screen in front of the door, finding a channel of singing ladies from the brothels. He nodded his head to the music while enjoying the lavish spread of dishes on the table. But it didnt take long for the exchange between Yuan Dong and temple server Li Buxian in the corner of the water screen to catch Chen Mus attention. The Market District still hasnt been broken up? Chen Mu couldnt help raising his eyebrows. The Market District chief, Crafty Old Ghoul, held a meeting and then changed locations, fleeing around the three counties surrounding Luandu County? Impressive! Real Person Yunlong? Is this person the mastermind behind the scenes, the backer of the Market District? To be able to contend with Lock Dragon Courtyard for such a long time, not simple! Chen Mu chuckled as he ate the braised pork leisurely, casually commenting. But, Real Person Yunlong? Why does this name sound so familiar? Forget it, these matters of the great personalities must be unrelated to me. Eat my food, eat my food! Chapter 542 - 533 Mutation Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. "It takes time for the Soul-Searching Disc to conduct a large-scale search for Qi Cultivators, and that old wind fiend seems to be very aware of this fact," "Not only does he frequently change the location of the Market District, but each market gathering lasts at most for only an hour, never delaying." "It seems he has also mastered some kind of secret technique to conceal his aura. Weve given chase several times, all ending in his escape," Yuan Dong said, shaking his head helplessly. "It looks like this mastermind, the Cloud-Ascending Dragon, is not simple," Li Buxian said thoughtfully, nodding. "To be so familiar with the operations of the Lock Dragon Courtyard, could it be an old friend from one of the houses?" "Could it be that a major clan is using the Market District to trap and capture Qi Cultivators?" Yuan Dongs complexion changed. "Could someone be striving to set up their own dojo covertly, luring the incense and Vital Energy for cultivation?!" "No wonder they could evade the Soul-Searching Disc. If it were someone from inside Da Qian, they would indeed have ways to cover it up," Yuan Dong said with an ugly expression. "Hard to say," Li Buxian remarked calmly. He simply couldnt stand these kinds of underhand struggles, which is why he had retreated to the remote Luandu County. "A bunch of parasites!" Yuan Dong said coldly, "Ive already sent people to infiltrate the Qi Cultivator groups of the three counties. Soon, they should be able to sneak in and find the exact location of the Pingfu Market, and then well see which house dares to be so bold!" ... Incense and Vital Energy? Could that stuff aid in the practice of the Underworld God Transformation? Within the Divine Cave Heaven, Chen Mu watched the conversation between Yuan Dong and Li Buxian thoughtfully. He couldnt help but look up at the sky. As his experience with the Lingbao Pivot Scripture increased, the prohibitions of the City God Dojo became clearer in his vision. Within that invisible net, various auras circulated ceaselessly. Apart from the most conspicuous white mist of Earth Spirit Element, there were many more unknown auras hidden in the depths, too indistinct to see. "That incense and Vital Energy must be concealed among these auras!" Chen Mu understood in his heart. "If my level of the Lingbao Pivot Scripture were to increase by one, perhaps Id be able to see it." Moreover, Da Qian capturing Qi Cultivators is related to the construction of the City God Dojo? Back in the Lower Courtyard of the Gan River, the horned creature that captured me, was it also for the construction of the City God Dojo? Sacrifices? Fodder? Chen Mus complexion looked grim. It was because of these people that he had been through life-threatening situations several times, forced to spend years in the Netherworld. And even now, back in the Yang Realm, he felt trapped inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven as if he were in prison. A bunch of bastards! "The Cloud-Ascending Dragon comes from Da Qian? Has Pingfu Market been entangled with Lock Dragon Courtyard for nearly half a year due to internal strife among our own people?" "Ha! What a stroke of luck!" Chen Mus face showed schadenfreude. "Go ahead and fight, bash your brains out, thatll be good for you!" "Too bad my Divine Thoughts projection can only cover Luandu County, otherwise, Id definitely go to check out the commotion!" ... The western mountains of Luandu County. The red-faced giant looked at Chen Mu with a keen interest. "A secret agent under Yuan Dong?" "Ha!" "I can tell at a glance that you are the demon path Cloud Dragon. How dare you lie and deceive here!" "You reek of the Underworld God Martial Arts. Speak! Which familys dead soldier spy are you?" Me? The demon path Cloud Dragon? What does that mean? Chen Mu was completely baffled. "Wont admit it?" The giants mouth twisted into a grim smirk. "The old Wind-Traversing Freak risked his life to find you, and you still claim youre not Cloud-Ascending Dragon Gongsun Sheng!" Chen Mu stared incredulously at Sun Ke. "You? The Wind-Traversing Freak?!" The one who had the Lock Dragon Courtyard in a state of anxiety, could it be that Sun Ke was behind it all? "To establish a market district, the name must be chosen with impact," said Sun Ke, whose half-broken monkey mask revealed a flattering smile. Is this a matter of whether the name is impactful or not?! "And whats the deal with the real Cloud Dragon?" Chen Mu glared at Sun Ke, his look fierce. "Well, you know, when youre out in this world, power and backing matter, so..." Sun Ke said sheepishly. "So youve been swindling people under the guise of Cloud-Ascending Dragon Gongsun Sheng?!" Damn it! "Didnt you ask me to sell Elixir Pills? But there were too few people around; I had to establish a market district, otherwise I couldnt sell them all," Sun Ke said with a look of grievance. So you set up a market district right under the nose of the Lock Dragon Courtyard and committed these acts? What the hell! I must have been blind to think this guy was a kindred spirit well-versed in the ways of survival. Who would have thought hed be so bold? "This really has nothing to do with me," Chen Mu insisted earnestly to the red-faced giant, trying hard to explain. "How about this, I hand him over to you. Considering were both from Da Qian, you could pretend I was never here. Would that be acceptable?" "After that, whether Cloud-Ascending Dragon Gongsun Sheng belongs to the pillar general of the Jin family, or the Prime Minister Lins family, will be entirely up to you to decide," Chen Mu added. "Ha! Even now you use cunning words, trying to provoke a greater conflict?" The giant looked indifferent. "Cloud Dragon demon, you certainly are devious and conniving." "Once I capture you and break the Blood Pouch, draining your Essence, well see if you still dare to argue!" Theres no way to explain this! Chen Mus complexion suddenly turned pitch black. Chapter 543 - 534 Escape "Looks like theres no avoiding this," Chen Mu sighed softly as swirls of black smoke began to fill the air around him. He stared coldly at the red-faced giant before him, his eyes filled with indifference. "You want to resist?" "Very good, very good." "As long as you can injure me," Li Buxian suddenly grinned widely, exposing a sinister smile, "I promise to leave you a whole corpse and not tear you to shreds." "So arrogant, then dont blame me for being ruthless!" Chen Mus expression suddenly turned cold. "Come on, come on, do your best to please me!" Li Buxians eyes shone brightly, showing no trace of his usual calm and indifference, as he shouted with excitement and eagerness. Chen Mu stared at the red-faced giant and sneered, his Yin Spirit Divine Power suddenly erupting around him. Hum! The air trembled, and a pitch-black vortex suddenly appeared. Then he reached out and grabbed Sun Ke, plunging into the vortex. Whoosh! In the blink of an eye, the two of them vanished. Li Buxian, who had just been gearing up for a battle, was suddenly dumbstruck. Is that how you throw a punch? Li Buxians already red face instantly turned even redder at a visibly fast pace! Damn it! ... Two hundred li away, above a mountain stream, a black foggy vortex suddenly appeared. With a soft pop, two figures tumbled out. Chen Mu stood on the bank of a shallow stream covered with pebbles, spreading his Truthful Listening Technique rapidly over the area. Before he could catch his breath, his expression changed drastically. This was not the place he intended to reach with his ground-shrinking movement technique! Before he could take a closer look, a fatal crisis suddenly loomed, a huge figure three stories tall appeared in the air right before him. The figure clenched its fists as if holding two huge hammers, its body taut like a tightly drawn bow, the hammer-like fists filled with power like arrows ready to be shot, slammed down towards Chen Mus head with a black and red Vigorous Qi. In an instant, time seemed to slow down. Chen Mus pupils contracted, and he was filled with an immense sense of crisis. Almost instinctively, he bent his knees slightly and raised his hands above his head. Clang! A sharp metallic impact rang out as a pair of huge indigo palms suddenly emerged, catching the rough and bulging iron fists. A tremendous force traveled through his palms into his body, causing Chen Mus complexion to change as he was sent uncontrollably flying backward. With a loud crash, he landed in the middle of the stream, setting off a blast like a deep-water bomb, scattering the water of the stream tens of meters wide and filling the air with mist. Amidst the obscured view, Chen Mu crouched in the middle of the stream, his clothes tattered. He had forcefully invoked the Five Ghosts Possession, causing his muscles to bulge and skin to turn indigo. His expression was dark as he fixed his blood-red eyes on Li Buxian. Chen Mu didnt expect his opponent to be able to interfere with the Netherworld Ferry, much less catch up to him so quickly! "Ha! You managed to catch one of my punches?" "This look... are you also practicing the Great Strength Demon God Transformation?" Li Buxians hair whirled wildly, his rage visibly dissipating from his face, replaced by a look of fervor in his eyes. "Indeed, theres some method to you, no wonder Yuan Dong asked me to come out of retirement." "Its been too long, far too long. Since I mastered the Great Strength Demon God Transformation, nobody has been able to withstand a single punch from me." "Come, let me see your limit!" Li Buxian suddenly split his mouth wide, his facial muscles contorting as he revealed an excited and savage grin. His eyes emitted a crimson glow, and his body was suddenly enveloped by a black-red fiery aura. Ha! With a loud shout, an invisible presence expanded, and the pebbles on the streams bank shattered from the Qi. The bulging, knotted iron fists, like countless meteors falling from the sky and carrying the scorching heat of molten rock, thundered down in front of Chen Mu. For a moment, Chen Mu was surrounded by a barrage of black and red punches, as if he were being assaulted by a swarm of wasps. His pupils suddenly shrank, unable to see the oncoming fists clearly, relying solely on instinct to throw punches. Clang, clang, clang... A series of metal clashing sounds filled the entire mountain ravine. Chen Mu felt like a nail being hammered, or a chunk of metal being relentlessly struck, with no chance to resist. The tremendous impact coursed through his body, and within just three breaths, he felt as though he was about to fall apart. Under this relentless assault, he had no space to think, only depending on years of training and nimble instinct to punch back. But the red-faced giant was exhilarated, his fists moving faster and getting stronger! At a certain moment. One punch cleverly slipped past Chen Mus guard and lightly touched his chest. Thump! Like a giant bell tolling, Chen Mu was sent flying backward like a baseball, wrapped in a white gust, spinning through the air until he smashed into a distant cliff, shattering the whole peak with the force of the impact. "Is this all it can be?" In the mountain stream, Li Buxian stood by the creek with a face full of disappointment. "As expected, this world is too boring; still no one can match my fists." "Not even able to bring me a moments joy, what a waste." Chen Mu, having just dragged himself out of the mud, stood up with a serious expression on his face. Five Ghosts Possession! Giant Spirit Divine! A figure as tall as a two-story building, clad in dark red armor with golden threads, majestic as if a divine statue, emerged behind him. The next moment, the red-armored figure turned into wisps of golden-red mist and drilled into Chen Mus body. A powerful force suddenly surged, golden-red fine lines appeared on his skin, his body temperature rose, and the air around him distorted as if being roasted. Li Buxian glanced over dispassionately. "A power-boosting secret technique? You still havent given up?" "Heh!" Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, but he had to grit his teeth and exert force. The mountaintop that had already collapsed was blasted apart again by the immense power at his feet, and in almost the blink of an eye, he charged in front of Li Buxian. Bang! A punch smashed hard into the others face, full of scorn, and the flesh rippled like waves, the protruding fangs on the left side of the lips instantly shattered. With a whoosh, Li Buxian was sent flying. Boom! Stones shattered, dust billowed, and a crater dozens of meters wide appeared in the middle of the mountain cliff opposite. "Is that all the strength you have?" Li Buxian, embedded in the mountain wall, had a bloodstained face yet remained indifferent. Chen Mus heart suddenly tightened, and he dared not relax in the slightest. Five Dragon Dharma Aspect! A cloud of black and silver smoke suddenly appeared around Chen Mu. Ha! With a muffled shout, he appeared in front of Li Buxian almost instantaneously, his right leg wrapped in black and silver light, savagely sidekicking the space between the opponents ribcage and abdomen. Crack crack! A series of bone-breaking sounds echoed, and Li Buxian, like a broken doll, tumbled and flew across the surface of the cliff, shattering large pieces of rock and falling by the side of the mountain stream. A large piece of muscle disappeared under his left armpit, and his ribs were shattered. Looking through the gap, a vigorously pulsing heart was pierced by several broken ribs. "Indeed, I shouldnt have held any expectations; just the strength of an ant..." "How boring!" Li Buxian, lying by the creek, glanced over at Chen Mu dispassionately. Is this guy about to make a big move? Chen Mus mind sounded the alarm, his scalp tingling. Without hiding anymore, he used both his mana and divine power. In his left hand, the Nine Nether Green Flames and River of Oblivion Water surged wildly, while in his right hand the Kui Water Lightning flitted and leaped, with the Five Dragons Qi enveloping his body. Prepared in the blink of an eye, he stared intently at Li Buxian. But he saw the other party scornfully glance at him, and then suddenly turned into a bright white lightning bolt, shooting skyward and disappearing in the blink of an eye. Feeling the Qi disappearing from the Truthful Listening Technique, Chen Mus face changed again. He actually managed to evade the Truthful Listening Techniques detection! Immediately, his whole body tensed, his eyes wildly searching, ready for any possible attack. But after waiting left and right, and only feeling the cool mountain breeze, Li Buxian was nowhere to be seen. Is this... an escape? So, all that raving about being an ant and boring was all an act from this mad "expert" persona?! Damn it! Chen Mus face instantly turned pitch black. He got beaten up, and just as he started to fight back, the other side ran away. The key point is that the others performance before leaving actually had him fooled? Fuck! With a flash of his figure, he appeared in front of Sun Ke with a murderous look, staring coldly at him. It was this bastard that had brought this trouble upon him! Sun Kes face instantly turned pale, and his back was immediately covered in cold sweat. He erupted with his full mana immediately. Rustle rustle... A series of White Jade Coins poured out from his sleeves like water from a fire hydrant, and in the blink of an eye, he piled up tens of thousands in front of him. What does this mean? Is this "money for your life"? Heh! Chen Mu smiled coldly, "At most, I can only send you to the eastern border of Luandu County." Chapter 544 - 535: Perfection Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. "Ever since I mastered the Great Strength Divine Demon Transformation, no one has been able to withstand a single punch from me. Do you know why?" Li Buxian spoke indifferently. "Is it because your strength is boundless and no one can stop you?" Yuan Xia guessed, full of curiosity. "No, its because I never punch someone stronger than me." Li Buxian stroked his beard and chuckled. Yuan Xia: "..." "So you just ran away directly? Arent you afraid of losing face?" Yuan Xia looked dissatisfied. "Little girl, when you get older, youll understand that face isnt really worth much." Li Buxian said indifferently, "Preserving life, thats not embarrassing." "You see, your big brother understands." Yuan Dong tugged at the corners of his mouth, deciding not to dwell on this topic: "Is that Yunlong True Person very powerful?" "He easily took three hundred sixty-five punches from me, then with a counterattack, he broke my teeth and kicked me so hard that my ribs pierced my heart. Do you think hes powerful?" Li Buxian shook his head and sighed. "Could you figure out his background?" Yuan Dong continued to probe. "Dont know." Li Buxian shook his head bluntly. "Youre not just scared of being retaliated against and dare not say, are you?" Yuan Xia asked skeptically. "Retaliation? Ha! He would have to be able to find me first." Li Buxian said confidently, "Whenever I show up, I use the Nether God Seven Transformations to change my physique, and I even switched faces on purpose. If he can still recognize me, Ill take his surname!" Youre really quite cautious, arent you! Yuan Xia couldnt help but roll her eyes. "Since youre not afraid of him seeing through your identity, then why are you still concealing it for him?" she said irritably. "Its not that I want to conceal it, but I genuinely cant make out the persons figure." Li Buxian shrugged helplessly. "He clearly changed his appearance and height. Even if he appears before me again, I wouldnt be able to recognize him." "Since the other party is both a Qi Cultivator and can perform the Underworld God Transformation, hes clearly no simple character." "Moreover, judging by his physique and external manifestations, he seems to follow the path of the Great Strength Divine Demon Transformation. But this path is widely known, so just from this point, its impossible to determine which faction he belongs to." "A Qi Cultivator who also practices the Underworld God Transformation?" Yuan Dong raised an eyebrow, "So, you also suspect that he comes from Da Qian?" "I didnt say anything, all right? Dont you bring trouble upon me," Li Buxian shook his head in denial, not wanting to get involved in the internal strife of Da Qian. ... So its you, you son of a bitch! Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu looked with disgust at Li Buxian. Sun Ke had left in a hurry yesterday, and he hadnt had time to thoroughly check the chaotic information beforehand. Early this morning, he opened the water screen to look around, wanting to see if the chaos from yesterday had affected Luandu County. When he saw Yuan Dong come to the City Divine Temple, he immediately began listening to the conversation among the few of them. Who would have thought that there would be an unexpected discovery, that the red-skinned giant from yesterday was actually the temple priest, Li Buxian. "Old Deng! Well have fun with this slowly!" Thinking you could scare me then run away? Ha! He stood with his arms crossed under the Gate Tower, watching the conversation on the screen intently. They see me as a hidden member of Da Qians internal powers? Does that mean that within Da Qian, there really are Qi Cultivators who practice Underworld God Transformation? Interesting. Planning to clear all four counties around Luandu County? Indeed, in these times in Da Qian, its really not easy to be a Qi Cultivator. "With this crackdown and capture, Qi Cultivators probably wont dare to step into the surrounding counties for the next few years. It seems I wont be able to continue selling Elixir Pills and earning White Jade Coins." Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. Mana flowed slightly, the United Heart Curse was cast, and a vague Perceptive feeling appeared from a distant place. "It seems Sun Ke has already run far. I hope he can safely reach the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." After all, having lived together for more than half a year, and bringing oneself a large sum of White Jade Coins which was enough to support the Condensing Aperture to Perfection, one really didnt want to see the other die an unnatural death. With a thought, there was a bang, and a small wooden box appeared in front of him. After opening it, inside were fully packed White Jade Coins, at least twenty thousand, which was enough to support the Condensing Aperture to Perfection. "Sun Ke is really talented," Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. It had been just over half a year since Pingfu Square had opened, and the other party had managed to accumulate such a large sum of White Jade Coins solely by relying on the Breath Ending Divine Ability, selling Extinguishing Breath Stones, and collecting transaction commissions. If the Lock Dragon Courtyard had been delayed by a year or so, wouldnt the ransom have been even greater? Tsk! It was all Lock Dragon Courtyards fault! Forget it, forget it, one should be content with what one has. Time to cultivate... ... After Pingfu Square was smashed to ruins, the surrounding counties were gradually cleared up one by one. Chen Mu used to occasionally spot Qi Cultivators passing through Luandu County but now he never saw them anymore. The ordinary people in the county still worked from dawn to dusk, and most of the idle talk in the tea houses revolved around the war of the Southern Shu Kingdom, with no one aware of the several earth-shattering battles that had taken place nearby. As the personnel from Lock Dragon Courtyard gradually withdrew, the situation in Luandu County became more peaceful. Fearing being targeted by Lock Dragon Courtyard, apart from necessary purchases, Chen Mu spent his days holed up in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven leveling up. Time flew, and the vast rice fields along the banks of the Jade Belt River turned golden yellow, and before he knew it, autumn had arrived. In the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu, as usual, lay quietly in a rocking chair under the shade of a tree next to the Moon Gate of the East Straddling Courtyard. His breath was light and even, as if he were asleep. However, the Jade Seed Inner Magical Power surged in all directions, like tumultuous waves. Unseeable True Meaning Talismans appeared one after another, merging and connecting with each other, weaving into a net that continued to spread. As time went by, a silver hollow sphere appeared. Hum! An invisible ripple spread outwards, and the ceaseless Mana fog seemed to hit the pause button, suddenly becoming still. The next moment. The entire Jade Seed began to thunderously expand outward, and the nine layers of hollow spherical Divine Orifice Talismans spun in disarray. Bits and streams of Mana spontaneously emerged within the Jade Seed, rapidly replenishing the great deal of mana consumed by weaving the True Meaning Talismans. After a good while, the constantly changing Jade Seed returned to tranquility. The ghostly ball-like Divine Orifice floated in the middle of the Jade Seed, with the nine layers of talismans slowly spinning in disarray, reminiscent of the bright moon in the sky, emitting a timeless aura. "Since obtaining the Netherworld Grand Summary, its been a long and winding eleven years. Ive finally made it," Chen Mu opened his eyes, trembling with excitement. "That Elder Song Wujie, I suppose his level is probably about the same," he thought. When he first arrived at Jilong Roads Tongtian River Lower Courtyard, he saw Elder Song Wujie execute Flight and envied him greatly. Since then, he struggled to survive, even if he ran to the Netherworld and jumped into the Nether Demon Heaven, he never forgot to level up every day, all for today. "Its just a pity that Ive achieved Divine Orifice, but Jilong Road has already disappeared for many years," Chen Mu couldnt help but sigh. How unpredictable life is, his dream was fulfilled, but the world had vastly changed. His joy also couldnt help but diminish slightly. Although the years at Jilong Road were not too peaceful, he had stayed there for quite some time. Even though he subconsciously avoided social interactions, he ended up knowing quite a few people. "I wonder if they have successfully made it to Hai Province by now, or if they can continue their Qi Cultivation and Cultivate Immortality." After a while, Chen Mu sighed and resumed his calm and indifferent demeanor. "Everyone has their own good fortune, and life must go on." He shook his head and stopped thinking too much about it, pondering how to celebrate. "Why not... visit the brothels today?" "Well, mainly to give suggestions to the girls at the Yicui Building regarding choreography and music accompaniment." "Ive put this off for quite some time, I cant delay it any longer." Chapter 545 - 536: Method Divine Statue Cave Heaven, beneath the gate tower. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, staring at the Miss on the water screen in front of the door, looking distressed. "Having too high cultivation can be troublesome..." Excitedly heading to the Yicui Tower in Luandu County yesterday, upon getting closer, the exceptionally beautiful girls within the water screen lost their appeal all of a sudden. The transformation brought about by the ninth-layer Divine Orifice Talisman was more significant than all the previous eight layers combined. Not only had the Jade Seed expanded several times, but his body was also completely remodeled from the inside out. His keen vision allowed him to clearly see through the thick makeup on the girls faces, while his sensitive sense of smell let him distinguish their body odor beneath the cover of their perfume sachets. In the bustling house of pleasure, where people toasted and bantered loudly, the mix of different scents was really not a pleasant experience. "Indeed, beauty arises from a hazy distance, and once you get too close... Tsk!" "Achieving Perfection in Divine Orifice isnt necessarily all good." ... Three days later. Sitting by the window on the second floor of the Hundred-Year Tea House in Luandu County, Chen Mu popped a fried peanut into his mouth and crunched it up. Savoring the slowly spreading rich oily flavor in his mouth, he raised his eyebrows in satisfaction. His ears twitched slightly, filtering out all the miscellaneous noise from the hall downstairs, leaving only the cadenced storytelling voice. "As General Jin Wuxia took a step into Ergun Temple, his vision suddenly went dark. Regaining his senses, he saw the majestic and ancient Taoist temple reduced to ruins, as if a thousand years had passed in an instant." "A palpitation instantly gripped General Jins heart..." Clack! A sound of a wooden clapper hitting the table came up from the ground floor. "Hehe! To find out what happens next, please listen to the next episode." Chen Mu couldnt help but grin. A classic cliffhanger move. Before he could finish his thought, a loud and boisterous yell suddenly came from downstairs. "He Mazai, if you dare to stop here, Im going to sleep at your house tonight!" Brilliant! Only, this chapter-hurrying fellow doesnt seem like a very respectable person. "Great! Ill leave the door open for you tonight!" Chen Mus face twitched as he unexpectedly picked up a hint of joy in the storytellers voice. Tsk! This Mr. He the storyteller didnt seem like a very respectable person either. Chen Mu chuckled heartily. It wasnt his first time listening to storytelling at the Hundred-Year Tea House, and every time he came, there was always a sense of relaxation and joy. The commoners were all strong, healthy, and had ruddy complexions, which was quite different from the mortal world he knew before; it was almost like two different worlds. It seemed like the authorities in Da Qian cared a lot about the commoners, ensuring all aspects of their ability to survive. "Could the rulers of ancient feudal society really be so kind-hearted?" Chen Mu shook his head in disbelief, "Im afraid its more about the Nether Yin Underworld." The Nether Yin Underworld needed the human world to cultivate Yin Spirits, so it indirectly influenced the mortal realm, ensuring stability and guaranteeing the survival of the commoners. "I really dont know if these commoners are lucky or unfortunate." Chen Mu shook his head. "Forget it, such major events that affect the world are out of my depth. Just knowing about them is enough; I have no place to judge." "Id be better off thinking about how to cultivate in the future." Shaking his head slightly, he threw another peanut into his mouth, and as the storytelling voice with its ups and downs started once again downstairs, Chen Mu began to ponder his future path of cultivation. The Heavenly Demon Body, representing the Yin Spirit side, was stuck at the Divine Fetus Realm, and it was impossible to reach Perfection in a short time. A normal Yin Spirit looking to cultivate into a Divine Fetus would need decades or even a hundred years of enduring effort. Chen Mu had no expectation of breaking through in just a few years. What he had to consider more was the cultivation on the side of a Qi Cultivator. Although Qi Cultivation was complex and tedious, it progressed step by step, firmly and steadily straight to the heavens. Unlike the perilous Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique of the heretical paths, nor like the Yin Spirit cultivation which required long suffering over time. "Join Jade Seed, Gathering Talisman, Condense Spirit Orifice; according to the scattered information I saw back at the Scripture Transmission Institute on Jilong Road, the next step should be the River Refining Carriage, also known as Yin Yang Refining." "The main purpose is to use the mixed Vital Energy to transform the Divine Orifice and Jade Seed, preparing to refine the Daoist Foundation. Unfortunately, my Netherworld Grand Summary was obtained by groping a corpse, and the inheritance is not complete." "There isnt a shred of information on the Yin Yang Refining; searching for and collecting the secret techniques for the mixed Vital Energy is nowhere to be seen either." "Troublesome..." Chen Mu couldnt help but scratch his head. Now that Yunzhou was undergoing great changes, Jilong Road, Liyang Path, and Zhongshan Path were either disappearing or relocating. Of the seven paths in Yunzhou, three were gone, and the remaining four were scattered far and wide, too distant from Da Qian. Moreover, with the Earth Spirit Element Vital Energy dissipating throughout Yunzhou, their situations were probably not optimistic. It was difficult for Da Qians Qi Cultivators to survive, and most small sects were doomed. The nearest way to obtain the refining secret technique was probably to go to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. "Its a pity that I cant even leave Luandu County, how can I go to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains?" Chen Mu scratched his head. After going in circles, he ran into the initial problem again. He first had to escape from the Divine Statue Cave Heaven; otherwise, all this pondering was futile. "Difficult!" ... Divine Statue Cave Heaven, City Divine Main Hall. Chen Mu lay on his side on the offering table, supporting his cheek with his right hand, squinting as he looked through the broad doors of the Main Hall toward the distant blue sky. His left wrist flipped over, and white lightning flickered between his five fingers, followed by a series of muffled rumbling sounds like thunder, which ebbed and flowed in the Hall, resembling the sound of ocean waves. "No wonder the Netherworld Grand Summary possesses such profound mana," Chen Mu exclaimed. The huge Jade Seed inside was now completely filled with misty mana, on the verge of condensing into droplets. At the center, the nine-layer Divine Orifice Talisman was nested together, spinning slowly and chaotically, ceaselessly absorbing the external Earth Spirit Element Vital Energy, transforming it into mana and storing it in the space of the Jade Seed. The mana consumed every time he cast Kui Water Yin Thunder was replenished within a few breaths. "No wonder Old Ghost Sun could dominate Jilong Road for many years." "His own mana was several times thicker than that of others, and it recovered especially fast. Coupled with the powerful Thunder Law, he was practically like an everlasting thunder cannon." "I must practice Kui Water Yin Thunder," Chen Mus eyes shone brightly. He now had a number of formidable techniques at his disposal. On the Yin Spirit side, the Five Dragon Dharma Body and Yin Wind Escape, on the Qi Cultivation side, the Five Ghosts Possession and Giant Spirit Divine. However, these Secret Techniques were either eerily ghostly qi or required explosive transformations, clearly not the actions of a good person. "If I use the Longitudinal Rainbow Light for the Flying Escape, combined with the imposing and domineering Kui Water Yin Thunder, that style..." "I must practice it, I absolutely must!" Ecstatic, he cast it dozens of times in succession, only stopping after shocking himself into tingling numbness. Squinting and watching the few white clouds floating in the distant high sky for a while, Chen Mu once again pondered over the matter of escaping from his predicament. "Im afraid Ill still have to rely on the United Heart Curse and the Lingbao Pivot Scripture." The Lingbao Pivot Scripture came from the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. The more proficient he became, the clearer his understanding of the City God Dojo. If he could master it to the limit, he might discover the Dojos constraints completely. Immediate escape was impossible, but it would certainly be extremely helpful in finding a way to escape. The United Heart Curse had a chance to connect the Heavenly Demon Body and the Fleshly Bodys qi mechanism regardless of distance. Then, the Heavenly Demon Body could preside over the Divine Statue Cave Heaven while the Fleshly Body, like a kite with an infinitely long string, could fly high and far away from the Cave Heaven. "The essence of the Heavenly Demon Body is a silver soul and does not merge with the Netherworld Worm." "But what if instead, the Heavenly Demon Body implants the Netherworld Worm into the Fleshly Body?" At that thought, Chen Mus eyes suddenly lit up. Chapter 546 - 537 Within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. With a thought, the space before his brow twisted, and the bald, Heavenly Demon Body appeared out of thin air. As consciousness settled into the Heavenly Demon Body, Yin Spirit Divine Power surged like a neural network throughout him, causing the Divine Ghost Patterns etched all over his body to burst forth with light. Chen Mu took a careful look and immediately realized that all the Secret Techniques he had learned from the Yin Spirit side were inscribed within his flesh and bones in the form of Divine Ghost Patterns. Deploying these Secret Techniques was as natural and effortless as eating or drinking, carried out with just a thought. He looked down at his True Flesh Body reclining on the chair, trying to activate the True Meaning Talisman within the Jade Seed. However, as soon as the thought arose, his consciousness had already returned to his True Flesh Body. "The United Heart Curse belongs to the Qi Cultivation side of the Secret Technique, and since the Heavenly Demon Body possesses only Yin Spirit Divine Power and not Mana, trying to directly cast the United Heart Curse evidently wont work," he mused. "Hmm, could I use an embroidery secret record to implant the United Heart Curse into the Heavenly Demon Body, treating it as some kind of Secret Technique?" After pondering, Chen Mu shook his head. The embroidery secret record could implant the essence carrying the monsters aura within ones body, acquiring its Innate Divine Ability after nurturing and strengthening it, akin to grafting a variant onto a plant. But the United Heart Curse was different from Divine Demon Monster Mystical Powers. Its core lay in the True Meaning Talisman within the Jade Seed. Without the Secret Techniques aura remaining on the Fleshly Body, the embroidery secret record would not be viable. "Either I need to turn the True Meaning Talisman from the United Heart Curse into a Divine Ghost Pattern, allowing the Heavenly Demon Body to directly activate it," "Or I must use Yin Spirit Divine Power to mimic Mana, weaving the True Meaning Talisman of the United Heart Curse within the Heavenly Demon Body," Chen Mu contemplated thoughtfully. Mana is fundamental for Qi Cultivators, while Yin Spirit Divine Power is unique to the Netherworld. How to convert between the two is not even clear to top-tier Qi Cultivators and entrenched specters. "Its worth pondering over the True Meaning Talisman," he mused. The core of Qi Cultivators Secret Techniques lies in the True Meaning Talisman, as does the core of Yin Spirit Secret Methods in the Divine Ghost Patterns. Though externally different, fundamentally they are similar, both being a manifestation of some innate ability bestowed to heavenly demons, gods, and spirits. "If I could transform the True Meaning Talisman of the United Heart Curse into a Divine Ghost Pattern, the Heavenly Demon Body would be able to cast the United Heart Curse smoothly," he thought. Chen Mu summoned the gray wall and focused on the secrets behind the True Meaning Talismans and the insights into the Yin Spirits Secret Methods, trying to find common ground between them. ... Half a month later. Within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, in the City Divine Main Hall. Chen Mu lay sprawled on top of the offering table, supporting his cheek with his left hand, while his right hand flashed with arcs of lightning as he stared helplessly at the Divine Statue that bore a fifty to sixty percent resemblance to himself. "What am I to do with you?" he muttered to himself. According to his plan, with the secrets of the True Meaning Talisman on the gray wall and relevant information on Divine Ghost Patterns, there should have been an easy way to identify a substitute relationship between the two. But reality was telling him that he was completely delusional. After half a month of pondering, Chen Mu had gotten nowhere. "Do I really have to be imprisoned in this Divine Statue Cave Heaven for a hundred years?" "Even if Divine Orifice reaches Perfection and my lifespan extends to over two hundred years, this isnt the way to waste it," he sighed. Sighing, Chen Mu turned and laid on his back on the offering table, crossing his left leg over his right knee, shaking his left foot while contemplating all the Secret Techniques he had learned in hope of finding a way out of the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. In the faint recesses of his mind, a web of noise began to surface. But before he could discern it, the noise vanished as quickly as it appeared. Chen Mus brows lifted, and with a thought, a round and plump shining bead materialized before him, surrounded by countless luminescent specks, like a galaxy. This was the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus, a manifestation of the Heavenly Demon Bodys innate ability to trace back to its origin. Now when he listened, the noise that had vanished by his ear reemerged, and upon closer inspection, it was the full passage of the East Pole Longevity Scripture. "Is someone inducing the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed?" "Fengan City?" Chen Mus eyes narrowed. This scripture appears quite proper, but in reality, its quite nefarious. Its essence is the Heavenly Demon Curse; merely by reciting it in silence, one unwittingly has the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed planted within them. Whoever has the Spirit Seed implanted will find within their consciousness a vast black canopy dotted with stars. Each star represents a Secret Technique, containing all the experience and insights Chen Mu has mastered. Those who share this connection can meditate on it often, accelerating the practice of that Secret Technique manifold. If Chen Mu were willing to transfer knowledge actively, he could even allow the Spirit Seed bearer to instantaneously master that Secret Technique. But to truly be implanted with a Spiritual Seed, one would first imperceptibly come under its influence, beginning to grow close to Chen Mu. They wouldnt be completely obedient, but they definitely wouldnt entertain any harmful thoughts. Furthermore, once they died and the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed returned, it would take away some trait from the other party that Chen Mu himself was unclear about. It was akin to a particularly malicious loan, offering secret techniques and experiences during ones lifetime, but claiming everything once they died. He always felt that this secret technique was somewhat sinister, used only in the Netherworld due to the dangers necessitating its use. Afterwards, he deliberately blocked out various voices coming from the feedback of the Spiritual Seed, keeping his distance intentionally. However, those prayful voices that used to irritate him and put him on guard now sounded like the music of the immortals. "To speak of vital energy connection, the distance that the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed can connect far exceeds that of the United Heart Curse." "One in the Yang Realm and one in the Netherworld, they can communicate across the distance of an entire world!" "If I could implant a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed inside the fleshly body..." Chen Mu suddenly sat up with a roll. "The current issue is, how to make the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed parasitize the fleshly body," his eyes shone brightly. He had previously experimented on Sun Ke, having him recite the East Pole Longevity Scripture, but even until the other party left Luandu County, the implantation of the Spiritual Seed had never been successful. This indicated that, as he had suspected, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed could only parasitize Yin... Wait a minute! "That slick Sun Ke, could it be he never even recited the East Pole Longevity Scripture?" "Acting submissive on the surface, but messing around behind the scenes?" Thinking of the guts it took for the other party to open a Market District under the search of the Lock Dragon Courtyard, Chen Mus eyes widened immediately, "I definitely collected too little money for his life!" Gnashing his teeth in frustration for quite a while, he could only helplessly shake his head. "In the end, I still need to try it myself." Skipping the Longevity Scripture and directly chanting the Heavenly Demon Curse, a flurry of sounds suddenly arose around him as if thousands of people were whispering in low voices. A Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, small as a speck of dust, appeared silently and then, with an unstoppable momentum, furiously rushed towards him. Just as it was about to drill into his brow, a flash of light flickered across his body. Immediately afterward, with a pfft sound, it was like a candle suddenly blown out by a person, or like sparks doused with a bucket of cold water. The furiously advancing Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed zipped out of existence without a trace. Chen Mus lips twitched, his rising joy dying in his belly instantly. "Body Protection Aura?" "As expected, this Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is still that useless small thing." Before the liaison of the Heavenly Demon Curse, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed couldnt even autonomously parasitize yin soldiers. Even facing ordinary Yin Spirits, he had to first control the other party, then forcibly cram it into their mouths to succeed. "Mm, suppress the Body Protection Aura, and try again," Chen Mu braced himself. The eerie murmur of the Heavenly Demon Curse sounded again, and another Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed appeared, rushing towards Chen Mus forehead with fierce momentum. Thud! Like a ball bouncing off a southern wall, the Spiritual Seed came quickly and bounced back even faster, shooting away after being repelled. Then, not giving up, it repeatedly charged at Chen Mus forehead like a chick pecking at a stone, never giving up, never succeeding. Tsk! Chen Mus lips twitched once more. The Aura was indeed gone, but his years of cultivated skin were like armor, so the brave Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed couldnt penetrate it. "How about just eating it?" A moment later. Chen Mu touched his belly, which felt nothing, his face expressionless. "It couldnt withstand the stomach acid, the Cloud Mirage Celestial Demon is really still that bootless Demon God!" Chapter 547 - 538: Changes Luandu County Town, Dongfeng District, in front of the dog pen at the back courtyard of Qixia Tea House. Chen Mus figure appeared suddenly, and the large black dog, which had just given birth to puppies, immediately stood up and bared its teeth. But just as it opened its mouth, the Exotic Force of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles appeared, and the large black dog froze in mid-air like a mosquito in amber, unable to move. A Spiritual Seed appeared on Chen Mus fingertip, and with a flick of his index finger, the Spiritual Seed slid easily into the stomach through the dogs esophagus. After a while, feeling the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in the stomach of the large dog with no movement at all, Chen Mus expression turned sour. "Really doesnt work, does it?" Then, not giving up, he stuffed it into the mouth of a puppy that had not yet opened its eyes. After a long while, Chen Mu grimaced and recalled the Spiritual Seed, threw down a large piece of bone with meat, and disappeared from sight. ... Fengbao Square in the north of the city, inside a courtyard with two entrances. Accompanied by a loud crying sound, a new life was born. The invisible net-like Restriction of the City God Dojo was triggered, and a speck resembling dust emerged in mid-air. They sometimes gathered and sometimes dispersed, sometimes even forming wings-like shapes that slowly flapped, then floating along with the breeze, drifted towards the nostrils of the newborn. In the corner of the courtyard, Chen Mus figure appeared. He stared at the speck invisible to the naked eye with an expressionless face. That was the initial Netherworld Worm, which, given enough Three Treasures Essence, would grow into Netherworld Thread. Further growth would transform it into a Netherworld Worm with a human head, existing as a white smoke long-snake-like figure. Through the doorway, staring at the infant not yet parasitized by the Netherworld Worm, a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed suddenly appeared before Chen Mu. But after a long while, until the Netherworld Worm silently completed the parasitization, he still did not act. "No need..." "Even if I tried to implant it into the infants body, it would probably fail like the previous experiments," Chen Mu sighed and slightly shook his head, putting away the Spiritual Seed. For the past month, he had been trying to implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into his own fleshly body, but all attempts had ended in failure. So he began conducting experiments within Luandu County. First with livestock like chickens, ducks, cats, rabbits, pigs, dogs, cows, and sheep, and later targeting people of different ages, both men and women. Excluding newborn infants, he had tested almost every creature, and still, he achieved no success. When the Spiritual Seed entered the body, it was like water and stone, two completely incompatible elements from different worlds. Initially, when planting the Spiritual Seed into the Yin Spirits, it was like a drop of water entering the sea; as soon as the protective barrier of the Yin Spirits surface was broken, the Spiritual Seed would immediately integrate into their bodies. But now, it was absolutely impossible. "Its not because the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is fragile, but because this seed is picky about its hosts!" "The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed comes from the Heavenly Demon Body, and Heavenly Demons are Yin Spirits, so can it only parasitize Yin Spirits?" Chen Mu couldnt help but grimace in pain. A month and a half, all for nothing! Damn that flawed Heavenly Demon Cloud Mirage! ... Nighttime at the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. The images on the water screen at the entrance changed: bustling markets, tranquil countryside, homes lit by numerous lanterns, endless starry skies... The scenes from various places in Luandu County were all encompassing. Lying on a rocking chair, Chen Mu had no interest in watching, just staring blankly into the air. After a long while, he finally sighed deeply and came back to his senses. "The City God Tao is the foundation of the Netherworld, and it has existed for thousands of years." "To find a loophole and completely break free from confinement in just a few months is truly impossible." "Since Im here, I might as well settle in," Chen Mu pulled a wry smile. Given the reality, overthinking only adds to the troubles, better to accept it calmly. Thinking about it differently, the Divine Statue Cave Heaven indeed trapped him, but its insulation from the outside prevents others from intruding, and outside there is the powerful Li Buxian guarding it, which makes it absolutely safe. Heading to Da Qian to venture around with the practices of Lock Dragon Courtyard, wishing for a stable existence in one place is nearly impossible. "For the past decade or so, Ive always hoped for a stable environment suitable for gaining experience. Now, although trapped, my wish from the past is ironically fulfilled," he crossed his legs and placed them on the square table in front of him, rocking the chair back and forth. While pondering how to rest and cultivate in the future, Chen Mu caught a glimpse of an intriguing scene in the corner of the water screen. Inside the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, a tall, thin man in black clothes vaulted over the wall and, like a flash of lightning, leaped into Luandu County. "Li Buxian?" "Late at night, he doesnt sleep; what is this old man sneakily running off to Luandu County for?" Chen Mus expression turned serious. "Could it be..." "Could it be that this old man is going to visit a brothel!" "Ha!" Chen Mu became interested and immediately moved the old mans image to the center of the water screen. In the north of the town, within a small courtyard that consisted of a main house and five rooms, On the bed of the bedroom on the east side of the main house, an old man, pale and gasping for breath, lay while his children and grandchildren gathered around him to listen to his last words. Outside the room, the figure of Li Buxian abruptly appeared. He glanced at the big yellow dog standing up in the corner, released a flicker of aura from his body, and instantly stunned the dog. Then, with a tap of his toes, he leaped onto the rooftop. He untied the small, forearm-length black gourd that was bound at his waist, pulled out the stopper, and placed it at his feet. Then he sat cross-legged on the rooftop ridge, silent. After a while, a sound of painful crying came from inside the house; the white-haired old man had finally passed away. Next to Li Buxian, the black gourd silently transformedunder the bright moonlight, silvery lines that resembled branching lightning crawled across the surface of the black gourd. Buzz! An invisible force spread from the open mouth of the gourd, instantly enveloping the entire courtyard. Below, a cluster of black light, invisible to ordinary people, slowly flew out of the room, resembling an insect trapped in a spiders web, instantly detected by the ubiquitous City God Tao power of Luandu County. A massive, chilly aura abruptly appeared in the courtyard. The black shadow that had just flown out of the window abruptly stopped, materializing into a swirling humanoid cloud of black smoke. As if drawn by some power, the humanoid black smoke, floating in mid-air, descended to the ground and then seemed to sink into quicksand, slowly subsiding. However, the black smoke form only sank to its shins before an invisible force violently pulled it out. In mid-air, it took a sharp turn, traced an arc, and whooshed into the black gourd next to Li Buxian. Thump! A soft sound, like a pebble falling into a pond. Li Buxian, who had been fully prepared, immediately sealed the mouth of the black gourd. Feeling the icy coldness of the black gourd as it rapidly formed droplets of water, Li Buxian showed a satisfied smile. "Daring to compete with the Netherworld for Ghosts?!" "And in front of me, a Living God?" "Ha!" Chen Mu, who had been squatting nearby watching the black gourd from the beginning, immediately showed a meaningful smile. Ever since Li Buxian had startled him last time, Chen Mu occasionally kept an eye on Li Buxians movements. Seeing his sudden action tonight, he couldnt help but release his Divine Thoughts projection to track him. As expected! "I said, such a grandmaster, how could he willingly stay in a small county town." Watching Li Buxians figure flicker, silently disappearing into the pitch-black night, Chen Mu chuckled and promptly followed. Back in the City Divine Temple, almost immediately after entering the small courtyard on the eastern side, Chen Mu saw old man Li toss the black gourd into the Lock Dragon Well. "Is that it?" Chen Mu, surprised, watched Li Buxian return to the house, scratching his head. The entire populace of Luandu County was infested with Netherworld Worms. Whenever someone died, the Netherworld Worms within them would undergo a life-and-death transformation and turn into Ghosts. He had observed several times before. Whenever a Ghost appeared, the City God Taos Heavenly Net-like restrictions would be activated. It would draw the power of the River of Oblivion, dragging the Ghosts toward the Netherworld. The massive chilly aura that had emerged in the courtyard was indeed a projection of the River of Oblivion. Li Buxian, not sleeping in the middle of the night and specifically waiting at that dying mans house just to snatch the Ghost with his black gourd, only to throw it into the Lock Dragon Well? "Or is this just a preliminary step in some operation?" Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. He looked at Li Buxians retreating figure, then at the Lock Dragon Well, his lips curling into a sinister smile. Chapter 548 - 539: Yellow Millet Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Chen Mu wandered around the Lock Dragon Well, looking with interest. "How intriguing..." The layout of the courtyard inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven almost perfectly resembled the exterior of the City Divine Temple. The well in the East Straddling Courtyard of the City Divine Temple was called Lock Dragon Well. A similarly positioned well existed in the Cave Heaven, named the Jade Dew Well. There was no water in the Jade Dew Well, only Netherworld Jade Dew, which was the food of Yin Spirits. Previously, he thought that the Lock Dragon Well was just an ordinary well, but now it seemed it was anything but ordinary. With a thought, Chen Mus Divine Thoughts projection leaped into the Lock Dragon Well. The well opening wasnt big, but the area close to the water surface was as large as two living rooms, resembling an upside-down suona. Below the water, it was pitch black, and the bottom was nowhere in sight. The surface was smooth, like a mirror. The bright moon in the sky reflected in it as if it was right before ones eyes. At that moment, a black gourd was standing not far under the water. The gourd stood upright in the center of the well, as if it was being held up by an invisible force. It didnt look like it was floating in the water but rather firmly placed on solid ground. Chen Mu stared at the gourd with interest. Its surface was laced with patterns of silver threads, exuding a strange sense of beauty. But as he watched, his gaze was drawn to the seemingly bottomless depths of the well, and the longer he looked, the more he felt an eerie sense of familiarity. "Is this... the Bottomless Pool?!" The Bottomless Netherworld Pool was a special Ghost Artifact that harnessed the power of the River of Oblivion. Due to different construction methods, its abilities varied. The Bottomless Pool required for the Ghost Gate, for instance, could refine the essence of Divine Demons and Monsters, assisting with the ability to teleport through the void. "The City God Dojo was constructed by the Netherworld, so having a Bottomless Pool connected to the River of Oblivion isnt out of the question." Chen Mu looked down, lost in thought as he stared at the black gourd. Li Buxian was undoubtedly an expert of the Underworld God Transformation. Yet, such an expert had stayed in the remote small county town of Luandu for three years. Even before Chen Mu took on the mantle of Living God, Li Buxian had already begun guarding Qiluo Mountain. Tired of worldly battles? Wishing for a pastoral retreat? Nonsense! Based on the information he had gathered before, although Underworld God Transformation Warriors couldnt live forever like Qi Cultivators, they could still extend their lifespans significantly, easily living up to a hundred and fifty or sixty years. Li Buxian was at most under sixty, in the prime of life; how could he possibly retire to the countryside? "This black gourd must be no ordinary item!" Chen Mus gaze turned towards Li Buxians room. When he had sent Sun Ke away, it was this troublesome old man who had blocked his path. After giving him a thrashing and promptly fleeing, he didnt even have time to fight back. "If thats the case..." Chen Mu squinted his eyes, once again showing a mischievous smile. ... The next evening, at the base of the Cave Heaven Gate Tower. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, staring at the gray wall in front of him. "This wall seems to have gotten a bit taller and larger." Before, in his attempts to leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, he was busy conducting experiments and, upon reaching Perfection in his Divine Orifice, only noticed obvious changes like the expansion of the Jade Seed. Other subtle changes to his body, such as his sense of smell and vision, he hadnt paid much attention to. He had not expected that the familiar gray wall had also undergone some minor changes. "Its not that the wall has become taller or bigger, but rather that my line of sight has become higher and farther." "Before, it was like standing right at the base of the wall, looking forward, only able to see an area about a persons height in front of me." "Now that my Divine Orifice has transformed, its as if I have stepped back two to three paces, and my height has increased slightly, dramatically changing my field of vision." Chen Mu observed the gray wall with interest, probing its top, bottom, left, and right. "Interesting!" "Is it because Ive completed Condensing Aperture, and my vital energy and spirit have undergone a thorough transformation, that I can now see higher and farther?" "If I complete Divine Orifice Refinement and forge my Daoist Foundation, will the true appearance of the gray wall unveil even more?" A sense of anticipation arose in Chen Mus heart. "Indeed, the only way forward is to continue Qi Cultivation and Cultivate Immortality." Chen Mu chuckled, and after observing a while longer and discovering no further changes, he stopped looking. There was still a lot of time ahead, and as his Cultivation improved, he would be able to see the full picture. With a thought, the wall, which seemed further away, shot back close to him, and the Secret Technique entries, which seemed smaller due to the increased distance, became clear and visible once again. Truthful Listening Technique: 9009/10000/Eighth Rank; Point Ground into Steel: 280/10000/Third Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 1296/10000/Sixth Rank; Lesser Frost Method: 3222/10000/First Rank; Mechanical Technique: 7315/10000/Fifth Rank; ``` Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 8475/10000/Fourth Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 6345/10000/Third Rank; Ten Directions Hand: 3/10000/First Rank; Kui Water Yin Thunder: 3361/10000/Third Rank; Minor Tri-essence and Light Law Prohibition: 8806/10000; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 8664/10000/Second Rank; Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 8160/10000/Fourth Rank; "I need to carefully plan how to proceed with my cultivation." "The current priority is definitely the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, as it may very well become the key to breaking free from the restraints of Cave Heaven." "I need to practice the Kui Water Yin Thunder as well." Thinking back to Sun Jians overpowering and domineering posture, his heart brimmed with anticipation. If others were to act so arrogant before him, he would of course find it utterly distasteful, but if he could become the Overbearing Thunder and Lightning Method King himself, tsk! The feeling of anticipation filled him to the brim. As for the strength enhancement secret technique, Giant Spirit Divine... That thing is good, its just too brute and not refined enough for a cultivator. "With your style, I can only afford to give you half a day at most," Chen Mu pursed his lips. "The Truthful Listening Technique is nearing perfection; I can spend a bit more time diligently practicing it." "Hm... should I pick another secret technique to serve as a leisure distraction?" As he contemplated which secret technique to use as a pastime, Li Buxians figure appeared on the water screen at the door, immediately drawing Chen Mus gaze. ... Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Li Buxian sent off the last worshipper, closed the main gate, and headed to the East Straddling Courtyard. He looked up at the dimming sky and then went back to his room to fetch a chair, sitting at the doorway to watch the Lock Dragon Well at the center of the courtyard. "Twelve years!" "Ive been stuck at the Seventh Rank of the Underworld God Transformation for a full twelve years; how many twelve years does one get in a lifetime!" Li Buxians face was calm, but his eyes were filled with cold determination. Born into poverty, he started his martial arts practice with Great Strength Divine Demon Transformation, a widely accessible but hard to master path. The higher one climbed, the harder it became. To practice on his own was too slow; only with special medicinal soups could he cultivate rapidly. "Oh, millet wine, oh millet wine, for your sake, Ive been scheming for twelve years; you must be effective." Millet wine was a secret of Lock Dragon Courtyard meant to strengthen Superior Fetal Divine Origin and reduce risks for the Underworld God Nine Transformations. If one belonged to a great family, such resources would be naturally supplied by the clan. However, without any backing, he had to desperately fight and wage wars everywhere, earning a great deal of military merit, only to secure guarding the City Divine Temple for five years. During this period, he could make use of the Lock Dragon Well to brew millet wine to aid his cultivation. Unfortunately, since the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple was newly built, the conditions for brewing werent met, forcing him to wait here for three years. Only recently had the conditions become perfect, allowing him to start brewing and refining the millet wine. To ensure success, he strictly followed the brewing steps. To minimize disturbances, he even dared not approach Lock Dragon Well for fear his own energy might interfere with the brewing process. Time passed by every second in his memories until the moon reached the peak of the sky, and midnight approached. Li Buxian took a deep breath and abruptly stood up. "Its time!" He took two steps to the edge of Lock Dragon Well and his right hand suddenly reached forward. Like a rubber whip or a retractable rod, his right arm stretched out and rapidly reached down into Lock Dragon Well, but then his expression suddenly changed. "Nothing?" "How is that possible?" He hurriedly stepped forward, leaning halfway over the wells edge, continuously groping and searching the wells depths. "Wheres the gourd?" "Where did my millet gourd go?" Li Buxian, flustered with anger, stood up, and with a leap, he plunged directly into Lock Dragon Well. Meanwhile, Chen Mu, who had been watching from the side from beginning to end, had eyes curved like crescent moons from smiling. "Jumping into the well? Heh..." "Getting impatient, arent we?" Chen Mu said with glee as he peered down the well. "Who am I but the Living Netherworld God? How could I allow you to snatch ghosts from right under my eyelids?" "Taking away your black gourd is purely doing my duty; theres not a single hint of personal vendetta in it whatsoever!" Stay tuned for updates on novelhall.Co?m "Ahem... Im doing all this to protect the Netherworld!" "Ha ha!" ``` Chapter 549 - 540: Achieved Mastery Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, East Straddling Courtyard. Accompanied by a splashing sound, a drenched Li Buxian leaped out of the Lock Dragon Well. His face was as black as coal, a gloomy expression as he returned to his room. Chen Mus Divine Thoughts projection was sitting by the Lock Dragon Well, watching Li Buxian with satisfaction. "It wasnt in vain that I bustled about all day." "Finally saw that old fogeys infuriated black face." "It was worth it, oh yes." He was just about to return to the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, gleeful, when he lifted his eyes and saw Li Buxian, now in a set of dry, crisp black clothes, appearing once more. And a black gourd was tied around his waist. The surface of that gourd was dark, with silver threads faintly discernible, compared to yesterdays gourd, it seemed cut from the same cloth! "So this thing isnt the only one, dammit!" "Got all excited too soon, dammit!" Chen Mus face instantly turned pitch black. ... The following night. Chen Mu appeared again by the Lock Dragon Well, staring at Li Buxian. He had stolen Li Buxians second gourd into the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven. Just like a replay of yesterday. Li Buxian was first searching inside the Lock Dragon Well by extending his arm, then he jumped to the bottom of the well to take a look, only to come up with a face even uglier than the day before. Chen Mu had learned his lesson and dared not celebrate too soon. Sure enough, it wasnt long until he saw Li Buxian, in fresh dry black clothes, carrying a black gourd with an impassive face again. "How many gourds did this old fogey actually prepare?" Chen Mu couldnt help grinding his teeth. Was it because snatching ghosts inherently had a possibility of failure, that he had prepared many gourds beforehand to hedge his risk? Miscalculated, damn! "If there was only one black gourd, thatd be great." He couldnt help but sigh. Just one gourd, and possibly that old fogey would have started crying and bawling his eyes out last night. Unlike now, just an ugly face that quickly returned to calm. "But well..." "Having many gourds isnt necessarily all bad either." "If I keep stealing every black gourd, wont this old guys face turn ugly each time?" "One gourd could upset the old guy for one day, many gourds could keep him upset for many a day, couldnt they?" "Haha, lets do exactly that!" ... Several days later, under the Cave Heaven Gate Tower. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, watching Li Buxian on the water screen. The man put a rope into the Lock Dragon Well and then just sat on it, staring at the black gourd underwater without blinking. He had maintained this posture for an entire day. "The old fogeys gotten smarter, huh," Chen Mu chuckled as he shook his head. "Too bad though, I still wanted to play for a few more days." He felt somewhat regretful. Over the past few days, as he had continuously stolen several black gourds, Li Buxians face had grown darker with each passing day. Now, to prevent any accidents, he had closed off the City Divine Temple and went directly into squatting inside the Lock Dragon Well. With Li Buxian himself being an exceptional figure, and being watched by such a high-level master, Chen Mu could not secretly steal the black gourd into the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven without making a sound. "Well then, so be it." "There wasnt much of a grudge to begin with, toying with him for five or six days is enough." "Mustnt push him too hard; if it provokes the old guy to investigate and he discovers that I can leave the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, that would be a real trouble." Chen Mu didnt look any further, turning his attention to the Mystique Scripture on the gray wall. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 8838/10000, Fourth Rank; Your next journey awaits at novelhall.Co?m This Secret Technique was the focus of his recent experience cultivation. And as he concentrated on his studies, he discovered that this Secret Technique was quite different from most Netherworld Mystiques. Netherworld Mystiques usually require the assistance of Netherworld Power to shape Divine Ghost Patterns on the bodies of Yin Spirits. The Dew Harvesting Curse and Flying Flame Scripture simply uses the power of the River of Oblivion to transform oneself. His current strongest technique, the Five Dragons Scripture, draws power from the Heavenly Demon Candle Dragon. The Qi Cultivators Secret Techniques are different; most of them directly call upon Mana and weave True Meaning Talismans according to certain rhythmic rules. Whether it is the True Meaning Jade Slip or the Mystique Scriptures, they are all like film negatives or scaled-down physical models. They only provide cultivators with a template; the rest is up to the cultivators own shaping and weaving. The Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture also solely draws on Divine Power to generate Ghost Patterns, without the involvement of external forces; all the mysteries of the Secret Technique are within the scriptures. "This seems to be the complete process of Secret Technique cultivation." "The learning method of the Netherworld Mystique seems to have taken a shortcut." "Hmm... why does it feel a bit like a passive version of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds technique transmission?" Chen Mus mind couldnt help but stir. The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed could transmit its own Secret Techniques to the host of the Spirit Seed, having both active and passive modes. The active mode is Chen Mu directly granting complete experience, while the passive version requires the host of the Spirit Seed to comprehend with the aid of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed. But even with the passive version, because there is complete experience to guide, the parasitic cultivator of the Spirit Seed would practice the corresponding Secret Techniques far better than ordinary people. "Are there other Heavenly Demon Cloud Mirages in the Netherworld?" "Could it be that those Secret Techniques and Curse tactics are bait like the Heavenly Demon Curse?" "I havent been duped, have I?" With a jolt, Chen Mu hurriedly checked himself. Whether in his Fleshly Body or Heavenly Demon Body, after several thorough examinations inside and out, finding indeed no abnormalities, he finally slowly eased his mind. "It should be due to the River of Oblivion," he quickly calmed himself. "It is said that within the River of Oblivion are all the secrets of the Netherworld, perhaps containing various Secret Techniques and their true meanings." "In this way, the River of Oblivion having the function to guide cultivation isnt impossible." Since all Yin Spirits originate from the River of Oblivion, inherently connected to the River of Oblivion, it makes sense that they could use the power of the River of Oblivion to shape Ghost Patterns. "The Netherworld truly is wondrous." With a sigh, Chen Mu closed his eyes and silently recited the scripture of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture. As the intangible meanings unfolded, strands of Yin Spirit Divine Power seeped into the silver vertical pattern between his eyebrows. Then, shimmering with silver radiance, they surged along the Divine Ghost Pattern network toward his entire body. And as waves of silver light circulated, the already root-like Divine Ghost Patterns suddenly sprouted new, delicate branches. On the gray wall, the experience value for the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture began to climb continuously. ... Within the City Divine Temple, in the Lock Dragon Well, the clear moon above illuminated the wells interior brightly. At a certain moment, ripples appeared out of nowhere on the calm surface of the water, as if ice had been broken. The Black Gourd seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, slowly rising. Li Buxian, seated cross-legged on a rope, shook, and quickly fished the gourd into his hand. He gently shook it, feeling the slight sloshing of liquid inside, and a smile immediately appeared on his face. As he opened a small crack in the gourds stopper, a light fragrance of wine entered his nose. Li Buxian felt as if he had eaten a mint, a burst of refreshing coolness rushing to his head, and the tension that had been tight all day finally completely relaxed. "Finally succeeded," he remarked. He had long heard that brewing the Yellow Millet Wine carried a high failure rate, but he didnt expect it to be so high. After losing five Black Gourds, this was the first success. "Its still due to insufficient Military Merit; I only got this Silver Gourd Secret Technique." "Had I gotten the Golden Gourd, perhaps I would have succeeded earlier," Li Buxian sighed. "Even with the Silver Gourd, according to the Lock Dragon Courtyard, the Success Rate should be about forty percent. So why, when it comes to me, is it even less than twenty percent?" He was quite puzzled. Based on this Success Rate, could he really make up the required Superior Fetal Spirit before his term arrives to complete the Underworld God Nine Transformations? "Could it be that I reaped too much bad luck from killing too ruthlessly for Military Merit?" He was worried. "Should I, perhaps, chant more scriptures for the City God, asking for his blessing for my success?" Hearing this, Chen Mu, who had been paying close attention to Li Buxian from within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, couldnt help but be amused. "I dont know about other City Gods, but praying a little more to me as the City God, I really could bless you with success," he teased. As long as he doesnt meddle, the success rate indeed has the potential to increase significantly. Chapter 550 - 541 Evil Way The weather progressively cooled, and the leaves on Qiluo Mountain gradually yellowed and decayed. Inside the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, Chen Mu lay on the offering table of the City Divine Main Hall, staring at the semi-transparent gray wall in front of him. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 81/10000/Fifth Rank; More than half a month had passed, and he pondered over the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture every day, his experience soaring rapidly. Carefully comprehending the feedback from the new stage, his eyes couldnt help but light up. "Although I still havent found a way to break free from the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, but..." With a thought, he appeared atop a mountain peak. Standing on the peak, Chen Mu looked around with a face full of surprise and delight. The mountain peak under his feet belonged to the Southern Forest Mountains, which were mainly distributed in Jiangyang County, to the west side of Luandu County. "I cant break away completely from the Grotto Heaven, but Ive managed to expand my range of movement beyond Luandu County!" "What a great thing!" Chen Mu looked up at the sky, and invisible thin lines came into view. In the past, he could only see the power of the Taoist energy lines within Luandu County, but now he could clearly see those surrounding three adjacent counties. It was by harnessing the power of the interconnected Taoist energy lines that he had successfully escaped the prison of Luandu County. "Once the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture reaches Perfection, even if I cant leave the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, I might be able to roam around the entire Da Qian freely!" Chen Mus lips curved into a smile, and he activated his Yin Spirit Divine Power, a pitch-black vortex appeared behind him. Wrapped in the power of the Netherworld Ferry, he followed the energy lines of the dojo and teleported into Yutang County, north of Luandu County in the blink of an eye. Find adventures on novelhall.Co?m ... The sun set in the west. Having explored a great part of the surrounding Jiangyang, Yutang, and Longxi counties, Chen Mu finally returned reluctantly to the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven. "Its a pity that I still cant completely break away from the City God Dojo." Next to the Moon Gate of the East Straddling Courtyard, Chen Mu downed most of his cup of Chilled Jade Dew in one gulp, feeling a bit like a greedy person who can never be satisfied. "At the very least, I now have three more places to stretch my legs, and I can also perceive the City God Dojo more clearly. Once I thoroughly understand it, I might find a direction to escape the shackles of the dojo." Chen Mu sat down on a remote chair under a tree and squinted up at the sky. There, countless thin lines weaved into a net, enveloping all around. And between the gaps of the net, white and golden streams of energy flowed, like groups of lively tadpoles. The white streams were Earth Spirit Vital Energy, flowing wherever it is sparse. But the golden streams were different, coming from all directions and converging above the City Divine Temple. "Is this the Incense Spiritual Energy that Yuan Dong spoke of, the cultivation sustenance for the Underworld God Transformation Warriors?" He could see it vaguely before, but it was like looking at flowers through the fog, never having seen such a clear sight as the one before his eyes. After observing for a moment, Chen Mu then looked down at the ground. Beneath the earths surface, apart from lines similar to the net in the sky, his perception now revealed more clusters of nodes. They were scattered around, flickering with light, just like stars in the sky. "Earth energy acupoints?" Chen Mus Divine Thoughts projected to a crack in the rocks underground. A huge ice sphere, two-thirds embedded in the rock wall, appeared before his eyes. Looking through the ice sphere, which was as tall as two people and bulged like a bay window, he saw dense, root-like silver patterns. "As I suspected..." "Netherworld Ghost Patterns are used to replace Prohibition Talismans to control the energy acupoints, eventually forming the City God Dojo that envelops the entire Luandu County." "A kind of power similar to that of Qi Cultivators Forbidden Laws but unique to the Netherworld." Chen Mu looked closely at the ice sphere with interest. But while he was observing, a shadow deep within the ice sphere suddenly caught his eye. He subconsciously activated the Truthful Listening Technique to discern, and a strange yet familiar rhythm of life emerged by his ear. "Qi Cultivator?!" "How could there be a living Qi Cultivator buried in the City God Dojos energy acupoint?!" Chen Mu was shocked. In an instant, he thought of the several hundred acupoint nodes under Luandu Countys ground, shining like stars in the sky. "Could it be..." His figure flashed, and he disappeared instantly. A moment later, he reappeared with an ugly expression on his face. He had just checked thirty-one acupoint nodes in succession, only to find that fourteen of them contained Qi Cultivators! "Qi Cultivators, could they really be the materials for the construction of the City God Dojo?" Chen Mu exclaimed in shock. "No wonder the Lock Dragon Courtyards attitude towards capturing Qi Cultivators all over the world is so aggressive!" The thought of the countless City God Dojos spread throughout the world. Chen Mus pupils instantly contracted to pins, and he felt a chill all over his body. ... Two nights later, in the East Straddling Courtyard of the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Li Buxian bathed in the sunset, sitting at the doorway on a round chair with his eyes closed. In his right hand, he held a White Jade wine cup the size of an egg, slowly swaying it. Inside, the half cup of amber-colored liquor with silver specks gently stirred, emitting a crisp fragrance of wine. After a long while, Li Buxian opened his eyes, and a faint silver light flashed through them. The martial strength of the Underworld God Transformation is formidable, enabling mortals to contend with Qi Cultivators. But the cultivation of it is extremely dangerous as well. The first and third transformations are manageable, but with the fifth and seventh, the difficulty drastically increases. The Underworld God Nine Transformations are even considered a chasm. If the Superior Fetal Spirit is insufficient and cannot suppress the Divine Demon essence absorbed into the body, one would immediately be devoured by the essence, leaving no bones behind, completely vanishing from the world. "The effects of the Netherworld Wine are quite good, if only..." "There was more of it!" The Silver Gourd is only a Middle Grade product from within the Netherworld Gourd; even if the Netherworld Wine is successfully brewed, it would only yield one cup per batch. Based on the current production, to replenish his Spiritual Deity, he would need to stay in the City Divine Temple for at least four years, but there are only two years left in his term. Li Buxians face looked grim. A normal Temple Priest has a five-year term, and even with the lowest Success Rate Silver Gourd, one could refine enough Netherworld Wine. But that applies to City Divine Temples that have been built over many years, where one can start refining Netherworld Wine as soon as they assume office. Qiluo Mountain was newly built, and he wasted three years just waiting for the Lock Dragon Well to meet the conditions for brewing. "After all, whats missing is a powerful backer." Li Buxians face was expressionless, but the fingers pinching the White Jade Wine Cup whitened slightly from too much force. To follow those Noble Clans in privately building dojos? Ha! Thats probably because they think theyre not dying fast enough. Those Noble Clans can find people to cover up for them, but for a lone individual like himself, once exposed, the consequences would be extremely dire. "A bleak future indeed..." Li Buxians face looked troubled. ... Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mus face looked equally bad. He lay languidly in the rocking chair under the Gate Tower. Just the thought of the Qi Cultivators buried under the City God Dojo caused his whole body to shiver uncontrollably. Da Qian is vast, with countless Luandu Counties. And for every place where mortals gather, theres a City God Dojo being constructed. What lies beneath... "How tragic!" The City God Dojos ensure bountiful harvests and health for all mortals; he once thought this was a good thing. But now it seems, its just as sinister as cultivating Ghosts using the worlds mortals. "If I had really been captured by that horned monster in the Lower Courtyard of Gan River..." "Lu Ku and Shang Huan..." "Shit!" "The Seven Paths of power that pulled me from the Ghost Gate to Qiluo Mountain, Im afraid it was really them." "I dont even know where the seven of them are buried; I cant even find the grave to burn some paper offerings for them." These past two days, Chen Mu had been staying in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, not even daring to project his Divine Thoughts outside. As soon as he thought of the former peers buried under his feet, he couldnt help but feel panicky. It felt as though at any moment, someone would pop out and press him into the ground. Even the thought of separating from the City God Dojo had diminished greatly. These Qi Cultivators of Da Qian, its really not easy being one. Chapter 551 - 542 Demon Path The weather grew colder by the day, and the leaves on the trees of Qiluo Mountain became even more withered and yellow. Beneath the gate tower within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu sat huddled in a rocking chair, staring blankly at the water screen in front of the door. As Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture entered the Fifth Level, the power radiated by the City God Dojo of Qiluo Mountain spread wider, and the water screen could now display the landscapes of three neighboring counties. However, Chen Mu had no interest in viewing them. Images of underground vein nodes flashed through his mind intermittently. Every time he thought of those half-dead Qi Cultivators, his heart felt indescribably complex. Bang! A soft sound came from the water screen. Chen Mu instinctively looked up, only to see Li Buxian throwing a brand-new golden gourd into the Lock Dragon Well. That old rogue was once again exploiting the Netherworld. Chen Mu curled his lip. But then again, the Netherworld itself was quite sinister, so... None of them were good people! "I really need to come up with a more comprehensive plan to leave the dojo," Chen Mu sighed deeply. Not to mention anything else, the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture simply must be pushed to its limits. By then the dojos power range would expand farther, and perhaps he could teleport directly to the border of Da Qian in one go. That way, he could instantly distance himself from Da Qian the moment he left the dojo. "And I also need to reduce the time I spend outside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven as much as possible." He was quite regretful; he had actually wanted to enjoy himself in the neighboring three counties during the New Year. The Breath Ending Divine Ability was indeed mysterious, but it was only a low-level Yin Soldier Supernatural Power and could potentially be deciphered. His Truthful Listening Technique had already seen through it. The Lock Dragon Courtyard had been dealing with Qi Cultivators for many years and might have a contingency plan. He definitely didnt want to be buried in the vein nodes like some disposable resource by the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "Its just about surviving, and I have experience with that!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth. In the past decade or so, he had lived in burrows and deep mountains, and in the pitch-black Thousand Lanterns City, he could stay hidden for a year or two without showing his face. And now it was even easier with the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, where it was like spring all year round and there was no worry about food or drink. "Yes, unless necessary, my true form shall never leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven!" ... Several days later, the weather in Luandu County grew colder, but inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, it remained as warm as ever. The rocking chair under the gate tower was empty, but the water screen in front of the door displayed the bustling markets of Luandu Jiangyang and three other counties. The cries of hawkers on the streets, the singing from the brothels, and the storytelling in the teahouses mixed together, drifting through the open door into the courtyard. Inside the West Cross Yard, Chen Mu pricked up his ears, listening to the opera and storytelling while using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles to sprinkle Jade Dew on the vegetable garden. The seeds of vegetables he had sown more than ten days ago had sprouted. Having decided to hide in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven and not show himself, he quickly adapted to the new rhythm of life. He slept early and woke early every day, followed a routine to practice his techniques, and even had spare time to till and sow the vegetable garden in the West Cross Yard anew. With the Jade Dew Well there, he wasnt lacking in food, but that did not stop him from getting his hands dirty to satisfy his culinary desires. But... "This Jade Dew seems to have changed somewhat." With a thought, a pearl-sized clump of Jade Dew flew up in front of his eyes. Looking at the clear, water-like Jade Dew, Chen Mu instinctively swallowed. It was like seeing a chilled bottle of Black Plum Juice on a hot summer day, making one want to gulp it down immediately. "This tempting effect..." "It feels somewhat like the Replenishing Origin Soup, doesnt it?" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. Replenishing Origin Soup strengthens the foundation and nourishes the prime; it requires the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse, combined with different medicinal herbs extracted from the flesh and blood of Exotic Beasts and Monsters. He was able to condense his Netherworld Divine Orifice solely with the help of this soup. Moreover, Replenishing Origin Soup was extremely attractive to Yin Spirits, such that even Military Supervisor Shen Yan of the Divine Fetus Realm had praised it endlessly. "This change in the Jade Dew Well seems to have occurred just these past few days." "Could it be the Spiritual Treasure Pivot?" Chen Mu immediately realized. Speaking of recent changes, only the advancement of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to the Fifth Level was noteworthy. "The higher the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture mastered by the Living God, the more perfect and powerful the City God Dojos power becomes?" "Remarkable!" ... Over the next few days, Chen Mu paid close attention to the changes in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Before he had found the unusual aspects of the Grotto Heaven, his Heavenly Demon Body had already completed its transformation, mysteriously thickening its Yin Spirits origins. It was as if he had rolled around once again inside the River of Oblivion, experiencing a second development. The appearance remained unchanged, but internally it continuously refreshed and reset, the most direct manifestation being a 30% surge in Yin Spirit Divine Power! "On the first day of practicing the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, this change had actually occurred already, it was only that the increase was too small to be revealed." "Now having entered the Fifth Level, the quantitative change caused a qualitative change, thus bringing about a dramatic increase in Divine Power." Chen Mu carefully reviewed, suddenly enlightened. "So, the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture is not only meant to strengthen the power of the dojo, but it also serves as special recompense for a Living God stationed for a hundred years." "Why then, in the Netherworld, is the assessment of Living Gods so poor?" "Is it deliberately propagated like this?" "A covert monopolization of the pathway for Living Gods?" He carefully reminisced about the Yin Soldiers he had set out with as a Living God, and suddenly realized several appeared to be the personal soldiers of Young City Lord Lu? Liang. Chen Mu could not help but twitch his cheeks. "Dark, truly dark..." With his foundational origins consolidated, though it wouldnt directly accelerate the cultivation speed of Yin Spirits, it could reduce cultivation bottlenecks, and most importantly, lift the upper limit of Yin Spirit cultivation. Originally, a talent that might not even achieve the Divine Fetus Realm, after being refined by the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, could potentially cultivate into a Yin God! "Tsk tsk... no wonder theres whats called the Substitute Puppet Technique." "Is it outwardly meant to allow Netherworld second generations to travel in the Yang Realm, but in reality, its to steal the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture?" "Tricks, tricks everywhere." Chen Mu clicked his tongue and shook his head. Considering this transformation again, his heart suddenly stirred. "The Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture can enhance Jade Dew. Could it be that the Lock Dragon Well that contains the Bottomless Pool outside is also undergoing mysterious changes?" Chen Mu immediately became interested. ... In the East Straddling Courtyard of the City Divine Temple, Li Buxian tossed a Black Plum Gourd into the Lock Dragon Well and turned to return to his room. Approaching the desk, he didnt light the oil lamp. Instead, using the moonlight from the window, he opened a wooden box on the desk and took out a Black-Skinned Scripture to read. "Yan Yue Scripture, Yan Yue Scripture, reciting it ten thousand times, can it truly resolve ones troubles?" Li Buxians eyes flickered. The scripture was acquired years ago at the Lock Dragon Courtyard during the capture of a Qi Cultivator. He neither robbed nor stole it. It was directly given by an old man whom he couldnt defeat and didnt understand. "That man claimed to be from the Demon Path, alleging an inheritance from Ancient Times, yet different from Qi Cultivators. He said even if he practiced this scripture, he wouldnt fear being chased and driven out by the Lock Dragon Courtyard." "According to him, the scripture could guide a Demon Seed, refining it with the seven emotions of the Human World, strengthening the Superior Fetal Spirit, and aiding the practice of Underworld God Transformation." Explore more stories at novelhall.Co?m "But just hearing the three words Demon Path, it doesnt sound like a good path." Li Buxian was somewhat hesitant. "But if I dont take a risk, can I really rely on Black Plum Wine to replenish the Spiritual Deity?" Li Buxians expression turned grim. Although the success rate of Black Plum Wine had increased recently. But Luandu County was just a remote small county after all. Silver Gourd among Black Plum Gourds was considered middle grade, and even if the success rate kept rising, could it really match the 100% success rate of the Golden Gourd? Ha! Relying on his own brewing of Black Plum Wine, definitely couldnt fully replenish the Spiritual Deity! Go fight again to earn military merit, then become a temple priest again? Li Buxian immediately shook his head. Even if he wanted to do so, he definitely couldnt compete with those Noble Clans. A good City Divine Temple would not be his turn. He would only be assigned to serve in a newly established City Divine Temple. If that were the case, he would again need to spend time waiting for conditions to be met at the Lock Dragon Well. Back and forth, years would be wasted in vain. "I need to find myself a backer," Li Buxians expression turned calm. "Underworld God Transformation Martial Dao inherently involves integrating Divine Demon power into oneself." "Then finding a Heavenly Demon to rely on doesnt seem too excessive." He couldnt help but look up through the window towards the five ridges and six beasts on the main hall of the City Divine. "City God, oh City God, Ive recited scripts for you for three years, yet you are still of no use. Brewing Black Plum Wine cant even guarantee my success." "Hmph!" "If so, then dont blame me for changing allegiances, to worship other deities." "Heavenly Demon? As long as it can aid my cultivation, a Heavenly Demon is also a god!" Li Buxian snorted coldly, decisively released the Black-Skinned Scripture, and began to recite softly. Chen Mu, whose Divine Thoughts had just appeared: "..." This old codger, is he that pragmatic? Chapter 552 - 543 Parasitism "This scripture sounds kinda familiar," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes in the City Divine Temple as he listened to Li Buxian reciting scriptures, "why does it sound so much like my East Pole Longevity Scripture?" Could this be... the Heavenly Demon Curse? Are other Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demons spreading the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? Ha! Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh at that moment. Li Buxian, this old geezer, clearly a Temple Priest in the City Divine Temple, was actually worshipping other Demon Gods. And why, of all beings, did he have to worship the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon? "Previously you worshipped me, the City God, who had the Heavenly Demon Cloud Mirage Body, and after the change, youre still worshipping the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon. Arent you just spinning your wheels for nothing?" "Haha!" Furthermore, Chen Mu had conducted tests before; the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed could only parasitize Yin Spiritsit couldnt even latch onto a living person, let alone a puppy. Even if Li Buxian attracted the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, he was fated not to succeed. Thinking about changing patron deities? Heh... "The Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon behind this Yan Yue scripture is bold too, spreading the Heavenly Demon Curse so openly. Is it not afraid of being besieged?" Glancing at Li Buxian, who was earnestly chanting scriptures, Chen Mu stopped paying him any attention and turned to look at the Lock Dragon Well. His projection of Divine Thoughts this time was precisely to check if the Lock Dragon Well had undergone any changes. After focusing intently for a moment, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes against the bright golden light before him. A stream of golden energy, like an inverted Milky Way, descended from the sky, falling directly into the Lock Dragon Well. Looking upwards along the golden stream, his eyes were met with a vast expanse of golden clouds enveloping Qiluo Mountain. The incense Spiritual Energy surged inside, centering around the energy pillar of the Lock Dragon Well, swirling and pouring into it. "No wonder theres a Bottomless Pool inside the Lock Dragon Well!" Since the advancement of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture and discovering the underground energy node, he hadnt left the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. He had seen the gathering of incense Spiritual Energy at Qiluo Mountain, but had not realized that all the energy had been collected into the Bottomless Pool inside the Lock Dragon Well. "And the incense Spiritual Energy that gathered into a cloud today, its much larger than the cloud I saw a few days ago!" Is it because the City God Dojo of Qiluo Mountain radiates power across three counties, So thats why the incense Spiritual Energy gathered more with each passing day? "The strengthening of the Dojos power, the increase in gathered incense Spiritual Energy, which then affects the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, this is probably the true source of the changes in the Jade Dew Well," Chen Mu realized. "Could the brewing of the millet wine also be related to this incense Spiritual Energy?" A thought suddenly struck him. Previously, with the insufficient level of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, he couldnt see the incense Spiritual Energy and thought that the millet wine was only refined by the Bottomless Pool. Now knowing that the Lock Dragon Well is the gathering place of incense Spiritual Energy, the millet wine brewed through the Lock Dragon Well must be related to the incense Spiritual Energy. With this thought, he dived into the Lock Dragon Well. Looking down, he saw strands of faint golden Vital Energy being pulled by the silver patterns on the surface of a millet gourd, drilling into it. Indeed! "The increase in incense Spiritual Energy, the millet wine refinement process, may undergo changes just like the Jade Dew Well." "If the failure rate increases, thats one thing, but if the success rate goes up, wouldnt that indirectly help Li Buxian?" Chen Mu couldnt help but curl his lip. That old fellow probably wouldnt appreciate it; right now, hes thinking about switching allegiances and finding support. If it werent for fear of attracting trouble, Chen Mu would have tossed all the millet gourds into the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. "Hmph!" "Benefitting that old geezer." ... In the subsequent half month, Chen Mu methodically continued his cultivation, with the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture still being his main focus. Although strengthening the power of the Dojo made him somewhat displeased, the enhancement of the Heavenly Demon Bodys origin, being able to extend the teleport distance further, and gaining a more detailed understanding of the Dojos Restrictions meant he had to keep practicing. With the remainder of his time, he divided it between the Kui Water Yin Thunder and the Giant Spirit Divine. The Grotto Heaven was originally safe, and the Earth Spirit Vital Energy was abundant; he should have started to refine the River Chariot. This was the Qi Refining Fourth Stage following the Join Jade Seed, Gathering Talisman, and solidifying the Divine Orifice. But he lacked the related heritage, so he could only set it aside for the time being. "To obtain the River Chariot Secret Method, Im afraid Id have to go to Hai Province to seek Jilong Road," Chen Mu pondered. "Hmm, I could also seek out Goose Sheep and the others beyond Da Qian." "The Hundred Thousand Great Mountains have gathered many Qi Cultivators who have escaped from Da Qian; perhaps I can find something there." "Its probably hopeless to count on the Qi Cultivators who survived within Da Qian, but if I just want to know the general situation, I should still be able to inquire about it." "All these ideas are good, but all this hinges on the premise that I can completely break free from the City God Dojo." Thinking this, Chen Mu felt somewhat lost. Over the past two years, he had tried different methods such as the United Heart Curse, Heavenly Demon Curse, and the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, but none yielded satisfactory results. "The future looks bleak..." While he was feeling down, a murmur of sutra chanting reached his ears. Chen Mu walked to the main entrance and saw Li Buxian, still diligently chanting sutras on the water screen, which lightened his bad mood. Explore more stories at novelhall.Co?m Over the past ten days or so, the old guy had hardly been practicing his Huangliang Wine technique, spending all day holding the Yan Yue Scripture that contained the Heavenly Demon Curse and chanting. In the beginning, Chen Mu was somewhat apprehensive. He was curious and wary of another being like the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon, and he would occasionally check on Li Buxian through the water screen. But as the days passed by, not a single Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed appeared around Qiluo Mountain. "Either the Yan Yue Scripture is incomplete and cant attract the Spirit Seeds to appear," "Or the Cloud Mirage peer I havent met has already perished." "But no matter the circumstance, all those days of Li Buxian chanting sutras were in vain!" "Its better to worship me than the Heavenly Demon," Chen Mu teased gleefully. "Though I cant plant the Spiritual Seed in you, I can bring the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed before you, at least letting you get a glimpse of it." While chuckling, his eyes narrowed involuntarily. Previously, he had tried to use the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to remotely connect the Qi mechanisms of his Fleshly Body with the Heavenly Demon Body, and thereby hopefully enable the True Flesh Body to escape the dojo. For this purpose, he had scoured Luandu County and, apart from newborn infants, even grabbed puppies to use as hosts for the Spiritual Seed experiments. But as for the Underworld God Transformation Warrior... Chen Mus expression changed instantly, and he exclaimed in frustration, "The local Cloud Mirage is too impolite!" "Poor old Li, its been such a hardship for him. Hes chanted thousands of sutras day and night for half a month and received no responseits just too pitiful!" He sympathized. "As the master of the City Divine Temple and a good neighbor for two years, how could I stand by and watch?" "You only want to invite the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into your body, right? Old Li, Ill help you realize your dream!" Chen Mu said with a serious face. Then a pitch-black vortex the size of a fist appeared above Li Buxians roof, and a tiny dust-sized speck emerged from the vortex, waveringly floating into Li Buxians room. Li Buxian, who was chanting sutras, was instantly captivated by the faint glimmer. "Heavenly Demon..." "Have you finally responded to me!" His face lit up with excitement as he carefully stretched out his hands, holding the dust-like speck of light before his eyes. Then, with a resolute look, he swallowed it without hesitation. The next moment, that Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, so fragile that a puppy could shatter it with one bite, merged into Li Buxians body as effortlessly as a drop of ink in the sea. "Ive done it!" Li Buxians face was filled with excitement as he opened his eyes. Yet, inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu had a stunned expression, and surprise widened his eyes. Could it be this smooth? He had conducted so many Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed parasitism experiments in Luandu County, and not a single one had been successful. He really didnt expect it to be so smoothly completed with Li Buxian! Why? Was it because Li Buxian had chanted sutras tens of thousands of times, or because he had practiced the Underworld God Transformation? "As long as I understand the reason for Li Buxians success, I can plant the Spiritual Seed into the True Flesh Body, and I will be able to escape the dojo!" Chen Mu was suddenly invigorated, swinging his fist with determination. Chapter 553 - 544: Experiment "Why can the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed parasitize Li Buxian?" Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, staring at Li Buxian through the water screen in front of the door. Was it the Underworld God Transformation? Compared to other people in Luandu County, if there was anything different about Li Buxian, it was that he had practiced the Underworld God Transformation for many years. "The Underworld God Transformation is related to the City God Dojo, and thus related to the Netherworld as well. Perhaps because of this, Li Buxian has been contaminated with the aura of the Netherworld, and his constitution has changed, therefore..." Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes, "I need to find another warrior who has undergone the Underworld God Transformation to test this!" He didnt want to show himself in front of those who had undergone the Underworld God Transformation since it was too dangerous. But the matter regarding the Underworld God Transformation was linked to his plan to escape the dojo, so he couldnt avoid taking risks. Chen Mu then turned his head to look at the edge of the water screen to his left, where there were three fixed images showing scenes from the County Temple of the City God in the neighboring three counties. Luandu County, part of Da Qians Wei Nan Road in Yiyang Commandery, was located in the remote southwestern mountains. With no large military presence or Noble Clans nearby, finding another warrior who had undergone the Underworld God Transformation was very challenging. His first thought was of the temple priests at the City Divine Temple, who, like Li Buxian, were guardians of the temple and certainly practiced the Underworld God Transformation. "Speaking of which, as a fellow Living God, isnt it a bit offensive for me to attack another temples priest on their own turf?" Chen Mu hesitated a bit. "Ah, Ill just have to change my face." "As long as Im not recognized, it wouldnt be considered offensive!" ... Jiangyang County Temple of the City God was located on Low Mountain just on the outskirts of the Southern Forest Mountains, less than twenty miles from the county town. The temple priest, Xie An, was a middle-aged man in his forties. He was a retainer of the Xie Family, stationed in Jiangyang County Temple of the City God for four years, mainly to brew rice wine for the Xie Familys Young Master. Like him, the Xie Family had many such retainers. Once they acquired positions as temple priests, they sent trusted retainers to oversee the operation. The rice wine produced was split such that the overseeing retainer received twenty percent, with the rest going to the Xie Family. In the dead of night, Xie An, dressed in a fitted black outfit, stepped out of his room. His waist was tied with a purple gourd covered in intricate dark golden patterns. With a light tap of his toe, he flew over the wall like a streak of black lightning headed straight for Jiangyang. Over the past year, Xie An had brewed rice wine more than once, and he had walked this route countless times. Like a gentle breeze, it didnt take long before he arrived at the gates of Jiangyang city. Without stopping, like usual, he bent his knees and in a swift motion, sprang onto the wall. But before he could steady himself atop the battlement, a dark, rough fist suddenly appeared and thudded into his nose. Xie An felt a sting in his eyes as tears immediately blurred his vision; spinning like a rag doll, he was flung over the outer wall of the city. When he landed awkwardly, he immediately looked up and saw a fat man with dark skin and a face full of horizontal meat standing not far away, about ten meters in front of him. "Who are you, sir, and why would you attack me?" Xie An, suppressing his anger, slightly bowed his hands. "Xie An, you scoundrel, Ive finally found you!" the dark-faced fat man said with a face full of wrath. An enemy? Xie Ans heart skipped a beat, and he quickly discerned the mans face by the moonlight, then his brows involuntarily furrowed slightly, "You must be mistaken, sir; I do not know you." "You dont recognize me?" the dark-faced fat man grew more sorrowful. "Years ago, you assaulted my daughter and murdered my entire family out of lust, and you dare deny your deeds?" To abduct a girl and slaughter her family? That couldnt be right? In his younger days, he indeed lived days of debauchery as one of the Xie Family Young Masters lackeys, but he certainly never kidnapped a girl or annihilated her family. "You must be mistaken," Xie An, patiently and calmly tried to persuade. The fat man clearly looked skilled, and as the saying went, a wise man doesnt court danger, it was better to avoid a fight if possible. "Its impossible, absolutely impossible!" the fat man abruptly waved his hand. "Ten years ago, you stabbed me through the chest. Had my heart not been on the right side, I would never have survived." "You could turn to ashes, and I still wouldnt recognize you wrong!" Could he really be an old enemy? Xie An couldnt help but feel skeptical. "My daughter has been with me since she was little, and she was as beautiful as the moon. Yet she perished at such a young age, you deserve to die!" Been with you since childhood, yet as beautiful as the moon? Xie An, looking at the burly man with dark skin and a face full of horizontal meat, fell silent. "What kind of intense preference must one have to engage in this?" "This definitely isnt me!" "Sir, I am a member of the Xie Family. I have never lacked gold or silver since I was young, and I am a regular at Chunfeng Tower in the capital, having seen numerous beauties. Honestly, I see no reason to kidnap your daughter. You must be mistaken," Xie An once again bowed respectfully, persuading in a tactful manner. "Are you calling me ugly?!" the black-faced, stout man roared furiously, leaping forward, and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of Xie An. How did this escalate so quickly? I was merely telling the truth. Xie An, with an indifferent expression, lifted his hands to parry the incoming punch. His thigh muscles bulged like spheres, and as power surged through them, his legs resembled two fully drawn bows. If he could withstand this momentary onslaught, he would be able to leap backward, creating some distance and dragging out the fight. In the past, he had used this technique to capture many Qi Cultivators, mastering it with ease. Just a mere brute... Hah! Before he could complete his thought, he saw the opponents right arm suddenly swell and turn blue. The moment his raised arms made contact, an unstoppable force, like a suddenly exploding bomb, hit him. His own arms, positioned over his head, felt like marshmallows, offering no resistance whatsoever. Xie An only had time to widen his eyes before, with a clang, the fist smashed into his head. He felt a tremoring force traverse his body, scattering all the tensed power within him. His head buzzed, and his eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness. The black-faced stout man continued his assault, pounding Xie Ans face until it swelled and turned blue, resembling a pigs head. "Once youre in my hands, lets see how Ill slowly deal with you!" He then hoisted his opponent over his shoulder and sprinted northward toward Yutang County. ... Within the bounds of Luandu County, inside a sparse grove, Chen Mu, disguised as the black-faced stout man, stopped. He used the Truthful Listening Technique to survey the surroundings within a radius of twenty or thirty miles before setting Xie An down. "Having circled a wide berth, my peer shouldnt notice," he sighed in relief. The considerable effort was to guard against other Living Gods. He himself could project Divine Thoughts outward and use the Water Screen to observe the surroundings, and surely the Living God of Jiangyang County, a fellow Living God, could do the same. He was curious yet wary of the Living Gods of the three counties. Since his City God Dojos power could spread across the three counties, the temples within those counties had become his focus of observation. Although he hadnt detected outward projection of Divine Thoughts from the others, they would definitely use the Cave Heaven Water Curtain to monitor the outside world. While they might not watch over the entire Jiangyang County, any activities like Xie Ans midnight kidnapping of Ghosts to brew sorghum wine would almost certainly intrigue the Living God of Jiangyang County. Chen Mu didnt want to be discovered, and so he had disguised himself as an enemy and purposely circled around from Yutang County before bringing Xie An back to Luandu County. "Whether it works or not, itll be decided here." With a thought, the air in front of him slightly vibrated, and a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed sparkling with fluorescence appeared. Chen Mu took a deep breath, rather nervously pressing the glowing speck towards Xie An. Read new chapters at novelhall.Co?m In the next moment, that speck, like a raindrop hitting parched earth, effortlessly entered the center of Xie Ans forehead. "It worked!" Chen Mu swung his fist forcefully. "Its definitely because of the Underworld God Transformation!" he thought excitedly. With a Heavenly Demon Body substitute, his True Flesh Body had long since been able to reach the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. However, the prerequisite was that the True Form had to be energetically connected to the Heavenly Demon Body. Previously, he could only use the dojos power to connect the energies, restricting his True Flesh Bodys range of motion to within the dojos power influence. Now, as long as he cultivated the Underworld God Transformation in his True Flesh Body and embedded the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed within it, he could link the True Flesh Body and the Heavenly Demon Body across great distances. Consequently, the distance between the two could be infinitely extended, effectively freeing his True Flesh Body entirely from the Divine Statue Cave Heaven! Chapter 554 - 545 Manifestation Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, Li Buxian finished his days duties as temple priest and returned to the East Straddling Courtyard. He set up a square table in the long corridor by the door, enjoying small dishes and fine wine he had purchased from Luandu County, his face showing a relaxed contentment. The Heavenly Demon Path Seed had only entered his body for one day, yet he had already sensed a tremendous change. Now, whenever he silently recited the Yan Yue Scripture, he could feel strands of a unique substance swirling around his body. Especially during the daytime when he hosted worshipers, this substance seemed even more abundant and evident. "This must be the Power of Seven Emotions of the human world," Li Buxian realized in his heart. According to the Yan Yue Scripture, what was cultivated in the Heavenly Demon Path were the six desires and seven emotions of the human world. Today, he only slightly tried to channel the Power of Seven Emotions into his body and found his mind exceptionally clear, and even his physical strength felt greater than before. He had been stuck at the Underworld God Seven Transformations stage for years, with his physical strength reaching its peak; to enhance it further, he would need to achieve the Underworld God Nine Transformations. However, with the Demon Seed entering his body for just one day, a noticeable transformation had already occurred. "This is definitely the right path!" Li Buxian chuckled joyfully, hurriedly finished his meal, did not tidy up the messy tableware, and, taking a round chair, sat in front of the door, immediately beginning to recite and practice the Yan Yue Scripture. ... Two days later, late at night. At the border between Luandu County and Yutang County, beside a small river valley. Chen Mu had transformed into a square-faced, robust man carrying a man in his thirties. The Truthful Listening Technique enveloped the surroundings and sensing no one around, he threw the middle-aged man onto a flat stone by the river. A Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed appeared at the tip of his right index finger, gently flicked, the Spiritual Seed floated and easily entered into the middle-aged mans body. "Its indeed because of the Underworld God Transformation," Chen Mu took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart. After successfully implanting the Spiritual Seed in Xie An, he did not rest easy, fearing that Xie An and Li Buxians successes were just flukes, he then targeted the remaining two counties nearby. Last night, he repeated his tactic and kidnapped the temple priest from the Yutang County Temple of the City God, and tonight, he brought the temple priest from Longxi County for experimentation. Including Li Buxian, all four experiments were successful, only then did he fully believe that the Underworld God Transformation had altered the cultivators physique, enabling it to incorporate the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed within. Chen Mu carried the middle-aged temple priest into Yutang County and threw him into a remote mountain. He continued to monitor the man with Divine Thoughts projections until the middle-aged man regained consciousness and watched as he cursingly returned to Longxi County, only then did he return to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. "I need to find a way to learn the Underworld God Transformation," Chen Mu squinted towards Li Buxian on the water screen. Back when he went by the name Gongsun Sheng, he had met Yuan Dong from Lock Dragon Courtyard, who had intentionally suggested he join the Lock Dragon Courtyard. And Yuan Dongs contact left behind was none other than Li Buxian of the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. It was a good opportunity for him to visit and learn the Underworld God Transformation. "Besides, I am the Lord City God myself, solving difficult problems through ones own temple priest, isnt that perfectly reasonable?" ... Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, East Straddling Courtyard, the moon high in the sky. Li Buxian had absorbed all the Power of Seven Emotions surrounding his body, only then slowly opened his eyes, still feeling unsatisfied. These past few days, continuously drawing the Power of Seven Emotions into his body resulted in an earth-shattering transformation. Whether it be his physical strength or the Superior Fetal Spirit, he was stronger with each passing day. Only when he first created the Blood Pouch transcending the human realm limitations had he ever experienced such rapid enhancement. "If not for the fear of hidden dangers, I would really like to fully commit to the Heavenly Demon Path and give up on the Underworld God Transformation," Li Buxian sighed softly. With the Seven Emotions transforming him, he had already sensed a secret conduit appearing inside of him. One end connected to himself and the other vanished into the void. From the moment the Demon Seed entered his body, this conduit had existed. Previously it was vague, but now it was becoming increasingly clear. "According to what that old man said, the Heavenly Demon Path is very fair, emphasizing an exchange of giving and taking." "With the Demon Seed, the host can absorb the Seven Emotions to aid their own cultivation. But this help isnt without cost, it requires gathering the humans Seven Emotions and returning them in multiple folds." "This connected conduit is likely how the Heavenly Demon Path restricts hosts of the Demon Seed," Li Buxian couldnt help but sigh softly, "Fair and just? Hmm... that might be difficult." To be honest, if he himself had powerful means to control others, he wouldnt necessarily be very benevolent. Puppeteering, catastrophe substitutes... With a thought, he came up with several self-serving, sinister strategies. Li Buxian felt heavy-hearted, yet his expression quickly returned to normal: "The future is unknown, but its still better than aimlessly squandering over a hundred years in the human world." He had prepared for the worst from the moment he first opened the Yan Yue Scripture. He sighed faintly, sensing the secret conduit once again, but suddenly discovered that the other end vanishing into the void was not far from himself. "Could it be..." "Could it be that the Great Heavenly Demon of the Demon Path is in Qiluo Mountain?!" Li Buxians body tensed instantly. Hadnt the old man said that the Great Heavenly Demon resided high above in the Nine Heavens and never descended to the Mortal Realm? What merit or ability did he possess to warrant a personal visit from the Great Heavenly Demon?! Li Buxian felt a tingling on his scalp. Though he had been mentally prepared, the reality of the Great Heavenly Demona Divine Demon not known for good deedsappearing still uncontrollably chilled his spine. "To meet, or not to meet?" wondered Li Buxian, feeling uneasy. He hesitated for a long while before finally gritting his teeth, standing up, and walking out of the East Straddling Courtyard. Since he had discovered the presence, to turn a blind eye would be like delivering himself into trouble, waiting for the Great Heavenly Demon to seek him out. As Li Buxian walked, he pictured in his mind the grand scene of a ritual greeting he might offer upon meeting, scrambling for flattering words when he looked up and realized that the qi pointed directly to the City Divine Main Hall! Watching the qi disappear into the statue in the main hall, Li Buxian couldnt help but bulge his eyes. "The Great Heavenly Demon... How did he get inside the City God Statue?!" "Did the Great Heavenly Demon usurp the divine position of the old City God?" "Or could it be... the old City God himself is the Great Heavenly Demon?" At that moment, Li Buxian felt terrible. Of course, he knew there was a Living God within the statue in the City Divine Temple, but the old City God came from the Netherworld and was not to interfere with the Human World. Thats why he dared to be indifferent, changing his alliance right under the City Gods nose, praying for the Heavenly Demon to descend. And after all this trouble, the Great Heavenly Demon was right in front of him?! How freaking awkward! Just moments ago, he had been thinking of speaking nicely to get a few Heavenly Demon Secret Teachings from the Great Heavenly Demon. But now... Now it might be better to think about how to save his own skin. Li Buxian quickly took a deep breath to calm himself: "Dont panic! Dont lose control!" "Even if the old City God is the Great Heavenly Demon, he is first and foremost the City God of Luandu County." "Being a City God, he cant appear and interfere in the Human World!" "That means, even if the old City God is the Great Heavenly Demon, he cant possibly appear before me!" Li Buxian concluded, inadvertently straightening his back. Since he cant appear and interfere in the Human World, does that mean the City Gods punishment cant be carried out? Even the feared backlash of the Demon Path might be avoided? Then what the hell am I afraid of! Turning misfortune into a blessing, resolving hidden dangers in advance? Ha! Thinking this, Li Buxian suddenly broke into a smile. He hypocritically bowed to the City God Statue, cheerily saying, "My loyalty to you is as clear as day and night, a pity that gods and men are different, and we are fated never to meet." "If one day I could behold your divine visage, no matter what you ask of me, I will surely make it happen!" he declared confidently, talking nonsense. Well... provided you can appear before me. Ha ha! Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu, who was watching Li Buxian, suddenly revealed a mischievous smile. "Anything you ask, Ill help you accomplish?" "Isnt that convenient!" Want to meet the old City God? Thats simple! "As you wish!" A deep, echoing chant, as if from tens of thousands, suddenly rose in the City Divine Main Hall, and a figure abruptly appeared before the long altar. Gazing at the face that similarly resembled the statue, Li Buxian was stupefied. I was just kidding, right? Old City God, why did you seriously manifest yourself? Damn it! Discover more content at novelhall.Co?m Chapter 555 - 546 Green Satchel Chapter In Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, Li Buxian was shaking with fear. "How could the City God make an appearance in the Human World?" According to the records of Lock Dragon Courtyard, in the nearly three hundred years since the founding of Da Qian, there has never been a manifestation of the City God. Instead, there were rumors of God Statues being destroyed, and Worldly Gods disappearing together. Do I really have that much clout to warrant a personal visit from the City God himself? The person before my eyes... The person before my eyes is probably not the City God at all! Li Buxians heart lightened. Is it the Great Heavenly Demon using the face of the City God to intimidate me? He shook his head to himself. Despite sensing that the Demon Seeds vital energy was indeed connected to the person before him, his disbelief only grew stronger. The Great Heavenly Demon, who stays high in the Nine Heavens and never descends to the Human World, would not be so idle. This is likely to be a fellow practicer on the Demon Path using a trick to assume the authority of Divine Demons to command me. Li Buxian sneered inwardly. I didnt make it to where I am today without a real fight. You think you can deceive me and treat me like Im soft? Ha! "I dont know which fellow practicer on the Demon Path stands before me, but youd better show your true face to meet me." "You should not offend the majesty of Divine Demons; if you impersonate one without authority, youre likely to incur heavenly punishment!" Li Buxian said with a cold expression. Chen Mus eyebrows lifted. A fellow practicer on the Demon Path? Show my true face? No wonder this old guy was trembling just now, and then suddenly became defiant. He mistook me for someone impersonating a City God to scare people. And talk of heavenly punishment? Hes indirectly cursing me! "Are you sure you want to see my true face?" Chen Mu asked, his eyebrows slightly raised. "What? Is that face of yours too disgraceful to show?" Li Buxian sneered coldly, surely this is some Heavenly Demon jackass trying to play me! "Im just afraid Ill scare you away," Chen Mu said with a smile. Old man, what storms havent I seen? I wont be scared of you! Just as Li Buxian was about to retort with scorn, a familiar face appeared before him. "Cloud Piercer Gongsun Sheng?!" "How dare you show yourself so brazenly before me!" Li Buxians brows furrowed, his face cold. "Lock Dragon Courtyard has never given up on capturing you and bringing you to justice. You..." "You werent spotted coming here, were you?" "Is there something you need me to do?" "Just give the command, and I assure you, I will do everything in my power to make it happen!" Just moments ago, Li Buxian was bristling with murderous intent, but now he seemed as if hed seen his parents reborn, his face beaming with kindness. You really do flip sides damn fast. Sly old fox! "I still prefer that unyielding face you had just now," Chen Mu teased with a laugh. You think I damn well dont want to? Only if I could beat you, that is. Li Buxians expression remained unchanged, though his heart was already back in his throat. He had no desire to relive the experience of having his ribs kicked into his heart. Bow and scrape? No no no, this is called making pragmatic concessions. Staying alive isnt humiliating! ... Two days later, in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Chen Mu sat in a rocking chair under the Moon Gate, holding a thin book and reading. "Green Satchel Chapter" C three simple seal characters were written on the title page, marking the starting point for all Underworld God Transformation practices. This technique was divided into Active and Quiet Cultivation; the Active Cultivation consisted of seventy-two guiding movements, while the Quiet Cultivation was an awkward and cumbersome scripture. He had pondered for two days and tried practicing himself. To him, the seventy-two movements of Active Cultivation were expansive and graceful, good for stretching the muscles, promoting blood circulation, and aiding digestion, but essentially... essentially pointless! The body refinement capability he had imagined wasnt there, not even a little. He had recited the Quiet Cultivation text hundreds of times, also to no effect. After two days of struggling, the Gray Wall didnt offer him a shred of insight! Having cultivated for many years and encountered dozens of magical techniques, even with the deceiving Calculation Scripture, the Gray Wall would give him some enlightenment. However, the Green Satchel Chapter elicited no response. "Is that old guy Li Buxian fooling me?" "So daring?" ... "Heavenly Capital Pool?" "What is that?" In the East Straddling Courtyard of the City Divine Temple, Chen Mu sat opposite at the square table, full of confusion as he looked at Li Buxian. After pondering the Green Satchel Chapter for two days without making heads or tails of it, he immediately rushed to seek out Li Buxian. The old man before him had long since cultivated to the pinnacle of the Underworld God Seven Transformations, and was most familiar with the Underworld God Transformation. "There are mainly three ways to learn Underworld God Transformation in Da Qian. They are through the military, the Lock Dragon Courtyard, and the secret family traditions of titled nobility." Li Buxian spoke with utmost respect, withholding nothing. "Besides having control over various precious pathways to the Underworld God Transformation, whats most important is that they are permitted to construct the Heavenly Capital Pool." "The Heavenly Capital Pool can gather Incense Spiritual Energy, and it can summon the qi of Divine Demons; it is an indispensable part of the Underworld God Transformation cultivation." "Cultivating the Green Satchel Chapter is for changing ones constitution to create a Jade Seed; it must be practiced in a place rich with Incense Spiritual Energy, otherwise progress will be very slow." The Green Satchel Chapter requires Incense Spiritual Energy? Chen Mu couldnt help but lift his head to look at the top of Qi Luo Mountain, where there was a vast expanse of stable Incense Spiritual Energy clouds. Stay connected via novelhall.Co?m Without external interference, this stuff would all be absorbed by the Lock Dragon Well; theres none inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, naturally unable to aid in the cultivation of the Green Satchel Chapter. Is it the lack of Incense Spiritual Energy that results in no progress on the gray wall? Chen Mu slowly shook his head. According to Li Buxian, without Incense Spiritual Energy, cultivation would be very slow, but not impossible. Incense Spiritual Energy has an influence, but there must be other reasons for the complete lack of progress in my Green Satchel Chapter! He narrowed his eyes. What is the difference between Li Buxian and myself? Is it because I am a Qi Cultivator? Noble families in Da Qian already have Qi Cultivators among them, but they can still cultivate both Underworld God Transformation. If theres a real difference... its that I was not born in Da Qian! Anyone born in Da Qian has a Netherworld Worm enter their body from a young age, and the Underworld God Transformation is closely related to Netherworld. "Netherworld Worm..." Chen Mu realized something. Mortal Martial Dao has its limits, to continue ascending, one either refines Vital Energy to forge a Shell Soul, achieving Spirit and Soul Unification to cultivate a Jade Seed, and then start Qi Cultivation toward immortality. Or swallow the Heavenly Demon Rebirth Pill, absorbing the essence of demons, and practice the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique to transform ones body into a Heavenly Demon True Form. Netherworld Worms have the ability to strengthen the hosts body, and the Underworld God Transformation can elevate mortal martial arts; perhaps it is an evolution derived from this basis. "That seventy-two posture guiding technique isnt meant for humans to practice at all, but for Netherworld Worms inside the body." "So, do I first need to find a way to get a Netherworld Worm into my body?" Chen Mu shuddered at the thought. The thing is alive! This... this is going to be tricky. ... Several days later in the evening, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Under the shade of a tree next to the Moon Gate of the East Straddling Courtyard, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, squinting towards the fiery red sunset. On the index finger of his right hand hung a simple, black cord ring, which rotated slowly on his hand like prayer beads under the manipulation of his thumb. "United Heart Rope, United Heart Curse, United Heart Guall these series of Magical Instrument Secret Techniques are related to the Netherworld Worm." "Both the Five Ghosts Bag and Five Ghosts Moving Mountain are related to Ghosts." "And both come from the Thousand Mountains Sutra, a side sects secret scripture." "It seems that the Thousand Mountains Path, a major side sect from Ancient Times, also studied the Netherworld." "Fortunately, the Wu Mountain seven brothers only implanted the United Heart Gu in me, and I didnt have the chance to encounter the Underworld God Transformation. Otherwise, right at the first contact, I would probably have been finished." Chen Mu looked down at the United Heart Rope. To break away from the grotto heaven, he needs to connect his Heavenly Demon Body to his Fleshly Body using the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed. To implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into his Fleshly Body, he needs to practice the Underworld God Transformation. To practice the Underworld God Transformation, he first needs to get a Netherworld Worm into his body. Hes been struggling with this for several days, even trying to figure out other plans to leave the dojo, but unfortunately... "Theres no other choice..." Chen Mu let out a slight sigh. With the flow of mana, a thin black line like a piece of hair separated from the United Heart Rope, drifting slowly and lively in front of Chen Mu. Rather than relying on the City God Dojo to snatch the Netherworld Worm and end up at the mercy of the Netherworld authorities, its better to implant the United Heart Gu into myself. The essence of United Heart Gu is the Netherworld Worm, and with the United Heart Rope in hand, that Netherworld Worm would be completely under my control. With his mind made up, the thin black line that was the Netherworld Worm zipped into his chest. He got up and began the Active Cultivation Guiding Technique of the Green Satchel Chapter. After just one repetition, a sudden buzzing sound rang in his ears. A faint but entirely distinct beat, alien from his original heart, appeared silently within his body, as if he now had two hearts. "It worked..." Chapter 556 - 547: Underworld God Blood Yuan Three days later in the early morning, at the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple in Luandu County. Li Buxian was sitting at the desk by the window, holding a scripture and reciting continuously. With the increasing number of repetitions, an invisible rhythm enveloped the surroundings. Streams of unseen force were drawn in, slowly entering his body. After a long while, as the early winter sun began to rise, its light streamed into the East Straddling Courtyard, and Li Buxian stopped reciting the "Yan Yue Scripture." He took a deep breath of the chilly, dry air of early winter and felt his spirit vibrant and full. "The Demon Path is indeed mysterious, but its effects are truly extraordinary," he nodded in admiration. After days of practice, not only had his physique, which had been stagnant for years, improved, but the most mysterious Superior Fetal Spirit had also gradually grown stronger and closer to perfection. The risks of blood essence fluctuations from the Underworld God Transformation had also vanished. "The future holds limitless possibilities," he couldnt help but smile. The Underworld God Transformation emphasized refining the essence of Divine Demon for ones own use, but the essence itself was formidable, requiring ones Superior Fetal Spirit to suppress and temper it. If one failed to balance the True Intent of Divine Demon, there would be a risk of backfire. He had mastered the Underworld God Seven Transformations many years ago, and his Superior Fetal Spirit had been robustly tempered by the True Intent of Divine Demon, essentially fearless of backfire, but the hidden danger of blood essence turmoil was still inevitable. However, ever since the Heavenly Demon Path Seed entered his body, his Superior Fetal Spirit grew stronger by the day, and symptoms of blood essence turmoil had not appeared again. This indicated that his Superior Fetal Spirit had far surpassed the True Intent of Divine Demon, completely suppressing it from rebellion. "In no more than two years, I will be able to replenish the Spiritual Deity and initiate the Underworld God Nine Transformations!" Li Buxian was unspeakably excited. As he was envisioning the future, a slight sound of breaking wind suddenly came from outside the window, his smile instantly stiffened, and he reluctantly turned his head to look at the courtyard. Unbeknownst to him, a figure in long hair and grey clothing had appeared and was leisurely stretching his limbs and practicing boxing in the yard. "It would be better if this troublesome fellow wasnt here," Li Buxian sighed slightly. "Ive given him the Green Satchel Chapter and even shared the experiences of the Underworld God Transformation. Why wont Gongsun Sheng just leave?" He put on a face full of compliments, stood up, and walked out of the room, "In just three days, Mr. Gongsun has already mastered the Seventy-Two Guiding Techniques of the Green Satchel to perfection. Your exceptional talent is truly astounding!" "I once served in the Mountain-searching Camp under the tent of the Great General of a pillar nation, and I still have a bit of incense spiritual energy left." "How about I write you a recommendation letter, and you go to the Mountain-searching Camp to gain some experience?" Chen Mu continued his movements, his eyes shifted slightly, glancing at Li Buxian. "What? Wanting to send me away?" "No, no, no, I just want to aid you in cultivating the Underworld God Transformation!" Li Buxian said with a smile. "The Mountain-searching Camp has the Heavenly Capital Pool, and the incense spiritual energy is dense there, which can speed up the condensation of the blood pouch. And there are experts to guide you in the Green Satchel Chapter." "There, you can enter the gate of the Underworld God Transformation faster and better." Ha! Chen Mu slightly lifted his eyes, and a sight of golden yellow clouds covering the sky instantly filled his view. Dense with incense spiritual energy? Even if the Mountain-searching Camps energy was dense, it would still need to be shared with others, but now I monopolize the entire cloud of incense spiritual energy over Qiluo Mountain! As for expert guidance? He had a thought, and the Gray Wall appeared before his eyes. Green Satchel Chapter: 1603/10000; Who could teach better than the comprehensive insights provided by the Gray Wall? "Go practice your Seven Emotions Curse, and if you dare to have any more ulterior motives, Ill report your affiliation with the Demon Path to the Lock Dragon Courtyard!" "Ah... it was a misunderstanding," Li Buxian feigned waving his hands and shaking his head. "You might not understand, but in the Mountain-searching Camp, they only look at strength, not background. With your talents, youll quickly earn military merits." "With military merits, you wont have to fear the Lock Dragon Courtyard targeting your previous identity, and you can move through Da Qian more securely," he hinted subtly with narrowed eyes. Previous identity? Lock Dragon Courtyard? Chen Mu suddenly realized. As a Qi Cultivator staying in the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple, once discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard, Li Buxian, as the temple priest, would definitely be implicated. No wonder he wanted to recommend him to the Mountain-searching Camp. The thought of aiding his cultivation might be genuine, but the intention to have me leave Qiluo Mountain and avoid being implicated by me is even truer! "Why dont you consider it a bit more carefully?" Li Buxian said, putting on a concerned expression, once again trying to persuade. Chen Mus eyes shifted briefly giving Li Buxian a faint glance: "Get lost!" Still, the Mountain-searching Camp? If I could break free from the bounds of the City God Dojo, I would have long left Da Qian, not go to some damned Mountain-searching Camp! "I intended to set my heart towards the bright moon, yet how could the bright moon illuminate the ditch..." Li Buxian wore a face of regret. "Dont worry, over time, people reveal their true hearts. One day, you will understand my intentions." He chuckled heartily, turned his back with hands clasped behind him, and strolled out of the East Straddling Courtyard. Hey! "This old Lao Deng, hes really quite an actor!" He didnt want to stay inside the City Divine Temple to cultivate either. A Qi Cultivator appearing openly in the City Divine Temple was indeed not safe. But the Living God had no power to interfere in the Human World; he had no way of drawing Incense Vital Energy into the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, so he could only come to the City Divine Temple to cultivate. "Fortunately, the Green Satchel Scripture is not difficult; theres even only one layer of experience on the gray wall." "Go all out, and it wont take long to cultivate the Green Satchel Scripture to Perfection." "Once the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is planted, Ill be completely free from the shackles of the dojo and stay far away from Da Qian." Once his mind was set, he flipped over and dove into the Lock Dragon Well. Incense Vital Energy continuously gathered at Qiluo Mountain, but in the end, all were sucked into the Lock Dragon Well. Naturally, the place with the richest Incense Vital Energy was inside the Lock Dragon Well. At the bottom of the well, one meter from the calm water surface, a long rope stretched across. This was previously used by Li Buxian when he was guarding the Huangliang liquor, and now it was taken by Chen Mu as a cultivation foothold. He shuffled and moved along the rope, performing the Green Satchel Seventy-Two Guiding Techniques. Large amounts of Incense Vital Energy, invisible to ordinary people, began to burrow into his body. The Netherworld Worm, nearly one meter long and clinging to his spine, once again began to fork and grow, spreading throughout his body in all directions. ... For the following period, Chen Mu took every opportunity to dive into the Lock Dragon Well for cultivation. Li Buxian did not bring up the Mountain-searching Camp anymore. He even proactively shared his experiences cultivating the Green Satchel Chapter, treating Chen Mu like a close friend, which truly puzzled Chen Mu for many days. More than twenty days later one evening, in the East Straddling Courtyard of the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Chen Mu sat cross-legged in the middle of the well-bottom rope, softly reciting the Quiet Cultivation Curse Words of the Green Satchel Chapter, repeating the scriptures thirty-two times. He opened his eyes with a frown. "Somethings not right." He lowered his head and sensed his whole body. During this period of cultivation, he had freely used massive amounts of Incense Vital Energy, and the Netherworld Worm inside him grew rapidly. Enjoy exclusive adventures from novelhall.Co?m To this day, the wildly growing Netherworld Worm had enveloped his entire body, like a fishing net. Only around his heart was there a bowl-sized gap, no matter how much he cultivated the Green Satchel Chapter, not a single Netherworld Worm would probe into it to fill this gap. Chen Mus mind stirred, and the gray wall appeared before him. Green Satchel Chapter: 9999/10000; "I was just a bit off yesterday, and still a bit off today, theres definitely something wrong!" He had cultivated for many years, and had never seen the Secret Technique like the Green Satchel Chapter stuck at the boundary, no matter how he practiced, it just wouldnt budge! "Is a certain condition missing? Just like the need for Netherworld Worms to cultivate the Green Satchel Chapter?" "Could it be because of the Underworld God Blood Yuan?" Chen Mu stared at the gray wall, carefully perusing his feelings. The ultimate goal of the Green Satchel Chapter is to condense the Blood Pouch; the Active Cultivation is for empowering the Netherworld Worm, and the Quiet Cultivation is for producing Underworld God Blood Yuan, combining both would allow the Blood Pouch to successfully condense. "But Ive recited the curse words of the Green Satchel Chapter countless times, and still see no trace of Underworld God Blood Yuan appearing!" "There must be a problem." ... "What else could it be, its obviously because of the Heavenly Capital Pool." Inside the main building of the City Divine Temples East Straddling Courtyard, Li Buxian held a small tea cup, looking at Chen Mu with a smile that was not quite a smile. While looking, he gleefully sipped the bitter tea in his cup as if it were the tastiest thing. "What do you mean?" "It means that the Heavenly Capital Pool is a necessary condition for cultivating the Underworld God Transformation, and without it, you cant succeed in the Green Satchel Chapter." "This Secret Technique isnt complicated; anyone who joins the army gets a copy, and it has actually spread throughout Da Qian." "But why then do so many people still enlist?" Li Buxian gave Chen Mu a meaningful look. "To induce the Underworld God Blood Yuan, must I rely on the Heavenly Capital Pool?" Chen Mu suddenly clenched his teeth. "Of course!" Li Buxian nodded, then smiled again, "I once served in the Mountain-searching Camp under the Great Generals banner, and I still have some lingering regard for that service." "How about I write you a recommendation letter, and you go to the Mountain-searching Camp for some experience?" Hearing these familiar words and looking at the others mocking smile, Chen Mus face became completely dark. No wonder he clearly wanted me to leave Qiluo Mountain, yet these days his attitude had been friendly and he hadnt brought it up. Turns out he was just waiting for me here! The key issue is this old thing knew the Green Satchel Chapter needed the Heavenly Capital Pool, yet when sharing his cultivation experiences before, he deliberately omitted this point! Old bastard! Chapter 557 - 548: Accidental Luandu County, Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. "Core members of the Lock Dragon Courtyard are cultivated from a young age, while the perimeter only recruits figures above the Underworld God Five Transformations and checks three generations back; identity verification is relatively strict." "The Mountain-searching Camp is different, they only look at ones ability without questioning their background." "With military merit, no matter what hidden dangers your past identity had, they will no longer be a problem," said Li Buxian with a smile, watching Chen Mu inside the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Having interacted for nearly a month, and combining previous encounters, he speculated about Chen Mus identity. Firstly, definitely a Qi Cultivator, and then also an inheritor of the Demon Path. Previously, he thought he was a Dead Soldier Household Retainer from Da Qian, but now that seemed unlikely. If he were a Dead Soldiers Household Retainer, he would have been vigorously cultivated and would not need to ask for the Green Satchel Chapter. Although he did not know why he was lingering in Da Qian, moving through the west as a Qi Cultivator must indeed be difficult. The other party cultivating the Underworld God Transformation was probably to fully assimilate into Da Qian. The Mountain-searching Camp could not only help him get started with the Underworld God Transformation but also solve his identity issues. From the day he brought it up, Li Buxian was convinced that Chen Mu would definitely, whether passively or actively, opt for this plan. This way, he could make him leave Qiluo Mountain and thus not worry about him being discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard and implicated. "Old guy, you sure are scheming!" Chen Mus expression remained calm, glancing at Li Buxian. If he were a regular Da Qian Qi Cultivator, he might have been accurately manipulated by this old guy. Even if he was displeased, he would have had no choice but to follow the script prepared by the other. But the farthest he could run was to the neighboring Jiangyang County; there was absolutely no way he could go to the Mountain-searching Camp to cultivate. "I wont be going to the Mountain-searching Camp," Chen Mu said with a smile that was not quite a smile, looking at Li Buxian, "After staying here for over a month, Ive realized I actually quite like Qiluo Mountain." How could you like Qiluo Mountain?! Li Buxian almost panicked immediately upon hearing this. Arent you supposed to cultivate the Underworld God Transformation? If you dont go to the Mountain-searching Camp, how will you get started with the Green Satchel Chapter? "You know about my previous identity," Chen Mu continued calmly, smilingly, "Qiluo Mountain is quiet and safe, perfect for me to stay a bit longer." "As for the Underworld God Transformation, Im just a bit curious about it; whether it succeeds or not, it doesnt really matter to me." It matters to me, though! You, a Qi Cultivator staying in my City Divine Templeif the Lock Dragon Courtyard finds out, wont I be doomed?! The color drained from Li Buxians face. ... Days later, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Below the gate tower in front of the water screen, Chen Mu lay lazily in a rocking chair, a tiny Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed appearing in the palm of his hand. "Indeed, if you cant produce a Blood Pouch, it doesnt count as starting the Underworld God Transformation." "Without a change in physique, parasitism by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed cant be realized." Glancing at the experience on the gray wall, the Green Satchel Chapter was stuck on the last bit and wouldnt budge, making him shake his head and sigh again. "Do I really have to rely on the Heavenly Capital Pool?" He stared at the gray wall, various feedback insights continuously emerged in his mind, among them only a few messages related to Underworld God Blood Yuan. "To rely solely on this little insight to independently produce Underworld God Blood Yuan would be quite difficult," Chen Mu slowly shook his head. In the cultivation process of the Green Satchel Chapter, Underworld God Blood Yuan was just a kind of necessary material, and using the Curse Words from the chapter combined with the Heavenly Capital Pool could obtain it. But if completely relying on oneself to actively produce it alone, it would be very troublesome. "Using the Green Satchel Chapter, I might also slowly figure out the Blood Yuan, but it clearly would require a massive amount of time." "The easiest method is still to directly rely on the Heavenly Capital Pool," Chen Mu squinted his eyes. ... Late into the night, Jiangyang County, Southern Forest Mountains, City Divine Temple. Xie An changed into a pitch-black night suit, tied a purple leather, gold-threaded calabash to his waist, and then began to rub his face with both hands. The muscles under his skin either protruded or collapsed, and in just a few moments, a plain and proper square face appeared. "Not bad; already about a 60 to 70 percent resemblance to Xie Huan," Xie An carefully examined himself in the mirror. Xie Huan was the personal bodyguard of Xie Familys Young Master, a person of an honest and straightforward character, reputable and well-behaved. Usually, besides protecting the Young Master, he mostly retracted to the house for cultivation, never causing trouble or creating enemies, barely interacting with others. Xie An valued this point, which is why he spent the effort to disguise himself. Having interacted for decades, he was familiar enough; modeling his appearance on his memory, he slightly adjusted his facial features, then shook his whole body, stretching his figure to become a bit taller and more robust, immediately adding more charm. Xie An nodded in satisfaction. "Wearing the face of good guy Xie Huan, surely no one will come seeking revenge or trouble!" He confidently smiled, walking out from the room. His figure flashed, and he expertly flipped out of the City Divine Temple. But as he had just leapt over the wall, while in mid-air, a dark, menacing fist suddenly appeared. Experience more tales on novelhall.Co?m Bang! His left eye went dark, and his whole body was immediately struck by a force of shock. His strength dispersed, Xie An collapsed to the ground, going limp against the wall without putting up any resistance. "Damn you, Xie Huan, how hard Ive searched for you!" A tall, thin old man appeared in front of him, his face full of indignation, "Back then, you killed my whole family for a jar of secret technique wine, and now your retribution has arrived!" As he fell to the ground, Xie An couldnt help but burst out laughing, "Xie Huan, the bastard, doesnt touch a drop of liquor!" "Cant you come up with a better excuse if youre going to trouble me?" Chen Mu: "..." This is just awkward. He had disguised himself and appeared under the guise of seeking revenge, mainly to deceive the County Temple of the City God of Jiangyang. He thought he had prepared sufficiently, not expecting such a flaw to be revealed. Was there still time to correct it? "You must be a person from the second branch of the Xie family," Xie An suddenly sneered. "You really went to great lengths to trouble the young master!" A hostage still making excuses for the kidnapper? Ha! Well imagined! "You guessed wrong!" He immediately punched Xie An, maintaining a guise of denial. Then, he hoisted the unconscious Xie An onto his shoulder and ran towards Luandu County. ... West of Luandu County, at the edge of the Southern Forest Mountains. In a dense forest, the now-conscious Xie An respectfully stood before Chen Mu. "The Heavenly Capital Pool is the foundation of the Underworld God Transformation, located mostly within the Lock Dragon Courtyard apart from the noble households and various military camps." "Its construction technique is a secret passed down within the Lock Dragon Courtyard; outsiders have no clue how to build it..." Xie An spilled all the details about the Heavenly Capital Pool to Chen Mu without holding anything back. "The nearby noble clans are mostly gathered in the prefectural city of Yiyang Commandery." "As for the Imperial Army..." "Theres a Right Martial Guard stationed near the prefectural city of Yiyang Commandery. In Baojiang County, theres a Flying Horse Camp training new soldiers, nowhere else." Trouble indeed. Chen Mu couldnt help but frown. Luandu County and the three surrounding counties including Jiangyang all belong to Yiyang Commandery on Wei Nan Road, but all are in the southwest, far from the commandery city. Baojiang County is even north of the commandery city, much further from Luandu County. To search for the Heavenly Capital Pool for support in those two places, hed first have to leave Luandu County. Should he go back and continue refining the Spiritual Treasure Chapter to extend the dojos reach further? Then, when it can affect the area around the commandery city, could he physically go to borrow power from the Heavenly Capital Pool? But Luandu County is too far from Yiyang Commandery. Just the direct distance covers three to four counties. To extend the dojos reach to the commandery city, hed need to cultivate the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to the seventh or eighth level, or even maximize it! That would take at least a year. And if, after he maximized the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, the dojos power still couldnt reach the commandery city, then it would all be for nothing. "Why havent any noble clans come to Luandu County?" Chen Mu asked discontentedly. Every year, Luandu Countys harvests are abundant, and the people live peacefully with a growing population, visibly prospering. Are those noble clans really that blind? Each of them stays in the prefectural city, none thinking of settling in Luandu County. "The surrounding county temples of the city god were just built in recent years. The population and resources are just starting to develop, and in all respects, they cant compare to those around the prefectural city." "And besides... besides that, except for the Lock Dragon Courtyard, the Imperial Court doesnt allow the noble clans to construct Heavenly Capital Pools in county towns. So..." Trouble indeed. Chen Mus expression grew unhappy. "But its not without a turning point." Xie An cautiously glanced at Chen Mu and spoke softly, "Ive recently discovered that the success rate of making Huangliang Wine has inexplicably increased by 20%, indicating that the spiritual energy from incense around Jiangyang is mysteriously rising." "From what I know, it might not be long before the Lock Dragon Courtyard sets up a branch here." "They have the duty to manage and organize the incense spiritual energy worldwide. Wherever the incense spiritual energy is dense, they appear." "With the Lock Dragon Courtyard here, theres a high probability that a Heavenly Capital Pool will follow." "If youre not in a hurry, you might want to just wait and see." He cautiously made a suggestion. Chen Mus eyes lit up: "Is the Lock Dragon Courtyard really going to establish a branch here?" "Jiangyang is remote with a sparse population; it shouldnt have so much incense spiritual energy." "But its concentration of vital energy is indeed much higher than that of typical county towns. I estimate theres a 70% chance it will attract the Lock Dragon Courtyard." Xie An spoke cautiously. Chen Mu immediately rejoiced. The unusual surge in the incense spiritual energy of Jiangyang County was because he had mastered the Fifth Rank of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture. Little did he expect it would also attract the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "I indeed cant leave Luandu County to find the Heavenly Capital Pool, but I can wait for the Heavenly Capital Pool to come to Luandu County!" "What an unexpected joy!" "Ha ha!" Chapter 558 - 549: Seven Emotions In Luandu County to the west, on the edge of Nanlin Mountain, deep within the forest. "Should I be the one to notify Lock Dragon Courtyard about the abnormal Vital Energy?" Xie An shook his head. "Im afraid thats not very feasible." "As a household retainer of the Xie Family, all my channels of information are within the Xie Family system. No matter how cautiously I act, the first to know will definitely be someone from the Xie Family." "This might actually delay the process of Lock Dragon Courtyard settling in." "Because of the millet wine?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Thats right!" Xie An nodded. "The Incense Spiritual Energy thickens, and the production of millet wine increases. Once this news gets out, the position of the temple priest at the nearby City Divine Temple will immediately become highly sought after." "For the sake of securing its own interests, the Xie Family will only conceal the news and operate quietly. I will continue to be the temple priest of Jiangyang County, and I wont let go of the positions in the neighboring counties either." "All this trouble might delay things by at least a year." "Is the millet wine that important?" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise his eyebrow. "Underworld God Transformation involves merging divine demon power into oneself; cultivators need to continuously interact and contend with the divine demons will," Xie An began to explain. "The backlash during the process is extremely dangerous; a slight mishap could lead to complete obliteration." "Whether to ensure ones own safety or to continue profound cultivation, having a strong enough Fetal Spirit God is essential." "And millet wine can supplement the Fetal Spirit God, so..." Chen Mu instantly understood. No wonder Li Buxian, a grandmaster of the Underworld God Seven Transformations, was willing to stay hidden in the remote Luandu County for several years. It seemed he too was collecting millet wine to supplement his Fetal Spirit God and cultivate the Underworld God Nine Transformations smoothly. "Hmm... this old guy seems to have some involvement with Lock Dragon Courtyard. Maybe I can get him to notify them," Chen Mu thought, his eyes shifting with a new plan. He turned back to look at the respectful Xie An. Capturing Xie An to gather information, he had thought it would take some effort, but he hadnt expected the other party to cooperate so fully. As long as he asked, the other party would spill everything. Although the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed would make the other party drawn to him, it wouldnt make them utterly obedient. "Youre being so cooperative; you dont have any ulterior motives, do you?" he said, eyeing Xie An with suspicion. Why am I being cooperative? Dont you know? You planted the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in me to make me submit, didnt you? Though Xie An inwardly sneered, his face remained a picture of respect and seriousness. "Being able to alleviate your worries is my good fortune; I dare not have any schemes!" "You dont have any requests?" "I wouldnt dare harbor any selfish or distracting thoughts!" Nonsense! Chen Mu glanced at Xie An. "Tell the truth, or..." "I just want to request from you a Curse Word to refine the Power of Seven Emotions," Xie An said with a sheepish smile, no longer holding back. Ha! I knew it wouldnt be that simple. "Alas, my abilities are limited, and theres not much I can do. I thought if I were a bit stronger, I could contribute more effectively to you," Xie An bowed again, each strand of his hair seeming to express earnestness and loyalty. Tsk! This sycophantic act is truly fitting for a trusted household retainer from a noble clan, well-practiced and experienced. But what is this about refining emotions? What is that? Chen Mus brow furrowed slightly, and soon he thought of Li Buxian. Over the past month, although he had been busy cultivating the Green Satchel Chapter. He had occasionally observed Li Buxian, who was infected by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, and noticed his transformations were unlike those of the Yin Spirits. Chen Mu then turned to Xie An. "After the Spiritual Seed entered your body, did you see any strange visions like starry skies or heavenly curtains in your consciousness?" "Not at all," Xie An replied puzzled. "I could only faintly sense emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure." "Just passively absorbing a bit has already significantly replenished my Fetal Spirit God." Indeed! The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed parasitizing a living person indeed differed from Yin Spirits; it could enable the host to sense and utilize the Power of Seven Emotions for cultivation! And that Curse Command for refining the Power of Seven Emotions was likely the latter part of the Yan Yue Scripture. He had pondered over the Yan Yue Scripture held by Li Buxian. The first part contained the Heavenly Demon Curse, primarily for beckoning the demon into the body. The latter part, however, involved an unknown Secret Technique. It now appeared to be the Curse Words for refining the Seven Emotions. Over the past month, Li Buxian continuously recited the Yan Yue Scripture, his spirit becoming more vigorous each day, his eyes nearly glowing with lighta direct manifestation of a well-nourished spiritual deity. "No wonder Li Buxian willingly worshipped the Heavenly Demon; he probably did it to replenish his spiritual deity and then to practice the Underworld God Nine Transformations," Chen Mu realized. "That Heavenly Demon Cloud Mirage accompanying him has techniques far more sophisticated than mine," he couldnt help but squint his eyes. Although possessing the Heavenly Demon Curse and capable of inserting Spiritual Seeds into people, he could only act like a skill package, delivering experience to others. Meanwhile, the other had already discovered the Power of Seven Emotions and developed a matching Cursing Method for refinement. That was indeed no simple feat! He considered for a moment and slowly shook his head, deciding not to think further. "The urgent priority is to leave the Dao Ground and Da Qian." As for studying the Power of Seven Emotions, there would be plenty of time once he completely escaped his predicament. Chen Mu handed the latter part of the Yan Yue Scripture to Xie An as a test; he himself returned directly to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. ... Early morning, East Straddling Courtyard of the City Divine Temple. Li Buxian stepped out of his room, stretching and turning his head leisurely with a content expression. Previously due to collisions of divine demon wills, he often suffered continuous nightmares, but that phenomenon had ceased recently. This was because the Heavenly Demon Path Seed had strengthened the Superior Fetal Spirit, completely suppressing the divine demons willful disturbance. "In at most two years, Ill be confident enough to attempt the Underworld God Nine Transformations." "Relying on Huangliang Wine, with my current situation, it would take at least another five or six years." "Taking the path of the Demon Path indeed was the correct choice," Li Buxian said with a smile. "If only it hadnt attracted Gongsun Sheng, the ancestor, here," he said helplessly looking toward the courtyards Lock Dragon Well, in silent frustration. Previously, while Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple was being constructed and couldnt produce Huangliang Wine, he had had the opportunity to take the Temple Priest position cheaply. But now that Huangliang Wine could be produced, those Noble Clans would certainly be tempted. Once Gongsun Shengs Qi Cultivator identity was discovered, to drive him away, those people might charge him with colluding with a Qi Cultivator. With the Heavenly Demon Path Seed and the Yan Yue Scripture, he didnt care much about the Temple Priest position. But once implicated, even if there were ways to escape the charges, it could ultimately affect his progress to the Underworld God Nine Transformations! More dangerously, since Gongsun Shengs Qi of the Heavenly Demon Path Seed was linked to his own, the current pleasant relationship could turn sour anytime, and if that man used some Curse Kill Nightmare Victory Secret Technique against him, wouldnt he be doomed? Thinking of the possible consequences, Li Buxians expression turned cold. "Should I directly inform the Lock Dragon Courtyard about Gongsun Sheng?" "Before he harms me, I should point him out!" "Not to mention killing by borrowing a sword, I might even earn a merit performance at the Lock Dragon Courtyard!" Li Buxian was greatly tempted. But no sooner had he completed his thought, he suddenly leaped up, executing a split midair. His thighs soft flesh slapped harshly onto the cold, hard ground. Li Buxian was completely dumbfounded. Discover exclusive content at Freewebnovel He had never intended to do the splits; that move was entirely uncontrollable! "Did Gongsun Sheng set up some Nightmare Victory Secret Technique within the Heavenly Demon Path beforehand? As soon as I even think of harming him, I get punished?" "But what on earth is doing splits midair?" The Heavenly Demon Path Seed is supposed to be high-end, so why set up a counteractive Secret Technique that results in doing splits? That doesnt match at all! Is Gongsun Sheng mentally ill? Chapter 559 - 550 Heavenly Capital Pool "Dont even mention how dumbfounded Li Buxian was, Chen Mu, who had just entered the East Straddling Courtyard, was also bewildered." "He hadnt expected the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to possess such capabilities." "Back in Nether Demon Heaven, he used the Yama Emperors Command to torment Military Supervisor Shen Yan of the Hai Character Camp in a similar way. It was also at that time that he awakened the Heavenly Demon Curse and his Divine Fetus moved closer to Perfection." "Could it be when the Heavenly Demon Curse awoke, the technique of splitting somehow coincidentally imprinted itself into the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed?" Chen Mu scratched his head. "Or could it be the Divine Fetus has transformed again and reached a more complete Perfection, developing some additional methods?" Chen Mu had never ceased cultivating the Safe Heart Sutra, with large quantities of Lethe Weak Water stimulating the origin of his Divine Ghost Patterns. But as to the exact moment of Perfection, he had no concept, only feeling his Divine Fetus being completed little by little each day. As his thoughts flew, he raised his eyes to see Li Buxian standing up with a darkened face, and he immediately found it amusing. Regardless of when exactly the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed underwent this change, it surely must have been because this fellow wished him ill, hence triggering the punitive measure of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed. This old guy was up to no good. He walked up to Li Buxian, staring at him with a mocking smile that wasnt quite a smile. Just staring until the other man tensed up all over, sweat beaded on his forehead, then he spoke nonchalantly, "Send a message to the Lock Dragon Courtyard and say that the incense spiritual energy of Luandu County has changed and ask them to open a branch here." Li Buxian let out a sigh of relief, his face immediately showing difficulty, "The Lock Dragon Courtyard directly reports to His Majesty the Emperor of Da Qian. Noble clans that have been entrenched in Da Qian for hundreds of years cant interfere with it, let alone a peripheral member like me who does hard labor." "I can indeed contact the Lock Dragon Courtyard, but I cant order them to establish a branch here." Li Buxian said with a bitter smile and a shake of his head. "Im not asking you to command the Lock Dragon Courtyard, Im just... wait!" "You havent noticed the change in incense spiritual energy yet?" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. "What changes could there possibly be in incense spiritual energy?" Li Buxian was completely puzzled. Does this old guy really not know about the increase in spiritual energy? Thats right! Underworld God Transformation Warriors are able to use incense spiritual energy for cultivation, but they can only sense it vaguely, not seeing it as clearly and distinctly as himself. Moreover, the changes in the incense spiritual energy of Qiluo Mountain were gradual. After completing the Fifth Rank Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, the spiritual energy concentration increased a little each day. It took over a month for the transformation to finish, and the changes were even harder to detect. Xie An had also noticed the change because he made Millet Wine daily and saw an increased success rate. Experience tales at Freewebnovel At that time, Li Buxian had already devoted himself to the Demon Path, busy chanting the Yan Yue Scriptures, with no time to make Millet Wine and thus no opportunity to discover the change in incense spiritual energy. Chen Mu suddenly realized. Now, this fellow had invited the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into his body because the output of Millet Wine was too low to support his cultivation of the Underworld God Nine Transformations. But in fact, with the daily increase in the Millet Wines success rate, even without worshiping the Heavenly Demons, it seems... it seems he could have successfully completed the Underworld God Nine Transformations? Ha! "How long has it been since youve made Millet Wine?" Chen Mu asked with a smile. What did he mean? Suddenly, Li Buxian had a bad premonition. "You dont know yet." "The spiritual energy of Qiluo Mountain has doubled, and the yield of Millet Wine has increased significantly. Your Black Leather Silver-Line Millet Gourd could now be used like a Golden Gourd." "By this calculation, once your term is over, the accumulated Millet Wine will be enough for you to cultivate the Underworld God Nine Transformations." "And yet you gave up such a bright future to convert to cultivating the Yan Yue Sutra?" Chen Mu revealed a playful smile. "You and the Demon Path are truly fated!" Li Buxian: "..." ... The Lock Dragon Courtyard responded quickly. Not long after Li Buxian sent the message, about seven or eight days later, Yuan Dong and his siblings appeared at the City Divine Temple in Qiluo Mountain, weary from their travels. "Old Lis skills are admirable!" Yuan Dong looked at Li Buxian with respect, "We have conducted preliminary investigations; indeed, Luandu County is rich in spiritual energy, sufficient to establish a branch." "Luandu County is located in the remote southwest, and no one had high hopes for this place. When you, old sir, came here to serve as a temple priest, I dont know how many people laughed behind your back." "Who would have thought that now the incense spiritual energy has changed dramatically, affecting the surrounding counties? In a few years, the accumulated incense spiritual energy may even equal half of Yiyang Prefecture City." "Yet Old Li chose Qiluo Mountain so early on. Your skills are high, and your vision far-reaching; I admire you, truly admire you!" Yuan Dong exclaimed with a face full of admiration. Admire my grandmas leg! Li Buxian kept a neutral expression on his face, but inside he was incredibly frustrated. The more he thought about it these past few days, the angrier he became. Originally, one could have used millet wine to smoothly perfect the Underworld God Nine Transformations. Impatient and rash, however, one stepped straight into the huge pit of the Demon Path. This brought Gongsun Sheng, a major trouble, into the picture. Not only was one restrained by others, but one also lived in constant fear of being implicated daily. The more Yuan Dong praised, the more he wanted to slap himself. "Luandu Countys North Pole Mountain connects the surrounding four counties; Flying Horse Camp will set up a conscription point there." "A branch of Lock Dragon Courtyard will also be constructed next to the camp." Yuan Dong smiled and clasped his hands in a salute, "Master Li has been in charge of Luandu County for several years and is familiar with the surrounding situation. If we encounter difficulties in the future, we hope to rely on your care." Then, he looked enviously at Li Buxian, "The courtyard has decided to extend your term as temple priest by five years. Unless you decide to leave on your own, no one can take your place." "They even had me bring a batch of Purple Gold Millet Gourds to ensure you suppliment your Spiritual Deity and unlock the Underworld God Nine Transformations." Li Buxian couldnt help but twitch his face. This treatment... this treatment came too damn late! ... Under the gate tower of Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu watched with hearty laughter as Yuan Dong and the others conversed on the water screen. He initially thought that the increase in incense spiritual energy in Luandu County would only attract Lock Dragon Courtyard. He never expected that even the Imperial Army would be drawn in, and even Flying Horse Camp was dispatched to establish a camp for recruitment. "What an unexpected surprise." Both of these groups would be equipped with a Heavenly Capital Pool. As long as he found a way to infiltrate one of them, he would immediately be able to perfect the Green Satchel Chapter. After struggling for a year or two, the day to break free from the dojos restraints finally seemed within reach. Looking at Li Buxians dark and gloomy face, Chen Mus smile grew even brighter. This old man was really unlucky. He relied on the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to turn Qiluo Mountain into a treasure land, but Li Buxian didnt discover it at all. Avoiding a series of benefits, he allowed a Demon Seed to enter his body and collided right into his hands. If only he had paid a little more attention, he could have noticed the abnormality with the millet wine. "Hmm... is it because of the few disruptions I initially caused that affected his estimation of the millet wines production success rate?" "Ha!" "This proves that we are truly fated!" ... In the following ten-plus days, Chen Mu earnestly hid away in Divine Statue Cave Heaven. More than ten members of Lock Dragon Courtyard arrived in Luandu County one after another, hiring manpower to build roads and clear land for courtyards outside the Pole Mountain. A team of over a hundred from Flying Horse Camp also arrived at Pole Mountain. That morning, Chen Mu was underneath a tree next to Moon Gate, enhancing his experience with the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture. A faint ripple emanated from the dojos restrictive Heavenly Net-like prohibition, as if a butterfly had stirred a spiders web. This phenomenon had never appeared before. Chen Mu immediately snapped back to his senses, and his divine thoughts instantly reached the source of the disturbance. A wooden fence, a few meters high, stood in the surroundings, neatly arranged wooden houses distributed to the north, and in the center of the clearing, a square stone platform, one person tall and seven or eight meters wide, was particularly noticeable. "Flying Horse Camp at Pole Mountain?" Chen Mu recognized the location at a glance. On the second day after Yuan Dong arrived, more than a hundred soldiers from Flying Horse Camp reached Luandu County and quickly set up camp on the flat periphery of Pole Mountain. Chen Mu had been observing the camps construction status and was familiar with the layout. Scanning around, his gaze was immediately drawn to the large cauldron on the stone platform. It was a stout white jade cauldron, more than a person tall, with three legs and two handles. It was not there yesterday, and it was unclear whether it was brought into the campsite last night or this morning. At this moment, Yuan Dong stood solemnly in front of the jade cauldron, holding a bright red embroidered ball the size of a human head, with striking gold patterns. The embroidered ball looked bright and festive, but it exuded a cold and ferocious aura all the time. Just one glance at it sent shivers down ones spine. The gold threads combined with the cold aura involuntarily brought the Soul Summoning Banner to mind for Chen Mu. Before he could ponder further, he saw Yuan Dong murmuring words as he circled the jade cauldron seven times, then threw the embroidered ball into it. A burst of cold white mist instantly emerged from the embroidered ball. Soon the mist thickened, quickly condensing into water inside the cauldron. In just a few breaths, the vast jade cauldron was filled. The surface of the water was smooth as a mirror, yet pitch black below. Although the jade cauldron was only about one person tall, it now seemed like a bottomless abyss. Streams of white mist evaporated from within the jade cauldron, then slowly dispersed, turning into invisible currents that enveloped the surrounding camp. Hidden within that white mist were traces of golden incense spiritual energy. "Heavenly Capital Pool?" "This thing is actually inside a white jade cauldron?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, having expected it to be a large pool. "It must be some kind of Bottomless Netherworld Pool with special functions, similar to Lock Dragon Well." Observing carefully for a moment, Chen Mu understood. "I need to find a way to blend into Flying Horse Camp," he squinted towards the White Jade Cauldron. As long as he utilized the Heavenly Capital Pool to attract the Underworld God Blood Essence, he would be able to condense the Blood Pouch and completely break away from Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Chapter 560 - 551: Testing Heavy snow descended from the sky, cloaking Qiluo Mountain in a blanket of silvery white, signalling the arrival of another harsh winter in Luandu County. In the East Straddling Courtyard of the City Divine Temple, Chen Mu stood under the long corridor with his hands tucked in his sleeves, happily watching the snowflakes fall. "Old Li, come on, tell me about the Lock Dragon Courtyard." He looked at Li Buxian with a familiar, beaming smile. Whos the "Old Li"? Were not that close, are we? Li Buxian rolled his eyes in annoyance. Reluctantly, he didnt want to inform the bastard before him, but he had no choice since they were on the same path of the Demon Path. In recent days, he had experimented and found that any negative thought about the other would immediately cause him to do the splits mid-air, painfully straining his inner thighs. Li Buxian sighed helplessly, fearing other powerful cursing methods. He dared not conceal information and reluctantly began to explain the methods of the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "The Lock Dragon Courtyard uses two methods to search for Qi Cultivators, one is the Lock Dragon Well, and the other is the Soul-Searching Disc." "The City God Dojo thrives in promoting the prosperity of livestock and abundant crops mainly because it can manage and distribute the Earth Spirit Vital Energy." "Qi Cultivators defy the natural order and confine a large amount of Earth Spirit Vital Energy within their bodies, which clashes with the power of the Dojo." "The City God Dojo cant manage this part of the Vital Energy, thus it gets agitated in reverse. Consequently, the Well exhibits fluctuations, roughly revealing the whereabouts of the Qi Cultivators." Chen Mu looked up at the densely invisible threads of the City God Dojo and nodded. Qi Cultivators absorb copious amounts of Earth Spirit Vital Energy to transform into Mana, functioning like oversized White Jade Coins. When present within the power of the Dojo, its like throwing a stone into water, naturally causing ripples and thus getting detected by the Dojos power. "The Soul-Searching Disc functions similarly. Its said to borrow some of the Living Gods power, which is more sensitive and covers a wider and farther search area." Borrow the power of a Living God? Is it embedded with some Yin Spirit Secret Method? If only I could get one to study... Chen Mu looked at Li Buxian. "Dont look at me. The Soul-Searching Disc is a core artifact of the Lock Dragon Courtyard. Im just an external enforcer, and I cant help you get one," Li Buxian quickly shook his head. "What a pity," Chen Mu said with a look of regret. As per Li Buxians description, both the Lock Dragon Well and the Soul-Searching Disc mainly detect fluctuations of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. The Breath Ending Divine Ability can temporarily shield ones own energy fluctuations with an invisible membrane, thus evading their detection. "Its a pity that Sun Ke had widely dispersed the Extinguishing Breath Stone. Its uncertain if the Lock Dragon Courtyard has developed a countermeasure." Pole Mountains Flying Horse Camp had already built the Heavenly Capital Pool and was preparing to recruit soldiers from the surrounding counties. He planned to blend in and cultivate the Underworld God Transformation. Reportedly, personnel from the Lock Dragon Courtyard often stationed at the barracks. If his Qi Cultivator identity was not well-hidden, it could bring considerable trouble to his mission. "Whether the Breath Ending Divine Ability is reliable or not, its best to test it firsthand," Chen Mu squinted his eyes. ... A few days later, early morning, at a small mountain on the outskirts of Pole Mountain. On the neatly flattened mountaintop, over thirty people were bustling about constructing a courtyard. Setting beams, tiling with green tiles, building courtyard walls, felling trees for doors and windows the whole mountaintop was a chaotic but organized hub of activity. After nearly a month of hustle, the construction of the Lock Dragon Courtyard sub-branch was nearly complete, requiring at most seven or eight more days for final touches. On the periphery, using a Shape-shifting Technique to alter his appearance into a taciturn young man in his twenties, Chen Mu skillfully built a wall while covertly watching a group of about ten individuals nearby. These individuals wore black uniforms with golden cloud patterns on the cuffs, all from the Lock Dragon Courtyard, including the three siblings Yuan Dong. Some were tall and robust, clearly Martial Artists who had trained in Underworld God Transformation. Others had pale complexions and seemed frail, yet their eyes shone unusually bright, almost luminescent. In his two days here, Chen Mu often loitered around these individuals, yet no one detected his Qi Cultivator identity. "Thats it!" "The quantity of Extinguishing Breath Stone dispersed by Sun Ke was limited, and it appeared only around a few counties near Luandu County. Compared to the entire Da Qian, the influence is limited." "Perhaps the Lock Dragon Courtyard lacks the resources or enough samples to develop a targeted plan." "Still, to be safe, its better to stay a few more days." Chen Mu silently shifted his gaze and resumed his honest work stacking green bricks. Currently, he was impersonating a young mud-brick worker named Zhong Han, an outsider with a reserved and reticent nature, seldom interacting with othersa role he had specifically chosen. Since knocking the real Zhong Han unconscious and throwing him into the Grotto Heaven of Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu had seamlessly taken over. Two days had passed, and not a single person had noticed. "Such a reclusive person is indeed suitable for me to disguise myself. Few people talk to him, so there are fewer chances for slips," Chen Mu thought proudly. While busy, a stout man in a gray short garment approached him: "Zhong Han, accompany Mr. Xie on a trip. There are two horned sheep and some fruits and vegetables to be carried up the mountain." "Me again?" Chen Mu showed a troubled expression. "If not you, should I go maybe?" the stout foreman replied assertively. Zhong Han was an outsider and gentle by nature, so dirty and tiring jobs were often assigned to him by the foreman. For example, helping the people from Lock Dragon Courtyard move vegetables and grain provisions, which not only disrupted his own work but also paid no extra wages. Others didnt like to do it, so it was pushed onto Zhong Han. "Alright then." Chen Mu reluctantly nodded, his expression not looking great, but his heart was quite pleased. He was actually eager to get close to the Lock Dragon Courtyard personnel and test the techniques of a Qi Cultivator on them. He immediately went under the east wall, picked up two large rattan baskets with a carrying pole, and followed a tall, thin middle-aged man in black out of the mountain. Neither of them spoke, silently walking until they reached the middle of the mountain. Chen Mu was curious whether the other party had noticed anything unusual about him, so he kept his face forwards while his eyes covertly strayed, carefully observing the middle-aged man ahead. Then, he saw a pair of obliquely angled eyes, staring intently right back at him. Chen Mu: "..." No way, does this Lock Dragon Courtyard guy have a problem? Why is he also looking at me with tilted eyes? Just as Chen Mu was thinking of how to bluff his way through, a voice like the buzzing of mosquitoes and flies rang by his ears. "Not recognize the inverted in the mysterious." What does that mean? A secret code? The Zhong Han I chose, could he actually be a spy? Faced with the increasingly fierce gaze of the other man, Chen Mu swallowed his saliva and tried, "Who knows it is good to plant lotuses in the fire?" This phrase was a line from a Daoist poem, widely known. He had seen it on the frontier, the first two lines being "Not recognize the inverted in the mysterious, who knows it is good to plant lotuses in the fire." Hearing this, the middle-aged man suddenly widened his eyes and then abruptly leaped ten meters to the side: "Youre not Zhong Han!" I knew it wouldnt work. Chen Mus mouth twitched. What the hell kind of luck is this, randomly picking a person and he actually turns out to be a spy? Besides, Zhong Han was taciturn and reclusive; if not by nature, that definitely fits the usual spy behavior. "Big guts, daring to impersonate someone from the Xie Family! I cant let you go!" The tall, thin middle-aged man gave a chilling smile, his figure fading like smoke and suddenly appearing behind Chen Mu. But Chen Mus expression remained unchanged and, with a thought, an exotice force suddenly emerged around his body. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Buzz! Like a sea fish frozen in ice, the tall, thin middle-aged man was instantly frozen mid-air, only his eyeballs able to move. Thump! A muffled sound, the tall thin middle-aged man fell to the ground violently, forming a big character as he was harshly slammed into the ground. Chen Mu turned around, squatted down, and with a beaming smile, threw an extra punch to knock the man out. Immediately, a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, flickering with luminescence, appeared at his fingertips. ... "I belong to the Lock Dragon Courtyards 29th division, named Xie Ji, a household retainer of the Xie Family of Town Sea Marquis, planted inside the Lock Dragon Courtyard years ago." "Recently, the manor received news about abnormal changes in the Spiritual Energy of Luandu County, instructing me to join the local branch of Lock Dragon Courtyard to prepare for potential future plans." "Zhong Han was appointed by the Xie Family as my contact person, responsible for helping me and the manor exchange messages." Xie Ji stood in front of Chen Mu respectfully. Chen Mu, with a strange look, eyed Xie Ji. The Xie Family? "Do you know Xie An?" "I know him, he and I were study companions of the young master and grew up receiving the Xie Familys training together." Because Xie An came to Luandu County, then brought out the reclusive spy Zhong Han, and finally barged into my hands? Tsk! Talk about fateful brothers, fateful indeed! "The Lock Dragon Courtyard searches for Qi Cultivators mainly using the Soul-Searching Disc. As far as I know, no new techniques have appeared yet," Xie Ji continued. Chen Mu, hearing this, revealed a satisfied smile. Now thats good, no need to worry about being discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard, I can confidently join Flying Horse Camp to cultivate. "By the way, whats the real code word?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "Its Not recognize the inverted in the mysterious, my fate is in my hands, not dictated by heaven." Xie Ji clasped his hands. "The first and last sentences of the poem linked together?" Chen Mu suddenly understood. Discover exclusive tales on Freewebnovel Chapter 561 - 552 Sixth Rank South of North Pole Mountain in Luandu County, Flying Horse Camp was situated against the mountain and facing the water, not far from the base of the Lock Dragon Sub-branch. In front of the camp, two large gray-white tents were pitched, with hundreds of new recruits lined up outside, waiting for identity registration and verification. Inside the left tent, Xie Ji sat behind a long table. He was holding a Soul-Searching Disc and shook it towards a man in his thirties wearing brown clothes at the center of the tent. He then lowered his head and stared intently at the palm-sized green disc. Seeing no anomalies on the Soul-Searching Disc, he turned to the camp scribe in leather armor beside him. "This man is fine, he may pass." Upon hearing this, the scribe in leather armor nodded, asked for some family background information, and then had a soldier lead the middle-aged man out of the tent. Through the lifted curtain, Xie Ji watched the long queue outside and couldnt help but frown slightly. The cold biting air made it truly uncomfortable to verify new recruits in this drafty tent. Yet, he had volunteered to come here because a bigger trouble lurked in the mountain sub-branch above. He lowered his head and fiddled with the Soul-Searching Disc, various thoughts simmering in his mind. "Whoever poses as Zhong Han, hes truly skilled to allow me to use the surrounding Seven Emotions to enhance my Superior Fetal Spirit." "But such benefits are clearly not without cost, life and death might already be in the others control." "Better not provoke him. Better not provoke him." "First, hide out in Flying Horse Camp, then I must find an opportunity to return to the capital as soon as possible." As he thought, a familiar voice reached his ears. "Name?" "Zhong Han." "Place of origin?" "Originally from Changxi County, Yiyang Commandery, came to Luandu County to visit relatives, and now living in Fengbao Square in the city for three years." Xie Ji suddenly looked up, a familiar smiling face entered his sight. Noticing his gaze, the man even winked his left eye at him. Xie Ji: "..." Damn Ghosts. Relentless! He bowed his head and stared hard at the Soul-Searching Disc for a long time but could not find any abnormal indications. Such a pity. It would have been great if this guy had an issue. Let the people of Flying Horse Camp swarm him and take him to see the officials! Although regretful, he had no choice but to pretend everything was normal and nodded towards the scribe beside him, "No problem, let him go." Chen Mu immediately grinned and clasped his hands towards them, following a soldier in red and brown armor out of the tent and into Flying Horse Camp. He had been waiting for the recruitment at Flying Horse Camp; once he finished walling the Lock Dragon Sub-branch, he immediately came under Zhong Hans identity to enroll. Zhong Han was a spy from the Xie Family, but because of this identity, his past history and travel documents were well-prepared. In Luandu County, his local relationships were also simple, making it ideal for masquerading. He even specifically infiltrated Thousand Lanterns City to catch the real Zhong Han for a detailed inquiry. This time, he had indeed easily passed the initial review of new recruits and successfully entered Flying Horse Camp. Unexpectedly, he encountered Xie Ji here. It was also fateful. ... Entering the main gate of the camp, Chen Mu immediately saw the White Jade Cauldron at the center. At that moment, wisps of white mist were steaming, the unseen Incense Spiritual Energy along with the white fog floated out, enveloping the entire camp. "Busy for so many days, finally I can approach the Heavenly Capital Pool openly," Chen Mu said with a smile. The Heavenly Capital Pool only provided Incense Spiritual Energy regularly, and to stimulate Underworld God Blood Yuan, one must worship according to specific rituals. Thats why he impersonated Zhong Han to join Flying Horse Camp. "Flying Horse Camp is a new recruits training camp that will teach the Green Satchel Chapter. Eventually, they will open the Heavenly Capital Pool, aiding new recruits to refine Blood Pouches and enter the Underworld God Transformation." "Then I can hitch a ride and completely master the Green Satchel Chapter. In doing so, I can free my Fleshly Body from the constraints of the Divine-Sealing Pact and stay away from Da Qian." Thinking this, Chen Mu could not resist turning back to look at the White Jade Cauldron again. Find more chapters on Freewebnovel "The Green Satchel Chapter is not difficult, the camp must soon open the Heavenly Capital Pool." "Great days are just ahead!" ... Half a month later. In a barracks on the east side of the Flying Horse Camp, a chubby-faced young man in his late teens approached Chen Mu: "Elder Brother Zhong, how do you pronounce this character?" Chen Mu glanced at it, his face expressionless, "This is Yan, as in Yama Emperor. Liang Dabao, I have taught you this character three times already." Little fatty Liang Dabao immediately looked embarrassed: "Sorry for the trouble, Elder Brother Zhong. Once I earn some military merit and get my pay, Ill definitely treat you to a meal and a show at the Yicui Building." "Forget about it. If you can memorize the lower part of the Green Satchel Chapter any sooner, Id treat you instead!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes in exasperation. He had thought that the recruits would swiftly master the Green Satchel Chapter, allowing him a quick ride to the Heavenly Capital Pool. But to his dismay... to his dismay, these new recruits couldnt even read! Without the ability to read, they couldnt work through the Green Satchel Chapter, nor could they memorize the curse words in its lower part, and the Flying Horse Camp wouldnt be able to open the Heavenly Capital Pool! "How miscalculating..." Out of over five hundred people, fewer than fifty could read. Due to his ability to read and write, Chen Mu was even made a squad leader. "It would be great if I could implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in these men, perhaps directly transferring the experiential knowledge of the Green Satchel Chapter." "Unlike now..." Chen Mu watched their performace of remembering the latter while forgetting the former, his face darkening. "I really want to crack open their heads and stuff the scriptures directly inside!" Glancing at the recruits stumbling over their recitations, Chen Mu sighed in resignation: "I can only teach them slowly..." Then he led a few men in some reading, setting them up in pairs to supervise and recite to each other. Chen Mu leaned back in a corner of the large communal bunk, slowly closing his eyes. With a thought, a gray wall appeared before him. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 8669/10000/Fifth Rank; During this time, whether studying the Green Satchel Chapter with Li Buxian or working as a bricklayer at the Lock Dragon Courtyard, he never slacked off in his cultivation of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture. The further the dojos power radiated, and the more it used the dojos energy to locate itself, the farther he could teleport using Netherworld Ferry ground shrinking. "It would be ideal if I could reach the edge of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, to teleport there in one go once the fleshly body is free from the dojos constraints." "That would save me from having to traverse halfway across Da Qian, significantly reducing the risk of being discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard." Surrounded by the uneven chanting, Chen Mu, as usual, quickly immersed himself in the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture. ... Days and months passed, another ten or so days. Chen Mus squad of recruits could now recite the lower part of the Green Satchel Chapter by heart, but unfortunately, the other squads progress was slow, and he could only continue waiting. That afternoon, as the recruits continued to familiarize themselves with the Green Satchel Chapter, Chen Mu sat as usual by the edge of the large communal bunk, eyes closed, grinding experience. At one moment, a humming sound filled his head, his awareness suddenly heightened, the surrounding lights and shadows darkening as if his soul had left his body, standing amidst the night sky. Then, suddenly, a bright point of light appeared on the dim ground below. The point pulsed like a heartbeat, emitting circles of light ripples that spread outward. In their path, countless tiny points of light appeared, some connected into nets by shining silver threads, while others lay scattered and isolated. Next moment, numerous silver threads shot out from the central point, like a fisherman casting his net, easily capturing three nearby little points within it. Before Chen Mu could make sense of these changes, his vision blurred, and his consciousness plummeted swiftly. Opening his eyes, he found his consciousness had returned to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, already inhabiting the Heavenly Demon Body. He quickly realized that the dojos power had expanded once again, not only covering Jiangyang, Yutang Longxi, and three other counties but also radiating southward and connecting three more counties. A thought flitted through Chen Mus mind, and the gray wall appeared before him again. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 25/10000/Sixth Rank; "Just as I thought!" "Unfortunately, the expansion of the dojos power is to the south." The three newly included counties were all south of Luandu County, two of which werent even part of Da Qian six months ago, having just been annexed from the conquered territory of Southern Shu. "The Hundred Thousand Great Mountains are to the east, and extending to its outer edges might be somewhat difficult," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed softly. At this moment, he also regained his bearings. The star points he saw during the progression, aided by the dojos power, were likely City Divine Temples. Those connected into nets represented areas already enveloped by other dojo powers. Only those scattered around the perimeter could be connected by him. And since the counties in Yiyang Commandery were largely covered by the power of the Prefectural City Divine Temple, he could only expand towards Southern Shu. "Heading south wont get me close to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." Chen Mus brow furrowed slightly. "Hmm... Perhaps I could extend further south, crossing the border of Southern Shu and explore the territory of Goose Sheep Path," he pondered. "The Goose Sheep Path is one of Yunzhous Seven Paths, and I havent heard any rumors of its demise or disbandment during the one to two years Ive been in Da Qian; it probably still stands in Goose Sheep Mountain." "As a Dao Sect comparable to Jilong Road, it surely possesses the secret technique of refining the River Chariot to establish the Daoist Foundation." "If I could infiltrate it..." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. Chapter 562 - 553 Blood Pouch The weather grew warmer day by day, and amidst the mountains and open fields, hints of green were already visible at a glance. In the Flying Horse Camp, the plump Liang Dabao entered the barracks beaming with joy, "Old Hu from next door said, as long as I teach him to recite the Green Satchel Chapter, hell take me to the Yicui Building to listen to music and have a meal." "I can recite the Green Satchel Chapter all thanks to Brother Zhong. If he said he would treat you to a meal, he definitely will. When the time comes, you come with me, and well feast on him big time," the plump boy said with grandiosity. Invite me to a meal in this way? Have me scrounge someone elses meal? "Thanks a lot," Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "Its just too bad that Old Hu is too dumb; he cant remember a single phrase even after teaching him twice," Liang Dabao curled his lips, "Not like me, with just a bit of guidance from you, I can recite the whole chapter." Yes, yes, yes, youre so clever, you ask the same word three times. Chen Mu stared at him with hollow eyes. "Its all the fault of those squad leaders. I heard that each and every one of them acts so high and mighty, they wouldnt teach unless they were bribed with money," he said. "And they only teach it twice a day; no wonder it takes so long to learn," Liang Dabao said with disdain. "Acting so arrogantly, these squad leaders arent afraid that one day someone will master the Underworld God Transformation and come back to trouble them." I want to cause them trouble right now! Chen Mu couldnt help but grit his teeth. Extortion was one thing, but to only teach someone twice a day? You took their money, and without proper teaching, wouldnt this damn well delay my practice! "No, we have to find a way to speed up the new recruits recitation of the Green Satchel Chapter," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes decisively. ... In the dead of night, except for the sound of the few patrolling troops footsteps, the entire Flying Horse Camp was dead silent. In one of the barracks, more than a dozen new recruits were lying on a large bed, sound asleep. An invisible force, like smoke or mist, enveloped the whole room. The next moment, the sounds of teeth grinding, farting, and snoring abruptly stopped, and more than a dozen new recruits sat up straight in unison as though rigged like corpses. In the corner, the figure of Chen Mu appeared. "Ive got a way!" The Heavenly Demon Bodys true form of the Divine Demon is the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon, which possessed the Bewitching Divine Power when he first crawled out of the River of Oblivion, able to briefly enchant Yin Spirits. Although somewhat shoddy, barely affecting the slightly talented Yin Spirits, it was still no problem to hypnotize ordinary people. Chen Mu walked up with a smile, and began to recite the Green Satchel Chapter, sentence by sentence. The more than a dozen new recruits were like school children in a private school, swaying their heads and reciting along. "If they didnt learn well during the daytime, then they shall continue practicing at night, drilling them to death with large amounts of repetition coupled with the Bewitching Divine hypnotism!" "So what if they cant read?" "Train them until it becomes habit, ingrained into their instincts; even if they cant read, they will be able to recite the Green Satchel Chapter fluently!" ... At dawn, at the outskirts of Pole Mountain, the Yi Third Banner of the Lock Dragon Twenty-Nine Institute. The building facing the main entrance was the Hall of Spirit Honor. Inside the hall, a simple portrait was enshrined, featuring an immortal with flowing robes and an elegant stance. Suddenly, a man with a gloomy and stern face appeared. With his hands clasped behind his back, he squinted at the portrait and watched it in silence. After a long while, the three siblings Yuan Dong burst into the hall excitedly and immediately spotted the old man, approaching him joyfully, "Master, what brings you here!" This man was the head of the Lock Dragon Twenty-Nine Institute, Yuan Xian. "Im on my way to Southern Shu to oversee the construction of the City God Dojo and happened to pass by. I thought I might as well check in on you," Yuan Xian forced a small smile, a rare sight. Yet matched with his stern face, it was rather chilling. The three siblings Yuan Dong had been taken in by Yuan Xian since childhood and were accustomed to his daunting smile. "Youve always been traveling around Da Qian, and it must have been half a year since we last saw you. Whenever we met, you were always in a hurry. This time, you must stay a few more days," said Yuan Dong cheerfully. "This time, I do indeed need to stay here for a few days," Yuan Xian nodded in agreement. Before the three siblings could ask why, Yuan Xian took the initiative to explain, "The Observing Sky Mirror in the institute has shown that in the coming days, the power of the Luandu County City Divine Temple will expand again." "Even to the degree that two counties within the territory of Southern Shu C where the City Divine Temples have just been built and lack a Living God residing over them C could be affected." "If this development continues, Luandu County might very well become Luandu Prefecture." "The City God of the county must be no ordinary figure," Yuan Xian said seriously. "Are you suggesting that someone will come to steal the City God Statue and tap into the Dojos pulse points?" Yuan Dongs expression changed, "Who would dare to be so bold?!" Yuan Xian snorted coldly, "To dig pulse points, to steal statues, to set up private dojos and hoard incense offerings, these Noble Clans would dare anything for their own benefit!" As the three siblings looked solemn, Yuan Xians expression softened slightly, "Theres no need to be afraid. This is as much a danger as an opportunity for you." "Fend off these people, and youll have accomplished a great feat. Afterwards, youre certain to receive the blessings of the Spirit Honor, accelerating your practice of the Underworld God Transformation." "Its easy for you to say, Master. We three siblings cant possibly hold off those greedy ones," complained Yuan Chun. "Why do you think Ive come to Luandu County," Yuan Xian glared at his own apprentice. "Knew Master wouldnt just stand by," Yuan Chun immediately smiled. "The Yi Second Banner of the Twenty-Nine Institute is already on their way here," Yuan Xian nodded slightly, giving his orders with a neutral tone. "Later, go recruit some new soldiers at Flying Horse Camp, and spread them out to guard near the pulse points." "The Temple Priest of Luandu County, Li Buxian, comes from a humble background and has no strong connections. Take my handbook and bring him into the Institute." "In no more than half a year, the City God Statue will be fully integrated with the local veins, and by then, the statue cannot be disturbed. Those people will realize the difficulty and retreat." "Before that time comes, you must be careful to prevent the thieves from stealing the pulse points." "We will obey your orders, Master!" The three saluted reverently. ... At Flying Horse Camp, in the barracks of the Yi Third Banner. Liang Dabao entered the room, looking aggrieved. "Old Hus words are as unreliable as his farts. He clearly said he would take me to the Yicui Building to listen to music and have a meal, but now hes going back on his word." "The bastard!" He looked at Chen Mu with a dejected face, "Brother Zhong, the meal I was going to treat you to will have to be postponed." Chen Mus face twitched. So if someone else wont treat you, you dont plan to invite me either, right? You set your mind on freeloading someone elses feast for your teachers banquet! "Its all Old Hus fault!" Liang Dabao fumed. "It was I who taught him, but he insists that he learned it in his dreams," he said, with someone in his dream guiding him through the Scriptures. Isnt that nonsense?" "Alright, its just a meal, Ill treat you," Chen Mu said cheerfully. The clumsy Bewitching Divine Power of the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon turned out to be somewhat useful. If they persist for ten to fifteen days, the new recruits would be able to recite the Green Satchel Chapter, and the Flying Horse Camp would then open the Heavenly Capital Pool. "How come I never dreamt of it," Liang Dabao said with regret, "Though they all have dark circles under their eyes as if they havent slept in ten days and a half month, it really does save trouble." "But I still think that guy was fooling me, he just didnt want to spend the money to treat me to a meal at the Yicui Building," he said, skeptical. "Dreams of someone teaching you Scriptures? Brother Zhong, tell me, which respectable teacher would pop into a dream of an old rascal in the middle of the night?" "This guy must be talking nonsense!" Not serious? And talking nonsense? Chen Mus eyes shifted as he glanced sideways at the chubby boy. So you want to dream of reciting text? Fine, Ill let you try it out tonight! ... Recently, rumors had been circulating in the Flying Horse Camp that the City God had manifested and entered peoples dreams at night to teach them Scriptures. The claims were outrageous, but the change was obvious. The recruits, who once couldnt recognize a single character, could now recite the entire Green Satchel Chapter fluently with their eyes closed. Though they all looked haggard with dark circles under their eyes, they couldnt hide the joy on their faces. After all, learning the Green Satchel Chapter meant they could cultivate the Underworld God Transformation. Only by condensing a Blood Pouch and mastering the Underworld God Transformation could they truly become members of the Flying Horse Camp. The moon in the sky became rounder, and more than ten days passed in a blink of an eye. On this deep night, the silver moon appeared like a huge round plate. All around the Flying Horse Camp, bonfires were lit, illuminating everything. Five hundred new recruits, led by their Squad Leaders, gathered around the central stone platform in the encampment. On the stone platform, including Xie Ji, four personnel from the Lock Dragon Courtyard were positioned around the White Jade Cauldron, muttering Curse Words under their breath. Chen Mu stood in the crowd, took a deep breath, and felt a slight tremble in his heart. Over the past twenty-odd days, he had stayed up all night, hypnotizing the new recruits and leading them to recite the Green Satchel Chapter. It had been a busy time indeed. "Finally, the day has come!" As Xie Ji and the others chanted the Curse Words, a green-smoke-like power flew out from the center of their brows and into the White Jade Cauldron. A large amount of Incense Spiritual Energy gushed out, suddenly dissipating in mid-air. The Jade Cauldron buzzed and trembled, a familiar power descended into the Human World. "Indeed, its the River of Oblivion," Chen Mu squinted his eyes. Upon learning that the Heavenly Capital Pool was a Bottomless Pool, he had guessed that it might be related to the River of Oblivion. "It is said that the River of Oblivion has nine layers, each with mysterious powers. The Heavenly Capital Pool is probably leveraging the power of one of those layers to help people condense a Blood Pouch and practice the Underworld God Transformation." As he pondered, the indistinct power of the River of Oblivion already shrouded the surroundings of the camp. Squad Leaders began guiding the recruits onto the stone platform, where they pricked their fingertips with silver needles, squeezing out a drop of fresh blood into the White Jade Cauldron. Chen Mu followed suit, facing Xie Jis complex gaze as he dropped his blood into the Heavenly Capital Pool. The night before, he had carefully inquired with Xie Ji, learning that worshiping the Heavenly Capital Pool involved major and minor rituals. Dropping blood into the cauldron was part of the ritual process of a minor ceremony. Its purpose was to use fresh blood as a guide to draw the power of the Heavenly Capital Pool into the body, thus condensing the Underworld God Blood Yuan. Five hundred people proceeded in an orderly fashion, swiftly completing the ritual. The moon was now high overhead, appearing as if it were hanging directly above them, and the new recruits began to recite the Curse Words from the latter part of the Green Satchel Chapter. Chen Mu also took a deep breath and began chanting the Green Satchel Chapter. After only one recitation, the environment around him suddenly changed dramatically. Thick fog emerged beneath his feet and quickly spread in all directions. In a moment of distraction, Liang Dabao, who had been standing an arms length away, abruptly vanished. Turning to look around, he found that the fog had covered everything. It was as if he had left the Flying Horse Camp and entered an expansive, fog-shrouded world. The next moment. Thud! A thunder-like heartbeat abruptly surfaced from the depths of the thick fog. In the blink of an eye, the fog within a five-meter radius suddenly dissipated, revealing a fist-sized lump of fresh, red blood floating in front of him. The blood mass slowly writhed, transforming into a liquid heart, pulsating and releasing. Thud! The thunderous heartbeat exploded. He felt the ground beneath him tremble as if the entire world were shaking in unison. Listening to the increasingly loud heartbeat, Chen Mu stared intently at the fist-sized liquid heart. He suddenly felt as though the foggy world he was in was a gigantic heart! The next instant, the blood heart swooshed and plunged into Chen Mus chest. As if someone had stabbed him in the heart with a knife, Chen Mu couldnt help but gasp for air. In the blink of an eye, the surrounding fog vanished, and the bright moon, like a Jade Plate, appeared overhead. He had returned to the edge of the ritual platform of the Flying Horse Camp. A tingling sensation came from his chest, and Chen Mu quickly pulled open his shirt to find a bright red spot the size of a soybean had appeared on the left side of his chest. Prior to this, during the practice of the Green Satchel Chapter, the Netherworld Worms stimulated growth, enveloping his body like a fishing net. The only area left untouched was a bowl-sized gap over his heart, devoid of any Netherworld Worm invasion. At this moment, the red spot sat squarely in the center of that gap. "Is this the Underworld God Blood Yuan?" Before he could examine it closely, all the Netherworld Worms on his body, as though awakened by a Spring thunder, began to rapidly squirm and climb. Like water breaking through a dam, or a flock of sheep escaping a pen, they all hurriedly burrowed into the red spot. In a few breaths, all the Netherworld Worms threads covering his body had entered the red spot. Thud! Just like the heartbeat he had heard before in the fog. A tremendous heartbeat suddenly exploded within his left chest. The sound was like the roar of a fierce beast, making his whole body involuntarily shudder. Chen Mu couldnt help but look down. "So, the Blood Pouch refers to the heart? A heart transformed and strengthened by the Netherworld Worms?" he realized in an instant. Read new chapters at Freewebnovel Just now, all the Netherworld Worms, along with that soybean-sized Underworld God Blood Yuan, had fully merged into his heart. With a thought, the Gray Wall emerged before his eyes. Green Satchel Chapter: Limit; "After such a long struggle, in the end, Ive succeeded..." Chen Mu couldnt help but reveal a smile. Chapter 563 - 554 ``` Deep into the night, the moon loomed half in the sky, large and disc-shaped. Nearly half of the new recruits in the Flying Horse Camp had successfully infused Underworld God Blood Yuan into their bodies, accomplishing the Green Satchel Chapter. Their strength visibly improved, and the camp was filled with joyous uproar. In a certain barracks of the Yi Third Banner, the power of Bewitching Divine swirled like smoke and fog. The conversing recruits suddenly rolled their eyes and collapsed to the ground, quickly falling into a deep sleep. "Sorry about this, I need to conduct an experiment, so I can only wish you all sweet dreams," Chen Mu said as he glanced at everyone, taking a deep breath. Continue reading stories on Freewebnovel The next instant, a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, flickering with fluorescent light, hovered before his eyes. "According to the instructors at Flying Horse Camp, infusing Underworld God Blood Yuan into the body is just the beginning. To fully complete the transformation, it takes at least a month." "But even with the initial creation of the blood pouch, the body has already undergone changes; one has essentially stepped into Underworld God Transformation." "That Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed..." He narrowed his eyes slightly, then reached out to grab the Spiritual Seed, and slowly recited the Heavenly Demon Curse. The next moment, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, which had always seemed incompatible with him, whooshed into his palm and vanished. Chen Mu felt a jolt throughout his body, his head cleared, and he felt a sudden coolness as if he had walked from the blistering summer sun into an ice cellar, giving him a sharp shiver. He immediately felt a shock in his heart and instinctively scanned his whole body. But the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, like a drop of water merging into the sea, blended into his body in an instant, disappearing without a trace. The process went so smoothly that Chen Mu was taken aback. "Is it... done?" "At last... its done!" Chen Mu couldnt help but swing his fist hard, unable to contain his excitement. The Heavenly Demon Body could replace the Fleshly Body to preside over the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, allowing the Fleshly Body to stay away from the City God Dojo, but the precondition is that the Fleshly Body must be energetically connected to the Heavenly Demon Body. The length of the connection between the two determines how far the Fleshly Body can move away from the dojo. Its like a kite that can fly as far as the string allows. Now that the Fleshly Body had been infused with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, it was as if the Fleshly Body had been given a kite string that could extend indefinitely. Soaring high as birds may, the Fleshly Body had effectively broken free of the constraints of the City God Dojo! With a thought, a pitch-black vortex emerged behind him, and Chen Mu twisted and turned, becoming a streak of light that vanished into it in a blink of an eye. ... On the northern edge of a dense forest in Yutang County, the silver moon hung like a disc in the sky. It seemed as though there was a dividing line at the edge of the forest, pitch-black inside, yet brilliantly illuminated by the pristine moonlight outside. At a certain moment, accompanied by the rotation of a black vortex, Chen Mus figure appeared within the forest. Standing at the edge of the trees, he looked forward with anticipation at the boundary line between light and dark: "To succeed or not, todays the day." This dense forest was at the utmost northern edge of Yutang County, also the farthest reach of the power radiated by the Qiluo Mountain City God Dojo. Previously, he was unable to cross this boundary line. Chen Mu firmed his Spirit, then stepped out of the forests edge. Crack! Under the silver moonlight, a dead branch snapped beneath his black deerskin boot. "Ha!" Chen Mu stood in the shadow of the forest, looking at his right foot bathed in moonlight, unable to suppress a joyful smile spreading across his face. Having returned to the mortal world of Da Qian from the Netherworld and unexpectedly becoming a Living God, he was trapped on Qiluo Mountain for two years. After countless attempts and trials, he had finally circumvented the constraints of the Divine-Sealing Pact and could now leave Da Qian completely behind him. Yin Wind Escape! A gray whirlwind suddenly formed around Chen Mu. Bang! With an explosive sound, Chen Mu shot into the air, vanishing into the clouds in the blink of an eye. From afar, he appeared like a silhouette standing amidst the silver moon. Then he turned midair, tracing a large arc in the sky, fleeing north from Yutang County and vanishing into the horizon in an instant. ... Late at night, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. The night sky was clear, deep and unfathomable, with countless stars twinkling, offering a sight that was refreshing to the soul. In front of the main hall of City Divine, Chen Mu sat at a square table on a bare stone platform. He stretched out his chopsticks and fished out a clump of Horned Sheep meat slices from the bubbling hot Primordial Alchemy Furnace, dipped them generously in seasoning, and satisfied, stuffed them into his mouth. Just before, he had flown over every county outside the radius of the dojos power centered on Luandu County, confirming that he was indeed free from the confines of the dojo. Not until the moonlight drifted westward did he return to Divine Statue Cave Heaven, still not wanting the night to end. Chen Mu, having no desire to sleep, decided to prepare a feast with a variety of delicious dishes to celebrate the occasion. "Its a pity the girls of Yicui Building are asleep; if only there could be a joyful tune to accompany the meal, that would truly be perfection," he mused while eating, experiencing the changes within his body. With the experiment to break free from the dojo constraints now behind him, he took the quiet moment to inspect the Perfection Level Green Satchel Chapter. With insights flowing from the Gray Wall, clarity gradually dawned on Chen Mu. "The so-called blood pouch is created by using Underworld God Blood Yuan as a guide, with Netherworld Worms as a means to transform the heart." "Then, using the blood to influence the entire body, an overall transformation is induced." "Quite miraculous, but sadly, its not very useful to me," Chen Mu said, shaking his head slightly. ``` He had cultivated for more than ten years, and his body had undergone countless transformations, its nature was long ago unlike that of ordinary people. Even if an ordinary person were to take a knife and chop at him, the knife would become notched, the person would be exhausted and collapse, yet not a single injury would appear on his body. "With the strength of my body now, Im afraid Id need to cultivate to the same realm of Underworld God Seven Transformations like Li Buxian to see a noticeable change." "Its the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed thats a bit interesting," Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. With a slight concentration of his spirit, he felt as if he had gained an extra pair of eyes, a blurry image appeared before him. The whole world around him seemed to be ethereal, only wisps of white fog emanating a pearly glow floated beside him. Chen Mu reached out tentatively, and a surge of joy and excitement immediately struck his heart. "Is this the Power of Seven Emotions that Li Buxian and Xie An spoke of?" He immediately understood. Subconsciously, he reached out to grasp at the fog, but it was like catching hold of an illusion. The white mist easily passed through his palm, aimlessly drifting around him as if he and the mist existed in two separate dimensions, completely unable to interact. Yet, Chen Mu keenly noticed that although it seemed like a futile effort to sieve water with a bamboo basket, a trace of the Seven Emotions mist had actually stayed in his palm. A sensation as refreshing as eating mint emanated from his palm and spread throughout his body, and his heart which had been restless from being transformed by the Netherworld Worm, instantly calmed down. Chen Mus brows raised as he proceeded to reach for the Seven Emotions White Mist several times. However, he didnt catch anything, as if everything before had been an illusion. "To refine more, Im afraid Ill need a special Curse Command," Chen Mu thought of the second half of the Yan Yue Scripture. Ever since the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed entered his body, Li Buxian had been silently reciting, most likely using the Curse Words from the second half of the scripture to draw upon the Power of Seven Emotions for cultivation. "Ill have to study the second half of the Yan Yue Scripture when I have time," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. Immediately, he blinked, shutting off the alternative perception that came with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, "Its time to consider where to obtain the successive Scripture Scrolls for Qi Cultivators." Yin Spirit Secret Method, Underworld God Transformation, Demon Path, the Secret Techniques he had learned were numerous. These abilities were either magical or powerful, but when it came to the essence, it still had to be the secret lineage of the Qi Cultivators. "Should the next step be to go to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains? Or to the Goose Sheep Path?" "Why not, check out both places?" He had tried it at the branch of the Lock Dragon Courtyard before and also specifically asked Xie Ji to make sure that the Lock Dragon Institute of Daqian could not see through the Breath Ending Divine Ability. With the Breath Ending Divine Ability concealing his aura, he was not afraid of being probed by the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute. With a crunch, Chen Mu decisively bit off a piece of crisp horned melon, "Then first to the Goose Sheep Path, followed by the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." "Hmm, set off at dawn, leave Daqian." ... Early morning. Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. Chen Mus figure appeared in the East Straddling Courtyard, slowly walking out through the Moon Gate, turning within the courtyard that felt both familiar and strange. He had been the City God here for two years, and this was the first time he carefully observed the courtyard of the City Divine Temple from the outside world. Previously, he only observed from atop the Cave Heaven Water Curtain. Even if studying the Green Satchel Chapter from Li Buxian, he had never left the East Straddling Courtyard, spending most of his time cultivating in the Lock Dragon Well. After one round, he quickly arrived at the City Divine Main Hall, and as soon as he entered the door, he saw Li Buxian sitting cross-legged on a meditation mat. At this moment, the person was sitting with his back to the City God Statue, eyes closed, reciting Curse Words in a low voice. Chen Mu pricked up his ears curiously listening. After only two lines, he couldnt help but feel his face twitch, "You, a Temple Priest of the City Divine Temple, dare to recite the Curse Words of other Divine Demons openly in the City Gods Main Hall? Are you that bold?" As the Temple Priest, Li Buxian definitely knew of the City Gods genuine existence. Previously, even if worshipping the Heavenly Demon, he at least did it within the East Straddling Courtyard. Now, he directly ran into the Main Hall and recited Heavenly Demon Curse Words. This, damn it, was simply a provocation! "Arent you afraid the City God would smite you with divine punishment?" Chen Mu was shocked by Li Buxians bold move. And luckily, right now the City God and the Heavenly Demon were both himself; otherwise, those two Lords would have jumped out and killed Li Buxian long ago! "Divine punishment? Why would it punish me? What right does it have to punish me?!" Li Buxian opened his eyes, his face full of resentment as he glared at Chen Mu. Chen Mu was taken aback. Was he that defiant? "I guard the City God Statue day and night, securing the safety of Lord City God. Not only should he not punish me, but he should also thank me!" Li Buxian scowled. He didnt want to either, but the Institute Head of the twenty-ninth branch of the Lock Dragon Courtyard had personally arrived, instructing him to always protect the safety of the God Statue. What else could he do? Lord City God did indeed benefit Luandu County with his powerful divine might. But he had accidentally followed the Demon Path, and not only did he gain no advantage, but he was also in danger of protecting Lord City Gods safety. Truly damned! "What do you mean?" Chen Mu couldnt help but be stunned. "The incense spiritual energy in Luandu County is prosperous, someone has taken a liking to the Qiluo Mountain City God and wants to take it home for sole possession of this fortune," Li Buxian sighed helplessly. "The Institute Head of Twenty-Nine of the Lock Dragon Institute came in person just to protect the safety of the City God Statue." "But there are fears that some people are crazed, if they cant have the statue, theyll want to destroy it." "And once the statue is damaged, the City God will also suffer." "Im guarding the statue day and night without rest. Tell me, shouldnt he be grateful to me?" Li Buxian said displeased. Chen Mu nodded subconsciously, then immediately couldnt help but stand there dumbfounded. Someone was trying to seize the City God Statue? And the statue and the City God were one, the statues destruction meant the City God would suffer as well? But I am the City God now! Meaning, if the statue gets destroyed, am I going to go down with it?! Fuck! Chapter 564 - 555 Lock Dragon Knight North of Flying Horse Camp, inside a small wooden house elevated two meters. "Has anyone tried to snatch the God Statue?" "Yes, Lock Dragon Courtyard has already learned about this," Xie Ji nodded affirmatively as he looked at Chen Mu. "The City God of Qiluo Mountain is especially tyrannical, hence why Luandu County enjoys favorable weather, abundant harvests, and thriving Incense Spiritual Energy." "This is precisely why the City God of Luandu County is particularly attractive to some secret forces and Noble Clans." "Unable to obtain more Incense Spiritual Energy from the distribution of Lock Dragon Courtyard, they naturally came up with the idea to seize the City God Statue, set up their own Dojo, and then plunder Incense Spiritual Energy." So, is this crisis because of me after all? Having enhanced the dojos strength with the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, Lock Dragon Courtyard and Flying Horse Camp were drawn in, which then hastened my own cultivation of the Green Satchel Chapter. I managed to leave the dojo, but have I also brought trouble upon myself? Chen Mu couldnt help but bare his teeth. Fortune and disaster are two sides of the same coin! "If the City God Statue is damaged, will the Living God really suffer too?" Chen Mu asked aloud. "Almost certainly," Xie Ji nodded, "according to the records of Lock Dragon Courtyard, the Living God is bound within the God Statue. If the statue is damaged during the snatching process, Im afraid the City God inside will also meet with disaster." Chen Mu couldnt help but feel a toothache. The God Statue contains a Grotto Heaven; if its destroyed, the Grotto Heaven would surely collapse. Thus, its only logical for the Living God, bound by the Divine-Sealing Pact within the Grotto Heaven, to be affected. He suddenly thought of Qingyang City in the Netherworld. Previously, they had aggressively recruited Living Gods, even forcibly assigning quotas to various Guard Cities. It was said to be because the Vital Energy in Kangzhou was rejuvenating, and Qi Cultivators were destroying City Divine Temples, resulting in numerous casualties among the Living Gods. "I originally thought it was just a rumor, but now it seems that its probably true." Although its a Heavenly Demon Body that is now stationed in the Grotto Heaven, that Heavenly Demon Body is, after all, an extension of myself. If it is damaged, my main body will definitely also take a hit! "Does Lock Dragon Courtyard not have any measures to deal with this?" "What do you think the sub-courtyards of Lock Dragon Courtyard were established for?" Xie Ji responded with a smile. Chen Mu suddenly realized. "The risk really only exists for the first few months," Xie Ji confidently stated. "The Living God is formidable, and the City God Dojos power will double. On one hand, this will increase the amount of Incense Spiritual Energy, and on the other hand, it will allow the Dojos Pulse Points to merge into the earths pulse nodes." "Once the transformation is complete, the City God Dojo will be connected to the lands meridians, and the City God Statue will be bound together with several counties." "By that time, anyone who wants to move the God Statue will first need the strength to lift the earth of several counties." Is that so? Chen Mu looked skeptical. He had cultivated the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to the Fifth Level and indeed noticed that the Incense Spiritual Energy on Qiluo Mountain was multiplying. But connected to the earths meridians... "It takes time for Pulse Points to merge into the earths pulse nodes," Xie Ji explained, "Under normal circumstances, this change will occur slowly, taking years to vary." "But the City God of Qiluo Mountain is too powerful; the transmutation of the dojo cant keep up with the speed of his abilitys growth." "This is also why this particular City God stands out, inviting covetousness from others." The Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture upgraded too quickly, and the dojo didnt transform in time? What kind of weak construction is this? A shoddy designer! Chen Mu fumed. Had the dojo transformed in time, with the God Statue bound to the lands meridians, indestructible, would he need to be as anxious as he is now? "Lock Dragon Courtyard cant just sit by and watch, can they?" "Of course not," Xie Ji shook his head. "The Lock Dragon Knights of the Binor Flag from Lock Dragon Twenty-Nine Institute will arrive in Luandu County Town shortly. They possess the Ghost Channeling Secret Method, capable of intervening in the dojo and accelerating the integration of Pulse Points with the lands meridians." "Most importantly, Lord Yuan Xian, the Institute Head of the Twenty-Nine Institute, has personally come to the Lock Dragon Courtyards sub-courtyard. With his guidance, no one will be able to succeed." Xie Ji looked at Chen Mu meaningfully. "Is this Yuan Xian really that formidable?" "Lord Yuan achieved the Underworld God Eleven Transformations nine years ago; in Da Qian, such individuals are even fewer than one in a hundred." "So, you really must not act rashly," Xie Ji stared at Chen Mu with all seriousness. What does that mean? Chen Mu couldnt help but be stunned. "What I mean is, with Lord Yuan of Lock Dragon Courtyard leading the defense, that God Statue isnt easy to steal!" "The best thing for you to do would be to avoid taking action; otherwise, the consequences may be hard to bear," Xie Ji earnestly advised. Me? The lofty City God, would I stoop to stealing my own God Statue? Have I nothing better to do? "I did not intend to steal the God Statue," Chen Mu glared at Xie Ji as he explained. You didnt plan to steal the God Statue, yet you pester me early in the morning with questions? Trying to fool a ghost?! "Of course, of course, youve never thought about stealing the God Statue," Xie Ji nodded repeatedly, then continued to earnestly advise, "Lord Yuan is quite suspicious; if you run into him, theres a good chance he might just knock you down with one punch and haul you away." "So, for the time being, its best to stay hidden within Flying Horse Camp." How come you still dont believe me! Chen Mu was both angry and amused. "Do you see me as a thief?" "I am a good person!" "Yes, yes, yes, youre a good person," Xie Ji said, nodding with vacant eyes. Good people sow the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in others? Ha! Chen Mu: "..." ... Three days later, a group of more than twenty black-robed figures entered the Flying Horse Camp, accompanied by members of the Lock Dragon Institutes subordinate institutes. These figures were shrouded in black cloaks with gold embroidery, their heads covered by large hooded caps that hid most of their faces. Chen Mu, amidst the crowd, glanced subconsciously but discovered a blurred vision beneath the hood; light seemed to be vaguely distorted by some force, like a piece of frosted glass, preventing a clear view. Focusing a bit more distinctly, the distorted light abruptly turned into surges of vibrant golden currents. "Vitality of incense so dense its almost liquefied distorting the light and shadow?" Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. "Are these Lock Dragon Knights really that extraordinary?" He had considered leaving the Flying Horse Camp to return to the Divine Statue Grotto Heaven, but given that someone was eyeing the City God Statue with covetous intent, and if the statue was damaged, leading to the collapse of the Grotto Heaven within, his True Form inside would likely be doomed along with the Heavenly Demon Body. After learning from Xie Ji about the existence of the Lock Dragon Knights and that they would come to the Flying Horse Camp to draw new recruits for patrol, Chen Mu decided to stay in the camp. "If I could master the secret techniques of the Lock Dragon Knights and intervene in the transformation of the dojo with my identity as a Living God, perhaps I could greatly accelerate the process of merging the dojo with the earths veins!" He eyed the black-robed figures selecting new recruits in the distance and narrowed his eyes. ... To the east of Luandu County, not far from the Jade Belt River, Chen Mu and others followed a black-robed Lock Dragon Knight to the base of a small wilderness mountain. The new recruits set up camp on the hillside, while the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight ran to the mountain top, found a rock to sit cross-legged on, and then remained motionless. Chen Mu simultaneously directed Liang Dabao and others to clear the brush and set up tents, while surreptitiously surveying the mountain-top Lock Dragon Knight. Previously, the figure was completely obscured by a black cloak, and nothing much could be discerned. Now, as the figure sat cross-legged, the rich, indissoluble Vital Energy of incense occasionally revealed itself from the opened cuffs and hemline. "Is this guy actually soaked in the Vital Energy of incense?" "Lock Dragon Knights focus on cultivating Superior Fetal Spirits, which consume a great deal, naturally requiring them to be constantly bathed in the Vital Energy of incense," Xie Ji, who had come along, approached Chen Mu. He eyed Chen Mu warily, "Lock Dragon Knights are treasured throughout all of Da Qian, each marked by Jade Spirit Venerable." "If you dare inflict harm, youll be marked by the Venerable and may provoke a pursuit and arrest by all of Da Qian." "Dont act recklessly!" He wasnt overly kind-hearted; mainly Chen Mu was using the identity of Zhong Han, who belonged to the Xie Family. Should Chen Mu harm a Lock Dragon Knight and implicate the Xie Family, Xie Ji would be doomed as well. "I truly had no intentions of stealing the City God Statue, why wont you believe me!" Chen Mu rolled his eyes in annoyance. These people came to assist in the transformation of the dojo, indirectly ensuring my safety. I should be protecting them, not causing harm! Well... at most, Id just take them back and inquire about the exclusive secret Scroll of Techniques of the Lock Dragon Knights! "Dont worry, Im a good person; I absolutely wont harm them," Chen Mu pledged solemnly. Xie Ji looked at Chen Mu with suspicion, but before he could speak, a low murmur of Curse Words reached their ears. Chen Mu instantly turned to look and saw threads of cold power emanating from the black-robed figure. Like numerous delicate strands, they aimlessly drifted around for a moment, then suddenly stretched out and plunged into the underground of the wilderness mountain, disappearing from view. Chen Mus mind stirred, and his Bewitching Divine Power activated, subtly affecting the new recruits senses, lowering his own presence. He stepped to one side, using Xie Jis figure to block others line of sight. His consciousness turned into a projection of Divine Thoughts, following the power of the Lock Dragon Knight, burrowing into a crevice within the depths of the wilderness mountain. Inside the pitch-black crevice, a soft white light slowly glowed, bringing a giant ice sphere covered in silver patterns into Chen Mus view. "Lock Dragon Knights can accurately locate the Pulse Points of the City God Tao; truly exceptional," Chen Mu marveled. As he watched the vague figure that flickered within the ice sphere, he felt a complex and indescribable emotion. "These Qi Cultivators originally might have been buried in these Pulse Points by these black-robed Lock Dragon Knights." In an instant, the cold power spread by the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight had already merged into the Pulse Point. The entire ice sphere continuously blinked with light, buzzing non-stop. Then, right under Chen Mus gaze, it began to rise slowly toward the ground. "This isnt right, is it?" "Considering Pulse Nodes are deep underground, if the goal is to merge the Pulse Point into the node, shouldnt it sink deeper instead? Why..." Chen Mus mind shifted, and in a split second, he traversed the entirety of Luandu County through the dojo. Then he realized that over twenty Lock Dragon Knights, without exception, were all raising the Pulse Points toward the ground! If these people dug out the Pulse Points above ground, the power of the dojo would dissipate by half instantly, and the City God Statue would be placed in immediate danger! "If one Pulse Point is raised, perhaps its adjusting its position, but all Pulse Points being raised..." "Theyre trying to screw me over!" On the slopes of the wilderness mountain, Chen Mu abruptly opened his eyes, his face cold and stern. With a thought, his Bewitching Divine Power activated, and over fifty busy recruits, as if under a Binding Spell, froze in place instantly. Behind Chen Mu, a black light flickered, and his figure teleported to the summit of the wilderness mountain in the blink of an eye. His entire right arm muscles bulged, and a black-red god statue, like a watermelon-sized sledgehammer, materialized behind his right fist, brimming with immense power. Without hesitation, he delivered a punch directly to the forehead of the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight. Clang! The force surged through the body, and the Lock Dragon Knights consciousness scattered instantly; he fell to the ground without any resistance. Xie Ji, dumbfounded on the hillside, watched this sudden change. Didnt you say you wouldnt make a move? In just a few breaths, how come youve gone back on your word?! He flashed to the mountain peak, his face filled with grief and indignation, "You... You said you were a good person, didnt you?" But Chen Mu was even more aggrieved, "Just because Im a good person, am I supposed to let people point guns at me?" "Am I supposed to be submissive? To let people freely squash or roll me, harming my life?!" "Whoever the hell wants to harm me, Ill take them down first!" Chapter 565 - 556 Yuan Xian "These Lock Dragon Knights are the treasures of Da Qian, truly untouchable." On the Nameless Barren Mountain, Xie Jis face was full of anxiety. "Bullshit Lock Dragon Knights!" Chen Mu cursed, "Would real Lock Dragon Knights raise pulse points toward the ground? These are nothing but a gang of thieves wanting to steal the City God Statue!" "What if this is their special scheme?" "Youre not a Lock Dragon Knight, how would you know if what theyre doing is right or not?" Xie Ji stubbornly retorted, neck stiffened. "I really dont know." Chen Mu snorted, "But capturing them all and interrogating them will make things clear." Xie Ji was stunned at that moment. Beating up one Lock Dragon Knight was already big trouble, and now you want to capture all of them for interrogation? Its over! "Maybe... we should think this over?" "Shut up!" Chen Mu glared at Xie Ji. With a wave of his hand, he threw both Xie Ji and the man in the black robe into Thousand Lanterns City and activated Netherworld Ferry, heading straight for the nearest Lock Dragon Knight station. ... At dusk, in the City Divine Main Hall of the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple in Luandu County, Li Buxian was meditating on scriptures with his eyes closed. Suddenly, a peculiar sensation arose in his heart, and Li Buxian opened his eyes sharply, to find that without knowing when, a stern-faced old man had quietly stood not far beside him. At that moment, the other party was looking up, staring emotionlessly at the City God Statue. Institute Head Yuan Xian of the Twenty-ninth Institute?! How could he appear in Qiluo Mountain so silently? Li Buxian was shocked, immediately standing up with a clasped fist: "Institute Head, your visit honors us! Forgive me for not greeting you from afar!" But Yuan Xian didnt speak, his gaze absorbed by the God Statue. Li Buxian cautiously glanced at him, and through the special perception granted by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, a dense silver mist was winding around the man. His heart skipped a beat. The Power of Seven Emotions was so intense; this Institute Head wasnt as calm and indifferent as he appeared! Li Buxian kept a calm face, but in his heart, he silently recited the latter part of the Yan Yue. A weak attractive force was generated, and a wisp of mist quietly drifted towards his right hand. With a slight touch of his index finger, he immediately sensed a thick obsession of greed! Following the mans line of sight towards the solemn and dignified City God Statue, his heart leapt. This Institute Head, on the surface, said he was here to protect the City God Dojo, but in reality, he wanted to steal the statue for himself?! Sweat suddenly covered Li Buxians forehead. "Youre quite clever, Li Buxian." Yuan Xian shifted his gaze slightly, giving Li Buxian a cryptic smile. "I actually wish I could be more foolish." Li Buxian shook his head with a bitter smile. First, he stepped into a big pit on the Demon Path, and now an ulterior-motived Yuan Xian appeared. Seeing his life about to be finished, wasnt this just too unlucky? Its not even my damn birth year! His mind racing, he braved himself to speak in an attempt to divert: "With your status, you shouldnt lack for Incense Spiritual Energy." "May I know the real reason you want to seize the God Statue?" "What? You want to help me solve my problem? As a condition for your release?" Yuan Xians mouth curved up, revealing an eerie smirk. "Wait until youve cultivated the Underworld God Eleven Transformations, then youll know. Unfortunately, you wont have the chance anymore." Li Buxian felt a chill in his heart, suddenly retreating five meters away while shouting, "Isnt it because the Superior Fetal Spirit cant suppress the rebellious Divine Demon will? I have a way!" "Just you?" A chilling voice suddenly appeared behind Li Buxian. ... Bang! A huge figure was sent flying out of the City Divine Main Hall, hitting a person-tall Bronze Incense Burner, which instantly twisted like mud. Transformed into a five-to-six-meter tall mini-giant, Li Buxian, now like a deflated ball, rapidly shrank with his two noodle-like arms dangling in front. Li Buxian lifted his head, looking bitterly at the unscathed Yuan Xian: "Institute Head, can you let me surrender?" "Bending and stretching, its no wonder that a person with no background like you could smoothly cultivate the Underworld God Seven Transformations," Yuan Xian said indifferently: "Pity that only the dead can truly hold secrets, thats really safe!" "You embezzled for your own use, arent you afraid of being discovered by the Lock Dragon Courtyard?!" Li Buxian felt hope slipping away, his expression turning ugly. "The Lock Dragon Courtyard?" "It wasnt me who killed the Temple Priest and destroyed the God Statue, why should I be afraid of the Lock Dragon Courtyard?" Yuan Xians mouth twisted into a wild grin, his cold old face revealing a crazed smile. A thick white fog surged at his feet, instantly enveloping the entire City Divine Temple courtyard. "Strange Demon?! You dare to lead Strange Demon into Da Qian, have you gone mad!" Li Buxians face changed drastically. Then, noticing something else, his expression shifted again: "No, this isnt an external Strange Demon; its you! You just failed to cultivate the Underworld God Twelve Transformations and were possessed by the Divine Demon will, turning into a Strange Demon!" "You know too much!" Yuan Xians mouth suddenly split to his ears, an inner and outer layer of sharp teeth revealed. His voice was coarse and raspy, like countless people shouting together. "Institute Head, I really have the Secret Technique to suppress the Divine Demon backlash!" Li Buxian shouted desperately. "I dont believe you!" Accompanied by a beastly roar, a large, scarlet-red energy sphere suddenly appeared in front of Li Buxian. Inside the sphere, countless blood-red faces struggled violently, their mouths open in silent screams. Li Buxian caught only a glimpse, his spirit nearly shattered by the impact. This is the end! The next moment. Roar! A deep dragons cry echoed around him. Li Buxians head cleared, and looking up, he saw a dragon head forged of black iron materializing in mid-air. The dragon head snapped at the scarlet-red sphere, biting off half of it. The faces within the sphere, tails trailing, scattered in all directions, but the dragon head opened its mouth and inhaled, sucking them all inside. Chapter 566 - 556 Yuan Xian_2 A flash of black light appeared before his eyes, and a figure clad in grey materialized. Gongsun Sheng? Im saved! His strength drained from him, and Li Buxian collapsed into the scattered incense ash on the ground. ... As the last ray of light vanished on the horizon, in the pitch darkness, Chen Mu glanced at Li Buxian, collapsed on the ground, and expressionlessly turned to face Yuan Xian. Now, the others face bore only a large mouth full of sharp teeth. His nostrils, eyes, and other features had fused into a smooth expanse of flesh. Yet, it seemed as if he still possessed a line of sight, his face turned toward Chen Mu, staring intently at him. "So, its you who wants to snatch the God Statue," Chen Mu said coldly. He had been busy all day, capturing all the Lock Dragon Knights and bringing them to Thousand Lanterns City, planting the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds, and interrogating each one. He had thought they were thieves in disguise, but it turned out these black-robed Lock Dragon Knights were indeed from the Lock Dragon Courtyard. They raised the Pulse Points toward the ground surface strictly under the commands of Yuan Xian, the twenty-ninth Institute Head. They claimed they needed to move the God Statue to Southern Shu to suppress with a powerful City God the territory they had just seized. Nonsense! If that were true, why would they act so covertly now? The moment Chen Mu reached this conclusion, he returned to Qiluo Mountain and then saw Yuan Xian attempting to kill Li Buxian. He looked gravely at Yuan Xian, who resembled a demonic creature, "Is this what becomes of the Underworld God Transformation at the end?" "Who would end up like this through normal cultivation? He had a mishap during his practice, suffered a Divine Demon backlash, partly turned into a Strange Demon, and thats why he looks like a ghost now," Li Buxian retorted from the ground, his face full of schadenfreude. Strange Demon? Chen Mu was taken aback. He truly hadnt expected that Strange Demons were the result of possessed Underworld God Transformation Warriors going awry! Chen Mu looked up at Yuan Xian only to discover that his figure had become half-transparent in this short time. He faced Chen Mu, mouthed a silent laugh, and then suddenly disappeared from their sight. The next moment. Buzz! The air above Qiluo Mountain trembled violently, and a thick fog suddenly enveloped the forest. Hee hee hee... A series of sharp, piercing laughter suddenly erupted, instantly spreading across Qiluo Mountain. Li Buxians face changed, and ignoring his numerous broken bones, he scrambled to his feet, "We must go, if we spill the beans to the Lock Dragon Courtyard about this guys possession by a Strange Demon, hes done for!" Leave? I damn well want to leave. But what if I do and the City God Statue gets destroyed? Chen Mu couldnt help but clench his teeth. Just as he was about to inquire more about Yuan Xian, an invisible Exotic Force abruptly struck him. Yang Judge Bone Shield and Body Protection Aura appeared before him in an instant. But in the blink of an eye, the Bone Shield shattered with a bang, and the globe-like Body Protection Aura rapidly caved inward, holding for only a breath before bursting into a sky full of flickering lights and vanishing. Chen Mus face turned pale. Five Dragon Dharma Body! Before the invisible force could touch his body, black smoke, as if alive, timely shielded his chest. Bang! Chen Mu felt a powerful force hit his chest, and like a baseball, he was struck high into the sky. He burst through the dense fog, creating a large hole. Before he could right himself, Bang, bang, bang... A series of invisible attacks followed one after another; he was tossed about like a ragdoll mid-air. Had it not been for the Five Dragons Qi protecting him, he would have been completely pulverized by now. What the hell kind of attack was this, so secretly powerful?! Back in the Netherworld, he had fought Strange Demons more than once. Aside from that fox-faced scholar, Li Wuyou, he had never encountered any Strange Demon with such bizarre abilities. "I need to find this bastard first!" Determined, his mana surged as he fully unleashed the Truthful Listening Technique. Then he realized that the fog covering Qiluo Mountain seemed alive in its own right, with life rhythm everywhere, but Yuan Xian was nowhere to be found. Even in the instant he was attacked, there was no trace of the other. "How is this happening? Why cant I see anything?" Chen Mu, disoriented, immediately shouted in Li Buxians direction. "Thats from the Nine Serenities Abysss Spirit Void Cave Heaven!" Li Buxian didnt hesitate and quickly explained loudly in the direction of the sounds of battle coming from the fog. "The perfect completion of the Underworld God Twelve Transformations allows the unity of the twelve Divine Demon aspects, culminating in the Celestial Capital Transformation. Once one achieves the Celestial Capital Transformation, they can hide within the Spirit Void Cave Heaven, invisible to outsiders." "Yuan Xian failed to progress his Underworld God Twelve Transformations, but he can evidently also hide within the Spirit Void Cave Heaven." "Outsiders can neither enter nor see inside; we cant attack him at all. Lets run!" While explaining, Li Buxian hadnt forgotten to urge Chen Mu to flee. "He just wants the City God Statue, why not just give it to him, life is more important!" Give him the City God Statue? Wouldnt that mean entrusting my life and safety to Yuan Xian?! "Dont be so pessimistic, or Ill kill you myself!" Spirit Void Cave Heaven? Nine Serenities Abyss? As a living person, indeed I cannot see it, but surely the Yin Spirits must have noticed something? Chen Mus expression immediately turned fierce. Five Dragon Dharma Body! Roar! Five ferocious dragon heads suddenly emerged around him, then immediately began flying up and down in a whirl, tightly guarding him in the center. Yin Wind Escape! A gray gust of energy swirled around him, and in an instant his body shot up, piercing through the fog and soaring towards the sky. Once he broke out of the range of the fog and temporarily escaped from Yuan Xians invisible attacks, Chen Mus figure transformed in the blink of an eye into a bald young man. He wore body-fitting black garments, with a fiery red floral mark on his forehead, and his pitch-black eyes flickered with a cold light, appearing bewitchingly extraordinary! In an instant, he had switched into the Heavenly Demon Body within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven using Netherworld Ferry. Then, looking down, Chen Mu immediately noticed that the scene atop Qiluo Mountain had dramatically changed. A thick fog that could not be dispersed revealed an alternating world of gray and white. It was like a poor signal on a video screen, intermittently displaying snowflake patterns and superimposed upon Qiluo Mountain, constantly interweaving and showing through. At this moment, a creature about three meters tall, with its hands transformed into horny claws and its bald head and face leaving only a mouth full of sharp teeth, was staring intently at Chen Mu from the edge of the gray and white world, with a predatory gaze. Yuan Xian? I see you now! Chen Mus gaze sharpened, seizing the moment the gray and white world appeared, he plunged down with all his might. His vision blurred for a moment, and Qiluo Mountain had vanished, replaced by a gray and white grassland. Numerous long-leaved grasses swayed in the wind, resembling 3D black and white animation. Is this Spirit Void Cave Heaven? Roar! Before Chen Mu could take a closer look, a furious roar exploded beside his ears, and Yuan Xian, now fully covered in dense scales, suddenly approached. His fingers, transformed into horny claws, lashed out fiercely towards the side of Chen Mus neck. Clang! The horny claws struck the smoky blackness created by the Five Dragon Dharma Body, producing a sound like clashing metal. Chen Mu flipped his body, using the opponents attack to leap out dozens of meters away instantly. He squatted slightly, with narrowed eyes staring at Yuan Xian. Before, when you hid inside the Spirit Void Cave Heaven, I had no way to retaliate, but now... Dharma Aspect Possession! The five dragon heads roared behind him, instantly transforming into a silvery black mist that merged into Chen Mus body, a dark shimmering film appearing on his surface. Chen Mu took a deep breath, his hands coming together as if shaping a blade, Heavenly Gang Ten Directions! His figure vanished abruptly, and when he reappeared, he was already more than ten meters behind Yuan Xian. Pfft! Yuan Xians right hand suddenly disappeared, and deep gray blood gushed out in the gray and white world. Chen Mu nonchalantly tossed away the scaly strange hand as if he had teleported, once again closing in on Yuan Xian. His hands moved as swiftly as a bees wings, continually jabbing and slashing around the three-meter-tall Yuan Xian. It was as if the scene where Chen Mu had been attacked before was playing again. Yuan Xian was instantly staggered and thrown into disarray by these strikes as swift as lightning. Puff puff puff... The finely detailed scales covering his body scattered in all directions, and in just a few breaths, his whole body was covered with dense, numerous wounds. Blood splattered, and the ground and the gray and white grass were stained dark gray. Pfft! The next moment, Yuan Xians left shin seemed to be sliced by a sharp blade, and abruptly broke off. He could no longer sustain himself and fell to the ground with a thud. His body convulsed continuously, trying to rise several times but failing to do so. Chen Mus figure appeared ten meters away, watching Yuan Xian with an indifferent face. "Dare to steal the God Statue?" "Ha! Even if you transform into a Strange Demon and burrow into Spirit Void Cave Heaven, I can still chase you down and kill you!" Chapter 567 - 557 Ghost Channeling Technique The grayish-white tall grass swayed with the wind, yet the entire Spirit Void Grotto Heaven was eerily silent. Yuan Xian collapsed on the ground, his scales falling off, slowly reverting to his original appearance. His form became transparent, gradually disappearing into the Spirit Void Grotto Heaven. Chen Mus expression changed, and he immediately picked up Yuan Xians right arm, which he had torn off, following its power, he drilled out of the dead silent grotto heaven. In a trance, the scene in front of him changed, the grayish-white world disappeared, and Qiluo Mountain in the pitch-black night came into view once again. The dense fog on the mountain had mostly dispersed, leaving only a thin mist, enveloping the mountain top like a light gauze. Inside the courtyard of the City Divine Temple, Chen Mu descended from the sky, looking at Yuan Xian, who was paralyzed on the ground with severed hands and feet, and finally heaved a sigh of relief. The main conspirator Yuan Xian was crippled by him, and for the moment, the City God Statue was saved. "Who are you?" Before Chen Mu could speak, Li Buxian suddenly shouted from a short distance. Chen Mu turned his head to look at the uncertain Li Buxian, remembered his current Heavenly Demon Body appearance, and immediately revealed a meaningful smile. He had signed the Divine-Sealing Pact in his Heavenly Demon Body, and had sat guarding the Grotto Heaven in his Heavenly Demon Body, therefore, the City God Statue was an exact replica of the Heavenly Demon Body. At this moment, the appearance of the Heavenly Demon Body was like a divine manifestation of the City God! "What, reciting scriptures every day for the Great Heavenly Demon behind my back, do you not recognize me now?" he said playfully. City... City God has manifested?! Li Buxian was dumbfounded. "Youve worked hard to guard the statue, didnt you say you wanted me to thank you? Here I am." I was just joking! Looking at the bald young man who resembled the City God Statue by seventy to eighty percent, Li Buxians face suddenly turned ashen. Heh! Old fellow, you were quite tough before, werent you? Now youre also capable of fear. Chen Mu couldnt help but laugh, casually tossing Yuan Xians severed arm to Li Buxian. Netherworld Ferry activated, switching between the Fleshly Body and the Heavenly Demon Body instantly. The City God Statue was still not safe; he dared not leave his Fleshly Body in the Grotto Heaven for too long. Ignoring Li Buxian, who appeared relieved to have survived the ordeal upon seeing Chen Mu, Chen Mu stepped over to Yuan Xian. At this moment, the others hair was disheveled, his facial features had regrown, showing no trace of the monstrous scale-covered figure from before. He used his remaining left arm and right leg to retreat and managed to lean back against the threshold of the City Divine Main Hall. "You are a Qi Cultivator," he said, staring at Chen Mu with a dark expression. Chen Mu remained calm, "Knowing too much isnt necessarily a good thing." "Spare my life, and I can offer you a secret transmission of Qi Cultivation," Yuan Xian said to Chen Mu. "This heritage comes from the Li Yang Path, containing the secrets of gathering the Primal Refining River Cart. Such refined mystique is scarce throughout Yunzhou." Chen Mus expression remained unchanged, but his heart skipped a beat. He had cultivated the Divine Orifice for a year, and his initial intent to leave the Divine Statue Cave Heaven was to seek further transmission of Qi Cultivation. "I can also cover for you, safely escort you out of Da Qian," Yuan Xians tone was solemn, his face sincere: "You know the secret of my possession by a Strange Demon; for my sake, I absolutely cannot reveal your identity as a Qi Cultivator to the Lock Dragon Courtyard." "No, no, no, only the dead truly keep secrets safe!" Li Buxian approached the two and spoke hauntingly. Yuan Xian suddenly turned his head, glaring fiercely at Li Buxian. "What are you looking at? It was the Institute Head himself who said this!" Li Buxian retorted confidently, he too had thought of begging for mercy before, but Yuan Xian hadnt planned to spare him at that time. Yuan Xians face twitched, ignoring Li Buxian, and turned back to Chen Mu, speaking again: "I am not the only one coveting the City God Statue." "Spare my life, and I can better mobilize the Lock Dragon Knights to help you protect the statue." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly. This old guy is making sense, plus he is ultimately the head of the 29th Lock Dragon Courtyard. If he dies on Qiluo Mountain, it would definitely lead to big troubles. His expression changed, and he immediately approached with a grin, flicking his wrist, a Black-Skinned Scripture appeared, "Come on, recite with me." Yuan Xians expression changed: "This is..." "This is the Mystique Scripture that can help suppress the rebellious will of Divine Demons," Li Buxian said cheerily. Haha! This old fellow is about to step into the deep pits of the Demon Path as well! Suppressing the will of Divine Demons? Heh! More likely a curse to control me! Yuan Xians eyes glinted sharply as he glared bitterly at Li Buxian. He then turned his face, staring coldly at Chen Mu. "Ill recite!" But after reciting it thirty times, straight until the moon was high in the sky, the Heavenly Demon Curse still hadnt triggered. This old fellow is reluctant, hes being cunning! "What are you waiting for?" Chen Mus tone was chilling: "Waiting for those Lock Dragon Knights to come to your rescue?" He waved his hand, and the dark, mirror-like portal of Thousand Lanterns City appeared. One by one, robed figures landed in front of Yuan Xian like dumplings. Yuan Xians pupils suddenly constricted as he realized that even Yuan Dongs three siblings were among these people. In other words, the Bingchen Subdivision was basically doomed and couldnt provide him any support after all. Hes really done for... Noticing Chen Mus icy gaze, Yuan Xian took a deep breath and began to seriously recite. After only three repetitions, the familiar pulse of the Heavenly Demon Curse came through, and Chen Mu immediately injected a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into Yuan Xians body. Li Buxian, grinning merrily while carrying Yuan Xians severed limbs, stepped forward with a bow: "In the future, we are fellow disciples, ha, I must ask the Institute Head to look out for me more." Yuan Xian gave Li Buxian a cold glance, took the severed limbs, and pressed them against the shoulder stumps. The grayish-black muscles immediately began to wriggle, and within a few breaths, the severed hand had regrown on the shoulder. Yuan Xian could even rotate his arm by pressing on the shoulder! Chapter 568 - 557 Ghost Channeling Technique_2 Watching Yuan Xian expertly reattach a severed leg, Chen Mu couldnt help but his face twitched. Reattachment of limbs? Was the Underworld God Transformation so powerful? This vitality was simply inhuman! "How to soothe these Lock Dragon Knights, youll handle it yourself, but make sure to hasten the transformation of the City God Dojo," "And the River Chariot Secret Method you mentioned, remember to bring it to me," as Chen Mus figure flickered, he returned to Nameless Barren Mountain. ... The next day, atop Nameless Barren Mountain, the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight who Chen Mu had first knocked down was now standing respectfully before him. "So, you Lock Dragon Knights are not practicing Underworld God Transformation?" Chen Mu looked at the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight in surprise. "Correct, we practice the Ghost Channeling Technique," the black-robed person nodded in admission: "The foundation of building the City God Dojo is Netherworld Ghost Patterns." "The Ghost Channeling Technique allows us to borrow the power of Ghosts to connect to the Nine Serenities Abyss, thereby mastering Netherworld Ghost Patterns." Netherworld Ghost Patterns? Are they something similar to Qi Cultivators Prohibition Talismans? Chen Mu understood. And this Ghost Channeling Technique... Feeling the power radiating from the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight, he couldnt help but marvel. Previously, he felt that the power used by the Lock Dragon Knights were familiar, unexpectedly, it originated from Ghosts. Now upon close examination, he immediately realized it resembled the Yin Spirit Divine Power to a great extent. Chen Mu became interested and immediately inquired carefully. "The cultivation of Ghost Channeling Technique is extremely difficult, requiring the cultivator to die and then be reborn, thus allowing Ghost Spirits to enter the body for subsequent cultivation." "This step is the fundamental base of everything. Out of ten thousand cultivators, perhaps not even one will succeed," the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight didnt conceal anything. Die and then be reborn, introducing Ghost Spirits into the body? Ha! This must be misleading people! People from Da Qian, from birth, already have Netherworld Worms in their bodies. Rather than saying its letting Ghost Spirits enter the body, its better to say its through death transformation, converting the already existing Netherworld Worms into Ghosts! Strengthening the Netherworld Worms can cultivate Underworld God Transformation, transforming Netherworld Worms into Ghosts can then cultivate Ghost Channeling Technique. Indeed, this is the grand plan of Netherworld for tens of thousands of years, even already developing two complete systems of cultivation for mortals. "Tell me how to speed up the transformation of the dojo," the Ghost Channeling Technique was mysterious, but accelerating the integration of Pulse Points into Divine Orifices, and enhancing the safety of the City God Statue was the urgency of the moment. "Its the Exquisite Ghost Pattern," said the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight: "Pulse Points are the foundational existence of the City God Dojo, and the required Ghost Patterns for refinement are called Exquisite." "The Dojos Pulse Points also rely on the Exquisite Ghost Patterns to infiltrate and assimilate the earths veins, binding the Dojo and the earth together." "What we can do is to actively activate the Ghost Patterns and help accelerate this process." Chen Mu nodded slightly in understanding: "I wonder about that Exquisite Ghost Pattern..." "Its not that I dont want to teach you," the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight showed a troubled expression, "but that we simply cant depict and teach it." What does that mean? Chen Mu was startled. "The Nine Serenities Abyss holds countless Netherworld Ghost Patterns, among which Exquisite Ghost Pattern is one," explained the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight helplessly: "We just connect to the Nine Serenities and borrow the power of the Ghost Patterns for use." "I can only teach you the Ghost Channeling Spell, and then guide you to master and learn on your own in the Nine Serenities Abyss, but I cannot directly impart the Exquisite Ghost Pattern to you." Brilliant! Chen Mu couldnt help but raise an eyebrow. According to his understanding, Exquisite Ghost Patterns were like various Prohibition Talismans within the small, tripartite Light-Shielding Technique. If he wanted to establish a Light-Shielding Technique, he would first need to condense these basic Prohibition Talismans within the Jade Seed, but this would be extremely time-consuming and mana-depleting. Moreover, Lock Dragon Knights are merely ordinary humans, they have no Corporal Jade Seed within their bodies and absolutely cannot condense Ghost Patterns. At this moment, the Nine Serenities Abyss acts as a kind of shared Jade Seed, storing countless Netherworld Ghost Patterns. Lock Dragon Knights could connect using the Ghost Channeling Spell and then copy, borrowing the Ghost Patterns within. Truly wonderful! ... Three days later, atop the barren mountain. A gray wall appeared before Chen Mu. Ghost Channeling Spell: 13/10000; "Its done," Chen Mu nodded slightly. The Lock Dragon Knight used the Ghost Channeling Spell by borrowing ghosts. Although he had no ghosts in his body, he did possess a Heavenly Demon Body and the power of Yin Spirit Divine Power, which after some experimentation proved to be successful. While experiencing the enlightenment of the gray wall, Chen Mu closed his eyes and chanted the spell. A cluster of Yin Spirit Divine Power, wrapped in threads of blood and Vital Energy, appeared in mid-air before him. Under the effect of the Ghost Channeling Spell, it transformed into the chilling divine power unleashed by the Lock Dragon Knight and suddenly vanished into the void. Chen Mu only felt a blur before his eyes, his consciousness plummeting, plunging into darkness. It seemed to detect Chen Mus presence, a cluster resembling the vein of a leaf made of silver threads slowly emerged before his eyes. It emitted a gentle glow and, like a jellyfish in water, drifted and spun before his eyes. Chen Mu curiously reached out to touch it. But the moment he made contact, the cluster of silver threads trembled violently, as if startled. Buzz! It was like disturbing a hornets nest. Various clusters of silver threads surged chaotically. In the blink of an eye, the pitch-black world was illuminated completely. Some resembled roots, others resembled fishing nets. Like piranhas sensing prey, they rushed in front of Chen Mu and burrowed into his body all at once. Chen Mu only felt a pain in his head, his consciousness filled with countless bizarre symbols, and in an instant, his consciousness was squeezed back to the Wilderness Mountain. It took a while for him to regain his senses, but he only felt his head was empty and faintly aching, as if waking from a hangover. Chen Mu couldnt help but turn and glare at the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight not far away. "The Ghost Channeling Technique is like this," the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight explained softly, "There are so many Netherworld Ghost Patterns, and a slight carelessness could lead them to overwhelm the mind." "You must control it and adapt." Chen Mu, rubbing his temples helplessly, replied, "With so many Netherworld Ghost Patterns, do I have to touch every single one to try?" "When will I find the Exquisite Ghost Pattern? Not until forever?" "You can use my Ghost Channeling Divine Power as a Medicinal Guide to make the Exquisite Ghost Pattern appear automatically," the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight carefully suggested. "Why didnt you say earlier about the Medicinal Guide method?" Chen Mu couldnt help but glare. "I didnt expect you to be so exceptionally talented and pick it up so quickly," the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight muttered softly, looking somewhat innocently aggrieved. ... Over the next few days, with the help of the black-robed Lock Dragon Knight, Chen Mu smoothly cast the Ghost Channeling Spell, quickly mastering how to summon the Exquisite Ghost Pattern. The Lock Dragon Knight, invoking the Ghost Channeling Technique, had to stop every half an hour to restore his Vital Energy to prevent the ghosts within from rebelling. Chen Mu, having abundant Yin Spirit Divine Power and no risk of backlash, could cast the Ghost Channeling Spell night and day without rest, stimulating the transformation of the Dojo. In just three days, the pulse points of the small Wilderness Mountains Dojo successfully merged with the earths pulse. Afterward, he constantly visited various dojos in Luandu County to further accelerate the dojos transformation. Although some had attacked the City Divine Temple, anyone who appeared near Qiluo Mountain was never seen again; they were all buried deep in the mountains by Yuan Xian. Yuan Xian had suffered a setback at Chen Mus hands and was filled with pent-up anger, which these people inadvertently faced. Two months later, all forty-five pulse points within Luandu County had sunk into the earths pulse, and the City God Statue had grown solid as gold and heavy as Qian Shan. At this point, the City God Statue was completely fixed in Luandu County, immovable and indestructible, and was already thoroughly secure. ... That day, after a long absence, Yuan Xian appeared again in Qiluo Mountain. He brought with him a flat wooden box, small enough to be held in one hand. As soon as the other party walked into the City Divine Temple, Chen Mu immediately appeared to meet him. "This wooden box..." Yuan Xian didnt speak, instead directly sliding open the cover, revealing a long White Jade Tablet inside. Qi Cultivators Secret Technique Jade Scroll? Ha! Chen Mu immediately broke into a smile. Having achieved the Divine Orifice over a year ago, he had been worrying about where to find the ongoing secret transmissions of a Qi Cultivator; he never expected Yuan Xian to deliver it directly to his door. "The City God Statue has become secure, and the Qi Cultivators heritage is now in my hands." "Double happiness!" Chapter 569 - 558 The weather grew warmer, and Qiluo Mountain was a lush green. Inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair beneath a large tree, his hands crossed, cradling a Jade Tablet with gold patterns in his lap. Mana flowed slowly into the tablet, diffusing like smoke or mist, the invisible power seeping into Chen Mus body. Within the Jade Seed, placid mana surged tumultuously. It swiftly converged and coalesced, forming numerous intricate Talismans that then joined together in clusters. In a few breaths time, the Jade Seed Inner Magical Power had depleted by nearly half, and a cluster of gray clouds shaped like Talismans appeared. They drifted around the Divine Orifice, and at a glance, they resembled the dark clouds floating around the bright moon in the sky. "Success!" With a thought from Chen Mu, gray walls materialized before his eyes. The Dark Cloud True Method: 9/10000/First Rank; Ever since acquiring the Dark Cloud True Method, he had hidden in the grotto heaven to delve into its secrets. Now, he had finally condensed the Dark Cloud Talismans and successfully entered the threshold. He was admiring them with a delighted expression. Hum! The cloud-shaped Talisman trembled and the edges slowly disintegrated. In just a short while, the entire cluster of Dark Cloud Talismans crumbled and vanished without a trace. "After all, it was condensed with the help of the power of the Jade Slip, unstable and unskilled, so the Talismans dispelling is to be expected," Chen Mu was not discouraged. Having cultivated dozens of Secret Techniques, similar scenes of True Meaning Talismans disintegrating were too numerous to count. "Only it seems the consumption of mana is a bit large," Chen Mu opened his eyes. In previous Secret Technique cultivations, even if the condensation of the Talisman failed, the scattered remnants would reform into mana, with the loss not exceeding twenty percent. But the Dark Cloud True Method was different; a single practice consumed nearly half of his entire bodys mana, and after the Talisman collapsed, a staggering ninety percent of the mana dissipated into nothingness! "It sure is a big consumer of Vital Energy." "Luckily Sun Ke left those over twenty thousand White Jade Coins, otherwise I truly wouldnt be able to sustain my cultivation." "Gathering the Mixed Primordial Qi is a bit troublesome, though." The fourth challenge for a Qi Cultivator is called the River Chariot, which requires washing the Divine Orifice with Mixed Primordial Qi to achieve a qualitative change and the ability to cultivate Innate Primordial Qi. And only with Innate Primordial Qi can one build a Daoist Foundation and continue subsequent cultivation. This challenge requires not only the corresponding Secret Techniques, but also the special resource of Mixed Primordial Qi. "According to the introduction in the Jade Slip, Mixed Primordial Qi mostly appears near Earth Vein Spiritual Springs." "But now with the great changes in the Earth Veins of Yunzhou and the disappearance of the Earth Vein Spiritual Springs, where would Mixed Primordial Qi appear?" Chen Mu couldnt help scratching his head. ... Half a month later, inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Chen Mu was seated under the large tree for his routine closed-eye cultivation, just as he always did. The Jade Seed Inner Magical Power surged, and the Dark Cloud rapidly formed. After quite a while, seeing that the Dark Cloud still floated steadily around his Divine Orifice, he couldnt help but let out a sigh of relief: "At last, it no longer disperses." Different from other Secret Technique Talismans, the Dark Cloud Talisman seemed more like a kind of one-time use Talisman. Once the Talisman was cultivated, it could accumulate Mixed Primordial Qi, and once storage reached Perfection, it could be released for Divine Orifice Refinement. However, during this process, the Dark Cloud Talisman would also disperse and need to be re-condensed before the next refinement session could begin. Now that he had successfully condensed the Dark Cloud Talisman, he could start to accumulate Mixed Primordial Qi and attempt Divine Orifice Refinement. "Its time to figure out the Mixed Primordial Qi," with his thoughts shifting, Chen Mu took out the Exquisite Jade Plate. He placed it steadily on the stone table beside him and carefully placed a piece of White Jade Money into the center of the plate. As the silver threads on the Jade Plate lit up, the familiar Spiritual Vitality appeared around him. The Dark Cloud Talisman within the Jade Seed flickered faintly like lightning in the clouds, and the world before him suddenly changed. Chen Mu found an indistinct boundary emerging a mere two meters in front of him, half-visible, half-hidden. This boundary was irregular, constantly shifting, and overall looked like a spherical cluster of clouds. The Earth Spirit Element appeared only within this sphere with a diameter of three to four meters. He stared intently at this space, and after half an hour, a black stream as thin as a strand of hair suddenly appeared in mid-air. Right after it appeared, its end began to crumble, like the ash of a burnt-out piece of twine, turning into invisible specks and swiftly vanishing from sight. Chen Mus expression tightened, and he promptly stepped forward, extending his index finger. Activating the Dark Cloud True Method, the hair-like black stream shot into Chen Mus fingertip in a flash. His! A sudden pain shot through Chen Mus finger, and he quickly pulled back to inspect it, only to find a small puncture wound, as if pricked by a needle. "Mixed Primordial Qi!" A rush of elation filled Chen Mu. According to the Dark Cloud True Method, Mixed Primordial Qi has an incredibly strong annihilative and corrosive force. The fact that it damaged his body, which had undergone years of cultivation, confirmed it was undoubtedly Mixed Primordial Qi. "Indeed, the Exquisite Jade Plate is not simply releasing the Earth Spirit Element within the White Jade Money but is creating the Earth Spirit Element, just like a movable mini Earth Vein Spiritual Spring!" Having used the Exquisite Jade Plate for many years, he had long speculated this might be the case. Since Mixed Primordial Qi appears near buried Spiritual Springs, it could also possibly appear next to the Exquisite Jade Plate. Heartened, Chen Mu ignored the pain in his finger, his consciousness diving into the Jade Seed as he intently watched the Dark Cloud Talisman. The Dark Cloud True Method harbored the effect of gathering and consolidating Mixed Primordial Qi; the more Mixed Primordial Qi stored, the blacker the talisman would become. Once it turned into pitch-black dark clouds, it would indicate that there was a sufficient quantity to commence the Divine Orifice Refinement. Yet, despite his careful inspection from left to right, it took him quite a while to find a small clump of darkening cloud on one corner. This cloud was only the size of a sesame seed and in comparison to the entire Dark Cloud Talisman, it really wasnt very noticeable. "If I wish to dye the entire patch of dark clouds black, Im afraid Id need hundreds or even thousands of portions similar to this amount of Mixed Primordial Qi!" "Staring at the Jade Plate for half an hour only yields a wisp of Mixed Primordial Qi. To collect even ten portions would likely take a whole day, and it might not even be guaranteed." "Relying on the Exquisite Jade Plate to cultivate the River Chariot seems somewhat difficult," Chen Mu shook his head and sighed quietly. With a flick of his wrist, the Five Ghosts Bag appeared in the palm of his hand. Chen Mu activated the Dark Cloud True Method and stared intently at the bag. The Five Ghosts Bag had once seen the emergence of Mixed Primordial Qi, which had even attracted the frequent visits of the giant toad Yuanbao. But now, looking at it, not a trace of Mixed Primordial Qi could be seen. "Is it missing the ghosts?" Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully. Back in Jilong Mountain, he had used the Five Ghosts Bag to devour a batch of Netherworld Worms. After death, these Netherworld Worms transformed into Ghosts and hid inside the Five Ghosts Bag. It was only after that the Five Ghosts Bag began to display Mixed Primordial Qi. Sadly, after falling into the Netherworld River of Oblivion, the ghosts within the bag were sucked away by the river. Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldnt help but narrow his eyes. "Ill need to capture a batch of ghosts and put them in the bag to see if the Mixed Primordial Qi reappears." ... Deep in the night, at Qiluo Mountain, Luandu County. Li Buxian hopped down from the wall, feeling utterly delighted. He had a purple gourd with golden patterns tied to each side of his waist, both containing a sealed ghost. The transformation of the City God Dojo was complete, and the Incense Spiritual Energy became even more rich. Previously, not even a serving of yellow millet wine could guarantee success, but now it was possible to refine two servings at once. "The Yan Yue Scripture is marvelous, capable of strengthening the Superior Fetal Spirit." "But with yellow millet wine working from both sides, it will take less than a year for me to commence the cultivation of the Underworld God Nine Transformations!" Li Buxians heart surged with excitement. And ever since Yuan Xian had joined the Demon Path, Gongsun Sheng rarely appeared before him. Clearly, the other party valued the freshly recruited Yuan Xian more. Ha! Who told him to be the Institute Head of the Lock Dragon Courtyard. "Its for the best if they look down upon me!" Li Buxian thought with a laugh: "Without anyone causing trouble, I can comfortably enjoy the double blessings of the Demon Path and the City Divine Temple, cultivating quickly and with peace of mind!" He resolved that as soon as the conditions were right, he would resign from his Temple Priest duties and hide somewhere Gongsun Sheng couldnt find to commence the Underworld God Nine Transformations. I cant beat you, but I can surely hide, right? When the day comes that I have cultivated the Underworld God Twelve Transformations, all this crap about Gongsun Sheng, hmph! While Li Buxian was happily fantasizing about the future, he skillfully plucked the yellow millet gourds from his waist and threw them toward the Lock Dragon Well. Then he saw a black smoky vortex suddenly appear above the Lock Dragon Well. In the next moment, two palms abruptly reached out, precisely grabbed the two purple gourds, and with a whoosh, pulled them into the vortex to disappear without a trace. Li Buxian was instantly dumbstruck. Gongsun Sheng? This bastard dares to rob my gourds?! "Ill be dam" Before he could even start cursing, a head popped out of the black vortex. "Continue capturing ghosts tomorrow night, the more the better. I have great use for them!" Chen Mus voice came out indifferent. "No problem!" Li Buxians expression turned serious, his face full of respect. "Hmm... What was it you wanted to say just now?" Chen Mu squinted his eyes to slits. "I was admiring how brilliant your tactics are!" Li Buxian said earnestly. Looks like my dual-strategy plan is doomed to fail! Gongsun Sheng is a damn bastard! The Demon Path is indeed a huge trap! No, damn it, I cant always be the only one getting screwed over! "Yuan Xian is highly placed with great strength; if he lends a hand, surely we could collect ghosts much faster and in greater numbers," Li Buxian voiced solemnly. Ha! Cheater! "Just worry about yourself for now," Chen Mu said, his expression a mix between a smile and non-smile: "Next time if you speak carelessly again, Ill tell Yuan Xian it was your idea for him to gather ghosts." "I think he will be really thankful for your recommendation!" Hearing this, Li Buxian instantly tensed up. Damn, Gongsun Sheng is truly cunning! Great, Ive stepped right into another huge trap! Chapter 570 - 559 Refining the Divine Orifice Several days later, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair under a large tree in the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. His right hand slowly opened and closed, lightning flickered continuously, yet his eyes were fixated on the gray wall in front of him. Truthful Listening Technique: 9931/10000/Eighth Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 7456/10000/Sixth Rank; Kui Water Yin Thunder: 9841/10000/Third Rank; Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 3125/10000/Sixth Rank; Ghost Channeling Spell: 9306/10000; Dark Cloud True Method: 3409/10000/First Rank; "The Truthful Listening Technique is quite an unexpected joy," Chen Mu thought with a chuckle. He hadnt been cultivating it deliberately, but through frequent use over time, it had almost progressed to the next stage. "The Giant Spirit Divine isnt bad either, steadily moving forward." He initially cultivated the Giant Spirit Divine to dispose of the excess vital energy from the Replenishing Origin Soup. However, given its strong power-boosting effect, Chen Mu never gave up cultivating this secret technique. "Kui Water Yin Thunder is about to progress, I can allocate more time to it in the coming days," Chen Mu pondered. He had always envied Sun Jian, who was once rampant on Jilong Road because of it. "As for the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, I can only rely on accumulating experience over time." He once had high hopes for the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to find a way out of trouble, dedicating much effort to its cultivation. But now that he had escaped the dojo with the help of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, considering his Heavenly Demon Body was still confined to the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, he hadnt completely stopped cultivating it, but he had indeed reduced the time spent on it. "On the other hand, I can spend more time on the Ghost Channeling Spell recently," Chen Mu pondered while stroking his chin, "The Netherworld Ghost Patterns are quite interesting, and since its about to reach perfection, I can first take it to the limit." Chen Mus gaze finally landed on the Dark Cloud True Method. "This is the current focus of my cultivation." This secret technique was crucial for his Divine Orifice Refinement and the Fourth Rank of a Qi Cultivator, and he dared not neglect it. After briefly calculating his daily cultivation schedule, Chen Mu flipped his wrist, and the Five Ghosts Bag appeared. He took a deep breath, slowly opened the drawstring of the Five Ghosts Bag, and carefully watched the opening. Several strands of hair-like black streams quickly flew out of the Five Ghosts Bag, beginning to slowly disperse as soon as they touched the external air. He immediately reached out, enveloping them with the power of the Dark Cloud True Method. Whoosh! The black lines vanished into thin air. Chen Mus spirit instantly sank into the Jade Seed, and seeing a corner of the Dark Cloud Talisman blackened, a smile appeared on his face. "Success!" He couldnt help but punch the air. In the past seven to eight days, he had scoured the five counties surrounding Luandu County. With the help of the Temple Priests like Li Buxian and their dreams in the calabash, he successfully collected a hundred ghosts and placed them into the Five Ghosts Bag. After several attempts, he finally confirmed that Ghosts paired with the Five Ghosts Bag could indeed produce Mixed Primordial Qi. "Whats more wonderful is that the Five Ghosts Bag can automatically collect and store Mixed Primordial Qi, ensuring it doesnt disperse." He had experimented with the Exquisite Jade Plate and found that Mixed Primordial Qi was extremely unstable. In its natural state, it dissipated very easily -- from materialization to complete disappearance, it might last only a few dozen breaths at most. The Exquisite Jade Plate could produce eight or nine portions of Primordial Energy per day, but this required his undivided attention for the entire day. However, the Five Ghosts Bag could collect and store it automatically, preventing the Primordial Energy from dispersing. Thus, he only needed to open the bag periodically each day to harvest the Mixed Primordial Qi, saving him a great deal of time. "The ancient Thousand Mountains Path is something special," Chen Mu exclaimed with admiration. The Five Ghosts Bag, derived from the Thousand Mountains Sutra and hailing from the frontier wilderness of the Great Beam, had been with him for over a decade. Secret techniques like Five Ghosts Possession and Five Ghosts Moving Mountain remained just as powerful as ever. Now, with the added ability to produce Mixed Primordial Qi, it had once again been a great help. "Although I dont know the underlying principle, it doesnt impede my use of it for cultivation." "Its just that producing only five or six strands of Mixed Primordial Qi daily is a bit too little. I need to collect more ghosts and put them into the Five Ghosts Bag." "Mmm... I can only burden Li Buxian a bit more. Haha!" Li Buxian: "..." ... The weather grew increasingly hot, and more than a month sped by. Luandu County entered the rainy season, with light rains falling every few days. Under the gate tower of the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, Chen Mu closed his eyes, comfortably lying on a rocking chair gently swaying. The water screen in front of the gate displayed scenes of the surrounding Jade Belt River, and the sound of raindrops falling into the river lingered constantly in Chen Mus ears. After a while, he slowly opened his eyes and stretched his limbs and hands fully, feeling completely relaxed all over. During this past period, besides going out daily to accept Ghosts collected by Li Buxian and others, he spent most of his time lying inside the grotto heaven cultivating, with remarkable results. With a thought, a gray wall materialized before him. Truthful Listening Technique: 231/10000/Ninth Rank; Kui Water Yin Thunder: 1731/10000/Fourth Rank; Ghost Channeling Spell: Limit; Dark Cloud True Method: 89/10000/Second Rank; Progressing in the Truthful Listening Technique expanded his detection range, enhancing his probing capabilities. Advancing to the Fourth Rank of Kui Water Yin Thunder, its power became quite impressive, already comparable to Sun Jian back on Jilong Road. The Ghost Channeling Technique reached Perfection, allowing him to enter and exit the Nine Serenities Abyss at will, no longer being forcibly ejected by countless Ghost Patterns like in the beginning. Most importantly, he finally maxed out the First Rank of the Dark Cloud True Method. "Its also time to start refining my Divine Orifice," Chen Mu was excited within. Over the past month, he had accumulated four to five hundred yin souls in the Five Ghosts Bag, able to provide more than forty strands of Mixed Primordial Qi each day. The Dark Cloud Talisman had turned completely pitch-black four or five days earlier. This represented an abundance of Mixed Primordial Qi, ready for Divine Orifice refinement. The reason for waiting until today was to ensure the First Rank of the Dark Cloud True Method was perfected. Meticulously perceiving the feedback from the gray wall, a hint of realization flashed in Chen Mus eyes: "Indeed, there is some trick to it." The Mixed Primordial Qi possessed formidable erosive power; if not careful during the Divine Orifice refinement process, it could potentially damage the very essence of the Divine Orifice. With the perfection of the First Rank of the Dark Cloud True Method, a capability called Mutual Annihilation emerged. With it, if the Divine Orifice suffered excessive corrosion, Chen Mu could induce the Mixed Primordial Qi to dissipate, halting the refinement process in time to ensure the safety of his cultivation. After going over the key information for Divine Orifice refinement one last time, Chen Mu took a deep breath and immersed his spirit into the Jade Seed. At that moment, the pitch-black dark clouds swirling around the Divine Orifice flickered with light, resembling lightning. The next instant, the dark mist surged and dispersed with a hum. Then transformed into nine black dragon-shaped tornados, drilling into the Divine Orifice from all sides, rapidly expanding through the gaps between the Divine Orifice Talismans. At a certain Divine Orifice node, a dense network of interconnected Talismans formed a massive web. Like black smoke, Dark Cloud Talismans flew along the gaps and lightly collided with a root-like Divine Orifice branch. Hiss! Like acid corrosion, tiny pits appeared on the root-shaped Talisman instantly. In the blink of an eye, the firm and shiny-metallic Talismans were eaten away without resistance, creating a large corroded depression. Just as the root-shaped Talisman was about to corrode away completely, the black fog suddenly halted, then dissipated into tiny luminescent sparks. In no time, white mist-like Mana was drawn forth, and the riddled Divine Orifice Talisman started to slowly regenerate, fully restoring in short order. But upon closer inspection, one could see invisible black threads within the root-like Divine Orifice Talisman, similar to the veins in a leaf. It was these black lines that imparted the Talisman with a different kind of toughness. Hiss, hiss, hiss... The Divine Orifice trembled faintly, and similar scenes unfolded throughout the entire tier-nine Divine Orifice. As the Divine Orifice Talisman corroded and then regenerated, they gradually evolved amidst this cycle of destruction and repair. Waves of pain and numbness flowed continuously from the depths of Chen Mus soul. The sensation wasnt intense, but it was persistent. With no way to scratch it or reduce it, he could only endure slowly. Immersing himself in cultivation like this, he practiced for an entire day. By the time Chen Mu completely concluded this first Divine Orifice refinement, it was already evening. The previous numbness and pain were gone, replaced by a feeling of refreshed clarity. The entire Divine Orifice Talisman also held an added sense of deep, peaceful mystery. "This path is indeed open now," Chen Mu couldnt help but smile. "With the Five Ghosts Bag and the Ghosts, even if Yunzhous geomantic veining changes and the Buried Spiritual Springs disappear, it wont affect my Divine Orifice Refinement!" Chapter 571 - 560 Cultivating Ghosts Pole Mountain, Lock Dragon Twenty-Nine Institute, Bingchen Branch. Sitting cross-legged on a cushion before the offering table of the Hall of Spirit Honor, Yuan Xian faced away from the painting of the God Statue. As a strange, low incantation filled the air, the atmosphere buzzed and trembled. The Power of Seven Emotions, invisible to ordinary people, constantly burrowed into Yuan Xians body. His face, usually sullen and stern, shifted continuously through a range of emotions: happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy. After a long while, Yuan Xian slowly opened his eyes. With a thought, his figure suddenly vanished and then reappeared instantaneously. After entering and exiting the Spirit Void Grotto Heaven nine consecutive times, the twelve Divine Demon intents within him still showed no signs of restlessness. Yuan Xian heaved a long sigh of relief and finally couldnt help but smile, "At last, the risk of backlash has been removed." Hearing the laughter, Yuan Dong and Yuan Chun, the two brothers guarding the entrance of the hall, stepped inside, looking at Yuan Xian with concern, "Master, have you successfully cultivated the Celestial Capital Transformation?" "Not quite yet," Yuan Xian shook his head But it wasnt far off. He collected his thoughts, and his expression became solemn once more, "Regarding the Demon Path, have you found out any news?" "The Demon Paths heritage is ancient and secretive, seemingly distinct from Qi Cultivators," Yuan Dong frowned. "The secret scrolls of Qi Cultivators collected by the institute have only a few records. Its quite the opposite in the folk literature of the mundane world, where their presence is often mentioned." "The ancient book Water Mirror Compilation records a person named Shi Sou, obsessed with wood carving all his life. He would always chant incantations when carving, claiming it could endow the wood carvings with spirituality." "His carvings of birds, fish, and insects were lifelike, and its said that in his later years, he carved a Jiaolong, which came to life after he dotted its eyes. Shi Sou thus rode the Jiaolong away, ascending to the Great Heavenly Demon Realm." "There are many similar records, but unfortunately, most of them are folk tales and legends that lack systematic value and are of little reference," Yuan Dong shook his head in regret. "Sister Apprentice has gone to seek out Li Buxian. He has had more contact with Gongsun Sheng and might know something more detailed." ... "Gongsun Sheng?" "Why are you inquiring about him?" "Youre not thinking of dealing with him, are you?" Li Buxian looked at Yuan Xian with an odd expression, "Havent you ever done the splits?" At those words, Yuan Xians eyelids twitched. Hah! He must have gone through the experience of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds splits. Li Buxian almost laughed out loud. The dignified Master of one of the Lock Dragon Courtyards institutesalways imposing and ice-cold, Yuan Xianplanning his schemes while doing the splits on the spot? That image... Haha! Too ludicrous! Li Buxian watched Yuan Xian with a satisfied look in his eyes. Thats great. Turns out Im not the only one getting a taste of humility. Yuan Xian stared at Li Buxian with a darkened face. "Not talking?" "So you like being at someone elses mercy?" Li Buxian sighed, "When youre the fish on the chopping block, what can you do?" Of course, he didnt want to be at someone elses mercy, but with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed within him, even thinking about resisting was impossible, let alone taking action. "You may have no way," Yuan Xian said indifferently, "but that doesnt mean I dont. Cant fight him? Couldnt we just avoid him with respect?" Avoid him with respect? "Respect him and then stay far away from him?" "No, its to respect him and then send him far awaythe further from Da Qian, the better, perhaps out of Yunzhou." Li Buxian: "..." Is that really how the phrase is understood? ... Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Under the Gate Tower lay a square table with the Primordial Alchemy Furnace in the center, surrounded by the steam of its bubbling contents, the fragrance of meat spreading in all directions. Eight dishes, four vegetarian and four meat, encircled the Pill Furnace, filling the square table. The Water Screen in front of the door displayed live images of the Xiqia Tea House in Dongfeng District of Luandu County. At this moment, a middle-aged man with a H-character mustache was eloquently discussing the front-line battle affairs. "Last year, the Great General Jin Wuxia destroyed Southern Shu, expanding our nations borders. The monarch of Li Country, greedy at heart, launched a surprise attack three months ago." "Unfortunately, they encountered our very own Young Marquis of Ling Su." "The Young Marquis has conjured one brilliant plan after another, wiping out fifty thousand enemies in one fell swoop, not only recapturing five lost cities but also crossing the Red River and pushing deep into Great Li..." Chen Mu sat at a square table, gnawing on a lamb chop while listening to the conversations and idle chatter in the teahouse. Over the past two months, he had completed another Divine Orifice Refinement. His mana had clearly undergone a qualitative change, becoming heavier, more condensed, and even more resilient and formidable. "According to the insights from the Gray Wall, to fully accomplish a qualitative change in the Divine Orifice, it would require eighty-one refinements." "At the current rate of once every two months, to completely overcome the River Chariot phase, it will take at least fourteen or fifteen years!" "Fourteen or fifteen yearshow many of such periods does one have in life?" "Such a long time, such a long time... Actually, its not so bad, heh." Chen Mu thought about it and couldnt help but laugh. Take Song Wujie, the Elder of Jilong Road, for example. When Chen Mu had joined Jilong Road, the other was already at the stage of Perfection in his Divine Orifice. Several years ago, when Chen Mu was forced to leave Jilong Road, the other was still at the Perfection stage. Nearly twenty years had passed, and the other still hadnt completed the Divine Orifice Refinement. Whereas he had a good chance of completing the Divine Orifices qualitative change in just fourteen or fifteen years. Who needs a bicycle then! Chen Mu crunched down, chewing the lamb chop, bone and all, before swallowing it. "Looks like theres something to look forward to!" ... A month later, in the dead of night. In the East Straddling Courtyard of the Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple. "How come there is only one Yellow Millet Gourd? Werent there always three before?" Chen Mu looked suspiciously at Li Buxian: "Ive already set aside the Ghosts you need for brewing the Yellow Millet Wine, so dont try to trick me?" "The main issue is the Imperial Courts edict; a large number of commoners from Yiyang Commandery have been forcibly relocated to Southern Shu." Li Buxian explained helplessly: "That place is newly conquered territory, and to prevent rebellion, they intentionally moved people from Da Qian to mix with the locals." "The population in Yiyang Commandery has nearly dropped by one-third." "Moreover, due to the transformation of the City God Dojo, the citizens under its jurisdiction are healthier and live longer, allowing the elderly, who were close to their natural end, to live a few more years." "So..." Li Buxian said helplessly with a shrug. Chen Mu couldnt help gritting his teeth. Is it all because of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, after all? "Are there any death-row prisoners for beheading?" Chen Mu suddenly had an idea. Netherworld Worms would die together with their human hosts, and after death, they would transform into Ghosts. Chen Mu couldnt bring himself to kill for cultivation practices, but if it were death-row prisoners being beheaded... "Its useless," Li Buxian shook his head. "Most sentenced to death are thrown into the frontier death camps. As for the few who are beheaded, since their deaths are violent, their souls completely disperse." "If this method were useful, the Imperial Courts prisons would have been overflowing long ago." "Those Noble Clans are heartless, they would do anything for Secret Medicine like Yellow Millet Wine, Longevity Wine, and others," Li Buxian said carefully looking at Chen Mu. "Fine," Chen Mu agreed helplessly. A little less is still less, its just a matter of waiting a few more years, he could afford to wait. He had been desperate to leave the dojo and head to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains before, but now, with the subsequent Secret Techniques of a Qi Cultivator and the increasingly safe Divine Statue Cave Heaven, he didnt want to leave temporarily. "Hiding for over a decade, completing the Divine Orifice Refinement, it would be safer to travel everywhere." "As for Ghosts?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps I can try to cultivate them on my own." ... Several months later. In the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, the Water Screen displayed the scene of the Jade Belt River. Groups of men, women, elderly, and children lined up to board the ships, then floated downstream, moving towards Southern Shu. Chen Mu watched for a moment, then withdrew his gaze, and with a flick of his wrist, the Five Ghosts Bag appeared. There were now over one thousand and three hundred Ghosts in the Five Ghosts Bag, producing over a hundred strands of Primordial Energy every day. This number was significant, but the Primordial Energy needed for Divine Orifice Refinement wasnt fixed. The later it got, the more Primordial Energy was required. "No wonder Song Wujie, after guarding the Buried Spiritual Spring for over a decade, still couldnt complete the Divine Orifice Refinement." Thinking so, Chen Mu guided his mana, and the United Heart Rope, which was tied around his bun, slowly floated in front of him. "After the Netherworld Worms die, they can transform into Silver Soul Monsters, and the United Heart Rope can split the United Heart Gu, which is the same as Netherworld Worms." "By using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to devour the United Heart Gu, it might be possible to convert them into Ghosts!" Back on Jilong Mountain, there was once a Strange Demon causing chaos, surrounded by Netherworld Worms. At that time, Chen Mu had used the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to devour a swarm of Netherworld Worms, and not long after, a group of Ghosts appeared in the Five Ghosts Bag. Now he had the United Heart Gu, and the Five Ghosts Bag, and he could try to replicate the process! "If a large number of Ghosts could be bred, with thousands of Ghosts gathering and a vast supply of Mixed Primordial Qi, it might only take a few years to complete the Divine Orifice Refinement." "Lets do this!" With his mana stirring, Chen Mu immediately began to activate the United Heart Rope, splitting the United Heart Gu. Chapter 572 - 561: Plotting Divine Statue Cave Heaven. A finger-length black thread materialized in front of Chen Mu. As he concentrated, he performed Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, and a surge of black smoke appeared and swallowed the thread-like Netherworld Worm into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mus spirit delved inside with eager expectation, looking around. It wasnt long before a human head-sized black mist appeared within the Five Ghosts Bag. "Is this... successful?" Chen Mu rejoiced inwardly. But in the next moment, the human head-sized black mist began to tremble incessantly and then, right there, started to shrink and expand repeatedly. Then, under Chen Mus anxious gaze, it popped with a sound, like a bubble being burst, breaking into specks of luminescence before disappearing completely. Joy on Chen Mus face instantly stiffened. The Netherworld Worms death transforming into Ghosts, that process was correct, so why did it fail? ... Half a month later, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Beneath a large tree by the Moon Gate of East Straddling Courtyard, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, opening his pale eyes. After nearly two months, he had completed another Divine Orifice Refinement. Replacing a fresh White Jade Coin on the stone table beside him, Chen Mu absorbed Earth Spirit Elemental Energy to restore his mana while experiencing the changes brought by the refinement of his Divine Orifice. Though he had only completed three refinements, his body had already undergone noticeable changes, slowly transforming into a more vibrant state. Like a newly sprouted seed, like a newborn baby, there was a fresh sense of vitality. "Qi Cultivators fourth stage practices River Chariot, ultimately aiming to cultivate Innate Primordial Qi. These changes are clearly laying the foundation for cultivating Innate Primordial Qi," Chen Mu realized. "Its just a pity that there are too few Ghosts, not enough to speed up the refinement." Chen Mu pulled out the Five Ghosts Bag once more, his spirit sinking into the bags space. Originally, the Five Ghosts Bag was only as large as a bedroom. Over the years, nourished by various Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh and mana, the internal space had expanded continuously, now comparable to a soccer stadium. Chen Mu glanced at the Ghosts floating at the edge and shifted his focus to the center of the Five Ghosts Bag. There, a person-height black wooden stake stood upright on the ground. Three human head-sized black mist clusters, like kittens huddling near a stove, were squeezed obediently beside the pole. "Four more have died, its still a failure," Chen Mu sighed. He had never stopped cultivating the Ghosts. The original Ghosts he created would entirely dissipate. It was only after he accidentally discovered this black column that there became slight changes. The pillar, called a Soul-Calming Stake, came from the Frontier Wilderness Great Beam over a decade ago. It was a Magic Artifact that matched the Raising Ghosts strategy, also from a secret scroll of Thousand Mountains Sutra. Since it was ice-cold throughout, he had used it as an air conditioner and refrigerator, never expecting it could delay the death of the Ghosts. "Its a pity it can only delay, not completely prevent the early death of these newborn Ghosts," Chen Mu shook his head in resignation. "Is it because there are too few Soul-Calming Stakes? Or are these Netherworld Worms inherently deficient?" "It looks like the plan to cultivate Ghosts is not going to work out." "I really wish a Strange Demon would appear." Those creatures are surrounded by numerous Netherworld Worms. If even one appeared, he could use Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to consume it and convert it into hundreds of Silver Soul Monsters. What a pity... Lost in thought. A light sound came from beside him. Chen Mu came back to his senses and skillfully replaced the White Jade Coin on the Exquisite Jade Plate. While fidgeting with the blank White Jade, he pondered over his subsequent cultivation plans. "Gathering Ghosts will still have to rely on Li Buxian and the others." "The White Jade Coins probably wont last until I complete Divine Orifice Refinement." Sun Ke left twenty thousand White Jade Coins, but they would only last two years at most. Based on his current rate, the shortest Divine Orifice Refinement would take fourteen years. "Theres no use thinking about Luandu Jiangyang and other counties; Qi Cultivators have long been cleaned out by the Lock Dragon Institute. But Southern Shu, recently occupied by Da Qian, might still have some Wild Cultivators hanging on." "While they havent been captured by the Lock Dragon Institute, perhaps I could sell some Elixirs to earn more White Jade Coins," Chen Mu planned in his mind. ... In the following days, Chen Mu stayed in Divine Statue Cave Heaven, using the Cave Heaven Water Curtain to carefully explore the two counties of Qutian and Yongmian. These counties were originally part of Southern Shu, particularly since the upgrade of Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, included in the Dojos influence range as two new counties. Yet, after several days, Chen Mu hadnt spotted a single Qi Cultivator. "This isnt right!" "Southern Shu was just conquered, there should be a few Qi Cultivators remaining at least; how could they disappear so cleanly?" "Should I continue further into Southern Shu, into the counties outside the Dojos range to find Qi Cultivators?" Chen Mu felt troubled. Within the Dojos range, he could quickly investigate using the Cave Heaven Water Curtain. But beyond the Dojos power, he could only aimlessly search using the Truthful Listening Technique and at most, use the unreliable method of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture to make a guess. "This is difficult..." ... Time flowed. This day, at Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temple East Straddling Courtyard. Inside the main house on the north side, Chen Mu sat on a circular chair to the left. Beside him, a tea table held a wooden box filled with White Jade Coins, easily amounting to thirty thousand. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow and looked at Yuan Xian across from him. "This is..." "Sirs Seven Emotions Curse has helped me extract the hidden dangers of the Celestial Capital Transformation backlash. A few White Jade Coins are trivial," Yuan Xian smiled and cupped his hands in thanks. "Its a pity that there are too few Qi Cultivators around Yiyang Commandery; otherwise, I could have gathered more White Jade Coins for you." He expressed his regret. Were all the White Jade Coins collected from nearby Qi Cultivators? Chen Mu looked at the wooden box again and indeed saw that most of the White Jade was ancient and worn, and a few even had faint bloodstains on them. Behind this box of White Jade, who knows how many Qi Cultivators were buried underground as pulse points! Chen Mus expression subtly changed. No wonder he couldnt find Qi Cultivators in the surrounding countiesit turned out Yuan Xian had eradicated them! Such over-harvesting meant that for thousands of miles around, there were no Qi Cultivators left. His own plan to sell elixirs and earn White Jade Coins was nipped in the bud. Yuan Xian noticed the change in Chen Mus expression, his lips slightly curving up, then his face immediately became stern again. "Ive stayed in Luandu County for too long and will soon head to the Great Li frontier." "There, the battle is fierce, with constant deaths and injuries, and a lot of Ghosts appear." "Why dont you leave Luandu County with me? It would be safer to leave Daqian with my personal escort. And it would be more convenient to gather a large number of Ghosts near the battlefield." Yuan Xian looked at Chen Mu, his tone calm yet clearly articulate, persuading him. "You want to drive me out of Daqian?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, his gaze towards Yuan Xian filled with amusement. The farewells and thanks were genuine, but leveraging the frontline Ghosts to make him leave Daqian was likely the old mans main objective in this visit! "No, no, no, I just want to repay your kindness to me," Yuan Xian replied smoothly, smiling. "Was it you who arranged the migration of the villagers around Luandu County to Southern Shu?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Thats impossible. It was an Imperial Court decree. How could I influence that?" Yuan Xians face was full of smiles. "You also intentionally exterminated the Qi Cultivators from the surrounding counties, didnt you? Was it to prevent me from obtaining more White Jade Coins?" Chen Mus right hand clenched the White Jade Coins inside the box, making a rustling sound, yet his eyes kept a wary watch on Yuan Xian. "You misunderstood. The Dojo in Luandu County is undergoing transformation, but its still new and needs more Qi Cultivators to build pulse points." "As the head of the Lock Dragon Institute, capturing Qi Cultivators and maintaining the City God Dojo, isnt that natural?" Yuan Xian shrugged nonchalantly with a relaxed face. Ha! First reduce the number of Ghosts, then reveal the location on the Great Li frontline that produces many Ghost Monsters. Eliminate all Qi Cultivators to ensure I cant get more White Jade Coins. As a Qi Cultivator myself, I cant cultivate without Earth Spirit Vital Energy. These White Jade Coins in the box could last at most two or three years, and thats only because I have the Exquisite Jade Plate. Looking at it comprehensively, if I want to cultivate, I must leave Daqian as soon as possible. What a scheme! "Is it because of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed?" Chen Mu understood. "I just think that the Goose Sheep Path in Great Li might be more suitable for your cultivation," Yuan Xians expression became neutral. Chen Mus eyes shifted, peering through slightly squinted eyelids at Yuan Xian. "Tell me, what are your plans?" "I have a way for you to enter the Upper Court of Goose Sheep Path," Yuan Xian said calmly: "The land veins in Yunzhou are changing, and you must admit, its no longer a haven for Qi Cultivators here." Upon hearing this, Chen Mu became silent. "The Goose Sheep Path will soon relocate; theyll pass through Tongtian River to Hai Province." "Its said that the place is rich in Earth Spirit Vital Energy, more suitable for Qi Cultivation and cultivating immortality." Chen Mu sighed lightly. Though Divine Statue Cave Heaven is safe and one can slowly accumulate Ghosts, the lack of Earth Spirit Vital Energy is an issue he cant solve. Daqians extermination of Qi Cultivators, even if not targeted by Yuan Xian, made it hard for him to find more White Jade Coins in the area. Leaving Daqian was just a matter of time. Yuan Xian had pinpointed his weakness. "Are you so sure the Goose Sheep Path is relocating?" Yuan Xian smiled slightly: "My trip to Great Li is exactly to drive away the Strange Demons ruining their mountain gates land veins; for the sake of their tradition, they have no choice but to move!" Chen Mu was startled and suddenly remembered Jilong Mountain. Initially, Strange Demons appeared on Jilong Mountain, leading to the dissipation of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Also, the initial changes in the mountain gates land veins at Chongshan Dojo might well have been the meddling of these Underworld God Transformation Warriors! Seeing Chen Mus expression change, Yuan Xian continued to persuade, "You are a Qi Cultivator, you need to think about the long term..." "Fine, lets do it your way," Chen Mu waved his hand, cutting off the dialogue, somewhat dispirited. Even if he guessed Daqians conspiracy, what of it? On the surface, it was the martial artists from Daqian causing chaos, but behind them stood the entire Netherworld. Natural disasters, man-made miseries, man-made miseries... "Looking at it this way, going to the Upper Court of Goose Sheep Path in Great Li doesnt seem too bad." Yuan Xians lips couldnt help curling up: "Good, I will make arrangements; well head to the Great Li frontline first, then go..." "No, lets just go straight to Goose Sheep Path," Chen Mu shook his head. "Youre not going to the frontline to collect Ghosts?" Yuan Xian asked, puzzled. "Ive found something better." Chen Mu suddenly smiled mischievously. Old man, you better work hard, try to drive more Strange Demons to Goose Sheep Mountain. As for the task of destroying the land veins of Goose Sheep Path... thats none of my business since Im not from the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute! Thinking this, Chen Mu looked at Yuan Xian, his smile growing brighter. Yuan Xian felt a chill run down his spine, suddenly having a bad premonition. Chapter 573 - 562: Leaving Evening. Luandu County, Dongfeng District was teeming with people. The voices of street vendors hawking their wares ebbed and flowed, lingering around Chen Mus ears. "So lively," he remarked, his expression complex as he strolled amidst the crowd. Unbeknownst to him, he had already spent nearly three years as the City God at Qiluo Mountain. Yet due to the existence of Lock Dragon Courtyard, he seldom visited Luandu County. Even when buying daily necessities, he did so in haste, without taking time to wander properly. "This departure, I do not know when I will be able to visit the human world again," Chen Mu sighed. He had decided to follow Yuan Xians plan, to infiltrate the Upper Court of Goose Sheep Path. Goose Sheep Path was a typical Mysterious Gate Sect, with mountain gates often hidden in remote, spiritually rich highlands. While Qi Cultivators markets were not uncommon in the mountains, the cultivators were different from ordinary people, lacking the liveliness of the mundane world. Lost in thought, melodious singing reached his ears. Chen Mu looked up, realizing before he knew it, he had reached the entrance of Yicui Building. At that moment, the lanterns were just being lit, casting a soft, dim light. Chen Mu peered through the wide-open doorway and saw a plump figure come into view. Liang Dabao of the Flying Horse Camps Yi Second Banner? Chen Mus mouth curled into a slight smile: "Liang Xiaopang has finally managed to listen to the music of Yicui Building and eat its food." That had been the little fattys greatest wish. Back in the Flying Horse Camp, he had often heard him talk about it. Through the dim light, as he watched the graceful figure on the stage in the hall, Chen Mu let out a soft sigh. "Pity that I can only watch from a distance now." Higher cultivation heightened the senses, making the thick makeup on the dancers face no longer able to deceive his perception. Chen Mu gave Liang Dabao a calm look, turned around, and stepped away, slowly disappearing into the crowd. At that moment, Liang Dabao, visiting Yicui Building for the first time, was blushing and looking around anxiously. His gaze swept past the doorway, catching a fleeting figure, and suddenly he froze. "Dabao, there are ladies to watch, what are you looking at?" Hu Lao San teased with a laugh beside him. "I... I think I saw my nightmare," Liang Dabao replied, his face filled with complex emotions. "What nightmare?" "The one where I cant wake up or sleep, reciting scriptures night after night, for two consecutive months." "Isnt that the City God giving you a manifestation?" "Heh, if so, this City God must be a bit stingy." Chen Mu, who had not gone far, overheard: "..." It seemed that little fatty still hadnt memorized enough scriptures yet. ... Several days later, in Divine Statue Cave Heaven. Chen Mu placed a rocking chair in the center of the hall, specially fitted with a soft cushion. The bald youth, with a Heavenly Demon Body, stretched and leisurely lay down in it. After adjusting his position slightly, the Heavenly Demon Body closed its eyes and his breathing became faint, quickly sinking into a deep slumber. The next moment, the True Flesh Body leaning against the doorway opened its eyes. "Once I leave Da Qian, I dont know if my consciousness will be able to return to the Heavenly Demon Body from afar. Better make it as comfortable as possible." Chen Mu approached and adjusted the wide and soft clothing once more. "From now on, its up to you to hold down the fort here." He stood up, surveyed the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, and as a dark whirlpool appeared at Netherworld Ferry, Chen Mus true form abruptly left Divine Statue Cave Heaven. ... Noon, at Qiluo Mountain City Divine Temples East Straddling Courtyard. "According to Lock Dragon Wells display, we might capture a Ghost tonight." "Do not worry, Mr. Gongsun, I have Yan Yue in place of dream-inducing liquor; this Ghost can be given to you," Li Buxian said through gritted teeth, a look of grudging pain on his face. "One?" "I think at least three Ghosts might appear tonight." Chen Mu looked at Li Buxian with an almost smirking smile: "You were involved in that old codger Yuan Xians plan, werent you?" "Deliberately reducing the supply of Ghosts to force me to head to the Great Li frontier?" "Plan? What plan? What does Mr. Gongsun mean?" Li Buxian feigned ignorance. Heh! "Ive already asked Xie An, the priest from Jiangyang County Temple; youd better think carefully before you answer," Chen Mu spoke with a smile. Damn that Xie An! Why did you have to spill the beans! All these scions from Noble Clans, theyre all a bunch of spineless wimps! Li Buxians face twitched. "I had no choice. Yuan Xian is the head of Lock Dragon Courtyard, a formidable force. If he tells me to act this way, even if I wanted to resist, I wouldnt dare," he said with a bitter smile and shake of his head. "So, you were completely coerced by Yuan Xian then?" Chen Mus ears perked up, his voice playful. "Alas, to be the meat on the cutting board," Li Buxian sighed heavily, his face full of indignation. "So, it was I who forced your hand. It seems I owe Li Temple Priest an apology." A cold voice suddenly resonated throughout the East Straddling Courtyard. In the air, a figure slowly appeared. Gazing at that stern old face, and then at Chen Mus schadenfreude grin, Li Buxian realizedGongsun Sheng must have known about Yuan Xian long ago; hed been played again! Li Buxians face instantly turned as black as coal. Although I really did want to drive you out, this time I was honestly just following orders. And here you go, scheming against me again before you leave; why so petty? Heh! Old chap, thats just how petty I am. Chen Mu curled his lips upward, turned, and left East Straddling Courtyard with Yuan Xian. Reaching Moon Gate, Chen Mu paused, glanced back at Li Buxian, and offered a piece of advice. "Youll want to practice less of that Yan Yue; the Power of Seven Emotions isnt so easily manipulated." "If any problems arise, dont blame me." After the Heavenly Demon Spiritual Seed entered his body, Chen Mu had roughly studied the latter parts of the "Yan Yue Scripture" and discovered a Seven Emotions Curse hidden within, which could trigger the Power of Seven Emotions for cultivation. However, the Power of Seven Emotions was particularly adept at affecting ones spirit. If one withstood it, all was well, but if not, there was a high risk of cultivating oneself into a state of consciousness disturbance. He actually had no real grievances with Li Buxian. Initially, it was nothing more than Li Buxian, upon persuasion by Lock Dragon Courtyards Yuan Dong, intercepting Sun Ke and having a bout. At that time, he took a few more hits, but that old fellows injuries were a little more severe than his own. After that, every interaction was actually him looking for trouble with the old fellow. Now, as he was about to leave, he didnt mind offering some advice. Having said that, he turned and left the East Straddling Courtyard. "Mr. Gongsun is quite optimistic about this Li Buxian?" Yuan Xian walked beside Chen Mu, smiling and asking. "Born in humble beginnings, yet able to cultivate the Underworld God Seven Transformations through his own efforts." "With the Seven Emotions Curse and Huangliang Wine now, its very possible hell quickly cultivate the Underworld God Nine Transformations. He truly is a talent." Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "In my eyes, you are all the same, dont think of using him to scheme against me." "If theres any difference, its that he was conned by me more than anyone else." "Do you want to give it a try?" Chen Mus eyes shifted slightly, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips as he looked at Yuan Xian. Yuan Xians expression froze. For some reason, the bad premonition he had at the beginning was becoming more apparent. This was indeed a big problem; he had to send him away from Da Qian quickly! Half a month later, at the top-level window of a massive ship that was a hundred meters long. Chen Mu sat with closed eyes in front of a long desk. On the desk was a bronze incense burner from which a wisp of blue smoke rose, slowly diffusing. The fragrance of concentration and tranquility filled the entire room. After a good while, Chen Mu opened his eyes and turned to look out the window, where the boundless river surface was the first thing to catch his eye. Raising his gaze, he saw the green and endless rolling hills in the distance. He had now entered the territory of Southern Shu by boat. This country was rich in water and mountains, with lush vegetation. The hills he had seen along the way were almost entirely covered with green vegetation, which was quite pleasing to the eye. While admiring the green mountains and blue sky, Chen Mus ears twitched, and he turned to look towards the center of the room. There, a figure was slowly emerging from nothingness. "Sir, you truly are extraordinary. I can now freely enter and exit the Spirit Void Cave Heaven, and yet you detected me," Yuan Xian said with a smile, but his heart couldnt help but feel cold. Using the Seven Emotions Curse to suppress the backlash from the Celestial Capital Transformation, he was able to infiltrate the Spirit Void Cave Heaven more stealthily and quickly. Unexpectedly, the other party was still able to detect his trace. When they had fought in Qiluo Mountain, the other party didnt have this ability. Was it because of the Heavenly Demon Spiritual Seed, or had his own strength improved? Chen Mus expression was indifferent, his eyes narrowed into slits, his pitch-black pupils unwaveringly staring at Yuan Xian. "This secret infiltration is mainly to prevent others from learning of your existence, which would not be beneficial for infiltrating into Goose Sheep Mountain. I hope for your understanding for any presumptuousness," Yuan Xian said with a tense scalp, bowing sincerely, "The plan to infiltrate the Goose Sheep Path is now ready. May I know..." Chen Mus expression remained unchanged as he stared at Yuan Xian for a good while before slightly lifting his chin, gesturing for him to sit opposite the desk. The Underworld God Transformation was indeed not simple. It was fortunate that recently his Truthful Listening Technique had advanced, allowing him to detect the Ground Shrinking fluctuations, otherwise, he really wouldnt have any way to deal with this old man. Yuan Xian bowed again, carefully sitting opposite Chen Mu. "Our destination this time is the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard of the Goose Sheep Path." "In my early years, I arranged for a spy to infiltrate the Hundred Refinement Hall of the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. This is the spys file." While speaking, he took out a scroll from his sleeve and placed it in front of Chen Mu. "He is a Lock Dragon Knight who practices Ghost Channeling and controls the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern." "This Ghost Pattern allows him to travel through water, and it is with this method, mimicking the Qi Cultivators Magic Artifact, the Water-Repelling Pearl, that he was able to join the artifact refining division of Goose Sheep Path." "The Goose Sheep Path intends to borrow the Tongtian River to traverse the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. For this, a submersible ship is needed, and the Water-Repelling Pearl is indispensable. There is a high likelihood he will be recruited into the Upper Court." "Once you replace this person, you can successfully join the Upper Court of the Goose Sheep Path." A very high likelihood? Chen Mu paused while flipping through the scrolls file, giving Yuan Xian a half-smiling glance. Previously, this old fellow had guaranteed his entry into the Goose Sheep Paths Upper Court, but now it had become a high likelihood. Hmph! Yuan Xians heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly spoke up to divert Chen Mus attention, "This time, I brought a Lock Dragon Knight proficient in the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern aboard, and Ive also obtained the Artifact Refining Method scroll for the Water-Repelling Pearl." "I suggest you learn the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. That would save time." Chen Mu withdrew his gaze, the gray wall materializing before him. Ghost Channeling Spell: Extreme; "Lets try the Ghost Channeling Spell first." As early as on Qiluo Mountain, he had mastered this Dharma Curse to its peak, allowing him to freely enter and exit the Nine Serenities Abyss, to choose Netherworld Ghost Patterns at ease to learn and control. It was not like at the beginning when he was chased by countless Ghost Patterns and squeezed out of the Nine Serenities Abyss. "Let me take a look at the Water-Repelling Pearl refining method too," Chen Mu spoke again. Yuan Xian immediately looked hesitant. "Is there a problem?" Chen Mu asked flatly. "No problem, its just that the Artifact Refining Method is said to be very complex." "Before learning the method of refining the Water-Repelling Pearl, it is necessary to have secrets like the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique and the Five Qi Primordial Technique as prerequisites." "If you want to master them one by one, Im afraid it will take a considerable amount of time, probably not enough to infiltrate Goose Sheep Mountain," Yuan Xian earnestly advised. Chen Mu gave a strange look as he emerged from the gray wall, fixing his gaze on two columns. Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique: 5398/10000/Fourth Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 9426/10000/Fourth Rank; Artifact Refining and Alchemy actually have points in common? What a coincidence! "Its all right; Im just curious to take a look," Chen Mu said with a smile. Lock Dragon Knights rely on the Ghost Channeling Spell because they have no other choice, but as a genuine Qi Cultivator, he should learn the proper Artifact Refining techniques. Besides, if he really goes to Goose Sheep Mountain to build a big ship, he might maintain the disguise initially, but over time, it would likely be exposed. Qi Cultivators have a long inheritance and are not so easily fooled. Chapter 574 - 563 Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern On the top deck of the towering ship, within a spacious room. "Is it you who wishes to learn the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern?" a burly old man with grizzled hair and beard gazed at Chen Mu with a face full of sympathy. "Thank you for your troubles." Chen Mu said, respectfully clasping his fists. "Have you offended Yuan Xian?" the burly elder curiously asked. "Why would you say that, elder?" Chen Mu was puzzled. "A Lock Dragon Knight needs the assistance of the City God Dojo to connect with the Nine Serenities Abyss. Youre venturing into a Qi Cultivators territory; casting the Ghost Channeling Spell there will prove extremely difficult." "To pose a Netherworld Magic Instrument as a Qi Cultivators Magic Artifact, you must overlay a sufficient number of Netherworld Ghost Patterns on the fake artifact, which is an arduous task on top of another." "A Lock Dragon Knight is always in need of Incense Spiritual Energy, but without a City Divine Temple on the Goose Sheep Path, you can only rely on Longevity Wine as a substitute. That stuff, however, has significant hidden dangers if consumed in excessmadness being one of them." "Those spies are groomed from a young age by the Lock Dragon Courtyard and have the means to respond accordingly. But you..." The burly elder looked at Chen Mu with a face full of pity. Leaving the City God Dojos influence makes casting the Ghost Channeling Spell difficult? Damn it! How come I didnt know about this? Yuan Xian never mentioned it himself. "Where does Yuan Xian plan to send you?" the burly old man asked cheerfully. "Yunze Lake, Chongmei Mountain." "Thats not too bad. Those places are not far from Southern Shu, so when casting the Ghost Channeling Spell, you might succeed five or six times out of ten in connecting with the Nine Serenities Abyss." A fifty percent success rate? "What if I went to Goose Yang Mountain?" "Then youd be truly doomed. If out of a hundred attempts, you succeed three times, consider yourself exceedingly fortunate." The burly elder spoke with utter sympathy. Chen Mus face twitched. Ive been duped by that old man Yuan Xian, no wonder he showed his face and then ran off. He must be feeling guilty! Lucky for me, Im a bona fide Qi Cultivator capable of learning the Water-Repelling Pearl Artifact Refining Technique, otherwise going to Goose Yang Mountain would be certain doom! "What do you think, should I go report him for you?" The burly old man coaxed with a mischievous grin, "With me stepping in, Id certainly give him a piece of my mind." Chen Mus expression changed rapidly but soon returned to calm, "Elder misunderstands; Yuan Xian and I hold no grudges." "Thank you for your kind offer, but were all working for the greater good of Da Qian. Theres no need to stir up trouble," he said with a face that feigned righteous indignation. Well, the next time I see Yuan Xian, Ill see to it that he gets struck by lightning, hundreds of times over. "Even if you had no feud before, with the mission hes given you, you are adversaries now!" the burly elder quickly urged. Youre the one in such a hurry; I think its you who has a score to settle with Yuan Xian. Chen Mu remained silent, just gazing indifferently at the burly old man. "Boring." The burly old man said with a disappointed pout, "What a pity. I had wanted to give Yuan Xian a good talking-to." Chen Mus eyelids twitched. Pretending to help me is just a ruse; the real goal is to trouble Yuan Xianthis old fox is no simple character either. Seeing that Chen Mu was not responsive, the burly elder said no more. Then he rolled his eyes upward, showing the whites, as the Power of Ghost Channeling emerged. His right hand immediately stretched forward in a grabbing motion. When he turned his hand to reveal his palm, a little silver thread as fine as a strand of hair appeared in the center of it. "Come on, grab it and start practicing," the burly elder said nonchalantly as he held the silver thread out to Chen Mu. "Im only here for half a month," the burly elder said indifferently, "If you dont learn it and Yuan Xian gives you trouble, its not my concern." "I wont cause you any trouble," Chen Mu said with a slight smile, reaching out to take the silver thread. Though the Ghost Channeling Spell has its limitations, he still needed to learn it. He had already examined the secret scrolls of the Water-Repelling Pearl, and its refinement method was exceedingly elaborate, starting with the need to condense five Talismans. Compared to that, the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern was more of a time-saver. He needed to master one method of refining the Water-Repelling Pearl first to easily blend into Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. Chen Mu took a deep breath; as he cast the Ghost Channeling Spell, Yin Spirit Divine Power mixed with his blood and Essence to form the Ghost Channeling Power, which blinked into the void and vanished. In almost an instant, his consciousness sank into a pitch-black space. Immediately, he felt a warm sensation in the palm of his hand, as if he were holding onto a heated wire. Chen Mu lowered his head to look at the silvery thread shimmering in his palm and instinctively raised his hand to take a closer look. Then, he felt a tugging sensation from the thread. With some effort, he pulled, and it was as if he had hooked a fish on a line. Accompanied by a strong struggle, a clump of thread, as big as a human head and resembling smoke or mist, was yanked out of the dark space and floated in front of him. Inside it, there was a flickering light, pulsing like a breath. The clump was mainly oval-shaped, with densely intertwined threads at the center connected along special trajectories on the outside. At first glance, it looked like an eyeball enraptured with cloud patterns. "Is this the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern?" Chen Mu curiously observed it for a moment, then reached out to press on the clump of silver threads, slowly infusing it with the Power of Ghost Channeling. The flickering light of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern immediately shone brightly. Pain as if he were pressing on a red-hot iron brand shot through his palm, but his expression remained calm as he endured waves of pain, continuing to pour Ghost Channeling Power into the Ghost Pattern. A complex pattern began to emerge in his memory out of thin air. Not long after, Hum! The Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern in front of him suddenly trembled before stabilizing. The flickering light also became constant. An almost imperceptible connection appeared between him and the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. "Done!" Chen Mu was delighted in his heart. But the joy didnt last long before he noticed something odd. Looking up suddenly, he saw countless Netherworld Ghost Patterns of various shapes appear three meters away. At this moment, they were circling and wandering like living creatures, drawing closer to Chen Mu to probe, and then being repeatedly repelled by an invisible force. Feeling the greedy sensation exuding from those Netherworld Ghost Patterns, Chen Mu couldnt help but raise his eyebrows. "Lucky to have the Ultimate Ghost Channeling Spell, otherwise, even with the aid of a Lock Dragon Knight leading the way, it would probably be difficult to quickly master the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern." A Lock Dragon Knight casting the Ghost Channeling Spell was like using oneself as bait to fish. The Ghost Channeling Power was the bait, and the Netherworld Ghost Patterns were the fish. The Netherworld Ghost Patterns consumed his Ghost Channeling Power and in turn provided corresponding patterns. But the Ghost Channeling Power was limited. If too many Netherworld Ghost Patterns came in a flurry, he would end up with various fragmented patterns that were Systemic, which would be useless. However, Chen Mus Ghost Channeling Spell was perfected, capable of isolating other patterns, working in conjunction with the Ghost Channeling Power of other Lock Dragon Knights. He focused only on the one he had chosen, greatly increasing his learning efficiency. With a thought, Chen Mus consciousness vanished into the Nine Serenities Abyss. As soon as he opened his eyes, he met a pair of bright eyes with distinct black and white colors. Suppressing the impulse to throw a punch, he leaned back slightly and saw a pretty and mischievous child with his hair tied in two buns, staring intently at him. "Changer, dont be rude." A burly old man picked up the mischievous child by the collar of his neck and placed him on the side table to sit cross-legged, before turning to Chen Mu with a look of surprise. "Done?" Feeling the complex structural diagram that had appeared out of nowhere in his mind, Chen Mu nodded slightly, "It should be done." "Try it!" The burly elders eyebrows rose, and he nonchalantly tossed a white porcelain teacup to Chen Mu. "Use this?" Chen Mu caught it with a puzzled face. "Its just a try anyway." The burly old man urged without much concern. Chen Mu nodded slightly, opened his left hand to support the teacup, and pressed his right index finger along the rim. Recollecting the pattern in his mind, as if flipping a switch, a chilling power emerged abruptly at his fingertips. It then flowed through his fingers into the white porcelain teacup. The teacup instantly gained a trace of chill, and an invisible force began to appear hazily around it. Yet, Chen Mu couldnt help frowning because he realized that the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern that had just appeared in his mind was fading fast. Within a few breaths, only a few threads remained. "As expected, this is only a temporary draw of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern using a Medicinal Guide. To truly master it, I must continue to practice," he couldnt help sighing. Meanwhile, the burly old man who had been watching closely couldnt help but widen his eyes. He quickly got up, took the teacup from Chen Mus hand, and threw it out into the Jade Belt River. Chen Mu also stood up and followed the burly old man to the window to look down. Only to see that the teacup caused a small splash before sinking slowly into the water. Then, with a pop, a bubble over two meters in diameter suddenly appeared at the bottom of the river. "You brought out the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern on your first try? Tsk, do you have any talent left in you?" The burly old man raised his eyebrows at Chen Mu. "My name is Xu Zhou, you can call me Old Xu or Old Xu head." "This is my grandson, Xu Chang." The burly old man patted the mischievous childs head and cheerfully introduced him to Chen Mu. "I am Gongsun Sheng, and for the next few days, Ill be troubling you for guidance." Chen Mu smiled and greeted with a bow. Chapter 575 564: Water-Repelling Pearl Days passed one by one, and the hundred-meter tower ship sailed steadily south along the Jade Belt River. The mountains on both sides of the river gradually turned into low and gentle hills, and vast expanses of rice fields were occasionally visible. At the top of the tower ship, in Xu Zhou''s room, Chen Mu, sitting in a round chair, slowly opened his eyes. A delicate little hand stretched out from beside him, with a lotus seed lying in its palm. Chen Mu turned his head and saw a porcelain-like, fine-looking naughty child standing on the round chair opposite the square coffee table. He was holding up the lotus seed and tilting his head as he stared intently at Chen Mu. "Thanks a lot, little brother Xu Chang," Chen Mu cheerfully took the lotus seed, and instilled a stream of yin cold power into it. The soft hissing sound came from within the lotus seed, and a chill sensation suddenly spread from the fingertip; the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern power had already penetrated the lotus seed. He glanced fleetingly at it and then shifted his gaze to focus on a complex structural pattern in his mind. Composed of countless silver threads interwoven, it was like clouds and mist; at a glance, it resembled an eye. At this moment, a large number of silver threads began to fade away as if being erased by an eraser, slowly dissipating. Over the past ten days or so, he had lost count of how many times he had experienced something similar. The intricate pattern was the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern True Meaning Atlas; each time he successfully triggered the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, the atlas would emerge in his mind. However, once the power of the Ghost Pattern was released, the related memories would fade away. Fortunately, they would ultimately leave behind some fragments, and as the number of times he connected with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern increased, the remaining fragments also became more and more, enabling him to remember an increasingly complete atlas. "According to Old Xu, as long as I can remember one-tenth or two-tenths of it, I can make my own filament guide as an anchor point, and independently connect with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern from the Nine Serenities Abyss," Chen Mu, without any unnecessary movement, just calmly watched it fade away. Before long, the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern True Meaning Atlas in his mind settled down, the intricate structure of silver threads inside disappeared completely, but a substantial outline remained on the periphery, already resembling two or three parts of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. Moved by a thought, Chen Mu saw a gray wall appear before his eyes. Ghost Channeling (Netherworld Ghost Pattern): 2614/10000; Feeling the insights reflected by the gray wall, Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. "Perhaps it''s worth a try." At that thought, the Yin Spirit Divine Power mixed with blood and vital energy transformed into Ghost Channeling Divine Power. The incomplete atlas in his mind suddenly became prominent, as if a dim fluorescent light suddenly blazed brightly. The Ghost Channeling Divine Power transformed, and within a few breaths, a silver thread as fine as a strand of hair appeared in the palm of his hand. "It really worked, haha!" Chen Mu felt a rush of elation in his heart. The thread in his hand was precisely the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern''s filament guide; with it, he could independently connect with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern without needing Xu Zhou''s guidance. He immediately performed the Ghost Channeling Spell once more; with the help of the silver thread in his hand, he skillfully pulled out the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern from the Nine Serenities Abyss. When he opened his eyes again, a clump of yin cold power had already appeared in the palm of his hand. Chen Mu grasped the chilly lotus seed he had held before and infused the transformed Ghost Channeling Divine Power into it again. Pop! The lotus seed, like an overinflated balloon, burst into pieces. Yet Chen Mu was not annoyed in the slightest but instead revealed a smile. "Have you learned it?" Xu Zhou said, full of surprise, staring at Chen Mu. It had only been a few days?! "It''s only making the Medicinal Guide; to fully master the Ghost Pattern Atlas will still take some time," Chen Mu said with a hint of regret. Hearing this, Xu Zhou rolled his eyes. "Only the Netherworld Ghost God can master the Netherworld Ghost Patterns, and for Lock Dragon Knights to remember parts of the atlas is already their limit." "And you want to completely master the Ghost Pattern Atlas? I think you''re dreaming!" "Then each time it''s used, a Medicinal Guide needs to be used as well, which means preparing for some time. It''s fine if it''s used for laying out a Dojo, but in a fight against someone..." Chen Mu frowned. This Netherworld Ghost Pattern, it seemed, was not as swift and convenient as he had imagined. "That''s why you make Netherworld Magic Instruments, to store the power of Ghost Patterns, so that when it''s needed, you can directly activate and use it," Xu Zhou explained. It seemed somewhat similar to a Qi Cultivator''s Talisman. Chen Mu was inwardly surprised. "Now that you''ve mastered the filament guide, you can continue practicing on your own." "I''ll go to Yuan Xian to get some materials and teach you Netherworld Magic Instrument refining in a few days," Xu Zhou said with a smile. Three days later, Xu Zhou appeared before Chen Mu with a wooden box, smiling. "The Netherworld Ghost Patterns can be stored in physical objects, but ordinary materials can only carry them temporarily." "This calls for better materials, such as Monster Exotic Beast skin, flesh, and bones, or Green Bricks soaked for decades under the Lock Dragon Well." "But since you''re trying to forge a Water-Repelling Pearl, why not start directly with a Water-Repelling Pearl?" Saying this, he opened the wooden box next to him, where three pearls the size of walnuts and resembling White Jade lay inside, their surfaces covered in fine threads of blood-red patterns, appearing quite mysterious and magnificent. "Is this... a pearl produced by the Water Avoidance Wave Stabilizing Pearl?" asked Chen Mu, picking up one with interest. In the past few days, besides mastering the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, he had not given up on pondering the secrets of the Water-Repelling Pearl. It was clearly recorded that pearls produced by the Water Avoidance Wave Stabilizing Pearl were the main materials for the Water-Repelling Pearl. "It''s simple to use the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern to protect the Water-Repelling Pearl." "Just keep layering the Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns into the pearls from the Water Avoidance Wave Stabilizing Pearl." "After each insertion, set up a layer of Ghost Channeling Divine Power to isolate and seal it." "After layering three hundred and sixty patterns, you can fake a Water-Repelling Pearl, and ordinary Qi Cultivators won''t be able to find the slightest flaw." Chen Mu immediately understood. Several days later. At the top floor of a hundred-meter-long building-boat, in Chen Mu''s room. He held a White Jade pearl in his hand, skillfully activating the Ghost Channeling Spell to connect with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. A cold force appeared in the palm of his hand, flowing along his fingers into the pearl. When the power was completely injected, he used the Ghost Channeling Spell again, not entering the Nine Serenities Abyss but instead wrapping the pearl with Ghost Channeling Divine Power, slowly penetrating inwards. The pearl, which had turned a bit chilly due to the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, immediately returned to normal. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, then started another round of injection and sealing. At a certain moment. Puff! There was a soft sound, and the pearl from the Water Avoidance Wave Stabilizing Pearl suddenly turned into powder and dispersed. "Failed again," Chen Mu frowned heavily. This was the second pearl he had experimented with; the first one collapsed inexplicably after he layered seventy-five Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns. This one had only fifty-three patterns layered before chaotic forces emerged within the pearl. As Chen Mu pondered with a frown, a jade-white little hand extended in front of him again. "Have some lotus seeds, they''re sweet," said a five or six-year-old Xu Chang, who was currently peeling lotus seeds and resting on the desk. Seeing Chen Mu fail at refining the Water-Repelling Pearl, she immediately pushed a small plate of lotus seeds towards him. Looking into her clear, large eyes that vividly contrasted between black and white, the frustration Chen Mu felt from the failure dissipated greatly. "Thanks, little Chang, but you have them," Chen Mu said with a smile, refusing. "Why did it fail?" he wondered, scratching his head. "Because grandpa didn''t teach you the trick," Xu Chang said crisply. What does she mean? Chen Mu was taken aback. Was it because of a grudge with Yuan Xian, so he held back? But if Yuan Xian dared to let Xu Zhou teach him, he would have been certain that Xu Zhou wouldn''t hold back, but now... "Grandpa said you''re learning too quickly; if he teaches you everything too soon, he won''t be able to continue swindling money from Grandpa Yuan," she said. Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh and cry. You want to swindle Yuan Xian, why didn''t you say so earlier? Give me half, and I could help you swindle old Yuan to the point of bankruptcy! Chapter 576 565: Mastery The next day, on top of the hundred-meter tall ship, Xu Zhou glared at the little rascal Xu Chang. "Why do you blurt out everything!" "I''ll say what I want, you can''t control me!" Xu Chang stood on the chair, hands on his hips and a defiant expression on his face. Xu Zhou, with a puffed beard and widened eyes, turned to look at Chen Mu. "What Soul-Bewitching Soup did you feed him?" Chen Mu, with a suppressed smile, spread his hands, "I''m quite kind, and the little brother Xu Chang is equally kind; it''s probably a case of like recognizing like." Bullshit! Xu Zhou couldn''t help but roll his eyes. "It has nothing to do with Big Brother Gongsun, Old Xu, I''m doing this for your own good. It''s wrong to swindle people!" Xu Chang, with hands on his hips, childishly exclaimed. Chen Mu couldn''t help but burst into laughter. "I swindle people all to provide for you," Xu Zhou continued to glare at Xu Chang. "That''s nonsense, everything you swindle goes to exchanging for liquor!" Xu Chang pouted, "You can''t fool me!" Well done! Looking at Xu Zhou''s reddening old face, Chen Mu couldn''t help but applaud internally. "Humph! I''m not talking to you anymore!" Xu Zhou swept his sleeves and ignored his own grandson. He was afraid of getting so angry his lungs might explode if he continued the conversation. He turned his head to look at Chen Mu, lightly coughed, and with feigned composure raised his airs, "You..." "You wouldn''t want Yuan Xian to know about your swindling, would you?" Chen Mu said with a smile. "You''re talking nonsense!" As soon as Xu Zhou tried to maintain his airs, they immediately dissipated, and he shouted, infuriated. "I have a witness." Chen Mu responded with a smile. "Right, I can testify!" Xu Chang said seriously, nodding his head to assure his cooperation. Xu Zhou: "..." Spendthrift! "I don''t care about whatever grudge you have with Yuan Xian, just teach me the tricks of the Netherworld Magic Artifact," Chen Mu said cheerily. "Actually, there aren''t any big tricks to it." Xu Zhou sighed helplessly after glaring at his own grandson. "A single layer of Netherworld Ghost Pattern will naturally conceal itself; as long as it''s not deliberately stimulated, it generally won''t trigger." "But too many layers stacked on each other will interfere and disrupt the internal balance of the ghost patterns. The conflict among several layers of Netherworld Ghost Patterns will cause the patterns to become ineffective," Xu Zhou explained. "A Netherworld Magic Artifact consists of three parts: the carrier, the Netherworld Ghost Pattern core, and the Ghost Channeling Divine Power shell used to insulate and seal." "To solve the conflict of multiple layers of ghost patterns, you just need to divide the Netherworld Ghost Pattern into a main body and branches, hiding the branches within the Ghost Channeling Divine Power shell." "As such, the main body remains incomplete and its power reduced, so they will not interfere with each other." "The branches hidden within the Ghost Channeling Divine Power shell just need a small crack to merge automatically into the core, reforming into one, without affecting the effectiveness of the Netherworld Ghost Patterns." "The so-called tricks are really that simple." Xu Zhou spread his hands, "You go and practice on your own." Chen Mu suddenly understood. The Netherworld Ghost Patterns, induced from the Nine Serenities Abyss, indeed could be drawn without triggering, but there was ultimately a limit. Too many layers will interfere with each other, breaking the balance and causing a chain reaction, leading to collapse. If it''s incomplete, the power is not full, and it can be easily insulated and sealed by Ghost Channeling Divine Power without rebounding. It sounded indeed very simple, but... "How exactly to divide the Netherworld Ghost Patterns must have its finer points," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes at Xu Zhou. Netherworld Ghost Patterns are cohesive; random cutting and separating them would only result in the disintegration of the patterns. "Cough, indeed there are some particulars, what''s the rush, I was about to tell you," Xu Zhou said nonchalantly. I believe you, my ass! Just now he was saying I should practice on my own. Chen Mu glanced at Old Xu. This smooth talker was full of nonsense, and even now not telling the truth. He obviously wanted to see Chen Mu fail again in his refinement, to take the opportunity to swindle Yuan Xian. ... Several days later, inside Chen Mu''s room. Across the long desk, Xu Chang sat in a chair, dangling his legs in the air, peeling lotus seeds to eat, while watching Chen Mu cultivate. Chen Mu pinched a plump lotus seed, persistently pouring strands of chilly power into it. A moment later, the chilling power vanished, and Chen Mu brought the lotus seed close to his eyes for a careful, sensed inspection. There were three layers of Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns added into the lotus seed by him, yet it remained as stable as ever, seemingly just like an ordinary lotus seed. "There really is a knack to it." Following the new method taught by Xu Zhou, Chen Mu had been trying for the past few days, and this lotus seed in his hand was a display of the results. With a thought, a gray wall materialized before his eyes. Ghost Channeling (Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern): 6332/10000; "Although it''s not yet perfected, relying on my current understanding of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern and the tips provided by Xu Zhou, perhaps I can refine a Netherworld version of the Water-Repelling Pearl." Chen Mu took a deep breath and took out the last Wave Stabilizing Pearl. As he cast the Ghost Channeling Spell, layers of Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns turned into a chilly force, drilling into the pearl. As the number of overlays increased, the red patterns that already existed on the pearl became even more vivid. Thus, he continuously communicated with the Nine Serenities Abyss, drawing upon the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. Chen Mu refined it for the better part of the day. It was not until evening, as the fiery red sunset hung in the sky, that Chen Mu stopped casting the Ghost Channeling Technique. His face pale, he spread out his hand, looking at the cool pearl in his palm, and couldn''t help but show a smile. "Success, at last." From the moment he boarded the building ship and left Luandu County, he had been pondering the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, struggling for over a month, and finally had a good result. "Refining the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern version of the Water-Repelling Pearl solves the most crucial part of infiltrating the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard," Chen Mu exhaled and took out a Jade Dew Pearl and popped it into his mouth. As the pure Jade Dew Essence spread, the weakness caused by the consumption of vital energy from casting the Ghost Channeling Technique gradually dissipated. "The Lock Dragon Knight''s Ghost Channeling Technique can borrow the power of Nine Serenities Abyss, allowing ordinary people to perform Secret Techniques like a Qi Cultivator. But the consumption is extraordinary," Chen Mu couldn''t help sighing. He possessed a Heavenly Demon Body and had a powerful physique that had transformed over years of cultivation, yet still casting the Ghost Channeling Technique repeatedly made him feel the strain on his vitality and blood. After all, Lock Dragon Knights are merely ordinary humans; their consumption would only be greater. "No wonder they wear black robes all day and immerse themselves in Incense Spiritual Energy," Chen Mu realized suddenly. "Could I have one?" While he was contemplating, a crisp voice rang in his ear. "Could I have one? They look really tasty," at the opposite side of the desk, Xu Chang chewed on a lotus seed, eyes unwavering as she stared at the Jade Dew Pearl. "This isn''t something ordinary people can eat," Chen Mu said, shaking his head with a smile. The Jade Dew Pearl was food for Yin Spirits, containing colossal Essence. He had a Heavenly Demon Body and strong physique, allowing him to digest it easily. But Xu Chang was just a five- or six-year-old child, and he did not dare to let him eat it carelessly. Seeing disappointment in the other''s gaze, Chen Mu chuckled, flipped his wrist, and a small plate of candied, deep-fried Moon Beet Pearls appeared. Moon Beet Pearls, before absorbing Jade Dew, were plain food, akin to nuts or peanuts, with a unique flavor and could slightly strengthen and cultivate Vital Energy. Watching Xu Chang gobble the Moon Beet Pearls like candy, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile: "Eat a little less, I''ll make you a big meal tonight!" The little guy had been a great help with learning the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern from Xu Zhou so quickly; it was only right to reward him well. ... Half a month later. At the top of the hundred-meter building ship, in Chen Mu''s room. Chen Mu sat behind the desk, holding a Jade Slip, squinting at the golden runes on it. This script was the Xie Script of Qi Cultivators, though it had only a few hundred words, all the information regarding the Water-Repelling Pearl Artifact Refining Method was recorded within. "First, forge three Essence Talismans, using the Five Elements Qi Absorption Technique to refine the essence of the materials. Then, form the molding talismans, using the Five Qi Primordial Technique to shape the embryo of the Magic Artifact." "Apart from the final step of infusing the True Intent Talisman for water repulsion, the first two steps are almost like Alchemy." "Yet even though I have already mastered the Qi Absorbing Technique and Primordial Technique, to fully learn this Artifact Refining Technique will not be so simple. Just forging the five True Intent Talismans will take a lot of time," Chen Mu sighed lightly. "Therefore, mastering the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern first is the best choice," Yuan Xian, standing at the doorway, spoke. Chen Mu turned his head, his expression unkind: "But you didn''t tell me that for a Lock Dragon Knight, casting the Ghost Channeling Technique would become extremely difficult once far from Da Qian." Yuan Xian responded calmly: "I asked you to learn the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern only as a precaution." "In fact, with my close confidant Li Moliang there, it''s not necessary for you to refine the Water-Repelling Pearl yourself." What did he mean? "You have a Pot-Heaven Secret Technique, don''t you?" Yuan Xian said softly. "You want me to put Li Moliang into the Thousand Lanterns City Grotto Heaven?" Chen Mu''s eyebrows raised. "Exactly," Yuan Xian nodded. "In five more days, we will enter the Yunmeng Marsh, close to the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard." "At that time, you can implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in Li Moliang, hide him in the Grotto Heaven, and keep him by your side. That would be the safest approach." Hearing this, Chen Mu was tempted. Just one attempt had shown him that forging a Water-Repelling Pearl with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern was a tedious task, and pretending to be someone else to sneak into the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard was also troublesome. But if he had that spy by his side, things would become quite simple. When the time came, he could let Li Moliang maintain his usual activities while he would have plenty of time to study the Artifact Refining Technique. Even if he later went to the Goose Sheep Path Upper Court, as long as he had the orthodox Artifact Refining Technique in hand, he wouldn''t have to worry about being exposed. Chen Mu couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. Yuan Xian, the crafty old man, might be insidious, but his considerations were indeed thorough. "Let''s do it!" Chapter 577 566: Infiltration On the top deck of the hundred-meter ship, inside Chen Mu''s room. "What''s the deal with Old Xu? Does he have a grudge against you?" Chen Mu asked Yuan Xian curiously. "Indeed, there are some small disputes, but not a major vendetta," Yuan Xian explained. "This person is a protector in the Lock Dragon Institute''s Hall of Spirit Honor, mastering countless Netherworld Ghost Patterns. He could teach you the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern more efficiently." "Moreover, although this person is greedy, he is extremely trustworthy, which is why I spent a great deal of money to invite him." "Then did Xu Zhou give you any trouble? That doesn''t make sense; after all, he took the money." Yuan Xian frowned. "Could it be that your identity as a Qi Cultivator has been exposed?" Yuan Xian''s expression changed. Chen Mu couldn''t help but frown upon hearing this. According to Yuan Xian, Xu Zhou was no ordinary Lock Dragon Knight, and he might indeed see through the disguise of the Breath Ending Divine Ability. "If he really saw through my disguise, why would he still teach me the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern?" Chen Mu puzzled. "Regardless of his considerations, this is ultimately a hidden danger." Yuan Xian''s face flashed with severity. "Why not... just take him out!" Chen Mu''s face twitched. How had the conversation turned to murder? "Better to kill wrongly than to miss an enemy!" Yuan Xian stated solemnly. This is unnecessary, truly unnecessary... At the moment, the ship wasn''t far from the borders of Southern Shu, effectively leaving Da Qian. Even if his disguise were seen through, there was no cause for concern. Besides, Xu Zhou had after all taught him the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern; how could they turn hostile just like that. "You''re still too kind-hearted." Yuan Xian sighed and shook his head. "What can I do, being a good person." Chen Mu sighed along. Yuan Xian''s eyelids twitched, and he barely maintained his serious facial expression. After calming down for a while, he spoke up again with a suggestion: "I think it''s best to nip troubles in the bud." "The Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel tempted. "Correct! It''s safer to turn him into one of our own," Yuan Xian said with a grave face. Chen Mu was about to nod in agreement when he suddenly paused. He looked at Yuan Xian with a suspicious expression. "First, you talk about silencing someone by murder, and then about the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed..." "You''re not trying to use me to get rid of Xu Zhou, are you?" Something is off; there''s something fishy about this old guy, Yuan Xian! "You''ve misunderstood; my concerns are entirely for your safety," Yuan Xian replied with an unchanged expression. "I think you''re just eying that Hall of Spirit Honor," Chen Mu scoffed, giving Yuan Xian a sidelong glance. He clearly had grievances with Xu Zhou and knew of his greed, yet Yuan Xian had still invited him to teach Chen Mu the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. This was simply provoking Xu Zhou to mess with him, then using Chen Mu to deal with Xu Zhou, wasn''t it? Besides, according to Yuan Xian''s plan, the spy Li Mo Liang would be allowed into Thousand Lanterns City and kept close at handeven without Chen Mu knowing the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, it wouldn''t affect infiltrating Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. So... Chen Mu''s eyes darted around as he stared coldly at Yuan Xian. Old man, you''ve got quite the scheming mind! ... Five days later, at a remote ferry crossing in Great Li. Chen Mu stood on the bank, waving to Xu Zhou and Xu Chang on the deck. They had reached the outskirts of Yunze Lake. The Earth Spirit Element was growing denser, and various Exotic Beasts started to emerge. Whether for the sake of safety or to maintain a covert infiltration, it would no longer be prudent to continue their journey on the hundred-meter tall ship. Watching Xu Chang, who was jumping and waving goodbye from the stern, Chen Mu waved back, unable to suppress a smile. As the ship sailed further away, Chen Mu turned around, only to see Yuan Xian''s face, full of confusion and suspicion. "Who are you waving goodbye to?" he asked with a tense expression. "To Xu Chang, Xu Zhou''s grandson." "Without him, Xu Zhou would not have taught me the intricacies of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern so quickly," Chen Mu said with a smile. Yuan Xian''s complexion changed, "Xu Zhou is a loner, he has no grandson!" "How can he not have one, isn''t that him standing there?" Chen Mu said, pointing to the large ship that was slowly moving away. But Xu Chang, who had just been jumping and flailing at the stern of the ship, had now disappeared from view as if he had never been there. He immediately activated the Truthful Listening Technique, scanning the interior and exterior of the distant building-like ship. However, he discovered that not only Xu Chang but also Xu Zhou had vanished! Chen Mu suddenly stood frozen in place. "When we were saying goodbye, that child was clearly standing next to Xu Zhou, can''t you see?" he couldn''t help but get goosebumps. Yuan Xian slowly shook his head, his face solemn and silent. Does Xu Zhou truly have no grandson? Then who is Xu Chang, with whom I''ve been interacting for over a month? Standing under the punishing sun, Chen Mu did not feel the scorching heat at all, experiencing instead a bone-chilling cold that made his hair stand on end. ... Half a month later, at Chongmei Mountain by Yunze Lake. Yunze Lake was boundlessly vast, stretching for thousands of miles, lying in the Southwest of Great Li, named for the fog that enveloped it year-round. The lake was also known as Qian Bo Lake because of the frequent appearance of fierce winds and huge waves. Chongmei Mountain was located in the center of Yunze Lake, its shape peculiar, resembling a pillar standing upright. The peak of the mountain towered into the clouds, piercing through the fog, covered with dense vegetation and countless white-walled and black-tiled palaces hidden within. On the steep cliffs surrounding the mountain, numerous caves were carved out, and the disciples of the Lock Dragon Institute from Goose Sheep Path and Yun Chong Lower Institute lived in these honeycomb-like Cave Mansions. On this day, inside a Cave Mansion above the clouds on the eastern side of Mount Yun Chong, Chen Mu who was sitting by the window, slowly opened his eyes. Wisps of Earth Spirit Vitality kept drilling into Chen Mu''s body. Inside the Jade Seed, the Divine Orifice Talisman, riddled with holes as if corroded by sulfuric acid, was slowly healing. Chen Mu felt his entire body relax, as if he had shed heavy winter clothes and put on a light and thin garment. His mind was clear, and from the depths of his soul, a sense of vigorous vitality arose. Throwing three to five Jade Dew Pearls into his mouth, Chen Mu revealed a smile, "Another refinement complete." Over the past two months, since he had come to Great Li by boat, he hadn''t forgotten about cultivating the Dark Cloud True Method. The Mixed Primordial Qi inside the Five Ghosts Bag had all been stored inside the Dark Cloud Talisman. Today, he had just enough to complete a Divine Orifice Refinement. Chen Mu turned his head and looked out through a Jade Window embedded in the thick mountain wall. It seemed as if cotton covered the earth, a sea of clouds caught in his gaze. This was already his fifth day at Yun Chong Lower Institute. With the covert help of Li Moliang, Chen Mu first used the Shape-shifting Technique to transform into the latter''s appearance, then he took him into Thousand Lanterns City. Using the other''s Identity Jade, he easily entered Yun Chong Lower Institute with his guidance. He originally thought there might be some trouble, but it was surprisingly easy. "After all, this is just a Lower Institute that cultivates Golden Pearl Clams, the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier isn''t so strictly sealed." Feeling the Earth Spirit Vitality floating around him, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile broadly, "It''s indeed more comfortable on the Qi Cultivator''s turf." Netherworld had no Earth Spirit Vitality, and although the mundane world of Great Li had some, it was diluted and spread out by the City God Tao. As a Qi Cultivator, without Earth Spirit Vitality, it was like a fish stranded in shallow waters; though alive, it was barely comfortable. Moreover, Great Li was now enveloped by the power of Netherworld, undergoing inexplicable changes. Under its peaceful and auspicious surface hid countless strange existences. Just like Xu Chang, Chen Mu was still uncertain about whether or not he really existed. "That little guy, he''s probably not human." "Lock Dragon Institute, Hall of Spirit Honor..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but narrow his eyes. The Lock Dragon Institute, which he had thought he had almost fully understood, was once again shrouded in mystery, becoming enigmatic and unpredictably complex. Even though Yuan Xian had his own agenda, by finding a way to send him away from Great Li, he inadvertently did him a favor. "Hmm... Later when I''m catching Strange Demons, I should try to catch a few less." Chen Mu showed an amused smile. He agreed to come to Goose Sheep Path so readily because he knew that Yuan Xian would drive Strange Demons to the Goose Sheep Path''s territory. Those creatures carried countless Netherworld Worms with them, and capturing just one would allow him to use the Five Ghosts Bag to convert a multitude of Ghosts, greatly shortening the time needed to refine the Divine Orifice. Whether it was to drive away Qi Cultivators or to facilitate setting up the City God Dojo in the future, the Lock Dragon Institute would definitely push Strange Demons to destroy the Earth Vein Spiritual Springs under the control of the Qi Cultivators. Just like the current situation in Great Li, all the former Lower Institutes of Jilong Road had been destroyed, their Earth Veins devastated, leaving the lands barren. Now that the Lock Dragon Institute of Great Li had started targeting Goose Sheep Path, they would certainly not overlook Yun Chong Lower Institute, serving as a Golden Pearl Clam farm. It wouldn''t take long for it to drive Strange Demons here to devour the Earth Spirit Vitality and ruin the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring. "Yuan Xian, you''d better work harder and drive a few more Strange Demons to Yun Chong Lower Institute." Chen Mu''s face was full of hope. Chapter 578 567: Getting Started At dusk, Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. The originally dim living room was brightly lit by fluorescent bath lamps embedded all around. On each side of the wall, two pots of Sea Heart Pine freshened the air. A square table in the center was filled with various dishes of meat and vegetables. Through the steaming vapor of the mixed Primordial Energy, a middle-aged man in his forties was sitting respectfully opposite Chen Mu. This man, tall and thin, was none other than Yuan Xian''s trusted spy, Li Moliang. "Practitioners of the Goose Sheep Path, who mainly cultivate the Thunder Law, suffer great physical damage and need Secret Medicine Pills to nourish them." "Golden Pearls produced by the Golden Pearl Clam are mild in nature, and consuming them for a long time can strengthen one''s foundation and invigorate one''s physique." "Yunze Lake stretches thousands of miles with a mild climate, and the Earth Spirit Element is rich underwater, thus it was chosen as a breeding ground for the Golden Pearl Clams," Li Moliang explained the situation at Yun Chong Lower Courtyard in detail to Chen Mu. Chen Mu nodded discreetly in understanding. Having spent over ten years on Jilong Road, he knew the Lower Courtyards were generally places for cultivating spiritual medicines, Spirit Rice, exotic animals, and rare birds. He himself had once farmed Yellow Bud Rice for several years at the Tongtian River Lower Courtyard. Yun Chong Lower Courtyard served a similar purpose, but due to its special location, instead of planting Yellow Bud Rice, it cultivated Golden Pearl Clams. "The Golden Pearl Clam farms are hundreds of meters underwater. Qi Cultivators, whose bodies have transformed, can hold their breath and resist pressure for short durations." "But if one wants to rear clams and harvest pearls underwater for extended periods, they need the help of a Water-Repelling Pearl," continued Li Moliang. "A Water-Repelling Pearl can be used for a year and is in high demand. Nearly half of the disciples in the Hundred Refinement Hall from Yun Chong Lower Courtyard earn their money through affairs related to Water-Repelling Pearls." "A Water-Repelling Pearl can be used for only one year?" Chen Mu asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise. He had been busy studying the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern and had only glanced over the Water-Repelling Pearls, not realizing they could only be used for a year. "Supposedly, a standard Water-Repelling Pearl can be used for decades, but the materials are too expensive for ordinary Qi Cultivators to afford." "The Hundred Refinement Hall had no choice but to alter the ingredient proportions, lowering the cost, but this also reduced the usage time," explained Li Moliang. So, it was a downgraded version. Chen Mu suddenly understood. "To avoid exposure, I always stay secluded and avoiding excessive contact with others. It''s quite simple for you to disguise yourself as me, since you possess a transformation technique," Li Moliang said with a smile. "However, you should be a bit cautious of Huang Jian, the manager in the Hundred Refinement Hall," he added. "I deliver a Water-Repelling Pearl to the Hundred Refinement Hall every month, and the person who handles them is Huang Jian. Having been in contact so many times, he is somewhat more familiar with me than others." "Fortunately, every time I go, it''s simply a matter of exchanging money for goods, just like the other people from the Hundred Refinement Hall." "You just need to regularly submit Water-Repelling Pearls and be a bit cautious in your actions. That should keep you out of trouble." "There''s just over half a month left until this month''s delivery date," "This time you can follow from a distance to see how it''s done. With this preparation, you''ll be able to try it yourself next time." It indeed didn''t sound difficult. Chen Mu nodded again. "Only making one Water-Repelling Pearl a month? Isn''t that a bit too little?" Chen Mu asked. "Compared to other Artifact Refiners, this quantity is indeed a bit low, but..." Li Moliang gave a bitter smile. "Take a look at me," he said, pointing at himself. "Making even one is already my limit; if I tried doing more, I fear my life would be at risk." Chen Mu, hearing this, couldn''t help but look up and scrutinize the other person closely. Li Moliang was nearly two meters tall but extremely thin, with deeply sunken eyes and high cheekbones he literally looked like a walking skeleton. Chen Mu had originally assumed that this was his natural physique, but hadn''t expected... "Does the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern consume that much?" Chen Mu was taken aback. "The Ghost Channeling Technique in itself drains a lot, and this place is too far from the City God Tao, unable to use the Incense Qi Robe for nourishment; instead, I have to resort to Longevity Wine as a substitute." "But the side effects of that stuff are too severe. Over the years, I''ve ended up looking like this," Li Moliang said grimly. "Mr. Gongsun, it''s so good that you''ve come. Now I won''t have to forge Water-Repelling Pearls anymore." "Once you''ve successfully infiltrated, I can return to Da Qian to recover from my injuries." "I really owe you one!" He expressed his sincere gratitude. You probably won''t be able to return to Da Qian anytime soon. Chen Mu thought with a peculiar expression. Moreover, to better infiltrate, you probably can''t escape from forging the Water-Repelling Pearls either. Looking at the man''s skeletal frame and expectant face, Chen Mu felt quite guilty and then firmly handed over a Black-Skinned Scripture to him. "Come, recite the scriptures with me." After a moment, Li Moliang looked despondent. "So, you mean I still have to stay at Yun Chong Lower Courtyard and make Water-Repelling Pearls?" "Thanks, Brother Li," Chen Mu said nervously with a chuckle. Li Moliang''s face fell into despair. Chen Mu looked at the despondent appearance of the other person and couldn''t help but smirk. After thinking for a bit, he took out a Jade Dew Pearl and handed it to him. "Here, try eating this." Li Moliang reluctantly accepted it. But when he swallowed the cherry-red pearl, which resembled a candy bean, a warm and moist power immediately dispersed throughout his body. It felt like a parched man drinking a cup of refreshing water, sweet and satisfying, leaving his entire body relaxed. The ghosts, that were always restlessly seeking to devour essence blood, also became docile. Li Moliang couldn''t help but widen his eyes in astonishment at the newfound sense of relief he hadn''t felt in a long time. "This pearl..." "Is it useful?" Chen Mu asked with a smile. "It''s useful, very useful indeed!" Li Moliang nodded repeatedly. A single Jade Dew Pearl had greatly calmed the restless ghosts and slowly mended his bodily wear. With more, perhaps he could even make further progress! "Now that it''s useful, obediently help me craft the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Water-Repelling Pearl." "You just watch!" Li Moliang assured him, his face full of excitement. ... The next day. Chen Mu opened his eyes at the first light of dawn. Upon rising, he went to the living room. Through the transparent jade that filled the entire eastern wall, he observed the dense fog over Yunze Lake, as thick as cotton. At that moment, a bright red sun was slowly rising from the sea of clouds. Chen Mu sat in the distant chair, basking in the sunrise while habitually pulling out the Five Ghosts Bag. As soon as he untied the drawstring, wisps of pitch-black Primordial Energy flew out. Upon leaving the bag, they began to disperse immediately. Chen Mu skillfully manipulated the Dark Cloud True Method, and the dispersal of the Primordial Energy slowed down. Then, guided by an exotic force, it spun and shrunk, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Inside the Jade Seed, the Dark Cloud Talisman was slowly stained a shade darker. With a thought, the gray wall appeared. Dark Cloud True Method: 8889/10000/Second Rank; "With the experience increasing, my control over the Primordial Energy with the Dark Cloud True Method seems even more refined and subtle." Sensing the changes in this practice, Chen Mu pondered. Previously, if he didn''t collect the Primordial Energy quickly, he could only watch as it collapsed and dissipated. Now, the process had significantly slowed down. With more experience, he might completely prevent its dispersal. "Truly a genuine Daoist sect secret technique, an inheritance of the Li Yang Path." Chen Mu mused with a smile. After reflecting on the feedback from the gray wall and watching the rolling clouds for a while, Chen Mu rose and went into the north-side kitchen to make breakfast. While Fasting Pills could stave off hunger, they lacked taste. With the Five Ghosts Bag aiding in cleaning up kitchen waste and washing dishes, cooking was not a bother for him. ... After breakfast, Chen Mu returned to his bedroom-cum-cultivation room in the south side of the cave mansion. He sat cross-legged by the window on a low bed and began planning his future cultivation. "The Dark Cloud True Method needs daily practice accumulated over days and months." "The Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture can be paused; however, the Kui Water Yin Thunder could continue." "Most importantly, I need to figure out the Water-Repelling Pearl Artifact Refining Technique." According to Yuan Xian''s original plan, he intended to use the Water-Repelling Pearl practice to blend into Goose Sheep Mountain, board a favorable wind boat, and cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. After all, the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern was not a Qi Cultivator''s secret technique. If called upon to build the ferry, he might give himself away. Chen Mu took out the Secret Technique Jade Scroll and silently observed. The Water-Repelling Pearl involved five different talismans. The first three were for material refinement, and the last two were critical for the actual crafting. One for shaping the magical artifact embryo as a carrier, and another to leverage the artifact to manipulate the environment and unleash Water-Repelling Exotic Force. Mastering these two talismans would allow him to attempt crafting the Water-Repelling Pearl. The necessary materials like black golden sand could be refined by others. Just like refining Fasting Pills, many people earned White Jade Money by refining the Essence of the Five Grains for others. "Let''s start by learning the Water Avoidance Talisman to grasp the true intent of water avoidance, then practice the Wave Stabilizing Talisman to shape the magical artifact embryo." ... Half a month passed in a flash. In the bedroom, the gray wall appeared before Chen Mu. Artifact Refining Technique (Water-Repelling Pearl): 1632/10000; Inside the Jade Seed, a talisman resembling the undulating waves of water floated amidst mana clouds. With a thought, wisps of white mist-shaped mana surged in, causing the talisman to shine brightly. Pop! An exotic force appeared around Chen Mu, enveloping an area of two to three meters. It was as if an invisible Spiritual Light Shield enclosed him. "The Water Avoidance Talisman is successful," Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh. With this Water Avoidance Talisman, he had already indirectly learned the water avoidance method. However, using a talisman required a substantial amount of mana. But if made into a magical artifact, the same effect could be achieved while conserving at least half of the required mana. "It''s time to procure some materials. In no more than three days, I could master the Wave Stabilizing Talisman, and then I can attempt crafting it, which will also better polish my experience." Chapter 579 568: Assimilation The summit of Chongmei Mountain was broad and flat, filled with various tall and lush trees. Here and there, gray-tiled eaves peeked out among the trees, hiding courtyards and pavilions within the forest. To the west was a three-part courtyard, which was precisely the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard''s Hundred Refinement Hall residence. Chen Mu, bearing the face and figure of Li Moliang, walked into an eastern side room with composed confidence, where a plump figure sat behind a desk. Chen Mu placed a wooden box the size of a palm on the desk with both hands and then respectfully bowed with fists clasped, "Manager Huang, here are this month''s Water-Repelling Pearls for your inspection." "Brother Li, it''s been several days since I''ve seen you, and your complexion seems much improved. If we hadn''t known each other for so long, I might suspect you were an impostor," Huang Jian said, smiling warmly as he pressed the box. This plump Huang was sharp! Chen Mu''s heart grew cautious. Although he had used the Shapeshifting Technique to mimic Li Moliang''s skinny frame, his own Divine Orifice was at Perfection, full of vital energy, unlike Li Moliang''s depleted vitality. A person familiar with Li Moliang might still notice something odd upon a sudden glance. "Pure luck, pure luck. Recently, the technique I use for Artifact Refining has improved a bit, reducing the loss of vital energy and spirit," Chen Mu shrugged nonchalantly, feigning pride. "Well, isn''t that coincidental!" Huang Jian''s smile grew even brighter upon hearing this. "The Upper Court has been in urgent need of a batch of Water-Repelling Pearls. I was just worrying about this shipment of Magic Artifacts." "Now that your refining technique has improved, I assume you can produce more. You''re really a great help." In need of Water-Repelling Pearls? Is it for building ferries to cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains? Chen Mu''s thoughts raced, but he maintained a calm fac?ade, even pretending to be expectantly surprised as he probed, "Then, what about the price?" "Don''t worry, I assure you that you''ll be satisfied," the plump Huang chuckled and waved his hand, "For one Water-Repelling Pearl, I can offer you forty-five Daoist Cultivation points and eighty White Jade Coins." Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. According to Li Moliang, in the past for handing over a reduced version of a Lower Grade Water-Repelling Pearl, the Hundred Refinement Hall gave a maximum of thirty Daoist Cultivation points and sixty-five White Jade Coins. He hadn''t expected such a significant increase of more than twenty percent! "Look how far we''ve come. Brother Li, if you can refine a High Grade Water-Repelling Pearl, I''ll directly give you three hundred Daoist Cultivation points and three hundred White Jade Coins!" the plump Huang extended three fingers, gesticulating in front of Chen Mu. Are High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls priced so high? Due to the precious raw materials, the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard usually used reduced versions of Water-Repelling Pearls. Although their effects were similar, they could only be used for one year. The original High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls, however, could be used for five years. Even so, the price was usually no more than a little over two hundred White Jade Coins. Three hundred White Jade Coins plus three hundred Daoist Cultivation points were unexpectedly high. "If Brother Li is interested, why not give it a try?" Huang Jian encouraged with a laugh, "If you miss this opportunity, who knows when the next will be." "Thank you for the reminder, Manager Huang," Chen Mu immediately pretended to be delightfully grateful with a bow. After some more pleasantries, Chen Mu left the courtyard of the Hundred Refinement Hall with a pouch containing eighty White Jade Coins. He nodded and smiled in passing at a burly fellow he was merely acquainted with, then stood at the doorway. He turned to look back at the bustling figures inside the Hundred Refinement Hall, and a relaxed smile spread across his face. "If even Huang Jian, who I have the most contact with, couldn''t see through my disguise, then Li Moliang''s false identity must be successfully replaced." ... On the eastern side of Chongmei Mountain, before the enormous jade windows of Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. "I''ve only heard that the Goose Sheep Path Upper Court needs Thunder Gathering Charms. I''ve never heard about them continuing with Water-Repelling Pearls," Li Moliang said, perplexed. "Could the Upper Court be planning to open a new Lower Court to cultivate Golden Pearl Clams?" "Perhaps," Chen Mu glanced at Li Moliang, offering no further explanation. It seemed Li Moliang was unaware of the Goose Sheep Path''s plans to traverse the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. Yuan Xian was in the Goose Sheep Path Upper Court, among other secret spies. "As for the plans of the Strange Demons to disrupt the ley lines, you must know quite a bit," Chen Mu shifted the topic to something else. "I do know a little," Li Moliang hesitated briefly before nodding in acknowledgement. "I joined the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard five years ago. Aside from my assignment to infiltrate the Hundred Refinement Hall, my primary mission was to bury a Dragon Nailing Stake in Chongmei Mountain." A Dragon Nailing Stake? What''s that? Chen Mu was intrigued. "A special Ghost Artifact, it looks like an ice-blue orb the size of a fist," Li Moliang described, gesturing with his hands. "All it needs is to be placed at a specific location and then a Qi Cultivator who has developed mana is used as a sacrifice to activate it." "It will envelop that Qi Cultivator and automatically sink into the depths of the earth." This was the Linglong Divine Orifice of the City God Dojo! A chill passed through Chen Mu''s heart. "There must be more than one of these Dragon Nailing Stakes, right?" he squinted his eyes in suspicion. "Indeed, there are several," Li Moliang nodded. "Along with me, several Armored Warriors who joined the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard were carrying multiple Underworld God Transformation Warriors." "Their purpose is likely related to the burial of Dragon Nailing Stakes around the outskirts of Chongmei Mountain." "Before the stake within the mountain melded with the ley lines, I could sense the aftershocks of other stakes being planted through it." "At that time, I counted them, and there should be thirty-six." Thirty-six Dragon Nailing Stakes, that''s thirty-six Qi Cultivators! Chen Mu felt weighed down with gloom. They were meant to cultivate immortality, transcend the mundane world, yet now they were buried beneath the ground, their consciousness mired in oblivion, living a forsaken existence. If one day I were to be caught and buried underground... "Yuan Xian and his people... deserve to die." Chen Mu''s expression was icy cold. Li Moliang noted Chen Mu''s chilling gaze and shivered, bowing his head in nervous silence. Moments later, Chen Mu''s stern face gradually softened, shaking his head with a faint sigh. This was a struggle between the Underworld God Transformation Warriors and the Qi Cultivators. Whether it was Li Moliang or himself, they were just specks of dust in this turmoil. Even if he killed Li Moliang and Yuan Xian, it wouldn''t cause a ripple in this chaos. Moreover, this situation was ostensibly about Da Qian''s commoners against Qi Cultivators, but in reality, it was orchestrated by the Netherworld from behind the scenes. Being a mere Qi Cultivator with Perfection in his Divine Orifice, he had no way to interfere in such great chaos. To be able to protect himself was already extremely difficult. "The world is fraught with dangers..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but lament. Li Moliang carefully glanced at Chen Mu, hesitantly speaking, "It''s been a year since the Dragon Nailing Stake sank into the earth''s veins, and now it has fully integrated into the Mountain Protection Magical Barrier of the Lower Courtyard." "Unless something unexpected happens, the Lock Dragon Courtyard will soon be sending Strange Demons to Yun Chong Lower Courtyard." "Chongmei Mountain, as the core, is exactly where the Strange Demon wreaks havoc." "That thing is very bizarre, you see, should we hide for a bit?" Hide? Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed slightly. He thought of the thirty-six Qi Cultivators who were buried underground. Though they were strangers to one another, they were all Qi Cultivators after all. He might not be able to avenge them with his life, but he could still disrupt the Lock Dragon Courtyard''s plans. "As long as the Lock Dragon Courtyard sends the Strange Demon here, I''ll immediately capture it in the Five Ghosts Bag, that could be considered as collecting some interest for you." The corners of Chen Mu''s mouth lifted slightly, and through the protection of a large piece of jade, he smiled wryly at the horizon. The Strange Demon vanishing into thin air, Yuan Xian''s face would surely be a sight to behold. Ha! ... Eight hundred li north of Yunze Lake. In a valley, dead silence reigned, as thick fog appeared out of nowhere. On the northern peak, five or six men in black robes watched the valley intently. The next moment, over a dozen fierce heads suddenly flew out, charging toward the black-robed men. One at the edge was caught off guard and quickly surrounded by a swarm of heads. The necks of the heads trailed white smoke like snake bodies, entwining tightly around a black-robed man and before the others could intervene, he was dragged into the fog and vanished from sight. A brief scream accompanied by the faint sound of bones breaking echoed, and the valley returned to silence. "Another... another one dead? That''s the fifth one devoured by this beast, isn''t it?!" one of the black-robed men said, trembling uncontrollably. The rest of the men were stiff, afraid to stir the monster in the valley, they didn''t even dare to breathe heavily. After a long while, the leader of the black-robed men took a deep breath, his voice dry as he tried to motivate his team, "We''re already at the edge of Yunze Lake. As long as we lure the Strange Demon there, our mission will be considered complete." "A distance of just over a hundred li, it should only take us a day if we''re careful." "By tomorrow, at the latest, we''ll soon be able to return to Da Qian!" Hearing this, the men''s faces brightened, but before they could rejoice for a few breaths, a calm voice suddenly appeared behind them, "You won''t be able to return to Da Qian tomorrow." The men whipped around to see a sullen-looking elder who had appeared behind them at some point. It was Yuan Xian, the Institute Head of the Twenty-Ninth Courtyard of the Lock Dragon Institute. "Institute Head!" Their hearts jolted, and they quickly bowed with their fists in respect. "The situation has changed, this Strange Demon needs to be led past Yunze Lake, to the Dian River Canyon," said Yuan Xian indifferently. The black-robed man''s face turned pale. Dian River Canyon was eight hundred li south of Yunze Lake, and with the detour, they would need to travel over two thousand li with the Strange Demon in the valley. By then, who knew how many of them would survive! "Institute Head! Our original mission was at Yunze Lake, not Dian River Canyon," the leading black-robed man said through gritted teeth, barely containing his anger. Yuan Xian''s expression remained detached, calmly glancing at the man. The leading man tightened all over, feeling as if he were facing the Strange Demon in the valley itself! "We will follow the Institute Head''s orders!" he exclaimed quickly, bowing with his fists, with cold sweat forming on his forehead instantly. Yuan Xian''s gaze shifted, withdrawing his look. He didn''t want to cause trouble. But with a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed within, the mere thought of the Strange Demon possibly harming Chen Mu spurred the idea to keep the Strange Demon away from Yun Chong Lower Courtyard lingering in his mind. Yun Chong Lower Courtyard was vital to the Goose Sheep Path, and the Lock Dragon Institute had been scheming for nearly a decade to sabotage its earth veins. But now... "We''ll have to bypass Yun Chong Lower Courtyard first," Yuan Xian frowned and sighed softly. "The loss is huge, and there might be big trouble. I wonder if Mr. Gongsun would compensate me with some Heavenly Demon Secret Teachings." "I''m doing all this to ensure his safety!" Chapter 580 569 Trick The vital energy at Dian River''s Lower Institute had greatly decreased, and the disciples were forced to relocate? Isn''t this just a manifestation of a Strange Demon damaging the earth vein? The Yun Chong Lower Institute is closer to Daqian, so how did the Strange Demon end up at Dian River''s Lower Institute? At the top of Chongmei Mountain, in front of the Hundred Refinement Hall courtyard, Chen Mu stood among the crowd, watching the Cloud Bat Flying Boat disappearing into the sea of clouds and listening to the surrounding crowd''s discussions, he couldn''t help but widen his eyes. "If the Strange Demon doesn''t come to Chongmei Mountain, how can I capture the Netherworld Worms to transform them into Silver Soul Monsters?" "Without enough Silver Soul Monsters to create Primordial Energy, to complete the Divine Orifice Refinement, wouldn''t I have to wait for over ten years?" Chen Mu looked distressed. ... "Is it possible that the Institute Head had other plans at Yun Chong Lower Institute, so he deliberately drove the Strange Demon away to Dian River''s Lower Institute?" Inside Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion, Li Moliang speculated. This is troublesome. Chen Mu furrowed his brows deeply. The Yun Chong Lower Institute produces Golden Pearl Clams and Water Avoidance Wave Stabilizing Clams, which are extremely important to Goose Sheep Path. Daqian''s Lock Dragon Institute definitely needed Yun Chong Lower Institute if they wanted to damage the Goose Sheep Path''s earth vein. He initially thought Lock Dragon Institute would target Chongmei Mountain first, but they went to Dian River''s Lower Institute instead. Was it left untouched on purpose because it is too close to Daqian, to avoid suspicion? "I think, more likely, the Institute Head is doing this to ensure your safety," Li Moliang cautiously glanced at Chen Mu. What do you mean? Chen Mu was a bit confused. "The Strange Demon is too mysterious and dangerous. If it really came to Yun Chong Lower Institute, it might endanger your life." "I''ve been wanting to advise you to hide." "Clearly, the Institute Head also considered this point." "Only, I didn''t expect the Institute Head to abandon years of planning and drive the Strange Demon to Dian River''s Lower Institute." For my safety, specifically driving the Strange Demon away from Chongmei Mountain? I freaking thank you! Chen Mu gritted his teeth, his face darkening. Is it because of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? By now, he had regained his composure. Yuan Xian believed himself to likely be endangered by the Strange Demon, and under the influence of the Spirit Seed, had no choice but to drive the Strange Demon away from Chongmei Mountain. He possessed the Five Dragon Dharma Body, the Yama Emperor''s Command, and Five Ghosts Moving Mountain among a series of Secret Techniques capable of targeting the Strange Demon, but clearly, Yuan Xian was not aware of this. "Tangled in his own trap..." Chen Mu scowled. Being able to turn Yuan Xian into his ally with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed made him quite proud initially. However, it was also because of the Spirit Seed''s influence that led Yuan Xian to keep the Strange Demon away from Yun Chong Lower Institute. His plans to capture the Strange Demon for his cultivation were also unfeasible, giving him the feeling of shooting himself in the foot. "Tell Yuan Xian I''m not scared of the Strange Demon at all, to let him act freely?" Chen Mu immediately shook his head. Isn''t that blatantly telling Yuan Xian that I have designs on the Strange Demon? That old fellow is so astute, he''ll never let me have my way. "Maybe, I should go to Dian River''s Lower Institute first? Maybe the Strange Demon is still hanging around there." With this thought, Chen Mu immediately left his cave mansion and soared into the sky. His form transformed into a gray wind, blending into the endless clouds, he powered up the Yin Wind Escape and headed directly south towards Yunze Lake. ... Two Hours later. In a vast canyon stretching over a hundred li, the wide and deep Dian River crossed from the bottom of the canyon. On both sides, clusters of black-tiled wooden pavilions were hidden among the mountain forests. Unfortunately, at this moment there was no light at all, and everything was dead silent. Chen Mu floated expressionlessly in the middle of the canyon. He had used the Truthful Listening Technique to scrutinize the entire canyon seven times, and had not detected any trace of the Strange Demon. "I should have anticipated this," he shook his head, sighing. "That Strange Demon sabotaging the earth vein had certainly been dealt with by the Lock Dragon Institute." "If they didn''t have the means to clean up and destroy the evidence, the existence of Lock Dragon Institute would have long been discovered and destroyed by factions such as Jilong Road in the past, and Daqian wouldn''t exist today." "To catch the Strange Demon manipulated by the Lock Dragon Institute, I''d have to stake out in advance." "But with so many Lower Institutes in Goose Sheep Path, who knows which Lower Institute Yuan Xian will attack next?" Pondering for a long while, Chen Mu squinted his eyes. "I still have to rely on Yun Chong Lower Institute." Lock Dragon Institute sabotaging the Spiritual Spring''s earth vein and manipulating the Strange Demon was just the last step. Before this, they needed to send people to scout out the earth veins in advance, to capture Qi Cultivators to set up Dragon Nailing Stakes, necessary preparations had to be made years in advance. Yun Chong Lower Institute had clearly made all the early preparations, only lacking driving the Strange Demon to penetrate Chongmei Mountain. "I must find a way to make Yuan Xian launch an attack on Yun Chong Lower Institute!" ... Three days later, Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. "Starting tomorrow, the affairs of Yun Chong Lower Institute will still be handled by you." "You..." Li Moliang began, taken aback. "I''m leaving Yun Chong Lower Institute," Chen Mu said, expressionless. Due to the influence of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, Yuan Xian dared not summon Strange Demons to Yun Chong Lower Institute. But, as soon as he knew I had left Chongmei Mountain, Yuan Xian would have no reservations and certainly wouldn''t spare Yun Chong Lower Institute. Chen Mu looked meaningfully at Li Moliang. The other party was a trusted aide of Yuan Xian, secretly in contact with him all this while. The false news of my departure from Chongmei Mountain could then be conveyed to Yuan Xian through him. "If Yuan Xian asks about my whereabouts..." "You can rest assured, I will absolutely not divulge your whereabouts to Yuan Xian!" Li Moliang declared earnestly. If you don''t tell him, how can I execute my plan to capture the Strange Demons?! Chen Mu stared at Li Moliang with drooping eyelids. "You can tell him, though." "My loyalty to you is as evident as the sun and moon. Just go ahead without worry. As long as I am alive, your whereabouts will never be discovered by Yuan Xian!" Li Moliang swore, his face full of conviction. So you''re performing your loyalty now? "Over the past few months, every time I let you leave Thousand Lanterns City, you have secretly sent messages to Yuan Xian. Did you really think that you were so secretive that I hadn''t noticed?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. Li Moliang''s face turned awkward. "So what do you mean?" "I want you to tell Yuan Xian that I am leaving Yun Chong Lower Institute." Chen Mu dropped the pretense. "You have already tried the Jade Dew Pearls; those things can replace the Incense Spiritual Energy, nourish the Ghosts inside you, and replenish your depleted origin." "As long as you truthfully inform Yuan Xian of my departure from Yun Chong Lower Institute, I will give you enough Jade Dew Pearls to stabilize your foundation and eliminate the risks posed by the lack of Incense Spiritual Energy." "You just need to truthfully report this piece of information, and it wouldn''t count as betraying Yuan Xian," Chen Mu said with a smile. "Of course, you can also refuse to do it." He looked at Li Moliang, squinting. Seeing the coldness in Chen Mu''s gaze, Li Moliang suddenly shivered. "My loyalty to the Institute Head is as evident as the sun and moon. I would never conceal any information from the Institute Head about Yun Chong Lower Institute!" "Such significant news as your departure from Yun Chong Lower Institute, I would definitely inform Institute Head Yuan Xian without delay!" Li Moliang declared somberly. Chen Mu: "..." Your loyalty is quite flexible, isn''t it? Raising his hand, he threw out three Jade Dew Pearls, and with a flash, Chen Mu disappeared into the ground. When he reappeared, he was already inside a secluded cave mansion on the southern side of Chongmei Mountain. The cave mansion, which had a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and cultivation room, boasted large, bright jade windows and had nearly the same layout as the previous one. "Yuan Xian is just one of the twenty-nine Institute Heads at Daqian Lock Dragon Institute. Just like him, there are at least twenty-eight others." "He could temporarily stop his plans against Yun Chong Lower Institute, but he couldn''t put them off forever." "Lock Dragon Institute has invested a lot of manpower and resources in Yun Chong Lower Institute, and they cannot neglect it." "Once he knows I''ve left Chongmei Mountain and faces the pressure from Daqian Lock Dragon Institute, Yuan Xian will inevitably restart his plans." "If Yuan Xian loses his patience, it might not even take a month before Strange Demons appear at Chongmei Mountain." Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. "I''m curious to see how long this old fellow can hold out." ... Yunze Lake, a certain island. "Is Gongsun Sheng really gone?" Yuan Xian asked, his face full of suspicion. "I''m not quite sure, he just asked me to keep handling things and then he never appeared again." "It''s possible he has left, or he might still be in Chongmei Mountain." Li Moliang replied evenly, appearing objective. Judging from the information he knew, Gongsun Sheng had infiltrated Goose Sheep Path with the intent of following its relocation and crossing the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains on a ferry. But now, having just joined Yun Chong Lower Institute less than two months ago, to suddenly leavedid he find another way out of Yunzhou, or had some other plans? Could it be that he directly notified Goose Yang Mountain of the Lock Dragon Institute information to exchange for an opportunity to join the core of the Goose Sheep Upper Court? That Gongsun Sheng, after all, is a Qi Cultivator. A shadow flickered across Yuan Xian''s eyes. "Institute Head, how long will it be before I can leave Chongmei Mountain?" Li Moliang, noticing Yuan Xian deep in thought, suddenly spoke with a troubled look. "If I continue taking the Longevity Wine, I''m afraid I won''t last." Yuan Xian''s train of thought was interrupted, and after coming back to his senses, he looked deeply at Li Moliang: "You''ll need to wait a bit longer." Li Moliang also had a Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed inside him. He needed to be sure that Li Moliang hadn''t betrayed him, and he needed to be certain that Gongsun Sheng hadn''t disclosed information about the Lock Dragon Knights to Goose Yang Mountain. Chapter 581 570: Appear The sun and moon revolved, time flew swiftly, and the temperature of Yunze Lake rose, making the area near the lake increasingly stuffy and humid. Thick rain and fog revealed flashes of lightning, and a dull rumble of thunder echoed faintly. To the south of Chongmei Mountain, Chen Mu sat in front of a massive jade window in his cave mansion, slightly squinting his eyes. Within the Jade Seed, wisps of black mist moved like ants in their nestchaotic yet orderly, entering and exiting the cracks of the Divine Orifice. The Divine Orifice Talisman, akin to wax solidifying from intense heat, quickly melted and vanished when slightly brushed by the black mist. Once the mist dissipated, they regrouped at a visible speed and quickly regained their original form. In this cycle of destruction and rebirth, the Divine Orifice Talisman became increasingly stable and constant. At one instance, the entire Divine Orifice shook, and the black mist, as if a stop button had been pressed, abruptly halted its movement. It then slowly drifted out of the Divine Orifice through various cracks and soon gathered outside into a cluster of black mist, reforming into the Dark Cloud Talisman. This mist was very thin, and compared to the initial Dark Cloud Talisman, it retained at most only twenty percent of its mass. Yet a smile couldn''t help but appear on his face. "In the past, once Divine Orifice Refinement started, regardless of the result, the Mixed Primordial Qi stored in the Dark Cloud Talisman would be completely depleted." "Now to be left with some surplus... Tsk, tsk... The Dark Cloud True Method of the Li Yang Path is indeed a profound and mysterious secret." With a thought, a gray wall materialized before his eyes. Dark Cloud True Method: 6539/10000/Third Rank; In past months, he never ceased cultivating the Dark Cloud True Method. Not only had he advanced to the third segment, but he also accrued over six thousand experience points. Previously, the Dark Cloud Talisman was comprised of thirteen hundred foundational talismans, but now, with a deeper understanding of the True Method, he had increased the number of foundational talismans to fifteen hundred and ninety. The same quantity of Mixed Primordial Qi was thus divided into fifteen hundred and ninety parts. Each talisman stored slightly less Mixed Primordial Qi, but his control over the Mixed Primordial Qi was more precise and meticulous. Because of this, he was able to stem his losses in time during this refinement, preserving twenty percent of the Mixed Primordial Qi that would have otherwise been depleted. "This is still only the Third Rank Dark Cloud True Method; if I advance further, the efficiency of utilizing Mixed Primordial Qi will inevitably increase." "Even if I can''t capture any Strange Demons or have more Ghosts assisting, the time needed for Divine Orifice Refinement could significantly be reduced," Chen Mu thought, revealing a gratified smile. Yuan Xian, that old fellow really knows how to hold his breath; over three months passed, and not a whisper of a Strange Demon appeared in Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. Even Li Moliang had ceased contact, as if he had completely given up on this once close secret agent. "Indeed, one must rely on oneself!" ... Atop Chongmei Mountain, within a quaint pavilion on the second floor. Yun Chong Lower Courtyard Institute Head, Huang Jiu, clad in a black Daoist Robe, sat in a chair beside a tea table near the wide-open window. Through the window, he admired the distant undulating sea of clouds while calmly speaking, "Lian Xi, having lost the Dian River Lower Courtyard, shouldn''t you hurry back to Goose Sheep Mountain to confess your faults instead of coming to my Yun Chong Lower Courtyard for what?" Across the square tea table, a middle-aged man in indigo clothes sat not far. Hearing Huang Jiu''s questioning, he teased with a smirk, "What if I said I came here specifically for the Mixed Primordial Qi, attempting to usurp your position as Head of Yun Chong Lower Courtyard; would you believe me?" Huang Jiu glanced at Lian Xi, "You don''t have the guts." Lian Xi''s face twitched, and he soon shook his head with a bitter smile. Huang Jiu was an Elder of the Goose Sheep Path, with years of powerful Condensing Aperture power; Lian Xi indeed didn''t have the audacity to create turmoil in Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. "What do you think about the dispersal of Earth Spirit Element in Dian River Lower Courtyard?" Lian Xi put away his indifferent demeanor and asked earnestly. "The stars shift places, the earth''s veins change, and the Earth Spirit Element rises and falls like the tide; ancient texts have long recorded this. What else is there to think?" Huang Jiu leisurely straightened his robe sleeves in response. "Changes in heaven and earth are true, but behind this, I''m afraid someone is pushing the Earth Spirit Element to disperse faster!" A somber expression crossed Lian Xi''s face. "The changes in Dian River Lower Courtyard were too sudden; after a detailed investigation, I found that some kind of Monster has influenced the shift in the earth''s veins." "For this reason, I specifically went to Jilong Mountain, which has been abandoned for several years, and the earth''s veins there also show similar abnormal behaviors." "This news, you shouldn''t be telling me but the Sect Master," Huang Jiu looked indifferent. "You think I haven''t mentioned it?" Lian Xi''s face looked unpleasant. "But that old geezer just focuses on refining Spiritual Treasures and nurturing his Daoist Foundation. As long as it doesn''t affect his retreat, even if the entire Goose Sheep Path is doomed, I fear he won''t lift a finger!" "The Sect Master has his considerations; we just have to obey," Huang Jiu remained unmoved. "Hah!" "Your loyalty to the Sect Master truly astonishes me," Lian Xi said with sarcasm. "Aren''t you afraid that the next unfortunate one will be your Yun Chong Lower Courtyard?" He stared at Huang Jiu. "Without Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, you''ll lose access to the Buried Spiritual Spring to harvest Mixed Primordial Qi and won''t be able to continue Divine Orifice Refinement." "Each Lower Courtyard of Goose Sheep Path knows its worth; that old geezer won''t give you another Courtyard!" Turning his head, Huang Jiu studied Lian Xi, "What I''m hearing from you, is that you think the Sect Master and we are not in the same boat?" "Are you suggesting you have other plans?" Lian Xi chuckled slyly. "With the shifts in the earth''s veins of Yunzhou and someone secretly exacerbating the situation, it''s inevitable that every Lower Courtyard''s Buried Spiritual Spring will collapse, just like Dian River Lower Courtyard, just like Jilong Mountain." "Instead of just watching them collapse, we might as well make use of their residual heat and aid our cultivation!" Hmm? "Go on," Huang Jiu raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I don''t know if you''ve heard of the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban," Lian Xi grinned slyly. "Exploiting the earth''s spiritual spring, blood-sacrificing the outer Yama, the Ancient Linglong Path''s secret transmission?" Huang Jiu''s eyes flashed with a glint. "For the sake of that bit of Mixed Primordial Qi, not only do you want to destroy the Earth Vein of the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, but you also plan to use the lifeblood of all the disciples in the Lower Courtyard to sacrifice to the demons beyond the heavens?" "Lian Xi, you sure have the gall!" Huang Jiu bellowed, his aura swelling greatly as his expression turned cold. Lian Xi''s heart skipped a beat. He hadn''t heard this guy was such a sticklerweren''t these just a few disciples'' lives? How could this old guy flip his attitude so abruptly! Rapidly pondering, just as he was about to open his mouth to quibble, he saw Huang Jiu''s face remained stern as he decisively said, "I want eighty percent! Not one percent less or I won''t participate!" Lian Xi: "..." Old man, you really know how to play your role! "Fifty percent! To find the Transformation Technique Forbidden Law, I''ve exerted a lot of effort." "Seventy percent! To take over Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, my Huang Family has also paid a hefty price." "You also know that was in the past. Having occupied Yunze Lake for over ten years, your Huang Family has long made a fortune. Sixty percent at most!" "Sixty-five percent, you should know, Yun Chong Lower Courtyard isn''t the only one under the influence of my Huang Family." "I only dare to target Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, yet you aim at all the Lower Courtyards. You really are the more ruthless old ghost here." With a look of admiration, Lian Xi said, "Deal!" "However, the monsters that affect the Earth Vein still need to be captured, we must give Goose Yang Mountain an explanation, right?" Huang Jiu''s face brimmed with a smile, "Most importantly, we can''t let those ghostly creatures ruin our plans." "Tsk! You really think of everything, don''t you?" Lian Xi shrugged. ... In Southern Shu, three hundred li south of Jade Belt River, amidst a group of mountains. "Institute Head, the Main Institute has sent another letter, asking us... asking us to drive the Strange Demons to Yun Chong Lower Courtyard." A burly man in black with a full beard bowed respectfully before Yuan Xian, "We..." Yuan Xian stood on the mountaintop, looking at the thick fog enveloping the mountains in the distance, his expression indifferent: "The target remains unchanged, continue to Yetai Mountain." Gongsun Sheng had left abruptly. Though it had been over three months, the more he thought about it, the more he felt Gongsun harbored some schemes. Considering his behavior in Luandu County, Gongsun clearly needed Ghosts. Yet he gave up the chance to gather Ghosts on the frontlines of the Great Li and instead came early to Yun Chong Lower Courtyard. As a Qi Cultivator, did he feel Da Qian was dangerous and thus wanted to leave Da Qian as soon as possible? Yuan Xian slowly shook his head: "That''s probably just one part of it." Gongsun Sheng''s need for Ghosts remained unchanged. Since he gave up going to the front lines of Great Li, it meant that something at Yun Chong Lower Courtyard could replace Ghosts. That something was very likely the Strange Demons! "If we really drive the Strange Demons to Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, wouldn''t it be like sending a meat bun to beat a dog - there to be taken and not returned?" Thinking that his opponent might currently be hiding in a corner of Chongmei Mountain, waiting desperately, Yuan Xian couldn''t help but curl up the corners of his mouth, revealing a playful smile. "Mr. Gongsun, you just keep waiting." "I''ve suffered enough at your hands; now it''s my turn to make you look foolish, haha!" While relishing this rare moment of joy, a vertical black line suddenly appeared in the middle of the air before him. The line rapidly expanded sideways, and a two-person-tall void that appeared like a giant eye emerged before him. At its center, a faint glimmer of crimson light flickered intermittently. The next moment. Buzz! Endless black and red flames ignited within the void, and as the fiery claws wreaked havoc, a wave of invisible mighty pressure descended from the sky. Yuan Xian''s pupils shrank as he immediately knelt on one knee: "Spiritual Honor!" A chuckling voice emerged from the void. "Yuan Xian, tell me, is there anyone in Yun Chong Lower Courtyard that bothers you?" "If you have difficulties, just tell me. If you can''t handle it, I''ll help you handle it." The overlapping voices sounded like a casual greeting between familiar friends. However, Yuan Xian couldn''t help but tighten up, his back instantly covered with dense cold sweat. ... Today, south of Chongmei Mountain, Chen Mu opened his eyes, thunderlight flashing within. With a thought, a bright white ball appeared in his palm. The sphere quickly expanded and in the blink of an eye, transformed into a four to five-meter-wide bright white light shield, resembling an upside-down bowl, silently enveloping the surroundings. Bright patterns flowed continuously over the shield like branches. Chen Mu casually took out a blank White Jade Coin and threw it out. The moment it touched the light shield, the White Jade Coin instantly turned into powder and vanished. "The Fifth Rank Kui Water Yin Thunder is indeed formidable." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow in admiration, a gray wall looming before his eyes. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 41/10000/Fifth Rank; Over the past half-year, besides refining his Divine Orifice and developing the Water-Repelling Pearl Technique, he had specifically diverted some of his energy to level up his Kui Water Yin Thunder experience. Today, he had finally entered a new stage. With a wave of his hand, the thunder ball shrunk back into his palm. Under his control, it transformed into a streak of lightning, dancing and flowing at his fingertips. "Indeed, the Thunder Law is the coolest and most impressive." "If I change into a white robe and put on a stern face, wouldn''t the aura of an immortal immediately max out?" Chen Mu, holding the Silver Thread Yin Thunder, chuckled playfully. He was contemplating changing his image when a small paper man with a sinisterly smiling face suddenly appeared in front of him. Looking at the Five Ghosts Paper Man dancing wildly as if possessed, his eyes suddenly brightened. The Five Ghosts Paper Man was indeed eerie to look at, but it was truly useful. He had just let the Five Ghosts Paper Man loose. There it was, as soon as the Strange Demon appeared at Yunze Lake, it was instantly detected by the little paper man. "Yuan Xian, that old fellow, really knows how to keep his cool." Starting from when he let Li Moliang''s family send a message, it had already been a full half-year. "Fortunately, my patience isn''t bad either." Chen Mu chuckled, waved his hand to retract the little paper man into his sleeve, his figure flashed, and he vanished into a gust of Yin Wind. Chapter 582 571: Capture Four hundred li north of Chongmei Mountain, three small hills, each more than twenty meters high, protruded from the water''s surface. Covered with crisp plants, they resembled a cloverleaf from above. In the center of the lake amongst the hills floated a Wave Stabilizing Boat, steadily bobbing on the surface. Its shape resembled a halved water droplet, pointed at the front and round at the back. The body of the boat hovered a palm''s height above the water, only its rear end, with three shark-fin-like vertical fins, dipped beneath the surface. They held the boat aloft like sturdy braces embedded in rock, keeping it separated from the water''s embrace. With a thunderous rumbling, a bubble two to three meters in diameter surfaced from beneath the water. In the next instant, the bubble burst through the surface with a pop, and Chai Song, clad in gray short clothes, sprung out, leaping onto the Wave Stabilizing Boat. As he channeled his Mana into the vessel, a surge of air shot out from the tail of the boat, and its three-meter-long body abruptly tilted upwards. Boom! The boat shot forth like a cannonball, quickly creating a white wake as it raced away from Three-leaf Island''s lake surface. Behind it, the surface bubbled tumultuously, with thick mists spewing from the depths. In a few breaths, the small islands were enveloped within. Suddenly, a large clump of fog, like a coiled snake ready to strike, chased after Chai Song, skimming over the water. Chai Song, turning back in alarm, saw his face twisting in horror. But before he could think of a way to accelerate the Wave Stabilizing Boat, numerous heads trailing white smoke spat out of the fog, closing the distance with a single dash and halving it quickly. In the blink of an eye, the cluster of expressionless heads had completely surrounded Chai Song. Done for! Terror washed over Chai Song''s face; he barely managed to close his eyes and raise his hands in defense. However, after a lengthy wait, the anticipated pain did not come. Chai Song cautiously opened one eye, only to find himself face-to-face with a ghostly pale head, devoid of expression. This head hung listlessly, its eyelids drooped, eyes vacant and hollow as it floated silently before him. "What in the world is this thing?!" Chai Song''s forehead was drenched in cold sweat as he dared not move a muscle. While he remained puzzled, the head suddenly began to turn slowly. The smoke tail beneath its neck swayed gently like a swimming fish, as the queued entities drifted towards the sky. Chai Song''s heart relaxed at the sight, and he couldn''t help but look up, following the direction in which the eerie heads had departed. Then he noticed a figure in black standing still amongst the clouds and mist that perennially shrouded Yunze Lake. Surrounded by swirling black smoke, with bizarre heads clustering around, the scene was eerie and startling. Sensing Chai Song''s gaze, the figure in black looked down, revealing an expressionless visage. Then, a flash of lightning sparked in the eyes of the black figure. Chai Song''s heart clenched, as if gripped by an unseen hand. In the next moment, Crack! A bolt of lightning fell from the sky, striking directly above Chai Song''s head. His body convulsed, his eyes rolled back, and with a splash, he collapsed unconscious within the Wave Stabilizing Boat. Within the mist, Chen Mu glanced at the fallen figure below, confirming that he had lost consciousness. Only then did he avert his gaze and turned to the numerous heads drawn forth by the Yama Emperor''s Command. "Netherworld Worms... it''s been a long time," Chen Mu''s face was etched with complexity. Roughly calculated, he had been away from the Netherworld for two or three years. Seeing these strange heads dragging white smoke again, he felt not horror but as if greeting an old friend. But remembering the origin of these Netherworld Worms, his mood turned somber. According to Yuan Xian, the Strange Demons were transformed from Underworld God Transformation cultivators. They succumbed to the will of the monsters within their bodies, their forms grotesquely altered, their consciousness plunged into darkness, wandering aimlessly and confused. And those who could transform into such Strange Demons were at least Martial Artists of Underworld God Seven Transformations. Such individuals either possessed extraordinary determination or exceptional talent. Yet these exceptional beings had turned into mindless monsters, doomed to drift in oblivion for decades, perhaps centuries. In comparison, to simply die would have been a release. But these Strange Demons harbored the will of monsters within them and, driven by instinct, continually devoured Vital Energy. Without external forces, death was improbable. "Fortunately, you encountered me," Chen Mu looked towards the distant Strange Demons hidden in the mist with a face full of compassion. "The sins of slaughter I will bear; rest assured, I will help you find release!" he promised earnestly. "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" ... At the northern side of the peak of Chongmei Mountain, on the second floor of a grey-tiled wooden building. All furniture including chairs and tables were cleared out, leaving only a long, narrow table in the center of the room. On the table, a human-head-sized hollowed-out Bronze Incense Burner emitted wisps of green smoke. Instead of dissipating, the smoke coalesced into a cloud as big as a pot lid, gathering in midair. With faint growls to accompany, the cloud occasionally bulged as if a monster thrashed within. Sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion in front of the table, Lian Xi, wearing indigo blue clothing, was chanting spells. Invisible forces generated around him, ensnaring the smoke cloud in layers. Soon, the struggle within the smoke cloud gradually diminished until it quieted down. Lian Xi opened his eyes and smiled in satisfaction as he watched the tranquilized cloud float midair. Turning his head to Huang Jiu, who had been standing by silently, he said, "In another day, the Nightmare Victory Spell will be fully successful." "Once the Qi is locked, even if that strange Monster can hide in the void, it cannot escape our control." "And with this Monster serving as a scapegoat, the traces of our bloody ritual and refinement of Primordial Energy for Yama will be completely concealed," an excited glint flashed in Lian Xi''s eyes. Upon hearing this, Huang Jiu nodded slightly, wearing a cryptic smile as he addressed Lian Xi, "Brother Lian''s technique is so polished, could it be... have you already practiced on the Lower Courtyard of Dian River?" Chapter 583 571 Arrest_2 Lian Xi''s expression changed instantly, a cold gleam flashing through his eyes, "What, Brother Huang, are you scared?" "Have we come this far to back out now?" he asked sarcastically. "I am indeed scared." Huang Jiu replied nonchalantly, nodding, "I''m scared you''ll blunder again." "The Yun Chong Lower Courtyard was destroyed, and you gained nothing. If you''re not confident, you''d better tell me in advance. I don''t want Yun Chong Lower Courtyard to end up like the Dian River Lower Courtyard." Lian Xi''s face twitched at this, and he couldn''t help but defend himself, "That monster is mysteriously unpredictable and difficult to track; I was inexperienced and had to act hastily, which is why I blundered." "But it was also that encounter that allowed me to grasp the distinctive aura of that strange monster." "That''s why the Nightmare Victory Spell took effect so quickly. Just hold on for two more days, and that monster won''t be able to escape my lock!" Huang Jiu nodded noncommittally. "Are you sure there won''t be any more mistakes?" he stared intently at Lian Xi and asked. "I guarantee it!" Lian Xi immediately asserted confidently. However, no sooner had he spoken than a series of roars suddenly erupted from the clouds, and the smoke that had just stabilized midair began to churn violently again! Lian Xi''s face darkened instantly. He didn''t have time to explain and began to chant rapidly. An invisible force transformed into layers of nets, swiftly tightening around the inside of the smoke. ... To the north of Chongmei Mountain on Three-leaf Island, a dense fog that couldn''t be dispersed tightly enveloped the three small islands. It seemed as though some invisible force was suppressing it, making the water surface around it smooth as a mirror, without a ripple. Inside the island''s forests, the sounds of insects and birds had disappeared, leaving an eerie silence all around. On the southern peak of the small island, Chen Mu sat on a large tree branch, hidden within the dense canopy. He operated his Breath Ending Divine Ability, completely concealing his presence. Before long, a little paper man surreptitiously floated out of the dense forest, looking back every three steps, with seven or eight Netherworld Worms, each bearing a human head, obediently following him. Chen Mu promptly executed the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, skillfully swallowing the Netherworld Worms into the Five Ghosts Bag. In the past quarter of an hour, five small paper men had made repeated excursions, easily bringing back over a hundred Netherworld Worms to him. "Well done!" Chen Mu extended a finger and gently stroked the top of the little paper man''s head. The little paper man immediately squinted and grinned, emitting a series of sharp, playful laughs. "Shh! Quietly lure the Netherworld Worms, we can''t wake the Strange Demon," Chen Mu cautioned, holding up his finger. The little paper man instantly restrained his expression, crouched, and stealthily floated back into the thick fog. Chen Mu had originally planned to attack forcefully, raiding the Netherworld Worms while simultaneously sending the Strange Demon on its way. But before he could act, he noticed that the Strange Demon on Three-leaf Island was unusually calm, as if it were asleep, lacking the chaotic, frenzied, and all-consuming aggressive mood typical of Strange Demons. "It''s good that it''s not aggressive. This way, I can quietly abduct all the peripheral Netherworld Worms without a sound!" Observing the hundreds of small and large Ghosts added to his Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu smiled. "Indeed, good deeds are rewarded." "I haven''t even helped the Strange Demon find release yet, and it''s already sending a great gift my way." "Ha ha..." ... An hour later. Just as Chen Mu was joyfully collecting a new batch of Netherworld Worms. Buzz! The air around him suddenly vibrated, light twisted, and a bedroom-sized, semi-transparent cat head abruptly materialized. In the blink of an eye, it shifted from an illusion to a solid form. Its fur was pitch-black, with dense, interlocking Fanged Teeth protruding around its mouth, and its head was covered with large and small bright yellow pupils. A mere glance from Chen Mu, and a force of intimidation penetrated his mind. He instantly felt dizzy and terrified as if an Immobilization Spell had been cast, freezing him in place, unable to move. Then the ferocious cat head suddenly opened its wide mouth full of sharp teeth, biting towards Chen Mu as if to sever him in half. Clang! Black smoke twined with silvery threads appeared next to Chen Mu, and dozens of uneven pale sharp teeth were instantly shattered by the backlash from the Five Dragon Dharma Body. Chen Mu looked expressionlessly at the cat head straining close at hand, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. With black smoke threaded with silver strands, it suddenly expanded with a buzz, and a pitch-black dragon''s head emerged. The eerie head, brimming with eyes, had most of it bitten off instantly, transforming into white smoke that dispersed. Chen Mu''s figure flickered and turned into a gust of Yin Wind, shooting into the sky. Looking down, he noticed that, unbeknownst to him, nine huge and fierce cat heads had vaguely appeared beneath the clouds. Their foreheads were all covered with bizarre eyessome bright yellow, some blood red, some pitch black, some deep blue. "It seems they have finally awoken, what a pity..." He originally only intended to stealthily abscond with the Netherworld Worm. Five Dragon Dharma Body! With a roar, five dragon heads, each as tall as two or three stories, materialized above Three-leaf Island. The air churned, dispersing the clouds above as if a tidal wave had spread in all directions. Chen Mu, floating mid-air, looked down expressionlessly. "Since they''ve awoken, there''s no need for secrecy anymore." "Five Ghosts Moving Mountain!" Immediately, the Five Ghosts Paper Man turned into dozens of dense black smoke trails, slithering like hungry snakes, darting chaotically around Three-leaf Island. With an angered roar, the nine fierce cat heads tore through the mist and surged towards the sky. However, Chen Mu remained unfazed, swinging his right hand downward. The Five Dragon Dharma Body suddenly plummeted, its surroundings engulfed by turbulent air currents, descending ferociously like a meteor. It looked like a collision was imminent. But in the next moment, with a swift sound, those nine massive heads abruptly vanished. Then, like a poorly transmitted video signal, they appeared and disappeared intermittently, flickering continuously. The expressions on those fierce cat heads alternated between savage ferocity and calm confusion. Chen Mu furrowed his brow, swiftly retracting the Five Dragon Dharma Body to guard his side. This Strange Demon was not right! Whether it was its previous slumber or its current transformation, none of it was typical for Strange Demons. It was as if... as if an invisible person was helping him suppress it. Yuan Xian? Could that old man be so benevolent? Chen Mu shook his head. "Forget it, no matter what, I''ll first capture the Netherworld Worm!" He immediately stopped hesitating and exerted his full strength to activate Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. The Five Ghosts Paper Men converged and transformed into a large cloud of black smoke, which surged into the white mist. The Strange Demon let out a poignant scream, trying to bite and chase after the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, but soon fell into a static stupor. It struggled continuously but seemed to be bound by an invisible net, unable to mount any substantial counterattack. Suddenly, the Strange Demon regained its composure, all its multicolored eyes simultaneously glancing at Chen Mu. Then, it silently exploded into Netherworld Worms, resembling a school of deep-sea fish. Before Chen Mu could urge the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain to devour them, an icy cold power emerged from nowhere. With a single sweep, all the Netherworld Worms completely vanished. ... Atop Chongmei Mountain, inside the northern loft. Bang! The entire cloud of smoke burst like the gas from a popped balloon, violently dispersing. Then, with a crisp crack, the ancient Bronze Incense Burner, like about-to-shatter pottery, suddenly exhibited dense cracks. Lian Xi''s face instantly turned ashen. Everything had been fine before, how could this... Huang Jiu glared at Lian Xi with a grim face: "Is this your guarantee?" "Dare to fool me, Lian Xi, you''ve got some nerve!" Chapter 584 572: Accelerate The next morning, the rising sun bathed Yunze Lake in a golden red hue. On the southern side of Chongmei Mountain, Chen Mu opened his eyes, immediately taking out the Five Ghosts Bag to check. The previous day, he had captured nearly a thousand Netherworld Worms, of which more than half successfully transformed into Ghosts. At this moment, the total number of Ghosts in the bag reached one thousand two hundred. Nearly all of the space above the interior of the Five Ghosts Bag was obscured by Ghosts, resembling a vast cloud of darkness. "Relax, even if there''s just one more Primordial Energy, that''s still a gain." Chen Mu took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, and carefully pulled open the drawstring of the Five Ghosts Bag like usual. A cluster of inky black Primordial Energy immediately floated out from the bag. Without a close count, it was clear that there was a significant increase in the amount of Primordial Energy. "Beautiful!" Chen Mu couldn''t help clenching his fist and waving it in excitement. He then quickly activated the Dark Cloud True Method, absorbing the cluster of Primordial Energy into the Jade Seed without missing a trace. "Seventy-nine strands of Primordial Energy, nearly half more than before." "The Primordial Energy needed to refine the Divine Orifice just once, can now be accumulated in a month and a half. What used to take twelve or thirteen years to complete the River Chariot cultivation, now just needs over nine years." "I haven''t been waiting in vain these past six months, haha!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh out loud after a quick calculation. "How great it would be if another Strange Demon showed up." He shook his head in regret. It was likely that Yuan Xian was starting to suspect it was him causing the disappearance of the Strange Demon. With that crafty old man''s shrewdness, even if he wasn''t certain, he wouldn''t send another Strange Demon to Yunze Lake. "Forget it, I can''t always think about capturing Strange Demons. Those things are really bizarre. If I encounter another one like the Worry-Free King level of Strange Demon... Tch!" Just the thought of his previous experience being chased by Li Wuyou in the Netherworld made Chen Mu''s scalp tighten. "If it comes to it, I''ll just spend time grinding the Dark Cloud True Method to its peak." This Secret Technique was a core secret transmission of the Li Yang Path. The more profound the cultivation, the higher the efficiency of Divine Orifice Refinement. Then there would be no need for more Ghosts, and the cultivation of the River Chariot could be accelerated. With a thought, the gray walls appeared, and Chen Mu''s gaze shifted downward. Dark Cloud True Method: 8789/10000/Third Rank; "In just over half a month, the Secret Technique will be advanced." "A Third Rank Dark Cloud True Method can save twenty percent of Primordial Energy, and advancing another rank could further increase that amount." Chen Mu made his calculations and took out the Exquisite Jade Plate to start it up. Feeling the Earth Spirit Vital Energy around him growing denser, he immediately began cultivating the Dark Cloud True Method. ... North of Yunze Lake. Amid the mist, a black-cloaked boat about four or five meters long bobbed with the waves. Inside the cabin, Yuan Xian sat cross-legged at a low square table, staring expressionlessly through the small window beside him at the surging clouds in the distance. At a certain moment, a black shadow as large as a door panel appeared beneath the hull. The shadow, seemingly alive, clung to the stern and crept up onto the black-cloaked boat. Then, it slowly gathered and rose, and in the blink of an eye, the tall and thin Yuan Xia''s figure was revealed within the shadow. "Master, just yesterday, that Strange Demon disappeared abruptly," he said with a grave expression. A flicker of realization crossed Yuan Xian''s eyes. "Was it Gongsun Sheng?" Yuan Xia asked hesitantly. "It probably was." Yuan Xian nodded slightly. He had suspected that Gongsun Sheng''s sudden disappearance was deliberate, aimed at luring him into a false sense of security to drive Strange Demons into Yunze Lake and then capture them. "Shall we contact Gongsun Sheng through Li Moliang?" Yuan Xia suggested out loud. Contact him for what? To ask Gongsun Sheng to kindly let the Strange Demon go? Nonsense! Gongsun Sheng''s goal was the Strange Demon to begin with; there was no way he''d back down easily! "Then, should we find an excuse to stall for time? Perhaps we could go deal with another Lower Courtyard first?" Yuan Xia spoke again. "I''d like to, but unfortunately..." Unfortunately, the Jade Spirit Venerable wouldn''t allow it! Yuan Xian''s expression grew unpleasant. He had thought that after mastering the Celestial Capital Transformation, he would be powerful enough to move unopposed throughout Da Qian. Yet, upon meeting the mysterious and unfathomable Jade Spirit Venerable again, he felt the same sense of powerlessness as before. "Follow the Jade Spirit Venerable''s orders and continue driving Strange Demons into Yunze Lake," Yuan Xian sighed with resignation. "If that Strange Demon is captured by Gongsun Sheng again, it will certainly delay things, which might lead to the Jade Spirit Venerable coming to investigate." Yuan Xia spoke with worry, "With that, Gongsun Sheng is very likely to be exposed to the Jade Spirit Venerable." "Before, you only told the Jade Spirit Venerable about the existence of a hidden expert at Chongmei Mountain, but not about the connection between Gongsun Sheng and us. If Gongsun Sheng is captured by the Jade Spirit Venerable, Master..." Yuan Xian''s face twitched, and a sense of frustration rose in his heart instantly. He couldn''t afford to provoke the Jade Spirit Venerable, nor could he afford to provoke Gongsun Sheng. Truly a difficult situation! After careful thought, Yuan Xia squinted his eyes, "In that case, make a personal visit to Nanxian Mountain in the Shu Kingdom." "There lies a Strange Demon, which is the transformed form of the former head of a loyal and diligent family of the Da Qian, who fell into demonism." "The family of the loyal and diligent Marquis has been practicing the Illusion Transformation for generations, specialized in concealment and change." "The Strange Demon formed from the mutation is also elusive, and unless a Lock Dragon Knight uses the bloodline of the Marquis'' descendants as a guide, it is almost impossible to find." "If it can''t be found and remains unseen, Gongsun Sheng will have no means to deal with it, and the Strange Demon will be able to successfully infiltrate the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard!" Yuan Xian revealed a smiling face. Yuan Xia''s eyes lit up at once, "Master is truly brilliant!" ... At the northern side of the peak of Chongmei Mountain, on the second floor of a wooden pavilion. Lian Xi was drenched in sweat, chanting spells with an anxious expression. Huang Jiu pushed the door open and entered, looking at Lian Xi with a cold face, "Enough, stop chanting." "The monster has been running away all night already, what use is chanting spells now!" Lian Xi''s face fell, "The Nightmare Victory Spell clearly captured the qi of that monster, why did it fail?" "It survived the violent resistance at the beginning, so why did it suddenly disappear without a trace?" "No, no, no! There''s definitely someone messing around here!" he shouted repeatedly. "Are you suggesting that the strange monster you worked so hard to find was easily discovered by someone else?" Huang Jiu leaned forward, peering down at Lian Xi, "And then was forcibly taken from your hands?" "Ha!" "Even if you want to find an excuse, at least find a credible one," Huang Jiu straightened up, his face unimpressed. "It''s true, believe me!" Lian Xi cried out, trying to defend himself excitedly. "Enough." Huang Jiu waved his hand to interrupt. "Lost is lost, the urgent matter now is to quickly carry out a blood sacrifice to Yama to refine the Primordial Energy and aid us in completing the Divine Orifice Refinement," he said with detached demeanor. "Didn''t you intercept the monster''s qi? If someone really challenges us, just use it as an excuse." Huang Jiu''s expression was indifferent, "By then the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring will be depleted, leaving no evidence. As long as we insist it was the monster causing trouble, what can Goose Yang Mountain do to us!" Lian Xi was shocked, then immediately overjoyed, "Brother Huang''s courage is impressive!" The Nightmare Victory Spell lost effectiveness, and he had feared Huang Jiu would back down, yet Huang Jiu was even bolder than he was. "Yunzhou happens to be undergoing a millennium change. It''s both a disaster and an opportunity." Huang Jiu slapped the windowsill, his eyes sparkling continuously, "Just be courageous enough, and with an early completion of the River Chariot, the Daoist Foundation is right before our eyes!" If luck was on his side, maybe he could even glimpse the scenery above the Primordial Spirit! ... Half a month later, in the evening. To the south of Chongmei Mountain, in Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. In front of the massive Jade Window, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair with his eyes closed, cultivating. Within the Jade Seed, nine layers of the Divine Orifice rotated chaotically, strands of mana drifted out from within the Divine Orifice, filling the entire Jade Seed. Surrounding clouds were like the Dark Cloud Talisman, slowly billowing. Its foundational Talisman had been stacked by Chen Mu to nearly two thousand, becoming more mysterious and natural. At a glance, it looked just like a real dark cloud. Chen Mu opened his eyes, the gray walls appearing in front of him. Dark Cloud True Method: 169/10000/Fourth Rank; "Using a Third Rank True Method to refine the Divine Orifice saves twenty percent of Primordial Energy. Now that it''s entering the Fourth Rank, the effect must improve again." "Even if I can''t capture more Ghosts, just by farming experience points for the Dark Cloud Secret Method, I can greatly speed up the Divine Orifice Refinement." "This method is good, but alas, it''s a bit too costly in White Jade Coins." Chen Mu shook his head helplessly. After all, the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard is still a lower courtyard; it has Earth Spirit Vital Energy, but it''s not rich. Over the past six months, he had been using the Exquisite Jade Plate to assist in cultivation. With significant expenditure, he now had only four to five hundred White Jade Coins left on him, which made him feel insecure. "I need to find a way to earn a good sum of White Jade Coins soon," Chen Mu mused, narrowing his eyes as he stroked his chin. Chapter 585 585: 573 Chapter White Jade The weather grew colder with each passing day, and the Golden Pearl Clams entered their hibernation period. Most of the disciples who raised clams and harvested pearls burrowed inside their cave mansions, not showing their faces. Even the fog above Yunze Lake lay lazily on the surface, motionless. That day, at the southern foot of Chongmei Mountain, in Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion, a low square table was set in front of the massive Jade Window. Chen Mu, dressed in loose, gray garments, sat in a bamboo chair with his hands pressed against the surface of the Five Qi Mixed Yuan Furnace. Inside the furnace, a rumbling like muffled thunder continued unabated, while five little paper figures hid behind Chen Mu, occasionally popping their heads out from his shoulder, peering around curiously. After more than half a year of secluded cultivation, Chen Mu was running out of White Jade. He planned to craft Water-Repelling Pearls to make money. For him, crafting fasting pills and Rejuvenation Pills was actually easier. However, there were few in the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard who practiced alchemy. If he sold them in large quantities, he might invite trouble. Water-Repelling Pearls were different; many disciples in the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard relied on the industry spawned from Water-Repelling Pearls for their livelihood. Later, he only needed to sell them under the identity of Li Moliang at the Hundred Refinement Hall, and he wouldn''t expose any flaws. "A single reduced version of a Water-Repelling Pearl sells for eighty White Jade, while a complete version can sell for up to three hundred. If I craft a hundred or so... heh!" As he entertained the thought, Chen Mu''s consciousness sank deeper into the Mixed Yuan Furnace, becoming more cautious. He was adjusting the intensity of the Qi Prohibition and thunder sounds inside the furnace using the Wind Fire Pivot Charm, all the while continuously stimulating the Wave Stabilizing Talisman with the Five Qi Primordial Technique. Inside the Pill Furnace, three blobs of liquidwhite, gold, and redfloated in the air. Attracted by the Exotic Force of the Wave Stabilizing Talisman, they spun out threads, thick and thin, slowly being piled and weaved into a special structure. As time passed, a milky white bead with red patterns gradually took shape. It was a success! Chen Mu felt a surge of elation in his heart. But in the next moment. Buzz! The entire bead trembled, and a Repulsion Force exploded forcefully. Bang! The lid of the Mixed Yuan Furnace was pushed up by the strong Qi force, embedding it into the stone ceiling above with a clang. Another explosion in the furnace? Chen Mu''s face stiffened as he leaned over to look inside the Mixed Yuan Furnace. Then he saw a bumpy, pitch-dark black pearl lying at the bottom of the Pill Furnace. "It''s a failure," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh and shake his head. This was already the third Water-Repelling Pearl he had blown up. A thought moved through his mind, and a Gray Wall emerged before his eyes. Artifact Refining Technique (Water-Repelling Pearl): 5032/10000; "After all, it''s still a bit off the mark." Based on his current experience, crafting the reduced version of the Water-Repelling Pearl wasn''t difficult, but making the complete version was more challenging. "For the reduced version of the Water-Repelling Pearl, the material costs alone are thirty-five White Jade. Even if it''s a hundred percent success, each pearl only earns a profit of thirty or forty White Jade." "If I want to quickly accumulate a sum of White Jade, I still need to rely on the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. The Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearl required only one Wave Stabilizing Pearl, and the costs would be seven or eight White Jade. Pretending it to be a reduced version of the Water-Repelling Pearl, he could earn over seventy White Jade for each crafted pearl. Moreover, with his Ghost Channeling Spell nearing perfection and having ample experience in drawing the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, he could almost reach a hundred percent success rate. If he was lucky, he could craft two Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls in a day, which was far more efficient than crafting legitimate Water-Repelling Pearls. "This is it!" Chen Mu nodded firmly. What about passing off a false product? "The Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearl also has the ability to repel water. If it can repel water, then it is a Water-Repelling Pearl!" ... Over ten days later, Li Moliang''s Cave Mansion. "You as a Lock Dragon Knight, where did you get so much White Jade?" Chen Mu asked in surprise, looking at the box on the table before him. He had reappeared before Li Moliang to borrow his identity to sell the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls at the Hundred Refinement Hall. He did not expect that the other man would directly hand him a box full of White Jade. Just one glance at the box told him that there were at least two thousand White Jade inside. "It''s precisely because I am a Lock Dragon Knight that I can accumulate so much White Jade," Li Moliang explained with a smile. "I''ve been lurking in the Yun Chong Lower Courtyard for nine years, raised Golden Pearl Clams for three years, and crafted Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls for six years. I''m not a Qi Cultivator, so I had nowhere to spend the money, which is why I''ve saved up all this White Jade." "This stuff is of no use to me; I might as well give it to my master," he said respectfully, pushing the box toward Chen Mu. "Don''t you have any requests?" Chen Mu didn''t buy it. "Being able to help the master is an honor for me, and I ask for nothing else," Li Moliang replied righteously. "Not even for a Jade Dew Pearl?" Chen Mu asked with a smirk. "Cough... If the master wishes to bestow something upon me, then of course, I cannot refuse," Li Moliang quickly put on an ingratiating smile. Ha! Li Moliang was a Lock Dragon Knight, with Ghosts dwelling within his body. Due to his distance from Da Qian, and without sufficient Incense Spiritual Energy to nourish him, his body had suffered severe deficiencies. At this moment, although Li Moliang still looked as gaunt as ever, his eyes were exceptionally bright and spirited, indicating that the Vital Energy deficit within him had been replenished. This was due to the power of the Jade Dew Pearls. Half a year ago, to have Li Moliang deliver the message of Chen Mu''s departure from Chongmei Mountain to Yuan Xian, Chen Mu had specially given him quite a few Jade Dew Pearls. It was these Jade Dew Pearls that enabled Li Moliang to replenish his foundation and vital essence. Having experienced the benefits, Li Moliang naturally craved more Jade Dew Pearls, which was why he had eagerly handed over the White Jade he had accumulated over the years. "Don''t worry, as long as you''re on Chongmei Mountain for one more day, you won''t be short of Jade Dew Pearls," Chen Mu said as he waved his hand to collect the wooden box. With the Strange Demon gone, Yuan Xian must have sensed something amiss by now and probably would hold off from targeting Yunze Lake for the time being. Chen Mu''s focus thereafter would no longer be on catching Strange Demons, but to lie in wait on Goose Sheep Path, and that required him to take on the identity of Li Moliang. Since he was using someone else''s identity, it was only natural to offer some compensation, especially since the other party had given him such a generous amount of White Jade. "Thank you, sir!" Li Moliang exclaimed in glee. "It''s just mutual benefit," Chen Mu said nonchalantly with a wave of his hand. "I also have some Golden Sand Jade Powder here, which I''m sure will be of use to you," Li Moliang said as he stood up again, moving a large wooden chest out from a square cabinet beneath a shelf on the wall. With the chest opened, various-sized jade bottles caught Chen Mu''s eye. "In making Water-Repelling Beads, you can''t only be outputting without inputting. Over the years, I''ve bought plenty of Golden Sand Jade Powder to make Water-Repelling Beads while providing a cover for the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls," Li Moliang explained with a smile. "As a Qi Cultivator, you can refine authentic Water-Repelling Beads, and these materials will be perfect for that." Another piece of good news? Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. He had initially only intended to assume Li Moliang''s identity to sell the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls, but before even making the sale, he had acquired two thousand White Jade. With this pile of Artifact Refining materials added to his resources, his White Jade crisis was suddenly alleviated by seventy to eighty percent. ... The next day, the weather grew colder, dense clouds covered Yunze Lake, and early in the morning, snowflakes began to fall over Yunze Lake. On the eastern side of Chongmei Mountain, the cave mansion that had been sealed for half a year was reopened by Chen Mu. In front of the large Jade Window, a square dining table was placed at the center. A Five Qi Primordial Furnace was embedded in the middle of the table, with milky white soup bubbling continuously inside. A small-armed length crystal-clear fish, resembling a transparent oddity, floated in midair. Chen Mu pointed with his hand, and the pale green Three Yin Demon-Slaying Qi Blade turned into a Blade Net and flew out, slicing the crystal fish into thin slices which neatly lined up and flew into the Primordial Furnace. As soon as they hit the boiling water, the transparent fish flesh turned a golden yellow, looking extremely appetizing. Chen Mu immediately picked up a piece and put it into his mouth. The fresh, tender texture combined with the enticing aroma made him blissfully confused. As the smooth fish meat slid down his throat, a warm sensation began to spread through his body, bringing with it a pleasant sense of floating towards ecstasy. "The Flying Immortal Fish truly lives up to its name; one feels as if ascending to immortality upon eating it, worthy of being one of the eight delicacies of Yunze Lake," Chen Mu remarked with a sigh, then proceeded to eat voraciously, continuously putting slice after slice of fish into his mouth. Soon, a whole Flying Immortal Fish had been devoured by him. The day before, he had sold five Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls at the Hundred Refinement Hall for four hundred White Jade Coins. Together with the savings of Li Moliang accumulated over the years, the White Jade crisis was temporarily alleviated. Elated, Chen Mu felt inclined to tour the lake and rented a covered boat to drift deep into Yunze Lake, where he unexpectedly discovered this Flying Immortal Fish using the Truthful Listening Technique. "What a pity such a creature is so rare; catching another one won''t be easy," Chen Mu pondered with a hint of regret as he shook his head. After the meal, in front of the Jade Window. Holding a cup of Black Plum Juice Replenishing Origin Soup, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair in front of the Jade Window, contemplating his future cultivation. "Yuan Xian is unlikely to drive more Strange Demons to Yunze Lake anytime soon. If I want to speed up the Divine Orifice Refinement, I need to focus on improving the Proficiency of the Dark Cloud True Method." "The authentic Water-Repelling Beads must also be practiced. In the future, I will have to rely on this craft to infiltrate Goose Sheep Mountain." His purpose for coming to Goose Sheep Path, apart from catching Strange Demons, was to take advantage of the Goose Sheep Path ferry to leave Yunzhou. "Hmm, I can sell the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls meanwhile and periodically send out an authentic Water-Repelling Pearl." "In this way, gradually displaying my abilities, by the time Goose Sheep Path starts building the ferry, there will be a good chance I''ll be transferred into Goose Sheep Mountain." Thinking this, Chen Mu brought up the Gray Wall, examining the daily Secret Technique tasks he must brush up on. Giant Spirit Divine: 9533/10000/Sixth Rank; Kui Water Yin Thunder: 41/10000/Fifth Rank; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 631/10000/Third Rank; Dark Cloud True Method: 169/10000/Fourth Rank; Artifact Refining Technique (Water-Repelling Pearl): 5947/10000; "Dark Cloud True Method takes highest priority, followed by Artifact Refining Technique." "Thunder Law has just entered a new phase; I can slow down its progress for now." "Sixth Rank Giant Spirit Divine is nearing Perfection; I should spend a bit more time on it." "As for the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture..." "That unreliable thing can only be used as a pastime." Chapter 586 574: Launch ``` As winter arrived, the dry and cold wind blew, dissipating five to six tenths of the constant mist that enshrouded Yunze Lake throughout the year. The sky was a dull gray, with occasional snowflakes drifting down, and the surface of the lake was calm and tranquil, like a clear mirror. A black canopy boat without sails or oars floated quietly on the lake, as if silently gliding on ice. The front and rear curtains of the boat cabin were replaced with double layers of jade, allowing ample light inside. In a corner of the cabin, the Primordial Furnace hummed softly, radiating heat and warming the entire cabin. Chen Mu sat in front of a square low table, listening intently. After a long while, he came to his senses, ceasing his use of the Truthful Listening Technique. "Catching the Flying Immortal Fish is indeed no easy task." He had roamed Yunze Lake since early in the morning, but as the morning passed, he saw not even a trace of the Flying Immortal Fish. "Using the Flying Immortal Fish to accelerate the practice of the Giant Spirit Divine technique seems improbable," Chen Mu shook his head, looking towards a certain entry on the gray wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 146/10000/Seventh Rank; This secret technique, originating from the seven brothers of Wu Mountain, allows one to cultivate a god statue phantom and multiply one''s strength. Chen Mu felt that this secret technique had great potential and never gave up on it. He practiced it three to five times daily, making steady but not rapid progress. However, after consuming a Flying Immortal Fish, the same amount of cultivation time yielded several times more experience in the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique. In just the past five days, he had continuously gained four or five hundred experience points, pushing his Giant Spirit Divine, which was already at the edge of advancing, into the Seventh Layer. He immediately changed his cultivation location to Yunze Lake, continuing his daily experience grind while using the Truthful Listening Technique to search for the Flying Immortal Fish. Until today, after searching eastward for five to six hundred li from Chongmei Mountain, he found nothing. "Maybe I should try the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture?" Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. The Calculation Scripture came from Shen Yan, the Military Supervisor of the Netherworld Antiquity City, who once served as a counsellor in a small country. With this scripture, Shen Yan had fooled the country''s ruler for his entire life. Not that the technique was ineffective, but most of the time, it admittedly wasn''t very reliable. But since the Calculation Scripture was still rather peculiar, Chen Mu kept it in his daily cultivation routine. Over time, he had also advanced it to a new rank. Thinking of this, Chen Mu involuntarily glanced at a certain entry on the gray wall. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 801/10000/Third Rank; "Entering a new phase, the secret technique might yield some unexpected benefits," Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. After reaching the Third Rank, the Calculation Scripture no longer required weeds for the computation, simply needing one to concentrate on an object in the surroundings to enter a meditative state. This object could be a blade of grass, a tree, a cloud in the sky, or even a rock weathered by wind and sun. As long as it was a natural object, it could trigger the secret technique, entering a particular situation where fragmented information would emerge in one''s mind. With this in mind, Chen Mu turned his head and looked toward the thick clouds on the horizon through the window. Under the operation of the Third Rank Calculation Scripture, Chen Mu soon entered a state where his consciousness seemed to drift outside his body. His surroundings became blurry, and numerous pieces of information rose and fell in his heart, yet they were indistinctas if obscured by frosted glass. Chen Mu made an effort to concentrate, thinking of the Flying Immortal Fish. At a certain moment, a flash of Spiritual Light appeared, and Chen Mu suddenly awoke. "Three hundred li southeast, Chaotic Stone Beach, there is ... there''s going to be a strong wind?!" Chen Mu: "..." I wanted the Flying Immortal Fish, and you tell me there''s going to be a strong wind. What kind of fortune-telling secret technique turns into a weather forecast? Did Shen Yan hoodwink that small country''s ruler with this weather forecasting ability of the Calculation Scripture? Tsk! ... Three hundred li north of Chongmei Mountain, on Three-leaf Island, a thick fog appeared out of thin air. Hum! Above the three hills, palm-sized talismans took to the sky. The intricate talismans inscribed on the brownish-yellow talisman paper flickered with a bloody light. The talismans interwove and swiftly formed a large net, like an upside-down bowl, completely trapping the dense fog at the center of Three-leaf Island. A melodious song came from within the fog, and a little girl in red with a bun on her head abruptly appeared in the midst of the fog. Her eyes were pitch-black and hollow as she floated quietly in mid-air, expressionlessly watching the people on the island. Behind her, men and women, old and young of various appearances, slowly materialized, equally lifeless in their gaze fixed on the crowd, instantly spreading a chillingly cold aura all around. ``` """Being restrained by the Profound Yin Slaughter Demon Spell, it still hasn''t revealed its true form. This monster is truly somewhat sinister.""" South of the small mountain top, Huang Jiu stood behind more than a dozen disciples of the Huang Family, staring at the group of faintly visible figures in the center of Three-leaf Island, unable to help but frown. "If it weren''t sinister, my Dian River Lower Courtyard wouldn''t have slipped up so easily." Lian Xi, still shaken, spoke up, "Fortunately, the Profound Yin Slaughter Demon Spell of Thousand Mountains Path is highly effective, otherwise I really wouldn''t know how to capture and restrain it." Huang Jiu nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the eerie figures in the distant mist. "Without consciousness, just the instinct to devour vital energy, huh..." Lian Xi, with a grave expression, nodded in agreement, "It''s probably the rich Earth Spirit Vital Energy from the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring that attracted this creature to manifest." "Changes in the Earth''s veins and drastic shifts in vital energy really do bring out all sorts of ghosts and spirits," sighed Huang Jiu. "Alright, forget about it. Since we''ve caught it, let it stay here." He waved his hand looking towards Lian Xi, "It''s also time to move forward with the Two Forms Transformation Technique Forbidden." "You''d better be fully prepared, don''t make mistakes like last time," Huang Jiu warned, his gaze on Lian Xi. "I''ve personally checked three times, there''s no chance of a problem!" Lian Xi promised, grinding his teeth. ... On the east side of Chongmei Mountain, Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. Chen Mu closed his eyes and took out a White Jade Coin, adeptly placing it on the Exquisite Jade Plate on the side table. The dense Earth Spirit Vital Energy spread out, his consciousness still immersed within the Jade Seed. After forty-seven days of accumulation, with enough Primordial Energy, he had just successfully completed the ninth Divine Orifice Refinement. Inside the Jade Seed, as if a hollowed-out spherical ball, the top layer of talismans now bore many obvious black lines. Not only that, but the outermost talisman had also developed a special change, capable of rotating backward against its original trajectory. "After nine refinements, the outermost talisman can rotate in reverse. If all are completed, can the other layers also reverse?" Chen Mu had a moment of understanding, "This is probably the key to the Divine Orifice''s ability to nurture Innate Primordial Qi." "I really want to see the wonders of Divine Orifice Ninth Transition as soon as possible." Chen Mu glanced at the Five Ghosts Bag ghosts, and, feeling helpless, shook his head, "Unfortunately, I don''t have enough Primordial Energy, I''ll have to wait." "Back in the Netherworld, I killed quite a few Strange Demons, why didn''t I think to catch some Netherworld Worms." He was full of regret. At that time, in order to return to Feng''an City, he encountered many Strange Demons. Unfortunately, he wasn''t aware that ghosts could produce Primordial Energy and paid no mind to the Netherworld Worms around the demons, allowing them to be drawn away by the River of Oblivion. Thinking of how he casually missed such an opportunity, he couldn''t help but twitch in annoyance. "My heart aches!" Chen Mu sighed, gazing through the Jade Window, lost in thought as he looked at the dark clouds over Yunze Lake. "Should I calculate where I could get more ghosts?" An idea struck Chen Mu amid his regret, and as soon as the thought arose, he had already started using the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. His consciousness seemed to drift out of his body, and once again a blurry, dream-like vision surfaced. Amidst the flickering spiritual light, a piece of information appeared in his mind. "Twenty li to the east of Chongmei Mountain, there are thirty thousand ghosts?" Chen Mu was at a loss for words. Isn''t that ridiculous? Ghosts are the foundation of the Netherworld, and whenever they are formed, they are basically all absorbed by the River of Oblivion. How could there be a large-scale appearance of ghosts near Yunze Lake? "The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture is still so unreliable," he thought to himself. Subconsciously, Chen Mu activated the Truthful Listening Technique, covering the area twenty li to the east of Chongmei Mountain. Then, he saw a streak of black light shoot up into the sky, disappearing into the void; immediately following, clusters of black smoke, two men tall, swarmed out from within the pillar of light. Chen Mu: "..." How could there really be ghosts?! Where did all these ghosts come from?! Staring at the black light shooting skyward in the distance, a sense of de?ja? vu suddenly struck him. Shit! Someone has performed a blood sacrifice to a demon, summoning ghosts! It''s not going to be Yun Chong Lower Courtyard''s turn to be doomed, right? Crap! Chapter 587 575: Catching Monsters South of Chongmei Mountain, above the surface of Yunze Lake, a gray hawk shrank its wings, resembling an arrow, piercing through the clouds, diving towards a spot on the water where a dark blue giant fish was gulping duckweed. The next moment, a black beam of light suddenly surged from beneath the water, and the hawk, caught off guard, was grazed by the black light. Spurt! The hawk, nearly half a meter long, shrank and shattered in an instant, leaving only a few remaining dry and broken feathers fluttering in midair. At Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion on Chongmei Mountain. Chen Mu watched the distant black beam of light, a sense of de?ja? vu washing over him. "That''s it, Mist Smoke Mountain on Jilong Road!" A memory emerged in his mind. First came the abrupt black light shooting to the sky, and then Ghosts would appear out of nowhere, tormenting all living creatures within dozens of miles. He had seen this scene on East Ridge Mist Smoke Mountain before. At that time, he even used the Ghosts to kill Sun Wuhuan and accidentally obtained the Netherworld General Secret Technique Scripture. "Originally, it was said that the East Ridge Wild Practitioner caused trouble, using blood sacrifices to summon outer demons to attack Mist Smoke Mountain. But the territory of Yun Chong''s Lower Institute spans three thousand miles, all dominated by Goose Sheep Pathwhere could the enemy attacking Yun Chong''s Lower Institute be from?" Chen Mu''s thoughts raced: "Is it a conspiracy by other paths among Yunzhou''s Seven Paths? Or is Daqian''s Lock Dragon Institute plotting in the shadows?" As he pondered, the Truthful Listening Technique transmitted fluctuations again. From the four directionseast, west, south, and northof Chongmei Mountain, several identical black beams of light shot into the sky. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and a sudden emergence of black smoke appeared behind him. He immediately stepped back and disappeared into Thousand Lanterns City. In front of a three-story building in Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu maintained the entrance of Thousand Lanterns City open, peering through the large jade window in the outside mansion, the nearby scenery at the base of the black beams of light was faintly visible twenty miles away. Groups of black smoke, two to three people tall, flickering with crimson light within, continuously drilled out of the black pillars. "It looks a bit like Ghosts?" Li Moliang, who Chen Mu had earlier brought into Thousand Lanterns City, watched in shock and uncertainty at the mass of dark smoke on the horizon. "Those are Ghosts; essentially, there''s not much difference between the two," Chen Mu squinted as he spoke. "Will they also devour living creatures?" Li Moliang couldn''t help but sigh, "With so many Ghosts running amok, the disciples of the Lower Institute are likely to suffer terrible casualties." "Indeed, we cannot let them run wild like this," Chen Mu said solemnly. Disciples from the Lower Institute almost all practice Thunder Law; if these Ghosts were to be killed by Thunder Law... how regrettable that would be! I must quickly trap them in the Five Ghosts Bag. It would prevent both Ghosts and the Lower Institute''s disciples from harming each other and aid my cultivation. It''s a win-win situation for everyonea perfect triple win! With this thought, he immediately stepped out of Thousand Lanterns City. At the peak of Chongmei Mountain, inside a two-story pavilion, walls and windows were covered with intricate and bizarre black talismans. In the center of the room, a small jade Purifying Bottle floated in midair. Dressed in a black Daoist Robe, Huang Jiu stood in front of the Jade Purifying Bottle, constantly chanting Curse Words. As the incantations spilled out, the patterns on the surrounding walls came to life, crawling about. The air faintly twisted as thread-like black Primordial Energy emerged from the void. It quickly entered the Jade Purifying Bottle like small bugs swimming in water. Observing the scene before him, Huang Jiu''s face suddenly broke into a smile. Lian Xi, the protector standing beside him, couldn''t help but show an excited face. As the two were joyful, the flashing black patterns on the walls suddenly flickered, like a light bulb with unstable voltage, flickering unreliably. The Primordial Energy floating in mid-air had not yet been collected into the Jade Purifying Bottle when it began to tremble incessantly and then exploded with a puff into a Gentle Breeze. The previously incessant stream of Primordial Energy also became intermittent, hardly able to duplicate. Huang Jiu abruptly turned his head, staring at Lian Xi with death in his eyes: "Is this the ''no problem at all'' you told me about? Is this the guarantee you gave me?!" He now really wished he could strike Lian Xi dead with Thunder Law. The Two Forms Transformation Method Ban was already activated, and there was no way to stop itthe energy veins of Yun Chong''s Lower Institute were definitely doomed. If he couldn''t collect the Primordial Energy, it would really be a wasted effort like drawing water with a bamboo basket! Lian Xi was even more furious and shocked than Huang Jiu. "All the Forbidden Laws have been checked three times by me, how could this possibly..." "But the fact is a problem has arisen now!" "I''ll check immediately." Lian Xi wiped the sweat from his forehead. "If there is a flaw in the plan, don''t blame me for being ruthless!" Huang Jiu stared at Lian Xi with a cold face, a killing intent locking Lian Xi firmly in place. Lian Xi''s body stiffened, and a sense of dread rose in his heart. "Don''t worry, I will definitely find and fix the issue." Not daring to linger, he immediately used an Escape Skill and quickly shot out of the second floor of the building. ... On the eastern side of Chongmei Mountain, inside Chen Mu''s Cave Mansion. As he spread out the Truthful Listening Technique, Chen Mu used the Five Elements Escape Technique to transform into Gentle Breeze, blending into the air. The sudden appearance of so many Ghosts couldn''t have happened by chance; they must have been deliberately summoned. He wanted the Ghosts, but he didn''t fancy a deadly struggle with the person pulling the strings behind the scenes. The Five Elements Escape Technique was an Innate Divine Ability of a Heavenly Demon. It wasn''t very fast, but it could merge with everything, making it exceptionally covert. "One cannot neglect defensive measures either." With a thought, the Body Protection Aura around his Divine Orifice shrouded his skin like close-fitting armor, and embedded within it were the silver filaments of the Five Dragons Qi twirling around him. In the palm of his right hand, a spark of lightning crackled and flashed as he held a strand of Kui Water Yin Thunder in his grip. A dark red God Statue flickered behind him, fading in and out of sight; the Giant Spirit Divine summoned ready at any moment to amplify its power. Five solemn little paper figures also stood on his shoulder, ensuring that whether it was Five Ghosts Possession or Yama Emperor''s Command, they could be called upon at any time. Once fully prepared, Chen Mu took a deep breath and immediately drifted toward the eastern sky of Chongmei Mountain. A distance of twenty li, he arrived in just a few breaths. Chen Mu, however, didn''t rush to reveal himself but hid among the clouds in the sky, carefully observing his surroundings. A black column of light, about seven to eight meters in diameter, was the first thing that caught his eye. Its surface was like a transparent Water Screen, while its interior was pitch-black and abysmal, seemingly an endless void. The column was over a hundred meters tall; its base plunged into the water, its depth unknown, and its top stretched into the void, with several dark cracks faintly visible around it, as if the sky had been pierced through like a hole. At that moment, a wisp of black smoke twisted and writhed on the surface of the column, struggling to break free and after a short time, burst out of the black light with a ''pop''. It dizzily circled around the spot for a moment, then the entire mass of black smoke began to condense and gather strength, followed by a ''bang'' as if shot from a cannon, it rocketed towards the pinnacle of Chongmei Mountain. "A column of light similar to the Ghost Gate; a special portal leading to some unknown place? No wonder there are so many Ghosts arriving." Chen Mu realized. "The question is whether this column connects to the Netherworld or not." Apart from the Netherworld, he couldn''t think of anywhere else that would house so many Ghosts. "This portal couldn''t have formed naturally; there must be someone behind it." Chen Mu activated Truthful Listening once more, cautiously probing his surroundings, yet discovered nothing. After considering this... He narrowed his eyes. Yama Emperor''s Command! One of the clusters of black smoke that had just emerged from the black column continued to grow and shrink, seemingly agitated as it surveyed its surroundings. But in the next moment, it shuddered, and the entire mass of smoke became instantly calm, like a puppet, flying straight into a seemingly ordinary cloud in the sky. No sooner had it entered the cloud than a wisp of black smoke emerged out of nowhere, shot out like a frog''s tongue catching a fly. The Ghosts was captured in an instant and pulled back, quickly disappearing into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu remained taut like a compressed spring, with Mana surging within him while he stayed still, frequently activating Truthful Listening, closely monitoring his surroundings. However, after quite a while passed, no accidents occurred. Astonishingly, no one seemed to be guarding the area around the black column of light! "Since no one''s in charge..." Chen Mu looked at the black column of light from which Ghosts continually emerged, a fervent gleam suddenly flashing in his eyes. Chapter 588 576: Each Harbors Their Own Schemes Atop Chongmei Mountain, within the two-story loft, Huang Jiu looked calmly at the struggling manifestation of Primordial Energy in midair. Before long, Huang Jian, dressed in indigo robes, walked up to the second floor of the loft. "Uncle, Lian Xi has been lured into the Earth Vein," Huang Jian said, bowing respectfully. "There won''t be any mishaps?" asked Huang Jiu. "The Earth Vein is inherently weak at the broken part of the Forbidden Law, and with the traps we set earlier, as soon as the Forbidden Law is activated, the break will naturally appear, and Lian Xi will definitely not notice any flaws." Huang Jiu nodded. "The second set of Forbidden Law orifices we set up earlier has also been activated. In at most a quarter of an hour, the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban will recover, and Uncle can take the opportunity to collect the Primordial Energy into the bag," said Huang Jian, a smug smile forming on his face. "I didn''t want to either," sighed Huang Jiu, shaking his head slightly. "But I''ve refined my Divine Orifice for many years, just one transformation short, and the Primordial Energy required is indeed enormous." "Uncle, you need not feel guilty. The Yun Chong Lower Institute belongs to our Huang Family anyway, so the Primordial Energy generated from its Earth Vein is naturally ours." "If that''s the case, then naturally, we should use it for our own people first," Huang Jian said with a smile. "Then Uncle should quickly consolidate the Primordial Energy and make a breakthrough in the Qi Cultivation Fourth Level as soon as possible. We can always compensate Lian Xi later." "We''ll just have to let Lian Xi suffer a bit for now," Huang Jiu sighed, though his face remained calm. ... Deep within the belly of Chongmei Mountain, in a hemisphere-sized cave the size of two bedrooms. Fluorescent Algae Lamp Balls, the size of a fist, were embedded everywhere, illuminating the pitch-dark cave. Black patterns covered the stone walls around, and a sinister aura filled every corner of the cave. A burst of fire exploded in midair, and Lian Xi appeared along with the flames. He looked at the intricate patterns inside the cave and smirked, "Huang, old ghost, did you really think that by snatching the charge of the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban you could control me? I''ve been guarding against you!" "With this second core of the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban, if you won''t give me the Primordial Energy, I''ll just take it myself!" As he activated his mana, the patterns on the stone walls lit up. The air in the cave twisted, and suddenly, dozens of black Primordial Energy streams burst from the void. "Ha ha! Success!" ... Twenty miles east of Chongmei Mountain, a large mass of clouds hovered above a black light column. Streaks of black smoke continuously shot out from the cloud, and any Ghosts emerging from the black light column were instantly dragged into the clouds. Chen Mu, obscured by the clouds, gazed eagerly at the black light column, like a fisherman watching a school of fish in a pond. Busy at work, a disturbance in the distance caught Chen Mu''s attention. He saw a Wave Stabilizing Boat zigzagging, barely escaping the encircling attack of the Ghosts, only to crash directly into a layer of black light screen. This screen, originating from the black light column, spread and intertwined like an upside-down bowl, enveloping Chongmei Mountain and hidden in the void. The people on the boat, caught off guard, collided with the light screen. It was as if they were hit by high-temperature flames, instantly vaporizing and turning to ash in the blink of an eye. Then, the suddenly visible light screen slowly vanished into the air. Chen Mu''s heart tightened, and he quickly scanned his surroundings. But after several attempts, he could not detect that invisible light screen. "Is it because I captured the Ghosts, causing the local Forbidden Law to be damaged? Or was there already a flaw in this Forbidden Law, hence leaving a gap?" "I can''t figure it out," Chen Mu shook his head. But this did not stop him from taking action. Having come this far, it wasn''t the first time he''d encountered such turmoil, and every time, the lower-institute disciples were the ones who suffered. He felt sympathetic, but directly rescuing them was not an option. Whoever could silently set up such a massive restriction in the Yun Chong Lower Institute was definitely no small figure, and he did not want to get involved in trouble. With a slight thought, Li Moliang was pulled out of Thousand Lanterns City. Using Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, he held Li Moliang hovering in midair, then sent a Five Ghosts Paper Doll to hover above the other''s head. After a moment''s contemplation, Chen Mu spoke, "With the Five Ghosts Paper Doll overhead, you won''t be attacked by the Ghosts. Later, quietly return to Chongmei Mountain and find a way to guide some Lower Institute Disciples to escape here." "The Forbidden Law here has a loophole dodge the Ghosts'' attacks, and you can successfully escape the danger." Li Moliang was taken aback upon hearing this, but he immediately bowed and, with the Five Ghosts Paper Dolls, plunged into Yunze Lake. He then transformed into a white streak under the water, rapidly swimming towards Chongmei Mountain. Chen Mu watched Li Moliang''s disappearing figure in silence. "I''ve shown you the way out, whether you can make it depends on fate." After another glance, he continued to concentrate on capturing Ghosts. "Hmm... Why does it feel like more and more Ghosts are emerging?" Chen Mu suddenly remarked in surprise, looking at the dark light column. "Never mind that, the more, the merrier!" Yama Emperor''s Command! ... In the attic of Chongmei Mountain. Hiss... Along with a series of burning sounds, the black patterns on the walls suddenly flashed with bright yellow flames, resembling smoldering yellow paper, slowly yet firmly burning the dark patterns in the room. The already difficult to summon Primordial Energy became even more challenging, causing those not yet collected in the Jade Purifying Bottle to disintegrate into nothingness. "Are you sure your trick won''t affect the operation of the Forbidden Law?!" Huang Jiu suddenly turned around, staring hard at Huang Jian. "This... This shouldn''t be possible. That''s just a branch of the earth''s vein; even a complete collapse shouldn''t cause much reaction!" Huang Jian, his chubby face covered in cold sweat, speculated, "Could it be that Lian Xi discovered something and is deliberately causing trouble?" Huang Jiu''s mana surged furiously, his incantations unceasing, but even so, he could only slightly slow the damage to the talismans. It felt as though there was a gaping hole, causing the effectiveness of the Forbidden Law to continuously leak. In less than half an hour, nearly half of the Painted Talisman patterns covering the room were scorched. Huang Jiu''s face immediately darkened. ... However, Chen Mu was all smiles. He had previously been cautious, fearing that people behind him might come looking for trouble. But now, having gathered nearly a thousand Ghosts within a twenty-mile radius aside from Lower Institute Disciples fleeing everywhere, he still hadn''t seen any trace of foes. He suddenly grew more daring. "This opportunity can''t be missed! These are all resources for accelerating cultivation!" The reach of Yama Emperor''s Command rapidly extended, turning two dark light columns, seven or eight miles away to the north and south, into new sites for capturing Ghosts. Ghosts, previously quick to react, soon became stunned, obediently soaring into the air, and under the cover of clouds and mist, swiftly approached him. Chen Mu, delighted, also became more vigilant, covering his surroundings with the Truthful Listening Technique to guard against any sneak attacks from behind. Before spotting any enemies, he saw dozens of figures recklessly dashing towards his location. Some of them flew in the sky, others ran close to the water''s surface, and some activated Water-Repelling Pearls, dragging a trail of water streaks as they swiftly swam. But upon closer inspection, he noticed that inside their wide clothing was nothing but emptinessthey were all empty shells! "Li Moliang has this technique too?" Chen Mu discovered that Li Moliang was hidden among those people. Those who were making a spectacle of fleeing were all fakes controlled by Li Moliang using secret techniques. Influenced by Li Moliang''s decoys, behind them, a large group of disciples were slowly gathering, following the flow and fleeing with Li Moliang. "Nicely done!" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. It''s great to save many people; the more survivors, the less conspicuous he would be in hiding his identity later. However, such a commotion was very likely to attract the attention of those behind the scenes. Thinking this, he immediately put his all into activating the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, swiftly collecting the subdued Ghosts into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chapter 589 577 Harvest Inside the cave at the belly of Chongmei Mountain. Pu! A bright yellow light burst forth, and the pitch-black talismans on the cave walls instantly collapsed. Lian Xi stared at the remaining scorched traces on the cave wall, his face looking terrible. "How could the restriction collapse?!" "Was it because of a too forceful hidden move I made earlier, disrupting the balance of the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban? Or... or did Old Ghost Huang realize something was amiss and take some kind of countermeasure?" "Damn it!" Amidst flickering firelight, Lian Xi''s figure vanished. With a muffled bang, the entire cave collapsed. ... Buzz! A violent fluctuation suddenly burst forth from beneath the ground. It was like throwing a huge meteor into a lake, with waves as high as a person, radiating swiftly in all directions from the center of Chongmei Mountain. At the same time, the surfaces of more than a dozen black light columns standing in all directions were instantly filled with cracks, resembling glazed vases that were shattered and then glued back together. They then exploded into countless fragments with a loud bang. The fragments fluttered with the wind like the ashes of burned paper and quickly turned into wisps of black ash, disappearing without a trace. "I... I didn''t do anything," Chen Mu said guiltily as he looked around, "How could catching a few thousand ghosts cause the restriction to collapse?" "Ah, certainly there must be some flaw in the restriction itself!" He nodded seriously. Then he saw a bolt of lightning surge into the sky from the top of Chongmei Mountain. After circling the mountain peak, it headed straight towards his location. Chen Mu shrank his head, and the Breath Ending Divine Ability immediately activated at full force, tightly concealing his presence. He then used the Five Elements Escape Technique and quickly dived underwater, following several disciples who were also moving beneath the water to escape, swiftly fleeing towards the farther east. One must not stay at the scene of the incident; what if someone misunderstood? Better to run as a sign of respect! ... As evening approached, seventy li south of Chongmei Mountain on Red Stone Island. The island''s terrain was flat with sparse vegetation, mostly covered with dark red stones of various sizes. On the edge of Chaotic Stone Beach, clusters of bonfires were lit. Disciples of Yun Chong''s Lower Institute gathered in small groups, each looking shaken and forlorn. In the past day, a sudden calamity had occurred; many had perished at the initial appearance of the ghosts, and a large number died during the escape, with familiar faces even falling before everyone''s eyes. Most of the Lower Institute disciples of Yun Chong were Bivalve Cultivators, unaccustomed to conflict in their tranquil lives, never witnessing such a cruel scene. Even though the calamity had passed for half a day, they still couldn''t help feeling extremely anxious. At this moment, a streak of firelight crossed the sky, circled above the many disciples, and then quickly flew away. As they watched the swiftly departing firelight, they couldn''t help but whisper to one another. "That''s Elder Lian from the Lower Institute by the Dian River, right? Haven''t they found that troublemaking thief yet?" "What exactly is that strange restriction? How could it drain a person''s flesh and blood?" "It certainly isn''t anything good..." "Could it be that the neighboring Feather Spirit Path has attacked?" "Thank goodness we managed to escape, otherwise..." Not far off in a corner, Chen Mu, wearing the appearance of Li Moliang, sat with a few unfamiliar Lower Institute disciples around a bonfire. Listening to the sighs around him, he struggled to suppress a smile and barely managed to appear as somber and distressed. He too wanted to blend in, expressing an air of doubt and shock. Yet, as soon as he thought about his gains within the Five Ghosts Bag, he couldn''t help feeling joyful. Four thousand three! There were now no fewer than four thousand three ghosts in the Five Ghosts Bag! Based on previous experience, it was estimated that just half a day of accumulation would generate enough Primordial Energy from the Five Ghosts Bag to initiate a session of Divine Orifice Refinement. That is to say, from now on, he could undergo Divine Orifice Refinement once every day. ``` Given his current pace of cultivation, it would take him only seventy-two days to achieve perfection with the River Chariot, successfully passing the Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation! Those seasoned Qi Cultivators at the Condensing Aperture stage, which one of them doesn''t need a decade or even decades to accumulate enough Primordial Energy to complete the Divine Orifice Refinement? Yet now, he only needs less than three months. "Hmm... that''s only a tiny bit faster than others." "There''s really nothing to be excited about." "Ha ha!" ... Three days later, in the early morning at Chaotic Stone Beach. Within a dusty single-person tent, Chen Mu opened his eyes with resignation. "Got happy too early." Inside the Jade Seed, the originally round and plump nine-layer Divine Orifice Talisman now displayed multiple breaks and gaps, resembling a rusty and pitted old wire ball. "Primordial Energy is indeed sufficient to support daily cultivation, but the recovery speed of the Divine Orifice Talisman isn''t fast enough to sustain such frequent practice. Misjudged!" Chen Mu shook his head. The Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation involved refining the River Chariot by using Primordial Energy to refine and permeate the Divine Orifice Talisman, causing it to undergo a qualitative transformation. Each Refinement would corrode and damage the Divine Orifice Talisman. But due to the nature of the talisman, the damaged parts would soon be restored and replenished. However, these newly repaired talisman parts were like tender new skin on a wound. The slightest contact with Primordial Energy would immediately corrode them. "The Divine Orifice Talisman doesn''t transform instantly, after the refinement''s completion, it needs time to slowly undergo the qualitative change." He sighed, a realization dawning on him. In the past, he would leave at least a month and a half between each Divine Orifice Refinement, so he had never noticed this detail. "Three months to refine the River Chariot seems impossible now." "But at least there''s no need to worry about gathering Primordial Energy, and the total time will definitely not require more than a decade." "Far faster than those elders guarding the Buried Spiritual Springs C I have nothing to complain about." Chen Mu shrugged with a chuckle. Exiting the tent, he saw the Lower Institute Disciples on Chaotic Stone Beach starting fires and cooking in silence. Three days had passed, but the atmosphere of bleakness had yet to dissipate. After the recent calamity, the majority of the Lower Institute Disciples had died or been injured. Many of the survivors had lost friends and relatives three days prior. "I wonder who is behind the chaos." Chen Mu frowned, gazing towards Chongmei Mountain. During these three days, Elder Huang Jiu from the Oversight Courtyard and Elder Lian Xi had been searching far and wide, using Flight and Escaping Earth techniques, while survivors were interrogated several times by the Inspection Courtyard. Fortunately, with many disciples having survived, using the Shape-shifting Technique and Breath Ending Divine Ability for concealment, Chen Mu easily passed scrutiny under the guise of Li Moliang. However, there had been no solid leads on the instigator behind the scenes. "It doesn''t look like Lock Dragon Courtyard''s handiwork," Chen Mu shook his head, feeling that the Forbidden Law used to manipulate the Ghosts was rather peculiar. "I wonder which Lower Institute these surviving disciples will be assigned to." His thoughts drifted as he smelled the smoke from the fires. Previously, when Dian River Lower Institute was destroyed by the Strange Demon, disrupting its energy veins, the disciples were redistributed to various places, with Yun Chong Lower Institute accepting quite a few. Chen Mu speculated that he and the other survivors might also be allocated to other Lower Institutes nearby. ... Half a month later, in the early morning on Chongmei Mountain. Sitting in front of a Jade Window, Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of joy on his face. "Seventeen days." "If nothing unexpected happens, the period for the qualitative transformation recovery after each Divine Orifice Refinement is approximately between half a month to twenty days." "By this calculation, seventy-two transformations would take just over three years, less than four." Chen Mu couldn''t help but display a satisfied smile. Even throughout all of Yunzhou, his speed would surely rank among the top. "Good karma indeed." Capturing the Ghosts, indirectly saving hundreds, nearly a thousand Lower Institute Disciples, and acquiring enough Primordial Energy for cultivation C this is a win-win! As for whether the person behind the scenes wins... "Well, considering the frantic look on Elders Huang and Lian, I suppose that person behind the scenes can win too... haha!" ``` Chapter 590 578: Relocation Chongmei Mountain lay 120 li to the west. Bubbles streamed continuously from the bottom of Yunze Lake; vast patches of pitch-black mud stirred up in tandem. One by one, the Golden Pearl Clams, the size of millstones and triangular in shape, were dragged from beneath the water by the pearl gatherers. Their surfaces were smooth, bluish-black, with wave-like frills fringed around the opening edges, fitting together jaggedly like interlocked fangs. Chen Mu stood at the forefront of the bamboo raft, waving a grass fork, hauling the most recent Golden Pearl Clam onto the raft. The pearl gatherer, Chai Song, stepped forward and adeptly pried open the clamshell, dissecting the clam flesh. Five or six golden pearls the size of soybeans were quickly found. "If only it could have lived for another half year, these pearls would have grown to the size of longans. As they are, they won''t fetch much money," Chai Song remarked, disappointment evident as he looked at the golden pearls in his hand. "Natural disasters and man-made calamities, we''re powerless against them," another pearl gatherer added his regret. The disaster had passed by more than twenty days, and the Earth Spirit Vital Energy enveloping Yunze Lake had rapidly dissipated. The Qi Cultivators'' mana recovery slowed, and the Golden Pearl Clams bred within Yunze Lake died in droves. Yun Chong Lower Courtyard had no choice but to mobilize all disciples, draining the lake dry like fishing to harvest various spiritual medicines and golden pearls. "Brother Li, have I seen you somewhere before?" Chai Song stored the colored clamshell of the pristine and beautiful Golden Pearl Clam, turning his puzzled gaze toward Chen Mu to ask. "It''s possible," replied Chen Mu, wearing the face of Li Moliang with a solemn nod, "I''ve been a bivalve cultivator and pearl gatherer for many years, perhaps initially seen in the Administrative Affairs Institute." "That''s indeed possible," Chai Song suddenly realized. Chen Mu gave him a knowing glance with a smile. He had indeed seen Chai Song before, not in the Administrative Affairs Institute but on Three-leaf Island while capturing the Strange Demon Netherworld Worm. This person had previously escaped an attack by a strange demon and now had escaped the crisis of the Ghosts. He indeed had some skills and luck. Unfortunately, the creatures of the entire lake were not so fortunate. Chen Mu gazed at the lake surface. The rotting flesh of dead Golden Pearl Clams and the corpses of large and small fish and shrimp lying belly-up were everywhere, their rich, fishy stench mixed with the smell of lake water assailing his nostrils. "Yun Chong Lower Courtyard is done for," he shook his head with a sigh. The geomantic vitality of Yunze Lake was chaotic and collapsed. It might only gradually repair itself after being washed away by hundreds of years. ... A month later, evening. More than 200 li north of Chongmei Mountain, a pitch-black canopy boat floated on the water surface. After more than a month of busyness, Chen Mu finally got some leisure time today. At the bow, Li Moliang respectfully fist-bowed at Chen Mu, "Take care, sir." After speaking, he dove headfirst into the lake, transforming into a black shadow heading north, soon disappearing from sight. Earlier chaos had resulted in many disciples'' deaths and injuries, making Chen Mu''s hiding even deeper and safer. He no longer needed to keep Li Moliang by his side. The man was a Lock Dragon Knight, backed by the Lock Dragon Courtyard, which had ties with the Netherworld. Not wanting to get involved and complicate things, he simply let him return to Da Qian. With the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed along, Chen Mu wasn''t worried about betrayal. Listening to the mana of Li Moliang moving away from the range detectable by the Truthful Listening Technique, Chen Mu stood at the bow of the canopy boat and turned to look back at Chongmei Mountain. Just then, two little black dots rose from the mountain peak slowely, heading souththat was the Cloud Bat Flying Boat from Goose Sheep Path. After more than a month of scavenging, the remaining value of Yun Chong Lower Courtyard had been drained dry. The disciples of the Lower Institute began to relocate in batches. ... Half a month later, Goose Sheep Mountain. Accompanied by a humming sound, the large fleshy wings of the Cloud Bat Flying Boat spewed smoke as it slowly descended to the ground. Chen Mu walked out of the dim cabin, eyes fixed on the distant orange-red sunset and the towering mountains piercing the clouds, and he felt instantly exhilarated. "We''ve finally arrived." Across from the cramped cabin packed with over a hundred people and filled with various odors, the experience had been far from pleasant. With the dissolution of Yun Chong Lower Courtyard and the relocation of numerous disciples, Chen Mu had thought he would be sent to another Lower Institute, but to his surprise, he had been directly sent to Goose Sheep Mountain. "An unexpected pleasure." He had originally wanted to infiltrate Goose Sheep Mountain, and now it was just as he wished. ... "Newcomers, don''t just stand there; follow me quickly," a lanky elderly man with graying hair approached the group. He shouted impatiently and, without checking whether the crowd had heard him, he turned around and walked away. The group that had just disembarked exchanged glances for a moment before they inevitably followed, carrying their large and small bags. "My surname is Liu, from the Administrative Affairs Institute." "This is Goose Sheep Mountain, and there are many rules here, not as lax as the Lower Institute." "You newcomers should speak less, observe and listen more, and obediently follow the arrangements. If you offend any senior from the Upper Court and end up being punished, don''t blame me for not warning you." The elderly Mr. Liu, regardless of the expressions of the crowd, continued to introduce Goose Sheep Mountain as they walked, evidently not his first time doing this task. Chen Mu blended into the crowd, listening to the introductions while surveying his surroundings. The first thing that caught his eye was the towering Goose Sheep Mountain, with three clusters of buildings constructed around the mountain. One on the mountainside, one at the foot, and another not far beyond the mountain''s base. By then, sporadic lights were already lit on the mountain, peacefully and serenely illuminating the scene from afar. Before long, under the old man''s guidance, the group reached the western edge of the third cluster of buildings. A cluster of low wooden houses appeared before them. "Pick any house to stay, but you can only stay for up to three days," Mr. Liu emphasized. "After that, you''ll have to build your own dwelling over there," he pointed towards a barren area further to the west. "Can''t we rent or buy an existing wooden house?" someone in the crowd asked, frowning. "That used to be possible, but not anymore," Mr. Liu said with a sigh. "There are more people coming to Goose Sheep Mountain than just you. Any houses for sale would have been sold out long ago." "Either stay in tents for the time being and make do waiting for the Administrative Affairs Institute''s official plans, or find a spot to build your own." The crowd continued to ask questions about where to fetch water and eat, then dispersed in small groups. Chen Mu also left with the group and walked into an unoccupied wooden house. The room was narrow, containing only a wooden bed, which he didn''t mind. After using the Truthful Listening Technique to ensure no one was spying on him, he ducked into Thousand Lanterns City to wash up thoroughly. Then he returned to the wooden hut, released the Five Ghosts Black Smoke, and thoroughly cleaned the interior. After laying out a new set of bedding on the wooden bed, he lay down and did not move again. After being cramped in a small cabin with over a hundred people for more than ten days, his body was not tired, but his spirit was not well. At this moment, he just wanted to lie down and do nothing. ... The next day, sunlight poured into the room, and Chen Mu opened his eyes. After a good night''s sleep, Chen Mu felt warm all over, completely relaxed, and did not want to get out of bed. "I can''t lie here any longer; I need to find a place to settle first. Once a proper dwelling is built, there will be plenty of time to rest." After encouraging himself for a moment, Chen Mu got up, packed up his bedding, and, after popping a Fasting Pill in his mouth to satisfy his hunger, he pushed the door open. The temporary wooden house was located at the third construction ring of Goose Sheep Mountain, with a wide east-west green stone road running across it. To the east were some orderly wooden buildings, and to the west, barren land covered with grass and shrubs. New Lower Institute Disciples could only build their dwellings on this barren land. Chen Mu chose a spot on a small hillside covered with sparse broadleaf woods, which he greatly liked. "Secluded and hidden, with forest cover blocking prying eyes, few disturbances, peaceful and safe; this is it!" With a thought, he executed the Point Ground into Steel Technique, and the ground soil surged up like water, forming a one-meter-high square stone platform that rose from the ground. A dark shadow appeared at the center of the stone platform, resembling black ink diffusing rapidly on white paper, quickly spreading in all directions. A two-story wooden building slowly rose from within the shadow. Combined with the Point Ground into Steel technique, this exquisitely crafted small building, which he had pulled from Thousand Lanterns City, was quickly set upon the stone platform. He then manipulated the soil to mold several steps at the entrance. Chen Mu clapped his hands satisfied and smiled. "All set!" He wasn''t skilled in building houses, but there was no shortage of structures in Thousand Lanterns City; just taking one was enough to easily set up a home. Chapter 591 579: Opportunity In the evening, amid the hillside forest, on the front porch. Chen Mu settled into the rocking chair, caressing its smooth armrests, and sighed deeply. Clearing the house''s surroundings of random rocks and weeds, cleaning the rooms with Five Ghosts Black Smoke, arranging bedding, kitchen utensils, tables, and stoolsit had been a busy half day. "It seems I have successfully infiltrated the Goose Sheep Mountain." After enjoying a breeze in the woods for a while, he summoned the Gray Wall and habitually started planning his future cultivation regimen. He picked out secrets techniques to review, some practiced actively, and others passively. Truthful Listening Technique: 2081/10000/Ninth Rank; Five Qi Primordial Technique: 9746/10000/Fourth Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 1866/10000/Seventh Rank; Kui Water Yin Thunder: 2705/10000/Fifth Rank; Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 1161/10000/Third Rank; Dark Cloud True Method: 4009/10000/Fourth Rank; Ghost Channeling (Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern): 7273/10000; Artifact Refining Technique (Water-Repelling Pearl): 7977/10000; "Divine Orifice Refinement remains my current focus; must continue practicing Dark Cloud True Method." "Truthful Listening Technique, Giant Spirit Divine, Kui Water Yin Thunder, and other secret techniques aren''t urgentthey can stay on the daily refresh schedule, slowly accumulating experience." "The Artifact Refining Technique for Water-Repelling Pearl should be allocated more time." He had infiltrated Yun Chong Lower Courtyard primarily for capturing Netherworld Worms to assist in cultivation, and also hoped to hitch a ride by using the Goose Sheep Path Ferry to cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. Due to the Ghosts crisis, auxiliary cultivation plans had progressed well, and it was also time to think of a way to get involved in the ferry construction of the Goose Sheep Path. . "According to Yuan Xian, Water-Repelling Pearl is key. Before getting accurate news, I should try to perfect the technique for the Water-Repelling Pearl." Staring at the experience indicators on the Gray Wall, Chen Mu quietly calculated. ... The next day, at the foot of Goose Sheep Mountain. Chen Mu strolled leisurely down the street. The mountain peak disappeared into the clouds, unseen; the Sect Master and several high cultivators resided above. Midway up the mountain were buildings of black tiled wooden structures nestled among the treesancient and exquisite, housing various departments like Pill Treasure, Hundred Refinement, Inspection, and General Affairs. His current location was in the residential area at the mountain''s base, primarily for Upper Court disciples, and also served as the Market District of Goose Sheep Mountain. The streets on both sides had various shops, and open spaces with vendors calling out to sellspiritual medicine, spirit rice, assorted ores, exotic beast skins and fursquite the lively spectacle. "What a scene, long time no see." ... In the eastern area of the Market District, at the Hundred Objects Pavilion. "Weren''t Fasting Pills one White Jade per bottle? When did it become two?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "New to Goose Sheep Mountain, guest?" The stout, bearded storekeeper chuckled, "Haven''t you seen how chaotic Yunzhou has been lately?" "Many Lower Courtyards producing Yellow Bud Rice disbanded, causing its price to climbit''s inevitable that the price of Fasting Pills would go up as well." Chen Mu suddenly realized amidst the ongoing tumult in Yunzhou for these years. "It isn''t just Fasting Pills; everything is getting more expensive now. People are anxious; no one knows when big chaos might erupt." The stout owner sighed, "I do wish Yunzhou could return to peace soon." That might be difficult. Chen Mu glanced at the owner and inwardly voiced a sigh. With the geomantic transitions already tough, the involvement of the Netherworld was only making Yunzhou''s situation worse. "Do you buy Water-Repelling Pearls? What''s the price?" "You have Water-Repelling Pearls?" The stout vendor''s face lit up with joy, "High Grade or Lower Grade?" "For Lower Grade, I can offer you 95 White Jade Coins. If it''s High Grade, I can offer 360 White Jade Coins!" "Aren''t you afraid the Hundred Refinement Hall will give you trouble?" Chen Mu looked at the stout owner, surprised. The asking price was clearly higher than at the Hundred Refinement Hall; who was behind the Hundred Objects Pavilion daring to drive up the price and compete with them? "Not afraidafter all, the Water-Repelling Pearls I collect eventually go to the Hundred Refinement Hall; they don''t mind," the stout elder casually waved his hand. "What''s your angle then?" Chen Mu was baffled. "It''s all about the Daoist cultivation," the stout owner laughed. "Some people want Daoist cultivation, others want White Jade. We might not offer Daoist cultivation, but can give more White Jade Coins," the stout shopkeeper winked astutely. Chen Mu suddenly understood. He didn''t lack secret techniques for cultivation and didn''t care much about Daoist cultivation. But on Goose Yang Mountain, there were clearly people who needed Daoist techniques in exchange for scripture scrolls. Hence, the business of buying and selling by the short, stout owner had come about. Chen Mu immediately took out three Red-eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls and handed them to the short, stout owner. "Three lower-grade Water-Repelling Pearls, two hundred and eighty-five White Jade Coins, take a look..." the short, stout owner said with a beaming smile. "Deal," Chen Mu readily nodded. Previously, at Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, he had refined quite a few Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls, but he dared not sell all of them to the Hundred Refinement Hall, because the success rate did not match the persona set up for Li Moliang. But things were different now. "There must be more than just the Hundred Objects Pavilion in the Market District that buy Water-Repelling Pearls. This is a great opportunity to earn White Jade Coins!" A gleam of sharpness flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. Back in the time at the Netherworld and Nether Demons Heaven, White Jade Coins were the sole source of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, and every time he performed spells for cultivation, he had to carefully calculate each cost. Having experienced past hardships, without thousands of White Jade on him, he really felt insecure. "Let''s do it!" ... Late at night. At the top of Goose Yang Mountain, in a side hall on the eastern side of the Accumulated Thunder Hall. "Li Moliang?" Huang Jiu''s face was expressionless. "It should be him. Just getting close to him, the Jade Token given to me by the elder will slightly heat up," Chai Song said respectfully to Huang Jiu. "Then it''s him," Lian Xi said, his face clouded. "That only means his involvement with the escape of the monsters on Three-leaf Island," Huang Jiu waved his hand, dismissing Chai Song, then cast a meaningful glance at Lian Xi. "What do you mean, you still suspect my interference?" Lian Xi burst out angrily, "If it weren''t for the inadequate skills of your Huang Family, setting up the Forbidden Laws wrongly, how could the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban have collapsed?" A flicker of discomfort crossed Huang Jiu''s eyes, but his expression remained unchanged as he gave Lian Xi a deep look, "Alright, let''s not dwell on the past. What''s more important is what to do now." Feeling unnerved by the stare, Lian Xi feigned anger with a cold snort but didn''t persist. "Skilled in Thunder Law, capable of dealing with Strange Demons, his cultivation must undoubtedly be Condensing Aperture." "Back then at Yunze Lake, besides you and me, only his cultivation was the highest. The problems with the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban must be largely related to him," Lian Xi said coldly. "And such a master skilled in Thunder Law, why has he hidden in Yun Chong Lower Courtyard for so many years? Don''t tell me it has nothing to do with your Huang Family," he said meaningfully to Huang Jiu. "Are you referring to the Sect Master?" Huang Jiu''s expression darkened. "Our Sect Master here is indeed old and deeply scheming," Lian Xi slowly spoke. At these words, Huang Jiu couldn''t help but clench his fist. "Should we take care of this Li Moliang..." Lian Xi looked at Huang Jiu, a hint of murderous intent in his eyes. Huang Jiu took a deep breath and waved his hand, "No, we must not act rashly." "The Yun Chong Lower Courtyard is already destroyed; killing him won''t allow us to gain more Primordial Energy." "The urgent priority is to find a secluded Lower Courtyard and deploy the Two Forms Transformation Method Ban again," Huang Jiu said, calmly pushing down the turmoil in his heart. "Damnable!" Lian Xi couldn''t help but grit his teeth and after a long while, he coldly huffed, "Let''s spare his life for now." "Has the Sect Master done anything unusual?" Lian Xi said with some concern. "That old man seems to have gotten some kind of Spiritual Treasure Secret Scroll and has been obsessed with refining it for many years." "I even suspect that even if the entire Goose Sheep Path were disbanded, he likely wouldn''t appear," Huang Jiu scoffed. "That''s perfect, though, isn''t it? It would allow us to freely refine Primordial Energy," Lian Xi smiled slyly. ... At dusk, at the western edge of Goose Yang Mountain''s base. In a wooden building on the first floor of the eastern compartment, a long dining table was placed by the window, occupied by a pile of White Jade Coins. Chen Mu counted them one by one, taking a while to finish. "Three thousand six hundred and fifty-five White Jade Coins." "Plus the original White Jade I had on me, I now have seven thousand and fourteen White Jade Coins." "What a bounty," Chen Mu chuckled as he gathered the White Jade from the table. Knowing that people in the Goose Yang Mountain Market District would pay a high price for Water-Repelling Pearls, Chen Mu immediately decided to sell the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls. In one day''s time, he changed his appearance and struck in various places. The stock he had accumulated previously was now sold out, and the harvest was quite satisfying. "It''s a pity I can''t continue selling them," he said regretfully shaking his head. After all, the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls are not genuine Water-Repelling Pearls, selling too many could cause trouble. "Previously, I lacked White Jade Coins, so I had to do it this way, but now that the White Jade crisis is basically resolved, it''s time to stop." "I''ve decided, from now on, I''ll only sell genuine Water-Repelling Pearls," Chen Mu stated solemnly. Chapter 592 580: Perfection Days went by, and the weather gradually warmed up. On the small hillside, new yellow-green grass shoots began to poke out of the ground. At the foot of the mountain, in the eastern region of the Market District, stood the Hundred Objects Pavilion. "90? Isn''t a Water-Repelling Pearl ninety-five White Jade?" Chen Mu looked at the short and plump shopkeeper, Lei Hong, with a displeased expression. "You wouldn''t be trying to drive down the price because you see I''m new and think you can take advantage of me, right?" Lei Hong quickly waved his hands: "You''ve misunderstood, dear customer, misunderstood." "Previously, it was indeed ninety-five White Jade, but lately, too many people have been coming to sell Water-Repelling Pearls." "Just this month alone, I''ve purchased forty-three Water-Repelling Pearls." "This magic artifact is urgently needed by the Administrative Affairs Institute. If I buy too many, I fear it will bring trouble upon myself, so I have no choice but to reduce the price." Lei Hong displayed a helpless expression. Forty-three? How many Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls have I sold to the Hundred Objects Pavilion again? Thirty-nine? Hisss! Is this damn mess really my own doing? A sense of unease welled up inside Chen Mu. "Who would have thought that the Lower Courtyard was filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with so many people capable of refining Water-Repelling Pearls." Lei Hong remarked with a sense of wonder: "The Qi Cultivators of the Upper Court certainly don''t have such a high success rate in artifact creation." Hearing this, an awkward smile played on Chen Mu''s lips. Indeed, the success rate of refining Water-Repelling Pearls was not that high, but it was different when he was refining Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls. With his Perfection in the Ghost Channeling Technique, he could easily connect with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. With the tremendous Yin Spirit Divine Power brought about by his Heavenly Demon Body, as long as he wished, he could easily refine eight or nine Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls a day, and casually selling them could net seven or eight hundred White Jade. That was pure White Jade, which he couldn''t resist. Yet he hadn''t anticipated that selling too many would cause market price fluctuations. "Thank goodness I changed my appearance every time I made a sale and fully employed the Breath Ending Divine Ability; otherwise, I would have definitely attracted probing and tracking." "Now, I also have amassed over sixteen thousand White Jade. Even if I fall into the Netherworld again, I''ll not lack White Jade Coins to spend." "It''s time to stop." Chen Mu made up his mind, "From now on, not a single Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearl can be sold!" "Dear customer, are you still selling this pearl in your hand?" Lei Hong suddenly spoke up. "Sell! Why wouldn''t I sell? Since I''ve come all this way, how could I not sell!" Chen Mu immediately handed over the five Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls in his hand, took the four hundred and fifty White Jade, and returned to the wooden building at the base of the mountain feeling utterly delighted. ... Several days later. In the silent cultivation room on the second floor of the wooden building to the west side, Chen Mu held a walnut-sized round pearl and examined it closely. The pearl was completely white and smooth, with a faint layer of fresh red lines covering its surface. As it rotated, those lines seemed alive, slowly moving across its surface. "It''s truly a High Grade Water Avoidance Pearl." Chen Mu smiled contently. Over the past month, besides refining Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls, he had devoted considerable effort to the artifact creation technique of Water-Repelling Pearls, reaping satisfying results as his experience skyrocketed daily. At that moment, a vast insight suddenly emerged in his mind, and Chen Mu felt his understanding of Water-Repelling Pearls deepening. He suddenly had the feeling that as long as he was willing to refine, he could certainly produce a High Grade Water Avoidance Pearl. As the thought arose, he immediately set to work. Various materials flew into the Primordial Furnace, propelled by the Wind Fire Pivot Charm. The mana was manipulated as smoothly as flowing water, the three different materials quickly combined and converged, rapidly constructing a specific structure. It was as though a program had been pre-set, and without much effort on his part, the Magical Artifact Embryo began to take shape automatically. An hour later, with a loud ''bang,'' the lid of the Primordial Furnace flew open, and a round, glowing pearl emerged. "The speed has tripled compared to before!" Chen Mu was pleasantly surprised. The next moment, mana surged into the glowing pearl in his hand. The Water Avoidance Talisman within the Jade Seed flashed, and the mana that poured into the Magical Artifact Embryo instantly began to transform. The whole mass of mana trembled and twisted in unison. In just over a dozen breaths, bright red lines appeared out of nowhere and quickly spread across the pearl. Water Avoidance Talisman successfully imbued! "Is that it? Was it really that simple?!" Despite anticipating success, Chen Mu still found the smoothness of the process unbelievable. He promptly called up Gray Wall and looked at one of its sections. Artifact Refining Technique (Water-Repelling Pearl): Perfection. "Indeed, the artifact refining technique at perfection truly is unique!" Previously, he could also craft high-grade Water Avoidance Pearls, but just shaping the magical artifact embryo would take a whole day''s effort, and there was still a possibility of failure. Now, it took only an hour, and the success rate was one hundred percent. What had changed even more was the talisman infusion, which no longer required the step-by-step construction and encoding of individual talismans. It was as if he was copying and pasting directly, forming a whole all at once, and it only took him a little more than a dozen breaths to complete. "Scour the entire Goose Sheep Mountain, and I fear no one can match my level," Chen Mu said with a self-satisfied smile. ... Three days later. At the foot of the mountain in the market district, Hundred Objects Pavilion. "A high-grade Water Avoidance Pearl, three hundred and fifty White Jade Coins," Lei Hong said eagerly, looking at Chen Mu, "Brother Li, I didn''t expect your craftsmanship to be so remarkable. Just look at this high-grade Water Avoidance Pearl, how clear it is!" Chen Mu waved his hand with an air of nonchalance, "Practice makes perfect; idleness leads to failure. It''s nothing more than spending a bit more time than others. It''s not worth mentioning." "Admirable!" Lei Hong immediately gave a sincere fist-and-palm salute. "Does Boss Lei know why our Goose Sheep Path requires so many Water Avoidance Pearls? Is it to open up a brand-new Lower Courtyard?" Chen Mu feigned curiosity to probe. "Bullshit! There''s no new Lower Courtyard." "Not only is there no new Lower Courtyard being opened, but I''ve also heard that another Lower Courtyard is about to be disbanded. I don''t know what those Elders in the Upper Court are up to; they should think of some solutions instead of just secluding themselves in cultivation," Lei Hong complained with a huff, "It''s gotten to the point where prices change daily, and doing business is becoming impossible." Another Lower Courtyard disbanded? Was it due to the Strange Demons causing destruction, or was it similar to Yun Chong Lower Courtyard, with someone enticing Ghosts to create chaos? Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. This Yunzhou was becoming more chaotic by the day. "As for where the Water Avoidance Pearls are going, it''s no longer a secret nowadays. Most of them have been fed to the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Turtles by the Administrative Affairs Institute," Lei Hong sighed. Feeding magic artifacts to turtles? What kind of tactic was that? Chen Mu was greatly puzzled. "The Twenty-Four Solar Terms Turtle is an exotic beast discovered by Elder Lin of the Administrative Affairs Institute," Lei Hong explained, "That turtle possesses peculiar powers; whatever it eats, its shell will generate the same properties." "A few years ago, they raised a group of turtles capable of using Thunder Law, allowing disciples to gather thunder without having to travel across mountains and rivers chasing storm clouds." "The price of Thunder Gathering Charms plummeted, causing me to lose a good chunk of White Jade Coins," Lei Hong grumbled with a scowl. "Now, I''m afraid they want to raise a group of turtles that can cast Water Avoidance Spells, and the price of Water Avoidance Pearls is likely to plummet." He looked earnestly at Chen Mu and advised, "Brother Li, you must seize the opportunity. While the prices are high, you should refine as many as you can and save up some White Jade Coins. That''s the sensible thing to do." "Thank you for the reminder, Manager Lei," Chen Mu''s mind was racing, but his face feigned gratitude. Cultivating Water Avoidance Turtles to replace Water Avoidance Pearls? No, no, no, it probably had to do with cultivating materials for building ferries! Having been at Goose Sheep Mountain for almost two months, he finally found some information related to ferry construction. ... In the evening, in an eastern compartment of a wooden building. Dozens of fish slices thin as cicada wings floated in the air, with the Fire Cloud Gourd positioned at the edge of the table, spewing a pale blue flame at the fish slices. The thin slices immediately sizzled, emitting a tantalizing aroma. Chen Mu ate the grilled fish slices while pondering the news he heard today. "Feeding the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Turtles with Water Avoidance Pearls is to make those turtles resistant to water. Then, using their shells to build deepwater submarines would be much more efficient." Chen Mu thought of the Bai Gui Ship of Thousand Mechanisms Sect, a vessel capable of navigating thousands of meters underwater, built with the bones of the Giant Demon Bai Gui. "From now on, I can''t sell Water Avoidance Pearls to the market district; I must go to the Hundred Refinement Hall." "Only then might I gradually get involved with ferry construction by utilizing the Water Avoidance Pearl artifact refining technique." Chapter 593 581: Invitation The next morning. On the second floor of the wooden building on the slope, in the quiet cultivation room and sitting cross-legged on a low bench by the wall, Chen Mu was in meditation. An invisible fluctuation emitted from his body, rhythmed like breathing, causing his loose clothes to billow and contract erratically. Inside the Jade Seed, a hissing sound could be heard as Mana fused into the Divine Orifice Talisman, rapidly restoring the pitted hollow sphere. After a long while, Chen Mu exhaled deeply and opened his eyes. This was his thirteenth Divine Orifice Refinement; nineteen days had passed since the last refinement. "The transformation needed is not only for the Divine Orifice Talisman but also for my own self," Chen Mu realized. He currently was not lacking in Primordial Energy, but he could not undergo Divine Orifice Refinement every day. The Divine Orifice, seemingly only nine layers of Talismans, was in fact closely related to the body. Each Divine Orifice Refinement transformed the Talismans and simultaneously changed his body. However, a complete transformation of the body required time, thus continuous Divine Orifice Refinements could not be achieved. "Perhaps it is this connection between the Divine Orifice and the body that could reverse the cycle and create the Innate Primordial Qi." ... After breakfast, Chen Mu took out a High-Grade Water-Repelling Pearl that he had refined beforehand, preparing to head to the Hundred Refinement Hall to inquire about ferry related information. But just as he stepped out, he saw a chubby young man appear at the edge of the dense forest on the slope. Initially thinking the other was just passing by, to his surprise, the man headed straight for the wooden building. "Could this be Mr. Li Moliang in person?" The chubby young man displayed a friendly smile. "You are..." Chen Mu responded in surprise. Since arriving at Goose Sheep Mountain, he had kept a low profile. Even when he went to the Market District to sell Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls, he had altered his appearance and figure. He hadn''t made many acquaintances, nor had he told anyone his address. How could this person have found him? "Mr. Li, this small building is truly exquisite, though somewhat secluded. Fortunately, I asked Mr. Liu from the Administrative Affairs Institute, otherwise I really wouldn''t have found the way here," the chubby young man explained with a smile, sensing Chen Mu''s confusion. He clasped his hands in apology, sincerity on his face, "My name is Lei Wen; I hope you can forgive my abrupt visit." "Lei?" "The owner of Hundred Objects Pavilion, Mr. Lei?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Could it be that the short and fat owner had discovered something amiss about the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls? Was he sending someone to cause me trouble? He jolted. "Mr. Lei is my uncle," Lei Wen replied with a smile. "My uncle holds your skill in refining High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls in high esteem." "Now, my Lei Family urgently needs an expert Artifact Refiner, so I took the liberty of visiting unannounced." Fortunately, there had been no problems with the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls. Chen Mu felt relieved. However, he was puzzled. Goose Sheep Mountain, being part of the Upper Court, was brimming with talents. There were not a few who could refine High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls, so why seek him out specifically? "On Goose Sheep Mountain, indeed there are not few who can refine High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls, but most have been deployed by Elder Lin of the Administrative Affairs Institute." "The Lei Family had no choice but to seek help from the disciples of the Lower Institute, therefore..." Lei Wen said, spreading his hands helplessly. Lin Family, Lei Family, were they internal family powers of Goose Sheep Path? Chen Mu contemplated. He had been at Goose Sheep Path for quite a while and had heard about these two families'' reputations. "As long as the price is fair, I can provide High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls," Chen Mu thought for a moment then readily agreed. "No, no, no. I didn''t come to find Mr. Li for High Grade Water-Repelling Pearls," Lei Wen said, shaking his head with a smile. He sobered up and said earnestly, "Mr. Li, having come from Yun Chong Lower Institute, you must already be aware of the changes there." What did he mean? "Are you referring to the dissipation of the Earth Spirit Elemental Energy?" Chen Mu asked tentatively. "This is a change in the earth''s veins, a thousand-year calamity for Yunzhou, beyond human intervention," Lei Wen nodded solemnly. "Yunzhou is no longer suitable for us, the Qi Cultivators." "So..." Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, he feigned ignorance on the surface, and asked in surprise. "So we must leave Yunzhou." Lei Wen said gravely. "Goose Sheep Path is preparing to relocate to Hai Province entirely. The two provinces are separated by the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, and only by using the water route of the Sky-reaching River can we cross them." "Years ago, the Upper Court began preparing to construct the ferry. Now that the materials are ready, we are just lacking a high-caliber artifact refiner like Brother Li to assist us." "I am here to invite Brother Li to join us." "I will provide secret techniques, white jade, Daoist cultivationmy Lei Family will generously offer everything. More importantly, all participants will be able to leave Yunzhou with my Lei Family." "My family''s elder is a Divine Orifice Cultivator, and with him, we can safely leave Yunzhou." Lei Wen looked eagerly at Chen Mu. Is this a good deal? Chen Mu was overjoyed. Just yesterday, he was thinking about how to catch a free ride, and here someone was offering him a pillow as he dozedLei Family had taken the initiative to invite him! "Could you allow me some time to consider?" Chen Mu feigned hesitation. "Of course, of course." Lei Wen was unconcerned, flipped his wrist, and a flat wooden box appeared in his palm. "This is a Mustard Seed Spell, the fundamental of the Mustard Talisman, and also key to the ferry." "Brother Li, take a look. If you agree to lend the power of your arm to my Lei Family, keep it." "If you still have other concerns, just return the wooden box to my second uncle at Hundred Objects Pavilion." Lei Wen handed it over with both hands to Chen Mu. A reward before even joining? This treatment... It seems the Lei Family really needs people. "Alright, you can rest assured. I will definitely give a response within three days," Chen Mu received the wooden box and spoke earnestly. "Then I''ll await the good news." Lei Wen laughed heartily, cupped his fists, and left stylishly, not at all worried that Chen Mu would take the reward and not deliver. ... Watching Lei Wen leave, Chen Mu returned to the wooden building. But as soon as he entered the room, he immediately released the Truthful Listening Technique to scan the surroundings. Assuring there were no onlookers, his figure shifted, transformed into a Gentle Breeze, and quickly followed Lei Wen. For the entire day, he did nothing but follow from a distance. Observing Lei Wen inviting people around the hut area near the mountain''s foot. The invited weren''t only artifact refiners but also talisman refiners and alchemists, Lei Wen sincerely invited anyone whose skills were related to talismans and restrictions. And like with him, upon meeting, he would present a Mustard Talisman Jade Slip, very generously. During this process, he also saw other Upper Court disciples recruiting Qi Cultivators with specific skills. Until the evening when Lei Wen returned to the Lei Family''s gathering area on the mountain''s side, Chen Mu returned to the wooden building. ... "This thing probably isn''t a trap," Chen Mu thought, touching the armrest of the rocking chair on the first-floor porch. There had been plans for Goose Sheep Path to build a ferry and relocate a long time ago; the earlier procurement of Water-Repelling Pearls had been a clue, and now it seemed they were about to officially commence. "Didn''t expect it to be this ostentatious, though." He had thought that Goose Sheep Path would do as Jilong Road did initially, finding a secluded place to secretly construct the ferry. Once the ship was ready, they would quietly relocate to Hai Province. "This is also good; no need to scheme risky ways to stow away, I can participate openly." Chen Mu was already tempted. Before him, black smoke billowed as the flat wooden box given by Lei Wen appeared mid-air. "This object is likely not just a reward; it''s also a test." "Without mastering the Mustard Seed Spell, it might be risky to qualify for participation in the ferry''s construction. The ticket to board might not be safe." "This spell, it seems, requires some extra effort." Chapter 594 582: Slacking Off ``` The next morning, in a wooden building on the hillside. Chen Mu stood by the window of the second floor''s quiet room, looking down the mountain. Three enormous Cloud Bat Flying Boats were breaking through the clouds, spewing rolling white smoke, slowly descending to the ground. With a twitch of his ears, the scene near the Pingjiang Pier appeared in his mind. Just like when he had first arrived, disciples from the Lower Institute, with blank expressions on their faces, were led by Elder Liu of the Administrative Affairs Institute, slowly making their way toward Goose Yang Mountain. "Another collapse of the Lower Institute''s earth veins? Aren''t the elders on Goose Yang Mountain going to take care of it?" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. Thinking of the Lei Family''s high-profile recruitment for shipbuilding, a faint understanding arose in his heart, "The high cultivators of Qi Refinement on Goose Yang Mountain must have decided to completely abandon the Goose Sheep Path territory and prepare wholeheartedly for relocation." With that thought, he turned around, walked back, and sat down on the low bed in the quiet room, taking a careful look at the Mustard Spell Jade Slip on the small table beside him. "This is also good, the sooner I leave, the safer it will be." With the crisis of dissipating Earth Spirit Vital Energy ahead and the clandestine upheaval of the Lock Dragon Courtyard behind, Chen Mu always felt that the situation in Yunzhou was eerily dangerous. There were twenty-eight talismans for the Mustard Seed foundation, a sizable number, but the difficulty of each individual talisman seemed to be only average. "No wonder the Lei Family uses this secret technique as an assessment. It''s more convenient to examine someone''s mastery of the talismans one by one in sequence," Chen Mu realized in his heart. Having received the Mustard Seed Spell yesterday evening, he had begun to ponder it that night. At this moment, inside the Jade Seed, a mung bean-sized, dark-silver bead floated, one of the twenty-eight talismans of the Mustard Seed Spell. With a single thought, a gray wall appeared before his eyes. Mustard Seed Spell: 33/10000/First Rank; "Judging by the current progress, three days should be enough to master half of it. Even if the Lei Family''s recruitment requirements are extremely strict, my speed should be sufficient to pass the test." ... Three days later. On the eastern waist of Goose Yang Mountain, there was a cluster of wooden buildings hidden among dense forests. In the living room of a two-story building, Chen Mu''s right forefinger was pressing on a palm-sized jade token. As mana poured in, three cool, black spots emerged. Sitting opposite him across a square tea table, Lei Wen revealed a satisfied smile. "The Mustard Seed Spell consists of twenty-eight talismans, and each one has its difficulties." "To master three talismans in three days, Brother Li truly has an extraordinary talent for Artifact Refining," he praised cheerfully. Chen Mu shook his head earnestly in correction, "Brother Lei is mistaken, my talent is only average. If I''ve managed to master these three talismans, it''s merely because I''m a bit more diligent than others." Lei Wen: "..." Just humoring you, yet you take it so seriously. The difficulty of the Mustard Talismans is average at the beginning, only as more talismans are refined does it become difficult due to the talismans'' mutual repulsion. He had interviewed quite a few Qi Cultivators these past days, and learning three talismans in three days was only considered average. "I wonder when Brother Li will be able to assist my Lei Family in shipbuilding," Lei Wen decided to change the subject. "Any time," Chen Mu spoke up immediately. "There''s no rush," Lei Wen said with a smile: "There are some other fellow Daoists who need to be arranged as well." "In that case, Brother Li, please come here again in two days. We will meet with the other fellows and go together to the Pingjiang Dojo to assist my Lei Family in shipbuilding." ... On the eastern side of Goose Yang Mountain is Pingjiang. The river was several hundred feet wide, deep and abyssal, its surface calm with no waves, giving off a chilling aura just by looking at it. In the deep depths of the water, unnamed semi-transparent clams were scattered across the riverbed. Fist-sized clams emitted specks of luminescence, casting a surreal glow on the pitch-black riverbed, illuminating it completely. One after another, football field-sized giant turtle shells lay quietly on the bottom of the river. The numerous Qi Cultivators atop the turtle shell, protected by the Water-Repelling Pearl, are now positioned all over the surface, forming spell gestures with their hands and chanting curse words. Atop a particular peak of the turtle shell, Chen Mu sat cross-legged with his right hand pressing down on the coarse turtle shell. The Jade Seed Inner Magical Power surged, and seven dark silver talismans shone brilliantly, as if an invisible brush were painting, a series of intricate black lines began to snake across the shell. This was Chen Mu''s tenth day since joining the Lei Family''s shipbuilding team. His daily task was to inscribe seven Mustard Talismans at specific locations on the turtle shell beneath him, following Lei Wen''s instructions. Repetitive, monotonous, simple. After a while, Chen Mu withdrew his hand, let out a fake sigh, and wiped the sweat he had deliberately forced on his forehead. He then pretended to close his eyes to recuperate due to a feigned physical depletion. It took him three days to learn three Mustard Talismans, and each time after casting spells he had to rest for a while, displaying capability yet also limits. This was the persona he had crafted after observing over thirty fellow cultivatorsa Qi Cultivator of average ability in middle age. "Now that I''ve successfully hitched a ride on the Lei Family''s favorable winds, seeking the limelight is something I''ll certainly avoid." During his slacking off time, Chen Mu was not simply sitting idly but allowed his concentration to sink into the Jade Seed. The Mana churned and seven tiny vortexes appeared. The mist-like mana congregated and condensed into seven dark silver spheres adorned with some simple patterns. Just as these seven brand-new Mustard Talismans materialized, the previously refined fourteen Mustard Talismans began to vibrate in unison. In the next instant, seven of the talismans silently disintegrated. Behind his closed eyelids, images of a gray wall flickered. Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at it. Mustard Seed Spell: 5673/10000/First Rank; "No wonder it''s a spell capable of opening a Mustard Grotto Heaven, to truly master it, I must continue practicing." The Mustard Seed Spell is extremely peculiar. The individual foundation talismansa total of twenty-eightare not difficult, but the difficulty lies in how to make them manifest simultaneously. By the fifth day of acquiring the spell, he had already mastered two sets of fourteen talismans. Now, more than ten days later, the number of Mustard Talismans he could condense within the Jade Seed was still fourteen. "Luckily, as long as I master a set of seven talismans, they are of great use. Otherwise, I would have needed to show more of my abilities to blend into the Lei Family''s Refining Team." The Lei Family apparently also understood the difficulty of the Mustard Seed Spell. They did not require complete mastery; as long as one could control a set of talismans and collaborate with other Qi Cultivators, they would recruit them to assist in ferry crafting. With his eyes closed, Chen Mu continuously refined the Mustard Seed Spell, and in half an hour, undertook the refinement of the twenty-eight talismans ten times in turn. Seeing that only fourteen talismans could coexist within the Jade Seed, he didn''t pay much attention to it. The Mustard Seed Spell is capable of opening up a Mustard Grotto Heaven, which is quite magical. But with the Five Ghosts Bag and Thousand Lanterns City at his disposal, he didn''t have much need for a Mustard Grotto Heaven. Chen Mu was curious about the mysteries of secret techniques, but not overly so. Leveling up was mostly for the sake of securing a backup plan for boarding the Lei Family''s ship. After glancing at the steadily increasing experience of the Mustard Seed Spell, he turned his attention to pondering the progress of refining the River Chariot. In recent times, he had completed another Divine Orifice Refinement. According to his calculations, in another three months with five more refinements, the Divine Orifice Talisman on the second layer could be completely transformed. "For those veteran Qi Cultivators to achieve the Divine Orifice Second Transition, it mostly takes two to three years." "My pace is just mediocre," Chen Mu feigned a modest sigh. He then gleefully focused on the Dark Cloud True Method projected on the gray wall. "If only the rate of my body''s transformation could be a bit faster..." He wasn''t lacking in Primordial Energy, but every Divine Orifice Refinement brought about bodily transformations that required time. This was a major challenge limiting the speed of his Divine Orifice Refinements. "The Dark Cloud True Method is a core secret transmission from the Li Yang Path; it helps a Qi Cultivator save Primordial Energy and reduces the risks while refining the Divine Orifice, but this isn''t the ultimate limit of this secret technique." "According to the feedback from the Gray Wall, the goal of the Dark Cloud True Method is to achieve extremely delicate Divine Orifice Refinements." "Reducing the risk and saving Primordial Energy are just secondary effects; improving the efficiency of Divine Orifice Refinements is the key." Thinking this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but glance at the experience displayed on the gray wall. Dark Cloud True Method: 7129/10000/Fourth Rank; "I''ll try maxing out the Fourth Rank first; perhaps that will reveal a method to accelerate the transformation of the body." Using the Truthful Listening Technique, he scanned the surroundings. Many Qi Cultivators were busy chanting spells, while others sat cross-legged and recuperated just like him. Chen Mu estimated the time he had been resting, knowing he hadn''t overstayed, so he continued to close his eyes and accrue experience for the Dark Cloud True Method. Chapter 595 583 Ghost Pattern Days passed by one after another. Two more Lower Courtyards of the Goose Sheep Path had dissolved, bringing more and more Lower Institute Disciples to assemble at Goose Sheep Mountain. More tents and wooden huts appeared at the foot of the mountain, and the hillside where Chen Mu''s wooden building stood was no longer at the edge of the foothill structures. Fortunately, given the hill''s high terrain and remote location, many found the climb troublesome and avoided building their dwellings on the slope. This allowed the surroundings of his residence to retain a certain level of tranquility and peace. On this dawn, as soon as the sun had barely risen, Chen Mu opened his eyes. After getting dressed, the Five Ghosts Black Smoke diffused around him, devouring and drying up any specks of dust and filth. Having eaten breakfast and adjusted his appearance in front of the mirror, Chen Mu, donning Li Moliang''s face, stepped out and hurried towards the Pingjiang Dojo on the eastern side of the Goose Sheep Mountain. In the past few days, he had to go to the Pingjiang Dojo every day to help build ships, never being late nor leaving early, fulfilling a full five hours each day. "Having transmigrated to cultivate immortality and yet still having to go to work like in my previous life, tsk... that''s really something," Chen Mu shook his head slightly. "Ah well, if work it must be, so be it, as long as I can leave Yunzhou. It''s not like I can''t slack off a bit." ... To the east of Goose Sheep Mountain, Pingjiang was a tributary of the Tongtian River, with abundant water flow, both deep and wide. The Pingjiang Dojo was situated above the riverbed at the bottom of the water. Like usual, Chen Mu arrived atop a gigantic turtle shell, his path cleared by a Water-Repelling Pearl, creating a bubble of air. Nodding and greeting the familiar faces beside him, Chen Mu skillfully injected the Mustard Seed Spell into the turtle shell as he had done in days past. At this moment, twenty-one silver bead-shaped Talismans constantly rose and fell within the Jade Seed. Though he had not deliberately cultivated, his daily use had also massively accumulated experience for the Mustard Seed Spell. "It won''t take long until the Mustard Talisman is fully condensed to perfection, an unexpected delight indeed." After busily working for an hour, he glanced around and noticed many Qi Cultivators starting to meditate and recuperate. Chen Mu immediately stopped and sat down cross-legged to slack off on the job. The Gray Wall appeared in front of his eyes, and Chen Mu looked over one column. Dark Cloud True Method: 9424/10000/Fourth Rank; Over the past ten days, most of his spare time had been spent on the Dark Cloud True Method. His progress soared rapidly, and he was on the verge of the next breakthrough. With a thought, a series of brand new Dark Cloud Talismans materialized within the Jade Seed. As they formed and collapsed in turn, the subtle mysteries of the True Method began to emerge in his mind. ... Five days later. On the turtle shell at the Pingjiang Dojo, Chen Mu was slacking off with his eyes closed as usual. Jade Seed Inner Magical Power surged continually, and clusters of gray Dark Cloud Talismans connected into a massive cloud, enveloping the surroundings of the Divine Orifice. At a certain moment, the whole cloud shuddered and expanded rapidly. Then it promptly contracted and, with a whoosh, entered through the gaps of the nine layers of the Divine Orifice Talisman, leaving only wisps of fog faintly lingering around the orifice. "This is... success?" Chen Mu was overjoyed and immediately pulled up the Gray Wall to check. Dark Cloud True Method: Limit; "I''ve reached the pinnacle already? I thought this True Method would have more levels." Chen Mu focused his thoughts, ready to absorb the insights provided by the Gray Wall. Merely skimming through it, he couldn''t help but be successively surprised. The secret of the Dark Cloud True Method lay in the Dark Cloud Talismans; the more profound the understanding, the more Talismans one could condense. Now that he had reached the limit, the quantity of Dark Cloud Talismans had spiked to three thousand. The whole cluster of Talismans expanded several times in size, and the control over Mixed Primordial Qi was refined to the utmost. He immediately began attempting Divine Orifice Refinement. Barely audible hissing sounds rose in his mind, as faint threads of discomfort spread through him, signaling a new round of transformation deep within. "Before, refining the Divine Orifice was either turned on or offit was like flooding it with a deluge." "Now, I can control it with intent, meticulously guiding it to each partit''s like targeted drip irrigation." "Primordial Energy is utilized fully, every refinement session I use half the amount of Primordial Energy I used to!" "Not only that, a greater change lies in the total time needed for refinement," Chen Mu carefully sensed, his smile growing more evident. Previously, refining the Divine Orifice could only last for a maximum of an hour, but the subsequent body recovery and transformation would need as long as half a month. Now, with precise control slowing down the refinement speed, one session could even continue for seven or eight days. Afterward, only a day or two of rest would be required to start a new round of refinement, ultimately greatly reducing the time needed! "This is truly a secret technique of the Li Yang Path, indeed profoundly mystical!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. ... In the following days, the Dark Cloud True Method operated autonomously, slowly and continuously refining the Divine Orifice. Chen Mu only needed to devote a part of his Spirit to occasionally check if the inner Mixed Primordial Qi was sufficient for the Dark Cloud True Method, replenishing it when needed, without having to worry about anything else. The cultivation of the Qi Refinement Fourth Level River Chariot had become an automated and simple process. His mood lightened considerably, and a smile always adorned his face. He worked with a newfound zeal, even reducing the time spent slacking off... Well, that part could not be reduced at all. At most, he was just a bit more serious and meticulous while instilling the Mustard Talismans. ... Several days later. Chen Mu injected the last Mustard Talisman into the large area beneath his feet. Instead of rushing to find Lei Wen for a new task, he sat cross-legged as usual, feigning rest, while his spirit delved into the Jade Seed to check on the progress of his Divine Orifice Refinement. "Two more days and this round of refinement will be complete." "One day of recuperation, and I can commence the sixteenth Divine Orifice Refinement." "At most a month is needed to achieve the Divine Orifice Second Transition." "If all goes well, in no more than two years, I will have completely refined the River Chariot and reached the Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation," Chen Mu silently calculated. After attaining perfection in the Dark Cloud True Method, he had shaved off nearly a year from the overall time it would take to refine the River Chariot compared to before. "It''s a shame that the Dark Cloud True Method has reached its peak; if I could just improve the efficiency a bit more, that would be even better," Chen Mu greedily thought. He watched the Dark Cloud True Method working automatically for a while, preparing to ponder other Secret Techniques, when suddenly a voice rang in his ear. "Fellow Daoists, thanks to everyone''s joint efforts, the external Forbidden Laws of the Water-Avoiding Shuttle have been completely finished." Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked up to see Lei Wen standing on the top of the turtle shell. Noticing everyone''s gaze, Lei Wen calmly deployed a Secret Technique that allowed his voice to spread underwater. "Shortly, everyone will follow me into the inner part of the turtle shell to begin the internal construction of the ferry." The crowd mostly let out sighs of relief; after toiling in the oppressive depths for so many days, they had finally passed the first phase. ... After promising various rewards, Lei Wen led the people to the front end of the turtle shell. The interior of the turtle shell, which corresponds to the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, had long been hollowed out, and the gaps where its head and forelimbs had been were enveloped by an invisible Restriction force. It served as a thin membrane, keeping the water out. Chen Mu followed the crowd and easily passed through the membrane as if walking through a screen of water vapor; besides a slight coolness, there was no other unusual sensation. Then, a brightly lit, vast space appeared before him. It was as high as more than ten floors overhead, and its length and width seemed as large as two football fields. "Mustard Seed Spells are indeed used to expand the interior space of the turtle shell of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms," Chen Mu observed his surroundings with interest. Previously he had used the Truthful Listening Technique to discreetly investigate, knowing that the space inside the shell was far larger than it appeared from the outside. Yet, actually seeing it with his own eyes, he still couldn''t help but marvel. "The Mustard Seed Spell must be related to the Thousand-Mile House Pocket Miniature Technique," Chen Mu realized. "Fellow Daoists, the construction of the ferry has entered a brand new phase, and I still need everyone''s concerted efforts," Lei Wen said sincerely: "It is possible that all of you will have to ride this Water-Avoiding Shuttle to cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." "For the sake of my Lei Family, and for your own safety, I hope that everyone will work together to perfect this Water-Avoidance Ferry." ... The turtle shell of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms was already huge, and with the Mustard Seed Spells expanding the space, the interior was extremely spacious. Furthermore, with some special Forbidden Laws enhancing it, the air inside was quite fresh. Over the next few days, Lei Wen brought new Qi Cultivators into the turtle shell each day to assist with the shipbuilding. Some, like Chen Mu and others, were laying out Forbidden Laws, while another group began using lightweight, sturdy bones of Exotic Beasts to construct cabins and pavilions, segmenting the space within the shell. Chen Mu and his group were arranged by Lei Wen to different positions, continuing to pour Mustard Talismans into the inner walls of the shell. The outer surface of the turtle shell was a blue-grey color like rock, but the inner wall was a warm white, resembling White Jade. Fine, red lines ran through the inside, faintly visible. During his rest, Chen Mu couldn''t help but examine it closely, and soon he felt a sense of familiarity. "Is this the Water Avoidance Charm?" "The Hundred Refinement Hall has been buying Water-Repelling Pearls at a high price; were they really used to feed the Twenty-Four Solar Terms turtle?" Chen Mu couldn''t help raising an eyebrow. He had been somewhat skeptical about this news, but now he had to believe it. "The Twenty-Four Solar Terms turtle is quite magical. It is said that feeding it certain special materials can potentially give its shell the same abilities." "Who would have thought that after consuming Water-Repelling Pearls, it could indeed develop water-avoiding properties?" He had originally sold quite a few Water-Repelling Pearls, which might have been fed to the turtle he now faced. Thinking this, a peculiar sense of satisfaction rose in Chen Mu''s heart. At that moment, a thin, spiral-shaped twisted line flashed an unusual crimson red. Chen Mu couldn''t help but look at the delicate line, but as he watched, his whole body stiffened, and a sense of foreboding arose within him. "Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern?!" "No way..." Indeed, he had sold quite a few Water-Repelling Pearls, but what he sold even more of... were Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls! He drew closer to inspect it again carefully. Moments after, the corner of Chen Mu''s mouth twitched, and his face broke into a wry smile as he stood up straight. The good news was that the odd pattern was very small and nearly invisible. The bad news was that the pattern indeed matched the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. "How many Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls did I sell back then?" "This shouldn''t affect the turtle shell''s water-repellent function, right?" Thinking that he was likely to board this ferry in the future, Chen Mu''s face turned dark. He really had lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet! Chapter 596 596: 584 Chapter Hidden Danger Days later, at a concealed spot by the edge of the Water-Avoiding Shuttle. A ripple in the air was followed by Chen Mu''s figure slowly emerging from it. Since discovering traces of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, he had used the Five Elements Escape Technique to transform into an invisible Gentle Breeze and closely inspected the Water-Avoiding Shuttle inside and out. The good news was that after several days of searching, aside from the initial discovery of the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern, he found no further abnormalities. He indeed sold quite a few Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls, but the Goose Sheep Path had reared not just one twenty-four solar term turtlehis trifling contribution was negligible in comparison. That the turtle shell bore a Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern was already quite rare. The bad news, however, was that he discovered a greater hidden danger. Chen Mu stared gloomily at the white Jade Disk before him. At this moment, inside it, there lingered a faint and chilly aura, elusive yet discernible. "Yin Spirit Divine Power..." "Daqian Lock Dragon Institute really refuses to stay away!" The aura was extremely secretive, resembling more a specific mark. Had he not himself mastered the Yin Spirit Divine Power and possessed the aid of Truthful Listening Technique, it would have been exceedingly difficult to discover. "Is it because of the City God Dojo?" Chen Mu''s expression grew grave. That thing was the foundation of the Lock Dragon Institute, a critical part of which involved burying Qi Cultivators underground as a pulse point core. "Is the Lock Dragon Institute planning an ambush when Goose Sheep Mountain relocates?" "What a hassle." ... Report to Lei Wen? Chen Mu shook his head. Ordinary Qi Cultivators unfamiliar with the Lock Dragon Knights, even upon encountering this chilly aura, would merely consider it a peculiar trait of the twenty-four solar term turtle itself. Chen Mu did not wish to expose too much about himself. Without understanding the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute, Lei Wen likely wouldn''t take it seriously. Pretend he hadn''t seen it? That was even less acceptable. He might travel on this very Water-Avoiding Shuttle, and he certainly didn''t want to be attacked by the Lock Dragon Institute midway. "The simplest method is to completely erase this mark." With his Heavenly Demon Body and mastery in secret techniques of the Yin Spirits, this was not difficult to achieve. Yet, in the vast Pingjiang Dojo, the first batch of constructed Water-Avoiding Shuttles numbered forty-three. In this enormous fleet, who knows how many harbored the same marks. Moreover, if he could erase them, those hidden spies could reapply them. Should he inadvertently alert the enemy making the marks more hidden, it would be a real trouble. "We must capture the hidden person once and for all." ... Half a month later, deep into the night. The Pingjiang Dojo was brightly lit, countless Qi Cultivators, busy as bees at their respective tasks, bustled around. Inside a certain Water-Avoiding Shuttle, an elderly man with graying hair and simple clothes nonchalantly passed by a secluded area. A swift glance from the corner of his eye, and he immediately noticed that the initially deeply hidden aura had vanished without a trace. The old man''s pupils contracted slightly, yet his face remained unresponsive. He turned around and continued with the other Qi Cultivators, using bone bricks produced by the Hundred Refinement Hall to construct compartments. When dawn slightly broke and after he briefed his replacement, the elderly man looking utterly exhausted, exited the Water-Avoiding Shuttle, donned the Water-Repelling Pearl, and stealthily submerged into the waters of Pingjiang. As the brightly lit Pingjiang Dojo receded into the distance from below his feet, just as he was about to emerge from the bottom, a dark vortex suddenly appeared behind him. In a moment, like a large fish swallowing a shrimp, it engulfed him entirely. ... Inside the Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu, with a smirk that was not quite a smile, watched the panic-stricken old man: "You''ve hidden quite deep." "Seeing the Yin Spirit marker erased yet your heartbeat remains undisturbed, it seems you''ve been specially trained." Had it not been for the Heavenly Demon Seven Emotions Curse sensing the man''s emotions were off, he might not have noticed him at all. Over the past days, he had not strayed from the vicinity of the Water-Avoiding Shuttle. By day, aside from infusing the inner walls with the Mustard Seed Spell, he continuously monitored the surrounding environment using Truthful Listening Technique. By night, after finishing his shift, he didn''t leave but stealthily used an Escape Skill to hide underwater. Initially, when no one checked the marking, he had to erase it out of necessity, stirring up the enemy, and only then did he capture this man. The old man across from him slowly dropped the panicked expression from his face. "To detect my disguise, not simple," he said calmly, gazing at Chen Mu: "Isn''t it better to live well? Why insist on courting death?" "You''re not afraid?" Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. "Afraid? You''re the one who should be afraid!" the old man sneered explosively, his entire body bursting suddenly into myriad ribbon-like shadows. A chorus that sounded like a thousand people chanting rose up. "In the face of my Thousand Illusion Demon Shadow, all your cultivation techniques are useless." "And the moment I touch you, your flesh and Vital Energy will all belong to me!" "Ha!" With a loud shout, thousands of shadows from the sky hurtled toward Chen Mu like swift arrows. Crack! Triggered by a thought, Kui Water Yin Thunder exploded in mid-air, its numerous bolts of lightning like a towering wave crashing down on the black shadows. But those dark shadows seemed illusory and easily penetrated the endless lightning without any damage. "Thousand Illusion Demon Shadow is invulnerable to all techniques; your Thunder Law is useless no matter how strong!" "Submit obediently to death, and become a part of my Thousand Illusion Demon Shadow, hahaha!" As soon as he finished speaking. Boom! A muffled roar like thunder exploded, and five black dragon heads, large as train engines, emerged. Just as they charged in front of Chen Mu, the elongated, arrow-shaped dark shadows, like mosquitoes trapped in amber, suddenly froze. Buzz! Endless black smoke with silver sparkles descended from the sky. Bang! The dark floating ribbons in the sky burst and vanished in the blink of an eye. An elderly man with grizzled hair, struck down by Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, lay sprawled on the ground, unable to move. "That gave me quite the fright," said Chen Mu, patting his chest as his face twitched. He truly hadn''t expected the Kui Water Yin Thunder to be ineffective against the old man. "Fortunately, I have the Five Dragon Dharma Body as a backup; dealing with the Underworld God Transformation based on the Netherworld Worms is a breeze." Chen Mu walked forward, took out the East Pole Longevity Scripture, and smiled, "Come on, follow my recitation." Since he had practiced Underworld God Transformation, his body housed Netherworld Worms, thereby allowing the implantation of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to turn him into one of ''our own''. ... "So, you don''t know how many people from Daqian Lock Dragon Institute are lurking in Goose Sheep Mountain?" "It''s unexpected; you''re already a grandmaster of the Underworld God Seven Transformations, at least a small leader, how come you''re merely a frontline spy?" Chen Mu looked suspiciously at the grizzled-haired Luo Fan, "You''re not trying to trick me, are you?" I wish I could, but with the Spiritual Seed inside me, how dare I? "It''s mainly because of the Thousand Illusion Divine Demon Transformation," Luo Fan explained helplessly. "The essence of this Secret Technique lies in illusion; all is illusion. It makes me invulnerable to all techniques, but it also has no offensive power." "Going head-to-head, I can''t even defeat someone with Underworld God Three Transformations," he said bitterly. "I can''t charge and fight fiercely like those undergoing Underworld God Transformation Warrior, nor can I deploy the Yin Soul Secret Technique like the Lock Dragon Knights. Because I can change and hide my aura, I''m only fit for spying." That ineffective? "Then why did you recklessly throw yourself at me? Courting death?" Chen Mu couldn''t believe it. "My strength is limited, but some special artifacts can still be used," Luo Fan tried to smile as he took a dark Dagger out of his sleeve. "Sharply penetrative, with a unique poison, it''s quite effective when caught off guard," he said solemnly. Chen Mu took the dagger and examined it, breaking out in a cold sweat. Luckily, I caught this guy; otherwise, if this dagger had poked me, one could only imagine... only imagine the waste of damaging a piece of clothing! "This dagger isn''t much to speak of," Chen Mu sneered. "I lack the strength to achieve merits, and I can''t afford better artifacts; at best, I can only look at them," Luo Fan said sheepishly. So all that arrogance before was just bluffing? Chen Mu looked at Luo Fan, speechless. This is going to be problematic. Luo Fan was just a frontline spy, without even a direct contact among his superiors. Even though I''ve captured him, who knows how many more Luo Fans there are on Goose Sheep Mountain. "Tell me about that marking Secret Technique," Chen Mu sighed. I''ll have to handle this myself. Luo Fan dared not hide anything, "That Secret Technique is called the Mechanical Imprint; a Ghost Pattern Secret Technique left in advance on me by a Lock Dragon Knight." "I just need to consume some Blood Essence, and along with the Curse Command training, I can deploy it," he explained, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a birthmark-sized, bluish-black spot on his left forearm. "I have very little understanding of the Secret Technique itself; to grasp its mysteries, perhaps... perhaps only those Lock Dragon Knights who possess the Power of Ghost Channeling can discover more," he said, glancing cautiously at Chen Mu. Power of Ghost Channeling? Now that''s a coincidence. After glancing at the wall where the Ghost Channeling Technique was pushed to its limit, Chen Mu turned and stared intently at the blue spot. ... It took three days. With the help of the Ghost Channeling Technique, and Luo Fan''s cooperation, he successfully captured the ghostly aura of the Mechanical Imprint within the Nine Serenities Abyss. Later, using the Truthful Listening Technique during off-work nights, he carefully discerned over forty Water Avoiding Shuttles docked underwater at Pingjiang, and easily found the hiding spots of the Mechanical Imprint in thirteen of those Water Avoiding Shuttles. "Lucky I found out early," Chen Mu sighed with relief in the quiet room on the second floor of a wooden building on the hillside. Otherwise, had we been ambushed by the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute en route during the relocation day, it would have led to great chaos. "This plan is probably not solely concocted by the Yuan Xian faction; otherwise, the old man would have found a way to inform me." Over the years, he had gained some confidence in the effects of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed. Luckily, having discovered the methods of the Lock Dragon Institute in advance, he no longer felt uneasy. Chen Mu didn''t rush to erase all the imprints, wary of alarming the Lock Dragon Institute''s spies, who might then switch tactics, complicating matters. "Before the relocation, I''ll erase all the imprints at once. By then, even if the Lock Dragon Institute realizes something is amiss, it will be too late to rectify. This would eliminate the threat of being tracked and ambushed by the Lock Dragon Institute." Imagining the look on the faces of those behind the scenes when they discovered their plan had failed, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. Chapter 597 585: 2nd Transformation At dawn, in the second-floor bedroom of the wooden building on the hillside, Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. Finding the Mechanical Ghost Pattern hidden in the Water Avoiding Shuttle, he could finally rest easy and return to sleep in his small building. He had not done much to Luo Fan either, implanting Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed and then letting him go. Having such an insider, if the Lock Dragon Courtyard had any new schemes against the Goose Sheep Path, perhaps he could learn of them in advance. "It''s just a pity that Luo Fan''s status is too low. If I could catch a spy leader, the news would likely be more reliable," "Unfortunately, I can''t use the same method to catch others." When he had captured Luo Fan, it was somewhat of a fluke. Had he not first trapped Luo Fan with the affairs of Thousand Lanterns City, it would not have been certain he could capture him with his Thousand Illusion Divine Demon Transformation Secret Technique. That Secret Technique seemed to have no offensive power, yet it allowed Luo Fan to enter the Spirit Void Grotto Heaven and evade external attacks, achieving an invulnerability to all methods. "What if I encounter someone more cunning and cautious, or someone with the bizarre Underworld God Transformation Secret Technique? If the capture fails, it might expose me instead." Shaking his head, Chen Mu introspected his Jade Seed and immediately revealed a smile. Over the past few days, although he had been busy investigating the Mechanical Ghost Pattern, his Divine Orifice Refinement had not stopped for a moment. In nearly a month, he had completed four refinements. Just last night, during his sleep, the Divine Orifice Second Transition had quietly been completed! With a thought, his Divine Orifice trembled slightly and the outermost two layers of Divine Orifice Talisman immediately began to reverse their course. A faint pulling force emerged. The Jade Seed Inner Magical Power was drawn into the Divine Orifice and then immediately flung back out. And in this in-and-out process, the Mana gained an extra hint of agility. With a slight adjustment by Chen Mu, he immediately found that the Mana had clearly become more obedient to his will. He casually invoked the Minor Frostfall Technique, and immediately a layer of frost appeared on the window frame in front of him, its power increased by a third from the days of old! "Wonderful!" Excited, Chen Mu slapped the window frame with a smack, emitting a crisp sound. "Just Divine Orifice Second Transition alone can transform the quality of Mana, increasing the power of Secret Techniques by extension. If it reaches Divine Orifice Ninth Transition..." "With a stronger foundation, the Secret Techniques naturally enhance. Qi Cultivators truly are the orthodox lineage of the Mysterious Gate!" Chen Mu could feel changes happening within his body as well, his already formidable constitution slowly improving. Are other Condensing Aperture Qi Cultivators also like this? Surely not," he mused, pinching his skin that was soft as cotton yet tough as steel, his expression becoming strange. "Unaware, one might think my main practice is the Divine Skills of the Heavenly Demon Path." After pondering for a moment, Chen Mu had an epiphany. He had indeed never seriously practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique, but due to the Gray Wall, he had cultivated a Heavenly Demon Body using the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain and Cloud Mirage Shape Cultivation Technique. Divine Orifice transformation, Heavenly Demon Body strengthening, it all made sense for his constitution and strength to increase. "Now, in actual combat with Five Ghosts Possession, that force amplification, haha... it''s terrifying!" "Clearly a Qi Cultivator, yet every time I cultivate and make progress, what increases the most are always these odd and auxiliary methods." "Tch... that''s just freaking weird." ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu still left early and returned late, working as a boat builder for the Lei Family at the Pingjiang Dojo. Qi Cultivators, strong of body and with Mana at hand, were excellent workers. Over the past two months, under Lei Wen''s direction, Qi Cultivators with different Secret Techniques collaborated and successfully repaired the Water Avoiding Shuttle. And then... They switched to a big turtle shell and continued working as boat builders. "Why repair so many Water Avoiding Shuttles? Does the Goose Sheep Path have that many people?" During a rest and chat, some Qi Cultivators couldn''t help but raise the question. "They say they are going to sell them to Qi Refining Families and small sects." "Not just that, it''s said they will also sell boarding spots to unaffiliated Wild Cultivators." "That price..." "Hey! Do you think that price will be low?" "Secret Techniques, Treasures, White Jade Spirit Money... tsk, tsk... The calculations of the Sect Master and Elders are really shrewd," The crowd couldn''t help but discuss eagerly with envious expressions. In the corner, Chen Mu, with his eyes closed and cultivating, his ears twitched slightly, taking in the conversation of everyone. "The Goose Sheep Path is actually planning to directly sell tickets? With money, one can board the Water Avoiding Shuttle and leave Yunzhou?" Chen Mu''s mouth twitched uncontrollably. Having worked in the Lei Family''s Refining Team for over two months, wasn''t he just wasting his time? In order to board the favorable wind ship, he had been planning since leaving Yun Chong Lower Institute, using up quite a few brain cells, and in the end... a pointless struggle! "Worldly affairs are so variable, truly unfathomable." "Not completely without benefit, at least joining the Lei Family Refining Team certainly means traveling with the Lei Family." He consoled himself, "With the protection of the Lei Family''s ancestor, it should at least be safer than other Water Avoiding Shuttles. The likelihood of being used as cannon fodder to scout the path should also be a bit smaller." The environment of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains is harsh and dangerous. The Goose Sheep Path took a large group of Qi Cultivators together. In critical times, those Qi Cultivators not of the Goose Sheep Path are likely to be used as cannon fodder to scout the way first. "Forget it, no matter what, as long as I can leave Yunzhou safely," he sighed slightly and shook his head. With a thought, the Gray Wall appeared before his eyes. The Dark Cloud True Method reached perfection, and his Divine Orifice Refinement operated automatically, allowing him more time to focus on other Secret Technique cultivation. Skipping over a long list of Secret Technique names, he picked out three columns in particular. Kui Water Yin Thunder: 4913/10000/Fifth Rank; Mustard Seed Spell: 9305/10000/First Rank; Ghost Channeling (Mechanical Marking): 314/10000; Because he had to use the Water Avoiding Shuttle daily, his progress with the Mustard Seed Spell advanced swiftly even without deliberate cultivation. In another two days, he would attain the First Rank in the Mustard Seed Spell, and he could complete the condensation of all twenty-eight talismans. "This is not urgent, as I have to use it daily anyway, it will be achieved sooner or later." He lowered his gaze to the Mechanical Marking. "This thing relates to the Lock Dragon Institute''s hidden dangers, so I''d better grind some more experience with it." Chen Mu finally shifted his attention to the Kui Water Yin Thunder. In his possession were formidable Secret Techniques such as the Five Dragon Dharma Body and Five Ghosts Moving Mountain, but they were either Yin Spirit Secret Techniques or skewed towards the Heavenly Demon Path. "As a Divine Orifice High Cultivator and Qi Cultivator, wielding moves that reek of ghostly qiall forebodingisn''t a good look." "I didn''t have the time before, but now that I do, I must level up my Thunder Law." ... Over twenty days later, at the Hundred Objects Pavilion on the mountainside of Goose Sheep Mountain. "Brother Li, it has been quite some time since we last met," Lei Hong feigned complaint with a chuckle. "Why ''quite some time,'' aren''t you well aware of the reason?" Chen Mu glanced sideways. It was this man who had revealed his information to Lei Wen, which led to his recruitment into the Lei Family as a boat builder. Originally, he had been quite happy about it, but now that the Goose Sheep Path was openly selling boat tickets, Chen Mu wasn''t as pleased. "The Administrative Affairs Institute is indeed selling entry spots for the Water Avoiding Shuttle, but as for the priceha ha... a common Qi Cultivator might spend all their fortune and still not afford it!" "Many have to sign labor contracts for many years just to manage," Lei Hong revealed a shrewd smile. "Shopkeeper Lei, it appears you''ve harvested quite the bounty?" Chen Mu''s interest was piqued. "Hardly, most of it is simply brute force Secret Techniques used to domesticate Yin Ghosts and other malevolent spiritshardly worth much," Lei Hong waved dismissively with a proud face. The Goose Sheep Path seemed intent on using the Water Avoiding Shuttle to scrape a hefty sum indeed. Secret Technique resources, and even Qi Cultivators themselves, would be gathered and taken away as labor. Chen Mu came to a clear understanding. Thinking this way, although he had to work for the Lei Family, receiving White Jade and Secret Techniques as compensation wasn''t... too bad? Tch... happiness really does come from comparisons. "Are you still collecting Water-Repelling Pearls?" "The more, the merrier, same price as before," said Lei Hong with a smile on his face. Chen Mu went with the flow and sold all eleven High Grade Water Avoidance Pearls he had refined in the recent two months to Lei Hong, immediately receiving nearly four thousand White Jade Coins. With this, the total count of White Jade on him broke through the number of twenty thousand. "Nothing else is reliable; White Jade is the most sincere," Chen Mu said jubilantly as he bid farewell to Lei Hong. Throughout these days, while he built boats for people, he did not forget to refine Water-Repelling Pearls at night. He had materials gifted by Li Moliang; it would be a waste if he didn''t turn them into Water-Repelling Pearls, given his perfected Artifact Refining Technique. Moreover, turning them into White Jade Money strengthened his resolve, hence today''s trip. ... Having left the Hundred Objects Pavilion, Chen Mu didn''t rush back to the wooden building at the foot of the mountain but strolled casually along with the stream of people in the Market District. Over the past days, as Lower Institute Disciples continuously entered the Upper Court, the Market District at the waist of Goose Sheep Mountain became increasingly bustling and prosperous. As he wandered, he was drawn to a tall, striking figure. The girl was beautiful, but Chen Mu was more interested in the faint trace of chilling waves emanating from her. "Mechanical Marking?" Chen Mu subconsciously narrowed his eyes. "Two strokes of luck coming together!" A smile spread across his face. In just over a month, he had spent a copious amount of time communicating with the Nine Nether, and his experience with Mechanical Marking skyrocketed, finally reaching the limit and coming under his full control two days earlier. After comprehending the subtleties of the Secret Technique and coupled with the Truthful Listening Technique, Chen Mu found he could detect the vibrations of the markings. It became easier not only to locate Mechanical Marking but also to discover the Mechanical Ghost Patterns sealed onto the Lock Dragon Institute''s undercover agents. "Earlier, I was thinking of uncovering more of the Lock Dragon Institute''s spies, but I didn''t expect it to be effortless!" "Once I grasp the whereabouts of more undercover agents, the Lock Dragon Courtyard''s schemes will become transparent." "No more concerns or dangers!" Chapter 598 586: Mu Long At dusk, at the foot of Goose Sheep Mountain. Chen Mu hid in the shadows, staring calmly at a wooden hut in the distance. The tall Da Qian secret agent he had encountered before lived in that very hut. After fully mastering the Secret Technique of Mechanical Engraving, Chen Mu would often wander through places with heavy traffic like the Market District on the mountainside and Pingjiang Ferry. In just three to five days, he had identified two suspect individuals. Subsequent events proved they were indeed Da Qian secret agents, who had infiltrated Goose Sheep Mountain under the guise of Armor Spirit Warriors by using the Underworld God Transformation. The woman inside the hut was the third person he had discovered. Now that he knew this person was a Da Qian secret agent, Chen Mu couldn''t rest easy until he had turned her to his side. "Perhaps I''ll be able to learn even more intelligence, enough to prepare in advance for any schemes from Lock Dragon Courtyard." He didn''t need to wait long before night fell. Chen Mu deftly manipulated his mana, and dark lines crawled out from beneath his feet like small snakes, spreading rapidly in all directions. In a few breaths'' time, a small Three Talents Method Prohibition was raised. An invisible barrier quickly enveloped the surroundings of the hut. The next moment, a round, ink-like black shadow appeared above the hutit was the gateway to Thousand Lanterns City. As it descended, it expanded rapidly. Chen Mu was preparing to pull the hut, along with its occupant, straight into Thousand Lanterns City. The next moment. Bang! The walls of the hut suddenly exploded, and a dark figure burst through the wooden walls, charging ferociously in Chen Mu''s direction. Chen Mu, who was just about to make his move, was momentarily stunned. This person is so alert? In the blink of an eye, the figure had taken several large strides to appear in front of Chen Mu. The right fist was clenched, whistling through the air, and slammed fiercely toward Chen Mu''s face. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Chen Mu remained composed. An Exotic Force transformed into an invisible giant hand, suddenly gripping the tall figure. Just as Chen Mu was certain of victory, he saw the figure''s hands flicker as if strumming a lute. Chen Mu instantly felt a surging force coming from the person, like holding a slippery and strong eel in his hand. Distracted for a moment, the figure slipped from the grasp of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. The Body Protection Aura, automatically triggered, was instantly punctured by the other''s fista pale fist struck Chen Mu right on the nose. Clang! It sounded like metal striking metal; the Five Dragons Qi emerged just in time, narrowly blocking the direct blow to the face. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he involuntarily shuddered. The Five Dragons Qi surged out, engulfing him completely in an instant. "That was close!" Watching the figure, now bound by the Five Dragons Qi like a wrapped dumpling yet still expressionless and struggling violently, Chen Mu felt endlessly annoyed with himself. "I have been too complacent after these peaceful days, to have lost my vigilance!" "If it weren''t for the quick response of the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect, I would have definitely been caught off guard by that surprise attack." "That''s a lesson!" He gently patted his own cheek. A pitch-black shadow, akin to ink, emerged and swiftly engulfed both of them, vanishing without a trace. ... Inside Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu looked at the expressionless ice-cold beauty in front of him and couldn''t help scratching his head. Ever since he had captured her, she had been staring at him with eyes devoid of emotional fluctuation. Even when the Five Dragons Qi squeezed and crushed her bones to a creaking sound, her expression remained calm, stubbornly silent. "It looks like I''ve come across a tough nut to crack." Remembering the bizarre movements she used to break free of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, Chen Mu pondered: "Maybe she''s a big fish." After carefully observing her, he noticed something off about her. "You''re clearly an Underworld God Transformation Warrior, but your Blood Pouch is damaged. Has someone destroyed your foundation?" Chen Mu became intrigued. "Do you want revenge?" He grinned mischievously. ``` Still, the other party maintained a blank expression, serene and firm as a boulder. "Strong-willed. I''m increasingly convinced you''re a big fish," Chen Mu chuckled. "Then I''ll start by repairing your blood pouch to add a little more persuasion." Originally, to break free from the City God Dojo, he had infiltrated the Daqian New Soldier Camp to practice the Underworld God Transformation and mastered the introductory scripture of the East Pole Longevity Scripture to the highest level. When it came to understanding the blood pouch, no one in Daqian could match him. The United Heart Rope, which he had been using to tie his hair, flew into his hand. As mana coursed through it, strands as thin as hairs began to separate out. They were United Heart Gu, but their essence was the Netherworld Worm, and the blood pouch was constructed from Netherworld Worms. Naturally, the damage to the blood pouch could be repaired with United Heart Gu. As the black threads of the United Heart Gu burrowed into her chest, the tall girl, who had been cold and unyielding, finally showed a trace of surprise. A moment later. "My name is Mu Long. As long as you can repair my blood pouch and let me continue my cultivation, I''ll do whatever you ask," Mu Long said calmly. "In that case, follow me and recite a scripture," Chen Mu said grinning, pulling out a black-skinned scripture. ... "Fearful of the spies from the Lock Dragon Courtyard causing chaos?" "Just kill them all," Mu Long replied with an even tone. Absolutely not, definitely not! Chen Mu''s lips twitched involuntarily. He had previously sensed that this girl had a tough will, but who would have thought she was so unyielding, casually talking about killing. "Killing can''t solve the problem. The Goose Sheep Path is vast, who knows how many spies are lurking. If we trigger an alert, it''d bring endless trouble." "I said, just kill them all," Mu Long replied, her expression still calm. "I''ll handle it. You just need to help me repair the blood pouch." "Don''t worry, I have ways to find them all and ensure they won''t even qualify as Yin Spirits after they die," Mu Long assured Chen Mu. Chen Mu: "..." This girl... she seems a little crazy! No wonder her foundations were destroyed by someone; she acts so recklessly, she must''ve offended someone in Daqian. "Let''s keep a low profile in our actions. Don''t even mention revenge against Lock Dragon Courtyard. The elders and high cultivators of the Thunder Peak Hall at the mountain top aren''t dead, we can''t afford to stir up trouble," Chen Mu advised earnestly. Upon hearing this, Mu Long''s face immediately furrowed into an expression of impatience. "We could just turn them into one of our own," Chen Mu hurriedly offered a copy of the East Pole Longevity Scripture. "You like cultivation, don''t you? If you can handle those spies and let me know Lock Dragon Courtyard''s movements in advance, I''ll teach you the Seven Emotions Curse," Chen Mu had noticed that the girl in front of him seemed to be a power cultivation fanatic as well. "It will make your Superior Fetal Spirit powerful, suppress the will of Divine Demon bloodlines, and aid your Underworld God Transformation to reach a higher level." "Really?" The always calm and composed Mu Long suddenly widened her eyes, a fierce obsession flashing through them. "Tested in Daqian, don''t worry," Chen Mu said confidently. Back then, Temple Priest Li Buxian of Luandu County had enhanced himself with the Seven Emotions Curse. Yuan Xian had also refined the Underworld God Twelve Transformations with the Seven Emotions Curse, removing the side effects of demonic possession. "It''s a deal!" Mu Long''s expression grew firmer. ... In the days following, Mu Long somehow managed to bring two or three people to Chen Mu almost every day. Without exception, all these people were Underworld God Transformation Warriors, Daqian''s spies planted within the Goose Sheep Path. And as more and more spies were implanted with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, Chen Mu became increasingly at ease. He found that only around a dozen people were assigned to the Mechanical Engraving mission; the rest were tasked with gathering information with no other conspiracies. "Daqian covets the Goose Sheep Path, but ultimately dare not take any significant action," Chen Mu realized. Goose Sheep Path was one of the Yunzhou Seven Paths, a Qi Refining Dao that had been established for hundreds of years. Lock Dragon Courtyard might dare to capture some small sects and wild cultivators, but they could not confront Goose Sheep Path directly. At most, they would plot in the dark and cause some minor disturbances. With this realization, the weight that had been pressing on Chen Mu''s heart due to the discovery of the Mechanical Engraving mission was finally lifted. "Now it''s good; as long as I stay close to the Refining Team of the Lei Family, following Goose Sheep Path''s Upper Court core relocation team, I''ll be able to leave Yunzhou safely," Chen Mu felt uplifted. ``` Chapter 599 587: Delivery Several days later, at the bottom of Pingjiang river, the top of a turtle shell around thirty to forty meters long. Chen Mu''s right index finger touched the rough dark black surface of the turtle shell, as Mana wove into a Mustard Seed Talisman, slowly penetrating inside. The next moment, a sudden enlightenment rose abruptly, and the Mana in his hand became smooth, as if a narrow clogged pipe had suddenly been cleared. A black pattern instantly appeared on the turtle shell under his feet. Moved by a thought, Chen Mu immediately looked inwardly at the Jade Seed. Within the white misty Mana, the twenty-eight talismans belonging to the Mustard Seed Spell appeared at the same time. Twenty-eight dark silver pearls, unlike usual, were not still, but were enveloped by some exotic force. Like stars in the sky, revolving around a central point according to their own orbits, dragging dark silver radiance as they spun rapidly. At the center, a strange twisting force emerged. Chen Mu suddenly had a feeling that if he found the right carrier and injected all twenty-eight talismans into it, he could condense a certain volume of object into an extremely tiny space. "Turning the vast Mount Meru into a mustard seed?" he suddenly realized. A gray wall appeared before his eyes, and Chen Mu looked at one of the sections. Mustard Seed Spell: 5/10000/Second Rank; Although he often slacked off, the daily use was relentless. Day by day, the accumulation of uses allowed the Mustard Seed Spell to advance smoothly. "Perhaps if I figure out the method of creating talismans, I might be able to craft a Mustard Seed Talisman myself." Thinking this, Chen Mu looked around cheerfully. At this moment, the Water Avoiding Shuttle appeared different in his eyes. The previously scattered arrangement of the Mustard Seed Spell suddenly revealed a mysterious order. "The Thousand-mile House Pocket Miniature Technique might just be hidden in this wonderful arrangement." Although the level of the Mustard Seed Spell wasn''t sufficient to fully grasp the intricacies, since he had already found the approach, careful discernment would always bring some insight. "I''ve got another relaxing activity to slack off," Chen Mu surveyed his surroundings with interest. ... Days passed by, and the covert agents of the Lock Dragon Institute remained secretly stationed without causing any trouble. Goose Sheep Mountain, gathering more and more Lower Institute Disciples, was lively indeed, but also very stable. A large number of Qi Cultivators were recruited, accelerating the construction of the Water Avoiding Shuttles. Shells of all sizes filled the riverbed, expanding the Pingjiang Dojo assigned for constructing ferries along the riverbed, growing larger day by day. Months later, at the Pingjiang Ferry. The calm surface of the water bubbled and churned, and with a splash, a turtle shell around twenty meters long and more than ten meters wide burst from the bottom. It wobbled left and right for a moment before stabilizing, not seeming to float on the water but rather sitting on a firm, flat ground. "Is this the third Water Avoiding Shuttle? Who bought it?" "I heard it''s a small sect called Three Yin Sect. Their Sect Master had to deposit all their ancestral secret techniques into the Scripture House just to get this smallest one." "That''s expensive!" "It''s actually considered cheap, if it wasn''t for the historical connections, do you think they would have easily handed over a Water Avoiding Shuttle ferry?" A crowd stood on the shore discussing animatedly. Chen Mu, at the edge of the crowd, also watched with keen interest. "The Goose Sheep Path really plans to scrape up a lot, that must be a huge amount of secret techniques and resources," he couldn''t help but covet. Unfortunately, he could only covet; such a venture was something only the Goose Sheep Path had the power and the guts to undertake. "Looking on the bright side, the Goose Sheep Path starting to sell these Water Avoiding Shuttles means the day of relocation is not too far off." "I''ve been secretly infiltrating the Goose Sheep Path for almost two years, all for the sake of crossing the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains with them, and now it seems I''m finally about to get my wish." ... In the evening, in front of the wooden building on the hill slope''s veranda. Chen Mu sat at the square table, enjoying the evening breeze while savoring grilled fairy fish slices. "The taste is still as fresh as always." Although fairy fish is one of Yunze Lake''s eight treasures, there were fairy fish in other waters too, just not as abundant as in Yunze Lake. Now that the earth veins of Yunze Lake had collapsed, the price of fairy fish had skyrocketed. The fish in front of him had cost him sixty-three White Jade Coins. He wouldn''t have bought it if he weren''t celebrating the imminent relocation of the Goose Sheep Path. Thump! A senseless figure was suddenly thrown in front of the door, raising a cloud of dust. Mu Long, with her hair tied in a ponytail and dressed in black tight-fitting clothes, appeared expressionless. "Everything below the waist of the mountain has been checked by me, the only place left unchecked is the summit''s Thunder Accumulation Hall." "Tomorrow, I''ll go there myself and ensure to bring all secret agents from the Lock Dragon Institute before you." Investigate Thunder Accumulation Hall for secret agents? Chen Mu immediately shook his head. The Lock Dragon Institute had been stirring up troubles within Daqian for years; the lower level Qi Cultivators might not know, but the high cultivators and elders of the Goose Sheep Path surely did. Mu Long, an Underworld God Transformation Warrior, blatantly moving around in front of them, was like walking into a trap. "What''s there to fear, we have captured some before," Mu Long said nonchalantly, "We can lure and ambush them, poison and besiege them, there are always ways to deal with those old fellows." Is she that experienced? Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. "What exactly are you doing in the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute?" "What do you think?" Mu Long looked at Chen Mu meaningfully. Chen Mu immediately thought of those Qi Cultivators buried deep underground. This one is ruthless! "Those elders are high-level Qi Cultivators seeking the path of eternal life; they would not act as moles for the Lock Dragon Institute." He quickly waved his hands. Although an Underworld God Transformation Warrior indeed could gain tremendous power, and the Lock Dragon Institute''s Ghost Channeling Technique was extremely profound, neither could grant immortality, and once their hundred-year lifespan ended, they would all be dead. Those Condensing Elders, who started with lifespans of at least two hundred years, would not fancy the city god-worshipping practices of the Lock Dragon Institute. "I wonder if the necks of the Goose Sheep Path elders are sturdier than those of other Qi Cultivators, too bad..." Mu Long said with slight regret. Chen Mu: "..." You''re not trying to help me find secret agents, you''re looking to hunt a high-level Qi Cultivator, to test your newly recovered abilities! She got her Blood Pouch repaired too early. "Here''s the Heavenly Demon Seven Emotions Curse, take it." Chen Mu handed over a scripture he had prepared in advance. "Go back and cultivate properly, don''t come out and wander unnecessarily," he advised worriedly. Looking at people the way a tigress eyes her prey, Chen Mu feared she might quarrel with some Qi Cultivator and challenge them. Now with the relocation imminent, it was best not to cause a major upheaval. ... After the meal, Chen Mu entered the quiet room and looked towards the Divine Orifice inside the Jade Seed. At the mere thought, the outer three layers of Divine Orifice Talismans began to rotate in reverse. His supply of Primordial Energy was ample, and aided by the perfect Dark Cloud True Method, over the past three months and after nine refinements, the Divine Orifice Third Transition was easily achieved. His mana underwent a qualitative change, his body metamorphosed, and his strength increased significantly, allowing him to clench his fist and make the air crackle explosively. "Those high cultivator elders from the Thunder Accumulation Hall probably only have this level of cultivation," Chen Mu''s eyes sparkled, feeling somewhat eager to try. He suddenly understood why Mu Long wanted to measure up those elders. "Having a weapon in hand, the desire to use it arises naturally." "But it''s just the Third Transition of the Divine Orifice; I''m getting ahead of myself, getting ahead," Chen Mu shook his head. Besides those chief elders at Thunder Accumulation Hall, there was also a Daoist Foundation Cast by the Sect Master Qiu Jinwu of the Goose Sheep Path. Thinking of the Yin God City Lord from the Netherworld and the bizarre creatures from the Nether Demon Heaven, Chen Mu quickly stabilized his emotions. "The world is vast, my cultivation level is still far lacking." Chapter 600 588 Preparation Several days later, at dusk, on the hillside wooden building. A slender bolt of lightning suddenly shot out from the window of the second-floor meditation room, instantly striking a large tree in the forest that required two people to wrap their arms around. Puff! A soft sound was heard as the tree trunk rapidly blackened and dried up. A gentle breeze passed, and the tree disintegrated into ash-white dust and scattered away. "What a powerful Kui Water Yin Thunder. If it hit a person, hiss..." At the second-floor window, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel shocked as he watched the damage caused by his own thunder technique. ever since Dark Cloud True Method began operating autonomously, Chen Mu had devoted most of his skiving hours to Kui Water Yin Thunder. Not long after the Divine Orifice Fourth Transition, his thunder technique had progressed. "It''s a pity this Secret Technique has reached its limit. If it could climb further..." With a thought, a gray wall appeared before his eyes. Kui Water Yin Thunder: Limit; "However, it''s not impossible." Yin Thunder Secret Method came from Jilong Road, but Jilong Road was not proficient in thunder techniques. Whereas now, he was in the Goose Sheep Path, precisely famous for its expertise in thunder law. "Even without a related advanced secret method, there must be other, stronger thunder techniques available!" "It''s good that I earned a significant amount of Daoist Cultivation from repairing the ship, can''t let it go to waste." ... The next day, as the sun set westward. Pretending to be tired, Chen Mu, along with a group of equally listless workers, left the Pingjiang Dojo. He didn''t go home but instead headed straight for the Market District halfway up the mountain. As more Lower Institute Disciples congregated, the Market District became increasingly lively. In the past, the market would close as soon as it got dark. Now, however, it was brightly lit and bustling with noise. "Latest information from the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, five White Jade per copy..." "Tongxi Earth Spirit Horn, the ultimate choice for avoiding poisons and detoxing, first come first served..." "Unseen new edition of the Tongtian River Exotic Beast Treasure Scroll..." The fact that Goose Sheep Path was preparing to leave Yunzhou was no longer a secret, and various trades related to traversing the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains had arisen. Just entering the Market District, Chen Mu was immediately attracted by the street hawks'' shouting. He approached with interest to inquire, and then it was a spree of buying. After all, he was about to head to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, and it wouldn''t do to know nothing. After quite a while, until the sky had completely darkened, he left the market reluctantly. ... Above the mountainside, directly leading to the mountain top, on the east side of the broad stone steps, a three-story Octagonal Tower hidden in the dense forest was the main building of the Scripture House. Just crossing the threshold, rows of bookshelves came into view. Chen Mu''s heart thumped as he looked at the array of Scripture Scrolls. Using Li Moliang''s disciple Jade Token to quickly register, he made his way directly to the top floor of the tower, where the thunder techniques were stored. "Moon Eclipse Thunder Scripture," "Shenxiao Thunder Scripture," "Kui Niu Secret Manual," "Five Thunders Treasure Scroll"... He only briefly inspected them, but the series of thunder techniques dazzled him. "Truly worthy of a Daoist Sect known for its thunder law." Chen Mu compared the techniques and eventually left the thunder section with the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. This thunder technique wasn''t the most exquisite, but it had a virtue other similar-level thunder techniques did not have... It was affordable! Still, it was only relatively affordable. "Eight thousand five hundred Daoist Cultivation, six thousand White Jade, tsk... really a rip-off!" Li Moliang had been secretly living in Goose Sheep Path for over ten years, bred Golden Pearl Clam, and practiced Water-Repelling Pearl; even with all those years, he had only accumulated just over four thousand Daoist Cultivation. "Lucky I took up that job for the Lei Family''s Artifact Refiner, otherwise I definitely wouldn''t have been able to afford this thunder technique." "This price is already discounted." "If it weren''t for the upcoming relocation, intended to stimulate the enthusiasm of the institute''s students by reducing the price, he wouldn''t have had the chance to exchange at all." Chen Mu suddenly thought of Lei Hong, the manager of Hundred Objects Pavilion. He probably knew where those Water-Repelling Pearls, purchased at a high price by the other party, went. The Secret Technique was reduced in price, a rare opportunity. Some wanted to buy the Secret Technique, but lacked sufficient Daoist Cultivation. Hence, they had to buy Water-Repelling Pearls at a high price to exchange for Daoist Cultivation at the Hundred Refinement Hall. Chen Mu had a sudden realization. He didn''t regret selling the pearls to Lei Hong. Having experienced a shortage of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, Chen Mu instead placed greater value on White Jade that contained Earth Spirit Vital Energy. Even if he was now here to exchange for Thunder Law, it was more to use up the accumulated Daoist Cultivation on his body. After all, why not use it if it''s free? After choosing the Thunder Law, Chen Mu did not leave immediately; he moved to the Qi Refining Dharma section on the same third floor. After searching around, he shook his head in disappointment. "There are many Secret Technique scrolls, but not a single one about the mysteries of Dao Foundation Realm, what a pity..." With the assistance of the Dark Cloud True Method, and not lacking Primordial Energy, mastering the River Chariot was no longer a challenge. He wanted to find some scripture notes to understand the situation of subsequent cultivation practices. "There are two scrolls about Condensing the Divine Orifice, but not much about the River Chariot." "Information about the secrets of the Dao Foundation Realm is only sporadically mentioned in some personal notes." "I should have expected this; they really keep it well hidden." The Qi Refinement Scripture Scrolls are secret transmissions of the Daoist sect, not easily disclosed. Being able to put the Condense Aperture Secret Method in the Scripture Pavilion was indeed rare. Chen Mu, unwilling to give up, searched for a while longer, but eventually found nothing. In the end, he left the Scripture House reluctantly, holding the Transmission Jade Scroll of the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. In the following days, Chen Mu went to the Pingjiang Dojo to build ships during the day and went home in the evening, but he was not in a hurry to study the newly acquired Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. That day, in the quiet room on the second floor of the wooden building. A chubby pill furnace, about half a person tall with three legs and two ears, stood buzzing in the middle of the room. At a certain moment, with a bang, its lid suddenly popped open. Twelve elixir pills, the size of longan and the color of amber, flew out and were immediately gathered by Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, clinking into the jade bottle in Chen Mu''s hands. "With this bottle of Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill, dealing with the miasma at the outskirts of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains should be no problem." The Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill is peculiar; its ability to defend against Poisonous Miasma depends on the types of miasma integrated during its creation. It can defend against any miasma that has been fused into it. This time, the All-Disease Pill was integrated with the common miasma from East Ridge, which Chen Mu had collected during his time on Jilong Road, and East Ridge was located on the periphery of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. "If only I had the miasma from the depths of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, it''s a pity..." The Hundred Thousand Great Mountains are vast, filled with toxic miasma and water everywhere, various monsters and fierce beasts lurking within. It''s difficult to enter and even harder to leave; no one can bring out the essence of the poison. Regretfully storing away the jade bottle, Chen Mu waved and released a half-person-tall pottery statue. Lifting the lid, he revealed a vat full of the essence of grains inside. He had purchased this from the Market District, spending quite a lot of White Jade. "I wonder how long it will take to get to Hai Province, better prepare more Fasting Pills." He cleaned the pill furnace, added the ingredients, and started the Pill Refining by activating the Wind Fire Pivot Charm. Chen Mu, extremely proficient in this practice, refined the Fasting Pills to Perfection; the operations were as fluid as clouds and water, and as natural and easy as eating and drinking. "I need to go to the market district tomorrow, find Lei Hong and order a batch of Exotic Beast Meat to stock up." Exotic Beast Meat not only satisfies the appetite but can also be used to make Replenishing Origin Soup, which not only nurtures the original foundation but also aids in cultivating the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique. "I''ll also need to buy bedding, pots, condiments, and other household supplies." "Yeah, just prepare enough for about a hundred people." Chapter 601 589 Departure Pingjiang Dojo, within a Water Avoiding Shuttle. Chen Mu pressed his right hand against the white jade-colored wall, mana subtly fluctuating. He looked focused and strained, as strands of black lines slowly and resolutely meandered forward inside the jade disk. After a long while, a faint glow flickered on the jade disk as the pattern of the Mustard Talisman merged into the inner wall, after which he finally let out a big sigh of relief. "It''s really not easy." "Turning a task that can be done in three to five breaths into an hour-long ordeal, really isn''t easy..." Glancing at the distant departing figure of Lei Wen, who looked pleased, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh helplessly. Having advanced the Mustard Seed Spell to the Second Rank, he became increasingly familiar with the twenty-eight talismans. Implanting a Mustard Seed Talisman into the Water Avoiding Shuttle was as easy as eating and drinking. However, outwardly, he was supposed to be an ordinary Qi Cultivator of average ability, so to avoid any slip-ups, maintaining this disguise was indeed exhausting. "It''ll be soon." "Once this Water Avoiding Shuttle is completed, Goose Sheep Path will likely start relocating, and then I won''t need to continue fooling people." In the past few months, Water Avoiding Shuttles had been sold every few days, and just yesterday, the Administrative Affairs Institute had begun selling Boarding Jade Tokens, unmistakably signaling the imminent relocation of Goose Sheep Path. "I wonder when the Lei Family will distribute the Boarding Jade Tokens." The Boarding Jade Tokens were quite expensive. Ordinary disciples from the Lower Institute had to spend a large amount of White Jade Cultivation and sign a servitude contract for more than ten years. For those non-Goose Sheep Path Qi Cultivators, the contracts required only labor, starting at a minimum of thirty years, not even considering how much treasure or Secret Techniques they provided. If the cost was so prohibitive, the Lei Family might renege on the deal... "It looks like I''ll need to scout some spots and gather information on a few Lei Family disciples." "If they really disown us, then I''ll just change my face and directly impersonate someone from the Lei Family!" "Ah, I need to allocate more energy to the Truthful Listening Technique." Chen Mu looked toward the gray wall. Truthful Listening Technique: 3026/10000/Ninth Rank; "Traveling to Hai Province is a long and treacherous journey. With advanced Truthful Listening, I can detect dangers ahead of time." "Of course, being keener in hearing and sight would also make it easier to scout and gather information at the Lei Family." ... Evening, mountain waist Market District, Hundred Objects Pavilion. Lei Hong pushed a palm-sized Mustard Talisman across to Chen Mu, "This contains three hundred pounds of Pingjiang dragon carp, want to check it out?" "I trust you, Mr. Lei." Chen Mu grinned as he collected the Mustard Talisman and pulled out white jade to settle the remaining payment. "Going to Hai Province is indeed a long journey, but compared to Fasting Pills, stocking up on Exotic Beast Meat for food isn''t very cost-effective," said Lei Hong as he collected the white jade. "What can I do? I just have this penchant for good food," Chen Mu spread his hands and laughed. "Should I continue collecting for you?" "Keep going, keep going. As long as it''s tasty and rich in vitality, I want all the Exotic Beast Meat you can find." "Alright, if you''re paying with white jade, you call the shots," Lei Hong laughed along. "I''ve also found all the various types of Gold Essence you pre-ordered," he said as he pulled a heavy iron box from below the counter and pushed it toward Chen Mu. "Not an easy task to find all these types." Chen Mu''s eyes lit up with joy, "It had to be Mr. Lei; I didn''t expect you to find them all so quickly." "Is Brother Li planning to refine Flying Swords with the Magical Instrument?" Lei Hong asked curiously. "Me? Refining Flying Swords?" Chen Mu waved his hand, "I''m just looking to melt them into a couple of Heart Protecting Mirrors." "With the long journey to Hai Province ahead, having some extra protection can only be a good thing, right?" He grinned. Heart Protecting Mirrors? Ha! All my years as the manager of Hundred Objects Pavilion weren''t in vain; those materials are clearly for refining Flying Swords! Glancing at Chen Mu''s squinting, playful smiling face. Lei Hong''s heart tightened, his face turning stern, "You''re right, these Heart Protecting Mirrors indeed need to be refined!" ... Deep in the night, hillside timber house, second floor in a quiet room. On a short, square table, a forearm-tall red gourd stood in the center, its golden patterns breathing, the glow flickering on and offit was the long-unused Gourd Sword Box. The next moment. Buzz! The gourd suddenly vibrated, with a crisp ringing sound, two beams of red light burst out from within it. Like incredibly swift bees, they zigzagged and swirled in mid-air, leaving behind trails of red light. With a thought from Chen Mu, the two red lights hovered in mid-air, revealing two palm-sized magic swords with feather patterns instantly visible to the eye. "What a treasure," he admired, looking at the gourd on the table. The Gourd Sword Box was originally a magic artifact passed down in the Sun Family of Jilong Road; it had fallen into Chen Mu''s hands by a twist of fate. The Magical Instrument was quite mysterious; as long as the formula was provided with ore and Gold Essence, it would automatically refine the Vermilion Feather Sword. On normal days, it could also store the Magic Sword for nurturing and repair, making it a rare and valuable item. Unfortunately, since it had come into his possession, he had hardly used it. If not for a particular Secret Technique undergoing an abnormal change, he wouldn''t have activated it again. Thinking this, a Gray Wall emerged, and Chen Mu singled out a Secret Technique. Mechanical Technique: 9315/10000/Fifth Level, "Five or six more skill points than yesterday, interesting," Chen Mu inspected with some surprise. The Mechanical Technique was a Magical Instrument manipulation secret, initially learned for the purpose of controlling Vermilion Feather Sword. However, not long after using it, he unexpectedly fell into the Netherworld, and due to a lack of Earth Spirit Vital Energy, the Flying Sword was shelved, and the Mechanical Technique was also halted for many years. Recently, however, this Secret Technique began to inexplicably gain experience. Over the past few months, the proficiency had silently increased by more than two thousand points. Now, the Fifth Stage was almost reaching Perfection. Chen Mu thoughtfully glanced at another column. Ghost Channeling (Mechanical Imprint): Limit; "Could these two Secret Techniques have some connection?" The Mechanical Technique was a Qi Cultivator''s Magical Instrument manipulation secret, while the Mechanical Imprint was used by Lock Dragon Knights for marking. The former belonged to the Qi Cultivators'' secrets, and the latter belonged to the Netherworld. He hadn''t expected mastering the Ghost Pattern of the Mechanical Imprint would drive the autonomous growth of experience in the Mechanical Technique. "It can only be described as a pleasant surprise." "This is also good, the Mechanical Talisman Seeds split from the Mechanical Technique can control the Flying Sword and simultaneously capture distant light and shadows in real-time." "As the proficiency of the Secret Technique improves and more Mechanical Talisman Seeds split off, they can manipulate more Magic Swords." "Not to mention the power of a swarm of Flying Swords, just being able to achieve surveillance over a longer distance and a wider range alone, it means this Vermilion Feather Sword has to continue being refined." ... Chen Mu methodically prepared for his journey while Goose Sheep Path was bustling up and down the mountains. The Administrative Affairs Institute coordinated the Lower Institute Disciples, and the Inspection Courtyard also often patrolled to ensure the stability of each place. Clearly, Goose Sheep Path had long planned for the relocation, and every aspect had appropriate planning and arrangements. Thus, several months passed in a blink. In the early morning, Chen Mu opened his eyes and rose, first internally inspecting his Jade Seed. With a single thought, the outer four layers of Divine Orifice Talisman began to rotate in reverse. Mana was drawn in and then thrown out, with spirituality increasing by three parts during the in and out. With Dark Cloud True Method reaching Perfection, the refinement of his Divine Orifice proceeded autonomously, and the River Chariot stage was smooth sailing. "If Goose Sheep Path''s relocation were delayed by a year, perhaps I might reach Perfection in River Chariot and further elevate my Cultivation. Departing for Hai Province then would definitely be safer." "Unfortunately..." In Pingjiang Dojo, inside a Water-Avoiding Shuttle, "Brother Li, this is your Boarding Jade Token," Lei Wen handed Chen Mu a palm-sized, round Jade Token, "Five days from now, early in the morning, Brother Li can take this token to board the Ping Ning Water-Avoiding Shuttle. Please don''t miss the timing." Chen Mu took the Jade Token and breathed a sigh of relief, sincerely bowing his hands, "Thank you, Brother Lei." "You don''t think my Lei Family would try to deny payment, do you?" Lei Wen frowned at Chen Mu. "How could I, Brother Lei''s promises to us Artifact Refiners have been fulfilled one by one, I might not trust others, but I definitely trust Brother Lei," Chen Mu asserted confidently. "Really?" Lei Wen looked skeptical, always feeling that there was something off about this person''s expression. "Absolutely true!" Chen Mu said with all seriousness. The information previously collected for reconnaissance was useless now. He still wanted to change his appearance and become this Lei Family''s young master''s second uncle. Lei Wen shook his head and stopped overthinking it, then looked at Chen Mu with some regret, "Brother Li, you are just too cautious. If you were more willing to show your skills, you could definitely have boarded my family''s elder''s Water-Avoiding Shuttle, the Green Spirit. Unlike now..." He studied Chen Mu refining the Water-Repelling Pearl; the arrangement of the talisman was exquisite, and his technique was exceptional, he was sure Chen Mu had hidden his actual skills when tasked with refining a Water-Avoiding Shuttle. "Brother Lei thinks too highly of me," Chen Mu feigned a flattered bitter smile, "Unfortunately, this is all the skill I have; I truly have let down Brother Lei''s expectations." Do you think I believe that! "Forget it, if you want to hide your skills, hide them," Lei Wen glanced sideways at Chen Mu. "We have a long way to go, once you realize my Lei Family''s integrity, you surely won''t hide anything again," he said confidently. "Fortunately, my second uncle, Lei Cheng, is in charge of Ping Ning. It may not compare to the Green Spirit, but it''s definitely better than other medium-sized Water-Avoiding Shuttles." Lei Cheng? That Lei Family Elder Lei Cheng, skilled in using Kui Water Yin Thunder, whom I''ve been watching for over a month? Chen Mu''s expression turned strange. This was quite the coincidence. It seemed the information previously collected for reconnaissance wasn''t entirely useless after all. Chapter 602 590 On the Way "Retreat?" "No, we will continue to stay at Goose Sheep Mountain." In the wooden living room on the hillside, Mu Long shook his head, "Haven''t you heard? Qiu Jinwu sold Goose Sheep Mountain for a good price, and soon there will be Qi Cultivators taking residence here." "The Earth Spirit Vital Energy will dissipate sooner or later, who would dare to take over Goose Sheep Mountain at this time?" Chen Mu was quite surprised. "It will dissipate sooner or later, but it hasn''t disappeared yet, has it?" Mu Long gave Chen Mu a glance, "After all, Goose Sheep Mountain has been the Upper Court of Goose Sheep Path for hundreds of years. Even though the Earth Spirit Vital Energy has been declining in recent years, it still whets one''s appetite." "Even the other sects among Yunzhou''s Seven Paths would be tempted, let alone the shortsighted fools of the Great Li Seven Families Alliance." "The Seven Families Alliance?" "Ha! A bunch of worms full of evil deeds, accustomed to throwing their weight around among the mortals." Mu Long spoke indifferently, "This time we can capture them all at once and bury them in the ground!" Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Spend money to buy a mountain to settle down, only to have your home go under the ground? Tsk... how pitiful. "Are you sure the Lock Dragon Institute doesn''t have any schemes targeting the Water Avoiding Shuttle?" "At least I haven''t received such orders," Mu Long shook her head. Not having received such orders is good. All the Daqian spies on Goose Sheep Mountain had been controlled by Mu Long. If she didn''t know about such orders, it meant they truly didn''t exist. After a brief contemplation, Chen Mu came to some understanding. After all, Goose Sheep Path had been a dominant Daoist Sect in Yunzhou for hundreds of years, powerful in its own right. Rather than setting traps and causing trouble, the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute would probably be glad to see Goose Sheep Path leave as soon as possible. Without Goose Sheep Path, the Lock Dragon Institute would find it easier to take action against other smaller Qi Cultivator forces. Just like in the past with Daqian, shortly after Jilong Road disappeared, the Lock Dragon Institute immediately began hunting down Qi Cultivators within its territory. ... Five days later in the evening, on the east side of Goose Sheep Mountain, in Pingjiang, the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle lay quietly by the shore. Countless Lower Institute Disciples gathered in small groups, standing in the distance to watch. Envy, jealousy, bitterness, self-pity C a myriad of expressions were in full display, akin to a kaleidoscope. These people were all disciples of Goose Sheep Mountain, but had been left behind because they hadn''t condensed the Primordial Talisman and thus lacked mana. To become a Lower Institute Disciple of Goose Sheep Path, at the very least, one had to be an Armor Spirit Warrior. Each one of them either possessed extraordinary talent or remarkable perseverance and chance. In the mundane world, they all were extraordinary figures. They had forsaken the wealth and honor at their fingertips and came to Goose Sheep Path solely for the purpose of Qi refinement and Cultivating Immortality, but now they had been abandoned at Goose Sheep Mountain. With the changes in Yunzhou''s earth veins, and the Earth Spirit Vital Energy dwindling more each year, coupled with the chaos caused by the City God Tao, the path of Qi cultivation for these people was almost utterly severed. "Fortunately, I''m not one of them." Chen Mu gave another glance, then turned and headed into the shuttle alongside Lei Hong. "It''s fate that I''m on the same boat as Brother Li," the stout Lei Hong chuckled, "Just that Brother Li, you''ve come rather late. Had you been any later, you might have missed the departure time." "Alas, after spending more than a decade at Goose Sheep Path, leaving now... there are some people I might never see again. There are some matters that also need a final resolution." Previously, he had been afraid of alerting the enemy, leaving the Mechanical imprint untouched. Now that departure was imminent, he couldn''t dare to board the ship with peace of mind without clearing it out. "Brother Li is someone who cherishes the old times..." Lei Hong did not understand the underlying meaning but offered a polite compliment. "In the end, it''s hard to leave one''s native soil..." Chen Mu went along with a feigned performance. ... On the second floor of the New Yuan Tea House in area C on the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu leaned against the window, cracking seeds, watching along with others as two old men by the window bickered over a game of chess. His ears twitched slightly, and the voices of the surrounding people immediately reached his ears. "We''ve been traveling under the Pingjiang water for three days and still haven''t entered the Sky-reaching River Waters?" "They''re reducing speed, saying it''s to test and adjust various capabilities of the Water Avoiding Shuttle." "It''s a pity the Earth Spirit Element inside the shuttle is so sparse, making cultivation difficult..." "Just take it as rest then. In the past, we were too busy earning White Jade Coins; when did we ever have time to relax like this?" "It''d be nice if there was a Red Sleeve Pavilion around. There''s nowhere even to listen to music." "You want to listen to music, eh? I''m too embarrassed to even call you out on it, and aren''t you afraid of your wife scratching you?" "I''m just asking you, do you want to listen or not?" "I do!" I want to listen too, unfortunately... Chen Mu maintained a neutral expression, but inside he felt a deep sense of regret. He called up the Gray Wall and looked at one of the columns. Truthful Listening Technique: 8066/10000/Ninth Rank; "Another fifty-plus points of experience, not bad." Since boarding the ship, Chen Mu had visited the Xinyuan Tea House every day for a while. While brushing up on the Truthful Listening Technique, he also listened to various rumors and news circulating inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle. After listening for a while longer and finding that most of the information was not new, Chen Mu stood up and left Xinyuan Tea House. ... Moments later, on a street about four or five meters wide, stepping on translucent stone slabs that resembled white jade, Chen Mu walked while looking up. At the top of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, crisscrossing streets and rows of neat buildings came into view. Two sets of street buildings stood opposite each other, mirroring each other. And at that moment, there were quite a few people on the streets, just like him, looking up towards his side. "The Artifact Refiners of the Hundred Refinement Hall are truly extraordinary." He had only participated in the engraving of the Mustard Talisman, and after each expansion of the interior space was completed, he would be called to repair the next Water Avoiding Shuttle. Only when the ship was about to depart did he see the interior landscape of the Water Avoiding Shuttle for the first time. Chen Mu truly didn''t expect that the top of the Water Avoiding Shuttle would also be filled with streets and attics. Three days into the voyage, every time he saw it, he couldn''t help but marvel. He had even specifically gone up there to experience it, and it felt just like standing on solid ground, without any hint of oddity. "I wonder what kind of restriction is at play, able to perfectly draw people and buildings together, much like the natural gravity outside." As he walked, he looked with interest. Unfortunately, by the time he walked back to the two-story building arranged for him by the Lei Family, he still hadn''t figured out how it worked. "It is most likely related to the Thousand-mile House Pocket Miniature Technique," Chen Mu guessed in his mind, inadvertently looking towards the column for the Mustard Seed Spell on the Gray Wall. Mustard Seed Spell: 7305/10000/Second Rank; "When it reaches the Perfection of the Second Rank, perhaps I''ll be able to discern some of its mysteries." "But now, with no need to continue shipbuilding, to rapidly improve the Mustard Seed Spell, I still need to allocate special time for practice, which seems somewhat uneconomical." Chen Mu shook his head slightly, pushed open the door, and walked into the small building. ... On the second floor, to the left, in a room that Chen Mu had specifically partitioned, the patterns of the small Light-Shielding Technique on the wall were faintly visible. Beside the window on a low bed, Chen Mu sat cross-legged, taking out the Exquisite Jade Plate and placing it beside him. "Lucky to have this treasure, otherwise I would have had to sit idly by like the people playing cards and chess in the Rest Tea House." Inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy was extremely sparse, unable to support cultivation. Only in the Dojos at both ends of the shuttle, with restrictions similar to the Exquisite Jade Plate, was there a sufficient concentration of Vital Energy. Unfortunately, only the talented Core Disciples could stay there. Ordinary disciples, regardless of Upper Court or Lower Courtyard, had to pay a large sum of White Jade Money to enter. The Boarding Jade Token had already drained ninety percent of their savings, and almost no one was able to cultivate in the Dojo. "I can''t let anyone discover the Exquisite Jade Plate." After Chen Mu once again confirmed the effect of the small Light-Shielding Technique, he then inserted a White Jade Coin into the center of the Jade Plate. After a few breaths, threads of Earth Spirit Vital Energy appeared around him. It was then drawn by an invisible force, entering inside Chen Mu''s body. It didn''t take long for the mana depleted from using the Truthful Listening Technique to be automatically replenished. "Similar to the Earth Vein Spiritual Spring, capable of generating Earth Spirit Vital Energy, the restrictions within the Jade Plate are definitely not simple," Chen Mu studied the silver star patterns on the Jade Plate. Over the years, he tried more than once to analyze it, but unfortunately, he gained nothing. To him, the mysteries within the Jade Plate were still too difficult. "I fear that only after reaching the River Chariot or even establishing the Daoist Foundation will the secrets of the Jade Plate begin to reveal themselves." Chen Mu shook his head and ceased dwelling on the thought, closing his eyes to introspect his Jade Seed. In its center, the nine-layered Divine Orifice Talisman rotated slowly and chaotically. On the silver hollow sphere, dense black patterns sprawled, exuding threads of mysterious aura. Enveloping the surroundings was the black mist belonging to the Dark Cloud True Method. Seeing this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. "The Five Ghosts Bag provides Primordial Energy, the Dark Cloud Skill operates on its own, clearing the way for refining the Divine Orifice." "What I lack now is just a period of safe and stable cultivation time." "Now that Goose Sheep Path is relocating to Hai Province, it is quite safe within the Water Avoiding Shuttle, just the right time to use this period to advance the refinement of my Divine Orifice!" Chapter 603 591: Five Thunders Atop Goose Sheep Mountain, Accumulated Thunder Hall. As the Goose Sheep Path migrated, the great hall had been emptied, leaving only a forest of columns. Deep within the hall, a tall and thin figure clothed in a golden-threaded purple robe stood silently in the shadows. A black line noiselessly appeared in mid-air. It twisted, swelled, and expanded, and in the blink of an eye, a three-meter-wide eye-shaped black hole emerged. Buzz! Suddenly, black and red flames surged from within the black hole. "Qiu Jinwu, do you really intend to exchange the disciples of Goose Sheep Path for the Dragon Ball? Don''t you feel a pang of loss?" It sounded as if ten thousand voices spoke at oncelayers upon layers of voices emanated from the firelight. Qiu Jinwu''s face remained calm, "The purpose of the Goose Sheep Path has always been to serve me. For them to aid me in furthering my path is their honor." "Tsk... It''s still that ruthless heart of you cultivators seeking the Tao," the voice quipped heavily with sarcasm. "You had better tell me quickly where the other half of the Dragon Ball is," Qiu Jinwu''s eyes flashed with electric light, "Otherwise, I don''t mind making another trip to the Daqian Palace." "Fine, the item is in the Tianhe Law Realm. Since you''ve already refined the other half of the Dragon Ball, as soon as you enter the realm, it will resonate," the black and red flames churned, speaking indolently. "How do I enter the Tianhe Law Realm?" Qiu Jinwu''s brow furrowed slightly. "It was very simple, but now it''s a bit troublesome," the multi-layered voice revealed a hint of helplessness. "I don''t know who erased the marks I left behind. If you''re thinking of moving the fleet into the realm in one go, that''s going to be a bit difficult now." "I''ve given you the people; whether you catch them is up to you. Right now, I only want to know how to step through the gates of the Tianhe Law Realm," Qiu Jinwu said indifferently. "Don''t rush, without enough Qi Cultivators as sacrificial offerings, even if you enter the realm and obtain the Dragon Ball, you won''t be able to take it with you," chuckled the black hole. Qiu Jinwu''s brow instantly tightened. "What can I do?" "It''s very simple. If you dismantle the fleet constrained by restrictions, I can move in little by little, over time." "When do we start?" "As soon as the fleet enters the Tongtian River, anytime will do." "You''d better keep your promise." "Hey, why would Sect Master Qiu worry, you still can threaten me with a visit to the Daqian Palace, haha..." "Hmph!" ... Inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle of Ping Ning, the lights were bright. In a quiet room on the second floor, Chen Mu had his eyes closed, introspecting the Jade Seed. Just moments ago, he had completed the thirty-ninth refinement of his Divine Orifice, exhausting all the Primordial Energy within the Dark Cloud Talisman. With a thought, the well-prepared Mixed Primordial Qi was absorbed by the True Method into the Jade Seed. The gray smoke-like Dark Cloud Talisman, like a piece of paper splashed with ink, was quickly saturated into a heavy blackness. In no time at all, the Mixed Primordial Qi was fully replenished. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked towards the opening of the Five Ghosts Bag. Threads of Mixed Primordial Qi like black lines were flying out from the bag, then turning into dots of luminescence, quickly dissipating in mid-air. Chen Mu''s face twitched with pain. The Five Ghosts Bag, in conjunction with thousands of Ghosts, had generated a large amount of Mixed Primordial Qi. Despite his ceaseless refinement of the Divine Orifice, the consumption rate still couldn''t keep up. He really hadn''t expected that the Mixed Primordial Qi that others would concoct strategies to obtain, would be so abundant in his possession that he couldn''t use it all up. "If those people running around trying to refine their Divine Orifices knew about this, wouldn''t they be green with envy?!" "Tsk!" "What a pity there''s no Magic Artifact to seal the Chaos Yuan Qi, otherwise, it would surely draw crowds." Regretfully putting away the Five Ghosts Bag, Chen Mu summoned the Gray Wall and looked at the latest entry. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 7933/10000/First Rank; With the Divine Orifice Refinement running automatically and secret techniques like the Truthful Listening Giant Spirit Divine being practiced daily, he still had plenty of free time. So, he took out the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. Unexpectedly, with just a bit of cultivation, he had made significant progress. "Perfecting the Kui Water Yin Thunder has indeed spurred the cultivation of other Thunder Laws." A bright white Thunder Ball, the size of a human head, appeared in his right palm. Then, the Thunder Ball softened and collapsed, like a melting candle. Countless tendrils of lightning, like viscous wax, flowed down through his fingers, wrapping around his entire hand and rapidly spreading up his forearm. In just a few breaths, his entire right arm was wrapped in lightning. Suddenly, the lightning retracted, vanishing beneath his skin, leaving only faint lightning-like lines visible. Chen Mu yanked a loose thread from a cotton cushion and stabbed it toward the back of his hand. Crack! A thread of lightning exploded, and the cotton thread was instantly split into gray-white ashes and dissipated. "Beautiful!" The Five Thunders Treasure Scroll cultivated the organs'' Thunder Law, which could transform into a Five Thunders Robe to protect the body. Although only at First Rank and not yet at Perfection, it was already displaying some of its potential power. "If I refine it to the limit, and my whole body is covered by the Thunder Law Garment... What a Secret Technique!" He reached out his hand and pointed. Crack! A streak of lightning flashed through the air, and on the window frame in the distance, a burnt black hole the size of a fingertip appeared. The Kui Water Yin Thunder had been perfected, mighty and quick, powerful yet precise. If this had been before, this single point of his finger would have shattered the entire window with the power of the Thunder Law, but now it was capable of making a hole without spreading. "A meticulous blend of strength and flexibility, increasing controldoesn''t this indirectly enhance the power of the Thunder Law?" "Hey! This Secret Technique was indeed the right choice." ... At the second-floor window seat of Xin Yuan Tea House. Chen Mu, as usual, leaned against the window, sipping tea while perking his ears to farm experience for the Truthful Listening Technique. Buzz! A familiar droning sound reached his ears. Chen Mu looked up and, through the open window, gazed toward the center of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. There, a bronze drum with intricate patterns was leisurely spinning in midair. At that moment, strands of electric light were circulating within those complex engraved lines. "Is the Kui Niu Drum sounding again?" "Who knows which unlucky Exotic Beast rammed headlong into the Water Avoiding Shuttle? Isn''t that just seeking its own death?" A few middle-aged men, who were chatting over tea, also approached the window to look up into the sky. The interior walls of the Water Avoiding Shuttle were imbued with a special Dharma Curse, able to capture real-time shadows and light from outside. At this moment, through the semi-transparent stone slabs above the wide streets, one could see the dark watery depths, odd-looking schools of fish, as well as the scant rays of light piercing the deep waters. And above, to the right edge of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, a fishnet of lightning flashes revealed a five or six meter long pitch-black strange fish ensnared by the thunder light. It thrashed its head and tail unceasingly, but within a few breaths, its entire body stiffened, floating motionlessly in the water. As the Water Avoiding Shuttle moved forward, the body of the strange fish was soon left behind, out of sight. "The might of the Kui Niu Drum remains undiminished!" "Pity for that Pingjiang catfish; it was a complete waste to just throw it away like that," voices in the crowd remarked. "That Pingjiang catfish won''t just be discarded," someone refuted. "The Administrative Affairs Institute recently recruited Pearl Gatherers. By now, those people are probably diving into the water, ready to catch that Pingjiang catfish." "Maybe we''ll have fresh Exotic Beast meat for lunch." Chen Mu listened to the people''s discussions, narrowing his eyes toward the top of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Relying on the faint light, he could vaguely see other Water Avoiding Shuttles in the distance. He shifted his gaze back to Lei Hong who was across from him. "No wonder Brother Lei was willing to leave the dojo and come here in person. Are you trying to sell me Exotic Beast meat?" The portly Lei Hong had a smile on his face: "Brother Li, you are a major customer of mine; of course, I''d personally make a house call." "Did you know in advance that the Kui Niu Drum could hunt Exotic Beasts?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "The Kui Niu Drum is the core of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, capable of summoning the Thunder Net to strike down incoming foes." "Catching and killing Exotic Beasts and monsters with it is quite simple," Lei Hong said with a grin. What is this? Using a Magic Artifact to electrocute fish? In my previous life, you guys, this would be illegal! "Knowing that the Water Avoiding Shuttle can capture Exotic Beasts, you still collected so much Exotic Beast meat to sell to me before," Chen Mu glared at Lei Hong and questioned. "I did give you a reminder! I told Brother Li early on that stockpiling Exotic Beast meat was not cost-effective," Lei Hong chuckled. "Initially, it was Brother Li who expressed his particular fondness for it, afraid that there wouldn''t be enough, and you insisted that I continue purchasing. You can''t blame me for that." Chen Mu rolled his eyes in frustration. It all sounded so ambiguous. Who could have guessed? You just wanted to snatch the White Jade Coins from my pocket. Swindler! Sly fox! "Let''s start with a hundred and eighty catties; I''ll give it a try before deciding," after contemplating, Chen Mu still placed an order for a batch of Exotic Beast meat. Replenishing Origin Soup was best made with fresh Exotic Beast meat; the flavor was richer, and the effects of consolidating one''s base and nourishing one''s origin lasted longer. "Knowing you, Brother Li, you''re a big spender!" Lei Hong rubbed his hands together with a wide smile. The constitution of Qi Cultivators undergoes drastic changes, and their food intake increases significantly. Even for Exotic Beast meat filled with Vital Energy, eating three to five catties per meal is not a problem. But this Brother Li clearly had more uses for the meat than just his meals. Lei Hong kept his composure, but a realization dawned on him. As early as when Chen Mu started stockpiling Exotic Beast meat, he had speculated that Chen Mu might be practicing some sort of secret technique that required a large amount of Exotic Beast blood and flesh. After obtaining the job to sell Exotic Beast meat, he thought of Chen Mu first. Indeed, with just this one sale, he already sold over a hundred catties of Exotic Beast meat. I came to the right place! ... Several days later. By the window of the second-floor quiet room. Chen Mu, holding a bamboo cylinder cup, reclined in a rocking chair. Sipping the coconut-flavored Replenishing Origin Soup from the cup, Chen Mu gazed into the distance, lost in thought. After a while, the air buzzed, accompanied by a black and red vortex, and a four or five-meter tall god statue clad in golden red armor appeared behind him; it was the Giant Spirit Divine. Glancing at the gray wall where experience points were displayed, Chen Mu nodded slightly. "With the same amount of cultivation time, I''ve gained nine more experience points." "The Replenishing Origin Soup made with fresh Exotic Beast meat is indeed three parts better." "Is it because the Vital Energy in the fresh Exotic Beast meat is more vigorous?" Chen Mu pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "It''s probably because there are remnants of Divine Demon Primordial Spirits still within the beasts that have just died." The Replenishing Origin Soup required the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse for extraction, a Cursing Method with quite a few similarities to the Three Turns Soul Capturing Curse of the Netherworld. The Three Turns Soul Capturing Curse is a Secret Technique used by Yin Spirits to absorb the Essence Qi Shen Yuan from the corpses of Divine Demons and monsters. The Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse, which is similar, might also be a technique for refining Essence Qi Shen Yuan. Fresh Exotic Beast meat is abundant in Vital Energy and retains remnants of Divine Origin; using it to concoct Replenishing Origin Soup would naturally be more effective. "Could this cursing method be someone''s modification of the Three Turns Soul Capturing Curse?" "I can''t figure it out," Chen Mu shook his head slightly. Lost in thought, a distinct sensation of weightlessness suddenly surrounded him. Chen Mu quickly stood up and moved to the window. As he activated the Truthful Listening Technique, the external scene of the Water Avoiding Shuttle emerged in his mind. At this moment, behind the Water Avoiding Shuttle, a cliff-like riverbed fault loomed. Ahead, there lay a bottomless trench, sinking like an abyss. The entire fleet was evenly submerging towards the abyss-like trench. "Tongtian River?" Hearing the surrounding chatter, Chen Mu came to a realization. More than twenty days had passed, and the tests for the Water Avoiding Shuttle''s defenses, offensive capabilities, and stealth functions were complete. Today, they finally left Pingjiang, officially entering the waters of the Tongtian River. Chapter 604 592: Mutation Buzz... Buzz... Buzz... Inside the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, the Kui Niu Drum constantly droned. The semi-transparent inner walls seemed to burst forth with fireworks as streaks of lightning occasionally lit up. A school of strange fish with protruding sharp teeth, purple-red tendrils atop their heads, and measuring two to three meters in length, in shades of blue and purple, swam around the shuttle. With their reckless and swift movements, they inevitably collided with the shuttle''s exterior, provoking continuous retaliation from the Kui Niu Drum''s Thunder Net. Bearing the brunt of the dense swarm of fish, it took the shuttle almost an hour to completely penetrate the fish group. Looking back, the colossal group of blue-purple fish continued to swirl and converge in the same spot, forming a massive sphere. Compared to the fish swarm, the large shuttle seemed no more than a grain of rice next to a watermelon. "Lucky we have the Kui Niu Drum, otherwise, the fleet might have been destroyed by this swarm." "It was also the foresight of the elders of the Hundred Refinement Hall to have crafted the Kui Niu Drum for our protection." "The terms of the labor contract are harsh, but to safely transport it all the way to Hai Province... It''s not unthinkable..." Inside the Xinyuan Tea House, people conversed and discussed with a relaxed demeanor. Having entered Tongtian River for over twenty days, this was the third wave of exotic beasts they had encountered. With the Kui Niu Drum, the Water Avoiding Shuttle managed to pass through each time with ease. Yet, Chen Mu by the window couldn''t relax his spirit. As the shuttle dived deeper into the water, darkness enveloped the surroundings, and those who looked out through the shuttle''s walls saw a limited view. Chen Mu had the Truthful Listening Technique and had uncovered many hidden vital mechanisms along the way. The mere sweep of a singular powerful life rhythm was enough to send shivers down his spine. "Comparable to a Qi Cultivator with a perfected Dao Foundation Open Meridians Big Demon?" "If we encounter one, can the Kui Niu Drum really handle it?" The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. While he was caught in his thoughts, a series of exclamations erupted from around him. Chen Mu looked up, following the direction of the cries. He saw the swarm of strange fish that had turned somewhat blurry as the shuttle moved away. It suddenly drew inward, and in the blink of an eye, transformed into a massive eye with white sclera, blue pupils, and deep purple iris. That eyeball remained motionless and emotionless as it stared at the fleet of Water Avoiding Shuttles. Almost as if an eyelid closed, the eye blinked, then abruptly vanished. At the same time, a forceful life rhythm flashed by within the detection area of the Truthful Listening Technique. Chen Mu''s back was suddenly drenched in cold sweat. What on earth was that? Is the ecosystem inside Tongtian River this harsh? Back then, when he was making a living on Jilong Road, by the Tongtian River, he had never encountered such dangers! His countenance turned serious as he gazed at the Kui Niu Drum in mid-air. "This Bronze Drum, can it truly ensure our safe passage across the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains?" ... "Kui Niu Drum? Big Demon?" "If we really encounter a Big Demon, a single Kui Niu Drum indeed won''t be able to stop it," said Lei Hong from the Administrative Affairs Institute''s Exotic Beast Decomposition Site, at the tail end of the shuttle, with a chubby face and a giggly smile, "But what if dozens or even hundreds of Kui Niu Drums act together?" He wore a look of confidence, with his mustache twitching unconsciously. What does that mean? Chen Mu listened, somewhat puzzled. "It means that our whole fleet has been fused into one by the Kui Niu Forbidden Law." "The Kui Niu Drum is the pulse point of the Forbidden Law. It can link together the power of all Water Avoiding Shuttles to produce a tremendous joint force." "Do you know why those families and sects who bought Water Avoiding Shuttles accompany us?" "To enhance the power of the Kui Niu Forbidden Law?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "Exactly!" Lei Hong chuckled, clapping his hands. "The one in control of the fleet is our Sect Master Qiu. His Divine Orifice Refinement and mastery of Thunder Law are impeccable." "Even if an Open Meridians Big Demon attacks, with the Sect Master manipulating the Kui Niu Forbidden Law to counterattack, we will be perfectly safe." "Besides, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy in Yunzhou has been declining over the years, and the insight of Big Demons is incredibly sharp. Who knows where they''ve fled to by now." "The chances of encountering an Open Meridians Big Demon are incredibly low. You can rest easy, absolutely no problem!" Lei Hong stood on tiptoes, patting Chen Mu''s shoulder with a triumphant expression. Upon hearing this, Chen Mu immediately breathed a sigh of relief. ... As evening fell, in the quiet room on the second floor. Having completed the forty-first Divine Orifice Refinement and skillfully refilled the Dark Cloud Talisman with Primordial Energy, Chen Mu opened his eyes. Lightning danced between the fingers of his right hand, and beneath the skin of his face, faint flickers of light hinted at the searing red flesh and blood, revealing a few shadows of veins and meridians. "The Second Rank Five Thunders Treasure Scroll allows the Five Thunders Robe to spread underneath the entire body''s skin. To continue refining it, I fear it might spread deep into the internal organs." "It''s somewhat like the Five Dragon Dharma Body," Chen Mu pondered. The Five Dragon Dharma Body was a Yin Spirit Secret Method. Gathering together, it could be used to launch attacks. Scattering, it could transform into a protective aura, defending from inside out against external forces. "Is the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll Secret Technique also trying to imitate the protective aura of a Divine Demon?" guessed Chen Mu. "Qiu Jinwu has perfected his Daoist Foundation for many years, even without practicing the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll, he probably has his own protective aura," he thought of the Sect Master of Goose Sheep Path. To dare to abandon the centuries of the foundation of the Goose Sheep Path and lead the whole sect to decisively relocate took an extraordinary soul strength and capacity. With such a great cultivator manipulating the fleet''s Forbidden Law, at least until they reached the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, there shouldn''t be much danger. "It''s like being bitten by a snake once and fearing well ropes for a decade," Chen Mu ridiculed himself with a shake of his head. He had been cultivating for over ten years, experiencing too much turmoil, and he felt unsafe no matter where he went. "If Goose Sheep Path dares to relocate, they must have considered everything thoroughly." "The slow navigation and constant testing inside Pingjiang before were to preemptively rehearse responding to various dangers." "I''m completely being a worrywart." By the window, Chen Mu lay back comfortably in a rocking chair, resting his feet on the window sill, ready to enjoy the Tongtian River scenery displayed on the Jade Disk overhead. And then... Then he saw a purple-blue eye several dozen times larger than the entire Water Avoiding Shuttle. Chen Mu: "..." What the hell is this thing! Why does it keep haunting me?! Confronted with that expressionless, indifferent huge eye, he felt a shiver run through his scalp, and his hair almost stood on end. But before he could react, countless white thunder lights suddenly exploded, instantly illuminating the inside of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. A net-like thunder electricity instantly covered the entire surface of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Thud, thud, thud... A series of earth-shattering drum sounds came forth. The originally stable Kui Niu Drum was now lurching violently, its surface contorted and cracked, as if an invisible huge hand held it and violently shook it. The next moment, the giant eye suddenly vanished. The thunder light on the surface of the Water Avoiding Shuttle extinguished in an instant. In the flickering light, Chen Mu momentarily lost vision. Instinctively, he began to circulate the Truthful Listening Technique, and a massive life aura abruptly barged into his mind. The aura was so vast it overshadowed the whole Water Avoiding Shuttle. Just a slight touch, and Chen Mu was stunned, his mind going blank. The next instant. Boom! The Kui Niu Drum exploded all at once, like a punctured balloon, whizzing out and careening aimlessly. Then a tremendous force struck the surface of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, a series of cracking sounds like breaking bones echoed, and the Water Avoiding Shuttle, spinning, darted into the depths of the Tongtian River and vanished. ... Who knows how long it had been. Bang! With a muffled sound, the rolling Water Avoiding Shuttle shook violently, and then suddenly came to a halt, no longer moving. After a series of roaring and clanging of scattered fragments colliding, the inside of the Water Avoiding Shuttle suddenly went quiet. Leaking phorescent liquid from inbuilt pipelines, like streams of heated molten iron, dripped and flowed down from various places, breaking the darkness inside the shuttle. Not long after, a weak scream arose. Like flipping a switch, a series of wails appeared one after another. Chen Mu retracted the Five Dragon Dharma Body enveloping the entire small building and moved to the window with a grave expression. What met his eyes was a scene of distorted and collapsed houses, with very few remaining intact. He unfolded the Truthful Listening Technique, and within a twenty-mile radius, the scenes surfaced in his mind. Then he found the Water Avoiding Shuttle, upside down and slanted into a patch of mud. Surrounding him was pitch black, and no other shuttles were in sight. After several thorough scans and listens, Chen Mu frowned and looked toward the front end of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. There, in a secret chamber of the dojo, a short fat middle-aged man, who bore a seven-point resemblance to Lei Hong, dressed in gray, with a deathly pale face lay unconscious beside a zabuton. This man was the captain of the Ping Ning, Lei Cheng. Trouble! He then looked up at the ceiling of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, where the damaged and twisted Kui Niu Drum was embedded in a broken floor in the corner. Chen Mu''s face turned pitch black. Separated from the fleet, lost direction, the Kui Niu Drum damaged, the captain Lei Cheng unconscious, and whether alive or dead was unknown... This is a disaster! Chapter 605 593: Seize the Ship The Water Avoiding Shuttle had not been stable for long before Lei Hong appeared in front of Chen Mu''s small building. "Brother Li, the Water Avoiding Shuttle has suddenly been attacked and is badly damaged." "I need to trouble you to join hands with the Artifact Refiners from my Lei Family and help in checking and repairing it," Lei Hong said solemnly with a fist in palm salute. "As a member of the Lei Family Refining Team, no problem," Chen Mu agreed immediately. "Do you know how your brother..." He probed carefully. "The Kui Niu Drum is damaged, and he suffered some backlash. Luckily, his reaction was swift and his injuries are minor," Lei Hong said with a face of relief. "After two or three days of recuperation, there should be no major problem." Minor injuries? Fine after two or three days? Chen Mu blinked, the Truthful Listening Technique unfolded. The scene within the front end of the Dojo emerged in his mind, and seeing Lei Cheng lying on a soft couch in the Secret Chamber, his complexion turning paler, Chen Mu''s expression turned strange. This fat Lei is lying through his teeth. Something seems a bit off. ... Two days later. In the Water Avoiding Shuttle Dojo, in a certain loft on the second floor, there was nothing but a low, long desk placed in the center. Huang Jian, dressed in a dark purple Daoist Robe that was filled by his corpulent body, was sitting cross-legged in front of the desk. Before long, Chai Song in grey clothes hurried into the room. "Lei Cheng''s injuries are not simple; it''s unlikely he''ll recover in a short time," Chai Song said, somewhat excitedly as he sat opposite Huang Jian. "That sly fat Lei is actually telling the outside that Lei Cheng is in seclusion, repairing the Kui Niu Drum." "Hah, nonsense!" Upon hearing this, Huang Jian''s eyes lit up. "With Lei Cheng unable to oversee the Water Avoiding Shuttle, it''s only right for you, big brother, to step in and take control of the situation," Chai Song immediately advised. "Then, by borrowing just a little Rejuvenation Pill from the inner treasury, big brother might be able to cultivate the Divine Orifice." "And what about you?" Huang Jian asked, but with a smile that was not quite a smile looking at Chai Song: "Don''t you want to condense the Divine Orifice sooner?" "Of course, I do," stated Chai Song candidly. "But the Water Avoiding Shuttle has a limited supply of resources after all. It''s barely enough for your cultivation alone, and as for me..." he laughed bitterly and shook his head, "I can only wait until big brother has condensed the Divine Orifice and can pull me up." "What if I had a method for the two of us to get enough resources?" A gleam shot through Huang Jian''s eyes. "Do you still remember Yun Chong Lower Courtyard?" "Do you mean that blood sacrifice method to Yama?" Chai Song was shocked. "Isn''t that for cultivating Primordial Energy?" "That Secret Technique isn''t just for cultivating Primordial Energy," Huang Jian''s face filled with a smile. "With a slight alteration, it can drain all the surrounding Earth Spirit Element." "Big brother, you''re planning to go back to Great Li, using that Secret Technique to gather Vital Energy and refine White Jade Money?" Chai Song suddenly realized. "The past two years, Goose Sheep Path Lower Courtyards have collapsed one after the other, and the few that survived are also scattered far apart." "Without the Cloud Bat Flying Boat, traveling to each is too far and prolonged, and accidents are more likely to occur." "The Lower Courtyards are inherently barren; even drained, they will not yield much money." Huang Jian sneered and shook his head. "If we''re going to make a move, let''s target Goose Yang Mountain!" "Just this one success would be enough for the two of us to eat our fill." "How dare we? That is our ancestral home of the Goose Sheep Path!" Chai Song was shocked. "Moreover, Goose Yang Mountain has been sold to the Seven Surnames Alliance, we..." "The Seven Surnames Alliance? Ha! I was worried we wouldn''t have enough sacrifices." Huang Jian, looking out at the busy crowd in the distance through the window, curled his lips into a cold, sinister smile. "Think of the White Jade Money, think of the Rejuvenation Pill." "Goose Yang Mountain belongs to others, but Cultivation is ours!" "Let''s do this!" Chai Song nodded fiercely. "I''ll need you to come up with a way to blend in with Lei Cheng," said Huang Jian, smiling as he pulled out a palm-sized, straw woven figurine. "The Nightmare Victory Spell of the Elder?" Chai Song raised an eyebrow. "I''ve only half condensed my orifice, while Lei Cheng is about to complete his," Huang Jian nodded. "A dead Elder is a good Elder." "Big brother is thorough in his considerations, leave this matter to me!" ... Several days later. At the top of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, a wide street ran through the center. Along the street, twenty-four deep wells stood in a row next to the street. Iron chains sealed the mouth of the wells, with occasional flashes of thunder light on them. By one of the wells, Lei Hong''s Mana surged as he chanted Curse Words, unsealed the iron nets with Thunder Law, and lifted the chains. "Brother Li, I must trouble you again," said Lei Hong, rubbing his hands together and showing a pleasing smile to Chen Mu. "Exotic Beast Meat, it really can help with the repair of the Water Avoiding Shuttle?" Chen Mu skeptically eyed Lei Hong. "The Water Avoiding Shuttle''s main body is made of twenty-four Qi turtle shells; a part of their reactivity was retained in the initial refining." "The twenty-four deep wells are connected to its Divine Orifices, adding the corresponding materials can create special effects." "This deep well corresponds to the main body of the turtle shell. As long as enough Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh are thrown in, the damaged and fragmented boat body can self-repair," Lei Hong quickly explained. "The Water Avoiding Shuttle is now seriously damaged, and we can''t open the doors to hunt Exotic Beasts." "Moreover, we don''t even know where we are; it is dead silent around the Water Avoiding Shuttle, with scarcely any living creatures." "Even if we could use Secret Techniques to escape from the Water Avoiding Shuttle, we might not be able to capture enough Exotic Beasts." "The Exotic Beast Meat we stored from previous hunts has all been thrown in, but there remains a small shortfall." "So, I thought of Brother Li, you had stockpiled quite a lot of high-grade Exotic Beast Meat, so..." Lei Hong chuckled as he looked at Chen Mu. Then he bit his lip, showing a pained expression, and pulled out five walnut-sized, jade-button-like Red Jade, handing them over to Chen Mu. "This is..." "Red Jade Money, one piece is worth a thousand White Jade." Three times the price? Chen Mu''s eyebrow raised. "So generous?" "It''s not that, it''s just that when I bought the Exotic Beast Meat from you, I raised the price a bit too." Chen Mu: "..." So, you raised my price by three times initially? What a profiteer! Chen Mu glared fiercely at the short and chubby man and snatched the five pieces of Red Jade into his Five Ghosts Bag. Red Jade Money, eh... This is rare stuff. Before, I''d only heard about it, but now I''ve actually seen real money. Then, a puff of black smoke appeared above the well, and chunks of frozen hard Exotic Beast Meat, frozen by minor frost spells, flew out of the black smoke and dropped into the deep well. "Is your brother''s injury healed?" Chen Mu asked casually. "He''s been fine for a while," Lei Hong said with a beaming smile. "He''s been in seclusion and will show up tomorrow." Healed? Show up? If it weren''t for the image of Lei Cheng lying unconscious in the Truthful Listening Technique, he would have almost believed it. "Everyone has a backbone now that Elder Lei is safe and sound," Chen Mu feigned a sigh. This short, chubby guy was really good at acting. "Yes, yes, if he didn''t show up again, people''s hearts would start to scatter," Lei Hong also nodded earnestly, a look of deep agreement on his face. Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and he glanced at the fat face of the man opposite. Could this guy be planning to impersonate Lei Cheng and make an appearance? Not to say, the two brothers did have a striking resemblance, and with some preparation and Lei Hong''s acting skills as a cunning merchant, they might actually be able to pull it off! But it would be useless even if they did. Without repairing the Kui Niu Drum and Lei Cheng not waking up, the Water Avoiding Shuttle could not be moved. Trouble... ... The next day. Inside the secret chamber of the dojo of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, Lei Hong tried his best to control the muscles of his face to appear more expressionless. "This wooden face of my second brother is not easy to play." Looking at Lei Cheng on the bed, his complexion growing ever paler, Lei Hong took a deep breath and walked out of the room. He passed through a long corridor and entered a grand hall. At the moment, two groups of people stood clearly divided on either side. One side was members of the Lei Family, while the other was led by Huang Jian, many disciples from the Upper Court. Lei Hong tried to suppress his racing heart and blandly glanced over the crowd. Emotions of excitement, relaxation, suspicion, and frustration all came into view. He coughed lightly, just about to arrange for everyone to repair the Water Avoiding Shuttle according to the original plan, when a streak of lightning suddenly appeared before his eyes. Bang! Caught off guard, he was struck in mid-air, hitting the wall behind him without any resistance. As the paralyzing power of the Thunder Law enveloped him, Lei Hong struggled several times but ultimately failed to get up after hitting the ground. He strained to raise his head, only to lock eyes with Huang Jian''s half-smiling face. "Lei Hong, you almost had me fooled," Huang Jian sneered. "If you were a bit more skilled in Thunder Law, you could have been mistaken for the real thing, I was almost scared for a moment there." "You''re staging a mutiny to seize the ship?" Lei Hong gritted his teeth with hatred. "Obviously," Huang Jian spread his hands, slowly stepping forward. "Even if you seize the ship, you''ve only grabbed an immobile turtle shell!" Lei Hong collapsed to the ground and coldly laughed: "Without the help of me and my brother, you can''t repair the Kui Niu Drum, nor can you control the Water Avoiding Shuttle." "Guess why Lei Cheng is still unconscious to this day?" Huang Jian bent down, his smile hinting at a reminder in a low voice. "If you cooperate obediently, I''ll spare you and your brother''s lives." "If you resist to the death, I know a bit about the Confusing God Soul Searching Secret Method as well." "The choice is yours." Lei Hong''s face turned ugly, but he just glared at Huang Jian without saying a word. Huang Jian slowly rose, his face cold, as lightning continuously flashed between his fingers. But before he could unleash the Thunder Law, an outburst of shocked exclamations suddenly came from the crowd behind him. Then, a voice devoid of any emotional fluctuation sounded from behind. "Huang Jian, you indeed need to choose your own path, but you''ve chosen a dead end." Huang Jian''s pupils shrank, and without turning his head, he violently unleashed the Thunder Law. A barrel-thick purple-red lightning bolt surged toward the source of the voice behind him. Simultaneously, his bulky body moved with agile and nimble sway to the left and right, zigzagging across several "Z" shapes and dashing more than ten meters to an open area. Turning around, he saw a short, fat Daoist in a Daoist Robe, identical to Lei Hong, standing expressionlessly at the spot he had just occupied. And the Thunder Law he had just activated with all his might, was now controlled by the other party, shaped into a purple-red Thunder Ball. Lei Cheng?! "Impossible!" Huang Jian''s face drastically changed. That certainly was impossible, but a little Shapeshifting to impersonate someone was still possible. Chen Mu chuckled softly. "Nightmare Victory Spell?" "Ha!" Big drops of sweat immediately appeared on Huang Jian''s forehead. Without waiting for him to argue, Chen Mu simply pointed a finger, and a chopstick-thick bolt of lightning shot out, instantly hitting its mark. The tall, strong, and hefty figure of the opponent suddenly became rigid and motionless. The next instant, a breeze blew, and Huang Jian disintegrated into grey-white dust. Seizing power is none of my business, but what''s the deal with returning to Goose Yang Mountain? After plotting for so long and already having embarked on the journey, how could we return to Goose Yang Mountain? And you think to use me as a sacrificial offering to blood-sacrifice to an outer demon? Who would die if not you! Chen Mu stared at the pile of ashes on the ground, his expression indifferent. Seeing Huang Jian''s end, a commotion broke out in the grand hall. A grey figure silently made his way to the door along the periphery of the people. But just as he lifted one foot over the threshold, a purple-red Thunder Ball floated in front of him, the very one that Huang Jian had unleashed moments before. He quivered and turned back, meeting a pair of eyes brimming with laughter. Chai Song coughed lightly, slowly raised his hands above his shoulders. "Ha!" Chen Mu chuckled softly, withdrawing his gaze and turning to look at the puzzled Lei Hong. The Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles unfolded, instantly restraining Lei Hong who intended to speak up. Then Chen Mu quickly stepped forward, feigned support to help him up, and with a satisfied smile, patted his shoulder. Immediately, he leaned close to Lei Hong''s ear with a smiling face. "The Bewitching Divine Soul Searching Secret Method, I also know a little bit about that..." Lei Hong: "..." Does everyone think I''m a pushover?! Everyone''s trying to manipulate me! "Second brother!" "Mission accomplished!" "Everything is carried out according to your plan!" Lei Hong clasped his fists, calling "second brother" with genuine sincerity. Chen Mu: "..." So decisive? Boss Lei, you really can bend and stretch. Chapter 606 594 Kui Niu In the secret chamber of the Ping Ning vessel''s dojo. "It can''t be fixed?" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. "Yes, the Kui Niu Drum has suffered severe damage; both the artifact embryo and internal talismans have been compromised." "The artifact embryo is complex, but given more effort, it can also be repaired." "However, no one aboard the Ping Ning knows how to restore the Kui Niu Forbidden Laws needed for the internal talismans," Lei Hong carefully observed the mysterious figure before him. His own brother''s life was in the other''s hands; he dared not conceal the truth. "For such a crucial Secret Technique, hasn''t your Lei Family considered keeping it in your grasp?" Chen Mu asked skeptically. "The main issue is that we can''t learn it." Lei Hong gave a wry smile: "Many from the Goose Sheep Path have tried to study and practice the Kui Niu Forbidden Laws, but no one has managed to learn them." "Then who is the one refining the Kui Niu Drums?" Chen Mu did not believe it. "It''s Sect Master Qiu." Lei Hong spoke honestly: "All the inner talismans within the Kui Niu Drums were personally infused by Sect Master Qiu." So throughout the Goose Sheep Path, the only one who grasped the Kui Niu Forbidden Laws was Sect Master Qiu Jinwu? Is the Secret Technique truly that difficult to learn, or is there something wrong with it intrinsically? Chen Mu''s brow tightened further. "Not just the Kui Niu Drum, the Water Avoidance Shuttle''s hull is also difficult to repair," Lei Hong cautiously glanced at Chen Mu. "Wasn''t it already repaired with Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh?" Chen Mu''s heart sank. "That''s far from enough," Lei Hong gave a bitter laugh. "Even if all the Exotic Beast Meat aboard is used, it can only ensure the hull won''t be crushed by the Sky-reaching River Water." "But once it starts to sail, the underwater currents swirl, and if there''s the slightest collision, that would be..." Lei Hong sighed and shook his head. The core component, the Kui Niu Drum, was difficult to repair, and the hull of the Water Avoidance Shuttle was as fragile as paper-ma?che?. Troublesome indeed. Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head as well. "What about my second brother?" Lei Hong spoke anxiously. Lei Cheng, who originally lay in the secret chamber, had vanished without a trace, giving Lei Hong no choice but to worry. "Your second brother is very safe." Chen Mu came back to his senses, waved his hand, and instantly, shadows spread across the ground. Lei Cheng, previously hidden away in Thousand Lanterns City by Chen Mu, emerged from the shadows. His pallid complexion had gained a bit of rosiness, and he breathed steadily, as if in a deep slumber. Lei Hong stepped forward to examine him and noticed indeed signs of improvement, which immediately eased his mind. "With Huang Jian dead, the Nightmare Victory Spell is no longer effective. As long as he rests peacefully, Lei Cheng will slowly recover." "I need to return to the fleet as soon as possible, to safely leave Yunzhou." "By cooperating with me, you can find a way to get the Water Avoidance Shuttle moving; this is a win-win for both of us," Chen Mu looked at Lei Hong calmly. "Do you agree?" "I agree, I agree..." Lei Hong nodded repeatedly. Even Ping Ning''s second most powerful expert, Huang Jian, had been easily killed by a flick of your finger, how could I not agree. ... Days later, in the quiet room on the second floor. On a low table, a wide scroll of fine silk spread out long, covered with complex Xie Script symbols. Chen Mu sat cross-legged at one side, staring at the scroll on the table, lost in thought. After a long while, he regained focus, a glimmer of enlightenment flashing through his mind. "The Water Avoidance Shuttle is vast, filled with different varieties of Forbidden Laws, which ordinary Qi Cultivators can''t refine and manipulate." "The Kui Niu Drum can connect and control all parts of the Water Avoidance Shuttle, rather like a computer chip''s core in my previous life." "As long as one masters the Kui Niu Drum, it''s possible to employ very little force to mobilize each part''s Forbidden Laws, controlling the Water Avoidance Shuttle''s operation." After ruminating over the past few days, Chen Mu had come to understand the role of the Kui Niu Drum within the Water Avoidance Shuttle. He frowned again as he looked at the scroll in front of him. The text of the scroll was titled "Complete Book of Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction," provided by Lei Hong, which contained detailed plans and processes for constructing the Water Avoidance Shuttle. The Mustard Seed Spell section, which he had previously participated in, was also written in it. "Unfortunately, it doesn''t include the Kui Niu Forbidden Laws," Chen Mu lamented, shaking his head. Thinking about it, he found it reasonable; given that the Kui Niu Forbidden Laws were related to the safety of the entire fleet of the Goose Sheep Path, they naturally had to be kept secret. But as a result, Chen Mu found himself in a bind. With the Gray Wall, he wasn''t worried about not being able to learn the Secret Technique, but without the Transmission Jade Scroll, he could only sit and gaze helplessly. "The Kui Niu Forbidden Laws are out of reach; we''ll have to find a solution that can replace the Kui Niu Drum." With this in mind, Chen Mu continued to bury his head in the Construction Method scripture. ... "Can''t catch an Exotic Beast?" In the dojo''s secret chamber, Chen Mu appeared with a darkened face. He didn''t use Lei Cheng''s appearance; instead, he transformed into a tall and thin Daoist dressed in a black Daoist Robe, with Gongsun Sheng stepping into the scene once again. "Search thirty li in every direction, but not a single Exotic Beast was found," Lei Hong didn''t dare conceal anything. "And more than that, I''m more afraid of the unknown dangers lurking in the waters around us." He shivered with obvious tension. "With such a vast expanse of water, no living creatures to be seen, dead silence all around, we... we might have intruded into some Big Demon''s territory!" Not exactly a Big Demon, but the waters around here are indeed far from simple. Chen Mu''s expression eased slightly. Over the past few days, besides pondering the Construction Method for the Water Avoidance Shuttle, he had also utilized the Truthful Listening Technique to probe his surroundings and indeed found no traces of Exotic Beasts. Fortunately, he hadn''t detected any strong and obscure qi flows either, which didn''t resemble anything like the presence of a Big Demon. However, the entire body of water exuded a deathly aura, akin to a graveyard, certainly not a welcoming place. "If we want to repair the hull quickly, it looks like we''ll have to rob Peter to pay Paul," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. What does that mean? Lei Hong was a bit confused. "The entire structure of the Water Avoidance Shuttle is built from Bone Bricks provided by the Hundred Refinement Hall." "The Bone Bricks are made from Exotic Beast Bone Powder; dismantle all the buildings and throw them into the Cycle Well." "Even if they cannot fully fix it, they will suffice to support the Water Avoidance Shuttle''s normal navigation." "I''ve already tried, but to no avail," said Lei Hong with a wry smile and a shake of his head. "The Hundred Refinement Hall put too much effort into it. The Bone Bricks and Bone Tiles are refined to be too hard; even if ground into powder and thrown into the Cycle Well, the Water Avoidance Shuttle can''t digest it." Can''t digest it? "Just break them down and soak them until they''re soft," Chen Mu said, his expression indifferent. His right-hand index and middle finger raised in front of him as his lips moved; a string of cold Curse Words arose. Yin Spirit Divine Power spread, Netherworld Summoning Secret Technique activated. With a ripple-like tinkling sound, a pale yellow water mass, large enough to cover the entire Secret Chamber, abruptly appeared in mid-air. "This is River of Oblivion Water, capable of returning to the root and tracing back to the source," Chen Mu gestured, throwing out three white jade jars as tall as half a man with round bellies, filling them with the River of Oblivion Water suspended in mid-air. "Dilute it a bit, find the right concentration, and soften the Bone Bricks with corrosion before adding them to the Cycle Well." "Will this... work?" Lei Hong asked, skeptical. He had never heard of River of Oblivion Water. "If it doesn''t, then I''ll stuff your fat into the Cycle Well to fill the holes!" Chen Mu said expressionlessly. You think I''ve read the Complete Book of Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction these past few days for nothing. "It will work, it definitely will!" Lei Hong nodded with conviction. Chen Mu rolled his eyes and no longer paid attention to the slippery fat man, turning to walk into a swirl of black fog. ... Inside the quiet room on the second floor. A black smoke vortex appeared, and Chen Mu walked out of itit was the long-unused Netherworld Ferry Secret Technique. "Why would Netherworld Power seep into the bottom of Tongtian River?" Chen Mu wondered. Netherworld Ferry could use the power of the River of Oblivion for Ground Shrinking; to perform the Secret Technique, Netherworld Power must be present nearby. Back in Da Qian, he could use Netherworld Ferry at will because the place was riddled with City God Dojos, which could be connected to activate the Secret Technique. But in the Great Li''s Goose Sheep Path, where Netherworld Power couldn''t reach, the Secret Technique was useless. Now that Netherworld Ferry could be employed again... "Da Qian Lock Dragon Institute, they didn''t build the City God Dojo into the Tongtian River, did they?" Chen Mu shook his head, "I need to leave quickly and rejoin the fleet, to get away from Yunzhou soon." Just thinking about it, you''d know there''s serious trouble here; he had no desire to be embroiled in it. Chen Mu''s gaze returned to the "Complete Book of Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction." A new item emerged on the gray wall before him. Artifact Refining Technique (Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction): 4930/10000; After days and nights of relentless contemplation, insights continuously flowed into his mind, reflected by the gray wall, deepening his understanding of the Water Avoidance Shuttle. "Ultimately, it will come down to Thunder Law," Chen Mu realized. Kui Niu Drum was essentially a Thunder Law amplifier, which could augment a Qi Cultivator''s Thunder Law to probe every corner of the Water Avoidance Shuttle, and by leveraging the small for the large, to maneuver the Water Avoidance Shuttle. With a sufficiently powerful Thunder Law and a clear understanding of the various Forbidden Laws operating within the Water Avoidance Shuttle, even without the Kui Niu Drum, the Shuttle could still be controlled. "If the Kui Niu Drum can''t be fixed, then no need to fix it." "Without the Kui Niu Drum as the core, replace it with a human-formed core instead." Chen Mu''s eyes moved lower, looking at another entry on the gray wall. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 2093/10000/Second Rank; Over half a month had passed since the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll''s last breakthrough to Second Rank. But recent continual mishaps had delayed the progress of the Thunder Law; even now, the Proficiency had just crossed two thousand. "If the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll advances another rank, leveraging its intricate control power to manipulate Kui Water Yin Thunder, there''s a high chance of infiltrating the interior of the Water Avoidance Shuttle." "Combined with my understanding of the Construction Method, I could then replace the Kui Niu Drum, and pilot the Water Avoidance Shuttle myself!" With this in mind, Chen Mu''s ears twitched, ensuring that Lei Hong had started gathering people to dismantle the buildings and repair the Water Avoidance Shuttle. He then took a deep breath and focused on the cultivation of the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. Chapter 607 595: Carrying the Mountain Buzz...Buzz...Buzz... Accompanied by a series of vibrations, the Water Avoiding Shuttle lit up with lightning both inside and outside. Pfft! A burst of invisible force sprayed out from around the Water Avoiding Shuttle, churning up the surrounding silt. The Water Avoiding Shuttle wobbled as it broke free from the riverbed and glided upwards at an angle. However, it wasn''t long before the power around the Water Avoiding Shuttle faltered. After stumbling and lunging forward several times, the Water Avoiding Shuttle crashed down into the riverbed''s silt with a bang. In the dojo of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, just outside the Secret Chamber... Lei Hong was propping up the tent that had just been knocked down by the vibrations while skillfully setting it up again and sighed disappointedly, "Failed again." To repair the body of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, nine-tenths of the building had been dismantled. Numerous Qi Cultivators, regardless of their level of cultivation, were all living in tents. "It lasted ninety breaths longer than last time," Lei Cheng, who had mostly recovered from his injuries, said seriously as he helped. "So what if it barely lasted half a quarter of an hour before petering out? What good does that do?" Lei Hong said dismissively, curling his lips, "Can''t even enjoy a bite of warm shit." No sooner had he spoken than an electric arc sprung up from the ground beneath his feet and zapped him right in the center of his forehead with a snap. Lei Hong''s hair frizzed up, and he stood there rigidly, electrified on the spot. Lei Cheng stepped forward and looked at Lei Hong, who was intermittently flashing with small sparks of lightning, and offered words of comfort, "Without the Kui Niu Drum to aid, it''s inevitable for the Thunder Law to spiral out of control." Bullshit! We''ve tested the Water Avoiding Shuttle more than ten times over the past month. Why am I the only one getting struck by lightning, and not anyone else? It must be Mr. Gongsun holding a grudge because I called him soft; this is clearly retribution! Lei Hong''s eyes bulged in anger. Then he heard Lei Cheng ask earnestly, "What was that you said about being soft? I didn''t quite catch it. Maybe you could say it again?" Lei Hong: "..." I see you want me dead! Are you really my second brother? That simple and honest face of yours, it''s all damn deceitful! ... "What a pity..." murmured Chen Mu in the Secret Chamber. How come that chubby guy suddenly clammed up, or else I could have zapped him again. With a twitch of his ears, the noises from inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle filtered into his hearing. Although there were many complaints among the people inside the shuttle, most of them accepted the test failure quite calmly. After all... having failed more than ten times already, one had to get used to it if not calm. With a slight thought, the Gray Wall appeared before his eyes. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 573/10000/Fourth Rank; Artifact Refining Technique (Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction): 7933/10000; Over the past month, Chen Mu had devoted almost all his time to leveling up the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. When tired, he amused himself by pondering the Complete Book of Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction, and when hungry, he popped a couple of Fasting Pills. Practicing tirelessly day and night, coupled with the aid of Perfection-grade Kui Water Yin Thunder, his proficiency in the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll soared, crossing two ranks in just over a month. The control over Thunder Law became so precise that even the capillaries of his internal organs were permeated with its flow. It was precisely this subtle control, together with the increasingly adept Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction Artifact Refining Technique, that allowed him to channel Thunder Law into the internal mechanisms of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, triggering its various Forbidden Laws and successfully manipulating the Water Avoiding Shuttle. "Only too bad it doesn''t last," Chen Mu said, massaging his throbbing head with regret. The human-formed Kui Niu Drum replacement plan was successful, yet not completely so. The Water Avoiding Shuttle was too vast for a single person to sustain. If he controlled it for any extended period, he would be left mentally drained and plagued by intense headaches. Should he continue to improve the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll and the Water Avoidance Shuttle Artifact Refining Technique? Chen Mu shook his head. They would be helpful, but not significantly so. At best, they might extend the control by a mere quarter or half-quarter of an hour, not enough to manage normal navigation of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. "Such a large Magic Artifact wasn''t intended to be manipulated by a single person from the beginning; otherwise, there wouldn''t be amplifying Magic Artifacts like the Kui Niu Drum." "I guess it still comes down to insufficient Divine Origin and inadequate cultivation," sighed Chen Mu. He couldn''t help but reflect inwardly on his Jade Seed, looking towards his Divine Orifice. "If I could just complete the Divine Orifice Refinement, maybe I could hold out." "But sadly... distant waters won''t quench immediate thirst." Over the past days, the Dark Cloud True Method had autonomously cycled, achieving three refinements. One more cycle, and he would complete the fifth turn of his Divine Orifice. But to reach the point of mastering the River Chariot would still require quite some time. Thinking thus, Chen Mu skillfully gathered a Dark Cloud Talisman and inserted it into the middle of his Divine Orifice. Then he pulled out the Five Ghosts Bag, ready to replenish the Primordial Energy for the Dark Cloud Talisman. But staring at the Primordial Energy emerging from the bag, Chen Mu suddenly froze. "If one person''s Divine Origin can''t bear the pressure on the Water Avoiding Shuttle, why not share the burden among a hundred or a thousand people?" The Gray Wall surfaced before his eyes again as Chen Mu swiftly skimmed through several Secret Techniques before hastily scanning downwards. A long-neglected secret technique caught his attention. "The Mountain-Carrying Scripture!" "That''s the one!" After days of worry, Chen Mu finally broke into a smile. ... Several days later. At the tail end of the Water Avoidance Shuttle. Not far from the Administrative Affairs Institute''s Exotic Beast Decomposition Site, there was a small courtyard. A delicate two-story pavilion stood lonely in the courtyard. Apart from the secret chamber in the dojo, this little building was one of the few that remained. Lei Hong and Lei Cheng, garbed in cowled capes, silently pushed the door open and entered. Inside the room, there was nothing but a deep well, covered with an iron chain net, sitting in the middle of the house. Lei Cheng stepped forward, reciting a cursing incantation and unlocked the iron net. Next to him, Lei Hong pulled out a Mustard Seed Talisman and took out a box of White Jade Money, pouring it all into the deep well in a clatter. "Is this dog of a Daoist going to work or not? If he keeps messing around like this, there won''t be a single White Jade Coin left in the inner treasury!" Lei Hong gritted his teeth, looking at the vanishing White Jade at the bottom of the well, feeling a heartache that made it hard to breathe. "You''re bold to speak like that, are you not afraid of being struck by lightning?" Lei Cheng glanced sideways. Had his own brother always been this bold? "What''s there to be afraid of? He''s spent so much of my White Jade, what''s wrong with saying a few words about him?" Lei Hong huffed with a disgruntled face, "Besides, we''re at the stern here, he''s too far away to hear us." As soon as the words fell. Boom, boom, boom... A series of dull thunderous sounds suddenly exploded in their ears, and outside in the courtyard, flashes of lightning flickered. Lei Hong instantly stiffened, too frightened to move. Did that dog of a Daoist have such sharp ears? Could he really hear them from so far away? After regaining his senses for a while, Lei Hong cautiously stepped out of the room. Then he saw seven or eight robust men in gray short clothes, lying askew on the ground around the courtyard. "These people..." Lei Hong''s face changed. "It seems someone has taken a fancy to your White Jade Money," Lei Cheng said with a calm expression. "They even dare to rob me?" Lei Hong couldn''t help but admire the robbers'' audacity. "They don''t know I''m following you," Lei Cheng said unconcernedly. Chen Mu, impersonating Lei Cheng, the real Lei Cheng naturally had to hide his face. These robbers, blinded by greed, saw that Lei Hong was accompanied by only one attendant and thought he would be easy to deal with, so they dared to show themselves. "The repeated attempts at sailing have failed, and the crew is restless; if we keep dragging this out, I fear a great chaos will ensue," Lei Hong said with a worried face. At that moment, seven or eight wisps of black smoke appeared out of thin air, swiftly enveloping the seven or eight strong men who were down. After a few short screams, both the black smoke and the robust men completely vanished from sight. "You see, chaos can''t arise," Lei Cheng said flatly, pointing to the ground that now bore only charred human-shaped marks. With the power to poke Huang Jian to death with a finger, it was natural he could also poke himself to death. That mysterious Daoist called Gongsun Sheng must be at a higher cultivation stage than himself. With his ability to monitor the entire Water Avoidance Shuttle with a Secret Technique, no one could think of causing trouble. Lei Hong looked on in shock, cold sweat involuntarily breaking out on his back. It was fortunate that he had only mildly complained earlier and hadn''t spoken too harshly. Otherwise... Looking down at the charred marks on the ground, he shivered with cold. Buzz! A familiar buzzing sound suddenly arose. The long-missing Kui Niu Drum, supported by rolling black smoke, once again materialized in the air above the Water Avoidance Shuttle. In the next moment, the Water Avoidance Shuttle swiftly broke away from the Tongtian River with a series of faint buzzes and moved forward steadily. "Is this... it worked?" Lei Hong looked at his second brother incredulously. Lei Cheng carefully felt the state of the Water Avoidance Shuttle, and after a while, he solemnly nodded, "Indeed, it has worked." But this method... Was it not too bizarre? He stared at the Kui Niu Drum, surrounded by billowing black smoke and an eerie Ghostly Qi, speechless. It reminded him of the black smoke that had devoured those sturdy men. Thunder Law, an Investigative Secret Technique like the Ear of the Wind, along with this sinister black smoke Secret Technique. Just thinking about Mr. Gongsun''s methods sent chills down one''s spine. ... Inside the secret chamber of the dojo. Chen Mu''s face was alight with joy: "Taking the Mountain-Carrying Scripture route was indeed the correct choice." This Secret Technique was derived from the Netherworld, modeled after the Soul Summoning Banner, and it was a wonderful method capable of gathering the Yin Spirit Divine Power. Given that Yin Spirits were essentially Ghosts, if one could gather Yin Spirit Power, it logically followed that one could also link the Ghosts together. And in Chen Mu''s Five Ghosts Bag, there happened to be three to four thousand Ghosts. "Half stay in the bag to foster Primordial Energy, and half are released to activate the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, the best of both worlds!" Chen Mu thought, chuckling to himself. He controlled the Water Avoidance Shuttle''s flight for a while, testing each Forbidden Law to ensure he could fully manipulate it, and finally felt completely at ease. "With the Water Avoidance Shuttle functioning normally again, I must find a way to return to the Goose Sheep Path fleet." Chen Mu, though not completely ignorant about how to cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, was still mostly in the dark. The Goose Sheep Path was different; the entire sect had been preparing for many years and must have a well-thought-out plan. "Let''s just hope the damage to the fleet isn''t too severe." He fretted inwardly. He had yet to discern the full details of the monster with big eyes he encountered last time, and the memory still unsettled him. "Sect Master Qiu Jinwu has been at Dao Foundation Perfection for many years; his strength ranks within the top three in Yunzhou." "With his methods, he must... should... erm, most likely be able to protect the core of the fleet from scattering... right?" Recalling the scene when he was intimidated by the big-eyed creature''s Qi, Chen Mu suddenly began to feel unsure. Chapter 608 596 Renovation "The Kui Niu Drum is damaged; we can''t contact Sect Master Qiu." "We need to hurry to the Heavenly River Water Mansion if we want to rejoin the fleet," Lei Cheng said earnestly within the secret chamber of the Water Avoidance Shuttle dojo. Heavenly River Water Mansion? "Which Heavenly River Water Mansion?" Chen Mu was startledthere was more than one Water Mansion along the vast Tongtian River. "The one outside the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains in the Hai sector," Lei Cheng said. "To get to Hai Province, we must cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." "The Sect Master plans to borrow the Loach Dragon Fire Path to traverse deep underground." "And the entrance to the Fire Path is right in the Hai sector Heavenly River Water Mansion." Chen Mu suddenly understood. Then, Lei Cheng took out a fist-sized hollow bronze sphere from the Mustard Seed Talisman. Inside its center, three nested rings rotated and floated. "This is the Tianhe Compass; it uses the Heavenly River Water Mansion as a pivot, aligning with the celestial stars." "As long as we are within the Tongtian River, it can guide us to the location of the Heavenly River Water Mansion." What a treasure! Chen Mu was delighted, taking the Tianhe Compass and letting out a sigh of relief. Before, they had been suddenly attacked, and the Water Avoidance Shuttle had been thrown far away; they had no idea where they currently were. With the guidance of the Tianhe Compass, navigating would no longer be an issue. "Make sure to keep an eye on those troublemakers from before," Chen Mu instructed. "The ship repairs have delayed us too long. To catch up with the Goose Sheep fleet, we''ll have to move at full speed and can''t allow those people to cause more chaos." "Don''t worry, they won''t have the chance," Lei Cheng replied with a calm face. All dealt with? Hiss... It has to be you natives who slash ruthlessly. Before, he had thought to let the Water Avoidance Shuttle surface and drive those people away to fend for themselves. Who would have thought that this simple-faced, stocky man would go straight for the root of the problem? ... Early morning. Fog lingered over the Tongtian River, and a gentle breeze carried a small black canopy boat through the mist. The boat floated quietly on the surface, like a reef in the water, remaining immovable despite the rippling waves. In front of the boat, there was a low square table with an ancient bronze Incense Burner sitting in the center. Wisps of blue smoke rose from the Incense Burner, gathering without dispersing, swirling slowly above the table as if alive. Lin Su, dressed in a grey robe, sat cross-legged behind the low table, lost in thoughts as he stared into the distance. "Looking for a sunken ship on the vast Tongtian River is like finding a needle in the ocean," complained Dantai Zong, who was dressed in black leather armor behind Lin Su. "It has to be that old ghost from the Jin Family meddling again. Jin Er has been dead for so many years, yet he still can''t let it go," Dantai Zong grumbled angrily. "We still have to search, no matter how hard. We''re at the mercy of a family with a Great General," Lin Su said with a chuckle, seemingly unconcerned. "You''re not angry at all? He''s been tripping us up for years," Dantai Zong didn''t understand. "It''s fine; we''ll just have to go back later," Lin Su said with a smirk, lifting his right hand to his face and suddenly making his entire palm disappear as if entering a void. "Entering the Spirit Void?!" "Young Master, you''ve mastered the Underworld God Twelve Transformations?!" Dantai Zong exclaimed joyously. "I just touched upon the method this morning; I''m still a little short," Lin Su said with a smile as he withdrew his hand. "After completing this mission and trading for some millet wine at the Lock Dragon Courtyard, I will almost certainly succeed." "Congratulations, Young Master!" Dantai Zong was still visibly overjoyed. The Jin Family dared to repeatedly cause trouble for them because they had a Great General like Jin Wuxia, who had mastered the Underworld God Twelve Transformations. As long as Lin Su achieved the same, they could retaliate with full legitimacy. Just then, the slowly drifting smoke suddenly spread out, forming a smoky screen. A damaged Water Avoidance Shuttle with many dents and breaks appeared clearly in the cloud of smoke. They even saw a black-robed Taoist crouching on the surface of the Water Avoidance Shuttle, looking around cluelessly. "Another one discovered, rushing to deliver Military Merit to the Young Master," Dantai Zong said gleefully. Lin Su couldn''t help but chuckle softly: "Indeed, good fortune comes in pairs." "Shall we make our move?" Dantai Zong eagerly asked. "Make our move!" Lin Su immediately nodded. ... Underneath the waters of the Tongtian River, all was pitch black. Chen Mu, with a huge bubble of air on his head, crouched on the surface of the Water Avoidance Shuttle, looking around blankly. "There don''t seem to be any monsters or exotic beasts around?" Chen Mu''s ears moved slightly as he kept probing his surroundings with the Truthful Listening Technique. "Why do I feel like someone is watching me?" Despite using the Truthful Listening Technique repeatedly to scan his surroundings, he still came up empty. "Forget it, focus on the task at hand first." After searching around, Chen Mu pulled out a fist-sized gray stone. He pressed the stone against the rough, dark-green shell of the turtle. At the same time, a thread of mana penetrated into the exterior of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. The hard turtle shell instantly melted like clay, swallowing the gray stone within it. Then he repeated the process, his figure flickering constantly, countless gray stones were inserted into the hull of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. After a while, watching the last piece of the Extinguishing Breath Stone merge into the Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu revealed a satisfied smile. "With the Extinguishing Breath Stones hiding it, the Water Avoiding Shuttle has no aura at all. As long as it doesn''t make too much commotion, even the Big Demons that can Open Meridians will have a hard time discovering its trace." Chen Mu felt at ease. Several days had passed since the Water Avoiding Shuttle embarked on its journey. Traveling stealthily underwater, we frequently encountered a variety of curious monsters and exotic beasts. If it weren''t for his Truthful Listening Technique, which allowed him to detect and avoid them in advance, he might have ended up in the belly of a fish. Even so, the many course corrections made it impossible for the Water Avoiding Shuttle to sail at full speed. Therefore, Chen Mu began to ponder the Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction Method again. With a real object to reference, and the assistance of Lei Cheng, a Qi Cultivator who had once overseen the construction of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the proficiency of the Artifact Refining Technique for constructing the shuttle improved rapidly. With a thought, the Gray Wall appeared. Artifact Refining Technique (Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction): Limit; "If I had materials and a team of Artifact Refiners, I could direct them to craft a Water Avoiding Shuttle too," Chen Mu thought gleefully. This secret technique might not have allowed Chen Mu to master all the Forbidden Laws on the Water Avoiding Shuttle, but it did let him master how these Forbidden Laws should be arranged. It was precisely this mastery that allowed him to find the gaps and insert the Extinguishing Breath Stones. It served to mask the aura of the Water Avoiding Shuttle and without impacting the functioning of the Forbidden Laws. "Now, I can travel at full speed without worries." He was reveling in his thoughts when the Water Avoiding Shuttle suddenly shook violently. It was as if an invisible rope had dragged it, causing the front of the shuttle to tilt abruptly and plunge deeper into the water. Chen Mu was shocked. Just as he was about to employ the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to help the shuttle break free, that force disappeared abruptly. The Water Avoiding Shuttle regained balance and continued its journey forward. "What''s going on?" Chen Mu was perplexed. He deployed the Truthful Listening Technique, but nothing unusual seemed to have occurred nearby, only a wisp of cold aura was fading slowly. "No, I need to max out the Truthful Listening Technique quickly." "The Tongtian River is unpredictable, and it''s frightening not being able to see what''s around." Chen Mu took a deep look toward the direction where the cold aura had vanished and turned to step back into the Water Avoiding Shuttle. ... On the dark covered boat. Dantai Zong''s face flushed red. "Something''s not right, that turtle shell''s energy was clearly captured." "And my Crossing the Netherworld had been deployed too, how could it escape?" Lin Su frowned tightly as she stared at the smoky veil before her. She saw the aqua-gray Water Avoiding Shuttle just wobbling a bit before calming down. Before she could understand, she saw the black-robed Taoist standing on the turtle shell suddenly look up. He glanced through the smoky veil at her and then turned to vanish. At the same time, the once clearly visible Water Avoiding Shuttle quickly became shrouded in mist and disappeared from the smoky veil in an instant. "Can that Taoist see us?!" Dantai Zong exclaimed with a shocked expression, "And he broke the Lock Dragon Courtyard''s Thousand-Mile Sky-Watching Fog?" "A starving camel is bigger than a horse; a Qi Cultivator from the Goose Sheep Path really has some tricks," he couldn''t help but sigh and shake his head. "Military Merit that was within grasp just slipped away; such a pity." Dantai Zong clenched his fist in regret. However, Lin Su looked very solemn. "Young Master?" "Didn''t you notice that Taoist looks somewhat familiar?" Lin Su''s face was filled with surprise and uncertainty. "Who?" Dantai Zong scratched his head in confusion. "Gan River Valley, Thousand Lanterns City, Gongsun Sheng!" "A man who should have fallen into the Netherworld!" He was supposed to have fallen into the Netherworld, yet how could he appear again? Lin Su''s expression grew even more grave. Chapter 609 597: Divine Skills In section B of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu''s original second floor was dismantled and replaced by a tent the size of a bedroom with a pointed roof. A rocking chair was placed at the tent entrance, with Chen Mu holding a brown wooden cup, gently swaying in the chair. "It seems Brother Li is enjoying a leisurely life," Lei Hong, lying in another rocking chair nearby, said enviously. "I am like a cloud or a wild cranenaturally idle. I can''t compare to the great manager Lei, who controls the resource allocation within the Water Avoiding Shuttle and holds high authority and command," Chen Mu responded with a smile. "High authority my foot, I''m just a runner; there''s no glory in that," Lei Hong retorted, looking up at the billowing black smoke of the Kui Niu Drum in the sky, shaking his head with a wry smile. With one''s fate in the hands of a mysterious Taoist, how can there be any glory? "I''m here to bring you some Exotic Beast Meat," Lei Hong said, taking out a Mustard Seed Talisman and handing it to Chen Mu. "For free?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "That generous?" "Of course!" Lei Hong declared earnestly, "Just a bit of Exotic Beast Meat, it''s nothing compared to the bond we share through thick and thin." "Now that the Water Avoiding Shuttle is completely repaired, we can use the Forbidden Law to hunt and kill underwater exotic beasts, and the meat is very fresh." "If you like the taste, just let me know, and I''ll continue to bring you more," he said casually waving his hand. "Still free?" "That wouldn''t be possible, heh heh..." Damn you! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. No wonder this short fatty was willing to give away Exotic Beast Meat for freeit was just a sample to lure me into spending more White Jade. Nice strategy, but unfortunately, he targeted the wrong person. Chen Mu looked at Lei Hong with a smirk. Currently, the operations of the Water Avoiding Shuttle were still controlled by Lei Cheng, but any such operation had to be assisted by Chen Mu, acting like a human Kui Niu Drum. Naturally, the operations to hunt exotic beasts were also included. During the hunting, even before the Hunting Team went out to catch, Chen Mu would already intercept half of the beasts using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. "Once I''ve used up the Exotic Beast Meat I have, I''ll come over to buy some," Chen Mu said cheerfully. "Is that a promise?" Lei Hong''s eyes brightened. "A promise!" Chen Mu glanced at the small mountains of various fish and shrimp stacked in the Five Ghosts Bag and nodded with a smile. "How come Brother Li seems a few years younger?" Lei Hong asked suspiciously after discussing the official matter. "Early to bed and early to rise, worry-free, naturally keeps one young," Chen Mu deadpanned. "Really?" Lei Hong was skeptical. "Of course," Chen Mu continued to bluff happily. Why younger? That''s definitely because his Cultivation Level had increased once again. Over the past month, although he was busy repairing the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the refining of his Divine Orifice never stopped. At the moment, the Divine Orifice Talismans in the outer five layers of the Jade Seed were all rotating in reverse. Mana was refined, Spirituality increased, and his body subtly revitalized, slowly exuding vitality from deep within, making his face appear noticeably younger. ... After seeing off Lei Hong, Chen Mu stepped out of the Gray Wall to check. Truthful Listening Technique: 9769/10000/Ninth Rank; "In another two or three days, this Secret Technique should advance. Then, I can detect underwater currents earlier and more extensively." Since installing the Extinguishing Breath Stone in the Water Avoiding Shuttle, no exotic beasts had actively sought them out. Yet while the menace of Exotic Beasts and Monsters was avoided, the underwater currents couldn''t be. These currents always appeared abruptly, disrupting the navigation of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. If not for the Mountain-Carrying Scripture borrowing the power of Ghosts, they would have been dragged deeper several times. "No wonder everyone says the depths of the Tongtian River are mysterious and unfathomable," Chen Mu exclaimed. "Being reactive all the time won''t do," he squinted. He had noticed that whenever the currents appeared, a faint cold aura lingered. Unfortunately, by the time he detected it with the Truthful Listening Technique, the currents had already formed. "With one higher rank, the Truthful Listening Technique will be more sensitive, perhaps allowing me to detect and circumvent them in time." Having made up his mind, Chen Mu began to constantly use Truthful Listening to increase his Proficiency. Mana surged, Exotic Force generated, invisible waves spread out, bringing sounds from within a twenty-mile radius directly to his ears, forming a detailed gray image in his mind. ... Above the Tongtian River, a black canopy boat moved smoothly and swiftly, leaving a straight trail of water waves in its wake. Lin Su sat behind a see-through square table, guarding a Bronze Incense Burner on the table. Accompanied by a subtle sound of water waves, the figure of Dantai Zong appeared in the cabin. "Young Master, mission accomplished, the Soul-Searching Disc has been brought from the nearest Lock Dragon Courtyard," he saluted with his fists and then took out a palm-sized circular piece of green jade from the side pouch and presented it with both hands to Lin Su. "Good," Lin Su''s face relaxed into a smile: "With the Soul-Searching Disc combined with the ''Thousand Mile Sky Fog,'' this Gongsun Sheng will surely have nowhere to hide." He placed the green Soul-Searching Disc in front of the Incense Burner, and the slowly swirling smoke suddenly trembled, then expanded in a flash, turning into a smoke sphere with a diameter of one meter. The next moment, a green light flickered within the cloud of smoke. Through the thin mist, a semi-transparent projection of a Water Avoiding Shuttle appeared within the smoke. But the light and shadow flickered in and out of existence, like a poorly received signal, ready to dissipate at any moment. "It seems Gongsun Sheng knew some kind of concealing Secret Technique, no wonder he had previously eluded the wide-ranging Heavenly View Mist," Lin Su realized. "Young Master?" Dantai Zong was eager to try. "Take action!" "Alright!" Dantai Zong immediately placed his hands together, deploying the Crossing the Netherworld Secret Technique. But just as he began to draw upon the power of the River of Oblivion, the Water Avoiding Shuttle within the smoke abruptly changed direction. A large surge of water burst from its rear, and with the shuttle''s turtle shell-like body tilted, it skimmed through a huge arc, brushing past the range of the Crossing the Netherworld Secret Technique, and with a swoosh, plunged deep into the Tongtian River. The shadows within the Heavenly View Mist flickered off at once, and the Water Avoiding Shuttle, which had been intermittently visible, completely disappeared without a trace. "Escaped again?" Dantai Zong looked surprised. "This is troublesome..." Lin Su shook her head helplessly. The opponent''s technique for concealing their aura was tricky, the Soul-Searching Disc, used in conjunction with the Heavenly View Mist, could only capture faint traces. Additionally, the opponent seemed to have some Investigative Secret Technique that could detect the Crossing the Netherworld Secret Technique. "So, should we..." Dantai Zong hesitated in asking. "Withdraw." After pondering for a moment, Lin Su spoke. "This person was capable of killing Jin Er back then; now he is even more trouble. If he traces us back from clues, a fierce battle would be unavoidable." "The priority now is to accumulate Military Merit, so I can perfect the Underworld God Twelve Transformations as soon as possible. There are so many Water Avoiding Shuttles scattered on the riverbed, we won''t miss this one." Dantai Zong felt relieved. He had been worried that his young master was obsessing over a past failure, jeopardizing current opportunities. Now, it seemed, his young master was still clear-headed. "Young Master is wise." He bowed and complied with the command. ... The waters beneath the Tongtian River continued as ever, dark and devoid of light. The Water Avoiding Shuttle moved forward silently, like a lifeless rock through the water. "Why not navigate on the surface?" Chen Mu asked Lei Cheng. "Afraid of monsters." "Are there monsters on the water?" Chen Mu was surprised. "There are more above than below," Lei Cheng candidly replied. "This depth was personally selected by the Sect Master; moving a bit higher or lower would likely draw us into danger." Chen Mu couldn''t help thinking of the eerily quiet riverbed they had passed before. Although they hadn''t encountered any dangers eventually, it didn''t mean it was safe. "Those undercurrents, do you know what they are?" "I don''t know." Lei Cheng shook his head. "The scholars from Goose Sheep Path never mentioned them," he added, puzzled. The Goose Sheep Path had provided training drills for the ship''s captains, detailing all the potential dangers that might be encountered in the Tongtian River. However, those bizarre undercurrents were never mentioned. "The Tongtian River is unpredictable; could be a newly formed feature," Lei Hong, who had been listening in, speculated. "You see, it''s gone now, which means we''ve passed that area." "Perhaps." Chen Mu nodded slightly. Fortunately, the advancement of the Truthful Listening Technique was successful, capturing the cold aura before an undercurrent appeared, and they had avoided it before with this technique. With a thought, the Gray Wall appeared. Truthful Listening Technique: Limit; "I''ve finally maxed it out," Chen Mu felt quite gratified. He had been practicing this Secret Technique for over ten years. After the initial stages, he hadn''t put much specific effort into it. Reaching the limit was mostly due to the cumulative experience from daily use. Now that the Truthful Listening Technique was perfected, the Secret Technique was transformed. Its active detection range remained twenty li, but its passive detection expanded to ten li. More importantly, the perfected Truthful Listening Technique gained a special ability akin to Divine Skills. "Can I listen wherever my mana exists?" Intrigued, Chen Mu stepped out of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, raising his hand to release a Vermilion Feather Sword. The palm-sized crimson Magic Sword whizzed past the Water Avoiding Shuttle, swiftly covering over thirty li. Then, centered on the Vermilion Feather Sword, all movements within ten li were detected by it and instantly transmitted back to Chen Mu''s mind via a mysterious method. Is it like having a Truthful Listening receiver wherever my mana is? Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Not bad." Chapter 610 598: Arrival Deep within the Tongtian River, two large Exotic Beasts were fighting against each other. One was a purple serpent, tens of meters long, crowned with numerous sharp horns. The other was a similarly sized black fish, covered in inky scales and filled with sharp teeth. The two fierce beasts continuously bit and collided with each other, stirring up swirling undercurrents in the depths. After a long struggle, the purple serpent could no longer hold on. It swatted the black fish away with its tail, taking advantage of the moment the fish adjusted its direction to swiftly burrow deeper into the water. The black fish did not continue the chase. After realizing what happened, it swam around in circles a couple of times before quickly departing. Somewhere underwater, the heavily injured purple serpent coiled itself into a circle, floating in the water. It concealed its aura, appearing like a lifeless stone, quietly recovering. However, it was soon startled awake by an underwater current. Upon opening its eyes, it saw a giant turtle shell, two to three times bigger than itself, appearing nearby. Just as the serpent thought of escaping, it was entangled in a circle of Thunder Net, and its body, already severely wounded, struggled a few times before completely losing vitality, becoming rigid and motionless. More than ten Qi Cultivators, each surrounded by a bubble of water-avoidance, flew out of the turtle shell and skillfully applied secret techniques to bind the corpse of the serpent. "Strange." "How so?" "We keep encountering lone exotic beasts recentlyeither injured or weak. Very odd," a Qi Cultivator voiced his confusion. "Rather, it should be said as divine skills at play," another shook his head. "There must be an expert on the Water Avoiding Shuttle capable of detecting such creatures from a great distance." "I see, indeed a marvelous divine skill." While chatting, they worked together to pull the serpent into the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Not far away, a red figure with a stream of bright red light, breaking through the flowing waters, swiftly surpassed the Water Avoiding Shuttle and disappeared into the deep waters. ... "Truth Listening Divine Power has infinite mystical uses." "It''s just that the Vermilion Feather Sword isn''t quite sufficient." Chen Mu lay on the rocking chair at the doorway, touching the Red Gourd on the nearby square table and shook his head sadly. Truthful Listening Technique achieved perfection, manifesting a special divine skill. As long as his mana existed somewhere, he could listen to the movements within ten miles of that location. Under the control of the Mechanical Technique, even if it flew hundreds of miles away, the mana-imbued Vermilion Feather Sword could still be manipulated with ease. The combination of the two resulted in the remarkable use of the Truth Listening Divine Power. Chen Mu only needed to sit motionless inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Any motion within hundreds of miles could be easily detected through the Vermilion Feather Sword. Those either injured or weak lone exotic beasts were thus located and found. "If there were more swords, sent out in all directions... tsk tsk..." With a thought, a gray wall appeared, and Chen Mu looked at one of the entries. Mechanical Technique: 2055/10000/Sixth Rank; This secret technique, driven by the Mechanical Talisman Seed, had progressed to the Sixth Rank shortly after leaving Goose Sheep Mountain. The Mechanical Talisman Seed increased to nine pieces, allowing control of nine Vermilion Feather Swords. It was unfortunate that the materials he had previously purchased were now replenished, leaving him with only three swords at his disposal. "Can''t waste the Truth Listening Divine Power." "I need to get some Gold Essence from Lei Hong." "That plump fellow is in charge of the inner treasury of the Water Avoiding Shuttle; getting him to move some out for sale should be easy, heh..." Chen Mu decided he would find Lei Hong later. Then he continued to gaze at the secret techniques on the gray wall. "Who exactly did the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers dig up in the past?" The Truthful Listening Technique and Mechanism Manipulation Technique, both originated from the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers. According to Lu Ku, these secret techniques, along with the United Heart Rope, were all excavated from the same tomb. Over the past decade, Chen Mu''s strength had continuously improved, and these secret techniques obtained early on astonishingly kept pace. Moreover, as his experience grew, they became even more profound. "Truthful Listening Technique now has Truth Listening Divine Power." "Mechanical Technique controls Flying Swords effortlessly, hundreds of miles away." "Giant Spirit Divine can still provide several times the strength enhancement." "Could the other secret techniques also each have their special uses?" Chen Mu picked out all the secret techniques possessed by the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers, studying them with interest. Truthful Listening Technique: Limit; Giant Spirit Divine: 4906/10000/Seventh Rank; Mechanical Technique: 2055/10000/Sixth Rank; Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 8475/10000/Fourth Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 6345/10000/Third Rank; Ten Directions Hand: 3/10000/First Rank; Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: Limit; Now with Divine Orifice Refinement automatically progressing, and mastering one level of the River Chariot offering a clear path, he had plenty of spare time. Chen Mu wanted to choose a new secret technique to rotate with the cultivation of the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. "Perhaps I could add Heavenly Demon Armor Technique." "Just from the name, it''s a Defensive Secret Method. If trained to a profound level, it might possess extraordinary effects." "Too bad the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers have been captured. Otherwise, with their experience assisting, I wouldn''t need to train myself; just copy and paste would do." Chen Mu shook his head regretfully. "Shang Huan and Lu Ku... most likely have already been buried underground by now." The people who captured them were Underworld God Transformation Warriors, who captured Qi Cultivators to bury them underground as pulse points for the City God Dojo. "I need to continue cultivating," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "I certainly don''t want to end up in such a situation one day." ... Below the water, there were no sun or moon, and if it weren''t for the fluorescent algae dimming and brightening with time, no one would have been able to sense the passage of time. After a smooth month of sailing, Chen Mu once again transformed into Gongsun Sheng and appeared in the secret chamber. "Are we close?" "At most three days," Lei Cheng carefully inspected the Tianhe Compass floating in the middle of the secret chamber before speaking. "Can we find the Goose Sheep fleet?" "Most likely." "Hmm... even if we can''t, we can try to cross the Loach Dragon Fire Path on our own," Lei Cheng added after a moment''s thought. Chen Mu nodded slightly. The clouds in Yunzhou were treacherously unpredictable; he was definitely leaving. "If we manage to return to the fleet smoothly, do you know what to say?" Chen Mu looked towards the brothers, Lei Cheng and Lei Hong. "We will certainly not expose Mr. Gongsun," Lei Hong immediately clasped his fists, his face full of earnest promise. It sounded good, but I didn''t believe it; this chubby man was too slippery. Chen Mu turned to Lei Cheng. "The Kui Niu Drum will need to be recreated for camouflage." "You also have to remove the Secret Techniques you set up to mask our qi." Chen Mu nodded in approval. See, checking for leaks and trying hard to disguise, that''s how a serious person handles things. "You may try telling my information to Qiu Jinwu," Chen Mu coaxed them with a smile. "We dare not!" The brothers tensed up, shaking their heads together. "Willing?" "Wholeheartedly!" Lei Hong nodded energetically. Lei Cheng did not speak, but solemnly bowed with a clasped fist. Chen Mu was noncommittal, giving the brothers a look that was both smiling and not. Then, he quietly activated the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect, as the aura of a Divine Demon Monster flickered teasingly. The brothers immediately tensed up, involuntarily shivering with a trace of uncontrollable fear appearing in their eyes. Chen Mu''s lips slightly curled, and he transformed into a Gentle Breeze, disappearing silently from their sight. ... "That''s all I can do for now..." Within the small courtyard at the tail end of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu revealed his form. He didn''t want to scare the brothers, but he had to do it for his own safety. "The Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon doesn''t work well," Chen Mu couldn''t help but complain. After so many years, the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed split from the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body was still as fragile as ever, unable to parasitize Qi Cultivators. "If only there were Ghosts or some Three Yin Slaying Demon technique in the brothers'' bodies." Then he could implant Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds in them to prevent the brothers from rebelling. "Take it one step at a time, and keep an eye on them using the Truthful Listening Technique." "It doesn''t matter if I''m exposed." "With my current cultivation, even if facing Sect Master Qiu Jinwu, not too hard to escape... perhaps?" "Ah... tough..." Chen Mu shook his head and stopped pondering, then released the Five Ghosts Black Smoke with a wave of his hand. The smoke flew over the courtyard wall and entered the nearby Exotic Beast Decomposition Site. There, a small mountain of freshly piled Exotic Beast Meat, the catch of the hunting team, lay. As the smoke swept past, the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain technique was employed, and the mountain-like Exotic Beast Meat was transferred into the Five Ghosts Bag. Originally, Ghosts didn''t need feeding, but ever since Chen Mu commanded them with the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to assist in the manipulation of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, they developed a need to eat. Fortunately, feeding them wasn''t problematic, as long as it was Exotic Beast Meat rich in blood essence. "So, Ghosts actually do need food," Chen Mu thoughtfully noted. "What had it been eating before in the Five Ghosts Bag?" "Just starving?" "That can''t be right, can it?" "Amazing..." ... Three days later. The Water Avoiding Shuttle, controlled by Lei Cheng, began to dive. Before long, a vast fluorescent glow lit up, and a huge stone mountain, shaped like an inverted bowl, appeared at the bottom of the water. The stone mountain covered a vast area, comparable to a bustling city. Vegetation that seemed ancient grew on its surface, and the surrounding fluorescent algae flickered, lighting up the underwater world brightly. "Here we are at the Haizi Heavenly River Water Mansion." Chapter 611 - 599 Disguise Buzz, buzz, buzz... In the secret chamber of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the floating Tianhe Compass vibrated continuously. Chen Mu tilted his ear to listen carefully for a while, then let out a breath, "We have finally caught up." The regular vibrations of the Tianhe Compass were the transmission of a secret technique from the Goose Sheep Path. Not long after the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle arrived at the outskirts of the Heavenly River Water Mansion, the Tianhe Compass had received the residual information from this secret technique. The transmission revealed that the Goose Sheep Path fleet had arrived early at the Heavenly River Water Mansion and would wait for one month. The receiving Water Avoiding Shuttle only needed to enter the Loach Dragon Fire Path on its own for the rendezvous. "Shall we set off now?" Lei Hong proposed excitedly, "More than twenty days ago, the Sect Master had already led the fleet into the Loach Dragon Fire Path. If we go late, we might miss the departure time." "No rush," Chen Mu shook his head. "There are still many days left until the one-month deadline; we have time." "Moreover, our Water Avoiding Shuttle needs some disguise and modification," Chen Mu squinted his eyes. Without modification, it wouldn''t be easy to hide one''s traces. ... Chen Mu was swift to act, keeping the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle suspended far away at the edge of the Heavenly River Water Mansion''s periphery and immediately began modifications. He first removed the various Extinguishing Breath Stones scattered around. These things were too powerful at concealing one''s presence, easily noticeable by outsiders as being out of place. Then, he climbed up and down to transform the Forbidden Laws of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Being proficient in the Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction Method, he knew the locations of all the cores. Within just one day, the modifications he had envisioned were completed one by one. Late at night, inside the secret chamber of the dojo. Chen Mu handed Lei Cheng a Jade Tablet, full of intricate Xie Script, "This is the new Dharma for maneuvering the Water Avoiding Shuttle. You''ll have to practice a few rounds according to this method." After carefully reading the Jade Tablet for a moment, Lei Cheng''s face showed hesitation, "Operating like this, is it possible that..." "Yes, these maneuvers will damage the Water Avoiding Shuttle," Chen Mu nodded. "But given your prowess in the Thunder Law, if you really can maneuver the Water Avoiding Shuttle here, it should indeed sustain similar damage." With the Kui Niu Drum destroyed, to control the Water Avoiding Shuttle, one could only rely on the abilities of a Qi Cultivator themselves. Chen Mu had the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll and the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, allowing him to transform into a humanoid Kui Niu Drum and maneuver the Water Avoiding Shuttle effortlessly, but Lei Cheng could not. The content recorded on the Jade Tablet was a unique method devised by Chen Mu after spending half a month utilizing his Perfection Level Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction Artifact Refining Technique, in combination with the degree of damage to the Kui Niu Drum. By implementing this method, Lei Cheng could forcefully activate the Forbidden Laws of the Water Avoiding Shuttle to achieve the ability to maneuver it, but the Forbidden Laws would suffer substantial damage. Chen Mu''s modifications inside and out that day were aimed at deliberately damaging the Forbidden Laws, creating similar traces of damage. Consequently, Lei Cheng''s arrival at the Heavenly River Water Mansion in a damaged Water Avoiding Shuttle would seem more reasonable. And it would also perfectly conceal the trace of his existence as a humanoid Kui Niu Drum. ... Two days later. Directly south of the Heavenly River Water Mansion, the enormous gateway to the Water Mansion looked like a slice of heaven. The walls on both sides were smooth and straight, resembling precipitous cliffs. A Water Avoiding Shuttle, sometimes sparking with lightning, resembling a malfunctioning machine on the verge of a short circuit, was slowly drifting into the Water Mansion. It didn''t take long for the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle to pass through the gateway and enter the interior of the Water Mansion. In dim light, a vast city, seemingly endless at first glance, appeared before everyone''s eyes. Lit by the faint glow of luminescent algae, wide streets, neat buildings, and columns reaching the top, similar to skyscrapers of a bygone era, came into view one by one. But this grand Water Mansion was now flooded with river water, and there was no one around. "Is this really the Heavenly River Water Mansion?" "Where is the water-repelling Forbidden Law?" "The Heavenly River Water Mansion has been around for hundreds of years, and now it''s also been flooded..." "Indeed, there has been a great change in Yunzhou..." The scene before them caused the people inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle to change their expressions. Even though they had already learned about the situation inside the Water Mansion through the Vermilion Feather Sword''s investigation, seeing the completely submerged Heavenly River Water Mansion with their own eyes, Chen Mu still couldn''t help feeling a chill in his heart. This was the second submerged Heavenly River Water Mansion he knew of. For the previous Water Mansion collapse, he had only heard about it through others. But this one, he saw with his own eyes. "Yunzhou really is no place to stay anymore." At the center of the Water Mansion, there was a pit like a sky well, huge and bottomless. The entrance to the Loach Dragon Fire Path lay within it. At this moment, the pit was already filled with river water, and countless bubbles kept emerging, with a faint red light visible at the bottom. "It is said that thousands of years ago, a certain master of the Heavenly River Water Mansion wanted to use the geothermal heat to cultivate the Loach Eel Transformation Dragon Scripture, so he drilled down from the center of the Water Mansion." "While searching for a suitable environment and cultivating, once he attained his black dragon True Form and burst through the ground, he found that he had crossed the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains." "Since then, this Loach Dragon Fire Path has existed." As the Water Avoiding Shuttle slowly sank, Lei Hong enthusiastically explained the related legends to Chen Mu. "Have you thought about how you''re going to deal with your family''s ancestor?" Chen Mu looked at Lei Cheng. "I''ve thought about it." Lei Cheng nodded. "Then keep this stone with you." Chen Mu handed Lei Cheng a palm-sized gray stone. It was the Extinguishing Breath Stone retrieved from the Water Avoiding Shuttle, inside which he had stuffed a Vermilion Feather Sword. As long as Lei Cheng kept this Magic Sword on him, Chen Mu could monitor his surroundings at all times with the Truthful Listening Technique. "All the Extinguishing Breath Stones have been removed, and the Water Avoiding Shuttle has also been modified to appear battle-damaged." "The people inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle have been kept in the dark about my existence. The Lei brothers, who are making contact with the Elder High Cultivator from the Goose Sheep Path, were also intimidated in advance." Chen Mu recalled all the recent arrangements one by one, feeling more and more relaxed and at peace. "As long as there are no mishaps when Lei Cheng and the Goose Sheep Path Elder meet, I will definitely not be discovered!" "There is a Condensing Aperture Wild Cultivator hidden on your ship," Qiu Jinwu stated calmly, looking at Lei Cheng. Chen Mu: "..." What? I''ve been exposed?! We''ve just met, and we haven''t even spoken, how can it be exposed already?! Watching the scene transmitted back by the Truth Listening Divine Power, Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. He had originally thought that the person in contact with Lei Cheng would be the Lei Family ancestor, but to his surprise, Sect Master Qiu Jinwu himself showed up. What was even more unexpected was that merely upon meeting, Qiu Jinwu was certain that a Condensing Aperture Qi Cultivator was hidden inside the Ping Ning. "A Condensing Aperture Wild Cultivator? I don''t think so," Lei Cheng responded dumbfoundedly, with a simple and honest look on his face. "No?" Qiu Jinwu frowned. "Without a Condensing Aperture Qi Cultivator''s help, can you operate the Water Avoiding Shuttle?" "It''s indeed troublesome; because of improper operation, the Water Avoiding Shuttle nearly fell apart." Lei Cheng began to explain with a look of embarrassment. From being ambushed to repairing the Water Avoiding Shuttle and finally forcefully stimulating the Forbidden Law to pilot it in a destructive manner. Lei Cheng explained methodically, neither too fast nor too slow, and honestly... bullshitting. He mixed the Artifact Manipulation Technique provided by Chen Mu into his real experience, and it was convincing enough that Qiu Jinwu nodded repeatedly. "I see," Qiu Jinwu said with sudden realization. They had somehow muddled through. Lei Cheng nodded in agreement. Chen Mu also let out a long sigh of relief. That moment just now really was a bluff, and fortunately, Lei Cheng responded smoothly and naturally. "That was tough on you," Qiu Jinwu sighed deeply. "It''s my duty, not tough at all," Lei Cheng replied solemnly with a bow. Through the Truth Listening Divine Power, Chen Mu watched with glee. The honest man could deceive so well, even the Daoist Foundation high man Qiu Jinwu couldn''t see Lei Cheng''s flaw. But before he could revel for long, he heard Qiu Jinwu praise, "It was tough on you to come up with such a convincing lie." Chen Mu: "..." "So, there really is a Condensing Aperture Wild Cultivator hidden inside the Ping Ning, right?" Qiu Jinwu asked with certainty, speaking calmly as he looked at Lei Cheng. Wait, how did you figure it out?! Weren''t you just suddenly enlightened and accepted Lei Cheng''s explanation? Why did you change your mind now?! This is bad! Chapter 612 - 600 Trim "If you''re willing to travel with us, then you''re our fellow traveler, and you must be treated well," Qiu Jinwu said with a beaming smile. Inside the Goose Sheep Path''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, Lei Cheng wore a confused expression. Inside the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu, who was spying through the Truthful Listening Divine Power, almost threw out his back at this abrupt turn. They were just at each other''s throats a moment ago, so how did they suddenly become allies? And now they were supposed to treat them well? "Haizhou is not like Yunzhou," Qiu Jinwu sighed deeply. "Here, we are part of the Yunzhou Seven Paths, but in Haizhou, we''re nothing." "To live well in Haizhou, we need to unite those from Yunzhou. For example, those families and sects that rely on us, and like-minded fellow travelers," Qiu Jinwu said earnestly. "The Goose Sheep Path needs more strength, so you must treat this fellow traveler well." "It would be best if you could persuade him to become a guest elder in our Goose Sheep Path," he instructed Lei Cheng in detail. Lei Cheng nodded in bewilderment. The incident with Mr. Gongsun hiding on the Ping Ning... was that it? "I won''t go meet that fellow traveler, lest he overthinks it." "But you must clearly convey my intentions and ensure that fellow traveler feels at ease on the Ping Ning," Qiu Jinwu said solemnly. It was no longer appropriate to continue the act; Lei Cheng immediately clasped his fists in promise to convey the Sect Master''s wishes. Qiu Jinwu smiled in satisfaction. Good, the high-quality offering for the Dragon Ball''s ritual refinement had increased by one. ... Inside the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle. As Lei Cheng returned, a large number of specially-made bone-material bricks and tiles were brought back with him. The Ping Ning''s Qi Refiners were all mobilized to construct pavilions and courtyards. Fortunately, there were few complaints, as they were helping to rebuild their own dwellings, and the place bustled busily. "Mr. Gongsun, what do you think about the guest elder matter?" Lei Cheng asked in the dojo''s secret chamber. "Your Sect Master Qiu is really looking far ahead," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. He had hidden his identity and boarded the Goose Sheep Path''s downwind ship, and Qiu Jinwu not only didn''t repel him but was also thinking of recruiting him into the Goose Sheep Path? This... This actually wasn''t a bad idea. He was somewhat tempted. It was difficult for a wild cultivator to survive nowadays, let alone finding a suitable secret technique for cultivation. But if he had a sect as a backing, it would be different. "Qiu Jinwu has had his Dao foundation perfected for many years; surely the Goose Sheep Path must have Dao Foundation Secrets. If I joined the Goose Sheep Path, perhaps..." Chen Mu considered many options, but his face revealed nothing. "Let''s fix the Water Avoiding Shuttle first," he waved. Although tempted, Chen Mu decided to play it safe for now. Not only him but several affiliated families and sects of the Goose Sheep Path were traveling with them. When they reached Haizhou, he would decide based on the reactions of those people. ... The Loach Dragon Fire Path lay at an extremely deep underground level, named the Fire Path, but it was more like an underground world. The most eye-catching thing was the endless Magma Lake; its crimson glow illuminated the underground world, with hot air engulfing the surroundings. On the edge, terraced high platforms were lined with turtle shells the size of several soccer fields. A group of Qi Refiners, each with a water-repelling air bubble, busily scurried about on the turtle shells like ants. Inside the Goose Sheep Path''s Water Avoiding Shuttle dojo, a miniature version of the Lei Hall stood at the forefront. Qiu Jinwu stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance of the grand hall, silently watching the boundless molten red Magma Lake through a ten-meter high Jade observation window nearby. Buzz! The air vibrated, and suddenly, a two-meter-tall aperture in the shape of a human eye cracked open in the shadows of the Lei Hall, with black and red flames rising within. "Can''t bear it, can you?" a voice sounding like the whispers of ten thousand people asked, "When you willingly ruined the Kui Niu Drum and sent those hundreds of Water Avoiding Shuttles into the Tianhe Law Realm, you were quite decisive." "That''s true; those were mostly from the affiliated sects of the Goose Sheep Path. They can''t compare to the people here." "This is, after all, the core of the Goose Sheep Path, the foundation of centuries. It''s normal to feel reluctant," a light laugh emerged from the black and red flames. Qiu Jinwu turned slightly and glanced at the other party. "Am I just worried?" "Worried?" "Yes, I''m worried that your secret technique might fail again." "Worried that you''ll delay my acquisition of the Dragon Ball yet again." He shifted his gaze back, his expression neutral. "Tsk, how cold-hearted you are, Sect Master Qiu," a nonchalant taunting voice came from within the black and red flames. "It seems you wish to help me." "I prefer to ensure absolute certainty." "What is it I can do for you?" "I intend to refine the Kui Niu Drum anew, and I need you to leave the Tianhe Law Realm''s gateway mark inside the drum, ensuring everyone can be pulled into the Tianhe Law Realm." "No one spared?" "No one spared!" "Tsk tsk, I must say, you Qi Refiners who seek the path have ruthless hearts." ... On the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle''s outer shell. Chen Mu, disguised as Li Moliang, was working with the Lei Family''s Refining Team to repair and modify the Water Avoiding Shuttle while protected by the Water Avoidance Spell bubble. He skillfully repaired damage to a forbidden law after embedding a Mustard Seed Spell into the dark turtle shell. Straightening up, Chen Mu glanced at the slowly undulating Magma Lake nearby and then looked upward. The blood-red glow of the Magma Lake illuminated the surroundings brightly, yet couldn''t reach the ceiling of unknown height. "Isn''t the Loach Dragon Fire Path a bit too tall and vast?" "Is this really something that can be carved out by human effort?" This was their fifth day entering the Loach Dragon Fire Path. Originally, they had descended at an angle through the central pit of the Water Mansion for a whole day before entering this subterranean space, indicating its depth. "The Loach Eel Transformation Dragon Scripture should belong to the Heavenly Demon Path." "Being able to transform into the True Form of a black dragon means he''s completed the seventh level of the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation - the True Form Realm, comparable to the Primordial Spirit of a Qi Cultivator." "However, this power is a bit too formidable." Even after many days, Chen Mu still couldn''t help being amazed by the vastness of this underground world. "It seems that, although the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique is demeaned as a heterodox method, it contains its own profound mysteries." Initially, in Tianhe Lower Institute on Jilong Road, he had seen many cultivators from Zhongshan Path, all of whom practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique. The one who left the deepest impression on him was Master White Tower. A high cultivator who had reached the Meridian Passage Realm of the fifth stage of Heavenly Demon Reincarnation could transform into a hundred-meter black dragon, immensely powerful. And that was just the Heavenly Demon True Body, not the True Form of Heavenly Demon that was comparable to a Divine Demon. "If there is a chance to learn the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique, practicing it wouldn''t be so bad," Chen Mu thought with interest. Though somewhat confused, he had indeed cultivated the Heavenly Demon Body of the Cloud Mirage. This allowed him to learn the Yin Spirit Secret Method and even helped him guard the City God Dojo and assist him in escaping from predicaments. "If I could cultivate the True Form of the Cloud Mirage..." Chen Mu looked up at the vast magma lake. "Hmm, the Water Avoidance Spell is really wonderful." "Pushing aside the magma, providing fresh airaside from its mediocre heat insulation, everything else is pretty handy." Chen Mu muttered to himself while continuing to infuse the Mustard Seed Spell into the Water Avoiding Shuttle. It wasn''t that he underestimated the True Form of the Cloud Mirage, but given the fragility of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, even if he cultivated into True Form, it might be hardly of any great use. ... Several days later, with the concerted efforts of everyone, the transformation of the Water Avoiding Shuttle was complete. Originally, the Goose Sheep Path had fed the turtle of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms not only Water-Repelling Pearls but also Thunder Fire Talismans. Thanks to the special nature of the turtle, the Water Avoiding Shuttle was innately capable of repelling water and could also unleash the power of thunder and fire. Thus, it could dive underwater as well as navigate through the magma lake. It is said that the Bai Gui Shuttle of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect possessed the power of manipulating water and fire. The Water Avoiding Shuttle of the Goose Sheep Path was made in imitation of the Bai Gui Shuttle. Inside the secret chamber of the Ping Ning, Chen Mu, dressed in a black Daoist robe, appeared wearing Mr. Gongsun''s leather vest. "Was it any trouble?" Chen Mu received the Mustard Seed Talisman passed over by Lei Hong with a smiling face. Inside were various herbs and Gold Essence. "No trouble at all, not the slightest bit," Lei Hong said with a pained smirk on his face. Although he was in charge of the inner treasury of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, he didn''t dare to embezzle blatantly and could only use his own money to make purchases. At most, he could give himself a ten percent discount. But even at a ten percent discount, it was still his own White Jade he was spending! "Feeling the pinch?" Chen Mu asked lightly, smiling at Lei Hong. "Not at all. It''s my honor to serve Mr. Gongsun!" Lei Hong''s face was full of solemn promises. "And now?" Chen Mu raised his hand and tossed over a fist-sized white porcelain bottle. "What is this..." Lei Hong opened the porcelain bottle and saw more than a dozen round, jade-like Elixir Pills inside, instantly widening his eyes. "Rejuvenation Pills?" "You provide the materials, I refine the Elixir Pills, and any excess materials are my compensation." "Is it worth it now?" "Worth it, definitely worth it, that''s insanely worth it!" Lei Hong was overjoyed, immediately stuffing the porcelain bottle into Lei Cheng''s hands. Rejuvenation Pills were excellent in consolidating the foundation and cultivating the Divine Orifice, vital during the cultivation of the Condensing Aperture. Lei Cheng had been stuck at the Condensing Aperture Realm for many years, due to the lack of Rejuvenation Pills. However, this Elixir was not easy to refine. Without a sufficient level in the Five Qi Primordial Technique, it couldn''t be done. Lei Hong really did not expect that the mysterious Daoist before him was a high cultivator capable of refining Rejuvenation Pills. "You name it, whatever materials you need, I will definitely get them for you." He said solemnly, with rare sincerity in his eyes. The inner treasury belonged to the Goose Sheep Path, but Lei Cheng, his second brother who had cultivated the Divine Orifice, was their own! If he could help his second brother cultivate the Divine Orifice sooner, even if Gongsun Sheng wanted to empty all the storerooms of Ping Ning, it would be fine! He would even help keep watch! "Don''t fear big holes; we still have the ''Fire Dragon Burns Warehouse to Balance the Accounts'' method." "Having my own second brother cultivate the Divine Orifice, that is true success!" Lei Cheng was equally excited, he said nothing, and bowed deeply with his hands clasped respectfully. Chen Mu immediately showed a smile. "At least on the way to Hai Province in the future, I won''t have to worry about these two brothers causing trouble." The atmosphere in the secret chamber grew even more harmonious. "The Huang Family didn''t cause any trouble, did they?" Chen Mu walked around the bronze drum in the center of the secret chamber. This was the brand new Kui Niu Drum made by Qiu Jinwu, delivered just today. "They have no time to trouble us," Lei Hong chuckled, "The Water Avoiding Shuttle of the Huang Family''s ancestor, Huang Jiu, has still not appeared to this day, I''m afraid the outlook is bleak." Huang Jiu, a genuine Condensing Aperture High Cultivator, failed to reach Heavenly River Water Mansion? This... This was great news! Chen Mu curled his index finger and joyfully tapped the Kui Niu Drum. Before, Huang Jian''s rebellion was quelled by him with a Kui Water Yin Thunder, turning to ash. Those who supported him were also thoroughly eradicated by Lei Cheng. He had been worried that the Huang Family would seek retribution. Listening to the ding-dong echo of the bronze drum, Chen Mu''s face brightened with a smile, "Not going to lie, this new drum has a different touch indeed." "Sounds much better than the old battered drum." As he spoke, he couldn''t resist tapping it a couple more times. But as he listened, an odd feeling rose within him. "I feel like it''s different from the previous Kui Niu Drum." He circled around the ancient bronze drum. Could this be a fake, similar to how he used the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearl to impersonate the Water-Repelling Pearl? Impossible, absolutely impossible! This drum was personally refined by Sect Master Qiu Jinwu, a Great Cultivator with Perfected Daoist Foundation, unlike himself, a poor soul who couldn''t engage in selling counterfeit goods. Glancing at the old, damaged Kui Niu Drum now swept to a corner of the secret chamber, Chen Mu shook his head and chuckled. "A pristine Kui Niu Drum is bound to be different from a damaged one, no problems there." He shook his head and stopped dwelling on it. "Any news on when we will depart?" "Within three days at most." "There won''t be any more monsters in Loach Dragon Fire Path, right?" "According to the information sold by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, besides the intense geothermal heat, there are no other dangers in Loach Dragon Fire Path." "Good, then I''ll leave Ping Ning in your hands. I''m off to refine pills." Chen Mu nodded with satisfaction, turned into a Gentle Breeze, and disappeared, returning to his newly rebuilt small building. Chapter 613 - 601 Loach Dragon Qi Mechanism The next morning, Lei Cheng pushed open the great door of the Secret Chamber. Upon looking up, he found himself staring into a pair of bloodshot eyes in the pitch-black chamber. Even with his usually calm disposition, Lei Cheng''s heart skipped a beat. Only when he recognized the figure in front of him did Lei Cheng let out a sigh of relief, "Mr. Gongsun? What''s the matter with you...?" "That drum is not right!" Chen Mu said, rubbing his somewhat dry eyes, his expression grave. After going back last night, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that something was off. He returned to the Secret Chamber overnight and began to tap on the brand-new Kui Niu Drum inch by inch to probe it. After spending the entire night, he finally detected an abnormal sound using the Truthful Listening Technique. "Compared to the original Kui Niu Drum, there''s something extra inside this one," he said, regarding Lei Cheng with gravity. "Could it be a hidden part of the Kui Niu Forbidden Law?" Lei Cheng ventured. "Impossible!" Chen Mu shook his head with conviction. He did not know Kui Niu Forbidden Law, but he was proficient in the Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction Method and recognized all other restrictions on the shuttle. The Kui Niu Forbidden Law was designed to manipulate these restrictions. By reverse engineering, one could determine the functions of each part of the Kui Niu Forbidden Law''s talismans. The extra thing had nothing to do with the shuttle''s restrictions and could not be part of the Kui Niu Forbidden Law. "Moreover, this thing is not some kind of restriction talisman, it''s a Protective Qi Mechanism with a faint life rhythm." "The most important thing is, this is not the first time we''ve come across it," Chen Mu said with a serious expression. "Do you remember those mysterious undercurrents that suddenly appeared at the bottom of the Tongtian River?" "That was man-made?!" Lei Cheng gasped in shock. "Eight or nine out of ten, it''s the same root and nature," Chen Mu recalled the fleeting cold presence from that time, his expression growing even more somber. "I now even suspect that the big-eyed monster we initially encountered was also connected to this Qi Mechanism!" Lei Cheng was filled with disbelief and doubt, "The Kui Niu Drum embryo was refined by someone else, but the final step of infusing the Forbidden Law was done by the Sect Master himself." "If someone tampered with the drum, how could the Sect Master not know?" "Qiu Jinwu?" Chen Mu wore a cold smile, "How could he possibly not know!" The first hurdle for Qi Cultivators is to Join the Jade Seed to Refine Spiritual Light. This Spiritual Light is modeled after the Innate Protective Divine Skills of a Divine Demon. As Cultivation improves, the Spiritual Light will also ascend. Once the Daoist Foundation is cast, the Spiritual Light will transform into Innate Protective Qi Mechanism. It not only protects the body but also contains a person''s unique information. Similar to the scent marking of canines, similar to the physical appearance of humans. Ordinary people can''t perceive it, but for Qiu Jinwu, who has cultivated the Innate Energy, he would definitely notice it with just a little observation. "Is it really Qiu Sect Master who personally meddled?" Lei Cheng found the idea unbelievable. "It''s not him," Chen Mu denied, shaking his head, "Qiu Jinwu''s Qi Mechanism is like heaven''s thunder, fierce and impetuous. Although what we''re dealing with is damaged and feeble, it''s filled with a cold and domineering presence." "But it''s certain that there''s a mastermind on par with Qiu Jinwu eying the Ping Ning." The Daqian Lock Dragon Institute? Or one of the other Yunzhou Seven Paths? Chen Mu secretly shook his head and took out the Extinguishing Breath Stone that previously hid the Vermilion Feather Sword, passing it again to Lei Cheng. "What is this...?" "We need to see if it''s only aimed at the Ping Ning or the entire Goose Sheep Path." "You should think of a reasonable excuse to visit the other Water Avoiding Shuttles." "It can''t be too abrupt; it must make sense. We can''t be sure if the person behind it is hiding within the Goose Sheep Path, just like me." "No problem, this can perfectly be arranged by my third brother," Lei Cheng immediately agreed. He also wanted to clear up what exactly was going on. "Lei Hong?" "That''s right." Lei Cheng gave an embarrassed smile, "He set off early this morning, taking half of the inner treasury''s materials to visit the other Water Avoiding Shuttles. He wants to gather more ingredients for refining the Rejuvenation Pills for me." Ha! Isn''t that convenient? ... Late at night, inside the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle. Lei Cheng and his brother gathered in the Secret Chamber, frowning in distress. Did all the Kui Niu Drums have the hidden Qi Mechanism mixed in? Did the Sect Master Qiu Jinwu clearly know about it but not inform anyone? Even their ancestor from the Lei Family, who had Condensed Apertures for many years and was definitely a high-ranking member of the Goose Sheep Path, did not know. Lei Cheng and Lei Hong exchanged glances, both feeling uneasy. "Could this be an essential condition to traverse the Loach Dragon Fire Path?" Lei Hong whispered. "Have you acquired the ''Loach Dragon Fire Path Annotation'' from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect?" Chen Mu turned to Lei Cheng, "Does it mention anything about this?" He also hoped that he was wrong about suspecting Qiu Jinwu. That was a Dao Foundation Perfection Qi Cultivator! To go against such a person... Hiss! Unfortunately, things never happen the way one wishes. "No!" Lei Cheng said with a grave shake of his head. "What if we wait a bit longer? What if we''re wrong?" Lei Hong was starting to panic. Chen Mu, however, kept staring at the Kui Niu Drum, lost in thought, "We can wait, but this Qi Mechanism cannot remain." "What if it''s indeed crucial, and we rashly erase it, wouldn''t we be in trouble?" Lei Hong''s chubby face twisted with apprehension. "You''re thinking correctly," Chen Mu nodded. Hearing this, Lei Hong instinctively breathed a sigh of relief. The prospect of the revered Sect Master of Goose Sheep Path conspiring against his own sect was incredulous to him; he simply couldn''t accept such a possibility. "So we should..." "We''ll erase the Qi Mechanism from all the Kui Niu Drums!" Chen Mu''s eyelids were lowered, his dark pupils unmoving. Having discovered a potential danger, he wouldn''t let it go unchecked. Lei Hong: "..." Are we all going to run into misfortune together? Are we going to drag everyone down to experiment together due to the risk of going it alone? Are we really going to play this game so big? ... Late at night. Inside the Five Clouds Water Avoiding Shuttle, the Kui Niu Drum silently hovered in mid-air. Chen Mu turned into a whiff of Gentle Breeze, quietly approaching the Kui Niu Drum. With a thought, a wisp of black fog with silver threads emerged and immediately whooshed into the Kui Niu Drum. The drum resounded with a deep tone! A faint dragon roar that seemed both hidden and apparent rose into the air. The Kui Niu Drum trembled slightly, and that cold, concealed energy, shrouded by layers of talismans, was instantly devoured by the Five Dragon Dharma Body. To deal with the Innate Protective Qi Mechanism, naturally, one required an energy mechanism of the same level. Although he had not perfected his Daoist Foundation, Chen Mu had cultivated the Heavenly Demon Body and had mastered the Five Dragons Scripture, refining the Five Dragon Dharma Body. The Five Dragon Dharma Body, created through Secret Techniques that imitated the Candle Dragon Qi Mechanism, was not quite the True Intent of Divine Demon''s Innate Mechanism, yet it indeed was a type of Protective Qi Mechanism containing the True Intent of Divine Demon. At this moment, to devour the weakened and unattended cold energy, it was extraordinarily easy. ... In the front hall of the dojo, Lei Wen, who was cultivating with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. "Just now, was there some disturbance with the Kui Niu Drum?" He rose and walked out of the back door of the hall, gazed at the Kui Niu Drum floating quietly in the sky, and could not help but chuckle. "I must be going mad. It seems I''m not as composed as I thought." "The Loach Dragon Fire Path, filled with scorching magma, indeed seems more daunting than the Tongtian River. I must be somewhat nervous after all," he muttered to himself. "The Sect Master is also here." "Rather than worrying, it is better to continue cultivating. If I can perfect the Divine Orifice sooner, then I could even bathe in the magma," thought Lei Wen cheerfully, turning back and re-entering the hall. Just as he turned, a light breeze flew up from behind the Kui Niu Drum and directly entered the top Jade Disk, disappearing in the blink of an eye. "Such keen perception." Outside on the Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu stood on the dull grey turtle shell, employing the Truth Listening Divine Power with interest to probe the activities around Lei Wen. During the day, Lei Hong''s movements with the Vermilion Feather Sword had clarified the situation of each Water Avoiding Shuttle for him. To ensure secrecy, he specifically targeted those Water Avoiding Shuttles without Qi Cultivators with Condensing Aperture to guard them. Transforming into a light breeze and busily working through the night, everything went very smoothly. He did not expect that Lei Wen would almost detect him, almost exposing his tracks. "This Lei Family genius is not simple," thought Chen Mu, and in a flash, he turned into a light wind and rapidly retreated. Although the night was more than halfway over, he still had many Water Avoiding Shuttles he had yet to tamper with. ... Inside the Loach Dragon Fire Path, there was no day or night; the constant shine of the hot magma illuminated everything. Upon the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the dim glow of the Fluorescent Algae that had lasted all night began to emit a weak light, signifying the approach of dawn. The people inside the shuttle had already gotten used to the day-night cycle brought by the Fluorescent Algae. Those who kept a normal sleep schedule were now rising with the light. The all-nighter cultivators also got up to exercise their limbs. As the Fluorescent Algae fully brightened, everyone stopped their work and gathered near their doorways in small groups, focusing intently on the shadows on the inner wall of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. The departure date set by Goose Sheep Path was this very morning. Hum! The Kui Niu Drum within the Water Avoiding Shuttle vibrated at the same time. Outside, a vast expanse of dazzling lightning lit up. Its brilliance was so great that it even overshadowed the crimson expanse of the Magma Lake. Hundreds of Water Avoiding Shuttles were strung into a net by this lightning, and under the leadership of Five Clouds at the front, they slowly lifted off. Upon reaching the highest point, Five Clouds turned downwards and, dragging a chain of Water Avoiding Shuttles, plunged into the Magma Lake. Plop, plop, plop... As if their surfaces were greased, the massive Water Avoiding Shuttles easily submerged into the magma, hardly causing any splashes. At the entrance to the great hall of the Five Clouds'' Lei Hall, Qiu Jinwu was standing. Right now, the Jade observation window in front was filled with fiery red, the view completely swamped by the scorching magma. "Old Ghost Jia, there won''t be any mishaps this time, right?" He turned his head slightly, focusing on the vertical pupil-shaped black hole that appeared without notice. "The Water Avoiding Shuttles are imbued with the Loach Dragon Qi Mechanism, and this place is also a weak point in the Tianhe Realm''s Heavenly Cycle Star Battle Restriction." "Even if we did nothing, the Tianhe Realm would pull the Water Avoiding Shuttles in by itself, let alone with us providing a push." "It''s foolproof, guaranteed!" declared Old Ghost Jia, hidden within the flames, full of confidence. Qiu Jinwu nodded in satisfaction. "Get moving, I can hardly wait to see the Dragon Ball." "As you wish." "As is your wish." The next moment. In front of the Goose Sheep, a palm-sized, round black spot silently appeared. Then, it instantly expanded over ten miles, like a vast black membrane, firmly blocking the path that the Goose Sheep''s Water Avoiding Shuttle had to take. The swiftly moving Goose Sheep collided head-on with the black membrane. Pop! A soft sound. It was as if a soap bubble had been pricked, and the entire Water Avoiding Shuttle vanished into thin air. Behind it, the numerous fast-sinking Water Avoiding Shuttles didn''t even notice the change in front and crashed into the black membrane. Pop pop pop... ... Inside a massive volcano in the Tianhe Law Realm, the black and red magma slowly churned. At a certain moment, the magma bubbled and boiled vigorously. With a gurgle, an enormous turtle shell rolled out from deep underground. "Dragon Ball!" "There really is a Dragon Ball here!" Qiu Jinwu, usually composed, couldn''t help but exclaim excitedly in the Accumulated Lightning Hall, as if he had sensed some hidden breath. "Tell me how to get this half of the Loach Dragon Dragon Ball!" He suddenly turned his head, staring at the vertical pupil-shaped black hole behind him and demanded. "Um... this... first, you need to have enough sacrifices." Flickering flames shone from within the vertical pupil black hole. "I''ll give them all to you!" "All the Qi Cultivators of Goose Sheep Path are yours, I just want the Dragon Ball!" Qiu Jinwu declared firmly. "Possibly, probably, not quite enough," came a somewhat hesitant voice from the flames. "Jia Old Ghost, what do you mean?" Qiu Jinwu was furious. "It''s just... there was a little mishap." "Somebody erased the Loach Dragon Qi Mechanism." "There are only a little over twenty Water Avoiding Shuttles that entered the Tianhe Law Realm," Jia Old Ghost said, filled with embarrassment. Qiu Jinwu: "..." "What the hell did you assure me just now!" Qiu Jinwu''s face changed drastically, and he immediately cast the Kui Niu Prohibition. Then he discovered that there were only twenty-seven Water Avoiding Shuttles that had followed him to this volcano. "My Water Avoiding Shuttles!" "Where did you make those hundreds of Water Avoiding Shuttles go!" he shouted fiercely at the vertical pupil black hole. "This really was an accident," Jia Old Ghost''s voice was full of helplessness. Just yesterday, he had checked them all, but in the span of one night, hundreds of Loach Dragon Qi Mechanisms had disappeared. This was truly devilish! This made him think of the previous incident of the Mechanical imprint erasure. They were all fine before departure, but as soon as they left Goose Sheep Mountain, the imprints vanished. "Could it be the same person behind this?" he wondered with a surge of realization. One move on Goose Sheep Mountain and now this? Who on earth is the bastard! Damn! Chapter 614 - 602: Escape Loach Dragon Fire Path entrance, in the boundless Magma Lake. Gurgling... It resembled boiled, swollen dumplings as one by one, the fiery black-red turtle shell Water Avoiding Shuttles flipped up from the bottom of the Magma Lake. They swayed back and forth for quite a while before gradually stabilizing. "What''s going on?" Inside the secret chamber of the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle, Lei Hong steadied his shaking form, his face filled with panic. "Is the Sect Master indeed problematic?" Lei Cheng had already recovered, his facial expression dark. "That black membrane-like bizarre barrier isn''t mentioned at all in the ''Loach Dragon Fire Path Annotation,''" Chen Mu''s complexion was equally grim. The two Vermilion Feathers Swords swam like fish through the scorching magma. Using the Truth Listening Divine Power, it didn''t take long for him to identify all the Water Avoiding Shuttles. Those Water Avoiding Shuttles that hadn''t erased their cold qi were all gone. "It''s over!" Chen Mu had previously speculated that Qiu Jinwu might have ill intentions, and now it had been confirmed. Even though he was prepared, he couldn''t help but be startled. This was a Great Cultivator with Dao Foundation Perfection! "What should we do..." Lei Hong was terrified. "Go!" Chen Mu made the decision immediately. Sect Master Qiu Jinwu had unknown schemes. While the complete picture was unclear, those schemes were definitely no good! To sabotage the opposition''s secret plans and temporarily escape from their control, if not now, then when? "Hurry up and flee!" Lei Cheng did not utter a word, but his mana started surging wildly. The Kui Niu Drum thudded dully, clearly being pushed to its limit. All of a sudden, the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle raised its bead, and its enormous body, like a fish leaving water, leapt forcefully into the air. Upon reaching the highest point, it then turned and plummeted, diving with a splash into the Magma Lake and disappearing in the blink of an eye. ... Atop the Five Clouds, Lei Wen, who was checking the situation, was stunned by the maneuver of the Ping Ning. "Uncle Two, Uncle Three?" "Rushing into the Magma Lake, it seemed like they were fleeing. Is there some unknown danger here?" With a sense of alarm and uncertainty, he looked around and immediately noticed that the Water Avoiding Shuttle containing their family elder had mysteriously vanished. Instinctively feeling something was wrong, he immediately flipped into a Water Avoiding Shuttle, mimicking the Ping Ning''s operation, and steered the shuttle deep into the Magma Lake. "Could Uncle Two and Uncle Three know something?" Lei Wen felt uneasy. He suddenly remembered something. Just the day before yesterday, Uncle Three Lei Hong had come to the Five Clouds to trade for herbs. Upon leaving, however, he had handed him a copy of the complete ''Loach Dragon Fire Path Annotation,'' which contained all the routes of Loach Dragon Fire Path. But the Goose Sheep Path fleet was interconnected; there should be no need for them to identify the Fire Path routes themselves. Unless they were to sail independently away from the fleet, they wouldn''t need the ''Loach Dragon Fire Path Annotation.'' "Could the Goose Sheep Path fleet really be disbanding?" "Is it a situation similar to the last monster attack?" With lightning-fast thoughts, Lei Wen''s eyelids twitched incessantly. Before he could figure it out. Boom! A violent tremor suddenly occurred in the Magma Lake, and the Five Clouds, as if drunk, swayed unsteadily to and fro. Lei Wen''s demeanor changed immediately as he increased his mana and rapidly controlled the Water Avoiding Shuttle to descend. ... At this moment, the originally calm Magma Lake abruptly started boiling and surging like towering waves. The numerous large Water Avoiding Shuttles, like small boats, helplessly swayed with the rising and falling magma. The next moment. With a booming thunder, a gigantic five-fingered dragon claw burst out from within the magma waves. A Water Avoiding Shuttle, as large as a football field, was grasped in the palm of the claw like a walnut. With a gentle flick, the Water Avoiding Shuttle whooshed, spinning into the air. Suddenly, a vortex-shaped black cloud had established itself mid-air. The edges of the vortex roiled and churned while the center resembled a constantly fluctuating water screen, pitch black, revealing nothing. The Water Avoiding Shuttle thrown into the air was like a basketball thrown into a net, whooshing into the black hole and vanishing without a trace. At some point, dressed in a gold-threaded purple robe, his eyes flashing with lightning, Qiu Jinwu appeared mid-air. In comparison to the enormous Water Avoiding Shuttles and the dragon claw, he appeared minuscule like a sesame seed. But it was this small figure that easily stirred the fiery, enormous Magma Lake. He stared indifferently at the large and small turtle shells, ignoring the panic and cries emanating from inside. His eyes flashing with intense lightning, they shone like bright lamps. Boom, boom, boom... Numerous Magma Dragon Claws suddenly shot out. Regardless of whether the Water Avoiding Shuttles were stationary or fleeing, they were all grasped by the Magma Dragon Claws and thrown into the black hole in mid-air. Tens of miles away, Chen Mu, who was using the Vermilion Feather Swords to employ the Truth Listening Divine Power, was suddenly startled by the grand spectacle. "Returning so quickly? To personally take action?" "Qiu Jinwu isn''t even hiding it anymore!" Mountain-Carrying Scripture! Thousands of Ghosts flew out of the Five Ghosts Bag, coalescing into rolling black smoke that formed a gigantic invisible hand driven by immense divine power, which suddenly struck at the rear of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. It was like a bamboo pole propelling a boat; the already swiftly diving Water Avoiding Shuttle was suddenly thrust forward at an even greater speed. At the same time, a gray fog encircled the Water Avoiding Shuttle. The Yin Wind Escape Technique of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture was being fully activated! Run, run, run! Not a moment to spare! Chen Mu exerted all his strength to accelerate the Water Avoiding Shuttle, causing his face to redden and veins to bulge prominently on his neck. ... An Hour later. At the entrance of the Loach Dragon Fire Path, Magma Lake. The raging magma tide had subsided, but the air had become even hotter and drier. Standing as if on flat ground, Qiu Jinwu was surrounded by unobtrusive Spiritual Light, floating mid-air without support. At that moment, his exposed skin on his face and the back of his hands was covered in numerous fine cracks, looking terrifyingly like shattered yet intact porcelain. Hiss, hiss, hiss... Accompanied by a sound like water squirting from a burst hose, fresh red Blood Beads dotted with pale golden specks seeped from the cracked porcelain-like textures. "Forcing the activation of the Dragon Ball, sacrificing years of cultivation in an instant, you''re really willing to go all out," a vertical pupil-shaped black hole silently emerged beside Qiu Jinwu, clicking its tongue. "Is the sacrifice enough?" Qiu Jinwu asked hoarsely, unmoved. "Nearly one-seventh of all Qi Cultivators in Yunzhou have been sent to the Tianhe Law Realm by you, how could it not be enough!" The fire inside the black hole flickered. "How many escaped?" "Maybe twenty or thirty ships. Why, do you want to completely annihilate them?" The voice inside the vertical pupil black hole sounded surprised. "I''m not talking about whether the sacrifices are enough for you to summon another half of the Loach Dragon Dragon Ball." "I''m talking about yourself." "Those few blows just now must have damaged your Daoist Foundation, right?" "Instead of hurriedly refining the Dragon Ball to nourish your foundation, you still want to pursue and act? Don''t you care if you live or die?" Qiu Jinwu''s eyes shifted slightly as he glanced sideways at the vertical pupil-shaped black hole. "Are you worried about whether I want to live or die?" "It seems that opening the gateway just now also cost you a lot." "Then, I am relieved," Qiu Jinwu chuckled. The flames inside the vertical pupil-shaped black hole suddenly flared violently. "Heh..." He looked back at the now calm Magma Lake. "Consider it leaving a trace of life for the Goose Sheep Path." "You''re lucky..." ... Two days later. Deep underground, the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle glowed dark red, quietly drifting along a magma river. Crouching on top of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, surrounded by the Five Dragons Qi, Chen Mu inserted an Extinguishing Breath Stone the size of a fist into the turtle shell, then straightened up. Looking around at the scarlet magma river occasionally burbling sounds, he felt slightly relieved. After two days and nights of non-stop, rapid sailing, the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle had completely distanced itself from the entrance of the Loach Dragon Fire Path, successfully evading the upheaval stirred up by Qiu Jinwu. "Lucky that we discovered it in time and reacted quickly." "The Truthful Listening Technique played a major role." Recalling the scenes he saw that day, Chen Mu was still frightened. If Qiu Jinwu had caught them and thrown them into that black hole, the consequences would have been unimaginable. "Qiu Jinwu, a Qi Cultivator with a Perfected Daoist Foundation, was actually in league with the people of the Lock Dragon Courtyard?" "Tch... the vast world is full of wonders." Although that vortex black hole was somewhat strange, its aura was clearly a variant of the Netherworld Ferry. At this time and place, the only ones capable of wielding Netherworld Mystique similar to the Netherworld would be those Lock Dragon Knights from Da Qian who practiced the Ghost Channeling Technique. "What kind of benefit could make Qiu Jinwu sell out his entire sect?" "Is it some secret technique or artifact that could help him cultivate his Primordial Spirit?" Chen Mu gained some insight. Qiu Jinwu is a Qi Cultivator with a Perfected Daoist Foundation who betrayed his sect, probably still for the sake of his future path. But to suddenly ruin the entire Goose Sheep Path, along with those affiliated families and sects lost on the way... "This Sect Master Qiu really has a ruthless heart!" Chen Mu shook his head, his figure flickered, and he changed positions to continue installing the Extinguishing Breath Stone on the Water Avoiding Shuttle. "Fortunately, the Loach Dragon Fire Path is vast and as complex as a maze, not just one path leading to Hai Province." "If there were only one path, it would be troublesome if Qiu Jinwu managed to catch up by following the route." "Just to be safe, we should still finish setting up the Extinguishing Breath Stone as soon as possible." Previously while traveling at the bottom of the Tongtian River, he frequently encountered undercurrents. But after he used the Extinguishing Breath Stone to conceal the Water Avoiding Shuttle, those undercurrents never appeared again. Now Chen Mu understood that it was also mostly the Lock Dragon Courtyard''s doing. For safety''s sake, he decided it was best to first mask the aura of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. Chapter 615 603 Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell ``` Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle. On the second floor of the small building, Chen Mu sat by the window. Looking out through the window, the inner walls beneath the shuttle were pitch dark, isolating the view of the external river of magma. Yet the inner walls above were still capturing the light and shadows from outside, the red glow of the magma shining through and illuminating the inside of the shuttle with a fiery red. Beside him, a forearm-high red gourd floated in mid-air, slowly spinning. The various materials needed to refine the Vermilion Feather Sword had been acquired from Lei Hong days ago. It was only today, with the Extinguishing Breath Stone finally installed, that Chen Mu had the time to refine the Vermilion Feather Sword. "With Sixth Rank Mechanical Technique, I can split into nine Mechanical Talisman Seeds and control nine Vermilion Feather Swords at the same time." "If I scatter them all out, combined with the Truth Listening Divine Power, I''ll be able to detect any changes within dozens of miles in a timely manner," Chen Mu calculated to himself. Although it was said in the Fire Path Annotation that aside from the complex route, the Loach Dragon Fire Path held no other dangers, but what if... It''s always better to be safe than sorry. Chen Mu slowly infused mana, and the Gourd Sword Box automatically fused with Gold Essence, meticulously shaping the magic swords within. With nothing else to do, he brought up the Gray Wall and looked at one section. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 7923/10000/Fourth Rank; "This Secret Technique is similar to the Five Dragons Scripture, also an imitation of the Divine Demons'' Innate Protective Qi Mechanism." "If I manage to perfect it, perhaps I don''t need to wait to build the Daoist Foundation to obtain the capabilities that only come with it." Chen Mu was full of anticipation. The scene where Qiu Jinwu manipulated the Magma Dragon Claw to grasp at the Water Avoiding Shuttle had truly shocked him. And that dragon claw was a certain application of the Innate Protective Qi Mechanism. He was covetous! "The Heavenly Demon Armor can wait, let''s practice the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll first." Whoosh! A light sound, and a reddish glow shot out from the Gourd Sword Box. Chen Mu reached out to catch it, an elongated, palm-sized, leaf-shaped Vermilion Feather Sword covered in feather patterns between his fingers. Skillfully infusing the Mechanical Talisman Seed and tossing it into the air. The sword buzzed and darted around the room. One moment it sped straight, the next it stopped abruptly to turn, its trajectory elusive, resembling a rapidly flying bee. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, and with a thought, a swirl of black fog, as large as a human head, appeared in front of him. The sword shot into it and reappeared outside the shuttle. "Netherworld Ferry can actually be used like this?" Chen Mu''s brow furrowed slightly. "Even having arrangements in the Loach Dragon Fire Path?" "The Lock Dragon Courtyard truly leaves no stone unturned." ... In Ping Ning''s dojo secret chamber. "A Minor Triad Light-Shielding Technique?" Lei Cheng puzzledly looked at the jade tablet in his hand. "Summon the Artifact Refiners at once and embed the Forbidden Law into the Water Avoiding Shuttle," Chen Mu, posing as Gongsun Sheng, appeared. "It can disguise the shuttle as a rock, making it less noticeable." "Is that son of a bitch Qiu Jinwu trying to be thoroughly ruthless?" Beside him, Lei Hong glared with anger. Lei Cheng''s expression darkened as well. Chen Mu had shown the incident at the entrance of the Loach Dragon Fire Path to the two men, sparing no detail with Xie Script. Lei Cheng and Lei Hong had grown up on Goose Sheep Path, holding Qiu Jinwu, the Sect Master, in the highest regard. But now Qiu Jinwu had betrayed the entire Goose Sheep Path and the mere thought filled them with anger, hatred, and confusion. "It''s better to be safe than sorry," Chen Mu said calmly. He was not from Goose Sheep Path, had no sense of belonging there, and therefore was less affected. Moreover, throughout the years of his cultivation, he had encountered countless crazed individuals; Qiu Jinwu was just one of them with the highest cultivation level. "Don''t overthink it; take care of yourself first," Chen Mu said, casually tossing a black earthenware wine jar to Lei Cheng. "Is this... a Rejuvenation Pill?!" Lei Cheng and Lei Hong, the two brothers, were stunned by the entire jar of Rejuvenation Pills. The sorrow and anger they had just felt were scattered in an instant. "How can there be so many?" Even with Lei Hong managing the Hundred Objects Pavilion for years, he had never once handled so many Rejuvenation Pills at the same time. And... Storing Rejuvenation Pills in a broken pottery jar? Isn''t that a bit too casual? A jade bottle that could stop the dissipation of Vital Energy was worth a few White Jade pieces, couldn''t they spend a little on that? Lei Hong couldn''t help but twitch. "Forget about those trivial things, improving your cultivation is what matters," Chen Mu waved it off nonchalantly. The materials provided by Lei Hong were already delivered to Chen Mu along with the Gold Essence. A few days ago, while refining the Vermilion Feather Sword, Chen Mu also refined some Rejuvenation Pills on the side. His Alchemy had long reached Perfection, so this was not difficult for him at all. He didn''t even refine in batches but crammed all the materials directly into the Mixed Element Great Pill Furnace for a one-pot production. "Start with these; if it''s not enough, give me a shout," Chen Mu said boldly, glancing at the other four jars inside the Five Ghosts Bag. The higher Lei Cheng''s cultivation, the more stable he would handle the Water Avoiding Shuttle. On the way to Hai Province, their safety would be more guaranteed. Besides, the materials were provided by Lei Hong. A few Rejuvenation Pills were nothing; he was generous with them. ... In the following days. The people inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle became busy once again. Artifact Refiners summoned by Lei Hong began installing the Minor Triad Light-Shielding Technique in designated areas inside and outside the shuttle. Chen Mu, going by his public identity Li Moliang, a member of the Lei Family Refining Team, was naturally involved. Inside the shuttle, in the central long street at the top, not far from the fourteenth air well, Chen Mu embedded one Minor Triad Light-Shielding Technique after another into the jade flooring. After a while, Chen Mu stood up, looked around, and nodded with satisfaction at the talismans sinking into the black jade disk. These days, as he and the other Artifact Refiners embedded the Light-Shielding Technique into the shuttle, his technique became increasingly proficient. Just as he was about to move to the next location, a glimpse from the corner of his eye caught a faintly visible pattern of talismans. That was an original talisman of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, which was revealed due to the embedding of the Light-Shielding Technique and would fade and disappear once the finishing touches were done. But it was among those multiple layers of talismans that Chen Mu saw a pattern all-too-familiar to him. The Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern? How many Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls did I sell back then? Why is it everywhere! Chen Mu''s corner of the mouth twitched. ``` Just at that moment, Lei Hong''s short and stout figure suddenly appeared in the distance. Chen Mu subconsciously took two steps forward, stepping right on the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern. "Brother Li''s craftsmanship is becoming more and more exquisite," observed Lei Hong as he looked around, chuckling with praise. "It''s a minor feat, Brother Lei flatters me too much," Chen Mu said with a bow, feeling somewhat guilty. What he was stepping on was ironclad evidence of his selling counterfeit products. Moreover, it was this exact batch of Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls that he had sold to this short, stout man before him. Damn, he had run into the victim himself. How could he not feel guilty? "Brother Li is as modest as ever," Lei Hong sighed, "But in this world, it is indeed beneficial to keep a low profile." He looked at Chen Mu with a sigh. "If Brother Li had shown off his skills earlier, you might have been heavily recruited and wouldn''t have needed to board the Ping Ning." "The consequences would have been difficult to predict." "Yes, yes, Brother Lei makes sense..." Chen Mu echoed with a forced smile, wishing he could kick this fat nuisance away! He needed to leave, and quickly! "Do you have matters to attend to, Brother Lei? If not, I should hurry to the next place." "After all, it concerns the major issue of the safety of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, and I can''t afford any delay." By now, the talisman that had been forcibly activated was slowly fading away, and the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern under his foot disappeared along with it. Chen Mu decided at once to leave this place of trouble. "Brother Li, your efforts are much appreciated!" Lei Hong said solemnly. "As they should be," Chen Mu replied with feigned formality, and then decisively turned to leave. Lei Hong was left scratching his head. I wasn''t trying to scare anyone, was I? Why did that gentleman run off? He seems a bit... guilty? ... After walking a considerable distance, seeing Lei Hong simply loitering about with no particular reaction, Chen Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief. "It''s a pity, the ghost pattern and the Water Avoiding Shuttle merged together permanently; otherwise, I would have definitely taken that thing apart." "Maybe... I should return tonight and study the complete book on the construction of the Water Avoiding Shuttle?" "Yes, I must study it! That evidence of selling counterfeit products cannot remain!" Swoosh... Like fine raindrops falling into water, a faint sound suddenly emerged from the depths of his mind. Chen Mu focused and introspected on his Jade Seed. He then discovered that the Dark Cloud Talisman, which swirled around his Divine Orifice like clouds, had unexpectedly reduced by almost half. Chen Mu''s face broke into a smile. "Was this the forty-ninth refinement?" "One step closer to the Divine Orifice Sixth Transition, excellent!" ... The Light-Shielding Technique did not brutally cover, but more like the Extinguishing Breath Stone, embedded itself with pinpoint accuracy. Chen Mu, proficient in the complete Water Avoidance Shuttle Construction book, had carefully scrutinized and determined each setting point. He also dismantled the Light-Shielding Technique, much like he had previously with the Mustard Seed Spell, drastically reducing the difficulty of learning and imbuing. The Refining Team of the Ping Ning only took seven days to complete the remodeling of the Water Avoiding Shuttle. From the outside, its appearance as a turtle shell had disappeared. In its place was a large stone scorched bright red by magma. ... At dawn. As if drawing back curtains, the dark interior walls above the Water Avoiding Shuttle parted to either side, allowing the bright red light from magma to shine into the shuttle. On the second floor of the small building, Chen Mu lay languidly in a rocking chair by the window, staring out at the fiery red world lost in thought. It had been over half a month since changes occurred near the entrance to the Loach Dragon Fire Path. Lei Cheng devoted himself to studying the "Loach Dragon Fire Path Annotation," steering the Water Avoiding Shuttle smoothly forward. The expected pursuit and other dangers had not appeared. These past days, Chen Mu had been exceptionally relaxed. Tinkering with the Gray Wall, he leisurely looked at one of the sections. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 9323/10000/Fourth Rank; "I''ve spent much time disguising the Water Avoiding Shuttle, but now I''m free again and can fully focus on leveling up." "In just three to five days, I should be able to enter the next stage." He still longed for the effects of this Secret Technique. After contemplation and deepening his understanding of Thunder Law based on the feedback from the Gray Wall, Chen Mu turned his attention to the Gray Wall''s upper sections. There, an item he hadn''t paid attention to in a long time caught his eye. Cooking Skills: 528/10000/Seventh Rank; Without his knowing, this earliest appearing life skill had quietly reached a new phase. He often cooked for himself, and even after becoming a Qi Cultivator and encountering Fasting Pills, he hadn''t given up on cooking. Though not a frequent occurrence, this skill still managed to earn a couple of points each day. The last advancement had been on Jilong Road. Thirteen years had passed since then! Thirteen years... Why does it feel as if it was just yesterday? Chen Mu was lost in thought for quite some time before he refocused on the Gray Wall. "Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell?" "Nourishing Spirit Wine?" Feeling the insights granted by the Gray Wall, he raised his eyebrows. During the breakthrough to the sixth rank in cooking, he had gained the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse. This curse could harvest the essence from Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh to create a Replenishing Origin Soup that strengthened and nourished the core. The cultivation of his Divine Orifice, the training of the Giant Spirit Divine, and several recoveries from injuries all relied on the aid of Replenishing Origin Soup. For over a decade, the Replenishing Origin Soup had nearly filled his daily life. Now, as his Cooking Skill advanced yet again, a completely new spell had emerged. "Another concoction similar to the Replenishing Origin Soup?" "I absolutely must try it out!" Chen Mu immediately sat up straight and carefully reviewed the incantations of the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell. Chapter 616 604: Mutation In the second-floor quiet room, a Mixed Element Great Pill Furnace, half a person tall, sat in the center. Bubbling steam emerged from inside the furnace as medicinal herbs and Exotic Beast Meat tumbled with the boiling water, filling the room with the aroma of meat. Chen Mu brought his right hand''s index and middle fingers together in front of his eyes and recited a series of difficult Curse Words. Pop! As if a droplet had fallen into a still lake, a light sound rang out, and a small blob of white liquid the size of a soybean flew out from the furnace. This was the Nourishing Spirit Wine obtained from the feedback of the Gray Wall after advancing in culinary skills. According to the insight given by the Gray Wall, the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell divides the spirit''s Spirituality into a soul spirit and a body spirit. The soul spirit is mixed, while the body spirit is pure. What the Soul Capturing Spell captured was the pure body spirit hidden within the flesh and blood of living beings. After consumption, it could nourish one''s own Primordial Spirit and strengthen the foundation, with infinitely wonderful uses. Chen Mu continuously chanted the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell, and droplets of Nourishing Spirit Wine successively rose into the air. However, after collecting just over thirty drops, no more Nourishing Spirit Wine was produced from the pill furnace. "A hundred pounds of Exotic Beast Meat for only thirty-three drops of Nourishing Spirit Wine? Is the consumption that high?" Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles was deployed, and the Nourishing Spirit Wine gathering in the air slowly flew into the round-bellied Jade Bottle next to the pill furnace. Chen Mu peered through the mouth of the bottle and saw that the recently collected Nourishing Spirit Wine barely covered the bottom of the Jade Bottle. "Let''s continue." He shook his head slightly; having decided to attempt it, he didn''t care about using up some more Exotic Beast Meat. Besides, the Exotic Beast Meat, after extraction of the body spirit, was not entirely without use. Chen Mu brought his fingers together in front of his eyes again, and the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse began to be chanted upon activation. Then, streams of dark red Replenishing Origin Soup continuously flew out of the furnace. ... Inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle, at the top of the inner wall, a Secret Technique unfolded, and two black lines rose on both sides, slowly closing together like a curtain. The outside light and shadows became faint and blurred, while Fluorescent Algae slowly lit up, indicating the arrival of night. But inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the atmosphere remained lively, with the noisy shouts from taverns and teahouses incessantly rising. On the second-floor of a small building, a long table was placed by the window. Three meat and three vegetarian exquisite dishes were arranged on both ends of the table, and a Primordial Furnace cooking large pieces of Exotic Beast Meat was embedded in the center of the table. Chen Mu held a white porcelain wine cup the height of his thumb and stared at the Nourishing Spirit Wine inside, which looked like rice wine lees, examining it from different angles. He took a light sniff and a faint scent of medicine filled his nostrils. "Called Nourishing Spirit Wine, yet not a hint of alcohol fragrance? Interesting." Chen Mu lifted the cup and took a small sip; the sweet, crisp sensation instantly filled his mouth, like a thirsty person finally drinking water. Suddenly, a warm current spread rapidly from his stomach throughout his body, his eyes reddened, his ears heated, and he felt a slight intoxication enveloping him. "Don''t tell me, this really feels somewhat like being drunk," Chen Mu raised his eyebrows slightly, immediately understanding the derivation of the Nourishing Spirit Wine''s name. After a while, the drunken haze slowly faded, to be replaced by a sensation of refreshing clarity. "Good stuff!" His eyes lit up as he began to carefully taste the spread of dishes on the table, with states of tipsy daze and refreshing clarity taking turns. He took a full Hour to finish the meal. After letting the Five Ghosts Paper Dolls clear the mess of dishes and cups, Chen Mu swayed into the rocking chair and didn''t want to move. Truth Listening Divine Power was activated, sweeping a glance at Lei Cheng who was diligently Manipulating the Water Avoiding Shuttle inside the Secret Chamber, and then through the nine Vermilion Feather Swords patrolling around the cruising shuttle. Once he was sure there was no danger in the Loach Dragon Fire Path, he allowed himself to slowly sink into sleep with a slight buzz from the wine. ... Chen Mu slept very comfortably. Having been on the road previously, there was always a sense of unrest for fear of encountering danger, almost to the point of needing to sleep with one eye open. Now it was better; just as the Fire Road Annotation had stated, there weren''t many dangers within the Loach Dragon Fire Path. Moreover, with half a month passing and no sign of Qiu Jinwu, along with the multiple disguises he had set up for Ping Ning, they were essentially ensured to be undetected. Chen Mu felt relaxed and fell into a peaceful sleep. When he woke up, it was already the next day. He lay in the rocking chair, stretched out his arms and legs, yawned heartily, and felt a warm glow throughout his body. Looking at the dim light bathed in Fluorescent Algae outside the window, Truth Listening Divine Power unfolded naturally. Then, a world of snow-white coldness burst into his mind. Chen Mu: "..." Wait, no! I was surrounded by fiery redness before I fell asleep last night, wasn''t I? Why is everything covered in ice and snow now?! He sprang up from the rocking chair, repeatedly employing the Truth Listening Divine Power, but the external imagery he gathered remained unchanged. The howling strange wind, the dazzling snowy brightness, and those continuous rolling icebergs. Wasn''t it said that the Loach Dragon Fire Path was safe?! I only slept for a night, that''s all! Chen Mu''s eyes were wide with shock, feeling a chill spreading throughout his body. The icy mountainscape before him was not an anomaly of the Loach Dragon Fire Path but rather, someone had swapped the realm of the Water Avoiding Shuttle without notice! Damn it! ... Tianhe Law Realm, bright sunshine, a thousand-mile-wide lake as smooth as a mirror. Pop! With a crisp sound, a gigantic turtle shell-shaped Water Avoiding Shuttle suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It crashed into the lake with a thunderous splash, sending a large wave of water into the air. In the clouds, Qiu Jinwu appeared, his face pale as shattered porcelain. "Didn''t you say we''d spare them a bit by leaving behind some teachings for their lineage?" Vertical pupils shaped like black holes appeared silently and without a trace. Lineage teachings? As long as I am here, so is the Goose Sheep Path, and there is no need for others to pass on the teachings. Qiu Jinwu''s expression was impassive, as he asked instead of responding, "How many more Water Avoiding Shuttles are out there?" "About three to five, I suppose; they''ve run quite far." "There''s a gap in the Heavenly Cycle Star Battle Forbidden Law of Tianhe Law Realm. It will take some time to attract and pull them in." "Good, I''ve brought the offerings, and the Loach Dragon Dragon Ball..." Qiu Jinwu turned his head toward the flames within the vertical pupil black hole. "The Forbidden Laws are being set up." "The Dragon Ball is the core pillar of the Tianhe Law Realm, to take it away, we must prepare a substitute first." "Such as?" "Such as a Spiritual Treasure of the same grade, or... or a Worldly God." "You''re planning to turn the entire Tianhe Law Realm into a City God Dojo?" Qiu Jinwu raised his eyebrows immediately. "Will you stop me?" "I only want the Loach Dragon Dragon Ball." "Heh..." ... Aboard the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle, in front of the secret chamber''s grand hall. Chen Mu, in the guise of Gongsun Sheng, furrowed his brow, staring intently at the large jade observation window ahead. "This place can''t possibly be the Loach Dragon Fire Path!" Lei Hong''s face turned pale, panic written all over his face. I bloody well know it''s not the Loach Dragon Fire Path. I''m not blind to that bright sun shining outside in the sky. Chen Mu kept his gaze fixed on the distant majestic icebergs, his expression solemn. He had tried to use the Mechanical Technique multiple times but was utterly unable to contact the Vermilion Feather Sword. The nine Magic Swords he had stationed outside the Water Avoiding Shuttle to patrol had all lost contact! "The ability to cut off the Mechanical Technique so completely, it''s far beyond just being separated by a thousand miles. We likely have indeed been transported to a completely different realm," Chen Mu thought, feeling increasingly heavy-hearted. He had been to the Outer Heaven Nether Demon Sky before, where not a trace of Earth Spirit Element could be found, a completely different world. And now, this cold world before him, where the Earth Spirit Vitality was so scarce it was virtually non-existent, was probably a similar Beyond Heaven. "I have cultivated for many years, and I can go a month without sleep, but last night I fell into a deep and sudden slumber; this was no accident." Lei Cheng''s brow was tightly knotted. "Is someone behind this mischief?" Lei Hong''s face turned pale with fear. "To knock us out and then silently teleport the Water Avoiding Shuttle, how formidable must this person be?" He trembled even as he spoke. That''s what I''d like to know too. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. It wasn''t only Lei Cheng and Lei Hong who had fallen into a deep sleep last night. Everyone on the Water Avoiding Shuttle, including Chen Mu himself, had fallen into a deep slumber. He had thought it was due to the Nourishing Spirit Wine, but now it seemed... Things are getting troublesome. Chapter 617 605 Grotto Heaven Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle Dojo, the Small Accumulation Thunder Hall. Chen Mu stood at the door, took a deep breath, and his chaotic thoughts were dispersed, as solutions quickly emerged in his mind. "All these years of wandering haven''t been all bad; at least I''ve gained experience in dealing with situations like this," he said with a self-deprecating smile before turning to look at Lei Hong. "Scatter the Hunting Team, have them explore in all directions to see if they can find any signs of civilization." "Tell them to be cautious, focus on reconnaissance and recording, and not to provoke any unknown Exotic Beasts or Monsters." "I''ll get on it right away!" Lei Hong, who was initially flustered, suddenly found his resolve and hurriedly ran out of the Small Accumulation Thunder Hall. Chen Mu then turned to Lei Cheng: "You personally go and calm everyone inside the shuttle, and make sure they remain composed." "If anyone causes trouble or agitation..." He narrowed his eyes. "Understood!" Lei Cheng''s expression was stern. After giving instructions to the two men, Chen Mu himself quickly returned to the tranquility of his small building and took out the Gourd Sword Box to start crafting the Vermilion Feather Swords. Truth Listening Divine Power combined with the Vermilion Feather Swords was an excellent scouting tool. Unfortunately, due to last night''s disturbance, all nine Vermilion Feather Swords were lost. In order to use this method to scout the surroundings, he needed to replenish the Magic Swords as soon as possible. Mana poured into the Gourd Sword Box, attracting various types of Gold Essence stored on the table into the gourd. With a series of buzzing sounds, the Gourd Sword Box refined and fused the materials while automatically assembling and shaping the Vermilion Feather Swords. "Lucky I had Lei Hong gather more materials beforehand, otherwise I wouldn''t be able to do any crafting." Glancing at the slowly rotating Red Gourd in mid-air, Chen Mu''s spirit sank into the Jade Seed, and his consciousness arrived next to a dark black stone riddled with holes of various sizes. An ink-green glow emitted from mists that flowed through the holes, encircling the dark stone, creating an eerie and ominous sight. This was the core Mechanical Talisman of the Mechanical Technique. With it, he could split and nurture the Mechanical Talisman Seeds, allowing Chen Mu to remotely control the Vermilion Feather Swords. Carefully recalling the feedback provided by the Gray Wall, Chen Mu poured his mana into one corner of the Mechanical Talisman, triggering its hidden function. Whoo-who-who... The ink-green mists that had been drifting lazily suddenly accelerated and, in the blink of an eye, they all rushed into the dark stone. Crack! In the depths of his being, Chen Mu faintly heard a sharp cracking sound. It felt as if, in some distant place, something intimately connected to him had shattered. Before he could discern it carefully, he felt that the very thing that broke apart was growing anew in a nearby location, and the sense of emptiness that had just risen immediately dissipated. Puff! Like steam from a boiling kettle, the dark stone spewed out a large cloud of ink-green mist. A brand-new Mechanical Talisman Seed emerged within this vast expanse of black and green mist. "Whew... Luckily, I was able to retrieve the Mechanical Talisman Seed, otherwise, that would have been a big loss." Chen Mu relaxed. With the loss of the nine Vermilion Feather Swords, it wasn''t just the swords that were gone, but also the embedded Mechanical Talisman Seeds that were key to controlling the swords. If the Talisman Seeds couldn''t be retrieved, even if he forged new swords, he wouldn''t be able to use them for scouting. The sense of shattering and rebirth he just felt was the manifestation of the destruction of old Talisman Seeds and the birth of new ones. ... In the midst of ice and snow, within the belly of a glacial mountain, there was a huge cavernous space. At the center, there was a Cold Lake the size of a bedroom. The Cold Lake was only half a meter deep with a clearly visible bottom. Five or six palm-sized purple-blue fish leisurely swam through. Chen Mu stood by the Cold Lake, activating Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Splash! A clump of water about the size of a human head was extracted from the Cold Lake, with a purple-blue fish enveloped within it. He pulled the clump of water closer to examine it, then realized that the small fish, resembling a shimmering illusion, slowly dissolved away. Then, in a manner Chen Mu couldn''t understand, it reappeared within the Cold Lake. "Strange..." Chen Mu furrowed his brow slightly. It had been three days since they arrived in this world engulfed by ice and snow. This cave and Cold Lake, not far from the landing spot of the Water Avoiding Shuttle, were discovered by Chen Mu as soon as he activated the Truthful Listening Technique. The Cold Lake was shallow, yet its water was inexhaustible. The water was cold to the bone yet never froze. What was most magical were the six small fish within the lake. They could be seen but not caught; they didn''t seem like living creatures but were full of Spirituality. ... "Members of the Ding Flag Hunting Team have returned. They didn''t find a trace of civilization three hundred li to the south," Lei Hong said as he quickly approached the Cold Lake, a slight panic in his eyes. It wasn''t just three hundred li; there was no sign of life within five hundred li. Chen Mu nodded slightly, already aware of it in his heart. Over these three days, it wasn''t just the Hunting Team that had been scouting. The three Vermilion Feather Swords he had crafted had also flown hundreds of li away. The Truth Listening Divine Power had already scanned the surrounding five to six hundred li. Apart from the ocean and icebergs, and some Exotic Beasts and marine life, there was not a trace of civilization. "This environment is a bit like the far north of Da Qian, similar to the Zhongshan Path areas from years ago," Lei Cheng, who came along, said with a frown: "But this clearly isn''t Da Qian." "The earth''s pulse of Da Qian changed, and the Earth Spirit Vital Energy weakened, but that''s just due to the low concentration of energy, whereas here..." He shook his head with a serious look: "I suspect there isn''t any Earth Spirit Element here at all!" "It exists, but you haven''t found the right place," Chen Mu pointed to the Cold Lake in front of them. Lei Cheng crouched in astonishment and reached his hand into the Cold Lake. Immediately, he shivered from the icy lake water, but his eyes involuntarily widened. Because he indeed felt the presence of Earth Spirit Vital Energy within the Cold Lake, and its concentration was not low! "This place has a rather peculiar existence of Earth Spirit Vital Energy," Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, a glint of interest flashing in his eyes, "It isn''t dispersed in the air but is dissolved in the water instead." "Those deep seas outside the ice mountain, though very thin, still contain some Earth Spirit Vital Energy." "The Earth Spirit Vital Energy in this Cold Lake can even be described as abundant." From this, it seemed possible that this place was not entirely a Beyond Heaven like Nether Demon Heaven, and might be closely related to the world of Yunzhou! Chen Mu''s thoughts stirred, and he couldn''t help but think of Thousand Lanterns City. "Grotto Heavens?" He nodded slightly, with a hint of speculation in his heart. The ice and snow world before him could very well be a similar grotto heaven. Only it was much larger and more complete. "Perhaps, there''s a way to leave this place!" Chen Mu slowly narrowed his eyes. ... Several days later. The cavern within the glacier mountain was expanded several times. Apart from the Cold Lake in the center, a pitch-black pool appeared near the cave entrance without anyone noticing. The pool was roughly a hundred square meters, about the size of three to five bedrooms. Its surface was waveless, like a mirror, and the inside was pitch-black and bottomless, like an abyss. It was none other than the Netherworld Magic Instrument, the Bottomless Pool. In the center of the cavern, next to the Cold Lake, an elegant wooden cabin appeared one meter off the ground, its back facing the Bottomless Pool. On the porch in front of the cabin''s door, Chen Mu leaned against a pillar, sitting by the porch edge and looking at the Cold Lake with great interest. "Inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle, the Qi Cultivators have completed the division of labor according to the Secret Techniques they master. They can all set out tomorrow to catch various Exotic Beast seafood," Lei Cheng walked up the wooden stairs onto the porch and cupped his fists in salute. "This is going to cost quite a bit of White Jade Coins," Lei Hong said with a troubled face, hesitating. Here, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy was scarce, and using mana meant having less of it. To allow the Qi Cultivators participating in the hunts to recover mana, they needed to be granted access to the dojo. The reason the Dojo inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle had adequate Earth Spirit Vital Energy was all thanks to the White Jade Coins. "Afraid of wasted efforts?" Chen Mu glanced at Lei Hong. "No, no, no, just afraid of wasting White Jade Coins," Lei Hong chuckled. "Have them quickly throw the Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh into the Bottomless Pool. Don''t worry, I have experience with this," Chen Mu said confidently, waving his hand. Back in the Outer Heaven Demon Sky, he had managed to return to the Netherworld using the Ghost Gate. Now in this place, which was just a grotto heaven closely connected to the world of Yunzhou, all he needed to do was create a Ghost Gate, accumulate enough energy, and find an accurate anchor point to leave this grotto heaven. Lei Cheng and Lei Hong brothers exchanged glances and couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Coming to this unfamiliar place, it would be a lie to say they weren''t anxious. Now knowing there was a way to leave, the two of them immediately felt at ease. "I must focus on crafting the Magic Artifact needed for the Ground Shrinking Technique. I''ll leave the hunting of the Exotic Beasts to you." "This is related to whether we can leave successfully, so it must not be taken lightly," Chen Mu instructed. "Don''t worry, I''ve got this! Just watch!" Lei Hong declared cheerfully, slapping his chest. Lei Cheng also solemnly cupped his fists, indicating that he would seriously handle the matter. After discussing some other details, Chen Mu gestured for the two to leave. He looked at the Cold Lake in front of him but began to frown and look troubled. "The Ghost Gate is not easy to refine..." The main material for the Ghost Gate was Forget River Stone, and since it wasn''t available here, he could only resort to the original plan he used in the Nether Demon Heaven. He had used Yin Spirits as the basis and merged them with the power of the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to form a living Ghost Gate. There were no Yin Spirits here, and the Qi Cultivators on the Water Avoiding Shuttle were also unable to learn the Netherworld Mystique Netherworld Ferry. Fortunately, his Five Ghosts Bag contained thousands of Ghosts, and the Yin Spirits in the Netherworld were essentially Ghosts. So, he still could use the Ghosts to perform the Netherworld Ferry and assemble a living Ghost Gate. "Yin Spirits are Ghosts, but Ghosts are not quite Yin Spirits after all," Chen Mu scratched his head. This was precisely what pained him. Yin Spirits had vivid consciousness and could autonomously learn and perform the Netherworld Ferry secret method. But the Ghosts had chaotic consciousness and could not learn on their own. Forcing them to perform the Netherworld Ferry meant that Chen Mu had to use the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to transfer the secret method experience to each Ghost. Even then, success was not guaranteed on the first attempt, especially since Ghosts had chaotic consciousness and truly lacked brains. What was already an extremely energy-consuming task suddenly became much more difficult. "What a headache..." After sighing for a while, Chen Mu pulled out the Five Ghosts Bag, ready to get to work. Mysteriously pulled into this ice and snow world, just the thought of the person behind it made Chen Mu''s guts wrench. "No matter how difficult, this task must be done!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth. "I surely don''t want to die without reason." Chapter 618 606 Missing Half a month later, at night, in Tianhe Law Realm at Heavenly Peak. This peak was like a long spear thrust into the ground, straight and steep, towering into the clouds. Standing on the summit, it almost felt like one could touch the stars in the sky with a raised hand. At this moment, the rocky summit of Heavenly Peak had been entirely flattened, smooth as a mirror. A massive four-direction altar stood in the center, with Qiu Jinwu in a purple robe, sitting cross-legged at the heart of the stone platform. Beside him, a dim yellow lantern floated, its faint light flickering uncertainly on his porcelain-shard-like face. Qiu Jinwu looked down at the lean, black-robed elder lying in front of him, his face filled with emotion, "Huang Jiu, Elder Huang. The last time we met was fifteen years ago." "Back then, it was I who personally intervened to hand over the best Yun Chong Lower Courtyard of the Goose Sheep Path for your Huang Family to manage. Unfortunately, you were not up to par. More than a decade has passed, and your Divine Orifice has still not completed its refinement." Qiu Jinwu shook his head in disappointment. "In the end, you still need my help." "How about that? Aren''t you convinced?" "Then guess, where did Lian Xi''s Two Forms Transformation Method Ban come from?" He smirked slyly, gazing at Huang Jiu. Huang Jiu''s eyes suddenly bulged. He had never imagined that Lian Xi would turn out to be Qiu Jinwu''s man. This was like fattening a pig before slaughtering it! Huang Jiu felt utterly cold inside. "Fifteen years ago, you had just formed your Divine Orifice, whereas I had already reached the Perfection of Daoist Foundation for many years." Qiu Jinwu murmured softly. "Fifteen years later, you''ve even managed to refine a River Chariot, yet I am still at the Perfection of Daoist Foundation." "Old Huang, my heart aches!" He sighed up to the sky. "To nurture the Daoist Foundation into a Primordial Spirit, one needs Pure Yang Qi. To get Pure Yang Qi, one must build an Immortal Platform and forge a Spiritual Treasure." "But the method for forging Spiritual Treasures is monopolized by the old Dao Sects of the great sects. For us, smaller sects, even getting an audience is difficult!" Qiu Jinwu clenched his fists with force. "The Kui Niu Drum scrolls that were purchased at great expense from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect could barely be considered a Spiritual Treasure. Relying on that to refine a Primordial Spirit would take at least two to three hundred years." "But a Qi Refinement Practitioner at Dao Foundation Perfection has at most three hundred years of lifespan; I can''t wait that long." Qiu Jinwu bowed his head, staring bitterly at Huang Jiu. "Fortunately, heaven never cuts off all paths." "The Loach Dragon Dragon Ball splits into water and fire pearls and is a secretly transmitted Spiritual Treasure of the Heavenly River Water Mansion. As long as I completely control it, my path to the Primordial Spirit will be clear!" His eyes shone brightly, his body trembling with excitement at the thought of a possible future. "I volunteered to help you refine the River Chariot earlier, and now that I am facing difficulties, you surely would be willing to help me obtain the Dragon Ball, right?" He looked at Huang Jiu with a grin. Is your grandmother''s leg! You want my life! Huang Jiu lay flat on the ground, his eyes bulging with fierce intensity, glaring at Qiu Jinwu. "Not talking?" "Not talking means you agree!" Qiu Jinwu''s face was filled with a pleased smile. You damn well let me talk! Huang Jiu, completely restrained, could only fix his gaze deadly on Qiu Jinwu. His eyes were fierce, wishing he could pierce through Qiu Jinwu''s forehead. "Rest assured, I am very gentle." Qiu Jinwu held a fine needle, shimmering with golden light, like tattooing someone, and began to etch intricate patterns on Huang Jiu''s forehead. "It doesn''t hurt, doesn''t hurt at all!" he whispered through clenched teeth, his movements fast and precise, skillfully executed. The white-skinned lantern swung idly, casting a dim light on his broken porcelain-like face, creating a sinister atmosphere. At the edge of the altar, more than a dozen figures of various ages and genders were faintly visible. They all had their eyes closed, with strange and complex gold patterns etched on their faces. At this moment, they sat motionless around the altar, resembling wax figures or corpses. ... In an ice cave by Cold Lake, inside a wooden hut. Chen Mu sat on a thickly padded soft couch, staring intently at a half-man-tall black mist in front of him. Yin Spirit Divine Power vibrated and distorted; threads of silver light emerged from his fingertips. Following the direction of his fingers, they slowly injected into the black mist. Like sewing clothes, the silver threads pierced through the black mist, stitching themselves into it. Moments later, Chen Mu carefully withdrew his fingers, watching the silver threads drifting with the black mist, revealing a gratified smile. But before his smile could fully spread across his face, the black mist suddenly shrank, shaking violently like a sneeze. Puff! All the silver threads were ejected. The painstakingly refined Netherworld Crossing Secret Method Ghost Pattern dissipated rapidly, and the smile that had just begun to form on Chen Mu''s face stiffened. "It''s okay, it''s okay, Ghosts are not Yin Spirits; the fault tolerance has to be set higher." "A Transmission Secret Method passed down just thirteen or fourteen times is completely acceptable... bullshit!" Chen Mu glared fiercely at the Ghosts in front of him, wishing he could smash them with a punch. He had anticipated difficulties in transmitting the technique to Ghosts, but he hadn''t expected it to be this difficult. "When you devour blood and vital essence, aren''t you quite imposing?" "Yun Chong Lower Courtyard has so many Qi Cultivators who could easily handle it, so why can''t you learn a Secret Technique?" "Idiot! Blockhead! You''re really a disgrace to the Netherworld!" Chen Mu cursed aloud. The black mist twirled in a circle, idly unaffected. Chen Mu felt a stuffiness in his chest. Turning his head, he glared fiercely at the couch''s backrest, where five little paper dolls were sitting in a row, "Even you guys are derived from Ghosts; can''t you give some guidance to these juniors to make them smarter?" The Five Ghosts Paper Dolls scratched their heads, then cheerfully got up. In a puff of smoke, they flew to the Ghosts'' side, grabbing the black smoke and starting to jump and spin in the air. Their movements were lively and elusive, much like the Hu Xuan dance performed by girls in the Yicui Building. Chen Mu: "..." Hmm, it actually looks quite good... Good my ass! I asked you to teach it the Secret Technique, not how to dance! Chen Mu waved his hands in exasperation, shooing away all five paper dolls like he was chasing flies. His forehead throbbed as if someone was plucking at his brain nerves. Chen Mu had a terrible headache! He pressed firmly against his temples and pulled out a fist-sized jade bottle. With a flick of his thumb, he popped the wooden stopper and took a big gulp of Nourishing Spirit Wine. The warmth rushed up, and a tipsy feeling quickly overwhelmed his heart. Chen Mu immediately stimulated his mana, and his blood circulation sped up. The tipsiness that was about to spread throughout his body quickly dissipated, replaced by a refreshing coolness that invigorated his spirit. "Drinking can cause problemsI must not indulge in it too much," he muttered as he rubbed his forehead. As the cool breeze swept through his mind, his headache quickly lessened. Before long, Chen Mu took a deep breath and regained his composure. He could use the Transmission Secret Method of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed to imprint the Ghost Pattern on Ghosts, but apart from consuming Yin Spirit Divine Power, it also depleted the Fetal Spirit God. Transmitting too often gave him headaches. Ghosts had chaotic consciousness and could only be managed by Chen Mu actively imprinting the Secret Technique. Moreover, because the soul was unordered, even with direct transmission, the success rate was only about ten to twenty percent. "Thank goodness for the Nourishing Spirit Wine," Chen Mu felt relieved. Otherwise, with the symptoms he had just experienced, it would take half a day to recover, which would certainly delay the progress of constructing the living Ghost Gate. "What a great item," Chen Mu chuckled as he played with the jade bottle. According to what Gray Wall reported, Nourishing Spirit Wine could nourish the Primordial Spirit and strengthen the foundation. Whether it could actually strengthen the foundation, he wasn''t sure, but it definitely healed the depleted Fetal Spirit God. In just a short while, the splitting headache had completely vanished. "Let''s continue!" He put away the jade bottle, grabbed a Ghost in front of him, and prepared to keep grappling with the task. "Today, I must imprint the Netherworld Crossing!" ... Chen Mu spent his days by the pool, modifying Ghosts. Meanwhile, other members of the Ping Ning were out hunting Exotic Beasts in the water in groups. Although the future was uncertain, with the efforts of brothers Lei Cheng and Lei Hong to maintain calm, everyone''s mood was relatively stable, and tasks were progressing in an orderly manner. However, this stability did not last long, as strange occurrences began to happen. "People are disappearing?" By the Bottomless Pool, Chen Mu looked down at the pitch-black pool water and frowned slightly, "Within a 700-li radius, there aren''t any fierce Exotic Beasts." "The ones missing are collateral descendants of Elders Zhang and Li, not victims of beasts but they have left voluntarily," Lei Cheng shook his head. So bold? "How dare they stray far from the Ping Ning?" Chen Mu was puzzled. "It''s bloodline guidance," Lei Cheng said gravely, "They want to find their Condensing Aperture ancestors." "My brother and I also vaguely feel this guidance. It must be some sort of Secret Technique based on bloodline calling." Chen Mu''s expression changed slightly, "Are many Condensing Aperture elders from the Goose Sheep Path also in this Grotto Heaven?" "Most likely," Lei Cheng nodded solemnly. "Where does this bloodline guidance point?" Chen Mu asked. "Due north!" Lei Cheng raised his hand toward the Ice Cave entrance. Chen Mu nodded thoughtfully and then looked at the Lei brothers with a smile, "Why don''t we send some people to scout the way and also look for your Lei ancestor?" Being an outsider, he couldn''t compare with the closeness of the Lei ancestor. Now that they had some clues, he couldn''t block others from seeking out their forebears. Moreover... "Two heads are better than one. If we actually find the Lei ancestor, joining forces could perhaps allow us to leave this place faster," he said with a squint. Hearing this, Lei Hong''s eyes flickered hesitantly. But Lei Cheng immediately shook his head firmly. "We shouldn''t search!" "Not only should we not search, but we should also leave this place as soon as possible!" "Qiu Jinwu daring to act so recklessly, the situation for the ancestors doesn''t look good." "This guidance doesn''t seem like a summoning order, it''s more like a sweet trap!" "Really not going to search?" "Not searching!" Lei Cheng shook his head again firmly. "What about you?" Chen Mu turned to Lei Hong. Lei Hong looked at his unsmiling brother, then at the smiling Chen Mu, shivered involuntarily and immediately shook his head, "I... I''m not going either." "It''s a shame, I wanted to meet your Lei ancestor," Chen Mu said regretfully, his right hand behind his back slowly clenched, snuffing out the Kui Water Yin Thunder that was ready to be unleashed in his palm. "If possible, it would be best to bring back those who disappeared," Lei Cheng suggested, "If those people are captured, tracing back might lead them here..." "Don''t worry, thirty-nine of them, not one will escape," Chen Mu said with a smile, watching the scene transmitted by the Truth Listening Divine Power. Eight hundred li away, a group of Qi Cultivators was running rapidly through the snow. Three red lines descended from the sky, swiftly drawing circles of various sizes from back to front through the group. Puff, puff, puff... Blood spurted, and several heads rolled off. The pristine snowy ground was instantly stained red. "How did you know thirty-nine people ran?" Lei Hong scratched his head by the Bottomless Pool. "I just counted the heads," Chen Mu said with a grin looking at Lei Hong. Counted the heads? Why does that sound so awkward? Lei Hong glanced at his unchanging-faced brother, then back at the ever-smiling Chen Mu, and felt a sudden chill up his spine, involuntarily shrinking his neck. These people... they hadn''t already been killed by him, had they? What would have happened if he had agreed to search for their ancestor? Yikes! Chapter 619 - 607 Dragon Ball "Don''t forget the incident that happened at the entrance of the Loach Dragon Fire Path." "Do you know the fate of those people?" "Soul Extraction and Refinement? It didn''t come to that." "They just sealed the five senses, bound the whole body, and buried it underground." "How does that feel?" "What if one were ignorantly buried alive like that?" By the Bottomless Pool, Chen Mu looked at the Lei brothers with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Hearing this, the two brothers couldn''t help but exchange looks. "I''m already very tired from trying to leave this Grotto Heaven," Chen Mu sighed. "If someone causes me trouble, I can only ensure they''ll never have trouble again." "People have run eight hundred miles away, and you come to tell me about the Bloodline Summon." "Complacency is certainly unwarranted." His face still wore a smile, but his almost narrowed eyes were filled with a cold sharpness. Lei Cheng and Lei Hong instantly felt their bodies tense up. "Go do what you need to do." Without waiting for the brothers to explain, Chen Mu waved his hand, dismissing them. Watching the rigid backs of the two brothers as they scurried away, he retracted his gaze and sighed slightly. "After all, I am an outsider; feeling my ancestors'' secretive summoning is inevitably unsettling." "Fortunately, Lei Cheng is rational enough, and the Vermilion Feather Sword and Truth Listening Divine Power are miraculous enough; otherwise..." Chen Mu shook his head, filled with retrospective fear. That so-called call of the blood was mostly likely a trap; over thirty people dived straight into it, leaving their fate uncertain, and it would surely reveal the position of the Ping Ning. If Qiu Jinwu took personal action, there would be absolutely no chance of escape. "Should I refine a few more Magic Swords?" Chen Mu hesitated. The Vermilion Feather Sword was capable not only of executing enemies eight hundred miles away but, in combination with Truth Listening Divine Power, was also an excellent tool for long-range surveillance. With a sufficient number of Magic Swords, he would be able to detect such events immediately. After pondering for a while, Chen Mu ultimately dismissed the idea. "I should have practiced the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture more often." "That way, I''d dare to retrieve more Mechanical Talisman Seeds and refine more Vermilion Feather Swords." "There''s no need to leave so many Talisman Seeds outside as anchors," Chen Mu thought with some annoyance. To leave this Grotto Heaven, not only did the Ghost Gate need to break the void, but also a precise landing point was needed. Previously in the Outer Nether Demon Sky, he relied on the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture to calculate the landing spot in the Netherworld. Now he intended to use the same trick; the Vermilion Feather Swords left in the Loach Dragon Fire Path were the best medium for anchors. Inside the Magic Swords were rare Mechanical Talisman Seeds, mystically connected to him. They couldn''t directly sense the Talisman Seeds'' location but could calculate it through the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. To ensure precision, out of nine Talisman Seeds, he had only retrieved three. The remaining six were still left in the Loach Dragon Fire Path. "After all, it''s still a lack of experience," Chen Mu shook his head and checked the Gray Wall. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 3191/10000/Third Rank; "If it were upgraded to the Fourth Rank, perhaps leaving a single Talisman Seed would be enough to calculate the landing point." "This Secret Technique needs to be practiced diligently." ... At dawn, by the wooden house veranda. Chen Mu leaned against a wooden pillar, one leg crossed and the other extended, resting on the edge of the veranda''s wooden floor. A semi-human-sized black wisp of a Ghost floated unsteadily in front of him. His right hand lay lazily on his knee, his index finger pointing to the sky. Swoosh, a silver filament shot out from between his fingers and burrowed into the black wisp. Chen Mu, who had toiled through the night, stared blankly ahead. After a while, seeing no silver Ghost Pattern expelled, his gaze shifted slightly as he came back to his senses. "Is it done?" "Is this the fifty-third or the fifty-seventh one today?" Enduring a headache, Chen Mu thought sluggishly as he calculated. With practiced motions, he pulled out a Jade Bottle, flicked the stopper away, and tipped it towards his mouth. However, after tilting it for a while, only a meager amount of Nourishing Spirit Wine poured out. Chen Mu had refined four bottles of Nourishing Spirit Wine at once, and now they were all drained. Chen Mu shook his head. As the effects of the Nourishing Spirit Wine kicked in, the pain subsided, the mental fatigue eased, and his thoughts became clearer. "I can perform the Secret Technique transfer on over sixty Ghosts in one day." "There are nearly four thousand Ghosts in the Five Ghosts Bag." "To work through all of them will take more than two months," he silently calculated. "If I run out of Nourishing Spirit Wine, it might take twice as long." "I need to find a way to refine some more Nourishing Spirit Wine." Chen Mu shook the empty Jade Bottle, then turned to look back at the Bottomless Pool. ... In the evening, by the Bottomless Pool. Chen Mu, having rested for the whole day, had recovered and was now walking around the Bottomless Pool. In recent days, the Ping Ning hunting team had been continuously busy, bringing back several thousand pounds of Exotic Beast aquatic life. Although they were mostly lower grade Exotic Beasts, a bit sturdier than ordinary wild beasts, they were abundant in quantity. "The Ghost Gate needs the essence from the blood and flesh." "The Nourishing Spirit Wine requires the soul from the blood and flesh." "Refining the spirit essences and preserving the core essence generally won''t impact the operation of the Ghost Gate," Chen Mu had been pondering over this matter for a day, repeatedly pondering the key aspects. "The Bottomless Pool is filled with River of Oblivion Water; the blood and flesh of the Exotic Beasts has already been initially decomposed and purified. The step of decocting the herbs can be skipped, and the Cursing Method can be directly used for refinement." Originally, in the Netherworld, the Yin Soldiers of the Yellow Spring Department did just that. Massive numbers of demons and Exotic Beasts were thrown into the Bottomless Pool. After initial decomposition and purification, secret techniques like the Three Turns Soul Capturing Curse would be used directly to refine the essence. With this in mind, Chen Mu no longer hesitated and raised his hand to take out a half-man-tall round-bellied Jade Basin. Mana surged, casting the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell. Pop, pop, pop... On the smooth surface of the Bottomless Pool that was like a mirror, droplets of white jade-colored water began to float upwards. Chen Mu then collected them with his Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, converging them into streams that poured into the Jade Basin beside him. "It''s true what they say, many hands make light work! Haha." The little amount of Exotic Beast Meat he had hoarded before, when desperately squeezed dry, the Nourishing Spirit Wine derived from it barely managed to fill four palm-sized Jade Bottles. Unlike now, where Nourishing Spirit Wine gushed into the Jade Basin like fine raindrops. With the Cursing Method ongoing, Chen Mu stood by the pool for more than an Hour, not stopping the Soul Capturing Spell until he had extracted every last drop of the spirit essence from the Exotic Beasts in the Bottomless Pool, still not quite satisfied. At this moment, the half-man-tall round-bellied Jade Basin was only a finger''s breadth away from being filled. "The Bottomless Pool and the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell are really a perfect match." "What a great harvest, haha!" Just as he was pleased with himself, a sudden jolt at his waist. Buzz! Two streams of light, one white and one black, flashed before his eyes and plunged into the Jade Basin with a plop. What was that? Chen Mu was puzzled. Then he saw the nearly full Jade Basin of Nourishing Spirit Wine start to disappear at a rate visible to the naked eye. What the hell?! Chen Mu''s expression changed. Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles! Like casting a net to catch fish, the Qi Forbidden Power surged into the Jade Basin, swiftly capturing the two foreign objects inside. Chen Mu''s eyes hardened, his Yin Spirit Divine Power surged violently as he yanked upward... But it didn''t budge! Damn! My Nourishing Spirit Wine! In just this short period, nearly half of the Jade Basin of Nourishing Spirit Wine had inexplicably vanished. Enraged, Chen Mu instantly reached into the Jade Basin, grasping the black and white objects accurately, and yanked them out with force. It felt as though he was grabbing two fish wagging their tails and flapping about, or like he was pulling at two large dogs licking their faces furiously competing for food. Water splashed everywhere, his arms shook for a while, and after several tugs, he finally pulled out the two foreign objects. Looking at his open palms, in his left hand lay a palm-sized black Crescent Blade, and in his right hand, a fist-sized Hollow Bone Ball. A twist of fate? How did it end up being these two things?! Chen Mu''s eyebrows shot up in anger. These two Magic Artifacts were obtained by accident, and because they acted similarly to a Body Protection Aura with an automatic protection ability, he always kept them by his waist. But ever since he acquired the Five Dragon Dharma Body, and considering Chen Mu''s usual caution, always steering clear of trouble, he hadn''t used these two Magic Artifacts in years. Who would have thought that today, when he finally did, they would steal most of his Nourishing Spirit Wine. "My Nourishing Spirit Wine?!" "Where did you take my Nourishing Spirit Wine?!" "Spit it back out!" Chen Mu was frantic. The two Magic Artifacts that had swallowed most of the Nourishing Spirit Wine now lay motionless in his palm, as if dead. ... In the Tianhe Law Realm, the sky was a cloudless azure blue. A flock of migratory birds, arranged in a V formation, traveled from south to north, leaving glaciers and snowfields behind them. The sun and the moon took their turns, and the birds seemed to fly for ages, with ice and snow gradually giving way to greener vegetation. As the temperature changed, the climate seemed to reverse from the depths of winter to the warmth of spring. But as they burst through the mist and clouds and flew past the Sky-connecting Peak, which was as straight as a spear, the temperature rose sharply, and summer arrived. The birds chirped merrily, dancing in the air, then slowly descended into the dense jungle below. Looking back the way they came, the Sky-connecting Peak soared into the clouds. The mountain summit was enveloped by mist, resembling a heavenly abode. At nightfall. A roar, like muted thunder, came from the top of the Sky-connecting Peak. Buzz! A wave of invisible energy spread out, dispersing the perennial fog that shrouded the mountaintop. At this moment, on the altar at the mountaintop, more than thirty Qi Cultivators with golden patterns on their faces sat cross-legged around the edge, motionless as wax statues. In the center, Qiu Jinwu sat cross-legged, fervently looking up into the sky with eyes full of zeal. There, in the void, it seemed like shattered glass, laced with black cracks. Half of a day-blue giant eye was emerging from the broken space. "Dragon Ball! Dragon Ball!" Chapter 620 - 608 Root Device At the edge of the Sky-connecting Peak, Lian Xi looked up in astonishment at the huge eyeball that blocked out the night sky, "Is the Dragon Ball actually a gigantic eyeball?" "What else would it be?" Not far away, a vertical pupil-shaped black hole lazily spoke. "I... I thought it was some kind of pill condensed within the organs." "That would be called kidney stones." "Uh..." "In fact, this thing should be called a Root Device." "Root Device?" Lian Xi was puzzled. "The fifth stage of the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique is called Open Meridians. After success, one can obtain the True Form of Heavenly Demon." "Transforming certain organs of the True Form of Heavenly Demon allows one to craft a Root Device; hence, the sixth stage of the Heavenly Demon Path is called Artifact Creation." "The Root Device can generate a special kind of Vital Energy, which can refine and nourish the True Form of Heavenly Demon. It''s an essential item for achieving the True Form." "The organ selected can be any of the five viscera and six bowels, it can be bones and skin, or it can be teeth and eyeballs." "Clearly, the creator of the Tianhe Law Realm, the Water Mansion Master, chose the pair of eyeballs from his own Loach Dragon Heavenly Demon Body as his Root Device." Now understanding the origin of the Dragon Ball, Lian Xi''s confusion grew, "The Root Device is the foundation of a cultivator of the Heavenly Demon Path. What use would Master Qiu, a Dao Foundation Qi Cultivator, have for it?" "Obviously for the journey of the Primordial Spirit," the vertical pupil black hole chuckled with amusement. "After perfecting the Dao Foundation, a Qi Cultivator must build an Immortal Platform to refine a Spiritual Treasure." "The most important function of the Spiritual Treasure is to cultivate Pure Yang Qi, which can nourish the Dao Foundation and achieve the Primordial Spirit." "Listen, doesn''t this stage sound familiar?" The Root Device aids the Heavenly Demon Path in crafting the True Form; the Spiritual Treasure helps Qi Cultivators to cultivate the Primordial Spirit... A thought struck Lian Xi, "The Root Device created by a cultivator of the Heavenly Demon Path is equivalent to the Spiritual Treasure Immortal Platform refined by Qi Cultivators in their sixth stage?" "There are differences, but overall, they''re similar sorts of things," the vertical pupil black hole spoke cheerfully. Hearing this, Lian Xi suddenly looked up, staring fixedly at the sky-blocking giant eyeball. This was a Root Device comparable to a Spiritual Treasure Immortal Platform, an excellent tool for achieving the Primordial Spirit! If he could obtain it... "Do you want it..." The black and red flames flickered within the vertical pupil black hole, as a playful voice came through. "Spirit Venerable jests. What Qi Cultivator wouldn''t want this thing!" "You''re quite honest." While they spoke, the situation on the altar changed once again. The thirty-plus Qi Refining Cultivators around the altar suddenly looked up. With their eyes closed and peaceful smiles on their faces, they looked rather eerie and abnormal at first glance. As Master Qiu formed mudras and incantated, golden light flowed along the patterns on their faces, and strands of gold thread as thin as hair flew out from their foreheads. Instantly, they shot up into the sky, piercing into that purple-blue giant eyeball. At that moment, inside the sky-obscuring giant eyeball, a silver flow of Qi was flickering in and out of sight, moving rapidly like a fish swimming inside the eyeball. The gold threads entered, and the Qi flow twisted and turned to evade, but was quickly bound by the gold lines. As the fine gold threads pulled taught and retracted, the eyeball, five or six times larger than the Water Avoiding Shuttle, was yanked out of the void and began to fall. As it descended, it shrank rapidly. By the time it floated above the altar at a height of five meters, it had turned into a sea-blue pearl about the size of a walnut. Now the gold threads were taut, continually dragging on it, but the blue Dragon Ball kept rising and falling, hovering at a height of five meters in mid-air. Master Qiu''s face, fractured like ceramic shards, became more frenzied, his heart hardened as he stared at the Dragon Ball close before his eyes. Hum! The air in front of him twisted and vibrated, and a sphere identical in shape but dark purple hopped out of the void. This was the Loach Dragon Dragon Ball that Master Qiu had obtained earlier. A thick golden line the size of a chopstick shot out from the dark red Dragon Ball and stabbed into the blue one. The previously twisting and struggling silver Qi flow abruptly stilled. With just a slight exertion of force, the blue Dragon Ball was pulled down from mid-air. Watching the blue and purple spherical pearls chase each other in a swirling dance, Master Qiu trembled with excitement. Dragon Ball! A complete Loach Dragon Dragon Ball! He had sold off the Goose Sheep Path, gambled his entire wealth and life. Wasn''t it all for these two Dragon Balls? "Once my ritual is complete, I''ll be ready to step onto the path of the Primordial Spirit." "Once I''ve achieved the Primordial Spirit, all these forces, whether hidden or open, like Lock Dragon Courtyard, Thousand Mechanisms Sect, will have to bow down to me!" He was indulging in thoughts of the future when Bang! Like a breaking rope, a crisp sound suddenly rang out. Master Qiu''s expression changed, his eyes involuntarily widening. Then he saw that the chopstick-thick golden thread he had summoned had suddenly begun to show ceramic-like cracks, much like his own face. Before he could cast a spell to repair it. Boom! The chopstick-thick golden thread exploded into powder. Hum! Two silver Qi flows burst out from the red and blue pearls, not giving Master Qiu a moment to react, and with a whoosh, they disappeared into the void without a trace. The two crystal-clear pearls rapidly lost their luster, becoming murky and ashen, as if they were carved out of bone or stone. Master Qiu felt his blood rising, his eye sockets turning blood red. A tremendous aura burst forth, and the clouds atop the mountain were swept away by the rolling blast. "Dragon Ball! My Dragon Ball!" ... To the south of the Tianhe Law Realm lay a land of ice and snow. Beside the Ice Cave Cold Pond, Chen Mu sat as usual against a post on the veranda of the wooden house on the edge. He worked his fingers and murmured to himself. A series of strange numbers tumbled through his mind. At the tip of his index finger, a strand of Mana underwent several changes before finally forming a soybean-sized ball composed of sparkling lights. Resembling a Talisman with a secret technique, it contained obscure messages. It was the Ghost Gate mark deduced using the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. These past few days, aside from passing the Transmission Secret Method to the Ghosts, Chen Mu repeatedly calculated the mark to ensure precise return to the Loach Dragon Fire Path. Thinking of this, Chen Mu took out a Jade Tablet as long as a forearm and as wide as a palm. Results of all his calculations these days were engraved on it. He glanced at the starlight Talisman on his fingertip and then compared it with the eighty silver patterns on the Jade Tablet, falling into silence. "Is this... calculating nine diagrams every day, and each time they''re different?" "Ugh..." He knew the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture was unreliable, but he hadn''t expected it to be this unreliable! "Relying on this thing, can I really return to the Loach Dragon Fire Path?" Chen Mu worried, pulled out a piece of pork as large as a human head, and bit into it fiercely. "The future looks bleak," he sighed, shaking his head with resignation as he picked up the jade bottle beside him and took a swig of the Nourishing Spirit Wine. ... After dinner. Chen Mu leaned lazily against a wooden pillar, watching six invisible little fish in the Cold Pond, rubbing his belly to aid digestion. "All day long, I''m busy to the point of a splitting headache, while you lot don''t have to do a thing, just leisurely swimming around." "It''s not fair!" No matter how Chen Mu looked at them, the six fish just seemed more and more irritating to the eye. Immediately, he employed the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, scooping up a head-sized sphere of water. Inside the water sphere, a purple-blue little fish was perfectly trapped. Mana, Yin Spirit Divine Power, the Exotic Force produced by the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed in combination with the Seven Emotions Curseall sorts of powers were thrown into the water sphere by him at once. However, the little fish seemed to be no more than an illusion; the powers could not touch it at all. In no time, the purple-blue little fish disappeared from view and then quietly reappeared in the Cold Pond. Moreover, the little fish deliberately swam close to Chen Mu, leisurely gliding by the edge of the Cold Pond not far from him. Don''t let me catch you! Otherwise, I''ll definitely let you taste my cooking skills! With a huff, Chen Mu raised his head, deciding out of sight, out of mind. He then stretched his hand into the water sphere suspended in mid-air, drawing out the Earth Spirit Vital Energy contained within the water in the blink of an eye. Inside the Jade Seed, the Divine Orifice, which had just completed its fifty-second tempering, slowly rotated, and the consumed mana began to replenish rapidly. This was also the reason why he lingered around the Cold Pond and did not leave. The Earth Spirit Vital Energy was thin in the outside world, but rich within the Cold Pond, which could supply his daily cultivation. Although he did have the Exquisite Jade Plate, activating the plate required White Jade. "Better save what little I can." Currently, the Earth Spirit Element in his Grotto Heaven was scarce; even though he had more than twenty thousand pieces of White Jade, he always felt it wasn''t enough. Discarding the completely energy-depleted water, Chen Mu once again scooped a water sphere out of the Cold Pond. Mechanically repeating the process, in no time, the Jade Seed Inner Magical Power was swiftly replenished. As he scooped up the last water sphere, planning to end this cultivation session after draining its vital energy, he unexpectedly found that the purple-blue little fish wrapped within did not disappear. "Hey! Interesting..." More than half a month had passed, and it wasn''t his first attempt to capture the little fish in the Cold Pond. Chen Mu pulled the water sphere closer, wanting to take a closer look. But before he could inspect it closely. Pop! The water sphere suddenly burst, and the purple-blue little fish turned into two silver-white streams of Qi, zipping into the embroidered pouch hanging at his waist. "What the hell!" Chen Mu''s expression changed, and he instinctively grabbed the pouch and threw it. But the moment the pouch left his hand, it abruptly exploded into pieces, and two streams of light, one black and one white, flew out. Before Chen Mu could react, they darted into the secret acupoint between his eyebrows. A mishap? It''s these two again?! I haven''t settled the score for swallowing my Nourishing Spirit Wine, and now you bring me more trouble?! Chen Mu, his brow now ice cold, felt a surge of shock and anger, leaving his face flushing red with rage! ... Sky-connecting Peak. Qiu Jinwu''s eyes were bloodshot, his porcelain-like face even more terrifying. He stared unblinkingly at the vertical pupil black hole in front of him: "Jia old ghost, was it your doing?" "Tsk tsk, your expression right now really resembles a mad dog," a schadenfreude voice sounded from within the dark red flame of the vertical pupil black hole. A fierce light suddenly appeared in Qiu Jinwu''s eyes. But the flame inside the vertical pupil black hole remained unconcerned, responding lazily, "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine is the most spiritual, you almost caught and refined it to death, shouldn''t it have the right to escape?" "You''re the one who was impatient for success, you started before your soul was fully recovered. The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine has run away, who else can you blame?" "Besides, it''s not like you''ve gained nothing. At least, you got two Dragon Ball Embryos." "Although they are no longer complete Root Devices, they are still of infinite use." Qiu Jinwu took a deep breath, striving to suppress the tumultuous emotions within and slowly regained his composure. He ignored the vertical pupil black hole and instead turned to Lian Xi, "Do you know the Qi Mechanism Tracking Secret Skill?" "Now that''s the right attitude to solve problems," the voice within the flame chuckled. "Master Qiu, I indeed possess such Secret Techniques, as part of the Nightmare Victory Secret Method." "However, my strength is limited, and the object you''ve lost is too profound; I cannot guarantee the result of tracking," Lian Xi replied hesitantly with a handshake. "I accept any result," Qiu Jinwu calmly stated. Hearing this, Lian Xi glanced at the vertical pupil black hole. "Go on, after all, Master Qiu is also one of our biggest sponsors, a provider for us non-Qi Cultivators. If we can help, we should," the dark red flame flickered. "As you command." Lian Xi bowed respectfully, and immediately approached the Four-direction Altar, taking out various devices to set up. ... An hour later. A long table was placed in the center of the altar. On the table was a human head-sized Bronze Incense Burner, from which wisps of green smoke rose, forming a curtain in mid-air. A blue and a purple glass bead-like Dragon Ball, floated in the smoke. As Lian Xi recited the incantation for the curse. Images of volcanoes, oceans, glaciers, streams, and other vague scenes flickered by as if on a carousel. But after a full fifteen minutes of flashing, until Lian Xi was pale with depleted mana, no definite picture emerged. Pop! A soft noise sounded, and the smoke in mid-air exploded. Lian Xi looked up with difficulty. "Master... Master Qiu." "What''s the result?" "It seems... it seems that what you''re looking for is everywhere, present in all places." "How can this be?" Qiu Jinwu frowned deeply. "Either someone skilled in the Demonstration of calculation is misleading and concealing the Qi signature." "Or, this object truly is ubiquitous." Spirit Mechanism is the core of the Root Device, and the Dragon Ball is a pillar of the Tianhe Law Realm; its Spirit Machine Qi might indeed be found everywhere! So, the Tracking Secret Technique is useless, and even if you want to find it, you can''t?! Qiu Jinwu: "..." Fuck! Chapter 621 - 609: Baby "What exactly are these two things?" In front of the wooden house by Cold Lake, Chen Mu lay on a reclining chair with a frown on his face. Last night, ever since they involuntarily entered the Condensing Aperture between his eyebrows, he had been trying to figure out the cause of the change. The job of passing on the Transmission Secret Method to the Ghosts had been put to a halt by him. He didn''t dare to proceed without clarity, fearing that these two items might explode his head. "When did I acquire these Ghosts?" "Twelve years ago, or sixteen?" Chen Mu frowned as he tracked back to their origin. At that time, he had just left the overseas frontier and arrived in Yunzhou, having spent only a few years there since leaving Jilong Road. "Really, this Magic Artifact was extraordinary from the beginning." Chen Mu let the gray wall appear before his eyes and looked at one of the columns. Spirit Nourishing Curse: Limit. The Spirit Nourishing Curse was a Dharma Curse used for controlling the Ghosts, vastly different from the traditional Magic Artifact Manipulation Secret Techniques. Secret Techniques like the Six-winged Locust Spell or the Green Flowerhorn Mother-Child Spell generally required the refining of both child and mother talismans. Then, the child talisman would be infused into the Magic Artifact, linked by the mother talisman, thereby enabling the manipulation of the Magic Artifact. In contrast, the Spirit Nourishing Curse merely consumed mana to nourish the spirituality of the Ghosts. With sufficient spirituality, with just a thought from Chen Mu, the Ghosts would immediately respond. Later on, they even acted on their own to protect their master without his direct manipulation. "It doesn''t feel like I''m controlling an inanimate Magic Artifact; it''s more like raising a living pet!" "Did the Ghosts swallow the Nourishing Spirit Wine previously because it was a delicious food for them?" "Tsk!" Chen Mu introspected the Condensing Aperture between his eyebrows, where at that moment, the painfully white Bone Sphere was slowly rotating. The Jet-black Moon Blade, like a satellite, orbited around the Bone Sphere as its center. As unbelievable as it might seem, this was probably the case. "Nourishing Spirit Wine, Spirit Nourishing Curse, there seems to be a great correlation between these two." Chen Mu tried activating the Spirit Nourishing Curse. Mana vibrations transformed instantly, turning into a strand of Exotic Force that burrowed into the Condensing Aperture between his eyebrows. The previously idle Ghosts immediately flew next to the Exotic Force. It was as if a cat was reaching out its paw; the Moon Blade and Bone Sphere cautiously touched the Exotic Force. Then... Then they indifferently flew back to the center of the Condensing Aperture, continuing their lazy rotation. They completely lost interest in the Exotic Force of the Spirit Nourishing Curse sent into the Condensing Aperture by Chen Mu. Why have they become picky eaters now? Previously, the Ghosts were very fond of the Exotic Force emitted by the Spirit Nourishing Curse. Chen Mu tentatively placed a Jade Bottle filled with Nourishing Spirit Wine on the space between his eyebrows. With a slurp! A flash of black and white light, and the bottle felt lighter in his hand. A full bottle of Nourishing Spirit Wine vanished without a trace. Chen Mu: "..." You don''t want the Spirit Nourishing Curse, only the Nourishing Spirit Wine? Really getting selective, aren''t you?! It must be because of that small purple-blue fish! If not for the transformation of that small fish into silver airflow, the Ghosts wouldn''t have changed like this. Before, when they absorbed the Nourishing Spirit Wine, Chen Mu had done some preliminary research. At that time, the Ghosts were indiscriminate towards both Nourishing Spirit Wine and Spirit Nourishing Curse. Unlike now, they had begun to disdain the Spirit Nourishing Curse. "So, what exactly are those two streams of silver light?" He looked down into Cold Lake. At this moment, not a single one of the six small fish was missing; they were still freely swimming in the lake. It was as if the previous scene of them shattering into silver airflow had never happened. ... "Magic Treasure?" Chen Mu looked at Lei Hong, puzzled. "On your body, it''s probably a Magic Treasure or a Spiritual Treasure," Lei Hong explained, standing on the porch in front of the wooden house. "A Spiritual Treasure is also a Magic Treasure, but it''s tied to one''s life and is said to grow along with the Qi Cultivator." "A Magic Treasure, on the other hand, can be ingested into a Jade Seed, considered a sophisticated Magic Artifact. But unlike a Spiritual Treasure, which grows with one''s life, even if lost or damaged, it has little impact on the Qi Cultivator itself." "Most of the legendary Flying Swords and Jumping Pills fall into this category of Magic Treasure." These sect disciples are indeed well-informed. Chen Mu felt inwardly impressed. He had only heard the names of Spiritual Treasures and Magic Treasures, but that was about it; he hadn''t thought through this thoroughly. "Do you know how to consecrate and manipulate a Magic Treasure?" "That''s a bit difficult for me," Lei Hong spread his hands helplessly. "There are hardly any Magic Treasures in the entire Goose Sheep Path, how could I know such a consecration Secret Technique?" "I heard that old man Qiu Jinwu obtained a Magic Treasure a few years ago." "Ever since he''s been in closed-door consecration, who knows if those dragon claws he wielded within the Loach Dragon Fire Path were the effects of the Magic Treasure." At that thought, it seemed highly likely that it was the miraculous use of a Magic Treasure. Chen Mu carefully recalled the event and nodded in agreement. The opponent''s innate Protective Qi Mechanism was indeed strong, but catching the Water Avoiding Shuttle like catching a ball seemed somewhat exaggerated. Perhaps, it was the amplification effect of that unknown Magic Treasure. ... After asking more about Magic Treasures and Spiritual Treasures, Chen Mu let Lei Cheng and Lei Hong leave. He introspected the Condensing Aperture between his eyebrows again, but something felt off. "Shouldn''t a Magic Treasure enter a Jade Seed?" "What does hiding in the Condensing Aperture between my eyebrows mean?" The Condensing Aperture between the eyebrows comes from the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method, ??? part of the Cloud Mirage Sky Demon Body. When the Heavenly Demon Body was initially separated from the main body by the River of Oblivion, eight of the nine Heavenly Demon Heretical Acupoints entered the Heavenly Demon True Body. The Condensing Aperture between the eyebrows was the most peculiar; it simultaneously existed in both the Heavenly Demon Body and the main body, serving as a crucial link between the two. "Could it be that the Ghosts belong to a Magic Treasure of the Heavenly Demon Path?" Otherwise, why would it not enter a Jade Seed but instead burrow into the Condensing Aperture between the eyebrows? Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and a strand of Yin Spirit Divine Power seeped into his Secret Acupoint between his eyebrows. This strand of Yin Spirit Divine Power was absorbed without any obstacle. "There''s a way!" Yin Spirit Divine Power was a power of the Yin Spirits, but it also belonged to the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body. At this moment, utilizing the power of the Heavenly Demon Body indeed triggered a reaction. Chen Mu became interested and immediately increased the input of Yin Spirit Divine Power. The Bone Sphere and Moon Blade rotated and danced, pulling and grinding massive amounts of Yin Spirit Divine Power, which was then absorbed at high speed. Suddenly, a cold white mist emanated from the Bone Sphere. Chen Mu just noticed its presence and couldn''t help shivering. Before he could react, the white mist not far from the Bone Sphere seeped into the emptiness of the Secret Acupoint and vanished. At the same time. Da Qian, Luan County City God Temple, Divine Statue Cave Heaven. At the main hall entrance, there was a rocking chair with a thick cotton pad on which a bald young man suddenly opened his eyes. A fresh red floral pattern bloomed on his forehead, and an invisible aura spread out like waves. After a long while, the bald young man''s eyelids drooped into a slit, and he returned to a seemingly sleepy calmness. "Heavenly Demon Body?" "This Magic Treasure is indeed related to the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method!" ... Early morning, Connecting Heaven Peak. Qiu Jinwu stood on the edge, watching the sun rise in the east, his fingers continuously moving in calculation. In front of him, mist generated vivid images of ice fields, snow mountains, volcanoes, and magma. He had acquired the Tracking Secret Technique from Lian Xi and practiced it overnight, but the results had hardly changed. After a long time, Qiu Jinwu waved his hand to disperse the mist and turned his head towards a vertical pupil black hole beside him. "Elder Jia, do you have a way to retrieve the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine?" "Not resigned to this?" "Of course!" "The Spirit Machine is the spiritual foundation of the Root Device. Without the Spirit Machine, the Dragon Ball cannot generate Pure Yang Qi to nourish the Daoist Foundation." "I sold you the entire Goose Sheep Path to achieve the Primordial Spirit, not for a flawed Spiritual Treasure''s Fetus." "Then we can only wait for me to set up the Linglong Magic Ban." The vertical pupil black hole slowly spoke, "When the dojo''s power integrates into the Tianhe Law Realm, no matter how well the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine is hidden, it will have to appear." "What can I do?" Qiu Jinwu immediately asked. "Are you willing to help? That''s great," said the vertical pupil black hole without surprise. "Originally, I was going to wait for those Qi Cultivators to exhaust their Mana before sending people to capture them, but since you are willing to make a move, it makes things easier." "We need them alive." "Can do." Qiu Jinwu nodded without hesitation. "Are these people useful?" he glanced at the over thirty Qi Cultivators on the altar, resembling the living dead. "Of course, they are useful," laughed the vertical pupil black hole. "The Linglong Magic Ban needs the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryo as Dragon Nailing Stakes, and previously we were lucky to find seven." "These present here are Qi Refining Cultivators, and although they''re not as good as the Heavenly Capital Yuan Embryos, they can still just about serve as materials for Dragon Nailing Stakes." "If they are suitable, then let''s get to it quickly," Qiu Jinwu urged expressionlessly. "I am actually harming Qi Cultivators, and yet you, a Qi Cultivator, are even more eager than meis this appropriate?" the vertical pupil black hole taunted. "I just want to retrieve the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine quickly." "Besides, isn''t there that saying?" "Let the Daoist friend die instead of the impoverished Daoist?" "It seems you also deeply understand it." "Hey!" ... Tianhe Law Realm, Antarctic Ice Cave. Chen Mu looked at the luminous points forming a sphere on his fingertip, then at the landing marks recorded on the Jade Tablet, his face incredulous. "Is this, successful?" Just now, he had used the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture to calculate seven times in a row, and the seven calculated landing points turned out to be extremely close. The position calculated in the last attempt was even exactly the same as the second time! "Nine Cups Calculation Scripture hasn''t advanced, has it?" He subconsciously brought up the Gray Wall. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 4297/10000/Third Rank; "The experience is only a thousand or three more than before, not even halfway through Third Rank, and it''s this effective?" Chen Mu shook his head. "It''s definitely not because of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture!" These days, he was busy transmitting the secret technique to the Ghosts, giving little time to the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. He couldn''t help but touch the Secret Acupoint on his forehead. "It''s the Yin Spirit Divine Power!" "It''s the Heavenly Demon Body!" "Although I don''t know what that cold white fog is, it obviously can make the Heavenly Demon True Body stronger." "The stronger the Heavenly Demon Body, the more it mysteriously enhances the effectiveness of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture." "The half-jug of Nourishing Spirit Wine, it wasn''t wasted!" Chen Mu''s euphoria showed on his face. The Bottomless Pool stores essence, the Ghost Gate breaks through the void, the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture locates the landing point. To leave this Grotto Heaven, these three factors are indispensable. He already had clues about the first two, but had little confidence in the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. Unexpectedly, the accident with Yin Spirit Divine Power could strengthen the Heavenly Demon Body, indirectly increasing the accuracy of the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. "It''s just occupying the Secret Acupoint in the forehead, it''s just Nourishing Spirit Wine, it''s just Yin Spirit Divine Power." "If it can help, we''ll provide food and lodging!" Inside the Secret Acupoint, the ghastly pale Bone Sphere and the sinister Jet-black Moon Blade. Chen Mu peered within, his face alight with eager smile. "My little treasure..." Yin Spirit Divine Power: "..." Crazy! Chapter 622 - 610: Tracking Several days later. In front of the Ice Cave Cold Pond, at the edge of the wooden cottage''s veranda. Chen Mu held a palm-sized jade token, looking at the more than ten silver marks on it, his face full of smiles. These days, he had calculated the location of the Vermilion Feather Sword multiple times. Although the results differed, the overall difference wasn''t significant. "Six swords are distributed in various directions, spanning over ten miles, so slight discrepancies in landing positions are normal." "The location of the Loach Dragon Fire Path, eighty percent, must be here." Chen Mu chuckled, pocketed the jade token, and took out a jade bottle, raising it to his forehead. Black and white light flashed once, and a full bottle of Nourishing Spirit Wine disappeared. "Eat, eat, as long as the landing point is accurate, I''ll give you as much spirit wine as you want." The Nourishing Spirit Wine could enhance the spirituality that straddled between Yin and Yang. As the spirituality increased, more Yin Spirit Divine Power could be transformed into cold white mist. The mist nourished the Heavenly Demon Body, tightening the connection between his body and the Heavenly Demon Body, thus greatly aiding the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture in predicting landing points. "To directly calculate the location of the Vermilion Feather Sword is like reaching blindly into a dark box to find something." "With the Heavenly Demon Body''s involvement, it''s as if an eye has been installed inside the dark box, making the effect resemble cheating." Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but look towards the Cold Lake in front of him and, raising his hand, scooped up a purple-blue little fish. "If only there were more of that silver airflow, the stronger the mistaken convergence of Yin and Yang, the more accurate the Ghost Gate landing point calculations would be." Just as he was greedily thinking this, the water ball suddenly exploded, and the purple-blue little fish instantly turned into specks of phosphorescence and vanished. Could it be that more silver thread airflow was being generated? Chen Mu felt joy in his heart. Yet, after a while, nothing happened. "Tsk, I must be daydreaming." "Since when do so many good things come knocking on my door?" He laughed mockingly at himself, looked down at the cold lake, searching for the disappeared little fish, but he discovered that the just-vanished purple-blue fish did not regenerate in the Cold Lake! What was going on? Chen Mu hurriedly looked closely and found that indeed only five purple-blue fish were left in the Cold Lake. At this moment, they swam together to the edge of the Cold Lake, all rolling their eyes upwards staring at Chen Mu. Isn''t that... why are you looking at me? This... this isn''t my fault, right? Chen Mu was bewildered. He had tried to capture the little fish more than once before, but there had never been a disappearance. The five little fish, however, did not react and continued to stare fixedly at Chen Mu. Their lips moved, their cheeks fluttered as if... As if they were cursing! "Don''t accuse me wrongly." "This definitely isn''t my fault!" Chen Mu repeatedly shook his head in denial. Plop, plop, plop... The fish suddenly raised their heads, spewed out five water columns, soaking Chen Mu from head to toe. Chen Mu: "..." How unlucky! ... North of the Tianhe Law Realm. On a barren highland, the climate was dry and hot; the ground was as scorching as a frying pan. Under the shade of a mountain, over a hundred Qi Cultivators, their lips cracked, and bodies covered in dust, appeared somewhat disheveled. They gripped the same thin, arm-thick, jade-white long rope, seated every meter or so, continuously chanting mysterious curse commands. Mana surged, transforming into golden seals, embedding into the jade-white long rope. "Folks, this place is bereft of spirit; staying here any longer means waiting for death." "Everyone, this Immortal Rope we hold can perform ground shrinking. At its creation, the heavenly stars of Yunzhou served as pivots. As long as we finish the ritual, it can take us back to Yunzhou, our only chance of survival." "The more perfectly the ritual is conducted, the smoother the ground shrinking will be." "Let''s all give it our best." A black-robed elder, while infusing mana into the jade-colored Immortal Rope, loudly encouraged everyone. "Elder Liu, when will this Immortal Rope be fully enchanted?" someone in the crowd asked. "If everything goes as expected, today!" "Everyone, don''t be stingy with your mana!" Hearing this, everyone''s spirits lifted, their actions quickening. By evening. The surface of the jade-colored Immortal Rope became increasingly shiny and smooth, fine threads of gold weaving and flowing within the rope. "It''s done!" The leading black-robed elder announced joyfully. "Everyone, take a hold now, being flung by the Immortal Rope and don''t say that old Dao didn''t warn you." As his words fell, golden light blazed on the Immortal Rope as the jade-colored rope suddenly extended lengthwise. Like a snake capturing prey, the front end of the rope bounced, plunging straight into the sky. Swish! Space twisted, an invisible vortex formed, and the front of the Immortal Rope swiftly dived into the vortex. The people, tied like grasshoppers on a string, were suddenly pulled up into the air. Just as they were about to enter the invisible vortex, a net made of transparent silk lines suddenly emerged. Like a fine sieve, all the Qi Cultivators hanging on the Immortal Rope were swept down from midair. Plop, plop... They fell to the ground like dumplings, stirring up a cloud of dust. The crowd was puzzled and tried to struggle to their feet, but they suddenly felt an overwhelming invisible pressure descend. The nearly depleted manas of the Qi Cultivators smashed them flat to the ground, rendering them unable to move. Lights flickered in the sky, and Qiu Jinwu, clad in a golden-threaded purple robe, appeared. Not far away, Lian Xi in cyan blue clothing, holding a Yellow Jade Disc, emerged. He looked down at the black-robed elder below, chuckling, "Master Qiu, see, I told you." "There''s no need for aimless searching; just track and find these leaders, and capturing the other Qi Cultivators will be easy." As his words ended. Swoosh! A streak of red light suddenly shot out from the mouth of the black-robed elder, as fast as lightning, aimed directly at Lian Xi''s forehead. Bang! A muffled sound as a semi-transparent turtle shell abruptly emerged. The red light struck it and immediately shattered into specks of light that vanished. "I was already on guard against you, old fellow." Lian Xi, shrouded in the turtle shell, wore a mocking smile. Qiu Jinwu''s eyes shifted, glancing at Lian Xi, "You really do go all in." "It seems all the slightly capable ones from Goose Sheep Path have had their aura marks taken by you in advance." "You, a Qi Cultivator, aren''t afraid that Old Ghost Jia will kill the donkey after grinding the corn and bury you underground too?" Lian Xi laughed it off, "Well, fortune favors the bold." "Aren''t you advancing hand in hand with the Spirit Venerable yourself?" "Can Old Ghost Jia provide you with enough Primordial Energy?" Qiu Jinwu glanced at Lian Xi dismissively as he spoke. "No, but the Spirit Venerable can provide me with sufficient Ghosts," Lian Xi cheerily responded. Ghosts? Were those not merely sinister tricks of dubious factions? What use could they serve? They do have significant use! Lian Xi kept his silence, smiling. He pulled out a Yellow Jade Disc, chose a Qi signature of considerable strength, pinched a spell, and began to track another Goose Sheep Qi Cultivator. He then found that the Lei-named Qi Cultivator he had just selected couldn''t be tracked! Hadn''t entered the Tianhe Law Realm? Impossible! Out of desperation, Qiu Jinwu sold the entire Goose Sheep Path to the Spirit Venerable, all the Water Avoiding Shuttles were dragged into the Law Realm. Thus... Someone must have masked their Qi with a spell! Lian Xi''s heart suddenly skipped a beat as he thought of the missing Dragon Ball Spirit Machine. Exuding spirituality, the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism autonomously sought benefits and avoided harms. Escaping Qiu Jinwu''s control, it would surely find an untraceable place to hide. And since this Lei-named Qi Cultivator could conceal his own Qi, perhaps... surely the Spirit Mechanism was hidden right around him! He drew a light breath, forcibly calmed his racing heart, and struggled to refrain from looking at Qiu Jinwu. His hands continuously manipulated the spell, while he silently switched to a new Qi signature to track. This Lei-named Qi Cultivator, Qiu Jinwu must not find out! ... Inside the Ping Ning, Qi Cultivators were busy hunting Exotic Beasts day and night, and the Bottomless Pool was welcoming all comers, increasingly rich with flesh and essence. Apart from regularly feeding the Nourishing Spirit Wine to correct the wrongs, Chen Mu spent his other time teaching the Ghosts the Netherworld Ferry. Everyone performing their roles, time passed unconsciously, and more than a month vanished in the blink of an eye. This day, in front of the wooden cabin in the Ice Cave, Chen Mu looked down, frowning towards the Cold Lake. Originally six purple-blue little fish, now only three remained. Over the past month, two more fish had mysteriously vanished. Not only that. Chen Mu''s mind stirred, he scooped up a ball of water, and reached deeply into it. "The Earth Spirit Element is slowly disappearing," he said, his expression darkening. Compared to when he first arrived here, the concentration of Earth Spirit Element in the water had halved. "There''s a problem..." A trace of worry crossed Chen Mu''s mind. Earth Spirit Elements in Yunzhou were changing, but the rate shouldn''t be this fast, unless someone was exacerbating the situation. "Daqian Lock Dragon Institute..." Chen Mu speculated in his mind. The reason he and the others entered this Grotto Heaven was because of Master Qiu and the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute. Moreover... Chen Mu''s spirit dipped into the Jade Seed, his consciousness shifted, moving to the edge of Jade Seed. Several faint dots of starlight, barely visible, were the origins of the long-invisible Seven Sons United Heart Gu. As the cold mist nourished it, the Heavenly Demon Body changed daily and began to reciprocate to the main body. His mana became more spirited, and his senses keener. The long-lost aura of the Seven Sons United Heart Gu was detected by him. "Lu Ku and Shang Huan, they must be not far from me, probably also in this Grotto Heaven." "So... the same gang that captured the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers and caused me to fall into the Netherworld, are they also in this Grotto Heaven?" Hmm... Should I track them down and kill them all? After a long while, Chen Mu shook his head and dispelled the notion of revenge. Daqian Lock Dragon Institute was vastly powerful and cunning, and now, there was another complicating factor, Master Qiu conspiring with them... "Better not provoke them." "I need to leave this Grotto Heaven soon." Glancing once more at the origin of the Seven Sons United Heart Gu, which seemed to be in its failing years, Chen Mu sighed lightly. He withdrew his gaze and turned back to the middle of Jade Seed. "Fifty-four refinements, Divine Orifice Sixth Transition. A piece of rare good news." Looking at the six-tier Divine Orifice Talisman rotating in reverse, Chen Mu could not help but show a relieved smile. He was busy building the Ghost Gate all day, yet it didn''t interfere with the autonomous operation of the Dark Cloud True Method. In these days, he had completed two more refinements, achieving the Divine Orifice Sixth Transition. ... In the night sky of the Tianhe Law Realm, stars were brilliantly shining. Each star was large and luminous, as if not far beyond the sky. With the moon as large as a disc, even deep at night, the ground remained clearly visible. In the Extreme North, beneath the thick layer of ice, a burst of bright yellow flames suddenly appeared. As the flames died down, Lian Xi, clad in a grey cape, appeared soundlessly on the ice. "Really well hidden." He looked up at the distant continuous glaciers and smiled. "Sometimes, when the Qi is concealed too thoroughly, it''s as good as not being concealed at all." After a month of cautious and reverse probing, he finally captured the whereabouts of Lei Cheng and others. Having to guard against Master Qiu while frequently conducting covert probes, this month truly felt like an eternity. "Once I''ve gotten the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, it will all be worth it!" Lian Xi''s eyes blazed with fervor. It was just a suspicion at the start, but after a month of repeated comparative tracking, he became more convinced that the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine was at this site of Qi concealment. Once he went to Thousand Mechanisms Sect and picked up some Heavenly Demon''s eyeballs or bones, a slight fusion would easily produce a premium Root Device. Spiritual Treasures were essential for forming the Primordial Spirit, and Root Devices were comparable substitutes. "What is this? This is a shortcut to the Primordial Spirit!" Lian Xi was extremely excited. No one could prevent me from obtaining the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine! His eyes coldly swept toward the depths of the ice field. Lei Cheng and his companions, they all had to die! Lian Xi took a deep breath, about to sneak forward stealthily, when suddenly a voice echoed right beside his ear. "Can you tell me how you found this place?" The voice wasn''t loud, yet to Lian Xi, it sounded like a thunderclap from the clear sky. Who was it? Master Qiu?! As his thoughts raced, Lian Xi suddenly dashed forward, a flash of fire, and in the blink of an eye, he shot out five or six hundred meters. Just as he steadied himself, he fiercely turned back only to find not a soul behind him, as if that voice had been a mere hallucination! "Tell me, how did you discover this place?" That calm voice sounded again by his ear. Lian Xi felt his entire body tighten, his hair standing on end, and his forehead instantly covered with cold sweat! Chapter 623 - 611: Exposure Tianhe Law Realm, extreme south, vast ice plains. Lian Xi suppressed the surprise in his heart, a fierce look flashing across his face, "Stop playing tricks, come out!" Ga! A coarse, hoarse shriek suddenly erupted from within Lian Xi, and a bright yellow flame burst forth from beneath his feet. Boom! Like rolling waves, the flames erupted violently around Lian Xi as the center. Within a hundred meters, the area instantly turned into a sea of fire. "Found you!" He sneered, abruptly turning his head towards his rear. Unbeknownst to him, a tall, thin figure had appeared there. The figure was shrouded in black smoke, its face blurred, flickering in and out of visibility. "Three Thousand Crow Killings!" Lian Xi growled lowly, his gray cloak swelling suddenly. Pupu pupu... Countless flaming crows, the size of human heads, burst forth from his body, exploding like fireworks and filling the sky and the ice below in the blink of an eye. The next moment, dense crows made of flames, dragging bright yellow streaks and emitting eerie wails, converged from all directions, bombarding the dark figure intensely without any dead angles. The deafening explosions continued incessantly, instantly shattering the thick ice within a radius of five hundred meters. "Ha ha! Die!" Hundreds of meters away, bright yellow light flickered as Lian Xi emerged from the flames, grinning broadly as he watched the distant flames. This person must be Lei Cheng. Mastering the top-notch Secret Technique for concealing one''s presence, it''s no wonder he could approach me silently. "Too bad, you shouldn''t have come so close to me." Lian Xi stared eagerly at the center of the flames. That Dragon Ball Spirit Machine must be in this person''s hands now. He hurriedly pulled out a black gourd lined with golden patterns and opened the stopper, aiming at the distance. "Hey! It seems that the Spirit Venerable also doesn''t want Qiu Jinwu to get the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine," Lian Xi curved his lips, his face filled with playful amusement. This gourd, a magic artifact bestowed solely by the Spirit Venerable, could temporarily conceal the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine. The intention behind it was clear. He couldn''t manage the scheming of these two great figures; it was enough for him to obtain the Spirit Machine. Mana injected into the black gourd, Lian Xi watched the rushing flames in the distance without blinking, ready to collect the Spirit Machine that might appear. But as he watched, he suddenly felt something was amiss. "Lei Cheng... why isn''t he screaming?" He had studied the Fire Method for decades, and the Three Thousand Crow Killings were his strongest offensive Secret Technique. If there were no fire-resistant magic artifacts or Secret Techniques, no one of the same rank could withstand that attack. Lei Cheng hadn''t even solidified his Divine Orifice and practiced the traditional Thunder Law of the Goose Sheep Path; it was impossible for him to withstand it. But not being able to withstand didn''t mean Lei Cheng would not retaliate. There was no sign of struggle now... Not good! Alarm bells rang in Lian Xi''s mind, but before he could react, That calm voice, like a demon whispering, came again by his ear. "The Fire Method is used well; is the Secret Technique you used to explore and locate this place just as sophisticated?" Lian Xi''s pupils suddenly contracted, instinctively chanting a spell. Boom! His entire body exploded abruptly, turning into countless fireballs that scattered in all directions. By the time he reappeared, he had already run eight or nine li away. That person is definitely not Lei Cheng! Lian Xi shouted in his heart. Under the Three Thousand Crow Killings, Lei Cheng could not have been unscathed. That person''s cultivation was definitely above his own! Run! He must escape! Lian Xi''s face was tense, not daring to look back. His body was filled with fire light, thunderously speeding northward. But just after flying two li, Boom! An invisible pressure suddenly appeared beside him. He felt like he had entered thick mud, his previously unbridled speed drastically reduced. In just a few breaths, he became completely immobile, stuck in place like an insect in amber. Aong! Five giant black dragon heads, each as tall as five or six floors, suddenly appeared beside him. Enshrouded in dark smoke with sharp, dark dragon horns and cold, silvery eyes, just one glance made Lian Xi feel like his soul was about to freeze. This pressure... Dao Foundation Dharma Form?! Hum! Black smoke flickered, and Chen Mu appeared beside Lian Xi. "Lian Xi?" he raised his eyebrows slightly. "That incident at Yun Chong Lower Courtyard back then, it was you who acted, wasn''t it?" Recognizing the face the moment he saw it, Chen Mu had many thoughts. The other''s condition was obviously different from those who were forced into the Tianhe Law Realm. This Elder Lian had probably joined the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute long ago. "You... you are Li Moliang!" Lian Xi looked uncertain. Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be shocked. He was currently cloaked as Gongsun Sheng, yet Lian Xi addressed him as Li Moliangdid this fellow know about his hidden identity all along? "What else do you know?" Chen Mu frowned deeply. "Can I live if I talk?" "I''m not some terrible villain, why would I randomly take lives?" Chen Mu was clearly displeased. "If you remove this black smoke that''s drilling into my body, I''ll believe you." "I wish I could, but it''s impossible." Chen Mu spread his hands helplessly. "My secret technique is very potent, but it comes with a price. I can only barely control the direction of attack, I can''t manage the details." "How about, you just bear with it?" Details? Can''t control? Listen to the nonsense you''re talking! "It seems you disagree then," Chen Mu sighed. "Luckily, I also know some Bewitching Divine Technique, otherwise, why don''t you give it a try?" Bewitching Divine Technique? Whoever messes with that stuff turns into a fool! I definitely don''t want to become an ignorant idiot! "I''ll talk!" "I''ll talk, I''ll tell you everything!" Lian Xi immediately screamed in surrender. "You''ll talk?" "But I don''t believe you." This person looks slick, what if he sets a trap with his words... Maybe it''s better to just kill him. The thought startled even Chen Mu himself the moment it popped into his head. When did I, a kindly person, become so cold-hearted and brutal? This damned world! I''ve indeed been influenced by this chaotic world. "You have to believe me!" Lian Xi''s eyes darted in panic, his forehead covered with sweat. "Give me a reason?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Qiu Jinwu is almost here! You really have to believe me!" Lian Xi shouted anxiously. Having betrayed Qiu Jinwu and secretly seized the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, if that guy finds me, I''m truly dead! "I''ve been away too long, Qiu Jinwu must have noticed." "You''ve got the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, he surely won''t stop until one of you is dead." "We can''t stay here long, you need to hurry and depart." Dragon Ball Spirit Machine? What''s that? Our location... exposed?! You really deserve to die! Chen Mu''s expression changed sharply, glaring fiercely at Lian Xi. "Don''t kill me, I can interfere with Qiu Jinwu''s Tracking Secret Technique, keeping me alive is genuinely useful!" ... Inside the Ice Cave. Chen Mu stood before the Bottomless Pool, his face dark, summoning the brothers Lei Cheng and Lei Hong. Knowing Qiu Jinwu might attack, the brothers felt their hearts pounding with fear. They wished they could strangle Lian Xi who brought them this trouble. "Can''t we just hide somewhere else?" Lei Hong said nervously. "The Bottomless Pool cannot be teleported." Chen Mu shook his head. "How long can you delay?" He turned to look at Lian Xi. "At most three days." Lian Xi hurriedly spoke. "Qiu Jinwu has a perfected Daoist Foundation; if he''s determined to find us, I can''t hide it for too long." Three days... To complete the transport of Ghosts using the Netherworld Crossing Secret Method, totaling two thousand nine hundred one. The remaining over a thousand Ghosts cannot be transported in three days. But... "Three days it is then." He looked at Lei Cheng and Lei Hong. "Have the Hunting Team mobilize immediately, from now on, for the next three days, everyone works non-stop to capture as many Exotic Beasts as possible to fill the Bottomless Pool." "After three days, regardless, we must leave this Grotto Heaven." The two men immediately bowed solemnly and turned to mobilize the Ping Ning personnel. "Do you have anything else to say?" Chen Mu looked at Lian Xi. "I''ll start casting spells right now, doing my utmost to interfere with Qiu Jinwu''s investigation." Lian Xi''s face was stern. "Rest assured, I will dedicate myself to this task." "We''re all tied together now, if Qiu Jinwu really comes, he won''t go easy on me either." Chen Mu nodded slightly, his heart slightly relieved. "Tell me your interference secret technique, I want to watch you cast it." Lian Xi immediately nodded, unhesitatingly pulling out a Mustard Seed Jade Charm and a Beast Skin Scroll. "My Tracking Secret Technique originates from the Nightmare Victory Spell. To find the target, one needs to capture their aura in advance." "Qiu Jinwu, cunning and prudent, surely kept my aura." "Fortunately, I''ve prepared several straw men as decoys." "These straw men are buried far and wide within the Tianhe Law Realm; once activated, they can disrupt the Tracking Secret Technique. If Qiu Jinwu wants to find me, he must verify it in person." "I can also cast spells on Lei Cheng and others to temporarily confuse their aura. Even if Qiu Jinwu holds the Qi cultivator aura imprints of Goose Sheep Path, finding this place would still require a lot of time." Lian Xi''s face was solemn. Chen Mu, observing the content of the Nightmare Victory Secret Method and combining what Lian Xi said, confirmed the other wasn''t lying, his heart again eased slightly. "Then get started, delay Qiu Jinwu as long as possible." "I will do my utmost to delay Qiu Jinwu for three days!" Lian Xi bowed solemnly. Yes, this indeed could delay Qiu Jinwu for three days. But if the Spirit Venerable decided to intervene... Ha! Wanting the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine for myself, Qiu Jinwu indeed wouldn''t spare me, but Spirit Venerable rather hoped I''d snatch Qiu Jinwu''s resources. In just two days, my location could be discovered by Spirit Venerable. By then, not only will the Spirit Machine be in hand, but my life would also be secured! Lian Xi''s thoughts raced, but his expression remained unchanged. Chapter 624 - 612: Daoist Soldier The next day, at dusk. The ice cave was brightly lit as several three-to-four-meter-tall, white-haired, ape-like creatures plunged into the bottomless pool one after the other. Chen Mu stood beside, carefully perceiving the essence stored within. "In the end, there just wasn''t enough time," he shook his head and sighed. The number of Ghosts capable of Casting Spells at the Netherworld Ferry had just exceeded three thousand. Of the six spots for placing the Vermilion Feather Sword to mark the fall point at the Netherworld Gate, only half had been calculated. "If I were given half a month more, I could leave this Grotto Heaven at my leisure, but alas..." Chen Mu glanced sideways at Lian Xi with ill-favor. Lian Xi''s heart tightened. Could this guy be thinking of killing me to vent his anger? He quickly bowed with clasped hands to apologize: "It is my greed for the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism that has brought such trouble to Master, please forgive me." "Knowing you''re at fault, then think of ways to buy me a few more days!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but glare at him. Though that''s what he said, he knew in his heart that treasures tempt hearts. Without Lian Xi''s attack, it could have been Zhang Xi or Li Xi. He had only asked briefly the day before and had all but confirmed that the two streams of silver-white Qi that had slipped into the error were the so-called Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism. Qiu Jinwu had sold the entire Goose Sheep Path for this very thing. If it weren''t for the Extinguishing Breath Stone hiding their Qis, if it weren''t for the mysterious nature of the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism itself, this time it could have been Qiu Jinwu coming instead of Lian Xi. Lian Xi''s scalp tingled from the glare and he hurriedly explained: "If it were someone else, we could perhaps delay it for three to five days, but given that it''s Master Qiu, with his Dao Foundation Perfection, this..." It was indeed a difficult task for giants. "With your little capability, you still dare to snatch Master Qiu''s chance?" Chen Mu scoffed coldly. "I was blinded by greed." Lian Xi immediately bowed his head to admit his mistake, but inwardly he couldn''t help cursing. What a bastard! Wait until the Spirit Venerable arrives, and see how I will deal with you! Just as he was silently scheming, he looked up and met a pair of sharp, spirited eyes. "Are you cursing me in your heart?" Chen Mu asked suspiciously. Lian Xi felt a pang of alarm and quickly put on a terrified front to show his loyalty: "Master spared my life; I can only be grateful and would never dare to disrespect Master." "That''s for the best!" Chen Mu snorted and averted his gaze. "Come to think of it, I should thank you." "Had you not shown up, I wouldn''t have known I had crossed paths with Qiu Jinwu." Fortune comes with disaster, and pie doesn''t just fall from the sky without reason. The falling of the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism from the heavens had drawn in a powerful foe like Qiu Jinwu. "What if I proactively return the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism to him, what do you think?" Chen Mu looked at Lian Xi uncertainly. Not much! If you give the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism to him, how could I surreptitiously keep it? "Master Qiu is a rather suspicious person," Lian Xi thought quickly and responded indirectly. "Are you saying that to ensure secrecy, he would kill to silence others?" "Better to kill the wrong person than let one go, that is a maxim that the great figures always believe in." "Tch!" Chen Mu scowled and clicked his tongue in annoyance. "One can''t entrust their life to the mercy of others, Master," Lian Xi suggested earnestly: "The longer the night, the more dreams we''ll have. Three days is long enough, any further delay could bring disadvantages." "You make a good point," Chen Mu nodded in agreement: "Let''s leave this place now then." "Now... now?" Lian Xi was a bit stunned. "Wasn''t it two days later? To hastily teleport through the void without adequate preparation could be deadly." "How about... we wait another day?" Lian Xi tentatively suggested. If we could wait just one more day, the Spirit Venerable would surely find this place! "No need to wait," Chen Mu said, waving his hand dismissively. "I hadn''t planned on leaving today, but thanks to your reminder," he said with apparent appreciation. "The phrase ''the longer the night, the more dreams we''ll have'' really struck a chord with me. Let''s go, right now, immediately!" Chen Mu looked at Lian Xi with an expression of camaraderie. Lian Xi: "..." ... Deep into the night. On the Ping Ning, all those who had gone out had returned. Inside the Small Accumulating Thunder Hall, Chen Mu gave detailed instructions to Lei Cheng. "Shortly, I will concentrate on conducting the Shrinking Ground Teleportation Method Ban. You will be in charge of navigating the Water Avoiding Shuttle." "Once you receive my signal, activate the Water Avoiding Shuttle immediately without any hesitation." Opening the Netherworld Gate would make a significant disturbance, and should they be a step slow and Qiu Jinwu detect and pursue them, it would be troubling. "Your command will be followed!" Lei Cheng solemnly bowed and promised. "As for you..." Chen Mu then turned to look at Lian Xi. "Rest assured, Master, I will behave and definitely not hinder the group," Lian Xi quickly assured. "I don''t trust you." Lian Xi: "..." "You''d better stay in the small dark room," Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, and with a wave of his hand, a black fog vortex appeared, opening the gate of Thousand Lanterns City. Looking at the swirling black smoke, Lian Xi''s face changed. Who the hell knew where this black fog led. But seeing Chen Mu''s indifferent eyes, he dared not hesitate and stepped into Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. If it weren''t for the desire to understand more about the Root Device, Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, and the previous incident on Goose Sheep Path, Lian Xi would not be entering Thousand Lanterns City right now, but rather, the Five Ghosts Bag. Chen Mu left Lei Cheng to standby in the Secret Chamber of the Small Accumulating Thunder Hall, then emerged from the Water Avoiding Shuttle himself, standing atop the enormous turtle shell. Removing the Five Ghosts Bag from his waist, he untied the black drawstring on top. Pu pu pu! Three thousand Ghosts burst forth in the form of black shadows, rapidly emerging from the Five Ghosts Bag and forming a dark cloud in front of the Water Avoiding Shuttle in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu took a deep breath, activating the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. With the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed as a link, the three thousand Ghosts twisted into one entity, and a massive surge of Yin Spirit Divine Power swelled. Buzz! The immense black cloud rapidly changed shape, and a massive archway portal appeared instantaneously in mid-air. "Success!" Chen Mu exclaimed with joy. This was indeed the Ghost Gate, capable of teleporting through the void! The only difference was, the gate frame formerly constructed of the gray Forget River Stone was now entirely composed of viscous, oil-like black smoke. A series of pitch-black, grotesque faces appeared and disappeared on the smoky gate frame, silently screaming as their mouths opened and shut. "It may look a bit sinister, but the effect is completely the same." "After nearly two months trapped in this place, I can finally escape." Overjoyed, Chen Mu was about to inform Lei Cheng to activate the Water Avoiding Shuttle when... Buzz! A wave of invisible force suddenly descended, covering the Ghost Gate in an instant. In just a few breaths, the black mist forming the gate already showed a fishnet-like pattern of indentations. And as time passed, the invisible force intensified; the net-like, tearing indentations deepened as though intending to shatter the Ghost Gate. City God Dojo? The Tianhe Law Realm has already been sealed by the Heavenly Net?! Damn you, Lian Xi, how dare you hide such critical information! Chen Mu wished he could immediately drag Lian Xi out and dismember him, but he had to take a deep breath and forcibly suppress the rage in his heart. "The commotion from the Ghost Gate and the Heavenly Net might have already alarmed others; I must leave this place immediately!" Heavenly Net, City God Dojo, Living Gods... As thoughts raced through his mind, Chen Mu immediately mobilized the Yin Spirit Divine Power. Spirit Treasure Mechanism! This was a secret technique essential for Living Gods, allowing one to infiltrate the forbidden laws of the City God Dojo. As the secret technique unfolded, countless invisible threads suddenly became visible before his eyes. Chen Mu immediately latched the Yin Spirit Divine Power onto these threads, his spirit quickly sinking into the Heavenly Net. In the next moment, like countless stars in the night sky, a pattern composed of numerous bright points suddenly appeared in his mind. Within this starry pattern, seven shining points immediately attracted Chen Mu''s attention. The Wu Mountain Seven Brothers? The Seven Sons United Heart Gu?! Lu Ku and Shang Huan, along with five others, were indeed in this Grotto Heaven! He had previously perceived the presence of the Seven Sons United Heart Gu and speculated that after the Seven Brothers were captured by the Lock Dragon Institute, they were buried here. The starry pattern before his eyes undoubtedly confirmed his guess. "Judging from the situation, these seven seem to have been turned into the core pulse points of the City God Dojo!" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. The points in the starry pattern were the Linglong Pulse Points, each embedded with a Qi Cultivator, through whom the City God Dojo''s power was entirely transferred. The best way to destroy the power of the City God Dojo was to excavate and annihilate the pulse points before they could fully integrate with the earth''s veins. "What if the core the Wu Mountain Seven Brotherswere directly excavated?" Corners of Chen Mu''s mouth slightly lifted, revealing a chilling smile. "Factoring in that incident at Gan River Lower Institute from before, the folks at the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute have captured me twice." "So, a little response from mesurely they wouldn''t mind." Seven Souls Path Soldier! The United Heart Curse, which had not been cast for a long time, was now fully activated. The United Heart Rope, used to tie his hair, surged up towards the sky. The thick black rope suddenly dispersed into countless black threads, intertwining and coiling, instantly forming a pitch-black canopy with a diameter of four to five meters. Buzzing... Accompanied by continuous vibrations, seven vine-like black tendrils spread out from beneath the black canopy. Almost immediately, their tips started to bulge, and seven fist-sized pitch-black gourds rapidly expanded into view. Just as the seven gourds were fully formed, the glowing star map in Chen Mu''s mind suddenly collapsed. No matter how he tried to engage the Spirit Treasure Pivot Scripture, he couldn''t probe into the Dojo''s power any longer. The Heavenly Net that had enveloped the Ghost Gate in mid-air also vanished without a trace in an instant. "Success!" "Ha ha!" The Seven Souls Path Soldier represented the strongest ability of the United Heart Curse, able to forcibly transform the hosts of the Seven Sons United Heart Gu into Daoist Soldiers. He had just used this ability to extract the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers from the City God Dojo, effectively pulling the rug out from under it. With the disappearance of the core pulse points, the Dojo''s power collapsed in an instant! "Let''s go!" Chen Mu laughed aloud, reached out to scoop up the seven gourds into the Five Ghosts Bag, and immediately began casting spells to notify Lei Cheng. The Water Avoiding Shuttle burst into intense lightning rays, rumbling off the ground and speeding into the Ghost Gate in mid-air. Chapter 625 - 613: Break Free Tianhe Law Realm, Antarctic Ice Cave. Qiu Jinwu stared at the two small fish inside the Cold Lake, silent. Before long, the air twisted and cracked, and a vertical-pupil-shaped black hole appeared in the Ice Cave. "Pocket World Spring Eye?" The black hole flickered with firelight, the voice full of realization, "No wonder I couldn''t find the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine before; it turns out it was hiding in the Pocket World Spring Eye." "This Spring Eye is one of the two major root meridians of the Tianhe Law Realm, secretly connected to all the Forbidden Laws within the realm." "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, by virtue of this, has dispersed its aura throughout various locations in the Tianhe Law Realm, which is why its exact location could not be captured before." "But Ke Lianxi found this place." Qiu Jinwu was expressionless. "I didn''t intentionally conceal this place," the vertical-pupil black hole said helplessly. "If I had discovered this place earlier, I wouldn''t have been exploited and ruined the core of my seven Dragon Nailing Stakes," he said angrily. "In that case, we should immediately trace that Water Avoiding Shuttle and capture the thief," Qiu Jinwu said coldly. "I''m afraid that''s not going to work." Qiu Jinwu''s gaze suddenly turned icy. "It''s not that I don''t want to take action, but that I''m unable to," explained the voice from the vertical-pupil black hole, filled with helplessness, "The Heavenly Net is collapsed, and the mark on the Water Avoiding Shuttle is too hidden; currently, there''s simply no way to trace it." "But you don''t have to worry too much; we just need one day, and after one day the turbulence will settle." "As long as they are still on the Loach Dragon Fire Path, as long as they haven''t left Yunzhou, I can locate their trail." "I prepared a contingency plan, rest assured." The firelight flickered in the vertical-pupil black hole, full of confidence. ... The next day, within the Loach Dragon Fire Path. Qiu Jinwu held a green jade plate, densely marked with hundreds of silver-white stars. "Can we use this to find yesterday''s Water Avoiding Shuttle?" Qiu Jinwu frowned. "Of course." Red and black firelight twinkled inside the vertical-pupil black hole, voicing assuredly. "At the beginning of the rearing of the Twenty-four Solar Terms Turtle, I sent a large number of Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls to Goose Yang Mountain." "Because of this, every Water Avoiding Shuttle has a Ghost Pattern Mark." "The mark is tiny and hidden, not strong enough to cast powerful curses, but it''s absolutely fine for tracking movements!" "You really are... far-sighted," Qiu Jinwu''s eyes moved as he glanced askew at the other. "Are you trying to say crafty and sly?" The vertical-pupil black hole wasn''t offended, "If I hadn''t taken this measure, you could only watch the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine slip away; you should be thanking me." "Take action." Qiu Jinwu shifted his gaze away, speaking calmly. "Tsks! You''re really cold, Master Qiu," the vertical-pupil black hole teased, as a chilling energy was activated. Hum! The green jade plate vibrated softly, the stars on the plate lighting up one by one, flickering for a moment before each went out. Finally, only one star remained, appearing at the center of the jade plate, and slowly moving toward the front left. "We found them!" Qiu Jinwu was exhilarated. "I told you so, relax!" "As long as they dared to flee with the Water Avoiding Shuttle, they absolutely cannot escape from the palm of my hand," the vertical-pupil black hole firelight flickered, laughing. But just as the words were spoken, the bright spot at the center of the green plate began to flicker erratically. After blinking three times, it vanished completely. "Is this what you called a piece of cake?" "Is this what you said about not being able to escape from the palm of your hand?!" Qiu Jinwu''s face turned ashen. I damn well want to know too. The fire inside the black hole shook violently, casting everything into darkness. It was supposed to be foolproof. Could it be that someone removed the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern from the Water Avoiding Shuttle? How could that be?! "Old Ghost Jia, if I can''t get the complete Dragon Ball, then don''t dream of completing the City God Dojo in your Tianhe Law Realm!" Qiu Jinwu seethed. The firelight in the vertical-pupil black hole paused, instantly flaring into a deep red with anger. ... Loach Dragon Fire Path, somewhere in a stream of magma. A massive dark red stone slowly moved through the thick magma river. Inside the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu squatted at a spot on the inner wall of the shuttle. He took out more than a dozen fist-sized Extinguishing Breath Stones and embedded them one by one into the inner wall. A dark red pattern suddenly enclosed the center surrounded by the Extinguishing Breath Stones from all around. Sensing carefully, he realized there was no leakage of aura, bringing a satisfied smile to Chen Mu''s face. "Forcibly pulling out the Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern won''t work, but burying it completely is no problem at all." "With more than a dozen Extinguishing Breath Stones surrounding, I don''t believe anyone could perceive the traces of the Ghost Pattern!" This was their second day on the return trip to the Loach Dragon Fire Path. The night after they broke away from Tianhe Law Realm, Chen Mu handed over the controls of the Water Avoiding Shuttle to Lei Cheng. He himself clambered inside and outside the shuttle to thoroughly inspect and search. When he was mysteriously pulled into the Tianhe Law Realm, he suspected there might be something tricky about the shuttle. After some investigation, he discovered the traces of four Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns. "I did sell quite a few Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls initially, but the failure rate of integrating them into the Twenty-four Solar Terms Turtle as a Magic Artifact is not low." "To feed the same Twenty-four Solar Terms Turtle hundreds of Red-Eyed Ghost Pattern Pearls and still possibly not leave a mark on the turtle shell, and yet there actually appeared four Red-Eyed Ghost Patterns on the Ping Ning?" "Heh!" "Something is definitely not right with this thing." "Using Extinguishing Breath Stones to completely isolate and seal it will surely not be a problem!" ... "The void in Tianhe Law Realm was sealed, and you didn''t even mention it." "You tell me, how should I deal with you." In the main hall of the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, glancing sideways at Lian Xi. Lian Xi, who had just been released from Thousand Lanterns City, immediately tensed up. "Don''t say you didn''t know." "I don''t believe it." Lian Xi felt cold sweat running down his back. "I still have use!" he hastily spoke up to seize a lifeline, "I know about the Dragon Ball Root Device, I know the reason for the changes in the Goose Sheep Path, and I also know about Hai Province..." "You are saying things I am very interested in, but I don''t trust you," Chen Mu calmly withdrew his gaze, interrupting Lian Xi. A chill entered Lian Xi''s heart, and he quickly spoke out, "You can cut away half of my liver to cast the Nightmare Victory Spell, and so hold my life in your hands. That way, I would never dare to betray you!" "Wouldn''t that be too harsh?" Chen Mu turned his head to look at Lian Xi with a smile. "Not harsh at all, not one bit harsh!" Lian Xi shook his head, gritting his teeth in response. This bastard is doing this on purpose! "I actually thought about letting you go somewhere," Chen Mu sighed pretentiously. I don''t believe you for a second! "Since you want to continue following us, we can only employ some measures that make both parties feel at ease." Chen Mu smiled. I absolutely don''t feel at ease at all! Lian Xi''s expression remained unchanged, but he couldn''t help cursing incessantly in his mind. ... Half a day later. A rocking chair was added at the entrance of the main hall; Lian Xi lay in it, his face pale. Beside him, Chen Mu played with a palm-sized clay figurine in his hand. The Nightmare Victory Spell had already been cast; the clay figurine was connected to Lian Xi''s vital energy. As long as Chen Mu''s power surpassed Lian Xi''s, he could use the figurine to cast spells from afar and kill Lian Xi. "This Secret Technique is oddly diabolical, where did you find it?" Chen Mu asked, quite curious. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra." Lian Xi spoke out resignedly. The Thousand Mountains Sutra? The one that mentioned the Five Ghosts Bag and the United Heart Curse? This text seems to have spread quite widely, appearing everywhere. Chapter 626 - 614 Qian Shan Lian Xi lay pale-faced in a rocking chair, his appearance listless and exhausted. Despite being a Qi Refining Cultivator and having Condensed his Aperture, losing half of his liver still meant his vital energy was severely damaged. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra comes from the ancient Thousand Mountains Path, and each secret technique within it possesses its own profound mysteries, thus it''s been widely passed down," he explained. Those secret techniques were indeed profound. Chen Mu nodded in agreement. When he had first obtained the Five Ghosts Bag, he had just started his cultivation. Now, over a decade had passed, and he had completed half of the Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation in refining the River Chariot. The Five Ghosts Bag and the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain were still of significant use. There was also the United Heart Rope and its accompanying United Heart Curse. If it hadn''t been for using the United Heart Curse to cultivate the Seven Souls Path Soldier and cunningly extracting the core of the City God Dojo this time, he might have already died trapped within the Tianhe Law Realm. "I wonder what kind of sect the Thousand Mountains Path was, even a few fragmented scrolls that have survived are infinitely useful." "Its core true teachings..." "Stop thinking about it, the secret scriptures are long gone," Lian Xi waved nonchalantly. "The Thousand Mountains Path is a heterodox, exterminated by sects such as Pure Yang Luo Fu and others in ancient times because their methods were too bizarre." "The secret scriptures were destroyed, only a few fragments remain." "If it weren''t for that, the world wouldn''t even know about the Thousand Mountains Sutra." What a pity. The Five Ghosts Bag and the United Heart Rope were indeed unorthodox but indeed very useful. Chen Mu shook his head regretfully. "Tell me about that Dragon Ball Spirit Machine." Since it accidentally entered his brow''s Secret Acupoint, aside from manifesting when absorbing the Nourishing Spirit Wine, it remained motionless within the Secret Acupoint at other times, rendering the Spirit Nourishing Curse useless. Such an uncontrollable Magic Artifact, while known to be valuable, still unavoidably worried Chen Mu. "The fifth level of Qi Cultivation under the Heavenly Demon Path is called Artifact Creation," Lian Xi said calmly. "One needs to choose the teeth or bones, horns, eyeballs, amongst other parts of a Heavenly Demon True Body, and remodel them so that their essence transforms into a Root Device." "The base of the Root Device is the Fetus, and the remodeled spiritual core is what constitutes the Spirit Mechanism." "A complete Root Device is said to be able to refine the Heavenly Demon True Body into the True Form of the Heavenly Demon, an essential Magic Artifact for practitioners of the Heavenly Demon Path." Lian Xi pondered, then added, "It''s said that Heavenly Demon Monsters also have such Root Devices. Great Demons draw pearls and absorb moon essence under the moonlight; those so-called Pills are just superficial, the core essence is similar." "So, we only need to find one complete organ of a Heavenly Demon Monster to use as a Fetus, combined with that Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, there''s a high probability of obtaining a superior Root Device." Spirit Mechanism, Root Device, nurturing the Heavenly Demon True Body? That makes perfect sense now. Recently, his Cloud Mirage Sky Demon Body had significantly improved, precisely due to the accidentally induced cold white fog. Chen Mu had a sudden realization. "The Dragon Ball Qiu Jinwu seeks is a Root Device cultivated by a former owner of the Heavenly River Water Mansion," Lian Xi continued. "The physical Fetus was a pair of dragonfish eyeballs, which he had already refined successfully. As for its core Spirit Mechanism," he looked at Chen Mu meaningfully. Though he had not seen the real thing, Lian Xi was seventy percent sure that the lost Dragon Ball Spirit Machine was in this man''s hands. "Why would Qiu Jinwu, a legitimate Qi Cultivator, steal a Root Device from someone of the Heavenly Demon Path?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "Heavenly Demon Path needs a Root Device to cultivate into the True Form of the Heavenly Demon. Qi Cultivators similarly need Spiritual Treasures to nurture the Primordial Spirit." "Why do you think Qiu Jinwu wants the Dragon Ball?" Lian Xi smirked at Chen Mu, his face mischievous. Chen Mu''s heart tightened. "Could the Dragon Ball help Qiu Jinwu cultivate his Primordial Spirit?" "A Root Device and a Spiritual Treasure are equivalent entities; that Dragon Ball likely just needs a bit of refining to become the core aid for Qiu Jinwu to nurture his Primordial Spirit." "And now this Spirit Mechanism has ended up in your hands... haha!" Lian Xi''s tone was filled with schadenfreude. Chen Mu: "..." This feud with Qiu Jinwu was damned solid now! That was a Daoist Foundation Cultivator, who could turn heaven and earth with a wave of his hand, and facing him... Just the thought of future troubles made Chen Mu tense all over. As he was lost in thought about how to deal with this situation, a creaking noise sounded beside his ears. He turned his head and saw Lian Xi leisurely lying in the rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Chen Mu stared at the other''s face, growing angrier the more he looked. He was anxious and fearful, yet this captive seemed so at ease? And that expression just now was clearly reveling in delight at his misfortune. Ever since being afflicted with the Nightmare Victory Spell, Lian Xi''s audacity had grown! "Do you have any tracking marks left by Qiu Jinwu on you?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "Of course not," Lian Xi confidently replied. "If there were marks, during our time in the Tianhe Law Realm, it wouldn''t even take three days, just a matter of moments, and Qiu Jinwu would have found you through me, and you wouldn''t have had the chance to escape." Chen Mu''s face darkened. "No?" "No, I think there definitely is," he said glaring at Lian Xi, his expression unfriendly. "What are you trying to do?" Lian Xi''s heart tightened. "Simply trying to minimize the risks," Chen Mu''s expression changed, revealing a sinister smile. With a wave of his hand, a pile of Forget River Stones the size of melon seeds appeared in front of them. These were the remnants from earlier when he had refined the Extinguishing Breath Stones; now, they were all made into smaller Extinguishing Breath Stones. Without stopping, he commanded a United Heart Rope, as thick as his pinky, to rise up. With a thought, the rope scattered numerous black filaments. They entwined and extended, evenly wrapping around each small Extinguishing Breath Stone, and in an instant, the rope transformed into a cable several meters long and as thick as a wrist. Swoosh! The pitch-black cable, like a living creature, wrapped around Lian Xi from head to toe before he could react, cocooning him. "These Extinguishing Breath Stones are too small, and their covering range is limited. Only by wrapping the whole body like this can the aura be completely concealed," Chen Mu said with a smile. Lian Xi: "Wuuu wuuu..." Can''t you just sew it into clothing? You''re just doing this to torment someone! "What, you''re quite willing!" Chen Mu clapped his hands, his face full of surprise, "I knew you wouldn''t object!" Lian Xi: "Wuuu wuuu..." If you''re capable, don''t seal my mouth! "Is it tied too loosely? Afraid that the aura will leak?" "No need to worry, I''ll wrap a few more layers around you to make sure no aura escapes!" Chen Mu said cheerily. Lian Xi: "..." "Of course, that is still not safe enough, it''s better you stay inside Thousand Lanterns City." "Don''t mind that it''s dark and silent as death there, but it''s still a Cave Heaven after all." "Separated by Cave Heaven, even if there are tracking marks on you, Qiu Jinwu will definitely not be able to pursue you." "Trust me, there will absolutely be no problem!" You wrap me up like a cocoon, and now you want to lock me up too? Qiu Jinwu, where the hell are you? Come quickly and kill this inhuman creature! ... After sending Lian Xi back to Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu cheered up for a while, then gathered his emotions. With a flick of his wrist, a swirl of black smoke appeared, and seven black gourds emerged. "Lu Ku, Shang Huan..." Chen Mu stared at the palm-sized gourds floating in mid-air, silent. Scenes of initially befriending or becoming enemies with them involuntarily surfaced in his mind. After many years apart, he had not expected to reunite in this manner. The United Heart Curse activated, and Chen Mu silently sensed. Before long, he discovered a faint but slowly strengthening cold vitality within the gourds. "Yin Spirits?" Chen Mu mused. Initially, the Seven Souls Path Soldier was supposed to implant the Seven Sons United Heart Gu into the host. And Seven Sons United Heart Gu is actually Netherworld Worms. Seven Souls Path Soldier uses Secret Techniques to switch life and death, transforming the Netherworld Worms into Silver Soul Monsters. And because there are living hosts involved, the Daoist Soldiers produced are... Netherworld Yin Spirits?! "Clearly, thousands of years ago, Thousand Mountains Path had already studied the Netherworld!" "The method of the Seven Souls Path Soldier is clearly mimicking the Netherworld mechanism, artificially creating Yin Spirits!" He looked at the seven gourds in front of him, thinking about the possible connection between Thousand Mountains Path and the Netherworld, and felt an inexplicable tremor in his heart. After a long while, he came back to his senses. "Initially, did Lu Ku send Shang Huan to hurry to Gan River Lower Institute, wanting me to execute the Seven Souls Path Soldier method, to avoid being captured by Lock Dragon Courtyard?" "Tsk, now it seems you got your wish." But now... after becoming Yin Spirits, are they Silver Soul Ghosts with the memories of the seven people, or are they originally from seven people reincarnated by borrowing Silver Soul Ghosts? Chen Mu thought for a while, then could only silently shake his head. "In this world, having the chance to live is already good enough; what''s the use of being too clear." When he had adjusted his mood and looked up at the seven exquisite little gourds again, he couldn''t help but smile. An image of seven little people inexplicably popped into his mind. Had Thousand Mountains Path also studied Gourd Babies? Ha! Wonder if they have a Gourd Little King Kong. Chen Mu chuckled, then flipped his hand and stored the Seven Souls Gourds into the Five Ghosts Bag. Chapter 627: 615 He accidentally stumbled upon the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, thwarting Qiu Jinwu''s journey to ascend through the Primordial Spirit. He then transformed the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers into Seven Souls Path Soldiers, breaking the restrictions of the City God''s Dojo. Neither Qiu Jinwu nor the Daqian Lock Dragon Institute could let this go easily. Chen Mu felt somewhat uneasy, fearing that he might be pursued and captured. After urging Lei Cheng to navigate the Bai Gui Shuttle at full speed for seven or eight days without spotting Qiu Jinwu or anyone from the Lock Dragon Institute, he finally began to relax. Even so, he dared not let Lei Cheng slow down; the Ping Ning traveled rapidly each day along the winding and twisting Loach Dragon Fire Path. A month and a half passed in the blink of an eye. At night, the lights were bright inside the Water Avoiding Shuttle, and the calls of waiters in the restaurants and tea houses never ceased. On the second floor of a small building, a rocking chair was placed by the window. Five little paper figures stood on the back of the chair, baring their teeth and grunting with effort to gently sway the chair. The Five Ghosts Bag drifted in midair, and from its open mouth, strands of pitch-black Primordial Energy flew out, disappearing into the void in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair with his eyes closed and, after a long while, opened his eyes and reached out to remove the Five Ghosts Bag, ending his cultivation session with satisfaction. "The Dark Cloud True Method is really useful." As long as he supplied sufficient Primordial Energy, the Dark Cloud True Method, now at Perfection, could operate on its own and continuously refine his Divine Orifice. Even when he was trapped in the Tianhe Law Realm, it didn''t delay his Qi Cultivation Fourth Level progress. He barely intervened, and now the fifty-ninth refinement of his Divine Orifice had quietly been completed. "If all goes well, it''ll take at most eight months to advance beyond the River Chariot level." "I wonder if the Daoist Foundation Atlas can be easily found in Hai Province," Chen Mu pondered with his eyes half-closed. ... "Daoist Foundation Atlas?" "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect definitely has it, but if you want their Secret Technique, you''ve got to pledge your life in service to them," Lian Xi said, leaning against the window, staring at the distant lights of tea houses as if lost in thought. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is in Hai Province?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. He was not unfamiliar with this sect. It was by boarding the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s Bai Gui Ship that he had arrived in Yunzhou, only to be sold as a laborer to Jilong Road. Were it not for the attack on Zhongshan Path and the collapse of the Tianhe Lower Institute, he might still be stuck tending to Yellow Bud Rice in the Lower Courtyard for many more years. "No, the headquarters of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is in Thunder State," Lian Xi shook his head. "But all ninety-nine sects within Hai Province are subordinate to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." Did that mean the Thousand Mechanisms Sect ruled the entire Hai Province? How domineering! Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "Ninety-nine sects are spread throughout Hai Province. Periodically, they must provide Daoist Soldiers to cultivate for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect in exchange for various resources and secret techniques," Lian Xi explained. "The Daoist Foundation Atlas is also among the items they exchange for. If you want it, you''ll have to become a Daoist Soldier and pledge service to them." "With the Thousand Mechanisms Sect so powerful, is there anyone who dares to oppose it?" Chen Mu frowned upon hearing this. All he ever wanted was to cultivate in peace, without getting involved in fights and conflicts. "There are rumors of some Outer Heaven Demon, but the specifics are not very clear," Lian Xi shook his head. Separated by the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, Yunzhou and Hai Province had little communication, with only sporadic information trickling through. Even after he specifically collected information, what Lian Xi knew was very limited. Outer Heaven Demons did not sound like any good news. Chen Mu''s frown deepened. "It''s not really a big deal, after all. The ninety-nine sects of Hai Province are all serving the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. There so might be pitfalls, but I suppose they''re acceptable," Lian Xi shrugged, appearing unconcerned. "Of course, aside from serving as a Daoist Soldier, you can also exchange equivalent treasures or secret techniques. The Refining Technique of the Kui Niu Drum was exchanged by Qiu Jinwu from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect," he continued. "But with the vast and long-standing power of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, ordinary secret techniques and treasures hardly catch their eye." "If you''re willing, those two Dragon Ball Spirit Machines would definitely do the trick," he said with a chuckle. I wish I could, but I need to be able to control them first. Chen Mu felt helpless inside. Ever since the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, along with a stroke of misfortune, had burrowed into his brow, he had been unable to activate it. Even if he wished to exchange it for a secret technique, it was not possible. ... Half a month later, the Loach Dragon Fire Path began its upward journey. Sailing for two more days, the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle broke through an invisible barrier with a "pop," emerging from underground into a pitch-black body of water. Standing at the entrance of the Minor Thunder Palace, Chen Mu, assuming Gongsun Sheng''s appearance, looked at the scene of the Sky-reaching River''s bottom through the Jade observation window and couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief. After more than four months of effort, the Ping Ning had finally arrived in Hai Province. A thought crossed his mind, and Chen Mu activated the Netherworld Ferry. Yin Spirit Divine Power surged and vibrated beside him, the air twisted, but after a while, he still couldn''t open the void portal. Chen Mu was not discouraged but rather delighted. "The failure to unfold the Netherworld Ferry means there is no projection of Netherworld Power here, so there''s no need to worry about being tracked by the Lock Dragon Institute." The Lock Dragon Institute, backed by the Netherworld, had unpredictable and cunning methods. If Hai Province also harbored Netherworld Power, there was a risk of inadvertently exposing his whereabouts. Comparatively, he was not so worried about Qiu Jinwu. During the more than two months of travel within the Loach Dragon Fire Path, Qiu Jinwu had never appeared, which meant he couldn''t track the Spirit Mechanism; otherwise, with his Dao Foundation Perfection cultivation, he would have appeared long ago. "Hai Province is several times larger than Yunzhou. Once I get a general understanding of Hai Province, I''ll dive into a secluded area." "Then nobody will be able to trace my whereabouts." ... In Hai Province''s Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion within the Tongtian River, A massive Bai Gui Shuttle hundreds of meters long slowly sailed through a slit-like water screen portal and into the Water Mansion. As soon as the ghastly white Bai Gui Shuttle, covered in spikes, landed, a crowd surged forward and surrounded its exit. "Young hero, would you like to join our Unarmored Sect? You can choose any of our Secret Technique Scripture Scrolls." "Come to our Medicine King Sect, we have enough Elixirs and White Jade!" "In five years, guaranteed Mana cultivation, and in seven, you''ll be on the path to Condensing Aperture. The Lishan Sect has a 320-year history and has trained countless Qi Cultivators." "Yin Mountain Sect, our Yin Mountain Sect''s Secret Techniques directly aim for the Daoist Foundation, and we offer them just for joining!" "..." A group of young men and women who had just stepped off the Bai Gui Shuttle was immediately dazed by this aggressive recruitment. Questions, arguments, and sharp retorts filled the air, causing uproar. Not far off, on the second-floor window side of a tea house, Qiu Jinwu, dressed in a gold-lined purple robe, watched the Bai Gui Shuttle emotionlessly. A grinning bald young man sat opposite him, clicking his tongue at the lively scene in the distance: "They only talk about giving away Secret Techniques and resources upon joining, why don''t they mention the at least ten-year commitment to a Daoist Soldier Contract?" "They can only deceive these naive youngsters who''ve just left the Border Wilderness Island." After enjoying the scene for a while, he turned to Qiu Jinwu. "Master Qiu does not need to worry. The Loach Dragon Fire Path has too many exits to guard, but as long as we stay in this Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion, we will definitely find the person who stole the Spirit Mechanism," the bald young man confidently said. "Indeed, the resources and Secret Techniques of Hai Province are all in the hands of these sects; if the people from Yunzhou want to continue their cultivation, they have no choice but to join." "In this way, the nearest place from the Fire Path''s many exits that also has a constant presence of Hai Province sects is this Renxu Water Mansion, making it their preferred landing place." "With the Dragon Ball Embryo in your possession, as long as the Spirit Mechanism gets close, you will be able to sense it." "Combined with my Shrinking Ground Shifting Secret Technique, that person will definitely not be able to escape our tracking!" Hearing this, Qiu Jinwu nodded slightly. He had already come to Hai Province to wait, a month in advance, after confirming that the Soul-Searching Disc couldn''t track the Water Avoiding Shuttle. But having gone for so long without any leads, he couldn''t help but become anxious. He hoped that nothing unexpected would happen. As he mumbled to himself, the bald young man across from him suddenly pointed in a direction and spoke, "Look at that newcomer, doesn''t he seem familiar?" Qiu Jinwu looked up and a tall, sturdy young man came into view. A smile appeared on his face. "Didn''t I tell you? If we wait here, those from Yunzhou will come to us," the bald young man laughed aloud. Chapter 628 - 616 Settling Down Hai Province, Tongtian River, Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion. "If I remember correctly, that person''s last name should be Lei. He is a direct descendant of Elder Lei Heng of the Goose Sheep Path," Qiu Jinwu said with a smile on his face as he looked at the tall and robust young man in the distance. "To have escaped the Heavenly River Water Mansion, this Brother Lei''s talent and flair are indeed outstanding." "Shall we check it out? Maybe he has the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism on him," the bald young man said with a grin. "No need," Qiu Jinwu said, shaking his head slowly as he sensed the movements of the Dragon Ball inside the Jade Seed. "That''s fine, these are only the first batch of people to reach the Water Mansion. Acting rashly and startling the snake would not be good," agreed the bald young man with a nod. ... Thirty-plus miles from the perimeter of Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion. "Do you think Qiu Jinwu could be waiting inside this Water Mansion?" Chen Mu squinted his eyes as he looked at the faintly discernible Water Mansion in the distance through the huge Jade observation window. "This... surely not?" Lei Hong hesitated, "Do we possess such great value that a Dao Foundation Perfection Qi Cultivator would relentlessly pursue us?" You guys don''t have that great value, but I do! Chen Mu sighed. Qiu Jinwu probably would not give up on the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism. Not only himself, but all the Qi Cultivators on board the Ping Ning were probably already on Qiu Jinwu''s tracking list. "But the White Jade in the Water Avoiding Shuttle''s storage is already insufficient to support us reaching the next Water Mansion," Lei Hong said, scratching his head. The Goose Sheep Path carefully calculated the resources equipped on every Water Avoiding Shuttle. Just enough but not plentiful, it would ensure reaching Hai Province but not support continued long-distance navigation. "Then we definitely can''t enter this Water Mansion," Chen Mu felt even more that Qiu Jinwu was lying in wait in this very Water Mansion. "If White Jade is insufficient, then we''ll reduce our speed and let the Hunting Team hunt Exotic Beasts to replenish the Solar Terms Well." The Water Avoiding Shuttle had a certain level of vitality, not only could it be propelled by White Jade, but it could also consume Exotic Beast Blood and Flesh as a source of dynamic power. Moreover, he also had the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. Chen Mu made up his mind, even if he had to drag the Ping Ning with three thousand Ghosts, he would avoid this Water Mansion ahead! ... Over a month later, Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion. The tall and robust Lei Wen, mixed in with more than a dozen young men and women, boarded the Bai Gui Ship alongside an elder with graying hair. It didn''t take long before the Bai Gui Ship slowly ascended, passing through the Water Mansion''s portal, disappearing into the pitch-black Tongtian River. Not far from a restaurant, the bald young man clicked his tongue in surprise: "After such a long selection process, Brother Lei Wen has ultimately chosen the Yin Mountain Sect." "Indeed, secret manuals that directly improve one''s Daoist Foundation are more enticing." Lei Wen was one of the first batch of Goose Sheep Path Qi Cultivators to reach the Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion, but he was the last to choose to join a Sect. Beside him, Qiu Jinwu frowned without saying a word. "Seeing one of your own talents join another faction, is Master Qiu reluctant to let go?" the bald young man teased with a grin. "Seven days," Qiu Jinwu said with a serious expression. What does that mean? The bald young man was somewhat confused. "It''s been seven days since the last Goose Sheep Path Qi Cultivator entered this Water Mansion," Qiu Jinwu''s frown grew tighter. "Loach Dragon Fire Path is already difficult to navigate; could it be they were delayed en route because of this?" the bald young man speculated hesitantly. Qiu Jinwu slowly shook his head. At first, he had quite a bit of confidence, but as time passed, the surviving Goose Sheep Path Qi Cultivators came and went, and there was no news of the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism. He began to have an ominous premonition. "I''m afraid that person deliberately avoided the Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion," Qiu Jinwu said with a tight face, a weight on his heart. ... Outside the Renxu character Heavenly River Water Mansion on Tongtian River, a huge dark boulder floated. Dozens of Qi Cultivators, each with a Water-Repelling Pearl above their heads, emerged from within the boulder and floated toward the Water Mansion gate. In the small accumulation thunder chamber of the Ping Ning''s Water Avoiding Shuttle, Chen Mu looked at brothers Lei Cheng and Lei Hong, admonishing: "You better leave the Water Mansion quickly and hide in various places within Hai Province." "The Water Mansion of the character Xu in Tongtian River is only more than twenty thousand li away from Renxu Water Mansion, and Qiu Jinwu is a Dao Foundation Perfection Qi Cultivator; he might still be able to use Tracking Secret Techniques on you." "If you''re too slow, you both might find yourselves in grave danger," he said with a grave and serious face. Beside him, Lian Xi''s mouth twitched. Twenty thousand li, and ''only'' apart? Do you have some misunderstanding about the abilities of Dao Foundation Qi Cultivators? At that distance, even Primordial Spirit Qi Cultivators would struggle to track! Ever since avoiding the Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion, the Ping Ning Water Avoiding Shuttle has been stealthily traveling, passing through Bing Xu and Jia Xu Water Mansions, until reaching this third Xinyou Water Mansion, where it finally stopped to drop people off. Moreover, looking at his current manner, he probably wouldn''t rest until he reaches even more distant Water Mansions. Aren''t you being overly cautious?! Lian Xi couldn''t help but twitch his cheeks. "Thank you for your concern, sir," Lei Hong said as he listened to Chen Mu''s instructions, his face filled with gratitude. Though he was being coerced by the man before him, had it not been for him, he might very well have already perished in the Tianhe Law Realm! "No need to thank me; I''m just afraid that if Autumn Jinwu catches you, you''ll give me away," Chen Mu said indifferently. Lei Hong: "..." Are you being this blunt? "My face is fake, and the name I use belongs to someone else, you''ll never find me again." "If you run into Autumn Jinwu, the only ones who will suffer misfortune are you two." "That''s all I have to say; as for what actions to take, the choice is yours," Chen Mu said calmly. Hearing this, Lei Hong''s scalp tingled! Just thinking about the interrogation methods of a Qi Cultivator at the Daoist Foundation level sent shivers down his spine. "Maybe we should keep following you? That way, you can rest assured, right?" he tentatively proposed. No, I''d be even less at ease if you followed me! Chen Mu immediately shook his head. These two were Autumn Jinwu''s disciples, inheriting the Secret Techniques in succession. Were Autumn Jinwu to track him down through them, Chen Mu would have nowhere to cry. "In at most two days, we will leave this Water Mansion and try to find a remote place to hide our tracks," Lei Cheng said, not minding his brother''s dejection, as he cupped his fists and bowed solemnly. It was fine for the other Qi Cultivators aboard the Ping Ning, but the two brothers were nominally in charge. If Autumn Jinwu was determined to pursue them relentlessly, they would undoubtedly bear the brunt of it. As for whether he would pursue relentlessly... Lei Cheng cautiously glanced at Chen Mu, then at Lian Xi beside him. There was probably something going on, but he absolutely couldn''t ask. Not asking meant he could walk away, but if he did ask, he feared that he would end up like Elder Lian beside him, his life completely in someone else''s control. "May we part on good terms and wish you a smooth journey," Chen Mu said, looking at Lei Cheng with profound meaning. The outwardly slow-witted and honest Lei Cheng was perhaps even more perceptive than the shrewd and versatile Lei Hong. "Take care," Lei Cheng and Lei Hong, the brothers, once again cupped fists before turning to leave. "You''re still uneasy even with a distance of twenty thousand miles between us, your actions are indeed... cautious," Lian Xi remarked sarcastically. "No, it''s still not enough," Chen Mu said, narrowing his eyes at Lian Xi. "I''ve already been cursed with your Nightmare Victory Spell, what more do you want?" Lian Xi''s heart tightened. "I''d like you to accompany me a bit further," Chen Mu said with a smile. The United Heart Rope intermingled with Extinguishing Breath Stones flew out, and Chen Mu skillfully cocooned Lian Xi like a silkworm, kicking him directly into Thousand Lanterns City. Lian Xi and Lei Cheng were ultimately different; letting them go together might cause trouble. It was better to take him along for another stretch before ditching him. ... At night, at the Ding You Heavenly River Water Mansion, inside Zhongli Restaurant The lively three-story wooden and stone pavilion was brightly lit, buzzing with noise. "Taoshan Temple is recruiting again; their growth in the past two years has been powerful. They might climb up to join Thousand Mechanisms Sect as a Top-Grade Sect soon..." "It''s a shame about Zhang Lao Si and his gang. They were fine ambushing the Three-tailed Fox, but ended up stumbling in the Mist Forest''s Poisonous Miasma." "Doesn''t that mean the Poison Avoidance and Detoxification Pills will increase in price?" "Exactly, better stock up quickly..." "Apparently, there''s been a strange disease in Bixi Lane that puts people into an unwakeable sleep, so let''s not go there these days." "It must be some minor demon causing trouble; it''s not the first time there''s been a problem. It''ll soon be cleaned up by the Palace Guards..." Chen Mu sat on the second floor, listening to the clamor of the restaurant, staring thoughtfully into the distance. Dozens, if not hundreds, of towering columns rose straight to the top of the Water Mansion, some round, some square, some oddly shaped. Inside each, Glowing Algae Lamps shined brightly or dimly, revealing the faint movements of figures. To Chen Mu, it felt like seeing the high-rises reaching into the clouds from his past life, leaving him in a daze as if dreaming of a bygone era. The Ding You Heavenly River Water Mansion was situated in the far south of Hai Province, in a very remote location. Earlier, Chen Mu had scattered the Water-Repelling Shuttle occupants from the Ping Ning, found a place to drop Lian Xi, and then concealed the Shuttle within Thousand Lanterns City. Then he had used his Escape Skill to arrive here alone. It had taken considerable care and effort to hide and travel safely along the way. "It''s a bit troublesome, but as long as it''s possible to shake off any potential tracking by Autumn Jinwu, that''s fine." During his more than ten days here, he had been staying at the inn behind Zhongli Restaurant. He employed the Truth Listening Divine Power non-stop each day, enveloping the nearby entryways of the Water Mansion. "It''s about time to find a place to settle down," Chen Mu thought as he withdrew his gaze, feeling a slight relief in his heart. Since leaving Yunzhou, continuing his journey for nearly half a year, even Chen Mu, accustomed to constant travel, couldn''t help but feel mentally and physically exhausted. Now that he was in a relatively stable environment, he truly did not wish to exert himself any further. Chapter 629 - 617: The Contract Several days had passed. In a small courtyard in Chao Feng Alley, Heavenly River Water Mansion, Ding You day. Inside the Dark Chaos Furnace, the steam full of meat fragrance continuously billowed, while the Fire Cloud Gourd spurted blue flames, roasting the thinly sliced white Exotic Beast Meat. The White Jade Plate was filled with quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in red, yellow, and green. Sitting by the stone table, Chen Mu took a bite of the Yellow Bud Rice and nodded in satisfaction, "Hai Province indeed has a better environment than Yunzhou. The locally produced Yellow Bud Rice here tastes richer by a third." In recent years, Yunzhou had suffered continuous natural and man-made disasters, causing a cliff-like decline in the concentration of Earth Spirit Vital Energy. The Yellow Bud Rice grown there was of poor quality, tasting much worse than that in this part of Hai Province. With a slight sigh, Chen Mu then feasted heartily. ... After the meal. Pulling out the rocking chair that had traveled wide with him, once Chen Mu comfortably lay into it, he summoned the Grey Wall and looked at one of the entries. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: 7813/10000/Sixth Rank; In the past half a year, Chen Mu had been constantly on the run and could only sporadically devote time to the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll. Even so, the progress of the Secret Technique was still quite remarkable, and it was now close to reaching Perfection at Sixth Rank. He lifted his hand, tiny arcs flickering and hopping off his fingertips. "It seems focusing on one path entirely surpasses progressing on multiple fronts," he muttered. "First focus on perfecting this technique, then consider others." He had also thought about refining the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique, but various setbacks had delayed that as well. Putting away the Grey Wall before him, Chen Mu introspected the Jade Seed. Five days before, the Divine Orifice had completed its sixty-fourth refinement. The nine-layered Divine Orifice, now displaying colors of silver and black, appeared ever more mysterious and ancient. "In no more than half a year, the River Chariot will be completely refined." "Another big step forward in Qi refinement," Chen Mu said, a gratified smile spreading across his face. Delighting in the changing states of his Divine Orifice for a while, he then snapped back to attention. "As wonderful as distant dreams are, what''s immediately before me is even more crucial," Chen Mu sighed, pulling out a small wooden box to start checking the White Jade inside. Settling rental housing, stimulating the Exquisite Jade Plate for cultivation, buying Exotic Beast Meat to refine Nourishing Spirit Winethese past few days, a large amount of White Jade had flowed out like water. "Thirteen thousand three hundred sixty-five; did my savings really drop by half?" "Damn!" Chen Mu winced at the financial pain. He was, after all, a Qi Refining Cultivator at the Condensing Aperture stage, yet he had less than twenty thousand in White Jade. "If only I could sell the Water Avoiding Shuttle, I would definitely obtain a large amount of White Jade," Chen Mu lamented with a shake of his head. He had considered exploiting the warehouse of the Water Avoiding Shuttle before, but it had gone through repeated misfortunes, and all the White Jade inside was depleted. The various materials stored were also used to repair the Water Avoiding Shuttle''s hull. After dismissing Lei Cheng and the others, the most valuable thing left was just the Water Avoiding Shuttle itself. Yet the Water Avoiding Shuttle could not be sold; he was afraid of being traced by Qiu Jinwu. "Skills never weigh down the bearer," Chen Mu sighed, flipping his hand to pull out a Dark Gourd, inside of which were various poisonous miasmas mixed. Thousands of miles south of the Heavenly River Water Mansion in Ding You, there was a continuous mountain forest known as the Mist Forest, rich in sky-high trees and resources but also riddled with various poisons. Qi Cultivators living in the Mist Forest were often troubled by these poisons year-round. Hence, there was a huge demand for poison-detoxifying and poison-avoiding Elixirs in this area. The moment he got this news, Chen Mu thought of the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill. This miraculous Elixir Pill, with some adjustments, could potentially open up a new source of income. "Have to thank Elder Rong Qiu of Jilong Road," Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh. The Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill was an improvement innovated by the Elder. Previously in Yunzhou, it had brought him considerable returns several times. Unexpectedly, now in Hai Province, it could still relieve his financial troubles. "Who knows what the current situation of Jilong Road is." "Is it like Goose Sheep Path, caught in the Tianhe Law Realm?" "Or did it arrive here early and completely integrate into Hai Province?" The world is too vast; sometimes a single farewell could be forever. "Each has their own fate; I should focus on how to earn White Jade." ... Heavenly River Water Mansion, the mansion owner''s Dojo, Xushi day. "Elder Qiu, two months ago, indeed a group of unfamiliar Qi Cultivators arrived in the Water Mansion," laughed a handsome young man in white robes trimmed with golden threads. "But these people didn''t stay long, they bought some supplies and after finding out the distribution of the ninety-nine sects in Hai Province, they hastily left the Water Mansion." "Now, they have probably scattered into the various sects and their whereabouts are difficult to trace." He shook his head regretfully. "Is it difficult to find them, or do you not want to find them?" Qiu Jinwu glanced at him and spoke calmly. "It seems that unless I sign the Daoist Soldier Contract, you guys are unlikely to take action." His expression was stoic, a formless aura slowly rising around him, as if the very air had solidified. Ahh! A faint dragon''s cry emanated from the handsome young man, who watched Qiu Jinwu with a grin, unaffected by the immense pressure around him. "Senior Qiu is immensely powerful, we in the Heavenly River Water Mansion are indeed desperate for such talent." "I thought you would come up with some excuses." Qiu Jinwu raised an eyebrow. "Being honest is better for both parties." The handsome young man said with a smile. "Just sign the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s Daoist Soldier Contract, and I will immediately ask my father to use the Heavenly River Secret Technique to search for the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism." "As is widely known, although the Heavenly River Water Mansion is spread out across the Thirteen States, the Dao techniques have been passed down continuously since ancient times. It takes some effort to trace back to the origins, but it''s always possible to find out where that Spirit Mechanism went." "But this will consume a lot, the Water Mansion couldn''t possibly act without good reason." The handsome young man slowly spoke. Thousand Mechanisms Sect... This Daoist Soldier Contract could clearly be a powerful binding Secret Technique. If there were any traps in it... Qiu Jinwu fell silent, pondering. "Senior Qiu really needn''t worry too much." The handsome young man laughed and waved his hand. "While the Daoist Soldier Contract is stringent, it doesn''t have any traps to cheat people. After all, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect needs usable Daoist Soldiers, not cannon fodder slaves." "Every three years, the ninety-nine sects of Hai Province provide a batch of Daoist Soldiers to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. If there really were any major issues, they wouldn''t have complied so obediently over the years." "We help you find the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism, and you help us fulfill the Daoist Soldier mission of Thousand Mechanisms Sect. This is a win-win." Qiu Jinwu nodded involuntarily. "Moreover, although the battlefield outside heaven of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is perilous, it also presents countless opportunities." "If we really can''t find the lost Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism, you can also find a suitable substitute there." The handsome young man tempted persuasively. "What if I sign the contract and you guys do not put in the effort?" Qiu Jinwu furrowed his brows again. "That cannot be." The handsome young man shook his head with a joyful expression: "You can put your demands into the contract." "With the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor as a witness, neither party can breach the agreement." "This is not just a regular oath, if we dare breach the contract, we would truly be struck by the Five Thunders." If that was really the case... Qiu Jinwu fell into deep thought. ... In the Heavenly Water Pavilion of the Heavenly River Water Mansion. "Mr. Song, we''ve already had people try it, your Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill is incredibly effective against the poisonous miasma." "One pill for eighteen White Jade pieces, we''ll take as many as you have!" The tall and thin manager with a head of white hair looked eagerly at Chen Mu. Disguised with Zhang Songjiang''s dark face, Chen Mu couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows. Back in Yunzhou, the average price of a Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill was around eleven or twelve White Jade pieces. Eighteen White Jade pieces... Is there something here I''m not aware of?! Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and he narrowed his eyes. After carefully observing Manager Yang''s eyes, he dismissed his curiosity. I just need to earn my share, it''s better not to know other matters. "No problem, I have one hundred pills here, they''re all yours." He pulled out a jug the size of a person''s head and handed it over. Before long, with the transaction complete, Chen Mu picked up the wooden box containing one thousand eight hundred White Jade pieces and left. "One furnace of Elixir Pills yields one thousand eight hundred White Jade pieces." "If I refine ten or eight furnaces, the White Jade I spent earlier will easily be earned back." "Still far from White Jade freedom, but also sufficient for me to cultivate in peace." Chapter 630 - 618 Five Thunders Spell Tongtian River, Dingyou day, Heavenly River Water Mansion. Chen Mu had initially been worried that Qiu Jinwu might come looking for him, but after employing the Truth Listening Divine Power to monitor the mansion''s entrances for over a month and detecting nothing unusual, he gradually relaxed. During this time, the uniquely designed All-Disease Pill from the Mist Forest unexpectedly became popular, bringing him a large amount of White Jade. He spent his days cultivating methodically, refining a cauldron of Alchemy Pills every few days, and his life gradually stabilized. ... Chao Feng Alley, within a small courtyard. A jade basin, half a person tall with a round belly, floated in mid-air as flames belched from the Fire Cloud Gourd. The Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell was activated, and droplets of pale-white Nourishing Spirit Wine flew up, slowly gathering into a cluster the size of a grape. Chen Mu''s spells shifted, and the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse circulated, a thread of dark red Replenishing Origin Soup gushing forth, swiftly filling a bamboo tube as long as a forearm. Pouring himself a mouthful of Replenishing Origin Soup, he shook his heavy bamboo tube helplessly, "Thank goodness for the Giant Spirit Divine secret technique, otherwise I''d eventually turn into a ball." Both Nourishing Spirit Wine and Replenishing Origin Soup were refined from Exotic Beast Meat, yet their yields differed. Refining a gourd of Nourishing Spirit Wine typically also produced seven to eight gourds of Replenishing Origin Soup. The Replenishing Origin Soup could not be stored for long, requiring him to consume it quickly. As a result, with his Vital Energy replenished excessively, Chen Mu had to use the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique to speed up its consumption. In less than a month, he had boosted the Seventh Rank Giant Spirit Divine from over six thousand experience to eighty-nine hundred. While the surge in experience was gratifying, it was... "Too much of a good thing can be annoying," Chen Mu scratched his head. He even felt nauseous now at the smell of Replenishing Origin Soup! "I need to think of some adjustments," he began to scrutinize the numerous secret techniques on the gray wall. "Perhaps I could try the Ghost Gate mechanism," a thought struck Chen Mu. Relying on the existence of the Bottomless Pool in the Ghost Gate, it was a secret technique specifically for breaking down and storing Demon flesh. After his journey in the Tianhe Law Realm, the Ghosts in the Five Ghosts Bag had been perfectly transformed into a living Ghost Gate. "It''s feasible to construct a Bottomless Pool for storing Exotic Beast Meat." As for the Forget River Stone required to construct the Bottomless Pool... Chen Mu looked towards the large turtle shell in Thousand Lanterns City. The raw material for the Extinguishing Breath Stone was precisely the stones from the bottom of the River of Oblivion. "With Thousand Lanterns City''s Grotto Heaven isolating it, there''s no need to hide the Water Avoiding Shuttle; I can simply take some less important Extinguishing Breath Stones for raw materials." ... Two days later, Chen Mu''s spirit delved into the Five Ghosts Bag. Seeing the Bottomless Pool the size of a bedroom in the center of the Five Ghosts Bag, he couldn''t help but smile. "It''s done." With the Ghost Gate constructed into the Five Ghosts Bag, the teleportation ability was basically unusable, but the ability to break down and store Demon flesh in the Bottomless Pool was perfectly preserved. From now on, he only needed to toss various Exotic Beast Meats inside, and both Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine could be accessed on-demand. And since the Ghosts still resided within the Five Ghosts Bag, it didn''t hinder his extraction of Primordial Energy for cultivation. "A perfect solution!" It was no wonder he spent time pondering this matter; the Nourishing Spirit Wine was simply too useful. It enhanced the Superior Fetal Spirit, indirectly boosting his understanding, and Chen Mu''s recent focus on the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll had thereby progressed rapidly. Just last night, he had mastered this secret technique to its pinnacle. Chen Mu looked at a particular entry on the gray wall. Five Thunders Treasure Scroll: Perfection. As his gaze fixed on the ancient script on the gray wall, a series of insights emerged in his mind. "Five Thunders Spell." Whoosh! A wave of invisible force, like flowing water, burst forth from the pores all over his body, wrapping around him in a moment, with the air slightly distorting. This was exactly the ability of the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll upon reaching Perfection, similar to an Innate Protective Qi Mechanism: the Five Thunders Spell. At this moment, the power of thunder filled Chen Mu inside and out, protecting his internal organs, blood, and marrow with this invisible Thunder Law. "Compared to the devouring aggressive nature of the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect, the Five Thunders Spell seems more inclined towards defense and protection." "Stack Armor?" "Stack Armor sounds great!" Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. He hadn''t yet mastered the River Chariot, yet he already possessed a defense comparable to the Dao Foundation Realm, and it was a dual defense with both the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect and the Five Thunders Spell. He felt completely secure! "The Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique seems to be a defensive secret technique too; if I could master it to the limit..." "Ha!" Chen Mu immediately looked at a column on the gray wall. Heavenly Demon Armor: 6431/10000/Third Rank; This Secret Technique originated from Yu Lin, one of the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers. The current experience with the technique was replicated by Chen Mu using the United Heart Curse. He had wanted to practice this Secret Technique for a while now, but various changes had continuously delayed him. "I''ll start cultivating tomorrow," Chen Mu decided in his heart. ... "Another thousand pills?" "Is there such a high demand for the Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill?" In the Heavenly Water Pavilion, Chen Mu looked at Manager Yang, whose hair was turning white, in amazement. "Some trouble arose in the Hundred Illusion Sect, releasing a lot of demon qi. The Mist Forest was contaminated by the demon qi and underwent mutations." "Rare spiritual herbs and exotic beasts have increased, so have various poisons and miasmas." "Therefore, there''s a great demand for Poison Avoidance and Detoxification Pills. Your Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pill came at a good time," Manager Yang explained with a smile. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. However... Demon qi, Hundred Illusion Sect? "I wonder about this Hundred Illusion Sect..." he voiced his curiosity. "Mr. Song is new here, probably not very familiar," Manager Yang explained with a smile. "The Hundred Illusion Sect is one of the ninety-nine sects in Hai Province, located in the Mist Forest a thousand miles away." "Their ancestors were once influential, but the sect has declined somewhat in recent years, and their talents are waning." "Now, they can''t even properly watch over the Outer Heaven Demon sealed by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect; they might be disqualified as a top-grade sect and driven out of the Mist Forest any day now." Watching over the Demon seals? Are these ninety-nine sects of Hai Province not only training Daoist Soldiers for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect but also serving as jailors? Chen Mu was puzzled, yet cautiously nodded along with a pretense of understanding, careful not to inquire further. After all, he was not from Hai Province; revealing too much personal information might bring trouble and covetous eyes. Taking the White Jade Coins handed over by Boss Yang, Chen Mu turned and left. ... Leaving the Heavenly Water Pavilion, Chen Mu didn''t rush home but went to Zhongli Restaurant to gather information. He was quite concerned about the demon qi. After drinking tea all afternoon and walking home in the evening, he had gathered the information he wanted from snippets of conversation. "Who would have thought the ninety-nine sects of Hai Province were really jailors." According to the news he gathered at the restaurant, all ninety-nine sects have demon seals set by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. This was done not only to suppress certain special Outer Heaven Demons but also to allow Daoist Soldiers to cultivate Secret Techniques using demon qi, making them effective tools against Outer Heaven Demons for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. "With hundreds of years of tradition like this, it seems there''s no need for too much concern," Chen Mu sighed with relief. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect dared to do this, and nothing wrong had happened over so many years; clearly, the methods were mature. Just what exactly were these Outer Heaven Demons? Were they similar to exotic beasts? Were they related to the Heavenly Demons from the Heavenly Demon Path? Ambling along the broad street, Chen Mu mulled over various thoughts while walking towards his courtyard. At the corner of Chao Feng Alley, just as Chen Mu was stepping in, a skinny middle-aged man suddenly turned the corner. Chen Mu, who habitually used his Truth Listening Divine Power, noticed the man ahead of time and stepped aside. Unexpectedly, that person also noticed Chen Mu early and stepped aside as well. Chen Mu paused, then smiled and nodded in greeting. The man also realized and smiled back in response. Local people were quite polite, Chen Mu thought cheerfully. But the next moment, Boom! A thunderous, deafening boom echoed next to his ear as a blue-white lightning bolt as thick as a finger sprang from his shoulder, striking the middle-aged man who had just passed by. The man didn''t even have time to grunt before he was instantly turned into a pile of ashes! Chen Mu was stunned at that moment. "Isn''t the Five Thunders Spell a protective Secret Technique? Why is it attacking people too?" He looked at the few white ashes on the ground, questioning his life. Just then, the recently mastered Five Thunders Spell had activated on its own. Before he could react, Kui Water Yin Thunder had shot out and directly blasted the middle-aged man to dust. "But why?" "Just because he glanced at me in the crowd, the Five Thunders Spell has to turn him into smoke?" "Isn''t this Secret Technique a bit too tyrannical?" Chapter 631 - 619: Eighth Turn In the pavilion of the small courtyard in Chao Feng Alley, Chen Mu sat at the stone round table, scratching his head. Seeing more of oneself would result in being struck by lightning? This secret technique was even more absurd than someone getting pregnant from being glared at. Chen Mu had to carefully recall the previous scene, and after a while, he finally noticed some leads. "Originally, the Truth Listening Divine Power seemed to have heard a sound similar to the buzzing of a mosquito." "Moreover, that sound seemed to appear around me!" Chen Mu immediately narrowed his eyes. "That short middle-aged man meant no good, he was planning to cast some kind of secret technique on me!" he suddenly realized. It was a secretive and slight technique, most likely a type of marking technique. Yet before the technique had taken effect on him, the Five Thunders Spell had already reacted, killing the man first. He looked at the flickering arc of lightning on his palm, frowning. Although the Five Thunders Spell was not as overbearing as he had initially thought, it really was somewhat too brutal. "You sure got rid of him quickly, but where am I supposed to find the person behind this?" "This is just causing me trouble!" Chen Mu tapped on the Five Thunders Spell covering his left hand, "Since you can react and counter-kill through the tracking secret technique." "Why don''t you put in a bit more effort and, following that man''s ashes, directly strike down the mastermind behind this?" Five Thunders Spell: "..." ... After studying the Five Thunders Spell for a good while, Chen Mu''s understanding of the spell deepened. The autonomous activation of the Kui Water Yin Thunder to attack the short middle-aged man was indeed powerful, but this method was really a defensive secret technique. It initiated an attack because it received a signal of being attacked. And this signal came from the Truth Listening Divine Power. "Body reacts faster than the mind?" Chen Mu enlightened. "The Five Thunders Spell is connected to the subconscious, or should I say, it communicates with the Superior Fetal Spirit, which is why the spell reacts more promptly?" This was also why he hadn''t realized it earlier. Truth Listening Divine Power indeed detected something unusual, but because it was too subtle, his own conscious mind hadn''t raised an alarm yet. However, his subconscious had already felt the crisis. The Five Thunders Spell sensed this and thus made a defensive reaction. Well, it directly struck down the intruder. Killing the enemy is the best defense, no problem! Chen Mu nodded solemnly. "This Five Thunders Spell is quite something!" It''s just a pity about the person behind the scenes. If there were a channeling chain of Five Thunders Spell lightning... Whoever initiates, the Thunder Law would continue to track back, killing all the way to the source, just thinking about it is exciting! "But... that person behind the scenes isn''t too hard to guess." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. If Qiu Jinwu were to attack, he would definitely come directly. Being new here, past grievances couldn''t catch up. It had to be a new local grudge. Heavenly Water Pavilion, Old Man Yang! "Ultimately, it''s still wealth that tempts the heart." "Just the All-Disease Pill alone has already attracted others'' covetousness, truly..." Chen Mu figured out the reasons, yet his expression remained very calm. Having cultivated for more than ten years, he had not only seen such scenarios but also experienced them more than once. Kill the opponent? That would be too much. "The All-Disease Pill can''t be sold at Heavenly Water Pavilion now," Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. After all, he was an outsider, and what he needed most now was a stable environment to complete the Divine Orifice Refinement. It was better to do less than to do more. ... Days unknowingly passed. As the largest nearby transfer market district, people were constantly coming and going inside the Ding-You Heavenly River Water Mansion, and Zhongli Restaurant was bustling. "Have you heard that someone in Lion District also got that strange Hung Liang disease, falling into an unwakable sleep? You guys better be cautious lately." "Are you talking about Old Man Yang from the Lion Street Heavenly Water Pavilion? That''s not the Hung Liang disease." "The Water Mansion Warriors went to see him yesterday, they said he was stealthily cursed with a side door spell and would wake up soon." "..." "He''ll wake up soon?" Chen Mu''s ears twitched as he came back to his senses. He looked at the list on the gray wall in front of him. Nightmare Victory Spell: 1436/10000; "Simply not skilled enough in the art," he sighed helplessly. "Later when I return home, I must recite the spell over Old Yang''s straw effigy." It wouldn''t kill Old Yang, which could lead to even greater tracking, but casting the Nightmare Victory Spell should be feasible. Thinking of awakening? No chance! ... Hai Province was entirely under the jurisdiction of Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Although the subordinate sects and clans occasionally fought, overall, it remained peaceful. Tucked away in a remote location, Heavenly River Water Mansion had even less strife as it was near only one top-grade sect, Hundred Illusion Sect. Chen Mu spent most of his time in the Water Mansion cultivating peacefully at home. Every ten to fifteen days, he would go out to sell Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills for some White Jade Money and also to gather information circulating within the Mansion. With money, leisure, and experience, Chen Mu''s life was unusually tranquil, and months passed by in the blink of an eye. In the courtyard, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, looking at the Divine Orifice emitting a mysterious and lively aura, his heart pounding with excitement. Just moments ago, the eight transformations of the Divine Orifice were completed, only lacking the final nine refinements for a complete metamorphosis. "According to Lian Xi, after refining the River Chariot, one can cultivate the Innate Primordial Qi. It can refine Spiritual Treasures and forge a Daoist Foundationtruly magical." "Three months, at most another three months!" "Perhaps, should I intervene with the Dark Cloud True Method to speed it up?" Chen Mu took out the Jade Gourd filled with Nourishing Spirit Wine and took a big gulp, using its cool, refreshing effect to finally calm his excited mind. "The journey of a hundred miles ends in the final nine steps, and now it isn''t yet the last step!" The refinement of the Divine Orifice was extremely risky, with a slight misstep potentially leading to failure. Once failed, the Divine Orifice could suffer severe damage, requiring considerable time and effort to recover. Many Qi Refining Cultivators spent over ten years unable to complete the Divine Orifice Refinement, not just due to the lack of Primordial Energy but also because of this risk of failure. "I still ought to leave it to the Dark Cloud True Method to refine on its own." Chen Mu took a deep breath and withdrew his spirit. "Instead of being restless, better to focus on the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique." Having practiced the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll to its limit, he had then dedicated his energy to the Heavenly Demon Armor. Over the months, countless experiences had not only perfected the Third Rank but even advanced him to the late stage of the Fourth Rank. Chen Mu looked at the gray wall in front of him. Heavenly Demon Armor: 8264/10000/Fourth Rank; "The protective effect, though..." Chen Mu frowned slightly. With a thought, a layer of transparent armor appeared around his body, covering him completely. "It works similar to a Qi Cultivist''s Body Protection Aura, but the protection it offers is somewhat disappointing." Was his own practice incorrect? When Yu Lin had used it, the external appearance was of a pitch-black armor filled with spikes, not this transparent state. "It''s unlikely, though, as the Gray Wall doesn''t have any negative feedback." "Is it because the level is too low?" The secret techniques learned by the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers were all quite peculiar, inconspicuous at first but increasingly miraculous as one trained. Like the Truthful Listening Technique, which now could compare to certain Innate Divine Powers. "Keep training and if there''s no significant change after the Fourth Rank, then I''ll dedicate more energy to the Giant Spirit Divine." Chen Mu looked at another section in the gray wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 196/10000/Eighth Rank; Recently, having abundant Replenishing Origin Soup to consume the excess Vital Energy, Chen Mu had spared some time to practice the Giant Spirit Divine. With his previous accumulation of practice, the secret technique was about to advance. Now that he had deliberately allocated time, he quickly entered a new phase. Chen Mu turned to look at the three to five meters tall phantom of the Golden Red Leather Armor God Statue behind him. "The God Statue became more refined, and the power boost has increased from five times to seven times, plain but satisfying. Worth dedicating more energy." And since this secret technique had been with him for over a decade, and now that he had both Replenishing Origin Soup and time, he ought to first perfect it. ... On the day of Xu, inside the Heavenly River Water Mansion. In the Water Mansion Dojo, a Four-direction Altar stood in a broad plaza paved with bluestone. In the center of the altar, a long table displayed a jade tablet composed of thumb-width strips, laid out flat. The tablet, filled with countless golden threads, outlined the detailed content of the Daoist Soldier Contract. "Senior Qiu, is there anything else you need to change or annotate?" asked Jiao Shi, a handsome man dressed in gold-lined white robes, with a broad smile. Qiu Jinwu, with a calm expression, waved his hand: "Let it be as it is." Upon hearing this, Jiao Shi''s smile grew even brighter: "You and I need only recite the Pure Yang Spell together and sign this contract under the witness of the Pure Yang Dao Ancestral." "I will immediately have my father help you find the Spirit Mechanism, assisting you in refining a complete Dragon Ball soon." Chapter 632 - 620: Innate Within Heavenly River Water Mansion, it was perpetually like spring, untouched by the chill of winter or the heat of summer. That day, Chen Mu''s usually calm and collected thoughts began to show signs of unrest. Just a short while ago, he had completed the eightieth cleansing of his Divine Orifice. "Just this last one left," he muttered to himself within his small courtyard, occasionally introspecting on the Jade Seed to check the progress of the "Dark Cloud True Method." He always felt that the operation of the Dark Cloud True Method was far slower than before and couldn''t help the urge to actively accelerate its pace several times. A day filled with anxious hope and fear passed; he drank numerous bowls of Replenishing Origin Soup, hardly practiced the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique, and gained just a handful of experiences from the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique. Come evening, feeling his belly swollen from the nourishment of both the soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, Chen Mu shook his head forcefully. "This can''t go on!" "I must keep a level head, absolutely," he insisted to himself with firm resolution. ... Two quarters of an hour later. Inside Red Frost Tower on Lion Street of the Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion, Chen Mu sat in a second-floor private room, looking down at the dance floor where over a dozen graceful dancers performed, and exhaled a deep breath. "Severe illnesses require potent remedies!" Having not indulged in music and dance for many years, he now, upon revisiting it, had an entirely different understanding. The dancers of Hai Province were more delicate than those from Yunzhou. Truly, the ladies with Qi Cultivation surpassed the ordinary. Their skin was fine and smooth to the point where not even his scrutinizing eyes could spot a single delicate sweat gland or pore. "What exactly have I been doing for the past half year in Dingyou Water Mansion?" Chen Mu wondered with growing frustration. "You''re late!" ... Listening to the music and watching the dance until late into the night, he hummed a tune as he leisurely strolled out of Red Frost Tower. Instead of hurrying home, he headed towards the center of the Water Mansion. The power of Truthful Listening naturally activated, and a powerful life rhythm emerged in his heart. Roar! Chen Mu seemed to hear an invisible roar, nearly causing his Five Dragon Dharma Body to reactively manifest. He squinted his eyes towards a tall, ancient-looking building in the distance. That tremendous life force belonged to none other than Jiao Yufei, Lord of the Dingyou Water Mansion. Having been there for over half a year, he had heard many rumors about the other. He knew that his practice was of the Heavenly Demon Path, and that he had achieved great success in the Meridian Passage Realm, comparable to a Dao Foundation Perfection Qi Cultivator. Carefully feeling the overwhelming presence of the other, Chen Mu felt as though he was standing at the base of a high cliff that soared into the clouds. The imposing mountain, even at rest, still made his heart tremble from its base. "Compared to such a master, refining the River Chariot is but a minor hurdle on the path of cultivation." Chen Mu sighed softly, and his restless thoughts immediately calmed. "The path of cultivation is long indeed..." With a shrug, Chen Mu turned around and sauntered back to his small courtyard in Chao Feng Alley. ... Seven days later, at dusk. Chen Mu was in the middle of preparing his evening meal. Dong! Like a droplet of dew falling into a mountain stream, a crisp sound echoed in his mind. Upon introspecting the Jade Seed, the pitch-black Dark Cloud Talisman had vanished. In the center of the Jade Seed, a silver-black, glossy, nine-layered orb slowly and sporadically rotated. "It''s done!" Chen Mu beamed with joy. With a single thought, the nine layers of the Talisman came to a rest and immediately began to rotate in reverse. The cloud-like, misty mana within the Jade Seed was instantly drawn into the Divine Orifice. The small Divine Orifice seemed like a bottomless pit, as, in just a dozen or so breaths, it absorbed all the mana within. Thump, thump... Like the beating of a heart, a rhythm brimming with life emerged at the core of the Divine Orifice. Accompanied by the flickering of silver and black light, nine hair-thin, translucent white threads emerged from the Divine Orifice, swimming joyously around like fish. They were filled with vitality, and as Chen Mu concentrated his Spirit on them, it was as if he could see endless transformations. Upon closer inspection, nothing was there, as if it were all just an illusion. "Innate Primordial Qi!" Chen Mu clenched his fists with excitement. After more than two years, he had finally reached River Chariot Perfection and completed the Qi Refinement Fourth Stage! ... In the Xu character Heavenly River Water Mansion. Jiao Shi walked into Qiu Jinwu''s courtyard with a face full of smiles. "Do you have news?" Despite his over a hundred years of cultivation, Qiu Jinwu couldn''t help but feel perturbed. "After two months, we have finally located the Spirit Mechanism." Jiao Shi couldn''t help but sigh. He never expected that even with his father personally making a move and utilizing the power of the Tongtian River to track it, so much time would be consumed. "The location is in Dingyou Water Mansion, extremely remote. I''m not afraid of the distance, only of not knowing the place." Qiu Jinwu revealed a smile. "Jia Tian!" he shouted loudly. "Coming, it''s finally my turn to show off my skills." A bald-headed young man with a beaming smile suddenly peeked over the neighboring wall. "Which direction? How far? Is there an anchor point for the aura?" Jia Tian asked like rapid-fire. "Southeast, twenty-three thousand li away. It can be found through the water veins of the Water Mansion after some time." Jiao Shi watched Jia Tian with interest. "That is somewhat far." Jia Tian made a troubled face. "Tell me, how much White Jade Money do you want?" Qiu Jinwu asked directly. "Of course, the more the better." Jia Tian''s face immediately lit up with joy. ... In the Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion, in a small courtyard in Chao Feng Alley. Chen Mu carefully withdrew a strand of clear white Primordial Qi. With just a thought. Whoosh! Like a drop of water vanishing into the desert, the Primordial Qi disappeared inside his body. A feeling of fulfillment and perfection immediately filled his heart, and his body clearly burst forth with a sense of vitality. Then, a faint tingling sensation emerged all over his body. "Is this nourishing the body, repairing damage?" Chen Mu realized immediately. Secret techniques such as the Five Dragon Dharma Body and Five Thunders Spell indeed possess great power, but alas, he was not a Dao Foundation Qi Cultivator. He could deploy them with the experience of Perfection, but the hidden damage was ultimately unavoidable. After feeling the changes in his body for a while, Chen Mu drew out another thread of Primordial Qi. He deliberately controlled it to not disperse and instead sent it into the Secret Acupoint between his eyebrows. The next instant, the Primordial Qi vanished without a trace. Hum! Everything before Chen Mu''s eyes turned dark, as if he saw the heavens full of stars, countless points of light appearing in his heart. The scene flashed by in an instant, like an illusion. "Indeed, this thing can bring a transformation to the Heavenly Demon Body!" However... there are so many Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds? How many copies of the East Pole Longevity Scripture have actually been spread out there?! Chen Mu was bewildered, pondering for a long while before pulling his thoughts back to the Primordial Qi. Then he controlled the third strand of Primordial Qi and placed it in front of his brow''s Secret Acupoint. Swish! A flash of black and white light appeared by chance before his eyes, then he carefully circled around the Primordial Qi. In the past, these two fellows would laze around inside the Secret Acupoint all day, not moving an inch, unlike now when they acted like cats that had just spotted catnip. "Usually you''re quite tough, huh? Surrendered to just a thread of Primordial Qi?" Chen Mu said, unamused. "Why don''t you recover your usual aloofness for me to see?" Chen Mu teased with a smile. ... In Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion Dojo, the void twisted and changed. Accompanied by rolling air waves, three figures appeared with a whoosh. A formidable force suddenly assaulted them. Qiu Jinwu''s expression remained unchanged, but Jia Tian and Jiao Shi staggered, feeling weak all over. "Third Great-Uncle, I am Jiao Shi, one of our own!" Jiao Shi quickly shouted. "My sudden visit is impolite. I hope for forgiveness from Jiao Daoist Friend," Qiu Jinwu cupped his fists and bowed towards the void. "I''m in the midst of cultivation, inconvenient to leave seclusion. Qiu Daoist Friend, please make yourself at home." A young voice emerged around the three people. "Thank you!" Qiu Jinwu bowed again, then promptly led Jia Tian and Jiao Shi with large strides towards the Water Mansion Dojo. A moment later. At the entrance of an alleyway, Qiu Jinwu appeared clutching an amber-colored, fist-sized round bead. Feeling the vibrations growing stronger, Qiu Jinwu finally showed a smile. "After tens of thousands of li of travel, finally..." He took a deep breath, about to enter the box to check. But the next moment, the amber bead that was vibrating violently suddenly became eerily still. No matter how he tried to activate it, it wouldn''t budge. "Did you tamper with it?!" He suddenly turned his head, staring intently at Jiao Shi. Jiao Shi''s face instantly turned pale as a sheet. "No... impossible!" "This Seeking Spirit Pearl was personally refined by my father, how could it suddenly fail!" For a moment, Jiao Shi was so anxious he broke out in a sweat. Qiu Jinwu swept the other man with a cold glance and turned to look at the alley ahead. "Since the last indication pointed here, I will search every inch, check every person!" A strong aura immediately began to permeate into the alley. Chapter 633 - 621 Magic Treasure Ding You at Heavenly River Water Mansion, in Chen Mu''s small courtyard. Black and white beams of light, like two cats, chased each other and danced in mid-air. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, watching the spectacle in the sky with interest. With a single thought, Buzz! The black and white lights flew simultaneously in front of Chen Mu, transforming into a palm-sized black Moon Blade and a fist-sized ghastly pale Bone Sphere. "Innate Primordial Qi really has boundless uses!" Chen Mu''s face bore a beaming smile. Having formed the River Chariot, he only had to reverse the Divine Orifice to transform Mana into Innate Primordial Qi. While testing the effects of Innate Primordial Qi, he unexpectedly discovered that the idle Yang Judge Bone Sphere and Yin Moon Blade also reacted. Consequently, he fed them several streams of Innate Qi. Originally uncontrollable due to absorbing the Spirit Mechanism, the Yin and Yang errors unexpectedly came back under control, as easy to direct as one''s own limbs, even more nimble than before. "According to what Lian Xi said, the Yin and Yang errors might be the fetus of some Heavenly Demon Monster." "After merging into the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, it became a Magic Treasure similar to a Root Device." "Otherwise, it couldn''t transform the Yin Spirit Divine Power into cold white mist to strengthen the Heavenly Demon Body." Chen Mu closed his eyes; a blurred image of a starry night sky emerged in his mind. Those shimmering silver points were the scattered Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds. Ever since the Yin and Yang errors merged with Spirit Mechanism, as he continuously transformed Yin Spirit Divine Power into cold white mist, his Heavenly Demon Body significantly improved and its connection with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds deepened. Consequently, this starry night image intermittently surfaced in his mind. "Looking at it this way, Innate Primordial Qi may well expedite the merging of the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine and the Yin and Yang errors." Chen Mu understood clearly. He speculated that the two had already begun merging earlier; otherwise, there wouldn''t be any production of cold white mist. However, spontaneous merging was ultimately slow, and Innate Qi clearly played some catalytic role. But that wasn''t all. Chen Mu retracted the Yin and Yang errors into his brow''s Secret Acupoint and channeled Yin Spirit Divine Power into it. Humming... The Yang Judge Bone Sphere stood at the center of the Secret Acupoint, slowly rotating, while the Yin Moon Blade danced around it. The Yin Spirit Divine Power flew into the space between them and vanished in a blink. Clusters of cold white mist rapidly formed. "The speed of transforming into cold white mist has also clearly increased." "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine and Yin and Yang errors are merging even more tightly," Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh out loud. Whoosh! The Yin and Yang errors surfaced in mid-air. With a thought, the black and white lights once again transformed into beams of light that shot into his brow. "When not in use, they can be kept inside for nurturing, and when needed, they can be summoned by mere thought; this can definitely be considered a high-grade Magic Treasure." "It''s just a pity that it''s not at the legendary Flying Sword Jumping Pills level, only barely fitting my identity as a Qi Cultivator." "Hmm, it''s just making do, really." "Ha ha!" After playing around several times, Chen Mu''s smile grew wider. ... Several days later. Ding You at Heavenly River Water Mansion, Bixi Alley. The region encompassing four cross streets was shrouded in an invisible domineering presence. Inside, it was utterly silent; even home-kept wolves and Exotic Beasts cowered with paws over their heads, daring not to make the slightest noise. Rows of Water Mansion Warriors, clad in black armor, systematically searched each household. Qiu Jinwu stood expressionless on a rooftop, his gaze colder than ever. "Senior Qiu, the Seeking Spirit Pearl shows no response. The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, I''m afraid... I''m afraid it has been completely refined," Jiao Shi said, his face pale and eyes flashing with panic. How could this happen?! Just a step away from success, the Spirit Machine suddenly vanished. Damn it! Originally, just by finding the Spirit Machine, Qiu Jinwu would have been willing to join the Thousand Mechanisms Sect as a Daoist Soldier, and his father wouldn''t have had to risk his life on the Outer Heaven Battlefield. But now... now though Qiu Jinwu still had to go to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, as the contract compelled him, the other party''s desire remained unfulfilled, and should any complication arise, after all... "I''ve heard there is a Death Replacement Technique that can avoid the backlash of the contract," Qiu Jinwu spoke softly. Troublesome! Jiao Shi''s heart skipped a beat. ... Lion Street, outside the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, a group of warriors in black armor quickly passed by with a jangling noise. "What''s going on?" Chen Mu, who was closely inspecting White Jade under Song Jiang''s stern gaze, couldn''t help but turn his head towards the direction the warriors had disappeared, curiously looking at the lean old man behind the counter. "It''s all because of that Millet Dream illness," Manager Li complained. "That illness that makes people fall into a deep sleep and never wake up? Wasn''t it contained within Bixi Lane?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "If only it could be contained," Manager Li sighed. "Some time ago, I heard that the Water Mansion had sent an expert to search every inch of Bixi Alley, but they found nothing." "Now several shopkeepers on Lion Street have been affected, all lying at home in a comatose state." "The Water Mansion Warriors even said it was some kind of evil Cursing Method, haha, bullshit!" Manager Li said with indignation. "It must be that the warriors took bribes and secretly let someone escape from Bixi Alley, spreading that Millet Dream illness." "I figured those people wanted to pawn off their assets and flee. Heavenly Water Pavilion''s Old Yang, Hundred Treasure Tower''s Xiao Zhou and others always had big guts and dark hearts, driven by greed they made private contacts with those people, which led them to fall into the cursed sleep." Heavenly Water Pavilion''s Old Yang? Hundred Treasure Tower''s Xiao Zhou? It seems that these two were among those represented in my Spell Grassmen at home... "How many shopkeepers have been unlucky?" Chen Mu asked. "Five or six, I think; I didn''t keep count," the lean shopkeeper responded casually. Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. Hmm, confirmed, the Water Mansion Warriors were indeed not deceiving anyone. Those comatose shopkeepers had indeed been affected by the evil Cursing Method. But that''s not my fault at all, it was purely self-defense! He felt utterly helpless. Over the past half year, he had sold hundreds of Through-Rhino Hundred Miasma Pills every ten or fifteen days, earning nearly thirty thousand pieces of White Jade. Wealth tempts the heart, and those warehouse managers always tried to secretly track his whereabouts, clearly with malintent towards him! So Chen Mu had made a Spell Grassman for each of these managers. Unbeknownst to him, he had already knocked down six shopkeepers in a row. Tsk! "Brother Song, you must be careful out there," Manager Li said with sincere concern. "Manager Li, you also need to be cautious and careful," Chen Mu replied, earnestly comforting. Now that people were already panicking, he really didn''t want to add another Spell Grassman at home. ... Half a month later. Inside Bixi Alley of the Heavenly River Water Mansion. "As you can see, this type of Death Replacement Technique does indeed share the bearer''s suffered injuries, but to escape the Five Thunders Bombarding from the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor, even the most clever Death Replacement Technique is useless," Jiao Shi earnestly explained without seeing Qiu Jinwu. "The Pure Yang Dao Ancestor resides beyond the outer realms, an existence spanning countless tens of thousands of years, no ordinary person can withstand the heavenly punishment of the Dao Ancestor." "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine is indeed a treasure, but it''s not worth risking our lives to tamper with the Daoist Soldier Contract." "It must be that the owner of the Spirit Machine found a suitable container and successfully refined the Spirit Machine into it, hence we lost track of the Spirit Machine." Holding a Jade Tablet, Qiu Jinwu expressionlessly flipped through the secret techniques inside it and sighed after a long while. He had sold an entire Goose Sheep Path, only to receive a pile of Dragon Ball Embryos in return. Although those items were precious, they provided no aid to his Primordial Spirit path. Now he must face the reality of the complete loss of the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine. "Senior Qiu, you don''t have to be disheartened," Jiao Shi looked at him cautiously, trying to offer some consolation. "The Outer Heaven Battlefield is indeed perilous, but it''s also filled with opportunities." "Not to mention the natural Root Devices on various Heavenly Demons, as long as you accumulate enough Daoist Cultivation, you could exchange it for Spirit Treasure Secret Techniques from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "The Root Devices of external paths are primarily for cultivating the True Form of Heavenly Demons and mainly generate Profound Yin Qi." "Primordial Spirit growth requires Pure Yang Qi, even if you obtained a complete Dragon Ball, you would still need to spend much effort to transform and refine it, far less compatible than the Spirit Treasure Secret Technique with your Primordial Spirit." "The loss of the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine this time is both a calamity and a blessing. In the short term, it is difficult, but it may actually enable your Primordial Spirit path to go further and more steadily." Qiu Jinwu was expressionless, but he couldn''t help but sigh helplessly in his heart. When he had left the Tianhe Law Realm, he had already felt the premonition of losing the Spirit Machine. Coming to Hai Province was more about not giving up. Now it was a complete acceptance of the situation. It seems that his Primordial Spirit path would ultimately rely on the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Qiu Jinwu took a deep breath, having made up his mind. Chapter 634 - 622 Hundred Illusions Deep into the night. Chen Mu hummed a tune as he left the Shuanghong Tower, strolling along the brightly lit streets. Despite the late hour, the stream of people on the street showed no signs of decreasing. On the contrary, it had become even more lively. Bargaining, chatting, laughing, singing, and storytellingvarious sounds rose and fell in succession. "These cultivators of immortality sure can endure," Chen Mu chuckled with delight. Once a Qi Cultivator has passed the first hurdle, by merging their spirit, their Vital Energy gives rise to a Jade Seed, they can seal their spirit and Vital Energy to prevent any leakage. Because of this, these people were busy with their cultivations and livelihoods during the day, yet still found time to stroll the streets and seek pleasure at night. Thus, inside the Water Mansion, there were always people on the streets, no matter if it was day or night. "Tsk tsk, if those hard-working laborers from my previous life knew about this, wouldn''t they be green with envy?" Luckily, luckily I''m also a Qi Cultivator. Hehe! Chen Mu merrily continued his walk, his thoughts wandering idly as he ambled along. In a certain moment, a powerful rhythmic fluctuation flashed past the edges of his Truthful Listening Divine Power. He looked involuntarily towards the distant gate of the Water Mansion. This aura fluctuation... Why does it seem so familiar? It didn''t quite seem like the aura of Head Jiao of the Water Mansion. Chen Mu scratched his head. No matter who it was, it was certainly someone like Head Jiao, a big shot of the Meridian Passage Realm. Having spent more than half a year in the Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion, he had already gathered quite a bit of intelligence. Head Jiao of the Dingyou Water Mansion was a high cultivator who had practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique to the realm of Meridian Passage. By cultivating a complete Heavenly Demon True Body, comparable to a Daoist Foundation Qi Cultivator, placed in Yunzhou, it would certainly be a lord of a Dao. "To encounter two high cultivators akin to those with a Dao Foundation Perfection in such a remote Water Mansion..." "The Qi Refinement cultivation forces in Hai Province are indeed stronger than those in Yunzhou." "Compared to that, my humble River Chariot cultivation is quite insignificant." "It''s also about time for me to consider my future cultivation," Chen Mu pondered. ... The next day, within the small courtyard. Chen Mu lay in the rocking chair, contemplating various pieces of information. Having spent half a year in the Dingyou Water Mansion, with the help of the Truth Listening Divine Power, he didn''t need to actively collect information to have already obtained plenty of news. "In Hai Province, all ninety-nine sects have a copy of the Daoist Foundation Atlas. But to obtain this inheritance from their hands is probably not feasible," Chen Mu mused. According to the information obtained, the ninety-nine sects were different from traditional onesit was more like private property for the various sect masters. They established sects not for the sake of passing on teachings, but to earn Daoist Cultivation for the sect masters, allowing them to exchange various resources and Secret Techniques with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Cultivating Daoist Soldiers for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect was their main method. Therefore, naturally, the sects wouldn''t pass the Daoist Foundation Atlas to their disciples. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect probably wouldn''t allow them to disseminate Secret Techniques like that." "The people who need the Daoist Foundation Atlas are all Qi Cultivators who have cultivated a River Chariot." "Such people have mana and Secret Techniques, and with just a bit of training, they''ll become high-end combatant Daoist SoldiersThe Thousand Mechanisms Sect certainly wouldn''t let these individuals stay hidden in Hai Province," Chen Mu speculated. "It seems I must make a trip to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect after all." In Hai Province, the best way to get to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is to become a Daoist Soldier. "It''s time to inquire about the Hundred Illusion Sect." The Hundred Illusion Sect, located in the Mist Forest and closest to the Dingyou Water Mansion, is a top-grade sect capable of training Daoist Soldiers for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. ... At the end of Lion Street, there was an inconspicuous shop. The dark sign hanging over the door bore three ancient characters: Hundred Illusion Pavilion. Chen Mu observed from a distance for a long time but saw no one enter. According to the information he had gathered, this was the Hundred Illusion Sect''s residency in the Dingyou Water Mansion. To sign up for the Hundred Illusion Sect''s Daoist Soldier training, one could register here. "Why does it look a bit... deserted?" "I hope there''s nothing wrong," Chen Mu couldn''t help but mutter to himself. As he hesitated, an old Daoist, dressed in black with white beard and hair, approached him with a smile, "Young brother, are you looking to become a Daoist Soldier for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect?" "Indeed, that''s my intention," Chen Mu nodded, not bothering to conceal it. "Please follow me, let''s discuss this inside the house," the old Daoist said with a warm smile, leading Chen Mu toward the Hundred Illusion Pavilion... directly across the street. This... Is this also the residency of the Hundred Illusion Sect? What''s the meaning of opening a branch facing the door? Chen Mu was filled with suspicion. "Young brother, do you know that there are differences among Daoist Soldiers?" the white-haired old Daoist spoke with a genial chuckle. "I would like to hear more," Chen Mu said, not in a hurry to enter, curious to see what the old Daoist would reveal. "If young brother wants to be a Daoist Soldier for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, it must be to exchange Daoist Cultivation for resources and Secret Techniques," the black-robed old Daoist said with certainty. "But even the acquisition of Daoist Cultivation has its nuances," he explained with a smile. "If you become an auxiliary soldier in logistics, stripping skins and disassembling bones from the corpses of demons, not only is the working environment harsh, but you also have to face the backlash from the Demon Qi." "Even so, the Daoist Cultivation obtained is very few," Chen Mu mused. "But it''s different for combat soldiers," the black-robed Daoist raised his eyebrows. "As long as the Secret Technique you practice is powerful enough, killing demons and monsters is easy, allowing you to earn considerable Daoist Cultivation." "Whether it''s a complete Condensing Aperture Technique or various Elixir Pills for nurturing the source and strengthening the foundation, you can quickly exchange for them." "Young friend, you must understand that the path of cultivation is one where a single step taken quickly leads to quick progress every step of the way. If you don''t fight desperately for it, how can you strive for the extended life of the Primordial Spirit path?" He spoke earnestly. So... Chen Mu observed the black-robed Daoist narrowing his eyes. "So, you should come and cultivate at our Taoshan Temple." I knew you weren''t from the Hundred Illusion Sect! "The Master of Hundred Illusion Sect came from a butcher''s background; the Daoist Soldiers he cultivates are all auxiliary soldiers meant for butchers at that." "Not only is the Daoist Cultivation earned minimal, but the Bewitching Divine General provided by the Sect is also of Lower Grade." "Once you achieve Condensing Aperture Perfection and master the River Chariot, all your mana will be drained dry, and at most, you can only generate a single Primordial Qi in one go." "Our Fanlong Secret Record is different; we can generate three Primordial Qi at once!" "Come to our Taoshan Temple. It''s only here that you''ll have a greater chance of embarking on the path of the Primordial Spirit!" the black-robed Daoist said with confidence. Chen Mu: "..." Generating three Primordial Qi at once, is that a lot? He glanced at the nine streams of Primordial Qi floating within the Jade Seed, then back at the self-assured black-robed Daoist. Hundred Illusion Sect doesn''t sound too good, but this Taoshan Temple doesn''t seem... doesn''t seem all that great either. ... Several days later. Inside the small courtyard in Chao Feng Alley. Chen Mu sat in the pavilion under the wooden frame, looking at two items on the gray wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 4546/10000/Eighth Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 183/10000/Sixth Rank; With the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll at Perfection and the Divine Orifice Refinement complete, Chen Mu had spent the majority of his time in the past few days on these two Secret Techniques, with his experience rapidly increasing. The Giant Spirit Divine was nearly halfway through Eighth Rank, and the Heavenly Demon Armor had progressed to a new level. Buzz! With a thought, a layer of transparent armor instantaneously enveloped his body. What was different, however, was that wrapped within the transparent armor were intricate, scroll-like transparent patterns, resembling watermarks. These delicate and complex patterns, upon closer inspection, seemed like a kaleidoscope that constantly rotated and transformed, as if capable of capturing the soul. "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Secret Technique?!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but scratch his head. Since the Heavenly Demon Armor advanced, he had been contemplating its changes for the past two days. He quickly noticed that the power pervading the transparent armor was very similar to that of Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. Having mastered the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Secret Technique for over a decade, he knew well that this infinitely useful Secret Technique was in fact a certain Innate Divine Power of the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body. And now this Divine Power was actually being copied by the Heavenly Demon Armor... Chen Mu focused on the gray wall, seeking the insights it reflected. "Heavenly Demon Armor can accommodate and absorb Demon protective Divine Skills?!" After a long while, Chen Mu snapped back to reality. No wonder Yu Lin''s Heavenly Demon Armor was dark as ink and covered in spikes; that could very well be a function resulting from absorbing a certain Demon Divine Power. "However, Yu Lin''s Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique is only at Third Rank; to alter the nature of the Heavenly Demon Armor, he must have taken some sort of shortcut, having only absorbed the protective Divine Power from an ordinary Exotic Beast." Chen Mu had a clear understanding. "The Secret Techniques obtained by the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers sure have their ingenious uses; they might all come from the Thousand Mountains Sutra." "The tomb they dug up must have been extraordinary." "The remnants of Thousand Mountains Sutra in that tomb owner''s possession were probably quite a complete part of the Secret Scroll." "If the remnants are so mystical, how extraordinary and remarkable is the complete Thousand Mountains Sutra?" Chen Mu let out a sigh of regret as he tossed snow-white Exotic Beast fish slices into the Primordial Furnace to cook. Shaking his head to clear it of further thoughts, he focused on the array of delicious dishes in front of him. After the meal, he let the Five Ghosts Paper Dolls clean up the scattered cups and dishes. Chen Mu himself lay back in the rocking chair for a leisurely rest. It had been quite a few days since he visited the Hundred Illusion Pavilion for reconnaissance. Although he was sidetracked by the white-haired Daoist from Taoshan Temple, combining what he heard from restaurants and teahouses, he had a comprehensive understanding of both Taoshan Temple and Hundred Illusion Sect. Taoshan Temple''s Secret Techniques were profound and powerful. Although it was not a Top-Grade Sect, it could still send its Daoist Soldiers to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect through other Top-Grade Sects. Hundred Illusion Sect could directly provide Daoist Soldiers to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, but those it cultivated were all auxiliary soldiers from butcher backgrounds; not only were their tasks dirty and exhausting, but the Daoist Cultivation they earned was pitifully little. So... "So I still have to choose the Hundred Illusion Sect," Chen Mu had long made up his mind. One was a frontline fighter, the other, a rear echelon auxiliary soldier. He did want the Daoist Foundation Atlas, but he had no intention of being cannon fodder. "Killing and fighting are not suited to my natureit seems that an auxiliary soldier role suits me a bit more." Chapter 635 - 623: Plague Poison "Chen Mu, seven years ago, you had mastered the Primordial Talisman having discerned the falsehoods and could refine the Grain Avoidance Pill..." said a burly man with a full beard carelessly, as he channeled his mana into a palm-sized, pale yellow jade token that was flat on the top and round on the bottom. Before long, the burly man handed the jade pendant to Chen Mu. "Check if the information recorded inside is correct. If there''s no issue, from today onwards, you can consider yourself a member of the Hundred Illusion Sect." Chen Mu respectfully received the jade token and began to pretend to check it. Having decided to join the Hundred Illusion Sect, he had no more hesitations; he had gotten up early in the morning and rushed to the Hundred Illusion Pavilion to enroll. "Tell me, why didn''t you go to the Taoshan Temple?" the burly man asked with an amused stare. "My family has passed down the butcher''s craft; I enjoy this skill!" Chen Mu stated seriously. "Nonsense! I see it''s clearly fear of death, and all these detours," the burly man flatly remarked with a curl of his lip. Chen Mu put away the jade token and smilingly said, "I just think that those Taoist priests are not reliable. If demons were that easy to kill, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect wouldn''t have a continuous need for Daoist Soldiers year after year." "Smart man..." the burly man pointed at Chen Mu, his face a picture of smiles. "The Immortal Ape Treasure Scroll Condensing Aperture Skill of the Taoshan Temple is indeed marvelous. After achieving the River Chariot Perfection, reversing the process yields three strands of Primordial Qi each time." "But our Hundred Illusion Sect''s Spiritual Fox Secret Scripture Condensing Method is not simple either, although it only produces one strand of Primordial Qi each time, our recovery is quick!" "It takes them three days to recover their mana, but we only need one day to fully replenish ours. Not only can we continuously generate Primordial Qi, but we can also restore our mana in time to cope with various dangers." "Compared to them, our Spiritual Fox Secret Scripture is more flexible and versatile," the burly man said with pride. Yes, yes, you''re right, I have no objections... Chen Mu nodded along vacantly to the burly man, though he felt an absurd sense of de?ja? vu, as if they were chickens pecking at each other. Before the Netherworld Grand Summary, neither of their secret techniques seemed particularly impressive. He only knew of the robust mana of the Netherworld Grand Summary before, but its advantages only truly emerged after mastering the River Chariot. Had it not been for Old Ghost Sun acquiring the Netherworld Grand Summary, he wouldn''t have been able to obtain this scripture from Sun Jian''s descendants. Thanks again to that tough buddy, Sun Jian. ... As evening approached, in Chao Feng Alley. Chen Mu stood in the middle of the courtyard, surveying the small yard. To the left was a grape arbor and pavilion, to the right, a water well and vegetable garden, entirely ordinary. There were even some corners where he felt a strange sense of novelty. Yet, he had lived here for over half a year and had even safely transcended the Fourth Level of Qi Cultivation. "It has indeed been a rare period of tranquility over the past half a year," Chen Mu sighed as he looked around the yard. Over more than ten years of cultivation, he had moved from place to place. Yet, whenever he arrived in a new location, he would soon encounter various upheavals and dangers. "It''s not my bad luck; it''s just that the world is too unpredictable." "I would like to cultivate in peace, but who can fully control external changes?" Chen Mu shook his head and sighed. He had already arranged with that burly man named Lu Han from the Hundred Illusion Pavilion. In four days'' time, he would follow him to the mountain gate of the Hundred Illusion Sect. About to leave this familiar yet foreign little courtyard, a tangle of reluctance filled his heart. "Places as peaceful as the Dingyou Water Mansion are rare these days..." While he was sentimentally surveying various parts of the courtyard, a sudden drowsiness surged in his mind. An overwhelming wave of sleepiness attacked, and Chen Mu felt as though lead had been poured into his eyelids. This feeling... It felt as if his spiritual deity was under a nightmare attack. Could someone have done to me what I have done to others by sticking a Nightmare Victory Spell effigy? This is bad! By now, Chen Mu knew that he had fallen into someone else''s scheme. These locals are truly impolite! And I had just praised this place for its simplicity. Damn, I praised too soon! Before he could gather his thoughts, Chen Mu blacked out and fell flat on the ground with a thump. A breeze created by the Water Mansion Breathing Technique restriction swept through, and the whole courtyard lay eerily silent. An hour, an hour, half a day... time kept passing, the sky brightened then darkened. Twelve hours later, Jiao Shi, dressed in white clothes embroidered with golden threads, suddenly appeared in the courtyard. Looking at Chen Mu, who lay unmoving on the ground, Jiao Shi was solemn as he pulled out a human-head-sized yellow clay pot. Mana flowed in, and a large black "plague" character slowly emerged in the middle of the round belly of the clay pot. An invisible force spread out, and accompanied by a breeze, some sort of invisible dust particles slowly entered the yellow clay pot. After a full half hour, as the character on the pot turned black as ink, as if about to flow out, he finally ceased his mana infusion. Then he hastily pulled out a dry yellow oiled paper, covered in bright red patterns, to cover the pot. After making sure the pot was completely sealed, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, turning his gaze to the ground. "To put you down, I even had to use the immature Yellow Millet Plague Poison..." Jiao Shi immediately pulled out the amber-colored Seeking Spirit Pearl and recited a long and convoluted incantation from his lips. Buzz! A faint sound, resembling the flutter of a mosquito''s wings, flashed within the Spirit Mechanism Pearl. "The Dragon Ball''s Spirit Mechanism indeed isn''t completely refined!" "It''s fitting that I obtain this opportunity! Haha!" Jiao Shi burst into joyous laughter. He tapped his toes and flipped Chen Mu, who was laying on the ground, over. Following the vibrations of the Seeking Spirit Pearl, he raised his hand, preparing to press the pearl against Chen Mu''s forehead. Slap! A hand shrouded in black smoke suddenly grabbed his wrist. Jiao Shi shifted his gaze and immediately met Chen Mu''s cold and chilling eyes. He was instantly drenched in a cold sweat by this unexpected turn of events. "I say it''s a misunderstanding, do you believe me?" Jiao Shi tugged at the corner of his mouth, forcing an ugly smile. "After I kill you, I''ll believe anything you say," Chen Mu responded, his smile sinister. Bang! The air roiled, and dust filled the small courtyard. Jiao Shi had already broken free from Chen Mu''s grasp and retreated to the door. He looked at Chen Mu from a distance, regaining his composure. "If you had just lain there quietly, letting me extract the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism, how nice that would have been." "I would have been pleased and maybe even put in some effort to turn you into a Yan Master Spirit Puppet, allowing you to continue living in the human world." "Now..." Flexing his neck slowly like he was stretching, Jiao Shi''s mouth, which was slightly open, was suddenly filled with rapidly growing sharp teeth. His eyes, clear black and white, instantly transformed into vertical pupils of purple and blue, resembling a ferocious beast on the hunt, spreading a chilling malice throughout the courtyard. Chen Mu felt a shiver in his heart, and goosebumps instantly covered his arms. He stared emotionlessly at Jiao Shi, his tone flat: "Where is Qiu Jinwu?" "Ah yes, Qiu Jinwu," Jiao Shi''s smile cracked wider, stretching to his ears, his face growing increasingly sinister and fierce. "That old fool is arrogant but actually just a fool who thinks too highly of himself. With a little trick, I fooled him completely." "He thought he could control me with a Daoist Soldier Contract, expecting me to seriously help him find the Spirit Mechanism." "That contract was drafted by us. Naturally, we followed our own interpretation. Just a slight alteration of the text, and I had him going around in circles!" "That Spirit Mechanism Pearl is right here, but he''s been wasting over a month nearby in Bixi Alley, unable to ever discover it from the beginning. He had mistaken the place entirely!" "Ha ha!" A rough roar-like laughter erupted from Jiao Shi''s mouth, the skin on his fingers sprouting fine scales, nails growing rapidly and sharpening. In just a few words, his hands had become like dragon claws! Chen Mu suddenly became more alert, his hair nearly standing on end. It was not only the shocking transformation of Jiao Shi''s body that alarmed him, but also the content of his words. He had not expected that, over the past month, Qiu Jinwu had been so close to him! Too dangerous, exceedingly dangerous! Had he not secluded himself at home for cultivation, he might already have been discovered! Looking up again at the bright yellow sphere in Jiao Shi''s grasp, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. Neither the pearl nor the man could be allowed to leave! "What are you looking at, the Seeking Spirit Pearl?" Jiao Shi teased with a full face of mockery. "Why don''t you come closer? I''ll let you have a better look!" "No, I prefer to snatch it and see for myself!" Chen Mu revealed a playful smile. "So much talk and still no action, what are you waiting for?" He said smilingly, "You''ve reached Transcending Tribulation Perfection, transforming your body is just a mere trick, why should it take so long?" "I''m setting up the Absolute Breath Method Ban to mask my presence. You, you wouldn''t be waiting for reinforcements, would you?" Chen Mu continued cheerfully. "Relying on your dispersed aura to attract the Water Mansion Warriors?" "That might be rather difficult to achieve," Chen Mu grinned, revealing a chilling smile. Five Dragon Dharma Body! Roar! Five heads, each as high as two or three floors and as black as cast iron, suddenly appeared in mid-air. Jiao Shi felt a sudden tightness throughout his body, an immense pressure descending, pinning him in place, rendering him immobile. Chapter 636 - 624 Leaving Roar! A muffled growl like thunder suddenly exploded within Jiao Shi''s body, instantly torn open by an invisible force that had sealed the air C the Five Dragons Qi. Loach Dragon Three Appearances! Jiao Shi growled inwardly and suddenly transformed into a black shadow, gliding through the air like a nimble mud loach, whooshing up into the sky. Chen Mu immediately clenched his fists hard, and the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect immediately snapped its jaws at Jiao Shi. A slippery repulsion force fed back, as if he had bitten into a plump, slippery live fish. Chen Mu controlled his strength slightly, and Jiao Shi slid out of the dragon''s mouth with a swish. After several attempts, Jiao Shi, with his shifting maneuvers, was on the verge of breaking out of the encirclement of the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect! Chen Mu''s heart sank, and the Yin Spirit Divine Power surged out wildly. The Five Dragon Dharma Aspect instantly transformed into a large pitch-black sheet of smoke, like dense, oily mist, that completely shrouded Jiao Shi within in a blink. Jiao Shi, fixed in midair, instantly turned pale. How could this person, at most at the level of Condensing Aperture Perfection, possess a method akin to Dao Foundation Dharma Form?! Had it not been for the life-saving trump card left by his father, he would have been torn to shreds by this Qi Mechanism Dharma Form! I can''t wait any longer! If I delay further, I''m done for! Jiao Shi gnashed his teeth. The next moment. Pfft! Blood of silver and crimson splattered, and his left arm, grown with five-fingered dragon claws, suddenly withered and broke off. Like oil poured on fire, the slippery repulsion force around his body soared suddenly. The Five Dragons Qi enveloping his body was pushed open slightly by this force, revealing a tiny, frail point, which Jiao Shi keenly detected. This is it! Pop! Like a round pill squeezed from a narrow opening of a wrapper, Jiao Shi''s entire body catapulted out, rushing out of the encirclement of the Five Dragons Qi. Truly not simple! Chen Mu couldn''t help but change his expression. He hadn''t expected that the opponent could escape the restraint of the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect. If he actually got away... His eyes suddenly shone with a sharp light. Swoosh! Black-and-white rays of light shot out from between his eyebrows, streaking across the sky like rainbow light, leaving trails of black and white on Chen Mu''s eyeballs. In almost the blink of an eye, the black-and-white light reached beside Jiao Shi. Bang! Like a thin needle bursting a balloon, the oily and slippery repulsion force barrier surrounding Jiao Shi was instantly punctured and exploded. A pitch-black dragon''s head appeared abruptly in front of Jiao Shi and swallowed him whole. Inside the courtyard, Chen Mu''s lifted heart settled back down. With a wave of his hand, Five Ghosts Black Smoke billowed forth, quickly scouring inside and outside the courtyard three times. The traces of life he had previously left behind disappeared without a trace. "Fortunate that the courtyard is secluded, with hardly any people around; such a commotion would have been discovered long ago otherwise." After probing the surroundings once more with the Truthful Listening Technique and ensuring nothing was overlooked, Chen Mu retracted the Extinguishing Breath Stones he had scattered around the courtyard, then instantly transformed into an invisible Gentle Breeze, silently drifting away from Chao Feng Alley''s courtyard. ... A quarter of an hour later, at the Heavenly River Water Mansion located in Vengeance Alley, Ding You. It was blocks apart from Chao Feng Alley, one to the south and one to the north, at a great distance. At the moment, in a clean courtyard, Chen Mu''s figure slowly appeared. The concept of ''the more hideouts, the better'' was almost etched into his bones. This courtyard was another foothold he had prepared in advance, while disguised and posing as Song Jiang with a darkened face. With a wave of his hand, a whirlpool of black smoke emerged, and the comatose Jiao Shi was spat out from the Five Ghosts Bag, crashing to the ground. His previously neat and luxurious clothes lined with gold were now splattered with blood and torn to shreds. Finish him off directly? Probably not a good idea. Chen Mu''s expression was blank, but his thoughts were racing. He speculated that taking action against his opponent immediately would likely be discovered soon by the Heavenly River Water Mansion. Judging by the performance just now, the person before him who practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique seemed to have something similar to a Flood Dragon Transformation. Lord Jiao of the Heavenly River Water Mansion also practiced a variant of the Flood Dragon Transformation! Moreover, during the brief clash, a roar like that of a dragon emitted from within the other party, helping him break free from the pressure of the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect. "This person is most likely connected to the Heavenly River Water Mansion!" "Tough..." Chen Mu frowned and stared at Jiao Shi. It was obviously impossible to just let him go; the opponent practiced the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique, and by the looks of it, had nearly reached an equivalent level of cultivation to his own. None of his current methods could subdue the opponent; freeing him would truly be like releasing a tiger back into the wild. Still, imprisonment wouldn''t solve things either. He had the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect as his trump card, but the opponent likely had his own. Using the damaged Grotto Heaven in Thousand Lanterns City as a prison was not safe; should the opponent manage to escape, it would lead to endless troubles! Chen Mu glared at his prisoner for a long time, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. "Kill!" "If not killed, my own safety could be compromised!" "But, the timing of action needs to be delayed." As Chen Mu''s thoughts whirled, Yin Spirit Divine Power vibrated, and the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles Exotic Force drilled through Jiao Shi''s nostrils into his brain. Hum! The Exotic Force vibrated, ruthlessly scrambling a large portion of Jiao Shi''s cerebral cortex. Jiao Shi immediately trembled violently. Then, the robust vitality fostered by the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique began to take effect, and Jiao Shi''s destroyed brain began to slowly regenerate and heal. Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, patiently waiting for the brain to fully recover, and then... Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles trembled again! Puff, puff, puff... Thirteen times in a row, Jiao Shi''s entire brain was completely renovated! "The brain has been flipped and damaged for repair, and all stored information is shattered and scattered, making it nearly impossible to find me through this head," Chen Mu said with a cold expression. His right index finger slid subtly, and the Vermilion Feather Sword elegantly flew out from his sleeve. Puff! Jiao Shi''s right abdomen was suddenly sliced open, and amid the flash of red light, half of his liver was neatly excised. As the Nightmare Victory Spell was chanted, a handful of dirt flew up from the ground, wrapping around the bloody half-piece of liver. It tumbled and churned until a palm-sized clay figurine appeared. "Once I leave the Heavenly River Water Mansion, I will use the spell to kill its spiritual deity." "With this double-pronged approach, even if this person fortunately survives, all that remains is an ignorant, insensate shell." "In this way, it is utterly impossible for my existence to be discovered!" Chen Mu slowly narrowed his eyes. ... Deep in Bixi Alley, within a deserted, uninhabited courtyard. Gurgle! As if bubbles were emerging from mud, the ground in a shadowy corner softened, and the figure of Chen Mu slowly emerged. Amidst swirling black smoke, the figure of Jiao Shi landed. Underneath his torn and tattered clothing on the right side, a long gash was visibly healing at a pace detectible to the naked eye. "It''s no surprise he''s of the Heavenly Demon Path; his body is robust." "It''s for the best. As his body recovers quickly, it won''t be easy for anyone to spot the flaws in the Nightmare Victory Spell." Before his arrival, he had noticed that Jiao Shi''s healing was not limited to the abdominal wound; even the half-missing liver was slowly regenerating. "Bixi Alley, due to the outbreak of the Yellow Millet Plague Poison, was already sparsely populated. And for two or three miles around this place, there are nothing but deserted, uninhabited houses." "By the time this guy is discovered, I fear I will have already left and ascended to the shore of the Tongtian River." "By then, I''ll just need to activate the Nightmare Victory Spell to completely remove any future trouble!" "But still..." "I''ll need to ensure the Nightmare Victory Spell has a safeguard." Chen Mu flipped his hand, and a yellow clay pot appeared. Looking at the plague character that seemed to flow like black oil, he felt a hidden fear. The contents of the pot were intangible and invisible, often undetectable by ordinary people. "Luckily, his Heavenly Demon Armor advanced and absorbed the changes from Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, shielding him from this bizarre plague poison, otherwise..." Chen Mu couldn''t help but shiver. It seems that having lived in peace for too long had made me complacent, allowing this fellow to take advantage and bury this plague poison within the courtyard! He shook his head and sighed softly. "Now, it''s your turn to experience the power of this thing." Covering his body with a transparent Heavenly Demon Armor, Chen Mu crushed the yellow clay pot. A barely perceptible sensation of touch appeared on the Heavenly Demon Armor, as if a strand of hair was lightly brushing the skin''s surface. At the same time, Jiao Shi, who lay on the ground with an expression of agony on his unconscious face, inexplicably curled up the corners of his mouth, revealing a sinister grin, as if he were experiencing a wonderful dream! This sight made Chen Mu shudder violently. "This plague poison, isn''t it a bit too sinister?" Chen Mu shivered and, not daring to linger, turned into a Gentle Breeze and rapidly disappeared from sight. ... Three days later, in the early morning. Not far from the gate of the Heavenly River Water Mansion, Chen Mu, dressed in grey clothes, blended in with a group of about seven or eight young men and women. The person leading them was none other than the burly man with a full beard, Lu Han. Not far ahead, a Bai Gui Ship was docked at the edge of a spacious square. Dozens of Water Mansion Warriors clad in Black Armor were maintaining order, instructing people to board in an orderly manner. Suddenly, as if receiving some command, all the Water Mansion Warriors dropped what they were doing and ran towards the interior of the Water Mansion. The abrupt change immediately caused a stir among the bystanders. "Something''s happened?" "It must be something serious!" "It seems to be coming from Bixi Alley; could it be that plague from Yellow Millet has spread?" "Let''s go, let''s go, let''s hurry onto the ship!" "We can''t stay in this Water Mansion anymore!" The area around the gate became instantly chaotic, everyone scrambling to board the Bai Gui Ship. "Let''s go! We need to get on board quickly too!" The burly Lu Han made a decisive call, waving his hand and leading a few people to board. Chen Mu, mixed in with the crowd, glanced back toward Bixi Alley, his gaze indifferent. The Alley had been cordoned off long ago, so it was highly unlikely for the Yellow Millet Plague Poison to have spread. However, if it were discovered that Jiao Shi was also infected... Chen Mu pulled out a palm-sized clay figurine from his pocket; its surface was covered in black and red lines. He poured the majority of his mana into it, and the clay figurine instantly connected to the distant Jiao Shi. The previously loose figurine suddenly became as solid as if cast from iron. The Five Dragon Dharma Aspect and the Five Thunders Spell gathered in his palm, and Chen Mu clenched his fist fiercely. Creak, creak... From within his earshot, he faintly heard the sound of metal deforming. In just a few breaths, the figurine suddenly dispersed, turning into tiny granules of black and red sand, scattering in all directions. A distant scream faintly reached his ears. Chen Mu''s mouth curled into a smirk. Once again, he glanced back at Bixi Alley before following Lu Han and quickly boarding the Bai Gui Ship. Chapter 637 - 625 Taiyi Evening. The huge Bai Gui Ship surfaced, through the dim sky light, the riverbank could be faintly seen not far away. Chen Mu and Lu Han, along with others, disembarked from the Bai Gui Ship, boarded a three-story wooden boat, and sailed for half an hour before slowly approaching the shore. Taking advantage of an unguarded moment, Chen Mu found a amber-colored Seeking Spirit Pearl on Jiao Shi''s body, exerted force, and crushed it into powder, scattering it into the Tongtian River. Watching the yellow-white powder disappear with the river water, Chen Mu felt slightly relieved. "Just need to completely refine the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, and the risk will be thoroughly eliminated." He followed the crowd towards a nearby riverside town while pulling out a strand of Primordial Qi from the Jade Seed, transferring it into the secret acupoint in his brow. Initially responsive to Primordial Qi as if catnip, now it curiously avoided him from afar. "Eat!" "Hurry up and eat!" "If you''re not full, we are both doomed!" Chen Mu ignored it, forcibly controlled it as if stuffing a duck by the neck, and fiercely crammed the Primordial Qi inside it. Ever since he discovered that Jiao Shi found him because the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine was not fully integrated, he grew ruthless. In three days, Chen Mu continuously produced thirty-six strands of Primordial Qi, feeding them all to it, just to refine the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine and completely eliminate any possibility of being discovered. "If thirty-six strands of Primordial Qi don''t work, then seventy-two." "If seventy-two don''t work, then three thousand six hundred!" "I refuse to believe I can''t handle such a small spirit mechanism!" The misstep: "..." You''re probably trying to burst me open! ... The next day, five hundred li east of the Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion. Underwater, a cylindrical submarine several tens of meters long burst through the water unexpectedly. Immediately, an Exotic Force emanated from within the submarine. Buzz! White gas waves tumbled, displacing heavy river water like an inverted bowl, creating a dry hemisphere with a diameter of tens of meters on the riverbed. More than ten Water Mansion Warriors clad in Black Armor surged out of the water and entered the dry space. They spread out immediately, observing large palm-sized oval Jade Plates in their hands while stirring the riverbed silt in search. Before long, a Black Armored Warrior pulled out a walnut-sized Jade Button from the silt. "Found it!" he immediately shouted. Snap! A crisp sound in the air, a gaunt young man in a black, gold-threaded outfit suddenly appeared. More than ten warriors immediately bowed and cupped their fists. "Mansion Lord." Jiao Yufei, expressionless, waved his hand and drew the Mustard Seed Jade Charm resembling the Jade Button, lightly tapping it with his finger. Bang Bang Bang... Numerous big and small wooden boxes and Jade Boxes burst open, floating in mid-air and scattering around. Jiao Yufei stared intensely at the many objects, his expression growing increasingly grim. "Throwing them away directly without taking a penny? Truly cautious and decisive." "Troublesome indeed..." The lead Black Armored Warrior hesitated for a moment and then suggested, "Mansion Lord, should we explore along this direction?" "About another three to four hundred li, there is a landing spot. The person who ambushed young master Jiao Shi might have embarked from there." "Useless," Jiao Yufei waved his hand: "Not taking a penny and carrying the Mustard Seed Jade Charm so far just to confuse us." "Even if they indeed landed at the three hundred li ferry, there won''t be anything to find." "Getting to this point, we have already given our all. As for the rest..." Jiao Yufei slightly shook his head, his expression indifferent. Jiao Shi sneakily entered the Water Mansion and ended up turning himself into a living dead man, forcing him to interrupt his cultivation personally for investigation. Managing to find the discarded Jade Button, he felt that he had already done beyond his duty, as for further pursuit... "Let''s wait. Let the people from the Renxu Heavenly River Water Mansion arrive and see. They might have other means to track." ... Dingyou Heavenly River Water Mansion south, four hundred li away. In a stretch of continuously low green hills, more than ten fifty-meter-long Seven-star Centipedes were rapidly crawling with a rustling sound. Various unique wooden racks were tied to the centipedes'' backs, some piled with living creatures, others seated with people. On the back of one centipede, Chen Mu sat with closed eyes at the edge of a seat. It had already been five days since Chen Mu left the Tongtian River. At this moment, his body slightly wobbled with the movements of the Seven-star Centipede, appearing as if he were asleep, yet in reality, his Spirit was entirely immersed within the Jade Seed. A silver smoky Talisman inside the Jade Seed kept expanding and contracting, resembling a living cloud. "Hope this Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique is really useful." To prevent being tracked, Jiao Shi didn''t take any of the White Jade Treasure materials on him and even deliberately sent the Mustard Seed Jade Charm away using Vermilion Feather Sword, hundreds of miles away. But he had browsed through the various Secret Technique Jade Scrolls stored inside the Jade Charm. Right now, the Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique he was practicing was a copy of the Secret Technique Scripture Scrolls he made. "According to the Secret Technique, the Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique can refine the root device of a demon, turning it into a Magic Treasure. This could be used to assist in merging the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine." "This Secret Technique must have been specifically prepared by that person for the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine. The plans were really thorough." "What a pity, now it''s all mine." Taking a deep breath, Mana surged, and strands of lightning immediately appeared within the Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique Talisman. In the Secret Acupoint at his forehead, an Exotic Force emerged, forming a massive, transparent water sphere that engulfed the chaotic mix instantly. The previously buzzing around like agile bees, the chaos inside suddenly became as if it had drunk alcohol, listlessly immobile. Wisps of hair-like black qi floated out from both, quickly corroded and dissipated by an invisible force. Threads of golden patterns surfaced on the Jet-black Moon Blade and the ghastly White Bone Sphere. In just a moment, Chen Mu discovered that the connection between him and the chaotic mix was becoming increasingly tight. "There''s a way!" Chen Mu felt elated. To be specially prepared by that person to refine the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, this Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique was indeed extraordinary! ... Seven days later, at Dingyou Water Mansion. Center of the Water Mansion Dojo, a man in his forties stood in the middle of a Four-direction Altar. An amber-colored sphere floated not far in front of him. The middle-aged man''s right hand fingers were held together in front of his chest, and along with the awkward Curse Words, wisps of Mana transformed into golden threads, merging into the amber sphere. This continued for half an hour. Buzz! The amber sphere vibrated, and a golden dot appeared within the sphere. "Found it?" The figure of Jiao Yufei suddenly appeared from nowhere. "I''ve found it!" A glint of fierceness flashed across the middle-aged man''s face. "Could it be that the person threw away the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine to mislead our direction?" "No." "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, once slightly merged with a Fetus, becomes a Magic Treasure. Not only does it protect, but it also produces Profound Yin Qi to nourish the Heavenly Demon Body." "My son, Jiao Shi, who has never lacked treasure materials for cultivation, couldn''t resist this temptation and sneakily came for the spirit machine. I don''t believe that person could have the Soul Strength to let it go," the middle-aged man''s expression darkened. Jiao Yufei remained silent, offering no opinion. "What, don''t you believe?" The middle-aged man''s eyes shifted, glancing sideways at Jiao Yufei. "I just know that Jiao Shi came well-prepared this time for the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine. Inside his Mustard Seed Jade Charm, he had prepared two types of superior demon Fetus." "What do you mean..." The middle-aged man frowned. The implication was that not everyone is as foolish and blinded by greed as your son, Jiao Shi! Jiao Yufei''s thoughts spun, his expression calm: "That person could let go of that Mustard Seed Jade Charm full of expensive treasures; maybe he could also let go of the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine." "What if he can''t let go?" The middle-aged man''s expression hardened. "Then it means he likely has a way to prevent you from tracking him," Jiao Yufei replied calmly. "Just him? A Wild Cultivator who popped out from who-knows-where?" The middle-aged man sneered. "It was that Wild Cultivator who reduced Jiao Shi to a living corpse." The middle-aged man''s face changed, about to retort. Pop! Like a bubble bursting, a light sound reached their ears. This soft noise, in the middle-aged man''s ears, sounded like thunder. He suddenly turned his head, only to see that, at some unknown point, the amber sphere had cracked all over. The golden dot that was once clearly indicating the location of the spirit machine, had vanished! "It was you!" The middle-aged man suddenly turned and glared at Jiao Yufei. "This is Dingyou Water Mansion, think carefully before you lose your temper here," Jiao Yufei replied indifferently. "Besides, you seem not to understand your son very well." "Inside Jiao Shi''s Mustard Seed Jade Charm, there was more than one scripture for refining demon root devices." "Do you not know, or do you arrogantly think, that the person who caused Jiao Shi''s downfall doesn''t have enough talent and can''t learn it in such a short time?" The middle-aged man''s face turned an ashen blue! Chapter 638 - 626: Arrival Seven hundred miles south of Tongtian River, there was a wide river surface that spanned two to three hundred meters. The Seven-star Centipede''s thousand legs twitched, gliding leisurely against the direction of the river flow. Chen Mu stuck his head out, intently observing the neatly moving jet-black centipede legs, feeling as if he was watching dozens of people rowing a dragon boat in his past life. After a while, Chen Mu withdrew his gaze, his spirit sinking into the secret acupoint between his eyebrows. Due to a twist of fate, he was still bathing in a pool of transparent liquid Exotic Force; originally continuously emitting black smoke but now, not a wisp remained. Thin golden patterns intermittently appeared on the Jet-black Moon Blade and the ghastly White Bone Sphere, the originally somewhat sinister artifact now possessed a bit of solemnity. "Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique is really useful!" Chen Mu revealed a smile. These days, while traveling with others, he had been refining the artifact using the Refining Treasure Technique. With the nourishment of Innate Primordial Qi, the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine and the artifact had been rapidly refined, finally reaching a new phase. With a thought, Chen Mu''s spirit sank swiftly into the artifact, and a dense network appeared in his mind. This network was intricate and orderly, lines of gold, silver, black, white, blue, and purple intertwined, resembling the circulatory system of the human body. "This feeling... is just like when my spirit enters the Heavenly Demon Body and I look inward!" "Magic Treasure, truly mysterious!" He had many Magic Artifacts, all driven by the corresponding Dharma Curses. Never before had he been able to freely enter the inside of a Magic Treasure like now. "The Dragon Ball Spirit Machine must have finished adjusting, becoming a part of the artifact, and no longer fears being tracked." "It''s done." Chen Mu sighed in relief. Today, he had finally eliminated all hidden dangers related to the Spirit Mechanism, unafraid of Qiu Jinwu and also not fearing the young man who had suddenly arrived for investigation. "It''s just a pity about that person''s Mustard Seed Jade Charm." Chen Mu''s face showed regret. Look at that person''s Mustard Seed Jade Charm, then look at my Five Ghosts Bag. What do I have... Well, I have White Jade Coins! But what I have are just these thirty to fifty thousand White Jade Coins. That guy''s Mustard Seed Jade Charm contains not just money, many treasures that money can''t buy are quietly lying inside! "What a loss." "If it wasn''t for the fear of being tracked, I would''ve taken those things and put them into the Five Ghosts Bag no matter what." Chen Mu sighed lightly, shaking his head to dismiss the distracting thoughts. Safety is still more critical after all. That person''s methods were peculiar; perhaps there might be some undiscovered marker inside the Mustard Seed Jade Charm. Just like that jar of plague poison, thinking about it now, Chen Mu still found it eerily strange. "The Heavenly Demon Armor could withstand the Yellow Millet Plague Poison thanks to the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles." "Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles belongs to the innate divine ability of the Heavenly Demon Body, very similar to a demon''s Innate Protective Qi Mechanism." "The essence of the Heavenly Demon Body is of Ghosts nature, very similar to the human Spiritual Deity, presumably, its protective divine power could also protect the Superior Fetal Spirit." "That Yellow Millet Plague Poison which causes people to fall into a deep sleep could be some sort of plague targeting the Superior Fetal Spirit," Chen Mu pondered reflectively. A body unaffected yet unable to wake up must surely mean the Spiritual Deity was harmed. Given enough time, it might even cause a person''s Spiritual Deity to collapse. "No wonder that person wanted to make me into a Yan Shi puppet," Chen Mu''s expression darkened. A clueless, yet physically intact shell, with a bit of refining, could be turned into a fine Puppet Taoist Soldier. "How utterly vicious!" He was once again startled by the evil nature of human hearts. "If it wasn''t for the fear of alarming the enemy, I should have turned him to dust and ground his bones right then and there!" Chen Mu''s eyes remained motionless, his gaze filled with a chilling cold. After a long while, he regained his senses. "With so many techniques I deployed, even if that guy didn''t die, his Spiritual Deity would definitely disperse, turning him into a living dead." "To think about turning others into puppets, yet in the end, he himself became the best material for a Yan Shi puppet; this is truly using his own method against him." Chen Mu shook his head, no longer dwelling on it, and looked towards the Seven-star Centipede ahead. More than ten days had passed, and the originally somewhat spacious back of the centipede was now filled with people. Over these days, they didn''t head straight to the Hundred Illusion Sect but took several turns, passing through many towns and cities, picking up quite a few people. Some were Qi Cultivators who had surpassed the second stage of Qi Cultivation and had developed Mana, while many others were young people just over ten years old, who had just developed their Armored Steel Skin. Looking at Lu Han interacting with people, such recruiting and transporting behavior clearly wasn''t the first time. The demand for Daoist Soldiers by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect must signify great danger in the Outer Heaven Battlefield. Lucky that he didn''t listen to the fanciful tales of that old Daoist from Taoshan Temple. To live in peace, one really must honestly serve as an Auxiliary Soldier. ... Two days later, after picking up seven or eight people in the last small town, the Seven-star Centipede no longer took detours. Guided by Lu Han, the centipede began to crawl rapidly southward. Two more days passed, and a range of continuous mountains came into view. A faint mist enveloped the mountains, making them appear intermittently, accompanied by the roars and cries of Exotic Beasts and Monsters. What lay ahead was the Mist Forest. And the Hundred Illusion Sect was hidden within the Mist Forest. Lu Han commanded the Seven-star Centipede to enter the forest, where the sky-obscuring canopy and the protruding, robust and ominous tree roots, along with the mind-clouding miasma fog of varying densities, appeared one after another. Lu Han was extremely familiar with this place, and under his guidance, the Seven-star Centipede moved forward effortlessly through twists and turns. Five days later, a towering cliff that stretched endlessly into the clouds appeared before Chen Mu and the others. The cliff was shrouded in mist, dark and obscure, its whole view unclear. A few disciples in grey robes had long been waiting at the base of the cliff. "We''ve finally arrived at the Hundred Illusion Sect." Chen Mu''s heart settled. Whispers of relief also spread through the crowds. Without further delay, Lu Han greeted the people who took over and handed over the Seven-star Centipede, then waved his hand and led Chen Mu and about fifty or sixty new disciples towards the cliff. Upon approaching the cliff, Chen Mu saw several stone steps carved along the cliff, winding up and disappearing into the mist. After climbing for half an hour, turning and changing paths several times, they had reached halfway up the mountain. A huge cave entrance, five or six meters high, came into view. "This cave here is called the Washing Body Cave, only those who pass through safely can truly join our Hundred Illusion Sect." "Once inside, remember to guard your spirit; no matter what you see, do not exclaim in surprise." "If you act recklessly and something happens, you bear the consequences!" Lu Han said sternly. "Are you not coming with us?" someone asked cautiously. "This is your initiation ceremony, I will wait at the end of the cave," Lu Han said, and his body flashed with Spiritual Light; with a whoosh, he soared into the clouds. Looking at the dark, silent entrance ahead, people couldn''t help but look at each other. But some remained calm and walked into the cave, seemingly aware of the forthcoming ceremony. Chen Mu stood among the crowd, observing the calm expressions of the leading few, slightly relaxing his heart. Judging by their demeanor, this matter seemed to be the usual practice of the Hundred Illusion Sect; even if there were dangers, it should be completely under control. "Yet this isn''t entirely safe; it could still be a front prepared by the Hundred Illusion Sect," Chen Mu thought, and then he unleashed the Seven Emotions Curse he hadn''t used for a long time. The emotions of those leading slowly surfaced in his perception. Somewhat nervous, but overall calm, without any malice towards others. Then operating the Truth Listening Divine Power, a winding, uneven cave with strange rocks emerged in his mind. Chen Mu even saw Lu Han''s figure ten miles away at the exit, obviously waiting. "There''s no strong Qi Mechanism movement inside the cave, and Lu Han shows no signs of schemes; it doesn''t seem to be a trap." "It must indeed be a tradition of the Hundred Illusion Sect." Chen Mu''s heart lightened. After confirming again, Chen Mu completely relaxed and blended into the crowd, entering the Washing Body Cave. ... "Thirty White Jade, I bet half of the new recruits will be scared witless and faint." At the other end of the Washing Body Cave, including Lu Han, about a dozen people were hotly discussing. These people were the same ones from the Hundred Illusion Sect who took over the Seven-star Centipede, having arrived early by some route. "Don''t forget the thirteen among them who have practiced mana. They''ve wielded power beyond the ordinary for years, who knows how many grudges they''ve settled and how many people they''ve killed," one spoke up. "The Washing Body Cave can channel Demon Qi to bring out grudges and foul air. The more grudges one has, the more terrifying the journey. Those who just managed to refine their Shell Soul will definitely be affected. Fifty White Jade, I bet seventy percent!" "What do you think, elder brother Lu Han?" someone asked, eyes shifting shrewdly, probing. "I''ve had the most contact with them, so to avoid conflict of interest I won''t bet, just take a cut. You all go ahead," Lu Han said with a laugh. People observed his expression closely but shook their heads in disappointment, realizing that getting any information from Lu Han was unlikely. "So what if there are Qi Cultivators? Can''t those people be good?" a round-faced, short and plump figure objected loudly. "I''ve observed carefully, those dozen Qi Cultivators who came all looked kind, their grudges probably aren''t that deep. Eighty White Jade, I bet a maximum of thirty percent will faint!" Inside the Washing Body Cave. Through the continued observation with Truth Listening Divine Power, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Just one look and you figured out I''m a good person. Nice discernment! You, my friend, I confirm! Chapter 639 - 627 Cleansing the Body Inside the Washing Body Cave, Chen Mu listened to several disciples of the Hundred Illusion Sect betting at the entrance and couldn''t help but become interested in the dark cavern before him. Unleashing the Truthful Listening Technique, he carefully probed inch by inch and quickly detected a fluctuation. As everyone ventured deeper, strands of bizarre aura began to seep from the walls surrounding them. This aura was invisible and formless, stirred by the airflow created by the group''s movement, resembling lifeless wind. However, shortly after the group passed by, it would begin to move on its own as if alive, slowly trailing behind everyone. Before they realized it, Chen Mu and his companions were all immersed in this kind of aura. "Is this Demon Qi?" Chen Mu glanced at the oblivious group and reached out to grab a strand. As he exerted his mana to squeeze and probe, the aura in his hand began to transform. In a few breaths'' time, it morphed through more than ten different rhythms. Had it not been in his grasp the whole time, Chen Mu might have thought he had encountered a dozen different Exotic Beasts. "Thousand changes? Interesting," Chen Mu''s eyebrows raised in intrigue. Just as he was about to grab another strand of the aura for examination, a sudden, peculiar feeling emerged, as if someone was watching him from the darkness. Chen Mu abruptly turned his head to find that at some point a white figure had appeared deep within the cave. That person was standing behind a patch of strange rocks, back towards Chen Mu, in white clothes and with hair disheveled, exuding a sense of de?ja? vu. As he pondered, the figure''s head suddenly made a 180-degree turn. A face with closed eyes, upturned corners of the mouth, and a weird smile all over, unexpectedly popped up. Jiao Shi?! "Is this the effect of the Demon Qi?" "Drawing forth grudges to form hallucinations?" Chen Mu''s expression remained neutral. I fear neither the living nor the dead. Just a phantom; at worst, I''ll just kill it again! As his thoughts whirled, the Five Dragons Qi immediately materialized beside the white figure. The black mist was especially elusive in the dimly-lit cave; silent and stealthy, it drew near. Before the newly formed figure could react, it was completely devoured by the Five Dragon Dharma Body. "This Washing Body Cave is quite interesting..." At that moment, numerous figures began to appear in the depths of the cave, causing many of the fellow travelers to start sweating profusely. Based on the discussions of Lu Han and others at the entrance, the more grudges and killings one has accrued, the more phantoms they draw forth. Gazing at the continuously emerging figures, Chen Mu couldn''t help but curl the corners of his mouth upward. "There are villains among the group." In this short span, various miserable figures with disheveled hair, missing arms, and legs began to converge upon the crowd. Even those Qi Cultivators who had long since cultivated their mana began shuddering uncontrollably, hastily bringing out their protective Magic Artifacts. Chen Mu was joyfully watching everyone''s performance when he casually glanced over a group of headless figures holding their own heads. Then he realized, these people seemed somewhat... familiar! Weren''t these the same people who had sneaked off to seek out his ancestor in the Tianhe Law Realm, only to have their heads severed by the Vermilion Feather Sword? Impossible! Chen Mu quickly looked up again. And right then, behind that group of headless people, he found a corpulent figure in a purple robe, charred black. The swollen face was remarkably similar to Huang Jian, who had tried to seize the Ping Ning and was struck into ashes by the Kui Water Yin Thunder! He glanced around sharply, looking at the densely packed and vaguely familiar figures, his face instantly flushing red. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" "I always treat others kindly; how could I possibly have so much residual Vital Energy on me!" "This Washing Body Cave must be bloody framing me!" Roar! A resounding roar erupted, and a vast expanse of gray-white mist emerged in midair as an invisible pressure descended with a bang. A red-haired ape with four arms, a ferocious dragon with seven heads, a three-headed ghost fox with human heads all over its body... Countless massive creatures suddenly appeared in the spacious cave. Chen Mu: "..." "These monsters, either perished at the hand of the Yin Soldiers during the Mountain-Carrying Scripture''s ordeal or were devoured by the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect. How does that all count on my head?" "This is not fair!" Chen Mu''s face was full of righteous indignation. Mountain-Carrying Scripture, Five Dragons Scripture: "..." You''re the one with the knife, and you''re feeling wronged? Blaming us, the ones who serve as the knife, for the dead? Shameless! ... Outside the Washing Body Cave, more than a dozen people were heatedly discussing something. A series of dull roars accompanied by blasts of air rushed out of the Washing Body Cave. Dust filled the air in an instant, covering everyone''s faces, and the crowd was startled by this sudden change. "Pah, pah, could it be... hidden among the new recruits, there''s a fierce one?" The short, plump, round-faced man spat out the dust in his mouth, unable to resist widening his round eyes. "Not good!" Lu Han''s face changed. "In recent days, as the stars shifted, the seals have been shaken, and Demon Qi has leaked out from various places." "The Demon Qi inside the Washing Body Cave is probably also surging, what were once harmless illusions could now become deadly!" On hearing this, the crowd suddenly froze. "Hurry, rescue them!" Lu Han roared, and rushed into the cave. ... After a tumultuous effort. By the time the unconscious people were found and carried out of the Washing Body Cave, more than an hour had passed. "It''s lucky we reacted in time, otherwise a few might have died." "Who could have expected the Demon Qi in the Washing Body Cave to have increased so much." "Total annihilation, no one survived." "Say, do you think there''s a hidden killer amongst these people, the one who caused the power of the illusions to soar?" "It''s very likely, otherwise how could everyone have fallen all at once." Chen Mu kept his eyes closed, controlling his heartbeat and breathing as he pretended to be unconscious within the crowd. Listening to the Hundred Illusion Sect disciples discussing good and bad people nearby, he felt a wave of sadness and anger. It''s all because of the chaos in the world that I had to take action. What a load of crap about being a killer! I don''t accept that! "From now on, we better keep our distance from this batch of people, in case one day your loud breathing gets you silenced by them, wouldn''t that be an unjust death!" The round-faced, small-eyed chubby man said jokingly with a chuckle. Chen Mu: "..." Fine! In the future, you better breath without making a sound! ... Three days later, early morning. On an endless cliff, numerous stone steps crisscrossed in all directions, forming a lattice pattern that seemed to be carved out of the cliff itself, connecting one cave to another, covering the entire cliffside. At the entrance of one cave, Chen Mu leaned on the rough fence made of peach wood, gazing through the thin mist at the distance. A vast, golden expanse of rice paddy fields spread out before him. More than a dozen people were maneuvering Flying Kites above the paddy fields, occasionally sprinkling large amounts of powder, while others were weeding and tilling the soil down below, busy yet exuding a sense of tranquility and peace. Despite yesterday''s minor incident, Chen Mu had successfully joined the Hundred Illusion Sect. The golden rice fields below, not visible in their full extent and surrounded by mountains, were specially cultivated Spirit Plants by the Hundred Illusion Sect. "Golden Yuan Valley has a mild nature, able to strengthen and nurture one''s foundation. Consumed in large quantities, it can even replace Rejuvenation Pills for Condensing Aperture cultivation." "Indeed, the Cultivation World of Hai Province is stronger than Yunzhou, to possess such unique Spirit Plants." Looking at the vast rice fields in the distance, Chen Mu felt relaxed and refreshed. After a year of trials and tribulations, traveling through the Loach Dragon Fire Path, Tianhe Law Realm, and Heavenly River Water Mansion, facing various dangers and escaping potential pursuit, he had finally settled down in Hai Province. Having joined the Hundred Illusion Sect, as long as he systematically completes the training, in a year or two, he could join the Thousand Mechanisms Sect smoothly. Then, he could consider acquiring the Daoist Foundation Atlas to begin the next step of his cultivation. "Difficulties don''t scare me, it''s the lack of direction that''s truly frightening. Now that I have a clear path, it makes me feel at ease." Chen Mu patted the railing, his heart feeling more and more relaxed. The wind blowing through the rice, rustling softly, Chen Mu watched the waves of rice plants, lost in thought. Thud! A while later, a muffled bell tone sounded, and Chen Mu came back to his senses. He turned his head to look towards the eastern side of the cliff where there was a large platform, and already a few figures were faintly visible. That was the Preaching Cliff of the Hundred Illusion Sect. To become a Daoist Soldier of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, one must have the necessary skills. Even to be a Butcher Auxiliary Soldier without the corresponding Secret Technique would make it difficult to skin and disassemble the bodies of demons. That Preaching Cliff was where one could learn these Secret Techniques. Had it not been for the incident in the Washing Body Cave that injured many people''s Spiritual Deity and Vital Energy, they should have gone to the Preaching Cliff for training two days earlier. Chen Mu closed the stone door of his Cave Mansion and, like the other Qi Cultivators who were already heading out, he quickly walked along the stone steps towards the distant Preaching Cliff. Chapter 640 - 628 Demon Dispel Skill "Demon creatures from beyond the heavens are countless and mostly tough-skinned and thick-fleshed." "To skin, dissect, and slay demons, one must first break through the protective Qi left in their corpses." "This requires the Demon Dispel Skill centered around the principles of generating and overcoming transformations..." Preaching Cliff is situated on a spacious platform jutting out over a cliff. At the edge, there''s a peach tree massive enough to require five people to encircle it, with gnarled branches and a canopy like the enormous claws of a wild beast. Under the tree, on a long stone bench, sat Scripture Doctorate Chuan Chang, the Elder without expression on his face, lecturing about the Demon Dispel Skill. "The foundation of the Demon Dispel Skill isn''t difficult; the challenging part is the flexible use of generating and overcoming transformations." "It allows the rhythms of the Secret Technique to transform in a thousand ways. Only then can one rapidly find a method to break through the demon''s protective Qi when facing an unfamiliar one." As he spoke, he began to explain the Spell Command Talisman for the Demon Dispel Skill, along with some basic generating and overcoming transformations. From dawn, he spoke until the sun was slanting westward, then stopped, still not having exhausted the topic. Even the robust spiritual minds of the Qi Cultivators, those with swift thoughts, were left dizzy from the complexity of the Demon Dispel Skill. Chuan Chang looked down at the crowd with blank faces and calmly said, "You should be thankful that you came to the Hundred Illusion Sect. The creatures you''ll face are all corpses, inanimate objectseven if you encounter unfamiliar demons, there is time to try slowly." "If you were a War Soldier, you would have to find the demon''s weak points amidst life and death battles. That''s where real peril lies, dancing with knives and swords." The crowd, snapping back to reality, felt a chill in their hearts. Mixed within them, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel fortunate. Lucky he hadn''t been swayed by that old Taoist from Taoshan Temple. Demons were legion, each with its unique protective Qi. To break through their defenses, one must either use generating and overcoming methods or powerful Secret Techniques; neither path was easy, and the slightest carelessness could lead to extreme danger. "So, what about being a Butcher then?" "Though the work environment is a bit poor, spending all day with various corpses, at least it''s safe enough, stable enough!" Chen Mu thought with a chuckle. Elder Chuan, standing on the platform and looking at the relieved expressions of the crowd, nodded with satisfaction. With this scare, the likelihood of these fellows being lured away by other sects had probably decreased. He watched them discussing, occasionally answering questions, and when the daylight began to fade, he concluded this session of scripture teaching. "The foundation of the Demon Dispel Skill is indeed simple, but its variations can be exceedingly complex." "Listening to more is not as good as practicing." With a wave of his hand, he tossed several fist-sized stones, which flew in front of everyone. "The stones in front of you are Demon Qi Stones." "When you can cut open a Demon Qi Stone, that''s when you can start the next step in your training." ... Late at night, in the cave mansion on the cliffside, Chen Mu, who was sitting cross-legged on his stone bed, slowly opened his eyes. The grey wall, in line with his will, appeared before his eyes. Demon Dispel Skill: 233/10000/First Rank; "This Secret Technique really isn''t difficult to start." After returning from Preaching Cliff to his Cave Mansion, he began trying to practice the Demon Dispel Skill. It related to whether he could smoothly infiltrate the Thousand Mechanisms Sect in the future and could not be neglected. As Elder Chuan had said, the entrance to the Demon Dispel Skill indeed was not difficult. After trying a few times with the Transmission Jade Scroll, Chen Mu''s Jade Seed gained a refined silver ring the size of a soybean. "The Demon Dispel Skill comprises five Talismans, and I''ve condensed one of them in just two or three hours. Even if the following ones are difficult, it won''t take too much time." "Perhaps, just as Elder Chuan said, the difficulty of the Demon Dispel Skill lies entirely in whether the application is subtle and skilled." ... Several days later, in the early evening, on a small platform by the entrance of the cave. Chen Mu lay in his most-used fourth-generation rocking chair, with armrests already smooth and well-polished. The setting sun''s orange rays shone through the thin mist, warming his entire body. Swish! A slender red line descended from the sky, Chen Mu, at the right moment, reached out and plucked the Vermilion Feather Sword from mid-air. On his first day in the Hundred Illusion Sect, he had let fly all the Vermilion Feather Swords, using the Truth Listening Divine Power to probe the environment of the Hundred Illusion Sect. At this moment, Chen Mu slightly reminisced, and a complete sand table emerged in his mind. The Hundred Illusion Sect is located in a basin deep within the Mist Forest, surrounded by a ring of towering cliffs and mountains. The mountains are lush with vegetation, and peach blossoms vie for beauty all over the hills. At the center of a sunken basin lies a vast plain, all transformed into a Spiritual Field for planting Golden Yuan Valley. "The surrounds of the Cave Mansion are also pretty good, no hidden dangers." Chen Mu glanced at the scattering of caves in the distance, showing a smile. The place he chose was rather secluded. Those living here were mostly Qi Cultivators who were hermits, only bent on solitary Cultivate Immortality. Besides the occasional wailing of the mountain wind, there was hardly any disturbance around. "Quiet is good." "No disturbances, live and let live, each cultivating peacefully on their own." Laughing cheerfully, Chen Mu took out the Demon Qi Stone. "I need to concentrate on grinding my Demon Dispel Skill experience." He had come to the Hundred Illusion Sect for the sole purpose of using it as a stepping stone to join the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. To join the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, one must be adept at the Demon Dispel Skill. If one couldn''t dissemble the bones of demons, how could they qualify as a butcher. With a thought, a greenish mist appeared in Chen Mu''s palm, which was the secret Demon Dispel Skill passed down in the Hundred Illusion Sect. He skillfully pressed the green mist onto the Demon Qi Stone, and a faint yet tenacious sense of repulsion immediately fed back into his heart. "Be it the Five Dragons Scripture or the Five Thunders Spell, I could crush this Demon Qi Stone with a bit more force, but that''s different from the effects of the Demon Dispel Skill." "The Demon Dispel Skill is used for a meticulous dissection of the demon body, not to smash it into mince." "Sigh, might as well sincerely start training then..." If he could cheat, he would''ve used some other Secret Technique to muddle through, instead of stubbornly wrestling with this stone. Hiss, hiss, hiss... Like acid corrosion, tiny holes began appearing on the surface of the Demon Qi Stone. Chen Mu carefully sensed the changes in the aura of the Demon Qi Stone. Following the instructions of Elder Chuan, he activated the Secret Technique Talisman and then adjusted the rhythm of the Demon Dispel Skill. At one moment. It was as if the lock had found its key; the tenacious force that barricaded the outside of the Demon Qi Stone suddenly parted, and the green mist quickly seeped in. Pop! Like a hot knife through butter, or like splitting wood along the grain, the Demon Qi Stone was suddenly cleaved into two halves. "By continual trial and feedback adjustments of the Demon Dispel Skill, one finds the protective Qi mechanism meridians of the demon, and dissect it along those meridians." "Using the gapless to enter the gapped, like Butcher''s Skill?" "Heh! This Demon Dispel Skill really is a butcher''s Secret Technique." Chen Mu revealed a smile. After several days of effort, he was finally on the right track with the Demon Dispel Skill''s cultivation. ... The next day. Within the Hundred Illusion Sect, where the base of the mountain cliffs meets the perimeter of the Golden Yuan Valley plain, there is an annulus sloping downwards forming a multilayered valley several hundred meters deep. Its name is Prison Valley, shrouded in thick fog all year round, from which clinking and clanking sounds occasionally echo. Lu Han, who hadn''t been seen for several days, led Chen Mu and a dozen other newcomers deep into the valley. With a wave of his hand, over a dozen worn-out bamboo baskets appeared before them, each also containing equally battle-damaged and worn pickaxes. "Learning a Secret Technique isn''t hard; what''s difficult is quickly adjusting the Demon Dispel Skill to better skin and disassemble the protective Qi mechanism of unfamiliar demons." Lu Han declared loudly. "Only then can you earn Daoist Cultivation points faster, in exchange for various resources and secret techniques from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "To deepen the Demon Dispel Skill, you must continually try with different Demon Qi mechanisms." "Right now, Prison Valley is full of Demon Qi Stones, their demonic Qi mechanisms are ever-changing. Excavating and mining are the best ways to cultivate the Demon Dispel Skill." "Digging up a hundred pounds a day is considered beginner level, digging up five hundred pounds meets the standard." "When that time comes, you can move on to the Grinding Stone Room for the next stage of cultivation." "Future Daoist Soldiers of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, get moving quickly! The sooner you complete your training, the sooner you can earn Daoist Cultivation points in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect!" Lu Han''s hand clapped like a fan, urging everyone to get to work briskly. Before long, a series of crisp tinkling sounds began to fill the valley. Seeing everyone comply, Lu Han showed a pleased smile. Hurry and train, hurry and become Daoist Soldiers. That way, you can earn Daoist Cultivation points for us in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect sooner. At this moment, his gaze towards everyone was affectionate, like a doting father wishing his children to become successful! Chapter 641 - 629: Substitute Prison Valley. Chen Mu felt a tingling sensation on his scalp under Lu Han''s eager gaze. He immediately followed the crowd, picked up a bamboo basket, chose a spot far away from Lu Han, took out his battle-damaged mining pick, and began trying to mine stones. Ding! Sparks flew as the dark rock in front of him seemed as though it were cast from steel, enveloped by an invisible repulsion force that firmly blocked the mining pick. "Is the entire mountain valley cliff made of Demon Qi Stone?" Chen Mu looked up and around at the cliff walls of the valley, his heart skipping a beat. "Could it be that an Outer Heaven Demon is suppressed here?" Back at the Heavenly River Water Mansion, he had heard that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect among Hai Province''s Ninety-nine Sects had set up a demon-sealing enchantment. On one hand, it was to suppress the demons, and on the other, it was to train Daoist Soldiers. This Prison Valley mine pit in front seems to be part of the demon-sealing enchantment, designed to facilitate the Daoist Soldiers to hone their Demon Dispel Skill. Chen Mu had an epiphany. Activating the Demon Dispel Skill, a cluster of green mist appeared in his palm. Like heavy rain falling on parched, cracked earth, the green mist just touched the mining pick and whooshed into it. Buzz! A ghostly green blade the size of a fingernail suddenly appeared on the tip of the mining pick. "A specially made mining pick compatible with Demon Dispel Skill?" "Interesting!" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Tools used for disassembling demon bones in the future are probably specially tailored too. There indeed is a well-established training system for Auxiliary Soldiers." He chuckled and focused on swinging his mining pick, clinking and clanging as he chopped at the rock. Inside the Jade Seed, five silver rings combined into a larger ring, slowly rotating in a sea of Mana mist, with a distressing green light flickering incessantly on the rings. The light varied in strength, continuously reconfiguring, and the emitted Demon Dispel Skill Exotic Force also varied. Chen Mu continued to adjust, swinging his mining pick for half an hour before coincidentally finding the correct approach. The originally iron-hard Demon Qi Stone suddenly turned into a thin crust. With a puff, the mining pick easily knocked off a fist-sized stone. But in the next moment, the fracture in the stone began to move like a living thing, regenerating at a visible rate. In just over a dozen breaths, the gap knocked out by Chen Mu''s mining pick was completely repaired. "This... This is a bit eerie!" Looking at Lu Han who was composed in the distance, Chen Mu took a deep breath to steady his fluctuating emotions. Tentatively swinging his mining pick, he struck the restored rock. Ding! Sparks flew, leaving the rock unscathed. The combination of Demon Dispel Skill found earlier had already lost its effect. "Each time a stone is mined, I have to adjust the pattern of the Demon Dispel Skill, no wonder..." Chen Mu turned his head and glanced at the many colleagues in the distance who were swinging their picks more and more frantically, he couldn''t help but sigh and shake his head. "This Demon Dispel Skill is indeed a bit tricky!" ... In the evening, Chen Mu returned to the cave, covered in dirt and grime. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke quickly cleaned off the dust on his body. After tossing the bamboo basket and mining pick behind the door, he dragged out a rocking chair and placed it at the entrance, lying down to watch the setting sun lazily, not wanting to move. "Busy all day and only managed to knock down about thirty pounds of Demon Qi Stone." "No wonder Hundred Illusion Sect sends Daoist Soldiers to Thousand Mechanisms Sect every three years." "This Demon Dispel Skill indeed requires enough time to be mastered." Chen Mu raised his right hand, with a ghostly green mist emerging in his palm. "According to the information I gathered, the most recent time Hundred Illusion Sect sent Daoist Soldiers to Thousand Mechanisms Sect is about a year from now." "If the Demon Dispel Skill is not up to standard by then, I will have to wait another four years." "Waiting one year is still acceptable, but four years is a bit long." His visit to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect was to obtain the Daoist Foundation Atlas, such Secret Techniques definitely require massive amounts of Daoist Cultivation, which must be accumulated over a long period to achieve. "It''s better to go to Thousand Mechanisms Sect sooner." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. "I need to think of a way to fake the Demon Dispel Skill!" Staring at the Gray Wall with Secret Techniques flipping through, soon, a Secret Technique came into view. "How does this Three Yin Slaying Demon Technique''s distressing green Qi Blade look so similar to this Demon Dispel Skill?" Chen Mu''s heart suddenly skipped a beat. Left wrist flipping, black smoke billowing, a fist-sized dark Demon Qi Stone appeared in his hand, which he specifically intercepted today. Then, his right hand''s index finger raised. Buzz! A thumb-length, miserable green Qi Blade emerged at the fingertip. Immediately, he gently slid it over the Demon Qi Stone in the palm of his left hand. Swoosh! Like a glowing hot knife slicing through solidified fat, the miserable green Qi Blade easily split the Demon Qi Stone. The cut surface was smooth, like a finely polished mirror, even reflecting Chen Mu''s face full of surprise! Indeed! Slaying Demon! Slaying Demon! This Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is probably meant for slaughtering demons! Long ago, this Secret Technique from the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers was mastered to the peak, allowing him to conjure a hundred and eight miserable green Qi Blades with a mere thought. However, as Chen Mu''s Cultivation advanced and he encountered increasingly stronger opponents, the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique proved insufficient. It could injure foes, but not kill them in one strike. Eventually, it was relegated to logistical use, becoming his specialized tool for cutting meat. Chen Mu had never expected that this Secret Technique would be extraordinarily effective against breaking the Demon Qi mechanism. "Think about it, there were signs early on." "Whenever I used it to cut Exotic Beast Meat, whether slicing or shredding, it was always smooth and unhindered." "I originally thought it was just because the Slaying Demon Technique was sharp enough, but now it seems that the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is inherently miraculous." Chen Mu had a sudden realization. "Shouldn''t the act of grave-robbing by Wu Mountain Seven Brothers back then be praised, it was truly exquisite." "So many years have passed, and the value of that unnamed older brother''s gravesite is still increasing." "That saves a lot of effort." "Deserving of a reward!" Chen Mu laughed heartily, immediately extracting a strand of Primordial Qi and sending it to the Seven Soul Gourd inside the Five Ghosts Bag. The gourd transformed by the Wu Mountain Seven Brothers instantly swelled and grew, fattening significantly in the blink of an eye. With previous intermittent feedings, what was originally a palm-sized gourd had now grown to the height of a forearm. ... I don''t know what variety of peach blossoms abound on the mountain of the Hundred Illusion Sect. Chen Mu has been here for over twenty days, and each day he could see both peach blossoms bloom and fall. As the weather warmed further, the abundance of peach trees continued blooming, yet bore no fruit. Early in the morning, Chen Mu, carrying a vine-twine darkened, worn basket and holding a rust-scraped, newly bound non-slip fabric handled, but still old-looking miner''s pick, strolled upon the rocky wall steps. Through the light mist, he admired the distant mountain peach blossoms for a while, and then observed the waving tide of the plains'' rice paddies. "Tomorrow I''ll go to Shuwu Cave to buy some Golden Yuan Valley to taste." "I wonder how it tastes." He has Replenishing Origin Soup and can refine Nourishing Yuan and Strengthening Foundation Pills, not lacking any such pills; he mainly wants to try the taste of Golden Yuan Valley. Strolling leisurely into Prison Valley, he immediately met Lu Han''s eyes, full of scrutiny. It was as if a mouse encountering a cat, a back-row slacker facing the class teacher, causing Chen Mu''s heart to skip a beat. I... I didn''t arrive too early, did I? Without any outward reaction, he surreptitiously scanned the surroundings; among his peers who entered with him, only seven or eight were there splitting rocks. Chen Mu relaxed instantly. He still managed to perfectly control his arrival time in Prison Valley, maintaining a punctuality slightly below the median. Nodding towards Lu Han, he carried his pick to a slightly remote area and started tapping away tirelessly. After a while, feeling Lu Han''s gaze disappear from him, Chen Mu took a breath of relief, yet couldn''t help scratching his head. This Lu Han, why is he so responsible? Ever since their group entered Prison Valley, Lu Han had been like a supervisor, watching them daily as they practiced the Demon Dispel Skill. He hardly had any time to slack off. "There must be some factor here that I am unaware of." With this thought in mind, Chen Mu activated his Truth Listening Divine Power, extending it far into the distance. In Prison Valley, their group wasn''t the only ones practicing the Demon Dispel Skill. Five miles away, there was another group of miners, who had been practicing for a year and a half, busily tapping away at the rocks. Chapter 642 630 Contract Somewhere in the Prison Valley, a small group of three or five people gathered together, leaning on mining picks and chatting as they rested. "Sign a Ding Character Contract, serve as Daoist Soldiers for Thousand Mechanisms Sect for forty years? Are you sure you can still come out alive from the Outer Heaven Star?" One of them spoke, his face full of surprise. "To seek riches one must take risks, and we Auxiliary Soldiers are much safer than War Soldiers. Be careful, and holding out for forty years is absolutely no problem." The person opposite waved his hand, his face unconcerned. "All for that four-six split of Daoist Cultivation?" "What else? Choose a Jia Character Contract?" The shaking head in response to those who spread their hands: "It''s true that the ten-year service term is short, but nine-tenths of the Daoist Cultivation must be given to the Hundred Illusion Sect. What can that remaining tenth get you in terms of Secret Techniques?" "I still think the term is too long. The thirty-year term of the Bing Character Contract is barely acceptable. " "..." Contract? Term? Daoist Cultivation? Chen Mu, who was eavesdropping from a distance, was stunned. And to give the Hundred Illusion Sect a ninety percent share?! He turned to look at Lu Han not far away, and immediately understood why this guy was so serious. If I don''t practice the Demon Dispel Skill well and don''t earn much Daoist Cultivation, then it really affects his own earning of Daoist Cultivation. But... Ninety-ten split! We are here to be Daoist Soldiers, not idol trainees from my past life. Have I really reincarnated just to still be oppressed? F*ck! ... Time passed day by day, and Chen Mu and the others went to the Prison Valley to dig stones every day. With more experience, the amount of Demon Qi Stone they mined increased. One day, after three or four people completed their hundred-pound task of Demon Qi Stone, Chen Mu quietly sped up, and shortly after midday, also chiseled out a hundred pounds of Demon Qi Stone. He greeted Lu Han, carried his basket on his back to the Grinding Stone Workshop to submit his task but did not return to the Prison Valley. He didn''t even return to his Cave Mansion; finding an unattended corner, he put away his miner''s basket and pick, used Five Ghosts Black Smoke to clean the dust off his body, and then, following the grooved steps on the cliffside, quickly made his way towards the west side of the sect. Once in a desolate place, he transformed into a Gentle Breeze and flew rapidly southwest. In no time, a pillar reaching into the heavens came into view. The base of the pillar was embedded in Prison Valley, its top soaring into the clouds, almost level with the highest peaks surrounding Hundred Illusion Sect. Its surface bore scarlet coarse lines, and through the varying depths of the ravines, one could vaguely see the flickering of a dark red light inside. "Is this the Demon Suppression... Needle?" "It''s even thicker than those hundreds of meters tall skyscrapers from my previous life, and it''s called a needle?" "Tsk!" After taking a few more glances, Chen Mu passed by the pillar, along the stone steps on the cliffs, heading south. A large cave entrance, about four to five meters high, faintly appeared in the distance. That was his destination for this tripWanjing Cave. Inside the cave were all sorts of Secret Techniques of the Hundred Illusion Sect, but more importantly, there also lay the copies of the Daoist Soldier Contracts of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. "Please don''t be as tricky as the Divine-Sealing Pact." Originally, he thought someone would use the Substitute Puppet Technique, and he could easily evade the contract''s constraints. Who would have thought that there would be a mishap, plunging him right into the God Statue? As a result, a formidable constraining force was upon him, and no matter how he struggled, he could not break free. If it weren''t for his Heavenly Demon Body taking his place, he would probably still be trapped inside the City God Statue of Luandu County Town without a means to get out. "I can''t sign contracts carelessly; I have to understand the content of the contract''s constraints." ... As evening approached. At the entrance of the Cave Mansion, Chen Mu sat at the long dining table, shoveling delicious Golden Yuan Valley Rice into his mouth while staring at the scroll in his left hand without blinking. The scroll was a photocopy of the Daoist Soldier Contract he had purchased from Wanjing Cave. "Jia Character Contract requires ten years of service as Daoist Soldiers for Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The Daoist Cultivation earned is split ninety-ten between the Daoist Soldier and Hundred Illusion Sect. "Ding Character Contract, serving for forty years, with the allocation of Daoist Cultivation changing to a four-six split." "What a good business they are running!" Chen Mu gnashed his teeth, vigorously chewing the Golden Yuan Valley in his mouth. No need to fight on the battlefield, just sit at home and wait to easily exchange various resources and Secret Techniques from Thousand Mechanisms Sect? The deeds of this Hundred Illusion Sect are really... Enviable! After resenting for a while, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh and shake his head. "It''s not just the Hundred Illusion Sect doing this kind of thing." "Probably the entire mode of operation is the same for all ninety-nine sects in Hai Province." "This contract must still be signed after all." Although Chen Mu felt some reluctance, it wasn''t something he couldn''t accept. When he first arrived in Yunzhou to join Jilong Road''s Tianhe Lower Institute, he had signed a similar indentured servitude contract. But back then he was just a lackey, only branded with a simple tracking mark. However, this Daoist Soldier Contract was not such a straightforward matter. "Chanting the Pure Yang Spell, having the Pure Yang Dao Ancestral as a witness, violating the contract''s agreement would result in the Five Thunders Bombarding punishment, this..." Chen Mu pondered over the last part of the contract, unable to help but widen his eyes. The Pure Yang Dao Ancestor was the founder of the ancient Pure Yang Dao, an old master who achieved Daoist fruit and shared the same lifespan as the heavens. Previously, one could only hear about such a significant figure in legends, never expecting that today he would see his presence in the Daoist Soldier Contract. "It really is the longer you live, the farther you go, the more you see all kinds of wondrous sights." "The Pure Yang Dao Ancestor is involved, it truly is..." After digging into several spoonfuls of Golden Yuan Valley Rice and savoring the sweet taste spreading through his heart, it took a while for Chen Mu''s surprise to slowly subside. Then he began to contemplate the pros and cons of having the Dao Ancestor as a witness. First, there was no fear of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect going back on their word. That Dao Ancestor roamed beyond the heavens, and nobody had ever seen him. But cases of punishment like the Five Thunders Bombarding for violating the contract always occurred. Secondly, it seemed he couldn''t back out either. If he disobeyed the orders of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect and was judged a deserter, he''d probably be struck into dust by heavenly thunder. Chen Mu frowned. "What if the Thousand Mechanisms Sect sends one as cannon fodder to a certain death, what then?" Obey and go? Death! Disobey and flee? Five Thunders Bombarding! "Being controlled by someone..." "And that someone being a Dao Ancestor who can hit me with the Five Thunders Bombarding at any time." "This... this is not quite right," Chen Mu slowly narrowed his eyes. Had nobody tried to explore the loopholes in the existence of the Daoist Soldier Contract over the years? "I still need to keep going to the Wanjing Cave." ... On this day, in Prison Valley. Chen Mu, with a basket full of Demon Qi Stones on his back, left early as usual. Not far away, Lu Han was fuming with anger and glaring fiercely. Chen Mu grinned and nodded in greeting, then turned and hurriedly ran off. Although Lu Han was itching to roll up his sleeves and drag Chen Mu back, he heaved a few breaths and finally let it go. There was a lesson to be learned from past experiences; if pushed too hard, there really were those who dared to switch allegiance to Taoshan Temple directly. Having trained for over a month, if he really ran away, wouldn''t that be a loss? "Is that guy heading to Wanjing Cave again? Has he been blinded by the Secret Technique treasures inside?" Not far away, five or six young men and women leaned on their mining picks, resting together. "Hey, probably a newbie from a small place, hasn''t seen much of the world, not realizing that Cultivation is the key." "Exactly, if you master the Demon Dispel Skill early and sign the Daoist Soldier Contract, you can obtain the Spirit Fox Condensing Secret Manual from the sect leader. Once the Divine Orifice is condensed, Mana increases, and it''ll be simpler and less hassle to learn Secret Techniques." "This person''s got it all backwards..." "Don''t bother with him; he''s not one of us. Do you all want to go ask Elder Lu for advice and learn a few more nifty uses of the Demon Dispel Skill?" "Let''s go together..." Their voices weren''t loud, but they still reached Chen Mu, who was always employing Truth Listening Divine Power. Hearing their discussion, he shook his head indifferently. For him, finding a Secret Technique that could evade disasters and prevent being completely controlled by the contract was more important. Even if it only gave him a bit more room to maneuver, it was better than being completely controlled by others. "Let others say what they will; their mouths are theirs to use," Chen Mu said with an open face. Then... then he casually cast the Nightmare Victory Spell. Those young people heading towards Lu Han suddenly felt their legs give way and with a thud, they all knelt down in front of Lu Han. Lu Han was dumbstruck at that moment. To earn Daoist Cultivation for me, did these young people actually give up their pride, kneeling down and begging me to teach them Secret Techniques? This... These are indeed good ''leeks''! The kneeling young people: "..." Chapter 643 631: Connections At night, within the cave mansion on the cliff. Chen Mu ate the Golden Yuan Valley Rice while staring at two secret techniques on the Gray Wall. Giant Spirit Divine: 8196/10000/Eighth Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 184/10000/Seventh Rank; These two secret techniques were his main cultivation projects recently, and he has made good progress in both. Especially the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique, which had entered a whole new stage yesterday. "It seems to start spreading inward." Chen Mu thoughtfully sensed the changes in the secret technique. The previous Heavenly Demon Armor was like wearing a layer of armor. After reaching the Seventh Rank, the Heavenly Demon Armor began to penetrate into the body. It seemed to be engraved into every inch of muscle and skin, becoming a type of inherent armor. "Innate Protective Qi Mechanism Secret Technique?" "Similar to the Five Dragon Dharma Body and the Five Thunders Spell?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows, a realization in his heart. "But it seems more rustic, and somewhat overbearing." The Five Dragons Scripture and the Five Thunders Treasure Scroll construct the Protective Qi Mechanism respectively with Yin Spirit Divine Power and Mana. The Heavenly Demon Armor was similar in the early stages, but it changed after entering the Seventh Rank. It began to reshape the body, as if to engrave the layer of armor directly into the body, making it an innate part of the body. "By the end of training, won''t it really be like an Outer Heaven Demon, naturally having a Protective Qi Mechanism?" "This is somewhat similar to the Heavenly Demon Path." Practicing the Heavenly Demon Reincarnation Technique cultivates the Heavenly Demon True Body, transforming into a Heavenly Demon Divine Demon, naturally possessing a Qi Mechanism. This Heavenly Demon Armor seems to capture part of that utility, without transforming into the Heavenly Demon True Body, giving the cultivator some of the powers of the Heavenly Demon True Body. "Interesting." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Pity, it might be a bit difficult to quickly grind experience for the Heavenly Demon Armor in the future." The Heavenly Demon Armor, like the Giant Spirit Divine, has a fast initial cultivation speed, but requires more time and effort to gain experience later on. Like fruits growing, it needs sufficient time to mature. "Practice slowly." For this kind of secret technique that is easy to learn but hard to master, he has much experience. Just need to include it in the daily must-practice secret techniques, and wait for the time to come for a natural reward. "The Sixth Rank Heavenly Demon Armor could absorb and accommodate the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, gaining the ability to defend against the Superior Fetal Spirit." "I don''t know what kind of transformation this Seventh Rank secret technique will have, perhaps I could find some demon blood or something to try it with." After thinking for a while, Chen Mu dispersed his distracting thoughts. "The most urgent task is to think about what to do with this Daoist Soldier Contract." Thinking about the unseen constraints of the contract, the originally tasty Golden Yuan Valley became somewhat hard to swallow. "If I really sign the Daoist Soldier Contract, it''s like tying a chain to myself. Although it''s said it won''t send Daoist Soldiers to die on purpose, but... what if?" He had been staying in Wanjing Cave these days searching, but still hadn''t found any clues. "Hasn''t anyone thought about exploiting a loophole in this contract?" "It can''t be..." He couldn''t believe that the Qi Cultivators from Hai Province would be so honest. ... Days later, Prison Valley. Chen Mu, as usual, dug up a hundred pounds of Demon Qi Stone early. Ignoring the strange looks from fellow workers, he picked up his basket and prepared to leave Prison Valley. But before he got far, he was stopped by Lu Han, a man with a full beard. "Tell me, why aren''t you practicing the Demon Dispel Skill, and instead going to Wanjing Cave every day?" he asked sternly. His expression was like that of a headteacher from Chen Mu''s past life in school, which made Chen Mu''s heart skip a beat. He dared not hide anything and hurriedly explained: "You don''t know how poor my previous cultivation environment was. To learn a secret technique, I had to dig up someone''s grave." "But now those unattainable secret techniques are everywhere in Wanjing Cave, I... I just want to learn more secret techniques to keep with me." He blurted out sincerely. Lu Han, hearing this, voiced his sympathy: "Bullshit!" "I''ve been in Wanjing Cave for half a month, and I haven''t seen you buy a single secret technique to practice." "It''s because I''m being picky." Chen Mu responded with a grin. "I think you pretending to learn secret techniques is fake, you''re really trying to find a loophole in the Daoist Soldier Contract." Lu Han stated calmly. Is it that obvious? "Smart people aren''t just you." Lu Han said with a smile that was not quite a smile. What does that mean? Chen Mu was stunned. "With your fellow Qi Cultivators always courting me day after day, just to learn the Demon Dispel Skill?" Lu Han''s face was playful. "Brother Lu, you have a way!" Chen Mu''s spirits immediately lifted. Yes. Every three years, the Hundred Illusion Sect must send a batch of Daoist Soldiers to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and if anyone knew the Daoist Soldier Contract best, it definitely would be someone from the Hundred Illusion Sect like Lu Han! No wonder those guys hung around Lu Han all day, aiming for this exact purpose. While he was earnestly searching for information, those cunning folks were thinking of taking a shortcut! "Brother Lu, I was personally recruited by you!" Chen Mu grasped Lu Han''s hand earnestly. "Which one of you wasn''t personally recruited by me." Lu Han rolled his eyes, attempting to pull his hand away. But just as he was about to exert his force, he felt a weight in his palm. A small cloth bag appeared in his hand. That jingling sound, just like the sensation of bright jade... "Promising." Lu Han chuckled, and with a flip of his hand, he tucked the cloth bag into his sleeve. "Go to Wanjing Cave, look for Old Man Hu Buwei." "Remember, you have to say I referred you. Without mentioning that, you won''t be able to exchange for the Secret Technique." Lu Han, handling business while taking money, seriously cautioned with a serious face. Chen Mu was overjoyed. After busying himself for more than half a month, he finally found a lead. He immediately bowed to Lu Han to say goodbye and then sprinted out of Prison Valley. ... Hu Buwei was a short, skinny old man with all-white hair and beard, who would lazily sit behind the counter at the entrance of Wanjing Cave every day. Unremarkable in appearance, and even somewhat ugly, he was actually the guardian of Wanjing Cave. An elder of the Hundred Illusion Sect, holding a status equivalent to Scripture Doctorate Chuan Chang. Chen Mu, who had visited Wanjing Cave for more than ten days, each time paying a White Jade as a fee to look through the books, was familiar with him. At the entrance of Wanjing Cave, Chen Mu approached the counter and immediately bowed with folded hands. "Elder Hu, I was referred by Brother Lu Lu Han, I heard you have genuine Secret Techniques here." Upon hearing this, Hu Buwei''s face showed an amused smile: "Took you more than half a month to find the way here, you''re not very clever, are you?" Chen Mu''s face darkened instantly. This old man must have known what he was looking for all along, yet he just watched for so many days without saying a word, hiding behind the counter enjoying his predicament. Not a good person! "Let''s make it clear first, the Disaster Avoidance Technique I have can at most give you some wiggle room, not fearing being forcibly thrown into Suicide Camp." "But if you think you can use it to desert and break the Contract, that''s definitely impossible." This is exactly the Secret Technique I want! Chen Mu was delighted in his heart. If it were the kind of Secret Technique that could completely bypass the constraints of the Contract, he wouldn''t dare take it. That would be pure deception. Hu Buwei was straightforward, and immediately tossed Chen Mu a book with a black cover whose corners were already curling. Chen Mu opened it. Spirit Puppet Death Replacement Technique, Substitute Puppet Technique, Grassman Marrying Dress Skill... over a dozen Secret Techniques immediately caught his eye. "All these are top-grade Secret Techniques of the Hundred Illusion Sect, just pay five thousand White Jade, and choose one to learn." "Come on, tell me, which one do you want?" Hu Buwei grinned broadly, eagerly started speaking to Chen Mu. Five thousand White Jade? Isn''t that a bit too expensive? Chen Mu''s scalp tightened. He had at most just under forty thousand White Jade on him, and this would take nearly one-sixth of it, really making him heartache. "Think it''s expensive?" Hu Buwei looked at Chen Mu sideways, full of disdain in his eyes: "If it''s expensive, you can bargain!" Chen Mu: "..." Your point makes so damn much sense. "How about three thousand White Jade?" Chen Mu clenched his teeth and slashed the price deeply. "Deal, deal, deal, deal, deal!" Hu Buwei immediately nodded with a laugh, very pleased. Chen Mu was immediately stunned. Did I... bid too high? "Come on, pick which one you want, quick give me the White Jade, I''ll give you the Jade Slip." Hu Buwei''s skinny face immediately burst into folds from his wide smile. He reached under the counter and pulled out a rustling cloth bag, opened it to see, inside, just like casually placed white radishes, it was full of forearm-length Jade Slips. I damn sure bid too high! Chen Mu''s face twitched. "Got dazzled, huh." Hu Buwei again spoke with a grin, "Or perhaps, should I help you choose?" They offer shopping assistance too? Chen Mu was suddenly tempted. To say who was familiar with these Secret Techniques, of course, it had to be the unscrupulous old man in front of him. Since he sells such Secret Techniques all year round, he definitely knows the strengths and weaknesses of each. "These dozen or so Secret Techniques all have similar basic effects, but the limits are different," Hu Buwei said, twirling his mustache and shaking his head. "Those with higher aims are easier to learn but hard to master, yet they go the longer and further path." "Those with lower aims, although they stagnate, are easier to handle, and their effects are immediate." "You..." "I''ll choose the ones with higher aims," Chen Mu decisively nodded. He has Gray Wall to aid him, of course, he would choose the one with the highest limit. "That settles it then." Hu Buwei nodded, and then stretched his hand towards Chen Mu, continuously rubbing his fingers. "A special offer, three hundred White Jade." Chen Mu: "..." You''re fleecing me by catching one wool at a time. Indeed, the price I shouted earlier was definitely too high! Chapter 644 632 Peach God At dusk, Wanjing Cave. "Three thousand White Jade? Truly a fat sheep!" Lu Han leaned on the counter at the entrance, chuckling. "Here, take these two thousand White Jade for distribution," said Hu Buwei with a smile, handing over a wooden box to Lu Han. "Which secret technique did he choose?" Lu Han opened the wooden box, picked up a handful of White Jade and dropped them back in, listening to the clinking sounds, and casually asked. "Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique," Hu Buwei did not hide. "Does our Hundred Illusion Sect have this secret technique?" Lu Han asked in confusion. "I just made it up yesterday," Hu Buwei said nonchalantly. Lu Han: "..." "There is still some clever use to it," Hu Buwei chuckled, "But how useful it can get really depends on how well he cultivates it." "You old man, always deceiving people," Lu Han said incredulously, shaking his head. "Don''t say it like that. After all... it''s not just me who deceives people," Hu Buwei smiled slyly, unperturbed. "Those other tribulation-warding secret techniques can only block cursing secret techniques, thinking about using them to fend off the heavenly punishments from Pure Yang Dao Ancestor is absurd. Finding a loophole in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect isn''t that easy." "Aren''t you afraid that if he succeeds in his cultivation, he''ll come back to trouble you?" Lu Han asked with interest. "He''d first have to survive the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor''s Five Thunders Bombarding, then he''d have the chance to settle scores with me," Hu Buwei smirked craftily, "Moreover, there''s still some clever use to this secret technique. If he gets killed by the Thunder Law, it only means he didn''t practice it well enough." Lu Han: "..." Tsk! You old scoundrel, your heart is really dirty! ... Inside a cavern on a cliff, Chen Mu frowned intently as he stared at the Jade Slip. Mana surged in, and complex, ancient information instantly flooded his mind. After a long moment, he slowly came to his senses. "Creating a Substitute Magic Artifact Peach God to share the burden of tribulation? It seems to follow the same principles as several other secret techniques, I can''t see anything special about it," he scratched his head. He specifically spent an extra three hundred White Jade to choose this secret technique, could it be that Old Man Hu is scamming him? "Perhaps it''s because I haven''t practiced it to a profound level," Chen Mu thought uncertainly. Some secret techniques are like this, seemingly ordinary on the surface, but once practiced to a deep level, they reveal wondrous effects. This Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique sounds daunting, perhaps it''s one of those types of techniques. Thinking this, Chen Mu felt more resolute. Hu Buwei is an elder of the Hundred Illusion Sect, experienced and knowledgeable, he wouldn''t recommend this secret technique for no reason. After all... it cost an extra three hundred White Jade. "Read a book a hundred times, and the meaning will appear. After ten thousand experiences with secret techniques, the profound mysteries will naturally reveal themselves." "If it''s just about hard work, I have experience!" Chen Mu immediately began to construct the foundational talisman for the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique within the Jade Seed. In the days that followed, he changed his usual routine. No longer leaving Prison Valley early, he earnestly stayed inside the valley mining Demon Qi Stone all day long. On the surface, he seemed to be diligently practicing the Demon Dispel Skill, but in reality, he was continuously cultivating the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique. After returning to the Cave Mansion at night, he recited the incantations for the Dividing Tribulation Technique throughout the night and pondered the refinement plans for Peach God during any spare time. Thus, by coming and going early and late, keeping a low profile, he quickly became unnoticeable. The people who initially gossiped about him soon lost interest and shifted their focus of discussion. ... More than twenty days later, deep into the night. Deep within Prison Valley, the fog was thick, and one could barely see three meters ahead. The surroundings were silent, with only occasional hisses and strange howls echoing through the dense fog, creating a somewhat terrifying and eerie atmosphere. At a sudden moment, with a ''pu'' sound, a slight air wave rolled around, revealing Chen Mu''s figure. Over the past period, Chen Mu had devoted nearly all his energy to cultivating the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique. Making pleasing progress, a gray flame-like talisman was now leaping within the Jade Seed. With a thought, the Gray Wall emerged, and Chen Mu skillfully found one of the entries. Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: 1226/10000; "The secret technique has already been initiated, it''s time to start refining Peach God," he nodded in satisfaction. Dividing Tribulation, to share the burden of tribulation, the key to the Nine-Life Secret Technique lies in Peach God, a special Magical Artifact capable of sharing the burden of tribulation. According to the secret technique, Peach God requires Moli Silver from an Exotic Peach Tree in Prison Valley. This peach tree, tainted by the Demon Qi of Prison Valley and absorbing celestial light from the sun, moon, and stars through the Seals of the Hundred Illusion Sect, had generated a peculiarly versatile Primordial Qi. By using Moli Silver Peach Wood Core to refine Peach God, connecting its Spirit God with the refiner, it can mimic the Qi Mechanism of the refiner. When the Daoist Soldier Contract backlash strikes, it can deceive and split the backlash, thereby reducing the impact of the tribulation technique attacks. More importantly, the more Peach Gods are refined, the stronger the ability to divide and withstand tribulations becomes. "If I could refine thousands of Peach Gods..." "Hiss!" "The value of these three hundred White Jade Flowers!" Chen Mu''s face lit up with joy as he strode into the dense fog. Not far away, at the bottom of a cliff, he discovered a bizarre peach tree - only about a man''s height - with twisted branches and entwined limbs. Its stems, leaves, and petals were black as if they had been soaked in ink, the only exception being the silvery stamens at the tips of the branches, which shone brightly like stars in the sky. "Moli Silver!" Long before he had delved into the Dividing Tribulation Technique, he had deployed two Vermilion Feather Swords deep into Prison Valley, using the Truth Listening Divine Power to search for the mutated peach tree. This one had been found nine days ago. Today, having grasped the basics of the Dividing Tribulation Technique, he immediately came to harvest the Peach Wood Core. Chen Mu placed his hand on the main trunk of the peach tree, only as thick as a bowl, and activated the Dividing Tribulation Technique along with its accompanying secret technique. As an exotic force penetrated the trunk, a misty yet exceptionally resilient aura fed back into his hand. "Success!" Chen Mu was delighted, knowing this was the special exotic force nurtured by the Moli Silver. Yet, when he attempted to extract the Peach Wood Core containing this force, his palm felt empty, as though he had grabbed at thin air. "Has someone beaten me to it?" Chen Mu shook his head in resignation. "Indeed, I''m not the only one trying to exploit loopholes in the contract." Chen Mu didn''t dwell on it further and turned to search for another Moli Silver. The Vermilion Feather Sword had been searching in Prison Valley for over ten days, reaping significant rewards. This exotic peach tree was but one of them. ... Two days later, deep into the night, inside a cave mansion on the cliff. On the stone bed lay a thick cotton mattress where Chen Mu sat cross-legged, staring at a pitch-black puppet on a low square table before him. The small puppet was the height of a palm, entirely black with crescent-shaped eyes barely leaving a slit, radiating a shimmer of silver. It wore loose clothing, its head topped with a high ponytail tied with a black rope. The puppet''s face bore a seventy to eighty percent resemblance to Chen Mu, with slightly upturned corners of its mouth displaying a not-so-well-meaning smirk. "Is this supposed to be me?" "This damn thing is not me!" "How could I possibly smile like such a deceitful villain!" Chen Mu stared at the puppet''s mischievous smile, full of indignation. Two days ago, he had obtained a forearm-long exotic peach wood core from deep within Prison Valley, and that night he began using the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique to refine the Peach God. The peach wood core slowly softened and transformed, and after two days and nine sessions of refinement, it had become the palm-sized puppet Peach God now before him. "The facial discrepancy must be an issue with the Dividing Tribulation Technique!" Chen Mu pouted, looking at the Experience Value on the gray wall in front of him. Nine-life Dividing Tribulation Technique: 2397/10000; Feeling the feedback from the gray wall, Chen Mu''s tense expression finally relaxed gradually. "Although the Peach God has some flaws in appearance, it still serves its purpose." The backlash from the Daoist Soldier Contract primarily followed the Spirit God Qi Mechanism. The palm-sized puppet on the table, connected by its Qi Mechanism to him, would certainly divert some of the backlash if it struck. "I just wonder how much it can divert." Thinking of this, his mind stirred. "The Peach God relies on transforming Qi Mechanism linked to the Spiritual Deity to divert backlash from the contract." "Strictly speaking, the Heavenly Demon Body is more closely related to me than the Peach God; possibly, it could also share the function of handling the tribulations!" Sacrificing the Heavenly Demon Body to block a tribulation? Chen Mu shook his head. He could not bear to do that. Upon careful consideration, the Yin Spirit Side Secret Technique brought by his Heavenly Demon Body indeed turned out to be the most formidable among his secret techniques. "I need to refine a few more Peach Gods." ... Late at night inside the Wanjing Cave, darkness enveloped everything, silent and still. Behind the tightly closed stone door, Hu Buwei sat in a reclined chair, eyes closed, resembling a statue. "Primordial Qi! I''ve sensed Primordial Qi," a rough and hoarse voice echoed in Hu Buwei''s mind. "Nine-heads, it seems your Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique is starting to take effect," Hu Buwei responded mentally. "I should thank you for distributing the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique for me," Nine-heads replied cheerily. "If it weren''t for those Daoist Soldiers extracting the Exotic Force to refine the Peach God, my true body wouldn''t have found an opportunity to release Primordial Qi." "It''s mutually beneficial," Hu Buwei''s voice remained calm. "Don''t worry, once I gather enough Primordial Qi and completely break free from the seal, I''ll immediately help you reshape your form," Nine-heads pledged confidently, "at that point, you''ll be able to cultivate the Heavenly Demon True Body in one fell swoop, breaking the limits of lifespan, with a Cultivation comparable to Daoist Foundation." Chapter 645 633: Anomaly Inside Wanjing Cave, Hu Buwei slowly opened his eyes. His right eye was normal, but inside his left, two additional pupils had formed. The three pupils were pitch-black like ink, seemingly bottomless. They roamed around the pale white of the eyeball, sinister and eerie. "Are we just going to wait like this? Aren''t you afraid something might go wrong with the Primordial Qi?" Hu Buwei frowned and voiced out. "The Primordial Qi and I are one and the same; it will automatically converge towards me as soon as it leaves the seal. Stop fretting over nothing," Nine Heads replied nonchalantly. "It''s always wise to err on the side of caution. You''d best go and retrieve it," Hu Buwei suggested. "You''re underestimating my Nine-Life True Body," Nine Heads replied confidently. "By your terms here, the power I embody is akin to that of a Qi Cultivator''s Primordial Spirit. Without an equal level of power to probe it, there''s no chance of my dispersed Primordial Qi being detected." "If you were really that powerful, how did you end up suppressed underground?" Hu Buwei was skeptical. "That''s obviously because I carelessly fell for the traps of you humans!" Nine Heads said indignantly. "Believe it or not, had that guy dared to face me head-on, I could''ve bitten that little thief to death in one bite!" "So you mean to say, you didn''t even see him face to face, and a young thief caught and sealed you?" Hu Buwei''s eyebrows raised. "I can''t help but doubt whether partnering with you is the right decision." "You''re just a mere human. You don''t understand the affairs of us demons!" Nine Heads was humiliated and furious. "The one who suppressed you underground is also just a mere human," Hu Buwei responded indifferently. "Nagging!" "Anyway, there''s absolutely no way my Primordial Qi could encounter any problems!" "So you''re saying you can''t actively retract your Primordial Qi?" Hu Buwei asked, dubious. "We are originally one entity; why would there be any need for Secret Techniques? It will naturally converge on its own!" "Got it. You''re just incapable of actively recalling your Primordial Qi." Nine Heads: "..." ... "How many copies of that treacherous old man sell of the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique?" Several nights later, in a crevice on a cliff within Prison Valley, Chen Mu looked at an exotic peach tree thick enough for two people to hug and swore as he withdrew his hand. The tree grew within a crack in the cliff, its location rather concealed; unexpectedly, its Peach Wood Core had already been extracted. According to the secret technique, Moli Silver only needed a year to regrow the missing Peach Wood Core. The Peach Wood Core inside this tree had clearly been extracted recently. "There must be someone wanting to create multiple Peach Gods." "One by one, they''re all greedy devils!" "It''s so frustrating that I can''t even craft a Peach God." He glanced at the five peach wood puppets, sitting in line inside the Five Ghosts Bag, his face full of indignation. "I can only try to find more Moli Silvers." He was also clear in his mind that anyone who practiced the Dividing Tribulation Technique would not be content with just one Peach God. After all, the more of these things one had, the more secure one could feel. Thinking this, Chen Mu transformed into a Gentle Breeze and disappeared. Prison Valley was vast enough, so he wasn''t too worried about running out of materials. Plus, he had the Vermilion Feather Sword and the Truth Listening Divine Power. Compared to others, it was easier for him to locate Moli Silvers growing in secluded places. "What a pity that I can''t store Peach Wood Cores; otherwise, I''d definitely hoard a batch of them." ... As dawn''s light began to show, the night passed quickly. The sounds of insects and birds started to fill the air. Inside Wanjing Cave, Hu Buwei sat immobile like a statue, his hands gathered within his sleeves, seated in a large round chair. With a howl of a strange wail, a gust of wind suddenly swept across the cliffs. A stream of imperceptible aura flew through the stone door and into Wanjing Cave. The aura circled twice within the cave, like a swallow returning to its nest, and with a whoosh, it plunged into Hu Buwei''s eye that bore three pupils. "Look! Primordial Qi!" "I told you earlier, there''s no need for secret techniques to summon it; they will automatically converge here!" Nine Heads'' voice was filled with triumph after waiting the entire night. But Hu Buwei''s brow furrowed: "With so many Tribulation Techniques dispersed and so much Sealing Power extracted, only this bit of Primordial Qi scattered from your main body?" "Could it be that your Primordial Qi has actually been intercepted?" "Impossible!" "Absolutely impossible!" "I, Nine Heads, always act cautiously, and this surety must be because the main body wants to probe the Hundred Illusion Sect, thus only releasing a strand of Primordial Qi!" Nine Heads was certain. Cautious? You? Hu Buwei drooped his eyelids: "I think you''re talking nonsense." Nine Heads: "..." I also think I''m talking nonsense. Damn it! Who the hell intercepted my Primordial Qi! ... Inside the cave in the cliff. Three palm-sized peach wood figures stood in a row on a low table. With crescent moon eyes and a fox-like smile, they infuriated Chen Mu just by looking at them. "As a paragon of virtue like me, how could the Peach Divine Lords I refined look so malevolent?" "This is definitely a problem with the compiler of the Dividing Tribulation Technique!" He asserted with conviction. Waving his hand, Chen Mu retracted the three Peach Wood Puppets and checked the information on the Gray Wall. Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: 4983/10000; In these past days, continuously refining eight Peach Divine Lords, his experience with the Tribulation Technique soared, and the gray flame-shaped Talisman inside the Jade Seed became increasingly lively and mystical. "Compared to just chanting Curse Commands to construct Talismans, it''s clear that refining Peach Divine Lords yields a lot more experience." Basking in the insights provided by the Gray Wall, Chen Mu had also discovered that the real core of this Secret Technique was practicing with the Peach Divine Lords. "Peach Divine Lords must be refined in greater numbers." "Eight is far from enough, we need at least a few hundred." "I need to speed up, otherwise I won''t have any use for Peach Wood Cores." If he wanted to practice more with Peach Divine Lords, then those Daoist Soldiers cultivating the same Tribulation Technique would surely want to as well. Prison Valley was large enough, and the Exotic Peach Trees known as Moli Silver were not few, but they could not withstand so many people rushing at them at once. "I can''t waste time during the day either, dodging the job of mining Demon Qi Stones is a must." He had the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique as a substitute; mining Demon Qi Stones was as easy as cutting tofu, with no need to stubbornly struggle with the Demon Dispel Skill. With his mind made up to revert to his previous style, just as he was about to put away the Gray Wall and head to work in Prison Valley, suddenly he was attracted to another Secret Technique. Heavenly Demon Armor: 2934/10000/Seventh Rank; Wasn''t it just over five hundred in proficiency yesterday? Where did these two thousand plus experience points come from? Chen Mu was dumbfounded. A month ago, the Heavenly Demon Armor had just entered Seventh Rank. Because it was past the rapid growth period, the progress of the Secret Technique began to slow down. Moreover, since he needed to ponder over the Daoist Soldier Contract, Chen Mu had willingly reduced his energy investment. Originally planning to slowly train through perseverance, he never expected a sudden surge of two thousand plus experience points now. He immediately locked his gaze on the Gray Wall and meticulously observed it, as insights emerged in his heart. He instantly realized that everything was normal with the progress before, but last night, the Secret Technique seemed as though it had taken a Great Replenishing Pill, experiencing a sudden mutation. "Great Replenishing Pill?" With a thought, the Heavenly Demon Armor appeared. Buzz! An invisible ripple spread from within his body; the previously translucent Heavenly Demon Armor became more concealed. Its appearance became nearly invisible, as if it had fully merged with his body. At this moment, a strand of hair blown before his eyes by the ripple revealed a gleam that he noticed. "Did it even reshape my hair?" Full of surprise, Chen Mu immediately plucked a strand. As soon as it left the body, the originally soft and silky hair turned rigid and tough, almost like a steel needle! Is... is this still human? Chen Mu''s mind was in a daze. Subconsciously, he took the hair and jabbed it onto the table. Pff! With a light sound, the hair strand easily pierced into the low wooden table! What on earth is hidden in Prison Valley that in one night turned me into such a monstrosity?! And to not even inform me, how preposterous! No, I must go and settle the score with it! ... Hundred Illusion Sect''s residence was peaceful and serene, peach blossoms on the mountain withered and bloomed again, the fragrance filled the air, but unfortunately, they bore no fruit. Every day in Prison Valley was filled with clinking sounds, as the Daoist Soldiers'' disciples'' proficiency in the Demon Dispel Skill slowly increased. That day, Lu Han took a break from his busy schedule and went to Wanjing Cave. "Elder Hu, you are truly impressive!" He gave a thumbs up to Hu Buwei. "The more Substitute Puppets you refine, the more backlash from the Contracts they can share? What, if you refine thousands or tens of thousands of Peach Divine Lords, can they block a Sect Master''s Five Thunders Bombarding?" "Even the Sect Master doesn''t dare to concoct such tales!" Lu Han said with a mix of laughter and tears, shaking his head. "If these Daoist Soldiers are emboldened by this Secret Technique and openly defy the Contract in Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "If we lose one to death or injury, that''s one less person earning Daoist Cultivation for us." "How about we pause this Secret Technique and switch to a more reliable one to deceive White Jade?" Lu Han suggested out loud. "It is time to pause indeed." Hu Buwei couldn''t help but sigh and shake his head. In theory, the more people practicing the Dividing Tribulation Technique, the more Sealing Power would be extracted from within Prison Valley, and the more Primordial Qi from the Nine-Life True Body would be released. This should be a good thing. But... but not a trace of that Demon Primordial Qi fell into the Nine-Life True Body''s hands! What a loss! Staring at the Nine-Life that was feigning death within his body, Hu Buwei sneered and shook his head. So much for automatically gathering without anyone being able to intervene. Foolish Demon! Chapter 646 - 634: Insufficient At the easternmost side of the Hundred Illusion Sect, the Bing Character Demon Fixing Needle was adorned with crude and bold crimson patterns. Not far below, a pitch-black peach tree thick enough for a person to embrace stood quietly in the dense fog. The dark brown earth on the ground was rolling abruptly, and a nearly imperceptible exotic force emerged like a nimble snake. It followed along the dark green grass, slowly crawling to the top. As the grass trembled slightly, the snake-like invisible force followed the direction of the quivering grass, and lightly soared into the sky. Buzz! A crimson Flying Blade suddenly appeared in mid-air. Puff! A hand broke through the thick fog, snatching the delicate and hair-like strange force into its palm. "Another Great Replenishing Pill in hand!" Chen Mu stepped out of the fog, feeling the intangible force slowly sinking into his Heavenly Demon Armor, and revealed a smile. "It''s probably some kind of Demon Essence." "If I''m lucky, the Moli Silver Peach Tree could be fostered by this thing." Over ten days ago, he discovered a slight increase in the experience of the Heavenly Demon Armor and immediately returned to Prison Valley to track down the cause. With the aid of Truth Listening Divine Power and the natural perceptive nature of the Heavenly Demon Armor, it took considerable effort to discover clues next to an Exotic Peach Tree that had been stripped of its core. It was an extremely covert aura; even with Truth Listening Divine Power fully engaged, only a faint rhythm could be perceived. And it seemed that neither Mana nor the Yin Spirit Divine Power could interfere with it. Fortunately, that thing liked to gather around Moli Silver Peach Trees, and it seemed that the Heavenly Demon Armor had a natural attraction to it. As long as it was close by, it could be absorbed into the Heavenly Demon Armor. After several careful investigations, he finally discovered the pattern of this invisible aura''s appearance. Feeling the subtle changes happening to his body, Chen Mu was filled with joy. With a thought, a grey wall materialized before Chen Mu''s eyes. Heavenly Demon Armor: 7133/10000/Seventh Rank; "Great stuff!" "If there were more things like this Demon Essence, I might be able to level up the Heavenly Demon Armor to the top in no time." Humming happily to himself, Chen Mu approached the peach tree, placing his hand on the pitch-black Exotic Peach Wood. The secret technique was running, and a hollow feeling fed back into his heart. "If only there was still a Peach Wood Core within this tree, I could be doubly fortunate." "Unfortunately..." Chen Mu''s smile faded as he shook his head with a sigh. As time passed, he found that many Moli Silver Peach Trees looked intact from the outside, but their cores had long been extracted. He used to not worry about the raw materials of Peach Wood Cores because the Hundred Illusion Sect was large enough, and Prison Valley was long enough. But now... "There must be more than one or two people cultivating the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique." "I must hurry up and gather more Peach Wood Cores." A sense of urgency rose in Chen Mu''s mind as he quickly vanished into the thick fog. ... Days and months cycle, and time flies by. Early this morning, Chen Mu was awakened by a faint buzzing sound. Stepping out of his Cave Mansion, he saw from afar on the Spiritual Fields of Golden Yuan Valley, which seemed endless, that dozens of people appeared tiny as ants. They were holding Magic Artifacts like cloth bags while standing on Flying Kites just above the low altitude. With a pinch of their fingers, the Golden Yuan Valley below them swiftly separated from their stalks, turning into swathes of gold sand that flew into the sky, zipping into the open bags. These people formed a line in mid-air, flying from north to south, rapidly harvesting the Golden Yuan Valley. On the ground, dozens more followed in their wake, each carrying a yellow gourd. Jets of scorching air streamed out continuously, and wherever they passed, the stalks and leaves of the Golden Yuan Valley turned to ashes that fell back into the Spiritual Field. "I can go to the Administrative Affairs Institute to buy some fresh Golden Yuan Valley this afternoon." Chen Mu lightly patted the rough railing at the doorway, his index finger twitching with eagerness. When Chen Mu first arrived at the Hundred Illusion Sect, this vast expanse of Golden Yuan Valley had already begun to sprout. After four months of growth, today was finally the harvest time. Lu Han and the other Hundred Illusion Sect disciples were also drafted to harvest the Golden Yuan Valley, giving these Daoist Soldiers, who were new to the sect, an unusual day off. "Others might be resting, but I can''t afford to." Stretching and loosening his limbs, Chen Mu twisted his body, and like a Gentle Breeze, merged into the thin mist and disappeared. ... At the southernmost end of the Hundred Illusion Sect, the crude and fierce top of the Bing Character Demon Fixing Needle was shrouded in the white vastness of clouds and fog. Chen Mu''s figure appeared atop the rugged rocks, and he immediately spotted a half-human-height pitch-black Exotic Peach Tree. He stepped forward and pressed down with his hand. As he slightly deployed the Dividing Tribulation Technique, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face. The pitch-dark peach tree trunk rippled with wavy patterns. He reached in and, using his middle and index fingers, pinched out a segment of pitch-black wood core as thick as a walnut. "Although it''s just a small peach tree, the Exotic Force within the wood core is abundant, which is completely sufficient for refining the Peach God." With a flip of his hand, he pocketed the Peach Wood Core and looked around. The top of the Demon Suppressing Needle had grown quite a few plants. There were dozens of peach trees, but there was only this one Exotic Peach Tree that fit the criteria. "Damn that unscrupulous Old Man Hu!" Chen Mu pouted. Over the past two months, he had been searching day and night for the Moli Silver Peach Tree to refine the Peach God. As time went on, he had found quite a few Exotic Peach Trees, but almost all had their wood cores removed. Now, not even one proper Moli Silver could be found in Prison Valley. It was fortunate that this peach tree was situated on top of the Demon Suppressing Needle, where ordinary people dared not climb to seek. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have ended up in his hands. "I wonder how many copies of the Dividing Tribulation Technique Elder Hu has sold off." "I''ve only refined seventy-three Peach Gods." "If I run into a backlash from the Daoist Soldier in the future, this number might not be enough." He was full of concern. "No, I have to search through Prison Valley once more, there might be an overlooked one in some corner." ... Several days later in the evening, at the entrance of a cliff-side cave. Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, staring blankly at the clouds lit fiery red by the setting sun in the distance. These past few days, he hadn''t found any Exotic Peach Trees that met the requirements. The number of Peach Gods remained at seventy-three, and even the Demon Essence that could advance the progress of the Heavenly Demon Armor had vanished without a trace. "It seems impossible to continue refining the Peach God." After pondering for a while, an idea suddenly struck Chen Mu. "Why not try to stack a few other Secret Techniques of Tribulation Resistance?" "Stack Armor, huh? I''m familiar with that!" ... The next day, in Prison Valley, Lu Han watched Chen Mu speechlessly. "Practicing multiple Secret Techniques of Bearing Tribulation?" "Who did you learn the Join Jade Seed and Gathering Talisman levels from? Have you forgotten the basics?!" "Is it not possible?" Chen Mu was clueless. "No matter how profound the Secret Technique of Bearing Tribulation is, it still falls within the scope of a Qi Refiner''s Secret Technique; there has to be a sequence when deploying it." "The Qi Refiner''s Jade Seed only contains one Primordial Talisman, which is the sole pathway for deploying Secret Techniques outward. Before Daoist Foundation is achieved, a Qi Refiner can only release one Secret Technique at a time when Casting Spells." "Many Secret Techniques seem to be deployed simultaneously, but in reality, they are just switches and connections that are fast enough." "You can practice as many Secret Techniques of Bearing Tribulation as you want, but when it comes to using them, you''ll only be able to use one at most. Even if you switch quickly, could you be faster than the Dao Ancestral?" Lu Han gave Chen Mu a sideways look. A twitch appeared at the corner of Chen Mu''s mouth as he suddenly understood. A Qi Refiner before reaching Daoist Foundation was like a single-barrel firearm. No matter how many bullets you load in the magazine, only one can be fired at a time. Although it allows for rapid firing, unfortunately, the Pure Yang Dao Ancestral is too powerful, and no matter how fast he could fire, it wouldn''t match the speed of a backlash. "The Stack Armor plan has failed," Chen Mu scratched his head. "Instead of thinking about these things, you should focus on refining the Demon Dispel Skill." "Your fellow Dao seekers have already started their next level of cultivation in the Grinding Stone Room, when do you plan to stop dawdling!" Lu Han reprimanded with a displeased expression. This chive is growing so inexplicably. "It''ll be soon, no rush, brother. I''ll head to the Grinding Stone Room for cultivation in a few days," Chen Mu replied with a grin. "You''re not still pondering over that Secret Technique of Tribulation Resistance, are you?" Lu Han gave a dissatisfied sideways glance. "What, are you planning to rebel against the Thousand Mechanisms Sect or kill someone from the sect? You haven''t even joined the Thousand Mechanisms Sect yet, why are you so certain you''ll be hit by Five Thunders Bombarding?" He was full of suspicion. It was initially just a tease, but as he spoke, a sense of unease suddenly jumped in his heart. Had he unwittingly taken in a madman? Thinking of causing trouble before even joining the Thousand Mechanisms Sect? Looking at the ever-smiling Chen Mu, Lu Han felt an inexplicable panic all of a sudden. Chapter 647 - 635: Discovery Late at night, the cliffside cave mansion. On the stone wall to the left of the cave entrance, there was a spacious bay window carved out to a depth of one meter. Chen Mu leaned against the window frame and sat on the smooth, broad stone windowsill. Through the transparent and pristine jade window, the night sky was illuminated by shimmering starlight. The Stack Armor Plan had failed. To break free from the latent dangers of the contract, the most economical strategy was still to refine the Peach God. Unfortunately, over the past few days, despite the nine Vermilion Feather Magic Swords lingering within Prison Valley, not a single Exotic Peach Tree of Moli Silver had been found. "That greedy old man Hu is to blame." "Who knows how many people are refining Peach God right now." "So many Exotic Peach Trees, yet all of their Peach Wood Cores have been confiscatedabsolutely outrageous..." Chen Mu shook his head, his heart filled with irritation. "Maybe... I should just go snatch someone else''s Peach God?" Chen Mu felt a burst of temptation in his heart. After hesitating for quite a while, he eventually dismissed such thoughts from his mind. Once a Peach Wood Core is ritualized into a Peach God, it''s bound to the refiner''s spirit. Attempting to sever this connection for a second ritualization would likely result in failure rates astronomically high. Rampantly seizing others'' Peach Gods wouldn''t be of much use and might even draw the investigation of the Hundred Illusion Sect. "I''m a good person; how could I ever commit such acts of thievery and plunder?" Chen Mu declared righteously, his face full of solemnity. "I guess I''ll just wait another year." According to the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique, once the Moli Silver Peach Wood Core is extracted, it only requires about a year of nurture for a new core to emerge. Although waiting another year would mean missing the next Daoist Soldier recruitment by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, Chen Mu had no choice but to accept this course of action. "Just because I abide by the rules doesn''t mean others will." "Without mastering techniques to counteract the contract''s backlash, I can''t go to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "A mere delay of a few yearsI can afford to wait." Chen Mu reached a firm decision in his heart. Unlike other Qi Cultivators, he was still very young. He''d rather wait patiently for a few extra years than take reckless risks. ... Having settled his resolve, Chen Mu''s mind calmed down. Every day, he ventured to Prison Valley as scheduled, meticulously playing the role of an ordinary Daoist Soldier. He had the assistance of the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, sparing him the need to resort to the Demon Dispel Skill. The time he saved wasn''t wastedinstead, it was devoted to thoroughly studying the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique. This was the secret technique critical for countering the contract''s backlash; there was no such thing as being too proficient. One day after another passed. Among the twelve Daoist Soldier apprentices under Lu Han, five had already advanced through Prison Valley and entered the Grinding Stone Workshop for the next stage of practicing Demon Dispel Skill. Chen Mu also followed the crowd''s rhythm, slowly increasing the number of Demon Qi Stones he mined each day, maintaining a modestly unremarkable middle-lower standard. ... Prison Valley, shrouded in mist, rang with the continuous sound of pickaxes striking stone. Lu Han walked slowly, arms crossed, repeatedly inspecting his apprentices, occasionally stepping forward to explain a few points. The proficiency of their Demon Dispel Skill directly affected the speed at which Daoist Soldiers earned Daoist Cultivation credits, which included his share; naturally, he couldn''t neglect it. Before long, he arrived at a remote corner. From a distance, the sight of a young man dressed in a gray fitted uniform caught his eye. The young man wielded a pickaxe with a steady rhythm. The sharp tip glowed faintly green, striking the dark stone walls with sparks flying. Lu Han''s face momentarily soured, then slightly relaxed upon noticing the basket of Demon Qi Stones, already half-filled with vines wrapped around it. "Should''ve done this from the start." "If you had been this diligent in practicing Demon Dispel Skill from the beginning, you might already have entered the Grinding Stone Workshop." "But it''s not too late now. As long as you keep up this pace, you might pass your assessment by year''s end and successfully sign the Daoist Soldier contract." After calculating mentally, a smile spread across Lu Han''s face. He stepped forward, about to offer some words of encouragement, when the young man deftly hoisted his basket, grabbed his pickaxe, and prepared to leave Prison Valley! His direction was clearhe intended to leave! "Chen Mu, where do you think you''re going again?!" Lu Han''s face turned instantly dark. What?! I was just about to praise you, and now you ditch me without a word? He immediately hurried forward to block Chen Mu''s path. "Brother Lu?" Chen Mu looked startled, as though he had just noticed Lu Han was there. "I''m heading to Wanjing Cave," he replied earnestly. "You''ve been at the Hundred Illusion Sect for almost half a year, and yet you''re still not done with the Scripture Cave techniques?!" Lu Han fumed. "Oh, I stopped studying those long ago," Chen Mu lowered his voice, projecting an air of mystery. "I go there to have Elder Hu Buwei guide my cultivation." Hu Buwei? Teaching cultivation? Lu Han was bewildered. Since when did Old Man Hu open a special class? How come I had no idea? "Elder Hu says he has a secret trick to mastering Demon Dispel Skill. If I learn it, I can achieve sudden breakthroughs." "Of course, he''s reluctant to teach me, but I won''t give up." "As long as I spend time persuading him, he''ll relent sooner or later." "Once I master his secret techniques, these petty Demon Qi Stones will be mere trifles to me. Far more efficient than mindlessly slogging away in Prison Valley." Chen Mu spoke seriously, spouting utter nonsense. What secret Scripture?! The old man is just trying to cheat you out of your White Jade! Lu Han was instantly filled with rage. Secretly opening a side hustle and not cutting me in? That shameless old miser! "Brother Lu, what do you think?" Chen Mu asked cautiously. "Scram! Scram! Scram!" Lu Han shouted, waving his hands dismissively. Chen Mu grinned cheekily, bowed, and turned to leave. Good, let him get angry. When angered, he''ll go confront Hu Buwei. Without confrontation... how can I make trouble for that miserly old man? Hehe! Blame it on that old man for selling way too many copies of the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique, and charging me an extra three hundred White Jade on top. This is karmic retribution! Chen Mu cheerfully hummed a tune as he left Prison Valley with his basket on his back. ... Within a crevice of the cliff to the southwest region of Prison Valley. A palm-sized crimson Flying Blade floated quietly in mid-air. Whoosh! The air stirred slightly, and Chen Mu, freshly freed from Lu Han''s grasp, appeared at this spot. He reached out to retrieve the Vermilion Feather Sword and quickly strode toward the center of the crevice, where a black-leaved Exotic Peach Tree stood, its flowers uniquely tinged with silver. Placing one hand on the tree trunk, Chen Mu closed his eyes and activated his Truthful Listening Divine Power, fully focusing his energy on the tree''s internal structure. Fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour... two hours passed... Chen Mu remained standing before the peach tree motionless. At some moment deep into the night, beneath the sparkling stars above, a faintly perceptible aura surfaced within Chen Mu''s spirit. "Found it!" Chen Mu was ecstatic. Refining Peach God ostensibly requires the Moli Silver Peach Wood Core, but its true essence lies in the unique Exotic Force contained within the core. Yet this force was mysterious and elusive. Without the Peach Wood Core as a vessel, it was almost impossible to detect. Thanks to having refined seventy-three Peach Gods and his extensive exposure, coupled with the wondrous Truthful Listening Divine Power, Chen Mu was able to faintly perceive traces of its aura. Since the Peach Wood Core''s depletion, he had stationed the Vermilion Feather Sword to monitor the Exotic Peach Tree of Moli Silver continuously. After a month-long vigil, tonight, he finally caught a hint of its presence. "The Peach Wood Core is merely a medium; the ethereal Exotic Force is the true key." "As long as I locate the source of this force, I can refine as many Peach Gods as I desire!" Suppressing his excitement, Chen Mu prepared to trace this aura back to its source and use his Escape Skills to delve deeper. Activating Yin Spirit Divine Power, he transformed into formless energy, intending to merge into the ground and descend deeper. Clang! A loud noise echoed throughout the crevice, sending waves of shock as Chen Mu staggered backward. Dizziness washed over him, and he almost toppled to the ground. The Five Elements Escape Technique that had always worked flawlessly met an unexpected obstacle. This skill, derived from the Cloud Mirage Sky Demon Body, enabled Chen Mu to seamlessly merge with his surroundings, traversing water, fire, flight, and earth effortlessly. Although slower than Longitudinal Rainbow Light or Yin Wind Escape, it was adaptable to virtually all environments. But now... "Could it be due to the Demon Qi Stones?" Chen Mu quickly identified the cause. As the Hundred Illusion Sect''s headquarters, Qingqiu Mountain contained demons captured by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect beneath its grounds. Years of continuous immersion by demonic energy had transformed vast sections of the mountain''s stone into resilient Demon Qi Stones. These stones were saturated with demonic energy, akin to being part of a demon''s body. While the Five Elements Escape Technique could penetrate natural entities like mountains and rivers, it couldn''t permeate the bodies of living beings. "I should try merging into the peach tree''s wood, following its underground rootsperhaps I can still excavate the depths." Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu activated the Five Elements Escape Technique and pressed both hands against the peach tree. Thud! A muffled sound erupted. A repulsion force even stronger than the one before hurled Chen Mu backward, landing him flat on the ground. "This repulsionwhy is it even stronger than the Demon Qi Stones?!" "This doesn''t make sense..." Chen Mu got up and began circling the peach tree. "Ultimately, I may have to rely on the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique!" He gazed down at the pitch-black, steel-like hardened ground. "I could directly dig a hole to reach the depths, but that would be too conspicuous and leave clear traces." "Perhaps I can adapt the use of the Demon Qi Stone pickaxe." Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. The miners'' pickaxe was imbued with powers from the Demon Dispel Skill, channeling that energy into the sharp edge. If he enveloped his body in Triple Yin Slaying Demon energy... In an instant, a translucent greenish aura enveloped Chen Mu. The ground beneath him softened immediately. Initially as hard as steel, it now resembled loose sand. With Yin Spirit Divine Power resonating, the Five Elements Escape Technique activated, turning the softened ground into a pool of melting oil. Swoosh! Without resistance, Chen Mu slipped effortlessly into the subterranean depths. Chapter 648 - 636: Gourd After twists and turns, left and right, descending nearly a thousand meters, Chen Mu finally emerged like a bubble bursting from a muddy swamp, with a "pop," stepping into an underground space the size of a soccer field. A lush peach forest suddenly entered his view. Fluorescent light flickered on the pale yellow flower stamens, resembling streetlights of a night market, illuminating the entire underground space brilliantly. Here and there, silver-bright blossoms were hidden among the sea of flowers, making Chen Mu unable to suppress a smile. "Found the right place, huh." After a moment, Chen Mu examined the entire peach forest and discovered twenty-six Moli Silver Peach Trees. But instead of hurriedly extracting the peach wood cores, he walked toward the center of the underground hollow. A massive stone gourd was partially tilted, half-buried in the rocky surface. The exposed upper half stood about half a person high, adorned with mysterious silver-black patterns shimmering on the gray stone surface of the gourd. "This thing..." Chen Mu circled the gourd twice, narrowing his eyes involuntarily. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect had suppressed many Outer Heaven Demons beneath the Hundred Illusion Sect. Though this stone gourd seemed ordinary, its eerie burial underground might very well be part of a Suppression Technique. Thinking of this, Chen Mu slowly backed away, distancing himself from the gourd. "The peach wood cores must be collected, but the Suppression Technique cannot be touched." "Outer Heaven Demons are bizarreif something strange happens, I''d have nowhere to cry. Determined not to touch the stone gourd, Chen Mu was about to turn and leave when a familiar aura suddenly appeared within his Truth Listening Divine Power. Ever since entering the underground space, he''d kept the Truth Listening Divine Power active. Unfortunately, the omnipresent Demon Qi Stones choked with Demon Qi had sealed its effectiveness. When probing tens of meters into the Demon Qi Stone, the divine power ceased entirely. Yet, ironically, the omnidirectional sealing forced the Truth Listening power to condense, filling every inch of the underground cavern. The newly appeared aurathough subtle and hiddenhit Chen Mu like thunder exploding by his ear. "Demon Essence?" "The mysterious aura that could rapidly perfect the Sky Demon Armor Talisman comes from here?!" Chen Mu''s face lit with joy, then... he froze and retreated again. He walked in an arc to the opposite side of the gourd, keeping a five to six-meter distance, scrutinizing the stone-carved gourd closely. A hair-thin crack suddenly caught his eye. The fissure was near the edge of a black patternwithout the guidance of the Demon Essence aura, Chen Mu would''ve missed it entirely. "Should I?" "What if it''s a demon''s trap?" Looking at the aura by the gourd that seemed to beckon like a swaying courtesan, Chen Mu hesitated in indecision. "Why not absorb one strand?" "Just one strand, one strand isn''t much." "No matter how sinister the Outer Heaven Demons may be, what can happen from absorbing a single essence strand?" Hot eagerness slowly crept into Chen Mu''s gaze. ... Inside the stone-carved gourd was a vast, pitch-black Grotto Heaven. Three dragon heads of the Heavenly Demon Nine-head reared high, red-scaled necks trembling rapidly. Strange rustling filled the darkness, enough to set nerves on edge. The six eyes with triple-pupils firmly targeted the fissure overhead that seemed to split the heavens. "The six strands of Primordial Qi lost earliercould they have been taken by him?" Nine-head sensed a familiar energy signature from the intruder. Previously, he had painstakingly exposed strands of Primordial Qi from the seal, intending to empower a split-body for escape. Instead, all the Primordial Qi vanisheda grievance that festered in his fury for days. "To dare approach here... truly, the road to heaven is closed, but hell opens wide for fools!" Nine-head bared his teeth; sharp fangs gleamed coldly. Buzz! The enormous body suddenly shot skyward, clutching tightly at the fissure in the Grotto Heaven ceiling, one eye peering out to glare at Chen Mu. Watching Chen Mu''s conflicted, greedy expression, followed by an intensifying hunger, Nine-head''s gaze filled with malicious delight. "Yes! Just like that!" "A single strand of Primordial Qiis it even that dangerous?" "Absorb one, then another. I still have seventeen strands in me. Just dare take them, and I''ll split half your way instantly!" "Only by then, whether you''re still youthat''s no longer any of my concern." His smile twisted with cruel amusement. ... Threads of light filtered through translucent jade into the cave mansion. Cross-legged on a stone bed, Chen Mu glanced at the growing daylight outside. Picking up the palm-sized Jade Gourd from the short square table before him, he took a swig of Nourishing Spirit Wine. The weariness from cultivating immortality overnight vanished instantly. Seeing the three mischievous wooden figurines arrayed on the table, Chen Mu''s face involuntarily twitched. After working tirelessly all night, he had crafted three more Peach God sculptures. Adding to his prior creations, his total now reached seventy-sixa further boost to security. That said, the appearance of these Peach God sculptures... "Forget itout of sight, out of mind." Chen Mu scowled, stuffing the Peach Gods into the Five Ghosts Bag. With a thought, a translucent gray wall materialized before him. Skillfully navigating its options, he stopped at two items of interest: Sky Demon Armor: 8933/10000/Seventh Rank; Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: 6983/10000; The core of the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique lay in crafting Peach Gods. As their numbers in his possession increased, the skill''s experience points naturally climbed. The Sky Demon Armor, however, was a pleasant surprise. "A single Demon Essence strand boosted Sky Demon Armor proficiency by over 400comparable to half a month of full-force cultivation. What a treasure!" A thought summoned a transparent armor layer to his body, veins of crimson threads floating within. "In addition to Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles protection power, there seems to be traces of another Demon Qi technique formed from absorbing the Demon Essence." Chen Mu happily examined the thread-like patterns across the translucent armor. For a moment, those red threads seemed to whisper faint murmurs. But before he could listen closely, the Sky Demon Armor Talisman trembled autonomously, as if someone suddenly smothered the voice sourcemurmuring twice before vanishing completely. What was that? Chen Mu scratched his head. Carefully interpreting the feedback sensations from the gray wall yielded no abnormalities. "Never mind. Demon Essence is merely a bonusprogress for the Sky Demon Armor is gratifying, but no progress is no loss either." "The urgent priority remains converting the Moli Silver Peach Tree grove into Peach Gods within this underground space." ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu resumed his usual routine. He''d mine a hundred or so pounds of Demon Qi Stones before leaving. Finding a secluded location, he''d enter an underground cave to extract one Moli Silver Peach Wood Core, then return to his cave mansion to craft Peach God dolls. If any Demon Essence leaked out, he collected it casually. Day by day, the number of Peach Gods increased, while the expertise of the Sky Demon Armor and Tribulation Techniques grew rapidly. ... Back in the stone-carved gourd''s depths. Nine-head coiled his body of crimson-scale armor tightly, staring with eighteen pupils of suspicion at the ceiling fissure of the Sealing Cave Heaven. "How much Primordial Qi has this man absorbed already?" "Initially six strands, and these past few days another threenine in total?" "Yet why hasn''t he undergone any assimilation or transformation?" "I can clearly sense my Primordial Qi roaring from within him, but why hasn''t he turned into an extension of myself?!" Uneasiness began gnawing at Nine-head. "Could all the Primordial Qi given away have been wasted?" Impossible! Absolutely impossible! "It must be because he hasn''t absorbed enough strands of Primordial Qi!" Fixated on the figure still circling the gourd outside, Nine-head clenched teeth and made a ruthless decisionreleasing three more strands. "Enough with incremental oil-drip tactics! Overload him in one strikeburst him, crush him!" "With three strands of Primordial Qi flooding in, this little creature is bound to become part of me!" "When that happens, all the Primordial Qi swallowed earlier will return in full, with interest!" Nine-head stared at the fissure in the ceiling, anticipation brimming on his face. Chapter 649 - 637: 9 Poems In the early morning, the sounds of insects chirping and birds singing echoed through the mountains and forests. Some headed to Prison Valley to mine Demon Qi Stones, some to Grinding Stone Workshop to grind them, while others tended to the newly sprouted Golden Yuan Valley in the Spiritual Field. Inside Qingqiu Mountain, the Hundred Illusion Sect was slowly waking up. Even the pervasive mist that cloaked the surroundings seemed to come alive, drifting lazily about. The entire Qingqiu Mountain resembled a rounded basin. Near the cliffs lay the deep, eerie Prison Valley, while the basin''s center stretched out as flatlands, reclaimed into Spiritual Fields for cultivating Golden Yuan Valley. The Grinding Stone Workshop, on the other hand, was located at the northern edge of the basin plains. Chen Mu, along with two other Daoist Soldiers, followed Lu Han to a row of black-tiled houses. The half-open doors and wooden windows revealed glimpses inside, and faint humming sounds emanated from each room. "Brother Lu, including these three, you''ll have a total of seventeen Daoist Soldier apprentices graduating under your guidance this year. Congratulations!" The small-eyed, round-faced Yang Fu approached, brimming with admiration and envy. "Congratulations to us both. The Daoist Cultivation earned from this will surely include your share as well." Lu Han responded cheerfully. "These new recruits at Grinding Stone Workshop will need extra care from you." "You still doubt my methods?" Yang Fu raised his chin proudly. "Rest assured, leave them to me, and by year''s end, every one of them will graduate." "Most of them seem fine, but there''s one you''ll need to keep an eye on." Lu Han leaned closer to Yang Fu, pulling him aside for advice. "See that insolent gray-clad youth over there?" Lu Han''s face twisted with disdain. "He does have talent, but he''s unbearably slippery. He often makes excuses about heading to Wanjing Cave just to skip cultivation. Completely irresponsible!" Not far away, Chen Mu was looking around at the Grinding Stone Workshop with great interest: "..." Am I being irresponsible? I was refining Peach God! Isn''t that actual cultivation, for heaven''s sake? If not for discovering Moli Silver in the underground space to make more Peach Gods, I''d still be wasting away in Prison Valley. Why would I bother being here at Grinding Stone Workshop in the first place? Chen Mu secretly rolled his eyes. "Leave him to me." From afar, Yang Fu gave Chen Mu a disdainful sidelong glance. "In my domain, even dragons have to coil!" "Just wait and see my methods!" He snorted coldly, confidence overflowing, as he strode toward Chen Mu with great determination. First impressions required some intimidation to suppress rebellious attitudes. Nine ways to scare these troublemakers popped into Yang Fu''s head instantly. Yet before he could decide on a tactic, his vision went dark and his legs gave out. With a resounding "thud," he knelt swiftly and uncontrollably before the three Daoist Soldier apprentices. Lu Han: "..." This is your method? Kneeling to beg for their cultivation? Your method truly is impressive, alright. Chen Mu, like the two Daoist Soldier apprentices beside him, stared on with bewildered disbelief, struggling to suppress laughter threatening to escape. Ah, the twists of fate. This round-eyed fatty once cursed me as a scoundrel at the Washing Body Cave, didn''t he? A familiar face indeed. And to be honest, the Nightmare Victory Spell works wonders. ... Grinding Stone Workshop and Prison Valley may seem like different tasks, but at their core, they are surprisingly similar; only the precision demanded here was greater. In Prison Valley, the focus was on extracting Demon Qi Stones. At the Grinding Stone Workshop, the goal was to grind those stones into fine powder. In Prison Valley, the training centered on quickly harmonizing the aura of Demon Dispel Skill within the shortest possible time to locate the unique Demon Dispel Power capable of breaking apart Demon Qi Mechanisms. Grinding Stone Workshop required not only finding the corresponding Exotic Force but maintaining it for long periods and with sufficient intensity. Prison Valley was about honing technique, while the Grinding Stone Workshop trained technique and endurance simultaneously. After all, no matter how sharp the blade is, without adequate strength, dissecting demon beasts remains time-consuming and strenuous. After only a few attempts, Chen Mu realized the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique remained highly effective. It functioned almost like an automatic mechanism, adjusting itself swiftly upon contact with Demon Qi Mechanisms and transforming into specific Demon Dispel Power designed to counter them. As long as Chen Mu provided enough mana, its output remained reliable and steady. With the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique essentially cheating for him, Chen Mu could swiftly complete his training at the Grinding Stone Workshop. "Alas, it''s not quite time yet." Wandering the underground cavern, Chen Mu shook his head and sighed inwardly. After more than ten days, all twenty-six Moli Silver Peach Trees had been hollowed for their peach wood cores. His number of Peach Gods had grown to ninety-nine. "Is this as far as it goes? I wonder if these Peach Gods can withstand the Five Thunders Bombarding." Chen Mu, unwilling to accept fate, once more inspected the Peach Forest. After a lengthy search, he paused by the sealed gourd''s edge. "The Demon Essence is no longer overflowing. Perhaps the Outer Heaven Demon inside the sealing prohibition is dead?" Chen Mu furrowed his brows. "The progress of my cultivation at Grinding Stone Workshop will have to slow down." "If there are no more Exotic Peach Trees regenerating underground and I can''t refine enough Peach Gods, then I''ll have to wait for the next Thousand Mechanisms Sect Conscription Order." Though disappointed, he accepted the reality calmly. After all, before discovering the underground cavern, he''d already resigned himself to missing this year''s conscription order. Using the Truthful Listening Technique to survey the entire subterranean void once more, Chen Mu found nothing unusual and could only sigh, shake his head, and leave the depths behind. ... The dark, expansive Gourd Cave Heaven. Coiled into a massive pile, Nine-Headed Beast''s crimson-scaled body lay motionless as three of its heads loosely drooped atop its bulk. After a long pause, one of its eyes finally fluttered open, and its three pupils rotated, casting a helpless glance at the cave heaven''s zenith. "Finally, that monster is gone..." It let out a heavy sigh. The three fearsomely fanged faces, vicious and menacing, now brimmed with frustration and bewilderment. Even after having eleven streams of Primordial Qi absorbed, nothing unusual had occurred? This was still a person? This was absolutely not a person! "Probably some kind of Outer Heaven Demon disguised in human skin." Nine-Headed Beast''s heart sank with regret. Back when this person first appeared outside Gourd Cave Heaven, I should never have given him Primordial Qi! "But thankfully, it''s finally over now." "With all the peach cores of the Moli Silver Peach Trees extracted, they won''t regenerate anytime soon. This guy will essentially stop coming here." As its mind settled, it began to relax. Just as it thought this, Nine-Headed Beast instinctively glanced up at the ceiling crack. Then... it locked eyes with a giant eye, filling the entirety of the fissure. That massive eyeball was brimming with ill intent! Nine-Headed Beast: "..." Wait, weren''t you supposed to be gone? Why are you sneaking back to spy on me through my window?! Its entire body trembled violently, its scales clattering chaoticallyit nearly leapt into the air from pure shock. "That Demon Essencedoes it come from you?" Chen Mu chuckled maliciously, full of certainty. With Moli Silver exhausted, Demon Essence remained plentiful. Since he''d come all the way underground, he wasn''t about to leave empty-handed. He grinned, his pearly white teeth glinting with chilling sharpness. "Little thing, you''ve got some tricks, huh? Managing to spot me through the ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition gaps surrounding Gourd Cave Heaven." Nine-Headed Beast sneered, rolling its eyes in irritation. "Demon Essence?" "Ha! You''re ignorant." "That''s my Primordial Qi, carrying the foundation of my true spirit." "I don''t know what method you used to momentarily capture it, but surely the chaotic thoughts popping into your head aren''t pleasant!" Nine-Headed Beast glanced upward, its face glowing with a schadenfreude smile. "And this is just the beginning. Over time, the spiritual sense within the Primordial Qi will gradually erode and assimilate you." "Eventually, you will become one with me!" "Hahaha!" What? The Demon Essence contains spiritual senses? No one told me that! Clinging to the stone gourd''s edge, Chen Mu was instantly startled, and began frantically checking the Gray Wall insights. After a while, he finally unearthed a minor note in the Gray Wall''s feedback. "The Heavenly Demon Armor is recorded in the Thousand Mountains Sutra. This commentit must be a note from the Thousand Mountains Sutra''s author." Chen Mu mulled over it and carefully read the note''s contents. "The Heavenly Demon Armor can assimilate and consume a demon''s primordial essence, specifically obtaining its innate protective Qi mechanism. However, this process damages the primordial essence''s bloodline Dao charm, rendering it incapable of fully assimilating or taming the demon''s Divine Skills and talentsa major flaw..." A failed secret technique?!" Chen Mu: "..." Really? Such big talk? These "failed secret techniques"... I would like ten more, please! Inside Gourd Cave Heaven, observing the giant eye above seemingly lost in thought, Nine-Headed Beast instantly perked up its heads. "Want more Primordial Qi?" "Fine." "But daring to take it? That''s another matter!" Its eighteen pupils glimmered with sheer hostility. This... there''s really a free handout? "How about giving me one morejust to test?" Chen Mu beamed. Nine-Headed Beast: "..." You seriously dare ask?! I''ve tried scaring you thoroughly, yet you''re still undeterred? "Come nowdon''t give up. Maybe one more dose of Primordial Qi and I won''t withstand the erosion, turning into your avatar instantly." "Then you get a chance to escape the seal. Don''t miss this opportunity!" Chen Mu''s eyes shone with overt encouragement. "Now that you say so, it almost makes sensewait, absolutely not! There''s no logic to that!" Nine-Headed Beast fiercely countered. By now, it realized clearly this conniving scoundrel just wanted to swindle its Primordial Qi. This guy must be some kind of Outer Heaven Demon disguised in human skin. Otherwise, how could he resist the erosion of the Primordial Qi? "Dream on, old man! You''ll never fool me into parting with my Primordial Qi!" Nine-Headed Beast snorted coldly, curling its body up tighter, shutting its eyes to ignore the incessant temptations echoing from the crack above. After all, with the ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibitions blocking the inside from the outside, this Outer Heaven Demon couldn''t enter, nor could it leave. What was there to fear?! Just as it was about to block out the noise and sleep soundly. Clang! A metallic noise abruptly rang out right atop its sharp spine. A sudden burst of sharp pain surged directly into its brain. With a piercing howl, Nine-Headed Beast jerked its body upright to find itself bombarded by a downpour of verdant Qi Blades. They descended like torrential rain, covering every inch of its scales. Knives from the heavens? Knives specifically targeting us Outer Heaven Demons? Even back in my demon homeland, we didn''t experience such nightmarish weather! In an instant, its entire protective Qi mechanism was penetrated by the dark green Qi Blades, and overwhelming pain rippled throughout its body. Clenching its teeth against the agony, Nine-Headed Beast glared fiercely at the fissure above, locking onto the mischievous smile glowing from those eyes outside. Hatred burned in its gaze. Using mere pain to force my submission? Dream on! Even in death, I refuse to yield! Chapter 650 - 638 Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition Wanjing Cave. Hu Buwei looked helplessly at Lu Han, who had a full beard in front of him. "I really haven''t started a new business." "I don''t believe it!" Lu Han was resolute. "A Daoist Soldier Apprentice told me he bought a Secret Transmission of the Demon Dispel Skill from you." "And that guy''s Demon Dispel Skill really improved dramatically in a short time." "What do you have to say for this?" I... I don''t know. Hu Buwei was utterly confused. "Old Man Hu, Elder Hu, I didn''t expect you to still be hiding the practice secrets of the Demon Dispel Skill." "This concerns the speed of Daoist Soldier training and can greatly affect the Daoist Cultivation acquisition of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "How could you hide this from us just for a little White Jade!" Lu Han was indignant. "This matter has spread in our circle, and you must give an explanation." I am really wronged. Hu Buwei was aggrieved. I''ve just been honestly guarding the Wanjing Cave, occasionally earning some White Jade, so how come I have this inexplicable true scripture? Don''t let me find out which bastard put this on me. Otherwise... hmph! He suppressed his resentment, explaining for a long time before finally sending Lu Han away. But before he could sort it all out, a sudden intense pain emerged from inside his eyes. The pain quickly overwhelmed his entire body as if he were being executed by lingchi. Hu Buwei''s whole body twitched, almost fainting from the pain. After a while, the pain gradually subsided. Hu Buwei''s clothes were soaked with cold sweat. "Nine heads, what the hell is going on with your body?" Hu Buwei, enraged, eyes bloodshot. "How long has it been, not sending Primordial Qi, but instead sending this lingchi-like pain?!" "Do you even want to escape the seal?" The Nine Heads clone shrank weakly inside Hu Buwei''s Secret Acupoint, silent and too afraid to speak. I also want to know what''s going on. ... "I surrender!" The stubborn Nine Heads only held on for fifteen minutes before burying all three of its heads into its coiled body, urgently pleading for mercy. It was indeed stubborn unto death, but considering it''s not dead yet. Being imprisoned in the Gourd Cave Heaven without seeing daylight was already grievance enough, if there were further lingchi punishment... Tut! It''s not that the Nine Heads lacks resolve; it''s merely compromising a little for a more comfortable imprisonment environment. It''s entirely understandable! Not excessive at all! The three heads of the Nine Heads spun swiftly, reaching a consensus in just a few breaths, finding themselves a reason for pleading. Outside the seal, Chen Mu, squatting by the stone gourd, regretfully withdrew his hand. He had specially let the Five Ghosts chop a piece of Peach Wood Core, readying himself to engage in a long battle with the demon inside the gourd. Unfortunately, it only took fifteen minutes for the demon in the gourd to confess. "These Outer Heaven Demons don''t seem as fierce as the legends say." Chen Mu leaned closer to the narrow crack, using Truth Listening Divine Power to probe into the Grotto Heaven. At this moment, Nine Heads was littered with small pits on its crimson Scale Armor. When the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique Qi Blade stopped, white smoke began to emanate from its body. The pits carved by the Qi Blade also started to slowly recover. "Hand over the Demon Essence." Chen Mu spoke flatly. Primordial Qi, Primordial Qi! That''s my Primordial Qi! It''s not some damned Demon Essence! "I truly can''t give you any more Demon Essence, giving more would mean my death." Nine Heads spoke softly, full of grievance in its words. Hearing this, Chen Mu''s brow furrowed deeply. "If I die, it doesn''t matter, but that will surely trigger the ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition on the gourd." Nine Heads quickly explained: "If it alarms the Hundred Illusion Sect, you won''t be able to easily come here again, I am acting entirely in your interest." Theoretically, the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition isolates both inner and outer demons. Even with a crack caused by a shift in the Heavenly Stars, the demon cloaked in human skin outside shouldn''t be able to project its strength into the sealed interior. But the opponent could indeed throw that kind of green Qi Blade into the Gourd Cave Heaven. If he could throw the green Qi Blade, couldn''t he throw other Divine Skills as well? If he angered the opponent, and really got himself minced into meat, wouldn''t that be a huge loss? But he only had a total of twenty-seven threads of Primordial Qi. Losing a few more, although it wouldn''t be fatal, would certainly cause a severe impact on his Vital Energy. So... "I truly can''t give you any more Demon Essence, but the demons sealed within the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition are not limited to just myself." Nine Heads contemplated rapidly, immediately deciding to divert the trouble. "You know where the other demons'' sealing land is?" Chen Mu was inwardly delighted. Having discovered the underground cavern for more than ten days, he had only been digging out Peach Wood Cores and deliberately investigating beneath the Hundred Illusion Sect. Truth Listening Divine Power was isolated by the Demon Qi Stone, making it hard to probe too far. Chen Mu, using the Exotic Force from the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, employed the Five Elements Escape Technique, probing around the base of Qingqiu Mountain in circles. Except for the cavern in front of him, he hadn''t found any other similar hidden places. Unexpectedly, the demon in front of him knew where other demons were sealed. An unexpected delight! For him, Demon Essence was merely a bonus. Chen Mu was more concerned about the Moli Silver growing near the sealing lands! "The stone gourd before you is the core of the ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition. It connects to the Heavenly Stars, opening layer upon layer of Grotto Heavens and seals." Nine Heads explained before Chen Mu could ask. "All the Outer Heaven Demons are actually inside this gourd." "The cavern you now see is merely the location of my seal." "All the demons are really inside this gourd?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. "Of course!" Nine Heads immediately nodded affirmatively. Interested? Good, being interested means there''s no need to doggedly stick to my Primordial Qi. "You can breach the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition and throw Qi Blades into the Gourd Cave Heaven. Surely, you can also invade the prohibition core to find the other demons'' locations." Nine Heads spoke softly and gently, filled with flattery and encouragement. The path has been told to you; whether you can find it or not is up to you. But if he wasted time and effort or triggered the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition''s response and got sucked into the Sealing Cave Heaven, it''s not my fault. A smile flashed simultaneously across Nine Heads'' eighteen pupils. ... The next day, Chen Mu returned to the underground cavern. He sat on a tree stump, continually contemplating the half-human tall stone gourd before him. The surface of the gourd was covered with silver and black patterns. Initially, it seemed unremarkable, but upon prolonged observation, one could perceive the secrets within. The seemingly simple patterns were nested layer upon layer, like complex roots, dense and intricate. Hidden yet erupting with power akin to underground magma, flowing quietly within those intricate patterns. "Do you truly not know how to probe into the core of the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition?" Chen Mu suspiciously stared at the Nine Heads coiled inside the Gourd Cave Heaven. "Think about it, if I had a way to interfere with the Sealing Technique, would I honestly stay underground?" Nine Heads cheerfully explained. "Instead of asking me for a method, you should ask yourself." "Even though a crack appeared in the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition, it''s not something anyone can throw Divine Skills into." Indeed! Why am I able to throw the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique into the Grotto Heaven? Chen Mu pondered, casually tossing a Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique into the small crack. One hundred and eight ghostly green Qi Blades descended from the sky, immediately inducing convulsions in Nine Heads pinned by the Slaughter Demon Qi Blades. This bastard has no humanity! Pondering the Secret Technique is one thing, but throwing knives at me for no reason? Though the harm is not significant, it''s damned painful! Nine Heads cursed inwardly. Chen Mu ignored Nine Heads'' resentful gaze, carefully recalling the process of deploying the Slaying Demon Technique just now. According to Nine Heads, he should not be able to throw Secret Techniques inside the seal, as there would be multiple barriers stopping him. But the reality was, the Slaying Demon Technique''s Mana seemed as if it had spirituality, smoothly passing through the prohibition''s channels, slipping into the Sealing Technique''s interior without a hitch. "Is it that the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique is special?" Crack! In the midst of secretly criticizing Chen Mu, Nine Heads was immediately knocked to the ground by a strike of Kui Water Yin Thunder. Enough is enough! Nine Heads was furious. Just as it was about to curse vociferously, a torrential outpouring of thunder and flames erupted inside the Gourd Cave Heaven. The sinister green Qi Blades descended like a torrential rain, with various Secret Techniques alternating in attack. Damn it! Nine Heads'' eighteen pupils all widened with fury. Chen Mu ignored the furious Nine Heads, his eyes locked on the changes on the gray wall. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture? I didn''t activate this Secret Technique just now! Chen Mu''s eyes lit up, and he immediately took the initiative to cast it. The Yin Spirit Divine Power transformed into a gentle, intangible force encasing the stone gourd. He felt a momentary blur before an explosion of multi-colored and chaotic energy erupted before him. The energies rotated rapidly and regularly, filling the entire underground cavern like a firework bursting dramatically. "This must be the true form of the ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition." Swish! Chen Mu''s figure suddenly disappeared. The underground cavern remained silent, only the gourd''s interior vaguely echoing fragmented noises, as if a person suffering a thousand cuts was cursing. Chapter 651 - 639: Spirit Treasure Mechanism "What the... How did he actually manage that?" "The Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition that seals countless demons and monstershe just waltzed in like it''s nothing?" "I was freaking bluffing!" In the Gourd Cave Heaven, Nine Heads stared at the rift in the sky in stunned disbelief, his nine faces filled with shock. ... Chen Mu''s vision blurred, and the surroundings changed in an instant. The cave was still the same cave. The peach forest was still the same peach forest. Even the thin crack on the stone gourd in front of him looked exactly the same. The only thing missing was the peachwood stool he''d been sitting on. Who stole my stool? The thought flashed by, and Chen Mu quickly realized the truth. No one had stolen his stool. The world itself had shifted. Through the stone-carved gourd, he had entered a deeper layer of the seal. Swish! The Truth Listening Divine Power immediately filled the almost identical underground space. Nineteen Moli Silver Peach Trees popped into his perception. Chen Mu''s lips curved into a smirk. ... Several days later, silence reigned in the newly discovered underground cave. Chen Mu leaned against the cold stone gourd, sitting on a second-generation peachwood stump, his eyes locked onto the ebony Peach Wood Core before him. The power of the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique surged forth. The Peach Wood Core, like wax under a flame, slowly melted into a pool of liquid, then gradually stood upright again. An hour later, a grinning little black-faced puppet took shape, floating mid-air before him. Chen Mu waved his hand, stowing the puppet into the Five Ghosts Bag. Gazing at the bag''s compartments, packed full with over a hundred Peach God puppets, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. "The faces might be a little off, but the sheer number is delightful." "With over a hundred Peach Gods, I might just survive the Five Thunders Bombarding." It had been seven days since he entered the second-level Sealing Cave Heaven. Over the past few days, his routine was clear: Every morning, he''d report to the Grinding Stone Workshop, produce twenty or thirty pounds of Demon Qi Stone Powder, and then promptly leaveonly to dive right back into the Sealing Cave Heaven to craft more Peach Gods. Previously, he didn''t dare linger in the underground cave, leaving as soon as he collected the Peach Wood Core. But thanks to the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, Chen Mu could now clearly sense the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition. Despite the cracks, he knew it was still extremely secure. This assurance allowed him to stay and commit fully to crafting Peach Gods. "The Netherworld still has its treasures," Chen Mu mused over the wonders of the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture, continuously amazed. This Secret Technique originated from Yunzhou of Da Qian. When he first returned from the Netherworld to Yunzhou, by sheer chance, he was made the Living God of Luandu County''s City God Temple. It was then he found the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture stored inside the Divine Statue Cave Heaven of the City God Temple, free for his study. "I never imagined this Secret Technique would allow access to the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition." He turned his head to look at the dull-gray stone gourd behind him, understanding dawning in his heart. "The City God Dojo and the Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibitionthey must share some sort of connection. This gourd behind me is probably akin to the core protective artifact of the City God Statue." Chen Mu called up the Gray Wall interface, focusing on one of the entries. Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture: 5957/10000/Sixth Rank; "I can barely meddle with it now, but if I max out its rank, I might even gain full control." After a moment''s thought, Chen Mu shook his head to dispel the idea. He was only after more Moli Silver Peach Trees, and gaining access to the deeper Sealing Cave Heaven was already more than enough. "It''s just a pity that the demons in this layer of the seal aren''t very smart." Chen Mu glanced at the crack on the gourd and let his Truth Listening Divine Power seep inside. "Kill, kill, kill... Eat, eat, eat... Die, die, die..." The maddening roars of insanity bombarded his ears, making his head throb. The demons sealed here had clearly gone utterly insane from centuries of confinement. Scratching his itching ears, Chen Mu retracted his Divine Power. "If only they were sane enough to talk. I might be able to swindle some Demon Primordial Qi out of them. I''ve had the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique stuck at the brink of Seventh Rank Perfection for ages." He sighed regretfully. With a flick of his fingers, the Nine Cups Algorithm activated, allowing him to briefly calculate the surface-world time. Standing up, Chen Mu scanned the distant peach forest, confirming that he hadn''t missed a single Peach Wood Core among the nineteen Moli Silver Peach Trees. Wrapping himself in the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, he launched himself upward like a fish breaching the sea. With a soft "pop," he slipped seamlessly into the pitch-black rock ceiling of the cave. He weaved upward through the earth, and within a few breaths, Chen Mu emerged above ground in a secluded corner of Prison Valley. "Exiting the second-level Sealing Cave Heaven still puts me straight on the surface." "Two layers of seals overlapping, yet both remain connected to the outside world?" "Fascinating." Glancing at the faint morning light, Chen Mu clasped his hands behind his back and leisurely began ascending the cliffside steps. "Let''s report in at the Grinding Stone Workshop first." "Tonight, I''ll give the next layer of the seal a shot." "Nobody''s explored that place in ages. The amount of hidden Moli Silver there is probably astonishing." "Time to strike it rich..." ... In the first level of the seal, Nine Heads crouched at the crack leading into the Gourd Cave Heaven, his three-pupil eyes glued to the cavern outside the fissure. "Based on that guy''s usual patterns, he must''ve returned to the surface by now." "Which means I have at least half a day before he reenters the underground cave." "If I release this Primordial Qi now, there''s a high chance I can evade his notice and successfully reach my counterpart." Over the past month, he hadn''t been idle. After a moment''s calculation, Nine Heads made his decision. A silvery thread as fine as a strand of hair shot out from the center of his brows. The crimson scale armor covering his body immediately began to dull at a visible rate. Nine Heads stared at the potent aura emanating from the Primordial Essence before him, his expression equal parts reluctant and regretful. The Primordial Qi was indeed immense in power, but the Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition was even stronger. Despite the fissures caused by the shifting heavenly stars, it still suppressed his Primordial Qi, reducing it to a mere fraction of its original strength. Weakened and slowed, moving the Primordial Qi toward his counterpart became significantly riskier. "Damn this Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition." "Damn that little thief!" Gritting his teeth, Nine Heads grumbled a couple of curses before taking a deep breath. He focused on guiding the Primordial Qi through the crack in the seal. But no sooner had the Primordial Qi begun to slip through than he sensed something amiss. The usual impenetrable resistance had lessened significantly. "The crack... It''s widening?" "HAHA!" "All those Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Techniques I sent out are finally paying off!" Nine Heads'' face lit up with elation as he fully concentrated on moving the Primordial Qi outward. In moments, the Primordial Qi had extended an inch beyond the stone gourd. Normally, this would''ve taken two or three hours at the very least. "It''s working!" Nine Heads exclaimed in joy. But before his grin could fully form, a tremendous suction force suddenly arose from within the fissure of the seal. The moment the Primordial Qi breached the boundary of the Gourd Cave Heaven, it was as though an invisible rope had yanked it downward. In a flash, the entire strand of Primordial Qi was dragged back into the gourd''s depths, vanishing without a trace. Nine Heads froze in stunned disbelief. Wait, where''s my Primordial Qi? Where did my sleek, radiant strand of Primordial Qi disappear to?! AAAAAAHHH!!! Chapter 652 - 640: Unexpected Change Two months passed in the blink of an eye, the weather turned cold, but the peach blossoms on Qingqiu Mountain remained radiant as ever. Inside Chen Mu''s cliffside cave mansion, a long wooden table was placed beside the bay window. The Fire Cloud Gourd standing on one end of the table spat out blue flames, forming a small fire cloud midair. Thin, snow-white slices of Exotic Beast Meat nestled within the flames, emitting a sizzling sound as oil seeped out, curling up slowly. The entire cave was instantly filled with a tantalizing aroma. Chen Mu picked up a piece and placed it in his mouth. The fresh, savory flavor exploded, prompting him to squint in delight. "Indeed, meat from the mutated demon beasts of the Mist Forest carries a unique taste." The snow-white Exotic Beast Meat was sourced from the legs of the Hundred-Eyed Spider, a creature unique to the Mist Forest. He had specially purchased five pounds of it from the Administrative Affairs Institute, costing him twenty-three pieces of White Jade. If replaced with Fasting Pills, that expense could have sustained an ordinary Qi Cultivator for two months. Expensive? Certainly. But... "I''ve cultivated for so many years; can''t I enjoy myself a little? Haha..." Shoveling down a bite of the sweet Golden Yuan Valley Rice, Chen Mu wore a satisfied smile. After a whirlwind feast, all that remained for the Five Ghosts was a table strewn with messy cups and plates. Holding the Jade Gourd filled with Nourishing Spirit Wine, Chen Mu leisurely walked to the entrance. He lay back in his glossy rocking chair and watched the fiery-red sunset on the horizon. Reflecting on his gains over the past two months, his face broke into another uncontrollable grin. Two hundred and three! Through two months of hard work, the number of Peach Gods in his possession had reached a whopping two hundred and three! "With them shielding against calamities, why should I fear the contract''s backlash?" Ever since he used the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to tamper with the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition, the seals buried beneath the Hundred Illusion Sect had completely opened their doors to Chen Mu. He had consecutively discovered seven sealing caves, locating dozens of Exotic Peach Trees with Moli Silver. With materials gathered, the number of Peach Gods skyrocketed. Meanwhile, his proficiency in the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique also advanced at incredible speed. With a thought, a gray wall surfaced in Chen Mu''s vision. Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: 7643/10000; "Even if I were to face Five Thunders Bombarding directly now, I..." "Hmm, okay, maybe still not quite there." "Haha, getting ahead of myselfgoing overboard, aren''t I?" Chen Mu chuckled lightheartedly, entirely unconcerned. "It''s not like I''m planning on rebelling against the Thousand Mechanisms Sect; there''s really no need to worry about their Five Thunders Bombarding." Taking another sip of Nourishing Spirit Wine, Chen Mu felt invigorated, his body utterly at ease. "It''s a pity, though, that the demons inside Gourd Cave Heaven are either stupid or mad. I can''t even trick them into releasing a trace of their Primordial Qi." "Unlike that sucker, Nine-head." "Looks like I''ll have to delve deeper to investigate." "The Heavenly Demon Armor has been stuck at a Seventh Rank peak for such a long time." Under the sunset, Chen Mu rocked gently in his chair, sipping Nourishing Spirit Wine while muttering and mumbling to himself. ... Late at night, deep beneath the Hundred Illusion Sect. With a soft "pop," Chen Mu slipped familiarly into the cave. Using the Truthful Listening Technique to scan, he confirmed there was no usable Moli Silver left in the Peach Forest. Striding toward the cave''s center, he pressed his hand against a stone gourd. With the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture active, his figure vanished in the blink of an eye. Moments later, he found himself in a brand-new cave. Same familiar stone gourd. Same familiar Peach Forest. Soon, Chen Mu located nine brand-new Exotic Peach Trees. "Layer upon layer of interlocking chambersidentical yet distinct. The Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition seals are truly marvelous." He had previously studied the caves, confirming that every sealed cave was identical, down to the precise positions of the peach trees. The only apparent differences were the locations and quantities of Moli Silver Peach Trees and the variations in the types of demons sealed within Gourd Cave Heaven. This allowed him to quickly differentiate them. With a flicker of thought, Chen Mu activated the Truth Listening Divine Power, finding the familiar crack on the stone gourd. On instinct, he tensed his muscles, expecting to hear the piercing screams of madness. Yet after waiting awhile, his ears remained eerily silent. "No Outer Heaven Demon within this layer of the seal?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "Was it never here to begin with?" "Or perhaps, over time, it was already killed by the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition?" Having entered nine layers of sealing caves, this was his first encounter with such an anomaly. Fortunately, he had prepared for scenarios like this and wasn''t overly shocked. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s ultimate aim in establishing the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition was to suppress and eliminate demons. The current situation was entirely logical. After pondering briefly, Chen Mu turned to the Peach Forest to gather Peach Wood Cores. The peach blossoms radiated a warm, golden glow, illuminating the cave in soft brilliance. All around, silence reigned, interrupted only occasionally by the sound of Chen Mu''s footsteps. ... Time slipped quietly away. At some point, Chen Mu lifted his head, halting his Peach God crafting. With his fingers pinching specific positions, the Nine Cups Algorithm activated. "It''s time to check in at the Grinding Stone Workshop." Chen Mu stored away the freshly made Peach Gods. Observing the external time simulated in his mind, he couldn''t help but laugh and shake his head. "The Nine Cups Algorithm actually has its reliable moments." He had grasped this secret technique for several years. In the past, its accuracy in predicting fortune had been minimal, barely sufficient for forecasting weather. But lately, he''d realized it was rather effective for gauging daylight duration and external hours. "Weather report, world clock?" "Tsk!" Preparing to leave the underground cave, Chen Mu''s thoughts shifted. He returned to the vicinity of the stone gourd, using the Truthful Listening Technique to peer into its crack once more. "Previously, I only thought the demon''s screams were irritating, but now, with this eerie silence, it truly gives me the creeps." Sneering at himself, he was about to withdraw when his peripheral vision caught sight of the gourd''s surfaceand his heart suddenly skipped. "Why does this crack... seem just a tiny bit bigger than the one from the upper layer?" "Could it be that the demon within has already escaped?!" He had suspected something amiss earlier. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have checked the seal before leaving. He hadn''t expected to truly uncover an issue. Chen Mu froze on the spot. Channeling the Truth Listening Divine Power to its fullest extent, he meticulously probed every inch of the underground cave. After a long search without any abnormalities, he finally felt a sliver of relief. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect wouldn''t recklessly seal so many demons underground without thorough planning." "The Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition must have countermeasures in place; it''s impossible for a mere crack to let the demons escape." However... "Nine-head seemed able to release traces of Primordial Qi in an attempted escape; could the demons here possess a similar ability?" At this thought, the anxiety Chen Mu had just dispelled surged anew. "No, I have to consult the Three-headed Flood Dragon on this!" ... Moments later. Chen Mu appeared within the cave housing Nine-head. Without hesitation, he extended the Truthful Listening Divine Power into the gourd seal. A vast, silent cavern emerged in his mind. The entity once nestled at the bottomNine-headwas now conspicuously absent! Chen Mu''s scalp tightened, his hair nearly standing on end. Unwilling to give up, he expanded the Truthful Listening Divine Power, quickly finding a peach tree he had previously chopped down to make wooden stakes. Relying on its location, Chen Mu firmly identified this cave as the first layer of Nine-head''s seal. "The seal''s prohibited laws suppressing demons... have they truly escaped?!" ... Pfft! Somewhere in Prison Valley, the ground erupted with a blast of energy, revealing Chen Mu''s figure. "Disaster''s struck!" He had consecutively probed nine sealing layers, finding that every demon supposedly imprisonedincluding Nine-headwas altogether gone. Moreover... "This Prison Valley mist doesn''t feel right." Chen Mu stared at the thick fog obstructing his vision, his heart growing heavy. The mist previously alternated between thick and thin, allowing vague visibility within twenty or so meters. Faces of demon apprentices could be discerned. Now, the fog had become unreasonably dense, darkening what should have been bright daylight. No apprentices could be seen mining Demon Qi Stones either! "Did the entire Hundred Illusion Sect crumble overnight?" Sweat beaded on Chen Mu''s forehead as he unleashed Truth Listening Divine Power to its widest extent. Eventually, he spotted a number of Daoist Soldier apprentices rushing along the cliffside stairway in small groups, their expressions confused as they hurried toward Qingqiu Palace. Meanwhile, Lu Han and Yang Fu were knocking on cave mansion doors, notifying the apprentices to ascend the mountain. "Good, good, despite a mishap in Prison Valley, it doesn''t seem too dangerous overall." Chen Mu exhaled deeply, turning to leave the valley. But as he lifted his foot, he suddenly noticed a black silhouette standing not far ahead. "When?!" Shock ran down Chen Mu''s spine, cold sweat instantly breaking out. His Truthful Listening Divine Power had been active the entire time. When had that figure appeared in front of him without detection? Even now, as he vaguely saw the flowing hem of a dark robe edged with golden embroidery, his divine sense revealed nothing whatsoever in that spot! "Outer Heaven Demon?!" A surge of overwhelming fear gripped him. Chen Mu''s heart pounded violently as he froze in place, unable to move. Every breath felt like an eternity. A large bead of sweat slid from his hairline, dripping into his left eye. Chen Mu instinctively blinked. When his eyelid rose again, the apparitionits streaming ribbonshad vanished. "A hallucination?" "That can''t be!" Chen Mu quickly spun around, surveying his surroundings, only to find nothing. He cautiously approached the spot where the shadow had stood, confirming a faint pair of shallow footprints on the ground. "Someone was indeed here," Chen Mu exhaled shakily. A tangible being was preferable to those ungraspable, enigmatic apparitions. But midway through the exhalation, he stiffened once more. The ground in Prison Valley wasn''t soft soil; it was hard Demon Qi Stone resembling steel. The figure had barely stood for a few seconds yet left distinct footprints? This... "Could I really have come face-to-face with some demonic ghost?" The quiet that enveloped Prison Valley added to Chen Mu''s creeping dread as he scanned his surroundings again, feeling a chill rise within him. Chapter 653 - 641 Sealing Demon Curse At the entrance of the cliffside cave mansion, Lu Han stared at Chen Mu with an unfriendly expression. "Where did you go!" "Brother Lu, you know me, in my free time, I would only be at Wanjing Cave." Chen Mu said matter-of-factly, spouting nonsense. "Nonsense!" "That lazy old man Hu at Wanjing Cave wouldn''t bother to get up so early to open the door for you." Lu Han scolded bitterly, as if disappointed. "Your face looks pale, your eyes are listlessno doubt you went to Peach Blossom Nook to meet some vixen!" Peach Blossom Nook? Vixen? The market district two hundred miles north of Hundred Illusion Sect? Is it truly such a good place? Chen Mu''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Stop pretending!" Lu Han was fuming. "Everyone in Peach Blossom Pavilion practices the Six Desires Peach Blossom Scripture." "Stay too long, and it''ll drain all your Essence and Primordial Spirit!" "Not only will it harm your Daoist Soldier training, but your own cultivation stage will stagnate. In the end, it may even shorten your lifespan!" Men and women? No way, is Peach Blossom Pavilion really that wild? This... this makes me even more curious to see it for myself! Chen Mu had a roguish grin plastered across his face. Lu Han: "..." "Wait a minute, do you really not know about Peach Blossom Pavilion in Peach Blossom Nook?" He seemed a little stunned. "Thank you for pointing it out, Brother Lu. Otherwise, I truly wouldn''t have known about such a wonderful place in Mist Forest!" Chen Mu responded with a cheeky smile. Lu Han wished he could slap his own mouth. This guy was already lazy and cunning, and now he knows about Peach Blossom Nook, a place to waste time and indulge in pleasure... It''s over. This Daoist Soldier apprentice probably won''t graduate this year. I might lose a large chunk of Daoist Cultivation profit in the next three to four years! "How did Old Man Hu at Wanjing Cave even bother to open the door for you?" Lu Han grumbled with resentment. "Of course, I used White Jade." Chen Mu replied mysteriously, making things up. "He said he has secrets about passing through the Grinding Stone Workshop. I visited him early and late just to inquire about this technique of his." "That greedy old man opened up a new side hustle without us knowing?!" Lu Han immediately boiled with anger. Haha! Splashing mud on Old Man Hu''s namesuccess! "Brother Lu, why are you here?" Chen Mu laughed inwardly but feigned confusion outwardly. "Can''t you see this fog everywhere?" Lu Han snapped irritably. "There''s been a disturbance at Prison Valley. Everyone is required to gather at Qingqiu Palace on the mountaintop, waiting for the elders to investigate the cause." "Follow me. You''re the only one missing from our group." After speaking, Lu Han folded his hands behind his back and marched up the stone stairs. Chen Mu hurriedly followed along. While walking, he turned his head to glance at the suffocatingly thick fog that blotted out the sky. His playful expression faded, and he shivered involuntarily. The black-robed figure he had encountered at the bottom of Prison Valley still lingered in his mind. "Could this be another cataclysmic chaos?" "Am I really destined to bring turmoil wherever I go?" "Impossible. I''m no harbinger of chaos." Chen Mu''s face showed a mixture of complex and indescribable emotions. ... Although everyone was told to gather in Qingqiu Palace, the majority actually grouped up in threes or fives around the palace''s outskirts. Only seven or eight elders and the sect master Zheng Bailian were allowed within Qingqiu Palace. By noon. The elders investigating surrounding anomalies assembled in the center of the palace hall. "I checked; all the demons within the seals of the first thirty layers have completely vanished." Hu Buwei said gravely. "Dead?" Hundred Illusion Sect Master Zheng Bailian frowned. Dressed in a loose cyan robe, he appeared as a pale and slightly delicate-looking young man. "It seems the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition was triggered by some external stimulation, activating a specific mechanism that drained the core Essence of the sealed demons completely." Zheng Bailian nodded slightly. "Leftover consequences from last time when the Heavenly Star shifted?" Hu Buwei shook his head slowly: "I''m afraid external forces might be at work." "Could someone be trying to break the seals and release the demons?" Elder Chuan Changzai''s bushy mustache twitched, his face darkened. The expressions of all the elders hardened at that remark. ... "I''m definitely not the one who provoked the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition!" Not far outside Qingqiu Palace, Chen Mu, sitting on a gray-white stone, vigorously shook his head. "I was merely wandering around, picking some Peach Wood Core. How could I possibly trigger a reaction from the Law Prohibition?" "Nine Heads!" "It must have been Nine Heads!" "That Three-headed Flood Dragon has always been unruly. He probably tried to send extra Primordial Qi to escape the seal, which caused the chain reaction!" Listening to the conversation inside Qingqiu Palace, Chen Mu had a look of certainty on his face. "That has to be it!" "Well... even if it''s not, it is!" ... Below the mountain cliffs outside Qingqiu Palace, tasteful platforms were arranged in scattered layers. On these platforms, there were ponds and peach forests, with shaded pavilions standing near the edges, creating a refined aesthetic. At this moment, Chen Mu sat by a pond. Not far away, Lu Han sat on the steps of a pavilion, passionately explaining Curse Commands. "The foundation of the Sealing Demon Curse lies in Demon Dispel Skill. It serves to combine everyone''s strength, helping to collectively fend off attacks from demons." "The Heavenly Star battlefield changes in an instant. While most of you will usually stay at the rear encampment handling demon corpses, there''s always a chance some stragglers from the front line might charge at the camp." "The Sealing Demon Curse is your best weapon against demons." "Heavenly Demons and demons are powerful, but with dozens or even hundreds of people jointly using Demon Dispel Skill, even if you can''t kill the demon, you can hold its attack long enough for the High Cultivators stationed at the camp to step in and resolve the crisis." "For you all, it''s an invaluable survival technique." "Take this opportunity to practice with me and refine your coordination." Lu Han shouted loudly, calling everyone to begin chanting the Curse Command. Chen Mu tried chanting the Curse Words out of curiosity. After chanting a few times, he indeed effortlessly triggered the vibration of the Demon Dispel Skill talisman. The dozen or so people around also gave it a try, and instantly streams of green Demon Dispel Power soared into the air. These energies spread out and merged in midair, gradually forming a translucent Light Shield that enveloped the entire small platform. Combining the strength of everyone for protectionit resembles the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. Chen Mu was quite intrigued as he looked up at the Light Shield above. Interesting. ... In the following days, Chen Mu and the others were required to stay by the small pavilion outside Qingqiu Palace. Hundred Illusion Sect even distributed a bottle of Fasting Pills to each disciple to stave off hunger. The elders regularly flew into the dense fog that covered the Qingqiu Mountain basin to investigate. Chen Mu didn''t idle around either. He deployed nine Vermilion Feather Swords, exploring not just Qingqiu Mountain but also the surrounding Mist Forest within a radius of over a hundred miles. However, he never encountered the black-skirted woman in the mist again. "At least it can be confirmed she''s not a Heavenly Demon Monster that escaped the seal." Chen Mu''s heart settled slightly. Based on the Hundred Illusion Sect elders'' findings, the demons within the seals of the first thirty layers of the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition had been drained of their core Essence and utterly destroyed. Although the deeper layers couldn''t be accessed for inspection, they were confirmed through Secret Techniques to still hold demons securely inside without escaping the Sealing Cave Heaven. "A chance encounter with a senior High Cultivator passing through?" "But if he or she was simply passing by, why scare me with such mysterious appearances?" "Some people are just insane!" ... After two more days. Chen Mu and the others had preliminary mastery of the Sealing Demon Curse. The dense fog surrounding the area began to dissipate slowly. Orders came from Qingqiu Palace for everyone to disband on the spot. By dusk, at the entrance of the cliffside cave mansion. Chen Mu lounged in a wobbly chair, gazing out through the open doorway at the distant Golden Yuan Valley fields. Although the assembly had disbanded only at noon, disciples were already riding Flying Kites to scatter Demon Qi Stone powder and enrich the Spiritual Field. Golden Yuan Valley is unique; it absorbs the demon aura from Demon Qi Stones to simultaneously nourish Essence and Primordial Spirit. Consuming large quantities of its crops could even replace Rejuvenation Pills, aiding Qi Cultivators in condensing their Divine Orifice. "Cultivating the Peach God is now out of the question." Chen Mu sighed deeply. With the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition experiencing a major incident, Sect Master Zheng Bailian decided to conduct irregular checks on the underground seals. Chen Mu wouldn''t dare to venture underground again. Besides, with one anomaly in the Law Prohibition, who knows if there will be another? What if the seal sucked him into the Sealing Cave Heaven? This time the Law Prohibition''s reaction drained over thirty Outer Heaven Demons of their core Essence. If he got caught up in that... Hiss! "Things really have come to an end now." Chen Mu glanced at the array of small wooden figures filling the shelves of the Five Ghosts Bag, sighing in resignation once more. It''s not like he was planning to rebel against Thousand Mechanisms SectFive Thunders Bombarding Heavenly Punishment was still far off from him. All he wanted was some extra leeway to avoid being sent to his death. These two hundred and twelve Peach Gods should be enough to resist the backlash from the Daoist Soldier Contract... right? Ugh! It''s all Old Man Hu''s fault for being too greedy! Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel indignant. If it weren''t for Hu selling too many Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Techniques, people wouldn''t have come to compete with him for Moli Silver Peach Wood Core. Without those people, he might have already cultivated up to three hundred Peach Gods by now. Then he wouldn''t be so plagued with worries. Chapter 654 - 642: Nine Lives The weather grew increasingly colder. In just over ten days, snow had begun to drift around Qingqiu Mountain. Yet despite the freezing chill, the peach trees scattered across the mountain remained in full bloom. On this day, Chen Mu braved the biting wind and made his way slowly up the stone steps on the cliffside. After passing a towering Demon Suppressing Needle that resembled a pillar reaching into the heavens, the Wanjing Cave came into sight. ... "Greetings, Elder Hu." Chen Mu arrived at the counter near the entrance of Wanjing Cave and clasped his hands with a bright smile. "Chen Mu?" Hu Buwei lifted his head and voiced his doubt. Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel perplexed. He was merely a low-ranking Daoist Soldier Apprenticehow was it possible for this reclusive elder to remember him so well? "It is truly an honor for me that Elder Hu still remembers," he ventured cautiously. Is this scheming old man planning something sinister? "After all, you were willing to spend thirty-three hundred pieces of White Jade, you blessed... cough, generous benefactor." "Of course I would remember you." Hu Buwei spoke matter-of-factly, exuding an air of nonchalance. You meant to say ''fool,'' didn''t you? You shameless old geezer! "Speak. What brings you here?" Hu Buwei asked indifferently. Suppressing the urge to punch the old man square in the face, Chen Mu respectfully inquired, "I wish to know if there are materials other than Moli Silver that can be used to refine the Peach God." "In your dreams." Hu Buwei replied serenely. Shameless old geezerif you don''t want to answer, fine, but why must you insult me! "Of course, you could always just steal someone else''s Peach God." Hu Buwei suggested casually, as though encouraging mischief. "Could you, in that case, teach me how to turn someone else''s Peach God into my own?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up with curiosity. "Fooling you is far too easy, isn''t it?" Hu Buwei raised an eyebrow, wearing an expression that seemed to mock Chen Mu''s audacity. Chen Mu: "..." Do you have no fear of someone throwing a sack over your head one day? "Alright, I''m done teasing you." Hu Buwei chuckled mischievously. "Instead of pondering how to refine more Peach Gods, focus on mastering the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique." He offered cryptically. "The Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique stems from the Divine-Demon Life-saving Divine Skills. While it can''t give you nine lives, mastering it deeply just might grant you half a life more." "You''re not lying to me?" Chen Mu asked suspiciously. This old goat isn''t trying to trick me into leaving faster, is he? "The better your proficiency with the Tribulation Technique, the stronger your connection with your Peach God becomes. The burdens it can share with you during tribulations will increase correspondingly." "Originally, it could only bear one or two parts of a tribulation. Later, it may even help divide the burden equally with you." Hu Buwei explained earnestly. "If you practice diligently and grasp the True Intent of the Secret Technique, it absolutely guarantees gaining half a life more!" He vowed solemnly. What a windfall! Chen Mu rejoiced inwardly. Initially, he only inquired about substitutes for Moli Silver out of stubbornness. He had never expected the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique to harbor such surprises. Mastering it deeply could lead to unlocking the core truths of the Secret Technique? Radical self-improvementI know all about that! Time to grind! Without hesitation, he clasped his hands in gratitude and turned to leave. ... "Kicking him out so quickly? Is there something fishy about that guy?" Inside the cave, Hu Buwei asked the hidden Nine Heads. "If I gifted you eleven strands of Primordial Qi, would you dare accept?" Nine Heads countered. "Are you planning on possessing my body?" Hu Buwei raised an eyebrow. "See? You wouldn''t dare. But that guy just did." Nine Heads replied, seemingly exasperated. "Not only did he dare absorb them, but he successfully devoured and assimilated them, without any adverse effects arising afterward." "Are the Primordial Qi you''ve lost because of him?" Hu Buwei''s heart trembled in alarm. Who was this fierce individual, hiding as a Daoist Soldier Apprentice within the Hundred Illusion Sect? "This is undoubtedly a demon disguised in human skin; otherwise, he couldn''t have swallowed so much Primordial Qi from me." Nine Heads asserted with certainty. "Or perhaps he''s a cunning Qi Cultivator infiltrating the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to stir up trouble!" Hu Buwei''s expression turned grim. It felt as though he''d accidentally uncovered a fragment of a colossal conspiracy; the realization made his heart quake. "Tell mecould the previous incident with the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition have been caused by him?" Hu Buwei asked. "Hard to say." Nine Heads shook its head, though it didn''t refute the possibility. "No matter if it''s related to him or not, we should avoid encountering him moving forward." Hu Buwei''s brows furrowed deeply. Nine Heads recalled the multiple setbacks it had suffered at this individual''s hands and nodded in emphatic agreement. ... Late at night in the cliffside cave. "For some reason, Elder Hu''s aura feels oddly familiar..." Chen Mu squinted and contemplated for a while before scratching his head. "Forget it. My priority is grinding proficiency in the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique." "Although Elder Hu''s greedy and black-hearted, there''s likely some truth to his words." "If I master the Tribulation Technique fully, it might not actually grant me half a life more, but at least it''ll ensure maximum value from my Peach God." Chen Mu opened the Gray Wall interface and focused on a particular entry. Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: 7796/10000; "The core of the Tribulation Technique lies in crafting the Peach God. Refining it maximizes proficiency in the Secret Technique." "Now that I''m out of Peach Wood Core, I may as well attempt a second refinement of the Peach God." "Although the proficiency gained is less than the initial level, it''s certainly better than chanting empty Curse Words." Resolving to act, Chen Mu immediately retrieved one Peach God from his Five Ghosts Bag and activated his Mana to begin the secondary refinement. The wooden doll''s overall form remained unchanged, but its minute details gradually evolved into something lifelike and refined. Its hair strands became distinctly defined, the clothing''s texture sharpened, and even the arrangement of its facial features slowly shifted. Its expression altered as well, becoming... becoming increasingly "harmonious." Chen Mu: "..." Is that supposed to represent me? I refuse to accept it! ... Thump, thump, thump... At the Grinding Stone Workshop by the Spirit Field in Golden Yuan Valley. Inside a black-tiled room, Chen Mu gripped a long-handled iron hammer and slammed it rhythmically into a stone mortar before him. Emerald-green sparks flew from the mortar as a fist-sized Demon Qi Stone was quickly reduced to fragments the size of soybeans. After several more strikes, ensuring the stone couldn''t be crushed further, Chen Mu scooped out the fragments and poured them into the feed chute of the adjacent stone mill. Grasping the protruding handle of the stone mill, he infused it with Three Yin Slaying Demon Power and began turning it. The Demon Qi Stone fragments were swiftly ground into fine powder, trickling out of the discharge opening and collecting into a small wooden bucket placed below. Smashing, grindingChen Mu repeated the cycle tirelessly. Within just half an Hour, the bucket beneath the mill had been filled halfway. Estimating the weight of the contents, Chen Mu deduced the bucket held approximately thirty pounds of Demon Qi Stone Powder, meeting the workshop''s minimum requirement. Standing by the stone mill, he pretended to be immersed in milling, though his left hand hidden within his sleeve discreetly held a small wooden figure. Activating his Mana, he resumed the secondary refinement of the Peach God with practiced expertise. ... A day soon passed. "Junior Brother, this amount of refined stone powder..." Yang Fu glanced at Chen Mu disapprovingly, his plump face laden with dissatisfaction. "Senior Brother Yang, do you have any advice?" Chen Mu replied with a cheerful grin. Yang Fu was about to speak when a chill prickled his scalp, his neck feeling uncomfortably cold, as though someone were breathing icy air down his nape. He glanced at Chen Mu and the wooden bucket on the floor, the sharp words poised on the tip of his tongue suddenly dissipating, as if swallowed by some invisible force. He couldn''t help recalling the inexplicable incident of kneeling before Chen Mu previouslyit replayed vividly in his mind. This guy... could he be hiding something sinister? Yang Fu''s thoughts raced. He abruptly remembered the upheaval that occurred in the Washing Body Cave earlier this year. Could it bethis is the elusive, vicious monster responsible for countless killings at such a young age? "Senior Brother Yang?" Chen Mu''s soft voice called. Yang Fu snapped back to reality, meeting Chen Mu''s crescent-moon smile. His chubby face instinctively twitched: "Junior Brother, today''s Demon Qi Stone Powder is much finer than yesterday''s!" His small eyes widened with feigned seriousness: "Exceptional craftsmanship!" "Really?" "Absolutely!" "Will this suffice for the task?" "Without a doubt!" What a shame. I had my Nightmare Victory Spell fully prepared, yet I couldn''t use it. This chubby cowardwhy did he suddenly chicken out for no reason? Such a pity. Chapter 655 - 643: Dividing the Calamity A month later, in the evening. At the entrance of the cliffside cave mansion, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, contentedly staring at the gray wall. "It''s not easy." Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique: Limit; "That old man Hu Buwei may be black-hearted, but he didn''t lie. It''s just that his understanding of the Tribulation Technique might not be very thorough." "A full-level Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique isn''t about dividing the tribulation technique, but evenly distributing it. All the Peach Gods and oneself bear it equally." Chen Mu carefully comprehended the feedback from the gray wall, a growing smile on his face. Moreover, the Peach God can share the technique because of the connection in qi? What about my Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed? That thing can completely be considered a part of myself, so can they share the tribulation technique just like the Peach God? Chen Mu''s heart couldn''t help but beat rapidly. He immediately reversed the Divine Orifice River Chariot, practiced nine strands of primordial qi, and sent them all to his glabella. The Yin spirit power rapidly turned, transforming into a cold white mist. The two combined, nurturing the Heavenly Demon Body thousands of miles away. Chen Mu felt a sudden clarity in his mind, and countless secret auras emerged deep within his soul. Instantly, a pitch-black sky appeared in his consciousness. The sky was deep and dark, like the night sky, with bright dots flickering on it, resembling billions of stars in the night. "This feeling of connected qi... There''s no mistake!" "As long as the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique is used to connect and reshape, the spirit seed can immediately become an alternative Peach God to share the tribulation!" Chen Mu clenched his fist and swung. "If I could really turn all spirit seeds into Peach Gods..." Chen Mu looked at the slowly retreating night sky star map in his mind, his whole body trembling with excitement. The Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body was clumsy and weak, with the split spirit seeds having no independent survival ability, but the number of split spirit seeds was truly eye-catching. Moreover, although spirit seeds are difficult to plant into other living beings, when combined with the hidden Heavenly Demon Curse in the East Pole Longevity Scripture, they can co-exist with Ghosts. The previously black sky, with its various sizes of bright dots, were all the successfully co-existing Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds. "Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique?" "No, I think it should be called Spirit Seed Tribulation Splitting Technique instead!" ... The Hundred Illusion Sect Administrative Affairs Institute was between Qingqiu Palace and the cliffside cave mansions where the disciples lived. Qingqiu Palace was the core of the Hundred Illusion Sect, located at the mountain''s peak. The disciples'' cave mansions were opened halfway up the cliff of Qingqiu Mountain. The Administrative Affairs Institute was below the Qingqiu Mountain cliff but higher than the Prison Valley, roughly level with the Golden Yuan Valley Spirit Field in the basin. The lower location was convenient for the numerous disciples to hand over tasks and exits, as the passage to the outside world of Qingqiu Mountain was also opened next to it. That day, Chen Mu completed his Grinding Stone Workshop task early and arrived at the Administrative Affairs Institute. Entering the five or six meters high square doorway, he discovered a spacious round-roofed cave over ten meters high. Numerous fluorescent algae lanterns hung above, illuminating the cave brightly. Directly across was a wide passage that seemed to extend through the mountain, stretching out to the mountain''s exterior. On either side of the hall were two symmetrically arranged arched doorways. One led to the Administrative Affairs Institute, the other to the Judiciary Battalion. Chen Mu cast a glance before heading straight into the left doorway marked by an Administrative Affairs plaque. ... "Hundred-Eyed Spider Leg Meat, delicious and nourishing, can strengthen the foundation. If you''re sick of Golden Yuan Valley, you can change your taste with it." "The price is similar to Golden Yuan Valley, only five White Jade Coins per jin." "Too expensive?" "Then how about the Antlered Horse, ten jin of meat for just one White Jade." "It''s full of qi and blood and chewy, perfectly replacing the bland and tasteless Fasting Pill." The Hundred Objects Pavilion shopkeeper Zhou in the Administrative Affairs Institute tirelessly marketed the frozen exotic beast meats in the half-person-high black pottery jar. "If I buy more, can it be cheaper?" Chen Mu asked. "It depends on how much you want," shopkeeper Zhou replied indifferently. Chen Mu pointed to the more than twenty black pottery jars filled with antlered horse meat around him. "I''ll take all of this." "Why with this White Jade, aren''t you buying Golden Yuan Valley?" The shopkeeper Zhou was puzzled. "It''s an innate elixir that can keep you full for long and strengthen the foundation, better in every way than spending a fortune on this exotic beast meat." If it were for me, I''d naturally buy Golden Yuan Valley. But when it comes to feeding the Ghosts, it''s exotic beast meat that is large and filling that''s preferred. Without a change in expression, Chen Mu pondered for an excuse. Shopkeeper Zhou, however, with a sudden realization, spoke first: "You''re practicing some External Path Secret Arts, aren''t you?" "In that case, replenishing qi, blood, and essence with exotic beast meat is indeed indispensable." Great, now I don''t even need to come up with an excuse. Chen Mu nodded immediately. "Shopkeeper Zhou, you are indeed knowledgeable." And strictly speaking, the Heavenly Demon Body and Ghosts do belong to the External Path. "Then for each White Jade, I can give you an extra jin of antlered horse meat, but no more," shopkeeper Zhou smiled. "Deal." ... Late at night, in the cliffside cave mansion. Chen Mu sat cross-legged at one end of the stone bed. Before him on the table was a fist-sized bronze incense burner, with green smoke curling upward. The Five Ghosts Bag floated in front of him, the Mountain-Carrying Scripture in operation, merging thousands of Ghosts together. A large amount of Yin Spirit Divine Power drifted out, continuously. The silver Heavenly Eye vertical mark on Chen Mu''s glabella glowed with fluorescence, absorbing all the Yin Spirit Divine Power into the secret acupoint on his forehead. The Yin wrong Moon Blade spun around the Yang Judge Bone Sphere, instantly absorbing the incoming Yin Spirit Divine Power, transforming it into strands of cold white mist. The white mist wandered a few laps inside the secret acupoint before disappearing into thin air. Yunzhou Da Qian, Divine Statue Cave Heaven of the City Divine Temple in Luandu County Town. The Heavenly Demon Body in the state of a bald youth was half-awake, lying in a rocking chair covered with a thick quilt. The flower decoration on the glabella radiated a bright red light, with white fluorescence seemingly flowing in the pitch-black pupils. An invisible secret fluctuation emanated from the Heavenly Demon Body, slowly spreading outward. Initially, it only echoed within the Divine Statue Cave Heaven, but it gradually seeped out, expanding wave after wave toward Qiluo Mountain under the City Divine Temple. The continuous sounds of insects singing ceased gradually. Silence enveloped the mountain and its surroundings. It was as if an invisible colossal entity had shrouded the entire Qiluo Mountain. ... By dawn, a faint light appeared in the eastern sky, and Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the countless faint qi connections, he felt relieved and let out a long breath. "Using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to gather Ghosts'' power, then transforming it via Yin wrong and Yang Judge into nourishing white mist for the Heavenly Demon Body, this cycle truly hastens its transformation." To cultivate the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed into Peach Gods, one must first ensure the spirit seed remains connected with oneself at all times. The Heavenly Demon Body''s abilities are lacking, and the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed is too distant, causing this connection to flicker. To cultivate the Spirit Seed Tribulation Splitting Technique, he must strengthen the Heavenly Demon Body, keeping the qi connection with the spirit seed intact. Relying solely on his Yin Spirit Divine Power, obviously, it was too slow. Chen Mu devised a plan to use the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to extract Ghosts'' power. The previous purchase of exotic beast meat was to fill the Bottomless Pool, providing Ghosts with essence and blood. "Thanks to Qiu Jinwu," Chen Mu quipped cheerfully. If not for Qiu Jinwu, he wouldn''t have obtained the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, and neither would Yin wrong and Yang Judge have transformed into an External Path Root Device. Without the root device, I couldn''t have transformed Yin Spirit Divine Power into white mist, nor could I have accelerated the Heavenly Demon Body''s transformation. "Of course, my own efforts are not to be understated," Chen Mu chuckled. The Five Ghosts Bag, Ghosts, Mountain-Carrying Scripture, these prerequisites providing vast Yin Spirit Divine Power, he had accumulated bit by bit over more than a decade. Chen Mu stretched and went to the window, where a twinkling star shone through the jade, reflecting in his pupils. "The Heavenly Demon Body accepts the cold white mist unconditionally, yet it''s the exotic beast meat essence that limits my rapid cultivation of the Spirit Seed Tribulation Splitting Technique." Though Ghosts are easily maintained, needing nothing more than confinement in the Five Ghosts Bag, not even requiring feeding. However, to continuously extract Ghost power, one must supply sufficient essence and blood. "The exotic beast meat at the Administrative Affairs Institute is expensive and in limited supply, hardly sufficient for prolonged cultivation." The Golden Yuan Valley Innate Elixir offers both essence and synchrony with the Spiritual Deity; even those needing to strengthen their foundation prefer the more accessible Golden Yuan Valley. This leads the Administrative Affairs Institute to overlook purchasing and storing exotic beast meat. "Relying on others is inferior to oneself; I must find time to venture into the Mist Forest." Chapter 656 - 644: Progress Several days later, at noon. Chen Mu strode out of the Grinding Stone Workshop. "Senior Brother Chen, where are you off to?" A few Daoist Soldier Apprentices gathered on the front corridor ran into Chen Mu and couldn''t help but ask curiously. "Oh, I''m headed to the Wanjing Cave," Chen Mu lied casually. "Senior Brother, you sure are diligent. No wonder your Demon Dispel Skill has improved so quickly, allowing you to leave Prison Valley early," one of them said, smiling in admiration. "Well, with my meager talent, the only thing I can rely on is diligence," Chen Mu sighed in self-deprecation. The other man''s facial muscles twitched, barely suppressing the smile on his face. Diligence? In the entire Grinding Stone Workshop, you''re the one who arrives the latest and leaves the earliest, yet you have the audacity to claim diligence? Chen Mu cheerfully nodded at the group before lifting a small wooden bucket filled with Demon Qi Stone Powder and striding away. "Three days fishing, two days drying the nets... Even if you gave him three years, he wouldn''t graduate from the Grinding Stone Workshop. Diligent? What a joke," one person muttered under their breath. "Who knows? Maybe he''s got a backdoor connection," another speculated maliciously. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting he bribed Senior Brother Lu to get out of Prison Valley?" someone else raised an eyebrow. "Don''t talk nonsense!" the person who spoke first frowned and scolded. "It''s probably Elder Hu in the Wanjing Cave who''s the real recipient of any bribes." The crowd collectively had an epiphany. ... "Stop right there! Where do you think you''re going?" At the Grinding Stone Workshop''s entrance, Yang Fu glared with his beady eyes fixed on Chen Mu. "Senior Brother, I''m heading to the Wanjing Cave. Elder Hu Buwei wants to impart a secret scripture to me that can accelerate my mastery of the Demon Dispel Skill," Chen Mu lied with a straight face. Does Old Man Hu really have a shortcut to mastering the Demon Dispel Skill? How come I don''t know about it? Yang Fu looked utterly unconvinced. "Look, today I only needed half the usual time to grind out fifty pounds of Demon Qi Stone Powder. That''s progress!" Chen Mu said with a serious expression. "Really?" Yang Fu scratched his head in doubt. "Absolutely," Chen Mu immediately nodded. "But whether Elder Hu acknowledges it, I can''t guarantee," he added, giving Yang Fu a knowing look, his eyebrows slightly raised in a mysterious gesture. That money-hungry old man started a new business? And he didn''t cut us in with some White Jade?! Yang Fu''s brows furrowed deeply in suspicion. Great, go bother that old miser then. Chen Mu maintained a neutral expression, but inwardly he was laughing gleefully. I''m only doing this because the old man''s life rhythms feel strangely familiarnot because I''m still bitter about him swindling me out of three hundred pieces of White Jade back then! ... Three hundred miles south of Qingqiu Mountain, in a vast and boundless dense forest, towering trees over a hundred meters tall were packed tightly together. Their sprawling canopies blocked out the sunlight, leaving the forest floor dim and chilly even at noon. A gentle breeze swept through, and Chen Mu''s figure emerged in the woods. Ding! A sound, like a fine needle striking a rocky surface, echoed out, and Chen Mu''s Body Protection Aura appeared. He turned his head to his right shoulder, where at some unknown moment, a slender, needle-thin transparent thread about the length of a sunflower seed had begun floating just above his aura. It hovered steadily, continually pressing toward his ear canal with surprising strength and had already formed a conical indentation in his Body Protection Aura. If not for his River Chariot Cultivation and the strength of his aura, the needle might have already pierced into his ear. Ding ding ding... With a series of crisp, continuous chimes, countless transparent needles suddenly appeared on Chen Mu''s aura, making him look like a porcupine in the blink of an eye. His surroundings, a dense stretch of the forest both in front and behind him, were already blanketed with these invisible needles without his notice. "With these invisible needles spread so densely, what prey could possibly escape?" Chen Mu clicked his tongue in amazement. "No wonder the Hundred-Eyed Spider reigns as the undisputed ruler of Mist Forest, and no one dares to hunt it lightly." Even his Body Protection Aura could be dented by the needles. Ordinary Qi Cultivators in the Primordial Talisman Realm wouldn''t last long under such an assault. At that moment, the faint rustling sound of movement reached his ears, causing Chen Mu to look up. What he saw were large black shadows, each the size of millstones, silently descending from the tree canopies over a hundred meters above. Upon closer inspection, he realized that they were massive spiders. Their bodies were covered in fine, transparent hairsthe very source of the countless invisible needles. Their eight thick, muscular legs tucked against their abdomens as they clung to strands of silk, maneuvering their enormous bodies downward at an astonishing speed. Hundreds of pitch-black, glistening eyes covered their backs, and with just one glance, Chen Mu''s skin crawled with goosebumps on his arms. "These things are seriously unsettling to look at." In front of him, black smoke roiled as the red gourd appeared in midair, about the height of his forearm. The gourd''s surface rippled like water, and with a soft "shing," nine Vermilion Feather Swords slowly emerged, forming a ring and floating around Chen Mu. He cast the Truth Listening Divine Power, locking onto the life core rhythms of the Hundred-Eyed Spiders. In the next instant Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Nine streaks of crimson light shot into the forest. Plop! A single drop of blue blood fell from midair, bending a blade of grass under its weight before trickling off the tip and shattering into tiny star-like fragments on the ground. A massive dark shadow plummeted from the sky. Boom! A gigantic Hundred-Eyed Spider slammed into the forest floor. Its eight legs twitched a few times before going completely still, its life force extinguished. A surge of black smoke rushed forward, enveloping the colossal spider''s body. The mountain-like creature rapidly shrank, as though melting into the ground. By the time the black, water-like smoke receded, the spider''s corpse was gonealong with even the drop of blue blood on the grass. "With these Hundred-Eyed Spiders to replenish them, the Ghosts should have enough to feast on for more than ten days," Chen Mu said, inserting his Mana into the Five Ghosts Bag. Sensing the growing Essence within the Bottomless Pool, he grinned. The Exotic Beast Meat provided by the Administrative Affairs Institute was far too insufficient to support the Heavenly Demon Body''s transformation, so he had decided to focus on Mist Forest instead. Spanning thousands of miles, Mist Forest teemed with Exotic Beasts and Monsters, providing ample sustenance for the Ghosts and enough resources to fuel his cultivation. Thanks to the Vermilion Feather Swords, Chen Mu had scouted numerous Exotic Beast gathering points during his idle fishing hours. The Hundred-Eyed Spiders, rulers of the Mist Forest with their vast numbers and vigorous life force, quickly drew Chen Mu''s attention. Thus, the long-dominant Hundred-Eyed Spider colony met its fateful calamity. Thud, thud, thud... As crimson threads wove and pierced through the air, each Hundred-Eyed Spider that fell was swiftly stored into the Five Ghosts Bag. At first, clusters of spiders attempted to use their "spider sea" tactic to take down Chen Mu. Yet before they even got near him, they were annihilated by the Five Ghosts Moving Mountain. After several failed charges, the mutation-enhanced spiderslacking much intelligencequickly realized Chen Mu was no ordinary prey and began scattering in all directions. By dusk, Chen Mu stood atop a massive tree. Far off in the distance, the treetops quivered and swayed like rippling waves as the Hundred-Eyed Spiders fled in every direction. "What a pity, at least half of them managed to escape." "The Vermilion Feather Swords are still too few, and their killing efficiency is a bit slow." "If only I had one or two hundred of them, tsk..." Chen Mu lamented with a tinge of regret. "But perhaps this is for the best. If they were completely wiped out, it would be harder to find such a large cluster of exotic beasts in the future." "Let them reproduce for a while. Once the Essence from this batch of spiders is depleted, I''ll come for another harvest." "With this sustainable approach, I might just be able to accomplish the Spirit Seed Tribulation Splitting Technique using only the Hundred-Eyed Spiders." The nine Vermilion Feather Swords transformed into red threads and returned to his sleeve. Chen Mu chuckled and turned back toward Qingqiu Mountain. ... With the large number of Hundred-Eyed Spiders filling the Bottomless Pool, the Ghosts now had ample Essence to provide ongoing Yin Spirit Divine Power for his cultivation. Chen Mu''s life resumed its steady rhythm. At daybreak, he would report to the Grinding Stone Workshop, grind fifty or so pounds of Demon Qi Stone Powder, and then begin his dedicated act of faking diligence. His focus, however, was on immersing his mind into the Secret Acupoint at his brow, converting the cold white mist and concentrating on nurturing and transforming his Heavenly Demon Body. Early to rise, early to bed, eating and sleeping wellhis cultivation improved daily, and he led a leisurely life. By evening, at his cliffside Cave Mansion After dinner, Chen Mu lay on a rocking chair at the doorway, gazing at the sky. While watching, he guided a wisp of Innate Primordial Qi into the Secret Acupoint at his brow. Within his brow, mist swirled, a considerable amount of cold white fog already accumulated. Yet as the Innate Primordial Qi passed through the Secret Acupoint into his Heavenly Demon Body, the previously stagnant and slowly absorbing cold mist instantly diminished by half. "As expected, both Innate Primordial Qi and cold white mist promote the growth of the Heavenly Demon Body, but each focuses on different aspects." Innate Primordial Qi strengthens the foundation, constructing a taller and broader skeletal framework. The cold white mist accelerates growth, rapidly filling the skeletal framework with sinews and muscles. This wasn''t his first experiment of this kind. "One to twenty-three." "A single unit of Innate Primordial Qi paired with twenty-three portions of cold white mist achieves the fastest Heavenly Demon Body transformation." "There''s still over four months until the Daoist Soldier Contract signing." "Maybe this year I can join the Thousand Mechanisms Sect instead of waiting another three years." Chen Mu silently calculated in his heart. Chapter 657 645: Candle Dragon Time flows forward, and the weather gradually warms. On this morning, a crimson light descended in front of Qingqiu Palace. Hu Buwei revealed his figure and briskly stepped into the grand hall. "Another disturbance in the deep seal?" Zheng Bailian raised an eyebrow. "Yes, three demons vanished last night." Hu Buwei nodded. "Good news." Zheng Bailian said with a smile. "It is indeed good news. The rift caused by the Heavenly Star shifting positions years ago is slowly closing." "The Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition has been extracting the demons'' essence on a large scale, presumably conducting its self-repair." Hu Buwei agreed. "But the disappearance of too many demons might reduce the production of Demon Qi Stones in Prison Valley, impacting the Daoist Soldiers'' cultivation and lowering the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s Daoist Foundation income," he mentioned his concerns. "No need to worry." Zheng Bailian waved his hand dismissively with a smile. "The demon''s disappearance is temporary. As long as the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition fully recovers, this loss is manageable." Then, he seriously gazed at Hu Buwei and remarked, "Elder Hu has worked tirelessly guarding the seal. Later, head to the Administrative Affairs Institute to claim ten thousand pieces of White Jade." So much? The other elders only receive five thousand. "Thank you, Sect Master!" Hu Buwei''s face was filled with joy. Still harboring a trace of hesitation, he cautiously spoke next: "I know you seek to advance further, which requires a tremendous amount of White Jade resources. But there are some methods that should not, or must not, be used." What does he mean? Hu Buwei was puzzled. "Recently, rumors within the sect suggest that you are exploiting the name of the demon dispel secret art to amass large sums of White Jade," Zheng Bailian continued. "You must understand, those Daoist Soldier apprentices are our cash cows." "You can extract some White Jade, but not excessively. If you press them too hard and they flee, the losses to our Daoist Foundation would be considerable." Zheng Bailian offered heartfelt advice. Hu Buwei: "..." Which son of a b**** is spreading lies about me! Why pick on me because I''m old? Damned bast****! ... By evening, inside the cliffside cave mansion. Chen Mu was savoring steaming venison hotpot, all the while staring intently at the gray wall before him. Over the past month and more, he had ventured out to hunt another batch of Hundred-Eyed Spiders, ensuring the pace of the Heavenly Demon Body''s transformation remained consistent. The connection between the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed and himself grew clearer; he was now one step closer to executing the Spirit Seed Tribulation Splitting Method. When not cultivating, he devoted himself to contemplating the secret techniques he had learned. Judging by the transformation speed of his Heavenly Demon Body, in a few more months, he might head to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to serve as a Daoist Soldier. He knew nothing about the Outer Heaven Battlefield; should he encounter a demon assault or unforeseen dangers, counterattacking would be unavoidable. His arsenal of secret techniques was vast and diverse. If he failed to properly organize them, chaos during battle might very well ensue. "Among my Qi Refinement secret methods, the most powerful should be the Five Thunders Spell." This technique derived from the Perfection Level Five Thunders Treasure Scroll, capable of both defending autonomously and unleashing attacks, all while seamlessly controlling another extreme secret method the Kui Water Yin Thunder. "The Yin Spirit Heavenly Demon Body also possesses numerous Dharma Curses, but its most potent offensive ability would be the Five Dragons Scripture." The Five Dragons Scripture mimics the Candle Dragon Qi Mechanism; its Five Dragon Dharma Body''s destructive power is comparable to that of a Daoist Qi Refiner with a Daoist Foundation. "If combined with the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to absorb Ghosts to sustain continuous combat... the might..." Even imaging this scenario briefly left Chen Mu involuntarily tempted. "The lesser path secret technique Five Ghosts Possession is already inadequate, but it can act as a core for attracting more Ghosts to the body, bringing forth the Myriad Ghosts Possession." "The more Ghosts possessed, the greater the power augmentation. If the quantity of Ghosts is sufficient, even the Five Thunders Spell and Five Dragons Scripture would pale in comparison to its edge." "But recklessly absorbing Ghosts, risking becoming insane from their chaotic consciousness, might well end with my most spectacular downfall." Chen Mu savored the thought briefly before letting out a rueful laugh. Ten years ago, when he was still in Jilong Road''s Gan River Lower Institute... To confront the Underworld God Transformation Warrior Jin Er, he once deployed Myriad Ghosts Possession. Tragically, as soon as the technique unfolded, he was overwhelmed by the chaotic consciousness of the Ghosts. If not for an unforeseen mishap causing him to fall into the Yinming River of Oblivion, where he leveraged the river''s waters to strip the Ghosts from his body entirely, he would likely have perished. "Hmm, the failure of Myriad Ghosts Possession was chiefly due to the excessive and disorganized consciousness of the Ghosts. But what if those chaotic consciousnesses could be unified?" Chen Mu''s thoughts lingered on this notion as his gaze shifted to the Mountain-Carrying Scripture inscribed upon the gray wall. This technique, modeled after the Netherworld''s Soul Summoning Banner, could forcibly unify numerous Yin Spirits into one. "First use the Mountain-Carrying Scripture to unify the Ghosts, then cast Myriad Ghosts Possession." "By then, instead of possessing myriad Ghosts, it would be a single colossal Ghost!" "Mountain-Carrying Scripture, Five Ghosts Possession, Five Dragons Scriptureif these secret techniques could be interconnected for execution..." ... A small, sun-like brilliance soared aloft from the Soul-Attracting Lamp, illuminating the pitch-black Thousand Lanterns City instantaneously. Below, rows of elegantly crafted wooden buildings materialized, with a peculiar straw hut located on a nearby open field. The houses were built by chance after he fell into the Netherworld years ago. With a flicker of his gaze, Chen Mu retrieved the Five Ghosts Bag and summoned all the Ghosts. They transformed into a sky-covering dark cloud, obstructing much of the Soul-Attracting Lamp''s light. "Let''s test it with ten Ghosts first." Although he had organized his plans over and over, Chen Mu decided to approach cautiously. Ten half-human-sized spheres of black smoke floated out from the Ghost horde and, guided by the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, merged into a vast expanse of pitch-black haze within mere moments. Chen Mu took a deep breath. "Five Ghosts Possession!" The Five Ghosts Paper Man emerged, leading the black haze that abruptly rushed into Chen Mu''s body. A familiar surge of power filled him, causing his figure to rapidly enlarge. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed into a small giant, two to three stories tall. His skin turned indigo, muscles bulged, and his crimson eyes glowed with ominous vigor. "It works after all!" Chen Mu grinned, revealing a sharp-toothed grin. "Hundred Ghosts Possession!" Hundreds of black smoke spheres descended, streaming into Chen Mu''s body from all sides at lightning speed. Boom! A surge of energy rippled outward from Chen Mu, blowing the straw hut''s roof sky-high in the process. The Mountain-Carrying Scripture emphasized aggregating Yin Spirit Divine Power; Five Ghosts Possession leaned toward enhancing physical strength. Now combined, the immense force and overwhelming Yin Spirit Divine Power completely saturated his body. Moreover, with the Mountain-Carrying Scripture unifying the Yin Spirits, although hundreds of Ghost consciousnesses danced in frenzy, their disturbance seemed isolated; he himself remained lucid. Given this situation... "Myriad Ghosts Possession!" The ominous black clouds billowing overhead froze momentarily before cascading down like a meteor shower, surging en masse into Chen Mu''s body. His entire form swelled once again; within mere breaths, he had transformed into a massive, bulbous figure with limbs and a head. Power surged within him like raging rivers, accompanied by waves of searing pain. Without delaying, Chen Mu launched the final phase. Five Dragons! Boom! Black-and-silver torrents emerged from Chen Mu''s figure, spiraling outward into a sky-covering storm of black-silver mist. A ferocious surge of energy radiated outward, shredding the meticulous wooden structures into fragments. After a lengthy interval, the energy subsided, and Chen Mu''s figure returned to its original size. He leaned over, hands on his knees, panting heavily. Only after catching several breaths did he finally straighten his posture. Behind him, dark and silvery smoke resembling ashes hovered in midair. A massive five-clawed black dragon, towering more than ten stories high, floated quietly amidst the black mist. Gray Yin Wind howled eerily, veiling the surroundings. Its truck-sized eyes gleamed vividly red, with ghostly green flames flickering in its pupils. Buzz! As black mist dissipated, the skyscraper-sized dragon head lowered. Chen Mu, slightly dazed, lifted his right hand to rest it against the dragon''s enormous, icy jaw. Feeling the chilling solidity, he couldn''t suppress a shiver of excitement. "This... is the Candle Dragon?!" With Mountain-Carrying Scripture initiating, Five Ghosts Possession forming the axis, and the Five Dragons Scripture elevating to unprecedented heights In the past, the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect would only manifest five menacing dragon heads, their bodies illusory and incomplete. Now, it had transformed into a fully materialized, colossal black dragon, capable of effortlessly channeling the Mountain-Carrying Scripture imbued Ghost Fire and Yin Wind. All of his Yin Spirit Divine Power techniques had been seamlessly integrated into the dragon''s body. Chapter 658 646: Divine Fetus "If only Qi Refiner secret techniques like Five Thunders Spell and Heavenly Demon Armor could also integrate into the Candle Dragon Dharma Body." Half a month later, at dusk, outside the cliffside cave mansion, Chen Mu lay on a rickety chair, basking in the warm early spring breeze. The Five Ghosts Possession Secret Technique was peculiar, combining both Yin Spirit Divine Power and Mana, capable of merging with the Five Dragon Dharma Aspect from the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. Other Qi Refiner secret techniques, however, were completely distinct from the Yin Spirit Secret Method. While they could be used simultaneously, merging them into one entity was impossible. "Still lacking proficiency." "Once I master all the secret techniques, perhaps a breakthrough will arise." Chen Mu was lost in thought. While mulling over his future cultivation plans, he habitually opened the Five Ghosts Bag, extracting Yin Spirit Divine Power and injecting it into the secret acupoint at his brow. The Yin-Yang imbalance churned slowly, as the Yin Spirit Divine Power was quickly absorbed and transformed, turning into strands of cold white mist. Soon after, the mist disappeared into the depths of the secret acupoint. In just a short while, nearly all the Yin Spirit Divine Power from over four thousand Ghosts and his Heavenly Demon Body was consumed. Chen Mu put away the Five Ghosts Bag and withdrew three streams of Innate Primordial Qi, reverse-cultivated earlier, from the Jade Seed. These were directed into the secret acupoint at his brow. Immediately, a Star Sky Map began to slowly form in his mind. Glancing at the shimmering starry diagram, Chen Mu quickly withdrew his focus. In the past few months, this phenomenon had appeared countless times. "Tomorrow, I must head to the Mist Forest to capture a batch of large spiders for the Five Ghosts Bag." "After over a month of recuperation, those big spiders must have reproduced a new batch of offspring." "The old spiders won''t step aside; how will the young ones rise to power?" "Hmm, I''ll give those Hundred-Eyed Spiders a hand and help them achieve a quicker cycle of renewal!" Just as he was gleefully devising ways to "help" those hefty spiders, Chen Mu suddenly noticed that the Star Map, which was supposed to have vanished, still remained visible in his mind. The fleeting connection to the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed had now solidified, faint yet resilient like steel threads. "This... has it succeeded?" Chen Mu''s heart pounded violently. Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique! The long-mastered secret technique activated, and his Mana traced a hidden pattern, flowing into the void. Moments later, a familiar sense of connection surged within himthe very feeling he had only experienced when attuning to the aura of Peach God! "This time... it really worked!" Looking at the densely packed starry brilliance on the Star Sky Map in his mind, Chen Mu couldn''t help but grin, his face alight with a joyous smile. ... A few days later, at the Grinding Stone Workshop. "You''re going to Wanjing Cave again?" Yang Fu glared at Chen Mu with a sour face, his small eyes darting suspiciously. "Still using that as your excuse to fool me?" "You''re treating me like an idiot, aren''t you?" Yang Fu''s tiny eyes widened in fury. Having already confirmed with Old Man Hu, the claims about learning secret techniques from Wanjing Cave were complete nonsense! "I told you, Elder Hu would never admit it." Chen Mu adopted a "you''ve been duped" expression, continuing to place the blame on Old Man Hu. "I''m here to ask for your help as a witness," he said earnestly. A witness? "You''re planning to take the Grinding Stone Workshop test?" "With your half-hearted, inconsistent practice, do you really think you can grind two hundred catties of stone powder in one Hour?" Yang Fu was skeptical. "Don''t forget, I have Elder Hu''s secret teachings in hand," Chen Mu replied with deadpan seriousness. Nonsense! Yang Fu scoffed, full of disdain. He had no intention of wasting time on this lazy fellow. "I''m your apprentice; it''s only one Hour of your time. Are you really hard-hearted enough to refuse this small request?" Chen Mu smiled sweetly, hiding one hand in his sleeve while gripping the Nightmare Victory Spell. "If it''s my duty, I can''t shirk it!" Yang Fu looked at Chen Mu''s crescent-shaped eyes and gave a solemn nod. Chen Mu: "..." Wait, I haven''t even cast the spell, and this little fatty already chickened out? Was his Spiritual Perception really this sensitive? Chen Mu reluctantly dispelled the Mana in his hand, turning to head toward his workstation. ... One Hour later. Yang Fu stared in disbelief at the four large buckets of jet-black powdered stone in front of him. This... did this really work? Grinding two hundred catties of Demon Qi Stone powder in one Hourhow on earth had this slacker succeeded? Excited chatter erupted among the crowd of Daoist Soldier apprentices outside, spectating. "Does Senior Brother have some kind of ingenious shortcut?" someone couldn''t help but ask. "Impossible." Chen Mu looked serious: "Everything I''ve achieved today is solely due to my hard work!" Bullshit! Always the last to arrive and the first to leavehard work, my foot! Yang Fu was equally dismissive of Chen Mu''s nonsense. But the solid, undeniable test results were right there. So... could Old Man Hu at Wanjing Cave actually have some shortcut secret techniques? "I already told you, I have secret teachings from Elder Hu." Chen Mu leaned close to Yang Fu, speaking in a soft, conspiratorial tone with a grin. The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique was not something he could reveal. For now, Old Man Hu would just have to take the blame again. "Senior Yang? What do you think..." "I''ll prepare the examination paperwork for you right away." Yang Fu snapped back to his senses and nodded assertively. He couldn''t wait for his Daoist Soldier apprentices to pass their assessmentsit directly impacted his own Daoist Cultivation gains. Besides... Yang Fu scratched his neck and frowned. That earlier ominous feeling felt like an illusion. But still... This guy must definitely be hiding something. Better get rid of this troublemaker quickly! ... That evening, back at his cliffside cave mansion. Fresh slices of glistening white Hundred-Eyed Spider flesh floated in a cloud of blue flame, while perfectly marbled pieces of deer-horned horse meat rolled and tumbled in the Primordial Furnace. Bright red and green wild vegetables were neatly arranged across a long table, alongside three gourds of increasingly invigorating Nourishing Spirit Wine. Chen Mu held a bowl of Golden Yuan Valley rice the size of a human head, shoveling down mouthfuls of rice, alternating bites of meat and sips of wine, his face glowing with satisfaction. After dinner, Chen Mu lounged idly on his wide windowsill, completely relaxed as he admired the starry night sky brimming with brilliance. "Nearly a year of hard work, and finally, I''ve made progress in heading toward the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." Stimulated by Innate Primordial Qi and frigid white mist, his Heavenly Demon Body was undergoing rapid evolution. The aura of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed had manifested, allowing him to utilize the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique. In just a few days, he had already controlled one hundred and thirty-seven "Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed versions" of Peach God. As the Heavenly Demon Body continued to transform, the connection to the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed grew clearer. The number of Peach Gods under his command would only multiply. The Daoist Soldier Contract was no longer a constraint. At least he wouldn''t have to worry about being treated as cannon fodder or sent to an intentional death. "Now I can boldly set out for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "This brings me one step closer to acquiring the Daoist Foundation Atlas." Chen Mu exhaled deeply. For the past year, he''d been lying low within the Hundred Illusion Sect solely to find a way into the Thousand Mechanisms Sect and obtain the Daoist Foundation Atlas. "If the masters of Hai Province''s Ninety-Nine Sects can procure the atlas as Daoist Soldiers of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, then surely I can too." The Sect Master of the Hundred Illusion Sect, Zheng Bailian, had once been a Daoist Soldier of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The Spirit Fox Secret Scripture he cultivated had been exchanged with accumulated Daoist Cultivation points. "Pity that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect only permits the Ninety-Nine Sects to teach secret techniques up to the Condensing Aperture Stage. Otherwise, staying in Hai Province might''ve produced a credible Daoist Foundation Atlas as well." Chen Mu shook his head in regret. "The Heavenly Demon Body still needs continued nurturing." "If I can form a Yin Spirit Divine Fetus, my strength will rise dramatically. That will give me greater confidence to venture into the Outer Heaven Battlefield." He calculated silently. Following the orthodox Heavenly Demon Path, he''d need to transcend tribulations and open meridians to complete the Heavenly Demon True Body, then move on to shaping a Root Device and achieving the True Form of the Heavenly Demon. The accidental fusion of the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine had created an unconventional Root Device, but what he was crafting now wasn''t exactly the Heavenly Demon True Form. "The Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body was serendipitously formed through the River of Oblivion; it''s incomplete and lacks a sturdy foundation." "In essence, my current cultivation is more akin to perfecting the Heavenly Demon Body." Chen Mu pondered deeply. Moreover, the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body had unique qualities. It bore striking similarities to Netherworld Yin Spirits, thus enabling cultivation through Ghost Techniques. During his time in the Netherworld, he''d already crafted Ghost Patterns and achieved Yin Soldier status. Following a series of unpredictable turns, he''d even forged the prototype of a Divine Fetus within his Heavenly Demon Body. In a conventional Yin Spirit cultivation path, it would take over a hundred years of Ruishui River refinement to retrospectively achieve a complete Divine Fetus. But now, his approach fused the Heavenly Demon Path with Yin-Yang imbalance, accelerating this process with Innate Primordial Qi. "Once the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus is complete, the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon True Body will be perfected." "Who would''ve thought the Heavenly Demon Path could interact with Yin Spirit cultivation like this?" "Fascinating!" Chen Mu watched the ever-rotating Yin-Yang imbalance at his brow, his curiosity piqued. Chapter 659 647 Contract "Where is the Outer Heaven Battlefield? Naturally, it''s outside the heavens." In the Wanjing Cave, Hu Buwei sat behind the counter without any expression and said flatly. "Can you be a bit more specific?" Chen Mu continued casually with a grin. Hu Buwei truly didn''t want to answer. He had already investigated thoroughlyit was this guy in front of him who spread rumors saying he had quick mastery of a secret Demon Dispel Skill, claiming it would be taught if enough White Jade was offered. Daoist Soldier apprentices believed he truly had such secret teachings, pestering him daily with various requests for instruction. Lu Han, Yang Fu, and other core disciples thought it was his new tactic to extort White Jade, constantly showing up at Wanjing Cave, implying they could help him promote the method if he gave them a large cut. Currently, he was deeply intertwined with the Nine-Headed creature, working togetherone man, one demonto reshape the Heavenly Demon Body and extend his lifespan. But in Wanjing Cave, people kept coming in waves, making it impossible for him and Nine-Head to focus on cultivation. Could this guy have detected Nine-Head''s presence? Hu Buwei looked at the smiling Chen Mu, his expression unchanged, but his heart involuntarily skipped a beat. This guy had intercepted ten or more strands of Primordial Qi intended for Nine-Headwho could say he didn''t have methods to sense its existence? Spreading rumors to stir trouble for Hu Buweiwas it to draw more attention to him? Waiting for him to slip up so they could use the Hundred Illusion Sect to eliminate both him and Nine-Head? Hu Buwei''s heart pounded heavily. Sly! Insidious! Too sly! "The Outer Heaven Battlefield is also called the Heavenly Star Battlefield. You''ll see its location clearly if you look up at night." He struggled to maintain his composure as he replied. Look up at night? Does he mean the twinkling night stars? Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. From the name "Heavenly Star Battlefield," Chen Mu had long suspected something. But now that his guesses were confirmed, he couldn''t help but be startled. The heavenly stars, so distantChen Mu had never thought demons would be causing trouble on those points of light hanging above. But what was going on with this shriveled old man before him? Compared to two months prior, his life''s rhythm seemed completely transformed, as if he were a different person. The familiar sense of de?ja? vu he''d felt back then had entirely vanished. This old man evidently had something amiss. Feigning nonchalance, Chen Mu glanced at Hu Buwei. And then he noticed that the old man, who appeared calm and detached, was secretly observing him as well! The two suspicious characters locked eyes, hearts simultaneously jolting. This is bad! Then, as if synchronized, they both broke into perfectly genuine fake smiles. "Elder Hu, I''d like to purchase the ''Demon and Demon Map Supplement.'' Could you please give me a proper Jade Slip of the full map?" Chen Mu said politely, handing Hu Buwei a Black Leather Scroll. "Let me clarifythis map is three decades old and should only be used for reference." Hu Buwei skillfully retrieved a long wooden box from under the counter and added with apparent concern, "As for whether these demons are still causing havoc in the heavens, no one can say for sure." "There isn''t a more up-to-date version?" Chen Mu asked in surprise. "The Demon Map changes every three years in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Buying every update comes at a significant cost in Daoist Cultivation resources!" "Your Hundred Illusion Sect sends people to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to act as butchersit only requires the Demon Dispel Skill to begin with. The rest, truthfully, isn''t necessary to know." Hu Buwei patiently explained. So stingy! They couldn''t even afford updated textbookshow could one expect to train competent Daoist Soldiers this way? No wonder the Hundred Illusion Sect ranked dead last among the ninety-nine sects in Hai Province. Even the lower-grade sect Taoshan Temple, also based in southwest Hai Province, dared to coax away Hundred Illusion Sect Daoist Soldier apprentices, wreaking havoc from time to time. "Thirty-seven pieces of White Jade, fair price, what do you say?" "I''ll take ithaving some references is still better than groping around in complete darkness." Paying for the White Jade, Chen Mu made a slight gesture of respect before quickly leaving Wanjing Cave. After walking a short distance, he glanced back at the dark entrance and couldn''t help but shake his head. No way he could return to Wanjing Cave after this. Although he wasn''t afraid of this elderly Qi Refining cultivator near the end of his days, avoiding unnecessary trouble was always preferable. Fortunately, it would only be another two months before he could sign the Daoist Soldier Contract and leave the Hundred Illusion Sect. Chen Mu could only hope that during this period, the old man wouldn''t cause any mischief. Otherwise... ... Day by day, the weather warmed. Chen Mu stayed inside his cliffside Cave Mansion almost all day, rarely stepping out. He deliberately released the Vermilion Feather Sword to monitor Hu Buwei for several days and was reassured to find the man constantly seated in the Wanjing Cave without any unusual actions. "No matter what scheme this old man has, as long as he doesn''t interfere with my joining the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, it''s fine." With that, he patiently waited while diligently attending to his own cultivation. At times, he''d refine Primordial Qi and cold white mist to nurture his Heavenly Demon Body. Other times, he''d study the Secret Technique on his Gray Wall that he had yet to fully master. In moments of leisure, he found enjoyment from the Jade Slips containing the Demon Map. Compared to the Vice Strategy Scroll, the proper documents written with Xie Script included text, sound, and lightall compiled like a documentary for his relaxation. During this period, Lu Han also summoned Daoist Soldier apprentices for two gatherings. One purpose was to introduce the Heavenly Star Battlefield and detail matters regarding contract signing. The other was to have the apprentices rehearse survival-focused Secret Techniques, such as the Sealing Demon Curse. Many apprentices who had passed the assessments took the opportunity to propose alliances, hoping for mutual support once in Outer Heaven. Some even tried to recruit Chen Mu, but he always declined with a polite smile. Such alliances sounded unbelievably messyten people could form twelve fragmented groups. He had no intention of getting involved. Each time a rehearsal ended, he''d instantly return to his Cave Mansion. Shortly after the gatherings, Chen Mu began seriously considering the Daoist Soldier Contracts. After much comparison, he finally chose the Jia Character Contract. Although the one-to-nine profit split was exploitative, this contract had the shortest service term among all four options. Becoming a Daoist Soldier was only a means for Chen Mu to gain entry into the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Once inside, he''d simply need to keep his eyes open and opportunities to acquire Secret Techniques were bound to appear. Being bound to others for ten years was already a long commitment. Besides, if ten years proved insufficient, he could always sign another contract when necessary. Locking himself into decades of servitude right from the beginning was unwise. As time flew by, the contract signing day finally arrived. ... That morning, as the sun rose, over a hundred Daoist Soldier apprentices gathered at Qingqiu Palace''s gates. In the open space paved with blue stone slabs in front of the grand hall, stood a pitch-black square cauldron. The Sect Master of the Hundred Illusion Sect, Zheng Bailian, faced south and stood in front of the cauldron. With his right hand''s index and middle fingers upright before his chest, he closed his eyes and continuously recited the Pure Yang Spell. Ripple after ripple of invisible energy spread outward from him, gently pushing fallen leaves to the edges of the area. At a certain moment, the stars that had vanished from the sky suddenly began to shimmer brightly. An immense, unseen power abruptly appeared overhead. The sparse thin clouds were immediately scattered. Even the dense fog that had long shrouded Qingqiu Mountain was swept far away by the invisible force to the distant horizon. The sky above Qingqiu Mountain became extraordinarily clear and bright, like it had been washed clean. Zheng Bailian exhaled deeply and respectfully bowed toward the heavens, "We humbly invite Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor!" Boom! Within the square cauldron, a cluster of transparent flames streaked with golden threads suddenly appeared. The flames flickered gently, yet emitted no trace of heat. "Proceed forward swiftly to submit your contracts!" Zheng Bailian announced solemnly. The Daoist Soldier apprentices standing behind Zheng Bailian immediately stepped forward in their prearranged order, placing one gilded Jade Slip after another into the flames. Chen Mu mingled among the crowd and moved forward in turn. Holding a Jade Slip the length of his forearm, it was the Jia Character Contract he''d prepared. The slip inscribed in Xie Script clearly detailed the contract''s specifics, already infused with sufficient mana, bearing his true name. All that remained was submitting the contract for witnessing by the Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor''s power, thus finalizing the process. As the orderly submission continued, Chen Mu soon arrived at his turn. Following the others, he tossed his Jade Slip into the square cauldron. The gold-inlaid Jade Slip hovered within the flames, turning into wisps of green smoke that floated upward after a few moments. Suddenly, an indifferent and unfeeling gaze emerged from the colorless fire. Chen Mu froze entirely, feeling as though he were a lowly creature at the foot of a towering mountain, suddenly being scrutinized by a colossal, sky-covering entity. Was there truly a gaze from the Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor within these flames? Could such an ancient and unfathomable being actually lower itself to observe a nobody like him? Or, possibly, the Daoist Ancestor''s boundless power manifested a Primordial Spirit automatically? Mechanically, Chen Mu moved forward a few steps and only snapped back to attention after distancing himself seven or eight paces from the square cauldron. Glancing at those who had previously submitted their contracts, he noticed their pale faces and couldn''t help but feel relieved. Clearly, the feeling of being a small being scrutinized by a giant wasn''t unique to him. "Such power... truly formidable." Chen Mu was filled with awe, yet a faint hint of yearning stirred within him. But soon, his heart sank abruptly. "Faced with forces descending from such beings, could the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique truly work?" "This doesn''t look good..." Chapter 660 - 648: Heavenly Change Qingqiu Mountain underground peach forest. The peach trees stood quietly, their blossoms emitting a gentle glow, illuminating the underground cavern brightly. Chuan Changzai, the Scripture Doctorate of the Hundred Illusion Sect, arrived at the underground cavern as he usually did. First, he walked around the grayish stone gourd once, then stared closely at a single crack on its surface. "The fissure has shrunk by another fraction? Good news!" With a chuckle, he flipped his hand and pulled out a palm-sized green jade-carved gourd leaf. This leaf-shaped Magic Artifact was a gift from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, capable of detecting the deeper sealing layers within the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition. Chuan Changzai skillfully infused Mana into it, causing the vein patterns within the leaf to sparkle with silver light. After a long while, he withdrew his Spirit, a look of relief spreading across his face. "The phenomena of demon deaths has ceased, the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition has stabilized, and the fissure should be completely repaired soon." "Stabilization is good; signing the Contract requires the Heavenly Star Essence to connect and summon the Daoist Ancestor''s power." "The Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition was originally aligned with the Heavenly Star, now it''s stabilized; it won''t be disrupted by the Heavenly Star Essence anymore." Thinking of this, a wave of relief surged through his heart. "By now, the Daoist Soldier Apprentices should have completed the signing of their Contracts." "Over a hundred Daoist Soldiers heading to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect will soon earn a significant amount of Daoist Cultivation for the sect." "As a Scripture Doctorate, I''ll surely get a share of it." "With the Daoist Cultivation I''ve accumulated earlier, it''ll be enough to exchange for a gourd of Primordial Energy, greatly enhancing my progress in refining my Divine Orifice." Excitement surged within Chuan Changzai; it took him a while to calm down before activating the leaf-shaped Magic Artifact to leave the underground cavern. Before departing, his peripheral vision habitually glanced at the fissure on the surface of the gourd. But he suddenly noticed that a tendril-like faint crack had already extended along the black Talisman sealed on the gourd surface, stretching deep into the underground. It seemed as if the entire gourd had been split in two by this slanting fissure! Chuan Changzai''s scalp instantly tightened, and he spun around sharply. Yet, upon closer inspection, the surface of the gourd appeared perfectly intact. The fissure remained just a thin line, even slightly smaller than when he had first observed it moments ago. Was he seeing things? Uneasy, he circled the gourd twice more and found no anomalies. Finally, he breathed a long sigh of relief. "Guarding against this fissure day and night, I''m starting to lose my mind," he muttered with a self-deprecating laugh. "No wonder the Sect Master has us take turns on dutyit''s to prevent us from overthinking while being influenced by the demonic energies and losing our Spirit." "The Sect Master is thoughtful indeed," he remarked, chuckling as he raised the gourd leaf Magic Artifact in preparation to leave the cavern. But just as his hand lifted halfway, wisps of soft, gentle force suddenly materialized around him. These forces seemed like a flexible, resilient net that instantly enveloped his entire body, leaving no gaps. Chuan Changzai felt like a mosquito trapped in amberhe couldn''t lift his hand to activate the Magic Artifact, nor could he even blink! The Mana surging from his Jade Seed was entirely absorbed by the invisible net, making it impossible to secretly activate the Magic Artifact to escape. Swish! Not far to his left, a shadow abruptly came into view. Chuan Changzai''s forehead was now drenched in cold sweat. He strained his eyes toward the left, and after a great effort, he managed to catch sight of the corner of a black gown embroidered with golden threads. "Pretend not to see it and bluff your way through?" A soft, graceful laugh resounded beside his ear. "It''s too late for that..." ... "Farewell to the Daoist Ancestor!" Before Qingqiu Palace, accompanied by Zheng Bailian''s shout, the golden flame within the four-sided cauldron disappeared with a "poof." The invisible, overwhelming power in the sky vanished into the void, and the clouds, which had been dispersed in all directions, began slowly drifting back to the mountain peak. Chen Mu, standing among the crowd who had been anxious about the power of the Pure Yang Dao Ancestral, finally recovered his senses. Seeing the people around him cheerfully envisioning their Thousand Mechanisms Sect futures, he couldn''t help but gradually set aside his worries. Of course. The Pure Yang Dao Ancestral was an existence of legenda being capable of commanding celestial powers. As for himself? A humble butcher of auxiliary soldiers in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. An existence like the Dao Ancestor, absorbed in meditating upon the Great Dao all day, wouldn''t bother to deal with a minor figure like him. "I''ve been worrying needlessly." Chen Mu chuckled, shaking his head. The Pure Yang Dao Ancestor''s power was merely a witness and enforcer of the Daoist Soldier Contracts. As long as he didn''t defy the Contract, he wouldn''t face backlash. The Heavenly Star battlefield was ever-changing; forcing Daoist Soldiers to confront demons through the Contract was surely an option. But he was just a rear-line butchernever mind forced deployment, even if he volunteered for frontline combat, they might not even accept him. He had no reason, nor even the chance, to openly defy the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s decrees. "It''s just this damned world." Chen Mu smiled helplessly. Years of hardship had made him prone to expecting the worst. "Surely not every bit of bad luck has to happen to me, right?" "Haha..." While he was laughing at himself, a commotion of chatter reached his ears. Chen Mu snapped out of his thoughts and realized the crowd had lifted their heads to the sky, their voices filled with restless discussion. The celestial stars that should have completely vanished were still hanging in the sky. Moreover, their radiance hadn''t dimmedinstead, it shone brighter than ever! Stars visible during the day? This... Before he could figure out what was happening. Buzz! A sound like a whale''s long cry echoed from deep within Qingqiu Mountain basin. All around fell silent, followed by a thunderous cacophony akin to tens of thousands of galloping horses. Instinctively, Chen Mu activated Truth Listening Divine Power. He discovered the mist encircling Prison Valley was surging with the speed of a collapsing river, emerald-green light bursting forth within. Then, the five towering Demon Suppressing Needles began buzzing in unison. The originally dark red patterns on their surfaces started pulsating with ghostly green light. An invisible force suddenly erupted from beneath Qingqiu Mountain, rushing skyward. Crack! Like muffled thunder, a pitch-black fissure appeared in the clear sky. Countless emerald-green lights flickered around the fissure like countless hands, tearing it wider apart. The next instant. Whoosh! Thick, blood-like liquid gushed forth from the fissure. In a blink, a vast and turbulent blood river waterfall materialized in mid-air. The scarlet blood-water cascaded from the heavens, crashing thunderously into Qingqiu Mountain basin. Countless grotesque faces writhing within the blood-water wailed and surged, their buzzing cries warping the minds of those who heard them, driving them toward madness and slaughter. The previously jubilant crowd before Qingqiu Palace was thrown into chaos. "Hold yourselves together!" Zheng Bailian shouted, jolting everyone back to their senses. "It''s merely a minor demon disturbance. Why panic like this? Where''s your dignity?!" Without hesitation, he pulled out a palm-sized Bronze Token. "Decree!" Zheng Bailian raised the Bronze Token high and hollered. A familiar force enveloped everyone, like an invisible gentle hand resting on their shouldersthe binding power of the Daoist Soldier Contractual Decree. "All disciples shall use the Sealing Demon Curse to defend Qingqiu Mountain. Any who defy this order shall face the punishment of Five Thunders Bombarding!" "Get to it!" As soon as the order was issued, the formerly composed Zheng Bailian instantly activated his Escape Light and shot off into the distance, vanishing in an instant. The crowd: "..." Chen Mu: "..." That damn Zheng Bailian. Not only did he flee during the crisis, but he also used the Contract to mandate the disciples to stay and guard the mountain. This was clearly sacrificing everyone else to buy himself time! Just moments ago, he thought he was a minor figure with no chance to defy the Contractual Decree. And then Zheng Bailian turned around and gave him a solid blow of reality! Goddamn bastard! Chapter 661 - 649: Acquaintance Qingqiu Mountain peak. A strange wailing sound echoed, jolting the bewildered crowd awake. Countless blood shadows surged out abruptly from the upside-down Blood River in the sky. "Sealing Demon Curse!" Lu Han shouted loudly. The results of repeated drills showed themselves as the Daoist Soldier Apprentices reflexively chanted the Sealing Demon Curse. But just as the Green Dispel Relief Power began to rise, the crowd stopped chanting one after another. They stared at the swarm of blood shadows filling the sky like locusts, then glanced at the mere hundred or so people on the mountain peaka wave of peculiar emotion surged within them. Lu Han, who was fully focused on casting the Sealing Demon Curse, suddenly snapped out of it. The look on his face darkened as his peripheral vision caught the expressions of those around him. "The Sect Master has already activated the Contractual Decree. Deserting in battle will invoke Five Thunders Bombarding, leaving no chance of survival! Do not make a fatal mistake!" he loudly reminded. Five Thunders Bombarding? No chance of survival? That''s not necessarily true! The previously hesitant Daoist Soldiers suddenly became resolute. Like a flash of lightning tearing through the sky, realization struck Lu Han as he instantly understood what the Daoist Soldiers were plotting. A secret technique to resist tribulation calamities?! That damn thing is just a method to exploit Daoist Soldier Apprentices'' White Jade. It''s typically hinted at subtly before they are sent to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. But this bunch in front of me... It''s disaster! Absolute calamity! Before Lu Han had a chance to warn them, someone within the crowd stepped onto a Flying Kite and soared into the air. With mana bursting forth, the Flying Kite sliced through clouds and mist, shooting straight toward the Mist Forest outside Qingqiu Mountain. As if a switch had been flipped, various escape skill secret techniques erupted simultaneously. The hundred Daoist Soldiers who had been gathered together scattered in a frantic burst. Seeing this, Lu Han and Yang Fu''s faces instantly turned ashen. Those Daoist Soldier Apprentices may not know the power of the Contract, but don''t they? If the Secret Technique of Tribulation Resistance were effective, why would they still remain on Qingqiu Mountain at this moment? Bang! Bang! Bang... A series of sudden explosions echoed as the Daoist Soldier Apprentices who had just fled Qingqiu Mountain were blown apart mid-air. Their shattered flesh and bones flew everywhere, blossoming like grotesquely beautiful scarlet fireworks. The rippling air tremors struck chilling fear into those still stranded at the mountain peak. Chen Mu stared dead-eyed at a drop of blood hovering mid-air not far from him, fixed on the electric golden-red lightning flashing within it. In just three breaths, the blood drop had been evaporated by the lightning, leaving only traces of blackened ash, which scattered into the wind. Chen Mu stood there as though petrified, unable to move an inch. Five Thunders Bombardingdoes it annihilate from the inside out? A single drop of blood gets blasted and evaporated? How cruel is that? Fuck! ... Starlight flickered above Qingqiu Mountain. A pitch-black rift, stretching for several miles, cut through the sky like a jagged scar. At some point, a figure dressed in loose white robes had appeared beside the void. His jet-black hair, loosely tied into a ponytail, swayed like antennae over his forehead, unaffected by the roaring blood river beside him. His crystalline blood-red pupils gazed down at the scene below, a faint smile playing on his lips, his demeanor relaxed and languid. "Lan Zhang, why did you pick such a destitute place?" A pitch-black shadow beneath his feet spread and expanded. Swish! Countless crimson eyes of various sizes emerged on the shadow. Several thin black shadow blades, sharp and tapered like spikes, extended outward, suddenly aligning at Lan Zhang''s ear. A massive eyeball, spinning wildly in every direction, appeared in the center of the shadow blade. "Not enough of those hairless monkeys around herenot much Primordial Spirit for you to snatch." The No-Eyed Child grumbled discontentedly, his voice like the murmurs of thousands, itching and maddening to the ears. "They''re called people, not hairless monkeys," Lan Zhang chuckled and corrected. "I bet you''ve cooked up yet another sinister scheme!" The No-Eyed Child''s eyes shone brightly with intrigue. "I''m not from Nether Demon Heaven. Mo Nuo doesn''t trust me, so he assigned me to such a barren place." Lan Zhang spread his hands, feigning innocence. "Here, even if I racked my brains, it''s nothing more than making dojos in snail shellsI lack the conditions to attempt anything grand." "Bullshit!" No-Eyed Child''s massive eyeball glared fiercely at Lan Zhang. "Mo Nuo gave you five optionswhy would you choose this out-of-the-way dump for no reason." "It''s all for you!" Lan Zhang sighed deeply, his tone sincere. The No-Eyed Child was momentarily stunned. For us? Haven''t we always wanted to devour each other? Since when have we become this buddy-buddy? "Use your bloodline Divine Power to sense. There''s a Shadow Cave Heaven concealed in this place," Lan Zhang said with a smile. "That special Ghost who escaped Nether Demon Heaven using the Mountain-Carrying Scripture?" The No-Eyed Child''s eyes, big and small, sparkled excitedly. Lan Zhang''s smile grew more benevolent. "If you devour their Shadow Cave Heaven, you''ll certainly progress further. See, I''m completely thinking of you." "Thinking of me? Ha!" The shadow blades twisted like razors, the massive eye dead-locked on Lan Zhang. "You just want to acquire a more powerful Blood Shadow Clone." Just like how he always coveted Lan Zhang''s essence, Lan Zhang likewise wanted to assimilate him into the Blood Cloud. "Facing your demise yet still so greedymastering the fourth-level Demon Realm Blood God Scripture isn''t exactly easy, huh?" The No-Eyed Child jeered. Lan Zhang''s ever-present grin instantly vanished. The No-Eyed Child burst into raucous laughter. "You deliberately chose an impoverished location to prevent Blood God''s Son from killing too many beings, thus accelerating the Blood God Scripture''s process of losing control, didn''t you?" "Ha! Lan Zhang, I look forward to watching you go mad!" With a series of delighted cackles, the No-Eyed Child''s form vanished. ... Bang! Bang! Bang... The sound of dull impacts echoed atop Qingqiu Mountain. The green arc-shaped Spirit Light Shield enveloped the Daoist Soldiers. Countless blood shadows plummeted from the sky, crashing into the Sealing Demon Light, creating ripples upon ripples. The enormous Sealing Demon Light Shield visibly shrank with alarming speed as the crowd''s faces turned to despair, yet no one dared to halt the chant of the Sealing Demon Curse. Chen Mu mingled among the group, channeling his robust mana and the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique''s Exotic Force powerfully into the Sealing Demon Light. "Had I known the Secret Technique of Tribulation Resistance was useless, I''d never have signed the contract!" Chen Mu cursed inwardly. The Truth Listening Divine Power covered an area of thirty miles, ensuring none of the fleeing Daoist Soldiers escaped detection. The best outcome for those who fled was being struck by Thunder Law, their bodies charred blackalive but left with only half a life. "If we really defend Qingqiu Mountain, we''ll undoubtedly be ripped apart and devoured by the demons." With the Blood River suspended, blood shadows seemingly infinite, even his vigorous River Chariot Mana would eventually succumb to the demon onslaught. Even Zheng Bailian at the Dao Foundation Realm fled outrighthow could he possibly hold out? "Should I gamble on the efficacy of the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique?" Chen Mu hesitated deeply. But the Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor''s power was overwhelming; he wasn''t sure he could endure the Five Thunders Bombarding. Before he could make a decision, Yang Fu suddenly shouted, "The decree orders us to defend Qingqiu Mountain, but doesn''t say we must risk our lives fighting demons." "Hiding inside the Administrative Affairs Institute''s warehouse sanctuary counts as following the order." "There, the sect''s Forbidden Law will be enough to protect us!" The crowd''s spirits lifted. Staying on Qingqiu Mountain wouldn''t count as disobeying orders? Could the Contractual Decree really be interpreted this way? Hidden within the crowd, Chen Mu rejoiced. At this moment, the blood shadow demons in the sky swarmed like locusts, but most were heading for Mist Forest instead. Remaining on Qingqiu Mountain were comparatively few. If he could avoid death by sneaking into the sanctuary protected by Forbidden Laws in the mountain''s depths, he might really survive! "Finally, I don''t have to gamble my life on the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique," Chen Mu exhaled in immense relief. But the next moment, he felt his legs suddenly halt. At some unknown point, strips of black shadow-like ribbons had wrapped tightly around his calves. Like tangled underwater grass, they pinned him firmly in place. Swish! Countless eyes abruptly opened on the dark ribbon shadows. "Lan Zhang wasn''t lying; you really do possess my kind''s Shadow Cave Heaven within you." "An Earthly Realm Ghost not only mastering our clan''s Divine Power but also possessing the ability to take over a hairless monkey to cultivate mana?" "I can''t bring myself to kill you, truly." The No-Eyed Child teased with a laugh. Lan Zhang? Ghost? The lunatic who cultivated the Blood God Scripture and devoured the entire Hai Character Camp? Chen Mu''s scalp tingled. Fragments of sealed memories from Nether Demon Heaven Dust surfaced in his mind. No wonder I thought the blood shadows all over the sky seemed familiarthey''re fucking Blood God Scripture entities! I''ve actually been targeted by such a monstrosity... I''m screwed! Chapter 662 - 650 Wu Mu Here is the requested translation of the text: Four hundred miles north of Qingqiu Mountain, there lies a lone, desolate hill. An icy blue streak of escape light sliced through the clouds and descended onto the summit. Atop a grey-white rock, Zheng Bailian''s figure emerged. He turned to look southward across the horizon. The dark crimson Blood River light that once blotted out the sky had vanished without a trace. "Finally escaped," Zheng Bailian''s rapidly beating heart began to calm. "Living the easy life for too long can dull one''s edge. My reactions in battle just now slowed by several beats!" "Outer Heaven Demons bypassed the locks of the Great Celestial Star Battle Ban and entered Hai Province. Something must have gone terribly wrong at the Outer Heaven Battlefield." "Should I find a place to lay low for a while or immediately report this to Thousand Mechanisms Sect?" Zheng Bailian''s face showed hesitation. If the report is delayed, there could be punishment. But reporting too soon might result in being dragged off as a war soldier. Fighting face-to-face with demons... "Hmm. My Hundred Illusion Sect fought tooth and nail against the demons, and in the end, I''m the sole survivor." "Now, with severe injuries preventing me from promptly reporting the demon invasion, it''s a reasonable excuse." "Even if a vital opportunity is missed, at worst, there''d only be some mild rebuke." Having mulled it over, Zheng Bailian made up his mind: "I''ll hide at the Heavenly River Water Mansion for now. Once Thousand Mechanisms Sect stabilizes the chaos, I''ll resurface then." But just as he prepared to activate an escape skill and leave, he felt his mana freeze momentarily. Not even Longitudinal Rainbow Light would activate. He abruptly looked down, only to find that, unbeknownst to him, a scarlet blood lake had appeared beneath his feet. The translucent blood-water was as thin as paper, floating silently in midair. He could even see the grey-white rock beneath it through its surface. Zheng Bailian stared at his reflection on the blood-painted water''s surface, only to realize his pupils had turned completely blood-red! ... Atop Qingqiu Mountain. Swish! Chen Mu''s Five Elements Escape Technique unfolded, and his figure suddenly merged with the Gentle Breeze, vanishing in an instant. The black shadow ribbon that had previously restrained him immediately bolted across the ground like lightning, flashing several miles in pursuit of Chen Mu. Within mere breaths, the black shadow overtook the mountain peak, leaving Yang Fu, Lu Han, and others far behind. Moments later, in the depths of Prison Valley, amidst a peach forest on Qingqiu Mountain''s eastern side. Countless black shadows streaked like serpentine bolts from all directions, converging abruptly into a pool of shadow akin to black oil. Swish! Numerous revolving eyeballs surfaced from within the black shadow. "Trying to run?" "No way!" Wu Mu Tongzi''s round eyes bulged. The pitch-black shadow writhed, morphing into seven clusters of ink-black smoky vapor that spiraled downward, drilling into the dark stone. But in the next instant Thud! As though bouncing off a trampoline, Wu Mu was instantly catapulted back into the air upon attempting to tunnel underground. "I refuse to believe this!" Reforming into his shadow form, Wu Mu''s multitude of eyes glared wide with fury. Thin, blade-like black shadows, sharp as cicada wings, shot into the sky, swiftly curving mid-air before plunging ferociously toward the ground. Clang clang clang... Sparks flew as tough Demon Qi Stones shattered and scattered. After a fierce barrage of piercing strikes, the ground bore only a shallow pit, half the height of a person. Wu Mu: "..." What in the hell is this place? Neither escape skills nor brute force work? How did that guy manage to tunnel his way out earlier? Wu Mu furiously slammed the ground dozens more times, but only managed to deepen the pit by half a meter. What''s worse, the moment his attacks ceased, the hollow began visibly repairing itself at an astonishing pace. The duck he thought was firmly in his grasp just up and flew away?! "Ahhhhh..." Wu Mu Tongzi roared, his countless sizable and small eyes spinning in agitation. He unleashed endless black shadow blades, furiously stabbing at Prison Valley. ... A thousand miles below Qingqiu Mountain''s surface, in a vast underground dark river-cave, a phosphorescent floating lamp hung suspended in the air. Chen Mu stood rigid upon a reef in the dark river, his entire body taut and unmoving. Protective Spirit Light Heavenly Demon Armor, Five Dragons Qi Mechanism Five Thunder Spellall his defensive techniques were layered onto his body like armor. The Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique was activated to its fullest extent, with over two hundred Peach Gods compactly clinging to his every inch. He had even refined a dense, chilling white mist using reversed Yin-Yang techniques in an effort to stimulate his Heavenly Demon Body. The gas connections between his Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed were tightened temporarily to better disperse the divine tribulation of the Five Thunders Bombarding. "Hiding within the mountain''s secret domain isn''t considered defying the Contractual Decree. Surely burrowing underground isn''t breaking the rules either, right?" Chen Mu murmured in anxiety. With the soft drip-drip of flowing water echoing through the cavern, time stretched on. A quarter of an hour passed, which felt like an eternity to Chen Mu. After waiting for some time and detecting no sign of thunder strikes, he finally exhaled in relief. "I guessed correctly." He removed the mischievous wooden figurine pressed against his forehead, pulled back the nearly suffocating swarm of Peach Gods clinging to him, and activated Truth Listening Divine Power, meticulously scanning the cave inch by inch. Once he confirmed the presence of only feeble life forms within the dark river and that he was the sole living being in the subterranean cavern, he finally fully relaxed. "The Demon Qi Stone''s shapeshifting energies truly do block both Qi Cultivators and demons. Looks like I''ve managed to escape from that eerie black shadow''s pursuit." Chen Mu sighed inwardly. Lan Zhang, Black Shadow, Blood God Scripture. Over the years, he had never imagined he would confront people and things from his past again. Netherworld, Hundred Intentions Heaven, Outer Heaven Demon Sky, and the Shadow Cave Heaven mentioned briefly by that black shadow. Numerous fragmented pieces of information surged into his mind, overwhelming his thoughts in disorder. Moreover, he had heard of demons wreaking havoc in Outer Heaven, but never of them forcing their way onto the mortal surface. Something colossal must have transpired. "At least vast swathes of Demon Qi Stone serve as a shield," Chen Mu glanced up at the cave ceiling. "As long as I remain safely underground in Qingqiu Mountain, I won''t have to worry about demon attacks." "If I can hold on until Thousand Mechanisms Sect launches a counter-offensive, I''ll escape unscathed." Chen Mu felt a wave of relief. No sooner had the hint of ease spread across his face when a cold, sinister voice abruptly exploded in his ears. "Did you really think you could escape my shadows so easily?" Buzz! A vast pitch-black shadow spewed along the cave''s stone walls with alarming speed, enveloping the entire underground cavern in moments. Swish! From the ceiling to the floor, countless eyeballs, varying in size, suddenly manifested. They rotated in sync, staring unblinkingly at Chen Mu, icy and devoid of life. Chen Mu felt as though his entire body was being pinned down by thousands of fine needles, rendering him frozen on the spot and unable to move. This shadow monster could penetrate Demon Qi Stone?! This is bad! "You possess no hint of my clan''s bloodline, yet you wield Shadow Cave Heaven. Impressive." "But you''ve had the misfortune of crossing paths with me." Wu Mu Tongzi''s tone was laden with indifference. "Once I devour you, I might even have the strength to settle accounts with Lan Zhang." His countless eyes swirled lazily, his voice tinged with musing, clearly strategizing for his next steps. The looming shadow encompassing the cave began contracting inward quickly. The nonchalant demeanor made Chen Mu''s blood run cold. His mana and divine power surged furiously, manifesting layers of protective armor with a thunderous pulse. "It''s useless," Wu Mu Tongzi continued, his gaze riveted to the glow cast by Chen Mu''s secret techniques. "If you wield Shadow Cave Heaven, it means you are destined to be countered by me." "Once I dismantle your Shadow Pupil, I''ll seize your Essence Spirit God and everything tied to it." "Stop resisting. Fuse with me willingly, and I''ll spare us both some trouble. You''ll suffer less, too." "Behold these Divine Eyes around you. They were all individuals like youyour predecessors." "If the merging goes smoothly, I might leave a trace of consciousness in you so that you may leave behind a footprint in this world," Wu Mu Tongzi chuckled lightly, a blend of delight and mockery. Chen Mu gazed at the myriad blinking eyes surrounding him, and his skin crawled. He knew nothing of Shadow Cave Heaven or Shadow Pupil. If someone who possessed those powers fell victim to this shadow creature, their strength must have been significant. Yet they all succumbed. And now he was expected to face this shadow monster head-on? Chen Mu felt as if he''d fallen into an ice abyss; his body and soul froze solid. Truth Listening Divine Power activated, revealing the sprawling shadow all around him. He was completely encased within it. "There''s no choice but to fight to the death!" Chen Mu clenched his teeth. Giant Spirit Divine! Heavenly Demon Armor! Candle Dragon Transformation! The Yin Soul Strange Divine Power from the Five Ghosts Bag was drained in an instant. Boom! Grey-black whirlwinds surged into the sky from behind him. A colossal, twenty-story-tall wyrm with red eyes and jade pupils roared as it summoned Yin Wind and rode Ghost Fire. Roar! A thunderous cry echoed. The Candle Dragon Dharma Form shot skyward. Pop! Just like popping a balloon that had swollen to its limits, the shadow surrounding Chen Mu cracked and shattered spectacularly. The scattered shreds of shadow carried eyeballs that froze in shock, their gazes brimming with disbelief. How could it be? Chen Mu was just as stunned, staring upward. The Candle Dragon Dharma Body now seemed uncontrollable, coursing Yun Wind and darting wildly across the air. It greedily devoured black shadow fragments like a ravenous serpent. Wasn''t this shadow monster about to consume him? Why did it seem the tables had turned? After a few moments of stunned stillness, Chen Mu finally came to his senses. He squinted at the fleeing fragments of black shadow, which were repeatedly repelled by the dense layers of Demon Qi Stone. "What was it you just said?" "Stop resisting, fuse with me willingly, and we''ll both be spared some pain?" "Heh, you''re absolutely right!" Chen Mu grinned wide, revealing rows of sharp, ivory teeth. "Why don''t you voluntarily throw yourself into the maw of my Candle Dragon Mage God instead?" He smirked, his expression icy. "Otherwise..." "Don''t blame me for letting it tear you to shreds!" Chapter 663 - 651: Hiding "Spare me!" "Spare me! Spare me!" "Let me live!" In the underground dark river cave, in a certain corner, a giant eyeball the size of a human head repeatedly shouted for mercy. It even split into two shadowy small hands, raised them high as a gesture of surrender. Boom! Black and silver mist surged, and a massive dragon head, as tall as several floors, silently appeared. Its two dragon whiskers beneath the jaw swayed slowly, shimmering with ghostly green flames and scarlet pupils, quietly fixed upon Wu Mu. Wu Mu felt a sudden joy in his heart, and his massive eyeball immediately spoke flatteringly, "I have a technique, called Blood God." "As long as you spare me, I will present this technique to you with both hands, with which you can directly reach the Primordial Spirit." "Eternal life and unwavering sight will be easily within your grasp!" "I am not lying to you. Lan Zhang beyond the mountain is living proof." "Look" Roar! The silent Candle Dragon Dharma Form suddenly charged forward, accompanied by a short and muffled shriek. The giant eyeball vanished in the blink of an eye, swallowed whole by the Candle Dragon''s maw. Hmph! Even at death''s door, trying to deceive me. You think I don''t know how sinister the Blood God Scripture is? This kind of secret scripture, which almost guarantees madness, what use could I possibly have for it! The immense Candle Dragon form twisted its body, drifting slowly through the air. Chen Mu stood by the ferocious dragon head, fully activating the Truth Listening Divine Power. After confirming there were no remaining fragments of the black shadow monster, he let out a deep sigh of relief. Shhua! Black and silver mist curled and dissipated. The massive Candle Dragon Dharma Body vanished into nothingness. Chen Mu cast a glance at the pitch-black dark river cave. With a flash of green light on his body, he disappeared without a trace. ... Days later. Deep beneath Qingqiu Mountain. In a secret chamber about three to four meters high, roughly the size of two bedrooms. Chen Mu sat on a low couch padded with thick cushions, replacing the flowerpot for a Sea Heart Pine on the short table in front of him. Skillfully finishing his task, he looked at the seven lush Sea Heart Pines arranged in a row against the wall, contentedly clapping his hands. "Opening the Thousand Lanterns City portal every two Hours for a quarter-hour, paired with these Sea Heart Pines, is enough to ensure fresh air within the chamber." Since encountering the black shadow monster, he had been constantly relocating underground within the Hundred Illusion Sect. To prevent demons from exploiting any vulnerabilities, he dared not stay in natural caves like underground dark rivers or rock crevices, instead carving out secret chambers within the layers of Demon Qi Stone. Surrounded on all sides by solid Demon Qi Stone, he had maximized his ability to block demonic exploration. But because the surroundings were entirely sealed, the air inside the secret chamber grew thin. Having cultivated immortality and practiced Qi for many years, he could go without breathing for two or three days, but holding his breath was always uncomfortable. So he periodically opened the Thousand Lanterns City portal, borrowing air supply from the grotto heaven for breathing. Maintaining the portal open for extended periods was extremely draining on his spirit and mana, so he could only activate it intermittently. Furthermore, the secret chamber was too small. Staying long would inevitably lead to foul air, hence his decision to cultivate Sea Heart Pines for purification. After opening multiple secret chambers, he also found the optimal frequency for activating the grotto heaven and the ideal number of Sea Heart Pines. "It''s a pity there''s the Contractual Decree; otherwise, I would simply hide in the Thousand Lanterns City and spare myself all this labor and trouble." "Fortunately, the fully enclosed Demon Qi Stone indeed works as intended. For now, safety isn''t a concern." In the past few days, Chen Mu had feared demons invading underground the most. With the black shadow monster as a lesson learned, he couldn''t feel reassured. Luckily, after days of relocation and testing, there had been no demon appearances, finally allowing him to breathe a small sigh of relief. "I still don''t understand how that black shadow monster managed to appear. It''s genuinely eerie." "Thankfully, the Candle Dragon Transformation is powerful enough," Chen Mu thought privately, relieved. Nearly four thousand ghosts joined forces, their Yin Spirit Divine Power vast and overwhelming. The Five Dragons Scripture contained this immense force, resulting in the astonishing strength of the Candle Dragon Dharma Body. Otherwise, there was a real chance he''d have been swallowed by that black shadow monster. Returning to the soft couch, he activated his thoughts, causing a human-head-sized whirlpool of black smoke to float in the air before him. As it spun and expanded, it instantly transformed into a round portal as tall as a person. Through the black translucent veil isolating the two realms, he could see the ruins of wooden buildingsa part of the Thousand Lanterns City, previously affected during his Candle Dragon Transformation practice. "The Shadow Cave Heaven that the monster mentioned must be the Thousand Lanterns City." Chen Mu''s gaze shifted to the top of Thousand Lanterns City, where an enormous eyeball had appeared. That eyeball, perfectly distinct between black and white, resided in a patch of shadows, its drooping eyelids gazing blankly below the city, unmoving. Ever since the black shadow monster had been torn apart and devoured by the Five Dragons Dharma Aspect, this large eyeball had emerged in the Thousand Lanterns City. "This must be the Shadow Pupil the black shadow monster referred to," Chen Mu understood inwardly. "Indeed, the Thousand Lanterns City was nothing more than an Incomplete Cave Heaven before; now, at last, it is beginning to become whole." Chen Mu''s thoughts moved, and his vision blurred for a moment. The fragmented scenes from within Thousand Lanterns City''s ruins immediately emerged in his mind. He effortlessly tapped into the sight of the massive eyeball, even seeing through the circular portal hovering in the air to the secret chamber outside it, where he sat. Moreover, with the aid of the Shadow Pupil, he could gain a more comprehensive perception and control of the Thousand Lanterns City. "It seems it has grown by another three percent since yesterday!" Chen Mu withdrew his focus, delightedly looking at the Thousand Lanterns City portal before him. Compared to its initial state, the Thousand Lanterns City had grown over twice as large in just a few days. Although its rapid expansion had slowed significantly, it had yet to completely stop. "No wonder that black shadow monster was so desperate to consume me." "That creature likely had a cave heaven of its own." "By consuming and combining, it could refine and expand the cave heaven. Who could resist such a temptation?" Chen Mu comprehended in silence. "But now, all these benefits belong to me!" He couldn''t suppress a grin within his heart. ... Half a month later. Deep below Qingqiu Mountain, within a spherical cave, Chen Mu stared intently at a small patch of black stone in the center. The cave was newly carved by him, situated over a thousand miles beneath Qingqiu Mountain''s surface. Just escaping the underground alone would take more than an Hour. The surrounding walls and ceiling of the cave were entirely Demon Qi Stone, but the ground below consisted of ordinary rock. While still solid, it no longer contained Demon Qi. "Not being Demon Qi Stone proves this area is beyond the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition''s coverage, and thus no longer Qingqiu Mountain territory." If he descended further, he feared triggering the Contractual Decree. Over the past days, he had ventured into Qingqiu Mountain''s depths daily for exploration rather than idly residing in the secret chamber. His current location marked the deepest region belonging to Qingqiu Mountain. Combining the results of his recent explorations, he had roughly mapped out the coverage area of the Demon Qi Stone domain. "As long as I stay within this range, it should avoid triggering the Contract''s thunderous wrath." Unless absolutely necessary, he dared not gamble his life on the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique. With a thought, two Vermilion Feather Swords emerged from his sleeve, lightly tracing an arc through the air. Then, with a soft thud, they drove into the black rock. While the Vermilion Feather Sword struggled against Demon Qi Stone, normal rock posed no challenge at all. "I can''t just keep hiding underground blind and oblivious." "Let''s send out two flying swords to scout ahead." He didn''t dare personally venture out to investigate, but deploying two Vermilion Feather Swords posed no issue. ... Inside the square-shaped secret chamber. With a soft pop, Chen Mu, engulfed in emerald light, squeezed through the Demon Qi Stone wall. He settled onto the low couch and shut his eyes to connect with the Vermilion Feather Swords. First reflected in his vision was the underground rock layer. Two Forbidden Swords were laboriously advancing forward. Leaving behind a portion of his spirit to ensure stable mana flow via the Mechanical Talisman Seed to the Vermilion Feather Swords, Chen Mu shifted his attention to other Mechanical Talismans. Soon, seven images of secret chamberssimilar to his current locationappeared in his mind. Three or four meters tall, the size of two bedrooms, equipped with low couches, lamps, and Sea Heart Pines. One Vermilion Feather Sword hovered in each chamber. "Blood Shadow Demons under Lan Zhang truly cannot penetrate Demon Qi Stone." From the start of cultivation, the principle of having multiple safe havens was deeply ingrained in Chen Mu''s instincts. These seven secret chambers were scattered across the underground, at varying depths. On one hand, it served as backups; on the other, it monitored any demon incursions underground. With Demon Qi Stone present, his Truth Listening Divine Power became highly restricted, leaving him no choice but to scatter resources for underground surveillance. "Hmm, or perhaps Lan Zhang never intended to invade underground." Chen Mu had crossed paths with Lan Zhang, but their interaction was limited. The No-Eyed Child sought the Thousand Lanterns City; Lan Zhang probably had no specific reason to capture him. According to the No-Eyed Child, Lan Zhang''s Blood God Scripture advanced rapidly, allowing him to achieve the Primordial Spirit and attain eternal life. Lan Zhang was waging war on Hai Province with grand ambitions, likely oblivious to a minor player like himself. "Ignorance is bliss." "His indifference leaves me safer," Chen Mu concluded with relief. Burrowing into Demon Qi Stone layers not only evaded demonic entities but also avoided violating the Contractual Decree. All that remained was for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to resolve the chaos, granting him an opportunity to escape successfully. Chapter 664 - 652: Share Calamity Hai Province''s central region, Earth Seal Sect. A pitch-black fissure, dozens of miles long, stretched across the sky. From within the crack, enormous multi-headed flood dragons nearly a hundred meters in length kept emerging, spewing streaks of thunderous flames with every exhale. Black smoke rose thick and heavy over the surrounding endless green mountains, now scarred and desolate. At the peak of Fuyang Mountain, the Earth Seal Sect dojo''s core, a nine-headed monstrous flood dragon coiled menacingly. Its nine heads roared deafeningly, immediately eliciting howls of response from the other multi-headed flood dragons in the sky. Soon, the flood dragons whipped wind and clouds into a frenzy, forming packs that surged toward distant, heavily populated cities. In their wake, no blade of grass was left aliveliving beings and all creatures were mercilessly devoured by the ferocious monstrous flood dragons. At that instant, a tall, thin elder clad in a purple Daoist robe suddenly appeared. His complexion was stern and cold as he impassively stared at the nine-headed flood dragon. Spreading the fingers of his right hand, a cluster of gold-black flames materialized in his palm. With a simple flip of his hand, the flames effortlessly descended upon the peak of Fuyang Mountain. Before the nine-headed flood dragon could react, the gold-black flames penetrated its protective qi mechanism with ease, plunging into its immense body. Boom! A towering inferno erupted, its dazzling brilliance blackening even the heavens and the earth for an instant. The nine-headed flood dragon was engulfed entirely by the flames, writhing and struggling with all its might, yet unable to dispel the fire. In mere moments, as it twisted in agony, the colossal flood dragon was reduced to ash and scattered with the wind. It seemed as though a pivotal support had been destroyed. The pitch-black fissure in the sky began to slowly close and retract. In the next moment, clouds billowed furiously in all directions as several hundred figures clad in black robes layered with armor materialized behind the elder. "Sect Master!" The group saluted in unison. "Teams of three, set out immediately for the mountain gates of the Ninety-nine Sects." "Establish altars, issue decrees, and summon all Daoist Soldiers in Hai Province." "Defy orders, and face Five Thunders Bombarding, obliterating both body and soul!" "Yes!" With a chorus of respectful responses, the hundreds of individuals transformed into streaks of light, streaking off in all directions across Hai Province. A middle-aged man dressed in gray attire approached the elder hesitantly, a look of worry on his face. "Senior Brother Lu, the current Daoist Soldiers of Hai Province are all new recruits. If they face demons directly, I fear the losses will be severe." "Why not summon seasoned veterans from the Outer Heaven Battlefield? That way, the demon chaos could be quelled faster and more effectively," the middle-aged man respectfully suggested. "Lan Xiuzhu, was it not you who asked me to come and assist in restoring order?" The elder in the purple robe''s tone was icy cold. "Disturbing Senior Brother''s secluded cultivation, Xiuzhu is deeply ashamed," Lan Xiuzhu said with genuine embarrassment, lowering his gaze. "If you''ve requested my intervention, then you''ll act according to my plan," the Sect Master of Thousand Mechanisms Sect, Lu Shenjun, declared emotionlessly. "This... as you say!" Lan Xiuzhu was forced to bow his head, hands clasped in deference. "You failed to promptly detect the Heavenly Star shift, allowing Nether Demon Heaven to exploit the opportunity to breach the Complete Heaven Formation. This was already a catastrophic oversight." "And now, you suggest redirecting Outer Heaven Daoist Soldiers, effectively handing the Heavenly Star Dojo over to the Nether Demons and Heavenly Demons? Is that what you intend?" Lu Shenjun''s eyes darted sharply, casting a sideward glance at Lan Xiuzhu. "It was an error in judgment on my part," Lan Xiuzhu admitted, lowering his posture even further in remorse. "If you''re aware of your miscalculation, then act swiftly. How much longer do you intend to prolong this Hai Province mess?" Lu Shenjun said mercilessly. "Your reprimand is justified, Senior Brother. I will leave at once." Lan Xiuzhu respectfully clasped his hands, then turned and left with two subordinates, transforming into three streaks of light as they sped southward. ... In Qingqiu Mountain''s underground secret chamber Chen Mu leaned against a low couch adorned with soft cushions, his legs crossed atop the small table at the foot of the bed. Cheerfully, he popped fried Moon Beet Pearls into his mouth while observing Thousand Lanterns City through his Shadow Pupil. Despite the chaos of demons rampaging outside the mountain, he dared not make any sudden moves from his underground sanctuary. Each day, he alternated between nourishing his Heavenly Demon Body and practicing his yet-to-be-perfected secret techniques. Monitoring the changes in Thousand Lanterns City had become one of his rare amusements amidst cultivation. Nearly a month had passed, and compared to before, Thousand Lanterns City Cave Heaven had expanded to over three times its original size. Through the drooping, sluggish eye perched atop the Shadow Pupil, Chen Mu observed the ground below. The massive soil he had initially used to fill the subterranean terrain suddenly seemed far too small. What once resembled a vast expanse of land now looked like an isolated island in the sea. "If it could grow two or three times larger, wouldn''t that be amazing?" "Black Shadow Monster, oh Black Shadow Monster, this is too disappointing." "How come you didn''t eat a few more of your kind?" "If you had gathered a couple more eyeballs, maybe my Thousand Lanterns City would''ve expanded further," Chen Mu grumbled loudly, sipping his Nourishing Spirit Wine while crunching on Moon Beet Pearls. "Well, three times is still manageable." After grumbling for a while, he finally collected himself and began linking to his Mechanical Talisman Seed. Activating the Truth Listening Divine Power, the scenes of the land above emerged vividly within his mind. Within the Mist Forest, the air remained shrouded in thick fog tinged with an irremovable crimson hue. What had once been a forest teeming with insect chirps and beastly roars now lay eerily quiet, still and unnervingly silent. "The exotic beasts of Mist Forest have truly met a bleak fate." "Anything alive, almost everything, has been swallowed utterly by the Blood Shadow Demon." "That Hundred-Eyed Spider, which escaped being devoured entirely by my Ghosts, has now been exterminated by Lan Zhang''s blood shadows." "What a pity for the fresh and savory Hundred-Eyed Spider''s leg meatI doubt I''ll ever get to taste it again." Chen Mu sighed wistfully. "I wonder if Yang Fu and the others have already fled into the hidden chamber within the mountain''s belly." "Even if they''ve successfully retreated, whether they can withstand Lan Zhang''s onslaught remains uncertain." "Being alone here in the underground secret chamber is admittedly dreary and monotonous, but staying on the surface may well result in losing one''s life." "Under these circumstances, this underground chamber of mine remains the safest bet." "With the Demon Qi Stone isolating everything, no one can disturb my secluded cultivation," Chen Mu chuckled to himself, his heart light as he inspected the stored ingredients in his Five Ghosts Bag. Humming a tune and shaking his legs, he began arranging his dinner. Buzz! A gentle force suddenly descendedit felt as if warm hands were stroking his head. The joyful rhythm of Chen Mu''s legs froze immediately, not daring to move. This sensation... Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor?! No, I haven''t violated any decrees. Why would the Contract''s backlash power come upon me? "All Daoist Soldiers, immediately proceed to Taoshan Temple outside Mist Forest." "Defy orders, and face Five Thunders Bombarding, soul scattered to the winds!" A cold voice suddenly echoed within his mind. Was this the decree of Thousand Mechanisms Sect? Looks like my plan to lay low underground until Thousand Mechanisms Sect quelled the chaos won''t come to fruition. Chen Mu''s expression shifted immediately. "If I truly go to Taoshan Temple, I''ll undoubtedly get pulled into the battle to quell the demons." "But if I don''t go, Five Thunders Bombarding might leave me without a life to preserve anyway." The image of crimson fireworks exploding from lightning strikes atop Qingqiu Mountain vividly surfaced in his mind. While he hesitated, the lingering gentle power around him did not dissipate. "The contractual decree hasn''t fully transmitted yet?" As uncertainty beset him Rumble! Rumble! Like the thunder of summer storms, a deafening explosion suddenly roared in his ears. And that presence cloaking him, faintly gentle and compelling, grew thicker, enveloping him like densely gathered storm clouds. This... Are they activating a preliminary trial lightning tribulation to scare Daoist Soldiers into compliance? What the... Thousand Mechanisms Sect, you bastards! His heart seized in panic, and he fumbled to pull out the Peach God for protection. Boom! A second muted clap of thunder instantly resounded within his chest cavity. The crackle of lightning splitting the air accompanied by a light snapping echoeda hair-thin thread of lightning struck squarely at the tip of Chen Mu''s nose. His nostrils suddenly itched incessantly, prompting him to reflexively inhale deeply over and over. But after struggling for what felt like ages, the sneeze building at the back of his throat stubbornly refused to emerge. This...that''s it? Wasn''t that supposed to trigger a full-fledged lightning strike? Chen Mu''s expression turned peculiar. This Five Thunders Bombardingisn''t it a bit underwhelming? Even in its trial version, shouldn''t it pack more power than this? Wait...is this the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique? Immediately, Chen Mu pulled out a Peach God statuette for inspection. On the tip of the smiling, mischievous little figurine''s nose appeared a pinpoint-sized black dot. "Old Man Hu''s suffering wasn''t unjust after all." "I misjudged him when I cursed him earlier!" Chen Mu stretched his lips into a radiant grin. He truly hadn''t anticipated the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique to exhibit such remarkable effectiveness. Although the lightning tribulation was intentionally weakened for trial purposes, its potency remained intense enough to compel Daoist Soldiers into compliance through sheer intimidation. Yet this supposedly intense thunder law was so diminished by the tribulation technique that it felt no more threatening than winter static or a weak flick of a forehead? "Looks like going to Taoshan Temple isn''t all that necessary after all." "Haha!" Chapter 665 - 653: Perfection Nine days later, early morning, at the northernmost edge of Mist Forest. In front of a valley filled with peach blossoms, an octagonal pavilion stood amidst the peach trees. Inside the pavilion, two Taoists were leisurely playing chess and chatting. Chen Mu ran hurriedly into the valley and stopped by the pavilion. His clothes were scorched with blackened holes in several places, and two strands of hair on his forehead were damp with sweat, making him appear utterly disheveled. "Stop! Which sect are you from?" "Show me your sect''s Jade Token," the middle-aged Taoist in the pavilion barked. The elderly Taoist across from him flashed a smile. "No need to ask, he''s from the Hundred Illusion Sect." "Elder Mao, you know him?" The middle-aged Taoist was curious. "Heh! How could I not? This one almost became your junior disciple." The white-haired elder looked at Chen Mu with a playful expression. "Going in circles, you still ended up at Taoshan Temple." Chen Mu laughed awkwardly and cupped his fists in salute. A year ago, back when he was still at the Heavenly River Water Mansion, he had met this Mao-named elder while inquiring about Daoist Soldier matters at the Hundred Illusion Sect''s outpost. At that time, Elder Mao had tried hard to recruit him into Taoshan Temple. But since Taoshan Temple focused on training War Soldiers, which was far less safe compared to Hundred Illusion Sect''s Auxiliary Soldiers, Chen Mu naturally didn''t choose them. "Now do you still think Hundred Illusion Sect Daoist Soldiers are safer?" Elder Mao teased cheerfully. "The experience of Five Thunders Bombarding must not have been pleasant." "It appears I was short-sighted," Chen Mu said with a bitter smile, cupping his fists and bowing deeply again. "Fate has brought us together. Head through the peach forest to the south, and make your way to the Hundred Illusions camp yourself," Elder Mao said with a wave of his hand, still smiling. "Many thanks!" Chen Mu cupped his fists again and quickly made his way into the peach forest. ... After walking through the peach forest for a while, and once he could no longer see the pavilion behind him, Chen Mu slowed his pace and strolled leisurely among the peach trees. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is truly despicable." "Their Contracted Thunder Technique changes every day, becoming stronger and stronger!" "It''s caused me to sneeze nonstopwhat a bunch of bastards!" Chen Mu complained indignantly. Originally, he had planned to hide underground in Qingqiu Mountain, watching the chaos between demons unfold and waiting for the turmoil to settle before emerging. Unfortunately, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect showed no honor, triggering the Contracted Thunder Technique daily and forcing him to flee to Taoshan Temple. He had yet to finish refining all the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds, and the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique still had room for improvement. But Pure Yang Dao Ancestral''s Five Thunders Skill was equally formidable. "Tough it out? And exchange moves with Pure Yang Dao Ancestral from a distance?" "Tch!" "I''d have to be crazy to do that." Chen Mu rubbed his still-itchy nose. "I have no desire to blow up like fireworks." Besides, Taoshan Temple wasn''t actually that dangerous. The tall members of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect would definitely take the lead. He was just an Auxiliary Soldier butcher; how much danger could there really be? "Consider it practice for life on the Heavenly Star battlefield," Chen Mu shrugged. After carefully inspecting the lightning strike marks on his disguise, he ambled through the expanse of peach trees, lazily pondering how to slack off and avoid work as he entered the valley ahead. ... The next day. At the base of the southern mountain in the valley, in front of a square, earthy-yellow stone house. "I heard last night that you were still alive, and I didn''t believe it, but here you are, it''s true!" Yang Fu''s small eyes widened as he stared at Chen Mu with delight. Another blade of grass for earning Daoist Cultivation points is still standing! "Back then, we hid in the Washing Body Cave, using the internal Demon Qi to conceal ourselves, narrowly escaping disaster." "Later, with help from Sect Elders, we left Qingqiu Mountain from deep underground. It was quite a tough journey," Yang Fu sighed with emotion. "But I didn''t expect you, all on your own, to arrive at Taoshan Temple unharmed." "Junior Brother, you truly have remarkable abilities!" Yang Fu patted Chen Mu''s arm, laughing as he praised him. "Not at all," Chen Mu quickly waved his hand modestly. "I survived entirely thanks to Elder Hu Buwei''s protection." "If he hadn''t taken me underground to escape, we wouldn''t be meeting here today." "But the Outer Heaven Demon was too troublesome. Elder Hu...he... sigh!" He let out a heavy sigh, his face full of sorrow. Yang Fu''s expression soured at these words. "Junior Brother, can you guess which Elder led us out of Qingqiu Mountain?" No... it couldn''t be? "That''s right, it was none other than Elder Hu Buwei!" He narrowed his small eyes and stared at Chen Mu. "Oh, then I remembered wrong. It was actually Elder Chuan Changzai who took me out of Qingqiu Mountain," Chen Mu lied without batting an eye. What nonsense are you spouting? If you''re going to lie, could you at least make it believable? "Fine, let''s just say it was Elder Chuan," Yang Fu rolled his eyes. It was clear that this guy was pulling the wool over his eyes; pressing further would be a waste of time. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders are currently recruiting Daoist Soldiers to investigate Mist Forest." "Just one trip in earns twenty Dao Cultivation points. Opportunities like this are rare." "Since your Vital Energy is brimming and complete, you should act quickly and earn some Dao points." "With enough Dao points, you can exchange with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect for ample Secret Techniques and resources, and achieve Condensing Aperture sooner," Yang Fu said earnestly, attempting to persuade him. He wants me to explore Mist Forest and probe Lan Zhang''s situation? Is he insane, or am I? Other people might not know the Master of Blood River''s background, but I do! That''s someone who dared to practice the Blood God Scripture and devoured countless living beings to actually succeed in cultivating ita true lunatic! "Senior Brother, you''re unaware," Chen Mu said solemnly, "Elder Chuan battled demons, and I was unfortunately caught in the aftershocks. Although I appear full of Vital Energy outwardly, I''m deeply drained within." "So, you''re also planning to hide in the camp and not go out, right?" Yang Fu craned his neck, his eyes bulging. Also? Chen Mu''s eyes lit up instantly. Someone''s already set the precedent for me! "Senior Brother, you truly understand me," Chen Mu grinned, nodding repeatedly. Understand my ass! Yang Fu stormed off angrily. When the higher-ups are crooked, the lower ranks go astray! This fear of death and avoidance of battle has practically become the Hundred Illusion Sect''s tradition! The camp housed hundreds of Hundred Illusion Sect disciples, but fewer than ten percent dared take on tasks. Not even a tenth! No one''s working, and I don''t get to share any Daoist Soldier accomplishments. It''s all that damn Zheng Bailian''s fault! ... The Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders stationed at Taoshan Temple continuously gathered Qi Cultivators. At first, only Daoist Soldiers trained by various sects were accepted, but later, they began drawing in any Qi Cultivator, offering generous rewards and turning no one away. The numbers steadily grew, yet each day, only a handful of missions to investigate Mist Forest were issued. Even when encountering demons, preserving lives and fleeing were the top priorities. Clearly, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect was amassing power for something big. But none of this concerned Chen Mu, who had resolved to stay holed up in the camp and remain inactive. Every few days, Yang Fu and Lu Han would come to persuade him. In response, Chen Mu treated them to a dose of Nightmare Victory Spell. And so, his life in the camp settled into peace. Each day, he focused on nourishing his Heavenly Demon Body and activating the Truthful Listening Technique to eavesdrop on gossip within Taoshan Temple''s valley. However, he refrained from going overboard, keeping his Truthful Listening Technique limited to the ordinary areas of the camp. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders stationed at Taoshan Temple were reputedly formidable, and he dared not risk his Truthful Listening Divine Power being detected. One day, Chen Mu pulled out a rocking chair and placed it by the stone house''s window. He lazily watched Daoist Soldiers riding Flying Kites in and out of the valley while tossing Moon Beet Pearls into his mouth, utterly relaxed and at ease. But suddenly, a hum resonated in his mind, and the Night Sky Star Map, previously hidden deep in his consciousness, abruptly surfaced. Soon after, a walnut-sized jade-white bead appeared silently in his brow''s Secret Acupoint. The force occupying the center of the Acupoint was immediately pushed aside. Surrounding the gentle bead were traceless flames, from which strands of chaotic, complex emotions emanated. Faces of men, women, old, young, either human or monstrous, flashed within the flames like rapidly edited film clips. "Divine Embryo Completion, the Heavenly Demon Body has fully transformed?" Chen Mu touched the cool silver vertical mark on his brow and broke into a content smile. Chapter 666 - 654: The Seven Emotions Deep night, Thousand Lanterns City. Eight or nine huge white lanterns floated in midair, their warm yellow light illuminating the ground below with dazzling clarity. Chen Mu stood on the open ground and slightly raised his hand. Before him, in the air, a Candle Dragon Dharma Body as tall as a twenty-story building silently appeared. Compared to before, its size had more than doubled. Shrouded in swirling black and silver mist, it loomed large, blotting out the sky and sun. "Divine Embryo Completion, significant power increase. The Candle Dragon Transformation has truly undergone a massive enhancement." Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. The Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body bore a remarkable resemblance to the Yin Spirits of the Earthly Netherworld. According to their cultivation methodology, the first milestone was engraving Ghost Patterns, also known as Enlightened Mind or Divine Skills. Eighty percent of Earthly Netherworld Yin Spirits lingered at this stage. The second milestone involved nurturing the Ghost Patterns with the Lethe Weak Water, allowing them to return to their roots and become whole, then condensing the Divine Embryo. For a typical Yin Spirit, reaching this stage would require no less than a century or two of effort. But Chen Mu''s Heavenly Demon Body belonged partly to the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method. Beyond the orthodox Yin Spirit techniques, he could also cultivate using the Heavenly Demon Heretical Method. With the assistance of the Root Device Magic Treasure, Yin-Cuo-Yang-Cha, his Heavenly Demon Body underwent rapid transformation. Although he hadn''t fully achieved the True Form of Heavenly Demon, the significant progress allowed him to preemptively perfect the Yin Spirit Divine Embryo. Compared to the centuries of rigorous cultivation normally required by other Yin Spirits, it took Chen Mu a little over a decade to complete the Yin Spirit Divine Embryo. Innate talent? External assistance? "Bullshit!" "It''s all because I''ve been grinding tirelessly all these years!" Chen Mu glanced at the gray wall that had appeared automatically before his eyes and forcibly pushed it back into the depths of his mind. Then, looking at the imposing and majestic Candle Dragon Dharma Body, he nodded with satisfaction. He raised his right hand and gently stroked the gigantic dragon''s chin. Swish! Flashes of black and silver light compressed rapidly. The massive dragon that spanned the skies shrank in an instant, transforming into a tiny dragon the length of a chopstick and as thick as a pinky finger. It slid along Chen Mu''s hand, coiling around his wrist and locking its head to its tail, morphing into a black bracelet speckled faintly with silver starlight. "Able to expand or shrink at will?" "Ha!" The Candle Dragon Transformation was a composite technique formed from the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, Five Ghosts Possession, and the Five Dragons Scripture. Its seamless execution made it seem like a single Secret Technique, though in essence, it was a fusion of the three. Yet now, with the perfection of his Divine Embryo, this technique had been elevated, taking on a hint of true integration and gaining a touch of transformative power. "A perfected Divine Embryoits utilities are infinite!" Chen Mu chuckled, flipping his right hand. A luminous, radiant orb instantly appeared in his palm. A halo of colorless flames burned quietly around its periphery. "Just the surge in divine power has already elevated the Candle Dragon Transformation to a whole new level," he mused. "I wonder what kind of wonders this Delusion Seven Emotions Flame might hold." From the moment he first saw the colorless flame, Chen Mu instinctively knew its name. This information seemed to be ingrained within the legacy of the Ghost Pattern Divine Embryo. This kind of phenomenon wasn''t unfamiliar to him. Long ago, Chen Mu had once gleaned the Heavenly Demon Curse from the Ghost Patterns within. That Cursing Method enabled symbiosis with the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed. "Does it relate to the Heavenly Demon Seven Emotions Curse?" Chen Mu thought. Back in Yunzhou Da Qian, he had obtained a Heavenly Demon Daoist text titled the Yan Yue Scripture, which outlined the Heavenly Demon Curse and Seven Emotions Curse. The Heavenly Demon Curse facilitated seeding and possessing those who carried the Demonic Seed, while the Seven Emotions Curse allowed the Spirit Seed''s host to refine others'' emotional essences, delving into demonic transformation. When the Divine Embryo had just been completed, the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame had indeed flickered with a myriad of light and shadow, accompanied by a tumult of emotions. This naturally reminded him of the Seven Emotions Curse. "While the Cloud Mirage Heavenly Demon Body is flawed, it ultimately shares roots with the Heavenly Demon." "The pity, though, is that my Dao attainment hasn''t reached the mark, leaving the inheritance of the Seven Emotions Flame incomplete." He turned his perception inward to the Secret Acupoint at his brow, where Yin-Cuo-Yang-Cha lurked on the edge, evading him. Since fusing with the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism, Yin-Cuo-Yang-Cha had grown significantly more sentient, sometimes even behaving like a petulant creature with a personality of its own. In the past, it would domineeringly occupy the center of his brow''s Secret Acupoint, acting as if it were the unrivaled king of the world. Now, however, it actively avoided the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame... "Interesting," Chen Mu murmured. ... Several days later, at dawn. To the south of Peach Blossom Valley, at the foot of the mountain, lay the encampment of the Hundred Illusion Division. On an open field, over a hundred former disciples of the Hundred Illusion Sect gathered. Under the guidance of Yang Fu, Lu Han, and others, they practiced the Sealing Demon Curse relentlessly. Vivid green Demon Dispel Power floated into the air. At times, it coalesced into clusters, forming protective Spirit Light Shields for the group. Other times, it dispersed like raindrops, accurately striking the hundreds of terracotta figures piled to one side of the field. Such exercises were among the many training routines designated by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders stationed at Taoshan Temple. For the past half-month, these drills had become routine. Practice, rest, and repeat. The morning passed swiftly. At noon, training concluded, and the crowd dispersed in small groups. Chen Mu, however, didn''t rush to leave. Instead, he sought out Yang Fu. Before he could speak, Yang Fu handed him a bamboo cage about the size of a human head. "Here, your five-colored pheasants." "Two of them, twenty-two pieces of White Jade. Pay up." Twenty-two? Wasn''t the price set at twenty by Taoshan Temple for the Hundred Illusion Division? "What? I spent all morning on this. Can''t I earn a mere two pieces of White Jade?" Yang Fu glared at him indignantly with his beady little eyes. "Fine, why not." Chen Mu shook his head with an amused smile. "Then hurry up, pay me, and take your things already," Yang Fu grumbled impatiently, eager to send him off. "Senior Brother doesn''t seem too fond of me," Chen Mu quipped as he dug out the White Jade, grinning slyly. [Senior Brother:] "If you won''t let me farm Daoist Cultivation Points off you, why should I like you?" Yang Fu shot Chen Mu a disdainful glare. "Then why help me procure the five-colored pheasants?" Chen Mu chuckled, eyes narrowing. [Do I dare not help you?] Yang Fu''s expression darkened. Earlier, in attempting to persuade Chen Mu to undertake tasks to earn Daoist Cultivation Points, he may have been a bit too persistent. What followed for him was a string of misfortunes. He stumbled so often that his knees were nearly worn bare! He wanted no part of that again. Snatching the White Jade offered by Chen Mu, Yang Fu snorted dismissively and made his retreat. Chen Mu, in contrast, hefted the bamboo cage with a pleased, mischievous grin. Ha! The Nightmare Victory Spell worked wonders. "Senior Brother, wait for me. Let''s head back together," he teased. At these words, Yang Fu''s stubby legs scurried faster than ever, as though fleeing from a plague god. ... In the end, Yang Fu failed to ditch Chen Mu. "Senior Brother, could you procure two pig-rabbits for me as well?" "If you can find a deer-antlered horse, that''d be even betterbut it has to be alive." "We''re the Hundred Illusion Division, not the Hundred Illusion Sect," Yang Fu retorted, rolling his eyes. So? Chen Mu replied with puzzled eyes. "The Mist Forest''s situation has changed," Yang Fu sighed wistfully. "The Sect Master''s disappeared, a majority of the sect''s disciples are dead or injured, and the Hundred Illusion Sect is no longer what it once was." "Taoshan Temple''s ambition for Qingqiu Mountain wasn''t new." "Now, the only reason they even sell us scraps of low-grade Exotic Beast Meat is because of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s influence." "Procuring these two pheasants was difficult enough. As for anything else I might want to fetch for you? They wouldn''t even consider it," Yang Fu lamented bitterly. After all, this was Taoshan Temple''s territory. And soon enough, they could very well claim Qingqiu Mountain as their own. Chen Mu nodded in understanding. Seeing Yang Fu''s somber expression, Chen Mu shook his head lightly and refrained from saying anything to console him. To Chen Mu, the Hundred Illusion Sect was merely a stepping stone; he felt no attachment to it. For Yang Fu, it was different. Having grown up within the sect, facing its impending dissolution and sensing the predatory gazes of external forces was a complex and sorrowful experience. Such matters could only truly be resolved by Yang Fu himself. The two continued walking in silence toward the base camp at the mountain''s foot until a commotion caught their attention. A group of poorly dressed yet rosy-faced individuals was being herded into Peach Blossom Valley by the Daoist Soldiers of Taoshan Temple. Their presence stirred up a flurry of whispers among the onlookers. "Mortals?" Yang Fu asked, perplexed. "The nearest large city to the Mist Forest is at least five to six hundred miles away. With such treacherous terrain, how did this group of ordinary mortals end up here?" Something indeed seemed amiss. Chen Mu squinted his eyes, a flicker of suspicion flashing across his face. Was it an illusion? Somehow, these mortalsentirely devoid of Mana, not even Martial Artistsgave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity. It was as though he had seen them somewhere before. ... Deep into the night, Chen Mu slipped into Thousand Lanterns City. He glanced at the foolishly floating giant orb in the sky and immediately looked away. Over the past two months, the Grotto Heaven had expanded more than threefold, and the sky had gained a new Orb-Eyed Pupil. This rendered opening the Grotto Heaven portals faster and more convenient. Yet by now, having reached its current form, Thousand Lanterns City had completely ceased changing. "If only another Black Shadow Monster would show up," Chen Mu thought idly. Reaching his private three-story wooden building, he waved his hand, summoning the bamboo cage from the eaves of the corridor. Inside were two five-colored pheasants clucking softly. Chen Mu stretched out his right hand, conjuring two tiny, colorless flames no larger than the size of fingernails upon his index finger. With a mere thought, the flames flew into the bamboo cage. The two lively five-colored pheasants were struck by the flames without any reaction. In the next moment, like wind-up mechanisms that had abruptly stopped, they collapsed onto the cage floor, motionless. The vibrant lifeforce they had exuded vanished in the blink of an eye. Raising an eyebrow, Chen Mu activated his Truthful Listening ability. After meticulously examining every aspect, he discovered that both the internal and external forms of the five-colored pheasants were entirely intact, with no signs of damage. "Just as I thought..." A knowing glint appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes. "The Delusion Seven Emotions Flame can incinerate the essence of Spiritual Deities!" The Seven Emotions Flame wasn''t notably hotless so even than the Fire Cloud Gourd, which could at least grill some meat strips. Yet the normally domineering Yin-Cuo-Yang-Cha actively avoided it. Chen Mu had immediately suspected that the entity wary of the Seven Emotions Flame wasn''t necessarily Yin-Cuo-Yang-Cha''s main body but the Dragon Ball Spirit Mechanism within it. Further testing on a Ghost Monster confirmed his theory. Even the typically reckless Ghost Monster exhibited avoidance behavior. This cemented Chen Mu''s belief that the colorless flame targeted the consciousnessor to be even more precise, the core essence of entities'' Spiritual Deities. Thus, he had sought out Yang Fu to procure the five-colored pheasants for experimentation. "Thinking it over, the emergence of the Seven Emotions Flame isn''t entirely unexpected," Chen Mu mused. The first innate divine ability of Chen Mu''s Heavenly Demon Body, Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles, originated from the Upper Fetus Spiritual Secret Method. After being replicated and integrated by the Heavenly Demon Armor, it could even shield against attacks specifically targeting Spiritual Deities. Now that his Heavenly Demon Body had evolved and his Divine Embryo had reached perfection, awakening a flame that specialized in devastating Spiritual Deities, like the Seven Emotions Flame, did seem reasonable. "Tsk!" "At least this counts as a natural progression of the lineage." Chen Mu chuckled, nodding with satisfaction. Chapter 667 - 655: Jade Cicada In the dead of night, the starry sky stretched endlessly. The radiant moonlight gently drifted over the mist hovering above the Mist Forest, serene and mystical, like an illusion realm from the celestial palace. The forest was eerily quiet, absent even the faintest chirping of insects. Suddenly. Crack! The sound of a dry leaf breaking shattered the silence. As the mist roiled, a ragged white-haired elder emerged from its depths. His hair was disheveled and grey, his thin frame seemingly just skin and bones. Yet, his movements were agile, steps firm and powerful. His complexion was ruddy, resembling a robust man in his prime. At this moment, the elder''s eyes were half-open, his pupils dull and listless. His face was vacant, as though sleepwalking. Step, step, step... A rhythm of synchronized footsteps approached from afar. A group of people broke through the mist, appearing just as dazed as the elder, wandering aimlessly into the forest. They were men and women, old and young, tall and short, fat and thinevery imaginable type you could think of. Among them were even two or three black water buffaloes and a handful of large yellow dogs. At this moment, every one of them drooped their eyelids, silent and expressionless, marching uniformly deeper into the Mist Forest like marionettes on strings. Further away, moonlight pierced through the gaps in the mist, streaking into the woods. The silhouettes of countless figures loomed faintly, hidden within the mist, moving forward in slow procession. Step, step, step... The uniform footsteps echoed through the deathly still forest at midnight, eerie enough to send chills down the spine. ... Several days later, Peach Blossom Valley. Chen Mu was mingling with the crowd of the Hundred Illusions Division, going through the motions of practicing the Sealing Demon Curse. From the direction of the peach grove near the entrance, a sudden commotion erupted. The group halted their movements and stared distantly. Immediately, they saw a crowd of over a hundred mortals, walking dazedly into the valley. Accompanying them were a few disciples from Taoshan Temple, shouting harsh orders to direct the group forward. "What batch is this?" someone asked from among the crowd. "The twenty-third. There must be at least a thousand mortals in Peach Blossom Valley now, if not eight hundred," someone replied. "They say the Mist Forest outside is covered in footprints. No one knows how many mortals have already gone to Qingqiu Mountain," another person voiced anxiously. "To see living beings willingly walk into disasterthe Outer Heaven Demons are truly insidious!" This doesn''t seem like the work of Lan Zhang. Standing at the edge of the crowd, Chen Mu frowned as he watched those ordinary people from afar. Their faces were ruddy, their movements appearing normal at first glance. But upon closer examination, their behavior revealed occasional absent-mindedness, their reactions slower than those of typical people. The soul comprises the spiritual deity, spiritual consciousness, and various spirit segments. The spiritual consciousness governs awareness. These individuals'' sluggishness resembled signs of soul damage. "This feels disturbingly similar to the Yellow Millet Plague Poison I encountered back at the Heavenly River Water Mansion of Dingyou!" Chen Mu''s heart tightened. The mere recollection of that toxic affliction sent a shiver through his core. If not for the Heavenly Demon Armor and the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles technique, he might have ended up as a mindless living corpse. "I hope it''s not that thing." ... Only two days later, the situation took a sudden turn for the worse. Over a dozen Night Patrol Daoist Soldiers mysteriously vanished. Despite repeated investigations, all signs led to the conclusion that these individuals had left Peach Blossom Valley of their own accord. In the following days, during the dead of night, more and more people disappeared. Word spread, and suddenly anxiety gripped the valley''s inhabitants. Afraid of becoming unknowing victims, many Daoist Soldiers chose to remain indoors, abandoning the Sealing Demon Curse practice sessions arranged by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Likewise, Chen Mu stayed inside his stone house, refusing to venture out. Late at night, he stood by the window of his stone house. The sky was clear, stars glittering brightly, the pale moonlight pouring through the window and illuminating half his face. Despite the tranquil and pristine night sky, his heart was utterly unsettled. He activated the Truth Listening Divine Power, enveloping the surrounding area where the Hundred Illusions Division resided. Suddenly, a figure cloaked in grey appeared at the edge of the Truth Listening Divine Power''s range. The person showed no expression, their eyes half-closed. Without hesitation, they moved aimlessly toward Peach Blossom Valley''s outskirts. But just as they reached the edge of the peach grove, several streaks of Escape Light descended, blocking their path. Judging by their attire, the new arrivals were clearly from Taoshan Temple''s Inspection Courtyard. One of them, a burly man, stepped forward and lightly patted the shoulder of the afflicted Daoist Soldier. The previously dazed Daoist Soldier instantly jerked awake. Looking at the black-garbed men around him, he appeared bewildered, as though he truly had been sleepwalking moments prior. After a brief exchange of words, the Soldier then followed the black-clad inspectors back deeper into Taoshan Temple. Chen Mu observed the entire scene from beginning to end, only withdrawing his gaze once everyone had completely vanished. This wasn''t the first time he had encountered such a situation. Clearly, those black-garbed inspectors were specifically assigned to handle incidents like this. "At least Taoshan Temple isn''t sitting idly by," Chen Mu thought, a measure of relief creeping into his heart. ... Indeed, in the following days, no more people disappeared. The strange illness that compelled individuals to sleepwalk into the Mist Forest ceased. The inhabitants of Peach Blossom Valley gradually regained their peace of mind, resuming their daily activities and organized practice sessions of the Sealing Demon Curse. "Word has it that a Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elder surnamed Yan intervened," someone in the Hundred Illusions Division''s demonstration area whispered conspiratorially. "The root cause lies within those mortals. They''ve been afflicted by an Evil Secret Technique planted by the Outer Heaven Demons, which makes them contagious. The Daoist Soldiers who fell victim to it had all come into contact with that group of mortals beforehand." "Lucky for us we kept our distance," remarked someone in the crowd with a sigh of relief. "But it''s all sorted out now. Elder Yan has deployed a Barrier Technique to seal the infected people deep within the valley, eliminating any risk of further contamination for us," another person added. The crowd buzzed with discussion, their accumulated worries dissolving, laughter beginning to surface. Not far off, Chen Mu, who had been eavesdropping, let out a sigh of relief as well. ... Late at night, Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu reclined in a rocking chair on the wooden terrace of a tall building, idly swaying. A palm-sized, intricate Candle Dragon Dharma Body spiraled playfully around him. It darted into Chen Mu''s hair, then zipped up into the air, curiously gazing at the luminous eye hanging high in the sky. Ever since the bizarre illness broke out, Chen Mu dared not sleep within Peach Blossom Valley at night. Even though the infection risk had theoretically been eliminated, the preventative measures felt temporary, with no concrete solution yet in place. Chen Mu resolved to linger in Thousand Lanterns City a few extra days. "Figuresthere''s no way the Thousand Mechanisms Sect would stand idly by and let all the Daoist Soldiers be wiped out." "After all, they still rely on the soldiers to mount a counterattack against Qingqiu Mountain." Recalling the intelligence he had gathered earlier in the day, Chen Mu felt slightly more at ease. "But it''s hard not to pity those ordinary mortals," he muttered with a shake of his head. While the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders intervened within Peach Blossom Valley to isolate the infestation, countless defenseless mortals beyond its boundary remained neglected. Under the thrall of the Evil Secret Technique, they trudged mindlessly toward Qingqiu Mountain, fated to meet grim ends. Chen Mu could only speculate on how far the infection had spread. According to reports from the Patrol Daoist Soldiers, the Mist Forest teemed with footprints, their numbers increasing by the day. Is the Thousand Mechanisms Sect truly incapable of saving these mortals? Chen Mu shook his head faintly. "I fear the Sect''s Qi Cultivators simply don''t care about the plight of ordinary people." For the humble mortals, their wails and suffering had never garnered attention from Qi Cultivators. "Let''s just hope the Thousand Mechanisms Sect can banish Lan Zhang back to Nether Demon Heaven soon." "Ultimately, I''m too weak," Chen Mu sighed inwardly. Though his River Chariot had recently reached Perfection, and he had successfully forged a Yin Spirit Divine Fetus, complemented by potent techniques like Candle Dragon Transformation, he still felt like a lone skiff adrift in the vast chaos engulfing Hai Province. "At least years of arduous cultivation haven''t been in vain." "With the Heavenly Demon Armor and refuge in Thousand Lanterns City, I can at least ensure my own safety." He chuckled softly, an overwhelming fatigue creeping through his being. Lifting his arm, he made the Candle Dragon Dharma Body coil into a bracelet, clearing his mind of distractions as he prepared to sleep. But the next instant, his eyes snapped open. Something''s wrong! Having cultivated for so many years, his body had undergone layer after layer of metamorphosis. Unless severely depleted, he could go ten days or more without feeling fatigued. Now... Damn it, I''ve been infected too! As the thought crossed his mind, before he could take any countermeasure, faint streaks of black and green light flickered at the center of his brow. Several lines materialized there, sketching out what appeared to be a vivid jade-green cicada. A crushing wave of exhaustion surged forth. Chen Mu''s eyelids grew unbearably heavy, beyond his ability to resist, drooping halfway shut. His pupils slowly broadened and lost focus. Within mere breaths, Chen Mu had transformed into a dazed sleepwalker. As dark mist spiraled, the gates of Thousand Lanterns City loomed. Chen Mu stumbled forward without hesitation, blindly shuffling toward the city''s boundary. Chapter 668 - 656: The Green Worm The bright moon hung high, the night deep and tranquil. Tap, tap, tap... The orderly and light sound of footsteps echoed through Peach Blossom Valley. One by one, figures emerged from their rooms, heading in unison toward the Peach Forest at the valley''s entrance. At the base of the southern mountain in Peach Blossom Valley, inside a square stone residence. A black mist materialized in the center of the room out of thin air, rapidly swirling and expanding, transforming into a doorway as tall as a person. Chen Mu stepped out expressionlessly and strode toward the door, yanking it open with a heavy pull. A sliver of moonlight filtered through the thin clouds and spilled onto the earth, reflecting into Chen Mu''s eyes. And in that instant, his previously unfocused pupils contracted sharply. Pop! A soft popping sound echoed deep in his mind. From the center of Chen Mu''s brows, a colorless flame suddenly ignited. Screee! Accompanied by a sharp and shrill cicada cry, the emerald-green markings on his forehead seemed to ignite and were reduced to black and red ash in the blink of an eye. Chen Mu jolted as if awakening, snapping back to full awareness. He stared at the doorknob in his grip, and a cold, clammy sweat quickly drenched his back. A step away! Just a step away! If not for the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame... Chen Mu''s heart pounded wildly in his chest, his attempts at taking deep breaths doing little to calm him down. After a long while, he finally managed to regain some composure and raised his head to look outside the stone house. At that moment, groups of threes and fours moved along the winding mountain path, unknowingly making their way to the edge of the Peach Forest. Under the moon''s illumination, faintly familiar faces were just barely visible. Though they''d rarely spoken, they were individuals he often encountered at the Demonstration Grounds. But now... "Didn''t that Elder Yan from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect claim to have resolved the Sleepwalking Evil Technique?" "Was it just a lie to pacify everyone?!" "Damn it!" Chen Mu''s face turned as dark as a storm cloud. ... By the next day, the Demonstration Grounds at the mountain''s base were completely deserted. The Daoist Soldiers, who were supposed to gather there for the practice of the Sealing Demon Curse, all holed up in their quarters, refusing to show their faces. If anyone approached their dwellings, they would even shout loudly to chase them away. Fear spread like wildfire throughout Peach Blossom Valley. "Can the Thousand Mechanisms Sect truly quell this demon chaos with ease?" Inside the stone house, Chen Mu stood by the window, gazing at the eerily silent valley, doubt creeping into his heart. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect was a massive sect spanning several provinces. Its history stretched back thousands of years. For centuries, it stood at the forefront of the battle against the Outer Heaven Demons... He had heard countless rumors about the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, all emphasizing its strength and might. This gave everyone the belief that this demon chaos was hardly a challenge for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Even the devastated members of the Hundred Illusion Sect, which had been nearly wiped out with half its members dead, maintained unwavering faith in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. But now They hadn''t even encountered the demons yet, and a single Evil Secret Technique had thrown them into disarray. "Maybe... I should run?" The thought abruptly surfaced in Chen Mu''s mind. "But where could I even run to?" He let out a bitter laugh and sighed. The demon chaos wasn''t confined to Qingqiu Mountain in Mist Forest. It engulfed all of Hai Province in a widespread calamity. Even if he fled Mist Forest, he could very well stumble into another chaos zone. "Here, the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame can at least protect me temporarily." "If I end up somewhere else and fall victim to an even more sinister secret technique, the consequences would be..." Chen Mu''s expression grew grim. ... In the central part of Hai Province, at the Earth Seal Sect Across the expanse of rolling mountains, patches of charred, barren land were scattered randomly like mismatched patches on a quilt. The ruins atop Fuyang Mountain had been completely cleared away. The mountain''s peak had been sliced off, leaving in its place a broad and imposing stone hall. On the central wall inside the hall hung a painting of an immortal riding a crane. In front of the painting stood an offering table with an Incense Burner. Three sticks of incense sent thin, curling tendrils of smoke rising into the air. "Senior Brother Lu, now that Senior Sister Meng Qingchan''s Insect Poisonous Insects are rampaging across Hai Province, we ask that you grant us the Plague Immortal Flag to swiftly eradicate them," Lan Xiuzhu said, bowing earnestly toward Lu Shenjun before the offering table. "''Senior Sister''?" "Hmph!" "She''s a traitor to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, the Green Worm Demon!" Lu Shenjun sneered coldly. "Imprisoned underground for 300 years and still unrepentant, and now she dares to stir up chaos with demons again?" "Utterly delusional!" Lu Shenjun''s face grew frostier. "Once, she wreaked havoc with her Green Worm Poison. Now... heh!" "Those petty Insect Poisonslet her release as many as she likes." His eyes glinted with icy resolve. "The more she spreads, the faster she''ll die." Lu Shenjun''s gaze turned sharper. "I am not as soft-hearted as the previous Sect Master. This time, I''ll make sure her soul is annihilated entirely!" "But doing so would bring great suffering to the people of Hai Province. Perhaps..." Lan Xiuzhu, face filled with unease, hastily attempted to persuade him. "After spending so much time in the Thirty-two Outer Heavens, have you still not learned that kindness has no place in leadership?" Lu Shenjun interrupted with a sidelong glare. "Had she been killed sooner, this calamity would never have escalated to this point." "I will slay the Outer Heaven Demons, and I will take the life of the Green Worm Demon as well." "No matter the cost, I will root this out entirely." "I refuse to let such an event repeat itself in another hundred years." Lu Shenjun''s expression was steely and implacable. Lan Xiuzhu opened his mouth but could only sigh helplessly in the end. "Rest assured, I won''t let Hai Province fall entirely into ruin." Lu Shenjun''s tone softened slightly. "Once your preparations for the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition are complete, I will immediately wield the Plague Immortal Flag to eradicate the Green Worm Demon." "If you wish to minimize casualties, return to your district and carry out the plan as instructed." His stern demeanor returned. "Understood, Senior Brother." Lan Xiuzhu took a deep breath and bowed once more. ... Peach Blossom Valley, outside Mist Forest. As time went on, the situation grew increasingly dire. Every night, people would walk out of their rooms as though sleepwalking, making their way beyond the valley. Though they were stopped each time, it did little to curb the spreading panic. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders weren''t idle either. Elder Yan periodically led the Daoist Soldiers through the valley. At times, they were seen setting up Forbidden Laws, while at others, they recited Curse Words meant to dispel afflictions and disasters. But none of these methods could halt the spread of the Sleepwalking Evil Technique. One late night, as usual, Chen Mu stood by his window, gazing outside. The moon climbed high into the sky, as one figure after another opened their doors and stepped into the moonlight. Tap, tap, tap... Footsteps echoed near Chen Mu''s stone house. Upon recognizing the round-faced, small-eyed figure, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him. It was none other than Yang Fu, whom he hadn''t seen for days. During his year with the Hundred Illusion Sect, his closest companions had been Yang Fu and Lu Han. Who would have thought... Chen Mu reached out, pinched a lychee-sized fragment of stone from his windowsill, and flicked it with his fingers. Thump. A soft sound rang out, causing Yang Fu''s figure to sway slightly. Slowly, as though awakening from a dream, he regained clarity. Looking down at the pebble by his feet and then up at Chen Mu standing by the window, he glanced around the surrounding houses, aware of the fearful eyes peeking out from within. A shadow of bitterness crept over his face. "Ah, it''s all fate..." Yang Fu sighed bitterly, forcing a wry smile. "Thank you, Junior Brother." He cupped his fists toward Chen Mu, took a deep breath, and walked toward the edge of the Peach Forest. There, several heavily veiled black-clad inspectors stood vigil. A dozen others, infected by the Evil Technique but awakened before it took hold, had also gathered there. Watching Yang Fu leave, Chen Mu felt his mood grow heavier. He had once considered using the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame to save others. He''d even conducted an experiment on a multi-colored pheasant infected by the Evil Technique. The root of the Evil Technique had indeed been obliterated by the colorless flame, but the pheasant''s Spiritual Deity had been annihilated as well. The Seven Emotions Flame could save him because the flame was his own, capable of distinguishing between himself and threats. But using it on others meant both the root of the Evil Technique and the victim''s Spiritual Deity would be simultaneously consumed, leaving no survivors. "Perhaps if the Heavenly Demon Body undergoes another transformation and I better understand the Seven Emotions Flame, I could purge the Evil Technique without harming others'' Spiritual Deities." "But for now..." "Sigh..." Fortunately, those infected like Yang Fu had all been intercepted and isolated in the depths of Peach Blossom Valley. Once the Thousand Mechanisms Sect unravelled the true essence of the Evil Technique, there might be a substantial chance of restoring them. "I just hope the Thousand Mechanisms Sect will come up with a solution soon." Chen Mu sighed softly. Chapter 669 - 657: Praying for Rain Qingqiu Mountain summit, Qingqiu Palace. The grand hall was completely empty. Tables, chairs, and benches had all been cleared out, along with the decorative vases and calligraphy scrolls. The portrait of the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor on the wall had been torn down, and the altar below it was replaced by a tall, grayish-white stone chair with a high back. Lan Zhang propped his face on his left hand, holding a rolled White Jade Scroll with gold inlays in his right hand, his eyelids drooping lazily as he read. "The Linglong Golden Chapter?" "You picked this barren hunting ground on Qingqiu Mountain just for this?" "You didn''t get duped by some nonsense God Monarch Green Worm, did you?" In the depths of the hall''s shadows, countless eyes suddenly appeared out of thin air. A patch of pure black shadow, resembling a floating ribbon, rose from the ground and emerged beside Lan Zhang''s right ear. On it was a fist-sized crimson eyeball, scrutinizing the White Jade Scroll in Lan Zhang''s hand with evident disdain. "For such a fragmented secret technique, you really thought it was worth abandoning the divine gift of Bloodlight from Nether Demon Heaven?" No-Eyed Child''s gaze brimmed with puzzlement. "That gift could refine your bloodline and suppress your bouts of madness." "Lan Zhang, you haven''t actually gone insane, have you!" No-Eyed Child exclaimed gleefully, sizing up Lan Zhang from head to toe. "Then devour me already." Lan Zhang spoke playfully, though his eyes remained fixed on the Golden Chapter. "Don''t think I won''t dare!" No-Eyed Child''s massive eyeball widened in fury, his expression darkening. "Oh, of course you dare." Lan Zhang''s glimmering gaze flicked toward No-Eyed Child with amusement before returning to the scroll. "You''re bluffing, aren''t you!" No-Eyed Child, clearly unsettled by Lan Zhang''s casual attitude, hesitated for a moment but ultimately stayed motionless. Having arrived in Baiyi Heaven after so long, Lan Zhang spent his days secluded in Qingqiu Mountain, never showing himself. Was this Linglong Golden Chapter truly worth all this? Even the hairless monkeys delivered to him willingly were turned away. The colossal Sea of Blood and the Primordial Spirits it devouredeven they paled in comparison to the meddling Red-eyed Water Apes tagging along. "Without enough Primordial Spirits, you won''t get Bloodlight to refine your essence from Nether Demon Heaven, and sooner or later, your Blood God''s Sons will rebel!" "When madness consumes you and I devour your original source, don''t go harboring any grudges!" No-Eyed Child growled bitterly after long hesitation, still unwilling to act. "Naturally." Lan Zhang stashed the scroll away, chuckling as he glanced knowingly at No-Eyed Child. "Get ready. It''s about time we left." He stretched lazily, speaking with great ease. "Weren''t we supposed to rescue that Green Worm God Monarch? Now we''re leaving?" No-Eyed Child asked in confusion. "I''m an Outer Heaven Demon, aren''t I? Treachery and deceit are second nature." Lan Zhang spread his arms wide, his grin radiant. "Really?" "Of course!" Several black shadow ribbons looped around Lan Zhang, their embedded eyesboth large and smallfixed upon him. "I can''t shake the feeling you''re hiding something from me," No-Eyed Child said gravely. "Impossible!" "Ever since arriving in Baiyi Heaven, we''ve been inseparable. What could I possibly hide from you?" Lan Zhang laughed lightly. "But why do I feel as though I''ve lost something?" Suspicion flickered among the hundreds of eyeballs adorning No-Eyed Child. "It''s just acclimatization issues! Definitely just acclimatization issues!" Lan Zhang joked earnestly. "In Nether Demon Heaven, the Bloodlight shines omnipresently, and our minds are always filled with the sound of slaughterit''s constant stimulation. Baiyi Heaven is far too peaceful; you''re simply not used to it." "Indeed, it is unnervingly quiet. The tribes living here... they can''t even hear the world''s melody? Tsk tsk..." No-Eyed Child''s eyes shone with sympathy. "Truly pitiful." Lan Zhang: "..." Nether Demon Heaven''s incessant, chaotic, slaughter-inducing melody had somehow turned into a redeeming quality?! Lan Zhang''s eyes widened in shock. He had spent centuries as a Yin Spirit before defecting to Nether Demon Heaven to become part of the Nether Clan. Betrayal, slaughter, and schemes had been his constant companions, making him feel like the epitome of depravity. Yet compared to these native demons of Nether Demon Heaven... Tsk! ... Peach Blossom Valley, within a stone house surrounded on four sides. A half-human-sized Black-Striped Rat was suspended mid-air by the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles technique. Chen Mu circled the brown-furred rat twice, its glossy black-striped back catching his attention, before placing his hand firmly against its forehead. Splurt! A colorless flame abruptly ignited in his palm. Moments ago, the Black-Striped Rat''s eyes had been darting agitatedly. Now, its eyelids drooped, and its breath vanished entirely, as though someone had flipped its switch. "As I thought, it still doesn''t work." Chen Mu sighed in disappointment. This rat, which he''d captured last night, was affected by the Sleepwalking Evil Technique. He had spent countless days attempting to use Seven Emotions Flame to eradicate the evil magic. Unfortunately, as with all his previous attempts, the Seven Emotions Flame succeeded in dispelling the magic but also burned the Spiritual Deity to death. "The transformation of a Qi Cultivator''s Spiritual Deity is surely more resilient than these small beasts. Perhaps they can endure the flames better?" Should I capture an afflicted Qi Cultivator as a test subject? Chen Mu slowly shook his head. "Guess I''ll have to rely on Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s methods." Over the past ten-plus days, the number of people in Peach Blossom Valley affected by Sleepwalking Evil Technique steadily increased. The surviving disciples of Hundred Illusion Sect, already few in number, found their ranks dwindling further. Now, they barely reached the hundred mark. Taoshan Temple didn''t fare much better, and the Inspection Courtyard, as expected, bore the worst losses. With a casual wave, Chen Mu tossed the Black-Striped Rat into his Five Ghosts Bag, then walked to the window to observe Peach Blossom Valley. The valley was eerily quiet, with the occasional sounds of objects smashing accompanied by muffled, restrained rage-filled outbursts. For a sunny and beautiful day, the valley felt perpetually cloaked in an unspoken darkness. ... Three more days passed, and finally, a glimmer of hope emerged. Deep in Peach Blossom Valley, a wide stone staircase stretched directly upward toward the summit. The modestly charming Taoshan Temple could be faintly glimpsed atop the mountain. The valley below seemed imbued with a Protective Array of Thousand Families technique. Early in the morning, a thousand Qi Cultivators summoned to the place stood spaced two or three meters apart, leaving ample room despite their numbers. Hardly anyone engaged in casual conversation or banter; their expressions remained uniformly apathetic. The massive valley was silent, stiflingly so. Before long, green Escape Light shimmered, and a middle-aged man clad in gray inner garments and black armor appeared mid-air. It was Yanming, an elder of Thousand Mechanisms Sect. "The evil magic rampant of late has been identifiedit stems from Green Worm Poison Gu." His voice wasn''t booming, yet aided by Secret Technique, it sounded crystal clear to every listener. "These insidious Gu worms are small and elusive, spread across Hai Province by Outer Heaven Demons." "To completely eradicate this plague, I need all of you to join me in casting Sealing Demon Curse, invoking the heavens for rain, and alleviating the disaster." As soon as he finished speaking, the valley erupted into tumultuous chatter. The previously apathetic crowd now brimmed with hope and excitement. Blending into the throng, Chen Mu let out a long breath of relief. "Thousand Mechanisms Sect finally found a solution." He had his Delusion Seven Emotions Flame to protect him, but others weren''t so fortunate. If too many people fell victim to the spell while he remained unharmed, suspicions would inevitably arise. "Sealing Demon Curse, activate!" Yanming cried out softly from mid-air, simultaneously waving a towering fire-red Command Flag. The gathering, well-rehearsed from prior drills, promptly entered the casting ritual. Emerald Exotic Force shot skyward, quickly merging into the fire-red flag. An unseen power burst forth, and a sheet of dark clouds materialized at the sky above Taoshan Temple. Swish, swish, swish... Almost instantly, a fine drizzle began to fall. Chitter, chitter, chitter! A rapid series of short, high-pitched chirps suddenly filled everyone''s ears. The crowd immediately felt a tangible lightness, as though shedding winter''s heavy quilt for spring''s refreshing breeze. "Who would''ve thoughtthese people seemed unscathed, yet they''ve already been infected by this sinister Poison Gu!" Chen Mu scanned the crowd, his heart shaken. "Thank goodness Thousand Mechanisms Sect intervenedif everyone had succumbed while I remained perfectly fine, I''d surely be in trouble!" Unease lingered in his thoughts. The ritual rain persisted throughout the day, its fine drizzles radiating from Taoshan Temple to distant areas. According to Elder Yanming''s explanation, similar rituals were being conducted by Thousand Mechanisms Sect elders near the Ninety-nine Sect territories of Hai Province. The collective effort ensured the purifying rain rapidly extended its reach and gradually encompassed Hai Province. ... Two days later. Within Taoshan Temple, the auxiliary soldiers and Qi Cultivators grouped by their respective divisions and flags, assembled at the entrance of Peach Blossom Valley. The long-absent Hu Buwei appeared among the Hundred Illusion Sect ranks, leading seventy or eighty fellow disciples behind him. "Thousand Mechanisms Sect is finally moving forward." Camouflaged in the crowd, Chen Mu exhaled heavily. The rampage of the demons, spanning almost two months, threatened to turn Hai Province into the Outer Heaven Demons'' playground if delayed any longer. But still... "Isn''t annihilating the demons supposed to be the War Soldiers'' job?" "Why am I, an auxiliary butcher, being dragged along for the charge?!" Chen Mu glanced at the Thousand Mechanisms Sect elder Hai Ming leading the forefront, his heart sinking. Hai Ming intended to take everyone into Mist Forest. The recent chaos of Green Worm Poison Gu was horrifying enough. If they were to confront the demons directly, who knew what malignant secret techniques awaited them? Especially with Lan Zhang occupying Qingqiu Mountainthat lunatic''s demeanor in Nether Demon Heaven had been unnervingly wild. Within his boundless Sea of Blood lay countless Blood God''s Sons. Could their mere thousand Qi Cultivators truly hold their ground? Chen Mu grew increasingly anxious. "Maybe... I should make my escape!" Chapter 670 - 658 Puppet Warrior Deep in the Mist Forest, a four-armed ape towering over ten stories high let out a furious roar toward the heavens. Its surroundings churned with oppressive energies, and towering trees were felled in waves like dominoes. The crimson-eyed Red-eyed Water Ape charged recklessly to and fro, its bloodlust boiling over. Numerous armored figures, appearing like ants by comparison, were easily flung into the air by the water ape''s aura. Before they could even hit the ground, their bodies dissolved into pools of blood under its corrosive energy. But in the next moment, golden ropes radiating dazzling light shot out from the forest, blanketing the four-armed ape in dense arrays. No matter how it howled or struggled, more and more ropes wrapped tightly around its massive form, pinning it in place. Buzz! Wisps of emerald energy rose into the sky, instantly converging into a slender, over ten-meter-long Qi Blade. With a flash of light, the crescent-shaped Qi Blade cut cleanly through the Red-eyed Water Ape''s body. The once ferocious four-armed ape froze completely. The luster in its eyes dimmed rapidly, and within mere moments, every trace of its vitality had dissipated. With a thunderous crash, its enormous frame collapsed dramatically. Floating in midair was a gray-robed elder holding a purple-black gourd. He shook the gourd''s opening toward the Red-eyed Water Ape, causing the mountain-sized beast to transform into a stream of black-red light that was absorbed into the gourd. At the same time, the golden ropes retracted one by one, withdrawing back into the bodies of the armored figures nearby. These people bore faint smiles on their faces, but their eyes were unfocused and lifeless. Indifferent to the carnage and death around them, they marched in unbroken formation, continuing toward the depths of the Mist Forest like puppets. ... Thirty miles away, atop a small mountain peak. Chen Mu had witnessed the entire battle and watched the retreating Daoist Soldiers, his brow furrowing deeply. Those people... "They are all victims of the Green Worm Evil Technique," Lu Han, who stood beside Chen Mu, spoke with equal solemnity. "Yesterday, I even saw Yang Fu among them." "Elder Hu said the Plague Immortal Flag dispersed the Green Worm Poison, but their souls were irreparably damaged. They can no longer regain consciousness, which is why..." Why they were all turned into puppet Daoist Soldiers? Chen Mu stared at the dense swarm, surging toward the depths of the Mist Forest like an army of ants, and felt a chill seeping through his body. Among them were Qi Refinement cultivators and Martial Artists, but most were ordinary people plagued by the Green Worm Poison Gu. Now, with their souls obliterated, their bodies were crafted into Daoist Soldiers at someone else''s command. This... This seems overly cruel, doesn''t it? "Is this always how the Thousand Mechanisms Sect operates?" This method was far from the image of the Profound Sect he had envisioned. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is traditionally renowned for its expertise in crafting puppet creations and animated beings, often refining them from the bodies of demons and exotic beasts," Lu Han replied. "Artifacts like the Bai Gui Shuttle and Cloud Bat Flying Boat are products of their workmanship." "But this Daoist Soldier Warrior Technique is unprecedented. Indeed, it does seem rather..." Lu Han hesitated. "Maybe it''s just a matter of circumstance, a shortage of manpower forcing their hand." His expression wavered as he rationalized their actions. Chen Mu gave a slight nod yet remained unconvinced inwardly. Where there''s one, there will be more. Today, they manipulate the injured souls of these people; who''s to say they won''t target innocents next? The sprawling Thousand Mechanisms Sect certainly couldn''t consist entirely of virtuous individuals. "These Daoist Soldiers of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect are not something to be envied." "Luckily... luckily I have the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. "The Heavenly Demon Body must continue nurturing, and the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed must keep being refined and linked through the Tribulation Technique." Ever since achieving Divine Embryo Completion, the Night Sky Star Map within his mind had expanded exponentially, with the light points representing the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds increasing steadily. Each day, he spent hours connecting with the Spirit Seeds. By now, the number of Spirit Seed-driven Peach Gods he possessed surpassed ten thousand. Yet compared to the vast constellation above, this number was a mere drop in the ocean. "Thank goodness for the Netherworld Yin Spirits." Chen Mu gazed appreciatively at the map in his mind. In the past, he disliked those Yin Spirits, believing they were exploiting him by copying his methods and experience for their own benefit. But now, his heart was filled with nothing but gratitude. "I need to carve out time to study the Yin Spirit Secret Techniques." Chen Mu decided inwardly. Once dismissive of the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed, he could no longer afford such apathy. For every Spirit Seed host that survived a little longer, he gained another Peach God to bear the tribulations. By delving into Yin Spirit Secret Techniques, Spirit Seed hosts could swiftly comprehend and enhance their survival abilities. "Don''t overthink things. At least we''re spared from being pushed to the front lines. Yang Fu and the others are bearing the brunt for us," Lu Han sighed. "Let''s funnel more Sealing Demon Power into the Awakening Bell to better protect their bodies," he muttered despondently while trudging down the hill. Chen Mu glanced once more at the distant battlefield, took a deep breath, and followed him down the slope. The grind must go on. He needed to grow stronger stronger than ever to ensure he never became one of those unfortunate souls. ... Five days later. With countless Daoist Soldier Warriors advancing rapidly day and night, more than half of the demons and monsters entrenched in the Mist Forest were slaughtered or driven away. The blood-red crack in the sky had come into view, looming ever closer. Their march toward Qingqiu Mountain was nearly at hand. At the Taoshan Temple camp, Chen Mu sat on a tree stump murmuring incantations. Using the Three Yin Slaying Demon Technique as a foundation and the Sealing Demon Curse for control, bursts of Demon Dispel Power flew into the air, pouring into a fist-sized copper bell. The bell, known as the Awakening Bell, was a pivotal magic artifact for controlling Daoist Soldier Warriors. It absorbed the collective Sealing Demon Power provided by the group and transferred it into the Daoist Soldiers, helping them pierce through the demonic aura of their enemies. While Chen Mu and his allies were spared from direct confrontation with the monsters, they were required to exhaust their mana daily, continuously supplying the Awakening Bell with Sealing Demon Power. For a while, Chen Mu chanted endlessly, then mimicked Lu Han''s behavior by forcing out a bead of sweat and exaggerating his breaths. He perfectly disguised himself as an ordinary, slightly more mana-abundant Qi Cultivator of the Primordial Talisman Realm. With a quick thought, the Gray Wall appeared before him, and he turned his attention to a specific section. Sealing Demon Curse: Maxed out. After repeated drills and constant use in recent times, this cursing technique which indirectly functioned as an enhanced form of the Demon Dispel Skill had reached its pinnacle. "Maxing it out is good. With its guise, variations of the Three Yin Slaying Demon Technique can remain unnoticed." Chen Mu skimmed the Gray Wall before shifting his focus to other areas of interest. Without access to the Daoist Foundation Atlas, his cultivation was stuck at a standstill. The Heavenly Demon Body would continue evolving, but having recently condensed the Divine Fetus, any noticeable progress wouldn''t happen overnight. The Tribulation Technique was practiced daily, yet with more than ten thousand Spirit Seed Peach Gods already at his disposal, Chen Mu wasn''t in a rush regular refinement was sufficient, with minimal time investment. With so much idle time available, he decided to focus on one of his unfinished secret techniques to grind experience. "Perhaps the Ghost Channeling Spell can increase my mastery over some Ghost Pattern Secret Techniques." The Ghost Channeling Spell originated from the Da Qian Lock Dragon Knights and was a sub-technique of the Underworld God Transformation. The spell allowed ordinary individuals without mana to perform Yin Spirit techniques like Qi Cultivators. Though its strength was secondary, Chen Mu valued its potential as something the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed hosts could learn indirectly enhancing their capabilities. Unfortunately, without guidance, he had to rely on luck while exploring the Nine Serenities Abyss, and the acquired techniques might turn out lackluster. Moreover, Hai Province lacked City God Dojo facilities, making castings of the Ghost Channeling Spell exceedingly unreliable. "Still, sparing some time to try doesn''t hurt. Who knows, it might succeed," Chen Mu thought, his tone indifferent yet optimistic. "Or perhaps I could delve into the Wu Mountain brothers'' other techniques." He glanced at specific sections of the Gray Wall. Wu Mountain brothers'' techniques were based on fragments of the Thousand Mountains Sutra unconventional yet highly versatile with extraordinary potential. The Truthful Listening Divine Power had become his finest sensory tool, providing immense security. The slightly less potent Three Yin Slaying Demon Technique excelled remarkably in combating demons. "Ten Directions Hands, Soul Capturing and Rejuvenation Technique, Mechanism Manipulation Technique..." Chen Mu examined the three secret techniques, hesitating. As he pondered his future cultivation path. The sound of distant thunder rumbled closer, shaking the ground. Alarmed, Chen Mu immediately stood and fixed his gaze in the direction of the disturbance. The blood-red rift that stretched across the sky was visibly collapsing. A scarlet figure streaked upward, darting into the fissure right before it sealed shut entirely. "Lan Zhang escaped?" Chen Mu stared at the vanished rift and couldn''t help but grin. "This chaos of demons and monsters is finally coming to an end." Chapter 671 - 659: Return to Qingqiu Three months later, at dusk. In a small town called Sparrow City, situated in the far south of Hai Province, wisps of smoke were rising from chimneys. In a certain alleyway, a short and plump middle-aged man carried a piece of cured meat in his right hand, humming a tune as he cheerfully made his way home. Suddenly, an intense itch arose on the back of his hand, prompting him to reflexively slap his right hand with his left. "Whenever the weather gets hot, these mosquitoes come to harass people," the man grumbled, looking down at the squashed mosquito on his hand. However... "Why is the mosquito completely blood-red? I''ve never seen anything like this before." Just as he was puzzling over it, a loud buzzing sound came from above. Curious, he looked up, only to see a massive blood-red mist rapidly descending into the alley. Looking closer, he realized that it wasn''t mist at allit was a swarm of blood-red mosquitoes. Before he could wave his hand to shoo them away, the swarm surged forward, enveloping him completely. After a brief, agonized scream, the middle-aged man fell to the ground, struggled for a couple of moments, then stopped moving entirely. In the span of a single breath, the blood-red mist buzzed and rose back into the sky. The short and plump man was now reduced to a dried-up corpse of skin and bones. Buzzz... buzzz... A crimson cloud surged from the north, plunging straight into the heart of Sparrow City. Instantly, screams of horror filled the air, one following another in chaotic succession. ... The next day, thousands of Daoist soldiers appeared at the gates of Sparrow City. Leading them was Hu Buwei, who waved a small purple flag with a stern expression. From the bodies of the thousands of Daoist soldiers, countless jade-white butterflies emerged, forming organized clusters as they ascended into the sky. In the blink of an eye, they transformed into specks of spiritual light and scattered throughout the city. Bzzz! It was as though a beehive had been disturbedcountless blood-red mosquitoes swarmed out in all directions, rushing towards the thousands of soldiers. But as soon as they advanced halfway, it was as if they''d been sprayed with insecticide; they dropped to the ground in droves, raining down midway through their flight. Soon, a thick layer of red mosquitoes piled up on the ground. "We still arrived too late," someone muttered. Twenty miles away, Chen Mu furrowed his brow as he walked slowly alongside Lu Han and others. Using his Truthful Listening Divine Power, he had already surveyed Sparrow City from a distance. The city, originally home to tens of thousands of people, now had only a handful of survivors left. With the heavenly rift mended, the source of the demons was severed, and they scattered across Hai Province. Over the past three months, Chen Mu had been traveling nonstop with the Hundred Illusion Sect, tirelessly exterminating demons and exotic beasts. The gathering points for Qi cultivators fared slightly better, but the regions populated by ordinary people were nearly desolatemost places had nine out of ten households empty. Countless towns and cities shared Sparrow City''s tragic fate. "Let''s go; it''s time to attend to that bell-revered ancestor." Not far away, Lu Han called out to Chen Mu wearily. The formerly brawny and robust man now walked with faltering steps. Chen Mu twitched the corner of his mouth. In the past two months, aside from traveling and resting, nearly all of their time had been spent on producing Sealing Demon Power. Drain mana, recover mana, then drain mana againthis repeated cycle was enough to make even Chen Mu, with his strong cultivation, feel mentally drained. The other Daoist soldiers and Qi cultivators were all severely depleted in vital energy. "At least we don''t have to face those strange demons directly," Lu Han said, with surprising optimism. "After a few days, we''ll return to Qingqiu Mountain and eat plenty of food from Golden Yuan Valley to recover," he said cheerily. "Did senior brother hear some news?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows slightly. "It''s pretty obvious, isn''t it?" "Sparrow City is already at the southernmost edge of Hai Province. Beyond that lies the boundless sea, which isn''t under our jurisdiction." "The work is done, so naturally, it''s time to return to the mountain," Lu Han explained. Chen Mu nodded faintly. Over the course of three months, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect had led the ninety-nine sects within Hai Province in a sprawling campaign against demons. By now, it seemed the time had come for the efforts to conclude. ... More than ten days later. At the peak of Qingqiu Mountain. The original Qingqiu Palace was nowhere to be seen. In its place, there now stood a refined Daoist temple, adorned with white walls and black tiles. Not far from the temple, two octagonal pavilions had been constructed on the open ground. A crowd of people lined up, entering the pavilions one by one. With the chaos caused by the demons in Hai Province largely quelled, Chen Mu and the others had been summoned here today to receive commendations for their contributions. "Five hundred and forty-five Daoist merit points, three thousand two hundred and seventy liang of white jade, and one Spirit Fox Secret Scripturetake care of them." The elderly Daoist surnamed Mao, with hair and beard all white, handed Chen Mu a wooden box. "Thank you, senior brother." Chen Mu stepped forward respectfully, accepting the box without even glancing at its contents, holding it close to his chest. The elder before him was the Daoist Mao from Taoshan Temple, who had once recruited him. He had managed to survive this calamity, though... Chen Mu''s gaze fell on the empty sleeve where the elder''s left arm had once been. "Surviving this disaster is already a blessing," the Daoist Mao noticed Chen Mu''s gaze and shook his head with a sigh. This was their third meeting, and reflecting on the dramatic changes of the past year, he couldn''t help but lament the unpredictability of life. "Now that you''re fully a member of Taoshan Temple, we''re part of the same family. Once you''re assigned to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, you must work hard," Daoist Mao encouraged him before turning to summon the next person in line. Chen Mu bowed slightly once again. Then, holding the wooden box, he descended the mountain steps. This marked his third day back in Qingqiu Mountain. The Hundred Illusion Sect Master, Zheng Bailian, remained missing. The sect was left with only one elder, Hu Buwei, and less than a hundred discipleshardly enough to sustain its existence. Under the oversight of Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elder Yan Ming, the remnants of the Hundred Illusion Sectalongside those who had participated in the demon exterminationhad formed the newly established Taoshan Temple, now stationed at Qingqiu Mountain. ... Inside a cliffside cave mansion. Chen Mu opened the wooden box, placed the white jade inside his Five Ghosts Bag, and pulled out the Spirit Fox Secret Scripture jade slip to begin reading. The scripture belonged to the Hundred Illusion Sect and had been one of the conditions for recruiting Daoist soldiers. Originally, it should have been distributed on the day of signing the Daoist Soldier Contract, but the demon calamity delayed it until now. "Sure enough, it only contains methods for the Condensing the Nascent Soul and River Chariot stepsnothing related to the Daoist Foundation Atlas." After a while, Chen Mu withdrew his focus and sighed. Fortunately, he had already expected this, so he wasn''t particularly disappointed. The ninety-nine sects of Hai Province were subordinate to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and without its permission, they dared notand could notteach the Daoist Foundation Atlas. "I still have to head to the Heavenly Star Battlefield, after all," Chen Mu sighed again. The chaos of the demons had just ended, yet recalling it still sent chills down his spine. The Green Worm Gu Poison was truly bizarre, and who knew what similar sinister techniques might exist in the Heavenly Star Battlefield. This time, he had the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame to save his life. But what about next time? "Condensing the Daoist Foundation is certainly no easy task," Chen Mu sighed once more. Even obtaining a single true transmission secret technique was enough to stall his progress. The challenges awaiting him afterward would surely be even harder to quantify. But to stop here, retreat into Thousand Lanterns City, and live a quiet life wasn''t something he could accept. Part of him wanted to see the higher realms of cultivation. But more importantly... "Without enough strength, even if I wanted to live peacefully, I couldn''t," he muttered. Thousand Lanterns City was far from secure, and he would have to venture out eventually. Without power to protect himself, he''d be vulnerable to calamities. Just like what happened in Peach Blossom Valleymost of his time was spent hiding in Thousand Lanterns City, yet during one excursion to gather information, the Green Worm Gu found him. Chen Mu conjured the Gray Wall and examined the skill experience it displayed. With no Daoist Foundation Atlas available and the Heavenly Demon Body stagnating in its bottleneck, growth was slow. For now, enhancing his strength involved grinding his secret technique experience. Giant Spirit Divine: 9202/10000/Eighth Rank; Mechanical Technique: 7065/10000/Sixth Rank; Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 8475/10000/Fourth Rank; Heavenly Demon Armor: 9706/10000/Seventh Rank; Ten Directions Hand: 6534/10000/Second Rank; Truthful Listening Technique: Extreme Limit; Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique: Extreme Limit; These seven secret techniques, all inherited from the Wu Mountain brothers, were proving more extraordinary as their levels increased. "Giant Spirit Divine and Heavenly Demon Armor are both in advanced stages; progress has slowed significantly and will now require time to grind through," he thought. "Mechanical Technique is mainly for controlling magic artifacts and flying swords; for now, it suffices." "Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique can absorb the vitality of living beings to replenish my ownit''s too sinister. Besides, I have Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, so there''s no rush to master it." "That leaves Ten Directions Hand as the skill I should focus on." Back in Taoshan Temple, he had already planned to grind experience for Ten Directions Hand. But later, he was pulled away to serve as a mobile mana source for the Daoist soldier force, which delayed the effort. Still, even with the interruptions, he had managed to get the skill halfway through the Second Rank. Chen Mu opened his palm and slowly clenched his fist. Buzz! A surge of power filled his fist, causing the surrounding air to quiver faintly. "Concentrating strength into a single point?" "Not bad," Chen Mu shrugged. As his cultivation advanced, he relied more and more on various secret techniques. Close combat became increasingly rare, yet it wasn''t entirely absent. Furthermore, his diverse and complex cultivation methods had transformed his body several times, giving him physical resilience comparable to exotic beasts. Coupled with techniques like Giant Spirit Divine, which enhanced strength, his raw power was often too overwhelming for his existing means of control. "I needed a method to unify all my strength into one ultimate techniqueand this is just the thing." "Let''s focus on it." Chapter 672 - 660: Gourd South of Qingqiu Mountain. The massive "First Type Demon Suppressing Needle" shattered and collapsed, leveling half of the nearby mountain cliffs in the process. Standing atop the Flying Kite with a palm-sized yellow gourd in hand, Chen Mu was quietly reciting the Sealing Demon Curse under his breath. A grayish-white mist erupted from the mouth of the gourd, transforming into a colossal misty hand measuring tens of meters in size. The hand scooped up large chunks of shattered rock and debris, tossing them into the nearby Prison Valley. There were more than a dozen other Qi Cultivators working alongside him in an orderly fashion. With their combined efforts, it took only half a day to clear away the remnants of the shattered needle and the collapsed mountain terrain. By noon, Chen Mu joined the others to rest in the shade of the peach forest. "I heard it''s because demons tampered with the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition. That''s how they were able to bypass the Star Battle Formation. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect destroyed the Demon Suppressing Needle to disrupt the foundational magical barrier." "No way, demons can manipulate the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition?" "You''ve forgotten how sinister those Green Worm Poisons are?" "Now that you mention it... if they can meddle with the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition, it''s not completely impossible..." The group exchanged various rumors and gossip amongst themselves. Chen Mu, while listening intently, idly flipped the yellow gourd in his hand. The gourd, known as the Qiankun One Qi Gourd, was a Magic Artifact temporarily allocated to disciples by Taoshan Temple. Functionally similar to the Prison Valley mining pickaxes and the Grinding Stone Workshop millstones, it amplified Sealing Demon Power. The mist it emitted could effortlessly split mountains and shatter stones, even those as solid as Demon Qi Stones. "If I use this thing to dig up some Demon Qi Stones and bring them to Thousand Lanterns City..." Chen Mu chuckled mischievously. Thousand Lanterns City had expanded several times over, and the original stone and soil used for foundation filling were no longer sufficient. Demon Qi Stones, being sturdy and capable of isolating Secret Technique detection, made a perfect material for the city''s foundation. Before the Thousand Mechanisms Sect arrived to set up a new Forbidden Law, digging into the terrain might trigger their magical barrier. Hence... "Tonight''s the night." As he plotted quietly, a streak of red Escape Light descended upon the peach forest. Once the light dissipated, Hu Buwei appeared with a sour expression on his face. The previously lively and chatty group instantly fell silent. Each person scrambled to their feet, preparing to continue their excavation work. "What''s the rush?!" "Is thirty White Jade Coins a day that much? Why are you all working yourselves to death?" Hu Buwei bellowed angrily. "It''s noon! Why are you still working? Everyone, rest! If anyone doesn''t rest for at least two Hours, no one is allowed to work!" And with that, he grumpily activated his Escape Light and flew off Qingqiu Mountain. The group glanced at each other in confusion. Was this... blatant encouragement to slack off and skim White Jade Coins from Taoshan Temple? "Senior Brother, Elder Hu... what does this mean?" Someone asked Lu Han hesitantly within the crowd. "It''s all because of the Daoist Soldier Contracts," Lu Han admitted without reservation. "Even Elder Hu has to go to Thousand Mechanisms Sect to serve as a Daoist Soldier?" The group was astounded. "Not just Elder Hu; Taoshan Temple has mandated that all remaining members of our Hundred Illusion Sect participate. No one can escape," Lu Han sighed heavily. "You lot were lucky to sign the contracts early, but we didn''t have a choice. Our minimum period of service starts at twenty years." "Elder Hu''s cultivation is profound. While his term length remains uncertain, he will definitely be sent to the most dangerous frontlines." "After living comfortably in the Hundred Illusion Sect for so many years, he now has to fight on the Outer Heaven battlefield in his old age. No wonder he''s in a foul mood." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. That old man Hu Buwei is heading to the Heavenly Star battlefield, and not just anywherehe''s assigned to the perilous frontlines? Tsk, tsk! That geezer is truly pitiful. ... Late at night. Three hundred miles beneath Qingqiu Mountain, deep rumbling noises echoed in the darkness. Gray mist transformed into an enormous drill, piercing the black, rock-hard Demon Qi Stones relentlessly. Beneath the mist-drill lay the black portal to Thousand Lanterns City, where shattered Demon Qi Stones were absorbed, not a single piece left behind. Extending his hand to catch a fragment of a Demon Qi Stone that flew past his vision, Chen Mu stared into Thousand Lanterns City through the Shadow Pupil artifact, watching the ever-expanding rock foundation with a wide grin. "As expected from a mountain-cutting and stone-excavating Magic Artifact crafted by Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Digging up Demon Qi Stones has become so effortless." "With this gourd aiding the foundation work for Thousand Lanterns City, I estimate it''ll take me no more than half a month to complete the task." "What a pity the gourd has to be returned in the end," he lamented. "Taoshan Temple is so stingy! Making us help build the sect''s infrastructure, yet refusing to offer even one measly artifact!" Chen Mu muttered in annoyance. Weighing the Demon Qi Stone in his hand, he clenched his fingers tightly. A faint vibrating hum trembled through his fingers. Crack! The iron-hard Demon Qi Stone shattered instantly under his grip. "Is the strength of the Ten Directions Hand perhaps a little *too* much?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow as the gray wall appeared before him. Ten Directions Hand: 131/10000/Third Rank; The Third Rank of the Ten Directions Hand continued to focus on concentrating the power of all muscle tissue into a single point. Even though his body had undergone multiple transformations, growing progressively stronger, the power to crush a Demon Qi Stone bare-handed still felt disproportionately immense. Not even relying on Giant Spirit Divine power augmentation, he had merely utilized raw muscle strength. Chen Mu immediately focused on the gray wall, intently absorbing the feedback from the Secret Technique''s insights. As he delved deeper, a look of surprise spread across his face. "''Concentrating the strength of every muscle tissue in the body''does it actually mean every single fiber of muscle?" This reminded him of theories about the potential limits of human strength from his previous life. Calculating human strength based on muscle fibers yielded high theoretical values. Yet, due to the body''s self-protective mechanisms and inefficient muscle activation techniques, humans were incapable of reaching such extremes. According to the gray wall''s feedback, the Ten Directions Hand was progressively advancing the ability to concentrate every ounce of strength into a single point. "This Secret Technique of the Ten Directions Hand is truly extraordinary," Chen Mu grinned. Currently, it was only at its Third Rank. Once cultivated to higher levels and paired with Giant Spirit Divine augmentation, it could easily become a life-saving trump card. "Even a fragmentary Thousand Mountains Sutra Secret Technique possesses such wonders. The Thousand Mountains Path, which gained fame back in Ancient Times, truly was remarkable." "Though it was ultimately destroyed by Pure Yang Dao, the fact that Pure Yang Dao had to intervene proves its ingenuity." "A pity it''s merely a fragment," Chen Mu sighed wistfully. His thoughts drifted toward the Five Ghosts Bag, whereupon he directed his Divine Thoughts to examine the seven half-human-height black gourds contained within. During his escape from the Tianhe Law Realm, he had utilized the Seven Souls Path Soldier Skill to displace individuals such as Lu Ku, who had become core veins and acupoint conduits. Afterward, the seven had transformed into gourds, resting within the Five Ghosts Bag in perpetual slumber. As time passed, supplemented by intermittent feedings of Primordial Qi, the gourds gradually grew larger in sizefrom their cores, life forces became stronger and hardier by the day. Yet, exactly what they would ultimately transform into remained a mystery to Chen Mu. "Ah, if only I could find those tombs excavated by Wu Mountain''s brothers back in the day." "I''d definitely go pay my respects with incense, and then..." "Then, I''d carefully dig up every inch of it again!" "Of course, my motives are pure! It''s not for attaining Thousand Mountains Secret Techniques!" "I''m simply removing pests like snakes and rats! Aligning the Earth''s energy flows! Providing the esteemed seniors with a more serene resting place!" Chen Mu declared solemnly. ... When dawn broke the next morning... Chen Mu opened the doors to his Cave Mansion, preparing to head south of Qingqiu Mountain to resume excavation. In the wake of the recent demon rampage, extensive damage had been done to the mountain terrain, forcing Taoshan Temple to construct new buildings for the sect. Thus, a sizable workforce was tasked with clearing and remodeling the mountaina job assigned to the remnants of the Hundred Illusion Sect, including Chen Mu. However, before he managed to walk far from the Cave Mansion, he ran into Lu Han. "Elder Hu is attending to matters elsewhere. All excavation tasks have been suspended. The White Jade Coins will still be distributed, but work will resume only after he returns," Lu Han explained without waiting for Chen Mu''s inquiry. Purposefully dragging the timeline to skim more money? Such blatant corruption? Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh. Classic black-hearted Elder Hu! "Don''t overthink it. Elder Hu genuinely has business to tend to," Lu Han retorted with an eye roll. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is preparing to set up a new Mountain Protection Magical Barrier. Special modifications to the terrain are required, and Elder Hu, along with other sect elders, has been summoned to the Heavenly River Water Mansion to attend lectures from experts." Chen Mu understood instantly. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he returned to his Cave Mansion. But he didn''t stay idle for longsoon, he dove into Thousand Lanterns City, wielding the yellow gourd to meticulously refine the city''s ground. "That old geezer Hu really lucked out. Forced to fight as a Daoist Soldier among the Outer Heaven ranks, no less." "An elder who''s spent a lifetime as Auxiliary Soldiers, suddenly sent to the frontlines as War Soldiers..." Chen Mu muttered as he worked. "Even though his Condensing Aperture Perfection cultivation might bring some advantages, the risks involved are alarmingly clear." "Good thing I decided to fake my cultivation level as a mere Primordial Talisman Realm Qi Cultivator. Definitely the right call," he laughed quietly to himself. "Strong abilities bring heavier responsibilities, which means being sent to dangerous places. But me? Just a small fry who avoids attentionI can even masquerade as a harmless weakling. If trouble arises, I can always use my trump cards to escape unharmed." Lost in smug contemplation, Chen Mu caught a glimpse of something grayish from the corner of his eye. On instinct, he reached out to seize it, whereupon a small stone gourd standing as tall as his forearm appeared before him. The gourd had gray-white coloring, a rounded body, and intricate black-and-silver patterns etched across its surface. "This gourd... why does it look so familiar?" Examining it from every angle, Chen Mu finally noticed a familiar fissure etched onto the upper part of the gourd''s rounded body. "Wait... Is this the vessel gourd for the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition?!" Though its size differed slightly, its overall appearance was identicaleven that same crack aligned perfectly! Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, panic surging within him. This thing was used to seal countless Outer Heaven Demons, yet he had accidentally excavated it into the depths of Thousand Lanterns City. This was an absolute disaster waiting to happen! Chapter 673 - 661 Search Late at night. Four hundred miles under Qingqiu Mountain, in a pitch-black underground cavern. A soft pop sound. Chen Mu, shrouded in a ghostly green light, squeezed out from the rocky cave wall. With a flip of his hand, black mist spread, and a small arm-sized gray stone gourd appeared in front of him. "Didn''t they say the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition was destroyed? Why is this gourd still here?" Chen Mu grumbled, "Can''t they destroy it cleanly?" If the Thousand Mechanisms Sect had been more efficient, he wouldn''t have had to dig this gourd into Thousand Lanterns City. How dangerous! "Luckily, it''s just remnants of the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition." Chen Mu felt relieved. He had already used the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture to investigate, and the gourd now had only one layer of Forbidden Law left, with the demons sealed inside already gone. "After sealing countless demons, even if there are no more demons, there might be other hidden dangers. Better to discard it." Always cautious, Chen Mu didn''t dare to keep such potentially troublesome items by his side. With a wave of his hand, the floating stone gourd fell to the ground, landing not far from Chen Mu''s feet. After one last glance at the stone gourd, he was enveloped in ghostly green light, taking a step back and disappearing into the rocky cave wall. ... A few days later. On the west side of Qingqiu Mountain. The Demon Suppressing Needle near Wanjing Cave also lay broken and collapsed, with half of the surrounding mountain smashed. A middle-aged man in black stood in the air above the ruins, holding a white jade plate, constantly chanting curse words. Not far away in the Peach Forest, Chen Mu and other Qi Cultivators were hiding in the shade, loafing around and sneaking glances at the distant middle-aged man. "Weren''t they supposed to set up a Forbidden Law? Why does it feel like the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is searching for something?" someone in the crowd asked in confusion. "To set up a new Forbidden Law, they have to clear out the old ones first," another person replied. "Not only that, I''ve heard they''re looking for the core object of the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition," someone else whispered. "Core object?" "Yes, it''s called the Demon Suppressing Needle or the Inheriting Heaven Gourd." Before the group could continue discussing, Boom! The ground violently shook as the base of the Demon Suppressing Needle buried deep in the Prison Valley exploded, scattering black and red stones everywhere. A red light shot up from the underground, appearing in front of the middle-aged man in the blink of an eye. It emitted a continuous buzzing sound, causing the air within several miles to tremble along with it. After a while, the red light gathered into a long silver and red needle, the length of a finger, floating in the air. "No wonder the Demon Suppressing Needle, clearly as sturdy as a hundred-meter tower, has the word ''needle'' in its name." "Turns out the core object is indeed a needle!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle. But... Demon Suppressing Needle, Inheriting Heaven Gourd... Watching the middle-aged man utilize the escape light, Chen Mu felt uneasy. He recalled the stone gourd he had thrown back into the ground a few days ago. That thing must be the Inheriting Heaven Gourd the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is looking for! "Good thing I threw that gourd out early," Chen Mu thought with relief. The white jade plate that middle-aged man held was clearly a special magic artifact for searching for the Demon Suppressing Needle. If it could locate the Demon Suppressing Needle, it might also find the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. What if it ended up right in front of me? Click! Chen Mu chuckled and continued to loaf around with the other Qi Cultivators. Old Man Hu was extremely displeased with being forcibly sent to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect as a Daoist Soldier. So, the old black-hearted man started leading remnants of the Hundred Illusion Sect to trouble Taoshan Temple. The old man was quite advanced in age, and with no progress in his cultivation, this journey was likely a one-way trip; Taoshan Temple truly didn''t dare to intervene. With him taking the lead, Chen Mu and the others became bold, working one Hour and resting two, blatantly skimming off White Jade Coins. "Delaying the construction is good; if we hold off for another day or two, I can complete my private tasks in Thousand Lanterns City with the One Breath Gourd." Chen Mu chuckled, blending into the crowd while listening to idle chatter and simultaneously gaining experience with the Ten Directions Hands. ... Late at night, in Thousand Lanterns City. A hammer of gray-white smoke struck the ground like a pile driver, pounding rhythmically. "The foundation can be elevated a bit more, but the Demon Qi Stone can''t be dug anymore." Chen Mu skillfully used his Ten Directions Hands, gripping a Demon Qi Stone tightly, considering whether to venture into the depths of Mist Forest to excavate a few mountain peaks to transport into the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven. With a crisp crack, the Demon Qi Stone in his hand was crushed into fragments by his Ten Directions Hands. "Forget it, let''s hold off for now." He tossed aside the stone fragments, dispelling the thought. "There are several High Cultivators from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect here; getting caught could be troublesome." "Besides, once they find the Inheriting Heaven Gourd and bury the new Forbidden Law core object, they''ll soon leave Qingqiu Mountain." "I can wait until they leave before digging." ... Chen Mu''s plan was well thought out, but things rarely go as expected. A few days later, Chen Mu was slacking off in a remote mountain spot with Lu Han and others. In the sky, several beams of escape light circled Qingqiu Mountain. "I''ve heard they haven''t found the Inheriting Heaven Gourd." "Isn''t it just a Magic Artifact? Is it worth such a detailed search by so many experts from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect?" "It''s said that the gourd was made using some demon''s bones, incredibly precious." "How about we go search too? What if..." "I think you''re dreaming; those elders with their searching magic artifacts haven''t found it, and you think you can?" "Is it really that hard to find?" Yes. Is it really that hard to find? Sitting on a low peach tree branch, Chen Mu had a strange expression on his face: "I only threw that gourd about four hundred miles deep underground; this depth shouldn''t be hard for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, right?" These experts from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect definitely have dedicated searching magic artifacts. Chen Mu felt a bit annoyed. Back then, he only thought about quickly finding a hidden spot to discard that troublesome item. He never expected it to be hidden so well that none of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect elders could find it. Go underground and retrieve the gourd for them? He immediately shook his head. If he ran into them head-on, it would be hard to explain. "Besides, they have specialized magic artifacts and their cultivation is strong enough; if they start searching underground, they should be able to find it given a few more days." ... Five days later. All the Qi Cultivators on Qingqiu Mountain were gathered in front of Taoshan Temple at the mountain''s peak. Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders held up the White Jade Plate, as if holding up a demon-revealing mirror, inspecting each person. This was a suspicion that someone was hiding the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. Mixed in with the crowd, Chen Mu looked at the stern-faced experts from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, feeling quite dissatisfied. This group searched for half a month and still hadn''t found it. And these are supposed to be the elders of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Truly useless! Chen Mu glanced at Elder Yan Ming approaching ahead, feeling disdainful, but also relieved internally. "Good thing I didn''t keep that gourd." "Judging by how these elders act, the White Jade Plate might even sense the Inheriting Heaven Gourd through the Mustard Seed Jade Charm." Thinking this, Chen Mu suddenly felt a twinge of worry. "I wonder if that magic artifact can only detect the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, or if it can see everything inside a storage artifact." "If it can reveal everything..." Ghosts, Bottomless Pool, Seven Spirits Daoist Soldier Gourd, the things inside his Five Ghosts Bag were quite notorious. If these elders truly saw through everything, he might not have a pleasant outcome. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, his spirit delving into the Shadow Pupil of Thousand Lanterns City. Even though Thousand Lanterns City was damaged, it was still a Grotto Heaven, ordinary magic artifacts couldn''t penetrate inside. The next moment, the Five Ghosts Bag tied to his chest silently fell into Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu glanced at Elder Yan Ming, who seemed unaware, quietly smiling. Since acquiring the Shadow Pupil, manipulating Thousand Lanterns City had become especially precise. Opening and closing the portal became simple and discreet, and even the Truth Listening Divine Power wouldn''t notice unless scrutinized. "If I cover it with my sleeve, I might even play a trick akin to Sleeve Dimension." Just as he was amusing himself with the thought, Chen Mu suddenly sensed an anomaly via the large eye of the Shadow Pupil. Though the Thousand Lanterns City seemed empty, it felt overly crowded. As if an invisible behemoth was filling the entire Thousand Lanterns City. Curious, Chen Mu focused his spirit into the Shadow Pupil to investigate. Then... Then he found a familiar stone gourd buried in the debris of a collapsed wooden building. Glancing at Yan Ming coming closer, then at the gourd in the shadows of the ruins, Chen Mu felt his heart race. Not good! Very not good! Chapter 674 - 662 Qing Chan On the peak of Qingqiu Mountain, in front of Taoshan Temple. Through Shadow Pupil, Chen Mu gazed at the grayish Stone Gourd, and his heart quivered uncontrollably. I clearly buried that thing deep undergroundhow... how could it still appear here in Thousand Lanterns City?! This kind of sinister technique... Outer Heaven Demon! It must have something to do with the Outer Heaven Demon! Looking up at Yan Ming, the Elder of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, who was growing nearer, Chen Mu struggled to maintain a calm expression, though a cold sweat had already spread across his back. "I have to toss this gourd out of the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven immediately!" Chen Mu quickly made up his mind. He scanned the surroundings discreetly. Directly handing it over would only invite trouble upon himself; he needed to find a blind spot in everyone''s sightlines so the gourd could appear without a sound. As he continued to look, his eyes fell on a corner of the crowd, where a gaunt elder in gray robes entered his view. Hu Buwei? The spot where the old man stood was, by some coincidence, the least-noticed area by everyone?! This... Should I make Elder Hu suffer a bit, dump the suspicion of secretly possessing the Inheriting Heaven Gourd onto him, and let him shoulder it? Hu Buwei, who was tightly guarding his Spirit and suppressing the Nine-Head Presence hidden within him, suddenly felt a chill on his neck. He raised his head cautiously, only to meet Chen Mu''s crescent-shaped eyes filled with subtle amusement. Hu Buwei shivered instantly. What the hell is this bastard planning?! Don''t tell me he''s discovered the Nine Heads lurking inside me? Is he planning to reveal me in order to secure his own disguise? Damn it! Just as Hu Buwei''s entire body tensed, ready to flee at any moment, Chen Mu regretfully retracted his gaze from a distance. Throwing the Inheriting Heaven Gourd out in front of everyone would make it easier for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elder to notice and seize control of it immediately, but it would also increase the risk of exposing himself. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect placed so much importance on the Inheriting Heaven GourdChen Mu had no desire to get involved. "It''s safer and more discreet to toss it into the small courtyard of the Taoshan Temple further away." With that thought, Chen Mu concentrated his Spirit into the great eye of the Shadow Pupil. Just as he was about to open a small door in the courtyard wall to teleport the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, he realized the gourd hidden in the corner of the ruins had vanished. Chen Mu felt his scalp go numb, his hair nearly standing on end. The gourdcould it be alive? It can even relocate itself! Creak... creak... The sound of an old rocking chair swaying and creaking echoed abruptly in the silent Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately turned toward the sound. At some point, a mysterious figure had appeared in the rocking chair Chen Mu had placed at the entrance of a three-story building. The figure wore a long black gown lined with golden threads, styled in the Flying Immortal Bun adorned with a lifelike Flying Cicada Gold Hairpin. Not far from the figure''s feet lay the missing Stone Gourd. Noticing Chen Mu''s gaze, the individual tilted their head toward the great eye of the Shadow Pupil. With a gentle wave, they seemed to greet him, their face graced with a serene and kind smile: "If you dare throw out the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, I''ll kill you immediatelyeven Pure Yang Dao Ancestor wouldn''t be able to save you." Chen Mu: "..." ... Late at night, in Thousand Lanterns City. Despite the isolation caused by the Cave Heaven, the Elder of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect failed to notice anything. And Chen Mu dared not throw away the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. The woman who suddenly appearedhe had encountered her once before in Prison Valley. At the time, she had appeared not far behind him, yet his Truth Listening Divine Power failed to detect anything. Either she was far more powerful than him, or her methods were sufficiently bizarre and sinister. Neither possibility was something he could afford to provoke. "My name is Meng Qingchan, a High Practitioner of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." Within Thousand Lanterns City, Meng Qingchan''s voice echoed lightly as she rocked in the chair. "Three hundred years ago, I failed to contest for the sect master position and was framed and suppressed in Hai Province by the Ninety-nine Sects." "This time, I managed to escape thanks to the upheaval. I only wish to head for the Outer Heaven Star and completely sever ties with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." "There''s no need for you to be anxiousjust follow through your plans to head for the Outer Heaven Battlefield." "I''m only here for the ride; I won''t harm you. Once we reach the Outer Heaven Star, I''ll depart on my own." "Helping Senior Meng is an honor for me," Chen Mu said, cupping his hands respectfully, his expression sincere. "Not willing, are you?" Meng Qingchan chuckled softly. "If I were in your position, I would also be unwilling to be controlled like this." Before Chen Mu could reply, she spoke again. "This gourd is the core essence of my being." Meng Qingchan pointed to the Inheriting Heaven Gourd by her feet, smiling. "Try ituse all your skills and techniques to kill me; maybe you''ll succeed." "I am a Daoist Soldier of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, aiding a sect senior with utmost sincerity. How could you accuse me without justification?" Chen Mu''s face was filled with righteous indignation. "You certainly are an adaptive one," Meng Qingchan said with a soft laugh. "Since you''re being so agreeable, I can''t show no response..." Creak! Before she could finish speaking, a sudden and piercing metallic grinding noise echoed around them. Meng Qingchan froze, lowering her gaze to see a small black-scaled dragon no thicker than an arm fiercely gnawing on the Stone Gourd. It looked oddly like a large dog chewing on a bone. "It''s a misunderstanding! It''s just my petits teeth are itchy lately, so it''s been desperate to chew on something hard." Chen Mu''s face was apologetic and earnest. Meng Qingchan: "..." Clang! Sparks flew. A palm-sized Moon Blade struck the belly of the gourd, slashing it furiously and hammering it relentlessly. "Another misunderstanding! This magic treasure hasn''t been refined yet; it throws tantrums and won''t rest until it hacks away at something durable each day." Meng Qingchan: "..." Crackle! Pop! A dense web of small arcs of lightning fully enveloped the Stone Gourd, with concentrated Kui Water Yin Thunder surging to electrocute it fiercely. "You''re just incorrigible, aren''t you?" Meng Qingchan couldn''t help but laugh in anger. "Don''t think I won''t seize control of this situation!" Her tone darkened. "Don''t force my hand to deal with you!" "Haven''t you already made your move?" Chen Mu shot back, his face equally grim. Fwoosh! A ball of colorless flame suddenly emerged from Chen Mu''s forehead. A vibrant green cicada pattern appeared within the flame, slowly burning into black ash. "Green Worm Gu Poison." "So it turns out this poison is connected to the upheaval earlier!" "Against anyone else, you might have succeeded in manipulating thembut you ran into me," Chen Mu said, narrowing his eyes. Boom! A massive fireball flared abruptly, wrapping around the Inheriting Heaven Gourd entirely. Squeak, squeak, squeak... A series of sharp, rapid trembling sounds echoed throughout the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven. Sitting in the rocking chair, Meng Qingchan''s figure flickered erraticallylike a glitching imagebut her facial expression reverted back to serene kindness. "Heavenly Demon Techniquesit''s been a while since I''ve seen such methods," Meng Qingchan said with a soft laugh. "Once, I even trained in them specifically." Hearing this, Chen Mu suddenly felt a surge of unease in his heart. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect added plenty of safeguards against me escaping with Heavenly Demon Techniques on this Inheriting Heaven Gourd," Meng Qingchan said lightly, glancing at Chen Mu. Chen Mu''s expression turned sour. Boom! The Seven Emotions Flame erupted into a fireball towering the height of two men. Meng Qingchan''s flickering silhouette persisted, appearing and vanishing repeatedly dozens of times, without ever completely dissipating. "It''s useless." Meng Qingchan shook her head gently. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect spared no effort in using all the sect''s techniques to seal and suppress me within this gourd. You won''t break it." "Everything is very clear now." She looked at Chen Mu with a bright, cheerful smile. "If I don''t wish to leave, you can''t make me leave this Cave Heavenyou''ve already tried." "Moreover, now that you''ve become involved with me, even if you seek to surrender to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect willingly, you will inevitably be eradicatedutterly destroyed." "You can''t defeat me, and I can''t control you. Cooperation is the best solution." Meng Qingchan grinned brightly. "I was once a High Practitioner of the Thousand Mechanisms Sectprivy to many of its secret teachings. Aren''t you curious?" "For example, techniques for constructing magic treasures, or... the Dao Foundation Secret Scripture!" Chen Mu froze, unconsciously narrowing his eyes. The Dao Foundation Secret Scripture... Chapter 675 663: Clamp Down Inside Thousand Lanterns City, Meng Qingchan reclined in a distant chair, face adorned with a smile. "The foundation of Outer Heaven Demons is inherently strong; with natural growth alone, they can obtain immense power and long lifespans." "But humans are different. Human strength is limited." So, don''t be human anymore? Chen Mu mused with a peculiar feeling. "Therefore, one must reshape the foundation, enabling the Spirit God Essence to evolve to a higher level." "Qi Cultivators build Daoist Foundations, while Heavenly Demons cultivate True Forms. Though the methods differ, the ultimate result is nearly the same," Meng Qingchan stated with an unhurried cadence. "I possess the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, which contains the Dao Foundation Atlas and can help you reshape your foundation." As she spoke, she extended her right hand, golden threads rising elegantly from her palm. "I can impart this Secret Technique to you right now, and you need do nothing in returnsimply act as if I don''t exist, allowing me temporary refuge within your Grotto Heaven." Chen Mu''s heart jumped involuntarily as he stared at those golden threads in her palm. He had spent a year and a half in the Hundred Illusion Sect, even signing a ten-year Soldier Contract, all for this very thing. Grinding his teeth fiercely, Chen Mu declared, "Let''s do it!" "You truly know what''s best for you." Meng Qingchan nodded her approval with a smile. "To ensure mutual trust, I believe it''s necessary for us to sign a contract." Chen Mu spoke solemnly. "With Pure Yang Dao Ancestor as guarantor, I can safely cultivate the Secret Technique you''ve provided, and you don''t need to worry about me employing sleight of hand to obstruct your journey to the Outer Heaven Star." His tone carried a mark of sincerity. "Ha!" "You cunning little rascal." Meng Qingchan burst into laughter. "Senior finds it unnecessary to sign a contract?" Chen Mu frowned. "Your sincerity seems inadequate, forcing me to doubt whether the Secret Technique you''re providing is truly flawless." "Sincerity? Contract?" "What you''re really aiming for is to use the Dividing Tribulation Technique to avoid backlash, while unilaterally restricting me, correct?" Meng Qingchan''s smile deepened further. "Guess who devised the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique?" Chen Mu: "..." "I''ve endured being suppressed in Hai Province for three hundred years without deaththanks to that Dividing Tribulation Divine Skill." Meng Qingchan''s laughter grew wild. "And you dare propose signing a contract with me?" "Haha!" Damn it! This is truly a case of a trickster provoking their own master! ... Cliffside Cave Mansion. Chen Mu held a small, arm-length, palm-wide Gold Threaded Jade Slip, leaning against a plush cushion, lost in thought by the wide windowsill. "Reshaping the foundation essentially means reforming the Mud Pillar Jade Seed." "Using Innate Primordial Qi as the material and the Dao Foundation Primordial Talisman as the design blueprint, the Jade Seed can be transformed into the Primordial Spirit Dao Seed, granting Qi Cultivators the opportunity for further advancement." Chen Mu understood clearly. The first step for Qi Cultivators in merging the Jade Seed involves combining the Three TreasuresVital Energy, Spirit, and Essenceto create the Mud Pillar Jade Seed, thus embarking on the Qi Cultivation path. As the Divine Orifice consolidates step by step, the Jade Seed expands in tandem. When the Divine Orifice undergoes purification with Primordial Energy and transforms into the River Chariot, the Jade Seed reaches its limit. To go beyond this limit, one must overhaul the foundation of the Jade Seed, granting it enhanced growth potential. The Jade Cicada Secret Scripture that Meng Qingchan provided contains the fully detailed Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Primordial Talisman. If Chen Mu wished, he could immediately use Primordial Qi to upgrade his Jade Seed and step into the fifth tier of Qi Cultivation. However... "I just worry there''s something wrong with the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture," Chen Mu scratched his head. He had never seen another Dao Foundation Secret Method before and couldn''t ensure the scripture wasn''t flawed. Moreover, Meng Qingchan was an imprisoned convict suppressed by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Cultivating the technique she provided might simply invite trouble. "Better wait and see." Chen Mu deliberated for a long time before finally suppressing the growing urge in his heart. ... A few days later. South of Qingqiu Mountain. The collapsed breach in the mountain, initially struck by the First Rank Demon Suppressing Needle, had been expanding steadily. The basin-shaped Qingqiu Mountain had turned into a valley facing south. Three elders from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, clad in white jade-colored Escape Light, floated leisurely in the air. Silver spells gleamed brightly, continuously descending onto various parts of Qingqiu Mountain. Standing atop a Flying Kite, with an Inheriting Heaven Gourd in hand, Chen Mu appeared diligently focused on breaking rocks and digging through the mountain. Meanwhile, his Truth Listening Divine Power centered on observing the three high-rank cultivators in the sky. At the same time, Meng Qingchan remained in Thousand Lanterns City. Despite being aware that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s White Jade Plate couldn''t spy into the Grotto Heaven, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel uneasy. These few days under the watchful eyes of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s experts had made his breathing involuntarily quieter, fearing that a small mistake would expose the Inheriting Heaven Gourd to them. "Fortunately, days of such constant dread are almost over," Chen Mu thought, relieved. According to some rumors overheard recently, the law restrictions for Qingqiu Mountain were nearing completion. Moreover, after exhaustive probing using the White Jade Plate, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect seemed to have abandoned their search for the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. "Why couldn''t you have come to search for the Inheriting Heaven Gourd earlier?" Chen Mu grumbled. If they had located the gourd sooner, Meng Qingchan wouldn''t have had the chance to enter Thousand Lanterns City. Then, he wouldn''t be stuck in his current predicament. Oh well, looking on the bright side, he was only giving Meng Qingchan a lift. With no substantial effort, he could still gain access to the long-coveted Dao Foundation Atlas. Ultimately, this deal was incredibly favorable. "No turning back nowI''ll just have to accept it." Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. ... Five days later. The elders from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect departed, traveling to other sects in Hai Province to lay down their law restrictions. Yet Chen Mu and the other Dao Soldiers remained in Qingqiu Mountain. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect had only completed the core of the law restrictions; the surrounding terrain still required their attention. Additionally, Hai Province had just suffered upheaval from demon and monster chaos, leaving the province in ruins. Rather than rushing their new Dao Soldiers to Beyond Heaven, the sect chose to keep them in Hai Province temporarily to clean up the aftermath of the chaos. Busy all day, Chen Mu returned to his cliffside cave mansion, immediately noticing unusual activity within the Shadow Pupil of Thousand Lanterns City. Without hesitation, he frowned and entered Thousand Lanterns City. "Senior Meng, you''d better realize I''m taking great risks in helping you sneak into the Outer Heaven Star." "Carelessly activating the Shadow Pupil of the Grotto Heaven may risk leaking its aura." "There''s no telling whether the elders of Thousand Lanterns City have truly left or are lying in ambush, waiting for you to show yourself." "For my safety and to ensure your smooth journey to the Heavenly Star, you''d best remain quiet while inside Thousand Lanterns City!" Chen Mu scolded sharply, his face dark with a hint of menace. Meng Qingchan was momentarily stunned by the tirade. "Little thief! Such thick skin!" Meng Qingchan''s eyes gleamed with anger. "How dare you reverse the blame onto me?!" "Speakdid you secretly employ some kind of Evil Secret Technique?!" As she spoke, she raised her hands. On the wide black-and-gold sleeves of her robe, a patch of gray-white spots had inexplicably appeared. The spots seemed alive, writhing and morphing. As they spread, faint black smoke continuously rose from their edges. They resembled invisible flames burning her robes, causing the black sleeves to fade relentlessly. The sharp pain surged directly into her mind, making Meng Qingchan''s eyes flash with murderous intent. "What kind of Evil Secret Technique is this, capable of harming Senior Meng?" Chen Mu''s expression grew serious. "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect previously used the Plague Immortal Flag to disperse the Green Worm Poison. This might be an offshoot of that technique." "Could it beyou''ve been exposed?" Chen Mu''s face turned pale with fright. "Nonsense!" "I crafted that Plague Immortal Flag myself; how could I not know its capabilities?" Meng Qingchan laughed angrily. "Clearly, this is a Heavenly Demon Secret Technique. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect practices Pure Yang Dao methodsthey couldn''t possibly cultivate such techniques!" All she wanted was to hitch a ride, even paying her price in advanceand yet, this scoundrel had secretly plotted against her! Shameless! Cunning! The revelation that the Plague Immortal Flag was her creation? This... This completely ruined any chance to pin the blame elsewhere. Chen Mu looked visibly disappointed. "This Nightmare Victory Spell isn''t easy to endure, is it," he said, smiling slyly at Meng Qingchan. Despite being imprisoned by the Inheriting Heaven Gourd and shielded by its law restrictions from the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame, the Nightmare Victory Spell could pierce through subtler channels to strike directly at her Spirit God. Thus, Chen Mu had the perfect opportunity to deliver the flames to Meng Qingchan. Sure enough, it was this little thief. Meng Qingchan''s gaze grew icy as she fixed her eyes on Chen Mu. The years of suppression had severely diminished her Primordial Energy. Coupled with the binding of the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, many of her techniques could no longer be used. Otherwise... She took a deep breath, her expression gradually returning to calm. "You can''t kill me." "Each Inheriting Heaven Gourd is a part of me. As long as even one of them survives, I will always regenerate." "Of course, of course..." Chen Mu''s smile remained unshaken. "But after being suppressed for over three hundred years, how many times can you regenerate?" "A hundred times? A thousand? If I were determined to exhaust you completely, then..." He chuckled menacingly. "Speakwhat is it you want?" Meng Qingchan asked calmly. "I merely want you to behave," Chen Mu replied, his smile vanishing as his countenance turned serious. He didn''t mind aiding Meng Qingchan in her journey to the Outer Heaven. However, if she acted recklessly upon departure, alerting the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to their association, Chen Mu''s fate would assuredly be dire. The Nightmare Victory Spell had already absorbed her aura. No matter where she fled, Chen Mu could torment her Spirit God with the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame. It wouldn''t kill her, but the daily burning of her Spirit God would inevitably chip away at her Primordial Energy, complicating her recovery. "I have more reason than you to avoid detection by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect," Meng Qingchan vowed earnestly. "Lv Yue is relentless in seeking my destruction. Until I am fully freed and restored, I will not undertake any action that might reveal my movements." Chen Mu let out a long exhale upon hearing her words. "I''ve spent over ten years cultivating, every step a precarious balancing act." "Having finally arrived here, I refuse to see my Dao undone in one reckless moment." "Though my methods seem unscrupulous, I ask that Senior Meng empathize with my plight." He solemnly bowed. "The pursuit of Dao is arduous, harder than ascending to the heavens. A single misstep could lead to irreversible consequences. I am a living exampleI understand." Meng Qingchan sighed admiringly. "It''s good that you understand." Chen Mu''s face broke into a grin. "Now that everything is out in the open, it would be remiss of me not to lend a hand." Meng Qingchan opened her palm toward Chen Mu. What now? Chen Mu''s eyes betrayed his confusion. "You have the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture with you, right? Give it here so I can make some refinements," Meng Qingchan said sweetly, her smile serene. "Age dulls memory. Last time, I may have left out a few small details." Chen Mu: "..." Good thing I haven''t cultivated it yet! I knew something was off when she handed me the technique so easily. Damn it, she really did tamper with it! Chapter 676 664: Bone Mirror Cliffside Cave Mansion. Chen Mu, who had been calm and composed in Thousand Lanterns City earlier, now wore a grim expression, sighing helplessly in his heart. "The combination of the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame and the Nightmare Victory Spell is indeed extraordinary, but it''s not enough to kill Meng Qingchan." "That confident act earlier was mostly bluffing." Chen Mu silently thought as the gray walls appeared before his eyes. Nightmare Victory Spell: 3493/10000; "Luckily, Meng Qingchan doesn''t know my true abilities. At least this confrontation will make her more cautious." Otherwise, she wouldn''t have obediently handed over the complete Jade Cicada Secret Scripture herself. Ever since Meng Qingchan entered Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu felt like he was carrying a ticking bomb. Now, with some leverage, he finally didn''t have to feel as anxious. "The Nightmare Victory Spell still needs more practice." "The higher the experience level, the more pronounced the effects of the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame will be." "I have to completely master this control technique before she realizes it." Chen Mu made up his mind. He then took out the brand-new Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, poured mana into it, and suddenly, a gigantic orb the size of a hot air balloon appeared in his mind. The orb shone in jade-white hues, with countless intricate and varied filaments inside, resembling both the neural diagram of a human and a tightly tangled mass of tree roots. "Missing a little?" "I''d say it''s missing a colossal amount." Chen Mu''s face twitched. The massive web-like ball before his eyes was precisely the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map. The version Meng Qingchan had previously given him was riddled with holes and gaps. Though still spherical, it was far less complete than the present one. As mana surged into the jade slip, the Dao Foundation Map in his mind transformed again. The giant orb began to condense inward. With flashes of jade-white luminescence, it shrank rapidly and turned into the size of a walnut, dense and radiant like a polished jade sphere. "This is probably the complete Dao Foundation Map." Chen Mu squinted his eyes. Moreover... "This Dao Foundation Map is strikingly similar to the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus?!" Chen Mu immediately extracted the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus from his brow and made a comparison, his amazement deepening. "The Yin Spirits return to their origins to condense the divine fetus, eventually achieving the Yin God state." "Qi Cultivators reformulate their Jade Seed to create a Dao Foundation, which enables nurturing their Primordial Spirit." "Yin Spirits and Qi Cultivators are like two different species, yet their ascension paths are so similar." "Interesting." Chen Mu mused. "Or perhaps, no matter the cultivation path, all roads lead to the same end." "Qi Cultivation Dao Foundation, Heavenly Demon True Form, Yin Spirit Divine Fetusdifferent methods, but all aimed at altering the original foundations of living beings for a higher level of possibility." Chen Mu suddenly grasped the concept. Such notions were ones Meng Qingchan had mentioned before. Now, comparing the complete Dao Foundation Map with the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus, Chen Mu felt it even more profoundly. However, staring at the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map in his mind, he could only sigh in regret. The first version was incomplete and unfit for practice. The second version had been perfected by Meng Qingchan, but he dared not cultivate with it. If it had flaws once, it could have them againwho knows if there''s a hidden trap in this Dao Foundation Map? "Better to wait until I reach the Thousand Mechanisms Sect before deciding." ... A month later. Atop Qingqiu Mountain, before Taoshan Temple. Half a year had passed, and the Daoist Soldier Contract signing ceremony was once again held in the same place. This time, however, the ceremony was hosted not by the Hundred Illusion Sect but by Taoshan Temple. The burly Temple Master of Taoshan Temple stood before a square bronze cauldron, his loose crimson Daoist Robe fitting snugly due to his physique. The Pure Yang Spell was chanted; flames laced with golden lines ignited. Daoist Soldiers stepped forward to burn the contracts, the process carried out in seamless order. Those signing contracts today included not only Daoist Soldiers from Taoshan Temple but also Hu Buwei and Lu Han. "Is Elder Hu really out of favor with Taoshan Temple? He''s so old alreadycan''t they give him a break?" A bystander disciple from the former Hundred Illusion Sect muttered softly. "Well, he is the last remaining Elder of our Hundred Illusion SectDaoist Cultivation really messes with people''s minds, huh." "What do you mean?" "I mean, all Daoist Soldiers under the Hundred Illusion Sect, past and present, pay a portion of their cultivation benefits to Elder Hu." "Such a massive sum of Daoist Cultivation benefitswho wouldn''t be tempted by it?" "So, Hu Elder and Senior Brother Lu Han were made to sign contracts to distribute the Hundred Illusion Sect''s ''inheritance?''" "Obviously..." Standing on the edges of the crowd, Chen Mu''s eyes suddenly lit up with realization. So that''s why Old Man Hu dared to swindle Taoshan Temple of White Jade Coins, and why Taoshan Temple didn''t care. Compared to the colossal Daoist Cultivation benefits awaiting them in the future, the White Jade amounts swindled by less than a hundred lazy Daoist Soldiers were peanuts. Chen Mu''s gaze toward Hu Buwei was filled with pity. Originally poised to inherit a fortune and live out a comfortable retirementnow not only were the Daoist Cultivation benefits lost, but he also had to fight demons on the frontline Beyond Heaven. Tsk tsk, this old man was truly miserable. But then again, if I were Taoshan Temple, I''d do the same! Chen Mu chuckled internally while sensing the Pure Yang Dao Ancestor''s power saturating the mountain peak. It no longer unnerved him as much as before. So much time had passed, and the number of Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds he''d bound with the Dividing Tribulation Technique had exceeded twenty thousand. As the days went by, the Dividing Tribulation Technique would prove increasingly formidable. After all, this was merely a contract-signing ceremonythe Pure Yang Dao Ancestor''s power couldn''t last indefinitely. If a Five Thunder Bombarding strike were to come, surviving the initial wave would mean turning danger into opportunity. And the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique was the very method that would help him endure that first blow. "Meng Qingchan truly deserves her near-Sect Master title in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect; her tactics are impressive." Lost in thought, Chen Mu watched as the Daoist Soldier''s contract ceremony concluded, and the golden-threaded flames extinguished, dispersing the crowd. Descending the stone steps, he gazed into the distance at Qingqiu Valley. The Golden Yuan Valley Spirit Field that had resembled ocean waves had vanished, replaced by an endless peach forest. Large, plump pink peaches, tempting and luscious, filled the scene. These were Taoshan Temple''s special Five Elements Peaches, whose roots could delve deep underground to extract Demon Qi from the Demon Qi Stones below. Much like the Golden Yuan Valley, they greatly nourished Spiritual Deities and physical essence. "I should buy some peaches to store." "Once we leave Qingqiu Mountain, getting these special fruits won''t be as easy." With the Forbidden Law formation of Taoshan Temple completed and the Daoist Soldier Contracts finalized today... It wouldn''t be long before they would depart Qingqiu Mountain. ... Ten days later. Central Hai Province, Earth Seal Sect. A Cloud Bat Flying Boat descended through the clouds, slowly landing in the expansive courtyard at the entrance of the Market District at the mountain base. Its side doors opened, spilling out hundreds of people like fish from an overstuffed tank. "At last, we''ve arrived." Chen Mu hurriedly stepped out of the crowd, exhaling a sigh of relief. Being packed with hundreds of others into a cramped flying boat, with some even unable to maintain their footing, had been far from pleasant. "How are we supposed to travel to the Outer Heaven Star? Surely not crammed like this in another flying boat?" Chen Mu asked Lu Han beside him with some horror. They''d traveled with just hundreds of people this time, but the entire Hai Province had tens of thousands of Daoist Soldiers. If they were all crammed together... Chen Mu shuddered at the thought. "The Heavenly Pass Star resides within the thirty-two layers of heaven, an immeasurable distance away. The Cloud Bat Flying Boats aren''t capable of reaching it," Lu Han smiled. "We''ll need the Heavenly Gate''s Ground Shrinking method to get there." Chen Mu immediately felt relieved. The Heavenly Gate? It sounded like some kind of Teleportation Magic Artifact or Forbidden Array. Whatever it might be, it was certainly better than cramming into another flying boat. "However, I''ve heard they''ve added an extra step this year." Lu Han spoke up again. "With the demon chaos recently quelled, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is wary of any demon remnants infiltrating the Outer Heaven Star. They''ve specially brought out Luofu Dao''s Divine Bone Mirror." "Before entering the Heavenly Gate, everyone must pass through the mirror first." Lu Han looked meaningfully at Chen Mu. After spending over two years together, he always felt the man next to him was hiding something. Several inexplicable misfortunes had befallen him, and he suspected Chen Mu was involved each time. Playing tricks within the Hundred Illusion Sect was one thing, but facing a colossus like the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, it was best not to stir trouble. "So, if you''re carrying some untimely and dubious objects, it''s best to discard them ahead of time," Lu Han remarked casually. After all, this was a Daoist Soldier he''d recruited himselfhe couldn''t just stand by and see him land in trouble. Most importantly... he absolutely couldn''t afford to be implicated! Dubious objects? Discard them ahead of time? Ha! The items I possess are far beyond "dubious"! Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, but a tremor ran through his heart. He instinctively felt that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect wasn''t looking for demonsthey were after the Inheriting Heaven Gourd! Whatever Meng Qingchan did to the current Sect Master of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect all those years ago, even three centuries later, they still wouldn''t let it go. Must they utterly eradicate her legacy?! Chapter 677 665 Settling Down "Could you at least have a little faith in me?" Nine Heads spoke in Hu Buwei''s mind, dissatisfaction evident in its tone. "I''ve now fused with you. Even if someone senses our aura, I can use the Heavenly Demon Path to muddle through." "It''s just a mere mirror. What are you afraid of?" Nine Heads shouted arrogantly. "What the hell do you know!" Hu Buwei''s face was grim. "Luofu Dao is an ancient sect, as renowned as the Pure Yang Dao." "It''s said that their sect contains three thousand Heavenly Demon Heretical Methods, all compiled by using the Bone Mirror to discern the True Form of demons." "When facing such a legendary Spiritual Treasure, it''s better to be cautious." He frowned deeply. "Then what should we do?" Nine Heads couldn''t help but feel uncertain after hearing this. Hu Buwei, hearing the question, turned to look at Chen Mu nearby. "You previously mentioned that this person swallowed your Primordial Qi and even said he''s a demon clothed in human skin?" "If we just deal with him and divert disaster elsewhere..." "Let this guy distract Thousand Mechanisms Sect? Brilliant! That plan is perfect!" Nine Heads exclaimed excitedly. "Deal with him! Swallowing my Primordial Qi means it''s time for him to pay the price!" Hu Buwei looked at Chen Mu, his face breaking into a friendly smile. Nearby, Chen Mu happened to glance toward Hu Buwei. Noticing the other''s smile, Chen Mu immediately nodded cordially, an equally sincere smile on his face. What if? Get Meng Qingchan to plant the Green Worm Gu Poison on this old man, pull off a deception, and frame him? The older one and the younger one stared at each other, each plotting in their own minds. But their smiles were as genuine as could be. ... At the foot of Fuyang Mountain. Chen Mu and his group followed the Earth Seal Sect''s guide into the Market District. The broad streets bustled with people, their clothing varied, clearly hailing from all corners. The group from Taoshan Temple, numbering several hundred, strode down the street in grandiose fashion and were soon led to a courtyard with white walls and black tiles. At the entrance hung a fabric banner, bordered in gold and white, with the large characters "Five Directions Inn" written on it. In the corner was a small emblem bearing the character "South." The courtyard wasn''t small, but it was evidently insufficient to accommodate their party of several hundred. The Earth Seal Sect guide offered no explanation, simply pushed open the door, and squeezed into the courtyard. The crowd exchanged glances but had no choice but to follow. Once they stepped over the threshold and rounded a blocking wall, the scenery before them abruptly transformed. A street even livelier than the Market District outside appeared before their eyes. On both sides of the street rose numerous buildings, complete with shops and restaurants aplenty. Further off, tiled roofs surged upward like beasts'' spines, forming an undulating skyline that was orderly yet sprawling, creating a breathtaking scene. This wasn''t a small courtyard at all; it was a small Grotto Heaven created with the Thousand Mile Housing Technique! "Finally, I''ve gained some real sense of Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s overwhelming power." Chen Mu couldn''t help but marvel inwardly. The so-called Five Directions Inn was merely a temporary lodging for Daoist Soldiers. Yet Thousand Mechanisms Sect had employed the Thousand Mile Housing Technique to create a Grotto Heaven as vast as this. And there were five such places in total. "Truly extravagant." ... In a courtyard bearing the nameplate of the Taoshan Department, Chen Mu settled obediently into the private room assigned to him. Only once night fell and all became silent did he slip into Thousand Lanterns City Cave Heaven. "If even a place to settle Daoist Soldiers is so luxurious, then the Divine Bone Mirror must surely be extraordinary. Can you truly guarantee you won''t be discovered?" Chen Mu frowned as he questioned Meng Qingchan. "With the isolation provided by your Shadow Cave Heaven, the concealment from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, and my own tightly suppressed aura, it''s merely a projection from the Bone Mirrornot worth mentioning." Meng Qingchan responded calmly. Just a projection? "The Divine Bone Mirror is a Spiritual Treasure of Luofu Dao. It''s akin to the Pure Yang Dao''s Heartless Bell or the Shadow Pupil Treasure Pearl atop Thousand Lanterns City." "For such critical treasures, Luofu Dao wouldn''t dispatch the Bone Mirror''s main body hereat most, some of its divine power''s projection." Meng Qingchan patiently explained. "But if the cost is hefty enough, the projection''s power may not be inferior to the main body." Chen Mu remained unconvinced. "Lv Yue can''t afford that pricenot even if he''s from Pure Yang Dao." Meng Qingchan''s face remained unchanged, exuding confidence. Hearing this, Chen Mu still felt uneasy. What if they''re wrong... Meng Qingchan had been suppressed by Hai Province''s Ninety-nine Sects for three hundred years. The world is prone to change; what if something unexpected had transpired? "You may have ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Gourds as revival points. My life, however, is singularI can''t take the gamble." Chen Mu remarked solemnly. "What exactly are you scheming?" Meng Qingchan frowned deeply. She could tell by nowthis guy had definitely concocted some insidious plan! "You said it yourself: as long as one Inheriting Heaven Gourd remains intact, you''ll recover even if you die, right?" Chen Mu smiled deviously. "If we kill you here in Thousand Lanterns City, then the empty-shell Inheriting Heaven Gourd should easily evade detection." "Once we''ve successfully made it to Outer Heaven, you can revive via the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. That way, we can completely deceive them!" He gazed at Meng Qingchan with eager enthusiasm. You''re trying to kill me! Meng Qingchan''s chest filled with wrath. "If you dare use that sinister Secret Technique against me, even if it costs me my life, I''ll expose you to the Bone Mirror." "If I die, Lv Yue will flay and torment you for sure!" Chen Mu''s face twitched before hurriedly trying to console her. "No curses, alright? Why so intenseI was merely suggesting a plan." "Hmm... Wait." "You''re so worked updon''t tell me that ''instant revival'' thing is just a lie to fool me?" His expression grew suspicious. "Go ahead and try," Meng Qingchan replied deadpan and icy. Try and die? Tch! Forget it. As I said, I''ve only got one life; I can''t afford to gamble. He glanced at the Gray Wall where his Nightmare Victory Spell had just racked up over 9,000 experience points, shaking his head in regret. He''d wanted to see if the Secret Technique could curse Meng Qingchan to death. "How about we just skim off half of your presence, reducing the overwhelming aura suffusing Thousand Lanterns City?" "Scram!" Chen Mu: "..." ... In the days that followed, Chen Mu spent his time wandering around the Grotto Heaven within the inn. Apart from his own lodging at the Southern Inn, he also visited the other four inns. Each time, he''d find a teahouse or restaurant, activate the Truth Listening Divine Power, and sit silently for an entire day. Within a few days, he''d picked up plenty of rumors regarding the Divine Bone Mirror. Before he could even start filtering the information, several rogue demons and cultivators had already been uncovered. The more Chen Mu listened, the more uneasy he felt. He mulled over the situation repeatedly and decided he couldn''t risk doing nothing. That night, he dashed into the depths of Thousand Lanterns City. First, he dug a deep pit into the ground paved with Demon Qi Stones. Then, he took out all the Extinguishing Breath Stones, stacking and embedding them layer upon layer within the pit. Finally, he solemnly placed the small-arm-sized Inheriting Heaven Gourd into the pit, covering it painstakingly with a mound of Extinguishing Breath Stones. Side-by-side, Meng Qingchan stared at the stone mound that increasingly resembled a grave, her expression darkening. "It''s not the most auspicious-looking, but it''s secure." Chen Mu tried earnestly to convince Meng Qingchan. "The Demon Qi Stones deter investigative techniques, the Extinguishing Breath Stones conceal aura, and the Shadow Cave Heaven itself blocks detectionensuring the maximum safety for the Inheriting Heaven Gourd." "Obviously, if you''re willing to die once, we''d be even safer." He looked at Meng Qingchan, his eyes hopeful. All you ever think about is killing me. Could you actually be Lv Yue in disguise?! Meng Qingchan decided to ignore Chen Mu, shooting him a gaze brimming with murderous intent. Chapter 678 - 666: Intention to Retreat Time passed day by day. Below Fuyang Mountain, the Cloud Bat Flying Boat came and went. Hai Province''s Ninety-nine Sects'' Daoist Soldiers arrived one after another, making the Earth Seal Sect increasingly bustling. Ordinary Daoist Soldiers were arranged to stay at the Five Directions Inn, but most Condensing Aperture High Cultivators were invited up Fuyang Mountain by the Earth Seal Sect. On one hand, it was to show respect and provide separate accommodations. On the other, it was to recruit these high cultivators to help rebuild the Heavenly Gate Altar. Hai Province was chaos-stricken by demons, and the Earth Seal Sect suffered significant damage; the Heavenly Gate Altar originally used to connect to the Heavenly Pass Star was nearly destroyed. Moreover, a new altar had to be constructed this time to summon the Divine Bone Mirror. Each day, escape lights of different colors flickered over the mountain top, and all kinds of secret techniques and restrictions were cast into Fuyang Mountain. A faintly mysterious aura slowly began to permeate both up and down the mountain. ... South Pavilion of Five Directions Inn. Yangliu Street, Sparrow Tongue Teahouse. Not far from Peach Temple''s large courtyard, many Daoist Soldiers from Taoshan Temple gathered inside the teahouse, chatting idly. "Yesterday, they caught another idiot beguiled by the demons." "That person even planted demon qi onto his friend, trying to frame and confuse the situation, but they traced it back to him and forced him to reveal his true form." "With Lu Shenjun presiding and the Bone Mirror discerning, trying to sow chaos and cover it up? Ha! How could that possibly work..." In a corner against the wall, Hu Buwei sighed quietly as he drank alone. He declined the Earth Seal Sect''s hospitality and hid in the Five Directions Inn instead of going up to the mountain summit, which already made him stand out a little. If anyone around him ended up being involved with demons, he feared he might also be implicated. If he were targeted for investigation, the nine heads within him could very likely be exposed. He glanced at Chen Mu seated by the window nearby, feeling somewhat regretful. Initially, he had planned to use this little thief to divert attention, but now things seemed more complicated. Chen Mu, munching on sunflower seeds, likewise cast a regretful glance at Hu Buwei. His plan to plant the Green Worm Gu in this old man was probably dead in the water. While pondering how to lower the risk of exposure, the sound of synchronized footsteps reached his ears. Through the window, Chen Mu looked toward the end of Yangliu Street. A group of people in black armor bypassed the inn''s entrance wall and entered Yangliu Street. These people''s faces bore faint smiles, yet their eyelids drooped halfway. Their pupils were dull and vacant, resembling string puppets. They were none other than the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s Daoist Soldier strongmen. After subduing the demonic chaos previously, Chen Mu and others had returned to Qingqiu Mountain. The Daoist Soldier strongmen, however, had been taken away by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. He hadn''t expected to encounter them here at the Earth Seal Sect again. "Truly pitiful." "Indeed, even in death, they don''t find peace." "They shouldn''t count as dead, right? I heard their soul has only been destroyed by the Green Worm Poison Gu; their physical and spiritual bodies remain intact." "Doesn''t that make it even worse?" "It''s all because of those Heavenly Demon Monsters recklessly scattering their gu poison!" "I heard that this time, Hai Province has been laid waste, with much of it harmed by this poisonous gu..." Slowly munching on his sunflower seeds, Chen Mu''s black-and-white eyes revealed a faint glint of cold light. "As expected..." "I still have to find a way to kill Meng Qingchan." "Leaving her in Thousand Lanterns City is truly too dangerous." As thoughts churned, a gray wall flickered into view before his eyes. Nightmare Victory Spell: 9583/10000; "Soon, within a day or two, I''ll be able to refine this spell to perfection." "At that point, using it as a bridge, I''ll cram Delusion Seven Emotions Flame completely into the Inheriting Heaven Gourd." "A Divine Fetus Completion Heavenly Demon Body combined with Yin Spirit Divine Power gathered from four thousand Ghostsif she isn''t burnt to death, she''ll surely end up crippled!" ... The great hall at the summit of Fuyang Mountain. Lu Yue, Lu Shenjun, sat cross-legged before the altar table, eyes closed. A young man in black and red armor strode into the hall. "Master, seventy-three out of ninety-nine Venerable Heaven Gourds have been recovered intact," the youth reported respectfully, clasping his fists. "The Green Worm Primordial Spirits within have all been merged and refined, greatly enhancing the gourd''s spirituality, enough to support you in opening up a Grotto Heaven." Lu Yue revealed a satisfied smile upon hearing this. "Have all the sects'' Daoist Soldiers arrived?" "At most, another three days." "Then begin the screening in three days. Make sure to find Meng Qingchan." Lu Yue''s face grew severe. "Master, she was suppressed for three hundred years. Even if she''s alive, she''s only a fragment of her Primordial Spirit now. Spending such a great cost to borrow the Bone Mirrorfor thisis it really..." The youth looked uncertain. "Meng Qingchan''s surrender, back then, was less a capture and more her deliberately walking into a trap. I originally thought she had gone mad through deviation." "But thinking back now, it must have been a calculated move." Lu Yue''s expression darkened. Back then, he had coveted her massive Primordial Spirit forged through devouring demons and refining devils, eager to refine it into the gourd to enhance its spirituality. Thus, he had driven the Thousand Mechanisms Sect to establish the Ninety-nine Inheriting Heaven Dharma Prohibition and suppress her piecemeal. Yet upon reflection, this was likely just what she wanted. She intended to refine her Primordial Spirit through the Dharma Prohibition, taking another step forward! Lu Yue''s face darkened. Thinking she was a pawn to be toyed with, only to find he himself had been played. "She must be found, or there will be endless trouble!" ... "You don''t think I''m the only one who knows how to use Green Worm Gu, do you?" Within Thousand Lanterns City, Meng Qingchan lounged on a rocking chair, her smile as gentle as ever. What did she mean? Chen Mu was stunned. "Most of my skills are derived from fragments of the Linglong Golden Chapter. This text is an ancient fundamental secret transmission of Linglong Path, rivaling Pure Yang Dao''s Zhi Xuan Treasure Record." "Lu Yue himself didn''t dare practice it, so he roundaboutly delivered the scripture to me and used me as a test subject." "I''ve now tread that path successfully. After all these years, do you think he might adopt my methods?" "My old magic treasure, the Plague Immortal Flag, now lies in his possession." Meng Qingchan gazed meaningfully at Chen Mu. "To escape the Inheriting Heaven Law Prohibition seal, I did indeed use the soldier contract ritual to sway the Heavenly Star and lure in demons." "But the Green Worm Gu scourging Hai Province... Heh..." Suddenly, the words "Green Worm Poison Gu" and "Daoist Soldier strongmen" spun maddeningly in Chen Mu''s mind. An icy chill gripped his heart. Was the Hai Province chaos largely orchestrated by Lu Shenjun himself? Hiss! Chen Mu shuddered. It seemed he had stumbled upon secrets he wasn''t supposed to know. If Lu Shenjun discovered his existence... Chen Mu''s gaze toward Meng Qingchan darkened instantly. His expression shifted for a long while, eventually resigning himself to a sigh: "This Heavenly Pass Star, I fear I won''t be able to reach it anytime soon." Chen Mu had joined the Thousand Mechanisms Sect as a Daoist Soldier to obtain the Dao Foundation Atlas. But with Meng Qingchan around, the path through Hai Province had become fraught with peril. "The neighboring Qiong Province seems to be the territory of Dan Ding Sect and Netherworld Sect." "I''ve heard that these two sects are as ancient as the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and possess complete Dao Foundation Secret Transmissions." Chen Mu calculated internally. "You plan to violate the Daoist Soldier Contract?" Meng Qingchan frowned slightly. "Aren''t you afraid of Five Thunders Bombarding?" Chen Mu chuckled instantly. "I need to thank you for that." Meng Qingchan''s Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique was indeed extraordinary. If not for this secret technique''s protection, he would have been forced to obediently serve as a Daoist Soldier under the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, with no room for maneuver. "This isn''t an ordinary contract backlash. If the Thousand Mechanisms Sect pursues it, the Thunder Law''s power will escalate dramatically." Meng Qingchan frowned further. "How many Peach Gods do you even have, and you''re so confident you can withstand Five Thunders Bombarding?" How many Peach Gods do I have? Chen Mu glanced at the faintly glowing Star Map in his consciousness. I can''t even count them all! He looked at Meng Qingchan with a playful smile. You want to head to the Heavenly Pass Star? You might as well find another way. As for me, I''m done playing with you. Chapter 679 - 667: Heavenly Pass Thousand Lanterns City, in front of the three-story building. Meng Qingchan lay in a rocking chair, staring at Chen Mu expressionlessly. But as she stared, the corners of her mouth lifted into a gentle smile. Originally calm and composed, Chen Mu''s heart involuntarily skipped a beat. He had already decided not to go to Outer Heaven, so why was Meng Qingchan even more delighted? "You''d better head to Heavenly Pass Star as soon as possible," Meng Qingchan said with a radiant smile. "You may not fear the Five Thunders Bombarding, but you certainly wouldn''t dare face Lv Yue''s pursuit." What did that mean? Chen Mu felt a bit bewildered. "You''ve looked at the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, haven''t you?" Meng Qingchan''s playful smile deepened. I have looked at it, but I haven''t practiced it! "You''re about to say you haven''t practiced it, aren''t you?" Meng Qingchan chuckled gleefully. Chen Mu''s heart immediately sank. "This secret scripture, derived from the Linglong Golden Chapter, has a unique feature Heart Seal Transmission." "Once you''ve glanced at it, it imprints itself onto your Jade Seed like a stamp. Even if you don''t cultivate it, it will gradually modify your Jade Seed." Meng Qingchan''s conspiratorial grin grew even more evident. "It''s not apparent now, but with time, the flow of your energy and your Qi will change accordingly. Staying in Hai Province will make it impossible to evade Lv Yue''s discovery." "That old man obtained the Linglong Golden Chapter through shady means. He won''t tolerate anyone else cultivating the secret techniques within." "If you want to survive, you''d better hurry to Outer Heaven Star." "You tricked me!" Chen Mu''s face darkened, and he immediately inspected his Jade Seed inwardly. After careful probing, he indeed found something amiss in one corner: the semi-transparent, white jade surface of the Jade Seed now bore a trace of golden patterns. It was certainly due to some tampering when the secret scripture was completed last time! Chen Mu''s expression became grim. "You were about to use Demon Path techniques to kill me, so I merely made a subtle counterattacka fair move, don''t you think?" Meng Qingchan spread her hands, smiling sweetly. "Besides, while the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture might not be comparable to the Linglong Golden Chapter, it is still a legitimate Daoist Foundation secret technique." "You were hesitating and afraid of cultivating it, so I gave you a little push to help you take the first step forward." "Since that''s the case, let me help you take one more step forward!" Chen Mu lowered his eyelids, his eyes filled with frosty ruthlessness. "Everyone dies somedayI''ll just help you die a bit sooner!" A fierce look flashed across his features. Nightmare Victory! The Perfection Level Nightmare Victory Spell abruptly activated, strange forces instantly surging through the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, entangling Meng Qingchan''s Spiritual Deity. Vast torrents of Delusion Seven Emotions Flame surged forth, advancing swiftly through a hidden link. Boom! Colorless flames suddenly appeared surrounding Meng Qingchan. Wisps of black ash immediately emerged from her body, but instead of falling to the ground, they floated upwards, gathering midair in clusters. All kinds of grotesque and bizarre demons and ghosts took shape within the black ash, only to dissolve into ashes and scatter to the four winds. Pain that pierced the soul struck her, and Meng Qingchan''s face instantly became deathly pale. Yet, she did not let out a single cry of agonyher smile only grew broader. Smile, smile, smile! Smile, my ass! Feeling the rapid drain of Yin Spirit Divine Power, Chen Mu gritted his teeth viciously. Carry Mountains! A massive influx of Yin Spirit Divine Power was extracted from the Five Ghosts Bag. Like oil fueling a fire, the flames surrounding Meng Qingchan, which had initially covered only a meter, expanded rapidly. In mere moments, the entire three-story building was engulfed. Billowing black smoke erupted from Meng Qingchan''s body, and her black robes quickly turned white. Her figure, too, seemed to spark and ignite, glowing like a burning sheet of white paper. "Don''t think about escaping. The Plague Immortal Flags scattered all over Hai Province are filled with poisonous mistthey are Lv Yue''s eyes and ears. You can''t get out." As these words fell, Meng Qingchan''s figure transformed into white ashes and dissipated. Only a teasing chuckle lingered near Chen Mu''s ears. "Damn Meng Qingchan!" Chen Mu waved his hand, dispelling the Seven Emotions Flame. Yet, there wasn''t a trace of joy on his face. Meng Qingchan''s disappearance was only temporary; before long, she would surely reappear within the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. To fully banish her, he would have to throw the Inheriting Heaven Gourd beyond the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven. But... Chen Mu turned his Spirit to the towering Shadow Pupil overhead. The invincible aura that permeated the entire Thousand Lanterns Citythe one like a colossal entityremained faintly discernible. It seemed to be fused with Thousand Lanterns City itself: detectable but impossible to grasp or remove. With this existence present, even if he cast the Inheriting Heaven Gourd away a hundred times, the gourd would still return to the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven. "Her earlier display of fear toward death, claiming she couldn''t resurrect, was probably all a lie." "Now, it''s clearit was all an act for my benefit!" Chen Mu''s expression turned sour. "She''s merely waiting for the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture to take effect, leaving me no choice but to head for Outer Heaven Star quickly." "Damn it!" ... Three days later. At the summit of Fuyang Mountain, amidst a resonating hum, an intense surge of energy swept outward, dispersing the clouds in the sky. A colossal white jade archway, over ten meters high, manifested mid-air. Its three doorways shimmered with translucent veils of rippling water, through which glimpses of pavilions and towers could be seen. "It''s been such a long time," Lu Han said, climbing the stone steps along the mountain path while gazing up at the jade gate in the sky. "The last time I saw the Heavenly Gate was twenty years ago." "Brother Lu, is there any great danger on Heavenly Pass Star?" someone beside him asked. "There is danger, yesit''s frequently attacked by demons," Lu Han replied. "But the War Soldiers handle that. We serve as Auxiliary Soldiers and mostly stay within towns and camps, so there''s generally nothing to worry about." Despite having heard this before, a sense of relief welled up among the group. Chen Mu followed the group as they climbed, outwardly appearing engrossed in Lu Han''s tales, but inwardly focused on observing the jade gate atop the mountain. "This Heavenly Gate is somewhat like Ghost Gate." "One exudes cold and sinister energy, while the other radiates warmth and lighttheir differing auras must stem from distinct secret techniques within." "That small mirror suspended at the apex of the gatecould that be the Divine Bone Mirror?" Chen Mu glanced upward. At such a distance, he could only faintly perceive the large white jade mirror above the gate. At first glance, it seemed ordinary, but upon focused observation, a mysterious spiritual resonance surrounded it. Chen Mu''s Spirit couldn''t help but sink into the Jade Seed again. Checking once more, the golden streak remained unchangedneither growing nor diminishingallowing him to slightly relax. "At this level of transformation, it likely won''t be detected for the time being." "Otherwise, Meng Qingchan wouldn''t have resigned herself so quietly to the Seven Emotions Flame, entering a special state of repose." "From this perspective, the Inheriting Heaven Gourd should also evade the Divine Bone Mirror''s scrutiny." He dared not examine the Shadow Pupil within Thousand Lanterns City again, fearing his aura might betray him. With trepidation clawing at his heart, he followed the group up the mountain, striving to maintain an impassive demeanor. To guard against anyone sensing his emotions, he also discreetly activated the Heavenly Demon Seven Emotions Curse, suppressing his emotional surges to eliminate any potential vulnerabilities. Soon, the group orderly reached the summit and ascended a staircase formed of clouds and mist, leading directly to the jade gate in the sky. Step by step, Chen Mu followed the others upward. His initial fears of mishaps proved unfounded; nothing occurred. The sharp-eyed young man clad in black-and-red armor standing beside the jade gate didn''t even glance at him. The white jade Divine Bone Mirror above also showed no abnormal signs. Chen Mu accompanied Lu Han and the others, crossing the Heavenly Gate smoothly. A sense of coolness enveloped him, as though passing through a misty veil, and the next moment, a buzz of activity reached his ears. Looking ahead, a spacious street came into view. Taverns and shops three to four stories tall lined both sides, while rows of beast-ridged rooftops extended into the distance. Even further ahead, a few towering observatories loomed faintly. Chen Mu glanced back at the Heavenly Gate and breathed a long sigh of relief. The tension in his heart finally eased completely. He had anticipated obstacles upon arriving at Heavenly Pass Star, yet everything had turned out surprisingly simple. "Wasted worry." Chapter 680 - 668 Plans Chapter 680 - 668 Plans Heavenly Pass City, Yangdu Square East of the City. Within a courtyard with white walls and black tiles, a long table was placed in front of the shadow wall. An elder with snow-white eyebrows and moustache, bald-headed, sat expressionlessly behind the table. Chen Mu stepped forward, slightly bowing, and handed over the Identity Jade issued by the Hundred Illusion Sect. At the same time, using his body to block the view of the others behind him, he stealthily slipped a small gray cloth bag into the elder''s hand. The elder raised his brow slightly, flipped his wrist, and with a soft clinking sound of White Jade, the gray cloth bag vanished within his wide sleeve. "Senior, I prefer solitude, and wish for a secluded place to stay," Chen Mu whispered. "These houses are pre-arranged early on, not up to you to pick and choose." The elder scolded impatiently, but secretly nodded at Chen Mu. "Senior is right, wherever you arrange, I''ll stay there." Chen Mu feigned terror. "Now that''s more like it, take your things and go to Room 16 in the East Wing." The elder nodded slightly, took out a small wooden box from under the table and handed it to Chen Mu along with the Identity Jade. Chen Mu cupped his fists again, circled around the shadow wall, and the three two-story buildings to the north and both sides came into view. Chen Mu reached the East Wing, ascended the wooden stairs in the middle to the second floor. Following the small wooden sign hung by the door, he found a room at the southernmost end. Pushing open the creaking door, a rather spacious room appeared before him. "Not bad." Chen Mu glanced around, nodding in satisfaction. Before entering the courtyard, he had used the Truth Listening Divine Power to scout the path. This Room 16 in the East Wing was among the better ones in the entire courtyard. "Worth the twenty White Jade Flowers." Chen Mu joyfully opened the wooden box given by the bald elder. Inside were two palm-sized Leather Talismans and a fist-sized white porcelain bottle. The porcelain bottle contained Fasting Pills, sufficient for half a month''s consumption. The Leather Talismans were respectively the Dust Avoidance and Silence Talismans. They could keep the room clean and isolated from outside sounds, also lasting for half a month. This was the benefit for new Daoist Soldiers, in the future, one would need to exchange them for Daoist Cultivation or White Jade. Casually activating the two Talismans, he pasted them behind the door. The accumulated dust in the room was immediately swept out through the gaps in the doors and windows. The chatter and discussion at the courtyard entrance downstairs were also blocked out by the Silence Talisman, bringing immediate quiet to the room. Chen Mu approached the south wall window and looked through the Jade Window at the towering Observatory in the distance, exhaling a long breath. "Finally arrived safely at the Heavenly Pass Star." The Inheriting Heaven Gourd and the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map, either of them being discovered, could cost him his life. From several days ago, he had been on edge. Fortunately, the journey had been smooth without any troubles. ... The Thousand Mechanisms Sect did not scatter the Daoist Soldiers; more than half of the Hundred Illusion Sect people occupied the current No. 96 Alley Yiwei Courtyard that Chen Mu was in. Other acquaintances were also distributed in nearby courtyards, not far apart. By afternoon, matters such as room allocation and registration were finished, and the Thousand Mechanisms Sect personnel at the entrance left. The new Daoist Soldiers in the courtyard began to busily come and go. "It''s all because I don''t have enough Daoist Cultivation," the person said helplessly. "According to Brother Lu, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect only gives us half a month to learn how to dispel demons. If we cannot learn, we''ll have to pay with our Daoist Cultivation to be taught." 09:58 Some ventured into Heavenly Pass City to take a stroll, incidentally buying bedding, wooden basins, buckets, and other daily necessities, while others gathered at the stone table beside the courtyard well to chat. "I plan to visit the Heavenly Workshop in a few days," one person said. "You want to infuse the Awakening Bell with Sealing Demon Power, haven''t you had enough of this grueling work?" another person looked incredulous. "It''s all because I don''t have enough Daoist Cultivation," the person said helplessly. "According to Brother Lu, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect only gives us half a month to learn how to dispel demons. If we cannot learn, we''ll have to pay with our Daoist Cultivation to be taught." "I''m not confident of learning how to dispel demons in half a month, so I can only do some hard labor to accumulate Daoist Cultivation first." "Is there no other way to earn Daoist Cultivation?" someone else asked. "I heard creating Talismans or artifacts can earn Daoist Cultivation, but we don''t know how to do that." "It''s a pity Brother Lu and the other seniors have been transferred, or we could ask if there are other avenues." "Exactly..." The group chatted animatedly about how to earn Daoist Cultivation. Inside his room on the second floor, Chen Mu was both using the Truth Listening Divine Power to listen to their conversation and pondering how to establish himself in cultivation going forward. He sat at the desk under the window with his eyes half-closed, his Spirit first sinking into the Thousand Lantern City Cave Heaven. With the aid of the Shadow Pupil''s giant eye, he immediately noticed that a vague, massive aura still pervaded the cave. In front of the three-story wooden building, the Inheriting Heaven Gourd stood obediently beside a rocking chair, but Meng Qingchan had not appeared. "Who knows how long it will take her to recover." Chen Mu frowned. As long as Meng Qingchan wasn''t gone, he couldn''t truly be at peace. Although he would love to kick Meng Qingchan out of Thousand Lanterns City immediately, this obviously couldn''t be achieved in the short term. He could only wait for her to resurrect on her own and leave the cave of her own accord. "Fortunately, Thousand Lanterns City is hidden well enough." He breathed a slight sigh of relief. He glanced again at the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, then withdrew his Spirit from the Shadow Pupil, turning his attention to the Jade Seed. Even the Divine Bone Mirror couldn''t discover it, so other secret techniques wouldn''t be able to peek in either. "Try to reduce the number of times the Thousand Lanterns City gateway opens to prevent Meng Qingchan''s aura from leaking. This should avoid trouble." Chen Mu silently calculated in his mind. He glanced again at the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, then withdrew his Spirit from the Shadow Pupil, turning his attention to the Jade Seed. Since discovering the Jade Seed''s anomaly, three or four days had passed, and the golden thread on its inner wall had not changed at all. But Chen Mu was well aware that his Jade Seed had been irrevocably altered by the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture. "Still couldn''t defend against Meng Qingchan''s tactics." Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head. He had come to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect as a Daoist Soldier for the Daoist Foundation Atlas, having toiled in Hai Province for nearly two years for it. As a result, he hadn''t even begun his Daoist Soldier duties, but instead, he had already started practicing the Dao Foundation Secret Method. "Looking at it another way, this could be considered a wish fulfilled." Chen Mu shrugged helplessly. Though manipulated by Meng Qingchan into practicing it, as she said, the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture is at least a genuine Dao Foundation Secret Method. If he were to search for a secret method of the same level himself, who knows how many years it would take? "Since I have started, I might as well proceed. My cultivation has been stagnant for many years, it''s time to begin the Fifth Stage of Qi Refinement." Chen Mu''s mindset began to shift. "Lu Shenjun is stationed in Thunder State''s Thousand Mechanisms Sect all year round and hardly ever ventures to Outer Heaven." "Even if he comes, it''s unlikely he''d specifically check the Auxiliary Station." "As long as I stay in Outer Heaven, the matter of practicing the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture won''t likely be discovered by him." "As for any tricks Meng Qingchan might have included in the Secret Scripture..." Chen Mu''s thought flickered, and a gray wall appeared in front of him. A line of new entries floated at the bottom of the wall. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 9/10000/First Rank; "With feedback from the gray wall, I really don''t fear her tampering with the secret technique." Chen Mu smiled. Earlier, he hadn''t anticipated the Heart Seal Transmission, and got tricked once. But when he actually started practicing, any backdoor left by Meng Qingchan would be compensated for by the gray wall''s feedback. "This is like hitching a ride with Meng Qingchan to get a good Dao Foundation Secret Scripture." "In this sense, it''s actually quite a profitable deal." He grinned broadly, having reached a resolution in his mind. Since the secret technique had begun, rather than resisting, it would be better to cultivate actively. Moreover, the Heavenly Pass Star was still considered part of Outer Heaven, and with Outer Heaven Demons causing trouble, a stronger personal power would ensure greater safety. "Earning Daoist Cultivation isn''t as urgent," Chen Mu calculated silently. Others earn Daoist Cultivation for secret technique resources. Now that he had the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map, he didn''t lack secret techniques. He hadn''t officially begun molding his Dao Foundation yet, and wasn''t clear on what specific cultivation resources he''d need. "First, go with the flow and hide among the crowd." "Once things are stable and the Dao Foundation cultivation is on track, then make separate plans." Chapter 681 - 669 Daoist Foundation Cultivation Chapter 681 - 669 Daoist Foundation Cultivation Three days later, at Heavenly Workshop, Demon Dispel Alley Seventeen. The alleys numbered nineteen in total, all situated in the northeast corner of Heavenly Pass City. All the handling of Heavenly Demon Monster carcasses in Heavenly Pass City was concentrated in these alleys. In a spacious courtyard, Chen Mu grasped a forearm-length knife and stood by a long stone table. A dark-skinned burly man stood not far away, speaking incessantly. "The Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake is the most common demon beast in Heavenly Pass City. Its skin and bones must remain intact to be crafted into a demon puppet." "Begin the incision at the eagle beak and peel the snake skin all the way from front to back as a whole, without a single blemish." "Each person has fifteen minutes to practice, following the method I demonstrated earlier." Chen Mu listened attentively while scrutinizing the peculiar snake on the table. It was wrist-thick and over two meters long, with dense white jade-like scales all over. Its head bore a sharp bird-like beak, adding to its strange appearance. Chen Mu extended his left hand, pressing it against the eagle-beaked snake''s head. A formless repulsion force immediately emanated from his palm, reminiscent of two magnets with matching poles repelling each other. "Even in death, it retains energy protecting its body. Outer Heaven Demons truly differ from the common monsters of Yunzhou and Hai Province." Chen Mu raised his long knife, the tip of which shimmered with the green brilliance of the Demon Dispel Technique, and cautiously aimed it at the snake''s eagle beak. Slish! The invisible energy seemed like greased oil, deflecting the sharp blade instantaneously. Chen Mu glanced at the two individuals beside him. Despite over ten attempts, their blades still couldn''t pierce through the energy protecting the White Jade Snake, let alone proceed to skinning or dissecting it. Chen Mu shifted his gaze away, feigning helpless frustration and continuing attempts. However, a flash of ghostly green light flickered momentarily in the palm of his left hand pressing against the snake''s corpse. Immediately, the invisible repulsion energy was split open to form a breach. "The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique remains as effective as ever," Chen Mu''s eyes twinkled with faint amusement. Keeping an impassive exterior, he dissipated the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Power from his left hand and continued prodding the peculiar snake with the knife in his right hand. After several attempts, he ultimately feigned another helpless shake of his head and handed the Demon Dispel Knife to the next person. The group took turns trying, yet an entire day passed and none of them succeeded. ... In the afternoon, as the group departed Demon Dispel Alley, they sighed dejectedly while heading towards Yangdu Square. "Learning a dissection method for each monster every day, with only fifteen minutes to practice each time. How can anyone master such a technique in just half a month?" "The inability to learn ensures people will pay for private tutoring with Daoist Cultivation. I bet it''s all a ploy to earn our cultivation currency." "Wouldn''t it be more worthwhile to first go to Heavenly Workshop and chant a Sealing Demon Curse for the Awakening Bell? Earn some Daoist Cultivation there and then spend it on private lessonsfar more efficient." "That''s a good idea. I''ll do it tomorrow." "Count me in! Let''s go together." Blending into the crowd, Chen Mu wore an expression of agreement and nodded along, but within, his plan remained firmto return to Demon Dispel Alley the next day for the lectures. While the teaching sessions at Demon Dispel Alley might seem useless to others, merely providing novelty, they suited him perfectly. Glancing at the group, Chen Mu quietly calculated in his mind. "I possess the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, allowing me to bypass the step of breaking through the protective Demon Qi." "What I lack is knowledge of Outer Heaven Demonstheir classifications and dissection methods." "The Hundred Illusion Sect''s ''Demon and Demon Map Supplement'' is far too outdated. The lectures at Demon Dispel Alley serve as just the right complement." ... In the depths of the night, the stars overhead were as large as bowls. Heavenly Pass City was ablaze with vibrant lights, its streets bustling and incessantly noisy. Standing by a window, Chen Mu gazed at the distant lights and listened to the surrounding sounds, finding it all rather fascinating. "Back on the ground, I often stared up at the night sky, pondering its profound tranquility." "Who would''ve thought that above this serene cosmos lies such a bustling city that never sleeps." As his index finger lightly tapped against the jade glass illuminated by the lantern glow, Chen Mu observed the scene with keen interest for a while before turning to approach the low seating nearby. Sitting cross-legged to one side, he arranged the Exquisite Jade Plate and Nourishing Spirit Wine on the adjacent small tables. Lighting the Soul Condensing Incense within the bronze incense burner, Chen Mu watched the thin wisps of smoke ascend into the air. He took a deep breath, preparing to begin his Daoist Foundation cultivation. "The fifth stage of Qi Refinement involves establishing the Daoist Foundation through reshaping the Jade Seed using Innate Primordial Qi." "First, it requires reversing the River Chariot technique to refine Primordial Qi." Chen Mu focused inwardly on his Jade Seed. The nine-layer talisman in the River Chariot Divine Orifice was spinning chaotically as threads of mana leaked forth from within. With a single thought, the nine-layer talismans halted their motion. Immediately, they began to spin in reverse. A suction force emanated from the core of the Divine Orifice, drawing in the mist-like mana permeating the Jade Seed. Within a few breaths, all the mana within the Jade Seed was completely extracted. As the River Chariot Divine Orifice reversed smoothly and silently, a thin thread of milk-white light resembling a strand of hair appeared out of nowhere within the Jade Seed. It drifted here and there within the Jade Seed, exploring like a sentient being with remarkable spirituality. "The first stage of Qi Refinement brings together the three treasuresVital Energy, Spirit, and Essenceforming the Mud Pillar Jade Seed." "The second stage condenses the Illusion Breaking Primordial Talisman, cultivating mana." "The third stage transforms Primordial Talismans into Divine Orifices, expanding the Jade Seed while generating additional mana." "The fourth stage refines Yin and Yang within the Divine Orifice to forge the River Chariot, enabling the reversal of talismans to blend Yin and Yang and cultivate Innate Primordial Qi." "The fifth stage involves reshaping the Jade Seed tree with Innate Primordial Qi." "Every step intricately connects to the next, spiraling upward with clear and calculated progression. It is indeed the essence of the Profound Sect," Chen Mu thought, marveling as nine strands of Primordial Qi appeared successively. Reflecting on his Qi Refinement journey thus far, he couldn''t help but exclaim his awe. Rather than immediately proceeding with reshaping the Jade Seed, he opened his eyes and took a swig of Nourishing Spirit Wine. Placing One White Jade onto the Exquisite Jade Plate, he gathered dense Earth Spirit Vital Energy within a three-meter radius around him. Focusing inwardly on his Jade Seed again, he observed threads of white mist-like mana slowly dispersing from the Divine Orifice. Before long, the mana filled most of the Jade Seed. At that point, he retrieved the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture and channeled mana into the Jade Slip. Soon, an enormous spherical Dao Foundation Map resembling White Jade materialized deep within Chen Mu''s mind. Simultaneously, an intangible force began to emerge within the Jade Seed. The previously meandering strands of Primordial Qi, akin to idle vagrants, suddenly received a command and swiftly converged on a corner of the Jade Seed. That corner held a golden threadan area altered first by the autonomous operation of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture. With a sudden motion, the nine strands of Primordial Qi burrowed into the golden thread. Like a sprouting seed, the golden line glimmered briefly with a golden hue. The tiny thread, originally no larger than a sesame seed, started spreading outward with rapid growth. Within a blink, it expanded from the size of one sesame seed... to the size of two sesame seeds. "Nine strands of Primordial Qi resulted in such slight growth?" "Well, it''s progress nonetheless," Chen Mu shrugged indifferently. "After all, this marks a major threshold for Qi Cultivatorsit wouldn''t be realistic to hope for immediate results." "I''ll keep refining," he muttered. ... Over the next several days. Each morning, Chen Mu left his residence at Jiwei Courtyard early and headed to Demon Dispel Alley to attend the lectures. During hands-on practice, he refrained from utilizing the Demon Dispel Technique to breach the protective energy but instead focused on memorizing the distinct traits of various minor Outer Heaven Demons. After his turn was over, he lingered among the crowd, listening to the veteran Daoist Soldiers in Demon Dispel Alley describe the nuances of skinning and dissecting. With the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique that allowed him to effortlessly penetrate Demon Qi, the knowledge he gained held genuine value. In the evenings, upon returning to Jiwei Courtyard, he shut himself indoors, meticulously reshaping his Daoist Foundation. Day by day, his life was fulfilling and methodical. Chapter 682 - 670: Oversights Half a month later, at the Sixteenth Alley of Demon Dispel, Xin Si Courtyard. In a compartment with three walls enclosed and one side open. A short and stout man in a brown short-sleeved outfit scrutinized Chen Mu up and down. "New here?" "Manager Wu, your keen eye never fails." Chen Mu respectfully cupped his fists. "Spare me the bootlicking." Manager Wu''s face remained impassive. "Skin and dismember it. You have an hour." As he spoke, he tossed a two-meter-long Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake onto the stone table before Chen Mu. Chen Mu cupped his fists again, grabbed the forearm-length slim blade by the table, and promptly got to work. The Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique activated silently, and a verdant green light enveloped the blade. Splk. It was as if the hot blade was cutting through solidified butter, as the protective energy enveloping the snake''s body was instantly penetrated. The slender blade entered the eagle beak, and with dexterous wrist movements, it made smooth, even progress beneath the snake''s skin. After a quarter-hour, Chen Mu set down the blade and used both hands to easily peel off the scale armor from the snake''s head. Standing nearby, Manager Wu raised an eyebrow, nodding in satisfaction. The head structure of the White Jade Snake was the most intricate and error-prone. Once the head was handled, the rest would be relatively simple. Sure enough, in less than another quarter-hour, Chen Mu had smoothly skinned the entire snake. He then picked up the blade and began deftly removing the flesh from the crimson sinews of the exposed snake carcass. Although he hadn''t learned the precise butchering techniques for carving flesh, he had practiced a myriad of blade techniques for combat. In his early days of cultivation, he had trained in more than one Shape Cultivation Technique. Using the Truth Listening Divine Power to map out the tendon and bone structure, his long blade navigated skillfully through the blood-red sinews. Within less than a quarter-hour, Chen Mu extracted a pure white snake skeleton. "Not bad." Manager Wu''s face broke into a slight smile. "I''m short of someone to process White Jade Snakes. You''re hired." "Many thanks for taking me in, Manager Wu." Chen Mu''s face lit up with joy as he cupped his fists. Afterward, under Manager Wu''s guidance, Chen Mu completed the registration process and received specialized tools along with onboarding procedures. Half an hour later, he returned to the very compartment where he had undergone the assessment. Around the courtyard, there were many similar compartments. In them, numerous people wearing leather aprons were busy skinning and dismembering animals. Chen Mu glanced at the slightly grimy, greasy little room, then at the stone table stained with blotchy purple and black blood. He pursed his lips but nodded nonetheless. "The working conditions aren''t great, but it''s sufficient for navigating the Thousand Mechanisms Sect." With the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture in hand, he''d rather stay in his room and focus on cultivation. Unfortunately, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect wouldn''t allow such luxury. Once you sign the Daoist Soldier Contract, you''re bound to serve the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. If you didn''t seek out work on your own, the sect would assign it to you forcibly. To cultivate in peace, Chen Mu had paid special attention during the Demon Dispel Technique lectures. The position at Xin Si Courtyard was carefully chosen through his Truth Listening Divine Power. "Processing ten Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes a day? With the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, it won''t even take me a quarter-hour." "The remaining time can be wholly dedicated to reshaping the Jade Seed." "As long as I make it look convincing enough to avoid suspicion from others." ... From that point on, Chen Mu''s life became routine once more. Each morning, he would report to Xin Si Courtyard early. If someone passed by, he would diligently work on processing the White Jade Snakes. If no one was watching, he''d slack off and focus on cultivation. By evening, he''d finish work alongside the other butchers. Skipping recreational activities within Heavenly Pass City, he returned directly to his residence to continue refining Primordial Qi for reshaping the Jade Seed. Day by day passed, the golden patterns on the Jade Seed expanded continuously, and his experience with the Secret Scripture accumulated rapidly. ... One day, Chen Mu sat on a high stool as usual, working on a White Jade Snake. He leaned forward, holding the slender blade, his movements as delicate as embroidery. Focused entirely, he didn''t even have time to wipe away the bead-sized sweat drops rolling down his forehead. From a short distance away, Manager Wu observed with satisfaction, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned to leave. Chen Mu''s eyelids raised slightly, catching a glimpse of the stout figure disappearing around the corner, and he straightened up immediately. A fine, thread-like green Qi Blade zipped into the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake''s mouth. He grabbed the snake by the tail and gave a shake. With a slick sound, its sinew and muscle fell away effortlessly from the mouth. An entire sheet of intact snake skin was peeled off with ease. With a thought, Chen Mu directed dozens of thumbnail-sized miniature Qi Blades to dance around the crimson sinews. Within just a few breaths, he had easily extracted a spotless pure white snake skeleton. "Never expected all that practice cutting meat for roasting would come in handy here. Not bad, not bad..." Chen Mu chuckled to himself. With a wave, he swept the foul-smelling blood and flesh into a specially-designed odor-sealing wooden bucket by the table. Sweeping the area with his Truth Listening Divine Power to ensure no one was watching, he turned his focus inward toward the Jade Seed. Expertly reversing the River Car Divine Acupoint, he generated nine streams of Primordial Qi. Next, following the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map, he began reshaping the Jade Seed. The nine streams of Primordial Qi burrowed into the Jade Seed''s inner walls, causing the golden patterns on its surface to expand further. Seeing the golden patterns gradually cover one-third of the Jade Seed''s inner walls, Chen Mu felt immensely satisfied. As he admired his progress, a torrent of insights suddenly emerged within his mind. Chen Mu froze, then broke into a smirk. The gray wall in his mind surfaced, and he looked at one of the panels. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 2/10000/Second Rank; "All that relentless effort day and night this past month hasn''t been in vain." Chen Mu grinned as he carefully sorted through the newfound insights. The more he read, the brighter the smile on his face grew. He discovered the feedback from the gray wall bore subtle discrepancies with the Dao Foundation Map within the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture. "Flawed but intentional omissions? So Meng Qingchan left traps after all." Chen Mu understood deeply. Just like the first version of the Secret Technique given to him, the second version of the Secret Scripture was similarly missing many details. "Trying to use these oversights to control me?" "Heh!" ... By evening. Chen Mu hummed a tune, strolling leisurely back to Xin Si Courtyard. At the entrance, however, he encountered a burly man nearly two meters tall. Though robust and muscular, the man''s face was pale, and his lips were bluish. He walked lightly, as if he''d collapse at any moment. "Daoist Zhong?" Chen Mu greeted in surprise. "It''s been a few days. Why do you look so unwell?" The man''s name was Zhong Qing, Chen Mu''s neighbor, living in Room Seventeen of the East Wing Courtyard, right next door. Having lived so close to each other, they had crossed paths before and exchanged names. "Ah, Daoist Chen." Zhong Qing seemed to come to his senses, though his reaction was sluggish. "Earning Daoist Cultivation points is truly grueling." He shook his head bitterly. "Eating Fasting Pills, generating Sealing Demon Power, extracting mana five times a day, and it only amounts to three Daoist Cultivation points." "I feel like I''ve become a living Magic Artifact." The Heavenly Workshop squeezes so hard? Good thing I didn''t go there! Chen Mu counted himself lucky. "During the demon extermination campaign in Hai Province, didn''t Daoist Zhong earn some Daoist Cultivation points?" "Combined with over a month of accumulation, you must have at least five to six hundred Daoist Cultivation points." "That''s sufficient to hire an experienced Daoist Soldier for a month of hands-on tutoring." "Many in our yard have already started learning. Why haven''t you..." Chen Mu asked curiously as they walked. Zhong Qing''s face grew even more bitter at Chen Mu''s words. "I injured my leg during that time and only followed the Thousand Mechanism Sect Elders for half a month before I was forced back to the sect. I didn''t manage to save much Daoist Cultivation at all!" What a misfortune. Chen Mu clicked his tongue in sympathy. "Daoist Zhong, don''t overstrain yourself. Rest when you need to recover," Chen Mu advised. "Thank you, Daoist Chen, for your kind advice." Zhong Qing cupped his fists in gratitude. "I do plan to take a day off." "Daoist Chen, you should take care of your health as well. If your Vital Energy gets damaged, it could greatly affect future cultivation." With that, he excused himself and returned to his room. Damaged Vital Energy, taking care of health? Is he talking about me? Chen Mu froze. Even after he locked his door, activated the Silence Talisman, and sat on the low couch to begin his evening routine of cultivation, his mind was still puzzled. Just as he was about to immerse himself in his practice, his peripheral vision unintentionally caught his reflection in the Jade Window. Chen Mu was stunned. Pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes... this... is this really me? When did I start looking so haggard?! Chapter 683 - 671: Vital Energy Deficiency The night sky of Heavenly Pass Star had no moon, yet the starlight was exceptionally bright. The silvery starlight penetrated through the jade window. Even without lighting the fluorescent algae lantern, the room remained brilliantly illuminated. Chen Mu stood in front of the window, gazing at his reflection on the glass, his heart somewhat uneasy. "Pale face, dark circlesclassic signs of vital energy depletion." "Chasing quick results is never the way," Chen Mu let out a long sigh. He had already figured out the reason for his vital energy depletion. Jade Seed Reformation required Primordial Qi, and refining Primordial Qi consumed a vast amount of mana. The recovery of mana relied not only on Earth Spirit Vital Energy but also on one''s own essence and divine energy. Each time he drained his mana and replenished it, a portion of his vital energy was inevitably siphoned away. His neighbor Zhong Qing depleted his mana five times a day and ended up with vital energy loss. Chen Mu drained his mana over twenty times dailyhow could his body not suffer? "It''s all because the cultivation of Jade Seed Reformation is too enticing," Chen Mu shook his head with a touch of regret. The golden patterns grew continuously, his experience values soared rapidly, and the epiphanies came flooding in. The myriad of sensations made him addicted day after day, unwittingly causing his vital energy depletion. "Cultivation is meant to make one stronger, not to destroy oneself." ... For the next five consecutive days, Chen Mu refrained from Daoist Foundation cultivation. He went to bed early and rose early. When working at the Xinsi Courtyard, he mostly kept his eyes closed, resting. He consumed small, frequent portions of Nourishing Spirit Wine and Replenishing Origin Soup daily. He even brought out his long-stored supply of Rejuvenation Pills for emergencies. After a stretch of days focusing on recuperation, his pale complexion finally regained a healthy glow, and the dark circles under his eyes gradually faded. At night, Chen Mu stood before the window, using his Truth Listening Divine Power to carefully examine himself inside and out. After ensuring that his energy flow was stable and vigorous, he finally felt a sense of relief. "I need to carefully plan out the Jade Seed Reformation process. I can''t afford to rush blindly in cultivation." Looking at the luminous starry sky, Chen Mu began to silently calculate. "Jade Seed Reformation must proceed, but the number of cultivation sessions per day must be controlled." "Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine can strengthen my foundation, but relying on them excessively isn''t feasible. The body has a limit to what it can absorb; the intake must be regulated and timed." With this plan in mind, the anxiety that had been plaguing Chen Mu for days finally subsided. Now, he had the leisure to observe the peculiar night sky above. "There''s no moon at night, and no sun during the day." "The daylight visibility even comes entirely from the light emitted by the Heavenly Pass Star''s own skies." "Interesting." Chen Mu had been to the Netherworld and also ventured to Outer Heaven Demon Sky. While the environments were different in those places, both had suns and moons. Yet, the Heavenly Pass Star had neither. Having been here for over a month, he had deliberately asked around, but the locals were accustomed to it and had no idea why this was. "I heard there are eighteen main and subsidiary stars of Heavenly Pass Star. I wonder what those places are like," Chen Mu pondered quietly, gazing at the sky. "The Heavenly Pass Star is stable, but the other stars are frequently plagued by demons and monsters. It''s definitely not the time to visit yet." "Perhaps in a few years, once I''ve established my Daoist Foundation, I could find an opportunity to explore the other stars." ... More than a month later, in the evening. East of Heavenly Pass City, on Heavenly Market Street. The street lay to the east of the Inner City of Heavenly Pass, west of the Yangdu and Heavenly Craft quarters, acting like a boundary line separating the two areas. The Heavenly Gate Magical Artifact through which Chen Mu had first entered the Heavenly Pass Star was situated at the southernmost end of Heavenly Market Street. "One white jade for a pound of meat? Is it really that expensive?" Inside the Hundred Flavors Inn, Chen Mu stared at the snow-white meat with traces of frost, looking visibly shocked. Back in Yunzhou and Hai Province, a single white jade could purchase over a dozen Fasting Pills or several dozen pounds of Exotic Beast Meat, enough to sustain an average Qi Cultivator for a month. Yet here, it could only buy one pound of meat? These prices... "It is indeed pricey, but the value is there," said the gray-clad servant, accustomed to such questions, smiling as he explained. "The meat you see before you is from the Six-winged Golden Feathered Eagle, distilled of demon poison through the Heavenly Craft Furnace. It is the essence of its leg meat." "Not only does it have the ability to strengthen and stabilize your foundation, but with consistent consumption, the effects surpass even those of the Rejuvenation Pill." "More importantly, its taste is extraordinarily exquisiteabsolutely unlike anything you''ve ever tried before," the servant said confidently. But taste was irrelevant. The Ghosts had no interest in the flavor of demon beast meat; they needed quantity and sustenance. Chen Mu inwardly sighed in resignation. He wasn''t buying the demon beast meat for himself but to replenish the Bottomless Pool. Whether it was to feed the Ghosts or to refine Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, large amounts of blood and flesh had to be thrown into the Bottomless Pool. After spending more than two months on Heavenly Pass Star, the blood and flesh he had previously stored in the Bottomless Pool had nearly been exhausted. After inquiring about the prices of various demon beast meats from the servant, Chen Mu left the Hundred Flavors Inn carrying five pounds of Six-winged Golden Feathered Eagle leg meat. He visited several other butcher shops afterward, only to receive similar information. The demon beast meat sold in Heavenly Pass City either came from Outer Heaven Demons or from human-bred Exotic Beasts. Their flavors were exceptional, and they had special benefits, but their prices were universally steep. As materials for refining Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, they weren''t cost-effective at all. "I need to find a more affordable source for demon beast meat." "Hmm, I think Demon Dispel Alley looks promising." ... The next afternoon. In the Xinsi Courtyard of Demon Dispel Alley. Chen Mu sat slouched on a high stool, half-asleep. After a long while, a glimmer of life returned to his empty eyes. "The fifth session of Reversed Practicing Primordial Qi is complete. No more for today." He uncorked the gourd on his waist, took a swig of Nourishing Spirit Wine, and stood up to stretch his joints. Since his earlier ordeal with vital energy depletion, Chen Mu had slowed his pace in Jade Seed Reformation. He spent over half a month experimenting with Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine in various tests. Ultimately, he confirmed that the maximum number of Reversed Practices of Primordial Qi he could safely do each day was twelve. Staying within this limit allowed him to maintain a positive balance in his body: avoiding vital energy harm while continuing the swift reformation of the Jade Seed. The reason he could only practice five times during the day was solely due to the insufficient Earth Spirit Vital Energy in Demon Dispel Alley. "It''s still the Outer City of Heavenly Pass City; the Earth Spirit Vital Energy here cannot compare to the richness of the Inner City." "Even if I wanted to train more in the daytime, I''d have to return at night to rely on the Exquisite Jade Plate for cultivation." Chen Mu shook his head slightly. The entirety of Heavenly Pass City existed within a kind of dojo-like Forbidden Law. In every region, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy was limited. In the Outer City, the Earth Spirit Vital Energy was sufficient for an ordinary Daoist Soldier to recover mana, but Reversed Practicing Primordial Qi was a major consumer of vitalityit couldn''t be sustained by the Outer City''s energy for long periods. The Exquisite Jade Plate, a portable dojo in itself, once again proved to be invaluable. "Apart from its constant demand for large amounts of white jade, it has no flaws whatsoever." Chen Mu was incredibly fond of the Exquisite Jade Plate. This magical artifact had been by his side for over a decade, offering tremendous assistance. As for the vitality-rich Inner City, he felt no envy at all. Every Daoist Soldier who lived in the Inner City was required to frequently join expeditions to exterminate demons and monsters. High-level cultivation came with great perks, but it was said that the mortality rate was not insignificant. "I''d rather stick to my butcher''s work, thank you very much." Chen Mu stretched his body leisurely, shaking his head and muttering to himself. "While Earth Spirit Vital Energy isn''t lacking, the ingredients for Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine are something I''ll have to give careful thought to." He lowered his gaze to the wooden bucket beside the stone table. The bucket contained the entrails and sinews of an Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake. According to the Demon and Demon Map, the blood and flesh of Outer Heaven Demons contained demon poison. Consuming it without proper processing would lead either to madness or death. Hence, despite nearly two months of work at Demon Dispel Alley, Chen Mu had never considered consuming the meat of those demon beasts. But now... Chapter 684 - 672 Demon Poison Yangdu Square, Lane Ninety-Six, Courtyard Jiwei. Under the window on the south wall of the room, Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a low couch. On the square tea table in front of him were three iron mesh cages, each containing a red-brown scorpion the size of a fist, which he had specially purchased from Heavenly Market Street as exotic beasts. The scorpions were called Poison Dragon Scorpions, their tail hooks highly venomous. As their venom is a type of refining material, many people breed and cultivate them intentionally. "Let''s see what this so-called demon poison is all about." Chen Mu muttered to himself, flipping his hand to retrieve three pieces of Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake meat, each the size of a walnut, and placed them on the three black pottery round plates on the table. The Gloomy Green Demon Slayer Air Blade danced, slicing the meat into fine paste. He then used Qi Prohibition Hundred Miles to lift a fingernail-sized portion and threw it into the first iron cage. Inside the cage, the Poison Dragon Scorpion instantly sprang up, its two sturdy pincers swiftly seizing the minced meat, devouring it in just a few bites. Chen Mu sat at the square table, patiently watching the Poison Dragon Scorpion. In less than a quarter of an hour, the scorpion, previously crawling leisurely inside the cage, suddenly became agitated. As if it had eaten a Great Replenishing Pill, it swung its pincers violently, striking the cage repeatedly, even causing sparks to fly off the iron bars. Moreover, as time passed, the Poison Dragon Scorpion grew increasingly frenzied, attacking not only with its pincers but also ramming against all sides of the cage. After a short while, the pincers of the scorpion broke off completely. It toppled over, twitched a few times, and then lay lifeless. The entire process left Chen Mu frowning deeply. "This so-called demon poison truly isn''t just a hoax." He stared at the minced meat on the black pottery plate before him, his heart uneasy. After clearing up the mess, Chen Mu recited the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse over the second piece of White Jade Snake meat. A droplet-sized portion of Replenishing Origin Soup flew up and was fed to the second Poison Dragon Scorpion. As if history repeated itself, the previous scene played out again. The second Poison Dragon Scorpion became agitated and frenzied, crashing everywhere until soon, it too perished. "What if I used the Bottomless Pool to filter it?" Chen Mu frowned at the corpse of the second Poison Dragon Scorpion, still unwilling to give up. An hour later, the third Poison Dragon Scorpion also died abruptly. "This doesn''t make sense." Chen Mu scratched his head. Back in Nether Demon Heaven, the Hai Character Camp''s Yellow Spring Department used the Bottomless Pool to process demon and beast blood and flesh, extracting various Precious Medicine Decoctions for Yin Spirits to consume. But now, the Bottomless Pool failed to purify the demon poison within Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake flesh. After much contemplation, he was forced to shake his head. "Using Outer Heaven demon blood and flesh as a cultivation aid seems quite challenging." ... "A way to remove demon poison?" The short, stout Manager Wu glanced at Chen Mu. "Practicing unconventional secret techniques? Planning to buy untreated, low-cost demon beast meat from Demon Dispel Alley for your methods?" "Manager Wu''s insight is truly remarkable!" Chen Mu looked astonished and clasped his hands in respect. "No need to be surprised; you''re not the first with such plans." Manager Wu said indifferently. "Tried sneaking around with White Jade Snake meat already, haven''t you?" Manager Wu gave Chen Mu a playful look. "How could that be! I''m a law-abiding, principled man!" Chen Mu replied solemnly. Manager Wu shot him a skeptical glance but didn''t press further. "Don''t waste your efforts thinking about methods to remove demon poison." "Throughout Heavenly Pass Star, only the Nanming Li Fire in the Heavenly Craft Furnace possesses Evil Exorcism and Detoxification powers." "That flame is immensely powerful. Without Daoist Foundation cultivation, ordinary Qi Cultivators cannot control it." "If you ask me, you''re better off practicing Demon Dispel Skill more, accumulating your Daoist Cultivation. Then, you can buy whatever demon beast meat you want." Nanming Li Fire? Daoist Foundation cultivation required to wield? That utterly dashed his hopes. Chen Mu watched Manager Wu''s departing figure with resignation. "Like back when I caught the Hundred-Eyed Spider in Mist Forest, maybe sneaking outside Heavenly Pass City to capture some local beasts?" But unfamiliar territory. What if he encountered an Outer Heaven demon... "It''s better to stay cautious. At worst, I''ll spend extra White Jade and Daoist Cultivation points!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth. He had always been cautious in his actions. Since he hadn''t fully explored Heavenly Pass City, venturing outside was too risky. ... Heavenly Pass City had no seasonal changes, no sun or moon in the sky, and its calendar differed significantly from the surface. Time passed day by day, but the city remained perpetually warm and spring-like. With the failure of his plan to use demon beast meat for cultivation, Chen Mu was forced to consider other methods. After all, the progress of reshaping the Jade Seed could not be halted. He went to Treasure Pavilion on Heavenly Market Street and purchased a large quantity of Essence Pills. These elixir pills were refined from the essence of demon beast and monster blood and flesh, primarily used as a supplement to Fasting Pills for Daoist Soldiers. They contained slight Strengthening effects, were cheap, abundant, and filling. Chen Mu used them as snacks, which could somewhat substitute the effect of Replenishing Origin Soup. Additionally, he bought various medicinal ingredients to refine Rejuvenation Pills to aid his cultivation. He also utilized the Golden Yuan Valley materials he had previously stockpiled during purchases from Hundred Illusion Sect, using them to nurture his Spiritual Deity. Although this series of solutions cost a considerable amount, it allowed him to barely maintain his Daoist Foundation cultivation speed. "But the nourishment and transformation of the Heavenly Demon Body had to be paused for now." At dusk, Chen Mu reclined on the low couch''s pillow, gazing out the window at the stars already gleaming in the sky, calculating his recent cultivation progress. Without sufficient blood and flesh essence, the Yin Spirits inside the Five Ghosts Bag could no longer provide Divine Power continuously. Chen Mu''s Vital Energy had to be prioritized for refining Primordial Qi and was not available for extracting Yin Spirit Divine Power. Thus, the cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Body had to stop. "But this isn''t a sustainable solution." Chen Mu frowned. "At my current rate of spending, the twenty-three thousand plus units of White Jade and five Red Jade pieces I have left can sustain my cultivation for at most a year." "Reshaping the Jade Seed is a massive undertaking, and one year..." Chen Mu shook his head silently. "It would be best to find a usable source of demon beast meat." Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine are highly effective; as long as cheap demon blood and flesh are available, they are the best aids for reshaping the Jade Seed. "If only I''d known earlier, I should have hunted and stored more demon blood and flesh back in Nether Demon Heaven." At that time, he had countless Yin Spirits under his command, and with their combined power through the Mountain-Carrying Scripture, he could even go toe-to-toe with Lan Zhang. "Had I crammed all of Thousand Lanterns City with demon blood and flesh back then, I wouldn''t need to worry about cultivation resources now." "I might even have pushed Meng Qingchan out due to lack of space." "Considering her aura''s size, Meng Qingchan was quite a hefty behemoth herself." Chen Mu chuckled to himself. As his thoughts wandered, he suddenly froze. "The Inheriting Heaven Gourdit''s crafted from some kind of demon corpse, isn''t it?" "If it''s made from demon corpse, shouldn''t there be blood and flesh essence left inside it as well?" Chen Mu immediately focused his Spirit into the Shadow Pupil. The massive eyeball slowly rotated, locking onto the stone gourd beside the rocking chair in front of the wooden building. The previously indifferent eye now emitted faint traces of eagerness. Without hesitation, he stored the Five Ghosts Bag into Thousand Lanterns City, then threw the Inheriting Heaven Gourd into the Bottomless Pool at the center of the Five Ghosts Bag. He activated the Nine-Turn Spirit Nourishing Spell, nervously waiting for a while. Eventually, a stream of White Jade-colored Nourishing Spirit Wine appeared within the Five Ghosts Bag. "Ha!" "It actually worked!" Chen Mu clenched his fist and waved excitedly. At this moment, his gaze toward the Inheriting Heaven Gourd grew particularly affectionate. Previously, he couldn''t wait to drive Meng Qingchan away, but now... "Feel free to stay as long as you want; Thousand Lanterns City is my place, and you can live here for as long as you like!" "Just let me collect a bit of rent, and we''ll be golden." "Heh heh!" Chapter 685 - 673 Progress On the Heavenly Pass Star, the changing seasons are imperceptible, and months slip by in the blink of an eye. That day, at dusk, in the Jiwei Courtyard of Yangdu Square. By the window, Chen Mu lounged contentedly in a new rocking chair, swaying back and forth. A gray wall appeared before his eyes, and as he gazed at one of its panels, his face lit up with a smile. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 232/10000/Third Rank; As the scripture advanced in rank, the jade seed''s restructuring progressed even further. The golden patterns on the inner wall now occupied more than two-thirds of its surface. The insights relayed back from the gray wall once again filled in some gaps in the "Jade Cicada Secret Scripture." Over the past few months, Chen Mu''s Daoist Foundation cultivation had progressed at an astonishing speed. "I''ve got to thank Meng Qingchan for this." Chen Mu chuckled to himself. Ever since he''d tossed the Inheriting Heaven Gourd into the Bottomless Pool, he''d never run short of Replenishing Origin Soup or Nourishing Spirit Wine. Even though the gourd was only about the height of a forearm, the vital energy it contained seemed limitless. With the Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse and the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell repeatedly extracting energy, the abundant protective qi belonging to Meng Qingchan within Thousand Lanterns City hadn''t diminished in the slightest. "A small gourd holds such immense vital energyno wonder Meng Qingchan is so confident in his resurrection plan." "Since that''s the case, charging him a bit more rent shouldn''t affect his recovery." Chen Mu''s lips curved upward, and he immediately began to circulate the Mountain-Carrying Scripture. From the ghostly creatures, yin spirit divine power was extracted and inadvertently converted into a chilly white mist, which was then used to nourish the divine fetus and cultivate the Heavenly Demon Body. For a straight hour, he continued until the ghosts'' divine power had been completely drained. Inside the Five Ghosts Bag, four thousand ghostly creatures wafted aimlessly above the Bottomless Pool. The surface of the pool remained smooth as a mirror, but thin strands of mist resembling water vapor began to rise. As they scrambled to absorb the white mist, it didn''t take long before the once-dazed ghostly creatures began to gradually recover. "Not enough ghosts." Chen Mu shook his head regretfully. If there were another batch, he could establish a two-shift system: one set resting and recovering while the other continued to be drained for yin spirit divine power to aid Heavenly Demon Body cultivation, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. Such a pity. ... The next day. Demon Dispel Alley, Xinsi Courtyard. "Fifteen of them?" "Manager Wu, wasn''t the task previously just thirteen Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes?" Chen Mu frowned and complained. "You said it yourselfthat was before." "With the great victory at Starside, the number of demons slain has increased, and heavier workloads at Demon Dispel Alley are inevitable." "Instead of complaining to me, why not get started already?" The stout Manager Wu spoke calmly. "At first, it was just ten snakes, then twelve, then thirteen, and now it''s fifteen. The workload has really become excessive." Chen Mu pretended to be troubled. Of course, he knew the reason for the adjustmentsnot just for him, but for all the butchers in the Xinsi Courtyard, whose tasks had similarly multiplied. Griping a bit to vent frustrations was the norm for most butchers. "Double the rewards, and ten Daoist points added to your record daily." Manager Wu replied slowly. "Say no more! Consider it done!" Chen Mu''s face turned resolute and serious. I knew you Daoist Soldiers were all like this. Manager Wu shot a glance at Chen Mu, gestured for the two Daoist Soldiers behind him to place down the buckets carrying the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes, and then clasped his hands behind his back to depart. But after taking just a few steps SQUEEECH! A sudden, sharp screech erupted. BANG! A distant rooftop of a partitioned building suddenly exploded, sending shingles and wooden debris flying, as a massive Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake, the size of a train, soared skyward. Manager Wu, who had been leisurely ambling, vanished instantly, and with an agility utterly incongruous with his stout frame, he leaped deftly into the air. In several quick flashes, he appeared above the White Jade Snake and dealt a single airborne punch that sent its colossal head crashing back into the courtyard. "Who would''ve thoughtthis Manager Wu''s movement technique is impressively nimble." Chen Mu remarked from his high stool, watching the chaotic scene in the distance with interest. Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes were naturally endowed with the Desired Size Divine Power, and the one-to-two-meter-long White Snakes usually seen were merely their post-mortem state. If alive, they could, as demonstrated by this snake, effortlessly transform into a formidable behemoth. A series of deafening crashes mingled with hawk-like cries and snake-like shrieks, and soon the White Jade Snake was subdued. "That''s the fourth accident this month, isn''t it?" Chen Mu shook his head disapprovingly. "The Daoist Soldiers stationed by Starside are just careless. They can''t even kill a White Jade Snake properly, missing those sneaky snakes feigning death to evade detection." Shaking his head, Chen Mu withdrew his gaze, dipped his hand into a nearby bucket to grab a White Jade Snake, and pressed it onto a stone table, ready to complete his daily task. But just as he was about to begin, a powerful force suddenly exploded in his palm. The White Jade Snake wriggled like a slippery fish swimming in water, its strength not only overwhelming but also making it impossible to grasp. Chen Mu''s eyebrows shot up. The fifth snake playing dead? Tsk! The front-line Daoist Soldiers are really rough! Glancing around and seeing that everyone else''s attention was drawn to the uproar in the distance, Chen Mu''s eyelids drooped slightly, and the air to his left faintly distorted as an invisible wave emerged from his palm. BUZZ! Chen Mu raised his hand slightly and lightly slapped the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake. The immense force pierced through its protective qi mechanism, straight into its brain. CHIRP! A brief, sharp cry of anguish rang out. The White Jade Snake, which had been preparing to gather strength, suddenly stiffened, then collapsed limply on the stone table. The gray wall slowly emerged in Chen Mu''s vision. Glancing at one of its panels, a smile appeared on his face. Ten Directions Hand: 734/10000/Third Rank; "The Third Rank Ten Directions Hand is amazing." Ever since arriving on the Heavenly Pass Star, Chen Mu had been focused on restructuring his jade seed, but he hadn''t completely abandoned the Ten Directions Hand. In the intervals spent waiting for his body to recover its vital energy, he''d practice the Ten Directions Hand to pass the time. Over time, the secret technique gradually advanced to the third stage, its capacity to accumulate power becoming increasingly potent. For an average Qi Cultivator practicing this secret technique, it would be decent at best. But Chen Mu was different. Not only did he train in authentic Qi Refining Technique, but he also practiced various unconventional Daoist arts. His body had undergone multiple rounds of tempering, giving him an exceptionally solid foundation. The Ten Directions Hand, which uniquely concentrated every ounce of strength in the body, had thereby become extraordinarily powerful. If not for ensuring the snake''s muscles and outer layers remained intact, he could have easily crushed its head just now. "You doing okay there?" Manager Wu returned, staring doubtfully at the limp White Jade Snake on the stone table. "Doing just fine!" Chen Mu responded with a wide grin. "What brings you back, Manager Wu?" He feigned ignorance, posing a question. Mistaken, maybe? Manager Wu glanced at the bucket full of White Jade Snakes beside the stone table, scratched his head, and left burdened by confusion. No, you heard it rightyou were just late. Chen Mu''s lips curved into a smirk as he lowered his head, feigning effort while dealing with the snake''s remains. ... "Too bad Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine can''t be stored long-term like pills." At dusk, Chen Mu reclined against a soft pillow on the low couch, as he habitually schemed ways to maximize the use of the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. The thought of Meng Qingchan possibly moving away from Thousand Lanterns City soon filled him with a sense of urgency. If he left and Chen Mu hadn''t extracted enough vital energy, it would be a real loss. "Hmm, the Giant Spirit Secret Technique has plateaued for a whileit requires a massive amount of vital energy, so this could use some extra attention." "The Five Ghosts Bag itself craves flesh and blood essence as well. More consumption would benefit it greatly." "Better make the most of it." "If Meng Qingchan comes back to life, there''ll be no sheep left to shear." Chapter 686 - 674 Giant Spirit Divine At the center of the Inner City of Heavenly Pass City, within the Star Monarch Hall. In the depths of the grand hall, a painting of "Immortal Riding Crane" hung upon the wall, with a long altar table placed below. On the table stood an Incense Burner holding three sticks of burning incense, their smoke rising and converging into a cloud mid-air. A tall and lean figure donned in a purple Daoist Robe loomed faintly within the cloud of smoke. Lan Xiuzhu stood in front of the altar table, cupping his hands respectfully. "To reclaim the Border Shelter Star within just three monthstruly masterful, Senior Brother." "I need more Daoist Soldiers as support. Dispatch them swiftly," Lv Yue replied with an indifferent expression. Lan Xiuzhu hesitated. "Senior Brother, the Border Shelter Star has only just been recovered, and its infrastructure is in ruins. Shouldn''t we hold off on advancing, steady our progress, and wait until we''ve had time to recuperate before..." "There''s no need for further discussion." Lv Yue interrupted with a frown. "This time, I''ve brought the Black Armored Warrior Technique precisely to deliver a decisive blow, driving all demons across the ninety stars of Horn Mansion back to Beyond Heaven." "Just mobilize the Daoist Soldiers as instructed; don''t concern yourself with anything else." "If you''re keen on recuperation and rebuilding, you''ll have plenty of time to do so after I''ve driven away the demons." Lan Xiuzhu hesitated for a long moment but eventually had no choice but to bow and accept the order. Once the cloud of smoke dissipated, and Lv Shenjun''s figure vanished, Lan Xiuzhu walked to the grand hall''s entrance. Gazing into the bustling Heavenly Market Street in the distance, he could not help but let out a sigh. "Once war begins, who knows how many Daoist Soldiers will meet their end." ... A few days later, in the ninety-sixth alley of Yangdu Square. Chen Mu strolled into Jiwei Courtyard, casually carrying five pounds of Six-winged Golden Feathered Eagle drumstick meat. A notice had mysteriously appeared on the mural wall at the entrance, and a crowd had gathered below it, engaged in lively discussions. Glancing at the notice, Chen Mu bypassed the mural wall, quickly catching up to a sturdy figure who had just squeezed his way out of the crowd. It was his neighbor, Zhong Qing. "Friend Zhong, what''s going on there?" Chen Mu gestured toward the crowd as he asked. "It''s Lu Shenjun recruiting Daoist Soldiers," Zhong Qing said, his face animated and lively. Lu Shenjun? Lv Yue came to Heavenly Pass Star?! Chen Mu''s heart sank. According to Meng Qingchan, practicing the "Jade Cicada Secret Scripture" would mean certain death if he were caught by Lv Yue! "Shenjun''s methods are domineering. He''s currently targeting the demons of Border Shelter Star, short on manpower, which is why the recruitment notice was issued." Zhong Qing spoke with some excitement. Border Shelter Star, the outermost star of Heavenly Pass Eighteen Stars? Thank goodness! Chen Mu''s heart relaxed. The Jade Cicada Secret Scripture was more than halfway into the Third Rank, with daily transformations to the Jade Seed affecting his Vital Energy fluctuationsmaking him particularly susceptible to Lv Yue''s scrutiny at this time. Luckily, the man hadn''t stepped into Heavenly Pass City! Chen Mu shook himself out of his thoughts, noticing Zhong Qing''s excitement, and couldn''t help but reconsider: "Friend Zhong, do you plan to head to Border Shelter Star?" "No other choice," Zhong Qing sighed. "I''ve spent quite a lot on Daoist Cultivation, but my demon-dispelling skills are still lacking. If I want to keep asking others for instruction, I''ve got to first save up enough Daoist Cultivation points." He shook his head helplessly. "I initially planned to go to Heavenly Workshop, but now I''ve stumbled upon Lv Shenjun recruiting Daoist Soldiers." "Providing Sealing Demon Power for the Awakening Bell at Heavenly Workshop earns just three Daoist Cultivation points per day, but over at Border Shelter Star, it earns twelve Daoist Cultivation points." "This kind of opportunityI can''t let it pass me by." Daoist Cultivation points like this? No wonder the courtyard folks were so thrilled. "Undoubtedly dangerous, though," Chen Mu reminded. "Fortune lies within peril!" Zhong Qing brushed it aside lightly. "I don''t plan to stay long eitherjust save up enough Daoist Cultivation points to pay someone for lessons, then I''ll stop." "Two, or three months at most. It''s worth taking some risks." Zhong Qing sounded unruffled. Chen Mu, hearing this, said no more to dissuade him. Each person''s decision was their own, after all. "What about you, Friend? According to the notice, auxiliary soldiers with demon-dispelling expertise like yours are paid handsomely." Zhong Qing asked enviously. Even with high rewards of Daoist Cultivation pointsI wouldn''t go. Facing Lv Shenjun head-on? That''s courting death! Besides, I''ve got Secret Techniques and resources. Staying in Demon Dispel Alley to cultivate safely is more than enough to boost my Dao rapidly. I''d be out of my mind to head to that perilous Border Shelter Star. "I''ll have to think it over carefully." Though Chen Mu had already made up his mind, he feigned indecision outwardly. "Trueone must deliberate well; the battlefield is no place for games." Zhong Qing agreed with a nod. After a few more exchanged words, Zhong Qing bustled off to discuss further with the others in the courtyard, while Chen Mu directly headed toward the eastern wing of the small building. Listening to the chatter in the courtyard from behind, Chen Mu''s heart stirred with some gratitude and relief. Were it not for the "Jade Cicada Secret Scripture," to save up Daoist Cultivation points for the Dao Foundation Map, he might have taken the same risks as Zhong Qing and headed for the Border Shelter Star. "I must thank Senior Meng Qingchan." "Yes, as a token of gratitude, I''ll exert more effort tonight and try to extract double the Vital Energy from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd!" Chen Mu''s expression turned solemn. "The Inheriting Heaven Gourd is both a part of Senior Meng and the prison sealing him away." "My efforts are entirely devoted to helping Senior Meng break free!" Chen Mu''s face was sincere. ... Under Lv Shenjun, the Black Armored Warriors launched attacks on multiple fronts across the ninety stars of the Horn Mansion constellation, with the battles growing fiercer by the day. The Outer Heaven Demons suffered heavy casualties and retreated steadily. Even within Heavenly Pass City, various sectors were inevitably affected. As for Chen Mu, he found himself handling an increasing number of Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes each day. A fortnight ago, he dealt with fifteen snakes a day; now, it had risen to nineteen, with the number likely to climb even higher. Many butchers in the courtyard, discontented with the growing workload and enticed by the promise of high Daoist Cultivation points on the front lines, left Demon Dispel Alley for the war effort. Though Chen Mu grumbled about the heavy workload, he continued working diligently day after day. After all, armed with the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, whether it was a few more or fewer White Jade Snakes, it made no difference to his ability to avoid actual work while cultivating covertly. He still progressed steadily in remolding the Jade Seed every day. Months passed in the blink of an eye. At twilight, in the eastern wing of Jiwei Courtyard. Chen Mu sat by the window, leisurely enjoying bites of Golden Feathered Eagle drumstick meat, his expression one of pure satisfaction. After dinner. Reclining against a soft pillow, he gazed at the massive Heavenly Star outside the window. Thoughts surged, and a Gray Wall emerged into his vision. Giant Spirit Divine: 42/10000/Ninth Rank; Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 8232/10000/Third Rank; The progress of the Secret Scripture was predictably stable, the golden patterns nearly covering the entire Jade Seed. But the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique surprised him. With the Inheriting Heaven Gourd providing an abundant supply of Vital Energy, the technique, which had lingered at the peak of the Eighth Rank, had successfully advanced to a new stage. Chen Mu carefully sensed the feedback from the Gray Wall; silently and imperceptibly, a three-meter-tall, massive Red Armored Divine Statue materialized mid-air. Previously, the statue had only manifested its upper body. Now, it began to complete and extend its lower half. The statue had once been clearly an intangible illusion. But now... Chen Mu reached out to touch the gold-embroidered red armor. A cold sensation met his fingertips, much like touching metal. "Turning illusion into realitythe Giant Spirit Divine has truly materialized now?" Chen Mu exclaimed in delight. Not only that, an ongoing stream of power seemed to emanate from the statue incessantly. "The first eight stages merely amplified personal strength exponentially. Clearly, this is a type of enhancement technique." "But now at the Ninth Rank, the Giant Spirit Divine appears to be transforming into a unique Magic Artifact. Beyond its original amplifying effects, the power it contains also augments me directly," Chen Mu muttered thoughtfully. "According to the Gray Wall''s feedback, the Ninth Rank progression involves sculpting the Giant Spirit Divine as a Magic Artifact." "The more complete its construction, the stronger the power it can provide." "What an exceptional technique, truly outstanding!" Chen Mu nodded joyously again and again. Chapter 687 - 675: Recruitment On this day, at Xin Si Courtyard in Demon Dispel Alley. "A decree from Star Monarch Hall ordering me to go to Border Star?" "I''m doing just fine here in Demon Dispel Alley. Why are they transferring me away!" Chen Mu''s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Steward Wu. "It''s not just you; the entire Xin Si Courtyard, including myself, has been ordered to go to Border Star." Steward Wu shook his head. "Can I refuse to go?" Chen Mu frowned. "Only if you''re not afraid of Five Thunders Bombarding." Steward Wu cast a sideways glance at Chen Mu, speaking in a irritable tone. I''m actually not afraid of Five Thunders Bombarding! Chen Mu squinted his eyes. He had never put down the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique, and the number of Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds he had refined by now was countless. Normal contract backlash was nothing he feared. "You should count yourself lucky." Steward Wu sighed deeply and spoke again. "The destination for the adjacent courtyard is Heavenly Gate Star. The battles there are intense, extremely dangerous." "But on Border Star, the demons were already driven out months ago. For us to be sent there, it''s considered lucky enough." Steward Wu''s tone was full of relief. But I fear not just the chaos of demons, but Lu Shenjun! Chen Mu frowned deeply. When I first came to Heavenly Pass Star, it was partly to avoid Lv Yue. Who would''ve thought that just over half a year later, Lv Yue would also make his way to Outer Heaven Star. If he somehow discovered that I was cultivating the "Jade Cicada Secret Scripture"... Perhaps, I should run! Chen Mu''s thoughts started spinning. Heavenly Pass Star is so vast, I could find a random place to hide and wait until the battles subside before coming out. After all, I''m not afraid of Five Thunders Bombarding. "Thinking of fleeing from Heavenly Pass City and becoming a deserter?" Steward Wu gave Chen Mu a sideways glance. "Absolutely not. I''m a rule-abiding, honest man." Chen Mu replied with a serious expression. "Then go, by all means, go. As long as you can evade Jiao Mu Star Lord''s search." Steward Wu replied calmly. Jiao Mu Star Lord? Who''s that? I only heard that Heavenly Pass City has a high-ranking Elder surnamed Lan. Why is there suddenly a Star Lord? Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat. "Heavenly Stars have spirits, known as Star Lords. The entire star is within their divine sight." "Even if you hide within the planet''s core, you would still be dragged out." "By then, Five Thunders Bombarding would be the merciful option. You''d be directly conscripted into the Suicide Camp. As for your fate... hehe..." Steward Wu coldly chuckled, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned away: "We depart in three days. You decide for yourself where you''ll go." So Border Star really is unavoidable? Chen Mu felt his scalp tingle. ... Heavenly Market Street, Hundred Herbs Pavilion. "One Green Jade Turtle Shell, for 23 Daoist Cultivation and 35 White Jade. Here you go, sir." A middle-aged attendant in a brown garment pushed a small wooden box toward Chen Mu. "The price dropped?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Green Jade Turtle Shell was one of the main ingredients for a Rejuvenation Pill. A month ago, it was priced at 30 Daoist Cultivation and 43 White Jade. "It''s because we''re all going to support Lu Shenjun. Elder Lan Shenjun allocated some Daoist Cultivation and White Jade subsidies to everyone." "Recently, the prices of elixirs and magic artifacts have all dropped a bit." The middle-aged attendant explained with a smile. There''s a silver lining? Unfortunately, I don''t have much Daoist Cultivation left; I''ve been spending it steadily on Rejuvenation Pill materials. The rest I plan to convert into White Jadeotherwise, I''d go on a shopping spree. "There''s a large number of people being conscripted this time?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "It''s not your average number." The middle-aged attendant sighed. "About seventy percent of the Daoist Soldiers across the Heavenly Pass Eighteen Stars are reportedly included in this transfer." "Even our shopkeeper here at Hundred Herbs Pavilion didn''t escape conscription." The attendant chuckled bitterly. Chen Mu was stunned. "Is it because the front lines are unfavorable?" He furrowed his brows, his face full of worry. "Not at all." The attendant laughed lightly. "Of Jiao Mu''s ninety stars, over thirty have long been occupied by demons. "Under Lu Shenjun''s command, the Black Armor warriors are fearless. Just last month alone, they reclaimed five stars and are now pressing on toward the Heavenly Gate Thirteen Stars." "They''ve reclaimed so much territory that there aren''t enough people to defend and rebuild. That''s why there''s this conscription order." So Lv Yue isn''t currently at Border Star? Good news! Chen Mu felt slightly relieved. "Do you know about Jiao Mu Star Lord?" He continued asking. "You''ve heard too?" The middle-aged attendant seemed excited: "Yesterday afternoon, many from the first batch of transfers tried to desert." "Some hid in deep ocean trenches, others buried themselves underground in rainforest caverns, and the furthest ones went as far as diving into molten rivers in the southern polar region." "These newly conscripted Daoist Soldiers had no idea about Jiao Mu Star Lord''s divine skills. Early this morning, all were dragged back to Heavenly Pass City." "By noon, those deserters were sent straight to Heavenly Gate and assigned to the front lines Suicide Camp." "Originally supposed to be auxiliary soldiers at the front, they ended up in the deadliest Suicide Camp. Tsk, what misfortune." The attendant clicked his tongue in schadenfreude. Jiao Mu Star Lord is this powerful? ... At dusk. Chen Mu lay on a low couch by the window, staring out at the Heavenly Star in a daze. His probing throughout Heavenly Market Street had basically extinguished any hope of deserting. Even Thousand Lanterns City was not an option. After all, it was an Incomplete Cave Heaven. The Exquisite Jade Plate couldn''t generate Earth Spirit Vital Energy within Thousand Lanterns City. For cultivation, he ultimately had to leave. "A Star Lord is the spirit of a star, instantly controlling the entire star. If I reveal myself, I''ll almost certainly be dragged out by Jiao Mu Star Lord." "Unless I can break through Heavenly Gate to leave Heavenly Pass Star, there''s no way to avoid this conscription order." "I''ve barely spent a few peaceful days cultivating. Damn that Lu Shenjun." Chen Mu cursed inwardly. Lv Yue was indeed no longer at Border Star. But Border Star was ultimately reclaimed by Lv Yue. There might still be remnants of plague lingering there. According to Meng Qingchan, that plague was essentially Lv Yue''s eyes and ears. "I must remain cautious!" Chen Mu checked his Jade Seed internally. Except for a corner as large as a grape''s inner wall, most areas were now covered with golden patterns. He brought up the Gray Wall. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 9239/10000/Third Rank; "I need to refine the scripture to the Fourth Rank before heading to Border Star so the golden patterns engulf the entire Jade Seed." According to the Gray Wall''s feedback, the first three ranks of the scripture seemed like laying the foundation, altering the deepest structures of the Jade Seed. Currently, his vitality was defective, causing fluctuations that could be detected by skilled individuals. Once he passed the Third Rank and solidified his foundation, his vitality would become harmonious and sealed. Unless he deliberately revealed it or was subjected to targeted probing, he''d hardly be detected. "Rushing to complete half a month''s progress in just three days?" "Tsk! This might squeeze me dry like a husk." Chen Mu grimaced, feeling a faint ache in his forehead. Reshaping the Jade Seed required Primordial Qi, which was refined from vast amounts of mana, which in turn needed immense Earth Spirit Vital Energy and his own Essence and Divine Energy. Half a year ago, he had been obsessed with reshaping the Jade Seed, to the point of over-cultivating and nearly ruining himself. He had to halve his cultivation intensity to recover. But now he had to not only restore his previous intensity but double it... "Even if I exhaust myself to the limit, my vitality recovery speed likely won''t keep up." Chen Mu frowned in frustration. Scrolling through the secret techniques on the Gray Wall, he repeatedly examined them before settling his gaze on one entry. Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 8475/10000/Fourth Rank; This secret technique was rather sinister, capable of extracting Essence and Divine Energy from the flesh and blood of living beings to quickly replenish the practitioner''s vitality. But, like the Star Absorption Technique in martial arts novels from his previous life, Chen Mu always worried about potential unseen risks. Essence gathered from others was ultimately impure. Previously, other than using it to assist Heavenly Demon Body cultivation, he''d hardly relied on this technique. But now... "I can''t solely rely on physical absorption of Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine. It definitely won''t match my cultivation intensity; I''ll have to use it to handle emergencies." Chen Mu sighed helplessly. He planned to draw Inner Yuan Qi from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd using the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to assist in cultivation, speeding up completion of the scripture''s Third Rank. "With the Bottomless Pool acting as a barrier, there shouldn''t be any issues... right?" "Hmm, maybe I should consider the Heavenly Demon Body." Chen Mu''s eyes lit up, and his face revealed a look of excitement. Essence from others may be impure, but extracting essence from my own clone shouldn''t be a problem! The Heavenly Demon Body, after all, is a Divine Fetus Yin Spirit. It''s just extracting a little essenceonly for three days. It''ll certainly be fine! The Heavenly Demon Body: "..." Thank you very much! Chapter 688 - 676: Heavenly Craft Camp Three days later. Chen Mu arrived at Demon Dispel Alley with a pale face. "You didn''t spend the past three days sleeping at the Magnolia Stockade in the city''s south, did you?" Manager Wu''s eyes widened. "Those ladies there practice the ''Desire Heaven Longevity Technique.'' Being able to last three days there without dyingBrother, you''re something else!" He looked at Chen Mu with both amazement and admiration written all over his face. I wish I could. But I''d need the strength to pull that off first. Chen Mu tugged the corners of his mouth into a polite smile, cupped his hands as a gesture of respect, and then slipped to the edge of the crowd, squinting as he rested his mind. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 115/10000/Fourth Rank; "Not easy at all." Staring at the experience value displayed on the gray wall in front of him, he let out an inward sigh of relief. Finally, after three sleepless days and nights, he had managed to push the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture to the fourth level. Inside the Jade Seed, the originally semi-transparent white jade inner wall was now covered with exquisite, mysterious golden patterns. His Vital Energy flowed steadily and harmoniously. Unless Lv Yue probed him up close, his cultivation of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture would remain undetected. "But my Heavenly Demon Body has taken a hit." Chen Mu directed his inner focus toward the secret acupoint in the center of his eyebrows. In order to ensure he had sufficient Vital Energy for cultivation, he had used the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to extract Vital Energy from his Heavenly Demon Body, diverting it to his main body to nourish and reinforce his foundation. Three days of consecutive extraction had left the Divine Fetus pearl within the secret acupoint looking somewhat dull and grayish. Even so, his main body still could not completely escape Vital Energy deficiency. "It''ll need some proper time to recover." Thankfully, his core essence wasn''t damaged. With enough Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, he reckoned he''d be back in shape within ten to fifteen days. By then, he''d also extract Yin Spirit Divine Power from Ghosts to refine into frosty white mist, nourishing his Heavenly Demon Body. The Divine Fetus pearl would soon regain its brightness and luster. "Hmm, I''ll have to trouble the Inheriting Heaven Gourd a bit more." ... The Heavenly Pass Star was the foremost among the Heavenly Gate Eighteen Stars. The main city, Heavenly Pass City, was already massive. Surrounding it were seven or eight satellite Guard Cities, their Daoist Soldier numbers beyond measure. This time, a significant number of Daoist Soldiers had been mobilized. Chen Mu originally thought there would be overwhelming chaos as a result. But after observing for a while, he realized that the entirety of Heavenly Pass City was surprisingly well-organized. The departure times and routes for people were meticulously planned, as though an invisible hand was orchestrating everything. "It''s Jiao Mu Star Lord," the murmurs within the crowd continued. "As long as the stars are undestroyed, the Star Lords are undying, their lifespan near infinitethey''re practically divine spirits born of the cosmos." "Tsk tsk, I''ve heard that even the daylight and night cycles of our Heavenly Pass Star are but manifestations of the Star Lord''s Divine Skills." "But their rise and fall are tied to the stars. Ultimately, their potential is capped." "Don''t boast carelessly. The limits of a Star Lord are an unattainable height for nearly all Qi Cultivators in a lifetime." "True that..." Chen Mu blended into the crowd, squinting his eyes as he listened with great interest. His curiosity about this Jiao Mu Star Lord was immense. A Star Spiritrarer still than monsters becoming spirits. What on earth would it look like? As he listened to the chatter, time passed quickly. Before long, the Yellow Jade Identity Token dangling from Chen Mu''s waist gave a faint tremble. A set of departure routes and times appeared in his mind out of nowhere. "Not only does it record Daoist Cultivation and verify identity, but now it even lets me receive information from a Star Lord. Impressive!" Chen Mu toyed with the Yellow Jade Token, intrigued. Following its guidance, he stepped away from the Xinsi Courtyard and slowly made his way toward Heavenly Market Street with the crowd. From a high vantage, countless Daoist Soldiers could be seen moving through the streets and alleys. Each of them wore close-fitting combat attire, armed with blades or swords. Their pouches bulged at their waists, filled with Mustard Seed Talismans. Like streams converging into a river, they moved in an orderly manner onto Heavenly Market Street, eventually lining up to pass through the White Jade Heavenly Gate at the end of the street. Chen Mu followed in no hurry, crossing through the White Jade Heavenly Gate. A chill swept over him, and the scenery shifted in an instant. Within a single breath, he had left Heavenly Pass City, now standing within a sprawling military camp. The camp was stationed upon a hillside. Gazing into the distance, he saw an endless forest stretching far beyond the horizon. Looking upward, an unimaginably massive star hung suspended like a moon within arm''s reach, dominating the sky. In just the blink of an eye, Chen Mu had already arrived at some faraway border star. The Heavenly Craft Camp on Border Star had prepared well for the arrival of Chen Mu and the other Daoist Soldierseverything from food and lodging was promptly sorted out. Then... then Chen Mu was immediately handed a basket of Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes and, with barely a moment to catch his breath, was dragged off straight to work. ... Two days later, Chen Mu appeared at the westernmost side of the camp, his face pale. Following the information contained within his Yellow Jade Token, he located a jade-green, one-person-tall snail shellthe accommodation allocated to him by the camp. Without putting much thought into it, he glanced briefly at his equally exhausted companions nearby, then mimicked their actions, pushing open the round door panel on the snail shell and stepping inside. Immediately, an interior space far exceeding the shell''s external dimensions, roughly the size of two bedrooms, came into view. "The Thousand Miles Domicile Technique?" Chen Mu noted the white jade-like patterns on the snail shell''s inner walls and nodded. "Looks like I''m really cultivating a dojo inside a snail shell now." Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle softly. Pulling out a clean bedding set, he spread it out on the wooden bed. Then, after taking a long swig of Nourishing Spirit Wine from his gourd, Chen Mu collapsed into bed and fell asleep immediately. The past two days of processing Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes nonstop weren''t physically taxing. However, he truly felt worn out. The relentless three days spent grinding the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture without rest, on top of insufficient sleep, had left his Vital Energy severely depleted and his entire being listless. At this moment, with some stability restored, he had no desire to do anything but bury himself in sleep. ... Several days later, in the afternoon. At the Heavenly Craft Camp on Border Star, Chen Mu returned to his snail shell from the Demon Dispel Department as usual. Over the span of a few days, he had become mostly accustomed to this new life on Border Star. Every morning, he worked at the Demon Dispel Department. In the evening, he returned to his snail shell home. Apart from a change in his workplace, there was little difference from his time in Heavenly Pass City. "According to the camp''s rumors, it seems Lv Yue is indeed no longer on Border Star." "Not even a single Black Armor Warrior under his command has been leftthey''ve all gone to Heavenly Gate Star." "That''s a good thing." Chen Mu rubbed his slightly throbbing temples, taking a sip of Nourishing Spirit Wine. "The demons on Border Star have largely been expelled. What remains are minor creatures like Eagle-beaked White Jade Snakes; safety is essentially guaranteed." He had feared two things: Lv Yue discovering his cultivation of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, and the chaos and peril of rampant demons. Now that these two threats had essentially disappeared, Chen Mu could finally set his mind at ease. "It''s just a different environment. Once my body recovers, it won''t delay the remolding of the Jade Seed one bit." At this point, he was finally able to genuinely relax, allowing himself to observe his accommodations with some interest. "I heard these Green Jade Snails are exotic creatures bred by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, possessing some innate mystical abilities to compress spatial dimensions." "With a bit of refinement, they make excellent living quarters." "When I have free time, maybe I''ll take a closer look at the talismans on the walls. It might even help improve my Mustard Seed Spell." Chen Mu chuckled as he surveyed the room. Back in Yunzhou''s Goose Sheep Path, he had been involved in crafting the Water Avoiding Shuttle, which had greatly boosted his proficiency with the Mustard Seed Spell. However, his progress had stalled after that. "Of course, the most important thing is continuing to remold the Jade Seed." Chen Mu raised his right index finger in front of his eyes. A flicker of golden light appeared in the depths of his gaze, and a needle-sized speck of golden stardust materialized at his fingertip. This was none other than the Primordial Qi unique to the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation. "Candle Dragon Transformation, Five Thunders Spell, Heavenly Demon Armoreach of these secret techniques has its own remarkable qualities, all modeled after Divine Demon Qi." "As powerful as they are, they remain just techniques. Their essence differs, and their ceilings are fixed." "But this speck of stardust is uniquely mine, encapsulating my true Spirit." "Though it''s weak now, its future potential is limitless." A broad smile spread across Chen Mu''s face. The past three days of frenzied cultivation, which had pushed his Vital Energy to its limits, seemed in retrospect like a futile battle of wits against thin airLv Yue wasn''t even stationed on Border Star. It felt as if he had been wrestling with ghosts for nothing. Yet as he gazed at the golden Primordial Qi before him, Chen Mu felt it had all been worth it. The emergence of the Primordial Qi signified that the foundation of his being had launched into its initial stage of transformation and reconstruction. With the enhancement of his life essence, his Mana had become more agile and spiritual. Even his Truth Listening Divine Power had received a boost. With a mere thought, all sounds within a thirty-mile radius entered his ears. "The passive range has expanded from twenty miles to thirty, and I can hear more clearly and deeply as well." "Sure enough, the Dao Foundation is the root of everything." "When the essence improves, supernatural abilities naturally follow suit." "And this is only the third level of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture. If I go even further..." Chen Mu stared at the golden speck on his fingertip, his face radiant with anticipation. "I need to recover my Vital Energy as soon as possible." If not for his physical limitations, he would have jumped into cultivation right then and there. Chapter 689 - 677: Recovery At noon, in the Heavenly Craft Camp on the Edge Star. On a flat mountainside on the eastern side of the camp, a group of people gathered to chat and gossip. "The Thirteen Stars keep winning victories; Lu Shenjun''s divine power is boundless!" "It''s mainly because of those Black Armor warriors. They''re incredibly strong, capable of self-replenishing mana, fearless in the face of death, and possess the strengths of both Daoist soldiers and demon puppets. How could they not win?" "Those warrior Daoist soldiers were once living human beings. Now their souls are obliterated, and their bodies can''t even rest in peace. It''s truly cruel." "In war, people die. Without them, it might be us Daoist soldiers lying dead. We should thank Lu Shenjun." "That''s true. If anyone''s to blame, it should be that Green Worm Demon Monarch. She''s the one who caused those souls to dissipate. Lu Shenjun is just making use of waste." Chen Mu in the crowd squinted slightly, gazing at the two who had just spoken. If they knew that it was Lu Yue himself who spread the Green Worm Gu Poison, he wondered if they would still revere Lu Shenjun so much. "Ignorance is bliss," Chen Mu sighed to himself. The continuous victories in the Heavenly Star battles were all well and good. But if the war turned sour, or if too many Black Armor warriors were lost, would Lu Yue secretly start refining front-line Daoist soldiers into more Black Armor warriors? "Once a bottom line is broken, it can be broken twice." "That Lu Shenjun doesn''t seem like the benevolent type," Chen Mu silently shook his head. Fortunately, the Edge Star was far from the front lines, so there wasn''t much to fear. Moreover, with the Delusion Seven Emotions Flame and Heavenly Demon Armor as his foundation, Chen Mu wasn''t afraid of Lu Shenjun''s plague poison. If things took a turn for the worse, he could handle it. As he pondered, a black dot appeared on the distant horizon. Within a few breaths, the black dot rapidly expanded, and a massive white cloud came into view before Chen Mu''s eyes. Countless white ropes dangled from within the cloud, intertwining and weaving into an enormous net. A vast number of demon and exotic beast corpses were held within the net, being dragged along by the white cloud in the sky as it swiftly approached the Heavenly Palace Camp. "I didn''t expect that the skin and bones of the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake would be used here." Chen Mu looked up, watching the white cloud and the net in the distant sky with interest. The white cloud was the Five Clouds Cloth, a special magic artifact of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. It could float, bear weight, and was often used to transport large objects. The white jade-colored net below, on the other hand, was woven using the ropes made from the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake demon puppets. "Adjustable in size and extremely tough by nature, with a bit of refinement it has infinite uses." "As expected of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, truly masters in the crafting of all kinds of artifacts." Chen Mu thought of the Cloud Bat Flying Boat and Bai Gui Ship, both special demon puppets crafted from exotic beasts, similar in essence to the white jade ropes in the sky. While he marveled, the Five Clouds Cloth dragged the white jade net into the air above the Heavenly Palace Camp. The white jade ropes squirmed and retracted back into the cloud layer. Like a fishing boat dumping its catch of fish from the net, accompanied by a strong stench, the demon and exotic beast corpses tumbled down with a loud crash, plummeting into a large pit below. Several Daoist soldiers, fully clad in protective armor, leapt into the pit, quickly sorting and boxing the remains, then handing them over to the Demon Dispel Department members waiting by the pit. Chen Mu joined the queue, picked up a box, and carried it to the Demon Dispel Department''s camp. This was his task for the day. Over the past ten days, similar routines had repeated nearly every day. Chen Mu had already become well-practiced at it. ... By evening. Chen Mu returned to the westernmost housing area of the camp. Standing before the snail-shell-shaped house, Chen Mu infused mana into the Yellow Jade Identity Token at his waist. A flash of emerald green light danced around the edges of the circular black-and-green door panel. Soon after, the tightly shut door slowly opened. Chen Mu stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Immediately, he slapped a Dust-Avoiding Talisman onto himself. The powdery dust, carrying a faint stench, instantly flew off his gray short robes. He summoned the Five Ghosts Black Cloud, letting it sweep over his entire body to cleanse him thoroughly. The odors accumulated from working in the Demon Dispel Department were instantly cleared. But Chen Mu still didn''t feel entirely clean. He brought his hands up to his nose, sniffing several times. Only after confirming there were no lingering odors did he let out a long sigh of relief and settle into a nearby rocking chair by the door. "Back when I was farming Yellow Bud Rice in Yunzhou, I dealt with the earth all day, often coming into contact with stinky fertilizers." "Now I can''t even tolerate a slight stenchhow spoilt I''ve become." Chen Mu shook his head, chuckling. Flipping his hand, he pulled out a palm-sized White Jade Gourd and habitually took a sip. The cool liquid slid from his mouth to his stomach, soon spreading warmth throughout his body and sending a refreshing sensation straight to his head. The gourd contained a mixture of Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine. Over the past ten days, Chen Mu had relied on these two to quickly recover his depleted vital energy. By now, his body had mostly recovered. The Yin Spirit Divine Fetus cultivated in his Heavenly Demon Body had also regained its radiant and full luster under the nourishment of copious cold white mist. "Finally, I can resume rebuilding my Daoist Foundation." Chen Mu eagerly started inspecting his Jade Seed internally. At this moment, the Jade Seed was covered in dark golden patterns, ancient and enigmatic. Chen Mu skillfully reversed the River Chariot Divine Acupoint, first refining mana into primordial qi, then recalling the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map in his mind. The primordial qi was guided by an invisible force, autonomously drilling into the inner walls of the Jade Seed. A fine, hair-like root emerged from the outer wall of the Jade Seed, beginning to grow outward. "The first three layers are for replacing the foundational roots of the Jade Seed. Subsequent cultivation involves expanding outward from this foundation to form a complete Daoist Foundation." With the feedback from the Gray Wall, Chen Mu gradually gained understanding. With the Dao Foundation Map in hand and the Gray Wall providing supplementary feedback, as long as there was sufficient primordial qi, the Daoist Foundation could be successfully forged step by step. What he needed most right now was a stable environment. And the current Edge Star... Was actually not too bad. "The tasks in the Demon Dispel Department are demanding, but with the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique''s assistance, dispelling demons is a breeze. That leaves plenty of free time each day." "The Edge Star is far from the Heavenly Gate Thirteen Stars and won''t be affected by the front-line battles. It''s perfectly stable." "Though it can''t compare to the Heavenly Pass Star, it''s still a decent place for cultivation," Chen Mu thought cheerfully and quickly immersed himself in reshaping the Jade Seed. ... Heavenly Gate Star, the main star. Atop a cliff on a towering peak, Lu Yue sat cross-legged on the edge of the precipice, his purple and black Daoist Robe fluttering as he gazed at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance, his face expressionless. "Master, the Plague Immortal Flag has been successfully placed in the Primordial Energy Well." A figure clad in black and red armor, Han Ying, suddenly appeared behind Lu Yue. "Including this one, the Plague Immortal Arrays on the Heavenly Gate Thirteen Stars have all been completed." "Good." Lu Yue nodded slightly, "Rest for a day. Then take people to the Heaven Pillar Eleven Stars to continue setting up the arrays." "Master, should we inform Elder Lan about this?" Han Ying hesitated and asked. "The plague poison can kill demons, but it can also kill Daoist soldiers. Lan Xiuzhu, with his hypocritical compassion, would never agree to deploying the plague poison." Lu Yue''s eyes flickered as he glanced at his disciple with a cold snort. "The Heavenly Gate, Heaven Pillar, and over thirty other stars have long been occupied by demons. If he can''t reclaim them, then I will." "What about Jiao Mu Star Lord?" Han Ying''s face showed a tinge of uncertainty. "If it didn''t approve, how could you have placed the Plague Immortal Flag in the Primordial Energy Well?" Lu Yue''s expression remained cold. "The Star Lord is a Star Spirit, unconcerned with universal ideas of good and evil. It only cares whether the stars remain under its control." "Even if every living being on a star perished, it wouldn''t bat an eye. Go without worry." "Yes!" Han Ying immediately clasped his hands, bowed, and disappeared from the mountain peak. Lu Yue, however, remained seated motionless. He flipped his hand, producing a dull gray Inheriting Heaven Gourd. As he gazed at the faint silver patterns on the gourd''s surface, a fervent expression flashed momentarily across his face. "It''s close." "Once I use the Plague Immortal Technique to refine the myriad demon essences, I am certain I will achieve my Second Primordial Spirit." "At that point, I can open an external Daoist Grotto and ascend even further!" Chapter 690 - 678: Plague Immortal Flag Late at night. Edge Shelter Star, Heavenly Craft Camp. The stars in the sky, seemingly within reach, radiated a soft glow like the moon. The bright starlight shone through the one-way translucent blue-black circular door and illuminated Chen Mu''s room. On the low couch not far behind the door, Chen Mu sat cross-legged. A black earthen jar, about the size of a bowl and as tall as a hand, stood at the center of a square table in front of him. Two small black beetles the size of soybeans were quietly resting at the bottom of the jar. Chen Mu opened his right hand, revealing two golden specks as thin as a needle. With a twist of his wrist, the golden specks instantly merged into the bodies of the small beetles. The previously peaceful insects trembled violently, let out sharp screeches, and ferociously lunged at each other. In the blink of an eye, they clashed and began to tear into one another viciously. Broken wings and shattered limbs flew everywhere, and within moments, one of the beetles had its head bitten off and died. The surviving beetle continued to tear and devour its opponent until it had consumed half of it, finally halting its actions. Its own severed limbs began to regenerate rapidly. "Strengthening, battling, devouringmaking the victor grow stronger. Isn''t this what refining beasts is all about?!" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows slightly. "No wonder Meng Qingchan excels at using Green Worm Poison." He came to a realization in his heart. It had been nearly two months since his arrival on Edge Shelter Star. Chen Mu had been following a structured routine every day, making swift progress in the fourth layer of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture. The derived Golden Sand Qi had been growing increasingly abundant. Leaning on feedback from the Gray Wall and conducting some brief experiments, Chen Mu discovered the wondrous effects of Jade Cicada Qi. "It''s a pity I don''t have a suitable Secret Method for refining or practicing Plague and Gu beasts. Otherwise, I''d definitely try refining some." The experiences in Hai Province were still vivid in his memoryPlague Gu was strange and unpredictable in its effects. If mastered, it wouldn''t just ensure victory over enemies; it would also make self-defense far easier. Chen Mu waved his hand to collect the jar, leaned back onto a soft pillow, and stared out at the massive starry sky through the circular blue jade door, lost in thought. "Should I wake Meng Qingchan and trade Secret Techniques with her?" Chen Mu immediately shook his head. Compared to methods for refining Gu beasts, the boundless Vital Energy within the Inheriting Heaven Gourd was far more valuable. What if she wakes up and simply runs away? "Meng Qingchan hails from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The Secret Method for Plague Gu must be archived within the sect." "I no longer need to exchange for the Daoist Foundation Atlas, anyway." "Accumulating Daoist Cultivation points could be just right for trading for a few similar techniques." ... Months later, on the main star of the Heavenly Gate Star. Lv Yue sat upright as usual on the mountaintop''s cliff edge. Behind him appeared Han Ying, dressed in black-and-red armor. "Master, I did not fail you. All thirty-six Plague Immortal Flags have been deployed into the Primordial Energy Well." "Once the Heavenly Gate is destroyed and the pathway severed, the Plague Immortal Array can thoroughly seal all thirty-six stars." "Good!" Lv Yue''s perpetually stern face unexpectedly broke into a smile. Destroying the Heavenly Gate to seal the star, releasing the Yellow Millet Plague Poison, and using the Plague Immortal Flags to refine the souls of all living beings for his own benefit. This plan not only wipes out the Outer Heaven Demons but also completes his Second Primordial Spirit. Years of meticulous planning had finally come to its final stage. "Master, the Plague Immortal Flags were ultimately forged by the Green Worm Demon Monarch." "Now her remnant Primordial Spirit remains elusive. What if she acts to seize the Plague Immortal Flags..." Han Ying posed his concern. "I hope she does take action." Lv Yue sneered disdainfully. It''s the perfect chance for me to eliminate her roots entirely. To be able to forge the Plague Immortal Flags, Meng Qingchan''s talent was indeed extraordinary. However, the foundation for her Secret Techniques came from the Linglong Golden Seal Secret Technique that he had provided. The Golden Seal Fragment contained deliberate flaws, flaws that he himself controlled. Three centuries ago, he had relied on the vulnerabilities in the Secret Method to suppress Meng Qingchan. Now, she was nothing more than a mere fragment of a soul. Seize the Plague Immortal Flags? Ha! Delusional! ... Evening, Edge Shelter Star. Chen Mu, as usual, left the Demon Dispel Department and returned to the Snail Shell Camp along with others. As per routine, he cleaned himself thoroughly before starting to prepare dinner. Compared to the bland and tasteless Fasting Pills, he much preferred a mix of meat and vegetables in various dishes. To that end, his Five Ghosts Bag was always stocked with a large supply of dried meats and vegetables. If Meng Qingchan hadn''t occupied Thousand Lanterns City, he might have even cultivated a vegetable farm within the city limits. After dinner. The stars hung high in the night sky, and the camp was utterly silent. Chen Mu didn''t rush into cultivation but instead flipped his hand to produce a chunk of fresh, walnut-sized Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake meat, placing it on a small porcelain plate. He then fully activated the Truth Listening Divine Power, carefully examining the meat. As his Jade Seed continued to reshape and his own foundation improved, his Truth Listening Divine Power had also grown more refined. Thus, Chen Mu detected a faint sense of anomaly. "It''s been dead for quite some time, yet there are faint traces of life within." "Could it be that Outer Heaven Demons are so powerful their fragmented bodies still retain activity?" Chen Mu shook his head slowly. The Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake was merely a low-level Demon Beast, unlikely to possess such traits. "Perhaps another form of life exists within the beast''s meat." Parasites? Unlikely. Could they be lifeforms akin to bacteria or viruses? Chen Mu nodded thoughtfully. "Could this be the so-called Demon Poison?" "If I could find a way to kill these microscopic lifeforms, might I also be able to purify the Demon Poison?" Chen Mu''s interest was piqued. The boundless Vital Energy within the Inheriting Heaven Gourd was helpful, but it lacked control. Who knows when Meng Qingchan might wake up and disappear? Chen Mu realized he had to plan long-term. Unfortunately, after repeated testing and using various methods from the Seven Emotions Flame Demon Technique, he still couldn''t eradicate the tiny life forms within the Demon Beast meat. "A more complete Daoist Foundation and deeper Truth Listening Divine Power may allow targeted elimination." "It seems the only solution is to enhance my own Dao further." Chen Mu regretfully shook his head. Clearing the table, lighting a Soul Condensing Incense, and preparing Nourishing Spirit Wine, Chen Mu began his nightly cultivation. The stars brightened and dimmed in the night sky, and time quickly reached deep into the night. Suddenly, Chen Mu''s body trembled violently, his eyes snapped open, and a massive burst of golden sand emerged around him. It unfurled like mist, like clouds, like dust, spreading all throughout the room. Chen Mu''s eyes lit up with joy as the Gray Wall appeared before him. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 1/10000/Fifth Rank; "One step further!" He looked at the golden haze surrounding him and couldn''t help but smile. Just as he was about to savor the feedback from the Gray Wall, the golden mist suddenly coalesced into a sphere the size of a person in mid-air. Before Chen Mu could make sense of what was happening Buzz! The entire golden sphere shuddered, and a fiery red Triangular Order Flag suddenly emerged from within the golden mist. "This flag..." "Why does it look so familiar?!" Memories of his prayer for rain at Taoshan Temple in Hai Province immediately resurfaced. "Plague Immortal Flag?" "No!" "How did this thing end up in my possession?!" Chen Mu froze in bewilderment. ... On Heavenly Gate Star, Lv Yue stood before the shattered remains of the White Jade Heavenly Gate, equally dumbfounded. He had just detonated the Thirty-six Star Gates and was preparing to deploy the Plague Immortal Flags to release the plague poison. Only to discover that the Plague Immortal Flags were now empty shellsits core inexplicably vanished. Years of meticulous planning collapsed in a single stroke? Fuck! Lv Yue''s face twitched, and his teeth nearly shattered from clenching. Awoooo The heart-wrenching cries echoed from the horizon. Lv Yue''s face turned ashen. With the Heavenly Gate destroyed, the pathway to and from Heavenly Gate Star vanished, turning the star into a locked prison where entry and exit were impossible. Originally, with the Plague Immortal Flags, he could rapidly release plague poison and promptly refine and subdue all Demons. But now... "Meng Qingchan!" "You truly deserve death!" Still in slumber within Thousand Lanterns City, Meng Qingchan: "..." How the hell is this my fault?! Chapter 691 - 679: Hidden Move Edge Star, Heavenly Craft Camp. Early in the morning, everyone gathered at the eastern hillside of the camp as usual, waiting for the Five Clouds Cloth to deliver monster corpses. But shortly after they arrived, several streaks of Escape Light suddenly shot from the mountain summit behind them, swiftly flying into the distance. Before anyone could react, another streak of Escape Light appeared above the camp, revealing a middle-aged man dressed in black. He raised a palm-sized Bronze Token and proclaimed in a thunderous voice: "All Daoist Soldiers must immediately return to their respective camps. No one is to leave without an official decree. Any violators will face the punishment of Five Thunders Bombarding!" As his voice fell, an indistinct force instantly descended upon everyone''s surroundings. Chen Mu, who blended into the crowd, had his face change abruptly and his heart sank. "They''re actually using the Daoist Soldier Contract to impose restrictions... Something major must have happened!" He immediately thought of the inexplicable appearance of the Plague Immortal Flag last nightthe very artifact belonging to Lu Shenjun, Lv Yue. Issuing a lockdown order for the camp first thing in the morningit was likely that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect was conducting an extensive search for the Plague Immortal Flag! "Maybe... I should make a run for it!" Chen Mu felt a growing sense of unease. He glanced at the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elder hovering in mid-air, his eyes coldly surveying the crowd. Chen Mu lowered his gaze, took a deep breath, and silently followed the others back to the camp. Stay calm. Don''t panic. If a getaway is necessary, it should be done in the dead of night, unnoticed. For now, the best tactic is to hide and keep a low profile. ... Within the Snail Shell Camp. Chen Mu reclined on a rocking chair by the door, his spirit immersed within the Shadow Pupil of Thousand Lanterns City. He focused his vision through the enormous eye, locking onto the fiery Command Flag standing before the three-story wooden tower. "I only cultivated the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture up to the fifth tierhow could this end up attracting such a thing?" "Did Meng Qingchan tamper with the scripture''s contents? That doesn''t make sense." Chen Mu frowned. The feedback from the Gray Wall indicated that the flaws in the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had gradually been fixed, so a defect shouldn''t be the issue. "Or could it be that merely reaching a certain tier in cultivating the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture inherently summons the Plague Immortal Flag?" Chen Mu mused. The Plague Immortal Flag, crafted by Meng Qingchan, might indeed have an enigmatic connection to the scripture. Lv Yue may have held the flag for years, but he had never practiced the Jade Cicada Secret Scripturethus, a failure in control might very well explain its escape. What a disaster! Chen Mu''s face twitched as he inwardly groaned. The Plague Immortal Flag was undoubtedly a powerful artifact, but it could draw Lv Yue''s relentless pursuit. Chen Mu had taken great pains to dodge him all this time, yet now had inadvertently taken possession of his treasure... Tsk! "I''ll have to hide the flag in Thousand Lanterns City for now." Chen Mu sighed and shook his head. Fortunately, Thousand Lanterns City was capable of severing Meng Qingchan''s auraand would likely do the same for the Plague Immortal Flag. The Divine Bone Mirror hadn''t been able to detect Meng Qingchan inside Thousand Lanterns City before, so Chen Mu remained reasonably confident in its ability to isolate objects from external senses. "The priority now is figuring out the reason behind the camp''s recent disruption. I need to confirm whether or not the Thousand Mechanisms Sect is truly conducting a full-scale search for the Plague Immortal Flag." With a single thought, Chen Mu activated the Truth Listening Divine Power. The myriad sounds within the camp flooded his ears in an instant. ... The next morning, the streaks of Escape Light that had left the camp reappeared at the mountain summit. Not long after, several bits of news were passed around the hillside camp. "The Heavenly Gate was destroyed?" "It wasn''t Lv Yue issuing orders to locate the Plague Immortal Flag?" "That''s fantastic news!" Standing at the entrance of the Snail Shell Camp, Chen Mu listened to the patrolling Daoist Soldiers delivering their messages and felt mixed emotionsfirst shock, then elation. He had spent the entire previous day on edge, paralyzed by the fear that Lv Yue might invade. He had even devised seven or eight different escape plans, only to find out it was all a false alarm. "It''s a blessing the Heavenly Gate was destroyedno one can go out, but outsiders can''t get in either." "For the time being, I won''t have to worry about Lv Yue coming after me." Chen Mu let out a huge sigh of relief. Moreover, with demons already cleared out on Edge Star, there was little danger left. The Primordial Energy Well atop the mountain continued to churn out vast quantities of Earth Spirit Vital Energy every day, undisturbed in its support for Qi Refinement cultivation. For Chen Mu, the isolated Edge Star had transformed into the perfect haven for peaceful cultivation. ... The destruction of the Heavenly Gate left the camp in chaos for several days. But it didn''t take long for everyone to realize that the Five Clouds Cloth was still delivering large quantities of monster and demon corpses, keeping them busy from dawn till dusk as usual. Life in the camp remained unchanged compared to before. Thanks to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Qi Cultivators'' reassuring efforts, the camp inhabitants gradually regained their composure. Chen Mu, too, no longer felt perpetually anxious. He quickly discovered that the mountain-top Elders and High Cultivators were preoccupied with repairing the Heavenly Gate, with no signs of searching for the Plague Immortal Flag. "It seems the Plague Immortal Flag is merely Lv Yue''s secret weaponunknown to anyone else." "Is it part of an attempt to forge more Black Armor Daoist Soldiers?" Tsk-tsk, once someone breaks their bottom line, it just happens again and again, doesn''t it?" Chen Mu shook his head quietly. He had suspected earlier that Lv Yue might mass-produce Daoist Soldiers to combat Outer Heaven Demons, but hadn''t expected him to act on it. "Good thing the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture absorbed the flag in advanceotherwise, who knows what kind of chaos it might unleash." While Chen Mu himself was resistant to the Green Worm Poison, others were not. If everyone else were afflicted but he stayed untouched, it would inevitably draw suspicion and trouble. Now, with the flag safely hidden and its venom neutralized, no harm would come to the camp inhabitants. Moreover, Thousand Lanterns City''s ability to isolate the flag''s aura meant Chen Mu didn''t need to worry about being tracked. And with the Heavenly Gate in disrepair, Lv Yue couldn''t even entera relief for all involved! ... A few days later, at the Demon Dispel Department. Chen Mu wielded a forearm-length dagger, its blade glowing with emerald light. With nimble wrist movements, he skillfully processed the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake before him. Bang! A wooden barrel, half the height of a person, was suddenly dropped at his feet. "More snakes? Wasn''t I only supposed to handle thirty-two of them? Why are you adding ten more?" Chen Mu complained to the short, stout Manager Wu. "You''re gonna earn Daoist Cultivation credits, so you better get to work," Manager Wu barked at him. "Even with doubled credits, I can''t finish thisI just don''t have the capacity," Chen Mu replied with a feigned bitter smile, refusing outright. He was in the Demon Dispel Department primarily for leisurely cultivation, not to earn Daoist credits through labor. "If you can''t finish, don''t sleep!" Manager Wu shot back with a side-eye. Daoist Soldiers in the Demon Dispel Department often pulled all-nighters for extra credits, but Chen Mu had the notorious habit of leaving right on time every day. His idleness was infuriating. With the department''s recent workload becoming increasingly heavy, Manager Wu wished he could split his workforce in half, and he certainly wouldn''t allow this slacker to slack any further. Heh! So the chubby Wu actually dared to pull this move on me? Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Do you really think my Nightmare Victory Spell is just for show? Having this thought, Chen Mu feigned resignation as he accepted the barrel of White Jade Snakes. But in his hand, he began weaving a spell, intending to trip the stubby manager the moment he was far enough away. But before the thought had even fully formed, Manager Wuwho had been sticking his neck out at Chen Mu moments earliersuddenly dropped to his knees with a thud. The movement was firm and deliberate, loud enough to startle Chen Mu. Wait! I haven''t even acted yetwhy are you kneeling now?! All I wanted was to skip some extra work; this is not that serious, is it? Chen Mu stared blankly at him with a mixture of shock and disbelief. At that moment, Manager Wu was kneeling, his pupils unfocused, his mouth curled upward into a bizarre smile resembling someone lost deep in a pleasant dream. Initially bewildered, Chen Mu noted the expression and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. This... isn''t this the classic symptom of Yellow Millet Plague Poison?! But I hid the Plague Immortal Flag securely in Thousand Lanterns Cityhow is Wu still succumbing to the poison?! Chen Mu immediately activated the Truth Listening Divine Power. Sounds of thudding bodies falling echoed around him, interspersed with grotesque laughter. Throughout the camp, people were inexplicably collapsing, each wearing the same eerie smile. Could Lu Shenjun have other hidden mechanisms besides the Plague Immortal Flag? Dammit! The brief moment of relief Chen Mu had enjoyed vanished into the abyss of dread once more. Chapter 692 - 680 Plague Immortal Technique Heavenly Gate Star. Above a mist-shrouded valley, a sudden break in the white fog revealed an enormous spiked tortoise-like demon beast plummeting from the clouds. With a burst of energy swirling around its body, it crashed into the valley with a thunderous boom. Its limbs twitched feebly, struggling to stand up, but no matter how hard it tried, it remained toppled over. Before long, its eyelids drooped heavily, and it soon sank into a deep slumber. Scenes like this played out repeatedly across the entirety of the Heavenly Gate Star. Birds in mid-flight suddenly lost consciousness and dropped from the sky, while fish floating in the oceans lay motionless in the water. On vast plains, countless Daoist soldiers stood unmoving with their eyes closed, eerie smiles spread across their faces. The entire celestial body was silenced, save for the occasional mournful whistle of the wind. On the pinnacle of a steep cliff, clouds swirled and coiled. Lv Yue stood at the mountain peak, surveying the fallen Daoist soldiers and demon beasts scattered across the valley below, his face emotionless. "Thank heavens for the foresight of our master. Otherwise, the Green Worm Demon Monarch might have succeeded this time," Han Ying said with unabashed admiration on his face. "The Green Worm Demon Monarch believed the Plague Immortal Flag to be the core of the Plague Immortal Array, yet she remained ignorant of the countless Plague Immortal Jars master deployed to unleash toxins alongside it." "Even without the Plague Immortal Flag, it would only slow the activation of the Plague Immortal Array." "How she managed to evade the Divine Bone Mirror''s search and flee to the Outer Heaven Star remains a mystery, though," he muttered with confusion. "Meng Qingchan!" Lv Yue furrowed his brows, but then shook his head, brushing off the thought with a wave of his hand. "Forget her for now. The pressing matter is the swift retrieval of the plague toxins." "Without the Plague Immortal Flag, there''s no way to use Ground Shrinking to remotely retrieve the toxinsit''ll be a laborious process moving forward." "With the Heavenly Gate severed, Primordial Spirit Refiners cannot breach the planet''s spiritual mechanism and penetrate its interior. The task of toxin retrieval falls solely on you." "Prepare yourself. Soon, I''ll cast a spell to send you to the Heaven Pillar Eleven Stars. Begin with reclaiming the toxin jars there as quickly as possible." "Understood!" Han Ying clasped his fist in salute and replied resolutely. ... Edge Star, Heavenly Craft Camp. Seven to eight days had passed since the first outbreak of the plague toxins. By now, the once-bustling camp had fallen silent, devoid of any movement. All around, it was eerily quiet. The camp''s location on Duzun Peak was draped entirely in a thin mist that emitted a faint glow, resembling a layer of sheer gauze. This was the Heavenly Clothes Spell cast jointly by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders to ward off evils and calamities. Even so, the plague''s spread remained unchecked, with Daoist soldiers inexplicably succumbing to its effects daily. The members of the Heavenly Craft Camp were consumed with unease, yet they could only barricade themselves indoors, not daring to step foot outside. "Lv Yue''s heart is truly blackened," someone muttered. In front of a three-story wooden building in Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu stared at a towering, crimson Command Flag and couldn''t help but sigh aloud. In Hai Province, he unleashed the Green Worm Poison under the guise of fending off a demon invasion, all to refine Daoist soldiers into cannon fodder. Now, upon reaching the Outer Heaven Star, he intends to repeat the same vile tactic, treating the lives of Daoist soldiers as utterly expendable. "Does possessing a higher Dao grant one free rein to commit any atrocity?" "What a cursed world!" Chen Mu clenched his teeth in fury. If not for the Heavenly Demon Armor and the Seven Emotions Flame, he too might have fallen unawares just like Steward Wu. "Lv Yue has controlled the Plague Immortal Flag for yearswho knows how many poisons he''s refined with it?" "I can guard against the Huangliang and Green Worm Poisons, but what about the others? There''s no saying I''d survive them." "Simply defending won''t cut it. I must take the offensive and strive to gain control of the Plague Immortal Flag as soon as possible." At that thought, Chen Mu raised his hand and channeled mana toward the Plague Immortal Flag. But despite being right in front of him, the flag seemed illusory. The mana passed through it without eliciting any reaction. "As expected, mere mana isn''t enough to activate the Command Flag." Chen Mu wasn''t disappointed; ordinary magic artifacts like the Flying Kite could be activated directly with mana. However, for more complex artifacts, unique spells were requiredsuch as with the Fire Cloud Gourd or the Primordial Alchemy Furnace. "Perhaps it''s worth trying the Mechanical Talisman Seed," Chen Mu pondered, an idea forming in his mind. The Mechanical Talisman Seed was the core for manipulating the Vermilion Feather Sword with the Mechanical Technique. By integrating it into a magic artifact, one could channel mana to the artifact from afar, enabling remote control. A Vermilion Feather Sword flew out from his sleeve. Activating the Mechanical Technique, Chen Mu extracted the talisman seed from within the sword and flicked it toward the Plague Immortal Flag. But just like before, the talisman seed passed straight through the flag, leaving no ripple. "The Plague Immortal Flag is a magic treasure. Ordinary artifact manipulation techniques evidently won''t suffice," Chen Mu mused to himself. "The flag''s emergence seems tied to Jade Cicada Qi; perhaps I might try using Golden Sand Qi." With a flip of his wrist, a golden mist materialized in his palm. The previously unresponsive flag now began to ripple, moving as though stirred by an invisible breeze. A faint sense of longing seemed to emanate from the air surrounding the Plague Immortal Flag. Using the Heavenly Demon Seven Emotions Curse for a further perceptive sense, he confirmed that the flag was indeed exuding a peculiar emotion: desire. Chen Mu froze for an instant in astonishment. "Does this magic treasure have such advanced spirituality? It feels almost alive!" Even artifacts imbued with spirituality, like those infused accidentally with the Dragon Ball Spirit Machine, couldn''t convey emotions so distinctly. Recalling that the flag''s appearance was somehow linked to Jade Cicada Qi, Chen Mu decided not to hesitate; he directly poured Golden Sand-like Qi into the Plague Immortal Flag. A faint yet resonant voice of a Curse Command surfaced in Chen Mu''s mind. "Progress!" ... Days later, in Thousand Lanterns City. The crimson Command Flag swayed without wind, golden patterns gradually etching themselves across its triangular surface. Chen Mu stood beside it, streaming threads of golden, starry Jade Cicada Qi into the flag without pause. After numerous attempts, he discovered that the Plague Immortal Flag only responded to Jade Cicada Qi. Neither the Taiyi Refining Treasure Technique he had accidentally learned nor the Spiritual Treasure Pivot Scripture that affected the Inheriting Heaven Gourd worked on the Plague Immortal Flag. Only the infusion of Jade Cicada Qi elicited any response from the flag, causing it to transmit fragmented Curse Commands. At a certain moment, the flag trembled violently, as though it had taken a satisfied breath. An intangible pulse surged back toward Chen Mu. The previously scattered Curse Commands, like fragments of a puzzle, now coalesced, merging instantly into a cohesive secret technique. A sequence of Plague Refining and Poison Crafting Spell Commands surfaced vividly in his mind. "The Plague Immortal Technique?" Chen Mu''s face lit up with a flash of joy. ... Half a month later, deep into the night. Inside a Snail Shell Camp barrack, the short and stout Steward Wu lay on the bed, smiling unconsciously, trapped in a deep, unshakable sleep. On the white jade-like walls, silvery patterns faintly glimmered. With a breath of Gentle Breeze, Chen Mu''s figure emerged quietly. "As expected, having many skills is never a burden. Without the Mustard Seed Spell, I''d have no way to infiltrate this self-sealing Snail Shell structure." Glancing at the silvery patterns on the walls, Chen Mu turned his attention to Steward Wu. Having mastered the Plague Immortal Technique, Chen Mu wasted no time in beginning the ritual to refine the Plague Immortal Flag. Ten full days had passed, and he had finally achieved some measure of control. Tonight, he had entered Steward Wu''s quarters precisely to test its effectiveness. "I just hope your Superior Fetal Spirit hasn''t already been completely devoured by the plague toxins," Chen Mu murmured, narrowing his eyes as he pressed his right middle and index fingers together. As an eerie string of foreign Curse Commands escaped his lips, the air shimmered with golden light, and the Plague Immortal Flag materialized a short distance away. An imperceptible aura flew out from Steward Wu''s brow and shot directly into the Plague Immortal Flag. "It works!" Relief washed over Chen Mu''s heart. Now that he had mastery over the Plague Immortal Flag, he no longer needed to fear the plague toxins manipulated by Lv Yue. Even if Lv Yue had hidden contingencies, Chen Mu could handle them with confidence. As he pondered, the still-sleeping Steward Wu suddenly took a deep, shuddering gasp and exhaled. His eyelids fluttered wildly as though he were on the brink of waking up from a nightmare. Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed, and with a thought, he activated the Perfection-Level Nightmare Victory Spell. Channeling the qi, he subdued Steward Wu''s spirit in one seamless motion. Steward Wu, whose eyelids had barely cracked open, instantly sank back into a deep sleep. "Everyone else in the camp is still asleep. You absolutely cannot wake up now." "If you draw attention, and someone traces things back to me, what then?" "It''s better that you keep dreaming your endless spring and autumn dreams." With one final glance at Steward Wu, Chen Mu dissolved into a Gentle Breeze and vanished without a trace. Chapter 693 - 681 Disorienting Audio-visuals On the summit of Duzun Peak stood a grand hall with green-tiled roofs. Within the hall was a delicate pond, inside which grew three white lotuses that appeared almost like illusions. At this moment, Zhou Tong, the general of the Heavenly Craft Camp at Duzun Peak, was sitting cross-legged beside the pond. His eyes were closed, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned in a sinister smile. "This is troublesome!" Fei Zhao, dressed in a brown Daoist robe, stood at the entrance of the hall, his brows tightly knitted. "Senior Sister, still no contact with the Sect Master?" He turned to look at Li Jiu beside him. "The Heavenly Gate is damaged, the Star Lord''s power is blocked, and the Border Shelter Star is too far from the Heavenly Gate Star. In the short term..." Li Jiu shook her head, her face looking grim. Fei Zhao''s expression changed: "Senior Brother Zhou has already fallen to this plague. Could it be that we..." "The three of us have all reached Dao Foundation Perfection. Since Senior Brother Zhou has succumbed, we are likely already infected as well," Li Jiu sighed. Hearing this, Fei Zhao''s face became even more worried. ... "These three camp officers are not to be relied upon." In a snail-shell room on the west side of the camp, Chen Mu was sitting cross-legged on a soft bed, listening to the sounds transmitted by the Truthful Listening power, shaking his head in disappointment. Can''t reach Lv Yue? The plague was released by him; it would be a miracle to make contact. With a thought, a gray wall appeared before his eyes. Plague Immortal Technique: 409/10000/Second Rank; "Though I''ve just gotten started, luckily the Plague Immortal Flag is in hand, and it should suffice." He originally didn''t want to intervene, but the three generals of the Heavenly Craft Camp were helpless against the Yellow Millet Plague Poison. Less than a month had passed since the outbreak, and over half of the Daoist soldiers of the Heavenly Craft Camp at Duzun Peak had already fallen. If this continues, the entire Border Shelter Star might be utterly destroyed. If he was the only survivor, the end would certainly not be pleasant. "We can''t wait any longer." Flipping his hand, a fiery red Plague Immortal Flag appeared before him. Reciting the Plague Immortal Technique Curse Command, Jade Cicada Qi surged into the flag. Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, an imperceptible wave spread from the Plague Immortal Flag in all directions. It penetrated the snail-shell, swept across Duzun Peak, slowly and steadily spreading to the distance. Soon, a trace of a hidden aura swiftly infiltrated the snail-shell. Buzz! The Plague Immortal Flag immediately began to tremble slightly. Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and focused all his Truthful Listening power, carefully probing around the Plague Immortal Flag. But after probing for a long time, he didn''t hear any movement. Could the Yellow Millet Plague Poison be so concealed? "After all, it''s refined by a Primordial Spirit expert. Without sufficient cultivation, the plague poison is undetectable even if right before my eyes." Chen Mu sighed. No wonder the three generals were powerless; they couldn''t even see it, let alone handle it. If it weren''t for the Plague Immortal Flag and the Plague Immortal Technique, he likely wouldn''t have been able to detect it either. ... A few days later, at midnight. One hundred and twenty miles south of Duzun Peak, on a small wilderness mountain. There was a hidden cave covered with vegetation midway up the mountain. Deep inside the cave was a stone platform, on which lay a pitch-black earthen jar. A gentle breeze flashed, and Chen Mu''s figure appeared. He looked at the pitch-black earthen jar on the stone platform, his face grim. Over the past few days, he had been slowly absorbing the Yellow Millet Plague Poison using the Plague Immortal Flag. It wasn''t long before he discovered that there was an additional source of absorption nearby besides himself. Following the guidance of the Plague Immortal Flag, he quickly found this cave. "Plague Poison Jar!" Chen Mu squinted at the pitch-black earthen jar. He remembered seeing a similar jar at the Heavenly River Water Mansion in Hai Province. That young man named Jiao used this jar to absorb the Yellow Millet Plague Poison. Although the jar before him was more ancient and mysterious, its style remained mostly unchanged. "Moreover, the plague poison absorbed by the jar seems somewhat peculiar." Chen Mu took out the Plague Immortal Flag and performed the Plague Immortal Technique, carefully identifying it. "The plague poison absorbed by the jar seems heavier!" He frowned, a bad premonition rising in his heart. He performed the Plague Immortal Technique again, releasing a small ball of the plague poison he had gathered over the past few days. Soon, he found that the jar only absorbed about seventy percent of that ball of plague poison. The remaining thirty percent not only wasn''t absorbed but instead spread rapidly into the surroundings with the weak fluctuations released by the jar. "Refining Warrior Dao Soldiers is only a side plot. The Yellow Millet Plague is probably the main focus of Lv Yue''s plan!" Chen Mu''s expression changed slightly. And now, most of this plague poison had been collected into the Plague Immortal Flag by himself. Chen Mu: "..." First the Plague Immortal Flag, then the Yellow Millet Plague. This animosity grows deeper and deeper! ... Three days later, at midnight, in the snail-shell room. Chen Mu sat by the low bed, staring at the Plague Immortal Flag before him. "The Yellow Millet Plague that has infected living beings becomes heavier because it has devoured the Superior Fetal Spirit?" he suddenly understood. Since discovering the peculiarities of the plague poison jar, Chen Mu had been anxious. After days of comparison and analysis, he finally found the peculiarity in the plague poison absorbed by the jar. "This must be some kind of evil method that uses plague poison to devour others'' spiritual spirits!" Chen Mu''s face darkened. He had already disrupted Lv Yue''s plans by seizing the Plague Immortal Flag and Yellow Millet Plague. Just thinking about it made him feel a mountain of pressure. Lv Yue was a Primordial Spirit expert, a Sect Master, with many Qi Cultivators under him, like stars in the sky. "I can''t afford to provoke him!" Chen Mu gritted his teeth, shaking his head helplessly. Should he return the Yellow Millet Plague he had previously collected? Though it had disrupted the opponent''s plan, with a large harvest of plague poison, at least half the goal was achieved. This way, Lv Yue might not go on a rampage and actively investigate...right? Tsk! What a bother! ... As the Plague Immortal Flag continued to operate, the plague gradually dissipated. Most of the unlucky Daoist soldiers had woken up and recovered, and the Heavenly Craft Camp resumed operation. The three generals, along with top cultivators, tried to repair the Heavenly Gate. Ordinary Daoist soldiers spent their days capturing and dispelling demons, much like their previous lives. That day. In the hidden cave south of Duzun Peak, a pitch-black orb suddenly appeared. Crack! With a crisp sound, the black orb suddenly dissipated, and Han Ying''s figure emerged where it had vanished. He looked exhausted, striding toward the stone platform. When he picked up the pitch-black earthen jar, its light weight instantly changed his expression. Over the past period, he had traveled continuously between the Heaven Pillar, the Heavenly Gate, and other stars, reclaiming two or three dozen plague poison jars. The weight of a jar filled with plague poison was definitely not what he was feeling now. Before he could figure it out, a tremendous roar echoed. The mountain above suddenly exploded, and sunlight poured into the cave. Han Ying looked up abruptly, seeing three figures floating in mid-air, staring at him grimly. "No wonder the Green Worm Demon Monarch could escape Hai Province, with you as the co-conspirator!" "The principal disciple of the Sect Master becoming a demon''s dog, you deserve to die!" Zhou Tong, who was dressed in black, was icy cold. Had the plague not mysteriously failed, he would have nearly died. Even now, his Vital Energy was gravely damaged, and his Daoist Foundation, perfect for so many years, was showing signs of erosion and dispersal. Such harm would take more than a decade to recover from, and at this moment, he felt like tearing Han Ying to pieces! Han Ying''s pupils shrank abruptly; just as he was about to cast a spell to escape, golden chains descended from the heavens, instantly locking him in place, immobilizing him. Under the effect of the Dharma Curse, he quickly fell into a deep sleep. His right hand, clutching the plague poison jar, weakened and released its grip with a light thud, the jar shattering into pieces on the ground. "Senior Brother, can Han Ying alone truly cause trouble with Meng Qingchan?" Fei Zhao hesitated and said, "Sect Master Lv..." Zhou Tong remained silent for a moment, his face growing more solemn: "We must change the Forbidden Law of the Heavenly Gate. First, we contact Elder Lan." "Elder Lan is also a Primordial Spirit God, and he is just. With him, justice will be served!" "But doing so will stir quite a commotion within the sect." Fei Zhao worried, "And we haven''t found out the source of this cave''s information. If someone is manipulating us from behind the scenes, won''t we be playing into their hands?" "Others are already after your life, why consider so much?" Li Jiu glanced at Fei Zhao, speaking plainly, "We have already involved ourselves by capturing Han Ying. Whether or not there is Lv Yue''s influence behind the scenes, the outcome isn''t going to be good." "Indeed, tomorrow we shall expose Han Ying''s crimes and involve all Daoist soldiers in Border Shelter Star with us." Zhou Tong said darkly. "By making a big scene, and finding a powerful backer, we can save our lives." ... "Yes, make a big scene! A big one!" "By doing so, people''s attention will be diverted." In the Heavenly Craft Camp, Chen Mu, using Truthful Listening power to eavesdrop on the three''s discussion, slightly smiled. "Not in vain did I risk providing you with the information about the plague poison jar." Chapter 694 - 682: Emperors Flowing Essence Western side of the Tian Gong Camp. Within the Demon Elimination Department''s camp, rows of bungalows were constructed using the Mud into Stone Technique. In one of the rooms, Chen Mu wore a leather apron and held a sharp knife, meticulously handling the armored demon beast on the stone platform before him. "Brother Chen, which sect are you from?" The short and stout Steward Wu curiously asked from the doorway. "Hai Province''s Baihuan Sect, just a small sect," Chen Mu replied with a smile. "So, Brother Chen is a high disciple of Baihuan Sect. No wonder your demon slaying skills are so refined," Steward Wu praised. "You''ve heard of Baihuan Sect?" Now it was Chen Mu''s turn to be curious. Baihuan Sect was ranked at the bottom in Hai Province, with no advanced secret techniques, and wasn''t a significant sect. Yet, this steward Wu actually knew of its reputation. "No, never heard of it," Steward Wu shook his head straightforwardly. "Then you... "Judging from Brother Chen''s demon slaying techniques, I knew Baihuan Sect must be an extraordinary sect!" He looked genuinely sincere. That''s because I have the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, nothing to do with Baihuan Sect at all. "Baihuan Sect is just a small sect, and it''s already been obliterated by the Qianji Sect," Chen Mu glanced at Steward Wu, speaking calmly. "Being able to develop such skills in a small sect, Brother Chen, you really have exceptional talent!" Steward Wu said earnestly. He''s just stubbornly praising me, huh? "Steward Wu, if you want to assign me more tasks, just say it," Chen Mu said unhappily. "Since it''s your own request, Brother Chen!" Steward Wu beamed with joy. I knew it! Chen Mu rolled his eyes. "It''s all because of that Green Worm Demon Monarch; our Demon Elimination Department has suffered heavy losses this time, and manpower is indeed insufficient," Steward Wu said with a bitter smile. Not enough manpower, so you want me to do overtime? Why should I? "I have connections in the Heavenly Craft Department and can get clean demon beast meat, how about it..." Steward Wu said mysteriously. "Deal!" Chen Mu nodded immediately. With the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, I am not lacking in materials for Replenishing Origin Soup nowadays. But if I don''t eat it myself, it is still good to use it to nourish some ghosts. ... Late night, inside the snail shell. Chen Mu took out the Pestilence Immortal Banner and activated the Plague Immortal Technique to absorb any possible residual pestilence poison in the air. It had been over two months since the Yellow Millet Plague Poison wreaked havoc, and most of it had already been collected into the Pestilence Immortal Banner. Chen Mu''s actions at the moment were more like adding an extra layer of insurance. After quite a while, he stopped chanting the curse command. "No pestilence poison has gathered for five consecutive days; it seems that all the poison has been collected." Chen Mu breathed a slight sigh of relief, looking at the Pestilence Immortal Banner. Whether it was due to the Jade Cicada Qi or the accumulation of pestilence poison, the originally crimson Pestilence Immortal Banner now had more than half dyed a dark gold color. As he curiously observed, a flood of complex information abruptly appeared in his mind. Chen Mu was stunned and immediately summoned the gray wall. Plague Immortal Technique: 5/10000/Fourth Rank; "Continuously activating Pestilence Immortal Banner for a month, didn''t expect it to jump two levels and push the Plague Immortal Technique to the Fourth Rank, quite a pleasant surprise." Chen Mu chuckled happily and began to review the insights in his mind. "Emperor''s Nectar?" "What''s that?" His curiosity was piqued, and he carefully reviewed the insights one by one. After a long while, he returned to his senses with a complex expression on his face. "As I suspected, Lv Yue spread the Yellow Millet Plague not just to refine Black Armored Warriors but for the pestilence poison itself." "He aimed to use the pestilence poison to massively absorb the spirituality of living beings!" Chen Mu frowned tightly. The feedback from the Fourth Rank Plague Immortal Technique outlined a method to refine a type of precious medicine called Emperor''s Nectar using the Pestilence Immortal Banner to press the pestilence poison. In this process, the pestilence poison acts as bees, and the Pestilence Immortal Banner as a beehive. The spirituality of living beings is the pollen, and Emperor''s Nectar is the honey. Consuming it can greatly replenish divine vitality. "Feeding on the spirituality of others, killing themit''s a technique even more malevolent than Outer Heaven Demons!" Chen Mu frowned deeply. Meng Qingchan, Lu Shenjun... None of them are any good! They call themselves the Qi Refining Orthodox, but they''re even more sinister than evil paths! Chen Mu couldn''t help but think of the early days in Frontier Wilderness Great Beam. Back then, to leave Da Liang on the Bai Gui Ship of Qianji Sect, anyone other than the celestial talents with innate Taoist bones had to use Thousand Mechanism Tokens as tickets. The Thousand Mechanism Token is a container storing a large amount of Three Treasures Essence. Every few decades, various rebellions and insurgencies would be incited within Da Liang. These were to create slaughter, making it easier for the Thousand Mechanism Tokens to control ghosts and absorb the Vital Energy, Qi, and Spirit of ordinary people. And behind all these, the Qianji Sect was undoubtedly involved. "One uses ghosts to absorb ordinary people''s Three Treasures essence, and the other refines the spirituality of living beings with Yellow Millet Plague Poison." "This is what they call a rotten top leads to a crooked bottom!" ... Several days later. In Chen Mu''s room, a ball of golden liquid the size of a fist floated in mid-air. A tempting aroma that reached the soul permeated the surroundings. "The fragrance of Emperor''s Nectar is so enticing?" Chen Mu marveled at the saliva continuously secreting in his mouth. After several days of trying, using the Pestilence Immortal Banner, he easily extracted Emperor''s Nectar from Yellow Millet Plague Poison. Merely smelling the aroma made him feel refreshed and invigorated. The vitality depleted from repeatedly practicing Reversed Primordial Qi during the day was instantly restored to a third. If he were to consume it directly... "It''s a pity..." Chen Mu shook his head. "The origin of this thing is from Meng Qingchan. Who knows if there are hidden traps inside." Years ago, Lv Yue used Meng Qingchan as a pawn to test out the Linglong Golden Chapter. Meng Qingchan accepted it despite knowing there were traps. It seemed like Lv Yue had the upper hand, but Meng Qingchan was not without backup plans. One Pestilence Immortal Banner was enough to lure Lv Yue, the Sect Master of Qianji Sect, into the path of devouring others'' spirituality. This showed that Meng Qingchan was not a saint either. "It''s important to be cautious with anything you consume," Chen Mu took a deep breath, suppressing his greed. However... Not eating it doesn''t mean it can''t be used. With a thought, a gigantic figure reaching the ceiling of the room suddenly appeared behind him. It wore crimson armor inlaid with golden threads and draped a fiery-red hooded cloak over its shoulders. Its face had no features, its oval face as smooth as an egg, with only a slowly rotating dark red energy vortex. "Giant Spirit God..." Chen Mu turned to observe this giant, silently sensing it. A surging desire emerged in his heart. Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Previously, he had regarded the Giant Spirit God as a technique to amplify strength, but after reaching the Ninth Rank, he noticed a difference. Originally just a partial divine image illusion, it had now substantiated. From a simple secret technique, it had transformed into something between a secret technique and a magic artifact. Now it even displayed an unusual spirituality, able to express a desire for the Emperor''s Nectar. "Amazing!" Chen Mu examined the Giant Spirit God with interest. With a wave of his right hand, he lifted the lump of Emperor''s Nectar into the air, channeling some mana into the Giant Spirit God. Buzz! The dark red vortex under the hood slowly rotated, generating an absorbing force that drew the golden Emperor''s Nectar into the vortex in an instant. As if a stream had flowed across the earth, the crimson armor was immediately covered in countless tiny golden lines, quickly forming intricate patterns. Below the divine image, rows of red lines wove together, completing the lower half of the divine image, which had previously only extended down to the navel. In a few breaths, the lower half of the skirt armor took shape. Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and he looked at the column on the gray wall. Giant Spirit God: 743/10000/Ninth Rank; "One bunch of Emperor''s Nectar added over two hundred points of experience?" "Wow! This technique I''ve practiced for over ten years is finally about to reach perfection!" Chen Mu beamed. The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique required refining both his essence and magical power simultaneously. It had been about accumulating incrementally each day, making progress slowly. After reaching the Ninth Stage, the demand for essence and magical power surged exponentially. Over the past few months, he had practiced it daily but had only accumulated about five or six hundred experience points. "Emperor''s Nectar truly is extraordinary!" Chapter 695 - 683: Undercurrents The grand hall at the summit of Duzun Peak. Han Ying, bound like a silkworm cocoon, was thrown beside the pond. Zhou Tong sat cross-legged across the pond, staring impassively at Han Ying. "Want to kill me?" "You don''t dare!" Han Ying grinned. A cold light flashed in Zhou Tong''s eyes, and a stream of mana shot from his fingertips, instantly hitting the chains on Han Ying''s body. The previously motionless chains immediately wriggled and contracted like long snakes. **Creak...** The piercing sound of metal twisting was heard, and the armor on Han Ying''s body was compressed and deformed. Yet Han Ying''s expression did not change at all: "Want to rely on Lan Xiuzhu as your backer? Do you know who released the Plague Poison?" "Meng Qingchan?" "Wrong! It''s my master Lu Shenjun." Zhou Tong''s complexion changed instantly. "Not just Border Shelter Star, but the Heavenly Gate Thirteen Stars and Heaven Pillar Eleven Stars have also been infested with the Plague Poison." "Ninety percent of the Heavenly Demon Monsters within have already been struck down. In no time, these stars, plagued for years, will be reclaimed by my master." "With such a great achievement, does Lan Xiuzhu really dare to go against my master?" Han Ying said playfully. Zhou Tong''s expression grew darker upon hearing this. "Handing me over to Lan Xiuzhu might end this matter somewhat amicably." "But if you release me and help me settle things here, my master will surely give you a great reward," Han Ying softly tempted, his words full of allure. "A reward? Reward me with death?" Zhou Tong sneered. "The Sect Master has always been domineering. Now that I''ve captured you, how could he possibly let it go at that?" "You want me to defect? I think you want me dead!" Zhou Tong''s face turned cold. "The Plague Poison you released has scattered my Daoist Foundation. I don''t know how many years it will take to fully restore it." "How could I ever forgive such an enmity that obstructs my path!" Han Ying tried to speak again, but Zhou Tong cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Save your breath!" Saying that, he raised his hand and sent out another stream of mana. As the chains wriggled, Han Ying''s mouth was sealed shut. His only remaining eyes were filled with cold resentment as they stared at Zhou Tong. ... "That''s right, just shut that Han Ying''s mouth!" In a snail-shell room on the west side of the Heavenly Craft Camp, Chen Mu was using his Truthful Listening Divine Power to eavesdrop on the commotion at the mountain summit while having his meal. He was quite satisfied with General Zhou Tong''s resolute response. "To plague all of Hai Province and then turn around to plague thirty more Heavenly Stars in one go." "That Lu Shenjun''s heart is truly black!" Recalling their conversation, Chen Mu couldn''t help but grin. He had swiftly contained the Yellow Millet Plague on Border Shelter Star, but those other thirty-plus stars... "Those stars not only house the Outer Heaven Demons but also countless Thousand Mechanisms Sect Qi Cultivators and Daoist Soldiers." "The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is truly pitiful to have such a Sect Master!" "Fortunately, we captured this Han Ying." Chen Mu fished a piece of Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake stew from the Primordial Furnace and put it in his mouth, his face full of relief. With Plague Poison rampaging across those thirty-plus stars while Border Shelter Star remains unscathed, it will surely attract Lu Yue''s investigation. But Han Ying''s capture changed everything. "Once Zhou Tong reports to Heavenly Pass City, it will bring in high-ranking Lan Xiuzhu. By then, the Sect Masters'' conflict will muddle the situation!" Chen Mu took a sip of Nourishing Spirit Wine, swallowed the snake meat, and smiled contentedly. "Brewing the Imperial Essence requires a large amount of Plague Poison." "With the foundation laid by those thirty-plus stars, even without Border Shelter Star, the Plague Poison Lu Yue retrieves will be sufficient." "As long as I master the Plague Immortal Technique, the Plague Immortal Flag is just an auxiliary tool, useful but not essential." "And with Lan Xiuzhu occupied, Lu Yue won''t have the time to investigate Border Shelter Star''s anomaly." "As long as I remain cautious, I''m not afraid of being discovered." As these thoughts ran through his mind, Chen Mu felt greatly relieved. ... After dinner. Chen Mu lay back in a rocking chair near the door, looking through a one-way transparent fish-black door at the enormous Heavenly Star above. Having arrived in the Outer Heaven Stars for nearly a year, Chen Mu was still fascinated by the stars. According to the information he had gathered, most Outer Heaven Stars were spherical, similar to the Earth of his past life. The difference was that most of them emitted their own light. The principle of their luminous power was also peculiar. Unlike the moon that reflected light, or the sun that was a fireball, an intangible force that enveloped the stars from all sides emitted the light. This light worked both externally and internally, driving the rotation of day and night within the stars. "It feels like a vastly magnified Body Protection Aura," Chen Mu mused with keen interest. After watching for a long while, he finally withdrew his gaze and turned his attention to the gray wall in front of him. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 1337/10000/Fifth Rank; Giant Spirit Divine: 3963/10000/Ninth Rank; Despite various upheavals in the previous period, the pace at which Chen Mu reshaped his Jade Seed had hardly changed, and the Secret Scripture''s progress had continued steadily. The Dao is fundamental; he wouldn''t slow down his Daoist Foundation cultivation due to external changes. What delighted him was the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique. "The effect of the Imperial Essence is extraordinary," Chen Mu sighed. It had been only five or six days since he obtained the first batch of Imperial Essence. The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique had already accrued over three thousand experience points. With a single thought, a god statue in leather armor, feet on the ground and head touching the ceiling, suddenly appeared before him. The partially complete Giant Spirit Divine statue had been thoroughly restored. It also had the ability to change size at will. The current height of over four meters was Chen Mu''s deliberate control. If unrestrained, it would easily be twice as tall. And if he employed spells to magnify it further, its height and body size could immediately exceed over ten meters, living up to the name Giant Spirit Divine. "Vast strength, standing tall and proud." "If trained to the limit, wouldn''t it compare to the Divine Power Technique of Heaven and Earth?" "Amazing!" With joy written all over his face, Chen Mu took out the Plague Immortal Flag and refined another batch of Imperial Essence, sending it into the vortex under the Giant Spirit Divine hood. ... Late at night. At Border Shelter Star, outside the Yin Yue Lake Heavenly Craft Camp. The air twisted and a figure in black clothes suddenly appeared. Zhou Tong glanced at the brightly lit camp in the distance before turning to fly swiftly toward a small mountain a hundred miles away. He darted into a nondescript cave, took out a long table and a bronze incense burner. After lighting three incense sticks, he began to chant in mysterious words. Rising straight into the air, tendrils of green smoke converged into a sphere. A figure in a purple Daoist robe appeared within the smoke. "Zhou Tong?" "Where is Han Ying?!" Lu Yue demanded coldly. "The Young Master is at Duzun Peak, safe and sound!" Zhou Tong hurriedly explained, his forehead covered in cold sweat. Lu Yue''s expression eased slightly but he continued to stare at Zhou Tong with a frown. "The Plague Poison at Border Shelter Star mysteriously dissipated, and someone sent us a message pinpointing the location of the Plague Poison Jar." "With Li Jiu and Fei Zhao present, I had no choice but to act against the Young Master." "Fortunately, the Young Master is now at Duzun Peak. Though under the watch of Li Jiu and others, he''s in no great danger." Zhou Tong swiftly explained. "This could well be the work of Meng Qingchan''s lingering spirit. I hope the Sect Master will send more personnel to quell this chaos soon." He respectfully cupped his fists. "It wasn''t her." Lu Yue shook his head firmly, "If it were Meng Qingchan, none of you would be alive." "Was it Elder Lan?" Zhou Tong asked cautiously. "Go back and have Han Ying prepare the altar. I''ll send someone to Border Shelter Star shortly. Capture Li Jiu and Fei Zhao for questioning, and we''ll know if it''s Lan Xiuzhu causing trouble." Lu Yue said calmly. "Understood!" Zhou Tong immediately bowed respectfully. Chapter 696 - 684: Pulling Out the Firewood Under the Cauldron Duzun Peak Heavenly Craft Camp. "Zhou Tong is actually Lv Yue''s man?!" Chen Mu listened to the faint sounds of conversation around him, his face dark and foreboding. Indeed. Deploying the Yellow Millet Plague across the entire Border Shelter Star was no small matter. If there wasn''t a trusted confidant in place, how could Lv Yue be at ease? "Fortunately, I had secretly placed the Vermilion Feather Sword near the Yin Yue Lake Heavenly Craft Camp," Chen Mu rejoiced. This Magic Sword was originally meant to monitor General Li Jiu''s movements. Another Vermilion Feather Sword was also secretly listening in on General Fei Zhao''s camp. After all, Lv Yue was the Sect Master and a Primordial Spirit God; Chen Mu feared the two generals might succumb to pressure and defect to Lv Yue. But to Chen Mu''s surprise, Li Jiu and Fei Zhao turned out fine, whereas Zhou Tong, who seemed the least likely to have issues, was the real traitor. "He acted as though he was poisoned by the Yellow Millet Plague before, just to deceive everyone?" "No, it wasn''t just an act. He might have intentionally let himself get poisoned!" "With the Imperial Nectar at hand, even if he was damaged by the plague poison, he could recover quickly!" A realization dawned on Chen Mu. "How insidious! Truly insidious!" He couldn''t help but clench his teeth. If Zhou Tong called for reinforcements, Lv Yue''s men would soon regain control of Border Shelter Star, and his own situation would become dire... Thinking of this, Chen Mu''s eyes narrowed. ... Deep into the night. At the top of Duzun Peak, Zhou Tong strode into the grand hall. "Junior Brother, you go rest; I''ll watch over Han Ying," Zhou Tong said to Fei Zhao by the poolside. "Senior Brother, is your health alright?" Fei Zhao asked with concern. "I''ve only temporarily suppressed the hidden danger. Completely recovering will be nearly impossible," Zhou Tong replied, casting a feigned angry glare at Han Ying in the distance. "Senior Brother, Han Ying is the Sect Master''s favored disciple. You must not act rashly," Fei Zhao pleaded, a troubled expression on his face. "Rest assured, I know what I''m doing," Zhou Tong took a deep breath, seemingly trying hard to suppress his anger as he nodded in assurance. "In that case, I''ll leave it to you, Senior Brother." Fei Zhao hesitated for a moment, then got up and clasped his hands in farewell. Zhou Tong waved indifferently, his eyes still fixated angrily on Han Ying. After a while, once Fei Zhao''s escape light had completely disappeared on the horizon, Zhou Tong''s expression changed, and he quickly approached Han Ying. "Forgive me, Young Master." He said with a face full of apology, manipulating a dharma curse to slightly loosen the chains, though not daring to completely release them. The chain secret technique was jointly performed by him, Fei Zhao, and Li Jiu. If he completely removed it, the other two would immediately sense it. "Soon, I''ll set up the altar to summon our people. Then we''ll take down Li Jiu and Fei Zhao together, and you will be freed from these chains," Zhou Tong said with a bright smile. But something felt amiss as he spoke. Han Ying''s eyes remained tightly shut, showing no reaction to his words. A sudden bad premonition rose in Zhou Tong''s heart. Something was wrong! He immediately sent several strands of mana to activate the chains. The chains that originally bound the lower half of Han Ying''s face quickly moved and loosened, revealing a strange, grinning face. Yellow Millet Plague Poison?! How could the Young Master be infected with Yellow Millet Plague? His pupils shrank dramatically, and it felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly. The Sect Master Lv Yue valued Han Ying immensely. If he found out that Han Ying had been poisoned while under Zhou Tong''s watch, then he... Zhou Tong''s fists clenched tightly, and his heart trembled uncontrollably. Was it Meng Qingchan? No, no, it was High Priest Lan Xiuzhu! They discovered my contact with the Sect Master, so they decided to strike directly at the Young Master. This is cutting the grass at the roots, leaving me no choice but to betray the Sect Master. What a ruthless Lan Xiuzhu! Zhou Tong''s scalp tingled, and his back was instantly covered in cold sweat. ... "Sweating all over, General?" On the western side of the camp, Chen Mu lay on a distant lounge chair at the snail-shell door, letting out a faint laugh. Beside him, the gold-red Plague Immortal Flag fluttered without wind. The Plague Immortal Technique could absorb plague poison, and naturally, it could also release it. With the Plague Immortal Flag in hand, the methods of releasing the plague were even more unpredictable. Upon discovering Zhou Tong''s contact with Lv Yue, Chen Mu immediately released the plague poison to turn Han Ying into an idiot. Zhou Tong might be Lv Yue''s confidant, but Han Ying was Lv Yue''s favored disciple. If something happened to Han Ying right under Zhou Tong''s nose, Lv Yue wouldn''t let Zhou Tong off easily. "The so-called wise man recognizes the situation; General Zhou will surely make the right choice." "Hehe..." ... Driven by fear, Zhou Tong acted immediately. The next day, he didn''t hesitate to deplete his vital energy, using a secret technique to contact Heavenly Pass City. Four days later, a phantom-like white jade gate appeared in midair at the foot of Duzun Peak. A new batch of Daoist soldiers was dispatched to guard the Border Shelter Star, while Chen Mu and the Heavenly Craft Camp members were ordered to return to Heavenly Pass City. "Relocating to protect those involved in the plague poison incident? Is this aimed at Lu Shenjun?" Following Steward Wu, Chen Mu slowly walked towards the Heavenly Gate. A realization flashed through his mind. This is good. High Priest Lan Xiuzhu is targeting Lu Shenjun. Lv Yue probably doesn''t have the energy to investigate the Border Shelter Star incident. ... Yangdu Square, Nine-Six Alley. After half a year, Chen Mu returned to Jiwei Courtyard. He felt quite settled as he gazed at the familiar shadow wall courtyard. Although the place was just an ordinary residence arranged by Heavenly Pass City, during his previous stay here, daily cultivation and stable living had given Chen Mu a sense of belonging. "With someone like High Priest Lan Xiuzhu taking the lead, Lv Yue won''t have the time to carefully investigate." "With tens of thousands of Daoist soldiers involved in the plague event at Border Shelter Star, hiding among them is like being a drop in the ocean, nearly impossible to find." "For a long period ahead, I should be able to cultivate in peace." Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. Just as he was about to return to his room, a familiar burly figure stepped into the courtyard. It was none other than his neighbor Zhong Qing. Zhong Qing had gone to Border Shelter Star even earlier than Chen Mu and was also called back this time. Chen Mu was about to greet him but noticed something was wrong. Zhong Qing''s face was pale, his eyes dull. He moved slowly and clumsily, and his reactions to others'' greetings were sluggish. This was... "Rumor has it he was injured by the plague poison, harming his Superior Fetal Spirit. No telling how many years it will take to recover, poor guy..." The people in the courtyard noticed Zhong Qing and couldn''t help but sigh. "He''s considered lucky. Of the five friends on the second floor of the west wing, only two returned. The other three are said to have turned into complete walking corpses." "How can a sect master be so ruthless and cold-hearted?" "Be careful with your words, lest you bring trouble upon yourself!" Standing at the staircase of the east wing, Chen Mu looked at Zhong Qing''s simple smile, feeling a pang of sorrow and empathy. If it hadn''t been for the Heavenly Demon Armor and Seven Emotions Flame protecting me... "Making Han Ying an idiot with the Yellow Millet Plague Poison seems like too easy a punishment," a dark look flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes. "And that Lu Shenjun, who doesn''t care about the lives of Daoist soldiers." "I''d love to see him afflicted by the plague poison, but alas..." But alas, he''s a Primordial Spirit God and the Sect Master of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. Even with this incident, he probably won''t suffer much. As old rivals for centuries, Meng Qingchan surely has a way to severely wound Lu Shenjun... At this moment, Chen Mu even felt a slight anticipation for Meng Qingchan to wake up soon. Chapter 697 - 685 Awakening Heavenly Pass Star was calm and peaceful. The heated discussions about the plague on the Border Shelter Star gradually cooled down and subsided. "After all, he is the master of a sect. Who can subdue him? Who dares to subdue him?" "Moreover, he acted under the pretext of expelling Outer Heaven Demons." "We are still lucky. The thirty-plus stars sealed by the Heavenly Gate Pillar...tsk tsk..." In Demon Dispel Alley, Xin Si Courtyard, in Chen Mu''s demon dispelling cubicle, the short and stout Steward Wu sighed and shook his head. Earlier, there were all sorts of rumors about Lv Yue, but Heavenly Pass City took no clear action. "I heard that someone caused a commotion at the Inner City Star Monarch Hall?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "Lacking in Dao, no matter how much commotion, it''s useless," Steward Wu snorted disdainfully. Indeed. Lv Yue is a Primordial Spirit God, having lived for hundreds of years, utterly different from ordinary Qi Cultivators. The racket made by mere ants wouldn''t affect the esteemed Lu Shenjun in the slightest. Initially, there was endless condemnation, but as time passed, more and more people began to calm down. Besides feeling lucky to leave Border Shelter Star alive, the many Daoist Soldiers didn''t dare talk about it openly anymore. Thinking about the changes over the past half month, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel a chill in his heart. "Rather than thinking too much, it''s better to cultivate diligently," said Steward Wu with a calm expression, handing Chen Mu a Mustard Seed Talisman. "Inside it contains thirty pounds of Yin Wind White Bone Horse thigh meat, all detoxified from demon poison." "Thank you, Steward Wu," Chen Mu cupped his hands in gratitude. This Steward Wu, indeed an old hand who had served as a Daoist Soldier for over ten years. Previously, on Border Shelter Star, he had helped Chen Mu procure Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake meat. Unexpectedly, even after returning to Heavenly Pass City, he still maintained his connections at the Heavenly Workshop. "If you really want to thank me, don''t hold back. Take on more demon dispel tasks; that''s the best way to thank me," Steward Wu waved his hand, "Besides, you''ve paid with Daoist Cultivation for this demon beast meat." He then left with his hands clasped behind his back. Take on more demon dispel tasks? Chen Mu chuckled lightly. Why not. After all, with the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, dispelling demons is easy. If he goes all out, he alone could match dozens of others. "Showing off a little wouldn''t hurt, just to earn more Daoist Cultivation and exchange for some clean Outer Heaven Demon Beast meat for storage." ... In Jiwei Courtyard, Chen Mu reclined on a soft couch by the window, took a swig of Nourishing Spirit Wine and contentedly looked at the gray wall in front of him. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 127/10000/Sixth Rank; After returning to Heavenly Pass City, apart from occasionally following up on the aftermath of the plague incident, he had mostly kept a regular routine between two points. With ample Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, plus his accumulations from Border Shelter Star, it took less than two months for the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture to reach a new level. At this point, the Jade Seed had thickened and was now encased in countless golden threads. These delicate golden threads intertwined, forming a hollow golden thread ball. The previously transparent white jade exterior of the Jade Seed began to thicken and expand along the golden thread ball, gradually filling in the tiny gaps. "Once the Jade Seed''s outer shell is fully covered by the golden threads, the scripture should complete the sixth stage." Chen Mu felt the feedback from the gray wall and compared it to the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map. He immediately had a clear understanding of his current cultivation progress. "Thanks to the Inheriting Heaven Gourd providing ample Vital Energy, I was able to progress so quickly." "Offering secret techniques and providing Vital Energy..." "Senior Meng was a great help," Chen Mu thought happily. "So, Senior Meng had better sleep a little longer." "Haha." ... Unfortunately, things rarely go as one wishes. That day, Chen Mu entered Thousand Lanterns City. With Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, he levitated the Inheriting Heaven Gourd as usual and was about to put it into the Five Ghosts Bag to extract some Vital Energy. Snap! A light sound. The gray stone gourd seemed to be a sand sculpture, shattering into a pile of powder instantly with a slight force. Chen Mu was stunned on the spot. Had he extracted too much Vital Energy, turning the Inheriting Heaven Gourd into an empty shell? Where would he find the Vital Energy needed for his Dao Foundation cultivation in the future?! Chen Mu felt a pang in his heart. The Inheriting Heaven Gourd was like a Great Replenishing Pill, containing abundant Vital Energy, aiding his Strengthening Foundation Cultivation and accelerating his Dao Foundation practice. Earlier, he wasn''t at all afraid of Vital Energy depletion; had his body''s absorption speed kept up, his cultivation pace could have been even faster. But now... "Such a great Great Replenishing Pill is gone!" It took Chen Mu quite a while to resign and sigh. "Thankfully, it''s not all bad news." He immersed his Spirit into the Shadow Pupil''s big eyeball. The previously omnipresent Qi of Meng Qingchan that filled Thousand Lanterns City was now gone. Meng Qingchan was the Demon Lord appointed by the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. The fact that the other hid in Thousand Lanterns City had kept Chen Mu on edge, fearing Lv Yue might discover him. Now, with the Inheriting Heaven Gourd shattered, Meng Qingchan vanished. Whether dead or gone, it was good news for Chen Mu. Though he lost the Vital Energy Great Replenishing Pill, he also got rid of a hidden danger. "Senior Meng, how could you die so suddenly," Chen Mu sighed hypocritically, feeling a sense of relief. "I died, and you''re happy?" A clear, oriole-like childish voice suddenly came from behind Chen Mu. The brief relief Chen Mu felt turned into a jolt of shock. His scalp tingled as he immediately turned around, and respectfully cupped his hands and bowed, "Congratulations to Senior Meng on your recovery." As soon as he finished speaking, a little girl of seven or eight years, with her hair styled in a Flying Immortal Bun, dressed in an exquisite deep green long dress, came into view. This was Meng Qingchan?! Had she achieved some kind of reverse aging? "Do you wonder why I look like this?" Meng Qingchan''s small face was filled with anger as she stared intently at Chen Mu with big eyes. "It must be Lv Shenjun''s secret meddling!" Chen Mu said with an air of certainty. "Bullshit!" Meng Qingchan felt the fury within her rising. It was clearly because this guy had drawn too much Vital Energy from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, causing her Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique to be incomplete. Yet, not only did he not admit it, he even dared spout nonsense right before her! "Did I guess wrong?" Chen Mu looked puzzled. "I apologize for my lack of knowledge," he said, spreading his hands with a regretful expression. "It''s indeed a happy occasion that you''ve escaped Lv Shenjun''s grasp by reaching the Outer Heaven Star. Maybe you should leave early so we can part on good terms?" he suggested earnestly. "Part on good terms?" "You, who have secretly been casting the Nightmare Victory Spell from your very first words, now talk about parting on good terms?!" Meng Qingchan laughed in anger. "Prejudice is a mountain in one''s heart, Senior Meng. Your misunderstanding of me runs too deep!" Chen Mu feigned sadness, channeling all his Mana to hasten the Nightmare Victory Spell''s effects. Meng Qingchan: "..." How can someone be so devious and shameless! She stopped speaking, and even her angry expression faded. Instead, she smiled sweetly at Chen Mu. "From the beginning, you''ve been spouting nonsense to delay time, hoping your Yin Mysterious Method would take effect?" She smiled playfully. "What a coincidence; I''ve been delaying time too," Meng Qingchan grinned. Buzz! A crimson triangular flag suddenly materialized next to her. The golden patterns that had emerged from being invaded by the Jade Cicada Qi flaked off like ash, replaced by eerie green designs. Plague Immortal Flag?! This is bad! Chen Mu''s pupils contracted. The Seven Emotions Flame instantly spread along with the Nightmare Victory Spell, and a colorless flame appeared around Meng Qingchan. But she just waved her hand. A piece of dark green sleeve separated from her sleeve and flew seven or eight meters away. The Seven Emotions Flame, which had previously covered Meng Qingchan, was completely whisked away by that fragment of sleeve. Chen Mu''s expression changed dramatically. Meng Qingchan had found a way to rid herself of the Nightmare Victory Spell and the Seven Emotions Flame? This was a disaster! Chapter 698 - 686 Leaving Candle Dragon Transformation! In Thousand Lanterns City, just as Meng Qingchan realized that the Seven Emotions Flame was ineffective, a gigantic dragon head appeared behind her. It opened its ferocious mouth, charging towards Meng Qingchan like a speeding locomotive. But Meng Qingchan''s figure was like an illusion, completely in a different space from the Candle Dragon''s true form. The ferocious Candle Dragon bit only air, passing right through her body without affecting Meng Qingchan at all! Primordial Spirit God, invulnerable to all techniques?! Chen Mu''s pupils suddenly contracted. "Your Yama Secret Technique is impressive, but your Dao isn''t strong enough. No matter how good the secret technique is, it''s useless," Meng Qingchan said with a faint smile. Golden patterns on the Plague Immortal Flag beside her body began to fall off one by one, and ink-green patterns, resembling numerous small snakes, rapidly climbed and coiled up from the base of the flagpole. Chen Mu''s heart skipped a beat, and mana surged throughout his body. Boom! A series of blue and white lightning bolts transformed into a thunder net, suddenly appearing around Meng Qingchan. In an instant, the ground beneath her feet was charred and melted by the lightning, but Meng Qingchan remained entirely unscathed! "An exquisite Qi Refining Thunder Technique. Even in the Thousand Mechanisms Sect, not many could perform this thunder technique," Meng Qingchan said, calmly admiring the lightning surrounding her. As she spoke, the golden patterns on the Plague Immortal Flag by her side dwindled further. Without hesitation, Chen Mu raised his hand and showered countless gloomy green demon slayer air blades towards Meng Qingchan. At the same time, a pitch-black vortex of smoke suddenly appeared behind him. Chen Mu''s figure retreated explosively, crashing into the vortex. Just as he was about to escape from Thousand Lanterns City Cave Heaven, the pitch-black vortex burst like a punctured balloon. The gate of Thousand Lanterns City cave heaven had been disrupted by Meng Qingchan? Doomed! Chen Mu''s scalp tightened, and he felt a chill throughout his body. "Thousand Mountains Demon Slaying Technique? Are you treating me as a demon?" Meng Qingchan''s teasing laughter echoed as she suddenly appeared two meters in front of Chen Mu. Seeing the ghostlike approaching figure of Meng Qingchan, Chen Mu''s body stiffened, and he felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly. "Trying to run? Too late," Meng Qingchan said, her eyes glinting with amusement as she stared at Chen Mu. The Plague Immortal Flag in her hand, now ink-green, disintegrated into ashes and quickly reformed into a menacing wolf fang club covered in spikes. In the blink of an eye, the wolf fang club was already at Chen Mu''s face. The Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles barrier around his body was easily torn apart like paper by the wolf fang club. The body protection aura shattered like a fragile glass dome with a crack, crushed by the wolf fang club. The Yang Judge Bone Shield retracted back into the secret acupoint between his eyebrows the instant it was touched. The menacing wolf fang club easily broke through Chen Mu''s multiple layers of defense, unhindered, and reached his left waist. Chen Mu''s body tensed up, feeling like he had fallen into an icy abyss. The transparent Heavenly Demon Armor immediately manifested in response, with black smoke and blue and white intertwining, and the Five Dragon Dharma Body and the Five Thunder Curse Qi Mechanism fully empowering the armor''s surface. Bam! With a muffled sound, Chen Mu''s body bent like a shrimp and shot into the air. Before he could stabilize himself, Meng Qingchan''s petite figure appeared before him again, and the wolf fang club slammed down towards his head. Bam! In a cloud of dust and smoke, Chen Mu was smashed deep into the hard ground. Meng Qingchan, like teleporting, suddenly appeared next to the human-shaped crater, swinging the wolf fang club forcefully, bending the ink-green long pole. Boom! The explosive force sent thick soil rolling like waves around the area. Dozens of meters away, Chen Mu emerged from the surging force, his face pale. Had he not reacted quickly enough and turned into a gentle breeze in time, even with the Heavenly Demon Armor protecting him, he would still have been severely injured or killed by that hit! No more hiding! Chen Mu''s expression turned grim. "Protective Qi Mechanism? Yama Escape Technique? You know quite a lot!" Meng Qingchan said through gritted teeth, her face just as cold. Her figure disappeared and then instantly reappeared behind Chen Mu. The wolf fang club was raised high, swinging fiercely at the back of his head. Clang! Sparks flew. Chen Mu, cloaked in the Heavenly Demon Armor, held a one-meter-long Yin Mist Moon Blade with both hands, tightly gripping it and blocking the wolf fang club''s attack. The strength was considerable, but not unbearable. "Senior Meng, you''re not fully recovered after all!" Chen Mu grinned, revealing a fierce smile. Five Ghosts Possession! Giant Spirit Divine! Chen Mu''s form suddenly transformed into a three-meter-tall giant with bulging muscles. He immediately lifted the Moon Blade and smashed it towards Meng Qingchan. Clang, clang, clang... The forceful energies clashed, roaring continuously. Their figures appeared like phantoms throughout Thousand Lanterns City, clashing the Yin Mist Moon Blade and the wolf fang club, sparks flying incessantly. At one point. Clang! The black Moon Blade and the wolf fang club collided again, sending strong energies swirling around. Chen Mu held the Moon Blade high, blocking the wolf fang club overhead, and through the gap between the weapons, he stared fixedly at Meng Qingchan. He grinned, showing a sinister smile. "Senior Meng, your invulnerability to techniques seems to be lacking!" As he spoke, a deity-like figure clad in black and red armor appeared behind Meng Qingchan. It was the recently perfected Giant Spirit Divine! Feeling the secret technique''s fluctuation from behind, Meng Qingchan''s expression changed: "How about I leave now, and we part on good terms?" Chen Mu grinned, revealing a sinister smile. The armored Giant Spirit Divine raised its fist and punched towards Meng Qingchan''s head. Seeing Meng Qingchan suddenly disappear and flee, Chen Mu''s face was full of malice. It wasn''t an illusion. The Giant Spirit Divine could indeed hit Meng Qingchan! You treated me like a ball, hitting me around, and now you want to part on good terms? We''ll talk after I hit you back! Clang, clang, clang... Bam, bam, bam... Sparks flew again, and explosion sounds repeatedly echoed. ... An hour later. In front of a three-story wooden building. Meng Qingchan leaned on the wolf fang club with her right hand, sitting imposingly on the steps, staring at Chen Mu with a serious expression. This stance, if done by the original Meng Qingchan, would have been authoritative and commanding. But the current Meng Qingchan was just a seven or eight-year-old girl. Combined with her bruised and swollen eyes, her expression looked more cute and comical than threatening. "I underestimated you, being able to master the Primordial Spirit Secret Technique without having fully built your Daoist foundation," Meng Qingchan said coldly. "Thanks to the Inheriting Heaven Gourd and the Plague Immortal Flag for support, otherwise I couldn''t have mastered the Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique," Chen Mu replied, leaning on the Yin Mist Moon Blade with a bruised face, smiling cheekily. "Do you have a death wish?" Meng Qingchan shouted angrily. As her words fell, a spark of colorless Seven Emotions Flame ignited a strand of messy hair on her forehead. Meng Qingchan''s face turned pitch black instantly. If the Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique hadn''t been interrupted, preventing her from fully recovering, otherwise... She looked at the swaying opposite figure, feeling her lungs about to burst with anger. The one who caused the Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique to fail was also this person opposite! After a while, she took a deep breath to suppress her irritation. Recovering her cultivation early was crucial; entangling with this little thief any longer wasn''t worth it. She raised her hand, cut the ignited hair on her forehead, and flung it away, calmly saying, "Open the cave heaven gate." Finally going. Upon hearing this, Chen Mu immediately felt relieved. He had only put on a tough front; continuing to confront her would do him no good. "Lv Yue is also in Outer Heaven?" Meng Qingchan stood up, looking at the restored Plague Immortal Flag, suddenly asking. "Yes, he''s releasing Yellow Millet Plague Poison within the Heavenly Gate Pillar," Chen Mu admitted without hiding it. "Hehe, the allure of Emperor''s Dew, the old ghost can''t resist," Meng Qingchan chuckled. As her words fell, she disappeared within Thousand Lanterns City without a trace. Chen Mu couldn''t help but tense up. Could it be that the Plague Immortal Flag and Emperor''s Dew were traps deliberately set by Meng Qingchan for Lv Yue? Such high-level conflicts are indeed full of treachery. Good thing I was cautious with Emperor''s Dew and didn''t use it directly, otherwise who knows what hidden dangers might have been planted in my body! Chapter 699 - 687: Demon Poison In Thousand Lanterns City. Chen Mu limped and laboriously lay down in a rocking chair. Looking at the dilapidated and completely abandoned wooden building complex in the distance, he couldn''t help but smile. "Finally, the Plague God is gone..." He had confirmed multiple times with his Shadow Pupil that Meng Qingchan''s aura had completely disappeared. "Thanks to the Giant Spirit Divine, otherwise today I might have been exhausted to death by Meng Qingchan." Chen Mu was still in a lingering fear. Although Meng Qingchan hadn''t fully recovered, being a Primordial Spirit God, his invulnerability to all techniques left Chen Mu''s secret techniques utterly useless. The only thing that could harm was the Seven Emotions Flame, which Meng Qingchan could still easily peel away. "Luckily, the Giant Spirit Divine managed to hit Meng Qingchan, otherwise I would have been at my wit''s end!" Chen Mu felt fortunate in his heart. A gray wall floated in front of him, and he unconsciously looked towards one section Giant Spirit Divine: Limit. Thanks to the infusion of a large amount of Emperor Flow Nectar, the progress of the Giant Spirit Divine was rapid. Even before leaving Border Shelter Star, the experience of the secret technique was already halfway through the Ninth Rank. Not long after returning to Heavenly Pass City, he had maxed out this secret technique. With a slight thought, a two-meter-tall solemn god statue appeared in front of him. It was draped in black and red armor, covered in golden patterns. Under the dark red cloak and hood, it had a smooth, egg-shaped strange face. A scarlet mist vortex swirled at the center of the face. A brand-new third perspective appeared in Chen Mu''s mind. The Giant Spirit Divine at its limit was no longer just a simple strength amplifying secret technique; it became a tangible entity that shared his mind. Not only that... Chen Mu''s right hand middle finger flicked, and a finger-thick Kui Water Yin Thunder shot out. The next moment, the Yin Thunder easily passed through the chest of the Giant Spirit Divine, creating a large pit on the ground behind it. Yet the Giant Spirit Divine itself seemed like a phantom, unaffected by the Thunder Law attack. "When gathered, it forms; when dispersed, it becomes qi, invulnerable to all techniques. No wonder Meng Qingchan said the Giant Spirit Divine was a kind of Primordial Spirit Secret Technique!" Chen Mu was full of joy. It was precisely this Primordial Spirit trait of the Giant Spirit Divine that allowed him to entangle with Meng Qingchan for so long, ending in mutual destruction. Otherwise, Meng Qingchan would never have let him go. "Not in vain for over a decade of effort." Chen Mu''s lips curled up, filled with a huge sense of accomplishment. The Giant Spirit Divine Secret Technique came from Lu Kuqi and his siblings, initially just a strength amplifying secret technique. The first practice was more than ten years ago. Over the years, Chen Mu never gave up, practicing it from time to time. Now it bore fruit, helping him solve a major crisis with a single stroke. "What a divine skill!" ... A few days later, in the evening. Chen Mu leisurely returned to Jiwei Courtyard in Yangdu Square along Heavenly Market Street. First, he put the thirty kilograms of demon beast meat he had just bought today into the Bottomless Pool, then habitually immersed his spirit into the Shadow Pupil of Thousand Lanterns City. The lifeless big eye with drooping eyelids slowly rotated, meticulously scanning the entire Thousand Lanterns City. "Meng Qingchan is indeed gone." Even though it wasn''t the first time confirming, Chen Mu couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief. "Gone is good. Gone means no more daily worries about Lu Shenjun coming to stir trouble." Although Thousand Lanterns City had an isolating effect, as long as Meng Qingchan stayed for one more day, it was a major hidden threat. But after a fight, Meng Qingchan straightforwardly left, which surprised Chen Mu. He originally thought the other party would give him a hard time before leaving. "Is it because of the Nightmare Victory Spell?" Chen Mu had some guesses in his heart. The Nightmare Victory Spell indeed couldn''t kill the current Meng Qingchan, but it could lock onto his aura. If something happened to him, Lu Yue might be able to find Meng Qingchan through this curse. Because of this, the other party left so decisively. "It''s a pity about the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, such a good Great Replenishing Pill." Chen Mu sighed regretfully. The remolding of the Jade Seed required Primordial Qi, the reversed practicing of Primordial Qi demanded a vast amount of mana, but over-refining mana would damage one''s vital energy. To ensure a stable foundation, one had to either slow down the cultivation speed to let the body recover or consume a large amount of nourishing and strengthening soup or pill. In the past, with the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, he could refine a lot of Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine for assistance. Now that Meng Qingchan had left, and the Inheriting Heaven Gourd disappeared, the progress of remolding the Jade Seed would certainly be delayed. ... Demon Dispel Alley, Xin Si Courtyard. "Inquiring about demon poison?" Steward Wu looked at Chen Mu in surprise. "You still want to try to remove the demon poison yourself?" He had a look of realization. "Don''t I buy you over thirty kilograms of demon beast meat from the Heavenly Workshop every two or three days? Not enough?" Steward Wu pondered but didn''t ask more. Before Chen Mu could explain, he straightforwardly began, "I don''t really know what demon poison is, just that it has to do with the origin of demons." "Nether Demon Heaven?" That can''t be right. He had been to Nether Demon Heaven before, and there was no demon poison at that time. Chen Mu was puzzled. "It''s Mistaken Heaven." Steward Wu explained, "Outer Heaven Demons come from Beyond Heaven, including Nether Demon Heaven and Mistaken Heaven." "Most of the demons in the Woodstar Cluster come from Mistaken Heaven." "Mistaken Heaven is filled with demon poison; in the past, someone tried to invade and reclaim it, but the Qi Cultivators sent to scout were all infected by the demon poison." "They lost consciousness shortly after returning and morphed into demon beasts, meeting a tragic end." "Since then, no one dared to enter Mistaken Heaven proactively." Chen Mu was awed at heart. A poison that could erode a Spiritual Deity and turn Qi Cultivators into demon beasts, such wickedness in this demon poison! "No one really knows what demon poison is, but there are many rumors." Steward Wu recalled carefully. "Some say it''s a divine skill of a powerful Heavenly Demon in Mistaken Heaven." "Others say it''s a special vital energy in Mistaken Heaven, which is greatly nourishing for the local demons but deadly poisonous to us outsiders." "And there''s another theory." He looked around, leaned closer to Chen Mu, and whispered, "Some say the Mistaken Heaven demon poison is a kind of invisible, tiny Heavenly Demon, like... like the plague poison we experienced a while ago." Chen Mu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. It was quite a possibility! Previously, when the Jade Seed was initially remolded, and the Truth Listening Divine Power enhanced, he had heard some tiny life rhythms in the blood and flesh of the Eagle-beaked White Jade Snake. Now thinking back... "Mistaken Heaven is filled with various monsters, who knows, this demon poison might be one of them." Steward Wu added. Chen Mu nodded, quite agreeing with this theory. "The best way to remove demon poison is by burning it with Nanming Li Fire." "This Fire Method comes from the Pure Yang Dao, difficult to learn and master. Besides a few Primordial Spirit Gods, only the Heavenly Craft Furnace of the Heavenly Workshop can induce and foster it." "Other than that, I haven''t heard of any other method to completely remove demon poison." "If you want to try to remove the demon poison yourself, you must ensure utmost safety before consuming anything rashly." Steward Wu advised. "Thank you for the reminder." Chen Mu earnestly cupped his hands in gratitude. He also didn''t want to take risks. But to ensure the speed of his Daoist Foundation cultivation, he needed a vast amount of vital energy. The price of Rejuvenation Pills was too high, and although he had exchanged some materials with his Daoist Cultivation, the quantity was limited. Unless he slowed down his cultivation pace, those herbs would only last two or three months at best. Moreover, Chen Mu needed to refine Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, and also had to nourish the Yin Soul. The channels Steward Wu had at the Heavenly Workshop were indeed shady, and the amount of demon beast meat he provided was clearly insufficient. He had to plan ahead. Chapter 700 - 688: Attempt Yangdu Square, Jiwei Courtyard. Chen Mu sat cross-legged on the low platform by the window. On the small square table in front of him, there were three palm-sized porcelain dishes, each containing a walnut-sized piece of bright red demon beast meat. "Let''s see what demon poison is all about." Chen Mu stared intently at the meat in the porcelain dishes. The Truth Listening Divine Power was fully activated, and three traceable, minute vibrations appeared near his ears. The sound was too faint and elusive; it was impossible to hear if not listened to carefully. "There is a life rhythm, which means the meat is alive." "The so-called demon poison might very well be some kind of special living organism, somewhat like bacteria or viruses." Chen Mu mused. "Perhaps I can try the Seven Emotions Flame." An idea struck him. The Seven Emotions Flame specializes in burning spiritual deities, and since demon poison is a living entity, it might be afraid of the Seven Emotions Flame as well. Acting on the thought immediately. With a flick of his wrist, a handful of colorless flame floated in his palm and quickly enveloped the demon beast meat on the first porcelain dish to the left. Truth Listening Divine Power focused intensely on the meat, but after a while, although the life rhythm within the meat was as weak as a dwindling candle, it still remained steadfast. "It''s indeed not that simple." Chen Mu waved away the Seven Emotions Flame. Although somewhat disappointed, it was expected. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is a large sect, yet only the Nanming Li Fire in the Heavenly Craft Furnace can purify demon poison, proving its troublesome nature. If the Seven Emotions Flame could easily eliminate demon poison, it would be suspicious. "Perhaps the Jade Cicada Qi can have some effect." Chen Mu''s thoughts turned. Previously, he conducted experiments where the Jade Cicada Qi enhanced the physique of small insects, making them fight and grow stronger, it was suitable for practicing gu. Later, he also temporarily controlled the Plague Immortal Flag with the Jade Cicada Qi, recovering a large amount of Yellow Millet Plague Poison. "Since demon poison is a living entity, albeit a minute one, perhaps the Jade Cicada Qi can be effective." Chen Mu extended his right index finger, a golden bean-sized energy mass appeared at his fingertip. With a flick, the Jade Cicada Qi penetrated the meat in the second porcelain dish. At first, there didn''t appear to be any changes, but soon after, Chen Mu noticed the Jade Cicada Qi scattered within the demon beast meat started to slowly dissipate. Chen Mu fully activated the Truth Listening Divine Power, and the previously unhearable life rhythm unexpectedly enhanced by two degrees! "There''s a way!" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. The Jade Cicada Qi was effective, giving him the possibility to intervene with demon poison. Although the Plague Immortal Technique couldn''t kill the demon poison, he could think of ways to draw it out and collect it like the Yellow Millet Plague Poison. Without demon poison, the demon beast meat from Outer Heaven would naturally be clean! He immediately began to activate the Plague Immortal Technique and give it a try. After a quarter of an hour, Chen Mu stopped and summoned the grey wall data. Plague Immortal Technique: 7566/10000/Second Rank; "The Plague Immortal Technique is still lacking." He sighed and shook his head. With the Jade Cicada Qi, Chen Mu''s perception of demon poison clearly enhanced, but only the perceptive ability was strengthened. The Second Rank Plague Immortal Technique struggled to affect demon poison. "If only I had the Plague Immortal Flag." Chen Mu shook his head wistfully. The Plague Immortal Flag is a powerful amplifier for the Plague Immortal Technique; having it, even the Second Rank technique might intervene with the demon poison. "Forget it, it''s ultimately not my magic treasure, there''s nothing I can do." Chen Mu said. "The Plague Immortal Technique is better; once mastered, it becomes one''s own skill, not relying on external items." "Currently, unable to deal with demon poison is merely due to insufficient rank." "It''s just about grinding experience, I''m familiar with this!" ... Heavenly Pass City Inner City, Star Monarch Hall. Lan Xiuzhu, dressed in grey clothes, stood at the hall entrance, gazing at the stars in the sky. "Looking up all day at the Kuimu Star Group, what, you''re thinking of joining Pure Yang Dao? It''s a pity they don''t want you." A clear voice echoed from deep within the Star Monarch Hall. "Senior Sister, I haven''t seen you in three hundred years, unexpectedly you rejuvenated!" Lan Xiuzhu turned, looking pleased as he saw Meng Qingchan: "Congratulations!" Meng Qingchan''s expression immediately darkened. She hadn''t rejuvenated but incurred significant loss due to the failure of the Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique. She didn''t believe Lan Xiuzhu couldn''t see her situation; he was clearly mocking her! "Junior Brother, your tongue remains sharp!" Meng Qingchan sneered. "Senior Sister, likewise." Lan Xiuzhu replied with a gentle smile. "Enough talk, where''s my Plague Immortal Flag?" Meng Qingchan said with displeasure. Lan Xiuzhu casually waved his hand, and thirty-five red triangular order flags appeared instantly within the hall. Meng Qingchan''s expression eased. With a gesture, an ink-green Plague Immortal Flag materialized beside her. Mage energies surged, and the thirty-five red order flags noiselessly transformed into red dust, quickly merging into the ink-green order flag. "Senior Sister was previously at the Border Shelter Star?" Lan Xiuzhu''s face revealed sudden realization. "No wonder I couldn''t locate the Plague Immortal Flag, it turns out Senior Sister had taken it away. I thought Senior Brother Lu might have intercepted it." He added, slightly furrowing his brow: "With the Plague Immortal Flag in hand, why did Senior Sister''s Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique go awry?" "Ah, it''s nothing, just a sly thief exploiting a loophole." Meng Qingchan''s face twitched, she couldn''t help but grit her teeth. She hadn''t anticipated that Chen Mu could extract vital energy from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. She didn''t know where he got that bottomless Cold Lake capable of countering the various Forbidden Laws on the Inheriting Heaven Gourd. Even though she was in a dormant state at the time, she wasn''t entirely oblivious to external happenings. Recalling that lake still filled her with dread. "Do you need me to help clean up the mess?" Lan Xiuzhu said solemnly. "Are you looking to mock me?" Meng Qingchan glanced at him sideways. "It''s rare to see someone causing Senior Sister to suffer, indeed a rare sight." Lan Xiuzhu chuckled. "Get lost!" Meng Qingchan snapped, her eyebrows arched. ... Demon Dispel Alley, Xin Si Courtyard. Chen Mu attentively examined the large blue-black snail before him. This demon beast is called the Green Jade Snail; the snail shell houses at the Heavenly Craft Camp in the Border Shelter Star were refined from the Green Jade Snail. "This thing is quite precious, make sure your hand doesn''t tremble," Steward Wu warned nervously, "A small scratch on the inner wall will render the shell unusable." "If it''s so precious, why entrust it to me? Aren''t you afraid I might mishandle it?" Chen Mu asked, puzzled. "What if it works?" Steward Wu gritted his teeth, "The veterans in the courtyard have lost their motivation long ago. You''re the only one left with some hope." "You hold me in high regard?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows and smiled. "If you handle the Green Jade Snail successfully, our Xin Si Courtyard''s rank will rise immediately." "Then the Daoist Cultivation we earn will double." "This benefits both of us, don''t hold back." Steward Wu said sternly. Alright then. Chen Mu shrugged in agreement. He waved Steward Wu away, ensuring no one was watching, then he conjured a mosquito-wing-like thin green Qi Blade. The Qi Blade effortlessly cut through the residual Qi within the Green Jade Snail, slicing into the edge of the circular snail shell. It then clung tightly to the inner wall, advancing quickly and precisely inside. All the muscle fibers adhered to the inner wall were swiftly severed by the green Qi Blade. Soon enough, Chen Mu slightly lifted his index finger, activating the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. The white soft body inside the snail shell was easily extracted into the air. A distinct aroma permeated the isolating demon dispel area. "Success." Chen Mu smiled with satisfaction. With his Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, the skills honed from years of roasting and slicing meat, and the Truth Listening Divine Power investigating the snail shell structure, the tricky Green Jade Snail was easy for him to handle. "It''s a pity the Plague Immortal Technique''s rank is still insufficient." Inhaling the mouth-watering special aroma, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head. The snail meat smelled delightful, but it still contained demon poison. Even if refined into Replenishing Origin Soup or Nourishing Spirit Wine, they couldn''t be consumed due to contamination. He glanced at the grey wall data before him. Plague Immortal Technique: 133/10000/Third Rank; In the past seven to eight days, he spent all his spare time studying the Plague Immortal Technique, progressing gratifyingly. But the demon poison is stubborn, and even at Third Rank, the Plague Immortal Technique only enhanced his perception of demon poison slightly; he still couldn''t extract it. "I need to continue practicing." Chen Mu''s mind was serene. "The arrival of the Green Jade Snail is timely." "Although the Plague Immortal Technique won''t work for now, earning more Daoist Cultivation will be beneficial, allowing him to acquire more medicinal ingredients to refine Rejuvenation Pills." "In the next two to three months, he could ensure his progress with the Daoist Foundation cultivation." Chapter 701 - 689: Unexpected Joy Demon Dispel Alley, Xin Si Courtyard. At the door of a spacious room, Chen Mu was lying on a brand-new rocking chair with his eyes closed, resting. "Slacking off again?" The short, chubby Steward Wu suddenly appeared at the door, looking displeased. "I moved you to the inner courtyard, and now you just slack off and do nothing all day?" Chen Mu didn''t even lift his eyelids. He lazily pointed towards the Demon-solving Stone Platform inside the room. "Two Green Jade Snails?!" Just a moment ago, Steward Wu was full of displeasure, but now his face lit up with joy. He strode into the room, carefully inspecting the two snail shells, his smile growing even wider. Even the veterans of Demon Dispel Alley could only handle six or seven Green Jade Snails a day, and Chen Mu had processed two just in the morning! "I made the right bet!" He quickly returned to Chen Mu, his face full of obsequious smiles. Being able to handle Green Jade Snails meant that Chen Mu could handle more complex demon beasts in the future. With such a demon-dispelling expert, Xin Si Courtyard was bound to rise in status. This brought considerable benefits for a manager like him. "Can I slack off now?" Chen Mu opened one eye and glanced obliquely at the short, chubby man. "This is not slacking off, sir, you are clearly conserving your strength for better demon dispelling!" Steward Wu''s expression changed, his face full of serious respect. Tsk tsk! Your face changes so quickly. "Then you..." "I will leave immediately and not disturb your rest!" The short, chubby man promptly picked up the two snail shells and turned to leave without hesitation. Watching him disappear through the Moon Gate of the small courtyard, Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Ever since he demonstrated his skill in handling Green Jade Snails, he had been assigned to this small courtyard. He didn''t need to deal with other small demon remains, just focusing on the Green Jade Snails. And for each one he processed, he could earn fifteen Daoist Cultivation points, more than his usual daily earnings. With the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, Chen Mu only needed a quarter of an hour to handle one. If he really went all out, he could process thirty or forty Green Jade Snails in a day. But... "The best demon-dispelling master in Demon Dispel Alley can only handle nine Green Jade Snails a day." "Four a day is just right for me, it''s best not to increase this in the short term." Chen Mu pondered to himself. As a newcomer, processing four Green Jade Snails a day was already quite noticeable. Doing more would definitely attract attention, and he didn''t want others disturbing his peaceful cultivation life. ... He popped a Rejuvenation Pill into his mouth and closed his eyes, sinking into his Jade Seed. Skillfully reversing the River Car Divine Acupoint, it didn''t take long for his mana to transform into nine strands of Innate Primordial Qi, which merged into the inner wall of the Jade Seed. A golden shimmer flashed across the inner and outer surfaces of the Jade Seed. From a certain golden vein, several tiny golden threads emerged. The inner wall of white jade thickened imperceptibly. These changes were almost undetectable without a careful comparison, making it seem like the cultivation had no effect at all. But Chen Mu was used to this. Reconstructing the Jade Seed was like building a house, the Daoist Foundation Atlas was the blueprint, and the Innate Primordial Qi was the bricks and tiles. Each session of cultivation was adding bricks and tiles. At first glance, the effect wasn''t obvious, but only through gradual accumulation would that high-rise building be completed. "It''s just the meticulous work of grinding an inkstone, I''ve encountered this before, let''s keep practicing." Chen Mu shrugged, his mindset quite peaceful. He turned his focus towards the center of the Jade Seed. The Nine-layered Divine Acupoint Talisman, the size of a longan, was rotating in an orderly manner, with threads of mana constantly emerging from it. There were also dozens of sesame-sized, differently colored specks revolving around the Divine Orifice. Chen Mu focused his spirit on a dark green speck, and a dark green mist suddenly appeared in his consciousness. Within the mist, there were countless branching networks resembling human brain neurons or entangled tree rootsthis was the True Meaning Talisman of the Plague Immortal Technique. After examining it for a moment, he began to construct the talisman as he had done before. The branching edges constantly converged and dispersed, slowly expanding and extending the entire misty network. After some time, when the mana in the Jade Seed was filled again, Chen Mu stopped practicing the Plague Immortal Technique and started a new round of Jade Seed reconstruction. He repeated this cycle several times, occasionally taking a break and ingesting Rejuvenation Pills to replenish his energy. Time passed quietly, and before he knew it, the evening was approaching. Chen Mu stretched and got up. While processing the remaining two Green Jade Snails, he checked the gray wall. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 2149/10000/Sixth Rank; Plague Immortal Technique: 2/10000/Fourth Rank; After more than twenty days, the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had progressed steadily, and the Plague Immortal Technique had already entered a new realm. ... At night, starlight shone brilliantly. In Yangdu Square''s Jiwei Courtyard. Chen Mu took out a piece of Green Jade Snail Meat that he had prepared in advance. Urging the Plague Immortal Technique, Jade Cicada Qi permeated into the meat as if following his command, as he tried once again to remove the demon poison. But after some time, the walnut-sized white meat showed no reaction. The distinctive rhythm of the demon poison was faint but never disappeared. "Even the Fourth Rank Plague Immortal Technique doesn''t work?" Chen Mu scratched his head. On reflection, it made sense. Currently, the only thing that could handle the demon poison was the Nanming Li Fire, and this fire could only be controlled by the special Magic Artifact Heavenly Craft Furnace or a Primordial Spirit God. This meant that the Mistaken Heavenly Demon Poison must be at the level of a Primordial Spirit God to be removed easily. "I only have fourteen thousand white jade left, which won''t last long." He furrowed his eyebrows. "Must I reduce my cultivation speed?" Daoist Foundation cultivation required mana, refining mana needed Earth Spirit Vital Energy and his own Spirit. Previously, with the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, there was no need to buy elixirs for nourishing and strengthening; it only required supplying the Exquisite Jade Plate to produce Earth Spirit Vital Energy. But just this alone had consumed six or seven-tenths of his savings. In the future, more materials for Rejuvenation Pills would be needed, costing even more white jade and Daoist Cultivation points. Processing more Green Jade Snails? It wasn''t impossible, but he would need to find a way to have Steward Wu cover it up a bit. Chen Mu squinted, deep in thought. Hmm, the Nightmare Victory Spell? Heh! That might work. "If only I didn''t have to give Daoist cultivation points to Taoshan Temple as a commission." He sighed and shook his head again. If it wasn''t for the points being taken before he could even receive them, he would have dared to skip the commission. Having practiced the Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique to perfection, countless Heavenly Demon Spirit Seeds bore his tribulation techniques, so he wasn''t afraid of the contract''s backlash anymore. ... "Hu Buwei''s presence disappeared on Heavenly Gate Star, and the Daoist Cultivation points commission has been canceled?" "Moreover, the 1,043 Daoist cultivation points given to the Hundred Illusion Sect over the past two months can be returned?!" This... Is this some kind of good fortune?! At the entrance of Jiwei Courtyard in Yangdu Square, Chen Mu''s face was alight with joy as he looked at the bald, white-bearded elder who had come to deliver the news. Though it might seem tactless, hearing that Hu Buwei had disappeared made him almost laugh out loud. Just a few days ago, he was worrying about the Daoist Cultivation points commission, and now a huge turn of events had occurred. The Hundred Illusion Sect was gone, leaving only Hu Buwei to receive the Daoist cultivation points commission. For the points to reach the Taoshan Temple, they had to pass through Hu Buwei. Now that Hu Buwei had disappeared, the middleman was gone, and the points could no longer be taken away. Even more surprising, the points gifted over the last two or three months could be returned. "With these thousand-plus points, I can buy more materials and sustain my high-speed cultivation for another month." "This is...an unexpected delight." Chen Mu''s expression was odd. Thinking it over, he realized he should even thank Lu Shenjun for releasing the plague poison. It''s really... "What, you don''t like it? If you don''t like it, you don''t have to claim it." The white-bearded elder looked at Chen Mu with envy. He was also a Daoist Soldier, and he didn''t want his points taken either. "No, I''m just sad for Elder Hu." "Elder Hu was such a good person, how could he be gone just like that?" Chen Mu bared his teeth, crying out in "grief"! The bald elder: "..." To have a Daoist soldier like you, Elder Hu must have been really unlucky! Chapter 702 - 690: Expelling Poison More than a month later. Heavenly Pass City, Heavenly Market Street, Hundred Objects Pavilion. "Are you looking for something to store tiny, living creatures?" "Are you referring to plague poison?" A young shop assistant in gray clothing approached Chen Mu and whispered. Chen Mu was surprised this time. He had only hinted vaguely, yet the assistant guessed what he wanted right away? This is... "No need to be surprised, sir." The young man in gray smiled. "You are not the only one who has been looking for such Magic Artifacts recently." "Has something happened?" Chen Mu frowned slightly. "The star of Heavenly Gate is dimming. There are rumors that it is due to plague poison running amok." "People are afraid it will spread to Heavenly Pass Star, so..." The assistant shrugged. Chen Mu nodded thoughtfully. He thought of Hu Buwei, who disappeared at Heavenly Gate Star. Not only had he been freed from dividing his Daoist Cultivation gains, but he also received a refund. It seemed that something serious indeed happened at Heavenly Gate Star. Unfortunately, the star was now sealed off; no one could get in or out, so nobody knew the exact situation. "For storing plague poison, I recommend the Seven-Star Jade Purifying Bottle," the young man in gray suggested. "We also have seven or eight kinds of Detoxification Pills for various plague poisons." "What do you think...?" "I''ll take one Jade Purifying Bottle and one of each Detoxification Pill," Chen Mu said after a moment of contemplation. He suspected these miscellaneous Detoxification Pills were just a gimmick by the Hundred Objects Pavilion to profit from people''s fear. But what if they were actually useful? He wasn''t afraid of Yellow Millet Plague Poison, but plague poisons existed in many forms. Lu Shenjun had wielded the Plague Immortal Flag for hundreds of years. Who knew what kinds of plague poisons he had refined? "A total of ninety-six Daoist Cultivations and two hundred forty White Jade," the young shop assistant said with a smile. Ninety-six Daoist Cultivations? That was not cheap at all. Luckily, he no longer had to divide his gains with Hu Buwei; otherwise, spending this amount of Daoist Cultivation would have made him hesitate. ... Late at night. Yangdu Square, Jiwei Courtyard. Chen Mu sat cross-legged beside a low couch. On a square table before him was a porcelain plate holding a walnut-sized piece of white Green Jade Snail Meat. He activated his Truth Listening Divine Power, and a faint, barely audible rhythm of life entered his ear. "The observation is still so vague; this won''t help in removing the demon poison," Chen Mu shook his head. If he couldn''t see it clearly, how could he ensure the demon poison was completely removed? With a thought, his Spirit entered the armored Giant Spirit Divine, who materialized cross-legged on the other side of the table. Chen Mu directed a part of his Spirit into the Giant Spirit Divine, naturally activating the Truth Listening Divine Power. The previously unclear demon poison aura immediately became crystal clear. What had once been like looking through frosted glass now became a view through transparent glass. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra indeed has its ways," Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. During these days, while cultivating the Plague Immortal Technique and refining his Daoist Foundation, he had not forgotten to study the Giant Spirit Divine. He discovered that the Giant Spirit Divine, like a clone, could perform Qi Refinement Secret Techniques. Especially Secret Techniques from the same Thousand Mountains Sutra, which were executed even more smoothly than when he performed them himself. "No wonder it''s a technique that can harm Primordial Spirit Gods. Using the Giant Spirit Divine''s perspective, demon poison can be detected clearly," Chen Mu laughed, his Mana surging like a tide. In his Jade Seed, the True Meaning Talisman enveloped by the green mist of the Plague Immortal Technique began to glow. An invisible Exotic Force appeared, enveloping the Green Jade Snail Meat on the porcelain plate. The tiny life forms scattered across the snail meat immediately started to drift slowly. Like fish sensing food, they swam toward the Exotic Force of the Plague Immortal Technique. "The Plague Immortal Technique really works against demon poison!" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. But soon, he realized he was too optimistic. Most of the demon poison did indeed approach the Exotic Force, but at the edge of the snail meat, they stopped and showed no sign of leaving the meat. Some even drifted back into the depths of the snail meat. "There is attraction, but not strong enough." Chen Mu mused. "Then let''s push it further!" He immediately infused a golden, sand-like Jade Cicada Qi into the Exotic Force of the Plague Immortal Technique. As if undergoing some transformation, the demon poison that had returned inside the snail meat suddenly rushed to the edge. Chen Mu merely extended the Exotic Force slightly into the meat, and it was like a hand touching flour; it immediately stuck to the demon poison. He then easily withdrew it, sealing it into the Seven-Star Jade Purifying Bottle. "I did it!" Chen Mu grinned. The originally mid-level Fifth Rank Plague Immortal Technique was insufficient on its own. But combined with the Jade Cicada Qi, the effect was enhanced much like adding sugar to black gunpowder, making it immediately effective against demon poison. ... Noon. Demon Dispel Alley, Xin Si Courtyard. As usual, Chen Mu dealt with two Green Jade Snails and then lay in a rocking chair, gazing at the two entries on the gray wall before him. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 4953/10000/Sixth Rank; Plague Immortal Technique: 5332/10000/Fifth Rank; Though he lacked Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, he had Rejuvenation Pills for replenishment. Over the past month, his practice of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had remained steady and progressing. He spent most of his remaining time practicing the Plague Immortal Technique, and its proficiency soared. Now at mid-Fifth Rank, it was not yet wholly effective on its own against demon poison, but combined with Jade Cicada Qi, it could remove it. Thinking of this, Chen Mu immersed his Spirit into the Shadow Pupil of Thousand Lanterns City. At this moment, a dozen iron cages hung under the eaves of a wooden building, containing Poison Dragon Scorpions that had eaten the snail meat, either sleeping or crawling within. "It looks like it really worked." Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction. Last night, he had consecutively removed the demon poison from over ten pieces of demon beast meat, feeding them to these Poison Dragon Scorpions for testing. After a night, the Poison Dragon Scorpions were unharmed, indicating that the Plague Immortal Technique had effectively removed the demon poison from the demon beast meat. "To be safe, I should observe the Poison Dragon Scorpions for a few more days." "But I can now start considering large-scale procurement of demon beast meat." Chen Mu looked up slightly, glancing at the short, plump Steward Wu who had just entered the courtyard. "For purchasing demon beast meat, I''ll have to rely on this rotund fellow." ... "You want to buy demon beast meat? Unprocessed demon beast meat?" "No problem!" Steward Wu agreed without hesitation. "But I need a lot," Chen Mu said with a smile. "No matter how much, it''s no problem." Steward Wu casually waved his hand while deeply examining a Green Jade Shell. "What if I want all the demon beast meat processed in Xin Si Courtyard?" Chen Mu said playfully. The demon beast meat processed in Demon Dispel Alley was sent to Heavenly Workshop, where it was an essential ingredient for refining Essence Pills. If the quantity was smaller, it wouldn''t matter. But if none were used, that would be unacceptable. Sure enough, upon hearing Chen Mu''s request, Steward Wu immediately stood up, his face serious. Seeing his reaction, Chen Mu couldn''t help but secretly laugh. He didn''t actually need that much meat; he was just looking for an excuse to cast the Nightmare Victory Spell! By buying a large amount of unprocessed meat, this rotund fellow was sure to guess he intended to remove the demon poison. If this information leaked, it would be a never-ending trouble, so he needed to be cautious. "Xin Si Courtyard has forty-nine Demon Dispel Daoist Soldiers, processing over thirteen hundred pounds of demon beast meat daily. Are you sure you want it all?" Steward Wu asked solemnly. "That''s right," Chen Mu laughed cheerfully. No way, surely you can''t provide that much. Go ahead, refuse me. That way, I could use the Nightmare Victory Spell to make you obey. "That''s over thirteen hundred pounds of demon beast meat!" Steward Wu frowned. "Is it enough?" He earnestly asked Chen Mu. What? Chen Mu was taken aback. "If it''s not enough, I have connections at Dingyou Institute and can get you another thousand pounds of demon beast meat." Chen Mu: "..." Wait, aren''t you going to refuse me? At least ask what I''m doing with it. With you being so cooperative, how could I bear to cast the Nightmare Victory Spell on you?! Chapter 703 - 691: Ingenious Uses of the Spiritual Deity "Steward Wu, are you hiding something from me?" Inside Xin Si Courtyard in the Demon Dispel Alley, Chen Mu stared at Steward Wu Gang in front of him, squinting his eyes. The amount of demon beast meat he asked for was extremely large, yet this guy readily agreed. Not only did he not question his reasons, but he also thought about finding other ways to help him get more demon beast meat... This short and plump man, he was acting suspiciously! "Brother Chen, why do you say that?" Wu Gang looked at Chen Mu with a face full of astonishment. He was about to continue explaining, but noticing Chen Mu''s calm gaze, he felt a chill on the back of his neck and couldn''t help but shrink his neck. "I have a technique called the Return Light Technique." He hesitated for a moment before finally chuckling awkwardly, "Within seven days, it can automatically record everything that happens around me. It mainly helps me manage the numerous affairs of Xin Si Courtyard." "Back when we were at Border Shelter Star, although I was unconscious, this secret technique never stopped, so..." he looked at Chen Mu and laughed. Return Light Technique? What is that, a Qi Cultivator version of a bodycam?! The corner of Chen Mu''s mouth twitched. So, this guy had long known about me testing the Plague Immortal Flag to extract the Yellow Millet Plague from him? Indeed. Whether it''s helping buy demon beast meat from the Heavenly Workshop or transferring me to the inner courtyard to handle the Green Jade Snail, what ordinary Daoist Soldier gets this kind of treatment! "I thought I had hidden it well, but this short and plump guy had already noticed the clues." Chen Mu sighed silently. Raising his hand to form a seal, he incited the Nightmare Victory Spell, causing Wu Gang to collapse immediately. "You..." "I understand, I understand! I can''t reveal any of your information to others." Wu Gang''s face was full of ingratiating smiles, "I didn''t before, and I certainly won''t in the future." Chen Mu: "..." No. Aren''t you going to put up a fight? I haven''t even threatened you, why did you submit so easily? You should be fiercely resisting and then we would struggle back and forth a few times! Chen Mu stared with displeasure. Resist? No chance of resisting at all. Wu Gang curled his lips inwardly. The Magic Artifact used to remove his plague before was the Plague Immortal Flag belonging to Sect Master Lu. Regardless of who this guy has backing him, I definitely can''t afford to offend him. As for the mysterious spell that made me collapse... this spell is great. Previously, I was worried about being silenced, but now that I have this spell, I''m one of his people, so what''s there to be afraid of! "I''ll go collect the demon beast meat right away. How about 2,000 pounds?" Wu Gang had a flattering expression. "You... forget it, just bring 500 pounds first." Chen Mu smacked his lips, feeling that this little brother''s submission tasted quite bland. ... A few days later, in Thousand Lanterns City. In front of the only remaining three-story wooden building, Chen Mu cast a secret technique, transforming mud into stone and piling soil to form a platform. A pile of demon beast meat in various colors of red, white, black, and green was stacked in the center of the stone platform. The Jade Seed Inner Magical Power churned, the Jade Cicada Qi enveloped, and the Plague Immortal Technique''s Exotic Force swept over the demon beast meat on the stone platform. It was like a giant sieve, filtering out the demon poison within, which Chen Mu then sealed into the Seven-Star Jade Purification Bottle. The Giant Spirit Divine appeared beside him, using its Truth Listening Divine Power. The unique life rhythms of the demon poison within the demon beast meat had completely vanished. "Done." Chen Mu raised his hand, black smoke billowed, and the pile of pungent demon beast meat on the stone platform was all collected into the Bottomless Pool within the Five Ghosts Bag. With a thought, he lightly invoked the fully mastered Seven Turns Banquet Primordial Curse and the Ninth Transition Soul Capturing Spell. The dark red Replenishing Origin Soup and the milky white Nourishing Spirit Wine quickly flew out from the Bottomless Pool. In no time, they filled two jade stone gourds, each the height of a small forearm. "With Wu Gang''s help in procuring demon beast meat at a low cost, and using the Plague Immortal Technique to remove the demon poison, the Vital Energy needed for Daoist Foundation cultivation is no longer a concern." Chen Mu''s face lit up with a smile. This way, most of the Daoist Cultivation used to buy ingredients for Rejuvenation Pills can be diverted to exchange for White Jade. And with White Jade, combined with the Exquisite Jade Plate, there''s no need to worry about the Earth Spirit Vital Energy needed for Daoist Foundation cultivation. "The path to Daoist Foundation is now smooth sailing!" Chen Mu couldn''t help but grin broadly. Picking up the Six-winged Golden Feathered Eagle Leg Meat he had set aside on the stone platform, he left Thousand Lanterns City with a flash. "Today, I must eat a large piece of meat to celebrate!" "After eating, I''ll go to Yulan Fortress in the south of the city to listen to some tunes." No other reason, he''s simply interested in the Desire Heaven Longevity Technique. He had absolutely no improper thoughts about those pretty girls. ... Late at night. Chen Mu returned to Jiwei Courtyard with a sense of disinterest. In the end, he didn''t dare to experience the Desire Heaven Longevity Technique. "The Giant Spirit Divine is too powerful, it''s not entirely a good thing." Chen Mu half-leaned on a low couch by the window, staring at the Heavenly Star outside, with his face twitching. Upon entering Yulan Fortress, he immediately used the Truth Listening Divine Power to gather information. It had been his habit for many years; whenever he went to crowded places, he instinctively wanted to collect information. To be more secretive and powerful, he used the Giant Spirit Divine as well. Then... then he discovered the truth about the Desire Heaven Longevity Technique. Bewitching Divine Illusion traps people in an illusion realm, evoking the emotions and desires of the Seed Art Practitioner, and then it absorbs them. Not only was the entire experience a product of one''s own fantasy, but it also required spending Daoist Jade and losing Spirit, who exactly is using whom here? What really broke him was, at least thirty percent of those pretty girls who cultivated the Desire Heaven Longevity Technique in Yulan Fortress were actually men in disguise! This... "This world is truly freaking magical." Chen Mu shivered all over, deciding never to go near Yulan Fortress again. ... With the Vital Energy shortage resolved, Chen Mu''s life returned to its regular rhythm. Every day, he shuttled back and forth between the Heavenly Workshop and Yangdu Square, rarely going to Heavenly Market Street. One afternoon, inside the inner courtyard of Xin Si Courtyard in the Demon Dispel Alley. Chen Mu sat on a high stool, seriously examining the Green Jade Snail in front of him, with a three-meter-tall black and red God Statue emerging behind him. A flash of scarlet flickered through the misty vortex on the face of the God Statue, and a mass of dark green mist appeared in front of Chen Mu. This mist, emitted by the Giant Spirit Divine, was none other than the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique. On the surface, it looked like a simple mist, but inside, it was filled with countless tiny, dense Slaying Demon Qi Blades. With a thought, the dark green mist penetrated the Green Jade Snail in front of him. In less than half a quarter of an hour, the shell and the meat of the snail separated easily. With a beckoning gesture of his middle and index fingers on his right hand, a lump of snow-white snail meat was drawn out by the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles. "Indeed, using the Giant Spirit Divine to perform the Thousand Mountains Sutra Secret Technique makes it easier to unleash its power!" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. His hands kept moving, and in no time, he had neatly arranged five Green Jade Snail shells on the Demon-solving Stone Platform. "Done!" Chen Mu clapped his hands and stood up. The Five Ghosts Black Smoke permeated, causing the blood and flesh scattered on the Demon-solving Stone Platform, along with any faint odors in the air, to disappear completely. In the past, he processed only four Green Jade Snails per day, but as time went on, his skills had to improve steadily. As a result, the number of Green Jade Snails processed each day had "appropriately and reasonably" increased to five. Thinking about his experience using the Giant Spirit Divine to perform the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, Chen Mu lay thoughtfully in the rocking chair by the doorway. "The Thousand Mountains Sutra Secret Technique I obtained from Lu Kuqi siblings consists of seven types." "Using the Giant Spirit Divine to perform Truth Listening Divine Power and Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique immediately enhances their power." "Could the other three secret techniques also yield more wonderful uses?" His heart surged with excitement. He had this idea for a long time, but he had been busy removing the demon poison before and had no time to experiment. Now that Vital Energy was not lacking, and he had ample time, he could try them one by one. Chapter 704 - 692: Shrinking Earth Evening. Chen Mu returned to Jiwei Courtyard in Yangdu Square. As he rounded the screen wall at the gate, he saw a group of people gossiping around Zhong Qing. What''s this about... "Thousand Mechanisms Sect voluntarily dissolved Zhong Qing''s Daoist Soldier Contract and is sending him back to Hai Province." Someone in the crowd, seemingly aware of Chen Mu''s curiosity, explained. "This is the treatment for disabled Daoist Soldiers from Border Shelter Star." Isn''t this a fortunate event! Chen Mu was filled with envy. Back when he came to Outer Heaven to become a Daoist Soldier, it was for the Daoist Foundation Atlas. Now, by coincidence, he obtained the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation Map, achieving his initial goal long ago. If he could return to Hai Province to cultivate, it would undoubtedly be more stable than staying on this Heavenly Star. If I pretend to have a relapse of the demon poison now... Chen Mu felt a stirring impulse in his heart. "With his Spiritual Deity damaged and no hope for the Dao path, returning to Hai Province seems to be a good ending." Someone in the crowd sighed. "For the past few months, with no movements, I thought they were going to let these people fend for themselves. Now it seems that Thousand Mechanisms Sect still has some conscience." "Conscience? Nonsense! Thousand Mechanisms Sect is merely cleaning up the mess for Master Lv Shenjun!" A young man in black within the crowd retorted. "How dare you say that out loud!" "If they can do it, why can''t I say it..." Chen Mu glanced at the young man arguing with his neck stiff, and quietly distanced himself from the crowd. This is something to think about but indeed not to be talked about. Lv Yue is a Primordial Spirit God, a few words of criticism won''t affect him at all. But if he''s in a bad mood, a slight breeze from him would leave few of these Daoist Soldiers in the courtyard. On the second-floor veranda of the west wing, Chen Mu looked at Zhong Qing, who was laughing foolishly among the crowd, and shook his head slightly. Being able to safely return to Hai Province, far from the world of Qi Cultivators, Zhong Qing might have a stable latter half of his life. But coming to Outer Heaven as a Daoist Soldier, he was surely after the longevity of Qi Refinement. Now that his Dao path has been abruptly severed, it clearly does not align with Zhong Qing''s original intentions. Sadly, the world is unpredictable, and one must accept it. "Pretending to be sick now is definitely too late." "Without the Star Lord''s permission, it''s useless whether I force my way or sneak through the Heavenly Gate." "Heavenly Pass Star is fairly stable, I may as well honestly cultivate." Chen Mu glanced at Zhong Qing again, silently wished his neighbor well, then turned and returned to his own room. ... Late at night. Chen Mu sat on one side of a low divan by the window. Performing the Large and Small Like Intent, the Giant Spirit Divine, which had become as large as himself, sat across from him at a four-sided table. A small jade gourd, about the size of a forearm, was placed at the center of the table, filled with a mixture of Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine. The next moment. The black and red vortex on Giant Spirit Divine''s face flickered with scarlet light, producing an invisible suction out of nowhere. Streams of brilliance flew out of the White Jade Gourd, resembling countless silver and red swimming fish, wandering in the air for a moment before entering the black and red vortex. A warm current suddenly emerged from Chen Mu''s body. The slight deficiency caused by continuously draining his mana was immediately replenished by this warm current. "Using the Giant Spirit Divine to perform the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique indeed has its wonders!" Feeling the comfort of his recovering body, Chen Mu''s eyes were full of excitement. The Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique forcefully absorbs the vitality of living beings to repair oneself, but the absorbed vitality is mixed and impure, and the repair method is quite crude and violent, potentially hiding dangers. It is precisely because of this that Chen Mu, although having used the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to assist his Heavenly Demon body, had never applied this technique to his true self. This time, the casting was no different. The Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique still wasn''t applied to himself; it only worked on the Giant Spirit Divine. The one truly nourishing him was the Giant Spirit Divine. The energy returned from Giant Spirit Divine was not only pure and gentle, but the method was also more meticulous and rapid. "Using the Giant Spirit Divine as a conduit is like having an extra digestive system, recovering my vitality way faster than by myself. If I combine both methods..." Chen Mu''s eyes gleamed. "Previously, practicing Reversed Primordial Qi, I could do a maximum of twelve times a day. Any more and my body would suffer." "But now, with the assistance of the Giant Spirit Divine, the speed of cultivating my Daoist Foundation might very well double!" Chen Mu instantly grinned, unable to resist laughing. ... With ample vitality, a complete Dao Foundation Map, along with the Giant Spirit Divine and the accelerated Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique. In the following days, Chen Mu''s speed at restructuring his Jade Seed indeed greatly increased. The outer wall of the Jade Seed grew more intricate markings visible to the naked eye. The experience points of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture surged daily. One morning, more than twenty days later, after dealing with the Green Jade Snail, Chen Mu habitually practiced Reversed Primordial Qi to build his foundation. In no time at all, his body suddenly shuddered, a slight tingling sensation spread throughout his body, and the Body Protection Aura concealed around him abruptly appeared. On the originally white jade-like spiritual light, a large number of golden patterns emerged. Chen Mu felt elated, a flash of understanding in his eyes. With a slight thought, a grey wall surfaced before his eyes. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 5/10000/Seventh Rank; "It is indeed the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture." While he no longer had the Inheriting Heaven Gourd, Chen Mu had the Rejuvenation Pill. Although the cost was high, it ensured the steady pace of his cultivation. Later, resolving the demon poison, with no lack of vitality, the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture steadily advanced. Now, with the acceleration from Giant Spirit Divine and the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique, the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had stepped into a whole new stage. "The perfection of the Sixth Rank seems to have passed another hurdle." Chen Mu looked at the golden patterns on his Body Protection Aura, quite intrigued. Previously, upon reaching the perfection of the third stage of the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, he gained the Jade Cicada Qi. Now entering the seventh stage had brought another significant change. ... The next afternoon, three hundred miles south of Heavenly Pass City. In an endless stretch of green forest, a golden escape light appeared. Next, the light abruptly disappeared, reappearing a hundred meters farther. The escape light flickered continuously, like a stuttering image, swiftly advancing in bursts. After a long while, the golden light landed on top of a towering tree several dozen meters high; the glow receded, revealing Chen Mu. "Shrinking Earth into Inches! I didn''t expect the Jade Cicada Qi to grant Shrinking Earth into Inches!" Chen Mu had a radiant smile. With the enhancement of Jade Cicada Qi, not only did the defense of his Body Protection Aura greatly improve, but the Vertical Earth Rainbow Light Escape Technique also underwent qualitative change. His escape speed increased by thirty percent, surpassing his previous fastest Yin Wind Escape, and it also acquired the ability of Shrinking Earth into Inches. "Now I can teleport as far as a hundred meters at once." "If I perfect my Dao Foundation, if I achieve Primordial Spirit, the Vertical Earth Rainbow Light teleport distance will surely increase dramatically. By then..." "Vertical Earth Golden Light? Shrinking Earth into Inches?" "Haha!" "What remarkable divine skills!" Chen Mu laughed heartily. Soon, the golden light reappeared in the sky above the boundless sea of trees, flickering continuously. ... By evening, with his mana depleted multiple times by the Vertical Earth Rainbow Light, Chen Mu finally dragged his exhausted body, returning to Heavenly Pass City with excitement. He didn''t rush back to Yangdu Square but headed to Heavenly Market Street instead. With considerable progress in his cultivation, he naturally had to celebrate. Although he couldn''t go to Yulan Rampart, he could still buy some exotic demon beast meat to satisfy his palate. However, he had only walked a short distance into the street when he noticed that the White Jade Heavenly Gate at the end of the street was open. Numerous Qi Cultivators of varying ages, male and female, were walking out of the gate. They cautiously or boldly observed their surroundings, their expressions quite similar to when Chen Mu first arrived at Heavenly Pass City. New Daoist Soldiers? Chen Mu realized. With Lu Shenjun poisoning, the Daoist Soldier losses in Outer Heaven were severe. To better guard Heavenly Nature, more Daoist Soldiers naturally needed to be summoned for reinforcement. Chapter 705 - 693 Deployment "I''ve heard that the Jiao Mu Star Lord has rebuilt the Heavenly Gate atop the Heaven Pillar Eleven Stars and urgently needs manpower for guarding. No wonder they''re recruiting large numbers of Daoist Soldiers from Qiong Province and Yingzhou." "Not just that, I''ve heard that even the main sect of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect has sent quite a few people." A few days later in the evening, as Chen Mu just returned to the Jiwei Courtyard of Yangdu Square, he saw many people gathered in the courtyard, bustling with discussion. Listening to what they were discussing and recalling the many Daoist Soldiers he saw on Heavenly Market Street a few days ago, his steps naturally paused. "The Heavenly Pillar Star is under lockdown and needs Daoist Soldiers for guarding, so are we also going to the Heavenly Pillar Star Group?" someone among the crowd asked with concern. "It''s probably just a matter of time." "Isn''t this sending us to our deaths? There''s a plague there!" another person anxiously complained. "If they dared to send people, they definitely have made preparations. Besides, do you dare to defy the contract without fearing the Five Thunders Bombarding?" "Instead of complaining, you might as well hurry to Heavenly Market Street and stock up on some elixirs and Magic Artifacts to combat the plague for emergencies." "Let''s go together..." Chen Mu watched as a crowd of people rushed out of the courtyard and immediately frowned. If it''s truly a forced dispatch, I''m afraid I''ll also be sent to the Heavenly Pillar Star Group. Disobey the Daoist Soldier''s decree and run away? It seems impossible. Chen Mu slowly shook his head. He was not afraid of the contract''s backlash, but where could he run to anyway? The Jiao Mu Star Lord, being the Star Spirit, can instantly investigate the entire Heavenly Pass Star. As long as you''re on the Heavenly Pass Star, you will certainly be found by the Jiao Mu Star Lord. There are quite a few Daoist Foundation Elders in Heavenly Pass City, and the high-ranking Lan Xiuzhu who oversees the Star Monarch Hall is a Primordial Spirit God. Even if I reveal my cultivation, I probably won''t escape capture. Flee the Heavenly Star? Chen Mu looked up at the azure sky and shook his head again. The Heavenly Pass Star is shrouded by a layer of Spiritual Light that not only emits light to facilitate day and night transitions but also serves as a defense against external intrusions. It has prevented the boundary-breaking invasions of Great Heavenly Demons that rival the Primordial Spirit Gods and has kept out the invisible astral winds beyond the stars. These astral winds can erode bone and flesh, filling the endless void outside of the Heavenly Star. It is said that the air is thin there, and only the power of a Primordial Spirit God can safely traverse it, not just any Qi Cultivator. How troublesome! Chen Mu''s brows furrowed deeply. ... "Although there haven''t been any concrete messages yet, it''s probably very close to reality." "Dispatch of Daoist Soldiers is commonplace." In Demon Dispel Alley, inside the courtyard of Xin Si, Wu Gang dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand. "Aren''t you afraid of the plague?" Chen Mu was quite surprised. Despite just experiencing the plague incident on Border Shelter Star, he''s not worried at all? Is this chubby man too carefree? "We''re Daoist Soldiers. Once we signed the contract, we have to go, even if we''re scared." Wu Gang shrugged helplessly. "However, there shouldn''t be much danger on the Heavenly Pillar Star" He chuckled, "With the presence of demons and monsters, naturally, those war soldiers will take the lead, while we''ll stay behind." "As for the plague..." Wu Gang leaned in closer to Chen Mu and whispered, "I''ve heard Lu Shenjun has been missing for days, likely has left the Heavenly Pillar Star, so without him meddling, we shouldn''t fear the plague." Lu Yue missing? Is he hiding away to refine and absorb the Imperial Nectar? Chen Mu realized. "Besides, if there is indeed a plague, isn''t there still you?" Wu Gang grinned again. No wonder this chubby man is so calm. Does it mean I''m the source of his courage? Chen Mu rolled his eyes in exasperation and waved him away, feeling slightly relieved. Without Lu Yue, that dangerous figure, the danger on the Heavenly Pillar Star indeed lessens a lot. "Thinking this way, guarding the Heavenly Pillar Star isn''t impossible." "After all, there''s nowhere else to run." ... With the decision made, Chen Mu started his preparations over the following days. With the Plague Immortal Technique capable of removing demon poison at lower costs, Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine became the top choices for nourishing essence and strengthening foundation, eliminating the need to stock up on materials for Rejuvenation Pills. After buying two more Seven-Star Jade Purification Bottles for storing demon poison, he converted the remaining cultivation energy into White Jade. By doing so, the total amount of White Jade he possessed reached over 17,000, enough to support the Exquisite Jade Plate for a year. After this, he carried on with his usual routine of cultivation and training, while also dedicating more time to honing the Plague Immortal Technique. Lu Yue might be missing, but he''s not dead; what if he uses the same old tricks again? It''s better to be prepared. "Moreover, there''s the elusive Meng Qingchan." Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. This person is the very creator of the Plague Immortal Flag and is equally adept at manipulating plague poison. "Still need to increase the Plague Immortal Technique experience to ensure safety." ... Three days later, the entire Heavenly Pass City appeared to operate like a well-oiled machine, moving efficiently. Under the coordination of the Jiao Mu Star Lord, the war soldiers stationed in the south of the city were the first to be dispatched. Following this, the Heavenly Workshop was also set into motion, where various auxiliary soldiers received their orders daily. The butchers of Demon Dispel Alley were no exception, as just two days later, the Xin Si courtyard received their notice. "The Ninth Star of Heavenly Pillar, Fire Dao Star, and we''re leaving tomorrow?" "What''s meant to come will come." Inside the courtyard of Xin Si, Chen Mu watched Wu Gang step through the Moon Gate and, with a thought, summoned the gray wall. Plague Immortal Technique: 8975/10000/Fifth Rank; "Though I''m still a little short of the Sixth Rank, it should be enough." "The Jade Cicada Qi can enhance the power of the Plague Immortal Technique. If it could handle the Mistaken Heavenly Demon Poison, surely it can manage a mere plague, right?" Chen Mu tugged at his mouth, feeling somewhat unsure. Every time he moved to a new environment, he couldn''t help but feel anxious. "Ten more days or months would have been better, but unfortunately..." "Fortunately, short-term safety shouldn''t be an issue." Chen Mu pondered, reassuring himself. The first batch of war soldiers had arrived at the Heavenly Pillar Star Group about five or six days ago. Surely, even the Thousand Mechanisms Sect ought to be prepared. After all, not only Daoist Soldiers but people from the main sect of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect are also going to the Heavenly Pillar Star Group. "It''s not like they don''t care about the Daoist Soldiers'' lives; surely, they must have considered the safety of their disciples too, right?" "Besides, if I wait until I get to the Fire Dao Star to further hone the Plague Immortal Technique, it''s just a matter of a few more days." Thinking of this, Chen Mu calmed himself. Heaven Pillar Nine Star includes the Fire Dao Star, belonging to the Heavenly Pillar Nine Stars. The inside of the star is humid and warm, with vast expanses of verdant vegetation among the towering mountains. However, stepping out of the Heavenly Gate, Chen Mu''s first impression was an eerie silence. Intuitively using the Truth Listening Divine Power, he detected sound from within a thirty-mile radius, but there was not even a chirping insect sound, only some rustling from the grass. This oppressive silence was unsettling to Chen Mu. He instinctively cast the Plague Immortal Technique to protect himself, and after ensuring there was nothing strange or toxic in the air, he let out a small sigh of relief. "Could it behas the entire star been cleansed by some mysterious plague?" The thought instantly crossed his mind, suspecting the cause. This Lu Shenjun, how ruthless! To think, these stars are empty not only of the Outer Heaven Demons but also of any significant number of Thousand Mechanisms Sect Daoist Soldiers. He was lucky he used the Plague Immortal Flag to dispel the Yellow Millet Plague back at Border Shelter Star; otherwise, it might have fallen into the same state. Chen Mu shivered, feeling a chill in his heart. Chapter 706 - 694 Harvest On the Fire Dao Star, in a dense sea of forests, a large patch of towering trees had been cut down, resembling a patch on a giant green carpet. The Heavenly Craft Camp was situated in this patch. On the west side of the camp, outside the Demon Dispel Department, there was a huge pit filled with a dense pile of various monster giant beast corpses. Even the smallest ones were as large as silver-backed gorillas. Chen Mu and the others, who had just arrived at the Fire Dao Star, hadn''t even been assigned to the Snail Shell Camp yet before being brought here to begin demon dispel tasks. "Are there really that many demon beasts?" Chen Mu raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Isn''t it all because of our Lu Shenjun?" Wu Gang responded softly. Yellow Millet Plague Poison? Sure enough, all the demon beasts on the Fire Dao Star had been taken down by the plague poison. Chen Mu felt a shiver in his heart again. As he pondered, a white cloud flew over from the distant horizon, beneath which hung a large White Jade net. In a matter of breaths, the White Jade net flew over the Demon Dispel Department, dumping a pile of demon beast corpses like dumplings, and then quickly flew away. "With so many demon beasts, how long will it take us to finish?" Wu Gang slapped his forehead and lamented. Chen Mu looked at the piles of demon beast corpses in the pit, then at the quickly receding Five Clouds Cloth on the horizon, and his eyes suddenly lit up. The Fire Dao Star was ravaged by the plague poison, causing formerly strong and difficult demon beasts to become living corpses with their spiritual essence scattered. It required little effort to easily collect them. His Daoist Foundation Cultivation required a massive amount of demon beast meat to provide vital energy, and this was just like receiving a pillow when falling asleep! "I just need to take just a tiny bit..." "Ha!" Chen Mu''s eyes turned slightly red with excitement. He had previously resisted coming to the Fire Dao Star. But now... "It''s the right choice to come to the Fire Dao Star!" He glanced around, and nine Vermilion Feather Swords flew out from his sleeve. They immediately burrowed into the ground, flying in all directions. Beneath his clothes, a faint black and red light shimmered, as the Giant Spirit Divine Descended and possessed him. The Truth Listening Divine Power was forcefully expanded, and the nine Vermilion Feather Swords were like nine reconnaissance drones, instantly beginning to relay various information. ... In the depth of night. A thousand miles east of the Heavenly Craft Camp, in a certain forested mountain area, birds and beasts lay everywhere. Some were as large as mountains, others as small as grains of rice, all with faint breathing, seemingly in a deep sleep. At a certain moment, a mass of black fog silently appeared within the forest. The black fog surged like rolling waves, advancing along the ground in all directions. Wherever it passed, demon beasts of all sizes were swallowed up entirely. After a while, the black smoke dissipated. Accompanied by a gentle breeze, Chen Mu appeared on a branch of a large tree. "Thousand Lanterns City is really useless!" "These are all my cultivation provisions; how come it''s full with so little in it?" he muttered through gritted teeth. All the demon beasts on the Fire Dao Star had their spiritual essence devoured by the Yellow Millet Plague, the weaker ones died directly, and even the stronger ones became living dead beasts. Chen Mu had quietly slipped out of the Heavenly Craft Camp the night he arrived at the Fire Dao Star, starting to collect demon beasts in Thousand Lanterns City. But in just five or six days, the vast Thousand Lanterns City had no more room left. Looking at those huge demon beasts lying in the distant forest, Chen Mu only felt a heartache so intense it was hard to breathe. "I can''t continue like this. I must first hone the Plague Immortal Technique!" He immediately made his decision. As long as he mastered the Plague Immortal Technique, he could quickly extract the demon poison, and then he could confidently throw all the demon beasts into the Bottomless Pool. The Thousand Lanterns City was just an Incomplete Cave Heaven, limited in size. However, the Bottomless Pool connected to the Netherworld''s Forget River, its space virtually infinite. As long as he extracted the demon poison fast enough, he could throw all the demon beasts on the Fire Dao Star into the Bottomless Pool! With a flash of golden light, and the Ground Shrinking technique, Chen Mu''s figure instantly vanished from where he stood. ... Several days later In the west of the Heavenly Craft Camp, inside a certain tent in the Demon Dispel Department. Wu Gang held a sharp knife, carefully dissecting a grinding disc-sized fiery red scorpion-like demon beast. With a series of squeaks and squeals of metal scraping, the demon beast''s carapace and muscles were finally separated successfully. Covered in sweat, he straightened up and glanced at the large pile of demon beast corpses stacked next to the tent, only feeling phantom pain in his back. How long would this dismantling take? His face was full of anguish. Looking up at Chen Mu lounging at the entrance on a deck chair, he couldn''t help but widen his eyes. He was a dignified General, with fifty or sixty Demon Dispel Daoist Soldiers under his command, yet he was helping this little soldier with work, truly... "Letting a General like you help me with this is indeed a bit of a grievance." As if sensing the observing gaze, Chen Mu opened his eyes and spoke with a smiling concern: "How about you take a rest, and I''ll substitute for you?" Meeting Chen Mu''s eyes that narrowed into slits, Wu Gang only felt a chill down his neck and shivered. "You rest, you definitely shouldn''t move!" "I just love hands-on demon dispelling, I''m not the least bit wronged!" Wu Gang solemnly affirmed, his face full of earnestness. Hehe... Sensible. Chen Mu nodded with a smile, tossing a Jade Gourd to him. "Replenishing Origin Soup, it can nourish essence and strengthen the foundation, perfect for condensing the Divine Orifice Talisman." Wu Gang was overjoyed at this. His willing assistance over the past few days wasn''t solely because of the Nightmare Victory Spell. The Replenishing Origin Soup, which could partially replace the Rejuvenation Pill, was the true reason. Chen Mu ignored the delighted Wu Gang and turned his focus inward into the Thousand Lantern City''s Shadow Pupil. A fist-sized Thousand Lantern City portal opened inside his sleeve, streams of golden Jade Cicada Qi surged in. The Plague Immortal Technique was cast, and the golden star sand qi condensed midair in the City, forming a human-sized smoke ball. An unusual pulling force emanated from the golden sphere, spreading as ripples in all directions, in the blink of an eye enveloping the entire Thousand Lantern City. Before long, tiny invisible traces of demon poison began to fly from the demon beast corpses on the ground, like moths to a flame, diving into the golden smoke ball. In just two moments, all the demon poison within the demon beast corpses in the Thousand Lantern City had been completely absorbed. Cautious, Chen Mu even dispatched the Giant Spirit Divine into the City, leveraging the Truth Listening Divine Power to carefully detect. Once he was sure all the demon poison was indeed gone, he couldn''t help but be filled with exhilaration. Even the usually lazy big-eyed Shadow Pupil revealed a hint of excitement. Chen Mu opened his eyes and looked at the gray wall. Plague Immortal Technique: 9/10000/Sixth Rank; "It''s done!" He couldn''t help but clench his fist. Over the past days, he had even paused his Daoist Foundation Cultivation just to gain experience with the Plague Immortal Technique, and now he finally achieved his goal. Chen Mu raised his head, looking at the Five Clouds Cloth transporting back bundles of demon beasts through the tent door, his face broke into a bright smile. Just wait, tonight I''ll stash you all into the Bottomless Pool! ... Heavenly Craft Camp. In the center of the camp was a pond, its surface smooth like a mirror, the water crystal clear, with the bluish-grey pebbles at the bottom clearly visible. In the center of the pond stood a water pavilion, where the Heavenly Craft Camp General Zhou Tong was in seclusion. "Elder Zhou, something seems off, it appears there''s another team collecting demon beast corpses." A middle-aged man in a dark Daoist Robe frowned: "Do you think it might be... Lu Shenjun?" Zhou Tong suddenly opened his eyes. If Lv Yue were really hiding here, wouldn''t he, as a traitor, be doomed?! "Have you found any clues?" his scalp felt tight. "It''s precisely because we haven''t found any traces that we''re suspecting it to be Sect Master Lu?''s work." The middle-aged man shook his head solemnly. Hearing this, Zhou Tong breathed a sigh of relief: "Then it certainly isn''t the Sect Master himself." Lu Shenjun had always been domineering, if he truly needed demon beast corpses, he would control the Heavenly Craft Camp openly, never clandestinely searching on his own. "So we..." The middle-aged man also breathed a sigh of relief. The longer he stayed on the Fire Dao Star, seeing more and more demon beasts'' spiritual essences dissipate and die, the more he revered Sect Master Lv Yue. "It must be someone inside the Heavenly Craft Camp committing embezzlement." Zhou Tong said thoughtfully. "Set an ambush. I''d like to see who dares to be so bold, embezzling from the Thousand Mechanisms Sect!" Zhou Tong snorted coldly. Chapter 707 - 695: Split Body Morning. Heavenly Craft Camp, Green Jade Snail Residence Area. Inside a certain snail shell, amidst spinning breezes, Chen Mu''s figure appeared. "What a pity I still have to go to work, otherwise..." Chen Mu looked at the demon beasts filling up Thousand Lanterns City once again, with a face full of regret. After all, he was an auxiliary soldier of the Heavenly Craft Camp, and to ensure he could hide in the Demon Dispel Department for stable cultivation in the future, it wasn''t right to skip work during the day. Only during his free time at night could he sneak out to harvest demon beasts. Having Wu Gang replace him at work during the day? Chen Mu merely thought about it before shaking his head in denial. He was competing with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect for demon beasts, it was best to keep it low-key. "If only there was a cloning technique to have a clone take my place at work," Chen Mu thought cheerfully. As he was smiling, he suddenly had a revelation. "Wait, I actually do have a clone!" Beside him, the armor-clad Giant Spirit Divine gradually appeared. "Having the Giant Spirit Divine replace me at work would be difficult, but if this creature could replace me in collecting demon beasts..." Chen Mu circled around the Giant Spirit Divine twice, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. With mana activated, he extracted a Mechanical Talisman Seed from the Vermilion Feather Sword and promptly infused it into the Giant Spirit Divine''s body. In an instant, the Giant Spirit Divine transformed into a crimson mist that dispersed into nothingness. Upon reappearing, it was already in a dense forest 60 miles north of the Heavenly Craft Camp. The Giant Spirit Divine didn''t seem to move, yet a fist-sized golden mist gathered in front of it. Chen Mu''s face immediately broke into a smile: "It truly has potential!" "Using the Mechanical Technique to link the Giant Spirit Divine with my body, transferring mana and Jade Cicada Qi over long distances. Then, having the Giant Spirit Divine perform the Plague Immortal Technique to eradicate demon poisons." "As long as the Giant Spirit Divine carries the Five Ghosts Bag with it, it can continuously toss demon beasts into the Bottomless Pool." "And I just have to stay put in the Heavenly Craft Camp, partition my Spirit a little to control it." "This way, I can gather demon beasts day and night without exposing myself." "Perfect!" ... Several days later, in a valley somewhere on Fire Path Star. A group of over-three-meter-tall, white-furred, ape-like demon beasts lay scattered on the ground. Their hands and feet had sharp fingertips, and their large eyes nearly occupied half their faces, looking quite peculiar. A hundred miles away in the woods, the Giant Spirit Divine, clad in gold and red armor, appeared. Utilizing the Vermilion Feather Sword and Truth Listening Divine Power, it easily probed the situation within the valley. About to enter the valley as usual to gather demon beasts, it instead discovered a group of Daoist Soldiers masked by Forbidden Law, 30 miles outside the valley. If it weren''t for the Truth Listening Divine Power detecting the rhythm of life, these people would have really gone unnoticed. "Another ambush?" In the Heavenly Craft Camp, Chen Mu, lying outside the tent of the Demon Dispel Department, couldn''t help scratching his head. This was already the third wave of Daoist Soldiers he discovered lying in wait today. Wasn''t I just scavenging for some demon beasts, why bother sending people to ambush me? Where''s your heart? Where''s your capacity? This General Zhou Tong, so stingy! Chen Mu pouted, immediately steering the Giant Spirit Divine away. Fire Path Star is immensely vast, could there really be ambushes everywhere? Ha! ... Half a month later, midday, bright sunshine. Demon Dispel Department of Heavenly Craft Camp. Chen Mu leaned against the entrance of the Demon Dispel tent, basking in the sunlight, feeling warm all over. As he was enjoying, he saw Wu Gang walking towards him. "Go back and rest, there''s still no demon dispel task today." Wu Gang spoke with a face full of helplessness. "It''s already the third day, right? Did something happen within the Five Clouds Department?" Chen Mu asked curiously. "There aren''t enough people in the camp, Five Clouds Department has been sent to assist in tracking down the person stealing demon beasts." "Without them transporting, naturally we don''t have demon dispel tasks either." Wu Gang spoke casually, but his eyes closely watched Chen Mu, carefully observing his expression. With demon beasts mysteriously disappearing for days now, and this person right here having a significant need for demon beast flesh and blood. Could it be... "Without demon dispel tasks, I can''t obtain demon beast flesh and blood, which delays my cultivation. That person is truly hateful!" Chen Mu glanced at Wu Gang''s probing face and immediately expressed anger. Did I guess wrong, not this person here? Wu Gang scratched his head. Makes sense. The General Zhou Tong already deployed but still hasn''t gained anything. To be able to play hide and seek with the entire Heavenly Craft Camp, this thief must have profound cultivation. How could such a figure hide in the dirty and chaotic Demon Dispel Department? Wu Gang chuckled, shook his head, greeted, and then turned to leave. "Indeed, such a person absolutely couldn''t be hiding in the Demon Dispel Department!" Chen Mu cheerfully watched Wu Gang''s departing silhouette. And as for the Five Clouds Department, the main Daoist Soldiers responsible for transporting demon beasts. Now they''ve all been reassigned by Zhou Tong to set up ambushes, this... this is truly an unexpected delight! Chen Mu couldn''t help but break into a smile. Without them, it''s just one less group to compete with me for demon beasts! As for being discovered? Fire Path Star is so vast, and I have Truth Listening Divine Power, how could I be ambushed? He immediately returned smilingly to the Snail Shell camp, continuing to control the Giant Spirit Divine to gather demon beasts everywhere. ... Several days later, within the center pavilion of the Heavenly Craft Camp. A middle-aged Taoist in a black Daoist Robe spoke nervously: "Large demon beast communities on Fire Path Star are all monitored by our people, yet these days no trace of that thief has been found, instead..." "Instead what?" Zhou Tong''s face turned somber. "Instead, the surroundings of the demon beast communities have been swept clean, regardless of size, all demon beasts have been plundered!" The middle-aged Taoist was drenched in cold sweat. This is a provocation! Zhou Tong''s forehead veins throbbed. "Should we hurry up and gather demon beasts after all?" "If we don''t act, besides those dozen demon beast communities, nine-tenths of demon beasts in other places might end up in that person''s hands." The middle-aged Taoist suggested softly. "Are you afraid?" Zhou Tong''s gaze was cold. How could I not be. This person can precisely detect our ambush and quietly take demon beasts from the outside of the ambush circle. Such an elusive figure must at least be a Daoist Base High Cultivator! If I really encountered them... "I suspect this is very possibly the Sect Master''s handiwork." The middle-aged Taoist spoke with certainty. "Taking demon beasts but not attacking nearby disciples in ambush is clear evidence and also a subtle suggestion." "It''s a hint for us to focus on fulfilling the responsibilities of the Heavenly Craft Campcatching demons, dispelling demons, constructing Fire Path Star in an orderly manner, rather than entertaining chaotic ideas." The middle-aged Taoist said earnestly. "As for the disappearing demon beast corpses..." "The entire Heaven Pillar Eleven Stars was conquered by the Sect Master, all demon beasts are his spoils. It''s only a minor borrowing, perfectly logical!" Zhou Tong: "..." Clearly afraid of that person, yet refuses to admit it! Even dares to shift the blame to the Sect Master? "You''re right!" Zhou Tong nodded, solemn-faced. "Our primary purpose on Fire Path Star is to set up Forbidden Law, preventing Outer Heaven Demon invasion." "Gathering and processing demon beast corpses is just minor detail, if the Sect Master has needs, we''ll pretend ignorance." Middle-aged Taoist: "..." So you''re scared too. "Elder, always wise!" He promptly bowed in compliance. ... Snail Shell Camp. Listening to the voice in his ear, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel speechless. "You''re a dignified General, a Daoist Base High Cultivator, how can you be so timid?" He was quite dissatisfied. With numerous Daoist Soldiers busy ambushing him, there''s no one to transport demon beasts, allowing him to gather demon beasts in abundance before the Five Clouds Department. But now... "Why couldn''t you hold out a bit longer?" Chen Mu''s face was full of regret. Well, one shouldn''t be too greedy. What has been gathered during this time is ample to support his Daoist Foundation Cultivation. It''s time to stop and focus on cultivation. Chapter 708 - 696 Stop Deep night. On a vast plain somewhere on the Fire Dao Star, lay a gigantic white stag like a small mountain. A ray of golden light landed silently, and the figure of the Giant Spirit Divine in black and red armor appeared. "One shouldn''t be too greedy, but since I''ve come across it, capturing another demon beast won''t hurt," Chen Mu chuckled softly. After more than a month of arduous travel, he could no longer count how many demon beasts he had gathered. The accumulated vital energy was sufficient to support the forging of his Daoist Foundation. But... Who would mind having a little more resources? "Nourishing Yin Soul Monsters and Heavenly Demon Body cultivation, these all rely on vast blood and flesh essence. Opportunities like this to pick up a demon beast for free are rare." With this thought, the right hand of the Giant Spirit Divine, clad in metal gloves, lifted, and a mass of golden smoke appeared. Like bees drawn to flower scent, the intangible and formless demon poison flew out from the white stag''s body, swiftly entering the golden smoke mass. Moments later, the Giant Spirit Divine clenched his fist, and the golden smoke mass dissipated. Soon, a vast black mist surged from beneath him, rapidly spreading toward the white stag. Buzz! The air suddenly trembled. Silent and unnoticed, the black smoke and the white stag disappeared instantly. If not for the large patch of withered grass on the ground, it was as if the white stag had never appeared. Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, preparing to move in another direction to continue gathering demon beasts. But before he could execute the escape skill to leave, densely packed golden ropes suddenly appeared from the void. They interwove swiftly, binding Chen Mu in place, unable to move. Chen Mu, who had been at ease a moment ago, was suddenly taken aback. A hundred meters away, the air distorted, and Zhou Tong''s figure suddenly appeared. "The taste of the Demon Binding Ropes isn''t pleasant, is it?" he said coldly. Zhou Tong? Hadn''t this guy given up on the pursuit before? "Lv Yue has long since disappeared, yet you people come specifically to cause trouble for me, truly loyal indeed," Zhou Tong gritted his teeth, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. Chen Mu suddenly understood. I was mistaken for a close subordinate of Lv Yue. "You managed to avoid the ambushes every time, someone must have been tipping you off," Zhou Tong asserted confidently. "Come, tell me who those people are. As long as you honestly confess, I''ll spare your life," his voice was calm. This guy thinks there''s an inside mole in the Heavenly Craft Camp tipping me off, allowing me to avoid numerous ambushes? So, the previous claim of giving up the pursuit was intentionally meant to confuse the situation? Tsk! Truly a mind full of schemes. In the next moment, the Giant Spirit Divine transformed into black and red clouds and smoke, instantly breaking free from the dense Demon Binding Ropes. Golden light flashed and dimmed; when he reappeared, he was already in front of Zhou Tong. The fist, clad in metal gloves, clenched tightly, the vast power converging, causing the air to faintly distort. Ten Directions Hand! Upon contact, the green protective Qi mechanism shield around Zhou Tong immediately deformed with a punch. Then, a dense dark green Three Yin Demon Slaying Qi wrapped around the fist surface. With a crisp cracking sound, Zhou Tong''s Body Protection Aura shattered like a burst balloon. Bang! The fist hit Zhou Tong''s chest without obstruction, and he was instantly blown back like a baseball hit at high speed, soaring into the air. In mid-air, Zhou Tong spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, feeling a chill in his heart. He had thought it was merely a Daoist Foundation Perfection Qi Cultivator, didn''t expect he could easily escape the Demon Binding Rope and break his protective Qi mechanism with a punch. This Gathering and Dispersing at Will Divine Skill can only be displayed by a Primordial Spirit God Monarch! Does Lv Shenjun have other Primordial Spirit God Monarchs under his command? This can''t be! Before he could figure it out. A golden flash appeared before his eyes again, the armor-clad figure once more in front of him. Through the broad hood, he saw a scarlet vortex spinning continuously. What the hell is this?! Zhou Tong felt as if his heart was being clenched. "Jiao Mu Star Lord, Jiao Mu Star Lord!" His pupils contracted into slits, instinctively shouting at the top of his voice. Buzz! Like a pattern erased by an eraser, Zhou Tong''s figure abruptly disappeared. Bang! The air exploded, the fist enveloped in demon-slaying Qi struck empty space, and a wave of air fiercely spread in all directions. Jiao Mu Star Lord? The Star Lord overseeing the Ninety-nine Stars of the Heavenly Gate? Was he the one who launched the Ground Shrinking to save Zhou Tong? Chen Mu''s heart was filled with seriousness. Was this Star Spirit watching this place at this moment?! Chen Mu''s heart trembled, utilizing the Truthful Listening Divine Power to its fullest extent, scanning the surroundings seven or eight times, but found nothing. He couldn''t completely relax. "The demon beast corpse, truly can''t pick it up again now." He glanced up at the sky emitting a faint glow, and the Giant Spirit Divine''s figure immediately dissipated. ... Days later. Deep night. Heavenly Craft Camp, Snail Shell Camp. Soft moonlight-like glimmers shone down, illuminating the entire camp. Behind the one-way transparent Green Jade Snail doors, Chen Mu lay in a rocking chair, bathing in starlight, eyes closed in cultivation. River Car Reversal, his entire mana transformed into nine streams of primordial Qi, which then penetrated the inner walls of the Jade Seed. Golden glimmers surged like tides, sweeping across the entire Jade Seed in the blink of an eye. Like roots integrating and sprouting, tiny golden patterns grew inside the inner walls of the Jade Seed, making it increasingly harmonious and complete. After a while, Chen Mu opened his eyes, and a gray wall appeared in front of him. Plague Immortal Technique: 3242/10000/Sixth Rank; Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 1217/10000/Seventh Rank; "It''s time to summon back the Giant Spirit Divine." Since Zhou Tong''s surprise attack, Chen Mu was afraid he''d be targeted by Jiao Mu Star Lord, so the Giant Spirit Divine hadn''t been retracted for several days, leaving it to wander outside. Without the Giant Spirit Divine complementing the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique to nourish himself, his Dao Foundation cultivation speed had unwillingly slowed by half. "Good thing it was just a false alarm." Chen Mu sighed in relief, took a gulp of Nourishing Spirit Wine, and looked up at the starry horizon outside the door. The Jiao Mu Star Cluster spanned the starry sky for billions of miles; it couldn''t have come alone just to target him. It should only be that Zhou Tong, the Heavenly Craft Camp General, had certain privileges, hence could utilize the Jiao Mu Star Lord''s power to lock onto the Giant Spirit Divine and even initiate Ground Shrinking to escape. "One shouldn''t be too greedy," Chen Mu activated the Mechanical Talisman Seed, remotely controlling the return of the Giant Spirit Divine, while reflecting in his heart. If it weren''t for the Giant Spirit Divine having a similar ability to Gather and Disperse at Will as a Primordial Spirit, he would''ve almost been captured this time. The Five Ghosts Bag is still on the Giant Spirit Divine; if captured, a month''s effort would be all in vain. ... Centered around the water pavilion of the Heavenly Craft Camp. "Are you certain that the beast thief has already left?" Zhou Tong closely questioned the middle-aged Daoist. "According to the investigations from the Five Clouds Department, the disappearance of large numbers of demon beast corpses has indeed stopped appearing for several days," the middle-aged Daoist replied after some thought. Did he leave? Or is he temporarily hidden? Zhou Tong couldn''t decide, yet felt slightly relieved. Days ago, he used the power of the Jiao Mu Star Lord to lock onto that beast thief, thinking he could capture him smoothly and uproot the mole hidden in the Heavenly Craft Camp. Unexpectedly, he almost got himself into trouble. That punch that shattered his protective Qi mechanism, even thinking about it now, he couldn''t help but shudder. If he hadn''t escaped using the Jiao Mu Star Lord''s power in time, he would''ve been dead that night. "It was most likely some kind of clone, and a secret technique at the Primordial Spirit level." Zhou Tong was confident. Normal people couldn''t grow like that. A Yan Master Spirit Puppet capable of displaying Primordial Spirit divine skills? Zhou Tong thought deeply. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is skilled at creating various demon puppets; that strange armor-clad figure might well be a special puppet crafted by Lv Shenjun. "Any new directives from Heavenly Pass City?" Zhou Tong inquired. "They mentioned sending elders Fei Zhao and Li Jiu to assist you," the middle-aged Daoist replied. Zhou Tong frowned instantly. What he wanted was a transfer order away from the Fire Dao Star, not assistance. The thought of a powerful puppet lurking outside the Heavenly Craft Camp made him restless. He needed to contact the Blue God Monarch directly. He absolutely couldn''t stay on the Fire Dao Star any longer. Chapter 709 - 697 Secret Technique Enhancement Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. At noon this day, a sudden brightness emerged from the jade-white Heaven''s Gate within the Heavenly Craft Camp, as two figures walked out from it. Seeing Zhou Tong waiting not far from the Heaven''s Gate, Li Jiu and Fei Zhao quickly stepped forward and greeted him with folded fists, "Greetings, Senior Brother." Fei Zhao apologized with a guilty look, "We were supposed to come yesterday, but there was an issue with the Heaven''s Gate, delaying the hour. I deeply apologize for keeping you waiting, Senior Brother." With a full smile, Zhou Tong approached them, "With Junior Brother and Sister here, I finally feel at ease. It''s just a little delay, no need for such politeness." He waved his hand, entirely unconcerned, and instead focused on another matter. "Could someone be sabotaging the Heaven''s Gate?" This inevitably reminded him of the previous encounter on Border Shelter Star. "There''s no need to worry, Senior Brother." Li Jiu explained with a smile, "Jiao Mu Star Lord is re-governing the Heavenly Gate Pillar and thirty-two stars, with power dispersed, some incapable. It''s unavoidable that the Heaven''s Gate encounters turbulence." Zhou Tong nodded in realization. "Did Elder Lan provide any other instructions, upon your arrival?" He leaned closer to the two and asked quietly. "The matter reported to Senior Brother might involve Sect Master Lu, Elder Lan advised us not to act rashly." Fei Zhao spoke solemnly, "To avoid alerting the enemy, Elder instructed us to just watch and see." Watching and waiting quietly is indeed a wise course of action. Zhou Tong felt relieved. He had contacted Heavenly Pass City a few days ago, yet the idea of leaving Fire Dao Star hadn''t succeeded. Now, with Elder Lan instructing them not to provoke the monster, it was just in line with his intent. "Let''s go to my waterside pavilion for a feast to welcome both of you." Zhou Tong beamed with a full smile, pulling them toward the depths of the Heavenly Craft Camp. ... On the West side of the camp, within the Demon Dispel Department tent. Chen Mu''s ears twitched, listening to Zhou Tong and the others'' conversation, also relieved in his heart. "Finally, this matter is over." Previously, the Giant Spirit Divine was unexpectedly blocked by Zhou Tong, which made him anxious. Even if Zhou Tong behaved, there was no guarantee that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect wouldn''t send someone more powerful for a pursuit. Now things were fine, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect seemed to mistakenly attribute the Giant Spirit Divine to Lu Shenjun''s handiwork, deciding to hold off. This was genuinely good news for Chen Mu. "Besides, I wasn''t planning to continue sending the Giant Spirit Divine out to harvest monsters." "The longer it drags on, the better it is for me." Chen Mu returned to his senses, humming a tune, while leisurely handling the red scorpion-like monster on the stone pedestal in front of him. ... "These little monsters aren''t worth your effort, what if you get exhausted?" Wu Gang quickly approached the stone pedestal upon entering the tent, with a solemn face, "You should rest, leave this little task to me." "It''s not about me getting tired, you just want my Nourishing Essence Wine." Chen Mu gave the stout man a sidelong glance and said. Wu Gang chuckled with a guilty look, unashamedly acknowledging it. Nourishing Essence Wine was made from a mix of Replenishing Origin Soup and Nourishing Spirit Wine, which could nurture the essence and strengthen the foundation to nourish the Spiritual Deity. For Wu Gang, a Qi Cultivator currently in the Condensing Aperture stage, it was the equivalent of a Rejuvenation Pill, speeding up his cultivation. Simply helping to handle a monster was far more economical than spending a great deal on purchasing Rejuvenation Pills. "Look..." Wu Gang rubbed his hands together, with a fawning smile. "The Nourishing Essence Wine can be handed over to you as usual, but..." Chen Mu said leisurely. "Command me, if there''s anything." Wu Gang promised decisively. "No big deal, just go to the Five Clouds Department and find some monsters of different species for me to dissect." Chen Mu waved his hand. Finding monsters of different species to skin and dissect? Your hobby is indeed somewhat creepy! Watching Chen Mu skillfully separating the shell from the monster, and thinking of the eerie Cursing Method that inexplicably made his legs weak, Wu Gang felt his scalp tingling. The means were sinister, the hobby bizarre, plus possessing the Plague Immortal Flag. This man surely is a loyal minister of Sect Master Lu Shenjun. Hiding within the Demon Dispel Department, could it be that he''s scheming something major? Being dragged into this, he found himself... Wu Gang broke out in a cold sweat. "Any problems?" Chen Mu frowned. After all, it''s just fetching monsters of different species, shouldn''t be hard? Wu Gang shivered and shook his head quickly, denying any issues, "No problem, not a problem at all!" Saying so, he bade a hurried farewell and ran away. "I wonder what that stout guy is imagining. Why does he seem so afraid of me? I haven''t even done anything." Chen Mu wondered. Thinking for a moment and still puzzled, he shook his head to dismiss the stray thoughts and looked at the gray wall before him. Heavenly Demon Armor: 9707/10000/Seventh Rank; "Another slight increase in experience indeed." This was a change he noticed only in the past few days. Each time he began processing a new species of monster, the Heavenly Demon Armor inexplicably gained some experience. "Is it possible that the Heavenly Demon Armor can autonomously absorb the monster''s Qi and thereby accelerate cultivation?" Chen Mu speculated. The Heavenly Demon Armor had previously absorbed the Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles of the Heavenly Demon Body, causing a drastic rise in experience. It later gained the capability to shield the Spiritual Deity, successfully blocking the Yellow Millet Plague Poison. Later at the Hundred Illusion Sect, it absorbed the primordial Qi from the nine-headed demon, with the experience surging again, significantly enhancing its defense power. Progress had been slow since then, due to concentration on Daoist Foundation cultivation, and this technique was temporarily set aside. Unexpectedly, it now showed new changes. "On this Outer Heaven Star, there are not many things but various monsters and demons, perhaps capable of advancing the Heavenly Demon Armor to a new tier." ... Days later, in the evening. Within the Snail Shell room, Chen Mu held the palm-sized crimson Five Ghosts Bag, lying in a rocking chair with closed eyes. With a thought, the Giant Spirit Divine manifested within the Five Ghosts Bag. At this moment, most of the bag''s space was occupied by the huge white deer, with ghosts squeezed into the corner. Watching the huddle, each black smoke cluster snugly packed, Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh. "Thanks to these ghosts, otherwise I could never have captured this Great Demon Deer." The Five Ghosts Bag originally had over thirty square meters at four to five meters high, after years of mana nurturing, it only expanded slightly. On Jilong Road, he discovered that ghosts could enlarge the Five Ghosts Bag''s space, but truly amplifying the space extensively had to be credited to these ghosts at present. "The essence of the Five Ghosts Paper Man is ghosts, and utilizing them to enlarge the bag''s space might be an inherent function of the Five Ghosts Bag." "Not usually obvious, yet accumulating over time could, perhaps, surpass Thousand Lanterns City." After chuckling for a while, Chen Mu redirected his attention to the white giant deer. The Giant Spirit Divine''s face unfurled a scarlet glow, covered with the invisible Heavenly Demon Armor. Then, nine Vermilion Feather Swords flew out from under its cloak. Engaging the Triple Yin Slaying Demon Technique, the sword edges emitted a fierce green aura. Swoosh swoosh swoosh... The nine swords danced around the deer demon, easily penetrating its protective Qi mechanism, drilling into the giant deer''s body. Within moments, the demon deer was slit open in the chest and abdomen, its fetid viscera oozing out, swiftly swallowed by the Five Ghosts Bag. And its body was briskly sliced into small chunks by the Vermilion Feather Swords, floating mid-air before being thrown into the Bottomless Pool one by one. "Pity I don''t know the Thousand Mechanisms Sect''s Demon Puppet Secret Technique, or I might have gained a demon deer Daoist Soldier." Chen Mu muttered a sentence before looking at the gray wall. Discovering an over ten-point rise in Heavenly Demon Armor experience, he couldn''t resist smiling. "As long as the Giant Spirit Divine is equipped with the Heavenly Demon Armor, even without me personally handling matters, it can enhance the Heavenly Demon Armor Secret Technique experience value, how splendid!" These days, he had tested extensively in the Heavenly Craft Camp, confirming that handling various types of monsters does indeed boost Heavenly Demon Armor experience points. He immediately thought of the many monsters contained within the Bottomless Pool, thus coming to today''s trial. "From now on, I''ll have the Giant Spirit Divine dive into the Five Ghosts Bag to process monsters on my behalf, while I focus on Daoist Foundation cultivation, striking a perfect balance!" He grinned. While pondering future cultivation plans inwardly, new insights suddenly emerged in his mind. Chen Mu peculiarly gazed at the gray wall. Mechanical Technique: 15/10000/Seventh Rank; These days, besides practicing the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture, he devoted most of his efforts to examining the Heavenly Demon Armor. Unexpectedly, before the Heavenly Demon Armor leveled up, the Mechanical Technique had already ascended to a new level. "That''s it." "Previously, with control over the Vermilion Feather Sword for intelligence gathering, and distant connection with the Giant Spirit Divine for harvesting monsters, the frequent utilization of the Mechanical Technique naturally boosted its experience." Chapter 710 - 698: Visions Night at the Snail Shell Camp. Chen Mu''s spirit submerged into the Five Ghosts Bag. At this moment, the Giant Spirit Divine stood by the Bottomless Pool. Eleven six-legged exotic beasts the size of rhinoceroses lay not far away. The Vermilion Feather Sword danced swiftly around the exotic beasts, dissecting and cutting them apart. The entire process was as fluid as flowing clouds and water, not even requiring Chen Mu to divert his attention for control. It was all automatically handled by the Vermilion Feather Sword and the Giant Spirit Divine. "The Seventh Rank Mechanical Technique is truly endlessly useful!" Chen Mu observed with eager interest. With the progress in the Mechanical Technique, the number of Qianji Talisman Seeds increased from nine to twelve. And a touch of spirituality was added within the seeds, greatly enhancing their self-learning ability. Chen Mu needed to perform a demonstration on how to dissect a demon only once, and the talisman seeds could replicate and learn the entire process, automatically dealing with similar demon beasts afterward. Previously, the Qianji Talisman Seeds had similar capabilities, but they were never as astounding as they are now. "Isn''t this like having twelve extra cows and horses for labor at no cost!" Chen Mu was absolutely delighted. Originally, he was worried about how to deal with those demon beast corpses in the Bottomless Pool, but now it''s no longer a concern. He only needed to provide enough mana, and the Qianji Talisman Seeds could drive the Giant Spirit Divine and the Vermilion Feather Sword to handle the task automatically, sparing him from further intervention. Moreover, during this process, he could even pursue other secret techniques training himself. "Interesting!" "Very interesting indeed!" "Ha-ha-ha!" ... The demon beasts were knocked out by Lu Yue''s plague poison, and peace reigned on the Fire Dao Star. The Daoist soldiers of the Heavenly Craft Camp didn''t need to worry about a demon beast invasion, each focusing diligently on their respective tasks. Some handled demon beasts, some set up forbidden laws, and some were building the city. Thus, half a year swiftly passed by, and the Heavenly Craft Camp was gone, replaced by a small city. The city was constructed centering around the water pool originally within the camp. Streets like the Heavenly Workshop and Heavenly Market Street had all sprung up, and although smaller in scale, their structures were basically the same as in Heavenly Pass City. In the Demon Dissection Courtyard also known as Xin Si Courtyard, Chen Mu hummed a small tune, leisurely dissecting a four-legged scaled-armored demon beast resembling yet not quite a fish. It didn''t take long for this unfamiliar demon beast to be successfully skinned and dismantled by him. "I knew you could handle this Yi Mei Fish!" Wu Gang, who stood by waiting, praised with admiration. This strange fish was discovered in the underground waterways of the Fire Dao Star; it could hide its aura and turn invisible while also escaping through water, making it of exceptionally high value. Unfortunately, its skeleton and scale armor were so abnormal that ordinary demon dissection masters simply couldn''t handle it. He only meant to give it a try, not expecting Chen Mu to really manage it. Now it''s great, the Heavenly Craft Department will definitely credit himself with great merit! "As per the usual practice, exchange all Daoist Cultivation for white jade." Chen Mu waved casually, indifferent. He had previously gathered too many demon beasts into the Bottomless Pool, and in the past half a year, with the assistance from the Qianji Talisman Seeds, the Giant Spirit Divine had handled an untold number of demon beasts, resulting in extraordinary experience. Handling a strange fish was merely easy for him. "No problem! Rest assured, I''ll definitely give you the maximum amount of white jade possible!" Wu Gang assured immediately. Seeing him off, Chen Mu then turned to look at the gray wall before him. Culinary Skills: 6638/10000/Seventh Rank; "Surprisingly, dissecting demon beasts actually increases culinary experience? This is..." "This is actually quite logical." Chen Mu had an odd expression. He originally thought he would gain some extra demon dissection experience. Shaking his head no longer pondering, Chen Mu commenced his Jade Cicada Secret Scripture training as usual. Transforming primordial qi, visualizing the Dao Foundation Map, the jade-colored seed scintillated with golden light, as the golden branches and buds grew, gradually transitioning the jade-white seed to golden. Rays of warm currents flowed into Chen Mu''s limbs and bones, with the Giant Spirit Divine begin to nourish back self. Suddenly, waves of insights surfaced abruptly in his mind. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture entered a new tier? Chen Mu was instantly delighted, but noticed immediately that the insight fragments in his mind were not quite right. "Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique?" He looked immediately toward the gray wall. Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique: 5/10000/Fifth Rank; "Tsk!" "The Dao Foundation didn''t progress, instead, it''s the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique that entered a new tier first." Chen Mu shook his head with some regret. Thinking about it made sense, the Soul Capturing Return to Origin Technique was of lower rank, and its continuous usage in the past half-year naturally led to experience growth completely within expectation. "The spell-casting speed increased, nearly instant activation upon thought, and the absorption rate of vital energy doubled, which is not bad." After pondering over the insights within his mind for a while, Chen Mu then looked at another entry on the gray wall. Heavenly Demon Armor: 326/10000/Eighth Rank; With a thought, a layer of close-fitting invisible armor enveloped him. The armor''s aura was eerily changeable, very much resembling the protective Qi mechanism of demon beasts. Clang! Sparks flew everywhere. A flying thrust from the palm''s Vermilion Feather Sword was instantly repelled by the Heavenly Demon Armor. Soon, a lightning bolt fell from the sky, striking straight down onto his head. Boom! There was an explosion of countless shards of black light over his head, like shattered glass. But beneath those fragments, the layer of invisible armor remained as sturdy as ever. The Kui Water Yin Thunder that landed on top had already extinguished and disappeared. "The Heavenly Demon Armor can absorb and emulate the protective Qi mechanism of a heavenly demon for self-use." "It appears thin but is actually composed of layer upon layer of demon qi mechanisms; breaking one layer leads to the next." "Considering the hundreds of demon beasts I''ve processed over this half-year, doesn''t this mean I have layered hundreds of qi mechanisms as protection over me?" Chen Mu immediately beamed with delight. "All my tireless efforts through days and nights of demon dissection over half a year have not been in vain!" he couldn''t help but voice out with emotion. Giant Spirit Divine? The Giant Spirit Divine is my secret technique incarnation; its labor is my labor. No doubt about it! Chen Mu wore a resolute expression. ... The next morning. On the second floor of the small building at the rear courtyard of Xin Si Courtyard. As per usual, Chen Mu was awoken by his regular biological clock. Just when he was about to dramatically exclaim who wakes up from the grand dream first, he discovered that it was pitch black outside the window. The daylight that should have brightened by now was still dim. Woke up too early? The Truth Listening Divine Power instinctively activated, and soon he couldn''t help but frown slightly. "It''s not that I woke up too early, but that daylight is brightening too late!" "Could it be that Master Lu Shenjun is causing trouble again?" Chen Mu''s heart tightened. ... An hour later, the daylight gradually brightened as usual. But everyone understood clearly that the time daylight broke was half an hour later than usual. This certainly wasn''t normal! "Could it be that Lu Shenjun unleashed plague poison again?" "Quite likely!" "..." Everyone in the courtyard gathered together, discussing animatedly. A tall, muscular middle-aged man suddenly spoke: "I have some extra Antitoxic Pills, come find me if you''re interested." "Seven-Star Jade Purification Bottle available for sale, capable of absorbing and isolating plague poison, act swiftly if you want to buy..." Another round-faced man followed suit and shouted out. "Those without them must buy a share to ensure safety, even if already obtained, one may still stockpile more..." Watching the two continuously hollering bright-minded folks in the courtyard, Chen Mu felt speechless inside. If he hadn''t been employing the Truth Listening Technique, he almost would''ve been fooled by those two. Earlier, the first to claim the dim daylight was related to the plague poison was that round-faced fat man! That tall, muscular middle-aged man also joined in multiple times. No business opportunities, so create them? Tsk! What a crafty businessman! Chen Mu shook his head, retracting the Truth Listening Divine Power, extending it toward the Inner City. He needed to figure out what exactly caused the daylight anomaly. ... The water pavilion above the pond in the center of the Inner City had been dismantled, and a Star Monarch Hall erected beside the pond. "No worries, senior brother." Inside the great hall, Fei Zhao waved his hand carelessly and said: "Jiao Mu Star Lord has taken back thirty-two stars occupied by demons and devils, its power dispersed, and hence mishaps aren''t surprising." "As early as a year ago, in over thirty other Heavenly Pillars and Gates, similar star dimming occurrences had already been happening." "A Star Lord''s calculating ability indeed remains unparalleled, yet certain times, it''s remarkably rigid." "When all''s said and done, despite possessing the dao attainments of a Primordial Spirit God, the Star Lord''s inherent nature is similar to a Spiritual Treasure''s spirit. It has intelligence but just lacks that little bit of sense." He chuckled softly under his breath. Through the attic window, Zhou Tong gazed at the mirror-like pond outside and nodded involuntarily: "The Primordial Energy Well is stable, most likely there''s no major fault." "So, report to Heavenly Pass City as soon as possible and have Elder Lan assist Jiao Mu Star Lord in performing timely corrections." Fei Zhao and Li Jiu beside him nodded in agreement. Chapter 711 - 699 Sudden Change Is the day-night cycle delay due to Jiao Mu Star Lord''s inability? Outside the Daoist Soldier Camp, behind the Xin Si Courtyard. Chen Mu felt a bit hesitant. Years of experience had made him instinctively suspicious. The Vermilion Feather Sword slipped out from his sleeve, slicing through the air and speeding towards the outside of Fire Dao City. To be sure if there were any other problems, he had to investigate himself. Over the next few days, he repeatedly released the Vermilion Feather Sword, letting it fly freely over the Fire Dao Star. Chen Mu himself used the Truth Listening Divine Power to listen through the Vermilion Feather Sword all around. Other than the eerie silence due to the lack of living things, nothing unusual occurred. "Did I overthink it?" Chen Mu scratched his head but couldn''t help but feel slightly relieved. ... More than a month later, at dusk, in the demon dispel workshop in the front courtyard of the Xin Si Courtyard. "General Zhou has notified that tomorrow Jiao Mu Star Lord will adjust the diurnal rhythm." Wu Gang entered Chen Mu''s workshop and said. "Isn''t Jiao Mu Star Lord still unable to fully control Fire Dao Star?" Chen Mu frowned. In the past days, similar day-night transition delays often occurred. "Isn''t it all because of our Sect Master Lu?" Wu Gang approached Chen Mu and whispered: "Back then, he specifically destroyed the Heavenly Gate to block the stars. As a result, the Primordial Energy Well was damaged, causing all these frequent issues now." Primordial Energy Well? Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. "It''s that pond in the center of our Heavenly Craft Camp, present in all ninety-six stars of Jiao Mu. All Heavenly Star Earth Spirit Vital Energy on Fire Dao Star comes from the Primordial Energy Well." "The Star Lord also relies on it to oversee the stars." Wu Gang explained. No wonder the Star Monarch Pavilion is built by the pond. Chen Mu suddenly realized. Knowing the reason for the anomaly, the tension in his heart for over a month finally relaxed completely. ... After sending Zhou Tong off, Chen Mu left the workshop and headed towards the camp area in the backyard. He exchanged nods with many people along the way, smiling as he greeted them. Under normal circumstances, Chen Mu might exchange a few words, learning some rumors among the Daoist Soldiers. But today, he only made some small talk before quickly taking his leave. As Chen Mu''s figure disappeared from view, someone couldn''t help but remark, "He''s really haughty, isn''t he." "If I had his skills in demon dispelling, I''d be haughty, too." Another person remarked. "Do you really think he has those skills? It''s Steward Wu handling the demon beasts for him!" the person dismissed with disdain: "He''s just a silver spearhead without substance with some backing!" "But... isn''t that something to envy even more!" another voice chimed in quietly. The crowd: "..." Yeah, that''s exactly it. ... In the room. Isolated from the outside by a Silence Talisman and Extinguishing Breath Stone, Chen Mu was unaware of the chirping from others outside. Otherwise, he''d definitely cast a Nightmare Victory Spell on those gossipers. His spirit was fully immersed in the Jade Seed. The originally white jade seed, after a series of transformations, had completely turned golden. Inside, it was dense with golden branch-like patterns, resembling the neural and vascular network of a human, or the fine roots of a tree. Golden light flickered like breathing inside and outside the jade seed, mysterious insights surfacing in his mind. After a long while, Chen Mu returned to his senses and summoned the grey wall. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 2/10000/Eighth Rank; "Daoist Foundation Cultivation progressed another step!" He looked satisfied. Taking out the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture given by Meng Qingchan for a quick comparison, Chen Mu''s face shone with even more joy. "In at most another year and a half, I''ll be able to fully forge the Daoist Foundation!" The Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had its flaws, but its overall structure was correct. Using its Dao Foundation Map as a reference, the progress of the Daoist Foundation was immediately clear. "I initially thought coming to the Outer Heaven Star would take at least ten years to cultivate the Daoist Foundation." "I didn''t expect that in less than four years, I''d already be nearing success." "What a joy it is!" Chen Mu felt elated, stealthily slipping out of Fire Dao City under the cover of night. The Longitudinal Rainbow Light unfolded, and with a flash of golden light, his form vanished. When he reappeared, he was already in the dense forest two hundred yards away. The eighth-layered Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had doubled his ability to fly and escape through the void. After a few flashes, Chen Mu looked back, seeing the brightly lit Fire Dao City reduced to a barely visible dot of light. He couldn''t help but laugh aloud. At this moment, all was silent, aside from the occasional wind, there were no other disturbances. Chen Mu shouted in delight, at times manipulating his Escape Light to fly rapidly, at other times flashing golden as he used Ground Shrinking, his figure disappearing into the night. ... It was nearly dawn when Chen Mu begrudgingly returned to the camp in the Xin Si Courtyard. He hadn''t slept long before the sound of Daoist soldiers going to work in the courtyard woke him up. Chen Mu wasn''t annoyed. After a bit of tidying, he left, energized. At this moment, the sky was still dim, clearly indicating another mistake by Jiao Mu Star Lord, failing to manage the transition of day and night correctly. In the courtyard, Daoist soldiers were heading to the front courtyard in small groups. A small-eyed, round-faced chubby man was being cornered by a few Daoist soldiers in a heated argument. He was the one spreading rumors and selling antitoxic pills at high prices. Now, customers were coming for refunds and returns, and this wasn''t the first time Chen Mu had seen the commotion among them. "How could anything go wrong with Jiao Mu Star Lord''s meticulous calculations? It''s a conspiracy!" The round-faced chubby man argued, "It must be Lu Shenjun spreading the plague, and General Zhou merely said that to pacify everyone!" "Conspiracy or not, what''s with you selling me fake goods?" "You haven''t come across plague poison, so how do you know my elixir doesn''t work!" The round-faced chubby man retorted obstinately. "If I really came across it, and my life was taken, how could I come back to argue?" The man responded, indignant. "Get him!" Spreading rumors, selling fake goods, and now stirring up conspiracy theories. As he watched the other laughing people surround the chubby man, who continued to argue, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head with a laugh. After watching for a while, he cheerfully moved along with the crowd, enjoying the scene before finally leaving. ... Inside the room. Isolated from the inside and out by a Silence Talismans and Extinguishing Breath Stone, Chen Mu was unaware of the gossip outside. Otherwise, he would have certainly cast a Nightmare Victory Spell on those gossiping fellows. At that moment, his spirit was fully immersed within the Jade Seed. The originally white jade seed, after a series of transformations and remakes, had completely turned golden. Inside, it was densely packed with various golden branch-like patterns, resembling the neural and vascular webbing of a human, like the fine roots of a tree. Golden glimmers flickered within and without the jade seed, causing mystical insights to float to his mind. After a long while, Chen Mu snapped back to reality and adjusted the gray wall. Jade Cicada Secret Scripture: 2/10000/Eighth Rank; "I''ve advanced another step in my Daoist Foundation Cultivation!" He looked content. Taking out the Jade Cicada Secret Scripture given by Meng Qingchan for a quick comparison, the joy on Chen Mu''s face grew even more intense. "In possibly another year and a half at most, I''ll have completely established my Daoist Foundation!" The Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had its flaws, but the overall structure was correct. With its Daoist Foundation Map as a guide, the progress of the Daoist Foundation was clear at a glance. "When I first came to the Outer Heaven Star, I thought it would take at least ten years to complete the Daoist Foundation." "I didn''t expect that it would almost be a success in less than four years." "What a cause for celebration!" Feeling excited, Chen Mu quietly sneaked out of Fire Dao City under the cover of night. With a flash of Longitudinal Rainbow Light, his silhouette vanished. When he reappeared, he was already two hundred paces away, in the dense forest. The eight-tiered Jade Cicada Secret Scripture had doubled his Void Flight ability. After a few flashes, Chen Mu looked back, and the brightly lit Fire Dao City had already become a mere speck in the distance. With the surrounding silence pierced only occasionally by the sound of the wind, Chen Mu joyfully whooped, his form flickering into the night using his Manipulation of Longitudinal Rainbow Light. ... Chen Mu finally returned to Xin Si Courtyard''s camp area around dawn, still exhilarated. After dealing with a Sleeping Fish, Chen Mu looked up only to find the sky darkening further instead of lighting up. Surprised, he was about to extend the Truth Listening Divine Power into the Inner City Star Monarch Pavilion when he suddenly heard General Zhou Tong''s voice resonate through the air. "This Jiao Mu Star Lord still hasn''t fully mastered Fire Dao Star?" he mumbled, frowning, and walked toward the front yard, following the groups of daoists who were making their procession. A small-eyed, round-faced chubby man was once again confronted by some people, demanding refunds and returns, as this was not the first time Chen Mu had witnessed the ruckus among those few. "You sold us fake goods, and now you come up with conspiracy theories?" He could hear the accusations. pausing in his steps as he had started to extend the Truth Listening Divine Power into the Inner City Star Monarch Pavilion. But then, General Zhou Tong''s voice suddenly resonated throughout the area: "It''s Lu Shenjun who is spreading the Plague Poison; General Zhou was just saying so to pacify the public!" But as for Fire Dao City, all fell silent except for the chanting of the Sealing Demon Curse. All the Daoist soldiers looked at each other, perplexed and suffused with a bloodthirsty frenzy. After several changes, the sky turned utterly dark after a while. The next moment. Buzz! A beam of bloody light fell from the black eyeball. Immediately, a sense of bloodlust and frenzy rose in the Daoist soldiers inside Fire Dao City. Then, a black line unfolded to both sides, revealing an enormous, sky-darkening black eye. Chen Mu felt his heart being seized all of a sudden, his pupils constricting instantly. His first thought: It''s the Nether Demon Heaven invasion! Chapter 712 - 700 Escaping Chapter 712: Chapter 700 Escaping "I knew the rumor about Jiao Mu Star Lords mistake was a lie. Look for yourselves!" The fat, battered merchant pointed excitedly at the blood light in the sky. Those entangled around him were unresponsive, all staring wide-eyed and slack-jawed at the sky. The fat merchant realized it too, his face turning ashen. This is an invasion by the Nether Demon Heaven, even more perilous than when Lu Shenjun unleashed the plague! At this moment, the sky above Fire Dao City had turned entirely blood-red. Numerous Nether Demons tailed by blood-red flames were falling towards the ground like meteors. Someone let out a shout, and the Daoist soldiers immediately scattered, throwing Fire Dao City into chaos. ... "General Zhou Tong had already reached Dao Foundation Perfection, how could he be defeated so quickly?!" "Hes defeated; what do we do now?" Wu Gang was in a panic inside the Xin Si Courtyard. "Of course, we run. What else can we do?" Chen Mu looked at the sky with a complex expression. Over the years, Ive faced countless dangers, always managing to escape with experience. Now, facing an invasion by the Nether Demon Heaven, I find myself able to regain composure despite the initial shock. Its really... "Lets go, head to Heavenly Market Street as soon as possible." Chen Mu took a deep breath and made a decisive decision. "Right, right, the Heavenly Gate there can take us back to Heavenly Pass City immediately." Wu Gang nodded repeatedly. "The Elders on Heavenly Pass Star are powerful, theyll definitely hold off the Nether Demon Heaven!" At this point, Chen Mu paid no mind to concealing himself, unfolded the Longitudinal Rainbow Light, and vanished in a blink. In the time it took to breathe, he was already at the southern end of Heavenly Market Street. The portal of the Heavenly Gate was covered with a translucent drape like a water curtain, a sign of the Shrinking Ground Teleportation Method Ban in operation. However, compared to the usual stability, the drape was flickering like an image with a poor signal. Countless Daoist soldiers surged towards the Heavenly Gate like floodwaters, but only a small portion successfully teleported away. The majority ran through the drape to the other side but couldnt leave Fire Dao Star. Jiao Mu Star Lord is overwhelmed, and the Heavenly Gates teleportation ban is unstable? Chen Mus heart tightened. "Hurry, hurry, if we delay, the Heavenly Gate might get destroyed!" Wu Gang shouted urgently as he arrived via flying escape, then unhesitatingly kicked away the Daoist soldiers blocking his path and slipped inside the Heavenly Gate. In the next instant, a blood light descended from the sky. Boom! The entire ground trembled violently, and the White Jade Heavenly Gate, which stood at the streets end, vanished without a trace. A bottomless pit appeared, surrounded by rocks and soil sizzling like acid, charred black. Damn that fat crow-mouthed bastard! Chen Mus face darkened. Who wouldve thought that just a moments hesitation would lead to such a drastic change. Now, the Daoist soldiers crowded near the Heavenly Gate were blown to pieces, their cries and screams echoing continuously. Those behind were pale, fleeing in a panic. Chen Mu stood in a corner, gritting his teeth. This Fire Dao City is no longer safe to stay. ... An hour later. Chen Mu appeared with a pale face amidst a wilderness mountain three thousand miles south of Fire Dao City. At the cost of exhausting his mana, leveraging the Jade Cicada Dao Foundation, he used ground shrinking to quickly distance himself from the surroundings of Fire Dao City. Standing atop the mountain, looking northward, the blood-red sky was no longer visible, but Chen Mu felt no relief. Using the Vermilion Feather Sword left along the way as his eyes and ears, he discovered that the unique blood-red sky light of the Nether Demon Heaven was rapidly spreading outwards from Fire Dao City as the center. "Are they trying to transform Fire Dao Stars environment to resemble Nether Demon Heaven?" Chen Mus heart shivered. After slightly recovering some mana, he decisively dove underground. Moments later, deep underground, Chen Mu appeared in a natural cave. This cave was discovered earlier by the exploratory Vermilion Feather Sword. Its hidden, located underground, with thick rock and soil that can largely block tracking. Still uneasy, he set up a Small Three Talents Light-Shielding Technique and placed Extinguishing Breath Stones around. He used every Silence Talisman he had, pasting them all inside the small cave. "With the Heavenly Gate destroyed and the Nether Demons invading, therell surely be intense fighting in the early stages." "Best to hide and get through this period before planning further." Nodding slightly at the caves setup, Chen Mu left the Giant Spirit Divine seated inside and then flashed into Thousand Lanterns City. ... Several days later. Inside Thousand Lanterns City. Using the Giant Spirit Divine as a base and eleven Vermilion Feather Swords as ears and eyes, Chen Mu quietly probed Fire Dao Star. The sky had turned blood-red, with rivers, lakes, and seas faintly tinged with red. In the air, an unsettling wave spread, making Fire Dao Star resemble Nether Demon Heaven by five-tenths. "Why havent the Nether Demons exterminated everyone?" Chen Mu wondered, puzzled. He had expected the Nether Demons to slaughter Daoist soldiers widely, but instead, the demons simply occupied Fire Dao City. Not only did they refrain from expanding territory, but they also gathered defensively within the city. What are they planning? ... "They are spreading Nether Demon Blood Light, controlling the Primordial Energy Well these Outer Heaven Demons aim to wholly control Fire Dao Star?" In a hidden valley, Fei Zhaos face was furious. "This might just be the beginning; ultimately, they could use Heavenly Star as a stepping stone to break through the thirty-two layers of heaven, descend to the ground, and recreate the Hai Provinces Catastrophe." Li Jius face looked equally grim. "Relying on Heavenly Pass Star is hopeless." Zhou Tong looked up, his face stern, "The light of Jiao Mus stars is dimmed; Fire Dao Star might not be the only one suffering." "Senior Brother, what should we do?" Fei Zhaos complexion wasnt good. "With the Heavenly Gate destroyed, the Shrinking Ground Teleportation Method Ban cannot be employed across stars." "Besides passively waiting for sect rescue, we can only risk crossing the void." Zhou Tong addressed Li Jiu and Fei Zhao solemnly. "The Daoist soldiers in Fire Dao City mostly survived. If they provide Sealing Demon Power and activate the Five Clouds Cloth layer upon layer, its enough to protect us as we reach the nearest Yangmen Star in past traversals." Li Jiu and Fei Zhao exchanged glances. "Senior Brother, navigating the vast void, identifying direction is hard; theres also the endlessly body-rending gale." Fei Zhao spoke softly, "If we rush in with the Five Clouds Cloth, nine out of ten surviving Daoist soldiers in Fire Dao City might exhaust their mana and perish in the void." "Are the lives of the Daoist soldiers more important, or ours?" Zhou Tongs face was cold as he stared at Fei Zhao. "Moreover, theyve all signed contracts, and by doing so, theyve accepted the risk of dying!" His eyes were filled with malice. "You misunderstand." Fei Zhao offered an apologetic smile, "I mean, arent these gathered Daoist soldiers in the valley insufficient?" "Shouldnt we initiate a Contractual Decree and gather all surviving Daoist soldiers here?" "After all, the void is dangerous; the more Daoist soldiers, the better our chances of survival." "Junior Brother, your consideration is thorough." Zhou Tong instantly smiled. Chen Mu: "..." He had been contemplating whether these people had a method to escape Fire Dao Star, hoping to catch a lucky break. But he hadnt expected these guys to plan to use Daoist soldiers as expendables to save themselves? This is truly heartless! Chapter 713 - 701: Smuggling Chapter 713: Chapter 701: Smuggling Heavenly Pass Star, Star Monarch Hall. Lan Xiuzhu stood at the entrance of the grand hall, looking up at the stars in the sky, his face still wearing the same gentle smile that hadnt changed over the years. Light footsteps approached, and a small figure emerged from the depths of the hall. Lan Xiuzhu turned his head to look at Meng Qingchan, who appeared as a seven or eight-year-old girl, his smile widened: "Senior Sister, you look radiant, your Dao must have already progressed further." Meng Qingchans face turned dark. The way she looked now, how could one describe it as radiant? Its all because of that damned Chen Mu! "Plotting against Lv Yue, harming the Star Lord, and leading the Nether Demon Heavenly Demons to invade." Meng Qingchan glared at Lan Xiuzhu: "If Pure Yang Dao were to find out about these things youve done, huh!" "Senior Brother Lv was counterattacked by the Plague Immortal Flags plague poison, devoured the Jiao Mu Star Lord was by your Green Worm Poison, as for the Nether Demon Heavenly Demons invading, hehe..." Lan Xiuzhu kept smiling. "If not for Senior Sister swallowing the Jiao Mu Star Lord, causing the Star Spirit Light to fail, how would the Nether Demon Heaven have found the opportunity to invade?" Meng Qingchan was so angry she laughed. If it werent for you pushing things from behind, which of these could have succeeded?! "You dont think Pure Yang Dao would reason with you, do you?" Meng Qingchan sneered. "Of course, they wont reason, but what if I can bring enough benefits to Pure Yang Dao?" Lan Xiuzhu chuckled. "Destroying the All Heaven Star Battle Array, what benefits could that possibly bring to Pure Yang Dao?" Meng Qingchan frowned. "Its just that several Dao Ancestors feel the human world is a bit too peaceful." Lan Xiuzhu spoke with amusement. Feeling the human world is peaceful, so they invite demons to invade? This... this is the Qi Refining Orthodox? How come their actions feel even more evil than my demonic ways! Moreover, several Dao Ancestors? Do Tianhe and Luofu also have a part in this?! Meng Qingchan suddenly felt tight all over. "Senior Sister wants to know the specific reason?" Lan Xiuzhu smiled wryly. "No, I dont want to know at all." Meng Qingchan decisively turned and left. Lan Xiuzhu stirred up this mess too thick. She made up her mind, once she devoured the Jiao Mu Star Lord, shed leave immediately. ... Fire Dao Star. The underground narrow cavern was widened by Chen Mu, covering an area of over a hundred square meters, with a height of more than ten meters. Embedded in the rock walls, the fluorescent algae lamp balls illuminated the dark cavern brightly. "Zhou Tongs plan to traverse the void plainly has pitfalls, Id be better off catalyzing the Ghost Gate for ground shrinking myself." Chen Mu sat on a stone platform projecting from the wall, while using the Exquisite Jade Plate to restore his mana, ruminating on how to leave the Fire Dao Star. The thousands of ghosts in the Five Ghosts Bag had already been transmitted with the Secret Technique Netherworld Ferry, it was by relying on them to jointly cast Ghost Gate within the Yunzhou Tianhe Law Realm that he successfully escaped. Now, just repeating the old strategy, he could successfully leave Fire Dao Star. "The massive collection of demon beast corpses collected earlier is enough to sustain the operation of Ghost Gate." Chen Mu silently calculated. Although using this batch of essence might delay his cultivation. But if ones life is not secured, the higher the Dao, the more pointless it is. "Fire Dao Star is occupied by demons, too dangerous, its best to leave early." He made up his mind. "As for the landing anchor point of Ghost Gate..." Chen Mus heart stirred, a vermilion feather magic sword emerged from his sleeve, flying before his eyes. "Hide a few vermilion feather magic swords in the Heavenly Craft Camp, let Zhou Tong and others take the swords to the Yangmen Star?" "Once the sword arrives, use it as an anchor point to catalyze Ghost Gate?" "Just do it!" Chen Mu grinned. Following Zhou Tong and others in traversing the void posed risks of encountering endless astral winds, but just letting the vermilion feather magic swords hitchhike and smuggle... "Let the vermilion feather magic sword suffer a bit, if it truly breaks, it can be reforged in the Gourd Sword Box later." Chen Mu pinched the constantly struggling and trembling vermilion feather magic sword before him, face full of smiles. Turning his hand to store away the magic sword, he summoned a gray wall and looked at one of its sections. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 5297/10000/Third Rank; "This scripture still needs practice." With the Mechanical Talisman Seed, he and the vermilion feather magic sword can remain spiritually connected. But if the distance is too great, this connection can become vague. To make Ghost Gate use it as an anchor point, Nine Cups Calculation Scripture was needed to assist the calculations. Back when he was in the Tianhe Law Realm, it was the scripture that calculated the landing spot for Ghost Gate. "The distance between Yangmen Star and Fire Dao Star is unknown, and endless astral winds separate the void." "To be safe, the experience level of this scripture should be boosted a bit higher." "A deceptive secret technique for calculations has repeatedly become the key to my escape... Tsk tsk, the world indeed is capricious." The Nine Cups Calculation Scripture comes from Shen Yan, the military supervisor of Fengdu City in the Netherworld, who used the scripture to fool people with weather forecasts during his lifetime, eventually mixing into a position as a small state adviser. A peculiar person. Though the scriptures accuracy was lacking, at times it completely misled him within the Netherworld, steering him towards hazardous areas rife with strange demons. But it truly did calculate the landing point of Ghost Gate accurately once. "This secret technique still holds some value within it." So... its not the technique thats deficient, but oneself? "Then lets grind it!" ... Within a secluded valley. The Daoist soldiers in Fire Dao City were bustling with activity. With mana surging, countless long ropes in the form of overlapped white jade color with snake heads and eagle mouths continually extended and wove, stacking layer upon layer, transforming into an elongated spindle. Its size comparable to an ocean liner, resembling an elongated giant goose egg. White gauze soon covered the surface, gradually filling pits and crevices, rendering the surface smooth. A haze of white smoke arose, enveloping the surroundings, adding an ethereal aura to the spindle. In a dark corner, within the blind spot of everyones vision, a vermilion thread stealthily threaded out of the ground. It crept along the ground quietly forward, upon nearing the giant egg spindle, quickly slithered into a corner not yet covered by light gauze. And at the moment it disappeared. Bang! Energy wrapped in dust rolled, Zhou Tongs figure suddenly appeared. "Could there be any Nether Demon alien species lurking into the valley?" Fei Zhao appeared immediately after. Zhou Tong shook his head, silently chanting dharma curse, meticulously probing the surroundings, but after a stretch of time, found nothing out of the ordinary. He slightly exhaled, yet upon glimpsing the blood-colored sky above, his heart sank once more. Although the Nether Demon Heavenly Demons hadnt chased the Daoist soldiers extensively, the sky was transformed by Netherworld Demon Technique, enveloped in blood light. Even though he had perfected his Dao Foundation for years, being shrouded in this blood light still made him agitated. "Junior Brother, constructing Five Cloud Shuttle must hasten. I always feel this blood light above is evil, staying too long might lead to changes." Zhou Tongs expression turned solemn. Hearing this, Fei Zhao couldnt help but look serious. While conversing, the two headed towards Li Jiu, who commanded the Daoist soldiers from afar. Behind them, the pitted surface of Five Cloud Shuttle was gradually wrapped in Five Clouds Cloth, a thread of vermilion light emerged within the clouds. It followed a white jade rope, finding its way to the snake-headed eagle-mouths end. Then, it pried open the eagle mouth, squeezed into the ropes interior with familiarity. ... "Speeding up, leaving sooner?" "A good thing indeed!" Within Thousand Lanterns City, Chen Mu reversed his mana to construct his Dao Foundation, while using the Giant Spirit Divine in the exterior cave as a relay, deploying Truth Listening Divine Power to monitor the valleys changes. "You leaving Fire Dao Star one day earlier means I gain safety sooner." Reflecting on Zhou Tongs reaction just now, Chen Mu couldnt help but feel impressed. "Deserving of being the Heavenly Craft Camp General, truly ruthless, but indeed possesses skills." "The seventh vermilion feather magic sword I embedded within Five Cloud Shuttle nearly got discovered by him." "Hehe..." Chapter 714 - 702 Internal Conflict Several days later, in the underground cavern. Chen Mu moved his fingers, silently calculating using the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. At this moment, a misty scene emerged in his mind. It was as if he was floating amidst a thick fog where he couldn''t see his own hand. As the calculation proceeded, a star point appeared within the fog, continually expanding. Swish! A green valley shrouded in white mist suddenly flashed into view. "Got it." Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes. Over the past five or six days, while Zhou Tong and others were busy constructing the Five Cloud Shuttle, Chen Mu wasn''t idle either. He reversed practiced Primordial Qi to reshape the Jade Seed, controlled Ghosts to simulate setting up the Ghost Gate, and practiced the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture. The first two tasks went alright, but the Calculation Scripture didn''t make much progress. Out of ten calculations, only five correctly determined the location of the Five Cloud Shuttle. "A fifty percent accuracy rate is somewhat risky, but the Calculation Scripture is only halfway through the Third Rank, so that''s understandable." Chen Mu felt quite at ease. "According to Zhou Tong and others, the Five Cloud Shuttle might take quite some time to successfully cross the void. That''s enough time for me to further advance the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture." He silently planned. After outlining a cultivation schedule, he used the Vermilion Feather Sword to perform the Truthful Listening Divine Power, investigating surroundings of the Fire Dao City. A group of three-meter tall, pale-skinned people with an extra eye on their foreheads stood guarding various parts of the city, showing no intention of expanding their territory. "Not expanding their territory is good." "It provides Zhou Tong and the others plenty of time to escape." With a cheerful smile, the Truthful Listening Divine Power expanded from the Vermilion Feather Sword in the valley. A sleek, white shuttle appeared like a giant egg in his mind. Upon careful inspection of its inner structure, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. "In at most two more days, this shuttle should be completely built." "At that time, the Vermilion Feather Sword can hitch a ride on the wind to leave Fire Dao Star." "Then I could also use the Ghost Gate to escape the danger." He was just celebrating. But the next moment. Crack! A crisp breaking sound suddenly erupted, with lightning-like twisted cracks appearing on the surface of the Five Cloud Shuttle. Bam! The top suddenly exploded, as Zhou Tong and Fei Zhao, using Escape Light, fiercely collided and then dashed into the sky like lightning. The nearly completed Five Cloud Shuttle was torn in half by the shockwaves from their battle. The smile on Chen Mu''s face instantly froze, like a stone statue. Wasn''t everything fine just yesterday? How did you two end up in a conflict in a blink of an eye? If you want to fight, fight, but why damage my Five Cloud Shuttle? At this moment, Chen Mu wished he could dash to the valley and kill those two bastards! ... "Junior Brother, are you insane?" Zhou Tong shouted angrily at Fei Zhao. Seeing the Five Cloud Shuttle on the verge of completion and about to escape Fire Dao Star, he never expected his previously close junior brother to launch a sudden sneak attack. If he hadn''t always been cautious, it might have been him split in two just now, instead of the shuttle! "I think it''s you who''s insane!" Fei Zhao shouted furiously. "The compartments inside the Five Cloud Shuttle are isolated from one another, disabling communication among the Daoist Soldiers within." "If any unit of the Daoist Soldiers fails to supply Sealing Demon Power, you''ll be quietly abandoned." "Am I also one who can be abandoned?" His face was dark and ominous. "What nonsense are you spouting! I already gave you control over one-third of the Five Cloud Shuttle! How could I possibly..." Zhou Tong argued incredulously, shouting back. "You actually admitted it?! I''m your dear junior brother, like your own sibling!" Fei Zhao interrupted with a face full of anger and sadness. Zhou Tong: "..." When the hell did I admit that?! Are your ears filled with donkey hair?! Were you even listening to me?! "Give me your life!" Fei Zhao, eyes blood-red, charged recklessly at Zhou Tong. Damn it! Zhou Tong gritted his teeth in anger. "Junior Sister, this kid''s been driven mad by the Nether Demon Blood Light! Help me restrain him!" Zhou Tong shouted to Li Jiu, who was not far away. "I didn''t expect you two to have such a relationship?!" Li Jiu''s face turned red, filled with shame and anger. "You dare flirt so blatantly in public! You two are Thousand Mechanisms Sect Elders!" "You bastards, handle your own mess!" After saying that, Li Jiu flew into the sky in a huff, using Escape Light. Zhou Tong: "..." No way, are your ears filled with donkey hair too? What on earth did you hear? I just knew that this Nether Demon Heaven Blood Light was no good. Damn it! Zhou Tong was almost exploding with anger! ... "This is a disaster." In the underground cavern, Chen Mu watched as the valley was destroyed by the aftermath of Zhou Tong and Fei Zhao''s battle, with numerous dead and wounded Daoist Soldiers forced to scatter and flee, his eyelid was twitching uncontrollably. He never expected that with the Five Cloud Shuttle almost completed, the three core elders would fall into internal conflict. "No wonder the Nether Demon and the Demons from Nether Demon Heaven haven''t launched a slaughter or siege on these Daoist Soldiers." "With the influence of this Nether Demon Blood Light, pursuit and siege aren''t needed, the survivors will be thrown into disarray." Chen Mu gritted his teeth. Being deep underground and having experience with Nether Demon Heaven, the Blood Light''s influence on him was minimal. But for the Daoist Soldiers of Fire Dao City, exposed without any protection, it wasn''t the same. The internal strife among those three Daoist Foundation Elders meant that those surviving Daoist Soldiers might make a big mess. Expecting them to regroup and rebuild the Five Cloud Shuttle was practically impossible. "The smuggling plan using the Vermilion Feather Sword is screwed." Chen Mu''s face fell. ... The next day. Chen Mu, hiding in Thousand Lanterns City and practicing Reversed Primordial Qi, suddenly felt a tingle on his scalp. It was like being zapped by the spark of a lighter, his entire body shuddered, and he hurriedly opened his eyes. "Contractual Decree?" Chen Mu immediately used the Truthful Listening Divine Power to inspect a mountain peak where Zhou Tong was located. Sure enough, he saw Zhou Tong holding a Bronze Token, using the Contractual Decree to summon Daoist Soldiers. "Using the Contractual Decree as a constraint to forcibly control the Daoist Soldiers to build the Five Cloud Shuttle?" Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. The Contractual Decree comes with a countermeasure from the Pure Yang Daoist Ancestor. It might actually counteract the effect of the Nether Demon Blood Light and succeed! He was just getting excited when he heard Zhou Tong atop the mountain shout aloud. "Fei Zhao and Li Jiu betrayed the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. With their disruption, none of us can leave Fire Dao Star. "We must attack the traitors and take their bounty as our reward!" "Charge with me, everyone!" All spoils will be given to you." "Let''s go!" Chen Mu: "..." What the hell is he doing, fighting again? This guy''s gotta have been taken over by the Nether Demon Heaven Blood Light too! Ugh! Chen Mu''s gut wrenched in frustration. "Luckily, I have the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture, or I''d end up in chaos with these guys." He was relieved, but couldn''t help worrying once more. "To use the Ghost Gate for Ground Shrinking, I need an accurate landing point." In the past, he considered using Heavenly Demon Body as a point of landing for the Ground Shrinking technique through Ghost Gate. But Fire Dao Star and Yunzhou are separated by thirty-thousand days above and below, the distance is beyond countless. Even if the location is connected, it''s extremely difficult to calculate the landing point. And Yunzhou''s Vital Energy is declining, with the Netherworld secretly plotting, it''s really not suitable for Qi Cultivation and Immortal Cultivation. He''s extremely hesitant about it. "If only I had Nine-Life Tribulation Splitting Technique, I wouldn''t need to rely on these guys and their chaos." "To use Ground Shrinking through the Ghost Gate, I need an accurate landing point." So this means I''ll have to pass through the Loach Dragon Fire Path once again and cross the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains to escape that big swamp in Yunzhou." Chapter 715 - 703 Trouble Chapter 715: Chapter 703 Trouble Underground, fluorescent algae emit a gentle glow, illuminating the dark cave. On a stone platform protruding from the rock wall, Chen Mu used the Steel Transformation Technique to create a high-backed stone chair, covered with a layer of soft animal skin. At this moment, his left hand supported his chin, and he was curled up in the chair with his eyes closed. With the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture activated, his entire consciousness seemed to be immersed in a sea of fog. At one moment, the fog abruptly gathered, quickly forming a human figure, which was precisely Zhou Tong, the General of the Heavenly Craft Camp. Immediately, Chen Mus vision rapidly elevated, with the fog changing and gathering, presenting the surroundings of Zhou Tongs location directly into Chen Mus mind. He opened his eyes, moved his thoughts slightly, and a red line flew out from his sleeve, disappearing into the soil with a puff. An hour later, following the guidance of the Calculation Scripture, the Vermilion Feather Sword flew to the location calculated previously. Using the Truthful Listening technique, he quickly found Zhou Tong with blood-red eyes. "Succeeded!" Chen Mus face broke into a smile, and the gray wall surfaced in his view. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 239/10000/Fourth Rank; "Even without the positioning from the Vermilion Feather Sword, purely using the Fourth Rank Calculation Scripture to calculate Zhou Tongs location would achieve ten out of ten accuracy." "Thus, calculating the location of the Heavenly Demon Body surely... Hmm, should likely, probably be fine, right?" Chen Mu scratched his head, feeling somewhat uncertain. There are still thirty-two layers of celestial barriers between heaven and earth, with immeasurable distance. Even with the Heavenly Demon Body as a placeholder, Chen Mu is still uneasy about the calculated landing point. "Ten out of ten isnt stable; better to elevate the Calculation Scripture one more rank to ensure a hundred out of a hundred," Chen Mu decided internally. Although the Fire Dao Star has been invaded by the Nether Demon Heaven, and Fire Dao City is occupied by the Three-Eyed Nether Demon Clan. Yet the overall situation remains unexpectedly calm; he is hiding underground, undisturbed and quite stable for the short term. "Stability is good; I can prepare more thoroughly." Feeling the fully restored mana inside the Jade Seed, Chen Mu grabbed the Exquisite Jade Plate from the stone table beside him and entered Thousand Lanterns City again. The underground is very safe, but he is always cautious. Aside from needing to restore the mana consumed from Daoist Foundation Cultivation, appearing in the underground cave, he always stays within Thousand Lanterns City at other times. ... Days passed as Chen Mu stayed underground, daily practicing Daoist Foundation cultivation and carefully pondering the detailed matters of activating the Ghost Gate. The four thousand Ghosts will surely be able to trigger the Ghost Gate. The Nine Cups Calculation Scriptures proficiency increases day by day, and the accuracy of calculating landing points is precisely improving. He started worrying about another key issue. "Plenty of Demon Beast Essence in the Bottomless Pool, but if spanning thirty-two heavens back to Yunzhou..." Chen Mu silently calculated and couldnt help frowning. Indeed, he did grab quite a few demon beast corpses and throw them into the Bottomless Pool before. Yet over the past half a year, his own Daoist Foundation Cultivation cost quite a bit, and feeding the Ghosts also consumed a large amount. With thirty-two heavenly barriers between heaven and earth, the difficulty of Ground Shrinking is no less than returning from Nether Demon Heaven to the Netherworld. The vital energy needed for the Ghost Gate must be incredibly vast. "Better to accumulate another batch of demon beast blood and flesh." Chen Mus heart stirred, thinking about the demon beast corpses amassed by the Heavenly Craft Camp. Despite most having been skinned and disassembled, transported in batches back to the Heavenly Pass Star, plenty of demon poison-infested demon flesh remains. "If I could sneak into Fire Dao City and take it quietly..." Days later, two hundred miles south of Fire Dao City. A gentle breeze blew, and Chen Mus figure appeared in a dense forest. He looked up at the bloody light in the sky, surprisingly feeling a bit comfortable being illuminated by it! "Thats not right?" Chen Mu muttered to himself with a peculiar expression. These days, he has been watching Zhou Tong and the others; they, more or less, show mutations influenced by the bloody light. Many Daoist soldiers became irritable and angry, leading to several uprisings. The bloody light from Nether Demon Heaven clearly magnifies peoples desires, causing various disputes, but for himself... "Is it because I went to Nether Demon Heaven before?" Chen Mu frowned and shook his head. Soon, he realized the root of his unusual feelings. Chen Mu reached out to press his left chest, two different heartbeat rhythms echoed in his ears. "Blood Pouch? Underworld God Transformation?" "Is this thing related to Nether Demon Heaven?!" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow. Back in Yunzhou, Luandu County, to break free from the Divine-Sealing Pact, he devised a method to practice the Underworld God Transformation. Only then did he successfully implant the Heavenly Demon Spirit Seed within himself, linking it with the qi of the Heavenly Demon Body, and through the Substitute Puppet Technique, escape the Divine Statue Cave Heaven. "Practicing Underworld God Transformation primarily involves absorbing demon blood into the body to transform the physical form." "The blood seed comes from the River of Oblivion, and tracing its origin might likely come from Nether Demon Heaven." "Once the Underworld God Transformation is mastered, it is equivalent to becoming half a native of Nether Demon Heaven, naturally unafraid of the heavenly blood glow." Chen Mu suddenly realized. "This is truly... an unexpected delight!" He raised his eyebrows, breaking into a joyful smile. Chen Mu originally intended to quietly infiltrate Fire Dao City when he left the underground. Now, with the blood pouchs aura concealment, he can walk into the city openly and brightly, which is even safer than sneaking in using a secret technique! The long-unused shapeshifting technique started operating. The muscles on his face shifted, the skin at the center of his eyebrows puffed up, forming a crease like a closed vertical eye. The skins blood color decreased, quickly turning pale. His body and bones transformed, adjusting his height to two and a half meters. In a few breaths, Chen Mu turned into a member of the Three-eyed Nether Demon Clan. The Underworld God Transformations secret technique Green Satchel Chapter was cast. Thump, thump, thump... A series of strange heartbeats grew louder and replaced the original heartbeat sounds, an eerie aura began to emanate around Chen Mu. To Chen Mus senses, the heavenly blood glow also became increasingly warm. "The appearance is similar, and the aura is identical. Adding the Three-eyed Nether Clan language Ive mastered using the Gray Wall this past month, who dares to say Im not from Nether Demon Heaven!" Chen Mu smiled confidently, striding towards Fire Dao City. ... "Who are you?" Outside the city, a Three-eyed Nether Clan member clad in white bone armor stopped Chen Mu, staring at him expressionlessly. "I am Yitu San." Chen Mu spoke a string of strange words, looking calm. In the past days, though he dared not explore the depths of Fire Dao City, he frequently investigated the outer edges. Not only mastering the Three-eyed Nether Clan language but also acquiring a lot of intelligence. This Yitu San is not a fabricated name but a real member of the Three-eyed Nether Clan who often travels outside the city to examine and record the surroundings of Fire Dao City. Chen Mu fashioned his face based on this person. And the real Yitu San was currently investigating water sources in a canyon three hundred miles to the west. According to regular patterns, he wouldnt be back for at least two hours. "Youre Yitu San, then who is he?" The gatekeeping Three-eyed Nether Clan member looked oddly at Chen Mus back. Chen Mus heart skipped a beat, reflexively turning around. Then he saw a face exactly like his own. Chen Mu: "..." No, werent you supposed to be examining water sources three hundred miles away? How did you suddenly appear here?! "You must be a Qi Cultivator from Hundred Intentions Heaven, the disguise is so similar, truly... a brilliant trick!" The Three-eyed Nether Clan member behind him showed a malicious, grinning face. Chen Mu was bewildered. Just before exiting the woods, he used the Truth Listening Divine Power to glance at the person intentionally. How did the opponent appear at the city gate in such a short time? He himself intended to sneak into Fire Dao City with the persons face. Done for! ... "Thats because I secretly notified the person to return!" Heavenly Pass City, Star Monarch Hall. Meng Qingchan, sitting cross-legged on a cushion deep within the hall, suddenly chuckled softly. "No wonder Jiao Mu Star Lord, no wonder Star Spirit, controlling stars from afar is indeed fascinating." Meng Qingchan smiled pleasantly and murmured. "Senior sister is in a good mood." Lan Xiuzhu slowly entered the hall. "If you have something to say, just spit it out." Meng Qingchan restrained her expression, looking calm. "Senior sister has already mastered the thirty-six stars of Jiao Mu, enough to shake the Heavenly Star, its also time to entice demons to break the boundary." Lan Xiuzhu said with a smile. Meng Qingchan raised an eyebrow, looking at her junior brother. The smile always remained on the others face, yet those eyes seemed as cold as ice and snow. Meng Qingchan nodded slightly, not refusing. This was originally a part of their deal to entice demons to break through the thirty-two-tier heaven. "Lets start with Fire Dao Star then." "Im not very familiar with Jiao Mu Star Lords power, just right to experiment with that peripheral small star." "Really?" Lan Xiuzhu showed a meaningful smile. "Of course!" Meng Qingchan looked determined. Everything I do is for a smooth plan. Definitely not to seize the opportunity to cause trouble for Chen Mu! Chapter 716 - 704 Hunting Chapter 716: Chapter 704 Hunting A few days later. North gate of Fire Dao City. Chen Mu transformed his shape again, becoming a three-meter tall Three-Eyed Nether Demon Clan. The Truth Listening Divine Power unfolded, and the scene at the bottom of a lake hundreds of miles away appeared in his mind. An identical Three-Eyed Nether Demon Clan to him was walking underwater. "Now, I wont be exposed," Chen Mu felt relieved. Recalling the encounter a few days ago, he still felt a bit embarrassed. Being caught impersonating someone was indeed awkward. "Luckily, I escaped in time, and fortunately, the Nether Demon Heavenly Demons are busy controlling the Primordial Energy Well and dont care much about the Qi Cultivators on Fire Dao Star." "Otherwise, Id surely be tracked down, and trouble would definitely come my way," Chen Mu thought with relief. Learning from the last lesson, today he made more thorough preparations. Not only did he change the city gate, but he also chose in advance the Three-Eyed Nether Demon Clan he intended to impersonate, observing him for several days. He learned the opponents walking posture, practiced their speaking tone, even mimicking the rhythm of breathing to perfection. At the moment, he placed a Vermilion Feather Sword near the Nether Demon Clan to confirm their movements in real-time. "This time, definitely no problem," Chen Mu immediately strode towards the city gate. "Who goes there?" the Three-Eyed Nether Clan, wearing White Bone Armor, asked expressionlessly. Chen Mu raised his head confidently and spoke, "I am Tu..." Boom! A sound like muted thunder suddenly resounded, and a black line appeared in the sky above Fire Dao City. The black line widened, revealing an extremely large dark eye. An invisible power descended from the sky, sweeping outwards from Fire Dao City like ripples. The guard demonic Nether Clan trembled, their aura surged, their forehead eye opened, and they excitedly howled skywards. Chen Mu felt his heart racing, an overwhelming force suddenly enveloped him. His muscles squirmed involuntarily, breaking the shape-shifting technique maintaining his form. His body abruptly shrunk, his face returning to its real appearance. Chen Mu stiffened, his neck felt rusty as it slowly lifted. He immediately saw the once-crazed Three-Eyed Nether Demon now smiling grimly at him. Those three pitch-black eyes were filled with savagery. "Do you believe me if I say I was trying to impersonate a Qi Cultivator?" Chen Mu said awkwardly. "Roar!" a blood-red beam full of murderous intent erupted within the opponents vertical forehead eye. Damn! Chen Mus face twitched, golden light flashed as he hurriedly fled hundreds of meters away. Why did the sky eye come now, of all times? Damn! Looking back at the countless demons pouring out from the dark eye, Chen Mu felt suffocated yet helpless. "Guess Ill have to escape first." Ignoring the furious shouts of the Three-Eyed Nether Clan behind him, the golden light flickered, vanishing from the sky in a few breaths. ... The next day. Chen Mu huddled inside Thousand Lanterns City, using the Giant Spirit Divine outside to manipulate the Vermilion Feather Sword to gather information on Fire Dao Star. Yesterday, the sky crack above Fire Dao City lasted an entire day, endless demons from Nether Demon Heaven poured in. The once silent Fire Dao Star was bustling once again. The demons within Fire Dao City were restrained, but those scattered across Fire Dao Star started fighting among themselves quickly. Chen Mu listened all night, the occasional roars startling him. Fire Dao City, which already made him wary, became increasingly dangerous. "With demons pouring in, slipping into Fire Dao City seems impossible." "However..." "Its not entirely a bad thing," Chen Mu pondered, stroking his chin. With the Three-Eyed Nether Demon Clan guarding, plus the newly arrived demons, the demonic beasts blood flesh inside the city is likely out of reach. But for ordinary demons outside the city, they can be moved. Back in Nether Demon Heaven, he relied on sacrificing many demon beasts to the Forget River, to successfully return to the Netherworld. If he could repeat his success... "The Five Ghosts Bag still has too few ghosts, how great would it be if that Yin Spirits army was still around," Chen Mu thought wistfully. Sending the Ghosts out to hunt? He fiddled with the Five Ghosts Bag, shaking his head. Ghosts arent Yin Spirits, lacking wisdom, only instinct like beasts, unsuitable for hunting demons. Moreover, Ghosts are key in forming Ghost Gate, losing one could cause a major accident; Chen Mu wouldnt dare risk it. Perhaps... Perhaps he could learn from Divine Monarch Lu! Chen Mu squinted his eyes. ... Three days later. On a cold, damp shadowed mountain cliff with countless beehive-like caves. A group of strange bats with wolf heads and over three-meter wingspan hung densely on the dark cave top. Suddenly The originally quiet bats reacted as if provoked and began to tremble. Ink-green fur stood erect, bodies visibly swelling. Swoosh! Hundreds of wolf-headed bats suddenly opened their eyes, blood-red pupils shining a sanguine light, illuminating the cave in red. Chirp! A violent cry sounded, a wolf-headed bat suddenly bit its nearby kin. Like pressing the start button, the orderly wolf-headed bats started attacking one another. The fierce howls echoed, the air staining red with bloodiness. As chaos peaked. Bang bang bang... Like blood fireworks exploding, wolf heads burst suddenly. In just half a moment, every wolf-headed bat in the cliff caves was dead. The entire cliff fell eerily silent. Atop the cliff, golden light flashed, revealing Chen Mu. "The plague immortal technique-enhanced Mistaken Heavenly Demon Poison is indeed terrifying?!" he couldnt help but shiver at the remains in the caves. Previously dealing with Fire Dao Stars demonic beasts, he extracted quite a bit of Mistaken Heavenly Demon Poison. Upon thinking of using the plague poison to kill Nether Demon demon beasts, his first thought was of these demon poisons. After slight refinement with the Plague Immortal Technique, the first test showed astounding results. A golden sand qi appeared in his palm, the plague immortal technique activated, gathering the Mistaken Heavenly Demon Poison. Carefully sealing the poison into the Seven-Star Jade Purification Bottle, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. "Its strange indeed, but very effective. With its help, soon Ill gather enough Essence Blood Flesh." "Spend a bit more time practicing the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture, in a month at most, I can leave Fire Dao Star." Chen Mu calculated, smiling. Five Ghosts Black Smoke poured from his feet, quickly spreading across the cliff to collect the wolf-headed bat corpses. Before long, the cave was cleared of wolf-headed bat remains, the blood splatters even collected by the Five Ghosts Black Smoke. His fingers made calculations, gray mist appearing in his mind. Soon, images of four-armed red-haired monkeys surfaced in the mist. Red-eyed Water Ape? "Didnt expect familiar monkeys to appear?" Chen Mu raised an eyebrow, golden light flashed, escaping to the next hunting spot. Chapter 717 - 705 Success Chapter 717: Chapter 705 Success Day by day, time passed. Apart from cultivating his Daoist Foundation, Chen Mu spent most of his time hunting demons. He used the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture to determine locations, releasing demon poison with the Plague Immortal Technique. Many Nether Demon Heavenly Demons were felled, and the Essence Blood Flesh stored at the Bottomless Pool grew day by day. On this day, he followed the location calculated by the Calculation Scripture and appeared outside a valley. With the Truth Listening Divine Power activated, he quickly discovered a somewhat familiar middle-aged man. The mans head was bald, and his eyes were blood-red. Thin threads of blood extended from the corners of his eyes to the top of his head, outlining lotus petal-like patterns with an eerie beauty. "Is this... Zhou Tong?" Chen Mus heart chilled. Before he could figure out why Zhou Tongs appearance had changed so much, similar figures began to appear one after another within the perception of the Truth Listening Divine Power. They were the Daoist Soldiers of Fire Dao City, following Zhou Tong. At this moment, their auras had drastically changed, their eyes blood-red and their bodies emaciated. Their faces were filled with brutality, like cats with their fur bristled, ready to fight at any moment over the slightest disagreement. During Chen Mus observation, three disputes spontaneously erupted. The onlookers not only didnt stop them but were excitedly cheering around. Their eyes even gleamed with blatant greed, looking at their companions as if they were prey. These people, something is not right! Chen Mu felt a chill run down his spine. The results from the Calculation Scripture clearly indicated that there were Nether Demon Heavenly Demons here, but what appeared were these Daoist Soldiers with altered forms... Could it be... this categorized Zhou Tong and the others as Nether Demon Heavenly Demons? Chen Mu looked up at the blood-red sky, then looked down at the drastically altered Zhou Tong and the others, and suddenly felt a shiver all over. This Nether Demon Blood Light can actually mutate Qi Cultivators into Nether Demon Heavenly Demons?! Hiss! "No wonder when the Nether Demon Heaven invaded before, they only slightly chased away Zhou Tong and the group of Daoist Soldiers, allowing them to disperse. They were waiting here!" Chen Mu felt a chill in his heart. But why am I fine? Is it because of the Underworld God Transformation? Chen Mu had a hypothesis in his mind. He could no longer care about hunting demons and immediately returned to the underground cavern, diving into Thousand Lanterns City. Then he dispersed the Vermilion Feather Sword to search for Li Jiu and Fei Zhao and discovered that both of them and their Daoist Soldiers had varying degrees of mutation. Once keen on escaping Fire Dao Star, now they spent every day competing with the surrounding demons for territory, having seemingly turned into local demons of the Nether Demon Heaven. "This Fire Dao Star... is no longer livable." ... More than ten days later, in Thousand Lanterns City. Dozens of gigantic Soul-Attracting Lamps floated in mid-air, illuminating the pitch-black Thousand Lanterns City. On the vast, flat ground, only one three-story wooden building stood, with Chen Mu lying with eyes closed in a rocking chair at its entrance. His mana slightly fluctuating, his consciousness seemed to be immersed in an ever-surging gray fog sea. The fog gathered and dispersed, forming familiar and unfamiliar images. At a certain moment, a three-tenths unfamiliar, seven-tenths familiar hill appeared in his mind. "Qiluo Mountain, its done!" Chen Mus lips curled up, and he opened his eyes. With a slight thought, a gray wall surfaced before his eyes. Nine Cups Calculation Scripture: 337/10000/Fifth Rank; After discovering Zhou Tongs mutation and knowing the strange effect of the Nether Demon Blood Light, Chen Mu had stayed inside Thousand Lanterns City without daring to step out these days. To leave as soon as possible, he began to practice the Nine Cups Calculation Scripture with full effort, yielding quite pleasing results. "This Calculation Scripture isnt entirely useless after all." Chen Mu chuckled. After reaching the Fifth Rank, the gray wall provided substantial feedback, gradually revealing the profoundness of this Secret Technique. "Using the Calculation Scripture to calculate fate is nonsense, but using it to determine tangible things isnt entirely impossible." "Its function is less about calculation and prediction, more about theft." "Theft of the information already existing between heaven and earth." Chen Mu understood. If the entirety of heaven and earth was likened to an enormous database, the Calculation Scripture was akin to a hacker program. It could intervene in heaven and earth through special calculations, thereby acquiring certain information. Calculating the positions of demons on Fire Dao Star was one such use; now, calculating the whereabouts of the Heavenly Demon Body in Luandu County, Yunzhou, was another. ... Two days later, in the underground cavern. Chen Mu stood on the stone platform by the rock wall, the bulging Five Ghosts Bag floating not far from his chest. Inside the Secret Acupoint in his brow, the Yin Spirit Divine Fetus wrapped in invisible flames slowly rotated, thin strands of Yin Spirit Divine Power flying out and penetrating the Five Ghosts Bag. Suddenly, streaks of black smoke shot out from within the Five Ghosts Bag. With the Mountain-Carrying Scripture in operation, clusters of black smoke gathered into a black cloud mid-air. Chen Mu softly chanted the Jade Gate Curse. The black cloud began to slowly churn. Buzz! All at once, the black cloud converged towards the center. In a matter of breaths, a ten-meter-tall gray arch-like stone gate appeared in mid-air. A curtain resembling a semi-transparent water veil covered the portal, beyond which lay pitch-black depths with no end in sight. The Ghost Gate had taken shape! "After more than two months of preparation, its time to leave Fire Dao Star." Chen Mu reached out his right hand, and twelve thin red lines pierced through the rock ceiling above. The Vermilion Feather Swords scattered outside returned, swimming nimbly like fish into his sleeve. The Qi Forbidden Hundred Miles activated, and the Extinguishing Breath Stone set in the rock wall, along with the Absolute Breath Talismans, floated up, being recovered by Chen Mu one by one. With a last glance at the underground cavern, Chen Mu no longer hesitated, a golden flash, and he dived into the Ghost Gate. The massive Ghost Gate also transformed into streaks of black smoke, spiraling inward to contract. Amidst flashing black light, it vanished into thin air with a snap. And just as Chen Mu and the Ghost Gate disappeared, a formless force swept across the entire cavern. Heavenly Pass Star, Heavenly Pass City. Sitting cross-legged deep within the Star Monarch Hall, Meng Qingchan suddenly opened her eyes. "Ground Shrinking and Moving Void? This guy actually has such Secret Supernatural Powers?" she said, surprised. "Hiding underground and using a special Array to conceal aura and form, no wonder this guy always inexplicably vanished when tracked before." "Its hateful that my essence was damaged, preventing me from quickly infecting Jiao Mu Star Lord, failing to fully harness the Star Lords power, otherwise..." Meng Qingchan bit her lip, looking at her child-sized hands. Thinking about the current situation caused by Chen Mu extracting too much Vital Energy from the Inheriting Heaven Gourd and disrupting the Golden Cicada Shell Shedding Technique, she couldnt help but secretly resent. Taking several deep breaths, Meng Qingchan tried hard to calm her fluctuating emotions. "That petty thief got lucky." "Forget it, whats done is done, running away is just that. The urgent task at hand is to quickly devour Jiao Mu Star Lord." "Compared to the Dao path, these petty grudges are insignificant." She gritted her teeth, comforting herself. ... It wasnt Chen Mus first time using the Ghost Gate to shrink ground. Before his eyes was the familiar, phantasmagoric scene. His body stretched and twisted bizarrely, yet there was no discomfort. At a certain moment, it felt as though he had suddenly broken through an invisible membrane, resembling a firework explosion, causing a burst of bright white sparks around him. Then it was as if a switch had been pressed. Bang bang bang... A series of star points burst forth, making the already surreal passage even more dazzling. Chen Mu silently counted in his heart. After thirty-two bursts of sparks, the lights in front of him abruptly disappeared. Instantly, a bright blue sky filled his view. Swish! In a stretch of mountains and forests, Chen Mu suddenly appeared. Energy swept up dust and leaves, spiraling outwards. Chen Mu stood up, looked at the somewhat familiar hill underfoot, and a smile spread across his face. "Finally made it back to Yunzhou safely." He raised his head, the Fire Dao Star occupied by demons now completely obscured by the brilliant blue sky. A sense of relief welled up inside Chen Mu.